JP2008055031A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the prevention of the fraudulence committed onto a variable prize winning device (electric tulip or ordinary electric accessary). <P>SOLUTION: The variation of a first special symbols (first decoration symbols) is carried out with the winning of a first starter prize winning slot 13 and the variation of the second special symbols (second decoration symbols) is carried out with the winning of a second starter prize winning slot 14. When the value of an ordinary pattern process flag is that (3) showing an ordinary electric accessary operation processing, upon the turing on of the second starter slot switch 14a, a microcomputer 560 for game control transmits an abnormal prize winning notification designation command for notifying the occurrence of the abnormal prize winning. A microcomputer 100 for performance control notifies the occurrence of the abnormal winning of a prize in the second starter prize winning slot 14 using a performance device from the command. In this case, even when the variation of figures is carried on with a performance display device 9, the notification of the abnormal prize winning is continued. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In the present invention, a predetermined game can be performed using a game ball, and the first identification information is variably displayed based on the winning of the game ball in the first start area provided in the game area. First variable display means for deriving and displaying the display result and second display for deriving and displaying the display result by variably displaying the second identification information based on the winning of the game ball in the second starting area provided in the game area. The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that includes two variable display means and shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on the first variable display means or the second variable display means.

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of game balls are prizes (prize balls) ) Is paid to the player. Further, a variable display unit capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information in the variable display unit becomes a specific display result, the gaming state (game) The state of the machine, more specifically, the state in which the gaming machine is controlled) is configured to give a predetermined game value to the player. The game value is the right that the state of the variable winning ball apparatus provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine becomes advantageous for a player who is easy to win, and the right for becoming advantageous for a player. In other words, or a condition for winning a prize ball is easily established.

  In a pachinko machine, a specific display mode (specific display) determined in advance as a display result of variable display of special symbols (identification information) started in the variable display unit based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening When the result is derived and displayed, a “big hit” occurs. Note that the derivation display is to stop and display a symbol (excluding stop before so-called re-variation). When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening (one of the winning areas) is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, 15) 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. That is, winning is likely to occur in the big hit gaming state, and the player can acquire a large number of winning balls. An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. In addition, hereinafter, the opening period of each big prize opening is referred to as a round.

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

  When a game ball wins a grand prize opening, a game ball as a prize is paid out to a player. Generally, the number of game balls to be paid out when a game ball wins a normal prize opening other than the big prize opening. However, there are more game balls to be paid out when a game ball is won at the big prize opening. Then, it becomes easy to receive a fraudulent act that attempts to obtain a game ball as a prize illegally by creating a situation in which a game ball has won a prize winning opening by using an unauthorized tool or the like. At this time, the game ball is not actually won in the big prize opening.

  Therefore, a game machine is proposed that is configured to notify an abnormality and stop the game if an abnormal winning is detected when a winning of a game ball to the big winning opening is detected when the big winning opening is closed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP-A-5-228243 (paragraphs 0147, 0151)

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Literature 1, when an abnormal winning at the big winning opening is detected, the launch of the gaming ball into the gaming area is prohibited. By prohibiting the launch of the game ball, it is impossible to continue the game, and it is possible to prevent the game store from being disadvantaged due to continued fraud. However, the gaming machine is equipped with an electric tulip (ordinary electric accessory) that opens and closes to make it easier to win a game ball when the normal symbol becomes a winning symbol. No measures are taken to prevent it. Therefore, it can happen that the amusement shop suffers a disadvantage due to an illegal act against the electric tulip.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent an illegal act with respect to a variable winning device (electric tulip, ordinary electric accessory).

  The gaming machine according to the present invention can play a predetermined game using a game ball, and the game ball has won in a first start area (for example, the first start winning opening 13) provided in the game area. Based on the first variable display means (for example, the first special symbol display 8a and the first ornament) for variably displaying the first identification information (for example, the first special symbol and the first decorative symbol) and deriving and displaying the display result. The second identification information (for example, the second special symbol or the second symbol) based on the winning of the game ball in the symbol display 9a) and the second starting area (for example, the second starting winning opening 14) provided in the gaming area. Second variable display means (for example, a second special symbol display device 8b and a second decorative symbol display device 9b) for performing variable display of two decorative symbols and deriving and displaying the display result. 2 Specific display results on variable display means (for example, big hit A game machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1) that shifts to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) that is advantageous to the player when the handle is derived and displayed, and the gaming ball does not win in the second starting area The state can be changed between a closed state (for example, a closed state) and an open state (for example, an open state) in which a game ball can win in the second start region, and a third start region (for example, gate 32) provided in the game region. A variable winning device (for example, a variable winning ball device 15 or an ordinary electric accessory) that enters the open state based on the winning of a game ball in the game, and a detection signal by detecting the game ball won in the second starting area. And a variable display of the third identification information (for example, the design symbol) associated with the variable display of at least one of the first identification information and the second identification information. Variable table Based on the device (for example, the effect display device 9), the game control means for controlling the progress of the game (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 including the CPU 56), and the command (for example, the effect control command) transmitted by the game control means. And an effect control means (for example, an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101) for controlling an effect device including the variable display device (eg, variable display device 9, speaker, lamp / LED, etc.). The game control means transmits variable display command transmission means (for example, game) for transmitting a variable display command (for example, variation pattern command) that can specify the variable display start and variable display time of the third identification information in the variable display device. Step S in the first special symbol process in the control microcomputer 560 The part which performs 100-S103. In the second special symbol process, a portion corresponding to steps S100 to S103 in the first special symbol process, and an open / close determining means for determining the open / closed state of the variable winning device (for example, for game control) When the step S560 or the step S284 in the microcomputer 560 is executed) and when the variable winning device is determined to be closed by the open / close determination means (for example, N in step S560 or Y in step S284). Based on the fact that the winning of the game ball is detected by the means (for example, N in step S563 or Y in step S288), an abnormality notification command (for example, an abnormal winning notification designation command) for instructing execution of abnormality notification is transmitted. Abnormality notification command transmission means (for example, a game control micro And the production control means starts variable display of the third identification information in the variable display device on the basis of the variable display command transmitted by the variable display command transmission means, and the step S564 or S289 in the computer 560). Variable display control means for deriving and displaying the display result on the variable display device when the variable display time has elapsed (for example, the portion executing steps S800 to S803 in the production control microcomputer 100) and the abnormality notification command transmission means are transmitted. An abnormality notification means (for example, a part for executing step S707 in the production control microcomputer 100) that performs abnormality notification by the effect device based on the abnormality notification command that has been performed, and the abnormality notification means includes variable display control means. Of the third identification information in the variable display device It is capable of executing even abnormality notification when running a varying display (e.g., in effect control microcomputer 100, step S906~S909, S845A, it is possible to perform the process of S845C) be characterized.

  When the open / close determining means determines that the variable winning device is in the closed state, the game control means detects the winning of the game ball by the detecting means and detects the second winning in the variable display device by the winning. Variable display prohibiting means for prohibiting the start of variable display of identification information (for example, the part for executing steps S1315 and S1316 in the game control microcomputer 560 in the second embodiment, and the game control microcomputer 560 in the fourth embodiment) In the fifth embodiment, a part for executing steps S339 and S340, a part for executing step S1317 in the game control microcomputer 560 may be included.

  Payout control means for executing control for paying out the game ball in response to the winning of the game ball in the second starting area (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the processing of steps S362A to S365 and S371 to S382 is executed. The game control means is based on the winning of the game ball being detected by the detecting means when the variable winning device is determined to be closed by the open / close determining means. It may be configured to include payout control prohibiting means (for example, a part for executing steps S363A and 363B in the game control microcomputer 560) for prohibiting execution of control for paying out the game ball.

  A special variable winning device (for example, a special variable winning ball device 20, a big winning mouth) that can change from a state in which a game ball does not win in a specific gaming state (for example, a closed state) to a state in which it is easy to win (for example, an open state); A winning detection means (for example, a count switch 23) for detecting a game ball won in the variable winning device and outputting a detection signal is provided, and the game control means derives a display result as to whether or not to shift to a specific gaming state. Predetermining means for determining before display (for example, a part for executing steps S61 and S62 in the first special symbol process in the game control microcomputer 560. In the second special symbol process, in the first special symbol process. Whether or not a portion corresponding to the processing of steps S61 and S62) and a detection signal from the winning detection means are input. Winning determination means for determining (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, a portion for executing the processing of steps S331 to S338 and S351 to S361; in particular, the processing of steps S355 and S361 is executed using the count switch input bit determination value. And an abnormality notification for instructing the execution of the abnormality notification based on the fact that the winning determination means inputs a detection signal in a gaming state other than the specific gaming state (for example, N in step S555 and N in step S558). It may also be configured to include special abnormality notification command transmission means (for example, a part for executing step S559 in the game control microcomputer 560) for transmitting a command (for example, an abnormal winning notification designation command).

  The game control means controls the state of the variable display device and the special variable winning device based on data indicating the game progress state (for example, the first special symbol process flag and the second special symbol process flag) (for example, game Including the first special symbol process (step S27A) and the second special symbol process (step S27B) in the control microcomputer 560, and the abnormality notification command transmission means has predetermined data indicating the game progress state. When the numerical value of the range (for example, less than “5”) is indicated (for example, N in step S555), if the winning determination means determines that a detection signal has been input (for example, N in step S558), an instruction to execute abnormality notification is given. So as to transmit an abnormality notification command (for example, execute step S559) It may have been made.

  When the special display result (for example, the probability variation symbol) of the specific display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device, the variable display of the identification information becomes the specific display result as compared with the normal display after the specific game state is ended. A gaming machine that shifts to a special gaming state that is likely to occur (for example, a probable change state), and the predetermining means determines whether or not to shift to the special gaming state before derivation display of the display result (for example, a gaming control micro The computer 560 executes steps S82 and S83 in the first special symbol process, and processes corresponding to steps S82 and S83 in the first special symbol process in the second special symbol process, and the game control means Based on the determination by the determination means, variable display command selection means for selecting a variable display command (for example, a microcomputer for game control). In step 560, steps S100 and S101 in the first special symbol process are executed, and steps corresponding to steps S100 and S101 in the first special symbol process are executed in the second special symbol process. And a display result command transmission means (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 in the first special symbol process process) for transmitting a display result command (for example, a display result specifying command) capable of specifying the determination result by the prior determination means. A portion for executing S118, a portion for executing processing corresponding to steps S110 to S118 in the first special symbol process in the second special symbol process, and the variable display command selection means as a variable display command , Do not control to a specific gaming state A non-specific variable display command (for example, a variation pattern command dedicated to a loss) and a special variable display command (for example, a probability variation pattern) that can specify a non-specific display result (for example, a variation pattern command). For example, a variation pattern command dedicated to probability variation jackpots) and a non-special variable display command that can identify non-special display results that are specific display results but not special display results (for example, non-probability variation symbols) (for example, variation pattern commands dedicated to normal jackpots) ) And a specific variable display command that can specify a special display result or a non-special display result (for example, a variation pattern command for both common big hit / probable big hit), and the variable display command transmission means is a variable display command. The variable display command selected by the selection means is transmitted (for example, a game control microcomputer The computer 560 executes step S102 in the first special symbol process and processing corresponding to step S102 in the second special symbol process, and the effect control means performs variable display based on the variable display command or the display result command. Including identification information determination means (for example, a part for executing steps S818 and S830 in the production control microcomputer 100) for determining the identification information to be derived and displayed as a display result on the apparatus from a plurality of types. When the specific variable display command is received (for example, Y in step S830), and when the display result command cannot be received (for example, N in step S817), the display result of the identification information is determined as a non-special display result (for example, production) The control microcomputer 100 performs step S8. 2 to run) it may be configured so.

  The game control means includes numerical value update means for updating a predetermined numerical value (for example, the part for executing the processing of step S24 in the game control microcomputer 560) and a predetermined time (for example, the first start winning award 13 and the first Numerical value extraction means for extracting a numerical value from the numerical value update means (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, step S113 in the first special symbol process and the second special symbol) A display result determining means (for example, a game) that determines information that can specify the display result of the variable display of the identification information based on the numerical value extracted by the numerical value extracting means and the processing corresponding to step S113 in the process processing. In the control microcomputer 560, steps S64, S65, S82, and S83 are performed. And an initialization unit (for example, the game control microcomputer 560) that executes an initialization process for setting a numerical value to an initial value when power supply to the gaming machine is started. And an initialization command transmission unit (for example, game control) that transmits an initialization command (for example, an initialization designation command) indicating the execution of the initialization process when the initialization unit executes the initialization process. The production control means includes a predetermined end condition (for example, for example, by the production apparatus based on the initialization command transmitted by the initialization command transmission means). Initialization notification means (for example, for performing initialization notification indicating that the initialization process has been executed until the predetermined period has elapsed) An abnormality notification that prohibits the start of abnormality notification by the abnormality notification means when the initialization notification means is performing initialization notification, including the part that executes the processing of steps S631 to S632C) in the output control microcomputer 100 For example, a prohibition unit (for example, a part for executing the processes of steps S44, S45, and S551 to S553 in the game control microcomputer 560) may be provided.

  An effect display device (for example, effect display device 9) that performs effect display is provided as the effect device, and the game control means that the variable display of the identification information is not executed by the first variable display means and the second variable display means. As a condition (for example, 0 after the first special symbol process flag and “N” in the process of step S313), the variable display of the identification information on the first variable display means or the second variable display means When the variable display of the identification information is started by the first variable display means or the second variable display means in accordance with the establishment of the start condition, the identification information of either the first variable display means or the second variable display means Variable display means identification command (for example, special symbol identification command (first symbol variation designation command and second symbol variation designation command)) that can identify whether variable display is started, and variable display time are identified Start command transmission means for transmitting a variable display command (for example, a variation pattern command) and a display result command for specifying a display result (for example, a display result specifying command) A part for executing the processes of steps S102, S103, S110 to S118 in one special symbol process, and a part for executing a process corresponding to the processes of steps S102, S103, S110 to S118 in the second special symbol process. The effect control means starts the effect corresponding to the variable display means specified by the variable display means specifying command on the effect display device based on the command transmitted by the start command transmitting means (for example, steps S821, S823). (S825 and S826 are executed) It may be configured.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the game control means includes an open / close determining means for determining the open / closed state of the variable winning device, and the detecting means when the open / close determining means determines that the variable winning device is in the closed state. An abnormality notification command transmitting means for transmitting an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification based on detection of winning of a game ball, and the effect control means transmitted by the abnormality notification command transmission means An abnormality notification means for performing abnormality notification by the effect device based on the abnormality notification command is included, and the abnormality notification means also when the variable display control means is executing variable display of the third identification information in the variable display device. Since the abnormality notification can be executed, it is possible to notify that a winning abnormality has occurred due to an illegal act on the variable winning device, and as a result, the variable winning device. It is possible to reliably prevent fraud against. In addition, since the game can be continued even when the winning abnormality is notified, the player is not disadvantaged even when the notification is made due to a malfunction.

  In the invention according to claim 2, when the game control means determines that the variable winning device is in the closed state by the open / close determination means, the detection means detects the winning of the game ball, Since the variable display prohibiting means for prohibiting the start of variable display of the second identification information in the variable display device by winning is included, it is possible to surely prevent a shift to the specific gaming state due to an illegal act.

  In the invention according to claim 3, when the game control means determines that the variable winning device is in the closed state by the open / close determination means, the detection means detects the winning of the game ball, Since it includes payout control prohibiting means for prohibiting execution of control for paying out game balls by winning a prize, if there is a possibility of winning in the first starting area due to fraud, do not pay out the winning ball based on winning. A disadvantage can be prevented from being given to an amusement store.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the game control means transmits an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification based on the fact that the winning determination means inputs a detection signal in a gaming state other than the specific gaming state. Since the special abnormality notification command transmission means is included, it is possible to notify that a prize abnormality has occurred due to an illegal act on the special variable winning device, and as a result, an illegal act on the special variable winning device can be reliably prevented. In addition, since the game can be continued even when the winning abnormality is notified, the player is not disadvantaged even when the notification is made due to a malfunction.

  In the invention according to claim 5, the game control means includes state control means for controlling the states of the variable display device and the special variable winning device based on the data indicating the game progress state, and the abnormality notification command transmission means includes the game progress state. When the data indicating the state indicates a numerical value within a predetermined range, if the winning determination means determines that a detection signal has been input, an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification is transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine a gaming state other than the specific gaming state, and to reliably notify a winning abnormality due to an illegal act on the special variable winning device.

  In the invention described in claim 6, the variable display command selection means can specify a non-specific variable display command that can specify a non-specific display result indicating that the game state is not controlled as a variable display command, and a special display result. Special variable display commands, non-special display commands that can specify non-special display results that are specific display results but not special display results, and specific variable display commands that can specify special display results or non-special display results When the identification information determining means receives the specific variable display command and fails to receive the display result command, the identification information determination means is configured to determine the display result of the identification information as a non-special display result. Therefore, even if the production control means cannot receive the display result command, the player can recognize whether or not a specific gaming state occurs. . Further, by including information that can specify the display result in the variable display command, the effect control means can use the identification information without receiving the display result command without using a command other than the variable display command and the display result command. Since the display result can be determined, the types of commands transmitted by the game control means do not increase, and as a result, the control burden on the game control means does not increase.

  In the invention according to claim 7, since the abnormality notification prohibiting means for prohibiting the start of the abnormality notification by the abnormality notification means is provided when the initialization notification means is performing the initialization notification, the initialization notification is a winning abnormality It is executed in preference to the notification, and it can be reliably recognized outside the gaming machine that the initial value is set to a numerical value for determining information that can specify the display result of the variable display of the identification information.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the variable display means specifying command capable of specifying which of the first variable display means and the second variable display means the variable display of the identification information is started by the game control means, and the variable Since it includes a start command transmission means for transmitting a variable display command for specifying the display time and a display result command for specifying the display result to the effect control means, a display result for specifying the variable display pattern command and the display result The specific command can be used in common for the variable display of the identification information on the first variable display means and the variable display of the identification information on the second variable display means, and the effect control means is the effect display device and the variable display means specification When an effect corresponding to the variable display means specified by the command is started, the types of commands transmitted from the game control means can be prevented from increasing.

