JP2007259979A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the display mode on the other special pattern display device from predicting how the result of the specified display is derived and displayed on one special pattern display device while reducing burden on control pertaining to the transmission or reception of a command at the restart of the power supply. <P>SOLUTION: Upon the return of the power supply, a game control means transmits the first and second power failure restoration display designation commands and transmits the first display result designation commands transmitted at the moment of starting the variable display executed once at the shutdown of the power source. The game control means transmits the first variation pattern command when the variation time of the first special figures returned is ended and it also transmits the second guest standby demonstration display command when the variation time of the second special figures returned is ended. A performance control means carries out the display of an initial combination responding to the reception of the first variation pattern command and the second guest standby demonstration display command after the display of an on-going return screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, after a predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied, a variable display of a plurality of types of identification information is started based on the satisfaction of the variable display start condition, and a display result is derived and displayed. A specific game having a variable display section and a second variable display section, which is advantageous for the player based on the specific display result being derived and displayed on either the first variable display section or the second variable display section The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine to be shifted to a state.

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

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

  In a pachinko gaming machine, the fact that the display result of the variable display unit that displays the special symbol (identification information) is in a specific display mode determined in advance is usually called “hit”. When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state in which a hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times of opening the special winning opening is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). Note that an opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses.

  In the variable display section, the symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) continue for a predetermined time and stop, swing, There is a possibility that a big hit will occur before the final result is displayed due to the state of scaling or deformation, or multiple symbols changing synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol being switched An effect performed in a continuing state (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display. And when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display portion is not a specific display result, it becomes “out of” and the variability display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  In such a gaming machine, when a power failure occurs during the variable display of the special symbol and then the power supply is restored, a display for the game control means for controlling the progress of the game to designate the power failure restoration display. The control command, the display control command for designating the special symbol stop symbol for each of the left, middle and right during variable display, and the symbol stop command for instructing the special symbol to stop are displayed on the variable display section. There is what is transmitted to the display control means to perform (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, in such a gaming machine, two special symbol indicators that variably display special symbols are provided, and when a specific display result is derived and displayed on any of the special symbol indicators, the big hit gaming state is achieved. There is a thing to shift (for example, refer to Patent Document 2).

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2, when a specific display result is derived and displayed on one special symbol display, in order to prevent the specific display result from being derived and displayed simultaneously on a plurality of special symbol displays In addition, the start of variable display of the special symbol on the other special symbol display is delayed.

JP 2002-35360 A JP 2001-62080 A

  When the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 and the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2 are combined, when the power supply is restored after a power failure occurs, the game control means transmits many types of display control commands. Therefore, there is a problem in that the data capacity of command data to be handled when the power supply is resumed increases, and the control burden related to command transmission / reception increases.

  In addition, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2, as described above, when the specific display result is derived and displayed on one special symbol display, the variable symbol on the other special symbol display starts to be displayed. Therefore, the delay in the start may cause the player to know that the specific display result is derived and displayed on one of the special symbol displays, which may reduce the interest of the game. There was a problem that there was.

  Accordingly, the present invention reduces the control burden associated with command transmission / reception when resuming power supply in a gaming machine having a plurality of special symbol displays, and the specific display result is derived and displayed on one special symbol display. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent prediction by the display mode of the other special symbol display and improve the interest of the game.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, after a predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied (for example, a game ball is won in the start winning opening 13a, 13b), a variable display start condition is satisfied (for example, the previous variable First variable display unit (for example, variable display device 9a, first special display) that starts variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (for example, decorative symbols, special symbols) based on the end of display) and derives and displays the display result It has a symbol display unit 8a) and a second variable display unit (for example, a variable display device 9b, a second special symbol display unit 8b), and is specifically displayed on either the first variable display unit or the second variable display unit. A gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state (for example, a jackpot gaming state) advantageous to the player based on the result (for example, the jackpot symbol) being derived and displayed, and controls the progress of the game, and the first variable display Based on the game control means (for example, the game control microcomputer 560) for transmitting a command (for example, the effect control command) for controlling the second variable display section, and the command transmitted by the game control means, the identification information Based on the first display control means for controlling the first variable display section for variably displaying the game (for example, the part for executing the processing of step S705 in the production control microcomputer 100) and the command transmitted by the game control means. And a second display control means for controlling the second variable display section in order to variably display the identification information (for example, a part for executing the processing of step S706 in the production control microcomputer 100), and a game control means. Is a backup that can retain the stored contents for a predetermined period after the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. Storage means (for example, RAM 55 that is backed up by power supply) and backup storage means, the variable display execution condition in the first variable display section is satisfied, but the variable display start condition is not yet satisfied. The variable display first hold data (for example, the first hold storage number counter) and the variable display execution condition in the second variable display unit are satisfied, but the variable display start condition is not yet satisfied. Reservation storage means (for example, an area storing the first reservation storage number counter and the second reservation storage number counter in the RAM 55) for storing second reservation data (for example, a second reservation storage number counter), a first Prior determination means for determining display results of the variable display section and the second variable display section before the derivation display (for example, step in the game control microcomputer 560) The portion for executing the processing of S66 to S68, S76, and S77) and the variable information display on the first variable display portion and the second variable display portion are started based on the determination result by the prior determination means. Variable display time determination means for determining a variable display time until the display result is derived and displayed (for example, a part for executing the processing of step S90 in the game control microcomputer 560) and when a variable display start condition is satisfied , A variable display time designation command (for example, a variation pattern command) that can specify the variable display time determined by the variable display time determination means, and a display result command (for example, a first display result command that can specify the display result determined by the prior determination means Command transmission means for transmitting one display result designation command and a second display result designation command (for example, idle The control microcomputer 560 executes the processing of steps S92 and S93), and the first display control means starts variable display of the identification information on the first variable display section, and then performs variable display time. First display control execution means for deriving and displaying the display result specified by the display result command on the first variable display unit (for example, the processing of steps S823 and S863 in the production control microcomputer 100) The second display control means specifies the display result command based on the fact that the variable display time has elapsed after starting the variable display of the identification information in the second variable display unit. Second display control execution means for deriving and displaying the display result to be displayed on the second variable display section (for example, the step in the effect control microcomputer 100). The command transmission means executes variable display of the identification information on the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit. The command transmission unit executes the process related to the second special symbol corresponding to the process of S823 and S863. When the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped while the power supply to the gaming machine is started after that (see step S202), a predetermined recovery condition (for example, the stored contents of the backup RAM is stored) Was it. ) Is established, a first recovery command (for example, a first power failure recovery display designation command) for displaying that the first variable display unit is restored to the state when the power supply is stopped, A first display result command (which may be the same command as the display result command described above or a different command) that can specify the display result of the variable display that was executed when power supply was stopped in the first variable display unit And a second recovery command (for example, a second power failure recovery display designation command) for displaying on the second variable display section that the power supply has been restored to the state when it is stopped. A second display result command (which is the same command as the above display result command) that can specify the display result of the variable display that was executed when the power supply was stopped in the second variable display section. (For example, steps S201, S205, S206), and after the power supply is started, the first hold data is stored in the hold storage means, and the hold is made. When the second holding data is not stored in the storage means, a variable display time designation command is transmitted on the condition that the variable display time of the variable display in the first variable display unit has elapsed (for example, after the game state is restored) Executed after the first special symbol normal processing and the first special symbol stop symbol setting processing are executed based on the first start winning memory after the first special symbol variation processing and the first off-set symbol stop processing to be executed. On the condition that the variable display time of the variable display in the second variable display unit has elapsed, the predetermined period of time A demonstration display designation command (for example, a second customer waiting demonstration display command) for displaying the demonstration display displayed when the variable display execution condition is not satisfied over the second variable display section is transmitted (for example, The process corresponding to the process of step S136 in the second off symbol stop process executed after the end of the second special symbol changing process executed after the game state is restored), the first display control execution means is a command transmission means. When a restoration command is transmitted, first restoration display execution means (for example, the production control microcomputer 100 for performing restoration display to restore the state when power supply is stopped to the first variable display section) And the first display result frame transmitted after the power supply is started). If the command does not indicate a specific display result, first initial display execution means (for example, effect control) that performs a predetermined first initial display on the first variable display unit when a variable display time designation command is transmitted. And the second display control execution means, when the second recovery command is transmitted by the command transmission means, the second variable display section. The second restoration display executing means for performing the restoration display (for example, the part for executing the processing of step S625 in the production control microcomputer 100), and when the demonstration display designation command is transmitted by the command transmission means. In addition, a second initial display for performing a predetermined second initial display on the second variable display section And an elapsed time measuring unit (for example, a part for executing the processing of step S636 in the production control microcomputer 100) and an elapsed time measuring unit (for example, measuring the elapsed time from when the demonstration display designation command is transmitted by the command transmitting unit) When the predetermined time is measured by the elapsed time measuring means, the demonstration display is displayed when the production control microcomputer 100 executes the process of advancing the second initial appearance display measurement timer started in step S637. Demonstration display execution means for performing (for example, a portion for executing processing related to the second special symbol corresponding to the processing of steps S816 and S817 in the production control microcomputer 100), and the predetermination means displays the display result of variable display Specific A specific period until the display result is derived and displayed on the second variable display unit by the second display control execution means based on the decision to obtain the display result (for example, the second special symbol and the second decorative symbol) The period from the start of change to the end of change. Note that the specific period is not a fixed period but changes according to the variation pattern. ), A forced non-specific display result determination means for determining that the display result of the variable display of the identification information of the first variable display unit is not the specific display result (for example, the processing of step S65 in the production control microcomputer 100 is performed). A portion to be executed, that is, a portion for prohibiting the processing of steps S66 to S68).

  The command transmission means stops the power supply to the gaming machine when the variable display of the identification information is executed in the first variable display section and the second variable display, and thereafter the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. Only when it is started, the first recovery command and the second recovery command are transmitted based on the fact that the predetermined recovery condition is satisfied (similar to the determination processing in step S202 before executing the processing in step S201) It is preferable that the modification is executed.

  In the gaming machine according to another aspect of the present invention, after a predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied (for example, a game ball is awarded to the start winning opening 13a, 13b), a variable display start condition is satisfied (for example, The first variable display unit (for example, the variable display device 9a) that starts variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (for example, decorative symbols, special symbols) based on the end of the previous variable display) and derives and displays the display result. , A first special symbol display unit 8a) and a second variable display unit (for example, a variable display device 9b, a second special symbol display unit 8b), and either the first variable display unit or the second variable display unit A game machine that shifts to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player based on the fact that the specific display result (for example, the big hit symbol) is derived and displayed, and controls the progress of the game, First Based on a game control means (for example, a game control microcomputer 560) for transmitting a command (for example, an effect control command) for controlling the variable display section and the second variable display section, and a command transmitted by the game control means. The first display control means for controlling the first variable display section in order to variably display the identification information (for example, the part that executes the processing of step S705 in the production control microcomputer 100) and the game control means transmitted. A second display control means for controlling the second variable display section to variably display the identification information based on the command (for example, a portion for executing the processing of step S706 in the production control microcomputer 100); The game control means can retain the stored contents for a predetermined period even after the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped Included in the backup storage means (for example, the power-backed RAM 55) and the backup storage means, the variable display execution condition in the first variable display section is satisfied, but the variable display start condition is not yet satisfied. The variable display first hold data (for example, the first hold storage number counter) and the variable display execution condition in the second variable display unit are satisfied, but the variable display start condition is not yet satisfied. Reservation storage means (for example, an area storing the first reservation storage number counter and the second reservation storage number counter in the RAM 55) for storing second reservation data (for example, a second reservation storage number counter), a first Prior determination means for determining display results of the variable display section and the second variable display section before the derivation display (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560) And the variable display of the identification information in the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit is started based on the determination result by the prior determination means. Variable display time determination means (for example, a part for executing the processing of step S90 in the game control microcomputer 560) and a variable display start condition are established. Sometimes, a variable display time designation command (for example, a variation pattern command) that can specify the variable display time determined by the variable display time determination means and a display result command (for example, that can specify the display result determined by the prior determination means) , Command transmission means for transmitting a first display result designation command and a second display result designation command) For example, the game control microcomputer 560 executes the processing of steps S92 and S93), and the first display control means starts the variable display of the identification information on the first variable display unit, First display control execution means for deriving and displaying the display result specified by the display result command on the first variable display unit based on the elapse of the variable display time (for example, step S823 in the production control microcomputer 100). And the second display control means displays the display result based on the fact that the variable display time has elapsed after starting the variable display of the identification information in the second variable display unit. Second display control execution means for deriving and displaying the display result specified by the command on the second variable display section (for example, in the production control microcomputer 100). And a command transmission means for variably displaying the identification information on the first variable display section and the second variable display section. When the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped while the power is being executed, and then the power supply to the gaming machine is started (see step S202), a predetermined recovery condition (for example, the stored content of the backup RAM is saved) That had been done. ) Is established, a recovery command (for example, a power failure recovery display designation command) is displayed on the first variable display portion and the second variable display portion to indicate that the power supply is restored to the state when power supply is stopped. ) And a first display result command (which may be the same command as the above display result command) that can specify the display result of the variable display that was executed when the power supply was stopped in the first variable display unit Different display commands), and a display result command that can specify the display result of the variable display that was executed when the power supply was stopped in the second variable display unit (same as the above display result command) Command (may be a different command or a different command)) (for example, steps S201B, S205, and S206) and after power supply is started Variable on condition that the variable display time of variable display in the first variable display section has elapsed when the first hold data is stored in the hold storage means and the second hold data is not stored in the hold storage means. The display time designation command is transmitted (for example, after the first special symbol changing process and the first off symbol stopping process which are executed after the game state is restored, the first special symbol which is executed on the basis of the first start winning memory) Processing and the process of step S92 in the first variation pattern setting process executed after the end of the first special symbol stop symbol setting process), on the condition that the variable display time of the variable display in the second variable display unit has elapsed. A demonstration display for displaying a demonstration display on the second variable display section when a variable display execution condition is not satisfied for a predetermined period. A step display designation command (for example, a second customer waiting demonstration display command) is transmitted (for example, step S136 in the second off-set symbol stop process executed after the end of the second special symbol changing process executed after the game state is restored). The first display control execution means restores to the state when the power supply to the first variable display section is stopped when the restoration command is transmitted by the command transmission means. First recovery display execution means for performing recovery display (for example, the part of step S623 in the effect control microcomputer 100 that executes the process of step S623) and the first display result command transmitted after the power supply is started are specified display results. If the variable display time designation command is transmitted, the first initial table predetermined in the first variable display unit when the variable display time designation command is transmitted. A first initial display executing means (for example, a portion for executing the processing of steps S615b and S615c in the production control microcomputer 100), and the second display control executing means transmits a restoration command by the command transmitting means. When this is done, second recovery display execution means for performing recovery display on the second variable display section (for example, the part that executes the processing of step S625 in the production control microcomputer 100), and the power supply is started and the command is transmitted. When a demonstration display designation command is transmitted by the means, second initial display executing means for performing a predetermined second initial display on the second variable display section (for example, the processing of step S636 in the production control microcomputer 100) And the command transmission means The elapsed time measuring means for measuring the elapsed time from when the transmission display designation command is transmitted (for example, the process of advancing the second initial appearance display measurement timer started in step S637 in the production control microcomputer 100) A demonstration display executing means for displaying a demonstration when the predetermined time is measured by the elapsed time measuring means (for example, the second special corresponding to the processing of steps S816 and S817 in the production control microcomputer 100). And a second variable display unit by the second display control execution unit based on the fact that the display result of the variable display is determined to be the specific display result. Specific period until the display result is derived and displayed in , The period of up to change the end from changes in the start of the second special symbol and the second decoration design. Note that the specific period is not a fixed period but changes according to the variation pattern. ), A forced non-specific display result determination means for determining that the display result of the variable display of the identification information of the first variable display unit is not the specific display result (for example, the processing of step S65 in the production control microcomputer 100 is performed). A portion to be executed, that is, a portion for prohibiting the processing of steps S66 to S68).

  Variable display time measuring means for measuring the variable display time of the identification information in the first variable display section (for example, the part that executes the process of step S121 in the game control microcomputer 560, and the step S852 in the effect control microcomputer 100) And a variable display time determination unit that determines whether or not the variable display time measured by the variable display time measurement unit has reached the variable display time determined by the variable display time determination unit (for example, Identification in the first variable display section by the first display control means) and the part that executes the process of step S122 in the game control microcomputer 560 and the part that executes the process of step S855 in the production control microcomputer 100) Second display during variable display of information Variable display time measurement interrupting means (for example, a game control microcomputer) for interrupting the measurement of the variable display time by the variable display time measuring means when the specific display result is derived and displayed on the second variable display unit by the control means. 560 includes a part for executing the processes of steps S314 to S316 and a part for executing the processes of steps S841 to S844 in the production control microcomputer 100), and the first display control executing means is a variable display time measurement interrupting means. When the measurement of the variable display time by the variable display time measuring means is interrupted, the variable display of the identification information is continuously executed by the first variable display unit (for example, the step in the game control microcomputer 560). By simply executing the processing of S314 to S316, the change in the first special symbol Does not perform the process of. Also, modification does not execute the processing of step S844 in the performance control microcomputer 100) may be configured so.

  Variable display time measuring means for measuring the variable display time of the identification information in the first variable display section (for example, the part that executes the process of step S121 in the game control microcomputer 560, and the step S852 in the effect control microcomputer 100) And a variable display time determination unit that determines whether or not the variable display time measured by the variable display time measurement unit has reached the variable display time determined by the variable display time determination unit (for example, Identification in the first variable display section by the first display control means) and the part that executes the process of step S122 in the game control microcomputer 560 and the part that executes the process of step S855 in the production control microcomputer 100) Second display during variable display of information Variable display time measurement interrupting means (for example, a game control microcomputer) for interrupting the measurement of the variable display time by the variable display time measuring means when the specific display result is derived and displayed on the second variable display unit by the control means. 560 includes a part for executing the processes of steps S314 to S316 and a part for executing the processes of steps S841 to S844 in the production control microcomputer 100), and the first display control executing means is a variable display time measurement interrupting means. When the measurement of the variable display time by the variable display time measuring means is interrupted, the identification information is stopped and displayed in a display mode other than the specific display result on the first variable display unit (for example, a microcomputer for effect control) 100, the process of step S844 is executed) There.

  If the command transmission means stores variable display hold data for the first variable display section in the hold storage means when power supply to the gaming machine is started, the number of hold storages indicating the number of hold data The designation command is transmitted (for example, the processing of steps S215 to S218 is executed), and the first display control execution means is sent to the first variable display section in response to the pending storage number designation command being transmitted by the command transmission means. Information indicating the number of reserved data indicated by the reserved memory number designation command may be displayed (for example, the processing of steps S901 to S904 is executed, see FIG. 49).

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a gaming machine having a plurality of variable display units, the type of command transmitted from the game control unit to the control unit that performs display control of the variable display unit when the power supply is restored. This can reduce the control burden on the game control means. Further, it is possible to prevent the specific display result from being derived and displayed on the first variable display unit and the specific display result from being derived and displayed on the second variable display unit at the same time. Interest can be improved.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, when the command transmission means is executing variable display of identification information in the first variable display section and the second variable display, the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. Since it is configured to transmit the first recovery command and the second recovery command based on the fact that the predetermined recovery condition is satisfied only when power supply to the gaming machine is started thereafter, Only when it is more preferable to notify the player that the recovery condition has been established, the first recovery command and the second recovery command are transmitted, and the command transmitted to the control means for controlling the display of the variable display unit is transmitted. The frequency can be reduced, and the control burden on the game control means can be further reduced.

  In a third aspect of the invention, in a gaming machine having a plurality of variable display units, the command type transmitted from the game control means to the display control means when the power supply is restored is made common to the commands as much as possible. This can be further reduced, and the control burden on the game control means can be reduced. Further, it is possible to prevent the specific display result from being derived and displayed on the first variable display unit and the specific display result from being derived and displayed on the second variable display unit at the same time. Interest can be improved.

