JP2009006036A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of performing expectations of a variable display game with music played back from the game machine. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with: a variable display game performance means for performing a variable display game variably displaying a plurality of kinds of identification information; a variable pattern decision means for deciding a variable pattern of the variable display game; and a sound control means capable of outputting music repeatedly played back with a prescribed cycle as game sound. The variable pattern decision means is provided with: a music state determination means for determining a playback position of the music played back by the sound control means every performance of the variable display game; and a variable pattern selection means for selecting the variable pattern performed in the variable display game out of the predetermined plurality of the variable patterns based on the determination result of the music state determination means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine that plays music along with a game.

  Some conventional gaming machines, such as pachinko gaming machines, include a display device such as a liquid crystal display. In such a pachinko gaming machine, a variation display game is executed in which a plurality of identification information is variably displayed in a plurality of variation display areas of the display device when a start condition is established, and a display result mode of the variation display game is predetermined. In the combination mode, a special game state is generated as a game value. In addition, in order to enhance the interest of the variable display game, there is also an effect of outputting music from a speaker along with the execution of the variable display game.

  In a conventional gaming machine that plays such music, the music is played from the head every time the variable display game is executed, so the head part of the music is output many times, but the music is interrupted in the middle and is rusted. The inconvenience that the part could not be heard occurred and the music was monotonous.

Therefore, in order to eliminate the inconveniences described above, there has been proposed a gaming machine in which music is played repeatedly as a game sound (BGM) from beginning to end, regardless of the variation sound for each variation display game. As a result, the melody part and rust part of the music can be heard during the variable display game. (For example, Patent Document 1)
JP 2004-344231 A

  However, players do not play games to listen to music. In other words, even if the music is played during the variable display game, the music itself does not improve the expectation of the variable display game. there were.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and a gaming machine capable of producing a sense of expectation of a variable display game by giving a role to create a new interest in a piece of music that has just been heard. The purpose is to provide.

  The first invention is executed by a variable display game executing means for executing a variable display game for changing and displaying a plurality of types of identification information in each of a plurality of display areas formed on the display device, and the variable display game executing means. A variation pattern determining means for determining a variation pattern of the variation display game, and a sound control means capable of outputting music played repeatedly at a predetermined cycle as a game sound, and executing the variation display game when the start condition is satisfied When the display result mode of the variation display game is a special display result mode determined in advance, in the gaming machine capable of generating a special game state for giving a game value, the variation pattern determining means includes the variation display Music state determination means for determining the reproduction position of the music being reproduced by the sound control means for each execution of the game, and the music state determination means Based on the determination result comprises a change pattern selection means for selecting a change pattern to be executed in the variable display game from among a plurality of variation patterns predetermined to.

  According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the gaming machine includes a plurality of variation pattern selection tables in which a plurality of variation patterns are registered and associated with the reproduction position of the music, and the variation pattern selection unit includes: Based on the determination result of the music state determination means, the variation pattern selection table associated with the reproduction position of the music being reproduced is selected, and a plurality of variations registered in the selected variation pattern selection table are selected. A variation pattern to be executed in the variation display game is selected from the patterns.

  In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the music state determination means updates a period counter having a period corresponding to a repetition period of the music reproduced by the sound control means every predetermined time, and The reproduction position of the music is determined by comparing a predetermined determination value corresponding to the reproduction position with the value of the period counter.

  According to a fourth invention, in the second or third invention, the music piece is divided into a first state and a second state according to a reproduction position thereof, and the variation pattern selection table is the first state. 1st fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the second fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the second state, and the second fluctuation pattern table rather than the fluctuation patterns registered in the first fluctuation pattern table. The variation pattern table is set so that the variation pattern registered in (1) has a higher expected value as the special display result mode.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects, the gaming machine controls a game control device that performs overall control of the game, and effect control of the display device based on a command signal from the game control device. The game control device includes the variation pattern determining means, and initializes the value of the period counter when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and initializes the reproduction position of the music in the effect control device. Reset control means for transmitting a reset signal to be played, wherein the effect control device includes the variation display game execution means and the sound control means, and when the reset signal is received, reproduction of the music played by the sound control means Initialize the position.

  In a sixth aspect based on the fifth aspect, the game control device shifts the game state to a customer waiting state after a predetermined time has elapsed from the last executed variable display game, and also sends the game control device to the effect control device. A waiting-for-customer control means for transmitting a waiting-for-customer signal for displaying a waiting demo image is provided, and the reset control means is configured such that when the gaming state is the waiting-for-customer state, the start condition for the variable display game is satisfied. Based on the above, the reset signal is transmitted. A seventh invention is the fifth or sixth invention, wherein, when the production control device receives the customer waiting signal, the presentation control device displays a customer waiting demo image on the display device and stops the reproduction of the music. When the reset signal is received, the display of the demo image displayed on the display device is stopped, and the reproduction position of the music is initialized and reproduced.