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

Embodiment 1 FIG.
First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (bullet ball gaming machine) 1 as seen from the front.

  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) that can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate (not shown) to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts (games to be described later) attached to them. A structure including the board 6).

  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 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 the hitting ball. 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.

  An effect display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is provided near the center of the game area 7. The display screen of the effect display device 9 includes an effect symbol display area 91 for performing variable display of the effect symbols synchronized with the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The effect display device 9 is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. When the first special symbol display 8a is executing variable display of the first special symbol, the effect control microcomputer causes the effect display device 9 to execute the effect display along with the variable display, and the second special symbol display 8a executes the second special display. When the variable display of the second special symbol is executed on the symbol display 8b, the effect display is executed by the effect display device in accordance with the variable display, so that it is possible to easily grasp the progress of the game.

  On the left side of the lower part of the game board 6, there is provided a first special symbol display (first variable display means) 8a that variably displays a first special symbol as identification information. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 8a is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. In other words, the first special symbol display 8a is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. On the lower right side of the game board 6, a second special symbol display (second variable display means) 8b for variably displaying the second special symbol as identification information is provided. The second special symbol display 8b is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the second special symbol display 8b is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9.

  The small display is formed in a square shape. In this embodiment, the type of the first special symbol and the type of the second special symbol are the same (for example, both 0 to 9), but the types may be different. Further, the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b may be configured to variably display numbers (or two-digit symbols) of, for example, 00 to 99, for example.

  The first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol, and the first special symbol indicator 8a and the second special symbol indicator 8b may be collectively referred to as a special symbol indicator.

  For the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first start condition or the second start condition, which is the variable display execution condition, is satisfied (for example, the hit ball is the first start winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening 14). And then start based on the fact that the variable display start condition (for example, the state where the special symbol variable display is not executed and the big hit game is not executed) is established. When the variable display time elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying a display result is to stop and display a symbol (an example of identification information) (excluding stop before so-called re-variation).

  In the vicinity of the first special symbol display 8a, during the variable display time of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 8a, the variable display of the first decorative symbol as a decorative (design) symbol is performed. A first decorative symbol display (first variable display) 9a is provided. In this embodiment, the first decorative symbol display 9a is composed of two LEDs. The first decorative symbol display 9a is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. Further, in the vicinity of the second special symbol display 8b, during the variable display time of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 8b, the variable display of the second decorative symbol as a symbol for decoration (production) is performed. A second decorative symbol display (second variable display section) 9b is provided. The second decorative symbol display 9b is composed of two LEDs. The second decorative symbol display 9b is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board.

  The first decorative symbol and the second decorative symbol may be collectively referred to as a decorative symbol, and the first decorative symbol display 9a and the second decorative symbol display 9b may be collectively referred to as a decorative symbol display. .

  The variation of the decorative pattern (variable display) is realized by continuing the state where the two LEDs are alternately lit. The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display of the first decorative symbol on the first decorative symbol display 9a are synchronized. The variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is synchronized with the variable display of the second decorative symbol on the second decorative symbol display 9b. Synchronous means that the variable display start time and end time are the same, and the variable display period is the same. In addition, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the LED on the side that recalls the big hit on the first decorative symbol display 9a remains lit. When the big-hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the LED on the side that recalls the big-hit on the second decorative symbol display 9b remains lit.

  A winning device having a first start winning port 13 is provided below the effect display device 9. The game ball won in the first start winning opening 13 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the first start opening switch 13a.

  A variable winning ball device 15 having a second starting winning port 14 through which a game ball can be won is provided below a winning device having a first starting winning port (first starting port) 13. The game ball that has won the second start winning opening (second start opening) 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start opening switch 14a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, the game ball can be awarded to the second starting winning port 14 (it is easier to start winning), which is advantageous for the player. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state, it is easier for the game ball to win the second start winning opening 14 than the first starting winning opening 13. In addition, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, the game ball does not win the second start winning opening 14.

  The first start winning port 13 and the second start winning port 14 may be collectively referred to as a start winning port or a starting port.

  When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to be in the open state, the game ball heading for the variable winning ball device 15 is very likely to win the second start winning port 14. The first start winning opening 13 is provided directly under the effect display device 9, but the interval between the lower end of the effect display device 9 and the first start winning opening 13 is further reduced, or the first start winning opening is set. The nail arrangement around the first start winning opening 13 is made difficult to guide the game balls to the first starting winning opening 13 so that the winning rate of the second starting winning opening 14 is increased. It is also possible to make the direction higher than the winning rate of the first start winning opening 13.

  On the side of the first decorative symbol display 9a, the number of effective winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13, that is, the first reserved memory number (the reserved memory is also referred to as the start memory or the start prize memory) is displayed. A first special symbol storage memory display 18a comprising four displays is provided. The first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 each time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  On the side of the second decorative symbol display 9b is a second special symbol reserved memory display 18b comprising four indicators for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the second start winning opening 14, that is, the second reserved memory number. Is provided. The second special symbol storage memory display 18b increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 every time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the second special symbol display 8b is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  The effect display device 9 is for decoration (for effects) during the variable display time of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 8a and during the variable display time of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 8b. A variable display of the effect symbol as the symbol is performed. The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Synchronous means that the variable display start time and end time are the same, and the variable display period is the same. Further, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display device 9 reminds the jackpot The combination of is stopped and displayed.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 that opens and closes only the second start winning opening 14 is provided. Any of the start winning ports 14 may be provided with a variable winning ball device that performs an opening / closing operation.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 1, below the variable winning ball apparatus 15, when a specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, and on the second special symbol display 8b. There is provided a special variable winning ball apparatus 20 that is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (a big game state) that occurs when a specific display result (a big game symbol) is derived and displayed. The special variable winning ball apparatus 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.

  The game area 6 is also provided with winning ports (ordinary winning ports) 29, 30, 33, and 39 for paying out a predetermined number of premium game balls determined in advance based on winning of the game balls. The game balls won in the winning openings 29, 30, 33, 39 are detected by the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a.

  A normal symbol display 10 is provided at the lower right side of the game board 6. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “◯” and “x”) called normal symbols.

  When the game ball passes through 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 upper and lower lamps (the symbols can be visually recognized when turned on). For example, if the lower lamp is turned on at the end of the variable display, 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. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. 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 there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, 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. Further, in the probability variation state where the probability of being determined to be a big hit as compared to the normal state is high, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 Opening time and opening times are increased. Further, in the short time state (the game state in which the variable symbol display time for special symbols is shortened), the opening time and the number of opening times of the variable winning ball device 15 may be increased.

  In addition, the probability that the stop symbol of the normal symbol becomes a winning symbol is improved, and the opening time and the number of times of opening in the variable winning ball apparatus 15 are called the high base state, and the normal state other than the high base state is low. This is called the base state.

  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. A top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c provided on the front frame are provided at the outer periphery upper portion, the outer periphery left portion, and the outer periphery right portion of the game area 7. Also, a prize ball lamp 51 that is turned on when there is a remaining number of prize balls is provided in the vicinity of the left frame lamp 28b, and a ball break lamp 52 that is turned on when the supply ball is cut out is provided in the vicinity of the right frame lamp 28c. Is provided.

  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. When the game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a, if the variable display of the first special symbol can be started (for example, the variable display of the special symbol ends, 1), the variable display (variation) of the first special symbol is started on the first special symbol display 8a, and the variable display of the first decorative symbol is displayed on the first decorative symbol display 9a. The effect display device 9 starts variable display of effect symbols. In other words, the variable display of the first special symbol, the first decorative symbol, and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the first start winning opening 13. If the variable display of the first special symbol cannot be started, the first reserved memory number is increased by 1 on the condition that the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  When the game ball enters the second start winning opening 14 and is detected by the second start opening switch 14a, if the variable display of the second special symbol can be started (for example, the special symbol variable display ends, 2), the second special symbol display 8b starts variable display (variation) of the second special symbol, and the second decorative symbol display 9b displays variable display of the second decorative symbol. The effect display device 9 starts variable display of effect symbols. That is, the variable display of the second special symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the second start winning opening 14. If the variable display of the second special symbol cannot be started, the second reserved memory number is increased by 1 on condition that the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. 2 also shows the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 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 CPU 56 and the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached.

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

  The 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 corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means (the value of the special symbol process flag or the total pending storage number counter) and the 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 circuit for generating a reset signal supplied to the game control microcomputer 560 and the like is mounted on the power supply board. When the reset signal becomes high level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operable state, and when the reset signal becomes low level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operation stop state. Therefore, an allowable signal that allows the operation of the game control microcomputer 560 or the like is output during a period when the reset signal is at a high level, and a game control microcomputer is output when the reset signal is at a low level. An operation stop signal for stopping the operation of 560 or the like is output. Note that the reset circuit may be mounted on each electric component control board (a board on which a microcomputer for controlling the electric parts is mounted).

  Further, a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board has dropped below a predetermined value is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the power supply board monitors the voltage value of a predetermined voltage (for example, DC30V or DC5V) used in the gaming machine, and when the voltage value decreases to a predetermined value (the power supply voltage is reduced). A power supply monitoring circuit that outputs a power-off signal indicating that). In addition, a clear signal indicating that the clear switch for instructing to clear the contents of the RAM is operated is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560.

  Also, an input driver that provides the game control microcomputer 560 with detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a. The circuit 58 is also mounted on the main board 31. The main board also includes an output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a big winning opening in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560. 31. Further, a system reset circuit (not shown) for resetting the game control microcomputer 560 when the power is turned on, and an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state are sent to an external device such as a hall computer. An information output circuit (not shown) for outputting is also mounted on the main board 31.

  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. Display control is performed for the first decorative symbol display 9a and the second decorative symbol display 9b that receive and variably display the decorative symbol, and the effect display device 9 that variably displays the effect symbol.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer. Further, without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control.

  The effect control board 80 has an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101 and a RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture 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 CPU 101 controls the display of the first decorative symbol display device 9a and the second decorative symbol display device 9b via the output port 106 based on the effect control command, and a VDP (video display processor) 109. The display control of the effect display device 9 is performed.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the effect display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 100 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 effect display device 9.

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

  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 74 is mounted. 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. Furthermore, since the effect control command and the effect control INT signal are output from the main board 31 via the output port 571 that is a unidirectional circuit, the signal from the relay board 77 toward the inside of the main board 31 is restricted. That is, the signal from the relay board 77 does not enter the inside of the main board 31 (the game control microcomputer 560 side). The output port 571 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG. Further, a signal driver circuit that is a unidirectional circuit may be further provided outside the output port 571 (on the relay board 77 side).

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

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

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

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When power is supplied to the gaming machine and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the gaming control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) After executing a security check process, which is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, the main process after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). After initialization of the built-in device (CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port), which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) is performed (step S4), the RAM is accessible (Step S5). In the interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This mode indicates an interrupt address.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal of the clear switch (for example, mounted on the power supply board) input via the input port (step S6). When the ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes a normal initialization process (steps S10 to S15, including S44 and S45).

  If the clear switch is not on, check whether data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped (Step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process.

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

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 recovers the game state restoration process (steps S41 to S43) 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. Process). Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain as they are. The part that should not be initialized is, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, time reduction flag, etc.), and the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer) ), A portion in which data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

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

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The RAM clear process initializes predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) to 0, but is initialized to an arbitrary value or a predetermined value. You may make it do. Alternatively, the entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) may be left as it is. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

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

  Further, the CPU 56 initializes a sub board (a board on which a microcomputer other than the main board 31 is mounted) (a command indicating that the game control microcomputer 560 has executed an initialization process). Is also transmitted to the sub-board (step S13). For example, when the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the initialization designation command, the effect display device 9 performs screen display for notifying that the control of the gaming machine has been performed, that is, initialization notification.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets an abnormality notification prohibition flag (step S44) and sets a value corresponding to the prohibition period value in the prohibition period timer (step S45). The prohibition period value is a value indicating a period during which an abnormal winning notification described later is prohibited. The abnormality notification prohibition flag is a flag indicating that notification of an abnormal winning is prohibited, and is maintained in the set state until the prohibition period timer times out. Therefore, the start of the abnormal winning notification is prohibited for a predetermined period after the initialization notification is started in the effect display device 9.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initial setting of the random number circuit 503 (step S14). For example, the CPU 56 performs setting according to the random number circuit setting program to cause the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R.

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

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is an initial count value such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to win a normal symbol (ordinary random number generation counter for normal symbol determination). It is a random number for determining the value. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls game devices such as an effect display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the game machine itself. In the process of transmitting a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, or a game machine control process), the count value of the random number for determination per normal symbol is one round (the random number for determination per normal symbol is taken). When the value is incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value of the possible values), an initial value is set in the counter.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S35 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output when, for example, a voltage drop monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a drop in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second 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, These state determinations are performed (switch processing: step S21).

  Next, the CPU 56 has a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b, a normal symbol display 10, a first special symbol hold storage display 18a, a second special symbol hold storage display 18b, a normal symbol. A display control process for controlling the display of the on-hold storage display 41 is executed (step S22). For the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, and the normal symbol display 10, a drive signal is output to each display according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S33 and S34. Execute control.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process for notifying an abnormal winning when it detects that a game ball has won a prize winning opening at a time other than the regular time (step S23: abnormal winning notifying process).

  Next, processing for updating the count value of each counter for generating random numbers for determination such as random numbers for determining jackpot symbols used for game control is performed (determination random number update processing: step S24). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (initial value random number update process, display random number update process: steps S25 and S26).

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1: Determine the detachment symbol (stop symbol) of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (for detachment symbol determination) (for detachment symbol determination)
(2) Random 2: Determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when generating a big hit (for determining the big hit symbol)
(3) Random 3: Determine the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (for variation pattern determination)
(4) Random 4: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on the normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(5) Random 5: Random 4 initial value is determined (for determining random 4 initial value)

  In step S24 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, the game control microcomputer 560 uses a counter for generating the jackpot symbol determining random number of (2) and the random number for determination of normal symbol of (4). Count up (add 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may make it use random numbers other than the random number of said (1)-(5). In this embodiment, the big hit determination random number is a random number generated by the hardware (random number circuit 503) built in the game control microcomputer 560. The big hit determination random number is used as the big hit determination random number. Software random numbers generated based on the program may be used.

  In this embodiment, the random numbers (particularly random numbers 1, 2, and 3) shown in FIG. 6 are used for both the first special symbol variation and the second special symbol variation. The random number related to the fluctuation may be different from the random number related to the fluctuation of the second special symbol.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a first special symbol process (step S27A). In the first special symbol process, the corresponding process is executed according to the first special symbol process flag for controlling the first special symbol display 8a and the big prize opening in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the first special symbol process flag according to the gaming state. Further, the second special symbol process is performed (step S27B). In the second special symbol process, corresponding processing is executed in accordance with a second special symbol process flag for controlling the second special symbol display 8b and the big prize opening in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the second special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S28). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect control command control process: step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S30).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a. Execute (Step S31). Specifically, the payout control is performed in accordance with winning detection based on any one of the first starting port switch 13a, the second starting port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a being turned on. A payout control command (award ball number signal) indicating the number of winning balls is output to a payout control microcomputer mounted on the substrate 37. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 relates to on / off of the solenoid in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. The contents are output to the output port (step S32: output processing).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, if the variation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag set in the special symbol process is set, the CPU 56, for example, every 0.2 seconds passes. Then, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by one. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer, whereby the first special symbol display unit 8a and the second special symbol display unit 8b Variable display of the second special symbol is executed.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S34). For example, when the start flag related to the variation of the normal symbol is set, the CPU 56 switches the display state (“◯” and “×”) for the variation rate of the normal symbol every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set. With such a speed, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating “◯” and 0 indicating “x”) is switched every 0.2 seconds. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a normal signal on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S35), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes of steps S21 to S34 (excluding step S30) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a table in which a jackpot determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The jackpot determination determination table includes a normal jackpot determination table (see FIG. 7A) used in a normal state (a gaming state that is not a probability change state) and a probability change jackpot determination table (FIG. 7B) used in a probability change state. See). The numerical values described in the left column of FIGS. 7A and 7B are jackpot determination values. The CPU 56 compares the value of the random R with the jackpot determination value, and determines that the jackpot is determined to be a big hit if the value of the random R matches any one of the jackpot determination values. The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and uses the extracted value as the jackpot determination random number value. When the jackpot determination random number value matches the jackpot determination value shown in FIG. The jackpot (probability jackpot or normal jackpot) is determined for the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  The probability variation jackpot is a jackpot that shifts the gaming state after the jackpot game to a probability variation state in which there is a high probability of being determined to be a jackpot compared to the normal state. Usually, the big hit is a big hit that shifts the gaming state after the big hit game to a state that is not a probable change state. Note that the number of rounds in the case of a probable big hit and the normal big hit is larger than that in the case of a small hit and a sudden probable big hit, for example, 15 rounds.

  The small win is a hit in which the number of times of opening of the big winning opening is allowed up to two in the big hit gaming state. Note that when the small hit game ends, the gaming state does not shift to the probable change state. Suddenly probable jackpot is a jackpot where the number of times the big prize opening is allowed is 2 in the big hit gaming state, but the opening time of the big prize opening is extremely short, and the gaming state after the big hit game is shifted to the probable state It ’s a big hit. In other words, in this embodiment, the sudden probability variation big hit and the small hit have the same number of times of opening.

  It should be noted that in the big hit game of sudden probability change big hit, the number of rounds is smaller than in the case of normal big hit and probability variable big hit, and the allowance opening allowance time of each round (for example, 29 seconds in case of normal big hit and probability variable big hit) On the other hand, 0.5 seconds) is shorter than the case of the normal big hit and the probable big hit, but only the number of rounds may be reduced or only the allowance opening allowance time may be shortened.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern (including variation time information) of a special symbol, a decorative symbol, and an effect symbol used in this embodiment. In FIG. 8, “EXT” indicates EXT data of the second byte in the effect control command having a two-byte structure. “Variation time” indicates the variation time of the special symbol (variable display period of identification information).