  In the invention according to claim 4, when the first display control execution means is interrupted by the variable display time measurement interruption means by the variable display time measurement means, the variable display time measurement means interrupts the first display control execution means. Since the variable display of the identification information is continuously executed, the display result of the identification information is derived and displayed on the first variable display unit while the measurement of the variable display time is interrupted. Therefore, the variable display can be matched.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first display control execution unit is configured to use the first variable display unit when the variable display time measurement unit interrupts the variable display time measurement unit by the variable display time measurement unit. Since the identification information is stopped and displayed in a display mode other than the specific display result, the specific display result is stopped and displayed on the first variable display section while the measurement of the variable display time is interrupted. Can be prevented, and the variable display can be matched, and misunderstanding of the player can be prevented.

  In the invention according to claim 6, if the command transmission means stores variable display hold data for the first variable display section in the hold storage means when power supply to the gaming machine is started, the command transmission means holds A pending storage number designation command indicating the number of data is transmitted, and the first display control execution means sends the pending storage number designation command to the first variable display unit in response to the pending transmission number designation command being transmitted by the command transmission means. Since it is configured to display the number of pending data indicated by the specified command, the number of pending data can be displayed when power supply to the gaming machine is started, and the pending data is lost. It is possible to give the player a sense of security that there is not.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example. However, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and is not limited to a slot machine or a slot machine (a slot machine in which a game is performed using a game ball). It can also be applied to other gaming machines such as parrot machines and slit slot machines).

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, an extra ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hit ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for launching the game balls are provided. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. A game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6.

  Two variable display devices (variable display units) 9a and 9b (first display units) each including a plurality of variable display areas that variably display (variably display) a predetermined symbol as identification information on the left and right sides near the center of the game area 7 1 variable display device and 2nd variable display device) are provided. Each of the variable display devices 9a and 9b has, for example, three variable display areas (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. Hereinafter, the identification information variably displayed on the variable display device 9a is referred to as a first decorative symbol, and the identification information variably displayed on the variable display device 9b is referred to as a second decorative symbol. In addition, the first decorative design and the second decorative design may be collectively referred to as a decorative design.

  Two special symbol indicators (a first special symbol indicator 8a and a second special symbol indicator 8b) each including a variable indicator for variably displaying a special symbol as identification information are provided above the variable display devices 9a and 9b. ) Is provided. Each of the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b is constituted by, for example, one 7-segment display. The variable display device 9a is provided corresponding to the first special symbol display 8a, and the variable display device 9b is provided corresponding to the second special symbol display 8b.

  In this embodiment, each of the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b is composed of a 7-segment display and performs segment display. The variable display of the special symbol is performed by changing and displaying “0” to “9” and “−” in order on the 7-segment display. In the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b, when the stop symbol when the variable display is completed is “0” to “9”, it means a big hit, and when it is “−”, it is off. means. In the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b, the probability that the display result of variable display is a big hit is, for example, 2/630 (= 1/315), which is the same probability. The first special symbol display unit 8a and the second special symbol display unit 8b are provided with a larger number of numbers such as 0 to 99 in order to make it difficult to grasp whether the stop symbol is a probability variation symbol or a non-probability variation symbol. It may be configured to variably display. Hereinafter, the identification information variably displayed on the first special symbol display 8a is referred to as a first special symbol, and the identification information variably displayed on the second special symbol display 8b is referred to as a second special symbol. In addition, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol. In this embodiment, the type of the first special symbol and the type of the second special symbol are the same (for example, both 0 to 9), but the types may be different. Some of them may be different. As an example, the first special symbol type includes numbers 0 to 5 and non-numeric characters, and the second special symbol type is a character other than numbers 0 to 5 and the first special symbol. It is also possible to include characters that are different from the characters.

  A start winning port 13a is provided below the variable display device 9a. The winning ball that has entered the start winning opening 13a is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the start opening switch 14a.

  A start winning opening 13b is provided below the variable display device 9b. A variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes is provided below the start winning opening 13b. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened or closed by a solenoid 16. The winning ball that has entered the start winning opening 13b is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the start opening switch 14b.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the start winning ports 13a and 13b are provided corresponding to the two special symbol indicators, respectively. The variable winning ball apparatus 15 that opens and closes only at the lower portion of one of the starting winning holes 13b is provided. However, the variable winning ball apparatus that opens and closes at both lower portions of both of the starting winning holes 13a and 13b. May be provided. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which no variable winning ball device is provided below the start winning ports 13a, 13b. Further, in this embodiment, two start winning ports 13a and 13b are provided, but only one start winning port is provided, and a winning game ball is placed in one of the two start port switches 14a and 14b. You may comprise so that it may detect.

  Moreover, you may comprise so that the game ball won to each of the two start winning opening 13a, 13b may be detected with one start opening switch. Furthermore, a configuration may be provided in which one start winning opening and one start opening switch are provided. When only one start port switch is provided, the winning detected by the start port switch is set to a winning corresponding to the first special symbol display 8a or corresponding to the second special symbol display 8b. Whether to win or not is determined by a lottery such as random numbers.

  Between the variable display device 9a and the first special symbol display 8a, a first special LED comprising four LEDs for displaying the number of effective winning balls in which a game ball has entered the starting winning opening 13a, that is, the first starting winning memory number. A symbol hold storage indicator 18a is provided. The first special symbol storage memory display 18a increases the number of LEDs that are turned on by one each time there is an effective start winning (start winning that establishes the variable display execution condition) at the start winning opening 13a. Then, each time the variable display is started on the first special symbol display 8a, the first special symbol storage memory display 18a decreases the number of LEDs in the lit state by 1 (that is, turns off one LED). In addition, between the variable display device 9b and the second special symbol display 8b, there are four LEDs comprising four LEDs for displaying the number of effective winning balls containing game balls in the starting winning opening 13b, that is, the second starting winning memory number. Two special symbol hold storage indicators 18b are provided. The second special symbol storage memory display 18b increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by 1 every time there is an effective start winning in the start winning opening 13b. Then, each time the second special symbol display unit 8b starts variable display, the second special symbol storage memory display unit 18b reduces the number of LEDs in the lit state by 1 (that is, turns off one LED).

  In this example, although the upper limit number (up to 4 each) is provided for the number of start winning memories by winning in each of the start winning ports 13a and 13b, the upper limit number may not be set.

  In this example, the first special symbol hold memory indicator 18a and the second special symbol hold memory indicator 18b are provided separately, but the first start winning memory number and the second start winning memory number are different from each other. One special symbol storage memory display for displaying the sum may be provided. In that case, the player changes the display color corresponding to the first start prize memory and the display color corresponding to the second start prize memory, and the player sets the first start prize memory number and the second start prize memory number. You may make it easy to grasp.

  Opening and closing plates 20a and 20b that are opened by solenoids 21a and 21b in a specific gaming state (big hit state) are provided at the lower portion of the start winning opening 13a and the variable winning ball apparatus 15, respectively. The opening / closing plates 20a and 20b are means for opening and closing a large winning opening (variable winning ball apparatus), respectively. The winning ball to the opening / closing plate 20a is detected by the count switch 23a. Similarly, a winning ball to the opening / closing plate 20b is detected by the count switch 23b.

  In this embodiment, two large winning openings having the same shape are provided corresponding to each of the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b, but there is only one large winning opening. May be. Moreover, two large winning openings having different shapes may be provided.

  When a game ball wins the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, the left and right lamps (the symbols can be visually recognized when lit) are alternately lit to perform variable display. For example, the left lamp (○ lamp) is lit at the end of variable display. If the right lamp (X lamp) is lit, it is off. When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol: ◯), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. Note that the probability of hitting a normal symbol is, for example, 12/13. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol hold storage display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls entered into the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a prize for the gate 32, the normal symbol hold storage display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Then, every time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  In this embodiment, the first special symbol reserved memory display 18a, the second special symbol reserved memory display 18b, and the normal symbol reserved memory display 41 are constituted by LEDs. Further, the normal symbol display 10 is constituted by a lamp, and the two variable display devices 9a and 9b are constituted by an LCD.

  Around the left and right sides of the game area 7, there are provided decorative lamps 25 for performing effects by lighting or flashing the lamps. In the lower part of the game area 7, there is an out port 26 for absorbing game balls that have not won a prize. Two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c are provided. Further, a decoration LED is installed around each structure (such as a big prize opening) in the game area 7. The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decorative LED are examples of a decorative light emitter provided in the gaming machine.

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

  A game ball launched from a ball striking device by a player enters the game area 7 through the ball striking rail, and then descends the game area 7.

  If the hit ball enters the start winning opening 13a and is detected by the start opening switch 14a, the special symbol (first special symbol) is variably displayed on the first special symbol display 8a if the variable display of the symbol can be started. At the same time, the decorative display (first decorative design) starts variable display on the variable display device 9a.

  The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a is synchronized with the variable display of the first decorative symbol on the variable display device 9a. Here, the synchronization means that the start time and end time of variable display are the same and the period of variable display is the same. Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the decorative symbol reminiscent of the big hit is stopped and displayed on the variable display device 9a.

  Unless the variable display of the symbol can be started, the variable display of the special symbol (first special symbol) on the first special symbol display unit 8a on the condition that the first start winning memorized number is not the upper limit value. The first start winning memorized number which is the reserved memory is increased by one.

  Further, when the hit ball enters the start winning opening 13b and is detected by the start opening switch 14b, the special symbol (second special symbol) is variable in the second special symbol display 8b if the variable symbol display can be started. At the same time as the display is started, the decorative pattern (second decorative pattern) starts variable display on the variable display device 9b.

  The variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is synchronized with the variable display of the second decorative symbol on the variable display device 9b. Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the decorative symbol that reminds of the big hit is stopped and displayed on the variable display device 9b.

  Unless the variable display of the symbol can be started, the variable display of the special symbol (second special symbol) on the second special symbol display unit 8b on the condition that the second start winning memorized number is not the upper limit value. The first start winning memorized number which is the reserved memory is increased by one.

  Further, the variable display of the special symbols on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b is stopped when a certain time has elapsed. If the special symbol at the time of stoppage is a jackpot symbol (specific display result), the game shifts to a jackpot gaming state. That is, the corresponding opening / closing plates 20a and 20b are opened until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls wins. Then, a continuation right is generated except for the final round, and the opening / closing plates 20a and 20b are opened again. The generation of the continuation right is allowed a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

  In rounds other than the final round, a continuation right (the right to proceed to the next round) is always generated. It may be generated.

  If the special symbol at the time of stoppage in either the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is a jackpot symbol (probability variation symbol) with a probability variation, the probability of the next big hit is high. . In other words, the player is more likely to have a probability variation state (specific advantageous state: a state in which the probability that the display result of variable display of identification information is a specific display result is improved as compared with the normal state and the special advantageous state). It becomes an advantageous state. In the probability variation state, for example, the probability of the next big hit is about 2/630 (1/315) in the normal state that is not the probability variation state, but about 10/630 (1/63: normal) (About 5 times the state).

  In this embodiment, when a big hit is made, the probability of a probability variation big hit (probability variation entry rate) is halved. The probability variation state continues until a predetermined probability variation termination condition is satisfied (for example, until the next big hit occurs).

  It should be noted that a probabilistic big hit may always be made when a big hit is made (that is, there is no non-probable big hit). The probability variation state may be continued until the next big hit occurs or until a predetermined number of special symbols are variably displayed. Further, each time the variable symbol special display is executed, for example, a lottery using a random number may be performed, and the probability variation state may be terminated according to the lottery result.

  In addition, when the special symbol at the time of stopping in either the first special symbol indicator 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b is a big hit symbol with a short time (short time symbol), the probability of the next big hit is increased. It will be in the state. That is, it becomes a more advantageous state for the player in a short time state (a special advantageous state: a state in which the variable display period of the variable display of the identification information a predetermined number of times is shortened compared to the normal state different from the specific gaming state). In the short time state, for example, compared to the normal state that is not in the short time state, the number of start winnings per unit time is increased and the variation time (variable display period) of the special symbol is shortened. . Therefore, in the short-time state, compared to the normal state, the number of times that the special symbol variation display is executed per unit time is increased, and as a result, the probability of occurrence of a big hit per unit time is increased. It becomes a state. In order to increase the number of times that a start winning is generated per unit time, for example, one or both of the opening time and the number of opening times of the variable winning ball device 15 is increased compared to the normal state in the short time state. Alternatively, the fluctuation time in the normal symbol display 10 may be shortened.

  In this embodiment, after the jackpot gaming state based on the fact that the short-time symbol has been reached, in this embodiment, a special symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) until a predetermined short-time termination condition is satisfied. ), The short-time state continues.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a ball storage tank 38 is provided on the top of the mechanism plate in the outer frame 2A, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island. A game ball is supplied to the ball storage tank 38 from above. The game balls in the ball storage tank 38 reach the ball payout device 97 (not shown in FIG. 2) covered with the prize ball case 40A through the guide rod 39.

  Further, on the back side of the gaming machine, a variable display control unit 49 including an effect control board 80 on which an effect control microcomputer 100 (see FIG. 5) for controlling the variable display devices 9a and 9b is mounted, and a game control A game control board (main board) 31 on which a microcomputer 560 (see FIG. 4) and the like are mounted is installed. Further, a payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing ball payout control is mounted is installed.

  Display control means for performing variable display control of the variable display devices 9a and 9b is realized by the effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80, the VDP (video display processor) 109 (see FIG. 5), or the like. . Further, the gaming machine has a lamp driver board 35 on which circuits for driving a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, a right frame lamp 28c, and the like provided on the frame side are mounted, and a circuit for driving the speaker 27. And an audio output board 70 on which is mounted.

  Further, a power supply board 910 and other boards (not shown) on which power supply circuits for creating DC30V, DC21V, DC12V, and DC5V are mounted are provided.

  Note that electrical component control means (payout control means, effect control means) including an electric component control microcomputer are mounted on the electric component control boards (payout control board, effect control board). The payout control means and the effect control means control electrical components (game device: ball payout device 97, variable display devices 9a, 9b, etc.) provided in the gaming machine according to a command signal (control signal) from the game control means. To do. In addition, light components such as lamps and LEDs provided on the frame side and electrical components such as the speaker 27 are circuit components mounted on the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 in accordance with control signals from the effect control means. Driven by. Furthermore, game machines include a board on which a switch is mounted and a board on which a light emitting body such as a lamp or LED (hereinafter also referred to as a lamp / LED) is mounted.

  On the back side of the gaming machine, a terminal board 160 provided with terminals for outputting various types of information to the outside of the gaming machine and connected to the payout control board 37 is provided above. Near the center, an information terminal board (information output board) 34 having terminals for outputting various information from the main board 31 to the outside of the gaming machine is installed. This terminal board 160 is connected to a management computer or the like outside the gaming machine and used for collecting data related to the gaming machine.

  The game balls stored in the ball storage tank 38 pass through the guide rod 39 and reach the ball payout device 97 covered with the payout case 40A through the curve bag 39. On the upper part of the ball payout device 97, a ball break switch as a game medium break detection means is provided. When the ball break switch detects a ball break, the dispensing operation of the ball dispensing device 97 is stopped. The ball break switch is a switch for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball in the game ball passage, but the ball break detection switch for detecting the shortage of supply balls in the storage tank 38 is also an upstream portion of the guide rod 39 (close to the storage tank 38). Part). When this ball break detection switch detects the shortage of game balls, the game balls are replenished to the gaming machines from the replenishment mechanism provided on the gaming machine installation island.

  Next, the configuration of the power supply substrate 910 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The power supply board 910 is provided with a power switch 914 for executing or shutting off power supply to each electrical component control board and mechanism component in the gaming machine. Note that the power switch 914 may be provided outside the power supply board 910 in the gaming machine. When the power switch 914 is in a closed state (on state), AC power (AC 24 V) is applied to the rectifier circuit 912 via the varistor 918 as an overvoltage protection circuit. In other words, power is supplied to the gaming machine.

  The power supply board 910 is installed independently of the electric component control board (the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 and the like), and generates a voltage used by each board and mechanism component in the gaming machine. In this example, AC24V, VSL (DC + 30V), VLP (DC + 24V), VDD (DC + 12V) and VCC (DC + 5V) are generated. Further, a capacitor 916 serving as a storage holding means for holding the stored contents in the backup power supply (VBB), that is, the backup RAM, is charged from DC + 5V (VCC), that is, a power supply line for driving an IC or the like on each substrate. Further, a backflow preventing diode 917 is inserted between the +5 V line and the backup +5 V (VBB) line. Note that VSL is generated by rectifying and boosting AC 24 V with a rectifying element in the rectifying and smoothing circuit 915. VSL is a solenoid driving power source. VLP is a lamp lighting voltage, and is generated by rectifying AC24V with a rectifier in the rectifier circuit 912.

  The DC-DC converter 913 serving as a power supply voltage generating means has one or a plurality of regulator ICs (two regulator ICs 924A and 924B are shown in FIG. 3), and generates VDD and VCC based on VSL. Relatively large capacitors 923A and 923B are connected to the input sides of the regulator ICs (switching regulators) 924A and 924B. Accordingly, when the power supply to the gaming machine from the outside is stopped, the DC voltages such as VSL, VDD, VCC, etc., decrease relatively slowly.

  As shown in FIG. 3, AC24V is supplied to the connector 922B as it is. The VLP is supplied to the connector 922C. VCC, VDD and VSL are supplied to connectors 922A, 922B and 922C.

  The cable connected to the connector 922A is connected to the main board 31. The cable connected to the connector 922B is connected to the payout control board 37. Therefore, VBB is also supplied to the connectors 922A and 922B. The cable connected to the connector 922C is connected to the lamp driver board 35. Each voltage is supplied to the effect control board 80 and the audio output board 70 via the lamp driver board 35. Further, VBB is not supplied to the connector 922C. Therefore, the RAM mounted on the effect control board 80 is not backed up.

  In addition, a clear switch 921 having a push button structure is mounted on the power supply board 910. When the clear switch 921 is pressed, a clear switch signal at a low level (on state) is output and transmitted to the payout control board 37 via the connector 922B. If the clear switch 921 is not pressed, a high level (off state) signal is output. The clear switch 921 may have a configuration other than the push button structure. Further, the clear switch 921 may be provided on a board other than the power supply board 910 such as the payout control board 37 or other places in the gaming machine.

  Further, the power supply board 910 has a system reset signal for each microcomputer mounted on each electric component control board (the microcomputer operation is prohibited at the reset level, and the microcomputer can be operated when the non-reset level is reached). Power supply monitoring circuit 920 that outputs a power-off signal, and a reset signal from the power-supply monitoring circuit 920 are amplified and output to the connectors 922A, 922B, and 922C, and the power-off signal is amplified. An output driver circuit 925 for outputting to the connector 922B is mounted. The system reset signal for the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer 370 is directly transmitted to the main board 31 and the payout control board 37, but the system reset signal for the effect control microcomputer 100 is the lamp driver board 35. To the effect control board 80. However, it may be directly transmitted from the power supply board 910 to the effect control board 80.

  The power supply monitoring circuit 920 is a circuit that realizes power supply monitoring means for outputting a power-off signal and reset signal generation means for generating a system reset signal. As the power supply monitoring circuit 920, a commercially available power failure monitoring reset module IC is used. be able to. The power supply monitoring circuit 920 outputs a power-off signal when a period during which a predetermined voltage (for example, + 24V) used in the gaming machine becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value (for example, + 17V) continues for a predetermined time (for example, 56 ms). . Specifically, the power-off signal is turned on (low level). Further, the power supply monitoring circuit 920 enters a state in which the system reset signal can be set to a low level when, for example, VCC becomes +4.5 V or less.

  When the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the power supply monitoring circuit 920 sets the system reset signal to a low level when a predetermined period has elapsed after the power-off signal is output (set to a low level). Become. In addition, when the power supply to the gaming machine is started and VCC exceeds +4.5 V, for example, the system reset signal is set to high level. In this case, after the power-off signal is not output (set to high level). From the condition that the predetermined period has elapsed, the system reset signal is set to the high level.