  In an eighth aspect based on the sixth or seventh aspect, the game control device comprises pattern command signal transmission means for transmitting the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means to the effect control device as a pattern command signal. The reset control means transmits the reset signal included in the pattern command signal.

  In a ninth aspect based on the first to eighth aspects, the variation pattern selection means has a plurality of variation patterns with a selection probability set in advance corresponding to the reproduction position of the music reproduced by the sound control means. One of the variation patterns is selected.

  According to the first invention, since the variation pattern executed in the variation display game is selected based on the playback position of the song, a new interest is created by the song that was only heard by the player. it can. Furthermore, the expectation of the variable display game can be improved by changing the playback position of the music.

  According to the second invention, since the variation pattern selection table set corresponding to the playback position of the music is selected corresponding to the state of the music being played back, the playback position of the music being played back Different variation patterns can be executed every time, and the expectation for the variation display game can be improved by changing the state of the music.

  According to the third invention, the period counter corresponding to the music to be played is updated every predetermined time, and by comparing the updated value and the determination value set in advance corresponding to the state of the music, Since the generation position of the music can be accurately determined, it is easy to change the variation pattern depending on the reproduction position of the music, and it is possible to perform a new effect according to the state of the music.

  According to the fourth aspect, the variation value registered in the second variation pattern table has a higher expected value as the special display result mode than the variation pattern registered in the first variation pattern table. Since it did in this way, when the 2nd state of a music is reproduced | regenerated, the display of excitement and a change with high expectation value is performed, Therefore The further interest with respect to a change display game can be improved. Here, the expected value that is the special display result mode is based on the level of selection probability of the variable display pattern selected when the display result mode is the special display result mode (big hit), and the special display result mode The expected value is higher for the variable display pattern that is more likely to be selected in the case of, and less likely to be selected in the case of the special display result mode (easily selected for the case of the outlier display result mode). Is set low.

  According to the fifth invention, when the game control device is provided with the cycle counter, the music is played back by the effect control device. Therefore, when the music is played for a long time, the cycle counter and the playback position of the song are shifted. Although there is a possibility, since the period counter and the music playback position are reset when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the deviation between the period counter and the music playback position is eliminated and a normal variation pattern is determined. It becomes possible.

  According to the sixth invention, when the player enters the waiting state, the player is away from the gaming machine, and the music playback position is reset when the player is seated again or when the player is replaced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the uncomfortable feeling (jumping of the music reproduction position) associated with the initialization of the music reproduction position.

  According to the seventh aspect, since the reproduction position of the music is initialized and the reproduction of the music is resumed in a state where the reproduction of the music is stopped, the uncomfortable feeling associated with the initialization of the reproduction position of the music can be suppressed.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the pattern command signal is transmitted including the reset signal, and it is not necessary to transmit each signal individually. Therefore, the processing load of transmitting each signal of the game control device can be reduced.

  According to the ninth aspect, since any one of the plurality of variation patterns is selected with a selection probability set in advance corresponding to the reproduction position of the music, a different variation pattern for each reproduction position of the music is selected. The probability of executing the game is improved, and the expectation for the variable display game can be improved by changing the reproduction position of the music.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  A front frame 2 of the gaming machine 1 is attached to a machine frame (not shown) fixed to an island facility for installing the gaming machine 1 via a hinge 4 so that one side portion can be opened and closed to the left and right. The front frame 2 has a substantially square opening, and the game board 5 is attached to the opening. Further, a glass frame 6 is attached to the front frame 2 through a hinge so as to be openable and closable, and a transparent cover glass is attached to an opening of the glass frame 6.

  On the game board 5, a substantially circular game area 11 is defined by a guide rail 10 provided on the surface of the game board. The player can visually recognize the game area 11 through the cover glass.

  Below the game board 5 in the front frame 2, there are a launch operation unit 15 and a ball storage unit 16 a of a launch device (not shown) that sequentially launches game balls (pachinko balls) one by one in the game area 11. An upper plate 16 that guides the ball to the launching device, a lower plate 17 that can store game balls overflowed from the ball storage unit 16a of the upper plate 16, a sound output device (speaker) 18 that outputs music, and an ashtray 19 Arranged. The sound output device 18 is also disposed on the upper part of the front frame 2.