  “Normal fluctuation” is a fluctuation pattern without a reach mode. “Normal fluctuation / shortening” is a fluctuation pattern without a reach mode and a fluctuation time shorter than “normal fluctuation”. “Normal reach” is a variation pattern that is accompanied by a reach mode but whose display result (stop symbol) does not become a big hit symbol. “Reach A” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”. When the reach mode is different, the change mode (speed, rotation direction, etc.), character image, etc. appear in the effect display device 9 during the reach change time (the period during which the reach effect is performed), or the effect display device 9 The background design is different. For example, in “normal reach”, a reach mode is realized by only one type of change mode, whereas in “reach A”, a reach mode including a plurality of change modes having different speeds and directions of change is realized. Further, “reach A / shortening” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “reach A”, but reach variation time is shorter than “reach A”. “Reach A / Extension” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “Reach A”, but the reach variation time is longer than “Reach A”.

  “Reach B” is a fluctuation pattern having a reach mode different from “Normal reach” and “Reach A”. Further, “reach B / shortening” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “reach B”, but the reach variation time is shorter than “reach B”. “Reach B / extension” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “reach B”, but reach variation time is longer than “reach B”. “Reach C” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”, “reach A”, and “reach B”. “Reach C / shortening” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “reach C”, but reach variation time is shorter than “reach C”.

  “Super reach A” is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from “normal reach”, “reach A”, “reach B”, and “reach C”. is there. “Super reach B” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”, “reach A”, “reach B”, “reach C” and “super reach A”. This is a variation pattern. “Reach A / Accuracy” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “Normal reach”, “Reach A”, “Reach B”, “Reach C”, “Super reach A” and “Super reach B”. It should be noted that the reach form of “reach A / accuracy” is a reach form similar to “reach A”.

  In this embodiment, in the case of a big hit, the game control microcomputer 560 is “reach A / shortening”, “reach A”, “reach B / shortening”, “reach B”, “reach C / shortening”. ", Reach C", "Super Reach A" or "Super Reach B". Further, in the case of a probable big hit, the game control microcomputer 560 is “reach A / extension”, “reach B / extension”, “reach C / shortening”, “reach C”, “super reach A” or “ Select "Super Reach B". In case of sudden big odds, select “Reach A / Random”.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the fluctuation pattern selected only in the case of the normal big hit, the fluctuation pattern selected only in the case of the probable big hit, and the normal big hit and the probability variable big hit can be selected. There are fluctuation patterns.

  In the short-time state, the fluctuation patterns of “normal fluctuation / shortening”, “reach A / shortening”, “reach B / shortening”, and “reach C / shortening” are selected. In the non-time-short state, other variation patterns are selected. However, the variation pattern of “reach A / accuracy” is used in both the short-time state and the non-short-time state.

  In this embodiment, when a big hit occurs and the big hit game ends, the gaming state becomes a short-time state thereafter until the execution of 100 special symbol changes (variable display) is completed. In addition, when variable display of a special symbol is started when variable display is finished, when it is decided to change to a probable change state when the special symbol variable display is started, the game state is changed into a probable change state when the big hit game is ended. To be migrated. If the gaming state at that time is a probability variation state, the probability variation state is continued.

  After the transition to the probability changing state, the state of the probability changing state is short and the state is short until the execution of the variation (variable display) of 100 special symbols is completed. In addition, in the non-probability change state after the big hit game is over, the game state is changed to the normal state (the game state that is not the probability change state and not the short-time state) when the execution of 100 special symbol changes (variable display) is completed. Transition.

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal line of an effect control command transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80. As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the effect control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77 using eight signal lines of the effect control signals CD0 to CD7. Further, between the main board 31 and the effect control board 80, a signal line of the effect control INT signal for transmitting the capture signal (effect control INT signal) is also wired.

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

  As shown in FIG. 10, the 8-bit effect control command data of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interrupt process. Therefore, when viewed from the effect control microcomputer 100, the effect control INT signal corresponds to a signal that triggers the capture of effect control command data.

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

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 11, commands 8001 (H) to 800 E (H) are variable patterns of decorative symbols and effect symbols that are variably displayed on the decorative symbol display and effect display device 9 in response to variable display of special symbols. Is an effect control command (variation pattern command) for designating. 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 8001 (H) to 800E (H), the decoration design display and the production display device 9 start variable display of the decoration design and the production design. Control.

  The commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit and the type of the big hit game. The production control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the decorative design and the production design in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H). It is called a command.

  Command 8D01 (H) is an effect control command (first symbol variation designation command) indicating that variable display (variation) of the first special symbol is started. Command 8D02 (H) is an effect control command (second symbol variation designation command) indicating that variable display (variation) of the second special symbol is started. The first symbol variation designation command and the second symbol variation designation command may be collectively referred to as a special symbol identification command.

  Command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display (fluctuation) of decorative symbols and effect symbols is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. When receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variable display (fluctuation) of the decorative symbol and the effect symbol and derives and displays the display result.

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization designation command: power-on designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the gaming control microcomputer 560 transmits a power failure recovery designation command if data is stored in the backup RAM, and if not, initialization designation is performed. Send a command.

  Command 9F00 (H) is an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  The commands A001 to A004 (H) are effect control commands for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). The jackpot start designation commands include jackpot start 1 designation to jackpot start designation 4 designation commands depending on the type of jackpot. The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  Command A301 (H) displays a jackpot end screen, that is, specifies the end of the jackpot game and an effect control command (special jackpot end 1 designation command: ending) that specifies that the jackpot game is a non-probable big hit (usually a big hit) 1 designation command). Command A302 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that it is a probable big hit (big hit end 2 designation command: ending 2 designation command). is there.

  Command D001 (H) is an effect control command (abnormal winning designation command) for instructing notification of abnormal winning.

  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 effect display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 11, the display state of the lamp is changed, or the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, the variable pattern command and the display result specifying command are displayed as variable display of identification information and second variable display (second decorative symbol display) on the first variable display (first decorative symbol display 9a). Game control when the production control microcomputer 100 can control the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit in common with the variable display of the identification information in the device 9b). It is possible to prevent an increase in the types of commands transmitted from the production microcomputer 560 to the production control microcomputer 100. In addition, when controlling the effect parts such as the effect display device 9 that produces effects in accordance with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits to the effect control microcomputer 100. It is possible to avoid increasing the types of commands that are executed.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the transmission timing of the effect control command. As shown in FIG. 12, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a variation pattern command, a special symbol specifying command, and a display result specifying command at the start of variation. When the variable display time has elapsed, a symbol confirmation designation command is transmitted.

  Before transmitting the variation pattern command, a background designation command for designating a background image in the effect display device 9 according to the gaming state (for example, normal state / short time state / probability variation state) may be transmitted. Further, an effect control command indicating the number of reserved memories may be transmitted following the display result specifying command.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a program of the first special symbol process (step S27A) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. In the first special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a and the special winning opening is executed in the first special symbol process.

  The program of the second special symbol process (step S26B) is configured in the same manner as the first special symbol process. That is, in the following description, if “first” is read as “second” and “second” is read as “first”, the second special symbol process will be described.

  In the first special symbol process, if the first start port switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning port 13 is turned on, that is, the first start winning is generated. Then, the first start port switch passing process is executed (steps S311 and S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed on condition that the second special symbol is not changing, not being a big hit game, and not being a big hit game (step S313). Whether the second special symbol is not fluctuating, not being a big hit game, and not being a small hit game is determined by, for example, the value of the second special symbol process flag.

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

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

  First variation pattern setting process (step S301): This process is executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 1. The stop symbol after the variable display of the first special symbol is determined. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of variable display until the display result is derived and displayed (stopped display)) Decide to be time. Also, a first variation time timer that measures the variation time of the first special symbol is started. Then, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

  First display result specifying command transmission process (step S302): This process is executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 2. Control for transmitting a display result specifying command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to step S303.

  First special symbol changing process (step S303): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the first variation pattern setting process elapses (the first variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the value of the first variation time timer becomes 0), the first special symbol The variable display on the display 8a is stopped and the stop symbol is derived and displayed. In addition, control for transmitting a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed. Also, the time for stopping and displaying the stop symbol of the first special symbol (symbol stop time) is set in the first special symbol process timer. Then, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to step S304. The effect control microcomputer 100 receives the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 and controls the first ornament symbol display unit 9a to stop the first ornament symbol, and also displays the effect. The device 9 is controlled so that the effect symbol is stopped.

  First special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 4. When the symbol stop time set in the first special symbol changing process has elapsed, a flag setting status confirmation process is executed. When the big hit flag is set and the small hit flag is not set, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If the big hit flag is not set, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  Pre-opening process for first big prize opening (step S305): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 5. In the first big prize opening opening pre-processing, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. In addition, the execution time of the special winning opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (6 in this example) corresponding to step S306. The first big winning opening opening pre-processing is executed for each round. However, when starting the first round, the first big winning opening opening pre-processing is also a process of starting a big hit game.

  First big prize opening opening process (step S306): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 6. A control for transmitting an effect control command for round display during the big hit gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 100, a process for confirming the completion of the closing condition of the big prize opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S305 (5 in this example). When all the rounds have been completed, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S307 (7 in this example).

  First big hit end process (step S307): executed when the value of the first 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. Further, a process for setting a flag (for example, a probability variation flag) indicating a gaming state is performed. Then, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  First small hit pre-release process (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 8. In the first small hit pre-opening process, control is performed to open the big winning opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. In addition, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S309 (9 in this example). The first small hit pre-opening process is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the first small hit pre-opening process is a process for starting the small hit game.

  First small hit release process (step S309): This process is executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 9. A control for transmitting an effect control command for a round display during the small hit gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 100, a process for confirming the completion of the closing condition of the big prize opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S308 (8 in this example). When all rounds are completed, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S310 (in this example, 10 (decimal number)).

  First small hit end processing (step S310): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 10. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the small hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the first start port switch passing process in step S312. In the first start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the first reserved memory number is 4 which is the upper limit value (step S111). If the first pending storage number is 4, the process ends.

  If the first reserved memory number is not 4, the value of the first reserved memory number counter indicating the first reserved memory number is incremented by 1 (step S112). In addition, the CPU 56 extracts software random numbers (counter values for generating big hit symbol determination random numbers, etc.) and random R (big hit determination random numbers), and uses them as the extracted random number values for the first reserved memory number. A process of storing in the storage area in the first reserved storage buffer corresponding to the value of the counter is executed (step S113). In step 113, the CPU 56 extracts random values 1 to 3 (see FIG. 6) as software random numbers, and reads the count value of the random number circuit 503 to extract random R. In the first reserved storage buffer, the same number of storage areas as the upper limit value of the first reserved storage number are secured. Further, a counter for generating a jackpot symbol determining random number and the like and a first reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55. “Formed in RAM” means an area in the RAM.

  16 and 17 are flowcharts illustrating the first special symbol normal process (step S300) in the first special symbol process. In the first special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the first reserved storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the first reserved memory number counter is confirmed. If the first reserved memory number is 0, the process is terminated.

  If the first reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = 1 in the first reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55, and the random number buffer of the RAM 55 Store in the area (step S52). Then, the value of the first reserved memory number is decreased by 1 (the count value of the first reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1), and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S53). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55 is expressed as the first reserved memory number = n−. 1 is stored in the storage area corresponding to 1. Therefore, the order in which the random number values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the respective first reserved memory numbers are extracted always coincides with the order of the first reserved memory number = 1, 2, 3, 4. It is like that.

  Then, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area (step S61), and executes a jackpot determination module (step S62). The big hit judgment module compares the big hit judgment value (see Fig. 7) determined in advance with the random number for big hit judgment, and if they match, the big hit (normal big hit, probability variation big hit or sudden probability variation big hit) or small hit This is a program for executing the process to be determined.

  Note that, when the gaming state is in the probability variation state, the CPU 56 uses the jackpot determination value in the table in which the jackpot determination value as shown in FIG. 7B is set, and the gaming state is in the normal state (non-probability variation state). Is, the jackpot determination value in the table in which the jackpot determination value as shown in FIG. 7A is set is used. If it is determined to be a big hit (step S63), the process proceeds to step S81. Note that deciding whether or not to make a big hit means deciding whether or not to shift to the big win gaming state, but deciding whether or not to make the stop symbol in the first special symbol display 8a a big hit symbol. It is also to do.

  If it is decided not to win, the CPU 56 reads out the design symbol random number from the random number buffer area (step S64), and determines the stop symbol based on the design symbol random number (step S65). In this case, an off symbol (for example, any of even symbols) is determined.

  Further, when the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state is set (step S66), the value of the time reduction counter indicating the number of times the special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state is decremented by 1 (step S67). When the value of the time reduction counter becomes 0, a time reduction end flag is set in order to shift the gaming state to the non-time reduction state when the variable display ends (steps S68 and S69). Then, the process proceeds to step S90.

  In step S81, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag. Then, the big hit symbol determining random number is read from the random number buffer area (step S82), and the big hit symbol (for example, one of the odd symbols) as the stop symbol is determined based on the big hit symbol determining random number (step S83). Here, the stop symbol is determined without distinguishing between the probable big hit and the normal big hit.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a probability variation jackpot flag if it is determined to be a probability variation jackpot (steps S84 and S85). If it is determined that the sudden probability change big hit is suddenly set, the sudden probability change big hit flag is set (steps S86 and S87). If it is determined to be a small hit, a small hit flag is set (steps S88 and S89). Then, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S90). When the probability variation big hit flag or the sudden probability variation big hit flag is set, the gaming state is shifted to the probability changing state when the big hit game is finished.

  In this embodiment, whether or not to make a big hit and the type of big hit are determined based on the big hit determination random number (see FIG. 7), but the big hit is determined based on the big hit determination random number. When it is decided whether to win or not, when a predetermined big hit symbol (predetermined probable big hit symbol or suddenly probable big hit symbol) is determined based on the random number for determining the big hit symbol You may make it control to a probability change state.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the first variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the first special symbol process. In the first variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 reads the variation pattern determination random number from the random number buffer area (step S100). Then, the variation pattern is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number (step S101).

  Here, when the gaming state is a non-time saving state and it is determined to be out of play, “normal variation” or “normal reach” is selected (see FIG. 8). If the gaming state is a non-time-saving state and it is determined to be a big hit, “reach A”, “reach A / extension”, “reach B”, “reach B / extension”, “reach C” ”,“ Super Reach A ”,“ Super Reach B ”or“ Reach A · Accuracy ”(see FIG. 8). When it is determined to be a promising big hit out of the big hits, “reach A / extension”, “reach B / extension”, “reach C”, “super reach A” or “super reach B” is selected. In addition, when it is determined that the sudden probability change is a big hit, “reach A / accuracy” is selected. If it is determined to be a big hit (including the case where it is determined to be a small hit) among the big hits (including the case where it is determined to be a small hit), “ Select Reach A, Reach B, Reach C, or Super Reach A.

  When the game state is the short time state and it is determined to be out of play, “normal variation / shortening” is selected (see FIG. 8). If the gaming state is a short-time state and it has been decided to win the game, select “Reach A / Shorten”, “Reach B / Short”, “Reach C / Short” or “Reach A / Success” Select (see FIG. 8). When it is determined to be a promising big hit out of the big hits, “reach C / shortening” is selected. When it is decided to suddenly change the probability big hit, select “reach A / accuracy”. When it is determined that the big hit is usually a big hit (including the case where it is decided to be a small hit), “reach A / shortening”, “reach B / shortening” or “reach C”・ Select “Short”.

  In order to facilitate the selection as described above, a variation pattern table is used according to the game state (whether or not it is a short-time state) and the determination result of whether or not to make a big hit (rejected and big hit types, respectively) . The variation pattern table is stored in the ROM 54, but is prepared according to the gaming state and the determination result as to whether or not to win. In each variation pattern table, data indicating a variation pattern that can be selected and a numerical value corresponding to the data are set. Then, the CPU 56 selects a variation pattern table according to the gaming state and the determination result as to whether or not to win, and corresponds to a numerical value that matches the value of the variation pattern determination random number in the selected variation pattern table. Select a variation pattern. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 560 selects the variation pattern depending on whether or not the jackpot has already been determined and whether or not the probability variation jackpot is set.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a variation pattern command (see FIG. 11) corresponding to the variation pattern selected in step S101 to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S102). Specifically, when the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the address of the command transmission table (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) corresponding to the effect control command is used as a pointer. set. And the address of the command transmission table according to an effect control command is set to a pointer, and an effect control command is transmitted in an effect control command control process (step S29).

  Further, control is performed to transmit a first symbol variation designation command indicating the variation of the first special symbol (step S103). Then, the variation of the special symbol is started (step S104). For example, a start flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 is set. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S105). Then, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first display result specifying command transmission process (step S302) (step S106).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the first display result specifying command transmission process (step S302). In the first display result specifying command transmission process, the CPU 56 performs any one of the effect control commands (display result 1 designation to display result 5 designation) according to the determined type of jackpot (including the jackpot) (FIG. 11). Control to send a reference). Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag (which is also set when the small hit is determined) is set (step S110). If not set, control is performed to transmit a display result 1 designation command (step S111). When the big hit flag is set, when the probability variation big hit flag is set, control for transmitting the display result 4 designation command is performed (steps S112 and S113). When the sudden probability big hit flag is set, control for transmitting a display result 5 designation command is performed (steps S114 and S115). When the small hit flag is set, control for transmitting a display result 3 designation command is performed (steps S116 and S117). When none of the probability variation big hit flag, sudden probability variation big hit flag, and small hit flag is set, control is performed to transmit a display result 2 designation command (step S118). Then, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S119).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the first special symbol changing process (step S303) in the first special symbol process. In the first special symbol variation process, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the first variation time timer (step S121), and checks whether the first variation time timer has timed out (step S122). If the first variable time timer has not timed out (N in step S122), the process is terminated as it is. When the first variation time timer has timed out (Y in step S122), the CPU 56 sets an end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 to end the variation of the special symbol, and the first special symbol Control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol on the display 8a is performed (step S123). Further, control is performed to transmit a symbol confirmation designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S124). Then, the CPU 56 sets a symbol stop time in the first special symbol process timer (step S125), and updates the value of the first special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the first special symbol stop process (step S304) ( Step S126).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the first special symbol stop process (step S304) in the first special symbol process. In the first special symbol process, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the value of the first special symbol process timer (step S131), and checks whether the first special symbol process timer has timed out (step S132). If the first special symbol process timer has not timed out (N in step S132), the process is terminated. When the first special symbol process timer times out (Y in step S132), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S133). If the big hit flag is not set (N in step S133), the process proceeds to step S146.