  The power-off signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 920 is input to the payout control CPU on the payout control board 37 via the input port. Therefore, the payout control CPU can confirm the occurrence of the stop of the power supply to the gaming machine by monitoring the input signal of the input port.

  In this embodiment, the power supply monitoring means monitors the output of the power supply of a predetermined potential, and the voltage from the outside of the gaming machine (this implementation) However, the detection condition is not limited to this, and other conditions can be used as long as it is possible to detect that power from the outside has been cut off. The following conditions may be used. For example, the AC wave itself may be monitored and the AC wave may be detected as a detection condition, or the signal obtained by digitizing the AC wave may be monitored and the AC signal may be stopped when the digital signal becomes flat. May be used as a detection condition.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the main board 31. FIG. 4 also shows a payout control board 37, an effect control board 80, and the like. On the main board 31, a game control microcomputer 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, and signals from the gate switch 32a, the start port switches 14a and 14b, and the count switches 23a and 23b are transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560. And an output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening / closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15 and the solenoids 21a, 21b for opening / closing the opening / closing plates 20a, 20b in accordance with instructions from the game control microcomputer 560. It is installed.

  The switches such as the gate switch 32a, the start port switches 14a and 14b, and the count switches 23a and 23b may be referred to as sensors. That is, the name of the game medium detection means is not limited as long as it is a game medium detection means (game ball detection means in this example) that can detect a game ball. Each of the start port switches 14a and 14b and the count switches 23a and 23b for performing the winning detection is also a winning detection means. Note that the winning detection means may be configured to collectively detect the respective game balls that have won separately a plurality of winning openings. In addition, even if a passing gate such as the gate switch 32a is used, if a prize ball is to be paid out, a game ball entering the passing gate becomes a win, and a switch ( For example, the gate switch 32a) serves as a winning detection means.

  The game control microcomputer 560 is controlled according to a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means (variation data storage means for storing fluctuation data) used as a work memory, and a program. A CPU 56 for performing the operation and an I / O port unit 57 are included. The CPU 56 means a central processing unit (a part excluding storage means such as the ROM 54 and RAM 55, the I / O port 57, etc.) of the game control microcomputer 560 that operates according to a program. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. The I / O port unit 57 is built in a one-chip microcomputer. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in.

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 560 executes (or performs processing) or the CPU 56 executes. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31. The game control means is realized by a game control microcomputer 560.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means that is partially or entirely backed up by a backup power source created on the power supply substrate 910. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). In particular, at least data (a special symbol process flag or the like) corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means, and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, the data corresponding to the control state is defined as the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls and the data indicating the game progress state. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  A reset signal from the power supply board 910 is input to the reset terminal of the game control microcomputer 560. A reset signal from the power supply board 910 is also input to a reset terminal such as a payout control microcomputer. When the reset signal goes high, the game control microcomputer 560, the payout control microcomputer, etc. become operable, and when the reset signal goes low, the game control microcomputer 560, the payout control microcomputer, etc. The operation stops. Therefore, during the period when the reset signal is at a high level, an allowable signal that allows the operation of the game control microcomputer 560, the payout control microcomputer, etc. is output, and the period during which the reset signal is at a low level. The operation stop signal for stopping the operation of the game control microcomputer 560, the payout control microcomputer, or the like is output. The reset circuit may be mounted on each electrical component control board (a board on which a microcomputer for controlling electrical parts is mounted), or may be mounted on one or a plurality of electrical component control boards. A reset circuit may be mounted and a reset signal may be supplied from the reset circuit to another electrical component control board.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer. Further, without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control.

  The effect control board 80 has an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101 and a RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and outputs a strobe signal (effect) from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77. In response to the control INT signal, an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103. Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the variable display devices 9a and 9b using the LCD based on the effect control command.

  The effect control command and the effect control INT signal are first input to the input driver 102 on the effect control board 80. The input driver 102 passes the signal input from the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the inside of the effect control board 80 (does not pass the signal in the direction from the inside of the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). It is also a unidirectional circuit as a regulating means.

  As a signal direction regulating means, the signal inputted from the main board 31 is allowed to pass through the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 (the signal is not passed in the direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). The unidirectional circuit is installed. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 3 illustrates a diode. A unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the lamp to the lamp driver board 35 via the input / output port 105. The effect control CPU 101 outputs sound number data to the audio output board 70 via the input / output port 104.

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the lamp is input to the lamp driver 352 via the input / output driver 351. The lamp driver 352 amplifies a signal for driving the lamp and supplies the amplified signal to each lamp provided on the frame side such as the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c. Further, it is supplied to a decorative lamp 25 provided on the frame side.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input / output driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice and sound effects corresponding to the sound number data and outputs them to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data indicating the sound effect or sound output mode in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, a decorative symbol variation period).

  The signal for driving the lamp and the sound number data are communicated between the effect control CPU 101, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70, such that a response signal is transmitted from the signal reception side to the transmission side. Communication).

  The effect control CPU 101 reads necessary data from a character ROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The character ROM is for storing character image data, specifically, a person, a character, a figure, a symbol, etc. (including decorative designs) in advance. The effect control CPU 101 outputs the data read from the character ROM to the VDP 109. The VDP 109 executes display control of the variable display device 9 based on the data input from the effect control CPU 101.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the variable display devices 9 a and 9 b is mounted on the effect control board 80. The VDP 109 has an address space independent from the CPU 101 for effect control, and maps the VRAM there. The VRAM is a buffer memory for expanding image data generated by the VDP. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the variable display device 9.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 inputs a signal from the promotion / notice button 120 via the input port 108. The effect control CPU 101 executes control of a plurality of types of effect devices (variable display devices 9a and 9b, various lamps, and a speaker 27) in response to a signal from the promotion / notice button 120.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When the gaming machine is turned on and the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) determines whether the contents of the program are valid. After executing the security check process, which is a process for confirming whether or not, the main process after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal of a clear switch (not shown) input via the input port only once (step S6). When the on-state is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes a normal initialization process (steps S10 to S14).

  If the clear switch is not on, check whether data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped (Step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process. In this example, if “55H” is set in the backup flag area, it means that there is a backup (ON state), and if a value other than “55H” is set, it means that there is no backup (OFF state).

  After confirming that there is a backup, the CPU 56 performs a data check of the backup RAM area (parity check in this example) (step S8). In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, the initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 performs a game state restoration process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain. The parts that should not be initialized include, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, etc.), the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer), unpaid prize balls This is the part where data indicating the number is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a game state restoration process (step S43), and proceeds to step S15.

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether the data in the backup RAM area is stored using both the backup flag and the check data. However, only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity for executing the state recovery process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) may be left as it is. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing in steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, an award ball flag, a ball out flag, and a payout stop An initial value is set to a flag such as a flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the start address of the initialization command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S13), and transmits an initialization command for initializing the sub board according to the contents to the sub board. Processing is executed (step S14). Examples of the initialization command include a command indicating an initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 9.

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  When execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S14) is completed and the timer interrupt is set, the CPU 56 performs a display random number update process (step S17) and an initial value random number update process (steps) in the main process. S18) is repeatedly executed. The CPU 56 sets the interrupt disabled state when executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process (step S16), and interrupts upon completion of the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process. The permission state is set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. The initial value random number update process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining an initial value of a count value, such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit (a big hit determination random number generation counter). A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls game devices such as a variable display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the game machine itself. In a process for transmitting a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, or a game device control process), the count value of the random number generation counter for jackpot determination is one round (a random number generation counter for jackpot determination, etc.) When the value is incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value that can be taken, the initial value is set in the counter.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S34 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output when the power monitoring circuit 920 mounted on the power board 910 detects a decrease in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for storing necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, the CPU 56 inputs detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 32a, the start port switches 14a and 14b, and the count switches 23a and 23b via the input driver circuit 58, and performs the state determination (switch process: step). S21).

  Next, the CPU 56 executes a display control process for performing display control of the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, the normal symbol display 10, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 (step S22). ). In the display control process, control for outputting a drive signal to each display is executed in accordance with the contents of the output buffer set in the processes of steps S32 and S33.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a jackpot determination random number used for game control (step S23).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs processing for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and processing for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (steps S24 and S25).

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1: Decide whether or not to generate a big hit (for big hit judgment)
(2) Random 2: Decide special symbols (for example, symbols with different left and right symbols) (for special symbol determination)
(3) Random 3: Determine a special symbol that generates a big hit (for big hit symbol determination)
(4) Random 4: Determine the variation pattern of the special symbol (specifically, the variation time) (for variation pattern determination)
(5) Random 5: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(6) Random 6: Determine the initial value of random 1 (for determining the random 1 initial value)
(7) Random 7: Determine the initial value of random 5 (for determining the random 5 initial value)
(8) Random 8: Decide whether or not to end the probability variation state (for lottery determination).

  In step S23 in the game control process shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 56 generates a jackpot determination random number (1), a jackpot determination random number (3), and a normal determination random number (5). Counter is incremented (added by 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In order to enhance the game effect, random numbers other than the random numbers (1) to (8) are also used.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a first special symbol process (step S26A). In the first special symbol process, corresponding processing is executed according to a first special symbol process flag for controlling the first special symbol display 8a and the special variable winning ball apparatus in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The CPU 56 updates the value of the first special symbol process flag during each process according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a second special symbol process (step S26B). In the second special symbol process, corresponding processing is executed according to the first special symbol process flag for controlling the second special symbol display 8b and the special variable winning ball apparatus in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The CPU 56 updates the value of the first special symbol process flag during each process according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs normal symbol process processing (step S27). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of setting an effect control command related to the decorative design in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and sending the effect control command (effect control command control process: step S28).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, starting information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signal of the prize opening switch (step S30). Specifically, a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls is output to the payout control board 37 in response to winning detection based on whether any of the winning opening switches (switches such as the start opening switches 14a and 14b) is turned on. To do. The payout control microcomputer mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls.

  And CPU56 performs the test terminal process which is a process which outputs the test signal for enabling the control state of a gaming machine to be confirmed outside a gaming machine (step S31). Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a drive command is issued to the output circuit 59 (step S31). The output circuit 59 drives the solenoids 16, 21a, 21b in response to the drive command in order to open the variable winning ball device 15 or the opening / closing plates 20a, 20b.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the first special symbol display control data for effect display of the first special symbol in the output buffer for setting the first special symbol display control data according to the value of the first special symbol process flag. In addition, the special symbol display for setting the second special symbol display control data for effect display of the second special symbol according to the value of the second special symbol process flag in the output buffer for setting the second special symbol display control data A control process is performed (step S32). Here, according to the display control data set in the output buffer, a drive signal is output in the process of step S22, and the special symbol effect display on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b. Is executed.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in the output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S33). Here, in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer, a drive signal is output in the process of step S22, and the normal symbol display on the normal symbol display 10 is executed.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S34), and the process is terminated.

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

  As described above, in this embodiment, the variable display of the first special symbol is executed and the second special symbol display is performed by the two special symbol indicators (the first special symbol indicator 8a and the second special symbol indicator 8b). Symbol variation display is executed. Then, when the specific display result is derived and displayed on either the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, control for shifting to the big hit gaming state is executed. In game machines that have a plurality of special symbol indicators (in this example, the first special symbol indicator 8a and the second special symbol indicator 8b) and display special symbols on each special symbol indicator, a big hit is made simultaneously. May occur. Note that the derivation display is to stop and display a symbol (excluding so-called stop before re-variation).

  However, in this embodiment, the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is executed by the two displays of the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b. The two special symbol displays are controlled so that no big hit occurs at the same time.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the stop symbol of the special symbol used in this embodiment, whether it is a big hit / loss, and the gaming state to be controlled. In the example shown in FIG. 9, when the special symbol is stopped at “1” or “5”, the gaming state (the control state of the gaming machine) shifts to the probability changing state after the big hit game is over. When the game stops at “9”, the gaming state shifts to the time-saving state after the big hit game is over. Then, when the game stops at “3” or “7”, the game state shifts to a probability change state and a time-short state (probability change time-short state) after the big hit game ends. That is, the probability change short state is a gaming state that is both a probability change state and a time short state. Further, when the probability variation state end condition in the probability variation time-short state is satisfied, the gaming state is shifted to the time-short state on condition that the value of the time-count counter is not zero.

  Further, when the special symbol is stopped at “0”, “2”, “4”, “6” or “8”, the big hit game is executed, but the game state after the big hit game is ended becomes a normal state. Further, when the special symbol is stopped at “−”, the game state is maintained without executing the big hit game.

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

  Further, when the probability variation state ends, the special symbol variation time shortening state (time shortening state) may be controlled. In the short time state, the variation time (variable display period) of the special symbol is shortened compared to the case where the special time state is not. It should be noted that the mode of shortening (how much is shortened for each variation pattern, which variation pattern is to be shortened, etc.) may be the same as the mode in the probability variation state (including the probability variation short state). The time-short state continues until the change of the special symbol for a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) ends or until a big hit occurs. The predetermined number of times may be selected from a plurality of types by lottery. In the short-time state, the variation time of the special symbol is shortened, so the variation of the special symbol is started more frequently (in other words, the digestion of the reserved memory becomes faster), and as a result, the big hit game is performed. The possibility increases.

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

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a program of the first special symbol process (step S26A) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the first special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a and the special variable winning ball apparatus is executed. The program for the second special symbol process (step S26B) is similarly configured. That is, in the following description, if “first” is read as “second” and “second” is read as “first”, the second special symbol process will be described.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is executed by the two displays of the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b. . In this embodiment, control is performed so that the big hit based on the fact that the big win symbol is derived and displayed on the two displays is not generated at the same time.

  When the CPU 56 performs the first special symbol process, the first start opening switch 13a for detecting that a game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 provided in the game board 6 is turned on. In other words, if a start winning that causes the game ball to win the first start winning opening 13 has occurred (step S311), a first start opening switch passing process is executed (step S312).

  When the value of the second special symbol process flag is a value corresponding to any one of the second big hit symbol stop process to the second big hit end process (step S314), the processes of steps S315 and S316 are executed. Thereafter, the first special symbol process is terminated. Otherwise, after executing the processes of steps S317 and S318, any one of steps S300 to S309 is performed according to the internal state (specifically, the value of the first special symbol process flag). Do. In this embodiment, the values corresponding to the second jackpot symbol stop process to the second jackpot end process are continuous values (for example, 5 to 9). Therefore, the determination process of step S314 of the CPU 56 can be simplified.

  In step S315, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the first decorative symbol and the first special symbol are being changed and the first interruption designation command has not been transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100. If it is not changing, or if it is already changing and the first interrupt designation command has already been transmitted (for example, the transmitted flag is set by setting the transmitted flag when the first interrupt designation command is transmitted) If it has been changed), the process ends, but if the first interruption designation command has not been transmitted yet, the first interruption designation command has been transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100. The process is terminated later (step S316). In step S317, the CPU 56 transmits the first interruption designation command (for example, when the transmission completion flag is set by setting the transmission completion flag when the first interruption designation command is transmitted). When the process of step S317 is executed, after the first restart designation command is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S318), any one of steps S300 to S309 is performed. Note that the CPU 56 can determine whether or not the first decorative symbol and the first special symbol are changing depending on whether or not the value of the first special symbol process flag is a value corresponding to the processing in step S303. Moreover, it can be determined by the second special symbol process flag whether or not the second big hit game is being executed. That is, when the value of the second special symbol process flag handled in the second special symbol process is a value corresponding to steps S305 to S309, it is determined that the second big hit game is being executed.

  When receiving the first interrupt designation command, the effect control CPU 101 of the effect control microcomputer 100 interrupts the variation (variable display) of the first decorative symbol. Further, when the first resumption designation command is received, the variation of the first decorative symbol is resumed.

  The processes in steps S300 to S309 are as follows.

  First special symbol normal process (step S300): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 560 is in a state where variable display of the first special symbol can be started, the number of numerical data stored in the first reserved storage number buffer (first start winning storage number) is confirmed. The number of numerical data stored in the first reserved memory number buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the first reserved memory number counter. Further, if the count value of the first reserved memory number counter is not 0, it is determined whether or not to make a big hit (whether to make a specific display result) as a result of variable display of the first special symbol. When the big hit is made, the first big hit flag is set. Then, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) according to step S301.

  First special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301): This is executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 1, and determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol after variable display. Then, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) according to step S302. The first big hit flag is reset when the big hit game ends.

  First variation pattern setting process (step S302): This process is executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 2. A variable pattern of variable display of the first special symbol (corresponding to the variable time here), a plurality of types determined in advance according to the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern (one of the random numbers for display) extracted at the time of start winning. Select from among the fluctuation patterns. In addition, information (variation pattern command, that is, variable display pattern command) for instructing a variation pattern is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100. Then, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) according to step S303.

  First special symbol changing process (step S303): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the first variation pattern setting process elapses (the first special symbol process timer set in step S302 times out, that is, the value of the first variation time timer becomes 0), the internal state ( The first special symbol process flag) is updated to step S304 (4 in this example) or a value corresponding to step S305 (5 in this example). If it is determined that the display result of the special symbol is to be a jackpot symbol, the value is updated according to step S305, and if it is determined that the display result of the special symbol is not to be a jackpot symbol, step S304 is performed. Is updated to a value corresponding to (4 in this example).

  First off symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 4. The variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is stopped and the stop symbol is displayed. In addition, control is performed to transmit to the production control microcomputer 100 on the production control board 80 an production control command (first decoration design stop designation command) indicating stop of the variation of the first design. Then, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) according to step S300.

  First big hit symbol stop process (step S305): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 5. The variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is stopped and the stop symbol is displayed. In addition, control is performed to transmit an effect control command (first decorative symbol stop command) indicating the stop of the variation of the first decorative symbol to the microcomputer 100 for the effect control. When a predetermined jackpot symbol display period elapses, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (6 in this example) according to step S306. When the presentation control microcomputer 100 receives the presentation control command (first decoration symbol stop designation command) indicating the stoppage of the variation of the first decoration symbol transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560, the variable display device 9a receives the first control. Although the control is performed so that one decorative symbol is stopped, the variable display of the first decorative symbol may be independently stopped when the variation time elapses. Further, the production control microcomputer 100 displays the jackpot symbol as the background symbol during the jackpot symbol display period.

  First jackpot display process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 6. The predetermined period is measured, and when the predetermined period elapses, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (7 in this example) according to step S307. In addition, the production control microcomputer 100 performs display for notifying the occurrence of the big hit on the background symbol display unit 9c in a predetermined period.

  First big winning opening opening pre-process (step S307): This is executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 7. In the first grand prize opening pre-processing, control for opening the special prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special variable winning ball apparatus to open the big prize opening. To do. Also, the execution time of the first big prize opening opening process is set by the process timer, and the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) according to step S308. The first big winning opening opening pre-processing is executed for each round. However, when starting the first round, the first big winning opening opening pre-processing is also a process of starting a big hit game. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 realizes the specific game state transition control by executing the first big prize opening pre-processing. The specific game state transition control may be defined as being realized by the game control microcomputer 560 executing the first jackpot display process. That is, the time point when the specific gaming state is started may be the time point when the effect for notifying the occurrence of the big hit is started. In this case, the predetermined time from the time point when the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed as the display result on the variable display device 9b corresponds to the period during which the big hit symbol is displayed.

  First big prize opening opening process (step S308): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 8. A control for sending a presentation control command for a round display during the big hit gaming state to the microcomputer 100 for the presentation control, a process for confirming the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the special prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to step S307. When all the rounds are finished, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (9 in this example) according to step S309.

  First big hit end process (step S309): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 9. Control for causing the production control microcomputer 100 to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended is performed. Then, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) according to step S300.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol and the decorative symbol used in this embodiment. In FIG. 11, “EXT” indicates the second byte of EXT data in the effect control command for designating a variation pattern of a decorative pattern of two bytes. “Time” indicates the variation time (variable display period of identification information) of the special symbol and the decorative symbol. Whether it is the variation pattern of the first decorative design or the variation pattern of the second decorative design is distinguished by the MODE data of the first byte in the effect control command having a 2-byte configuration.