  A ball lending button 63 for instructing ball lending and a discharge button 64 for instructing the card ball lending unit to discharge the prepaid card are provided on the upper right portion of the upper plate 16. Between these buttons 63 and 64, a balance display portion 65 for displaying the balance of the prepaid card is provided.

  The gaming machine 1 plays a game by a game ball launched from the launching device flowing down in the game area 11 based on the player's operation of the launch operation unit 15.

  A center case 21 having a substantially rectangular opening window 21a is disposed in the approximate center of the game area 11. Behind the center case 21, a variable display device 22 that displays a plurality of identification information in a variable manner is disposed in a state where the display portion 22 a faces the opening window portion 21 a of the center case 21.

  The variable display device 22 sets a plurality of variable display areas (for example, three variable display areas on the left side, the center, and the right side) on the display unit 22a, and displays the images independently in each display area. Device. In the present embodiment, for example, a display screen portion is configured by an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like capable of displaying an arbitrary image, and each variable display area on the display screen has a plurality of identification information (special symbols) and An image based on the progress of the game, such as a character that produces a variable display game, is displayed.

  Below the center case 21 in the game area 11, a start opening 24 (corresponding to a “winning area”) having an ordinary variable winning device (ordinary electric accessory) 23 is disposed, and below the start opening 24. Is provided with a special variable winning device (large winning opening) 25 that can be converted into a state in which a game ball is not accepted and a state in which it is easy to accept depending on the operation result of the variable display device 22. In addition, on the left side of the center case 21 in the game area 11, a normal symbol start gate 26 for the normal variation display game is arranged.

  In addition to this, the game area 11 includes a general winning port 28 where only a condition for paying out a winning ball when a winning game ball is won, a direction of a windmill 29 or a nail (not shown) for changing the falling direction of the gaming ball, etc. A conversion member and an out port 30 for collecting game balls that have flowed down without winning are arranged.

  At the top of the center case 21, the special symbol variation display of the special symbol variation display game, the special symbol winning memory number (starting memory number), the normal symbol variation display of the normal symbol variation display game, and the normal symbol winning memory. A display 32 for displaying the number is provided.

  The game balls launched by the launching device are partitioned on the left side of the guide rail 10 and are launched into the game area 11 from the launch ball guide passage 31 that guides the game balls, and windmills 29 and the like arranged at various locations within the game area 11 The game area 11 flows down while changing the falling direction by the direction change member and wins the start opening 24, the general winning opening 28, the big winning opening 25, or is discharged from the out opening 30 provided at the bottom of the gaming area 11. Is done.

  When a game ball wins the start opening 24, the general winning opening 28, and the big winning opening 25, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of the winning opening is discharged from the payout device (not shown) to the upper plate 16.

  Specifically, when a game ball is won at the start opening 24, the variable display device 22 starts a variable display game in which the identification information composed of the numbers and the like described above is sequentially displayed. Is displayed.

  When a winning to the start port 24 is made at a predetermined timing, a big win state is entered, and the game stops when three display symbols are aligned (a big win symbol). At this time, the special winning opening 25 is switched from a closed state (a disadvantageous state to the player) in which the special winning opening 25 does not accept a game ball for a predetermined time by energization to the special winning opening solenoid 123 shown in FIG. The ball is converted into an open state (a state advantageous to the player) that can easily accept the ball. In other words, since the special winning opening is greatly opened for a predetermined time, a game value is given that the player can acquire many game balls during this time.

  Further, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 26, the display unit 32 starts a general symbol change display game. When the passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 26 is made at a predetermined timing, the normal symbol related hit state is entered, and the normal symbol displayed on the display 32 stops in the hit state. At this time, the normal variation winning device 23 provided at the start port 24 is converted so that the entrance to the start port 24 is expanded for a predetermined time by energization of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 122 shown in FIG. The possibility of winning a game ball at the start opening 24 is increased.

  A warp inlet 55 is provided on the left side of the variable display device 22 on the frame of the center case 21. The game ball that has flowed down to the warp inlet 55 is discharged from the warp outlet 57 through the warp passage, and rolls on a rolling surface (stage) provided on the lower side of the fluctuation display device 22. It flows downward from a hole provided immediately below or the rolling surface. And when it flows down to the hole provided directly under the center, it is discharged from the communication port 62 provided immediately above the start port 24, thereby increasing the possibility of winning the start port 24.

  The ball removal button 66 is a button for discharging the game ball remaining in the upper plate 16 to the lower plate 17.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of a control system centering on the game control device 100 of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The game control device 100 includes a microprocessor 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an input interface (I / F) 104, an output interface (I / F) 105, and an external communication terminal 106. Is done.

