JP2008043512A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce processing load on a control means for controlling games in the case of performing abnormality judgement for detecting an abnormal winning and abnormality reporting for reporting the abnormal winning. <P>SOLUTION: When detecting the entry of a game ball to a big winning port, a microcomputer 560 for game control transmits a winning detection specifying command to a performance control board 80. When receiving the winning detection specifying command, the microcomputer 100 for performance control confirms whether or not the value of a performance control process flag is a prescribed value or larger and judges the generation of the abnormal winning when it is not the prescribed value or larger. Then, abnormal winning reporting is executed for a prescribed period using a speaker 27 and respective lamps. Also, even in the case that the variation of decorative patterns is started while executing the abnormal winning reporting, the abnormal winning reporting using the speaker 27 and the respective lamps is continued. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes a variable display unit that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information that can be distinguished from each other and derives and displays a display result, and when a specific display result is derived and displayed on the variable display unit, The present invention relates to a gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state in which a game medium can be won in an area, and pays out a prize game medium as a prize based on the winning of the game medium in a prize area.

  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. Furthermore, a variable display device capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, which is advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display of the identification information in the variable display device becomes a specific display result. Some are configured to be controllable to a specific gaming state.

  The specific game state means a state advantageous for a player who is given a predetermined game value. Specifically, the specific game state is, for example, a state in which a special variable winning device is advantageous for a player who is likely to win a ball (a big hit game state), or a state in which a right to be advantageous for a player has occurred. In this state, a predetermined game value such as a state where conditions for paying out premium game media are easily established is given.

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

  In addition, there is such a gaming machine that is configured to notify an abnormality using a lamp or a speaker when an abnormal winning in a big winning opening is detected (for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred when the winning detection switch in the big winning opening detects a winning when the big winning opening is in a closed state or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the closing of the big winning opening. It is described that abnormality notification is performed. Moreover, in patent document 1, the abnormality determination which detects abnormal winning, and the process of abnormality notification which alert | reports abnormal winning are performed using one control apparatus (microcomputer).

JP-A-5-228243 (paragraphs 0125-0135, FIGS. 29 and 30)

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when a winning of a game ball to the big prize opening is detected at a time other than during the opening period of the big prize opening, it can be determined as an abnormal prize and an abnormality notification can be performed. . However, since processing for abnormality determination and abnormality notification is performed using a control device that performs game control, the processing burden on the control device that performs game control is large.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the processing load of the control means for performing game control in the case of performing abnormality determination for detecting abnormal winning and abnormality notification for notifying abnormal winning.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a variable display unit (for example, a variable display device 9) that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, decorative symbols) that can be identified, and displays and displays a display result. When a specific display result (for example, a jackpot symbol) is derived and displayed on the display unit, the game state (for example, a game) is shifted to a specific game state (for example, a jackpot game state) and in a winning area (for example, a jackpot). A game machine that pays out a prize game medium (for example, a game ball) as a prize based on the winning of a ball), in an open state in which the game medium can win in a predetermined prize area and a game in the predetermined prize area A variable winning device (for example, the special variable winning device 20) that can be changed to a closed state where the medium cannot be won, and a winning detection signal (for example, a counts game) by detecting that the game medium has won in a predetermined winning area. A winning detection means (for example, a count switch 23) that outputs an ON signal output from the switch 23, and a winning detection signal from the winning detection means are input to execute a game control process for controlling the progress of the game, Game control means (for example, game control) for transmitting effect control commands for controlling electric parts (for example, variable display device 9, speaker 27, lamps 25, 28a, 28b, 28c) provided in the machine And an effect control means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100) for executing effect control processing for controlling the electric parts for effect in response to the effect control command transmitted by the game control means, The game control means, in response to the input of the winning detection signal, detects winning that indicates that the game medium has been won in a predetermined winning area. A winning detection command transmission means (for example, a part for executing step S114 in the game control microcomputer 560) for transmitting a command (for example, a winning detection designation command) to the effect control means as an effect control command, and identification information of the variable display section Advance determination means (for example, steps S1509, S1510, S1513, and S1514 in the game control microcomputer 560) for determining whether or not the display result of the variable display is a specific display result (for example, whether or not to make a big hit) A game state transition means (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560) that transitions the gaming state to the specific gaming state when it is determined by the predetermining means that the display result of the variable display is to be the specific display result. Unit for executing steps S1313 and S1316 Minute) and variable winning device opening / closing means (for example, steps S408, S431, and S1405 in the gaming control microcomputer 560) for opening and closing the variable winning device when the gaming state is shifted to the specific gaming state by the gaming state shifting means. , S1429 and S1432), and the effect control means performs variable display of the identification information of the variable display section based on the determination result of the prior determination means, and derives and displays the display result on the variable display section. Variable display executing means (for example, a portion of steps S824 to S829, S1842 to S1851 and S1872 in the production control microcomputer 100) and a winning detection command when the gaming state is not shifted to the specific gaming state Then, an abnormality occurred in the winning state of the game media in the winning area. Abnormality notification means (for example, a part that executes step S1664 in the production control microcomputer 100) that performs abnormality notification (for example, abnormal winning notification) that is shown, the abnormality notification means is variable display unit by the variable display execution means Even when the variable display of the identification information is executed, the abnormality notification is continued until the abnormality notification execution time (for example, 30 seconds), which is the execution time of the abnormality notification, elapses (for example, the production control microcomputer) 100 is characterized in that the processing of step S1664 is executed without resetting the abnormal winning flag until the abnormal winning notification period measuring timer times out in step S1666.

  The effect control means includes a reception number counting means (for example, a part for executing step S1903 in the effect control microcomputer 100) for counting the number of times the winning detection command is received from the game control means, and the gaming state shifts to the specific gaming state. The number of times of reception of the winning detection command counted by the number of times of reception counting means is displayed as the number of winnings of the game medium in the winning area (for example, the number of winning counts) (for example, for effect control) The microcomputer 100 may be configured to execute step S1906 and display the winning count number on the variable display device 9).

  The gaming machine is a special game in which the display result of the variable display of the identification information is likely to be the specific display result after the specific game state is ended when the special display result is derived and displayed on the variable display unit, compared to the normal state. A gaming machine that shifts to a state (for example, a probable change state), wherein the predetermining means determines whether or not the variable display of the identification information of the variable display unit is to be a specific display result, and the identification information of the variable display unit It is determined whether or not the variable display is to be a special display result (for example, a probable variation symbol) (for example, a part for executing step S1519 in the game control microcomputer 560). Based on the variable display time determining means for determining the variable display time from the start of the variable display of the identification information in the variable display unit to the display of the display result. A portion for executing steps S203 and S206 in the control microcomputer 560) and a variable display command (for example, variation pattern commands 8000 (H) to 800A (H) capable of specifying the variable display time determined by the variable display time determination means. ) Is transmitted to the effect control board as an effect control command (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the change pattern command in the effect symbol change pattern buffer in step S207, and executes step S28) ) And display result command transmitting means (for example, display result commands 8C00 (H) to 8C04 (H)) that can specify the determination result by the predetermining means to the effect control board (for example, display result commands 8C00 (H) to 8C04 (H)). , My for game control The computer 560 includes a step of setting the effect designation value in the effect symbol information buffer in steps S1522, S1525, S1526, S1531, and S1532, and executing step S28). Based on the result command, variable display of the identification information of the variable display unit is executed, and based on the elapse of the variable display time, the display result is derived and displayed on the variable display unit (for example, the production control microcomputer 100 has (Steps S824 to S829, S1842 to S1852, and S1872 are executed based on the variation pattern command and the display result command), and the variable display command transmission means uses the predetermination means to identify the identification information of the variable display section as the variable display command. Specific display results of variable display results And a special display variable display command (for example, command 8007 (H)) that can be determined to be a special display result and a display result of variable display of identification information of the variable display unit by a predetermining unit. Non-special display variable display command (for example, command 8008 (H)) that can specify that it is determined not to be a special display result but a special display result, and variable display of identification information of the variable display unit by a pre-determining unit The specific display variable display command (for example, commands 8004 (H) to 8006 (H)) that can only specify that the display result is determined as the specific display result, or the identification information of the variable display unit by the predetermining means The variable display command for non-specific display that can specify that the display result of the variable display is determined not to be the specific display result (for example, Any one of commands 8000 (H) to 8003 (H)) is transmitted, and the variable display execution means specifically displays the variable display display result of the variable display unit identification information by the specific display variable display command and the predetermining means. When a display result command (for example, command 8C02 (H)) that can be specified to be determined as a result and to be determined as a special display result is received, based on the fact that the variable display time has elapsed, The special display result is derived and displayed on the variable display unit, and when the variable display command for special display (for example, command 8007 (H)) is received, the special display result is variably displayed based on the fact that the variable display time has elapsed. Special display result derivation display means for derivation display on the part (for example, the probability change selected by the production control microcomputer 100 in step S1812) The probability variation symbol determined in step S1813 using the jackpot symbol determination table, or the probability variation symbol determined in step S1840 using the probability variation jackpot symbol determination table selected in step S1838 is stopped and displayed in step S1872); A display result command that can be specified by the variable display command for specific display and the display result of the variable display of the identification information of the variable display unit to be the specific display result and determined not to be the special display result by the predetermining means (For example, when command 8C01 (H)) is received, based on the fact that the variable display time has elapsed, the specific display result does not indicate that the transition to the special game state is made after the specific game state ends. Non-special display results (for example, non-probable variable symbols) are derived and displayed on the variable display section for non-special display When a variable display command (for example, command 8008 (H)) is received, non-special display result derivation display means (for example, a non-special display result is displayed on the variable display unit based on the passage of the variable display time) The production control microcomputer 100 uses the normal jackpot symbol determination table selected in step S1809 and the non-probable variation symbol determined in step S1813 or the normal time jackpot symbol determination table selected in step S1839. The variable display time has elapsed when a non-probable variable symbol determined in S1840 is stopped and displayed in step S1872 and a non-specific display variable display command (for example, commands 8000 (H) to 8003 (H)). Display results other than the specific display result (for example, outliers Non-specific display result derivation display means for derivation and display on the variable display section (for example, the part in which the production control microcomputer 100 stops displaying in step S1872 the off symbol determined in step S1805), and the variable display command for specific display Is received, but the display result command is not received, the non-reception non-special display result derivation display means for deriving and displaying the non-special display result on the variable display unit based on the elapse of the variable display time (for example, When the production control microcomputer 100 determines Y in step S1833, the non-probable variation determined in step S1840 using the normal big hit symbol determination table selected in step S1839 is stopped and displayed in step S1872 ) May be included.

  The effect control means includes variable display time determination means for determining whether or not the variable display time specified by the variable display command has elapsed (for example, the part that executes step S1842 in the effect control microcomputer 100), and is variable. When the variable display time determination unit determines that the variable display time has elapsed, the display execution unit derives and displays the display result on the variable display unit (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 determines Y in step S1842). When it is determined, the process may be configured to execute step S1872 after moving to step S1851.

  The effect control means executes the effect control process according to the value of the effect progress data (for example, the effect control process flag) indicating the progress state of the effect control process, and the value of the effect progress data according to the progress state of the effect control process. Effect progress data setting means (for example, a portion for executing steps S1822, S829, S1851, S1875, S1882, S902c, S911, S1914, S1986, S1981, S979 in the effect control microcomputer 100) and a winning detection command When the game state is received, based on the value of the effect progress data set by the effect progress data setting means, the game state determining means (determining whether or not the game state has been transferred to the specific game state by the game state transferring means ( For example, in the production control microcomputer 100 The abnormality notification means executes abnormality notification when the gaming state determination means determines that the gaming state has not been shifted to the specific gaming state (for example, for effect control) The microcomputer 100 is configured to set an abnormal winning flag in step S1636 when it is determined to be N in step S1635, and execute step S1664 based on the abnormal winning flag being set in step S1663). May be.

  The effect progress data setting means sets a value (for example, 0 to 3) smaller than a predetermined value (for example, 4) to the effect progress data (for example, the effect control process flag) when the game effect corresponding to the specific game state is not executed. When a game effect corresponding to a specific game state is being executed, a value greater than a predetermined value (eg, 4 to 7) is set in the effect progress data, and the game state determination means is set by the effect progress data setting means It is determined whether or not the gaming state has been shifted to the specific gaming state by the gaming state transition means by determining whether or not the value of the rendered performance progress data is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, the rendering control micro In step S1635, the computer 100 determines whether the value of the effect control process flag is abnormal by a predetermined value (for example, 4), thereby determining the gaming state. Jackpot determines whether migrated to the playing state) may be configured so.

  The game control means initializes the storage contents of the game control storage means (for example, the power-backed RAM 55) for storing data indicating the progress of the game (for example, special symbol process flag) and the game control storage means. Initialization means (for example, a part for executing steps S10 to S12 in the game control microcomputer 560), and an initialization command (notifying that when initialization processing is performed by the initialization means) ( For example, an initialization command transmission means (for example, a part for executing step S14 in the game control microcomputer 560) that transmits an initialization command 9000 (H)) as an effect control command to the effect control means, Controls the electrical parts for production in response to receiving the initialization command. Including initialization notification means (for example, a part for executing step S1652 in the production control microcomputer 100) that performs initialization notification indicating that the initialization processing has been performed by the means, and the initialization notification means Prioritizing the abnormality notification by the means, the initialization notification is executed (for example, the production control microcomputer 100 executes step S1651 before the processing of steps S1663 to S1667, and the initialization flag is set). Step S1652 may be executed).

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the effect control means receives a winning detection command when the gaming state is not shifted to the specific gaming state, an abnormality has occurred in the winning state of the game medium in the winning area. Therefore, it is possible to detect and notify that an abnormal winning of a game medium in the winning area has occurred without increasing the control burden of the game control means. can do. Further, even when the abnormality notification unit is executing variable display of the identification information of the variable display unit by the variable display execution unit, the abnormality notification is performed until the abnormality notification execution time that is the execution time of the abnormality notification has passed. Since it is configured to continue, even if the variable display of the identification information is started immediately after the abnormality notification is started, it is surely notified that the abnormal winning of the game medium in the winning area has occurred. be able to.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the effect control means uses the number of receptions of the winning detection command counted by the reception number counting means when the gaming state is shifted to the specific gaming state as a game medium to the winning area. Since it is configured to include a winning number display means for displaying the number of winnings of the game medium, it is detected that the winning of the game medium in the gaming area is detected in the winning detection command and the number of winnings of the gaming medium in the winning area is displayed. It can have two meanings of designating the update. Therefore, it is not necessary for the game control means to transmit an effect control command (for example, a command for designating 10-count display during each round during a big hit game) that designates updating of the display of the number of winnings of game media in the winning area. The number of commands transmitted by the game control means can be reduced.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the variable display execution means has received the variable display command for specific display but failed to receive the display result command, the variable display execution means can perform variable display based on the elapse of the variable display time. Since it is configured to include non-special display result derivation display means at the time of non-reception that derives and displays the non-special display result in the part, even if the production control means cannot receive the display result command correctly, at least Whether the display result of the variable display is the specific display result can be recognized, the display result of the variable display can be recognized by the player, and the player can be prevented from being disadvantaged more than necessary. . Further, the effect control means can determine whether or not the specific display result is based on one command. Therefore, the number of commands to be transmitted by the game control means can be reduced, and the control burden on the game control means can be reduced.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the effect control means includes variable display time determination means for determining whether or not the variable display time specified by the variable display command has elapsed, and the variable display execution means includes variable display. When the time determination means determines that the variable display time has elapsed, the display result is derived and displayed on the variable display unit, so that the variable display is stopped when the variable display time has elapsed. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the need for the game control means to transmit a confirmation command for confirming the display result of the variable display, thereby reducing the control burden on the game control means.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the effect control means receives the winning detection command, the game state is changed by the game state transition means based on the value of the effect progress data set by the effect progress data setting means. It includes a gaming state determination unit that determines whether or not the game state has been changed to a specific gaming state, and the abnormality notification unit notifies the abnormality when the gaming state determination unit determines that the gaming state has not been transferred to the specific gaming state. Since it is configured to execute, it is possible to determine whether or not the gaming state has been shifted to the specific gaming state only by checking the value of the effect progress data. Therefore, it can be determined by a simple process whether or not the gaming state is shifted to the specific gaming state.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the effect progress data setting means does not execute the game effect corresponding to the specific game state, the effect progress data is set to a value smaller than the predetermined value, and corresponds to the specific game state. When a game effect is being executed, a value greater than or equal to a predetermined value is set in the effect progress data, and the game state determination means determines whether or not the value of the effect progress data set by the effect progress data setting means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. By determining whether or not the game state has been transferred to the specific game state by the game state transfer means, in the effect control process according to the type of the specific game state to be transferred Even when different processing is performed or when different processing is performed in the effect control processing according to the state after the transition to the specific gaming state, the gaming state is the specific gaming state. Whether it has been migrated it can be determined by simple processing.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the initialization notification means is configured to execute the initialization notification in preference to the abnormality notification by the abnormality notification means. Even if it is a case where it detects, initialization notification can be performed reliably.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

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

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (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, there are provided an extra ball receiving tray (lower plate) 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing game balls. . A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. In addition, a game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6 in which a game ball that has been struck can flow down.

  Near the center of the game area 7 variably display and display a plurality of types of decorative patterns for presentation that can be identified based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition (for example, a hitting ball has entered the start winning opening 14). A variable display device 9 for deriving and displaying the result is arranged. In this embodiment, the variable display device 9 is composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD), and is configured such that decorative symbols are displayed and controlled in three display areas (decorative symbol display areas) of left, middle, and right. Yes. Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying the display result means that the symbol is stopped and displayed when a predetermined variation time has elapsed since the symbol variation display is started (except for the temporary stop before the so-called re-variation).

  In this embodiment, the symbols “0” to “9” are used as decorative symbols displayed in the three display areas of the variable display device 9. During the variable display (fluctuation) of the decorative symbols, the decorative symbols “0” to “9” are displayed in numerical order.

  A special symbol display (special symbol display device) 8 that variably displays a special symbol as identification information is provided on the variable display device 9. In this embodiment, the special symbol display 8 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers “0” to “99”, for example. The special symbol display 8 may be configured to variably display numbers such as “0” to “9” which are simplified.

  The variable display device 9 performs variable display of a decorative symbol as a symbol for decoration (production) during the variable symbol display period of the special symbol by the special symbol indicator 8. The variable display device 9 that performs variable display of decorative symbols is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. The special symbol display 8 for performing variable display of special symbols is controlled by a game control microcomputer mounted on the game control board.

  At the bottom of the variable display device 9, a special symbol hold memory display comprising four displays for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the start winning opening 14, that is, the number of hold memories (also referred to as start memory or start prize memory). 18 is provided. Every time there is an effective start prize, the display color of one display is changed. Each time the variable display on the special symbol display 8 is started, the display color of one display is restored. In this example, since the special symbol display 8 and the special symbol hold memory display 18 are provided separately, the number of hold memories can be displayed even during variable display. In the display area of the variable display device 9, a special symbol reserved storage display area including four display areas for displaying the number of reserved memories may be provided. Further, in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the number of reserved memories is 4, but the upper limit value may be a larger value. Further, the upper limit value may be changed according to the gaming state.

  Below the variable display device 9, there is provided a start winning opening 14 through which a game ball can be won. The game ball won in the start winning opening 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the start opening switch 14a. The start winning opening 14 is provided with a variable winning ball device 15 that performs an opening / closing operation. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16 (not shown in FIG. 1). When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, it becomes easy for the game ball to win the start winning opening 14 (easy to start winning), which is advantageous for the player.

  A specific game that occurs when a specific display result (a jackpot symbol: for example, a symbol of “00” to “99” other than “-”) is derived and displayed on the special symbol display 8 below the start winning opening 14. A special variable winning device is provided which is opened by the solenoid 21 in the state (big hit game state). It should be noted that different symbols may be displayed on the special symbol display 8 depending on whether the probability big hit or the normal big hit. For example, the special symbol display 8 displays the symbols “40” to “79” when the probability big hit, and the special symbol display 8 displays the symbols “00” to “39” when the big hit is normal. It may be. In addition, the same symbol may be displayed on the special symbol display 8 at the time of the probability big hit and the normal big hit. For example, the symbol “00” to “79” may be displayed on the special symbol display 8 regardless of whether the probability variation big hit or the normal big hit. The special variable winning device 20 includes an opening / closing plate and forms a large winning opening. The game ball that has entered the big prize opening is detected by the count switch 23. In addition, the same symbol (for example, “80” to “99”) may be displayed on the special symbol display 8 for the so-called sudden probability variation big hit and the small hit, or different symbols may be displayed. May be.

  A normal symbol display 10 is provided directly above the variable display device 9. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “◯” and “x”) called normal symbols.

  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, variable display is performed by alternately lighting the left and right lamps (a symbol can be visually recognized when the lamp is lit). For example, if the left lamp is lit when the variable display ends, it is a hit. 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 number of times. That is, the state of the variable winning ball device 15 changes from a disadvantageous state to a player's advantageous state when the normal symbol is a winning symbol. 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 that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time a game ball passes to the gate 32, the normal symbol storage memory 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.

  The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning holes 29, 30, 33, 39, and winning of game balls to the winning holes 29, 30, 33, 39 is performed by winning hole switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, respectively. Detected. Each winning opening 29, 30, 33, 39 constitutes a winning area provided in the game board 6 as an area for accepting game balls and allowing winning. The start winning opening 14 and the big winning opening also constitute a winning area that accepts game balls and allows winning. Decorative lamps 25 flashing and displayed during the game are provided around the left and right of the game area 7 of the game board 6, and there is an out port 26 for taking in a hit ball that has not won a prize. In addition, two speakers 27 that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs 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.

  Also, below the left speaker 27 is provided a prize ball LED 51 that is lit while paying out the prize ball, and below the right speaker 27 is provided a ball break LED 52 that is lit when the supply ball is cut. Yes. 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).

  In the gaming machine, a ball striking device (not shown) that drives a driving motor in response to a player operating the batting operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the driving motor to launch a gaming ball to the gaming area 7. ) Is provided. A game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through a ball striking rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and then descends the game area 7. If the game ball enters the start winning opening 14 and is detected by the start opening switch 14a, the special symbol variable display can be started (for example, the end of the big hit game, the end of the small hit game, or the end of the previous variable display). The special symbol display 8 starts variable display (variation) of the special symbol, and the variable display device 9 starts variable display of the decorative symbol. If the variable symbol special display cannot be started, the reserved memory number for the special symbol storage memory display 18 is increased by one.

  The variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 and the decorative symbol on the variable display device 9 stops when a predetermined time has elapsed. When the stop symbol at the time of the stop becomes a jackpot symbol (specific display result), it shifts to a jackpot gaming state. That is, the game state shifts to a specific game state that is advantageous to the player as compared to a normal state other than the big hit game state. In the specific gaming state (big hit gaming state), the special variable winning device is used until a predetermined time (for example, 29.5 seconds) elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of gaming balls have won the big winning opening. Opened. It should be noted that one round in the big hit gaming state is a period from when the special variable winning device is opened until a predetermined period elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, ten) of hitting balls wins the big winning opening. In this embodiment, for example, in the case of 15 rounds of big hit, the big hit gaming state is continued for 15 rounds.

  The special symbol variable display on the special symbol display unit 8 and the decorative symbol variable display on the variable display device 9 are synchronized. Here, synchronization means that the variable display period is the same. In addition, when the special symbol display 8 stops and displays the jackpot symbol (for example, symbols “00” to “99” other than “-”), the variable display device 9 has the left, right and right decorative symbols aligned. (For example, “222” or “777”) is stopped and displayed. Hereinafter, the stop display in the state in which the left, right, and right decorative symbols are aligned on the variable display device 9 is expressed as a big hit symbol (specific display result) of the decorative symbol is displayed.

  When the variable display device 9 is stopped and displayed in an odd number of left and right decorative symbols (“1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”) (for example, “777”), it is a big hit game In addition to the transition to the state, when the jackpot game state ends, the probability change state (refers to the probability variation state, which means that the jackpot is determined with a higher probability (ratio) than the normal gaming state when the jackpot determination is made, both high probability state and Control). That is, it becomes a more advantageous state for the player in the probability variation state. Further, when the decorative display is stopped and displayed at “123” or “357” on the variable display device 9, a transition to a so-called sudden probability change big hit state or small hit state is made. In this embodiment, the gaming state is shifted to the probability changing state when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied. Specifically, it is determined that the probability is changed internally, and when the symbol change symbol is stopped as a stop symbol at the end of the decorative symbol variation display as described above (an odd number of symbols in the middle left and right are aligned) When the display is stopped and the decoration symbol is “123” or “357”, the transition is made to a certain change state as a predetermined transition condition is satisfied.