  In this example, as a variation pattern of special symbols and decorative symbols, whether to make a deviation, whether to make a probable big hit, whether to make a non-probable big hit, whether to reach, whether to reach A plurality of types are prepared according to the difference in various production modes, such as the reach mode, whether to perform the trailer production, the production mode in the case of performing the trailer production, and whether to use shortened fluctuations. In this embodiment, the reach effect and the notice effect are performed using the variable display devices 9a and 9b that display the decorative symbols in a variable manner. In addition, the effect control microcomputer 100 may determine the effect mode when the notice effect is performed. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 100 may determine whether or not to give a notice effect.

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

  Further, “reach B” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach” and “reach A”. Note that “normal reach”, “reach A”, and “reach B” may or may not be a big hit. In FIG. 11, “normal reach” is clearly shown only when it is not a big hit.

  “Notice 1” is a variation pattern having a predetermined notice effect mode. For simplicity, one type of variation pattern indicating the notice effect mode is illustrated, but actually, a plurality of types of variation patterns are set. Furthermore, the “shortening fluctuation” is a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the identification information is extremely short. The “short reach variation” is a variation pattern in which the display result is in a reach state, but the reach time of the identification information is extremely short without performing the reach effect. Note that the fluctuation pattern 11 is a fluctuation pattern that is a big hit after performing a shortening fluctuation until reach is established and performing the effect of “reach A”. Further, the fluctuation pattern 12 is a fluctuation pattern that becomes a time-short hit after performing a short reach fluctuation.

  Although not shown in FIG. 11, in addition to the reach effect, a change pattern including the presence or absence of execution of another specific effect such as the presence or absence of a re-change effect may be included. FIG. 11 illustrates a part of the variation pattern, but actually, various combinations of variation patterns such as reach modes and display results are prepared.

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 will be described. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal line of an effect control command transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80. As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the effect control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77 by using eight signal lines of the effect control signals D0 to D7. Further, between the main board 31 and the effect control board 80, a signal line of the effect control INT signal for transmitting the capture signal (effect control INT signal) is also wired.

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

  As shown in FIG. 13, the 8-bit effect control command data of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interrupt process. Therefore, when viewed from the effect control microcomputer 100, the effect control INT signal corresponds to a signal that triggers the capture of effect control command data.

  The effect control command is sent only once so that the effect control microcomputer 100 can recognize it. In this example, “recognizable” means that the level of the effect control INT signal changes, and that it is sent only once so as to be recognizable means that, for example, each of the first and second bytes of the effect control command data Accordingly, the production control INT signal is output in a pulse shape (rectangular wave shape) only once. The effect control INT signal may have a polarity opposite to that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command sent to the effect control board 80. In the example shown in FIG. 14, commands 8000 (H) to 8058 (H) are effect control commands (designating a variation pattern of the first decorative symbol variably displayed on the variable display device 9a corresponding to the first special symbol ( Variation pattern command, first variation pattern command). Commands 8100 (H) to 8158 (H) are effect control commands (variation pattern command, second variation) for designating a variation pattern of the second decorative symbol variably displayed on the variable display device 9b corresponding to the second special symbol. Pattern command).

  Commands 8501 (H) to 8505 (H) are effect control commands relating to the first decorative symbols. The command 8501 (H) is an effect control command (first deviation designation command) indicating that it is determined in advance to be a deviation. Command 8502 (H) is an effect control command (first normal jackpot designation command) indicating that it is determined in advance to be a normal jackpot. Command 8503 (H) is an effect control command (first time and jackpot designation command) indicating that it is determined in advance to be a jackpot. Command 8504 (H) is an effect control command (first probability variation jackpot designation command) indicating that the probability variation jackpot is predetermined. Command 8505 (H) is an effect control command (first probability change time big hit designation command) indicating that it is determined in advance that the probability change time big hit will be made.

  Commands 8601 (H) to 8605 (H) are effect control commands relating to the second decorative symbol. The command 8601 (H) is an effect control command (second deviation designation command) indicating that it is determined in advance to be off. Command 8602 (H) is an effect control command (second normal jackpot designation command) indicating that it is determined in advance that a normal jackpot will be made. Command 8603 (H) is an effect control command (second time jackpot designation command) indicating that it is determined in advance to make a jackpot. Command 8604 (H) is an effect control command (second probability variation jackpot designation command) indicating that the probability variation jackpot is predetermined. Command 8605 (H) is an effect control command (second certainty change time big hit designation command) indicating that it has been determined in advance that the probability change time big hit will be made.

  Commands 8501 (H) to 8505 (H) are referred to as first display result designation commands. The commands 8601 (H) to 8605 (H) are referred to as second display result designation commands. The first display result specifying command and the second display result specifying command may be collectively referred to as a display result specifying command.

  In this embodiment, the display result command is an effect control command that can specify a probability big hit, a normal big hit (non-probable big hit), a loss or the like. Therefore, the production control microcomputer 100 determines the stop symbol of the decorative symbol by, for example, lottery using a random number in accordance with the received display result designation command. However, an effect control command for designating a stop symbol of a decorative symbol may be used as the display result designation command. In other words, if the display result command can determine the display result based on the display result command received by the production control microcomputer 100 that receives the display result command, the display result (the decorative design stop pattern) is directly displayed. It may be a command to specify, or a command to specify the type of loss or jackpot. In the case of using a display result command for designating the type of loss or jackpot, the production control microcomputer 100 has a plurality of types (or one) determined in advance according to each of the type of loss and jackpot. For example, a display result is selected by lottery using random numbers from the decorative symbols.

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (first power failure recovery display designation command) for designating display of a power failure recovery screen on variable display device 9a. The command 9100 (H) is an effect control command (second power failure recovery display designation command) for designating display of the power failure recovery screen on the variable display device 9b.

  Command A000 (H) is an effect control command (first decoration symbol stop command) for instructing stop of variable display of the first decoration symbol. Command A100 (H) is an effect control command (second ornament symbol stop command) for instructing stop of variable display of the second ornament symbol.

  The command A200 (H) is an effect control command (first interruption designation command) for instructing to interrupt the variable display of the decorative design in the variable display device 9a, and the command A201 (H) is a variable of the decorative design in the variable display device. This is an effect control command (first restart designation command) for instructing to resume display.

  The command A300 (H) is an effect control command (second interruption designation command) for instructing to interrupt the variable display of the decorative symbol on the variable display device 9b, and the command A301 (H) is a decorative symbol on the variable display device 9b. This is an effect control command (second resume designation command) for instructing to resume variable display.

  The command B1XX (H) is an effect control command (display command when the special winning opening is opened) indicating opening of the special winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. The command B2XX (H) is an effect control command (display command after opening the big prize opening) indicating the closing of the big prize opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. Command B200 (H) is an effect control command (a command for starting a big hit display) indicating the start of the big hit game. Command B500 (H) is an effect control command (non-specific big hit end display command) indicating the end of the non-specific big hit game. Command B501 (H) is an effect control command (specific jackpot end display command) indicating the end of the specific jackpot game.

  The command C0XX (H) is an effect control command (first start winning memory number designation command) for designating the number of first starting winning memory numbers indicated by XX, and the command C1XX (H) is a number indicated by XX. Is an effect control command (second start prize memory number designation command) for designating the second start prize memory number.

  Command D000 (H) is an effect control command (first customer waiting demonstration display designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration in the variable display device 9a. Command D100 (H) is an effect control command (second customer waiting demonstration display designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration in the variable display device 9b.

  The command E400 (H) is an effect control command (normal background display command) transmitted when the gaming state is the normal state, and the command E401 (H) is a gaming state having a high probability state (probability change state, This is an effect control command (high-probability background display command) transmitted when the probability change time is short). The command E402 (H) is an effect control command (short time background display command) transmitted when the gaming state is the short time state (not including the short time state with certainty change). Hereinafter, the effect control commands E400 (H) to E402 (H) are referred to as background designation commands. The effect control microcomputer 100 selects the type of background to be displayed on the variable display devices 9a and 9b in accordance with the received background designation command. In this embodiment, since the gaming state can be recognized by the EXT data of the variation pattern command, the commands E400 (H), E401 (H), and E402 (H) may not be used. .

  When the production control microcomputer 100 of the production control board 80 receives the production control command described above from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31, the display of the variable display devices 9 a and 9 b is performed according to the contents shown in FIG. 14. While changing the state, the lamp / LED display state is changed, and if necessary, the sound number data is output to the sound output board 70. It should be noted that effect control commands other than the commands shown in FIG. 14 are also transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100. For example, a more detailed presentation control command related to the jackpot game is also transmitted.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the first start port switch passing process (step S312). In the first start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the first start winning memorized number has reached the upper limit of 4 (step S111). If the first start winning memory number is 4, the process is terminated.

  If the first start winning memorized number is not 4, the value of the first reserved memorized number counter indicating the first starting winning memorized number is increased by 1 (step S112). Also, software random numbers (such as the value of a counter for generating a jackpot determination random number) are extracted and stored in the first reserved memory buffer corresponding to the value of the first reserved memory number counter as the extracted random number value. Processing to store in the area is executed (step S113). Extracting a random number means reading a count value from a counter for generating a random number and setting the read count value as a random value. In step S113, random 1 to random 4 and random 8 are extracted from the random numbers shown in FIG. In the reserved storage buffer, the same number of storage areas as the upper limit value of the first start winning storage number is secured. Further, a counter for generating a jackpot determining random number and the like and a holding storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55. “Formed in RAM” means an area in the RAM. In step S323, random values 1 to 4 (see FIG. 6) are extracted and stored in the storage area.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the first special symbol normal process (step S300) in the first special symbol process. In the first special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the first start winning memorized number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the first start winning memory counter is confirmed. The first start winning memory counter is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 55.

  If the first start winning memory number is 0, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the first demonstration display flag is set (step S72). If the first demonstration display flag is not set, the CPU 56 sets the first demonstration display flag (step S73), and sends the first demonstration command (first customer waiting demonstration display designation command) to the effect control microcomputer 100. Is transmitted to (step S74). When transmitting the effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, specifically, the CPU 56 sets the address of a command transmission table (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) corresponding to the effect control command. Set to pointer. And the address of the command transmission table according to an effect control command is set to a pointer, and an effect control command is transmitted in an effect control command control process (step S28).

  The first demonstration display flag is a flag for determining whether or not to transmit a first customer waiting demonstration display designation command, and is in a reset state at the start of power supply to the gaming machine (initial state).

  If the first start winning memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 resets the first demonstration display flag (step S52), and each random value stored in the storage area corresponding to the first starting winning memory number = 1. Is stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S53), the value of the first start winning memorized number is decreased by 1, and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S54). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the first start winning memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in the storage area corresponding to the first starting winning memory number = n−1. Store. Therefore, the order in which the random values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the respective first start winning memory numbers are extracted is always the order of the first starting winning memory number = 1, 2, 3, 4 It is supposed to match. In this embodiment, each time the variable display start condition is satisfied, the contents of each storage area are shifted, so the order in which the random number values are extracted can be specified.

  Next, when the gaming state is the probability change time reduction state (step S55), the CPU 56 subtracts 1 if the time reduction number counter is not 0 (step S56). If the gaming state is not the probability change time short state, the process proceeds to step S57. Whether or not the probability change time short state is set is determined by the state of the probability change time short flag that is set when the probability change time short state is reached and reset when the probability change time short state ends.

  Further, when the gaming state is the probability variation state or the probability variation time short state (step S57), the CPU 56 determines whether or not to end the probability variation state by lottery before executing the big hit determination of steps S66 and S67. Performed (steps S58 to S59). If the gaming state is not the probability variation state, the process proceeds to step S65. Whether or not the state is the probability variation state is determined by the state of the probability variation flag that is set when the probability variation state or the probability variation time short state is reached and is reset when neither the probability variation state nor the probability variation time short state disappears.

  In determining whether or not to end the probability change state, the CPU 56 reads a random number for lottery determination (random number for probability change end determination: random 8) from the random number buffer area (step S58), and the value of the read random 8 is It is determined whether or not it coincides with the end value (step S59). If they coincide, the gaming state is changed to the non-probability changing state, and the probability changing state (including the probability changing short time state) is ended (step S60).

  If the time-count counter is not 0 (step S62), the process proceeds to step S65. If the hour / hour counter is 0, the hour / hour flag is reset if the hour / hour flag is set (step S64).

  If the random 8 value read in the process of step S58 does not match the probability variation end value (step S59), the process proceeds to step S65.

  In step S65, the CPU 56 displays a second big hit changing flag indicating that the variable display of the second special symbol which makes the display result a big hit symbol is being executed (including a time point when it is determined to be executed). Check if is set. If it is set, the process proceeds to step S71. If not set, the CPU 56 reads the jackpot determination random number from the random number buffer area (step S66) and executes the jackpot determination module (step S67). The jackpot determination module is a program that determines to win if the jackpot determination random number matches a predetermined jackpot determination value. When it is decided to make a big hit (step S68), the CPU 56 sets a first big hit flag (step S69). In addition, a first big hit variation flag indicating that the variable display of the first special symbol which makes the display result a big hit symbol is being executed (including the time point when it is decided to be executed) is set (step S70).

  Then, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S71).

  In step S67, whether or not the gaming state is a probability change state is taken into consideration, and the determination is made based on the jackpot probability at the time of probability change or the jackpot probability at the time of non-probability change. In other words, whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation state is confirmed by a probability variation flag, and if the probability variation state is determined by the jackpot probability at the time of probability variation, if the probability variation state is determined by the jackpot probability at the time of the non-probability variation .

  In this embodiment, whether or not to end probability variation is determined by lottery. However, it is not necessary to determine whether or not to end probability variation. That is, the probability change state may not be terminated by puncture. In this case, steps S57 to S64 may not be executed in the first special symbol normal process described above.

  Further, in this embodiment, the second big hit variation indicating that the variable display of the second special symbol which makes the display result the big hit symbol is being executed (including the time point when it is decided to be executed). When the flag is set, the CPU 56 does not execute the processes of steps S66 to S70. That is, when the variable display of the second special symbol that makes the display result a big hit symbol is being executed (including the time point when it is determined to be executed), the big hit determination regarding the variable display of the first special symbol is performed. (Step S67) is not executed, and the determination result as to whether or not to make a big hit is forcibly set off. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the specific display result from being derived and displayed on the variable display device 9a and the specific display result from being derived and displayed on the variable display device 9b, so that the display is not a specific display result. It can be made difficult for the player to recognize that the result is derived and displayed on the variable display device.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the first special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301) in the first special symbol process. In the first special symbol stop symbol setting process, the CPU 56 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol according to the determination result of whether or not the big hit. Specifically, when it is determined to win the jackpot in the process of step S67 (Y of step S75), according to the value of the jackpot symbol determining random number (random 3) stored in the random number buffer area, A jackpot symbol is determined as a stop symbol of the first special symbol (step S76). Also, if it is determined in step S67 to be out of step (N in step S75), the first value is determined according to the value of the off symbol determining random number (random 2) stored in the random number buffer area. A special symbol is determined as a stop symbol of the special symbol (step S77). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the first special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the first variation pattern setting process (step S78).

  In this embodiment, by determining the big hit symbol, it is determined whether it is a normal big hit, a probability variable big hit, a time-short big hit, or a short-term big hit when the probability change. However, it may be determined by lottery using a random number different from the big hit symbol determination random number as to whether or not to make a normal big hit, a probable change big hit, a time change big hit or a probable change short hit big hit.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the first variation pattern setting process (step S302) in the first special symbol process. In the first variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 sets the time reduction flag (set in the time reduction state and the probability change time reduction state), and if the probability change time reduction flag is not set (step S81), the time reduction counter The value of -1 is decremented (step S82). When the value of the time reduction counter becomes 0 (step S83), the time reduction flag is reset (step S84). If the probability change time reduction flag is set, the value of the time reduction counter is already set to -1 in step S56.

  Next, if the probability variation flag, the time reduction flag, or the probability variation time reduction flag is set (step S85), the CPU 56 performs a normal big hit (non-probable and non-time-short-hit: end condition of the probability change state or the time reduction state by the processing of step S76. When it is determined to make a big hit that will be satisfied (step S86), all the set flags of the probability change flag, the time reduction flag, and the probability change time reduction flag are reset (step S87).

  In addition, when the probability variation flag, the time reduction flag, or the probability variation time reduction flag is set (step S85), the CPU 56 determines the end condition if the time variation is large (non-probabilistic and time variation large: probability variation state) by the process of step S76. If it is decided to change to the short state when the time is short and the control state is maintained if the time is short (step S88), the short time flag is set and the short time counter is set. Is set to an initial value (for example, “100”), and further resets if the probability variation flag and the probability variation time short flag are set (step S89). As described above, in this embodiment, when the time and big hit occurs in the probability variation state, the gaming state is changed from the probability variation state to the time reduction state before the variable display in which the display result becomes the time and big hit symbol is started. And the initial value is set in the time-count counter. In addition, if the time and big hit occurs when the probability change time short state, the game state is changed from the probability change state to the time short state before the variable display that the display result becomes the time and big hit symbol is started, An initial value is set in the number counter. In addition, if a time and big hit occurs in the time saving state, the initial value is set in the hour and hour number counter without changing the gaming state before the variable display that the display result becomes the time and big hit symbol is started. Is done.

  Next, the CPU 56 is based on the determination result of the presence / absence of the big hit by the process of step S67, the gaming state at that time, and the random number for random pattern determination (random 4) stored in the first special symbol determination buffer. Then, it is determined which of the variation patterns shown in FIG. 11 is used as the variation pattern (step S90). By determining the variation pattern, the variation time of the first special symbol is determined. Note that after determining the variation time, the variation pattern in which the determined variation time is set may be selected from a plurality of variation patterns.

  In this embodiment, in step S90, it is confirmed whether or not the second big hit variation flag is set, and if it is set, unless the variation display result of the current first special symbol is a big hit, It is decided to use a variation pattern for performing a notice effect. Then, a variation pattern to be used is selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns for the notification effect prepared in advance (for example, using a variation pattern determination table in which a plurality of types of variation patterns for the notification effect are set). To select).

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a background designation command corresponding to the gaming state (whether or not it is in the probability variation state) to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S91). Further, control is performed to transmit the first variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern determined in step S90 to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S92). Further, control is performed to transmit a first display result designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 based on the determination result of whether or not the jackpot is obtained by the process of step S67 and the display result of the first special symbol determined by the process of step S76. This is performed (step S93).

  In this embodiment, when the variation of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is started, the effect control command is transmitted in the order of the background designation command, the variation pattern command, and the display result designation command. It is.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the variation time determined in step S90 in the first variation time timer to start measurement of the variation time (step S94), and also performs the first special symbol display 8a on the first. The special symbol variation display is started (step S95). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the first special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the first special symbol mid-variation process (step S96).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the first special symbol changing process (step S303) in the first special symbol process. In the first special symbol variation processing, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the first variation time timer (step S121), and when the first variation time timer times out (step S122), the first jackpot flag is set. Sets a value corresponding to the display time of the jackpot symbol in the first jackpot symbol display time timer (steps S123 and S124), and the value of the first special symbol process flag corresponds to the first jackpot symbol stop process (step S305). The updated value is updated (step S125). If the first big hit flag is not set, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first off symbol stop process (step S304) (step S126). If the first variable time timer has not timed out, the process is terminated as it is.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the first off symbol stop process (step S304) in the first special symbol process. In the first missed symbol stop process, the CPU 56 performs control for transmitting the first customer waiting demonstration display designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 if the second recovery flag during change is set (step S131). (Step S137), the first demonstration display flag is set (Step S138), and the variable display stop symbol of the restored first special symbol is displayed (Step S139). Then, the process proceeds to step S134. It should be noted that the fact that the first fluctuation recovery flag is set means that the fluctuation time of the first special symbol in which the power supply to the gaming machine has been resumed and the measurement has been resumed has ended.