  The microprocessor 101 is a main control device that controls the game in an integrated manner, and controls the game. The ROM 102 stores invariant information (program, data, etc.) for game control. The RAM 103 is used as a work area during game control.

  The game control apparatus 100 is provided with an external communication terminal 106, and an identification number uniquely set in the microprocessor 101 can be output from the external communication terminal 106. By connecting a management computer (so-called hall control), the management computer can identify the gaming machine 1.

  The microprocessor 101 receives various detection devices (start port sensor 110, winning port sensor a111a to winning port sensor n111n, gate sensor 112, count sensor 113, glass frame opening sensor 114, inner frame opening sensor 115 via the input I / F 104. In response to the detection signals from the ball break sensor 116 and the payout ball detection sensor 117), various processes such as a big hit lottery are performed.

  Further, the microprocessor 101 outputs each piece of information to the special-figure display 120 and the general-purpose display 121 provided in the game area 11 via the output I / F 105. The display 32 is composed of a special-purpose display 120 and a general-purpose display 121.

  The special figure display 120 displays the fluctuation display mode and special symbol winning memory number of the special figure fluctuation display game. The universal symbol display 121 displays the variation display mode and the normal symbol winning memory number of the universal symbol variation display game.

  In addition, the microprocessor 101 sends a command signal to the ordinary electric accessory SOL (solenoid) 122, the special winning opening SOL123, and the payout control device 124 via the output interface 105, and controls the game in an integrated manner.

  In the ordinary electric accessory SOL (solenoid) 122, the entrance to the start port 24 is expanded for a predetermined time.

  The special winning opening SOL123 changes the special winning opening 25 from a closed state (a state disadvantageous to the player) that does not accept the game ball to an open state (a state advantageous to the player) where the game ball is easily received.

  The payout control device 124 is a motor for operating the payout unit and discharging the prize balls based on the prize ball command signal from the game control device 100. Further, the payout control device 124 is a motor for controlling the operation of the payout unit and discharging the rented ball based on the renting request signal from the card ball lending unit provided in the gaming machine 1.

  Further, the microprocessor 101 outputs information regarding the gaming machine 1 to the management computer via the external terminal board 125 connected to the output I / F 105.

  From the game control device 100 to the effect control device 150, a display special command variation pattern command, a hit command, a special diagram variation start command, a variation display command, an identification information command, a confirmation command, a demonstration display command, a fanfare command are displayed as display control command signals. Commands, jackpot commands, error commands, etc. are transmitted. Further, a command signal for changing the display mode according to a difference in the gaming state such as the normal gaming state, the special gaming state, the probability variation state, or the variation time shortening state is also transmitted.

  Note that the normal game state is a state in which no special game is executed and neither the probability variation state nor the variation time reduction state. The special game state is a state in which a big hit is generated as a result of the special figure changing display game and a special game (big hit game) is being executed. The probability variation state is a specific gaming state in which the occurrence probability of the special gaming state is higher than that in the normal gaming state and acts on the player in favor of the occurrence of the special gaming state. The variation time shortened state is a state in which the variation time of the normal variation display game is shortened.

  The decorative special figure variation pattern command instructs a variation pattern of a variation display game executed by the variation display device. The hit / miss command indicates the result mode of the variable display game. The special figure change start command instructs the start of the change display game. The variation display command (display control command) instructs the variation display mode of the identification information. The identification information command indicates identification information to be stopped and displayed as a result of the variable display game. The confirmation command instructs the stop of the variation display of the identification information. The demonstration display command instructs display performed when the variable display game is not played for a predetermined time. The fanfare command instructs display of the state before the transition to the special gaming state. The jackpot command instructs a display during a special game state such as a round display during a special game state, an interval display, or a display between rounds during a special game state. The error command instructs display when there is an abnormality.

  The effect control device 150 can grasp the transition of the game state managed by the game control device 100 based on these display control command signals (commands).

  The effect control device 150 is provided with a CPU 151 for display control, a ROM 152 for storing programs and data, a work area during operation of the CPU 151, and a frame buffer for temporarily storing image data displayed on the variable display device 22. RAM 153, communication I / F 154, and output I / F 155.

  The data stored in the ROM 152 includes image data (symbol data, background image data, moving image character data, texture data, etc.) and music data to be reproduced.

  The CPU 151 executes a program stored in the ROM 152, and based on a signal from the game control device 100, image control information (a pattern composed of sprite data, polygon data, etc.) for a variable display game according to the game state. Display information, background screen information, moving image object screen information, etc.) are calculated to generate an image signal to be displayed on the variable display device 22.

  The CPU 151 performs, for example, polygon drawing (or normal bitmap drawing) of the image based on the image data stored in the ROM 152 and the contents calculated by the CPU 151, and a predetermined texture is applied to each polygon. The data is pasted and stored in the frame buffer of the RAM 153.