  As described above, among the decorative symbols “0” to “9”, an odd number of decorative symbols that cause a probability variation state is referred to as a probability variation symbol, and an even number of decorative symbols that do not cause a probability variation state is referred to as a non-probability variation symbol. . Further, the fact that the variable display device 9 is stopped and displayed in a state where the left, middle and right odd-numbered decorative symbols are aligned is expressed as the probability variation (special display result) of the decorative symbols is displayed.

  In this embodiment, when it is predetermined to make a probable big hit, it shifts to a high probability state and shifts to a high base state (short-time state) that shortens the variation time of special symbols and decorative symbols. To control. In that case, a high base flag may be set separately from the high probability flag, and the variation time may be shortened based on the high base flag. Also, when it is determined in advance that the sudden probability change big hit is made, control is performed so that only the transition to the high probability state is performed and the transition to the high base state is not performed. When changing the gaming state to the probable state, simply changing to a high probability state in which the probability that a special symbol or decorative symbol will be a big hit symbol is increased, the probability that a normal symbol will be a winning symbol, or a variable prize The probability that the normal symbol becomes a winning symbol without changing the state of the opening time and the number of times of opening in the ball device 15 and the change in the state of the opening time and the number of times of opening in the variable winning ball device 15 are high base state (high base flag May be executed on the basis of the fact that the control is performed in a state in which is set.

  For example, in the case of a probabilistic big hit excluding a normal big hit or a sudden probable big hit, the game state is shifted to a high probability state and the game ball is likely to start and win (that is, the special symbol display device 8 and the variable display device 9). (The execution condition for variable display is easily satisfied). In the high base state, for example, the frequency at which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is increased or the time in which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is extended compared to the case in which the high base state is not in the high base state. It becomes easier to win a start.

  Instead of extending the time during which the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state (also referred to as the open extended state), the normal symbol display unit 10 shifts to a normal symbol probability changing state in which the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is a hit symbol is increased. Depending on the situation, the high base state may be entered. When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 becomes a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In this case, by controlling the transition to the normal symbol probability changing state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the frequency at which the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened is increased. Therefore, if the normal symbol probability changing state is entered, the opening time and the number of opening times of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased, and the start winning state is easily set (high base state). That is, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol, or when the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probabilistic symbol. It changes to an advantageous state (a state where it is easy to start a prize). Note that increasing the number of times of opening is a concept including changing from a closed state to an open state.

  Moreover, you may transfer to a high base state by shifting to the normal symbol time short state where the fluctuation time (variable display period) of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is shortened. In the normal symbol time-short state, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, so that the frequency of starting the variation of the normal symbol increases, and as a result, the frequency of hitting the normal symbol increases. Therefore, when the frequency that the normal symbol is won increases, the frequency that the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state is increased, and the start winning state is easily set (high base state).

  Moreover, you may transfer to a high base state by shifting to the special symbol time-short state where the variation time (variable display period) of the special symbol or decorative symbol is shortened. In the special symbol time-short state, the variation time of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is shortened, so that the frequency of the special symbol or decorative symbol is increased (in other words, the reserved memory is quickly digested). As a result, it is easier to win a start (shift to a high base state), and the possibility that a big hit game will be performed increases.

  Furthermore, by shifting to all the states shown above (open extended state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state), it will be easier to win a start (shift to a high base state). May be. In addition, it becomes easier to win a start (high base) by shifting to any one of the above states (open extended state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol short state and special symbol short state). Transition to a state).

  Next, the reach display mode (reach) will be described. The reach display mode (reach) in this embodiment is a variable display (variable display) for decorative symbols that have not yet stopped when the stopped decorative symbols constitute part of the jackpot symbol. And all or part of the decorative symbols are in a state of being variably displayed synchronously while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol.

  For example, in the left, right and right display areas of the variable display device 9, the left and right display areas are displayed in a state in which a decorative symbol (for example, “7”) which is a part of the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed. The display area is still in a variable display state, and all or some of the symbols in the display area are synchronously variably displayed while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol (for example, variable display) The variable display is performed on all of the left, middle, and right display areas in the device 9, and the variable display is always performed in a state where the same symbols are aligned), which is the reach display mode or reach.

  In addition, during the reach, an unusual performance is performed with a lamp or sound. The effect and the reach display mode in the variable display device 9 are called reach effects. Further, in the case of reach, a character (an effect display imitating a person or the like, which is different from a design (decoration design etc.)) or a background display mode (for example, color) of the variable display device 9 is displayed. May be changed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the main board 31. 2 also shows a payout control board 37, an interface board 66, a relay board 77, and an effect control board 80 mounted on the gaming machine. The main board 31 includes a basic circuit (corresponding to game control means) 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 32a, a start port switch 14a, a count switch 23, and winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, An input driver circuit 58 for supplying a signal from 39a to the basic circuit 53, a solenoid 16 for opening / closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15 and an output for driving the solenoid 21 for opening / closing the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 according to a command from the basic circuit 53 A circuit 59 is mounted.

  Note that the switches such as the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a may be referred to as sensors. That is, the name of the game medium detection means (game ball detection means in this example) that can detect a game ball is not limited. Each of the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a that perform winning detection is also a winning detection means that detects the winning of a game ball in the winning area. Note that even if a passing gate such as the gate 32 is used, if a prize ball is paid out, a game ball entering the passing gate becomes a winning and a switch provided on the passing gate (for example, The gate switch 32a) becomes a winning detection means. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game ball that has won the big winning opening is detected by the count switch 23. Therefore, the number of game balls won in the special winning opening corresponds to the number detected by the count switch 23.

  The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a program for game control (game progress control), a RAM 55 as storage means (variation data storage means for storing fluctuation data) used as a work memory, and a control operation according to the program. A game control microcomputer 560 having a CPU 56 is included. In this embodiment, the CPU 56 refers to a central processing unit (a part excluding storage means such as the ROM 54 and RAM 55, the I / O port unit 57, etc.) of the basic circuit 53 that operates according to a program. Main processing and interrupt processing (timer interrupt processing) to be executed. The game control microcomputer 560 refers to a portion of the basic circuit 53 that includes not only the CPU 56 but also storage means such as the ROM 54 and RAM 55, the I / O port portion 57, and the like. And transmission / reception of various data to / from the microcomputer mounted on the production control board 80).

  In this embodiment, the ROM 54, the RAM 55 serving as storage means as a work memory, and the I / O port unit 57 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. 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 a program stored in the ROM 54. Therefore, hereinafter, the game control microcomputer 560 executes (or performs processing) specifically. Is that the CPU 56 executes control according to the program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31. The game control means is realized by a basic circuit 53 including a game control microcomputer 560.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power source created on the power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is saved for a predetermined period (until the backup power supply cannot be supplied because the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged). In particular, at least data (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 winning 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, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  A reset signal from the power supply board is input to the reset terminal of the game control microcomputer 560. A reset signal from the power supply board is also input to the reset terminal of the payout control microcomputer. When the reset signal becomes high level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer become operable, and when the reset signal becomes low level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer stop operating. It becomes a state. Accordingly, during the period in which the reset signal is at a high level, an allowable signal that allows the operation of the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer is output, and in the period in which the reset signal is at a low level, An operation stop signal for stopping the operations of the game control microcomputer 560 and the payout control microcomputer is output. A reset circuit may be mounted on each control board (including the main board 31), or a reset circuit is mounted on one or more of the plurality of control boards, from which the reset signal is sent to another control. You may make it supply to a board | substrate.

  Further, a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board has decreased to a predetermined value or less is input to the input port of the basic circuit 53 via the payout control board 37. A clear signal indicating that the clear switch for instructing clearing of the contents of the RAM is operated is input to the input port of the basic circuit 53.

  The clear signal is branched at the main board 31 and is also supplied to the payout control board 37. The state of the clear signal input by the game control microcomputer 560 via the input port may be output to the payout control board 37 via the output port.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. The display control of the variable display device 9 that receives and displays the decorative design variably, the sound output control of the speaker (sound output device) 27, the display control of the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, 28c, and the like are performed. In this embodiment, “effect control” means display control of the variable display device 9, sound output control of the speaker 27, and display control of the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c. It means performing such as. In this embodiment, the effect control means is provided by the effect control microcomputer 100 that performs display control of the variable display device 9, sound output control of the speaker 27, and display control of the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c. Realized.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77 and the effect control board 80. In this embodiment, the display control of the variable display device 9, the sound output control of the sound output device 27, and the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c are performed using one control board (production control board 80). Although a case where display control is performed will be described, a plurality of control boards may be used. For example, in addition to the effect control board 80 for effect control, a lamp driver board for controlling each lamp and a sound output board for controlling the sound output device may be provided. In this case, the effect control means is realized by a control microcomputer and a control circuit mounted on the lamp driver board and the sound output board in addition to the effect control microcomputer 100. In this embodiment, the display control means is realized by an effect control microcomputer 100 that controls the variable display device 9.

  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 microcomputer 100 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and a strobe signal from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77. In response to the (effect control INT signal), an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103. Further, the effect control microcomputer 100 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the variable display device 9 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 allows the signal input from the relay board 77 to pass 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 production control microcomputer 100 outputs a signal for driving the lamp to the lamp driver 352. 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 addition, the production control microcomputer 100 outputs sound number data to the speech synthesis IC 173. The voice synthesizing IC 173 generates a voice or a sound effect corresponding to the sound number data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 175. The amplifier circuit 175 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 173 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 176 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 174 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 transmitted between the production control microcomputer 100, the lamp driver 352 and the voice synthesis IC 173 in two-way communication (such as transmitting a response signal from the signal receiving side to the transmitting side). Communication).

  The effect control microcomputer 100 reads necessary data from a character ROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The character ROM stores character image data that is frequently used among images displayed on the variable display device 9, specifically, people, characters, figures, symbols, and the like (including decorative designs). Is. The effect control microcomputer 100 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 microcomputer 100.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the variable display device 9 is mounted on the effect control board 80. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the production control microcomputer 100 and maps the VRAM therein. 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.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. 4 and 5 show main processing executed by the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 in response to the start of power supply to the game machine and the reset signal to the game control microcomputer 560 becoming high level. It is a flowchart which shows. When the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes a high level, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 executes a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid. The main processing 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, an interrupt mode for maskable interrupts is set (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set for the stack pointer (step S3). In step S2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the game control microcomputer 560 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is Set to the mode indicating the interrupt address. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

  Next, the built-in device register is set (initialized) (step S4). By the processing in step S4, the CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port), which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits), are set (initialized).

  The game control microcomputer 560 used in this embodiment also includes an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the power-off signal is in an OFF state depending on the state of bit 0 of the input port 1 (step S5). When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the output voltage of various power sources such as the + 5V power source gradually reaches the specified value, but the power-off signal is not output by the process of step S5, that is, the high power By confirming that the power supply voltage is stable, the CPU 56 can confirm that the power supply voltage is stable.

  When the power-off signal is in the on state, the CPU 56 confirms again whether the power-off signal is in the off state after a delay time of a predetermined period (for example, 0.1 second) (step S80). To do. If the power-off signal is off, the RAM 55 is set to an accessible state (step S6), and the process proceeds to a clear signal check process.

  When the power-off signal is in the off state, software delay processing for delaying the start timing of the gaming device control processing (game control processing) for controlling the progress of the game by software may be executed. By such software delay processing, the start timing of the game control processing can be delayed as compared with the case where the software delay processing is not executed. When the delay process is executed, a situation occurs in which the microcomputer of the other control board cannot receive the command transmitted from the game control board (main board 31) to the other control board (for example, the payout control board 37). Can be prevented.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the clear switch is turned on (step S7). The CPU 56 may confirm the state of the clear signal only once via the input port 0, but may confirm the state of the clear signal a plurality of times. For example, if it is confirmed that the clear signal is off, a delay time of a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 seconds) is set, and then the clear signal is reconfirmed. If it is confirmed that the clear signal is in the ON state at that time, it is determined that the clear signal is in the ON state. Further, at this time, if it is confirmed that the clear signal is in the OFF state, after a predetermined delay time, the clear signal state may be reconfirmed. Here, the number of reconfirmations is not limited to once or twice, but may be three or more times. It is also possible to check twice and check again when the check results do not match.

  If the clear switch is not turned on in step S7, whether or not 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 Confirm (step S8). In this embodiment, when power supply is stopped, a process for protecting data in the backup RAM area is performed. When it is confirmed that such power supply stop processing has been performed, the CPU 56 determines that the power supply stop processing has been performed, that is, the control state at the time of power supply stop is stored. . When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process is not performed, the CPU 56 executes an initialization process.

  Whether or not the power supply stop process has been performed is determined by the value of the backup monitoring timer stored in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process corresponding to the execution of the power supply stop process (for example, 2). ) Is confirmed by whether or not. Note that such a confirmation method is an example. For example, a flag indicating that the power supply stop process has been executed is set in the backup flag area in the power supply stop process, and the flag is set in step S8. If it is confirmed that the power supply is stopped, it may be determined that the power supply stop process has been performed.

  If it is determined that the control state at the time of stopping power supply is stored, the CPU 56 performs data check (parity check in this example) in the backup RAM area (step S9). In this embodiment, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area, and the checksum calculation start address is set in the pointer. Also, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the number of data to be checked is set. Then, the exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated. The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area, the pointer value is incremented by 1, and the checksum calculation count value is decremented by 1. The above process is repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes zero. 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 and uses the inverted data as a checksum.

  In the power supply stop process, a checksum is calculated by the same process as described above, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. 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 may be 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 (the process of steps S10 to S14) executed when the power is turned on, not when the power supply is stopped is stopped. Execute.

  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 S91), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S92). ). 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 S91 and S92, 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 sets the start address of the backup command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S93), and issues a power failure recovery designation command for designating notification of power failure recovery in accordance with the contents. Processing to transmit to the sub board (effect control board) is executed (step S94). Then, the process proceeds to step S95.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). Note that the predetermined data may be left as it is without initializing the entire area of the RAM 55. Also, the initial 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).

  Control states such as 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, etc. An initial value is set in a flag for selectively performing processing according to the above. In addition, a bit corresponding to the output port that outputs the connection confirmation signal in the output port buffer is set (corresponding to the ON state of the connection confirmation signal).

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the head 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). As an initialization command, a command indicating an initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 9, an initialization command to the payout control board 37, or the like can be used.

  Next, the CPU 56 executes random number circuit confirmation processing for confirming the state of the random number circuit built in the game control microcomputer 560 (step S95). In the random number circuit confirmation process, the CPU 56 monitors a random number confirmation signal output from the random number circuit for a predetermined time. The random number confirmation signal is ON when the clock signal generation circuit built in the random number circuit normally outputs the internal clock signal, and otherwise (for example, when the level of the internal clock signal decreases) Will be off). When the CPU 56 detects an off state of the random number confirmation signal continuously for a predetermined time, the CPU 56 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the random number circuit built in the game control microcomputer 560 and notifies the random circuit error of the main board 31. A process of transmitting a main board error designation command for designating to the sub board is executed. If the OFF state of the random number confirmation signal is not detected continuously for a predetermined time, the CPU 56 determines that the random number circuit is operating normally, and proceeds to step S15 as it is.

  Then, the CPU 56 executes a timer interrupt setting process for setting a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) ( Step S15). 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 the timer interrupt setting is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display symbol random number update process (step S17) and the initial value determination random number update process (step S18). When the display symbol random number update process and the initial value determination random number update process are executed, the CPU 56 disables the interrupt (step S16), and when the display symbol random number update process and the initial value determination random number update process are finished, The interrupt is permitted (step S19).

  The display symbol random number is a random number for determining the display of the special symbol indicator 8. In this embodiment, for example, a variation pattern determining random number for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol is used as the display symbol random number. The display symbol random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display symbol random number.

  The initial value determining random number update process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value determining random number. Random numbers for determining the initial value are random numbers for determination to determine the type of jackpot (for example, whether to generate a jackpot symbol for determining a special symbol that generates a jackpot or a hit based on a normal symbol) This is a random number for determining an initial value of a count value such as a counter (determination random number generation counter) for generating a normal random number for determination per symbol). Game control processing described later (a game control microcomputer controls itself a game device such as a variable display device 9, a variable winning ball device 15, a ball payout device 97 provided in the game machine, or In a process of transmitting a command signal to cause another microcomputer to control, also referred to as a gaming apparatus control process), when the count value of the determination random number generation counter makes one round, an initial value is set in the counter.

  Note that when the display symbol random number update process and the initial value determination random number update process are executed, the interrupt is disabled. The display symbol random number update process and the initial value determination random number update process are described later. This is because the process is also executed (that is, the same process is also executed in steps S24 and S25 of the timer interrupt process), so that it does not conflict with the process in the timer interrupt process. That is, if a timer interrupt is generated during the processing of steps S17 and S18 and the counter value for generating the display symbol random number and the initial value determining random number is updated during the timer interrupt processing, The continuity of the count value may be impaired. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt disabled state is set during the processes of steps S17 and S18.

  As described above, a game store clerk or the like can easily perform initialization processing by starting power supply to the gaming machine (eg, turning on the power switch) while the clear switch is turned on and the clear signal is output. Can be executed. That is, RAM clear or the like can be performed.

  Next, the game control process will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. When a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main process, specifically, during a period in which interruption is permitted during execution of the loop process of steps S16 to S19, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 A game control process is executed in a timer interrupt process activated in response to the occurrence of a timer interrupt. In the timer interrupt process, the CPU 56 first executes a power-off process (power-off detection process) for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether the power-on signal is turned on) (step S20). Next, detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a are input via the input driver circuit 58, and the state of these is determined ( Switch processing: step S21). Specifically, the switch-on buffer is set based on the on / off state of the input port for inputting the detection signal of each switch.

  Next, the CPU 56 executes display control processing for outputting and clearing the DG signal to various displays such as the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, and the status indicator (step S22).

  Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number used for game control is performed (random number update process: step S23). Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value determining random number (initial value determining random number updating process: step S24). Furthermore, CPU56 performs the process which updates the count value of the counter for producing | generating a display symbol random number (display symbol random number update process: step S25).

  When the random number update process, the initial value determination random number update process, and the display symbol random number update process are performed, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol process process (step S26). In the special symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state. Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (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 sending an effect control command by setting an effect control command related to the decorative symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (effect symbol command control process: step S28). Note that the fact that the variation of the decorative symbol is synchronized with the variation of the special symbol means that the variation time (variable display period) is the same.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, jackpot information, start-up information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29). As will be described later, in the special symbol process, the special symbol process flag can take a value of “0” to “10”. Moreover, when the value of the special symbol process flag is “8” to “10” among these values, the process related to the small hit is executed. Therefore, when external information is output in the information output process, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the information is related to the small hit and output the information as the small hit information. For example, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the current special symbol process flag is “8” or more, and if it is “8” or more, determines that the information is related to the small hit and outputs it as the small hit information. . Further, when the value of the special symbol process flag is “4” to “10”, a process for controlling the opening of the big winning opening (including the case of a big hit and a case of a big hit) is executed. Therefore, when outputting external information in the information output process, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the information is information related to the opening control of the special winning opening. For example, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the current special symbol process flag is “4” or more. If it is “4” or more, the CPU 56 determines that the information is related to the opening control of the special winning opening. Output information.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the prize opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a and the like (step S30). Specifically, a payout command command such as a prize ball number command indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control board 37 in response to winning detection based on the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a being turned on. . The payout control microcomputer 370 mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 in response to receiving a prize ball number command indicating the number of prize balls.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a test terminal process which is a process for outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be confirmed outside the gaming machine (step S31). In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 outputs the contents related to the solenoid in the RAM area of the output port 2 to the output port. (Step S32: Solenoid output processing). And CPU56 performs the memory | storage process which checks the increase / decrease in a pending | holding memory | storage number (step S33).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol display control process for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of special symbols in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S34).

  Next, 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 an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S35).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a status display lamp display process for setting status display control data for displaying each status display lamp in an output buffer for setting the status display control data (step S36). In this case, when the gaming state is a high probability state (for example, a probability variation state), state display control data for displaying the state indicator lamp 1 indicating the high probability state is set in the output buffer. When the gaming state is a high base state (for example, a short time state), state display control data for displaying the state indicator lamp 2 indicating the high base state is set in the output buffer.

  In this embodiment, the game control process is started periodically (for example, 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 has a flag. It may be executed in the main process based on the setting. In this embodiment, the processes in steps S21 to S36 (except for steps S29 and S31) correspond to a game control process for controlling the progress of the game.

  Thereafter, the CPU 56 sets the interrupt permitted state (step S37) and ends the process.

  Next, the switch process (step S21) in the timer interrupt process will be described. In this embodiment, when the ON state of the detection signal of each switch related to winning detection or gate passage continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the switch is surely turned on, and processing corresponding to the switch on is started. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing each 2-byte buffer formed in the RAM 55 used in the switching process. The previous port buffer is a buffer that stores the previous switch-on / off determination result (for example, 2 ms before). The port buffer is a buffer for storing the contents of the input port input this time. The switch-on buffer is a buffer in which the corresponding bit is set to 1 when switch on is detected and the corresponding bit is set to 0 when switch off is detected. In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 inputs detection signals from the switches 14a, 23, 29a, 30a, 32a, 33a, and 39a through the input ports 0 and 1 of the main board 31.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the switch processing in step S20 in the game control processing. In the switch process, the game control microcomputer 560 first inputs the data input to the input ports 0 and 1 (step S101), and sets the input data in the port buffer (step S102).

  Next, an initial value of the weight counter formed in the RAM 55 is set (step S103), and the value of the weight counter is decremented by 1 until the value of the weight counter becomes 0 (steps S104 and S105).

  When the value of the wait counter reaches 0, the data of the input ports 0 and 1 are input again (step S106), and a logical product is obtained for each bit between the input data and the data set in the port buffer. (Step S107). Then, the logical product operation result is set in the port buffer (step S108). Of the two input data input from the input ports 0 and 1 with a time interval of approximately [initial value of weight counter × (processing time of steps S104 and S105)] by the processing of steps S103 to S108, two times Only the bits that are both “1” become “1” in the port buffer. In other words, if the ON state of the switch detection signal continues for a predetermined period [initial value of wait counter × (processing time of steps S104 and S105)], the corresponding bit in the port buffer becomes “1”.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 performs exclusive OR for each bit between the data previously set in the port buffer and the data set in the port buffer (step S109). In the result of the exclusive OR operation, the bit corresponding to the switch for which the previous switch-on / off determination result (for example, 2 ms before) and the switch-on / off determination result determined to be on this time are different is “ 1 ”. The game control microcomputer 560 further performs a logical product for each bit between the exclusive OR operation result and the data set in the port buffer (step S110). As a result, of the bits corresponding to the switches for which the previous switch on / off determination result and the switch on / off determination result determined to be on this time are different (according to the exclusive OR operation result), the current on Only the bit corresponding to the switch determined to be (by AND operation) remains as “1”.

  Then, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the logical product calculation result in step S110 in the switch-on buffer (step S111), and sets the contents of the port buffer in which the calculation result in step S108 is set in the previous port buffer. (Step S112).

  With the above processing, among the switches that have been on for a predetermined period of time, the switch on / off determination result of the previous time (for example, 2 ms before) is off, that is, the switch has changed from off to on. The bit corresponding to the switch is “1” in the switch-on buffer.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not the count switch 23 is in an ON state (step S113). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the bit corresponding to the count switch 23 among the bits of the switch-on buffer set in step S111 is “1”. If it is “1”, the game control microcomputer 560 determines that the count switch 23 is on, and if it is “0”, it determines that it is off. When it is determined that the count switch 23 is in the on state, the game control microcomputer 560 outputs a winning detection designation command for designating that the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening has been detected. Is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 (step S114).