  The second changing recovery flag is in the change of the second special symbol and the second decorative symbol, the first special symbol and the first decorative symbol are also changing, and the first start winning memory number is 0. This flag is set on condition that the stored contents of the backup RAM have been saved when the power supply is stopped when the second start winning memory number is not 0 and then the power supply is restored. . When the second recovery flag is set, the game control microcomputer is used when the remaining time of the change of the first special symbol and the first decorative symbol when the power supply is stopped after the power supply is restored. 560 transmits a first customer waiting demonstration display command to the production control microcomputer 100. Further, after the power supply is restored, when the remaining variation time of the second special symbol and the second decorative symbol when the power supply is stopped has elapsed, the game control microcomputer 560 causes the effect control microcomputer 100 to The first variation pattern command based on the 2 start winning memorized number is transmitted.

  When the control for transmitting the first customer waiting demonstration display designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed, it is confirmed again that the first start winning memory number is 0. A first customer waiting demo display designation command may be transmitted.

  If the second variation recovery flag is not set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit an effect control command (first decoration symbol stop command) indicating the first decoration symbol stop (step S132). Further, the CPU 56 derives and displays the determined stop symbol of the first special symbol (step S132).

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the first special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to step S300 (step S134).

  Here, the state of the second variable recovery flag is determined, and if the second variable recovery flag is set, the first customer waiting demonstration display designation command is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100. You may make it not use a 2 change recovery flag. That is, the processing in steps S131, S136, and S137 may not be executed. In this case, the processing in step S211 to be described later for setting the second fluctuation recovery flag may not be executed. Even in such a configuration, when the power supply to the gaming machine is resumed and the variation time of the first special symbol at which the measurement is resumed is completed, the processing of the above-described steps S72 to S74 that is executed thereafter The first customer waiting demonstration display designation command is transmitted.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the first big hit symbol stop process (step S305) in the first special symbol process. In the first big hit symbol stop process, the CPU 56 resets the first big hit changing flag (step S170). Next, if the second variable recovery flag is set (step S171), the first customer waiting demonstration display designation command is controlled to be transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S172), and the recovered first A special symbol variable display stop symbol is displayed (step S173). Then, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S174).

  If the second fluctuation recovery flag is not set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the first decorative symbol stop command (step S176). Further, control is performed to derive and display the jackpot symbol of the first special symbol determined in advance on the first special symbol display 8a (step S177). Then, control for transmitting a jackpot display start command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S178), and the first jackpot display time timer is notified by the variable display device 9a, for example, that the jackpot display time has occurred. A value corresponding to (time) is set (step S179), and a control for transmitting a jackpot display start command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S179), and the value of the first special symbol process flag is displayed. The value is updated to a value corresponding to the process (step S306) (step S180).

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the first big hit display process (step S306) in the first special symbol process. In the first jackpot display process, the CPU 56 decrements the first jackpot display time timer (step S187), and when the value of the first jackpot display time timer becomes 0 (step S188), the first special symbol process flag is set. The value is updated to a value corresponding to the first big prize opening pre-processing (step S307) (step S189).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a jackpot end process (step S309) executed when the jackpot game is ended. In the big hit end process, the CPU 56 resets the first big hit flag (step S150). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the special symbol stop symbol (which is a big hit symbol) that caused the big hit game was a short symbol at the time of probability change (step S151). If it is a probability variation time-short symbol, a probability variation flag, a time-shortage flag, and a probability variation time-shortness flag are set (step S152), and a predetermined value is set in a time-shortening counter (step S153). In this embodiment, 100 is set in the time reduction counter. Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of transmitting a specific jackpot end display command to notify the effect control board 80 of the end of the jackpot gaming state and the transition to the special gaming state (probability change state or time saving state) ( Step S155). Then, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S156).

  When the stop symbol of the first special symbol is not a short symbol at the time of probability change, it is confirmed whether or not the stop symbol of the first special symbol is a probability change symbol (step S157). If it is a probability variation symbol, a probability variation flag is set (step S158). Then, the process proceeds to step S155.

  If the stop symbol of the first special symbol is not a probability variable symbol, it is confirmed whether or not the stop symbol of the first special symbol is a time-short symbol (step S160). If it is a time-short symbol, a time-short flag is set (step S161), and a predetermined value is set in the time-short count counter (step 162). Then, the process proceeds to step S155.

  If the stop symbol of the first special symbol is not a time-short symbol, a process of transmitting a non-specific jackpot end display command is performed in order to notify the end of the jackpot gaming state (step S164). Then, the process proceeds to step S156.

  In this embodiment, the time reduction counter is set to 100 in steps S153 and S162. However, the time reduction number may be another number (for example, 50 times, 120 times, etc.). . Moreover, it may be configured such that the number of time reductions is selected from a plurality of types of times (for example, 20 times, 50 times, 100 times). In this case, the number of times selected by lottery is determined in steps S153 and S162. Is set to the hourly number counter. In this case, for example, a process of extracting a random number for determining the number of times of shortening and selecting the number of times associated with the extracted value of the random number using a table for determining the number of times of shortening that is associated with the extracted value and the number of times By performing the above, selection by lottery is performed.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the display control process (step S22). In the display control process, the CPU 56 first stops driving signals for the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, the normal symbol display 10, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 (step S22a). .

  Next, the CPU 56 sends a drive signal to the first special symbol display 8a in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer for setting the first special symbol display control data (first special symbol output buffer). Output (step S22b).

  Specifically, if a stop symbol designation value is set as the display control data, the variable symbol for the current variable display or the symbol for the previous variable display is displayed on the first special symbol indicator 8a according to the content. A drive signal for displaying is output. Further, if the change state designation value is set as the display control data, a drive signal for turning on the display state of the first special symbol display 8a is output.

  Next, the CPU 56 displays the second special symbol display in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer for setting the second special symbol display control data (second special symbol output buffer), similarly to the process of step S22b. A drive signal is output to the device 8b (step S22c).

  Further, the CPU 56 outputs a drive signal to the normal symbol display 10 in accordance with the display control data set in the normal symbol display control data setting output buffer (normal symbol output buffer) (step S22d). .

  Specifically, if a stop symbol designation value (set by the normal symbol process) is set as the display control data, the variable symbol is stopped on the normal symbol display 10 according to the content. A drive signal for displaying the symbol or the previous variable display stop symbol is output. Further, if a change state designation value (set by the normal symbol process) is set as the display control data, a drive signal for alternately lighting the left and right lamps in the display state of the normal symbol display 10 is provided. Output.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets the start winning memory number for the first special symbol hold memory display 18a and the second special symbol hold memory display 18b in accordance with the first start win memory number and the second start win memory number. A drive signal for display is output (step S22e).

  Then, the CPU 56 responds to the normal symbol reserved memory number data (set by the normal symbol process processing) set in the output buffer for setting the normal symbol reserved memory number data (ordinary symbol start winning memory number buffer). Then, a drive signal for displaying the number of reserved memories of the current normal symbol is output to the normal symbol reserved memory display 41 (step S22f).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a first special symbol display control process (a process related to the first special symbol in the special symbol display control process of step S32). The special symbol display control process in step S32 includes a second special symbol display control process that is processed in the same manner as the first special symbol display control process, but the description thereof is omitted here. In the first special symbol display control process, the CPU 56 sets a specified value for specifying the display content of the first special symbol to be displayed on the first special symbol display 8a according to the value indicated by the first special symbol process flag. A process of setting the first special symbol output buffer is executed. Here, according to the designated value set in the first special symbol output buffer, a drive signal is output in the process of step S22b.

  In the first special symbol display control process, the CPU 56 first reads a first special symbol process flag (step S35a). If the read first special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S303 (first special symbol variation processing) (Y in step S35b), the CPU 56 selects the variation state designation value (step S35c) and selects it. The fluctuation state designation value is set in the special symbol output buffer (step S35e). The variation state designation value is selected according to the variation period of the first special symbol, and in this embodiment, the designation value indicating the symbol displayed in the variation state in the variation display is selected in the process of step S35c. .

  If the value indicated by the first special symbol process flag read in the process of step S35a is not a value corresponding to the first special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 selects a stop symbol designation value (step S35e) and selects it. The stop symbol designation value is set in the special symbol output buffer (step S35f).

  The stop symbol designation value is selected according to the state of the first special symbol process flag. Specifically, if the first special symbol process flag is a value indicating one of steps S300 to S302, a stop symbol designation value indicating the stop symbol that was the previous display result of the variable display is determined in step S35e. Selected. On the other hand, if the first special symbol process flag is a value corresponding to step S304 or S305, a stop symbol designation value indicating a stop symbol which is a display result of the current variation display is selected in step S35e. When the first special symbol process flag is a value corresponding to step S302, the stop symbol designation value indicating the jackpot symbol is selected as the stop symbol designation value indicating the stop symbol that was the display result of the previous variation display. In such a case, the stop symbol designation value indicating the off symbol may be replaced.

  26 and 27 are flowcharts showing the power-off process in step S20. In the power-off process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether it is in an on state) (step S450). If not on, the value of the backup monitoring timer formed in the RAM 55 is cleared to 0 (step S451). If it is on, the value of the backup monitoring timer formed in the RAM 55 is incremented by 1 (step S452). If the value of the backup monitoring timer matches the determination value (for example, 2) (step S453), the power supply stop processing after step S454, that is, the preparation processing for power supply stop is executed. That is, the state shifts from the state in which the progress of the game is controlled to the state in which the power supply stop process for saving the game state is executed.

  By using the backup monitoring timer and the determination value, if the power-off signal is kept on for a time corresponding to the determination value, the power supply stop process is started. That is, even when the power-off signal is turned on for a moment due to noise or the like, the power supply stop process is not erroneously started. Note that the value of the backup monitoring timer formed in the RAM 55 is stored by the backup power source for a predetermined period even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. Therefore, in step S14 in the main process, it can be confirmed that the process result of the power supply stop process is stored because the value of the backup monitoring timer is the same as the determination value.

  In the power supply stop process, the CPU 56 creates parity data (steps S454 to S463). That is, first, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area (step S454), and the checksum calculation start address corresponding to the start address of the RAM area in which the contents are to be stored even when power supply is stopped is set in the pointer. (Step S455). Further, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the final address of the RAM area where the contents are to be stored even when the power supply is stopped is set (step S456).

  Next, an exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated (step S457). The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area (step S458), the value of the pointer is incremented by 1 (step S459), and the value of the checksum calculation count is decremented by 1 (step S460). Then, the processes in steps S457 to S460 are repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0 (step S461).

  When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the CPU 56 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area (step S462). Then, the inverted data is stored in the checksum data area (step S463). This data becomes parity data to be checked when the power is turned on. Next, an access prohibition value is set in the RAM access register (step S471). Thereafter, the built-in RAM 55 cannot be accessed.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the head address of the port clear setting table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S472). In the port clear setting table, the number of processes (the number of output ports to be cleared) is set to the head address, and then the output port address and output value data (clear data: the value of the off state of each bit of the output port) However, the output ports for the number of processes are sequentially set.

  The CPU 56 loads data at the address pointed to by the pointer (that is, the number of processes) (step S473). Further, the value of the pointer is incremented by 1 (step S474), and the data of the address pointed to by the pointer (that is, the address of the output port) is loaded (step S475). Further, the value of the pointer is incremented by 1 (step S476), and the data of the address pointed to by the pointer (that is, output value data) is loaded (step S477). Then, the output value data is output to the output port (step S478). Thereafter, the number of processes is reduced by 1 (step S479), and if the number of processes is not 0, the process returns to step S474. If the number of processes is 0, that is, if all output ports to be cleared are cleared, the timer interrupt is stopped (prohibited) (step S481), and the loop process is started.

  In the loop processing, it is monitored whether or not the power-off signal is turned off (step S482). When the power-off signal is turned off, the execution address at power-on (address in step S1) is set as a return address and a return command is executed (step S483). That is, the process returns to the main process. Specifically, a state in which a gaming device provided in the gaming machine is controlled (a concept including both controlling by itself and sending a command signal to cause another microcomputer to control). Return.

  When the power supply is stopped by the above process, the power supply stop process in steps S454 to S481 is executed, and data indicating that the power supply stop process has been executed (specified value with backup and checksum) Is stored in the backup RAM, the RAM access is disabled, the output port is cleared, and the timer interrupt for executing the game control process is disabled.

  In this embodiment, the entire area of the RAM 55 is backed up by a backup power source (the contents of the RAM 55 are preserved for a predetermined period even when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped). Therefore, the checksum based on the contents of the RAM 55 when the power-off signal is output is stored in the RAM 55 together with the value of the backup monitoring timer by the processing in steps S452 to S479. When the power supply is restored within a predetermined period after the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the game control means stores the data stored in the RAM 55 (the game in the control state by the game control means immediately before the power supply is stopped). Return the gaming state to the state just before the power supply stopped according to the data indicating the state (for example, including the state of the process flag, the state of the big hit flag, the state of the probability change flag, the output state of the output port). Can do. If the power supply stop period exceeds the predetermined period, the value of the backup monitoring timer and the checksum should be different from the regular values. In this case, the initialization process of steps S10 to S14 is executed. The

  As described above, the power supply stop process (preparation process for stopping the power supply) ensures that the data for returning the gaming state to the state immediately before the power supply stopped is the fluctuation data storage means (in this example) Stored in the entire area of the RAM 55). Therefore, even if a power failure occurs due to a power failure or the like, if the power is restored within a predetermined period, the gaming state can be returned to the state immediately before the power supply is stopped. The entire area of the RAM 55 may not be backed up by power, but only the area for storing data for returning the gaming state to the state immediately before the power supply is stopped may be backed up.

  If the power-off signal is turned off, the process returns to step S1. In this case, since data indicating that the power supply stop process has been executed is set, steps S41 to S43 are executed. Therefore, when the detection signal from the power supply monitoring unit is turned off after executing the power supply stop process, the process returns to the state of controlling the progress of the game. Therefore, even if a power interruption or the like occurs, the game control process does not stop, and the game control process is automatically continued.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the game state restoration process. The gaming state recovery process shown in FIG. 28 is a process of transmitting a power failure recovery display designation command or the like to the display control microcomputer 100. In the game state restoration process, the CPU 56 first outputs a first power failure recovery display designation command and a second power failure restoration display designation command for notifying that the game state is restored to the state when the power is turned off. Control to transmit to 100 is performed (step S201).

  In this embodiment, the first power failure recovery display designation command and the second power failure recovery display designation command are always transmitted in the gaming state restoration process, but the first special symbol and the second special symbol are being displayed in variable display. The first power failure recovery display designation command and the second power failure recovery display designation command may be transmitted on the condition that there is a situation. For example, before executing the process of step S201, the same process as the determination process of step S202 is executed, and if both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are variably displayed, the first power failure recovery display designation The command and the second power failure recovery display designation command are transmitted. In such a configuration, the game control microcomputer 560 only notifies the player that the recovery condition has been established, and only when the first power failure recovery display designation command and the second power failure restoration display designation are designated. It is possible to reduce the transmission frequency of the command transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 that transmits the command and controls the variable display devices 9a and 9b, thereby further reducing the control burden of the game control means.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not variable display is being executed for the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the power is turned off (step S202). For example, whether or not the value of the first special symbol process flag is a value corresponding to the first special symbol changing process, and the value of the second special symbol process flag is a value corresponding to the second special symbol changing process. Check if it exists.

  If both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are being variably displayed, if the first start winning memory number is not 0 and the second starting winning memory number is 0 (step S204), the process is executed. In order to notify the display result of the variable display in the middle, the first display result designation command transmitted at the start of variable display of the first special symbol interrupted due to the power-off is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 ( Step S205). Also, the second display result designation command transmitted at the start of variable display of the second special symbol interrupted by the power interruption is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S206). Then, the first variable recovery flag is set to indicate that the variable display period of the first special symbol, which has been interrupted due to the power interruption, is restored to the state in which the variable display of the first special symbol is being executed and has not ended yet. (Step S207). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S215.

  When the first start winning memorization number is 0 and the second starting win memorizing number is not 0 (step S208), the first display result designation command transmitted at the start of variable display of the first special symbol interrupted by the power-off is sent. Then, it is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S209). Also, the second display result designation command transmitted at the start of variable display of the second special symbol interrupted due to the power-off is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S210). Then, the second special symbol recovery flag is set to indicate that the variable special symbol variable display period, which has been interrupted due to the power interruption, is restored to the state in which the second special symbol variable display is being executed, and has not yet ended. (Step S211). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S215.

  In step S202, when both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not changing, and when only one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is changing, The process proceeds to step S215 without executing the processes of steps S204 to S211.

  The effect control command transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 in the game state restoration process is not limited to the above-described command, and other commands such as an effect control command for notifying that the state is a probable change state, for example. It may be included.

  In steps S215 to S218, if at least one of the first start prize memory number and the second start prize memory number is not 0, if the first start prize memory number is not 0, the first start prize memory number designation command is produced. Control to transmit to the control microcomputer 100 is performed (steps S215 and S216), and control is performed to transmit a second start prize memory number designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 when the second start prize memory number is not zero (step S215, S216). Steps S217 and S218).

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the production control microcomputer 100. In the main process, an initialization process is first performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a 2 ms timer for determining the start interval of effect control (step S701). Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 shifts to a loop process for checking the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.

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

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis execution process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs a first effect control process (step S705). In the first effect control process, a process corresponding to the current control state (first effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the variable display device 9a is executed. In addition, the effect control CPU 101 performs the second effect control process (step S706). In the second effect control process, a process corresponding to the current control state (second effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the variable display device 9b is executed. And the process which updates a random number counter is performed (step S707). Further, the start winning memory number display control process for displaying the starting winning memory number on the variable display devices 9a and 9b is executed (step S708). Thereafter, the process returns to step S702.

  Next, an effect control command reception process from the main board 31 will be described. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer of a ring buffer type capable of storing six 2-byte configuration effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. It is not always necessary to use the ring buffer format. For example, three symbol designating command storage areas (2 × 3 = 6 byte command receiving buffer) and other command storing areas for designating other variation patterns ( (2 × 1 = 2-byte command reception buffer). Similarly, the sound control means and the lamp control means may have a buffer format other than the ring buffer format.

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

  31 and 32 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis process (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by 1 (step S613).

  If the received effect control command is an effect control command for designating the first variation pattern (step S614), the effect control CPU 101 stores the EXT data of the command in the first variation pattern data storage area (step S615).

  Further, when the first decorative symbol restoration flag is set (step S615a), the first initial appearance is displayed on the variable display device 9a (step S615b), and the first initial appearance display measurement timer is started. (Step S615c). As the first initial appearance display measurement timer, a timer built in the production control microcomputer 100 is used. Therefore, the effect control CPU 101 does not perform a process of subtracting the value of the first initial appearance display measurement timer. However, a software timer (a timer whose time is counted by the subtraction processing by the effect control CPU 101) may be used as the first initial appearance display measurement timer.

  The “first initial appearance” means a first decorative pattern (so-called first appearance in the morning) that is initially displayed on the variable display device 9a as an initial display when the gaming machine is turned on. The “first initial appearance display measurement timer” is a timer for measuring the display time of the first initial appearance.

  The first decorative symbol restoration flag is set when the first power failure restoration display designation command is received (see steps S622 and S623). Under the control of steps S615a to S615c, when the first fluctuation pattern command is received for the first time after receiving the first power failure recovery display designation command, the first initial appearance is displayed.

  When the power supply is restored, the game control microcomputer 560 stores data indicating that the variable display of the first special symbol is being executed when the power supply is stopped, and the first start winning memory is stored. Is stored (when the first start winning memorization number is not 0), when the remaining time of variable display of the first special symbol has elapsed, based on the stored first start winning memorization The first variation pattern command is transmitted (for example, after the remaining time of variable display is digested in the first special symbol variation processing, for example, after the first off symbol stop processing is executed, based on the first start winning memory) The first variation pattern setting process started in particular, particularly the process of step S92). In such a case, by the control of steps S615a to S615c, the production control microcomputer 100 displays the first initial appearance when the first variation pattern command is received.