  The CPU 151 also performs drawing processing such as point drawing, line drawing, triangle drawing, texture mapping, alpha blending, shading processing (such as glow shading), and hidden surface removal (such as Z buffer processing). The image signal subjected to these drawing processes is stored in the frame buffer of the RAM 153.

  Then, the CPU 151 transmits the image stored in the frame buffer of the RAM 153 to the variable display device 22 at a predetermined timing (timing of the vertical synchronization signal V_SYNC and the horizontal synchronization signal H_SYNC).

  Here, as the frame buffer, a plurality of frame buffers are set in predetermined storage areas of the RAM 153, respectively, and the CPU 151 can also superimpose (overlay) an arbitrary image for output.

  An oscillator (not shown) that supplies a clock signal is connected to the CPU 151. The clock signal generated by the oscillator defines the operation cycle of the CPU 151. Based on the clock signal output from the oscillator, a vertical synchronization signal (V_SYNC) and a horizontal synchronization signal (H_SYNC) are generated and sent to the variation display device 22. It is output as a timing signal.

  The communication I / F 154 that connects the effect control device 150 and the game control device 100 is provided with a buffer that is a signal transmission direction restricting means. Therefore, in the communication between the game control device 100 and the effect control device 150, only signal input from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 150 is permitted, and signal output from the effect control device 150 to the game control device 100 is not allowed. prohibited. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an illegal signal from being input from the effect control device 150 to the game control device 100. In addition, when performing bidirectional communication between the game control device 100 and the effect control device 150, a bidirectional buffer may be used as a buffer.

  The fluctuation display device 22, various LED boards 160, and the sound output device 18 are connected to the output I / F 155 constituting the effect control device 150.

  Based on the sound control command signal from the effect control device 150, the sound output device 18 outputs music played during the game, game sound effects, and the like.

  The variable display device 22 displays an image corresponding to the image display signal in the display area based on the image display signal from the effect control device 150.

  Various LED boards 160 control various LEDs of the decoration light emitting device 3 provided on the front frame 2 and the decoration device 67 in the game area 11 based on the decoration control command signal from the effect control device 150.

  Note that the sound output device 18 and the various LED boards 160 may be directly connected to the game control device 100 without being connected to the effect control device 150.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the main process of game control according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by the game control device 100.

  When power is turned on to the gaming machine 1, the microprocessor 101 executes an initialization process for setting initial values for various control parameters (S11).

  Next, it is determined whether or not it is a recovery from a power failure. If it is determined that the recovery is from a power failure, it is determined whether or not there is an error in the data stored in the backup memory of the ROM 102. When it is determined that there is an error in the data stored in the backup memory, the data stored in the backup memory is deleted.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a recovery from a power failure, or when it is determined that there is no error in the data stored in the backup memory, the process proceeds to S13.

  An interrupt timer for starting a timer interrupt at a predetermined time period (for example, 1 millisecond period) is started (S13). Then, interrupt inhibition is set (S14).

  Next, initial value random number update processing is executed (S15). Specifically, the initial value random number update process includes an initial value of a jackpot random number for determining whether or not a special figure fluctuation display game is won, and a hit for determining whether or not a normal figure fluctuation display game is won. This is a process for updating the initial value of the random number. That is, in the processing executed by the game control device 100, when a game ball wins the normal symbol start gate 26 or the start port 24, a lottery is performed to derive a corresponding game result mode. Based on the lottery result, some random number processing is performed to add randomness to the effect or decoration when the variable display game is advanced. As an example of these random number processes, the value of the counter is incremented by 1 in a predetermined time period (for example, 1 millisecond period) between 0 and 316, and returned to 0 again when the value exceeds 316 There is. This random value update process corresponds to the random number update process 1 in step S24 shown in FIG.

  As the counter value, the random number value at that time is extracted when the game control device 100 detects the above-described winning of a game ball or the like. However, although it is a random number, it is a counter extracted at a cycle of 317 milliseconds, and is merely a random number using randomness of timing extracted as a random value. Therefore, the regularity as a counter is eliminated by updating the counter value in the initial value random number update process.

  In the above-described example, the counter value is not updated by adding a predetermined value (for example, 1) every time, but every time the value obtained by the initial value random number update process is updated in one cycle, the initial value of the counter value is updated. As a value, a new value obtained by the initial value random number update process is set as the initial value of the next counter. Since the random number update period in the initial value random number update process is shorter than the random number update period in the random number update process 1 in step S24, it is difficult to estimate the counter value from the outside.