  Next, the special symbol process (step S26) in the main process will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process processing program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560). In the special symbol process, the game control microcomputer 560 is turned on if the start port switch 14a for detecting that a game ball has won the start winning port 14 provided in the game board 6 is turned on, that is, a game. If a start winning that causes the ball to win the start winning opening 14 has occurred (step S311), the start opening switch passing process (step S312) is performed, and then any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state. Perform the process. If the start port switch 14a is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state. In step S311, the game control microcomputer 560 specifically determines whether or not the bit corresponding to the start port switch 14a in the switch-on buffer set in step S111 of the switch process is “1”. To check. In the start port switch passing process, the value of the start winning memory counter for counting the start winning is updated (specifically, 1 is added) to update the reserved memory number, and the updated reserved memory number Based on this, a process of transmitting an effect storage information designation command is performed.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 560 is in a state where variable display of the special symbol can be started, the game control microcomputer 560 confirms the number of numerical data stored (the number of reserved memories) stored in the reserved memory number buffer. The stored number of numerical data stored in the pending storage number buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the start winning storage counter. Further, if the count value of the start winning memory counter is not 0, it is confirmed whether or not the gaming state is in a probable change state, and whether or not the display result of the variable symbol special display is set as the specific display result (whether it is a big hit) Or not). A big hit flag is set for a specific display result. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) according to step S301. The jackpot flag is reset when the jackpot game ends.

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. Variations of variable display of special symbol (corresponding to the variation time here), multiple types of variation determined in advance according to the value of random number for determining variation pattern (one of the display symbol random numbers) extracted at the time of start winning Select from patterns. In addition, the variation pattern command is set in the variation pattern buffer in order to transmit information for instructing the variation pattern (variation pattern command, that is, variable display pattern command) to the production control microcomputer 100. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) according to step S302.

  Special symbol variation process (step S302): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the special symbol process timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the value of the special symbol process timer becomes 0), the internal state (special symbol process flag) Is controlled to shift to a value (3 in this example) according to step S303.

  Special symbol stop process (step S303): The special symbol on the special symbol display 8 is stopped. When the special symbol stop symbol is a big hit symbol, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to a value (4 in this example) according to step S304. Or, when the stop symbol of the special symbol is a small hit symbol, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to a value (8 in this example) according to step S308. Otherwise, the internal state is updated so as to shift to a value (0 in this example) according to step S300.

  In this embodiment, the special winning opening is changed to one of a first state (open state) advantageous to the player and a second state (closed state) disadvantageous to the player. In this embodiment, when the game control microcomputer 560 shifts to a big hit gaming state (a big hit gaming state excluding a sudden probability change big hit state or a small hit state. Control is performed so as to end by changing to the first state for a predetermined period (for example, 29.5 seconds) a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

  Also, in this embodiment, so-called sudden probability change big hits (the big hits that give the player special effects as if the game state has suddenly shifted to the probable change state, rather than progressing sequentially in each round) May be transferred to. When the game control microcomputer 560 suddenly shifts to the probable big hit game state, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the winning prize opening for a period shorter than the predetermined period (for example, 0.1 second) and the number of times less than the predetermined number of times (for example, twice). The game is terminated by changing to the first state in at least one of the above, and after the sudden probability change big hit game state, the probability that the special symbol stop symbol becomes a big hit symbol is improved from the normal state, and the game medium enters the start area Control is performed to a first high-probability state in which the ease of operation is the same as the normal state. Note that the game control microcomputer 560 has the same probability as the first high probability state that the special symbol stop symbol becomes a big hit symbol after the sudden probability variation big hit gaming state, and the game from the first high probability state to the start area You may make it control to the 2nd high probability state set so that a medium may approach easily. In addition, the state where the game medium is easily set to enter the start area is specifically, the frequency at which the start winning opening 14 is opened is increased, and the ease of winning the game ball is improved compared to the normal state. It is the state (high base state). For example, the game state is controlled to the second high probability state by shifting to the high probability state and shifting to the short time state. Further, in this embodiment, after the big hit gaming state of normal probability change big hit (15 round probability change big hits other than sudden probability change big hit), the probability that the stop symbol of the special symbol becomes the big hit symbol after the big hit gaming state ends is the first. It is controlled to a second high probability state that is the same as the first high probability state and is set so that the game medium can easily enter the starting area from the first high probability state.

  Further, in this embodiment, the game is shifted to so-called small hits (a win that does not cause a change in the game state before and after the occurrence, opens the big prize opening for a short time and performs a special performance). There is. When the game control microcomputer 560 shifts to the small hit game state, the game control microcomputer 560 has the same winning slot as the sudden probability change big hit game state (or the same period as the sudden probability change big hit game state and the same number of times as the sudden probability change big hit game state). Then, the game is ended by changing to the first state, and the gaming state immediately before the start of the small hit gaming state is controlled as the gaming state after the small hit gaming state ends. In the small hit gaming state, the big prize opening may be suddenly changed to the first state for a different period or a different number of times from the probability change big hit gaming state.

  Preliminary winning opening process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, control for sending a presentation control command for round display during the big hit gaming state is performed to the microcomputer 100 for presentation control, or the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special variable winning ball apparatus to the big prize opening. Is released. Also, the execution time of the special winning opening opening process is set by the process timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) according to step S305. The pre-opening process for the big winning opening is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 shifts the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to step S304 in step S1316 of the special symbol stop process, and sets the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to step S308 in step S1313. By shifting, a specific gaming state shifting means is realized. Note that the determination as to whether or not there is an abnormal prize is made by the effect control microcomputer 100 receiving a fanfare command (see steps S1306, S1307, S1309, and S1312) transmitted in the special symbol stop process, which will be described later. In the process of S1882, it is performed by the process of step S1635 for determining whether or not the value of an effect control process flag, which will be described later, has been updated to 4.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S305): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. Processing to confirm the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening is performed. Further, when the closing condition for the special winning opening is established, the control for closing the special winning opening is performed. Specifically, the solenoid 21 is driven to close the special variable winning ball apparatus to close the special winning opening. In addition, the process timer sets the execution time of the post-opening process for the special winning opening, initializes a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening), and the internal state (special symbol process flag) Is updated to a value (6 in this example) according to step S306.

  Post-winner opening process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. Processing such as checking whether there is a remaining round in the big hit gaming state is performed. If there is still a remaining round, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to a value (4 in this example) according to step S304. When all the rounds are finished, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (7 in this example) according to step S307.

  Big hit end process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control for causing the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0).

  Small hit release pre-processing (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the pre-opening process for small hits, control is performed to open the big prize opening. Specifically, the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special variable winning ball apparatus to open the special winning opening. Also, the execution time of the small hit release process is set by the process timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (9 in this example) corresponding to step S309. Note that the pre-hit release pre-processing is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-hit release pre-processing is also a process for starting a small hit game.

  Small hit release processing (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. Processing to confirm the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening is performed. Further, when the closing condition for the special winning opening is established, the control for closing the special winning opening is performed. Specifically, the solenoid 21 is driven to close the special variable winning ball apparatus to close the special winning opening. If there is still a remaining round, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) according to step S308. When all the rounds are finished, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (10 in this example) according to step S310.

  Small hit end processing (step S310): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10. Control to end the small hit gaming state. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0).

  10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the contents of the effect control command sent to the effect control microcomputer 100. FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 10, commands 8000 (H) to 800A (H) are effect control commands (variation) for designating a variation pattern of decorative symbols that are variably displayed on the variable display device 9 in response to variable display of special symbols. Pattern command). The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when the production control microcomputer 100 receives any of the commands 8000 (H) to 800A (H), the variable display device 9 controls the variable display device 9 to start variable display of the decorative symbols.

  The command 8C00 (H) is an effect control command (offset specifying command) that specifies that the display result of the variable display of the decorative design specified by the variation pattern command is to be lost. Command 8C01 (H) is an effect control command (normal jackpot designation command) for designating that the display result of variable display of decorative symbols designated by the variation pattern command is a normal jackpot. Command 8C02 (H) is an effect control command (probability variable jackpot designation command) that designates that the display result of variable display of the decorative design designated by the variation pattern command is a probability variation jackpot.

  The command 8C03 (H) is an effect control command (abrupt probability variation big hit designation command) that designates that the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern designated by the variation pattern command is suddenly a probability big hit. The command 8C04 (H) is an effect control command (small hit designation command) that designates that the display result of variable display of decorative symbols designated by the variation pattern command is a small hit. In this embodiment, as will be described later, when it is determined that the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol is a small hit, the case where it is determined that the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol is suddenly a probable big hit, and The same symbol is derived and displayed. For example, the same “123” symbol is derived and displayed as the stop symbol of the decorative symbol when suddenly probable big hit and when determined as small hit. It should be noted that different symbols may be derived and displayed as stop symbols for the decorative symbols depending on whether suddenly odd big hit or small hit is determined.

  Hereinafter, the off-line designation command, the normal big hit designation command, the probability variation big hit designation command, the sudden probability variation big hit designation command, and the small hit designation command may be referred to as display result commands.

  In addition, when it is controlled to execute a so-called re-lottery effect after temporarily displaying a non-probable variation symbol as a decorative symbol stop symbol when it is determined to be a big hit, a display that can specify whether or not the re-lottery effect is executed A result command may be used. When performing a lottery (or ending promotion) re-lottery (with a probable change promotion), the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol will be a non-probable big hit symbol, and the re-lottery effect during the big hit (or ending) will be I will inform you. In this case, for example, when the game control microcomputer 560 decides to execute the re-lottery effect, it designates that the display result of the variable display of the decorative design designated by the variation pattern command is normally a big hit, You may make it transmit the display result command which designates execution of a re-lottery effect.

  The command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization command) that designates notifying that the initialization process has been performed when the initialization process is performed in the main process. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) for designating that a power failure recovery is in progress when a power failure recovery process is performed in the main process.

  The command 9500 (H) is an effect control command (normal state background designation command) transmitted when the gaming state is a normal state, and the command 9501 (H) is a gaming state having a high probability state after a probable big hit. It is an effect control command (high probability state background designation command) that is sometimes transmitted. Command 9502 (H) is an effect control command (abrupt probability change state background designation command) transmitted when the gaming state is in a high probability state after sudden probability change big hit or after a small hit. Hereinafter, the effect control commands 9500 (H) to 9502 (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 device 9 in accordance with the received background designation command.

  Command 9F00 (H) is an effect control command for designating a customer waiting demonstration. The command 9F55 (H) is an effect control command (main board error designation) for designating notification of a random circuit error of the main board 31 when the occurrence of an abnormality in the random circuit is detected in the random circuit check process in the main process. Command).

  Command AXXX (H) (X = arbitrary hexadecimal number) is an effect control command sent from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. Of these, A000 (H) is an effect control command (normal jackpot start designation command: first fanfare designation command) that designates the start of a normal jackpot game. A001 (H) is an effect control command (probability change big hit start designation command: second fanfare designation command) that designates the start of probability variation big hit game. A002 (H) is an effect control command (sudden probability change big hit start designation command: third fanfare designation command) for designating the start of sudden probability change big hit game.

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (display command during opening of the big prize opening) that designates display during a round during the big hit game. Note that the number of rounds displayed in “XX” is set. The command A2XX (H) is an effect control command (display command after opening the big winning opening) that specifies display after the round (display of the interval between rounds) during the big hit game.

  A300 (H) is an effect control command (ordinary jackpot end designation command: first ending designation command) for designating the end of the normal jackpot game. A301 (H) is an effect control command (probability variation jackpot end designation command: second ending designation command) for designating the end of probability variation jackpot game. A302 (H) is an effect control command (sudden probability variable jackpot end designation command: third ending designation command) for designating the end of sudden probability variation jackpot game.

  A600 (H) is an effect control command (small hit start specifying command: fourth fanfare specifying command) for specifying the start of the small hit game.

  Command C0XX (H) is an effect control command (effect storage information specifying command) for specifying the number of reserved memories. Among them, the command C000 (H) is an effect control command (effect storage information 0 specifying command) that specifies that the number of reserved memories is zero. Command C001 (H) is an effect control command (effect storage information 1 specifying command) for specifying that the number of reserved memories is 1. Command C002 (H) is an effect control command (effect storage information 2 designation command) for designating that the number of reserved memories is two. Command C003 (H) is an effect control command (effect storage information 3 specifying command) that specifies that the number of reserved memories is three. Command C004 (H) is an effect control command (effect storage information 4 specifying command) that specifies that the number of reserved memories is four.

  The command FF00 (H) is an effect control command (winning detection designation command) that designates that a winning of a game ball has been detected in the big winning opening. Command FF02 (H) notifies that a full tank error has occurred when the lower tray (surplus ball receiving tray 4) is full (that is, when the full tank switch is turned on). This is an effect control command (full tank error notification designation command) that designates this. The command FF01 (H) is an effect control command for designating cancellation of the full-tan error notification when the full-plate state of the lower pan is released (that is, when the full-tan switch is turned off). (Full tank error release specification command).

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the variable display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the display state of the lamp is changed, and the sound number data is output to the speech synthesis IC 173. Note that effect control commands other than the effect control commands shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are also transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80. For example, a more detailed presentation control command related to the big hit game and a presentation control command indicating the gaming state are also transmitted from the main board 31 to the presentation control board 80.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern (variation time) of special symbols and decorative symbols used in this embodiment. In FIG. 12, “EXT” indicates EXT data at the second byte in the effect control command for designating a variation pattern of a decorative pattern having a two-byte structure. “Time” indicates the variation time (variable display period of identification information) of the special symbol and the decorative symbol.

  In this example, as a variation pattern of special symbols and decorative symbols, whether to make out, whether to make a big hit, whether to reach, whether to reach, whether to make a promising big hit A plurality of types are prepared according to the difference in various production modes, such as whether or not to suddenly make a big hit or whether to make a small hit. In this embodiment, the reach effect is performed using the variable display device 9 that performs variable display of decorative symbols.

  The variation pattern in which the EXT data is “00 (H)” to “03 (H)” is a variation pattern that is used at the time of deviation variation. In addition, the variation pattern in which the EXT data is “04 (H)” to “08 (H)” is a variation pattern that is used at the time of big hit fluctuation (including both probability variation big hit and normal big hit). Among these, the fluctuation pattern whose EXT data is “07 (H)” is a fluctuation pattern used at the time of big hit fluctuation in the case where the probability big hit is determined in advance. Further, the fluctuation pattern in which the EXT data is “08 (H)” is a fluctuation pattern used at the time of big hit fluctuation in the case where the normal big hit is determined in advance. In addition, the fluctuation pattern in which the EXT data is “04 (H)” to “06 (H)” is a big hit fluctuation when it is determined as a probable big hit and a big hit fluctuation when a normal big hit is determined in advance. This is a variation pattern used for both purposes. Further, the variation pattern whose EXT data is “09 (H)” is a variation pattern used at the time of sudden probability variation big hit. Further, the variation pattern whose EXT data is “0A (H)” is a variation pattern used at the time of a small hit.

  Note that “normal fluctuation” is a fluctuation pattern without a reach mode. “Reach A” is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from “Reach B” and “Reach C”. “Reach B” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “reach A” and “reach C”. “Reach C” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “reach A” and “reach B”. Further, the difference in reach form means that a change form (speed, rotation direction, etc.), a character, or the like of a different form appears in the reach change time.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12, a variation pattern having the same variation time of 10 seconds is used when suddenly probable big hit is determined and when small hit is determined. By doing so, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for the same 10 seconds both in the case of sudden big hits and small hits, so that it is not possible to recognize whether or not it is suddenly odd just by looking at the fluctuation display. can do. In this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 also displays the decorative pattern on the variable display device 9 for the same 10 seconds on the basis of the fact that the variable pattern command for suddenly changing the big hit or the small hit is received. Let Further, the production control microcomputer 100 executes the variation display of the decorative pattern using the same mode (for example, the same background color) in both of the case of sudden probability change big hit and the small hit.

  Next, the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process will be described. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process. In the special symbol normal process, the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) can start the variation of the special symbol (for example, the value of the special symbol process flag becomes a value indicating step S300). (If it is present) (step S1501), the value of the start winning memorized number (holding memorized number) is confirmed (step S1502). Specifically, the count value of the start winning storage counter is confirmed. The case where the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300 is a case where the symbol is not changed in the variable display device 9, and neither the big hit game nor the small hit game is played.

  If the number of reserved memories is 0 in step S1502, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the demonstration display flag is set (step S1503). The demonstration display flag is a flag indicating that the presentation of the customer waiting demonstration is being executed. If it is set, the special symbol normal process is terminated as it is. If not set, the game control microcomputer 560 sets a demonstration display flag (step S1504), and transmits a demonstration display command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1505).

  If the number of reserved memories is not 0 in step S1502, each random number value (each determination random number or display design random number) stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = 1 is read and stored in the random number storage buffer of the RAM 55. At the same time (step S1506), the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S1507), and the value of the reserved storage number is decreased by 1 (the value of the start winning storage counter is decreased by 1). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n−1. Therefore, the order in which the random number values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the number of reserved memories is extracted always matches the order of the number of reserved memories = 1, 2, 3 and 4. Yes. In other words, in this example, the game control microcomputer 560 executes a process of shifting the contents of each storage area each time a variable display start condition is satisfied.

  Note that, based on the update of the value of the start winning memory counter in step S1507 (the value of the predetermined work area provided in the RAM is updated), the game control microcomputer 560 performs the effect symbol command control process (step S1507). In step S28, an effect storage information designation command is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100. In this case, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits the effect storage information 0 designation command when the updated number of reserved memories is 0, and when the updated number of reserved memories is 1, the effect storage information. 1 designation command is transmitted. When the updated number of reserved memories is 2, the presentation memory information 2 designation command is transmitted. When the number of reserved memories after update is 3, the production memory information 3 designation command is transmitted. Send.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 executes a big hit determination process (steps S1508 to S1511) for determining whether or not to win. The game control microcomputer 560 reads the jackpot determination random number from the random number storage buffer (step S1508), and executes the jackpot determination module (step S1509). The jackpot determination module is a program that determines that the jackpot is determined to be a jackpot if the jackpot determination random number matches a predetermined jackpot determination value. Note that the game control microcomputer 560 may use a software random number or a hardware random number output from the random number circuit as the big hit determination random number used for the big hit determination.

  If it is determined to be a big hit (Y in step S1510), the game control microcomputer 560 sets a big hit flag (step S1511). The big hit flag is a flag indicating that it has been decided to make a big hit.

  If it is determined not to win (N in step S1510), the game control microcomputer 560 executes a small hit determination process (steps S1512 to S1515) for determining whether or not to make a small hit. The game control microcomputer 560 reads the big hit determination random number from the random number storage buffer (step S1512), and executes the small hit determination module (step S1513). The small hit determination module is a program that determines that a big hit is made when the big hit determination random number matches a predetermined small hit determination value. In this embodiment, a case where a common jackpot determination random number is used for the case of determining whether to win or not and a case of determining whether to win or not will be described. The microcomputer 560 may determine whether or not to make a small hit using a small random number for determination only for small hits (random number for small hit determination).

  When it is determined to be a small hit (step S1514), the game control microcomputer 560 sets a small hit flag (step S1515). It should be noted that the small hit flag is a flag indicating that it has been determined to be a small hit.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 executes special symbol information setting processing (steps S1516 to S1532) for setting the big hit symbol, the type of big hit, and the small hit symbol. The game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S1516). If the jackpot flag is set, the game control microcomputer 560 determines a special symbol stop symbol when the jackpot is determined and loads a jackpot symbol setting table for determining the type of jackpot (step) S1517). In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 reads from the random number storage buffer the jackpot symbol random number for determining the stop symbol of the special symbol and the type of jackpot when the jackpot is determined (step S1518). Then, the game control microcomputer 560 determines a special symbol stop symbol and jackpot type based on the jackpot symbol setting table and the jackpot symbol random number (step S1519).

  FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a jackpot symbol setting table. As shown in FIG. 15A, the jackpot symbol setting table includes a random number value of the jackpot symbol random number, a special symbol stop symbol, and a jackpot type in association with each other. In step S1519, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the special symbol stop symbol to any one of “0” to “89” according to the set content shown in FIG. To decide. In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 determines the type of big hit, either a normal big hit, a probable big hit or a sudden probable big hit, according to the setting contents shown in FIG. To do.

  The effect control microcomputer 560 sets the probability variation jackpot flag indicating that it is determined to be the probability variation jackpot if the determined jackpot type is the probability variation jackpot (Y in step S1520) (step S1521). Next, the game control microcomputer 560 sets an effect designation value indicating the probability variation jackpot in the effect symbol information buffer (step S1522).

  In addition, if the determined big hit type is not a probable big hit (N in Step S1520), the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the decided big hit type is a sudden probable big hit (Step S1523). If it is a sudden probability change big hit, the game control microcomputer 560 sets a sudden probability change big hit flag indicating that the sudden probability change big hit has been determined (step S1524), and an effect designation value indicating the sudden probability change big hit. Is set in the effect symbol information buffer (step S1525). If it is not suddenly probable big hit, an effect designation value indicating a normal big hit is set in the effect symbol information buffer (step S1526).

  If the big hit flag is not set in step S1516, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether the small hit flag is set (step S1527). If the small hit flag is set, the game control microcomputer 560 loads the small hit symbol setting table for determining the stop symbol of the special symbol when it is determined as the small hit (step S1528). Further, the game control microcomputer 560 reads from the random number storage buffer a random number for the small hit symbol for determining the stop symbol of the special symbol when it is determined as the small hit (step S1529). Then, the game control microcomputer 560 determines a special symbol stop symbol based on the small hit symbol setting table and the small bonus symbol random number (step S1530). Then, the effect designation value indicating the small hit is set in the effect symbol information buffer (step S1531).

  FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the small hit symbol setting table. As shown in FIG. 15 (B), the small hit design setting table includes a random number value of the small hit design random numbers and a special design stop symbol in association with each other. In step S1530, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the special symbol stop symbol from “90” to “99” according to the setting content shown in FIG. Decide on something. Note that the same symbol as the stop symbol of the special symbol for sudden probability variation big hit may be determined as the stop symbol of the special symbol for small hit.

  If the small hit flag is not set in step S1527, the game control microcomputer 560 sets an effect designation value indicating a loss in the effect symbol information buffer (step S1532).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a background display designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1533). For example, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether a high probability flag and a high base flag, which will be described later, are set, and if both the high probability flag and the high base flag are set, the high probability state background A designation command (command 9501 (H) shown in FIG. 10) is transmitted, and if only the high probability flag is set, a sudden change state background designation command (command 9502 (H) shown in FIG. 10) is transmitted. If neither the high probability flag nor the high base flag is set, a normal state background designation command (command 9500 (H) shown in FIG. 10) is transmitted. Then, the game control microcomputer 560 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value indicating the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S1534).

  In this embodiment, the case has been described where, in step S1519, the type of jackpot is determined collectively using the jackpot symbol setting table and the jackpot symbol random number, but the type of jackpot is determined using separate random numbers. It may be determined separately. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not to make a probability change using a probability change determination random number, and whether to make a sudden probability change big hit using a sudden probability change determination random number separately from the probability change determination random number. You may decide.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the game control microcomputer 560 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S201). When the big hit flag is set, the game control microcomputer 560 determines to use the big hit variation pattern determination table (step S204). If the big hit flag is not set, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S202). If the small hit flag is set, the game control microcomputer 560 decides to use the small hit variation pattern (variation pattern in which the EXT data shown in FIG. 12 is “0A (H)”) (step S1). S203). If the small hit flag is not set, it is determined to use the deviation variation pattern determination table (step S205).

  In the big hit variation pattern determination table, variation patterns (“04 (H)” to “09 (H)”) selected in advance for the big hit shown in FIG. 12 are set, and a plurality of determinations are made for each variation pattern. A value has been assigned. In addition, in the variation pattern determination table for deviation, variation patterns (“00 (H)” to “03 (H)”) selected at the time of deviation shown in FIG. 12 are set in advance. The judgment value is assigned.