  If the received effect control command is an effect control command for designating the second variation pattern (step S616), the effect control CPU 101 stores the EXT data of the command in the second variation pattern data storage area (step S617). ).

  Further, when the second decorative symbol restoration flag is set (step S617a), the second initial appearance is displayed on the variable display device 9b (step S617b), and the second initial appearance display measurement timer is started. (Step S617c). As the second initial appearance display measurement timer, a timer built in the production control microcomputer 100 is used. Therefore, the effect control CPU 101 does not perform a process of subtracting the value of the second initial appearance display measurement timer. However, a software timer (a timer whose time is counted by the subtraction processing by the effect control CPU 101) may be used as the second initial appearance display measurement timer.

  The “second initial appearance” means a second decorative pattern (so-called first appearance in the morning) that is initially displayed on the variable display device 9b as an initial display when the gaming machine is turned on. The “second initial appearance display measurement timer” is a timer for measuring the display time of the second initial appearance.

  If the received effect control command is an effect control command for designating the first display result (step S618), the effect control CPU 101 stores the EXT data of the command in the first decorative symbol storage area (step S619). That is, data indicating the display result of the first decorative symbol is saved.

  If the received effect control command is an effect control command for designating the second display result (step S620), the effect control CPU 101 stores the EXT data of the command in the second decorative symbol storage area (step S621). That is, data indicating the display result of the second decorative design is saved.

  If the received effect control command is the first power failure recovery display designation command (step S622), the effect control CPU 101 causes the variable display device 9a to display a first power failure recovery in progress screen indicating that the power failure is being recovered (for example, "Display of power failure recovering !!") is displayed, and the first decorative symbol recovery flag is set (step S623). The first decorative symbol restoration flag is a flag for determining whether or not the processing for restoration relating to the display of the variable display device 9a is being executed. For example, in the RAM area mounted on the effect control board 80 Stored.

  If the received effect control command is the second power failure recovery display designation command (step S624), the effect control CPU 101 causes the variable display device 9b to display a second power failure recovery in-progress screen indicating that the power failure is being recovered (for example, "Display of power outage recovering !!") is displayed, and a second decorative symbol recovery flag is set (step S625). The second decorative symbol recovery flag is a flag for determining whether or not the processing for recovery related to the display of the variable display device 9b is being executed. For example, in the RAM area mounted on the effect control board 80 Stored.

  If the received effect control command is the first customer waiting demonstration display designation command (step S626), the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the first decorative symbol restoration flag is set (step S627). That is, it is confirmed whether or not a process for recovery related to the display of the variable display device 9a is being executed. If the first decorative symbol restoration flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 has not saved the display result of the first decorative symbol, or the display result of the saved first decorative symbol is not a symbol. In the case (step S628), the first initial appearance is displayed on the variable display device 9a (step S629), and the first initial appearance display measurement timer is started (step S630).

  When the power supply is restored, the game control microcomputer 560 stores data indicating that the variable display of the first special symbol is being executed when the power supply is stopped, and the first start winning memory is stored. On the condition that 0 is stored as the number, the first customer waiting display command is transmitted when the remaining time of variable display of the first special symbol has passed (steps S131 and S136 shown in FIG. 20). Processing). In such a case, by the control of steps S626, S629, and S630, the production control microcomputer 100 displays the first initial appearance when the first customer waiting display command is received.

  When the display result of the first decorative symbol saved in step S628 is a big hit symbol, the effect control CPU 101 displays the big hit symbol saved in the variable display device 9a (step S631).

  If the first decorative symbol restoration flag is not set in the process of step S627, the effect control CPU 101 displays the first demonstration screen on the variable display device 9a (step S632). That is, when the first customer waiting demonstration display designation command is received when it is not at the time of recovery, the effect control CPU 101 immediately displays the first demonstration screen without displaying the first initial outcome.

  If the received effect control command is the second customer waiting demonstration display designation command (step S633), the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the second decorative symbol restoration flag is set (step S634). That is, it is confirmed whether or not a process for recovery related to the display of the variable display device 9b is being executed. If the second decorative symbol restoration flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 has not saved the display result of the second decorative symbol, or the displayed result of the second decorative symbol is out of the design. In the case (step S635), the second initial appearance is displayed on the variable display device 9b (step S636), and the second initial appearance display measurement timer is started (step S637).

  When the power supply is restored, the game control microcomputer 560 stores data indicating that the variable display of the second special symbol is being executed when the power supply is stopped, and the second start winning memory On the condition that 0 is stored as the number, a second customer waiting display command is transmitted when the remaining time of variable display of the second special symbol has elapsed (steps S131 and S136 shown in FIG. 20). In the second special symbol process book corresponding to the process of No.). In such a case, under the control of steps S633, S636, and S637, the production control microcomputer 100 displays the second initial appearance when the second customer waiting display command is received.

  When the display result of the second decorative symbol saved in step S635 is a big hit symbol, the effect control CPU 101 displays the big hit symbol saved in the variable display device 9b (step S638).

  If the second decorative symbol restoration flag is not set in the process of step S634, the effect control CPU 101 displays the second demonstration screen on the variable display device 9b (step S639). That is, when the second customer waiting demonstration display designation command is received when it is not at the time of recovery, the effect control CPU 101 immediately displays the second demonstration screen without displaying the second initial outcome.

  The effect control CPU 101 sets a command reception flag corresponding to the received command when the received command read in step S612 is another effect control command, and stores the received command if necessary (step S640). .

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the first effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the first effect control process, the edge contact control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S806 according to the value of the first effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. The second effect control process (step S706) is configured in the same manner as the first effect control process, although there is a difference that the control target is the variable display device 9b.

  First decoration symbol normal process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not the big hit game effect (second big hit game effect) is being executed in the variable display device 9b that performs variable display or the like of the second decorative symbol. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not a second big hit effect flag, which will be described later, is set. If the second big hit effect flag is not set and the first variation pattern command is received, the effect control CPU 101 determines the value of the first effect control process flag as the first decorative symbol variation pattern. Change to a value corresponding to the process. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first decorative symbol variation pattern determination process (step S801).

  First decorative symbol variation pattern determination process (step S801): The variation pattern of the first decorative symbol is determined based on information stored in the first variation pattern data storage area. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first decorative symbol variation start process (step S802).

  First decorative symbol variation start process (step S802): Control is performed so that the variation of the left middle right symbol is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first decorative symbol variation process (step S803).

  First decorative symbol variation processing (step S803): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern, and monitors the end of the variation time. In addition, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first decorative symbol stop process (step S804).

  First decorative symbol stop process (step S804): Upon receiving an effect control command (first decorative symbol stop effect control command) for instructing all symbols to stop, the first decorative symbol change is stopped and a stopped symbol is derived. Control the display. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S805) or the first decorative symbol normal process (step S800). In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 derives and displays the stop symbol of the first decorative symbol on the condition that the variable time ends and the first decorative symbol stop designation command is received. When the process ends, the stop symbol may be derived and displayed without determining whether or not the first decorative symbol stop designation command has been received.

  Big hit display process (step S805): After the end of the variation time, the control of the probability change big hit display, the time short big hit display, the probability change short big hit display, or the normal big hit display is controlled. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S806).

  Big hit game processing (step S806): Control during the first big hit game is performed. For example, when an effect control command for display before opening the big winning opening or display when opening the big winning opening is received, display control of the number of rounds is performed. When the final round display control or the like ends, the first big hit effect flag is reset. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first decorative symbol normal process (step S800).

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data set for each variation pattern table. The process data is composed of data obtained by collecting a plurality of combinations of process timer set values and presentation control execution data. The effect control execution data includes display control execution data and lamp control execution data. As the display control execution data, data indicating the display state of the variable display devices 9a and 9b during the decorative symbol variation period is set. For example, in the display control execution data 1, data indicating the display state of the variable display devices 9a and 9b at the start of variable display is set. The lamp control execution data is set with data indicating the lamp / LED display state during the decorative symbol variation period. For example, in the lamp control execution data 1, data indicating the lamp / LED display state at the start of variable display is set. When the timing for switching the display state (for example, the timing when a new character appears in the variable display devices 9a and 9b, the timing when the lamp / LED is switched from the lit state to the unlit state) arrives during the decorative symbol variation period. The control means controls the display states of the variable display devices 9a and 9b and the lamp / LED according to the next effect control execution data in the process data. In the process timer set value, a time corresponding to the switching timing is set.

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

  The process data shown in FIG. 34 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. Further, process data is prepared according to each of the decorative pattern variation patterns. Note that the decorative pattern variation pattern is different from the special symbol variation pattern. However, the variation pattern of the decorative design includes at least a variation pattern corresponding to each variation pattern shown in FIG.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the first decorative symbol normal process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the first decorative symbol normal process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the second big hit effect flag is set (step S811). The second big hit effect flag is set when the big hit game effect is started in the variable display device 9b by the effect control CPU 101 (a process corresponding to the process of step S856 in which the first big hit effect flag is set). Is reset when the jackpot game effect is ended (the process corresponding to the process after the display control and the like of the last round is ended in step S806 in which the first jackpot effect flag is reset). Flag).

  If the second big hit effect flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the first variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S812). The first variation pattern command reception flag is set when it is determined as Y in step S614, that is, when the first variation pattern command is received.

  If the first variation pattern command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the first variation pattern command reception flag and resets the first initial appearance display measurement timer (step S813). That is, if the first initial appearance display measurement timer is measuring the display time of the first initial appearance, the measurement is terminated halfway. If the first decoration restoration flag is set, the first decoration restoration flag is reset (step S814). Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the first effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the first decorative symbol variation pattern determination process (step S815).

  If the first variation pattern command reception flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the first initial appearance display measurement timer has timed out (step S816). That is, if the first initial appearance display measurement timer is measuring the display time of the first initial appearance, it is confirmed whether or not the measurement time has elapsed. If the first initial appearance display measurement timer has timed out, the production control CPU 101 displays the first demonstration screen on the variable display device 9a (first demonstration display: step S817), and resets the first decoration restoration flag. (Step S818).

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a first decorative symbol variation pattern determination process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the decorative symbol variation pattern determination process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether the display result of the variable display of the first decorative symbol is the jackpot display result based on the storage information in the first variation pattern data storage area ( Step S820). In the case of the big hit display result, the CPU 101 for effect control sets a first big hit changing flag used for checking whether or not the variable display that is the big hit display result is executed in the variable display device 9a (step S1). S821). If the first big hit changing flag is used only when the production control microcomputer 100 makes a decision (presence / absence of execution, production content) related to the notice production, in this embodiment, the game control microcomputer is used. Since the computer 560 makes a decision regarding the notice effect and the first big hit changing flag is not used, step S821 may not be executed (the first big hit changing flag is not set). On the other hand, when the production control microcomputer 100 is configured to make a determination related to the notice production, the process of setting the first big hit changing flag may be executed in the process of step S821.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 determines the variation pattern of the decorative symbol in accordance with the EXT data stored in the first variation pattern data storage area (step S822). In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 uniquely determines at least a part of the decorative pattern variation pattern. For example, the variation time specified by EXT data and the result of prior judgment among the variation patterns of multiple types of decorative symbols prepared in advance (probability change short hit, probability change big hit, time change big hit, short time big hit, normal big hit, outage, reach, notice, etc.) A variation pattern to be executed is selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns of decorative designs that match the above. As described above, the effect control CPU 101, for example, of the decorative pattern variation mode, such as the decorative content of the decorative design (for example, which character to use), the presence / absence of execution of the preview effect, the content of the rendering, etc. At least a part is decided independently.

  When determining the decorative pattern variation pattern in step S822, for example, when the gaming state is the normal state, the variation pattern table (normal state decorative symbol variation pattern table) and the gaming state is the probability variation state The variation pattern table (decorative state variation pattern variation pattern table) used for the game and the variation pattern table (decrease state variation symbol variation pattern table) used when the gaming state is the short-time state are used. In each decorative pattern variation pattern table, a plurality of types of decorative pattern variation patterns are set. Note that when the gaming state is a short state during the probability change time, a decorative pattern variation pattern table for the probability change state is used.

  When the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to execute the notice effect and the contents of the effect of the notice effect, the fluctuation pattern command from the main board 31 includes information about the presence or absence of the notice effect and the contents of the effect. Is not included. In this case, the CPU 101 for effect control determines whether or not to execute the notice effect and the contents of the effect of the notice effect based on the change time and the change result indicated by the change pattern command from the main board 31.

  Specifically, the CPU 101 for effect control has, for example, a second big hit variation flag (a flag indicating whether or not variable display that is a big hit display result is being executed in the variable display device 9b) in the process of step S822. Whether it is set or not is set, and if it is set, it may be determined that the change pattern for performing the notice effect is made unless the change display result of the first decorative symbol is a big hit. Then, a variation pattern that matches the variation time indicated by the variation pattern command from the main board 31 may be selected from among a plurality of types of variation patterns for the notice effect prepared in advance. . In this way, for example, when the variable display in which the variable display result becomes the big hit display result by the second decorative symbol is executed (when the second big hit big change flag is set), the variable display device 9a Decided to perform a notice effect. In addition, when the variable display in which the variable display result becomes the jackpot display result is executed by the second decorative design, it may be determined whether or not the notice effect is performed at random by random number lottery. Further, when the variable display in which the variable display result becomes the jackpot display result is not executed by the second decorative symbol, for example, it is determined whether or not a notice effect (so-called gusset notice) is performed by random number lottery, and the gusset notice is given You may do it. Furthermore, instead of notifying the display result of the other decorative design as a result of the change display effect of one decorative design as described above, it is also possible to execute a notice effect that notifies the display result of its own decorative design. Similarly to the case where the presence / absence of the notice effect and the contents of the effect are determined on the main board 31 side, the effect control CPU 101 stores the execution data indicating the contents of the effect of the notice effect to be executed, and stores it until the previous time. Based on the executed data, the contents of the presentation effect for the current notice may be determined. In this case, the execution data may be initialized at the same timing as when the presence / absence of the notice effect and the contents of the effect are determined on the main board 31 side.

  Further, the stop symbol of the first decorative symbol is determined according to the received first variation pattern command and display result designation command (step S823). When a miss designation command is received and a first variation pattern command without a reach effect is received, a combination in which the left, middle and right symbols do not match is determined as a stop symbol. When a miss designation command is received and a first variation pattern command accompanied by a reach effect is received, a combination in which the left and right symbols match is determined as a stop symbol. When a normal jackpot designation command has been received, a combination of symbols in which the left, middle and right symbols match and does not evoke a probable big hit or a short time big hit is determined as a stop symbol. When a time / short jackpot designation command is received, a combination of symbols in which the left / right / right symbols match and reminiscent of a time / jackpot (for example, “9”, “9”, “9”) is determined as a stop symbol. To do. When a probability variable jackpot designation command is received, a combination of symbols in which the left, middle and right symbols match and which recalls a probability variation big hit (for example, “5”, “5”, “5”) is determined as a stop symbol To do. When a probability change short hit bonus command is received, a combination of symbols in which the left, middle and right symbols match, and a combination of symbols reminiscent of the probability change short hit (for example, “7” “7” “7”) is stopped. Determine as.

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

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a first decorative symbol variation start process (step S802) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the first decorative symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 first selects process data corresponding to the variable pattern of the variable display of the first decorative symbol (step S831). Then, a process timer corresponding to the effect execution data 1 in the selected process data is started (step S832). Further, LCD control is performed based on the display control execution data 1 in the process data (step S833). For example, a signal corresponding to the content of the display control execution data 1 is given to the variable display device 9a using an LCD. Note that a ROM address may be set in the display control execution data, and more detailed control data may be stored in an area starting from the address, and LCD control may be performed according to the control data. Further, lamp / LED control is performed based on the lamp control execution data 1 in the process data (step S834). For example, a signal corresponding to the content of the lamp control execution data 1 is given to each lamp / LED. Note that the ROM address is set in the lamp control execution data, and more detailed control data is stored in an area starting from the address, and the lamp / LED control is performed according to the control data. Good.

  Further, the sound number data corresponding to the variation pattern is output to the sound output board 70 (step S835). In the voice output board 70, the voice synthesis IC 703 reads data corresponding to the sound number data from the voice data ROM 704, generates voice and sound effects corresponding to the read data, and outputs them to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27.

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

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the first decorative symbol variation process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the first decorative symbol variation process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the first variation interruption flag is set (step S841). If the first variation interruption flag is not set, the first variation interruption designation is performed. It is confirmed whether a command has been received (step S842). If the first fluctuation interruption designation command has been received, the first fluctuation interruption flag is set (step S843), and the shift symbol is stopped and displayed on the variable display device 9a (step S844). Further, a notification indicating that the fluctuation is interrupted (continues) is also displayed (step S845). In addition, the display for informing the player that the variable display is continued, for example, the variable display is continued in a different form (for example, a form in which the display area is smaller) from the normal pattern. By. You may make it alert | report that variable display is continuing. Also, when the decorative design is stopped and displayed in the process of step S844, the effect control CPU 101 does not stop the decorative design completely, but changes the decorative design (eg, moves up and down or returns). Such variation may be repeated).

  If it is confirmed in step S841 that the first variation interruption flag is set, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not a first restart designation command has been received (step S848). If the first restart designation command has been received, the first variation interruption flag is reset (step S849), and the variation of the first decorative symbol is resumed in the variable display device 9a (step S850). Then, control goes to a step S851. If the first restart designation command has not been received, the first decorative symbol variation process is terminated.

  If it is confirmed in step S842 that the first interruption designation command has not been received, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the process timer (step S851) and subtracts 1 from the variable time timer (step S852). When the process timer expires, the process data is switched (steps S853 and S854). That is, the process timer set value set next in the process table is set in the process timer, and the control for the effect device is performed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next. Change state.

  If the variation time timer has timed out (step S855), the value of the first effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first decorative symbol variation stop process (step S804) (step S856).

  As described above, when the big hit symbol is derived and displayed on the variable display device 9b and the big hit gaming state is set, the effect control CPU 101 sets the first variable interruption flag based on the reception of the first interruption designation command. And change interruption processing. And it controls so that the process of step S851-S855 is not performed until the 1st restart designation | designated command is received. That is, control for interrupting the variation of the first decorative design is performed.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the first decorative symbol stop process (step S804) in the effect control process. In the first decorative symbol stop process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not an effect control command (first decorative symbol stop effect control command) for instructing the first decorative symbol stop is received (step S862). If an effect control command for instructing stop of the first decorative symbol is received, control is performed to stop the stop symbol (determined symbol) of the first decorative symbol determined in step S823 in the variable display device 9a (step S863).

  When the big hit symbol is displayed in the process of step S863 (Y in step S864), the effect control CPU 101 resets the first big hit changing flag (step S865) and sets the first big hit hit effect flag. It is set (step S866), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S805) (step S867).

  When the jackpot symbol is not displayed in the process of step S853 (when the off-line symbol is displayed), the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the first decorative symbol normal process (step S800). Setting is made (step S868).

  Next, the relationship between the variation state of the special symbol and the decorative symbol will be described. Here, the relationship between the symbol variation states of the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display device 9a will be described, but the relationship between the symbol variation states of the second special symbol display 8b and the variable display device 9b is the same.

  FIG. 40 is a timing chart showing an example of a variation state of the first special symbol and the first decorative symbol when the start winning at the start winning port 13a is continuously twice. Here, an example will be described in which the variable display of the first special symbol is executed based on two start winnings (starting winnings A to B) to the starting winning port 13a.

  When the start winning A is generated, the CPU 56 executes a first start port switch passing process (see FIG. 15). If the CPU 56 is in a state where variable display of the first special symbol is possible, the CPU 56 makes a prior determination (see steps S66 to S68, S75 to S77, S90), and specifies the background based on the result. A command, a first variation pattern command indicating that the variation time is, for example, 10 seconds, and a first display result designation command that designates a deviation are transmitted (see steps S91, S92, and S93). In addition, the CPU 56 starts the first special symbol variation display (special diagram variation A) according to the start winning prize A (see step S95). Note that the background designation command is not based on the result of the prior determination.