  Next, processing for setting permission of the interrupt that has been prohibited is performed (S16).

  Then, it is determined whether or not a power failure has occurred (S17). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the voltage supplied to the gaming machine 1 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, and when it is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, it is determined that a power failure has occurred.

  If it is determined in step S17 that a power failure has occurred, a power failure process is performed (S18). Specifically, the data stored in the RAM 103 is stored in the backup memory of the ROM 102 and waits until the gaming machine 1 is turned off.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that no power failure has occurred, the process returns to step S14.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the game control timer interrupt process according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by the game control apparatus 100.

  When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the game control main process is executed. When a timer interrupt is generated at a predetermined time period (for example, 1 millisecond period) by the interrupt timer activated in the process of step S11, the timer interrupt process is repeatedly executed. However, these processes (S21 to S35) are not necessarily performed every time an interrupt occurs. For example, in the input / output process (S22), the input signal is monitored every time, but the output process may be executed every other occurrence of an interrupt. That is, instead of completing all the processes in one interrupt process, the interrupt process may be repeatedly executed a plurality of times to complete a series of game control processes.

  First, the microprocessor 101 executes a register saving process (S21).

  Thereafter, input / output processing is executed (S22). The input / output process includes an input process and an output process. The input process is a process for performing processing such as chattering removal on signals from various sensors and switches input via the input interface 104 to determine input information.

  In the output process, data related to game control is output to the fluctuation display device 22, the various LED boards 160, the sound output device 18 and the like via the output interface 105. In this output process, the display 32 including the special figure display 120 and the general figure display 121 is set based on the parameters set in the special figure game process (S29) and the general figure game process (S30). Parameter is output.

  As described above, the input process and the output process do not have to be executed simultaneously with a single timer interrupt.

  Next, command transmission processing for outputting a display control command signal to the effect control device 150 and outputting a prize ball command signal to the payout control device 124 is performed (S23).

  Thereafter, in order to add randomness to the jackpot random number and the hit random number, a random number update process 1 is performed in which the jackpot random number counter and the value of the hit random number counter are added one by one (S24).

  In addition, in this random number update process 1, 1 is also added to the value of the jackpot symbol random number counter that determines the stop symbol.

  Next, initial value random number update processing is executed (S25). The initial value random number update process in step S25 is the same as the initial value random number update process in step S15 shown in FIG.

  Then, a random number update process 2 is performed for incrementing the value of the variation pattern random number counter for imparting randomness to the effects or decorations (variation patterns, stop symbols, etc.) when the special figure variation display game is advanced (S26). .

  Thereafter, BGM counter update processing is performed (S27). The BGM counter is a counter for specifying the playback position of the music. The BGM counter update process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, a monitoring process for monitoring the clogging of the discharged balls, abnormality of various switches, sensors, etc. is performed (S28).

  Specifically, the presence / absence of input from the start port sensor 110, the winning port sensor 111, the gate sensor 112, the count sensor 113, etc. is detected, and according to the results, the special symbol winning memory, the normal symbol winning memory, and the big winning gate are entered. The monitoring process of the switch for updating the winning count number or the like is performed. At this time, if a game ball is detected by the start port sensor 110, a special figure random number counter value (random number relating to the result mode of the special figure fluctuation display game) is stored in the special figure storage area, and the game sensor 112 detects the game ball. If there is, the usual random number counter value (random number related to the result mode of the usual figure fluctuation display game) is stored in the usual figure storage area.

  Thereafter, a special game process (S29) and a general game process (S30) for controlling the progress of the variable display game are performed.

  The special symbol game process (S29) is extracted based on the winning of the game ball to the starting port 24 detected by the starting port sensor 110, and is stored in the special symbol starting memory (extracted in S28). It is determined whether or not the stored random number related to the result form of the special figure variation display game is successful, and the special figure display device 120 executes the special figure variation display game. In addition, a process for displaying the identification information (decorative symbol) corresponding to the display on the special figure display device 120 is performed on the variable display device 22. If the special figure random number counter value is a predetermined value, it becomes a hit state related to the special symbol, and the variation display of the identification information stops at the hit symbol. In addition, when the winning state is reached, an open state in which the game ball is easily received in the special winning opening 25 is obtained. The special figure game process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The normal game process (S30) is extracted based on the passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 26 detected by the gate sensor 112, and is stored in the normal symbol random number counter value (extracted in S28) stored in the normal symbol start memory. It is determined whether or not the stored random number regarding the result mode of the general-purpose variable display game is successful, and the general-purpose symbol display unit 121 executes the normal symbol variable display game. If the common random number counter value is a predetermined value, a hit state related to the normal figure is entered, and a parameter is set for stopping the fluctuation display of the normal symbol in the win state.