  The game control microcomputer 560 reads the variation pattern determination random number from the random number storage buffer, and decorates the game using the jackpot variation pattern determination table or the deviation variation pattern determination table based on the read variation pattern determination random number value. A symbol variation pattern is determined (step S206). Specifically, the variation pattern corresponding to the determination value that matches the variation pattern determination random value is determined as the variation pattern of the decorative design executed by the variable display device 9. If it is determined that the sudden probability change big hit is included in the big hit, the game control microcomputer 560 changes the variation pattern for the sudden probability change big hit (the EXT data shown in FIG. 12 is “09 (H)”). (Variation pattern) is used. Further, when it is determined that the probability variation big hit, the game control microcomputer 550 uses any variation pattern of EXT data “04 (H)” to “07 (H)”. decide. In addition, when it is determined that the big hit is usually made, the game control microcomputer 560 has one of the EXT data “04 (H)” to “06 (H)”, “08 (H)”. It is decided to use the fluctuation pattern.

  In addition, when a re-lottery effect is performed during a big hit (or during an ending after a big hit), if the re-lottery effect (probable change promotion effect) is performed during a big hit and pre-determined as a promising big hit, the decorative pattern changes The non-probable variation symbol is stopped and displayed as a stop symbol when stopping. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 560 has a variation pattern in which the EXT data is “04 (H)” to “06 (H)”, “08 (H)”, as in the case where the game is normally determined to be a big hit. It is decided to use.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 sets a variation pattern designation value corresponding to the determined variation pattern (variation time) in the effect symbol variation pattern buffer (step S207). Further, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the head address of the command transmission table in the pointer (step S208). The game control microcomputer 560 sets the variation pattern designation value in the effect symbol variation pattern buffer in step S207, and sets the head address of the command transmission table in the pointer in step S208 to produce an effect symbol which will be described later. In the command control process, first, a variation pattern command is transmitted based on the variation pattern designation value set in the effect symbol variation pattern buffer corresponding to the head address of the command transmission table. Then, in the effect symbol command control process, the address indicating the command transmission table is incremented by one, and according to the command transmission table shown in FIG. Will send a command. In this embodiment, the variation pattern command, the display result command, and the effect storage information command are transmitted every 2 ms, thereby making it difficult for the effect control microcomputer 100 to fail to receive the command. . That is, instead of transmitting the variation pattern command, the display result command, and the effect storage information command at the same timing, the effect control microcomputer 100 is all transmitted by shifting by a predetermined time (2 ms in this example). The situation where the reception of the command fails is prevented.

  Then, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the variation time in the special symbol process timer (step S209). Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S302 (step S210).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the special symbol variation process (step S302) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol variation process, first, the game control microcomputer 560 decrements the value of the special symbol process timer by -1 (step S351). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the special symbol process timer has expired (that is, whether or not the value of the special symbol process timer is 0), and if it has not expired (N in step S352), it remains as it is. The special symbol variation process is terminated. If the special symbol process timer has expired (Y in step S352), the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S303 (step S353).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the game control microcomputer 560 stops the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 and derives and displays the stop symbol (step S1301). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S1302).

  If the big hit flag is set (Y in step S1302), the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the sudden probability change big hit flag is set (step S1303).

  If the sudden probability change big hit flag has not been set (N in step S1303), the game control microcomputer 560 sets the big win symbol to the big prize opening control timer for measuring the time for controlling the opening / closing of the big prize opening. An execution time (hit display time (for example, 3 seconds)) for informing the player that the big hit game is started after the stop display is set (step S1304). It should be noted that the same display time may be set for a normal big hit (15 round big hit) and a sudden probability variation big hit (2 round big hit).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the probability variation jackpot flag is set (step S1305). If the probability variation jackpot flag is set, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a probability variation jackpot start designation command (second fanfare designation command) to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1306). Then, control goes to a step S1315.

  If the probability variation jackpot flag is not set, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a normal jackpot start designation command (first fanfare designation command) to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1307). Then, control goes to a step S1315.

  If the sudden probability change big hit flag is set (Y in step S1303), the game control microcomputer 560 suddenly changes to the big prize opening control timer for measuring the time for controlling the opening / closing of the big prize opening. The execution time (sudden probability change big hit display time (for example, 5 seconds)) for notifying the player that the probability change big hit game is suddenly started after stopping the big hit symbol is set (step S1308). In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a sudden probability variation big hit start designation command (third fanfare designation command) to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1309). Then, control goes to a step S1315.

  In step S1315, the game control microcomputer 560 resets the high probability flag and the high base flag (step S1315). Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S304 (step S1316).

  If the big hit flag is not set in step S1302, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S1310). If not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (step S1314).

  If the small hit flag is set, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the small hit display time in the big winning opening control timer for measuring the time for controlling the opening / closing of the big winning opening (step S1311). In this case, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the same time as the sudden probability change big hit display time (for example, 5 seconds) in the big winning opening control timer. Further, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a small hitting start designation command (fourth fanfare designation command) to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1312). Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S308 (step S1313).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the pre-opening process for the special winning opening in the special symbol process (step S304). In the special winning opening opening pre-processing, the game control microcomputer 560 decrements the value of the special winning opening control timer by -1 (step S401). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0 (step S402). If the value is not 0 (N in step S402), the process is ended as it is. If the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0 (Y in step S402), it is confirmed whether or not the sudden probability change big hit flag is set (step S403).

  If the sudden probability big hit flag is not set (N in step S403), the game control microcomputer 560 sets the big winning opening for setting the opening time (round time) of the big winning opening at the time of the probability big hit or the normal big hit. The address of the mouth opening setting table (for normal use) is set in the pointer (step S404). If the sudden probability change big hit flag is set (Y in step S403), the game control microcomputer 560 will open the big prize opening for setting the opening time (round time) of the big prize opening at the time of sudden probability change big hit. The address of the setting table (for sudden change in probability) is set in the pointer (step S405).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the maximum time (round time) during which the big winning opening can be opened in each round in the big win in the big winning opening control timer (step S406). In this case, when the probability variation jackpot flag is not set suddenly, the round time (round time for 15 rounds) of the address in the special winning opening opening setting table (for normal use) pointed to by the pointer set in step S404 is set. To do. The round time for 15 rounds is, for example, 29.5 seconds. If the sudden probability change jackpot flag is set, the round time of the address in the large winning opening opening setting table (for sudden probability change) pointed to by the pointer set in step S405 (land for two rounds of sudden probability change jackpot) Time (round time for one of the two rounds) is set. The round time for two rounds is, for example, 0.1 seconds.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 sends a display command (A1XX (H)) during the big prize opening to specify the display state according to the number of rounds during the opening of the big prize opening (during the round). Control to transmit to 100 is performed (step S407). The number of rounds is recognized by checking the value of a round number counter that counts the number of rounds in the big hit game. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 560 sets a value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the round number counter as XX, and transmits a display command during a special winning opening opening. Then, the game control microcomputer 560 performs control for driving the solenoid 21 to open the special winning opening (opening / closing plate) (step S408), and increments the value of the round number counter by 1 (step S409). In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided, and the game control microcomputer 560 turns on / off the solenoid in the RAM area of the output port in step S408. The content related to off is set according to the open / close state of the solenoid to be driven. Then, the contents set in the RAM area of the output port in the solenoid output process of step S32 are output to the output port. As a result, a drive command signal is output from the output port to the output circuit 59. The output circuit 59 outputs a drive signal for driving the solenoid to the solenoid in accordance with the drive command signal to drive the solenoid. Hereinafter, in the process of opening and closing the solenoid, such an operation is performed.

  Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S305 (step S410).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the special winning opening opening process (step S305) in the special symbol process. In the process for opening the big prize opening, the game control microcomputer 560 first checks whether or not the game ball has won the big prize opening by checking whether or not the count switch 23 is turned on (step). S421). If the count switch 23 is not turned on (N in step S421), the process proceeds to step S424. If the count switch 23 is on (Y in step S421), the game control microcomputer 560 increments the value of the winning number counter for counting the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening (step S422). Next, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the value of the winning number counter is a predetermined number (for example, 10) (step S423). If the value of the winning number counter is not the predetermined number (N in Step S423), the process proceeds to Step S424.

  In step S424, the game control microcomputer 560 decrements the value of the special winning opening control timer. Next, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0 (step S425). If the value of the big prize opening control timer is not 0 (N in step S425), the process is terminated as it is.

  When the value of the winning prize counter has reached a predetermined number (Y in step S423) or when the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0 (Y in step S425), the game control microcomputer 560 is Then, it is confirmed whether or not the sudden probability big hit flag is set (step S426).

  If the sudden probability big hit flag is not set (N in step S426), the game control microcomputer 560 waits for a time (interval) from the end of the round in the probability big hit or the normal big hit until the next round starts. The address of the after-opening big prize opening setting table (for normal use) for setting (time) is set in the pointer (step S427). If the sudden probability change big hit flag is set (Y in step S426), the game control microcomputer 560 calculates the time (interval time) from the end of the round at the sudden probability change big hit to the start of the next round. The address of the setting table for sudden setting opening (for sudden probability change) for setting is set in the pointer (step S428).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the time (interval time) from the end of the round to the start of the next round (interval time) in the big prize opening control timer (step S429). In this case, if the sudden probability big hit flag is not set suddenly, the interval time (15-round interval time) of the address in the setting table (for normal use) after the big winning opening is indicated by the pointer set in step S427. set. The interval time for 15 rounds is, for example, 5 seconds. When the sudden probability change jackpot flag is set, the interval time of the address in the setting table for sudden winning opening (for sudden probability change) pointed to by the pointer set in step S428 (for two rounds for sudden probability change big hit) Interval time (interval time for one interval)). Note that the interval time for two rounds is an extremely short time, for example, 0.1 seconds.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 effects the display designation command (A2XX (H)) after the big prize opening that designates the display state according to the number of rounds after the big prize opening is opened (after the end of the round). Control to transmit to the microcomputer 100 is performed (step S430). In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 performs control to drive the solenoid 21 and close the special winning opening (opening / closing plate) (step S431). Also, the value of the winning number counter is cleared (set to 0) (step S432). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value according to step S306 (post-processing for opening the big prize opening) (step S433).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing post-opening processing for the special winning opening (step S306) in the special symbol process. In the process for opening the big prize opening, the game control microcomputer 560 first decrements the value of the big prize opening control timer by -1 (step S441). Next, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0 (step S442). When the value of the big prize opening control timer is not 0 (N in step S442), the processing is ended as it is.

  If the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0 (Y in step S442), the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the probability variation big hit flag is suddenly set (step S443). If the sudden probability big hit flag is not set (N in Step S443), it is confirmed whether or not the value of the round number counter has reached 15 (Step S444). If the probability variation big hit flag is suddenly set, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the round number counter has reached 2 (step S445).

  If the round number counter value has not reached 15 in step S444 (N in step S444) or if the round number counter value has not reached 2 in step S445 (N in step S445), the special symbol process flag Is updated to a value corresponding to step S304 (pre-opening process for a special winning opening) (step S446), and the process is terminated.

  When the value of the round number counter is 15 in step S444 (Y in step S444), the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the probability variation big hit flag is set (step S448). If it is set, a probability variation big hit end designation command (second ending designation command) is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S449). If not set, a normal jackpot end designation command (first ending designation command) is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S450).

  If the value of the round number counter is 2 in step S445 (Y in step S445), the game control microcomputer 560 displays an ending 3 command (A302 (A302 ( H)) is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S447).

  Then, the game control microcomputer 560 sets an execution time (hit end time) of an effect (ending effect) for notifying the player of the end of the big hit in the big prize opening control timer (step S451), and the special symbol process flag is set. The value is updated to a value corresponding to step S307 (big hit end process) (step S452).

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the big hit ending process, the game control microcomputer 560 first decrements the value of the big prize winning control timer by -1 (step S461). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0 (step S462). If the value of the big prize opening control timer is not 0 (N in step S462), the process is terminated.

  If the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0 (Y in step S462), the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the probability variation big hit flag is set (step S463). If the probability variation jackpot flag is set (Y in step S463), a high probability flag indicating that the gaming state is a high probability state is set (step S464) and a high base flag indicating that the gaming state is a high base state is set. Set (step S465). That is, in this embodiment, when the gaming state is shifted to the second high probability state, the high probability state in which the probability that the special symbol stop symbol becomes a big hit symbol after the big hit game is improved is higher than the normal state. And a transition to the high base state where the ease of winning the game ball to the start winning opening 14 is improved from the normal state.

  If the probability variation jackpot flag is not set, the game control microcomputer 560 suddenly checks whether or not the probability variation jackpot flag is set (step S466). If set, a high probability flag is set (step S467). In other words, in this embodiment, when the gaming state is suddenly changed to the probabilistic change state, the state is changed only to the high probability state and not changed to the high base state (the first high probability state described above). Even if the game state suddenly shifts to the probability change state, the game state may shift to the high probability state and may shift to the high base state. In this case, the game control microcomputer 560 sets a high probability flag and a high base flag in step S467. If the sudden probability change big hit flag is set and the sudden probability change big hit flag is set when the game is already in the high probability state, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the high base flag in step S467. You may make it transfer to a base state.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 resets the jackpot flag (step S468). If the probability variation jackpot flag or the sudden probability variation jackpot flag is set, the probability variation jackpot flag or the sudden probability variation jackpot flag is reset (step S469).

  Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 560 updates the internal state (the value of the special symbol process flag) to a value corresponding to step S300 (special symbol normal process) (step S470).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the small hit release pre-processing (step S308) in the special symbol process. In the pre-opening process for small hits, the game control microcomputer 560 decrements the value of the big prize winning control timer by -1 (step S1401). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the special winning opening control timer is 0 (step S1402). If the value is not 0 (N in step S1402), the process is ended as it is. If the value of the big winning opening control timer is 0 (Y in step S1402), the game control microcomputer 560 sets the opening time of the small winning opening for setting the opening time of the big winning opening at the small winning. Is set in the pointer (step S1403).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the opening time of the big winning opening in the small hitting in the big winning opening control timer (step S1404). In this case, the address release time of the small hit release setting table pointed to by the pointer set in step S1403 is set. The opening time for small hits is, for example, 0.1 seconds.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 performs control for driving the solenoid 21 to open the special winning opening (opening / closing plate) (step S1405), and increments the value of the round number counter by 1 (step S1406). Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S309 (small hit release processing) (step S1407).

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the small hit releasing process (step S309) in the special symbol process. In the small hit release process, the game control microcomputer 560 first checks whether or not the game ball has been won at the big winning opening by checking whether or not the count switch 23 is turned on (step S1421). ). If the count switch 23 is not turned on (N in step S1421), the process proceeds to step S1424. If the count switch 23 is on (Y in step S1421), the game control microcomputer 560 increments the value of the winning number counter for counting the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening (step S1422). Next, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the value of the winning number counter is a predetermined number (for example, 10) (step S1423). If the value of the winning number counter is not the predetermined number (N in Step S1423), the process proceeds to Step S1424.

  In this embodiment, the period in which the big prize opening is opened in the small hit state is an extremely short time (for example, 0.1 seconds), so Extremely rare. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 560 may not perform the processes of steps S1421 to S1423 in the small hit release process.

  In step S1424, the game control microcomputer 560 decrements the value of the prize winning control timer by -1. Next, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0 (step S1425), and when the value of the big prize opening control timer is not 0 (step S1425). N) The process is terminated as it is.

  When the value of the winning number counter reaches a predetermined number (Y in step S1423) or when the value of the big winning opening control timer is 0 (Y in step S1425), the game control microcomputer 560 is Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the round number counter has reached 2 (step S1426).

  If the value of the round counter does not reach 2, the address of the setting table after opening the small hit to set the time (interval time) from the end of the round at the small hit to the start of the next round (interval time) Is set to the pointer (step S1427). Next, the game control microcomputer 560 sets a time (interval time) from the end of the round to the start of the next round in the big winning opening control timer (step S1428). Note that the interval time for two rounds is an extremely short time, for example, 0.1 seconds. In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 performs control to drive the solenoid 21 to close the special winning opening (opening / closing plate) (step S1429). Also, the value of the winning number counter is cleared (set to 0) (step S1430). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to step S308 (pre-processing for small hit release) (step S1431).

  If the value of the round number counter has reached 2, the game control microcomputer 560 performs control to drive the solenoid 21 and close the special winning opening (opening / closing plate) (step S1432). Then, the value of the winning number counter is cleared (set to 0) (step S1433).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the small winning end time in the big prize opening control timer (step S1434), and updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to step S310 (small winning end process). (Step S1435).

  In this embodiment, the case where the opening and closing of the big prize opening is controlled based on the number of rounds in the small hit is shown. However, the control method of the big winning opening at the small hit is shown in this embodiment. It is not limited to things. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 sets data indicating the opening time and closing time of the big winning opening at the time of a small hit, and based on the set opening time and closing time data, the big winning opening at the small hit May be controlled. In this case, for example, when the game control microcomputer 560 performs two rounds of small hits, the first big winning opening release time (for example, 0.1 second) in step S1404 in the small hit release pre-processing. Is set in the first control timer. In addition, the closing time (for example, 0.1 second) of the big prize opening after the opening of the first big prize opening is over is set in the second control timer. In addition, the opening time (for example, 0.1 second) of the second big prize opening is set in the third control timer. In the small hit release processing (see step S309), the game control microcomputer 560 decrements the first control timer by 1, and if the first control timer has timed up, drives the solenoid to win a big prize. The mouth is closed (in this case, the value of the special symbol process flag is not updated). Next, the second control timer is decremented by 1 in the small hit release process, and if the second control timer has timed out, the solenoid is driven to open the big prize opening (also in this case, the special symbol process flag) The value of is not updated.) Further, the third control timer is decremented by 1 in the small hit release process, and if the third control timer has timed out, the solenoid is driven to close the big prize opening. Then, the game control microcomputer 560 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the small hit end process (see step S1435).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the small hit end process (step S310) in the special symbol process. In the small hit end processing, the game control microcomputer 560 first decrements the value of the big prize opening control timer by -1 (step S1451). Note that the value of the special winning opening control timer is set in the process of step S1434 in the small hit opening process. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0 (step S1452). If the value of the big prize opening control timer is not 0 (N in step S1452), the process is terminated.

  If the value of the big prize opening control timer is 0 (Y in step S1452), the game control microcomputer 560 resets the small hit flag (step S1453). Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 560 updates the internal state (value of the special symbol process flag) to a value corresponding to step S300 (special symbol normal process) (step S1454).

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect symbol command control process. In the effect symbol command control process, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not there is an effect control command to be transmitted (step S331). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not the effect control command is set at the address of the command transmission table pointed to by the pointer. If not, the game control microcomputer 560 ends the process. If there is an effect control command to be transmitted, the game control microcomputer 560 loads the command data of the command transmission table pointed to by the pointer (step S332).

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a command transmission table. As shown in FIG. 27, the command transmission table includes MODE data of the fluctuation pattern command, EXT data of the fluctuation pattern command, MODE data of the display result command, EXT data of the display result command, MODE data of the effect storage information command, The stored information command EXT data and the end code are set in this order. Therefore, in this embodiment, the effect symbol command control process is executed in accordance with the command transmission table shown in FIG.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 executes command transmission processing for transmitting the loaded command data 1 (step S333). Here, first, the MODE data of the variation pattern command is transmitted according to the command transmission table shown in FIG.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 adds 1 to the value indicating the command transmission table (step S334). Therefore, the command data 2 area of the second byte is designated. The game control microcomputer 560 loads the contents of the command data 2 at the address of the command transmission table pointed to by the pointer (step S335). Then, the game control microcomputer 560 saves the address of the command transmission table (the contents of the pointer as the transmission signal instruction means) on the stack or the like (step S336).

  Further, it is confirmed whether or not the value of bit 7 (work area reference bit) of the command data 2 is “0” (step S337). If not 0, the head address of the command extended data address table is set in the pointer (step S338), and the address is calculated by adding the values of bit 6 to bit 0 of the command data 2 to the pointer (step S339). Then, the data of the area pointed to by the address is loaded (step S340).

  In the command extension data address table, EXT data that can be sent to the electrical component control means (for example, the production control microcomputer 100) is sequentially set. Therefore, if the value of the work area reference bit is “1” by the above processing, the EXT data in the command extended data address table corresponding to the contents of the command data 2 is loaded, and the value of the work area reference bit is “ If “0”, the contents of the command data 2 are loaded as they are. Even when EXT data is read from the command extension data address table, bit 7 of the data is “0”.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 560 executes command transmission processing for transmitting the loaded command data 2 (step S341). Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 560 restores the address of the command transmission table (step S342), and adds 1 to the value indicating the command transmission table (step S343).

  In this embodiment, in the variation pattern setting process, the variation pattern designation value is set in the effect symbol variation pattern buffer in step S207, and the head address of the command transmission table is set in the pointer in step S208. In the effect symbol command control process, based on the fact that the start address of the command transmission table is set in the pointer, first, the variation pattern designation set in the effect symbol variation pattern buffer corresponding to the start address of the command transmission table A variation pattern command is transmitted depending on the value. In this embodiment, in the special symbol normal process, the effect designation value is set in the effect symbol information buffer in steps S1522, S1525, S1526, S1531, and S1532. Then, in the effect symbol command control process, the address indicating the command transmission table is incremented by 1 by transmitting the variation pattern command (see steps S334 and S343), and the command is transmitted at the next timer interrupt that transmits the variation pattern command. A display result command is transmitted by the effect designation value set in the effect symbol information buffer corresponding to the address of the transmission table. Further, in this embodiment, when it is determined in the special symbol normal process that the variation of the special symbol can be started (see step S1501), the value of the start winning memory counter is decremented by one (see step S1507). ). Then, in the effect symbol command control processing, the address indicating the command transmission table is incremented by 1 when the display result command is transmitted (see steps S334 and S343), and the command is transmitted at the next timer interrupt that transmits the display result command. The effect storage information command is transmitted according to the value of the start winning storage counter corresponding to the address of the transmission table. Through the above processing, according to the command transmission table shown in FIG. 27, the variation pattern command, the display result command, and the effect storage information command are transmitted in this order.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80. The production control microcomputer 100 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the start interval of the effect control processing (step S701). Thereafter, the effect control microcomputer 100 proceeds to a loop process for confirming the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When the timer interruption occurs, the production control microcomputer 100 sets a timer interruption flag in the timer interruption process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control microcomputer 100 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control microcomputer 100 first analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704).

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 performs an error notification process (step S705). In the error notification process, when the game control microcomputer 560 performs an initialization process or a power failure recovery process, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs control to display an initialization notification screen or a power failure recovery screen. Further, when an abnormality in the random number circuit is detected by the game control microcomputer 560, the production control microcomputer 100 displays a main board error notification screen for notifying the random circuit error of the main board 31. I do. When the abnormal winning of the game ball at the special winning opening is detected, the production control microcomputer 100 uses the speaker 27 and the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, 28c to notify that an abnormal winning has occurred. Control. In addition, the production control microcomputer 100 outputs a predetermined notification sound using the speaker 27 when the lower tray (the surplus ball receiving tray 4) is in a full tank state, thereby confirming that a full tank error has occurred. Control to notify is performed.

  Next, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs effect control process processing (step S706). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the variable display device 9 is executed. Further, a random symbol for determining a losing symbol for determining the losing symbol of the left middle right decorative symbol displayed on the variable display device 9 or a jackpot symbol determining for determining the big hit symbol of the decorative symbol displayed on the variable display device 9. A random number update process for updating a count value of a counter for generating a random number such as a random number for use is executed (step S707). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  29 and 30 are flowcharts showing the command analysis process (step S704) in the main process. The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is stored in the command reception buffer in the command reception process executed by the INT interrupt. In the command analysis process, the production control microcomputer 100 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S1611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The value of the command reception number counter is incremented by 1 when an effect control command is received from the game control microcomputer 560. The value of the read pointer is incremented by 1 when a received command is read from the command reception buffer. Therefore, the case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. If the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control microcomputer 100 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S1612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by one.

  When storing the effect control command received in the command reception process executed by the INT interrupt in the command reception buffer, the effect control microcomputer 100 determines whether the received command is an effect control command existing in the program. You may make it confirm whether or not. For example, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether the MODE data of the first byte of the received command exists in the program such as “80”, “8C”, “A0” (FIGS. 10 and 10). 11), if it is MODE data that does not exist in the program, it may be determined that the effect control command has not been correctly received due to garbled data or the like, and the received command may be discarded. Further, even if the MODE data exists in the program, it is confirmed whether the second byte of EXT data exists in the program with respect to the MODE data (see FIGS. 10 and 11). If it is nonexistent EXT data, it may be determined that the effect control command has not been correctly received due to data corruption or the like, and the received command may be discarded. In this case, the received command is not stored in the command reception buffer, and is processed in the command analysis process as if the effect control command has not been received.