  When the big hit flag is set (Y in step S133), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a big hit start designation command (step S135). Specifically, when the probability variation big hit flag is set, a big hit start 3 designation command is transmitted, and when the probability variation big hit flag is suddenly set, a big hit start 4 designation command is transmitted. If it is set, a jackpot start 2 designation command is transmitted. Otherwise, a jackpot start 1 designation command is transmitted.

  Also, a value corresponding to the big hit display time (time for notifying the fact that the big hit has occurred, for example, in the effect display device 9) is set in the big hit display time timer (step S136). If the small hit flag is set, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first small hit pre-release process (step S308) (steps S137 and S138). If the small hit flag is not set, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first big winning opening release pre-processing (step S305) (step S139). The case where the small hit flag is not set is a case where the normal big hit, the probability variation big hit or the sudden probability variation big hit is determined.

  In step S146, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction end flag is set. If the time saving end flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S149. If the time reduction end flag is set, the time reduction end flag is reset (step S147), and the time reduction flag indicating that the gaming state is the time reduction state is reset (step S148). Then, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S149).

  Note that the time reduction end flag is set in step S69 in the first special symbol normal process. In addition, the gaming state shifts to a non-time saving state by resetting the time saving flag. At this stage, if the gaming state is a probability variation state, the gaming state becomes a probability variation state of a non-short-time state. On the other hand, if it is in the non-probable change state, it shifts to a normal state (a state that is not in the probabilistic change state and is not in the time-short state).

  In the first big winning opening opening pre-processing, when the big hit display time timer is set, the CPU 56 performs control for opening the big winning opening when the big winning display time timer times out, and the big winning opening opening time. The timer is set to a value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 29 seconds for normal big hits and probable big hits, 0.5 seconds for sudden big odds), and the value of the first special symbol process flag is set to the first value. The value is updated to a value corresponding to the special winning opening open process (step S306). The case where the big hit display time timer is set is the case before the start of the first round. When the interval timer (timer for determining the interval time between rounds) is set, when the interval timer times out, control is performed to open the big prize opening and the opening time ( For example, a value corresponding to 29 seconds is set for a normal jackpot and a probable big hit, and 0.5 seconds is set for a sudden probable big hit, and the value of the first special symbol process flag is being opened. The value is updated to a value corresponding to the process (step S306).

  In the first grand prize opening opening process, the CPU 56 ends the final round when the big prize opening time timer times out or the number of winning balls to the big prize opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). If not, the control for closing the special winning opening is performed, the value corresponding to the interval time is set in the interval timer, and the value of the first special symbol process flag is set to the first special winning opening opening pre-processing (step S305). ) To a value corresponding to. When the final round ends, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first big hit end process (step S307).

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the first big hit end process (step S307) in the first special symbol process. In the first jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S150). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S154. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S151), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S152). Here, if the probability variation jackpot flag or the sudden probability variation bonus flag is set, a jackpot end 2 designation command is transmitted, and if the probability variation jackpot flag or the sudden probability variation bonus flag is not set, the jackpot end 1 designation is specified. Send a command. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is performed on the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S153), and the processing is ended.

  In step S154, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step S155). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the time reduction flag is set to shift the gaming state to the time reduction state (step S156), and 100 is set in the time reduction counter (step S157).

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the probability variation big hit flag or the sudden probability variation big flag is set (step S158). If the probability variation big hit flag or the sudden probability variation big hit flag is set, the set flag (the probability variation big hit flag or the sudden probability variation big hit flag) is reset (step S159). The probability variation flag is set and the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state (step S161). If the gaming state at that time is a probability variation state, the probability variation flag has already been set. Then, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S162).

  In the first small hit pre-opening process in step S308, the same process as the first big prize opening pre-opening process (step S305) is performed. However, instead of updating the value of the first special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the first big prize opening opening process, the value is updated to a value corresponding to the first small hit opening process. In the first small hit opening process in step S309, the same process as the first big prize opening opening process (step S306) is performed. However, if it is not the final round, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first small hit release pre-processing (step S308), and if it is the final round (second round), the first The value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first small hit end process (step S310).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the first small hitting end process (step S310) in the first special symbol process. In the first small hitting end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hitting end display timer is set (step S170). If the small hitting end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S174. When the big hit end display timer is not set, the big hit flag and the small hit flag are reset (steps S171A and S171B), and control for transmitting the big hit end 1 designation command is performed (step S172). Then, the small hit end display timer sets a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the small hit end display is performed in the effect display device 9 (small hit end display time) in the small hit end display timer ( Step S173), the process is terminated.

  In step S174, 1 is subtracted from the value of the small hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the small hit end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the small hit end display time has elapsed (step S175). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S176).

  Next, the normal symbol process (step S28) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (CPU 56) will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the normal symbol process. In the normal symbol process, when detecting that the game ball has passed through the gate 32 and the gate switch 32a is turned on (step S211), the CPU 56 executes a gate switch passage process (step S212). Then, the CPU 56 executes any one of the processes shown in steps S200 to S203 according to the value of the normal symbol process flag.

  Gate switch passage processing (step S212): The CPU 56 checks whether or not the count value (gate passage storage number) of the gate passage storage counter has reached the maximum value (“4” in this example). If the maximum value has not been reached, the count value of the gate passage storage counter is incremented by one. Note that the LED of the normal symbol storage memory display 41 is turned on according to the value of the gate passage storage counter. Then, the CPU 56 performs processing for extracting the value of the random number for normal symbol determination (random 4) and storing it in the storage area (normal symbol determination buffer) corresponding to the value of the number of passages through the gate.

  Normal symbol normal processing (step S200): The CPU 56 can start the normal symbol variation (for example, when the value of the normal symbol process flag is a value indicating step S100, specifically, the normal symbol is processed). When the display 10 does not display the change of the normal symbol, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is not in the open / close operation based on the normal symbol display 10 being hit and displayed, the gate pass memory is stored. Check the value of the number. Specifically, the count value of the gate passing memory number counter is confirmed. If the gate passing memory number is not 0, it is determined whether or not to win (whether or not to stop the normal symbol as a winning symbol). Then, the normal symbol variation time is set in the normal symbol process timer, and the timer is started. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “1”) indicating the normal symbol variation process (step S201).

  Normal symbol variation processing (step S201): The CPU 56 confirms whether or not the normal symbol process timer has timed out. Set the symbol stop symbol display time and start the timer. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “2”) indicating the normal symbol stop process (step S202).

  Normal symbol stop process (step S202): The CPU 56 checks whether or not the normal symbol process timer has timed out. If it has timed out, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the normal symbol stop symbol is a winning symbol. If it is not a winning symbol (if it is a missing symbol), the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically, “0”) indicating the normal symbol normal process (step S200). On the other hand, if the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the normal electric accessory operating time is set in the normal symbol process timer, and the timer is started. Further, it is confirmed whether or not the current gaming state is a high base state, and if it is a high base state, an opening pattern of the ordinary electric accessory (variable winning ball apparatus 15) in the high base state is selected If it is the low base state, the opening pattern of the ordinary electric accessory (variable winning ball apparatus 15) in the low base state is selected, and the selected opening pattern is set. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “3”) indicating the normal electric accessory operation processing (step S203).

  Normal electric accessory actuating process (step S203): The CPU 56 is based on the condition that the normal symbol process timer has not timed out, and the number of game balls won in the normal electric accessory (variable winning ball apparatus 15) (second start) The normal electric winning combination winning counting process for counting the number of winning prizes to the winning opening 14 is executed, and the normal electric winning is opened with the set opening pattern (the opening / closing operation of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is executed). ) The normal electric accessory release pattern process is executed. When the normal symbol process timer times out, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically, “0”) indicating the normal symbol normal process (step S200).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing normal symbol normal processing (step S200). In the normal symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the gate passing memory number is 0 by confirming the count value of the gate passing memory number counter (step S221). If the gate passing memory number is 0 (Y in step S221), the process is terminated as it is. If the gate passing memory number is not 0 (N in step S221), the CPU 56 reads out the random number value for determination per ordinary symbol stored in the storage area corresponding to the gate passing memory number = 1, and the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (Step S222). Then, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the gate passage storage number counter by 1 and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S223). That is, the random number value for normal symbol determination stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of gate passing memories = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of gate passing memories = n−1. Store. Therefore, the order in which the random numbers for determination per ordinary symbol stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the respective numbers of gate passing memories is extracted is always the order of the number of gate passing memories = 1, 2, 3, 4. It is supposed to match.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads the normal random number for symbol determination from the random number storage buffer (step S224), and determines whether to win or not based on the read random number value (step S225). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the random number for normal symbol determination matches the hit determination value, and if there is a matching hit determination value, it is determined to be a hit. For example, when the time reduction flag is set, that is, in the high base state (time reduction state, probability variation state), the hit determination value is any one of 1 to 10, and in the low base state, the hit determination value is 3 or 7 It is said. If the random number for determination per normal symbol is updated in a numerical range of 0 to 10, the winning probability in the high base state is 10/11, and the winning probability in the low base state is 2/11. In this way, the hit is made with a high probability in the high base state, and the win is made only with a low probability in the low base state.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets the normal symbol variation time in the normal symbol process timer (step S226), and starts the variation of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 10 (step S227). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol at the time of the low base is 30.0 seconds, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol at the time of the high base is 1.0 seconds. . Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag to a value (specifically “1”) indicating the normal symbol variation process (step S201) (step S228).

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol variation process (step S201). In the normal symbol variation process, the CPU 56 checks whether the value of the normal symbol process timer has reached 0, that is, whether the normal symbol process timer has expired (step S231). If the normal symbol process timer has not expired (N in step S231), the CPU 56 decrements the value of the normal symbol process timer by -1 (step S235).

  When the normal symbol process timer expires, that is, when the normal symbol change time has elapsed (Y in step S231), the CPU 56 stops the normal symbol change in the normal symbol display 10 (step S232). Then, the CPU 56 sets the normal symbol stop symbol display time in the normal symbol process timer (step S233). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag to a value (specifically “2”) indicating the normal symbol stop process (step S202) (step S234).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol stop process (step S202). In the normal symbol stop process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the normal symbol process timer has reached 0, that is, whether or not the normal symbol process timer has expired (step S241). If the normal symbol process timer has not expired (N in step S241), the CPU 56 decrements the value of the normal symbol process timer by -1 (step S242).

  When the normal symbol process timer expires, that is, when the normal symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed (Y in step S241), the CPU 56 determines whether or not the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol (in step S225). (Whether or not it is determined to be a win) is confirmed (step S243). Note that whether or not the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol is determined by, for example, setting the normal symbol per symbol determination flag when it is determined to be a winning symbol in step S225 and checking whether or not the flag is set. Can do.

  When the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol (Y in step S243), the CPU 56 sets the normal electric accessory operating time in the normal symbol process timer (step S244). The ordinary electric accessory operating time is the maximum time during which the ordinary electric accessory (variable winning ball device 15) can operate. The normal electric accessory operating time is set to be longer in the high base state than in the low base state.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether the gaming state is a high base state or a low base state (step S245). Whether the base state is the high base state or the low base state can be confirmed by checking whether or not the time reduction flag is set. When the time reduction flag is set, it can be determined that the high base state is set, and when the time reduction flag is not set, it can be determined that the low base state is set. In the high base state, a high base state flag indicating the high base state is set, and it is determined whether the base state is the high base state or the low base state depending on whether or not the flag is set. You may do it.

  When it is in the high base state (Y in step S245), the CPU 56 selects the opening pattern set in the high base time table shown in FIG. 28 as the opening pattern of the ordinary electric accessory (step S246). On the other hand, when it is in the low base state (N in step S245), the CPU 56 selects the opening pattern set in the low base time table shown in FIG. 28 as the opening pattern of the ordinary electric accessory (step S247). In the example shown in FIG. 28, the low base time table is set with data of an open pattern with an open time of 0.5 seconds and a single open count. Also, in the high base time table, data of an opening pattern with an opening time of 2.5 seconds and an opening frequency of 2 is set.

  Then, the CPU 56 sets the release pattern selected in step S246 or S247 in the release pattern buffer (step S248). When the opening pattern is set in the opening pattern buffer, the opening pattern time (in this case, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is set to the normal electric accessory opening pattern timer (the timer for measuring the opening time and closing time of the ordinary electric accessory). A process of setting a closing time until the first opening is performed is also performed. Thereafter, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “3”) indicating the normal electric accessory operation processing (step S203) (step S249).

  In step S243, when it is determined that the stop symbol of the normal symbol is not a winning symbol but a missing symbol (N in step S243), the CPU 56 sets the value of the normal symbol process flag to the normal symbol normal process (step S200). Is updated to a value (specifically “0”) (step S250).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the ordinary electric accessory actuating process (step S203). In the normal electric actor operation process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the normal symbol process timer has reached 0, that is, whether or not the normal symbol process timer has expired (step S261). If the normal symbol process timer has not expired (N in step S261), the CPU 56 decrements the value of the normal symbol process timer by -1 (step S262).

  Then, the CPU 56 loads the switch-on buffer into the register (step S263). The switch-on buffer is a buffer in which 1 is set in the corresponding bit of the switch when switch-on is detected, and 0 is set in the corresponding bit of the switch when the switch-off is detected.

  The CPU 56 checks whether 1 is set in the second start port switch input bit (corresponding bit of the second start port switch 14a) (step S264). That is, it is confirmed whether or not the second start opening switch 14a is turned on (whether or not a game ball has won the second start winning opening 14). If 1 is not set in the second start port switch input bit (N in Step S264), the process proceeds to Step S268. If 1 is set in the second start port switch input bit (Y in step S264), the second start port switch 14a is turned on, so the CPU 56 performs the ordinary electric accessory (variable winning ball device 15). 1 is added to the number of counters for the number of game balls that have won a prize (step S265). Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the ordinary electric accessory winning number counter is less than 8 (step S266). When the value of the ordinary electric winning prize counter is not less than 8 (N in step S266), that is, when it is 8 or more, the CPU 56 clears the value of the normal symbol process timer (to 0) (step S267). With this process, the ordinary electric accessory actuating process ends (see Y in step S261, S272). Thus, in this embodiment, when eight or more game balls win the variable winning ball device 15 within the normal electric accessory operating time, the normal electric accessory operating process is terminated.

  Next, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer by -1 (step S268). Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer is 0, that is, whether or not the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer has expired (step S269). If not timed out (N in step S269), the process is terminated as it is. If time-out has occurred (Y in step S269), the CPU 56 sets the release pattern time in the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer (step S270). Then, the CPU 56 drives the solenoid 16 to open or close the ordinary electric accessory (variable winning ball device 15) (step S271).

  Specifically, when the normal electric accessory release pattern timer expires when the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the closed state, the release time is set as the open pattern time in the normal electric accessory release pattern timer, and the output port buffer ( The variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened by inverting the solenoid output bit of the ordinary electric accessory of the solenoid buffer. If the normal electric accessory release pattern timer expires when the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state, the closing time is set as the open pattern time in the normal electric accessory release pattern timer, and the normal output port buffer (solenoid buffer) The variable winning ball apparatus 15 is closed by reversing the electric accessory solenoid output bit.

  Through the processes in steps S268 to S271 described above, an open pattern in the low base state and an open pattern in the high base state are realized. When the gaming state is in the low base state, the opening time is 0.5 seconds and the number of times of opening is one, so that, for example, 1.0 seconds from the start of the normal electric accessory activation process When the closing time elapses, the variable winning ball device 15 is opened and opened, and when the opening time of 0.5 seconds elapses thereafter, the variable winning ball device 15 is closed and closed. Further, when the gaming state is the high base state, the release time is 2.5 seconds and the number of times of opening is 2, so that, for example, 2.5 after the normal electric accessory actuating process is started. When the second closing time elapses, the variable winning ball device 15 is opened and opened, and when the opening time of 2.5 seconds elapses thereafter, the variable winning ball device 15 is closed and closed. When the closing time of 5 seconds elapses, the variable winning ball device 15 is opened and opened, and when the opening time of 2.5 seconds elapses, the variable winning ball device 15 is closed and closed.

  In step S261, when the normal symbol process timer expires (Y in step S261), the CPU 56 sets the value of the normal symbol process flag to a value indicating the normal symbol normal process (step S200) (specifically “0”). (Step S272).

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of bit assignment of input ports related to a switch for detecting a game ball in the game control microcomputer. As shown in FIG. 30, the bits 0 to 7 of the input port 0 include the count switch 23, the gate switch 32a, the winning port switches 33a, 39a, 29a, 30a, the second starting port switch 14a, and the first starting port, respectively. A detection signal of the switch 13a is input. The input port 0 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG.

  Next, payout control commands (payout control signals) transmitted and received between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 will be described. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a payout control signal output from the game control microcomputer 560 to the payout control microcomputer.

  The prize ball REQ signal is a signal that is in an output state (= ON state) when a prize ball number command is transmitted (that is, a trigger signal for a prize ball payout request). The award ball number signal is a signal (prize ball number command) output for designating the number of game balls (0 to 15) for which a payout request is made.

  FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing signal lines and the like used for transmission / reception of each control signal shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 32, the prize ball REQ signal and the 4-bit prize ball number signal are output by the game control microcomputer 560 via the output circuit 67 and to the payout control microcomputer 370 via the input circuit 373A. Entered. The output circuit 67 is installed on the main board 31 outside the I / O port portion 57 shown in FIG. 2 (not shown in FIG. 2). Further, on the payout control board 37, an output circuit 67 is provided in the preceding stage of the input port in the payout control microcomputer.