  Then, the process for editing the parameters for outputting to the LEDs of the special figure display 120 and the general figure display 121 is performed (S31).

  Specifically, in the special figure game process, when the special figure fluctuation display game is executed, the special symbol winning memory number obtained by subtracting the number of executions of the special figure fluctuation display game executed this time from the game control device 100 is displayed. Edit the parameters to be output to the LED of the display 120.

  Similarly, in the normal game process, when the normal symbol fluctuation display game is executed on the normal symbol display device 121, the number of executions of the normal symbol variable display game executed this time is reduced, and the number of normal symbol winning memory is reduced by game control. Edit the parameters to be output from the device 100 to the LED of the general-purpose display 121.

  Thereafter, external information editing processing for editing external information for outputting the state of the gaming machine 1 to the management computer connected via the external terminal board 125 is performed (S32). The external information includes information related to the progress state of the variable display game, such as whether the symbol is confirmed, whether it is a big hit, whether the probability is changing, or whether the changing time is being shortened.

  Next, the end of the timer interrupt process is declared (S33).

  Thereafter, the process of restoring the temporarily saved register and the process of setting the permission of the interrupt that has been prohibited are performed (S34), the timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process (FIG. 3). Then, the initial value random number update process (step S15 in FIG. 3) is repeated until the next timer interrupt occurs.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the special game process (S29 in FIG. 4) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by the game control device 100.

  First, the microprocessor 101 determines whether or not a game ball has won the start opening 24 (S501). At this time, if a game ball is detected by the start port sensor 110, a special figure random number counter value (random number relating to a result mode of the special figure variation display game) is stored in the special figure storage area.

  If it is determined that no game ball has been won in the start port 24, the process proceeds to step S508.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the game ball has won the start opening 24, the special symbol winning storage number is acquired (S502).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the acquired special symbol winning memory number is 4 or more (S503). When the acquired number of special symbol winning memories is 4 or more, the process proceeds to step S508.

  On the other hand, when the acquired special symbol winning memory number is less than 4, 1 is added to the special winning memory number (S504). That is, the current winning is added to the special winning memory number.

  Next, the jackpot random number counter value updated in the random number update process 1 (S24) is acquired, and the acquired jackpot random number counter value is stored in the jackpot random number storage area of the special winning memory number corresponding to the current winning prize (S505). .

  Next, the jackpot symbol random number counter value updated in the random number update process 1 (S24) is acquired, and the acquired jackpot symbol random number counter value is stored in the jackpot symbol random number storage area of the special winning memory number corresponding to the current winning prize. (S506).

  After that, the command of the special symbol winning memory number (decoration special symbol winning memory number) displayed on the variable display device 22 is set (S507).

  Next, a special figure game process number indicating the progress state of the special figure game is acquired (S508). The special figure game process number indicates the progress state of the special figure game in eight stages from 0 to 7. The special figure game process number will be described later with reference to FIG.

  And the special figure game branch process corresponding to the special figure game process number acquired by the process of step S508 is performed (S509). Specifically, the special figure game branching process determines whether or not the jackpot random number counter value acquired in the process of S505 is a predetermined value, and if it is a predetermined value, it becomes a hit state related to a special symbol, When the variation display of the identification information is stopped at the winning symbol and the big winning state is reached, the normal variation winning device 23 is opened, and the game ball is placed in an open state that is easy to accept. The special game branch process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, the special figure variation control process is executed (S510), and the special figure game process is terminated.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the special game branching process (S509 in FIG. 5) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by the game control device 100.

  First, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 0 (S601).

  If the special figure game process number is not 0, the process proceeds to step S603. On the other hand, if the special figure game process number is 0, a special figure routine process is executed (S602). The special figure normal process is a process for preparing for the variable display of the identification information before the special figure game is started. Note that the special figure routine processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 1 (S603).

  If the special figure game process number is not 1, the process proceeds to step S605. On the other hand, if the special figure game process number is 1, a special figure change start process 2 is executed (S604). The special figure variation start process 2 is a process for determining a variation pattern indicating how the identification information is variably displayed, a variation time that is a time for variably displaying the identification information, and the like. The special figure variation start process 2 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 2 (S605).

  If the special figure game process number is not 2, the process proceeds to step S607. On the other hand, when the special figure game process number is 2, the special figure changing process is executed (S606). The special figure changing process is a process for variably displaying the identification information until the fluctuation time determined in the special figure fluctuation start process 2 (S604) elapses.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 3 (S607).