  When receiving the variation pattern command (first variation pattern command) based on the start winning prize A, the effect control CPU 101 receives the variation pattern command based on the received variation pattern command. Is determined (see step S822), and the first decorative symbol variation display (decorative variation A) is executed in accordance with the determined variation pattern.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes the first start port switch passing process when the start winning prize B is generated. However, since the special symbol variation A has not yet ended and it is not possible to execute the variable display of the first special symbol based on the start winning B, the variable display of the first special symbol based on the start winning B is suspended.

  Thereafter, when the end timing of the special figure variation A arrives, the CPU 56 transmits a first decorative symbol stop command to the effect control board 80 (see step S132) and ends the special figure variation A (step S133). reference). When the first variation time timer times out and the first decoration symbol stop command is received, the effect control CPU 101 ends the decoration variation A (see steps S855, S856, S862, and S863).

  Next, when the special figure variation A ends and the variable display of the first special symbol is possible, the CPU 56 makes a preliminary determination based on the start winning prize B (steps S66 to S68, S75 to S77, S90). Based on the result, a background designation command, for example, a first variation pattern command indicating that the variation time is 15 seconds, and a first display result designation command for designating that they are out of sync are transmitted. (Refer to Steps S91, S92, and S93). In addition, the CPU 56 starts the first special symbol variation display (special diagram variation B) according to the start winning prize B (see step S95).

  When the CPU 101 for effect control receives the first variation pattern command based on the start winning prize B, based on the received first variation pattern command, the variation pattern of the first decorative pattern in which the display result is lost in the variation time of 15 seconds. Is determined (see step S822), and the variation display (decoration variation B) of the first decorative symbol is executed according to the determined variation pattern.

  Thereafter, when the end timing of the special figure variation B comes, the CPU 56 transmits a first decorative symbol stop command to the effect control board 80 (see step S132), and ends the special figure variation B (step S133). reference). When the first variation time timer times out and the first decoration symbol stop command is received, the effect control CPU 101 ends the decoration variation B (see steps S855, S856, S862, and S863).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits the first variation pattern command and the first display result designation command when the variation of the special symbol is started, and the first decoration symbol stop command when the variation is stopped. Send. Therefore, the synchronization between the special design and the decorative design can be ensured.

  Next, display control of the variable display devices 9a and 9b when the power supply to the gaming machine is resumed after the power is turned off will be described. FIG. 41 is a timing chart showing an example of the display state of the variable display devices 9a and 9b when the power supply is restored. FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of the variable display devices 9a and 9b when the power supply is restored.

  In this example, the special figure variation A and the decoration variation A in which the display result based on the start winning prize A is out of execution are being executed, and the special figure variation B and the decoration variation B in which the display result based on the start winning prize B is out of execution. An example will be described in which the power supply is cut off during the execution of the power supply and the power supply is restored thereafter. In this example, it is assumed that the first start prize memory is not 0 and the second start prize memory is 0 when the power is cut off.

  When a start winning (start winning B) to the start winning port 13b occurs when there is no second start winning memory, the CPU 56 is ready to start a variable display based on the start winning B as shown in FIG. Sometimes, the step S67 (more precisely, the second special symbol normal process for executing the process corresponding to the process of the step S67) determines that the display result based on the start winning prize B is out of order. A variation pattern to be executed is determined from a plurality of types of variation patterns in S90 (more precisely, a second variation pattern setting process that executes a process corresponding to the process of step S90). Here, a variable display variation pattern in which the display result is out of sync is selected.

  The CPU 56 determines in advance (see steps S66 to S68, S75 to S77, and S90. To be exact, the second special symbol normal process, the second special symbol stop symbol setting process, and the second variation pattern setting process corresponding to those processes) After executing the above, a background designation command, a second fluctuation pattern command (fluctuation pattern command B) indicating a fluctuation pattern based on the start winning prize B, and a second display result designation command for designating that the display result is out of sync. (See steps S91, S92, and S93. To be precise, in the second variation pattern setting process corresponding to these processes). In addition, the CPU 56 starts the second special symbol fluctuation display (special figure fluctuation B) according to the start winning prize B. In FIG. 41, only the second variation pattern command (variation pattern command B) is shown, and the background designation command and the display result designation command are omitted.

  Further, when a start winning (start winning A) occurs in the start winning opening 13a when there is no first start winning memory, the CPU 56 can start a variable display based on the start winning A as shown in FIG. Then, based on the determination that the display result based on the start winning prize A is out of place in step S67, a variation pattern to be executed is determined from a plurality of types of variation patterns in step S90. Here, a variable display variation pattern in which the display result is out of sync is selected.

  After executing the preliminary determination (see steps S66 to S68, S75 to S77, and S90), the CPU 56 displays different results from the background designation command and the first variation pattern command indicating the variation pattern based on the start winning prize A. A first display result designation command designating this is transmitted (see steps S91, S92, S93). Further, the CPU 56 starts the first special symbol variation display (special variation A) according to the start winning prize A. In FIG. 41, only the first variation pattern command is shown, and the background designation command and the display result designation command are omitted.

  When the CPU 101 for effect control receives the second variation pattern command and the second display result designation command based on the start winning prize B, the variation of the second decorative pattern that causes the display result to deviate based on the received second variation pattern command. A pattern is determined (refer to step S822. To be exact, the second decorative pattern variation pattern determining process is executed to perform the process corresponding to the process of step S822), and the second decorative pattern variation display (decorative variation B) is performed according to the determined variation pattern. Execute.

  Further, when receiving the first variation pattern command and the first display result designation command based on the start winning prize A, the effect control CPU 101 receives the first variation pattern command based on the received first variation pattern command. Is determined (see step S822), and the first decorative symbol variation display (decorative variation A) is executed in accordance with the determined variation pattern.

  In this example, the special symbol variation A is being executed in the first special symbol display 8a, the decoration variation A is being performed in the variable display device 9a (see FIG. 42A), and the second special symbol is being performed. When the special display variation B is being executed in the display 8b and the decoration variation B is being executed in the variable display device 9b (see FIG. 42A), the power supply interruption occurs and the power supply stop processing ( 26, FIG. 27) are executed, and thereafter, the power supply to the gaming machine is restored and the gaming state restoration process (see FIG. 28) is executed.

  When the power supply is restored, when the CPU 56 confirms that the stored contents of the backup RAM have been saved (see steps S7 and S8), the first power failure recovery display designation command and the second power failure are performed by the gaming state recovery process. A recovery display designation command is transmitted (see step S201). In addition, since the storage contents of the backup RAM are saved, the first special symbol changing process in the first special symbol process is performed according to the value of the first special symbol process flag formed in the RAM (see FIG. 19). ) Is executed. Also, since the value of the first variation time timer formed in the RAM should have been stored, measurement of the variation time is continued in the first special symbol variation processing (see step S121). Further, in accordance with the value of the second special symbol process flag formed in the RAM, the second special symbol variation processing in the second special symbol process (the processing corresponding to the first special symbol variation processing shown in FIG. 19). ) Is executed. Also, since the value of the second variation time timer formed in the RAM should have been stored, the measurement of the variation time is continued in the second special symbol variation process (see step S121. To be precise, step Process in the second special symbol changing process corresponding to the process of S121).

  When receiving the first power failure recovery display designation command, the effect control CPU 101 displays a power failure recovery screen (first recovery screen) indicating that the power failure has been recovered on the variable display device 9a (FIG. 42C). )), The first decoration restoration flag is set (see step S623). Further, when receiving the second power failure recovery display designation command, the effect control CPU 101 displays on the variable display device 9b a power failure recovery in-progress screen (second recovery in-progress screen) indicating that the power failure has been recovered (FIG. 42). (See (D)), the second decoration restoration flag is set (see step S625).

  Next, the CPU 56 confirms that the first special symbol and the second special symbol are changing when the power is turned off (see step S202), and transmits the first display that was transmitted when the variable display that was executed when the power was turned off was started. The first display result designation command and the second display result designation command are transmitted again (see steps S205 and S206), and the first changing recovery flag is set (see step S207). When receiving the first display result designation command and the second display result designation command, the effect control CPU 101 displays the display results of the first decorative symbol and the second decorative symbol indicated by the first display result designation command and the second display result designation command. (See steps S618, S619, S620, S621).

  Further, the CPU 56 shifts to a state in which the first off symbol stop processing is executed when the fluctuation time of the restored first special symbol has ended (when the determination in step S122 becomes Y), and the first off symbol design is executed. In the stop process, since the second fluctuation recovery flag is not set, the first customer waiting demonstration display designation command is not transmitted (see step S131).

  Then, the process proceeds to the first special symbol normal process, and since the first start winning memory number is not 0, the process proceeds to the first special symbol stop symbol setting process (see FIG. 17), and further the first variation pattern setting process (see FIG. 18), in the first variation pattern setting process, the first variation pattern command is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S92).

  When receiving the first variation pattern command (see step S614), the effect control CPU 101 displays the first initial appearance on the variable display device 9a because the first decoration restoration flag is set (step S614). S615a, S615b, see FIG. 42G), the first initial appearance display measurement timer is started (see step S615c). The first initial appearance is assumed to be the same “1, 2, 3” as the second initial appearance. The first initial appearance may be a different pattern from the second initial appearance. Then, when a predetermined period (for example, t seconds) elapses and the first initial appearance display measurement timer times out (see step S816), the effect control CPU 101 displays the first demonstration screen on the variable display device 9a (see FIG. 42 (J)). That is, after the first initial appearance is displayed on the variable display device 9a for a predetermined period (for example, t seconds), the first demonstration screen is displayed.

  When the predetermined period has elapsed, the process proceeds to steps S812, S814, and S815 in the first decorative symbol normal process, and the variable display of the second decorative symbol is started (see FIG. 42I).

  In addition, the CPU 56 executes the second special symbol for executing the process corresponding to the process of step S122, when the fluctuation time of the restored second special symbol is completed (when the determination in step S122 is Y). In the process of changing symbols), the state shifts to the state of executing the second off symbol stop process. In the second off symbol stopping process, the first in-fluctuation recovery flag is set. (Refer to step S131. To be exact, in the second off-set symbol stop process for executing the process corresponding to the process of step S131).

  When receiving the second customer waiting demonstration display designation command (see step S633), the effect control CPU 101 displays the second initial appearance on the variable display device 9b because the second decoration restoration flag is set ( Step S636, FIG. 42 (see F)), the second initial appearance display measurement timer is started (see step S637). Here, it is assumed that the second initial appearance is “1, 2, 3”. Then, the CPU 101 for effect control displays the second demonstration screen on the variable display device 9b when the second initial appearance display measurement timer times out after a lapse of a predetermined period (for example, t seconds) (processing in steps S816 and S817). In the first effect control process control corresponding to (see FIG. 42H). That is, after the second initial appearance is displayed on the variable display device 9b for a predetermined period (for example, t seconds), the second demonstration screen is displayed.

  As described above, in a gaming machine having a plurality of variable display devices 9a and 9b, a power interruption occurs when variable display is being executed in both the variable display devices 9a and 9b, and then power is supplied. When the game is restored, the types of commands transmitted from the game control means to the display control means can be reduced, and the control burden on the game control means can be reduced. That is, instead of transmitting three commands for designating the left, middle, and right stop symbols of the decorative symbol that was variably displayed when the power interruption occurred, one display result designation command indicating the display result is transmitted. Therefore, the control burden of the game control means can be reduced. In addition, when the power supply is restored, the symbol stop command that stops the decorative symbol that was variably displayed when the power failure occurs, and when there is no pending storage after the power supply is restored continue for a specified period of time. Rather than sending a customer waiting demo display command to display the demonstration screen to each other, send a customer waiting demo display command when instructing to stop the restored variable display and receive the customer waiting demo display command. In response to this, the variable display is stopped, the demonstration screen is displayed when there is no start prize even if the predetermined period is stopped, and only the customer waiting demonstration display designation command is transmitted, so the control burden of the game control means Can be reduced.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, in the game state recovery process, two power failure recovery display designation commands (first power failure recovery display designation command and second power failure recovery display designation command) corresponding to the plurality of variable display devices 9a and 9b are issued. However, a common power failure recovery display designation command may be transmitted to the plurality of variable display devices 9a and 9b.

  FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command in the second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the first power failure recovery display designation command and the second power failure restoration display designation command exist separately, but in the example shown in FIG. 43, the power failure recovery in the variable display devices 9 a and 9 b is in progress. There is only one effect control command (power failure recovery display designation command) that designates display of the screen. The other effect control commands are the same as the effect control commands in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the game state restoration process according to the second embodiment. In the gaming state restoration process shown in FIG. 44, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a power failure restoration display designation command for notifying that the gaming state is restored to the power-off state to the effect control microcomputer 100. (Step S201B). Other controls in the game state restoration process are the same as the controls in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating a part of command analysis processing according to the second embodiment. In the command analysis processing, if the received effect control command is a power failure recovery display designation command (step S622B), the effect control CPU 101 displays on the variable display device 9a the first power failure recovery screen indicating that the power failure is being recovered. (For example, “displaying power failure recovery!”) Is displayed, and the first decorative symbol recovery flag is set (step S623). In addition, the variable display device 9b displays a second power failure recovery screen indicating that the power failure is being recovered (for example, “display of power failure recovery!”), And sets a second decorative symbol recovery flag ( Step S625). Other controls in the command analysis process are the same as those in the first embodiment. Controls other than the game state restoration process and the command analysis process by the game control microcomputer 560 and the effect control microcomputer 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 46 is a timing chart showing an example of the display state of the variable display devices 9a, 9b and the like when a common power failure recovery display designation command is transmitted when power supply is recovered in the second embodiment. . The display state of the variable display devices 9a, 9b and the like when the power supply is restored is the same as the example shown in FIG. 42, and will be described below with reference to FIG.

  As in the case of the first embodiment, the special symbol variation A is being executed in the first special symbol display 8a, and the decoration variation A is being performed in the variable display device 9a (see FIG. 42A). ), And when the special symbol variation B is being executed in the second special symbol display device 8b and the decorative variation B is being executed in the variable display device 9b (see FIG. 42A), a power interruption occurs. Then, it is assumed that the power supply stop process (see FIGS. 26 and 27) is executed, and thereafter the power supply to the gaming machine is restored and the game state restoration process (see FIG. 28) is executed. In this example as well, it is assumed that the first start winning memory is not 0 and the second start winning memory is 0 when a power failure occurs.

  When the power supply is restored, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure restoration display designation command used in common to the plurality of variable display devices 9a, 9b (see step S201B).

  Upon receiving the power failure recovery display designation command, the effect control CPU 101 displays a power failure recovery in-progress screen (first recovery screen) indicating that the power failure has been recovered on the variable display device 9a (see FIG. 42C). ), A power failure recovery screen (second recovery screen) indicating that the power failure is recovered is displayed on the variable display device 9b (see FIG. 42D). Further, the first decoration restoration flag is set (see step S623), and the second decoration restoration flag is set (see step S625). In addition, since the storage contents of the backup RAM are saved, the first special symbol changing process in the first special symbol process is performed according to the value of the first special symbol process flag formed in the RAM (see FIG. 19). ) Is executed. Also, since the value of the first variation time timer formed in the RAM should have been stored, measurement of the variation time is continued in the first special symbol variation processing (see step S121). Further, in accordance with the value of the second special symbol process flag formed in the RAM, the second special symbol variation processing in the second special symbol process (the processing corresponding to the first special symbol variation processing shown in FIG. 19). ) Is executed. Also, since the value of the second variation time timer formed in the RAM should have been stored, the measurement of the variation time is continued in the second special symbol variation process (see step S121. To be precise, step Process in the second special symbol changing process corresponding to the process of S121).

  Upon receiving the power failure recovery display designation command, the effect control CPU 101 displays a power failure recovery in-progress screen (first recovery screen) indicating that the power failure has been recovered on the variable display device 9a (see FIG. 42C). ), The first decoration restoration flag is set (see step S623). Further, a power failure recovery screen (second recovery screen) indicating that the power failure is recovered is displayed on the variable display device 9b (see FIG. 42D), and a second decoration recovery flag is set (step S625). reference).

  Next, the CPU 56 confirms that the first special symbol and the second special symbol are changing when the power is turned off (see step S202), and transmits the first display that was transmitted when the variable display that was executed when the power was turned off was started. The first display result designation command and the second display result designation command are transmitted again (see steps S205 and S206), and the first changing recovery flag is set (see step S207). When receiving the first display result designation command and the second display result designation command, the effect control CPU 101 displays the display results of the first decorative symbol and the second decorative symbol indicated by the first display result designation command and the second display result designation command. (See steps S618, S619, S620, S621).

  Further, the CPU 56 shifts to a state in which the first off symbol stop processing is executed when the fluctuation time of the restored first special symbol has ended (when the determination in step S122 becomes Y), and the first off symbol design is executed. In the stop process, since the second fluctuation recovery flag is not set, the first customer waiting demonstration display designation command is not transmitted (see step S131).

  Then, the process proceeds to the first special symbol normal process, and since the first start winning memory number is not 0, the process proceeds to the first special symbol stop symbol setting process (see FIG. 17), and further the first variation pattern setting process (see FIG. 18), in the first variation pattern setting process, the first variation pattern command is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S92).

  When receiving the first variation pattern command (see step S614), the effect control CPU 101 displays the first initial appearance on the variable display device 9a because the first decoration restoration flag is set (step S614). S615a, S615b, see FIG. 42G), the first initial appearance display measurement timer is started (see step S615c). The first initial appearance is assumed to be the same “1, 2, 3” as the second initial appearance. The first initial appearance may be a different pattern from the second initial appearance. Then, when a predetermined period (for example, t seconds) elapses and the first initial appearance display measurement timer times out (see step S816), the effect control CPU 101 displays the first demonstration screen on the variable display device 9a (see FIG. 42 (J)). That is, after the first initial appearance is displayed on the variable display device 9a for a predetermined period (for example, t seconds), the first demonstration screen is displayed.

  When the predetermined period has elapsed, the process proceeds to steps S812, S814, and S815 in the first decorative symbol normal process, and the variable display of the second decorative symbol is started (see FIG. 42I).

  In addition, the CPU 56 executes the second special symbol for executing the process corresponding to the process of step S122, when the fluctuation time of the restored second special symbol is completed (when the determination in step S122 is Y). In the process of changing symbols), the state shifts to the state of executing the second off symbol stop process. In the second off symbol stopping process, the first in-fluctuation recovery flag is set. (Refer to step S131. To be exact, in the second off-set symbol stop process for executing the process corresponding to the process of step S131).

  When receiving the second customer waiting demonstration display designation command (see step S633), the effect control CPU 101 displays the second initial appearance on the variable display device 9b because the second decoration restoration flag is set ( Step S636, FIG. 42 (see F)), the second initial appearance display measurement timer is started (see step S637). Here, it is assumed that the second initial appearance is “1, 2, 3”. Then, the CPU 101 for effect control displays the second demonstration screen on the variable display device 9b when the second initial appearance display measurement timer times out after a lapse of a predetermined period (for example, t seconds) (processing in steps S816 and S817). In the first effect control process control corresponding to (see FIG. 42H). That is, after the second initial appearance is displayed on the variable display device 9b for a predetermined period (for example, t seconds), the second demonstration screen is displayed.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, if a common power failure recovery display designation command is transmitted to a plurality of variable display devices 9a, 9b, in a gaming machine equipped with a plurality of variable display devices The types of commands transmitted from the game control means to the display control means when the power supply is restored can be reduced by sharing the commands as much as possible, and the control burden on the game control means can be reduced. That is, it is only necessary to transmit one power failure recovery display designation command with a common function without separately transmitting the first power failure recovery display designation command and the second power failure recovery display designation command. The effect that the control burden of a control means can be reduced can be acquired.