  If the received effect control command is an effect control command (variation pattern command: 8000 (H) to 800A (H)) for designating a variation pattern (step S1613), the effect control microcomputer 100 displays the information stored in the RAM. The result is cleared (step S1614). In this embodiment, as will be described later, in step S <b> 1618, the effect control microcomputer 100 stores the display result indicated by the received display result command in the RAM. Then, after the decorative pattern variation display is executed, when the next variation pattern command is received, the display result stored in the RAM is cleared in step S1614.

  By doing as described above, the display result stored in the previous execution of the variation display can be surely cleared when the next variation display of the decorative design is performed. Therefore, when the variation pattern command is received but the display result command cannot be received, an incorrect display result based on the display result stored at the previous variable display (display result corresponding to the previous variable display) Can be prevented from being displayed. For example, if reception of a display result command fails after receiving a variation pattern command for both probabilistic big hit / normal big hit, if the display result stored in the previous fluctuation remains, the display result stored in the previous time will be used. Incorrect display results may be derived and displayed. In this embodiment, since the previously stored display result is cleared at the timing when the variation pattern command is received, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an incorrect display result is derived and displayed based on the previously stored display result.

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 saves the variation pattern indicated in the received variation pattern command (step S1615). Specifically, the EXT data of the command is stored in the fluctuation pattern data storage area in the RAM. Further, the production control microcomputer 100 sets a variation pattern reception flag indicating that the variation pattern command has been received (step S1616).

  If the received effect control command is a display result command (command: 8C00 (H) to 8C04 (H)) (step S1617), the effect control microcomputer 100 displays the display result indicated in the received display result command. Save (step S1618). Specifically, the EXT data of the command is stored in the display result data storage area in the RAM. In addition, the effect control microcomputer 100 sets a display result reception flag indicating that the display result command has been received (step S1619).

  If the received effect control command is a fanfare-designated effect control command (fanfare command: A000 (H) to A002 (H), A600 (H)) (step S1620), the effect control microcomputer 100 is: The MODE data and EXT data of the command are stored in the fanfare data storage area in the RAM (step S1621), and a fanfare flag indicating that the fanfare command has been received is set (step S1622).

  If the received effect control command is an ending designation effect control command (ending command: A300 (H) to A302 (H)) (step S1623), the effect control microcomputer 100 uses the EXT data of the command. Is stored in the ending data storage area in the RAM (step S1624), and an ending flag indicating that the ending command has been received is set (step S1625).

  If the received effect control command is an initialization command (command 9000 (H)) (step S1626), the effect control microcomputer 100 indicates that the initialization process has been performed. The enable flag is set (step S1627). In addition, the production control microcomputer 100 sets an initialization notification period measurement timer for measuring the execution time of the initialization notification for notifying that the initialization process has been performed (step S1628).

  If the received effect control command is an effect control command for power failure restoration designation (power failure restoration designation command 9200 (H)) (step S1629), the effect control microcomputer 100 notifies that the power failure is being restored. A power failure recovery flag indicating that the power is restored is set (step S1630). Moreover, the production control microcomputer 100 sets a power failure recovery notification period measurement timer for measuring the execution time of the power failure recovery notification for notifying that the power failure is being recovered (step S1631).

  If the received effect control command is an effect control command for main board error specification (main board error specification command 9F55 (H)) (step S1632), the effect control microcomputer 100 uses the random number circuit of the main board 31. A main board error flag indicating notification of an error is set (step S1633).

  If the received effect control command is an effect control command for winning detection designation (winning detection designation command FF00 (H)) (step S1634), the effect control microcomputer 100 is used in an effect control process to be described later. It is confirmed whether or not the value of the effect control process flag is a predetermined value (for example, 4) or more (step S1635).

  The effect control process flag is an effect control process (the effect display microcomputer 100 receives the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560, the variable display device 9 and the speaker 27, which are the electric parts for effect, and the lamp. 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c). The effect control process flag has a value corresponding to the progress state of the effect control process described later (specifically, depending on which step in steps S800 to S807 is performed in the effect control process). Is updated. In this embodiment, when the gaming state is shifted to the jackpot gaming state (specifically, when the jackpot display process (step S804) to the jackpot end effect process (step S807) to be described later is executed). In the production control process flag, values “4” to “7” are set. Further, when the gaming state has not been shifted to the big hit gaming state (specifically, when the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) to be described later is in the execution stage of the decorative symbol variation stopping process (step S803)). In the production control process flag, values of “0” to “3” are set.

  In this embodiment, in step S1635, the production control microcomputer 100 confirms whether or not the value of the production control process flag is 4 or more, thereby determining whether or not the gaming state is a big hit gaming state. (Specifically, whether or not it is a period during which a fanfare effect, an in-round effect, an interval effect, and an ending effect, which will be described later, are being executed). That is, if the value of the effect control process flag is 4 or more, the effect control microcomputer 100 determines that the gaming state has been shifted to the big hit gaming state. If the value of the effect control process flag is smaller than 4, the effect control microcomputer 100 determines that the gaming state has not been shifted to the big hit gaming state.

  If the value of the effect control process flag is not equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 4) (that is, if the gaming state is not the big hit gaming state), the effect controlling microcomputer 100 will cause an abnormal winning of the game ball to the big winning opening. An abnormal winning flag indicating the occurrence is set (step S1636). In other words, the game ball will win the big winning opening because the gaming state should be changed to the big hit gaming state and the big winning opening should be open during each round of the big hit game. When the gaming state is not the big hit gaming state, the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening should not be detected. Therefore, if the prize control designation command is received even though the value of the effect control process flag is not equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 4) (that is, the game state is not the big hit game state), the effect control microcomputer 100 Determines that an abnormal winning has occurred, and sets an abnormal winning flag.

  In this embodiment, in the processes of steps S1634 and S1635, the case where the process of confirming the value of the effect control process flag is executed after first determining the reception of the winning detection designation command has been described. The order of executing the steps may be reversed. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 100 first checks whether or not the value of the effect control process flag is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Next, if the value of the effect control process flag is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is confirmed whether or not a winning detection designation command has been received. If a winning detection designation command is received, it may be determined that an abnormal winning has occurred, and an abnormal winning flag may be set.

  Then, the production control microcomputer 100 sets an abnormal winning notification period measuring timer for measuring the execution time of the abnormal winning notification for notifying that an abnormal winning has occurred (step S1637).

  When the value of the production control process flag is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 4) (that is, when the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state), the production control microcomputer 100 receives the winning prize opening. A winning detection flag indicating that a winning of a game ball has been detected is set (step S1638).

  In this embodiment, even when the small hit state is entered, as described later, the value of the effect control process flag is set to 4 and the fanfare effect is executed for a predetermined period (decoration pattern fluctuation stop described later). Processing and jackpot display processing). Therefore, also in the case of shifting to the small hit state, the effect control microcomputer 100 determines that the value of the effect control process flag is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 4), and proceeds to step S1638. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the winning detection designation command is received when the game is not shifted to the big hit gaming state and is not in the small hit state, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred, and an abnormal winning notification is made. Will be done.

  If the received effect control command is an effect control command (full tank error release specifying command FF01 (H)) designated to release a full tank error (step S1639), the production control microcomputer 100 uses the lower plate (excess ball receiving tray). 4) Resets a full tank error notification flag indicating that a full tank state has been reached (full tank error) (step S1640).

  If the received effect control command is an effect control command (full tank error notification designation command FF02 (H)) specified for full tank error notification (step S1641), the effect control microcomputer 100 uses the lower plate (surplus ball tray). 4) sets a full tank error notification flag indicating that a full tank state has been reached (full tank error) (step S1642).

  If the received command read in step S1612 is another effect control command, the effect control microcomputer 100 sets a flag corresponding to the received command (step S1643). For example, if the received command is a customer waiting demonstration display command, the production control microcomputer 100 sets a customer waiting demonstration display reception flag indicating that the customer waiting demonstration display command has been received.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the error notification process (step S705) in the main process. In the error notification process, the production control microcomputer 100 first checks whether or not the initialization flag is set (step S1651). If set, the production control microcomputer 100 executes an initialization notification process for notifying that the initialization process has been executed (step S1652). Specifically, the production control microcomputer 100 displays a predetermined initialization notification screen on the variable display device 9 for notifying that the initialization process has been executed. Further, the production control microcomputer 100 outputs a predetermined sound effect (for example, a beep sound) using the speaker 27 and turns off the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, 28c (that is, during the game, which Some lamps are turned on or blinking, and some effects are being performed, but by turning off all lights, the player is made aware that the initialization process has been performed). In this case, for example, the production control microcomputer 100 displays an initialization notification screen including a predetermined initial symbol on the variable display device 9. Further, for example, an initialization notification screen including a character string such as “initialization has been performed” may be displayed on the variable display device 9.

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 subtracts 1 from the initialization notification period measurement timer (step S1653) and checks whether the initialization notification period measurement timer has timed out (step S1654). If time-out has occurred, the production control microcomputer 100 resets the initialization flag (step S1655) and ends the process. If not timed out, the process ends without resetting the initialization flag.

  When the initialization process is executed by executing the above process, the initialization notification screen is displayed for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) until the initialization notification period measurement timer times out, and the initialization process is performed. It is notified that the process has been executed.

  If the initialization flag is not set, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the power failure recovery flag is set (step S1656). If set, the production control microcomputer 100 executes a power failure recovery notification process for notifying that the power failure is being recovered (step S1657). Specifically, the production control microcomputer 100 displays a power failure recovery screen on the variable display device 9 for notifying that the power failure is being recovered. In addition, the production control microcomputer 100 silences the speaker 27 and turns off the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c (that is, during the game, a sound is output or one of the lamps is turned on or blinked). Although some performances are being performed, the player is made aware that the power failure is being restored by muting and turning off. Is displayed on the variable display device 9.

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 subtracts 1 from the power failure recovery notification period measurement timer (step S1658) and checks whether the power failure recovery notification period measurement timer has timed out (step S1659). If time-out has occurred, the production control microcomputer 100 resets the power failure recovery flag (step S1660) and ends the process. If not timed out, the process is terminated without resetting the power failure recovery flag.

  When a power failure recovery process is executed by executing the above processing, the power failure recovery screen is displayed for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) until the power failure recovery notification period measurement timer times out, and the power failure is being recovered. It is notified that it is.

  If the power failure recovery flag is not set, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the main board error flag is set (step S1661). If set, the production control microcomputer 100 executes main board error notification processing for notifying that a random circuit error of the main board 31 has occurred (step S1662). Specifically, the production control microcomputer 100 displays a main board error notification screen on the variable display device 9 for notifying that a random circuit error of the main board 31 has occurred. Further, the production control microcomputer 100 outputs a predetermined sound effect (for example, a beep sound) using the speaker 27, and also outputs a predetermined lamp (for example, any one of the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, 28c, or these). ) Is lit (or flashes). In this case, for example, the production control microcomputer 100 displays a main board error notification screen including a character string such as “Main board error occurred!” On the variable display device 9.

  By executing the above processing, when a random circuit error of the main board 31 is detected, a main board error notification screen is displayed to notify that a random circuit error of the main board 31 has occurred.

  If the main board error flag is not set, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the abnormal winning flag is set (step S1663). If set, the production control microcomputer 100 performs control to output a predetermined sound effect (beep sound) using the speaker 27, and controls predetermined lamps (for example, lamps 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c). Any one or a combination thereof is controlled to blink, thereby notifying that an abnormal winning to the special winning opening has been detected (step S1664).

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 subtracts 1 from the abnormal winning notification period measurement timer (step S1665) and confirms whether the abnormal winning notification period measurement timer has timed out (step S1666). If time-out has occurred, the production control microcomputer 100 resets the abnormal winning flag (step S1667), and ends the process. If not timed out, the process ends without resetting the abnormal winning flag.

  When an abnormal winning of a game ball to the grand prize opening is detected by executing the above processing, a predetermined effect is obtained over a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) until the abnormal winning notification period measuring timer times out. While a sound is output, a predetermined lamp blinks to notify that an abnormal winning has occurred.

  If the abnormal winning flag is not set, the production control microcomputer 100 confirms whether the full tank error notification flag is set (step S1668). If set, the production control microcomputer 100 performs control to output a predetermined notification sound using the speaker 27, so that the lower plate (the surplus ball receiving plate 4) is in a full state (full tank error). This is notified (step S1669). In this case, the production control microcomputer 100 controls to output a beep sound from the speaker 27 as a predetermined notification sound, for example. Further, for example, the production control microcomputer 100 may control the speaker 27 to output a sound such as “the bottom plate is full”.

  By executing the above processing, when a full tank state of the lower tray (the surplus ball receiving tray 4) is detected, a predetermined notification sound is output to notify that a full tank error has occurred.

  In this embodiment, in the error notification process, before executing the abnormal winning notification process in steps S1663 to S1667, it is confirmed whether or not the initialization flag is set (see step S1651). If so, initialization notification processing is executed in preference to abnormal winning notification (see step S1652). Therefore, even when an abnormal winning of a game ball at the big winning opening is detected, the initialization notification can be surely performed.

  In addition, by executing the above processing, when an error with a low priority (for example, abnormal winning) occurs during notification of a high-priority error (for example, during initialization notification), the priority of After the high error notification period, the low priority error notification is performed for a predetermined period. Also, when an error with a high priority occurs during the notification of an error with a low priority, the notification with an error with a low priority is interrupted and an error with a high priority is notified. Then, after the notification period of the high priority error, the low priority error notification is performed only for the remaining time.

  When a plurality of errors occur at the same time, the notification measurement timer for the lower priority error may be subtracted while the error notification processing for the higher priority error is being executed. Then, when the error notification process for the lower priority error is completed when the error notification process for the higher priority error is completed, the error notification process for the lower priority error is performed only for the remaining notification time. You may make it perform. For example, when the initialization process is performed and an abnormal winning is detected, the initialization notification is executed in preference to the abnormal winning notification (see step S1652). In step S1653, the initialization notification period measurement timer is decremented by 1, and the abnormal winning notification period measurement timer is also decremented by 1. Then, if the abnormal winning notification period measuring timer has not yet timed out when the initialization notification period timer has timed out, the abnormal winning notification may be executed only during the remaining notification time. Further, the notification process of the lower priority error may not be performed at all.

  Note that the forms of initialization notification, power failure recovery notification, main board error notification, abnormal winning notification and full tank error notification shown in this embodiment are merely examples, and the variable display device 9, the speaker 27, or the lamps 25, 28a and 28b. , 28c as long as the notification is made using one or more of them, the notification may be made in a mode other than the mode shown in this embodiment.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S706) in the main process. In the effect control process, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs one of steps S800 to S807 in accordance with the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not an effect control command (fluctuation pattern command) specifying a fluctuation pattern has been received by the command reception interrupt process. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not a flag (variation pattern reception flag) indicating that the variation pattern command has been received is set. The variation pattern reception flag is received by the effect control command (8000 (H) to 800 A (H)) for designating the variation pattern of the decorative pattern in the variable display device 9 in the command analysis processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100. It is set when it is confirmed that it has been done (see step S1616).

  Decoration symbol variation start processing (step S801): Control is performed so that the variation of the ornament symbol is started. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time is set in the variation time timer, the process table to be used is selected, and the process timer set value set at the beginning of the process table is set in the process timer.

  Decoration symbol variation processing (step S802): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time.

  Decoration symbol variation stop process (step S803): Control is performed to stop the variation of the ornament symbol and to derive and display the stop symbol (definite symbol) in response to the time-out of the variation time timer.

  Big hit display process (step S804): After the end of the variation time, the big hit display is controlled. For example, when a fanfare command designating the start of a big hit is received, a fanfare effect is executed.

  In-round processing (step S805): Display control during round is performed. For example, when a large winning opening opening display command indicating that the large winning opening is open, the display control of the number of rounds is performed.

  Post-round processing (step S806): Display control between rounds is performed. For example, when a display command after opening the big prize opening indicating that the big prize opening is after being opened (closed), an interval display is performed.

  Big hit end effect processing (step S807): Control of the big hit end display after the big hit game ends. For example, when an ending command specifying the end of the big hit is received, an ending effect is executed.

  FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. The display control execution data describes each variation mode constituting the variation pattern. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the change mode. The effect control microcomputer 100 refers to the process table, and performs control for variably displaying the decorative pattern in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value.

  Similarly to the control based on the display control execution data, the production control microcomputer 100 controls the lighting state of various lamps based on the lamp control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value, and the sound number Data is output to the audio output board 70.

  The process table shown in FIG. 33 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern.

  34 and 35 are flowcharts showing the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the variation pattern reception flag is set (step S1801). If it is set, the flag is reset (step S1802).

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 confirms whether or not the received variation pattern command is an outlier designation (variation pattern in which the EXT data shown in FIG. 12 is “00 (H)” to “03 (H)”). (Step S1803). If it is specified to be out, the production control microcomputer 100 extracts a random symbol for determining the off symbol (step S1804), and based on the value of the random symbol for determining the off symbol, the left, middle, and right decorative symbols are stopped. A symbol is determined (step S1805). Then, the determined decorative symbol stop symbol is stored in the decorative symbol storage area in the RAM, and a symbol determined flag indicating that the decorative symbol stop symbol has been determined is set (step S1806).

  If the received variation pattern command is not an outlier designation, the effect control microcomputer 100 confirms whether or not the normal jackpot designation (the variation pattern of EXT data “08 (H)” shown in FIG. 12) is present ( Step S1807). If the normal big hit is designated, the effect control microcomputer 100 sets a normal big hit effect flag indicating that the normal big hit is designated (step S1808). In addition, the normal big hit symbol determination table is selected as the symbol determination table used for determining the big hit symbol of the decorative symbol (step S1809). In this embodiment, a jackpot display symbol determination table for probability variation jackpots used when determining a probability variation symbol (a table for determining jackpot symbol determination at the time of probability variation) and a jackpot display symbol determination for a normal jackpot used for a normal jackpot A table (normally big hit symbol determination table) is prepared in advance. A number of decision values are assigned to the probability change big hit symbol determination table in association with each probability variation symbol, and a number of decision values are assigned to the non-probability variable decision table in association with the normal probability big hit symbol determination table. ing.

  If the received variation pattern command is not normally a jackpot designation, the production control microcomputer 100 confirms whether or not the probability variation jackpot designation (the variation pattern of the EXT data shown in FIG. 12 is “07 (H)”). (Step S1810). If the probability variation jackpot is designated, the production control microcomputer 100 sets a probability variation jackpot effect flag indicating that the probability variation jackpot has been designated (step S1811). Also, the probability change big hit symbol determination table is selected as the symbol determination table used for determining the big hit symbol of the decorative symbol (step S1812).

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 extracts a jackpot symbol determining random number, and based on the extracted jackpot symbol determining random number value and the selected symbol determining table, the left middle right ornament corresponding to the jackpot A symbol stop symbol is determined (step S1813). In this case, when the probability change big hit symbol determination table is selected, the production control microcomputer 100 uses the selected symbol determination table as a decorative symbol stop symbol (for example, the left middle right symbol). So that the symbols are aligned with the same odd number of symbols). In addition, when the normal big hit symbol determination table is selected, the production control microcomputer 100 uses the selected symbol determination table as a non-probable symbol (for example, left middle right symbol) as a decorative symbol stop symbol. So that the symbols are aligned with the same even number of symbols). Then, the stop symbol of the determined decorative symbol is stored in the decorative symbol storage area in the RAM, and the symbol determined flag is set (step S1814).

  If the received variation pattern command is not the probability variation jackpot designation, the production control microcomputer 100 confirms whether or not the probability variation jackpot designation is sudden (the variation pattern of the EXT data shown in FIG. 12 is “09 (H)”). (Step S1815). If the sudden probability change big hit is specified, the production control microcomputer 100 sets the sudden probability change big hit effect flag indicating that the sudden probability change big hit is specified (step S1816), and the process proceeds to step S1819.

  If the received fluctuation pattern command is not suddenly probable big hit designation, the production control microcomputer 100 confirms whether or not the small hit designation is specified (fluctuation pattern of EXT data “0A (H)” shown in FIG. 12). (Step S1817). If the small hit is designated, the effect control microcomputer 100 sets a small hit effect flag indicating that the small hit is designated (step S1818), and the process proceeds to step S1819.

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 suddenly extracts a random number for determining a probable variation symbol (step S1819). Then, the production control microcomputer 100 determines the stop symbol of the left middle right decorative symbol corresponding to the sudden probability variation big hit based on the value of the sudden probability variation design random number (step S1820). For example, the production control microcomputer 100 determines a combination of symbols such as “123” and “357” as a stop symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the sudden probability variation big hit. Then, the stop symbol of the determined decorative symbol is stored in the decorative symbol storage area in the RAM, and the symbol determined flag is set (step S1821). Thereafter, the production control microcomputer 100 changes the value of the production control process flag to a value (1 in this example) corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S1822). In this embodiment, even if a small hit is designated by executing the processing of steps S1817 to S1821, the same symbols such as “123” and “357” are suddenly detected. A combination will be determined.

  It should be noted that the decorative symbol stop symbol at the probability big hit, the normal big hit, and the small hit may be determined based on the display result command received in the decorative symbol changing process described later. In this case, the production control microcomputer 100 determines the probability variation symbol (the state in which the left, right, and right ornament symbols are arranged in an odd number) as the ornament symbol stop symbol based on the reception of the probability variation jackpot designation display result command. May be. In addition, the production control microcomputer 100 determines a non-probable variation (a state in which the left, right and right decorative symbols are evenly arranged) as a decorative symbol stop symbol based on the reception of the display result command of normal jackpot designation. May be. Further, the production control microcomputer 100 may determine the off symbol as the stop symbol of the decorative symbol based on the reception of the off-designation display result command. In addition, the production control microcomputer 100 receives a display result command of sudden probability change jackpot designation, and a combination of symbols such as “123” and “357” as a stop symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the sudden probability change jackpot. May be determined. Further, the production control microcomputer 100 receives the display result command with the small hit designation and based on the combination of the symbols such as “123” and “357” which are the same as the stop symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the sudden probability change big hit. May be determined. In this case, if the display result command cannot be received, the production control microcomputer 100 suddenly displays the same symbols such as “123” and “357” as the decorative symbol stop symbol corresponding to the sudden probability change big hit. What is necessary is just to determine a combination.

  If it is not the small hit designation in step S1817, the production control microcomputer 100 proceeds to step S1822 as it is. That is, in this case, an effect control command (designating a variation pattern (variation pattern in which the EXT data shown in FIG. 12 is “04 (H)” to “06 (H)” shown in FIG. 12) used for both the probable big hit and the normal big hit is used. In this case, it is not possible to specify whether the type of big hit is a probable big hit or a normal big hit only with the fluctuation pattern command. Therefore, the production control microcomputer 100 proceeds to step S1822 as it is without determining the stop symbol of the decorative symbols.

  When receiving the variation pattern command for both probable big hit / normal big hit, the production control microcomputer 100 tentatively determines a predetermined symbol combination (for example, non-probable variation) as a decorative symbol stop symbol. It may be. Then, when the display result command is received, the decorative symbol stop symbol may be re-determined based on the designated content of the display result command, and may be overwritten and stored in the decorative symbol storage area in the RAM.

  Thereafter, the effect control microcomputer 100 changes the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S1822).

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol variation start process, the effect control microcomputer 100 first checks whether or not a high-probability state background designation command has been received (step S821). If it has been received, the production control microcomputer 100 selects the process data for probability change in accordance with the variation pattern of the decorative design to be used (step S822). In this case, the effect control microcomputer 100 selects process data including the notice effect when executing the notice effect. If not received (that is, when a normal state background designation command or a sudden probability change state background designation command is received), the production control microcomputer 100 performs normal process data in accordance with the variation pattern of the decorative design to be used. Is selected (step S823).