  FIG. 33 is a timing chart showing an example of how to output the payout control signal. As shown in FIG. 33, the winning detection switch (the count switch 23, the winning port switches 33a, 39a, 29a, 30a, the second starting port switch 14a, and the first starting port switch 13a) has detected the winning of the game ball. Based on this, the game control microcomputer 560 turns on the prize ball REQ signal and sets the output state of the prize ball number signal according to the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with winning. Specifically, when the gaming control microcomputer 560 detects that a game ball has won a winning area provided in the gaming machine based on a detection signal from the winning detection switch, the gaming control microcomputer 560 calculates a predetermined number of winning balls. It is added to the content of the total number of winning balls stored in the backup RAM. When the content of the total winning ball number storage buffer becomes a non-zero value, the winning ball REQ signal is turned on, and the output state of the winning ball number signal is set in accordance with the number of winning balls to be paid out according to winning. Put it in a state.

  In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the second start port switch 14a and the first start port switch 13a, four prize balls are paid out, and any of the winning port switches 33a, 39a, 29a, 30a is paid. When a game ball is detected, 7 prize balls are paid out. When a game ball is detected by the count switch 23, 15 prize balls are paid out. Further, as described above, since the prize ball number signal is composed of 4 bits, among the prize ball number signals of 00 (H) to 0F (H) expressed in 8 bits, the lower 4 bits are The signal is transmitted from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37 by the award ball number signal. Hereinafter, it may be expressed as “00 (H) to 0F (H) prize ball number signal”, but in reality, the prize ball number signal is represented by 8 bits. This corresponds to the lower 4 bits of 0F (H).

  Further, in this embodiment, the prize ball number signal is transmitted by unidirectional communication in which the signal is transmitted only from the main board 31 toward the payout control board 37, but by bidirectional communication, A prize ball number signal may be transmitted from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37. When performing two-way communication, for example, the payout control microcomputer transmits an ACK signal (response signal) to the game control microcomputer 560 in response to reception of the prize ball REQ signal, or receives a prize ball number signal. An ACK signal indicating that the game has been performed is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560.

  Next, the switch process (step S21) in the main 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 certainly turned on. Specifically, the switch process is activated every 2 ms, but if the switch is detected to be turned on in both the switch process activated at the present time and the switch process activated 2 ms ago, the switch process is surely performed. Determined to be on.

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing each 1-byte buffer formed in the RAM 55 used in the switching process. The port buffer before two times is a buffer in which the switch on / off determination result of the previous time (assumed to be 4 ms before) is stored. The previous port buffer is a buffer in which the switch on / off determination result of the previous time (2 ms before) is stored. The switch-on buffer is a buffer in which 1 is set in the corresponding bit of the switch when switch-on is detected, and 0 is set in the corresponding bit of the switch when the switch-off is detected. The previous data is a buffer area that is temporarily used when the switch process is executed. The previous-time port buffer, the previous port buffer, the switch-on buffer, and the previous data are formed in the RAM 55. Further, the bit arrangement of the port buffer, the previous port buffer, and the switch-on buffer two times in advance corresponds to the bit arrangement of the input port 0. That is, information corresponding to each of the switch detection signals assigned to bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the switch processing in step S21 in the game control processing. In the switch process, the CPU 56 sets the content of the previous port buffer to the previous data (step S331). Further, the exclusive OR of the contents of the port buffer and the previous data is taken twice before (step S332). Then, the result of the exclusive OR operation is set as the previous data (step S333). At this stage, in the previous data, the bit having a different value among the 8 bits of the port buffer and the 8 bits of the previous port buffer is “1”. In addition, the contents of the previous port buffer are set in the port buffer two times before (step S334).

  Then, input port 0 data is input (step S335), and the input data is set in the previous port buffer (step S336). The processes in steps S334 and S336 correspond to a preparation process when the switch process is executed next time (after 2 ms).

  Next, the CPU 56 calculates the logical product of the data input from the input port 0 and the previous data (step S337). At this stage, in the previous data, a bit having a different value among the 8 bits of the previous port buffer and the 8 bits of the previous port buffer is “1”. That is, among the detection signals of the eight switches, the bit corresponding to the detection signal changed from the state before 2 ms from the state before 4 ms (from “0” to “1” or from “1” to “0”). Is “1”. Therefore, when the logical product of the previous data and the data input from the input port 0 is taken in step S337, the bit that is “1” in the data input from the input port 0 and 2 ms before The bit whose state has changed from the state 4 ms before becomes “1”. That is, as a result of the logical product operation, the bit corresponding to the detection signal in which the current state is the on state and has been detected to have changed from the off state to the on state during the previous switch processing (2 ms before) is “ 1 ”. In other words, the bit corresponding to the detection signal that has changed from the off state to the on state and then detected the on state twice in succession is “1”. Note that “continuously twice” means “both the switch process executed at a certain time and the switch process executed 2 ms after the switch process”.

  The CPU 56 stores the result of the logical product operation in the switch-on buffer (step S338). In the switch-on buffer, after changing from the off state to the on state, the bit corresponding to the detection signal in which the on state is detected twice consecutively is “1”. Therefore, the CPU 56 can confirm that the switch detection signal corresponding to the bit that is “1” in the switch-on buffer is surely turned on. Note that “definitely” means that the ON state has been detected twice in succession, that is, it can be considered that the ON state has continued for 4 ms. It can be done.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of the prize ball processing in step S31. In the prize ball process, the game control microcomputer 560 executes a prize ball number addition process (step S341) and a prize ball control process (step S342).

  In the winning ball number adding process, a winning ball number table shown in FIG. 37 is used. The prize ball number table is set in the ROM 54. The number of processes (in this example, “7”) is set at the start address of the winning ball number table, and the switch input bit determination for each switch of the winning opening from which the winning ball is to be paid out by winning from the next address. The value and the number of winning balls are sequentially set corresponding to each switch of the winning opening. The switch input bit determination value is a value corresponding to the bit to which the detection signal of each switch at the input port 0 is input (see FIG. 30).

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the prize ball number adding process in step S341. In the winning ball number adding process, the CPU 56 sets the head address of the winning ball number table in the pointer (step S351). Then, the data at the address pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the number of processes) is loaded (step S352). Next, the switch-on buffer is loaded into the register (step S353).

  Then, the pointer value is incremented by 1 (step S354), and the logical product of the contents of the switch-on buffer and the prize ball number table data pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the switch input bit determination value) is calculated (step S355). . Further, the value of the pointer is increased by 1 (step S356).

  If the calculation result in step S355 is not 0 (N in step S361), that is, if the detection signal of the switch to be inspected is on, the process proceeds to step S362A. If the calculation result in step S355 is 0 (Y in step S361), that is, if the detection signal of the switch to be inspected is not on, the number of processes is reduced by 1 (step S359), and if the number of processes is 0 The process ends, and if the number of processes is not 0, the process returns to step S354 (step S360).

  In step S362A, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the switch input bit determination value used in the process of step S355 is a count switch input bit determination value. That is, it is confirmed whether or not it is confirmed in step S361 that the count switch 23 is turned on (whether or not the switch to be inspected is the count switch 23).

  When the switch input bit determination value is the count switch input bit determination value (Y in step S362A), the CPU 56 determines whether or not the value of the first special symbol process flag is 5 or more, and the second special symbol process. It is confirmed whether or not the value of the flag is 5 or more (step S362B). That the value of the first special symbol process flag is 5 or more means that the processing after the first big prize opening opening pre-processing of step S305 is executed in the first special symbol process. That is, it means that a big hit game or a small hit game is being played. Here, during the big hit game, it is a period from the start of the big hit display to the end of the big hit end processing. Further, during the small hit game, it is a period from the start of the small hit display until the end of the small hit end process. In other words, the value of the first special symbol process flag being 5 or more is a state where there is a possibility that control for opening the big prize opening may be performed when the game control is normally executed. Indicates. Further, the value of the second special symbol process flag being 5 or more means that in the second special symbol process, a process corresponding to the pre-opening process for the first big prize opening in step S305 in the first special symbol process ( This means that the subsequent processing is being executed. That is, in the second special symbol process, it means that a big hit game or a small hit game is being played. Therefore, the value of the second special symbol process flag being 5 or more is also a state where there is a possibility that the control of opening the big prize opening may be performed when the game control is normally executed. Indicates.

  When the value of the first special symbol process flag is 5 or more, or when the second special symbol process flag is 5 or more (Y in step S362B), the CPU 56 stores data (in the prize ball number table pointed to by the pointer ( In this case, the number of prize balls is set to the prize ball addition value (step S364), and the prize ball addition value is added to the contents of the 16-bit total prize ball number storage buffer formed in the RAM 55 (step S365). ). If a carry occurs as a result of the addition, the content of the total number of winning balls storage buffer is set to 65535 (= FFFF (H)) (steps S357 and S358). Then, the process proceeds to step S359.

  When the value of the first special symbol process flag is less than 5 and the value of the second special symbol process flag is less than 5, the big win game and the small hit game are not executed, and the control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Is not executed. When it is detected that the count switch 23 is turned on in such a state, it means that an abnormal prize has occurred at the big prize opening or that the detection signal from the count switch 23 has a noise over a long period (over 4 ms). Means that you got on. Therefore, when it is detected that the count switch 23 is turned on in a state where the value of the first special symbol process flag is less than 5 and the value of the second special symbol process flag is less than 5, (step S362B). N), the control for adding the prize ball addition value to the total prize ball number storage buffer is not executed. That is, the prize ball payout based on the count switch 23 being turned on is not executed (the processes in steps S364 and S365 are skipped). Then, the process proceeds to step S359.

  When the switch input bit determination value is not the count switch input bit determination value (N in step S362A), the CPU 56 determines whether the switch input bit determination value used in the process of step S355 is the second start port switch input bit determination value. It is confirmed whether or not (step S363A). That is, it is confirmed in step S361 whether or not the second start port switch 14a has been turned on (whether or not the switch to be inspected is the second start port switch 14a).

  When the switch input bit determination value is the second start port switch input bit determination value (Y in step S363A), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3 (step S363B). . That the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3 means that the normal electric accessory actuating process of step S103 is being executed in the normal symbol process. That is, it means that the normal electric accessory (variable winning ball apparatus 15) is being opened and closed.

  When the switch input bit determination value is not the second start port switch input bit determination value (N in Step S363A) and when the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3 (Y in Step S363B), the CPU 56 The data of the prize ball number table pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the number of prize balls) is set as the prize ball addition value (step S364), and the prize ball addition value is set to the 16-bit total prize ball number formed in the RAM 55. The contents are added to the contents of the storage buffer (step S365). If a carry occurs as a result of the addition, the content of the total number of winning balls storage buffer is set to 65535 (= FFFF (H)) (steps S357 and S358). Then, the process proceeds to step S359.

  The state where the value of the normal symbol process flag is not 3 is a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is not operating and the control for opening the variable winning ball device 15 is not executed. In such a state, it is detected that the second start opening switch 14a is turned on. This means that an abnormal winning has occurred in the second start winning opening 14 or a detection signal from the second start opening switch 14a is long. This means that noise has been applied for a period (over 4 ms). Therefore, when it is detected that the second start port switch 14a is turned on when the value of the normal symbol process flag is not 3 (N in step S363B), the prize ball addition value is added to the total prize ball number storage buffer. Do not execute the control. That is, the prize ball payout based on the fact that the second start port switch 14a is turned on is not executed (steps S364 and S365 are skipped). Then, the process proceeds to step S359.

  In the above-described processing, the CPU 56 determines whether or not an abnormal winning in the big prize opening has occurred based on the values of the special symbol process flags (the first special symbol process flag and the second special symbol process flag). However, when it is detected that the count switch 23 is turned on when the big winning opening is not actually opened, the prize ball payout based on the count switch 23 being turned on may not be executed. However, when configured to determine whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on the value of the special symbol process flag as in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on one data. As a result, the determination process is simplified. Since the big winning opening is opened or closed over a plurality of rounds, it is determined whether or not the abnormal winning has occurred by judging whether or not the actual winning opening is controlled. To be complicated.

  In addition, since there is a certain distance between the entrance of the big prize opening and the position where the count switch 23 is installed, it is determined whether or not the control for actually opening the big prize opening is performed, and whether or not an abnormal prize has occurred. In determining whether or not, it is necessary to consider a game ball that may have won a prize winning slot immediately before closing after performing a control for closing the prize winning opening. That is, it is necessary to consider the time for the game ball to flow from the entrance of the big prize opening to the position where the count switch 23 is installed. In other words, it is necessary to start the determination as to whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred after a certain period of time has passed since the control for actually closing the special winning opening is performed. This also complicates the processing.

  However, as in this embodiment, when it is configured to determine whether or not an abnormal winning to the big winning opening has occurred after the big winning end processing or the small winning end processing is completed, It is not necessary to consider the time for the game ball to flow between the entrance of the mouth and the position where the count switch 23 is installed. This is because the game ball that has won the big winning opening immediately before closing has reached the installation position of the count switch 23 during the processing period of the big hit end processing or the small hit end processing after the big winning opening is closed. In this embodiment, during the processing period of the big hit end process or the small hit end process, that is, during the period when the big hit end display or the small hit end display is made on the effect display device 9, It is set longer than the time required to reach the installation position of the count switch 23.

  Further, although the CPU 56 determines whether or not an abnormal winning to the second start winning opening 14 has occurred based on the value of the normal symbol process flag (see step S363B), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is actually opened. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state when the variable winning ball device 15 repeats the opening / closing operation based on the opening pattern according to the gaming state in the normal electric accessory operating process shown in FIG. ), It may be configured not to execute the prize ball payout based on the fact that the second start port switch 14a is turned on. However, when it is configured to determine whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on the value of the normal symbol process flag as in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on one data. As a result, the determination process is simplified. For example, when the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened or closed a plurality of times (twice in the embodiment) as in the high base state, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is actually opened. If it is determined whether or not the control is performed and it is determined whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred, the processing becomes complicated, but the processing can be simplified by determining based on the normal symbol process flag.

  Further, since there is a certain distance between the entrance of the second start winning opening 14 and the installation position of the second start opening switch 14a, the control of closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is performed, and the second immediately before closing. It is necessary to consider a game ball that may have won the 2 start winning opening 14. That is, it is necessary to consider the time for the game ball to flow from the entrance of the second start winning opening 14 to the installation position of the second start opening switch 14a. Therefore, in this embodiment, the timing for determining the abnormal winning is delayed from the timing for closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15.

  Specifically, the time until the normal symbol process timer times out after the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is closed last (that is, from when the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is closed in step S271 to Y in step S261). Is set longer than the time until the game ball that has won the second start winning opening 14 reaches the installation position of the second start opening 14a. That is, in step S270, a closing time (for example, 5 seconds) is set as an opening pattern time in the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer, and until the ordinary symbol process timer times out after the ordinary electric accessory is finally closed in step S271. Is set to a time (eg, 3 seconds) shorter than the closing time (eg, 3 seconds) (step S244). The time until the normal symbol process timer times out after the ordinary electric accessory is closed for the last time (for example, 3 seconds), the game ball that won the second start winning opening 14 is set at the installation position of the second start opening 14a. It is sufficiently longer than the time to reach. By doing so, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection that an abnormal winning has occurred due to the winning of the game ball immediately before the variable winning ball device 15 is closed.

  As a method of delaying the timing for determining the abnormal winning ball from the timing for closing the variable winning ball device 15, in the above example, the variable winning ball device 15 is closed a predetermined time before the value of the normal symbol process flag is switched from 3 to 0. However, when the value of the normal symbol process flag is switched from 3 to 0, the abnormal winning determination is made, but at the same time as the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is closed, the value of the normal symbol process flag is switched from 3 to 0. Alternatively, the abnormal winning determination may be performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the value of the normal symbol process flag is switched from 3 to 0. Specifically, a predetermined time is set in the count timer when the value of the normal symbol process flag is changed from 3 to 0 (for example, immediately before or after step S272 in FIG. 29), and every timer interruption (every 2 ms). ) Count down the count timer. When it is determined in the award ball number addition process that the value of the normal symbol process flag is not 3 (N in Step S363B), it is determined whether or not the count timer is 0. When the count timer is 0, Step S364 is performed. The process of S365 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S359. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to delay the timing for determining an abnormal winning with respect to the timing for closing the variable winning ball device 15.

  It should be noted that, even in the determination of an abnormal winning to the big winning opening, the timing for determining the abnormal winning can be delayed by the same method as the timing for closing the big winning opening (special variable winning ball apparatus 20). Specifically, when the value of the special symbol process flag (first special symbol process flag, second special symbol process flag) changes from 7 to 0 or from 10 to 0, a predetermined time is set in the count timer, and The count timer is counted down every timer interrupt (every 2 ms). When it is determined in the prize ball number addition process that the value of the special symbol process flag is not 5 or more (N in step S362B), it is determined whether or not the count timer is 0. When the count timer is 0, step S364 , S365 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S359.

  If the value of the special symbol process flag (first special symbol process flag, second special symbol process flag) is less than 5 in step S362B (N in step S362B), or the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3 in step S363B. If it is not (N in Step S363B), the control for prohibiting the prize ball payout may not be performed. As will be described later, when it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits an abnormal winning notification designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100, and the effect control microcomputer 100 receives an abnormal win. This is because it is considered that the generation of the prize ball based on the abnormal winning can be stopped to the minimum since the occurrence is notified.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the prize ball control process in step S342. In the winning ball control process, the CPU 56 confirms the contents of the total winning ball number storage buffer (step S371). If the value is 0, the process ends. If it is not 0, it is confirmed whether or not the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is smaller than the prize ball command maximum value (“15” in this example) (step S372). If the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is equal to or greater than the prize ball command maximum value, the prize ball command maximum value is set in the prize ball number buffer (step S373). If the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is smaller than the prize ball command maximum value, the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is set in the prize ball number buffer (step S374). Then, the contents of the prize ball number buffer are set in the output port for outputting the prize ball number signal (step S375). Further, “1” is set to the bit of the prize ball REQ signal of the output port for outputting the prize ball REQ signal (step S376).