  51 and 52 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of variable display of decorative symbols on the variable display device 9a and the variable display device 9b. In each of the above-described embodiments, it is possible to display the decorative symbols in parallel on the two variable display devices, the variable display device 9a and the variable display device 9b. In FIG. 51 and FIG. 52, the display state transitions in numerical order as (1) (2) (3). In FIGS. 51 and 52, an arrow as a decorative design indicates that the decorative design is changing.

  In FIG. 51, at the time of (1), the variable display devices 9a and 9b are executing the variable display of the first decorative symbol and the second decorative symbol in parallel. As shown in (2), the variable display (fluctuation) of the first decorative symbol on the variable display device 9a ends before the variable display of the second decorative symbol on the variable display device 9b, and a stop symbol (out of symbol) is generated. Derived and displayed. When the stop symbol of the first decorative symbol is derived and displayed on the variable display device 9a, the variable display of the first decorative symbol can be started, so the CPU 56 performs a big hit determination for the next variable display (step S67). ). Assume that the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot.

  Thereafter, an example is shown in which the variable display of the second decorative symbol on the variable display device 9b is finished and a new variable display is started ((3), (4)). In addition, an example in which a notice effect is executed during variable display of the second decorative symbol on the variable display device 9b is shown ((5)).

  At the time of (9), the variable display of the first decorative symbol on the variable display device 9a is completed, and the big hit symbol is derived and displayed. At that time, the variable display of the second decorative symbols on the variable display device 9b is interrupted (see steps S841 to S844 in FIG. 38). In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 interrupts the measurement of the passage of the special symbol variable display time (see steps S314 to S316 in FIG. 10), and the effect control microcomputer 100 passes the decoration symbol variable display time. (See steps S841 to S844 in FIG. 38. That is, the process of step S852 is not executed). The interruption of the variable display continues until the first big hit game ends ((9) to (12)). When the first big hit game ends, the variable display of the second decorative symbol on the variable display device 9b is resumed (see steps S317 and S318 in FIG. 10 and steps S848 to S850 in FIG. 38). Further, when the variable display of the second decorative symbol is interrupted, the variable display device 9b displays the stop symbol, and the variable symbol (fluctuation) is only interrupted, and the stop symbol is derived and displayed. The notification display indicating that it is not necessarily performed is made (see (10) to (12), steps S844 and S845).

  As described above, when the variable display of the identification information is performed using a plurality of display devices (for example, the first special symbol indicators 8a and 8b or the variable display devices 9a and 9b), one of the display devices (for example, the first special symbol display device 8a and 8b). When the big hit game effect is being executed on the symbol display 8a, the variable display device 9a), the execution period of the variable display on the other display device (for example, the second special symbol display 8b, the variable display device 9b) is measured. It is configured to be interrupted. That is, when the second big hit game is being executed in the first special symbol process, the CPU 56 does not execute the processes of steps S300 to S309, and as a result, the value of the first variation time timer is not updated. The first interruption designation command is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 (see steps S314 to S316). Further, the production control microcomputer 100 prevents the value of the variable time timer from being updated in response to receiving the first interruption designation command (steps S841 to S845).

  By performing such control, even if the variable display that is a big hit is executed on one display device, the variable display on the other display device can be started without delay. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from predicting that the display result of the other display device can be predicted by deriving and displaying the jackpot display result on one display device, and to improve the interest of the game. Can do.

  Also, while the specific gaming state based on the specific display result being derived and displayed on one display device (for example, the first special symbol display device 8a, the variable display device 9a), the other display device (for example, the first display device) 2 Special symbol display 8b and variable display device 9b) are configured to stop and display the identification information in a display mode other than the specific display result (for example, out of symbol), so that the specific gaming state continues. It is possible to prevent the specific display result from being stopped and displayed on the other display device, to match the variable display, and to prevent misunderstanding of the player.

  In each of the above embodiments, when the jackpot display result is derived and displayed on one special symbol display (for example, the first special symbol display 8a), the other special symbol display (for example, the second special symbol) is displayed. Since the variable display of the special symbol on the display unit 8b) is interrupted, the jackpot display result is derived and displayed at the same time on a plurality of special symbol displays, and the jackpot is generated at a plurality of locations. Can be prevented.

  In each of the above embodiments, when the measurement of the variable display time for the special symbol and the decorative symbol is interrupted, the variable display of the decorative symbol is interrupted (for example, the off symbol is stopped and displayed). However, the variable display of the special symbol is continued (the change of the special symbol is not interrupted only by executing the processing of steps S314 to S316). However, when the variable display time measurement of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is interrupted, the variable symbol variable display may also be interrupted.

  On the contrary, when the measurement of the variable display time for the special symbol and the decorative symbol is interrupted, the variable display of the decorative symbol may be continued. In that case, in the first decorative symbol variation processing (see FIG. 38), the processing in steps S844 and S850 may not be executed.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the first special symbol reservation storage indicator 18a and the second first special symbol reservation storage indicator 18b are controlled by the CPU 56, but the first special symbol reservation storage indicator 18a and You may comprise so that the CPU 101 for presentation control may control the 2nd 1st special symbol reservation memory | storage display 18b.

  FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the first special symbol storage memory display 18a is provided on a part of the screen of the variable display device 9a. In addition, the 2nd special symbol reservation memory | storage display 18b is provided in a part of screen of the variable display apparatus 9b.

  FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing the start winning memory display control process (step S708) in the main process executed by the effect control CPU 101 shown in FIG. In the start winning memory display control process, the effect control CPU 101, when receiving the first start winning memory designation command (step S901), variably displays information representing the first start winning memory number indicated by the EXT data of the command. It displays on the 1st special symbol reservation memory | storage display 18a provided as a part of screen of the apparatus 9a (step S902). When the second start winning memory designation command is received (step S903), information representing the second starting winning memory number indicated by the EXT data of the command is provided as a part of the screen of the variable display device 9b. It displays on the 2nd special symbol reservation memory indicator 18b (step S904).

  By executing such control, the number of reserved memories can be displayed when the power failure recovery display is being made, and the player can be given a sense of security that the start winning memory has not been lost. Even when the CPU 56 controls the first special symbol hold memory indicator 18a and the second first special symbol hold memory indicator 18b, the start winning memory number is displayed when the power supply is resumed. May be.

  In each of the above embodiments, the game control means controls the plurality of first special symbol indicators 8a, 8b, and the effect control means controls the plurality of variable display devices 9a, 9b, and the game control means In addition to transmitting a variation pattern command and a display result designation command indicating a determination result of prior determination such as whether or not a big hit, to the presentation control means, the presentation control means decorates based on the received variation pattern command and the display result designation command. Since the design variation pattern is determined and the decorative design is sequentially displayed in accordance with the determined variation pattern, a plurality of display devices are provided for each of the special design and the decorative design without increasing the control load of the game control means. The variable display used can be performed, and many variations can be produced.

  Specifically, the game control means does not need to determine the whole variation pattern of the decorative symbol, and does not need to be involved in all the variation states such as the stop timing of the decorative symbol. For this reason, the control burden of the game control means relating to the decorative display variation display is reduced.

  In addition, since the game control means does not determine the overall decoration pattern variation mode, various data (tables, programs, etc.) used to determine the decoration pattern variation pattern are stored in the storage medium of the main board 31. There is no need. In pachinko gaming machines, from the viewpoint of fraud prevention, a microcomputer that determines a big hit has a limited storage capacity so that rewriting of a program can be easily discriminated. On the other hand, the production control board 80 has no such limitation. For this reason, the decoration control pattern can be determined by the effect control means, so that many variations of effects can be performed.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the big hit determination random number update process is executed between the first special symbol process process and the second special symbol process process in which the big hit determination random number extraction process is executed. You may comprise so that a 1st special symbol process process and a 2nd special symbol process process may be alternately performed by each timer interruption process. In other words, the timer interrupt process that executes only the first special symbol process and the timer interrupt process that executes only the second special symbol process are alternately performed each time a timer interrupt occurs. May be. If comprised as mentioned above, it can prevent that the random number determination random number extraction process is executed in both the first special symbol process and the second special symbol process in one timer interrupt process. It is possible to prevent the extracted values from being synchronized between the first special symbol process and the second special symbol process. Therefore, even if the first special symbol process process and the second special symbol process process use a random counter for generating one big hit determination random number in common, it is possible to prevent synchronization. Can ensure fairness.

  In each embodiment described above, the decorative symbols are variably displayed on each of the two variable display devices 9a and 9b. However, each variable display has two display areas for performing variable display of the decorative symbols. An apparatus may be provided.

  In each of the above embodiments, the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31 is changed from the game control microcomputer 100 mounted with the effect control microcomputer 100 for controlling the variable display devices 9a and 9b. Although the effect control command is transmitted, the effect control command is transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31 to the board on which the microcomputer for controlling the light emitter and the sound generating means is mounted. An effect control command may be transmitted from the computer to the effect control board 80 on which the effect control microcomputer 100 that controls the variable display devices 9a and 9b is mounted.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine of each of the above embodiments has a predetermined game value mainly when a stop symbol of a special symbol variably displayed on the variable display devices 9a and 9b based on a start winning combination is a combination of a predetermined symbol. Although it was a pachinko gaming machine that can be given to a player, it is predetermined if there is a prize for a predetermined electric accessory that is released when the symbol of the symbol that is variably displayed based on the start winning combination becomes a combination of the predetermined symbols The present invention can be applied even to a pachinko gaming machine in which the right is generated or continued.

  The present invention is applicable to a game such as a pachinko gaming machine, and in particular, a gaming machine provided with a plurality of display devices so as to restore a control state when power supply is stopped when power supply is started. It can be applied to configured gaming machines.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is the rear view which looked at the gaming machine from the back. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a power supply board. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the stop symbol of a special symbol, and a game state. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol process process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern. FIG. 38E illustrates an effect control command signal line. It is a timing diagram showing the relationship between an 8-bit control signal and an INT signal constituting a control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st start port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol stop symbol setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st deviation symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st big hit symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st big hit display process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a display control process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol display control process. It is a flowchart which shows a power-off process. It is a flowchart which shows a power-off process. It is a flowchart which shows a game state restoration process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU for production control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st effect control process process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st decoration design normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st decoration design variation pattern determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st decoration design change start process. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st decoration design change process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st decoration symbol stop process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the variable display timing of a special symbol and a decoration symbol. It is a timing diagram which shows the example of a display state of a variable display apparatus etc. when electric power supply is recovered | restored. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display state of a variable display apparatus etc. when electric power supply is recovered | restored. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows a game state restoration process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of command analysis process. It is a timing diagram which shows the other example of display states, such as a variable display apparatus, when electric power supply is recovered | restored. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the variable display of the decoration symbol in a variable display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the variable display of the decoration symbol in a variable display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example by which the 1st special symbol reservation memory | storage display is provided in a part of screen of the variable display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a start winning memory | storage display control process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display 8b 2nd special symbol display 9a, 9b Variable display device 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU

Claims (6)

A first variable display unit for starting variable display of a plurality of types of identification information based on satisfaction of a variable display start condition after deriving a predetermined variable display execution condition, and deriving and displaying a display result; A specific game state having a second variable display unit, which is advantageous for the player based on the specific display result being derived and displayed on either the first variable display unit or the second variable display unit. A gaming machine to be transferred,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game and transmitting a command for controlling the first variable display section and the second variable display section;
First display control means for controlling the first variable display section to variably display the identification information based on a command transmitted by the game control means;
Second display control means for controlling the second variable display section to variably display the identification information based on a command transmitted by the game control means;
The game control means includes
Backup storage means capable of holding stored contents for a predetermined period even after power supply to the gaming machine is stopped;
The variable storage first hold data, which is included in the backup storage means, the variable display execution condition in the first variable display section is satisfied but the variable display start condition is not yet satisfied, and the second Hold storage means for storing the second hold data of variable display in which the variable display execution condition in the variable display unit is satisfied but the variable display start condition is not yet satisfied;
Pre-determining means for determining display results of the first variable display section and the second variable display section before the derivation display;
Based on the determination result by the prior determination means, the variable display time from the start of the variable display of the identification information in the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit until the display result is derived and displayed. Variable display time determining means for determining;
A variable display time designation command that can specify the variable display time determined by the variable display time determination means and a display result that can specify the display result determined by the prior determination means when the variable display start condition is satisfied Command transmission means for transmitting the result command,
The first display control means displays a display result specified by a display result command based on the fact that the variable display time has elapsed after starting the variable display of the identification information in the first variable display unit. 1st display control execution means which carries out derivation display on 1 variable display part,
The second display control means displays the display result specified by the display result command based on the elapse of the variable display time after starting the variable display of the identification information in the second variable display unit. Second display control execution means for derivation and display on the two variable display units,
The command transmission means includes
When the variable display of the identification information is being executed on the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit, the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, and then the power supply to the gaming machine is started. A first recovery command for displaying on the first variable display section that the power supply has been restored to the state when the power supply is stopped based on the establishment of a predetermined recovery condition; The first display result command that can specify the display result of the variable display executed when the power supply is stopped in the variable display unit, and the state when the power supply is stopped to the second variable display unit is restored. A second recovery command for displaying the information, and a second display result command capable of specifying the display result of the variable display that was executed when the power supply was stopped in the second variable display unit,
After the power supply is started, when the first hold data is stored in the hold storage means and the second hold data is not stored in the hold storage means, the variable display variable in the first variable display section The variable display time designation command is transmitted on the condition that the display time has passed, and the variable display time is changed over a predetermined period on the condition that the variable display time of the variable display in the second variable display unit has passed. Transmitting a demonstration display designation command for displaying the demonstration display displayed when the execution condition is not satisfied on the second variable display section;
The first display control execution means includes
First recovery display execution means for performing a recovery display to restore the state when power supply to the first variable display unit is stopped when the first recovery command is transmitted by the command transmission means;
If the first display result command transmitted after power supply is started does not indicate a specific display result, the first variable display unit is predetermined when the variable display time designation command is transmitted. First initial display executing means for performing the first initial display,
The second display control execution means includes
Second recovery display executing means for performing the recovery display on the second variable display section when the second recovery command is transmitted by the command transmitting means;
A second initial display executing means for performing a second initial display predetermined in the second variable display section when power supply is started and the demonstration display designation command is transmitted by the command transmitting means;
An elapsed time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from when the demonstration display designation command is transmitted by the command transmitting means;
When a predetermined time is measured by the elapsed time measuring means, a demonstration display executing means for performing a demonstration display,
Until the display result is derived and displayed on the second variable display section by the second display control execution means based on the fact that the pre-deciding means decides that the display result of the variable display is the specific display result And a forced non-specific display result determining means for determining that the display result of the variable display of the identification information of the first variable display unit is not the specific display result during the specific period. Command sending means
When the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped when the variable display of the identification information is executed in the first variable display unit and the second variable display, and then the power supply to the gaming machine is started 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first recovery command and the second recovery command are transmitted based on a predetermined recovery condition being satisfied. The first variable display for starting the variable display of a plurality of types of identification information based on the satisfaction of the variable display start condition and deriving and displaying the display result after the predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied. Specific game advantageous to the player based on the fact that the specific display result is derived and displayed on either the first variable display unit or the second variable display unit. A gaming machine that is brought into a state,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game and transmitting a command for controlling the first variable display section and the second variable display section;
First display control means for controlling the first variable display section to variably display the identification information based on a command transmitted by the game control means;
Second display control means for controlling the second variable display section to variably display the identification information based on a command transmitted by the game control means;
The game control means includes
Backup storage means capable of holding stored contents for a predetermined period even after power supply to the gaming machine is stopped;
The variable storage first hold data, which is included in the backup storage means, the variable display execution condition in the first variable display section is satisfied but the variable display start condition is not yet satisfied, and the second Hold storage means for storing the second hold data of variable display in which the variable display execution condition in the variable display unit is satisfied but the variable display start condition is not yet satisfied;
Pre-determining means for determining display results of the first variable display section and the second variable display section before the derivation display;
Based on the determination result by the prior determination means, the variable display time from the start of the variable display of the identification information in the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit until the display result is derived and displayed. Variable display time determining means for determining;
A variable display time designation command that can specify the variable display time determined by the variable display time determination means and a display result that can specify the display result determined by the prior determination means when the variable display start condition is satisfied Command transmission means for transmitting the result command,
The first display control means displays a display result specified by a display result command based on the fact that the variable display time has elapsed after starting the variable display of the identification information in the first variable display unit. 1st display control execution means which carries out derivation display on 1 variable display part,
The second display control means displays the display result specified by the display result command based on the elapse of the variable display time after starting the variable display of the identification information in the second variable display unit. Second display control execution means for derivation and display on the two variable display units,
The command transmission means includes
When the variable display of the identification information is being executed on the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit, the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, and then the power supply to the gaming machine is started. Recovery for displaying that the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit are restored to the state when power supply is stopped based on the fact that a predetermined recovery condition has been established. A command, a first display result command capable of specifying a display result of variable display executed when power supply is stopped in the first variable display section, and power supply stop in the second variable display section A second display result command that can identify the display result of the variable display that was being executed
After the power supply is started, when the first hold data is stored in the hold storage means and the second hold data is not stored in the hold storage means, the variable display variable in the first variable display section The variable display time designation command is transmitted on the condition that the display time has passed, and the variable display time is changed over a predetermined period on the condition that the variable display time of the variable display in the second variable display unit has passed. Transmitting a demonstration display designation command for displaying the demonstration display displayed when the execution condition is not satisfied on the second variable display section;
The first display control execution means includes
A first recovery display executing means for performing a recovery display to restore the state when power supply is stopped to the first variable display section when the recovery command is transmitted by the command transmitting means;
If the first display result command transmitted after power supply is started does not indicate a specific display result, the first variable display unit is predetermined when the variable display time designation command is transmitted. First initial display executing means for performing the first initial display,
The second display control execution means includes
Second recovery display executing means for performing the recovery display on the second variable display section when the recovery command is transmitted by the command transmitting means;
A second initial display executing means for performing a second initial display predetermined in the second variable display section when power supply is started and the demonstration display designation command is transmitted by the command transmitting means;
An elapsed time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from when the demonstration display designation command is transmitted by the command transmitting means;
When a predetermined time is measured by the elapsed time measuring means, a demonstration display executing means for performing a demonstration display,
Until the display result is derived and displayed on the second variable display section by the second display control execution means based on the fact that the pre-deciding means decides that the display result of the variable display is the specific display result And a forced non-specific display result determining means for determining that the display result of the variable display of the identification information of the first variable display unit is not the specific display result during the specific period. Variable display time measuring means for measuring the variable display time of the identification information in the first variable display unit;
Variable display time determination means for determining whether or not the variable display time measured by the variable display time measurement means has reached the variable display time determined by the variable display time determination means;
During execution of variable display of identification information on the first variable display unit by the first display control unit, a specific display result is derived and displayed on the second variable display unit by the second display control unit. Sometimes, variable display time measurement interruption means for interrupting the measurement of the variable display time by the variable display time measurement means,
The first display control execution means continues the variable display of the identification information in the first variable display section when the variable display time measurement means interrupts the variable display time measurement by the variable display time measurement interruption means. The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Variable display time measuring means for measuring the variable display time of the identification information in the first variable display unit;
Variable display time determination means for determining whether or not the variable display time measured by the variable display time measurement means has reached the variable display time determined by the variable display time determination means;
During execution of variable display of identification information on the first variable display unit by the first display control unit, a specific display result is derived and displayed on the second variable display unit by the second display control unit. Sometimes, variable display time measurement interruption means for interrupting the measurement of the variable display time by the variable display time measurement means,
When the variable display time measurement means interrupts the variable display time measurement by the variable display time measurement interruption means, the first display control execution means displays a display mode other than the specific display result in the first variable display section. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is stopped and displayed. If the command transmission means stores the variable display hold data for the first variable display section in the hold storage means when the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the number of the hold storage indicating the number of the hold data Send the specified command,
The first display control execution means has information indicating the number of pending data indicated by the pending storage number designation command on the first variable display section in response to the pending transmission number designation command being transmitted by the command transmission means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein display is performed.

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