  In this embodiment, as process data corresponding to the decorative pattern variation pattern, process data for probability change used when the gaming state is shifted to the second high probability state, and the gaming state is other than the second high probability state Normal process data used in the normal state, the first high probability state after sudden probability change big hit, and the normal state after small hit are used. For example, the production control microcomputer 100 selects the process data for probability change or the process data for normal, so that different background colors (for example, when the game state is the probability change state and when the game state is other than the probability change state) “Red” is displayed in the probability variation state, and “blue” is displayed in other than the probability variation state, and the decorative symbol variable display is executed. In addition, in this embodiment, it is difficult to recognize that the gaming state is the first high-probability state after sudden chance big hit by selecting normal process data even after sudden chance big hit and small hit. Yes. In addition to the process data for probability variation and the process data for normal use, the process data for sudden probability variation big hit may be used. Then, the production control microcomputer 100 may select the process data for sudden probability variation big hit when the sudden probability variation state background designation command is received. In this case, the production control microcomputer 100 suddenly receives the sudden change state background designation command in the first high probability state after sudden sudden change big hit or in the normal state after small hit, based on sudden reception of the sudden change state background designation command. The process data for the probable big hit is selected.

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 sets the process timer set value in the selected process data 1 to the process timer and starts the process timer (step S824).

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the abnormal winning flag is set (step S825). If set, the production control microcomputer 100 executes control of the variable display device 9 according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1) (step S826). In other words, in this case, since a predetermined sound effect output process and a predetermined lamp blinking process are performed in the error notification process (see step S705) based on the detection of the abnormal winning, the effect control is performed. The microcomputer 100 does not control the various lamps and the speaker 27 but only controls the variable display device 9. Specifically, the variable display device 9 starts variable display of decorative symbols, but the abnormal winning notification process using various lamps and the speaker 27 is continued. In step S826, the variable display device 9 may perform variable display of decorative symbols, and may display that an abnormal winning has occurred on a part of the display screen of the variable display device 9.

  If the abnormal winning flag is not set, the production control microcomputer 100 performs the production device (variable display device 9, variable display device 9, according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1). Various lamps and speaker 27) are controlled (step S827). For example, a control signal is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image corresponding to the variation pattern on the variable display device 9. In addition, a control signal is output to the lamp driver 352 in order to perform lighting / extinguishing control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the voice synthesizing IC 173 in order to perform voice output from the speaker 27.

  Thereafter, the production control microcomputer 100 starts a variation time timer (a timer corresponding to the variation time of the decorative pattern) and also starts a display result reception time measurement timer for measuring the reception time of the display result command ( Step S828). In this case, the production control microcomputer 100 sets the variation time specified from the EXT data saved in step S1615 in the variation time timer. As will be described later, if the display result command cannot be received from the game control microcomputer 560 until the display result reception time measurement timer expires, the performance control microcomputer 100 receives the display result command. Judge that it failed. In step S828, for example, the display result reception time measurement timer is set to a time (for example, 2 seconds) from the start of the decoration symbol change to the high-speed change. Then, the effect control microcomputer 100 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value (in this example, 2) indicating the decorative symbol variation process (step S802) (step S829).

  FIGS. 37 and 38 are flowcharts showing the decorative symbol variation process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol changing process, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the symbol determined flag is set (step S1830). If it is set, the process proceeds to step S1842. If a variation pattern command is specified for deviation, probability variation jackpot designation, normal jackpot designation, sudden probability variation jackpot designation or small hit designation, the decorative symbol stop symbol is already determined in the variation pattern command reception waiting process. Since the determined flag is set (see steps S1806, S1814, and S1821), the process proceeds to step S1842. If the probability variation big hit / normal big hit is specified by the variation pattern command (that is, if the variation pattern command for both probability variation big hit / normal big hit is received), the symbol determined flag is not set. Transition.

  If the symbol determined flag is not set, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the display result reception flag is set (step S1831). If not set, the production control microcomputer 100 decrements the value of the display result reception time measurement timer by 1 (step S1832) and determines whether or not the display result reception time measurement timer has timed out (step S1833). ). If not timed out, the process proceeds to step S1842. If time-out has occurred, the production control microcomputer 100 sets a display result non-reception flag indicating that the display result command could not be received (step S1834), and the symbol used for determining the big hit symbol of the decorative symbol A normal big hit symbol determination table is selected as the determination table (step S1839). That is, since the display result command is not received even after a predetermined period (for example, the time from the start of the decorative pattern variation to the arrival of the high-speed variation) after receiving the variation pattern command, The effect control microcomputer 100 determines that the display result command has not been received.

  In step S1831, the display result reception flag is not set and the display result reception time measurement timer is up. The case where the variation pattern command specified by the probability variation big hit / normal big hit is received but the display result command cannot be received. It is. For this reason, since it is known that at least either a probable big hit or a normal big hit, the effect control microcomputer 100 selects a normal big hit symbol determination table to decorate in step S1840 described later. Control is performed so as to determine a non-probable variation symbol as a symbol stop symbol.

  If the display result reception flag is set, the production control microcomputer 100 produces an production control command (normal big hit designation command: 8C01 (H)) that designates that the display result command is a normal big hit (non-probable big hit). It is confirmed whether or not (step S1835). If the normal big hit is designated, a normal big hit effect flag indicating that the normal big hit is designated is set (step S1836), and the process proceeds to step S1839.

  If the big hit is not normally designated, since the production control microcomputer 100 receives the production control command (probable big hit designation command: 8C02 (H)) designating that it is a probable big hit as the display result command, The probability variation big hit effect flag indicating that the big hit is designated is set (step S1837), and the process proceeds to step S1838.

  In step S1838, the production control microcomputer 100 selects the probability change jackpot symbol determination table as the symbol determination table used for determining the jackpot symbol of the decorative symbol. In step S1839, the production control microcomputer 100 selects the normal-time big hit symbol determining table as the symbol determining table used for determining the big hit symbol of the decorative symbol.

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 extracts a jackpot symbol determining random number, and based on the extracted jackpot symbol determining random number value and the selected symbol determining table, the left middle right ornament corresponding to the jackpot A symbol stop symbol is determined (step S1840). In this case, when the probability change big hit symbol determination table is selected, the production control microcomputer 100 uses the selected symbol determination table as a decorative symbol stop symbol (for example, the left middle right symbol). So that the symbols are aligned with the same odd number of symbols). In addition, when the normal big hit symbol determination table is selected, the production control microcomputer 100 uses the selected symbol determination table as a non-probable symbol (for example, left middle right symbol) as a decorative symbol stop symbol. So that the symbols are aligned with the same even number of symbols). Then, the stop symbol of the determined decorative symbol is stored in the decorative symbol storage area in the RAM, and the symbol determined flag is set (step S1841).

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the variable time timer has timed out (step S1842). If the variation time timer has timed out, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value (3 in this example) indicating the decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803) (step S1851).

  The production control microcomputer 100 shifts to the decorative symbol variation stopping process based on the elapse of the predetermined variation time, stops the variable display of the decorative symbol, and derives and displays the stopped symbol. In this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 determines that a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed based on the fact that the fluctuation time timer has timed out, and proceeds to the decorative symbol fluctuation stopping process.

  If the variation time timer has not timed out, the production control microcomputer 100 decrements the process timer by 1 (step S1843) and decrements the variation time timer by 1 (step S1844).

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the abnormal winning flag is set (step S1845). If set, the production control microcomputer 100 executes control of the variable display device 9 according to the contents of the process data n (display control execution data n) (step S1846). In other words, in this case, since a predetermined sound effect output process and a predetermined lamp blinking process are performed in the error notification process (see step S705) based on the detection of the abnormal winning, the effect control is performed. The microcomputer 100 does not control the various lamps and the speaker 27 but only controls the variable display device 9. Specifically, although the variable display device 9 performs variable display of decorative symbols, the abnormal winning notification process using various lamps and the speaker 27 is continued. In step S 1846, the decorative display may be variably displayed on the variable display device 9, and an indication that an abnormal winning has occurred may be displayed on a part of the display screen of the variable display device 9.

  If the abnormal winning flag is not set, the effect control microcomputer 100 executes control of the effect device (variable display device 9, various lamps, speaker 27) according to the contents of the process data n (step S1847). Next, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S1848). If the process timer has timed out, the process data is switched (step S1849). That is, the process data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data) set next in the process table is switched. Then, the process timer set value in the next process data is set in the process timer, and the process timer is started (step S1850).

  Specifically, in step S1847, the control of the effect device is executed in accordance with the contents of the process data n, whereby the variable display device 9 performs the variable display of the decorative symbols. In step S1846 or step S1847, when the production control microcomputer 100 fails to receive the display result command, an error is displayed on a part of the display screen of the variable display device 9 (for example, at the end of the display screen). (For example, a character such as “error” or a symbol such as “?”) May be displayed. For example, the production control microcomputer 100 may display an error on a part of the display screen of the variable display device 9 if the display result non-reception flag is set.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol variation stopping process, first, the effect control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not a stop symbol display flag indicating that a decorative symbol stop symbol is being displayed is set (step S1870). If the stop symbol display flag is set, the production control microcomputer 100 proceeds to step S1877. In this embodiment, as will be described later, when a big hit symbol is displayed as a decorative symbol stop symbol, a stop symbol display flag is set in step S1876. When the fanfare effect is executed, the stop symbol display flag is reset in step S1878. Therefore, the fact that the stop symbol display flag is set in step S1870 is a stage in which the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, but the fanfare effect is not yet executed. Without moving to step S1877.

  If the stop symbol display flag is not set, the production control microcomputer 100 stores the stored stop symbol (disconnected symbol, jackpot display symbol (including suddenly probable big hit symbol), small hit symbol (in this example, suddenly). Control for stopping and displaying the same symbol as the probability variation big hit symbol) is performed (step S1872).

  Then, in step S1872, if the big hit display symbol (including the sudden probability variation big hit symbol) or the small hit symbol (however, in this example, the same symbol as the sudden probability variation big hit symbol) is not displayed (that is, if the outlier symbol is displayed: step In N of S1873, the production control microcomputer 100 resets a predetermined flag (step S1874), and sets the value of the production control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (in this example). (0) (step S1875).

  In the case where a big hit symbol (including a sudden probability change big hit symbol) or a small hit symbol is displayed in step S1872 (Y in step S1873), the production control microcomputer 100 sets a stop symbol display flag (step S1876), It is confirmed whether or not the fanfare flag is set (step S1877). That is, the production control microcomputer 100 confirms whether or not a fanfare command has been received. When the fanfare flag is set (Y in step S1877), the effect control microcomputer 100 resets the stop symbol display flag (step S1878) and confirms whether or not the small hit effect flag is set (step S1878). Step S1880a). On the other hand, if the small hit effect flag is not set, it is confirmed whether or not the probability variation big hit effect flag is suddenly set (step S1880b). If neither the sudden change big hit effect flag nor the small hit effect flag is set, the process data corresponding to the normal fanfare effect is selected (step S1880c). If the sudden probability change big hit effect flag is set (Y in step S1880b), process data corresponding to the fanfare effect for sudden probability change big hit is selected (step S1880e). In the case of a small hit, in step S1880e, the production control microcomputer 100 adds process data corresponding to the in-round production in the first round in addition to the process data corresponding to the fanfare production (step S909 described later). Reference), process data according to the interval effect in the first round (see step S1912 described later), process data corresponding to the effect during the round in the second round (see step S909 described later), and according to the interval effect in the second round All data including the process data (see step S1912 described later) and the process data (see step S1984 described later) corresponding to the ending effect are selected.

  If the small hit effect flag is set (Y in step S1880a), the effect control microcomputer 100 sets a small hit display time measurement timer for measuring the execution time from the fanfare effect to the ending effect at the time of the small hit. The process data is set (step S1880d), the process proceeds to step S1880e, and the same process data as the process data corresponding to the fanfare effect for the sudden probability variation big hit is selected. That is, in this embodiment, the fanfare effect is executed using the same process data at the time of sudden chance big hit and at the small hit. Then, the process timer is started (step S1881), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to the big hit display process (step S804) (step S1882).

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (step S804) in the effect control process. In the big hit display process, the effect control microcomputer 100 first checks whether or not the small hit effect flag is set (step S900). If the small winning effect flag is not set, the effect controlling microcomputer 100 confirms whether or not the special winning opening open flag indicating that the special winning opening open display command has been received is set (step S100). S901). If the special winning opening open flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S902.

  If the small hit effect flag is set, 1 is subtracted from the value of the small hit display time measurement timer (step S902a). Next, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the small hit display time measurement timer has timed out (step S902b). If timed out, the process proceeds to step S902c, and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S902c).

  When the big prize opening open flag is not set (N in Step S901) or when the small hit display time measurement timer has not timed out (N in Step S902b), the production control microcomputer 100 performs the process. The timer value is decremented by 1 (step S902).

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 executes control of the production device (variable display device 9, speaker 27, lamps 28a to 28c, etc.) according to the contents of the process data n (step S903). For example, the variable display device 9 displays a jackpot display symbol and performs an effect of displaying a character or character indicating that a jackpot has occurred. In this case, the fanfare effect is executed for a predetermined period according to the content of the process data n for the sudden probability variation big hit in the case of sudden probability variation big hit or small hit.

  In step S903, when the abnormal winning flag is set (specifically, after receiving a winning detection designation command while the decorative symbol is changing, etc. (during processing in any of steps S800 to S803), the abnormal winning flag is set. If the fanfare command is received before the notification execution period elapses (before Y in step S1666 of FIG. 31), an abnormal winning notification is made using the speaker 27 and the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, 28c (step The process of S1664 may be performed. The effect control microcomputer 100 performs the mid-round process in step S805 (specifically, the process in step S1906), the post-round process in step S806 (specifically, the process in step S1973), and the big hit end effect in step S807. Similarly, in the process (specifically, the process of step S974), when the abnormal winning flag is set, the abnormal winning notification is made using the speaker 27 and the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c (in step S1664). Processing). Conversely, the abnormal winning notification may be stopped after the big hit or small win effect is started (after the big hit or small hit game is started).

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S904), and if the process timer has timed out, switches the process data (step S905). That is, the process data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data) set next in the process table is switched. Then, the process timer set value in the next process data is set in the process timer, and the process timer is started (step S906).

  When the big prize opening opening flag is set (Y in step S901), the production control microcomputer 100 produces an in-round production (round according to the number of rounds) based on the contents of the special prize opening opening display command. An effect for executing display is selected (step S907). Next, the special winning opening open flag is reset (step S908), and process data corresponding to the effect during the round is selected (step S909). Then, the process timer is started (step S910), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to the in-round processing (step S805) (step S911).

  In this embodiment, a case has been described in which both a big hit (including a sudden probability change big hit) fanfare effect and a small hit fanfare effect are executed in the big hit display processing. The display process may be provided separately from the jackpot display process. In this case, for example, if the small hit effect flag is set in the decorative symbol variation stop process, the effect control microcomputer 100 sets the small hit display time measurement timer and suddenly changes the fanfare for the probable big change. Process data corresponding to the effect is selected, and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the small hit display process. In this case as well, it is assumed that the value of the effect control process flag set as a value corresponding to the small hit display process is 4 or more. Then, the same processing as steps S902 to S906 is executed in the small hit display processing.

  In addition to the effect processing used for the big hit of 15 rounds (for example, the big hit display processing for the 15th round big hit), the effect processing (for example, the fanfare effect that is used in common for suddenly probable big hits and small hits is executed. Common display processing) may be provided. In this case also, it is assumed that the value of the effect control process flag set as a value corresponding to any effect process is also a value of 4 or more.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the mid-round process (step S805) in the effect control process. In the in-round processing, the production control microcomputer 100 first checks whether or not a flag after opening the big prize opening indicating that the display command after opening the special prize opening has been received is set (step S1901).

  When the flag after opening the big prize opening is not set (N in step S1901), the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the winning detection flag is set (step S1902). If set, the production control microcomputer 100 adds 1 to the value of the winning number counter (step S1903). The winning number counter is a counter for counting the number of game balls won in the big winning opening during the round in the big hit game. That is, the fact that the winning detection flag is set is a case where a winning of a game ball to the big winning opening is detected during the big hit game round, so the value of the winning number counter is incremented by one. Then, the production control microcomputer 100 resets the winning detection flag (step S1904).

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S1905), and executes the control of the production device (variable display device 9, speaker 27, lamps 28a to 28c, etc.) according to the contents of the process data n. (Step S1906). For example, the variable display device 9 displays a jackpot display symbol and executes an effect of displaying characters indicating the number of rounds, other characters, and the like. In step S1906, the production control microcomputer 100 displays the winning count (the number of winnings in the big winning opening in the round) on the variable display device 9 based on the value of the winning number counter. In the case of a sudden probability big hit, the variable display device 9 may not display the winning count number.

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S1907), and if the process timer has timed out, switches the process data (step S1908). That is, the process data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data) set next in the process table is switched. Then, the process timer setting value in the next process data is set in the process timer and the process timer is started (step S1909).

  If the flag after opening the big prize opening is set in step S1901 (Y in step S1901), the production control microcomputer 100 performs interval production (according to the number of rounds) based on the contents of the display command after opening the big prize opening. The effect for performing the interval display is selected (step S1910). Then, the production control microcomputer 100 resets the flag after opening the big prize opening and the winning number counter (step S1911), and selects process data corresponding to the selected interval production (step S1912). Then, the process timer is started (step S1913), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value (6 in this example) corresponding to the round post-processing (step S806) (step S1914). Note that, in the case of suddenly probable big hit, the effect control microcomputer 100 switches to the process data corresponding to the interval effect in step S1912 even if the display command after receiving the big prize opening is received. Control to not.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the round post-processing (step S806) in the effect control process. In the round post-processing, the effect control microcomputer 100 first checks whether or not an ending flag is set (step S1970). When the ending flag is not set (N in Step S1970), the production control microcomputer 100 determines whether or not the big prize opening open flag indicating that the big prize opening open display command has been received is set. Is confirmed (step S1971). When the big prize opening open flag is not set (N in step S1971), the production control microcomputer 100 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S1972), and the production device (in accordance with the contents of the process data n) Control of the variable display device 9, the speaker 27, the lamps 28a to 28c, etc.) is executed (step S1973). For example, the variable display device 9 displays a jackpot display symbol and produces an effect of displaying a predetermined character or the like.

  Next, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S1974), and if the process timer has timed out, switches the process data (step S1975). That is, the process data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data) set next in the process table is switched. Then, the process timer set value in the next process data is set in the process timer, and the process timer is started (step S1976).

  When the big prize opening open flag is set (Y in step S1971), the production control microcomputer 100 produces an in-round production (round according to the number of rounds) based on the contents of the special prize opening open display command. An effect for executing display is selected (step S1977). Next, the special winning opening open flag is reset (step S1978), and the process data corresponding to the effect during the round is selected (step S1979). Then, the process timer is started (step S1980), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to the in-round processing (step S805) (step S1981).

  The ending flag is set in step S1970 (Y in step S1970) when an ending command is received from the game control microcomputer 560. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 100 selects an ending effect according to the received ending command (step S1982). Next, the effect control microcomputer 100 resets the ending flag (step S1983), and selects process data corresponding to the ending effect (step S1984). Further, the production control microcomputer 100 starts the production period measurement timer and also starts the process timer (step S1985). Then, the effect control microcomputer 100 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value (7 in this example) corresponding to the jackpot end effect process (step S807) (step S1986).

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end effect process (step S807) in the effect control process. In the big hit end effect process, the effect control microcomputer 100 first subtracts 1 from the value of the effect period measurement timer (step S971) and confirms whether the effect period measurement timer has timed out (step S972).

  When the production period measurement timer has not timed out (N in step S972), the production control microcomputer 100 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S973), and the production device (variable display) is performed according to the contents of the process data n. Processing for controlling the apparatus 9, the speaker 27, the lamps 28a to 28c, etc.) is executed (step S974). For example, by displaying that the jackpot ends or by displaying a predetermined character on the display screen of the variable display device 9 and displaying a sentence such as “See you!” As a character line, the jackpot ends. Is notified.

  Then, the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S975), and if the process timer has timed out, switches the process data (step S976). Then, the process timer set value in the next process data is set in the process timer and the process timer is started (step S977).

  When the production period measurement timer times out (Y in step S972), the production control microcomputer 100 resets predetermined flags such as the normal big hit production flag and the probability variation big hit production flag (step S978), and the production control process flag Is set to a value (in this example, 0) corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S979).

  Next, the timing at which the game control microcomputer 560 detects the winning of a game ball to the grand prize opening and the execution timing of the production by the production control microcomputer 100 will be described.

  FIG. 44 is a timing chart showing the timing for detecting the winning of a game ball to the big winning opening and the execution timing of the effect. As shown in FIG. 44, when the game control microcomputer 560 detects a turn-on state of the count switch when the game ball is won at the big prize opening (see step S113), a prize detection designation command is sent to the effect control microcomputer 100. Transmit (see step S114).

  When receiving the winning detection designation command (see step S1634), the production control microcomputer 100 checks whether or not the value of the production control process flag is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (see step S1635). If it is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is determined that a winning is detected even though the gaming state is not a big hit gaming state (not a small hit state), and it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred (see step S1636). Then, as shown in FIG. 44, the production control microcomputer 100 outputs a predetermined sound effect using the speaker 27 and blinks a predetermined lamp, whereby an abnormal winning notification period is generated. A predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) is notified until the measurement timer times out (see steps S1663 to S1667).

  In addition, when the variation control command 100 is received from the game control microcomputer 560 before the abnormal winning notification period measurement timer times out, the effect control microcomputer 100 displays the variation display of the decorative symbols on the variable display device 9. In addition to starting (see steps S825, S826, S1845, S1846), the abnormal winning notification using the speaker 27 and each lamp is continuously performed (see steps S1663 to S1667). Then, when the abnormal winning notification period measurement timer times out after the start of the decorative symbol variation, the abnormal winning flag is reset (see step S1667), and the abnormal winning notification using the speaker 27 and each lamp is ended. Then, in addition to the decorative pattern variation display on the variable display device 9, a sound corresponding to the variation display is output and the lamp is turned on (see steps S827 and S1847).

  When the winning detection designation command is received after the gaming state has shifted to the big hit gaming state, the effect control microcomputer 100 determines that the value of the effect control process flag is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (see step S1635). For example, since point A shown in FIG. 44 is a case where a winning detection designation command is received in the first round during the big hit game, the production control microcomputer 100 has a production control process flag value of a predetermined value or more. And a winning detection flag is set (see steps S1635 and S1638). Next, the production control microcomputer 100 increments the winning number counter by 1 (see step S1903). The point A shown in FIG. 44 corresponds to the case where the first winning detection designation command is received in the first round, so that the value of the winning number counter is incremented by 1 to “1”. Then, the production control microcomputer 100 produces an effect during the round using the variable display device 9, the speaker 27, and each lamp, and displays the winning count number on the variable display device 9 based on the value of the winning number counter. (Refer to step S1906). At point A shown in FIG. 44, the winning display number “1” is displayed on the variable display device 9 based on the value “1” of the winning number counter. When the first round ends, the value of the winning number counter is once reset (see step S1911).

  Further, for example, point B shown in FIG. 44 is a case where the winning detection designation command is received in the final round during the big hit game, so that the production control microcomputer 100 has a production control process flag value of a predetermined value or more. It is determined that there is a winning detection flag (see steps S1635 and S1638). Next, the production control microcomputer 100 increments the winning number counter by 1 (see step S1903). At point B shown in FIG. 44, since the winning detection designation command is first received in the final round, the value of the winning number counter is incremented by 1 to “1”. Then, the production control microcomputer 100 produces an effect during the round using the variable display device 9, the speaker 27, and each lamp, and displays the winning count number on the variable display device 9 based on the value of the winning number counter. (Refer to step S1906). At point B shown in FIG. 44, the winning display number “1” is displayed on the variable display device 9 based on the value “1” of the winning number counter.

  Further, for example, at point C shown in FIG. 44, since the winning detection designation command is received in the final round during the big hit game, the production control microcomputer 100 has a production control process flag value of a predetermined value or more. It is determined that there is a winning detection flag (see steps S1635 and S1638). Next, the production control microcomputer 100 increments the winning number counter by 1 (see step S1903). At point C shown in FIG. 44, since the winning detection designation command is received second in the final round, the value of the winning number counter is incremented by 1 to “2”. Then, the production control microcomputer 100 produces an effect during the round using the variable display device 9, the speaker 27, and each lamp, and displays the winning count number on the variable display device 9 based on the value of the winning number counter. (Refer to step S1906). At the point C shown in FIG. 44, the winning count number “2” is displayed on the variable display device 9 based on the value “2” of the winning number counter.