  A prize ball REQ signal is output by the processing of step S376. That is, the prize ball REQ signal is turned on. In addition, a prize ball number signal is output by the process of step S375 (see FIG. 33). In this embodiment, the maximum prize ball command value is “15”. Therefore, a prize ball number signal designating the maximum number of payouts of “15” is transmitted to the payout control board 37.

  When the winning ball number signal is transmitted, the CPU 56 subtracts the contents of the winning ball number buffer (the winning ball payout number commanded to the payout control means) from the contents of the total winning ball number storage buffer (step S377).

  Next, the CPU 56 sets an on period of the prize ball REQ signal. Specifically, an initial value is set in the wait counter (step S378). Then, the value of the wait counter is decremented by 1 until the value of the wait counter becomes 0 (steps S379 and S380). When the value of the wait counter reaches 0, the on period is terminated.

  That is, “0” is set to the bit of the prize ball REQ signal of the output port for outputting the prize ball REQ signal (step S381), and 00 (H) is set to the output port for outputting the prize ball number signal. (Step S382).

  When the payout control microcomputer mounted on the payout control board 37 receives the prize ball number signal, it drives the payout device 97 so that the number of game balls specified by the prize ball number signal is paid out.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the abnormal winning notification process in step S23. In the abnormal winning notification process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the abnormal notification prohibition flag is set (step S551). The abnormality notification prohibition flag is set in a main process executed when power supply to the gaming machine is started (see step S44 in FIG. 4). If the abnormality notification prohibition flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S555. If the abnormality notification prohibition flag is set, the value of the prohibition period timer set in step S45 is decremented by 1 (step S552). When the value of the prohibition period timer becomes 0, that is, when the prohibition period timer times out, the abnormality notification prohibition flag is reset (steps S553 and S554).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the first special symbol process flag is 5 or more and whether or not the value of the second special symbol process flag is 5 or more (step S555). The state where the value of the first special symbol process flag or the second special symbol process flag is 5 or more is a state where a big hit game or a small hit game is being played. In such a state, there is a possibility that a game ball will win the big winning opening, so it is not confirmed that an abnormal winning has occurred in the big winning opening. That is, if the value of the first special symbol process flag or the second special symbol process flag is 5 or more, the process proceeds to step S560.

  If the value of the first special symbol process flag is less than 5 and the value of the second special symbol process flag is less than 5 (a state where neither a big hit game nor a small hit game is played), the CPU 56 switches on. The contents of the buffer are loaded into the register (step S556). Then, the logical product of the content of the loaded switch-on buffer and the count switch input bit determination value (02 (H), see FIG. 37) is calculated (step S557). When the content of the switch-on buffer is 02 (H), that is, when the count switch 23 is on, the logical product operation result is 02 (H). When the count switch 23 is not turned on, the operation result of the logical product is 0 (00 (H)).

  If the result of the logical product is not 0, it is determined that an abnormal winning at the special winning opening has occurred, and control is performed to transmit an abnormal winning notification designation command to the effect control board 80 (steps S558 and S559).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3 (step S560). The state where the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3 is a state where the normal electric accessory (variable winning ball device 15) is opened and closed. If it is in such a state (Y in step S560), there is a possibility that a game ball may win the second start winning opening 14, so that an abnormal winning confirmation to the second starting winning opening 14 is not performed. The winning notification process is terminated.

  The state in which the value of the normal symbol process flag is not 3 is a state in which the normal electric accessory (variable winning ball device 15) is not opened or closed. If there is a game ball winning in the second start winning opening 14 in such a state, it can be determined that the winning is an abnormal winning. Therefore, the abnormal winning confirmation process to the second start winning opening 14 shown below is performed.

  That is, if the value of the normal symbol process flag is not 3 (N in step S560), the CPU 56 loads the contents of the switch-on buffer into the register (step S561). Then, the CPU 56 calculates the logical product of the content of the loaded switch-on buffer and the second start port switch input bit determination value (40 (H), see FIG. 37) (step S562). When the content of the switch-on buffer is 40 (H), that is, when the second start port switch 14a is on, the logical product operation result is 40 (H). When the second start port switch 14a is not turned on, the logical product operation result is 0 (00 (H)).

  If the result of the logical product is not 0 (N in step S563), it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred in the second start winning opening 14, and control for transmitting an abnormal winning notification designating command to the effect control board 80 is performed. This is performed (step S564). On the other hand, if the result of the logical product is 0 (Y in step S563), it is determined that no abnormal winning has occurred in the second start winning opening 14, and control for transmitting an abnormal winning notification designation command is performed. The abnormal winning notification process is terminated.

  When the count switch 23 is turned on in a state where neither a big hit game nor a small hit game is performed by the above processing, an abnormal winning notification designation command is transmitted. The abnormal winning notification designation command is also transmitted when the second start port switch 14a is turned on while the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is not opening and closing.

  Further, the process of steps S251 to S253 prohibits the start of abnormality notification when the effect control microcomputer 100 is performing initialization notification. The production control microcomputer 100 continues to execute the initialization notification until the period corresponding to the prohibition period has elapsed since the start of the abnormality notification.

  In the process of step S555, the game control microcomputer 560 (CPU 56) makes an abnormal winning to the big winning opening based on the value of the special symbol process flag (first special symbol process flag, second special symbol process flag). Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on one data, as in the process of step S362B, so that the determination process can be simplified. Further, as described above, since the big hit end process or the small hit end process is executed for a predetermined time after the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is closed, the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 has won a prize immediately before the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is closed. The game ball is prevented from being detected by the count switch 23 after the value of the special symbol process flag has returned to 0, and no error is reported even though it is a regular winning. .

  Further, in the process of step S560, the game control microcomputer 560 (CPU 56) determines whether or not an abnormal winning to the second start winning opening 14 has occurred based on the value of the normal symbol process flag. Similarly to the processing in step S363B, since it can be determined whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on one data, the determination processing can be simplified. In addition, as described above, as a method of delaying the timing for determining an abnormal prize from the timing for closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is set a predetermined time before the value of the normal symbol process flag is switched from 3 to 0. Is closed, and when the value of the normal symbol process flag is switched from 3 to 0, the abnormal winning determination is made. Therefore, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is won at the second start winning opening 14 immediately before closing. The game ball is prevented from being detected by the second start switch 14a after the value of the normal symbol process flag returns to 0, and an error is reported even though it is a regular winning. There is nothing.

  As described above, the value of the normal symbol process flag is switched from 3 to 0 at the same time as the variable winning ball device 15 is closed, and an abnormal winning is obtained after a predetermined time has elapsed since the value of the normal symbol process flag is switched from 3 to 0. You may make it perform determination. Also, in the determination of abnormal winning to the big winning opening, the timing for determining the abnormal winning by the same method may be delayed from the timing for closing the big winning opening (special variable winning ball apparatus 20).

Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described.
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 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 activation control activation interval (for example, 2 ms) (step S701). .

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and executes a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes effect control process processing (step S705A). 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 effect display device 9 is executed. In addition, a random number update process for updating a counter value of a counter for generating a predetermined random number (for example, a random number for determining a stop symbol) is executed (step S706). Further, the first decorative symbol display control process is performed (step S705B). In the first decorative symbol display control process, display control of the first decorative symbol display 9a is executed. Further, a second decorative symbol display control process is performed (step S705C). In the second decorative symbol display control process, display control of the second decorative symbol display 9b is executed. Furthermore, a notification control process for performing notification using an effect device such as the effect display device 9 is executed (step S707). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer of a ring buffer type capable of storing six 2-byte configuration effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIG. 11) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is.

  43 and 44 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis process (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +2 (step S613). The reason for +2 is that 2 bytes (1 command) are read at a time.

  If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S614), the effect control CPU 101 stores the variation pattern command in a variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S615). Then, a variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S616).

  If the received effect control command is a display result specifying command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 stores the display result specifying command in a display result specifying command storage area formed in the RAM (step S618). . Then, a display result specifying command reception flag is set (step S619).

  If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a confirmed command reception flag (step S622).

  If the received effect control command is one of the jackpot start 1-4 designation commands (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets the jackpot start 1-4 designation command reception flag (step S624).

  If the received effect control command is the first symbol variation designation command (step S625), the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S626). If the received effect control command is the second symbol variation designation command (step S627), the second symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S628).

  If the received effect control command is a power-on specification command (initialization specification command) (step S631), the effect control CPU 101 displays an initial screen on the effect display device 9 indicating that the initialization process has been executed. Control is performed (step S632A). The initial screen includes an initial display of predetermined production symbols. Also, an initial notification flag is set (step S632B), and a value corresponding to the initial notification period value is set in the period timer (step S632C). The initial notification period is a period in which initialization notification is performed in response to reception of the initialization designation command. The effect control CPU 101 ends the initialization notification when the initial notification period elapses. The initial notification period is the same as the prohibition period set by the game control microcomputer 560 in step S45. Therefore, the abnormality notification designation command is not received when the initialization notification is performed.

  If the received effect control command is a power failure recovery designation command (step S633), a predetermined power failure recovery screen (screen for displaying information notifying the player that the gaming state is continuing) is displayed. Display control is performed (step S634).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 1 designation command (step S641), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag (step S642). If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 2 designation command (step S643), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag (step S644).

  If the received effect control command is an abnormal prize notification designation command (step S645), the effect control CPU 101 sets an abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag (step S646).

  If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S647). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705A) in the main process. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S806 according to 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 a variation pattern command is received from the game control microcomputer 560. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If the change pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change start process (step S801).

  Production symbol variation start processing (step S801): Control is performed so that the variation of the ornament symbol (first ornament symbol or second ornament symbol) and the effect symbol is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802).

  Production 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. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803).

  Production symbol variation stop processing (step S803): Based on the reception of the production control command (design confirmation designation command) for instructing all symbols to be stopped, the decorative symbol (first decorative symbol or second decorative symbol) and the production symbol Control is performed to stop the fluctuation and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Big hit display process (step S804): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 9 of the occurrence of the big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S805).

  Big hit game processing (step S805): Control during big hit game is performed. For example, when a special winning opening opening designation command or a special winning opening open designation command is received, display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit end process (step S806).

  Big hit end processing (step S806): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  47 and 48 are flowcharts showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 reads the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S820). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S821). When the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set, the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is reset (step S822), and the first ornament symbol variation indicating that the variation of the first ornament symbol is started. A request flag is set (step S823). Then, for example, a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds is set in the decorative symbol switching timer for determining the switching timing of the lighting LED (step S824). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S816.

  If the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is not set, the second symbol variation designation command reception flag should be set. Therefore, the effect control CPU 101 resets the second symbol variation designation command reception flag (step S825), and sets a second symbol variation request flag indicating that the variation of the second symbol variation is started (step S826). . Then, for example, a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds is set in the decorative symbol switching timer for determining the switching timing of the lighting LED (step S827). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S816.

  In step S816, the effect control CPU 101 reads data indicating the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area. Next, it is confirmed whether or not the display result specifying command reception flag is set (step S817). If the display result specifying command reception flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S830. When the display result specifying command reception flag is set, the display result (stop) of the decorative symbol and the effect symbol according to the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command) The symbol is determined (step S818). The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the display result of the determined decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display result storage area, and stores data indicating the stop symbol of the determined decorative symbol in the effect symbol display result storage area.

  FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 49, when the received display result specifying command indicates a normal jackpot (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses the stop design as a stop symbol. A combination of effect symbols in which the left middle right symbol is an even number of symbols (a stop symbol reminiscent of the occurrence of a normal jackpot) is determined. When the received display result specifying command indicates a probable big hit (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 4 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses the left middle right symbol as an odd symbol as an odd symbol. The combination of the production symbols arranged in accordance with (the stop symbol that reminds of the occurrence of a probable big hit) is determined. When the received display result specifying command indicates a small hit or suddenly probable big hit (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 3 specifying command or a display result 5 specifying command), the presentation control CPU 101 A combination of “135” (a stop symbol reminiscent of occurrence of a small hit or suddenly probable big hit) is determined as a left middle right production symbol as a stop symbol. And in the case of detachment (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 1 designation command), a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols with left and right aligned is determined. Note that the combination of the left, middle, and right effect symbols derived and displayed on the effect display device 9 is the “stop symbol” of the effect symbol.

  The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining the stop symbol, and uses the stop symbol determination table in which the data indicating the combination of effect symbols and numerical values are associated with each other to generate the stop symbol of the effect symbol. decide. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating the combination of effect symbols corresponding to the numerical value matching the extracted random number.

  As for the effect symbols, a stop symbol that recalls a big hit is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol reminiscent of a probable big hit is called a probable big hit symbol, and a stop symbol reminiscent of a normal big hit is called a normal big hit symbol. A stop symbol that suddenly recalls a probable big hit is called a sudden probable big hit symbol, and a stop symbol that recalls a small hit is called a small hit symbol. And a stop symbol that reminds of a loss is called a loss symbol.

  Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the LED on the side that recalls the big hit on the first decorative symbol display 9a remains lit at the end of the change. When the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the LED on the side that recalls the big hit on the second decorative symbol display 9b remains lit at the end of the change.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 resets the display result specifying command reception flag (step S819). Next, a process table corresponding to the variation pattern is selected (step S833). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S834).

  FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 in accordance with the data set in 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. In the display control execution data, data indicating each variation aspect constituting the variation aspect during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbols is described. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and performs control to display the effect design in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value.

  The process table shown in FIG. 50 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern.

  Then, the production control CPU 101 sets the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1) on condition that the abnormality notification flag indicating that the abnormal winning notification is being performed is not set. In accordance with the sound number data 1), the control of the effect device (the effect display device 9 as the effect component, the various lamps as the effect component, and the speaker 27 as the effect component) is executed (steps S835A and S835B). For example, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image according to the variation pattern on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform on / off control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to output sound from the speaker 27.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 performs control so that the effect symbol is variably displayed by the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command on a one-to-one basis. The variation pattern to be used may be selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to.

  When the abnormality notification flag is set, the rendering device is controlled according to the contents of the process data 1 excluding the sound number data 1 (steps S835A and S835C). In other words, when the abnormality notification flag is set, when a new variable display of the production symbol is started, a sound production according to the variable display is not executed, but an abnormal prize is notified. The corresponding sound output is continued. If the sound effect sound effect according to the variable display and the alarm sound (notification sound) according to the abnormal winning notification are set in different channels, and these sounds can be output simultaneously, the step There is no need to separate the processing of S835B and step S835C.

  In addition, when performing the process of step S835C, the effect control CPU 101 does not simply output a command based on the display control execution data 1 to the VDP 109, but also outputs a command for performing “superimposed display” to the VDP 109. That is, control is performed so that the display at that time (notification of abnormal winning is made) on the effect display device 9 and the display effect image of the variable display of the effect symbol are displayed on the effect display device 9 at the same time. . That is, when the abnormality notification flag is set, when a new variable display of the effect symbol is started, not only the display effect corresponding to the variable display is executed, but an abnormal winning notification is made. The notification according to is continued.

  Then, a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command is set in the variation time timer (step S836), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation process (step S802). (Step S837).

  In step S830, it is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command that can be used for both a normal big hit and a probable big hit is received. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the variation pattern commands of “reach C / shortening”, “reach C”, and “super reach A” are usually used for both big hits and probable big hits. This is a variable pattern command. Therefore, the CPU 101 for effect control receives the variation pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit when the data indicating those fluctuation pattern commands is stored in the fluctuation pattern command storage area. It is determined that When it is determined that the variation control command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit is received, the production control CPU 101 determines the stop symbol of the production symbol as the normal big hit symbol (step S832). . In addition, when it is determined that a variation pattern command other than the variation pattern command that can be used for both a normal big hit and a probable big hit is received, the stop symbol is a combination of effect symbols according to the received variation pattern. (Step S831). In this embodiment, a variation pattern command other than the variation pattern command that can be used for both a normal jackpot and a probable variation jackpot is used at the time of losing or is used according to the type of jackpot ( (See FIG. 8). Therefore, when the variation control command 101 other than the variation pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit is received, the effect control CPU 101 determines the deviation based on the received variation pattern command. Whether or not a big hit (including a small hit) is determined, and if it is determined to be a big hit, the type of the big hit can be specified.

  As described above, the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the variation pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit, and when the display result specifying command cannot be received, Since the display result (stop symbol) is determined to be a normal jackpot symbol, it is possible to make the player recognize whether or not a specific gaming state occurs even if the display result specifying command cannot be received. In addition, by including information that can specify the display result of the effect symbol in the variation pattern command, the effect control microcomputer 100 can display the display result specifying command without using a command other than the variation pattern command and the display result specifying command. Since the display result of the effect symbol can be determined even if it cannot be received, the types of commands transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560 do not increase, and as a result, the control burden on the game control microcomputer 560 does not increase.

  FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation in-process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S841) and subtracts 1 from the value of the variation time timer (step S842). When the process timer times out (step S843), the process data is switched. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S844). Further, on the condition that the abnormality informing flag is not set, the control state for the rendering device is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S845A). , S845B).

  When the abnormality notification flag is set, control of the effect device is executed according to the contents of process data i (i is any one of 2 to n) (however, excluding sound number data i) (step S845A). , S845C). Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag is set, a sound effect according to the variable display of the effect symbol is not executed, but the sound output according to the notification of the abnormal winning is continued.

  In addition, when the process of step S845C is performed, the CPU 101 for effect control does not simply output a command based on the display control execution data i to the VDP 109, but also outputs a command for performing “superimposed display” to the VDP 109. . Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag is set, not only the display effect according to the variable display of the effect symbol is executed, but also the notification according to the notification of the abnormal winning is continued.

  If the variation time timer has timed out (step S846), the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) (step S848). Even if the variable time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received is set (step S847), the process proceeds to step S848. Even if the variation time timer has not timed out, if the symbol confirmation designation command is received, the process shifts to control to stop variation.For example, a variation pattern command indicating a long variation time due to noise between substrates is received. Even in such a case, it is possible to end the variation of the effect symbol when the regular variation time has elapsed (when the variation of the special symbol ends).