  As shown in FIG. 44, when the game control microcomputer 560 detects winning of a game ball in the big winning opening, it transmits a winning detection designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100. Then, when receiving the winning detection designation command at a time other than during the big hit game, the production control microcomputer 100 determines that the winning is an abnormal winning and performs an abnormal winning notification. Even if the decorative symbol variation display is started, the abnormal winning notification using the speaker 27 and each lamp is continued while the decorative symbol variation display is executed. Further, when receiving the winning detection designation command during the big hit game, the production control microcomputer 100 counts the winning count based on the received winning detection designation command, and the variable display device 9 receives the winning count number. indicate.

  Next, the transmission timing of each effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 and the execution timing of the effect by the effect control microcomputer 100 will be described.

  FIG. 45 is a timing chart showing the transmission timing of the effect control command and the execution timing of the effect when the 15-round jackpot game is executed. FIG. 45 shows a case where the effect control microcomputer 100 has successfully received all the effect control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 when it is determined that the game is a big hit (in this example, a promising big hit). Indicates.

  As shown in FIG. 45, when there is a start win, the game control microcomputer 560 first adds 1 to the number of reserved memories and transmits an effect storage information designation command (see step S312). Then, every time the special symbol variable display is started on the special symbol display 8, in the special symbol normal processing (step S300), the determination result of the big hit determination, whether the normal big hit or the probable big hit, etc. The display result command corresponding to the determination result is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100. In this case, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits the background display designation command, the variation pattern command, the display result command, and the effect storage information designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 in this order.

  Specifically, when the determination result of the big hit determination is “missing”, a missing designation command is transmitted as a display result command. When the determination result of the big hit determination is “big hit”, the normal big hit designation command is transmitted when the determination result of the normal big hit or the probability variation big hit is “normal big hit”. When the determination result of the normal big hit or the probable big hit is “probable big hit”, the probable big hit designation command is transmitted. Further, when it is determined that the sudden probability change big hit is suddenly, a sudden probability change big hit designation command is transmitted. When it is determined that a small hit is made, a small hit designation command is transmitted.

  When the effect control microcomputer 100 is determined to be out of play, suddenly determined to be a promising big hit, or determined to be a small hit, based on the variation pattern command from the game control microcomputer 560, A stop symbol of a decorative symbol to be stopped and displayed on the variable display device 9 is selected. Further, when the effect control microcomputer 100 is determined to be a big hit, and receives a variation pattern command designated as a probable big hit or a variation pattern command designated as a normal big hit, it is variable based on the received variation pattern command. A stop symbol of a decorative symbol to be stopped and displayed on the display device 9 is selected. Further, the effect control microcomputer 100 is determined to be a big hit, and when a variation pattern command for both probable big hit / normal big hit is received, based on the display result command from the game control microcomputer 560, A probability variable symbol or a non-probable variable symbol is determined as a stop symbol of a decorative symbol to be stopped and displayed on the variable display device 9.

  Then, in the variation pattern setting process (step S301), the variation pattern (variation time) of the decorative symbol is determined using a predetermined variation pattern determination table, and the variation pattern command indicating the determined variation pattern is a microcomputer for effect control. 100.

  In response to the reception of the variation pattern command from the game control microcomputer 560, the effect control microcomputer 100 starts the variation of decorative symbols (variable display) in the variable display device 9. As described above, the variation of the decorative symbol on the variable display device 9 is synchronized with the variation of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8.

  Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 560 measures the variation time of the special symbol in the special symbol variation process (step S302) and controls the variable symbol variable display on the special symbol display 8 (steps S301 to S303). ). When the variation time of the special symbol elapses, the variation of the special symbol in the special symbol display device 8 is stopped in the special symbol stop process (step S303). When the determination result in the jackpot determination is a jackpot, a fanfare command is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100.

  In response to the reception of the fanfare command from the game control microcomputer 560, the effect control microcomputer 100 starts a big hit of 15 rounds using effect devices such as the variable display device 9, the speaker 27, and the lamps 28a to 28c. A fanfare effect for informing the player of this fact is executed for a predetermined period. For example, the variable display device 9 displays a decorative jackpot symbol (such as “222” or “777”), and also displays a character (“big jackpot!”) Indicating that the jackpot has been won. Further, a sound effect when the big hit is made from the speaker 27 is sounded, or the lamps 28a to 28c and the like are lit in the lighting pattern when the big hit.

  Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 560 starts measuring the jackpot display time (the time from the stop display of the jackpot symbol to the start of the first round of jackpot) in the big prize opening opening pre-processing (step S304). To do. When the big hit display time has elapsed, when a big hit for 15 rounds is started, a display command for opening the big prize opening is transmitted to the microcomputer 100 for effect control. The display state of the variable display device 9 in each round is designated by the display command for opening the big prize opening. Further, the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening. As a result, the first round in the big hit game starts.

  The presentation control microcomputer 100 uses the variable display device 9, the speaker 27, the lamps 28a to 28c and other presentation devices in response to the reception of the display command during the big prize opening opening from the gaming control microcomputer 560. A round effect (round display) for notifying the player that the current round is in progress is executed. For example, the decorative display jackpot symbol (“222”, “777”, etc.) is displayed on the variable display device 9, and characters indicating the current round (“first round”), other characters, and the like are displayed. Further, a sound effect during the round is emitted from the speaker 27, and the lamps 28a to 28c and the like are lit in the lighting pattern during the round.

  Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 560 starts measurement of the round time for 15 rounds in the special winning opening opening process (step S305). Further, every time it detects that the count switch 23 is turned on, the value of the winning number counter is incremented by 1, thereby counting the number of winning balls to the big winning opening.

  When the round time elapses or when the number of winnings reaches a predetermined number, the solenoid 21 is driven to close the large winning opening. Thus, the first round during the big hit game is completed. At this time, since the number of rounds is not 15, a display command after opening the big prize opening is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100.

  The production control microcomputer 100 uses the production devices such as the variable display device 9, the speaker 27, and the lamps 28 a to 28 c in response to reception of the display command after the special winning opening is opened from the game control microcomputer 560. An interval effect (interval display) for notifying the player that the interval is within a predetermined period is executed.

  Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 560 starts measuring the interval time (the time from the end of the round to the start of the next round) in the post-opening process for the big prize opening (step S306). When the interval time elapses, a display command for opening the special winning opening is transmitted to the microcomputer 100 for effect control. Further, the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening.

  The above-described pre-opening process for the special winning opening, the opening process during the opening of the special winning opening, and the post-processing after opening the special winning opening are repeated until the 15th round is completed.

  In the post-opening process for the big prize opening, when the value of the round number counter becomes 15, an ending command is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100.

  In response to the reception of the ending command from the game control microcomputer 560, the effect control microcomputer 100 uses the effect display devices such as the variable display device 9, the speaker 27, and the lamps 28a to 28c to end the big hit. An ending effect (a jackpot end display) to notify the person is executed for a predetermined period. For example, the variable display device 9 displays a character indicating the end of the big hit (“See you again!”), A character indicating that the state has shifted to the probability change state (“probability!”), Or the like, or the speaker 27 from the ending effect. For example, or the lamps 28a to 28c and the like are lit in a lighting pattern for an ending effect.

  Thereafter, in the game control microcomputer 560, in the jackpot end process (step S307), the measurement of the jackpot end time (the execution time of the ending effect for notifying the player of the end of the jackpot) is started. When the big hit end time elapses, a predetermined flag (big hit flag, probability variation big hit flag) is set / reset. Then, the process returns to the special symbol normal process (step S300) again, and the special symbol variation is started.

  Next, the transmission timing of the effect control command when the display result command cannot be received among the effect control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 when the jackpot is determined will be described. FIG. 46 is a timing diagram showing the transmission timing of the effect control command and the execution timing of the effect when the display result command cannot be received.

  In the example shown in FIG. 46, it is assumed that the production control microcomputer 100 has received the variation pattern command of the probability variation big hit / normal big hit designation from the game control microcomputer 560, but has not received the display result command (step). (See S1831 to S1834). In this case, the production control microcomputer 100 sets a display result non-reception flag (see step S1834). Further, since the production control microcomputer 100 can recognize at least the big hit by the variation pattern command, the normal big hit symbol determination table is selected to determine the stop symbol (non-probable variable symbol) of the decorative symbol (step) (See S1839 and S1840). Then, the stop symbol (non-probability variable symbol) of the normal big hit decoration symbol is derived and displayed on the variable display device 9 (see step S1872).

  Next, the transmission timing and the production timing of the production control command when it is suddenly determined as the probable big hit will be described. FIG. 47 is a timing chart showing the transmission timing and effect timing of the effect control command when it is suddenly determined that the probability change big hit.

  As shown in FIG. 47, the production control microcomputer 100, based on the received variation pattern command specified for sudden probability variation big hit, stops the decorative symbols for sudden probability variation big hit (for example, “123” and “357”). The combination of symbols is determined (see step S1820). Then, when the variable display time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol elapses, the special symbol and the decorative symbol variable display are stopped, and the variable display device 9 displays the decorative symbol stop symbol (for example, “123” or “357”). Combination) is derived and displayed (see step S1872). As shown in FIG. 47, even if the production control microcomputer 100 fails to receive the display result command, it determines and displays the decorative symbol stop symbol based on the variation pattern command. Then, as shown in FIG. 47, the effect control microcomputer 100 derives and displays the stop symbol of the decorative symbol, and then executes the fanfare effect corresponding to the sudden probability big hit for a predetermined period.

  Next, the transmission timing and the production timing of the production control command when it is determined as the small hit will be described. FIG. 48 is a timing chart showing the transmission timing of the effect control command and the effect timing when it is determined that the game is a small hit.

  As shown in FIG. 48, the effect control microcomputer 100, based on the received small hit designating variation pattern command, uses the stop pattern of the suddenly promising big hit decorative symbol as the stop symbol of the small hit decorative symbol. A similar stop symbol (for example, a combination of symbols “123” and “357”) is determined (see step S1820). Then, when the variable display time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol elapses, the special symbol and the decorative symbol variable display are stopped, and the variable display device 9 displays the decorative symbol stop symbol (for example, “123” or “357”). Combination) is derived and displayed (see step S1872). As shown in FIG. 48, even if the production control microcomputer 100 fails to receive the display result command, it determines and displays the decorative symbol stop symbol based on the variation pattern command. Then, as shown in FIG. 48, the production control microcomputer 100 performs a predetermined period of fanfare production similar to the fanfare production corresponding to the sudden probability variation big hit after deriving and displaying the stop design of the decorative design.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when receiving the winning detection designation command when the gaming state is not shifted to the big hit gaming state, the production control microcomputer 100 receives the speaker 27 and the lamps 25 and 28a. , 28b, and 28c, an abnormality notification indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the winning state of the game ball at the big winning opening is executed. Therefore, it is possible to detect and notify that an abnormal winning of a game ball to the big winning opening has occurred without increasing the control burden of the gaming control microcomputer 560. Further, the production control microcomputer 100 continues the abnormality notification until a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) elapses even when the variable display device 9 is performing variable display of decorative symbols. Therefore, even when the variable display of the decorative symbols is started immediately after the abnormality notification is started, it is possible to reliably notify that the abnormal winning of the game ball to the big winning opening has occurred.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 increases the number of receptions of the winning detection designation command counted using the winning number counter when the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state. It is displayed as the number of times a game ball has been won (winning count) in the winning opening. Therefore, the winning detection designation command can have two meanings of detecting the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening and specifying the update of the display of the number of winning of the gaming ball to the big winning opening. it can. Accordingly, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits an effect control command (for example, a command for designating 10-count display during each round during the big hit game) for designating update of the display of the number of times the game ball has been won at the big winning opening. Therefore, the number of commands transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560 can be reduced.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 receives the variation pattern command for designating the probability variation big hit / normal big hit, but when the display result command cannot be received, it is displayed on the variable display device 9. A non-probable variation symbol is derived and displayed as a symbol stop symbol. With such a configuration, even if the production control microcomputer 100 cannot receive the display result command, the player can recognize the display result of the variation display of the decorative symbols, and the player can recognize the display result. It is possible to prevent unnecessarily disadvantages.

  For example, if no display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device 9 because the display result command could not be received even though it was determined to be a big hit, the player would recognize the display result of the decorative symbol display. Can not do it. For this reason, although it is a big hit, it is delayed to realize that it is a big hit, and there is a possibility that the player cannot sufficiently obtain the profit that should be originally obtained in the big hit gaming state. In a conventional gaming machine, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-317092, the game control means separately sends an effect control command for designating a stop symbol of the left middle right decoration symbol to the effect control means. Send. For this reason, the effect control means cannot specify the display result when one of the effect control commands for designating the stop symbol of the left middle right decorative symbol cannot be received, and the initial appearance is not specified. It can only display symbols. Therefore, there is a possibility that the player cannot sufficiently obtain the profit that should be originally obtained in the big hit gaming state. In this embodiment, when a variation pattern command designating probability variation big hit / normal big hit is received, it can be recognized that at least big hit, so that the production control microcomputer 100 can receive the display result command. Even if it is not possible to recognize whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit, the non-probable variable symbol is derived and displayed. By doing so, it is possible to make the player recognize that it is at least a big hit, and to prevent the player from being disadvantaged more than necessary.

  In this embodiment, a command indicating a stop symbol of a decorative symbol is not transmitted separately for each symbol, but a single display result command indicating a display result of a variable display (big hit or miss) is transmitted. Therefore, the production control microcomputer 100 determines whether or not it is a big hit based on one display result command, whether or not it is a probable big hit, whether or not it is a sudden probable big hit, or whether it is a small hit. Can be judged. Therefore, the number of commands to be transmitted by the game control means can be reduced, and the control burden on the game control means can be reduced.

  FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation example of the effect control means when the display result command cannot be received. In FIG. 49, a cross indicates that the corresponding command has not been received. A circle indicates that the corresponding command has been received.

  As shown in FIG. 49, when the variation pattern command for specifying the deviation is received, but the display result command cannot be received, the variation of the decorative symbol is started, and the variation time timer is timed out. The display device 9 derives and displays the off symbol as a decorative symbol stop symbol. Normally, when the variation pattern command designated by jackpot is received, but the display result command cannot be received, the variation of the decorative design is started, and the decorative design is displayed on the variable display device 9 based on the fact that the variation time timer has timed out. A non-probable variation symbol is derived and displayed as the stop symbol of. If the variation pattern command specified by the probability variation jackpot is received, but the display result command cannot be received, the variation of the decorative symbol is started, and the decorative symbol is displayed on the variable display device 9 based on the fact that the variation time timer has timed out. The probability variation symbol is derived and displayed as the stop symbol of.

  When a variation pattern command for both promiscuous big hit / normal big hit is received and a display result command for normal big hit is received, the decorative symbol variation starts and the variable time display is based on the time-out of the variation time timer. A non-probable variation symbol is derived and displayed on the device 9 as a stop symbol of the decoration symbol. When a variation pattern command for both probable big hit / normal big hit is received and a display result command for probable big hit is received, the decorative symbol starts to change, and the variable display is based on the fact that the variable time timer has timed out. The probability variation symbol is derived and displayed on the device 9 as the stop symbol of the decoration symbol.

  When the variation pattern command for both probable big hit / normal big hit has been received, but the display result command has not been received, the variation of the decorative symbol is started, and the variable display device 9 is based on the fact that the variation time timer has timed out. A non-probable variation symbol is derived and displayed as a stop symbol of the decoration symbol. That is, since it is possible to identify at least a big hit, a non-probable variation symbol is derived and displayed.

  If the variation pattern command specified suddenly has been received suddenly, but the display result command is not received, the variation of the decorative pattern is started, and the variable display device 9 is decorated based on the fact that the variation time timer has timed out. Suddenly a probable big hit symbol is derived and displayed as a symbol stop symbol. When the variation pattern command designated by the small hit is received but the display result command cannot be received, the variation of the decorative design is started, and the decorative design is displayed on the variable display device 9 based on the fact that the variation time timer has timed out. A small hit symbol (in this embodiment, the same symbol as the sudden probability variation big hit symbol) is derived and displayed as the stop symbol.

  Further, in this embodiment, although the variation pattern command specified by the small hit is received, when the display result command cannot be received from the game control microcomputer 560, the variable display device 9 is suddenly displayed with the same display result as the probability variation big hit. Derived display. Therefore, even when the same display result as the sudden probability change jackpot is derived and displayed, it is possible to create a case where the state suddenly shifts to the state of probability change and a case where the state does not shift, thereby improving the interest of the game for the player. .

  Further, according to this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 determines whether or not the variation time specified by the variation pattern command has elapsed. Then, when it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed, the production control microcomputer 100 derives and displays the display result on the variable display device 9. This eliminates the need for the game control microcomputer 560 to send a confirmation command for confirming the display result of the decorative symbol variation display in order to stop the decorative symbol variation display when the variation time has elapsed. It is possible to reduce the control burden of the game control microcomputer 560.

  Also, according to this embodiment, when the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the winning detection designation command, the game state is a big hit game state based on the value of the effect control process flag used in the effect control process process. Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the game state is shifted to the small hit gaming state. Then, the effect control microcomputer 100 executes the abnormal winning notification when it is determined that the gaming state has not been shifted to the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the gaming state has been shifted to the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state only by checking the value of the effect control process flag. Therefore, it can be determined by a simple process whether or not the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 100 does not execute a game effect corresponding to the big hit game state in the effect control process, and the effect control process flag has a value smaller than a predetermined value (this In the example, when 3 or less) is set and a game effect corresponding to the big hit game state is being executed (including when an effect corresponding to the small hit state is being executed), the effect control process flag is a predetermined value or more. Value (4 or more in this example) is set. Then, the production control microcomputer 100 determines whether or not the gaming state has been shifted to the big hit gaming state by determining whether or not the value of the set production control process flag is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (fanfare production or It is determined whether or not it is a period during which a round effect, an interval effect, an ending effect, and a small hit effect are being executed. Therefore, when different processing is performed in the effect control process depending on the type of hit (for example, big hit or small hit), or after the big hit gaming state transition (for example, fanfare effect, in-round effect, interval effect or ending) Even if different processes are performed in the effect control process depending on which period of the effect is being executed), it is determined by a simple process whether or not the gaming state has been transferred to the big hit gaming state can do.

  Also, according to this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 executes initialization notification in preference to abnormal winning notification. For this reason, even when an abnormal winning of a game ball at the special winning opening is detected, it is possible to reliably perform initialization notification.

  In this embodiment, the case where the abnormal winning notification is performed based on the fact that the winning detection designation command is received once when the gaming state is not the big hit gaming state has been described. However, when the gaming state is not the big hit gaming state. An abnormal winning notification may be performed based on receiving the winning detection designation command a plurality of times (for example, twice). In such a case, for example, when a garbled command is received, it is possible to reduce a situation in which an abnormal winning notification is performed even though no abnormal winning has occurred.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the display result command cannot be received after receiving the variation pattern command for both the probable big hit / normal big hit, the non-probable variation symbol is derived and displayed as the stop symbol of the decorative symbol. As described above, after the non-probable variation symbol is derived and displayed, the production control microcomputer 100 may determine whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit based on the received fanfare command or ending command. . For example, when it is determined that the probability variation jackpot is based on the fanfare command specified with probability variation jackpot or the ending command specified with probability variation jackpot, the production control microcomputer 100 performs probability variation notification during the jackpot or at the ending. Also good.

  Further, in this embodiment, the case has been described in which the production control microcomputer 100 executes a common process in the production control process regardless of the type of winning, but different processing is executed depending on the type of winning. You may make it do. For example, the effect control microcomputer 100 executes different processes in the effect control process depending on whether the hit type is a big hit of 15 rounds, a sudden probability change big hit, or a small hit. Also good. However, in this case, a value equal to or greater than the predetermined value (4) is set in the effect control process flag even when processing corresponding to any hit type is executed.

  In this embodiment, the case where the presence / absence of an abnormal winning is detected by determining whether or not a winning detection designation command is received when the gaming state is not a big hit gaming state has been described. In order to detect, it is only necessary to confirm whether or not the prize is being opened. Therefore, for example, the production control microcomputer 100 may set a predetermined flag only during the opening period of the special winning opening. In this case, for example, the production control microcomputer 100 sets a predetermined flag when receiving a prize winning opening display command, and receives a display command after opening the prize winning opening for a predetermined period (the prize winning opening is displayed). A predetermined flag is reset when a period of time until a game ball won immediately before closing is detected by the count switch 23 elapses. Then, the production control microcomputer 100 may determine that an abnormal winning has occurred when the winning detection designation command is received when the predetermined flag is not set.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which the effect control board 80 is used to control all effect means (the variable display device 9, the sound output device (speaker) 27, and the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c). However, each rendering means may be controlled using separate control boards. A second embodiment including a sound / lamp control board that controls the sound output device 27 and the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c and a symbol control board that controls the variable display device 9 will be described below.

  In the present embodiment, the detailed description of the portions having the same configuration and processing as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and portions different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 50 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the sound / lamp control board 80b, and the symbol control board 80a according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the sound / lamp control board 80b performs sound output control of the sound output device 27 and display control of each lamp 25, 28a, 28b, 28c. The symbol control board 80a performs display control of the variable display device 9. In this embodiment, “effect control” means display control of the variable display device 9, sound output control of the speaker 27, and display control of the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c. It means performing such as. Further, in this embodiment, the effect control means includes a symbol control microcomputer 100a that performs display control of the variable display device 9, sound output control of the speaker 27, and display control of the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c. This is realized by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b. In this embodiment, the display control means is realized by a symbol control microcomputer 100 a that controls the variable display device 9. The electric component control means is realized by a sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b for controlling the speaker 27 and the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, 28c.

  The sound / lamp control board 80b is mounted with a sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b including a sound / lamp control CPU 101b and a RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. In the sound / lamp control board 80b, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown).

  Further, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b outputs a signal for driving the lamp to the lamp driver 352. 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.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs the sound number data to the speech synthesis IC 173. The voice synthesizing IC 173 generates a voice or a sound effect corresponding to the sound number data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 175. The amplifier circuit 175 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 173 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 176 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 174 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 transmitted bidirectionally (a response signal is transmitted from the signal receiving side to the transmitting side) between the sound / lamp controlling microcomputer 100b, the lamp driver 352, and the voice synthesis IC 173. Communication).

  The symbol control board 80a is equipped with a symbol control microcomputer 100a including a symbol control CPU 101a and a RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. In the symbol control board 80a, the symbol control microcomputer 100a operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown). In addition, the symbol control microcomputer 100a sends a VDP (video display processor) 109 to the VDP (video display processor) 109 based on the effect control command received from the sound / lamp control board 80b (transferred from the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b). Display control of the variable display device 9 using the LCD is performed.

  The symbol control microcomputer 100a reads necessary data from a character ROM (not shown) in accordance with the effect control command received from the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b. The character ROM stores character image data that is frequently used among images displayed on the variable display device 9, specifically, people, characters, figures, symbols, and the like (including decorative designs). Is. The symbol control microcomputer 100 a 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 data input from the symbol control microcomputer 100a.

  In this embodiment, the VDP 109 that performs display control of the variable display device 9 is mounted on the symbol control board 80a. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the symbol control microcomputer 100a, and maps a VRAM therein. 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.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b sends an effect control command via the input driver 102 and the input port 103 in response to a strobe signal (effect control INT signal) from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77. Receive.

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

  A signal that allows the signal input from the main board 31 to pass through the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the sound / lamp control board 80b (does not pass the signal in the direction from the sound / lamp control board 80b to the relay board 77). A unidirectional circuit is mounted as a direction regulating means. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 50 illustrates a diode. A unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal.

  In addition, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b transmits an effect control command (a variation pattern command or a display result designation command) from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80 a via the input / output port 104. When the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b receives a winning detection designation command as an effect control command, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b determines whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on the received winning detection designation command. If it is determined that no abnormal winning has occurred, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b transfers (transmits) a winning detection designation command to the symbol control board 80a (specifically, the symbol control microcomputer 100b). On the other hand, if it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred, the sound / lamp controlling microcomputer 100b uses the speaker 27 and the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, 28c without transferring the winning detection designation command. Abnormal winning notification is given. In the case where an error display is also performed on the variable display device when an abnormal winning occurs, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b also receives a winning detection designation command even when it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred. May be transferred (transmitted) to the symbol control board 80.