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the confirmed command reception flag is set (step S851). If the confirmed command reception flag is set, the confirmed command reception flag is reset. Then (step S852), control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol is performed according to the data (data indicating the stop symbol) stored in the effect symbol display result storage area (step S853A). In addition, a decorative symbol variation end flag is set (step S853B). When the decorative symbol variation end flag is set, the variation in the decorative symbol display that is fluctuating (variably displayed) between the first decorative symbol display 9a and the second decorative symbol display 9b is stopped, and the big hit / loss The lighting of the LED on the side corresponding to is maintained. Then, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is determined to be a big hit (step S854). Whether or not it is determined to be a big hit is confirmed by, for example, a display result specifying command stored in the display result specifying command storage area. In this embodiment, it can be confirmed whether or not it is determined to be a big hit based on the determined stop symbol.

  When it is determined to be a big hit, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S804) (step S855).

  If it is determined not to win, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the time reduction state flag is set (step S856). The short time state flag is set when the gaming state is a short time state (see step S886 described later). If the time reduction state flag is set, the value of the time reduction variation counter is incremented by 1 (step S857).

  Then, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the value of the time-varying variation number counter is 100 (step S858). If the value of the hour / short fluctuation counter is 100, the hour / short state flag is reset (step S859). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S860).

  In this embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variation (variable display) of the decorative symbol and the effect symbol on the condition that the symbol confirmation designation command is received (see steps S851 and S853). However, when the variation time timer based on the received variation pattern command times out, the variation of the decorative symbol and the effect symbol may be controlled to end without receiving the symbol determination designation command. In this case, the game control microcomputer 560 may not transmit the symbol confirmation designation command for designating the end of variable display.

  FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (step S804) in the effect control process. In the jackpot display process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the jackpot start 1-4 designation command reception flag indicating that any of the jackpot start 1-4 designation commands has been received is set (step S871). If any one of the big hit start 1 to 4 designation command reception flags is set, control is performed to display a game start screen corresponding to the set flag on the effect display device 9 (step S872). Further, the set flag (one of the big hit start 1-4 designation command reception flags) is reset (step S873). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S805) (step S874).

  In step S872, if the big hit start 2 designation command is received, the production control CPU 101 performs a control to display a screen for informing the start of the small hit game on the production display device 9. Further, when the big hit start 4 designation command is received, control is performed to display a screen for informing the start of the sudden probability change big hit game on the effect display device 9. When the jackpot start 1 designation command or the jackpot start 3 designation command is received, a screen for informing the start of the jackpot game (a screen for informing the start of the jackpot game and a notice of the start of the sudden probability change jackpot game) Control is performed to display on the effect display device 9.

  FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process (step S806) in the effect control process. In the jackpot end process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the jackpot end effect timer is set (step S880). If the big hit end effect timer is set, the process proceeds to step S885. If the jackpot end effect timer is not set, a jackpot end designation command reception flag (a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag or a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag) indicating that the jackpot termination designation command has been received is set. It is confirmed whether or not there is (step S881). When the jackpot end designation command reception flag is set, the jackpot end designation command reception flag is reset (step S882), and a value corresponding to the jackpot end display time is set in the jackpot end presentation timer (step S883). Then, the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a jackpot end screen (screen for notifying the end of the jackpot game) (step S884). Specifically, an instruction to display the big hit end screen is given to the VDP 109.

  In this embodiment, even if the type of jackpot is different, the same jackpot end screen is displayed on the effect display device 9. For example, the big hit end display and the small hit end display are the same. However, the small hit end display (including the small hit end display) may be divided according to the type of the big hit.

  In step S885, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end effect timer. Then, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end effect timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end effect time has elapsed (step S886). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the time reduction state flag is set (step S887), and the time reduction number counter is set to 0 (step S888). If the jackpot end 1 designation command has been received, the probability variation state flag is reset (steps S889 and S891). When the jackpot end 1 designation command has not been received (when the jackpot end 2 designation command has been received), the probability variation state flag is set (steps S889, S890). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S892).

  The probability change state flag and the time-short state flag are used, for example, when the effect control CPU 101 notifies the probability change state and the time-short state by a background or a decorative light emitter (lamp / LED) in the effect display device 9.

  FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing the first decorative symbol display control process of step S705B in the effect control main process. In the first decorative symbol display control process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the first decorative symbol changing flag is set (step S781). If the first decorative symbol variation flag is set, the process proceeds to step S785. If the first decorative symbol variation flag is not set, it is confirmed whether or not the first decorative symbol variation request flag is set (step S782). If the first decorative symbol variation request flag is set, the first decorative symbol variation request flag is reset (step S783), and the first decorative symbol variation flag is set (step S784).

  In step S785, it is confirmed whether or not the decorative symbol variation end flag is set. The decorative symbol variation end flag is set in step S853B (see FIG. 52). If the decorative symbol variation end flag is set, the decorative symbol variation end flag is reset (step S786), and the display result is displayed on the first decorative symbol display unit 9a according to the data stored in the decorative symbol display result storage area. Is displayed (step S791), and the first decorative symbol variation flag is reset (step S792).

  If the decorative symbol change end flag is not set, the value of the decorative symbol switching timer is decremented by 1 (step S787). If the value of the decorative symbol switching timer is 0 (step S788), that is, if it is the lighting LED switching timing, the LED to be lit on the first decorative symbol display 9a is switched (step S789), and the decorative symbol is switched. For example, a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds is reset in the switching timer (step S790).

  By the control as described above, the LEDs that are turned on in the first decorative symbol display 9a are switched every 0.5 seconds, for example, and variable display of the first decorative symbol is realized.

  The program for the second decorative symbol display control process (step S705C) is configured in the same manner as the first decorative symbol display control process. That is, in the above description of the first decorative symbol display control process, if “first” is read as “second”, the second decorative symbol display control process will be described.

  FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the effect display device 9. FIG. 56 (A) shows an example of an initial screen that the effect control CPU 101 displays on the effect display device 9 in response to reception of the initialization designation command. FIG. 56 (B) shows an example of a power failure recovery screen that the effect control CPU 101 displays on the effect display device 9 in response to reception of the power failure recovery designation command. FIG. 56C shows an example of an abnormality notification screen displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the reception of the abnormal prize notification designation command by the effect control CPU 101, and the change of the effect symbol is started. Also, it is shown that the display of the abnormality notification screen is continued (see the right side of FIG. 56C).

  FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing the notification control process in step S707. In the notification control process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the initial notification flag is set (step S901). The initial notification flag is set when an initialization designation command is received from the game control microcomputer 560 (see step S632B in FIG. 44). If the initial notification flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S906. If the initial notification flag is set, the value of the period timer set in step S632C is decremented by 1 (step S902). Then, when the value of the period timer becomes 0, that is, when the initial notification period has elapsed, the initial notification flag is reset (steps S903 and S904).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a command for deleting the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen in the effect display device 9 to the VDP 109 (step S905). The VDP 109 erases the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen from the effect display device 9 according to the command.

  In step S906, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not an abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag indicating that an abnormal winning notification designation command has been received is set. If not set, the process is terminated. If the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is set, the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is reset (step S907), and the effect display device 9 has an abnormality with respect to the screen displayed at that time. A command to superimpose and display the notification screen is output to the VDP 109 (step S908). The VDP 109 superimposes and displays an abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 in response to the command (see FIG. 56C).

  Furthermore, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output in response to the abnormal winning notification to the sound output board 70 (step S909). The voice synthesis IC 703 mounted on the voice output board 70 reads data corresponding to the input sound data from the voice data ROM 704 and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 27 side according to the read data. Therefore, sound output (output of abnormal notification sound) corresponding to the notification of abnormal winning is performed thereafter. Then, the production control CPU 101 sets an abnormality notification flag indicating that abnormality notification is being performed (step S910).

  FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the situation of the display effect on the effect display device 9 and the sound effect by the speaker 27. FIG. 58 (A) shows an example when the effect display device 9 is performing variable display of effect symbols. FIG. 58 (B) shows an example in which initialization notification is performed in the effect display device 9.

  FIG. 58C shows an example in which abnormality notification is performed in the effect display device 9 and an abnormality notification sound is output by the speaker 27. When receiving the abnormal prize notification designation command from the game control microcomputer 560, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs control to display an abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and outputs the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27. I do. Further, even when the variable display of the effect symbol is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. Moreover, even if the variable display of the effect symbol is finished, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. The production control microcomputer 100 does not execute the control for deleting the abnormality notification screen and the control for stopping the output of the abnormality notification sound, so that the display of the abnormality notification screen on the production display device 9 and the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are not performed. The output continues until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. However, the production control microcomputer 100 stops displaying the abnormality notification screen and outputting the abnormality notification sound when a predetermined time has elapsed after the display of the abnormality notification screen and the output of the abnormality notification sound have started. You may control.

  In this embodiment, the abnormality notification is performed by the effect display device 9 and the speaker 27. However, the abnormality notification may be performed using a lamp / LED. In that case, when receiving the abnormal winning notification designation command, the production control microcomputer 100 controls the lamp / LED to blink in a manner different from that in the normal state (when no abnormal winning has occurred). . In addition, even when the abnormality notification is performed using the lamp / LED, the abnormality notification using the lamp / LED is continued even if the variable display of the effect symbol is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command. .

  Further, in this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 does not detect an abnormal prize and does not detect an abnormal prize for a predetermined period after the power supply to the game machine is started (a period during which the initialization notification is executed). The abnormal winning notification designating command is not transmitted from the microcomputer 560. However, when the value of the special symbol process flag is less than a predetermined value (5 in this embodiment) or the value of the normal symbol process flag is a predetermined value (3 in this embodiment), the game control microcomputer 560 When the abnormal control is detected, and the production control microcomputer 100 receives the abnormal winning notification designation command within a predetermined period after the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the abnormal winning notification is performed. May not be performed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the initialization notification is given priority over the abnormality notification, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the initialization notification becomes difficult to recognize. That is, the initialization notification is performed prominently. The game control microcomputer 560 transmits an initialization designation command when a user reset that causes the program to start executing from the top address (for example, address 0000) occurs even when power supply to the game machine is started. As a cause of the occurrence of the user reset, for example, in the case where the watchdog timer is configured to be used, there is a case where the watchdog timer has timed out due to an illegal act that prevents the smooth progress of the program. Such fraudulent acts are configured to be controlled in a probabilistic state, particularly when a predetermined jackpot symbol (predetermined probability variation jackpot symbol or sudden probability variation jackpot symbol) is determined based on a random number for determining the jackpot symbol. It is likely to occur when it is. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is initialized, and a counter for generating a jackpot symbol determining random number is initialized, and it is easy to receive an illegal act that makes it easy to grasp the count value of the counter. By making the initialization notice conspicuous as in this embodiment, it is possible to easily grasp from the outside of the gaming machine that the gaming control microcomputer 560 has been initialized. Is easily recognized.

  In the above embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 ends the initialization notification when a predetermined period has elapsed (see steps S901 to S905), but ends the initialization notification at another timing. May be. For example, the initialization notification is terminated when the variable display of the effect symbol is started for the first time after the initialization notification is started, or the abnormal winning notification designation command is received before the variable display of the effect symbol is started. Sometimes the initialization notification may be terminated. Alternatively, the initialization notification may be terminated when the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received or when the first effect control command other than the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received after the initialization notification is started. That is, it is preferable that the initialization notification is continued only for a period sufficient for the game store clerk or the like to recognize the initialization notification.

  Further, in this embodiment, the effect control means receives the variation pattern command, but when the display result specifying command cannot be received, the variation pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit. If it is determined that a change pattern command other than the change pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit is received is determined. Since the stop symbol is determined as a combination of effect symbols corresponding to the received variation pattern, the effect display device 9 can notify that a big hit will occur even if the display result specifying command cannot be received due to noise or the like. Furthermore, immediately after receiving the variation pattern command, when it is determined that an effect control command other than the display result specifying command has been received, the above control based on the received variation pattern command may be performed. In other words, the effect control means determines that the regular command has not been received (for example, the display result specifying command cannot be received) or determines that the non-normal command has been received (for example, the display result subsequent to the variation pattern command). When an effect control command other than the specific command is received), it is preferable to execute effect control (for example, determine a stop symbol of the effect symbol) based on the received regular command. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a player from being disadvantaged due to non-reception of a regular command or reception of a non-regular command.

  The same control may be performed for other effect control commands. For example, when a jackpot start specifying command that can specify the start of a specific gaming state is received, if it does not match the display result specifying command that has already been received (for example, the display result 2 specifying command indicating a normal jackpot is the display result specifying When it is stored in the command storage area, when the jackpot start 3 designation command indicating the probability variation jackpot is received, the production control based on the jackpot start designation command (for example, the effect device notifies the probability variation jackpot) ) Or when a jackpot end designation command that can identify the end of a specific gaming state is received, if it does not match the jackpot start designation command that has already been received (for example, a jackpot start 1 designation command indicating a normal jackpot) After receiving a jackpot end designation 2 command indicating a probabilistic jackpot) Effect control (e.g., the background of the effect display device 9 on the background corresponding to the probability variation state) based on the de to run. In the case of such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the control of the effect control means from being confused as much as possible with the control of the game control means.

  In the above-described embodiment, the abnormal winning timing (the value of the first special symbol process flag is 5 or more, the value of the second special symbol process flag is 5 or more, and the value of the normal symbol process flag is other than 3). Sometimes, if one game ball wins the big winning opening or the second starting winning opening 14, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. If a predetermined number of game balls wins the big winning opening or the second starting winning opening 14, it may be determined that an abnormal winning has occurred. For example, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred when it is determined that five game balls have accumulated in the big winning opening during a time other than the big hit game or the small hit game. Further, when it is determined that two game balls have accumulated in the second start winning opening 14 when the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is not in the open / close operation, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred.

  In the above-described embodiment, the abnormal winning notification of the same content is performed both when an abnormal winning at the big winning opening occurs and when an abnormal winning at the second starting winning opening 14 occurs. You may make it perform a prize alert | report. Specifically, an abnormal winning notification designation command transmitted when an abnormal winning at the big winning opening occurs and an abnormal winning notification designation command transmitted when an abnormal winning at the second start winning opening 14 occur are different. A command is used (the command transmission table address set in step S559 and the command transmission table address set in step S564 are different addresses). Then, the production control microcomputer 100 executes different abnormal winning notifications depending on the type of the abnormal winning notification designation command from the game control microcomputer 560. For example, a different notification sound is generated when an abnormal winning at the big winning opening occurs and when an abnormal winning at the second start winning opening 14 occurs. Or, when an abnormal winning at the big winning opening occurs, the abnormal notification is made with a loud sound.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the above-described first embodiment, even when it is detected that an abnormal winning at the second start winning opening 14 has occurred, the variation of the second special symbol in the second special symbol display 8b or the second decorative symbol indicator. The variation of the decoration symbol in 9b and the variation of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9 were continuously executed. Therefore, when a game ball is won in the second start winning opening 14 illegally (for example, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened illegally and the second starting winning opening 14 is opened even though the normal symbol is not a winning pattern. Even when a game ball is won), a big hit may occur due to the start winning, and the ball may be illegally acquired. Therefore, the second embodiment is configured to stop the variation of the special symbol and the variation of the decorative symbol at a predetermined timing when it is detected that the abnormal winning at the second start winning opening 14 has occurred. ing.

  FIG. 59 is a flowchart showing the second special symbol process in the second embodiment. In the second special symbol process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not an abnormal winning detection flag indicating that an abnormal winning at the second start winning opening 14 is detected is set (step S1315). Here, the abnormal winning detection flag is set when an abnormal winning to the second start winning opening 14 is detected, that is, when N in step S563 in FIG.

  When the abnormal winning detection flag is set (Y in step S1315), the CPU 56 determines whether the second special symbol is changed in the second special symbol display 8b, specifically, the second special symbol. It is determined whether or not the value of the process flag is a value (“2”) indicating the second special symbol changing process (the process corresponding to the first special symbol changing process (step S302)) (step S1316). When the value of the second special symbol process flag is a value (“2”) indicating the second special symbol changing process (Y in step S1316), step S1311 (the same content as step S311 in the first special symbol process) The subsequent processing is executed. That is, the second special symbol display 8b is caused to continuously execute the variation of the second special symbol. On the other hand, when the value of the second special symbol process flag is not the value indicating the second special symbol changing process (“2”) (N in step S1316), the second special symbol process is terminated. That is, the variation control of the second special symbol is stopped in the second special symbol indicator 8b. With such a configuration, when an abnormal winning at the second start winning opening 14 is detected, if the second special symbol is not changing, the second special symbol is immediately changed and the second special symbol is changed. When it is changing, the change of the second special symbol is continued and the change of the next second special symbol is prohibited.

  In FIG. 59, the control for prohibiting the variation of the second special symbol based on the detection of the abnormal winning at the second start winning opening 14 has been described. Based on the detection of the abnormal winning, control for prohibiting the fluctuation of the first special symbol may be performed. In this case, the same processing as steps S1315 and S1316 shown in FIG. 59 may be executed before the processing of step S311 in the first special symbol process shown in FIG.

  FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing effect control process processing in the second embodiment. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is set (step S809A). When the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is set (Y in step S809A), the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the effect symbol is changed in the effect display device 9, specifically the effect control process. It is determined whether or not the value of the flag is a value (“2”) indicating the effect symbol changing process (step S802) (step S809B). When the value of the effect control process flag is a value (“2”) indicating the effect symbol changing process (Y in step S809B), the effect symbol changing process (step S802) is executed. In other words, the effect display device 9 causes the effect symbols to be continuously changed. On the other hand, when the value of the effect control process flag is not a value (“2”) indicating the effect symbol changing process (N in step S809B), the effect control process process is terminated. That is, the effect display device 9 stops the effect symbol variation control. With such a configuration, when the abnormal winning notification designation command is received, if the production design is not changing, the production design is immediately changed, and if the production design is changing, the production design changes. Is continued, and the variation of the next effect design is prohibited.

  As described above, when the variation of the effect symbol is prohibited in the effect control process, the second ornament symbol variation request flag is not set (see step S826 in FIG. 47), and the variation of the second ornament symbol is not started. (Refer to step S782 in FIG. 55), variation of the second decorative symbol is also prohibited. If the change of the effect design is prohibited in the effect control process, the first design change request flag is not set (step S826 in FIG. 47) as in the case of the second design change. Since the change is not started (step S782 in FIG. 55), the change in the first decorative symbol is also prohibited. Even if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing, the change of the effect symbol, the first decorative symbol, and the second decorative symbol is prohibited based on the reception of the abnormal winning notification designation command. Also good.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the variation of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b (and the first special symbol display) based on the detection of the abnormal winning at the second start winning port 14 Variation of the first special symbol on the device 8a), variation of the second decorative symbol on the second ornament symbol display 9b (and variation of the first ornament symbol on the first ornament symbol display 9a), and the effect on the effect display device 9 Since the control for prohibiting the variation of the symbol is executed, when the winning to the second start winning opening 14 is generated by the fraudulent act (for example, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 even though the normal symbol is not a winning symbol) Even when the game ball is won at the second start winning opening 14), it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of a big hit based on the winning.

  In the second embodiment, whether or not the value of the second special symbol process flag is a value indicating the second special symbol variation processing, and the value of the presentation control process flag indicates the representation symbol variation processing. It was confirmed whether or not it was a value, and the control for prohibiting the fluctuation of the symbol was executed, but it is not limited to such a configuration, for example, when an abnormal winning detection flag is set, and When the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is set, control for prohibiting the variation of the symbol may be performed immediately. Also, the number of reserved memories at the time when the abnormal winning to the second start winning opening 14 is detected is confirmed, and the variation of the symbols is continued until the variation of the symbols corresponding to the number of reserved memories is completed. When the variation of the symbol is finished, control for prohibiting the variation of the symbol may be performed. Specifically, when the abnormal winning detection flag is set, the number of reserved memories is confirmed, and a counter is used to count whether or not a change corresponding to the confirmed number of reserved memories has been executed. Control that prohibits fluctuations is sometimes executed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to continue the fluctuation based on the start winning to the normal second start winning opening 14 and prohibit the fluctuation based on the abnormal winning. In addition, in the above configuration, in the case where the variation of the symbol based on the abnormal winning is accurately prohibited, the variation of the symbol is prohibited at the time when the variation of the reserved storage number minus one when the abnormal winning is detected is finished. You may do it.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the above-described first embodiment, it is confirmed whether the value of the normal symbol process flag is a value (“3”) indicating the normal electric accessory actuating process, so that the normal start timing is displayed to the second start winning opening 14. It is determined whether or not a prize has been generated (see steps S560 to S563 in FIG. 40). However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and by confirming whether or not a winning to the second start winning opening 14 has occurred at the timing when the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is closed, the second time at a normal timing. It may be determined whether or not a winning at the start winning opening 14 has occurred.

  FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing the ordinary electric accessory operating process in the third embodiment. In the normal electric actor operation process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the normal symbol process timer has reached 0, that is, whether or not the normal symbol process timer has expired (step S261). If the normal symbol process timer has not expired (N in step S261), the CPU 56 decrements the value of the normal symbol process timer by -1 (step S262).

  Next, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer by -1 (step S281). Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer is 0, that is, whether or not the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer has expired (step S282). If not timed out (N in step S282), the process is terminated as it is. If time-out has occurred (Y in step S282), the CPU 56 sets the release pattern time in the ordinary electric accessory release pattern timer (step S283). Next, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the variable winning ball device 15 is closed, for example, by confirming the normal electric accessory solenoid output bit of the output port buffer (solenoid buffer) (step S284).

  When the variable winning ball device 15 is closed (Y in step S284), the CPU 56 performs control to drive the solenoid 16 to open the variable winning ball device 15 (step S285). And since this timing is not the timing at which a game ball normally wins in the second start winning opening 14, a process for checking whether or not an abnormal winning in the second starting winning opening 14 has occurred is performed. That is, the CPU 56 loads the switch-on buffer into the register (step S287). Then, the CPU 56 checks whether 1 is set in the second start port switch input bit (step S288). That is, it is confirmed whether or not the second start opening switch 14a is turned on (whether or not a game ball has won the second start winning opening 14).

  If 1 is not set in the second start port switch input bit (N in step S288), the process ends. If 1 is set in the second start port switch input bit (Y in step S288), the second start port switch 14a is turned on at an incorrect timing, so the CPU 56 produces an abnormal winning notification designation command. Control to transmit to the control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S289).

  When the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is being opened in step S284 (N in step S284), the CPU 56 performs control to drive the solenoid 16 and close the variable winning ball apparatus 15 (step S286). Since this timing is a timing at which a game ball normally wins at the second start winning opening 14, the process for checking whether or not an abnormal winning at the second starting winning opening 14 has occurred is not performed.

  In step S261, when the normal symbol process timer expires (Y in step S261), the CPU 56 sets the value of the normal symbol process flag to a value indicating the normal symbol normal process (step S200) (specifically “0”). (Step S272).

  61, the processing corresponding to steps S264 to S267 (ordinary electric winning prize winning count processing) of the ordinary electric accessory operating process shown in FIG. 29 is not shown in the ordinary electric accessory operating process shown in FIG. The normal electric accessory operation process shown in FIG. 61 may be executed in the same manner. In addition, when the abnormal winning to the second start winning opening 14 is detected in the ordinary electric accessory operating process shown in FIG. 61, it is necessary to execute steps S560 to S564 of the abnormal winning notification process shown in FIG. There is no.

  According to the configuration as described above, the abnormal winning to the second start winning opening 14 is detected at the closing timing of the variable winning ball apparatus 15, so that the second starting winning opening 14 can be detected at a more accurate timing. An abnormal winning can be detected.

  As described in the first embodiment, in the third embodiment, the timing for determining an abnormal winning may be delayed from the timing for closing the variable winning ball device 15. For example, a timer is started when the variable winning ball apparatus 15 changes from an open state to a closed state (ie, when N changes to Y in step S284), and when the timer times out, steps S287 to The process of S290 is executed. According to such a method, it can be prevented that it is erroneously determined that an abnormal winning has occurred even though a game ball has won the second start winning opening 14 at regular timing.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the first embodiment described above, in the process of adding the number of prize balls shown in FIG. 38, there is a game ball winning in the second starting prize opening 14 (Y in step S363A), and the value of the normal symbol process flag is the normal electric combination By configuring so that the number of prize balls is not added to the total prize ball number storage buffer when the value indicates the object operation process (“3”), the prize balls are not paid out based on the abnormal winning. Was configured. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. When an abnormal winning to the second start winning opening 14 is detected in the switch process, the winning itself may be invalidated.

  FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing switch processing according to the fourth embodiment. In the switch process, steps S331 to S338 are the same as the process described in FIG. After execution of the process of step S338, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the ordinary electric accessory (variable winning ball device 15) is being opened (step S339). Here, whether or not the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is open can be determined by, for example, checking the normal electric accessory solenoid output bit of the output port buffer (solenoid buffer).

  When the variable winning ball device 15 is open (Y in step S339), the process is ended as it is. When the variable winning ball device 15 is not open but closed (N in Step S339), the CPU 56 sets a second start port switch input bit (a bit corresponding to the second start port switch 14a) of the switch-on buffer. Clear (0) is set (step S340). As a result, when an abnormal prize is generated at the second start prize opening 14, the start prize itself can be invalidated. In this case, it is not necessary to execute a process for preventing the prize ball number from being added to the total prize ball number storage buffer when an abnormal winning to the second starting prize opening 14 occurs in the prize ball number addition process. .

  In step S339, it is confirmed whether or not the ordinary electric accessory is being opened, but it is confirmed whether or not the value of the ordinary symbol process flag is a value ("3") indicating the ordinary electric accessory operation processing. The second start winning prize may be invalidated.

  Further, as described in the third embodiment, the timing for determining the abnormal winning may be delayed from the timing for closing the variable winning ball device 15.

Embodiment 5. FIG.
In the fourth embodiment, when an abnormal winning to the second starting winning opening 14 occurs, the starting winning itself is invalidated in the switch processing. However, in the fifth embodiment, the second starting winning is performed. When an abnormal winning to the mouth 14 occurs, the starting winning itself is invalidated in the second special symbol process.

  FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing the second special symbol process in the fifth embodiment. In the second special symbol process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the invalid flag is set (step S1317) before the second start port switch 14a is turned on (step S1311). Here, the invalid flag is set when an abnormal winning to the second start winning opening 14 is detected. Specifically, in the case of the first embodiment, when the second starting port switch 14a is turned on when the value of the normal symbol process flag is “3”, in the case of the third embodiment, the variable winning ball apparatus This is when the second start port switch 14a is turned on during the closing of 15. In step S1317, it may be confirmed whether the abnormal winning detection flag described in the second embodiment is set instead of the invalid flag.

  When the invalid flag is set (Y in step S1317), the CPU 56 does not execute the confirmation process of turning on the second start port switch 14a (step S1311) or the second start port switch passing process (step S1312). When the invalid flag is not set (N in step S1317), the second start port switch 14a on-check process (step S1311) and the second start port switch passing process (step S1312) are executed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent random number extraction based on the abnormal second start winning, etc., variation based on the abnormal winning is prohibited, and the occurrence of a big hit based on the abnormal winning is surely prevented. can do.

  In the case of the fifth embodiment, it is impossible to prohibit the payout of the winning ball based on the abnormal winning. Therefore, the first embodiment (the winning ball number adding process in FIG. 38) and the fourth embodiment (the switch in FIG. 62). It is preferable to simultaneously execute the control for prohibiting the payout of the winning ball based on the abnormal winning as described in the processing.

  In the above embodiment, the production control board 80, the audio output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as the boards on which the circuit for controlling the production apparatus is mounted. You may mount on one board | substrate. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the effect display device 9 and the like is mounted and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (lamps, LEDs, speakers 27, etc.) are mounted. You may make it provide two board | substrates with two production | presentation control boards.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100. However, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits another command (for example, FIG. 3). The sound output board 70 and the lamp driver board 35 shown in FIG. 5 or the sound / lamp board having the function of the circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and the function of the circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). A control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 on the effect control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through another board, or the sound output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board are equipped with control means such as a microcomputer, and the control means receives the command. In response to this, control related to sound control and lamp control is executed, and the received command is changed as it is or, for example, to a simplified command to control the effect display device 9. You may make it transmit to. Even in that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the display control in accordance with the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 560 in the above-described embodiment. Display control can be performed in accordance with commands received from the board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine of the above embodiment can be given a predetermined game value to a player mainly when the stop symbol of the special symbol variably displayed on the variable display unit based on the start winning 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 can be applied even to a pachinko gaming machine in which a predetermined right is generated or continued when a winning is given to a predetermined electric combination that is released when a stop symbol of a variably displayed symbol becomes a predetermined symbol combination . 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 applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine in which a start winning is likely to occur when the variable winning device (ordinary electric accessory, variable winning ball device 15) is open.

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 showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a big hit determination value. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern. FIG. 38E illustrates an effect control command signal line. It is a timing chart showing the relationship between an 8-bit control signal and an INT signal constituting a control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the transmission timing of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st start port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st display result specific command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st small hit | end process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a normal symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a normal symbol fluctuation | variation process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a normal symbol stop process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the open pattern of the change time of a normal symbol, and a variable winning ball apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a normal electric accessory operating process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bit allocation example of the input port in the microcomputer for game control. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the payout control signal. It is a block diagram which shows the signal line etc. which are used for transmission / reception of a payout control signal. It is a timing diagram which shows an example of how to output a payout control signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the buffer used by switch processing. It is a flowchart which shows a switch process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a prize ball number table. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball number addition process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball control process. It is a flowchart which shows an abnormal winning notification process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit display process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st decoration symbol display control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the alerting | reporting screen displayed on an effect display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows alerting | reporting control processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the condition of the display effect in an effect display apparatus, and the sound effect by a speaker. 12 is a flowchart showing a second special symbol process in Embodiment 2. 10 is a flowchart showing effect control process processing in the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing a normal electric accessory operating process in the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating switch processing according to the fourth embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd special symbol process process in Embodiment 5.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display device 8b 1st special symbol display device 9 Production display device 13 1st starting winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 15 Variable winning ball apparatus (normal electric accessory)
9a First decorative symbol display 9b Second decorative symbol display 20 Special variable winning ball device 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
109 VDP

Claims (8)

It is possible to play a predetermined game using a game ball, and variably display the first identification information based on the winning of the game ball in the first start area provided in the game area and derive the display result First variable display means for displaying, and second variable display means for variably displaying the second identification information and deriving and displaying the display result based on the winning of the game ball in the second start area provided in the game area A gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on the first variable display means or the second variable display means,
It is possible to change between a closed state in which no game ball is won in the second start area and an open state in which game balls can be won in the second start area, and in a third start area provided in the game area. A variable winning device that is open based on the winning of a game ball,
Detecting means for detecting a game ball won in the second starting area and outputting a detection signal;
A variable display device that performs variable display of third identification information associated with variable display of at least one of the first identification information and the second identification information;
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Effect control means for controlling the effect device including the variable display device based on a command transmitted by the game control means,
The game control means includes
Variable display command transmitting means for transmitting a variable display command capable of specifying the start of variable display of the third identification information and the variable display time in the variable display device;
Open / close determining means for determining an open / closed state of the variable winning device;
An abnormality notification for instructing the execution of an abnormality notification based on the detection of the winning of a game ball by the detection means when the variable winning device is determined to be closed by the opening / closing determination means An abnormality notification command transmission means for transmitting a command,
The production control means includes
Based on the variable display command transmitted by the variable display command transmission means, variable display of the third identification information is started in the variable display device, and the display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device when the variable display time has elapsed. Variable display control means;
An abnormality notification means for executing abnormality notification by the effect device based on the abnormality notification command transmitted by the abnormality notification command transmission means;
The abnormality notification means can execute the abnormality notification even when the variable display control means is executing variable display of the third identification information in the variable display device. When the open / close determining means determines that the variable winning device is in the closed state, the game control means is configured to detect the winning of the game ball by the detecting means and detect the second prize in the variable display device based on the winning. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising variable display prohibiting means for prohibiting the start of variable display of identification information. A payout control means for executing a control for paying out the game ball in response to winning of the game ball in the second starting area;
The game control means is a control for paying out the game ball by the winning based on the detection of the winning of the game ball by the detecting means when the variable winning device is determined to be closed by the open / close determining means. The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising payout control prohibiting means for prohibiting execution of the game. A special variable winning device capable of changing from a state in which a game ball does not win in a specific gaming state to a state in which it is easy to win,
Winning detection means for detecting a game ball won in the special variable winning device and outputting a detection signal;
The game control means
Prior determination means for determining whether to shift to the specific gaming state before derivation display of the display result;
Winning determination means for determining whether or not the detection signal from the winning detection means is input;
And a special abnormality notification command transmitting means for transmitting an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification based on the fact that the winning determination means inputs the detection signal in a gaming state other than the specific gaming state. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The game control means includes state control means for controlling the state of the variable display device and the special variable winning device based on the data indicating the game progress state,
When the data indicating the game progress state indicates a numerical value within a predetermined range, the abnormality notification command transmitting means determines that the winning determination means has input a detection signal, and notifies the abnormality notification to instruct execution of the abnormality notification. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the command is transmitted. Special game state in which the variable display of identification information is likely to be a specific display result when the special display result of the specific display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device, compared to the normal state after the specific game state ends A gaming machine to be transferred to
Prior determination means determines whether to shift to the special gaming state before derivation display of the display result,
The game control means
Variable display command selection means for selecting a variable display command based on the determination of the prior determination means;
Display result command transmission means for transmitting a display result command capable of specifying the determination result by the prior determination means,
The variable display command selection means includes, as a variable display command, a non-specific variable display command that can specify a non-specific display result indicating that the game state is not controlled, and a special variable display command that can specify the special display result. Any one of a non-special variable display command capable of specifying a non-special display result that is a specific display result but not the special display result, and a specific variable display command capable of specifying the special display result or the non-special display result Select
The variable display command transmission means transmits the variable display command selected by the variable display command selection means,
The effect control means includes identification information determination means for determining identification information to be derived and displayed as a display result on the variable display device based on a variable display command or a display result command,
The said identification information determination means determines the display result of identification information to a non-special display result, when a display result command cannot be received when a specific variable display command is received. A gaming machine according to any one of the above. The game control means
Numerical value updating means for updating a predetermined numerical value;
Numerical value extracting means for extracting a numerical value from the numerical value updating means at a predetermined time;
Display result determining means for determining information capable of specifying a display result of variable display of identification information based on the numerical value extracted by the numerical value extracting means;
Initialization means for executing an initialization process for setting the numerical value to an initial value when power supply to the gaming machine is started;
An initialization command transmitting means for transmitting an initialization command indicating execution of the initialization process when the initialization means executes the initialization process;
The effect control means performs initialization notification indicating that the initialization process has been executed by the effect device until a predetermined end condition is satisfied, based on the initialization command transmitted by the initialization command transmission means. Including initialization notification means,
The game according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising abnormality notification prohibiting means for prohibiting start of abnormality notification by the abnormality notification means when the initialization notification means is performing initialization notification. Machine. An effect display device for effect display is provided as an effect device,
The game control means, on the condition that the variable display of the identification information is not executed by the first variable display means and the second variable display means, the identification information of the first variable display means or the second variable display means When the variable display of the identification information is started by the first variable display means or the second variable display means in accordance with the establishment of the variable display start condition, the first variable display means and the second variable display means Start of transmission of variable display means specifying command for specifying which of the identification information variable display is to be started, a variable display command for specifying the variable display time, and a display result command for specifying the display result Including command sending means,
The effect control means starts an effect corresponding to the variable display means specified by the variable display means specifying command in the effect display device based on the command transmitted by the start command transmitting means. A gaming machine according to any one of the above.

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