  Next, the operation of the sound / lamp control means (sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b) shown in FIG. 50 will be described. FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b (specifically, the sound / lamp control CPU 101b) mounted on the sound / lamp control board 80b. When power supply to the gaming machine is started and the reset signal becomes high level, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b starts main processing. In the main process, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b first performs an initialization process for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval. This is performed (step S881). Thereafter, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b proceeds to a loop process for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (step S882). When a timer interrupt occurs, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b clears the flag (step S883) and executes the following sound / lamp control process.

  A timer interrupt takes every 33 ms, for example. That is, the sound / lamp control process is started every 33 ms, for example. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the specific sound / lamp control process is executed in the main process, but the sound / lamp control process is executed in the timer interrupt process. Also good.

  In the sound / lamp control process, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b first analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S884).

  Next, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b performs an error notification process (step S885). In the error notification process, when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b detects an abnormal winning of the game ball in the big winning opening, an abnormal winning is made using the speaker 27 or the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, 28c. Control is performed to notify that it has occurred. In addition, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs a predetermined notification sound using the speaker 27 when the lower tray (the surplus ball receiving tray 4) is in a full tank state, thereby generating a full tank error. Control to notify this is performed.

  Next, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b performs a sound / lamp control process (step S886). In the sound / lamp control process, a process corresponding to the current control state (sound / lamp control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and the output process of the speaker 27 and the lamps 25 and 28a are selected. , 28b, 28c. In this case, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs sound number data (for example, sound number data corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern command) to the speech synthesis IC 703. Then, the voice synthesis IC 703 generates voice or sound effect according to the sound number data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b performs lamp control based on lamp control execution data set in the process data.

  Note that the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b determines that the speaker in the sound / lamp control process of step S886 is in error notification such as initialization notification or abnormal prize notification in the error notification process (see step S885). 27 is controlled so as not to perform the sound output processing by 27 and the display processing of each lamp 25, 28a, 28b, 28c. In this case, if the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b is performing error notification using only sound, such as when full tank error notification is executed, the sound from the speaker 27 in the sound / lamp control process in step S886. You may control not to perform only an output process.

  Further, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b executes a process of updating the random number counter (step S887). Further, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b performs a process of sending the effect control command received from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80a (command control process: step S888). The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b does not transfer the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 as it is, but processes the received effect control command and transfers it to the symbol control board 80b. Also good. Thereafter, the process returns to the process of checking the timer interrupt flag in step S882.

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing command analysis processing (step S884) executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b. Note that the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b performs the same process as steps S1611 to S1625 executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 shown in the first embodiment in the command analysis process. Therefore, FIG. 52 shows only a part of the command analysis process executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b that is different from the command analysis process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 shown in the first embodiment. Yes. In FIG. 52, the processes in steps S1626 to S1633 are the same as those executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 shown in the first embodiment.

  If the received effect control command is an effect control command (winning detection designation command FF00 (H)) designated for winning detection detection (step S1634), the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b is used in the sound / lamp control process. It is confirmed whether or not the value of the sound / lamp control process flag is a predetermined value (for example, 4) or more (step S1635A).

  The sound / lamp control process flag is a sound / lamp control process (the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 responds to the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 by the speaker 27, which is an electrical component for effect, This is a flag indicating the progress state of the process of controlling the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, 28c. The value of the sound / lamp control process flag is updated according to the progress state of the sound / lamp control process.

  In this embodiment, in step S1635A, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b checks whether or not the value of the sound / lamp control process flag is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 4). Check if the state is a big hit gaming state. That is, if the value of the sound / lamp control process flag is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 4), the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b determines that the gaming state has been shifted to the big hit gaming state. If the value of the sound / lamp control process flag is smaller than a predetermined value (for example, 4), the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b determines that the gaming state has not been shifted to the big hit gaming state.

  If the value of the sound / lamp control process flag is not a predetermined value (for example, 4) or more (that is, if the gaming state is not the big hit gaming state), the sound / lamp controlling microcomputer 100b will play the game ball to the big prize opening. An abnormal winning flag indicating that an abnormal winning is generated is set (step S1636). In other words, the game ball will win the big winning opening because the gaming state should be changed to the big hit gaming state and the big winning opening should be open during each round of the big hit game. When the gaming state is not the big hit gaming state, the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening should not be detected. Therefore, when a winning detection designation command is received even though the value of the sound / lamp control process flag is not equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 4) (that is, the gaming state is not the big hit gaming state), the sound / lamp control is performed. The microcomputer 100b determines that an abnormal winning has occurred, and sets an abnormal winning flag.

  Then, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b sets an abnormal winning notification period measurement timer for measuring the execution time of the abnormal winning notification for notifying that an abnormal winning has occurred (step S1637).

  When the value of the sound / lamp control process flag is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 4) (that is, when the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state), the sound / lamp controlling microcomputer 100b receives a prize. Processing for transferring the detection designation command as it is to the symbol control board 80a is executed (step S1638A). Specifically, in step S1638A, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b sets a predetermined value in the area for setting the effect control command in the RAM. Then, in the command control process (see step S888), the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b (specifically, the sound / lamp control CPU 101b) actually produces the effect according to the set value set in the RAM area. A control command is transmitted to the symbol control board 80a. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b does not directly transmit the winning detection designation command received from the game control microcomputer 560, but processes the received winning detection designation command and transmits it to the symbol control board 80a. May be. For example, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b counts the number of winnings in the round (see steps S1902 to S1904 shown in the first embodiment), and can detect the winnings based on the number of winnings. A specified command may be created and sent. Further, for example, a plurality of winning detection designation commands corresponding to the number of winnings may be prepared in advance, and a winning detection designation command corresponding to the count number may be transmitted.

  In this embodiment, even when the small hit state is entered, the value of the sound / lamp control process flag is set to 4, the sound output processing corresponding to the fanfare effect for a predetermined period, and the lamps 25, 28a, The blinking process of 28b and 28c is executed. Accordingly, even when the state is shifted to the small hit state, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b determines that the value of the sound / lamp control process flag is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 4), and proceeds to step S1638A. To do. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the winning detection designation command is received when the game is not shifted to the big hit gaming state and is not in the small hit state, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred, and an abnormal winning notification is made. Will be done.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 52, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b determines whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on the value of the sound / lamp control process flag. If it is determined that the event has occurred, an abnormal winning notification is executed. Therefore, the winning detection designation command only needs to be transferred to the symbol control board 80a only when it is determined that no abnormal winning has occurred (the value of the sound / lamp control process flag is equal to or greater than a predetermined value). Therefore, when it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred (the value of the sound / lamp control process flag is not equal to or greater than a predetermined value), it is possible to save the trouble of transferring the winning detection designation command to the symbol control board 80a. The control burden can be reduced.

  If the received production control command is a production control command (full tank error release designation command FF01 (H)) designated to release a full tank error (step S1639), the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b uses the lower plate (surplus). The full tank error notification flag indicating that the ball tray 4) is in a full state (full tank error) is reset (step S1640).

  If the received effect control command is an effect control command (full tank error notification designation command FF02 (H)) designated for full tank error notification (step S1641), the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b uses the lower plate (surplus). A full tank error notification flag indicating that the ball receiving tray 4) is in a full tank state (full tank error) is set (step S1642).

  If the received command read in step S1612 is another effect control command, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b sets a flag corresponding to the received command (step S1643). For example, if the received command is a customer waiting demonstration display command, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b sets a customer waiting demonstration display reception flag indicating that the customer waiting demonstration display command has been received.

  FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing an error notification process (step S885) executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b. In the error notification process, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b first checks whether or not the initialization flag is set (step S1651). If set, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b executes an initialization notification process for notifying that the initialization process has been executed (step S1652A). Specifically, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs a predetermined sound effect (for example, a beep sound) using the speaker 27 and turns off the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, 28c (that is, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b). During the game, one of the lamps is turned on or blinked to produce some effect, but the player is made aware that the initialization process has been performed by turning off all lamps).

  Next, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b subtracts 1 from the initialization notification period measurement timer (step S1653) and checks whether the initialization notification period measurement timer has timed out (step S1654). If time-out has occurred, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b resets the initialization flag (step S1655) and ends the process. If not timed out, the process ends without resetting the initialization flag.

  By executing the above processing, when the initialization processing is executed, it is notified that the initialization processing has been executed for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) until the initialization notification period measurement timer times out. Is done.

  If the initialization flag is not set, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b checks whether or not the power failure recovery flag is set (step S1656). If set, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b executes a power failure recovery notification process for notifying that the power failure is being recovered (step S1657A). Specifically, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b silences the speaker 27 and turns off the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c (that is, outputs a sound during a game or any one of the lamps). The player is aware that the power failure is being restored by muting and turning off the light.

  Next, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b subtracts 1 from the power failure recovery notification period measurement timer (step S1658) and checks whether the power failure recovery notification period measurement timer has timed out (step S1659). If time-out has occurred, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b resets the power failure recovery flag (step S1660) and ends the process. If not timed out, the process is terminated without resetting the power failure recovery flag.

  By executing the above process, when the power failure recovery process is executed, it is notified that the power failure is being recovered for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) until the power failure recovery notification period measurement timer times out. .

  If the power failure recovery flag is not set, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b checks whether or not the main board error flag is set (step S1661). If set, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b executes a main board error notification process for notifying that a random circuit error of the main board 31 has occurred (step S1662A). Specifically, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs a predetermined sound effect (for example, a beep sound) using the speaker 27, and also outputs a predetermined lamp (for example, the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c). Any one or a combination thereof is lit (or flashes).

  By executing the above processing, when a random circuit error of the main board 31 is detected, it is notified that a random circuit error of the main board 31 has occurred.

  If the main board error flag is not set, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b checks whether or not the abnormal winning flag is set (step S1663). If set, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b performs control to output a predetermined sound effect (beep sound) using the speaker 27, and also performs predetermined lamps (for example, lamps 25, 28a, 28b, By performing control of blinking any one of 28c or a combination thereof, it is notified that an abnormal winning in the special winning opening is detected (step S1664).

  Next, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b subtracts 1 from the abnormal winning notification period measurement timer (step S1665) and checks whether the abnormal winning notification period measurement timer has timed out (step S1666). If time-out has occurred, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b resets the abnormal winning flag (step S1667) and ends the process. If not timed out, the process ends without resetting the abnormal winning flag.

  When an abnormal winning of a game ball to the grand prize opening is detected by executing the above processing, a predetermined effect is obtained over a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) until the abnormal winning notification period measuring timer times out. While a sound is output, a predetermined lamp blinks to notify that an abnormal winning has occurred.

  If the abnormal winning flag is not set, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b checks whether or not the full tank error notification flag is set (step S1668). If set, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b performs control to output a predetermined notification sound using the speaker 27, so that the lower plate (the surplus ball receiving plate 4) is full (full tank error). (Step S1669). In this case, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b controls to output a beep sound from the speaker 27 as a predetermined notification sound, for example. Further, for example, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b may control the speaker 27 to output a sound such as “the bottom plate is full”.

  By executing the above processing, when a full tank state of the lower tray (the surplus ball receiving tray 4) is detected, a predetermined notification sound is output to notify that a full tank error has occurred.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, similar to the production control microcomputer 100 shown in the first embodiment, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b shifts from the gaming state to the big hit gaming state. If a winning detection designation command is received when not being played, an abnormality notification indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the winning state of the game ball at the big winning opening is made using the speaker 27 and the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, 28c. Execute. Therefore, it is possible to detect and notify that an abnormal winning of a game ball to the big winning opening has occurred without increasing the control burden of the gaming control microcomputer 560. Further, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b continues to notify the abnormality until a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) elapses even when the design control microcomputer 100a executes variable display of the decoration design. To do. Therefore, even when the variable display of the decorative symbols is started immediately after the abnormality notification is started, it is possible to reliably notify that the abnormal winning of the game ball to the big winning opening has occurred.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b determines whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on the value of the sound / lamp control process flag, and determines that an abnormal winning has occurred. If it is, an abnormal winning notification is executed. Then, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b sends a winning detection designation command to the symbol control board 80a only when it is determined that no abnormal winning has occurred (the value of the sound / lamp control process flag is equal to or greater than a predetermined value). Forward. Therefore, when it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred (the value of the sound / lamp control process flag is not equal to or greater than a predetermined value), it is possible to save the trouble of transferring the winning detection designation command to the symbol control board 80a. The control burden can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, the case where the abnormal winning is notified using the speaker 27 and the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, 28c has been described, but only by displaying a predetermined error notification screen on the variable display device 9. You may make it alert | report. In this case, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b performs control so that the abnormal winning notification is not performed in the error notification processing, and the abnormal winning notification that specifies that the abnormal winning is notified based on the detection of the abnormal winning is detected. The command may be transmitted to the symbol control board 80a. Then, the symbol controlling microcomputer 100a may perform an abnormal winning notification using the variable display device 9 based on the received abnormal winning notification command. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b may transfer the winning detection designation command as it is to the symbol control board 80a without performing the abnormal winning detection process. In this case, the symbol controlling microcomputer 100a determines whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on the received winning detection designation command, and if it is determined that the abnormal winning has occurred, the variable display device 9 is used to notify the abnormal winning notification. You may go.

  In this embodiment, as an example of controlling each presentation means using separate control boards, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b mounted on the sound / lamp control board 80b is replaced with a game control microcomputer 560. Although the case where the effect control command received from is transferred to the symbol control microcomputer 100a mounted on the symbol control board 80a has been described, the mode of controlling each effect means using separate control boards is described in this embodiment. It is not limited to those shown in. For example, the symbol control microcomputer 100a may first receive an effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 and transfer it to the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b.

  In this embodiment, as an example of controlling each presentation means using separate control boards, a case has been described in which a gaming machine includes a symbol control board 80a and a sound / lamp control board 80b. A plurality of control boards may be provided. For example, the gaming machine may include a symbol / sound control board that controls the variable display device 9 and the speaker 27, and a lamp control board that controls the lamps 25, 28a, 28b, and 28c. In this case, the display control means is realized by a symbol / sound control microcomputer mounted on a symbol / sound control board for controlling the variable display device 9. The electric component control means is realized by a lamp control microcomputer mounted on a lamp control board that controls each lamp. In addition, the design / sound control microcomputer mounted on the design / sound control board determines the contents of the effect, and each effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 is sent to the lamp control microcomputer mounted on the lamp control board. May be transmitted, and an effect content designation command including the determined effect content may be transmitted. Further, for example, the gaming machine may include a symbol / lamp control board that controls the variable display device 9 and the lamps 25, 28 a, 28 b, and 28 c and a sound control board that controls the speaker 27. In this case, the display control means is realized by a symbol / lamp control microcomputer mounted on a symbol / lamp control board for controlling the variable display device 9. The electric component control means is realized by a sound control microcomputer mounted on a sound control board for controlling the speaker. In addition, the design / lamp control microcomputer mounted on the design / lamp control board determines the contents of the presentation, and the effect control commands received from the game control microcomputer 560 are sent to the sound control microcomputer mounted on the sound control board. May be transmitted, and an effect content designation command including the determined effect content may be transmitted.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine of each of the above embodiments can be given a predetermined game value to a player mainly when the special symbol that is variably displayed on the variable display unit based on the start winning prize becomes the predetermined symbol. A pachinko machine that can be given a predetermined gaming value to a player when there is a prize in a predetermined area of an electric game that is released based on a start prize, or a start prize The present invention is applied even to a pachinko game machine in which a predetermined right is generated or continued when there is a prize for a predetermined electric combination that is released when the stop symbol of the symbol variably displayed becomes a predetermined symbol combination. it can. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a slot machine that inserts game medals and sets a bet number and plays a game, or a game machine that inserts game balls instead of game medals and sets a bet number and plays a game.

  The present invention is applicable to a game such as a pachinko gaming machine, and can be controlled to a specific gaming state in which a game medium can be won in a winning area in the gaming area, and a game ball is won in the winning area. It can be applied to a gaming machine that pays out game media as a prize.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a relay board | substrate and an effect control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main process which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main process which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each 2 byte buffer formed in RAM used by switch processing. It is a flowchart which shows a switch process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol normal process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the big hit symbol setting table and the small hit symbol setting table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol fluctuation | variation process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a big prize opening opening pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during big prize opening opening. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process after a special winning opening opening. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a jackpot end process. It is a flowchart which shows a small hit release pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows a process during small hit release. It is a flowchart which shows a small hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of effect design command control processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a command transmission table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main process which the microcomputer for production control performs. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an error alerting | reporting process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a process table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a decoration design change start process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during decoration design change. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during decoration design change. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a decoration design change stop process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a jackpot display process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during a round. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a post-round process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a big hit end effect process. It is a timing diagram showing the timing for detecting the winning of a game ball to the big winning opening and the execution timing of the effect. It is a timing diagram showing the transmission timing of the effect control command and the execution timing of the effect when the 15-round jackpot game is executed. It is a timing diagram showing the transmission timing of the effect control command and the execution timing of the effect when the display result command cannot be received. It is a timing chart showing the transmission timing and the production timing of the production control command when it is suddenly determined as a probable big hit. It is a timing diagram showing the transmission timing of the effect control command and the effect timing when it is determined as a small hit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation example of an effect control means when a display result command cannot be received. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of the relay board | substrate in 2nd Embodiment, a sound / lamp control board, and a symbol control board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for sound / lamp control in 2nd Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the command analysis processing which the microcomputer for sound / lamp control in 2nd Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the error alerting | reporting process which the sound / lamp control microcomputer in 2nd Embodiment performs.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine 8 Special symbol display 9 Variable display 14 Start prize opening 20 Special variable prize ball equipment (big prize opening)
23 count switch 25 decoration lamp 27 speaker 28a top frame lamp 28b left frame lamp 28c right frame lamp 31 main board 80 effect control board 100 effect control microcomputer 560 game control microcomputer

Claims (7)

A variable display unit that variably displays each of a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified and displays and displays a display result, and when the specific display result is derived and displayed on the variable display unit, shifts to a specific gaming state, A gaming machine that pays out a prize game medium as a prize based on winning of a game medium in a prize area,
A variable winning device capable of changing between an open state in which a game medium can be won in a predetermined prize area and a closed state in which a game medium cannot be won in the predetermined prize area;
Winning detection means for detecting that a game medium has won in the predetermined winning area and outputting a winning detection signal;
A game that receives a winning detection signal from the winning detection means, executes a game control process for controlling the progress of the game, and transmits an effect control command for controlling an electric component for effect provided in the gaming machine Control means;
Effect control means for executing effect control processing for controlling electric parts for effect according to the effect control command transmitted by the game control means,
The game control means includes
A winning detection command transmitting means for transmitting a winning detection command indicating that a game medium has been won in the predetermined winning area to the effect control means as the effect control command in response to the input of the winning detection signal; ,
Pre-determining means for determining whether or not to make the display result of the variable display of the identification information of the variable display part the specific display result;
Gaming state transition means for transitioning the gaming state to the specific gaming state when the prior determination means determines that the display result of the variable display is the specific display result;
Variable winning device opening and closing means for opening and closing the variable winning device when the gaming state is shifted to the specific gaming state by the gaming state transition means;
The production control means includes
Variable display execution means for executing variable display of identification information of the variable display unit based on the determination result of the prior determination unit, and deriving and displaying the display result on the variable display unit;
An abnormality notification means for executing an abnormality notification indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the winning state of the game medium in the winning area when the winning detection command is received when the gaming state is not shifted to the specific gaming state; Including
The abnormality notification unit is configured to execute the abnormality notification execution time that is an execution time of the abnormality notification even when the variable display execution unit performs variable display of the identification information of the variable display unit. A gaming machine characterized by continuing abnormality notification. The production control means
A reception number counting means for counting the number of receptions of the winning detection command from the game control means;
A winning number display means for displaying the number of receptions of the winning detection command counted by the reception number counting means as the number of winnings of the game medium in the winning area when the gaming state is shifted to the specific gaming state; The gaming machine according to claim 1. When the special display result is derived and displayed on the variable display section, after the specific gaming state is ended, the display result of the variable display of the identification information is shifted to the special gaming state in which the specific display result is likely to be the specific display result compared to the normal display state. A gaming machine,
The pre-determining means determines whether the variable display of the identification information of the variable display unit is to be the special display result in addition to whether the variable display of the identification information of the variable display unit is the specific display result. Decide
The game control means
Variable display time determining means for determining a variable display time from the start of variable display of the identification information in the variable display unit until the display result is derived and displayed based on the determination result of the prior determination means;
Variable display command transmitting means for transmitting a variable display command capable of specifying the variable display time determined by the variable display time determining means to the effect control board as an effect control command;
Display result command transmission means for transmitting a display result command capable of specifying the determination result by the prior determination means to the effect control board as the effect control command,
The variable display execution means executes variable display of the identification information of the variable display unit based on the variable display command and the display result command, and displays the variable display unit on the variable display unit when the variable display time has elapsed. Derived results are displayed,
The variable display command transmission means is determined as the variable display command by the prior determination means to change the display result of variable display of the identification information of the variable display section to the specific display result and the special display result. A variable display command for special display that can specify that the display result of variable display of the identification information of the variable display unit is determined to be the specific display result and not to be the special display result by the predetermining means Non-special display variable display command capable of specifying, for specific display that can only specify that the display result of variable display of the identification information of the variable display unit is determined as the specific display result by the predetermining means The variable display command or the display result of variable display of the identification information of the variable display unit by the pre-determining means is used as the specific display result. It has been determined that there is no send any of the variable display command for a particular possible nonspecific Show,
The variable display execution means includes
It is determined that the display result of variable display of the identification information of the variable display unit is determined to be the specific display result and the special display result is determined by the variable display command for specific display and the predetermining means. When the display result command is received, the special display result is derived and displayed on the variable display unit based on the passage of the variable display time, and when the special display variable display command is received. A special display result derivation display means for deriving and displaying the special display result on the variable display unit based on the fact that the variable display time has elapsed,
The specific display variable display command and the pre-determining means determine that the display result of the variable display identification information variable display is determined to be the specific display result and not to be the special display result. When the display result command which can be specified is received, based on the fact that the variable display time has elapsed, the specific display result indicates that the transition to the special game state is made after the specific game state is ended. Non-special display result is derived and displayed on the variable display unit, and when the non-special display variable display command is received, the non-special display result is displayed on the variable display unit based on the passage of variable display time. Non-special display result derivation display means for derivation display
Non-specific display result derivation display means for deriving and displaying a display result other than the specific display result on the variable display unit based on the fact that a variable display time has elapsed when the variable display command for non-specific display is received; ,
When the variable display command for specific display is received but the display result command is not received, the non-special display result is not displayed on the variable display unit based on the fact that the variable display time has elapsed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a non-special display result derivation display unit. The effect control means includes variable display time determination means for determining whether or not the variable display time specified by the variable display command has elapsed,
The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the variable display executing means derives and displays the display result on the variable display section when the variable display time determining means determines that the variable display time has elapsed. The production control means
In accordance with the value of the effect progress data indicating the progress state of the effect control process, the effect control process is executed,
Effect progress data setting means for setting the value of the effect progress data according to the progress state of the effect control process;
When the winning detection command is received, it is determined whether or not the gaming state has been shifted to the specific gaming state by the gaming state transition unit based on the value of the presentation progress data set by the presentation progress data setting unit. Game state determination means,
The game according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the abnormality notification means performs abnormality notification when the gaming state determination means determines that the gaming state has not been shifted to the specific gaming state. Machine. The effect progress data setting means sets a value smaller than a predetermined value in the effect progress data when the game effect corresponding to the specific game state is not executed, and when the game effect corresponding to the specific game state is executed Set a value greater than or equal to the specified value in the production progress data,
The gaming state determining means determines whether or not the value of the effect progress data set by the effect progress data setting means is a predetermined value or more, so that the gaming state is changed to the specific gaming state by the game state transition means. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein it is determined whether or not a transition has been made. The game control means
Game control storage means for storing data indicating the progress of the game;
Initialization means for initializing the stored contents of the game control storage means;
An initialization command transmitting means for transmitting, as an effect control command, an effect command to the effect control means when the initialization process is performed by the initialize means,
In response to receiving the initialization command, the production control unit controls an electrical component for production and performs initialization notification indicating that initialization processing has been performed by the initialization unit Including notification means,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the initialization notification unit executes the initialization notification in preference to abnormality notification by the abnormality notification unit.

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