  When the special figure game process number is not 3, the process proceeds to the process of step S609. On the other hand, when the special figure game process number is 3, the special figure display process is executed (S608). The special figure displaying process is a process of displaying the variation display result of the identification information for a predetermined time. For example, the fixed time is 1 second to 2 seconds.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 4 (S609).

  When the special figure game process number is not 4, the process proceeds to step S611. On the other hand, when the special figure game process number is 4, the fanfare / interval process is executed (S610). The fanfare / interval process is a process of outputting a fanfare sound or the like from the sound output device 18 when the jackpot is large, and returning to the special figure normal process (S602) when the jackpot is not a jackpot. Specifically, if it is not a big hit, the special figure game process number is set to zero. In the case of a big hit, the special game process number is set to 5 after the fanfare / interval process.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 5 (S611).

  If the special figure game process number is not 5, the process proceeds to step S613. On the other hand, when the special figure game process number is 5, a special winning opening opening process is executed (S612). The process during opening of the big winning opening is a process while the normally variable winning apparatus 23 is opened and the game winning ball 25 is in an open state in which it is easy to accept the game ball. The special game process number is set to 6 after the special winning opening opening process is executed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 6 (S613).

  If the special figure game process number is not 6, the process proceeds to step 615. On the other hand, when the special figure game process number is 6, a winning prize remaining ball process is executed (S614). In the big winning opening remaining ball processing, when the big winning opening releasing process (S612) is finished and the normal variable winning device 23 is closed and returns to the normal state, the game balls remaining in the big winning opening 25 are made to flow down. Therefore, the process waits for a certain time. For example, the fixed time is 1.5 seconds. Note that the special figure game process number is set to 7 after executing the winning ball remaining ball process.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game process number is 7 (S615).

  If the special figure game process number is not 7, the special figure game branching process is terminated. On the other hand, when the special figure game process number is 7, the big hit end process is executed (S616), and the special figure game branch process is ended. The jackpot end process is a process for preparing for executing the special figure routine process (S602).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the special figure normal processing (S602 in FIG. 6) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by the game control device 100.

  First, it is determined whether or not the number of special symbol winning memories is 0 (S701).

  If the special symbol winning memory number is not 0, that is, if there is a special symbol winning memory number, the special symbol variation starting process 1 is executed (S702). The special figure variation start process 1 is a process for determining whether or not the game is a big hit and determining a stop symbol and a variation pattern of the identification information. The special figure variation start process 1 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, information on the start of fluctuation of the identification information is stored (S703), and the special figure routine processing is terminated. The variation start information of the identification information includes a stop symbol, a variation pattern, and a special figure game process number.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S701 that the special symbol winning memory number is 0, that is, if there is no special symbol winning memory number, it is determined whether or not a customer waiting demo command is set ( S704). The customer waiting demo command is a command for displaying the customer waiting demo on the variable display device 22.

  If the customer waiting demo command is set, the special figure routine processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the customer waiting demo command is not set, the customer waiting demo command is set, and the special figure routine processing is terminated. The setting of the customer waiting demo command is preparation for transmitting the customer waiting demo command to the effect control device 150.

  When receiving the customer waiting demonstration command, the effect control device 150 displays the customer waiting demonstration on the variable display device 22 after a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the special figure variation start process 1 (S702 in FIG. 7) according to the first embodiment of this invention, and is executed by the game control device 100.

  First, a big hit flag setting process is executed (S801). The jackpot flag setting process is a process of setting a jackpot flag when the jackpot random number acquired in the process of step S505 is a jackpot. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the jackpot random number acquired in the process of S505 is a predetermined value. If the jackpot random number is a predetermined value, it is determined to be a jackpot, and if the jackpot random number is not a predetermined value, it is determined to be a loss.

  Next, a special figure stop symbol setting process is executed (S802). The special symbol stop symbol setting process is a process of setting a stop symbol corresponding to the jackpot symbol random number acquired in the process of step S506.

  After that, symbol data corresponding to the stop symbol set in the process of step S802 is set (S803).

  Next, special figure variation pattern setting processing is executed (S804). The special figure variation pattern setting process is a process of setting a variation pattern of identification information. The special figure variation pattern setting process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  Thereafter, the special figure game process number is set to 1 by adding 1 to the special figure game process number (S805), and the special figure variation start process 1 is terminated.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the special figure variation pattern setting process (S804 in FIG. 8) according to the first embodiment of this invention, which is executed by the game control device 100.

  Assume that four variation pattern tables A to D are stored in the ROM 102 of the game control apparatus 100. Specifically, the fluctuation pattern tables A and B when the jackpot flag is not set, and the fluctuation pattern tables C and D when the jackpot flag is set.

  In addition, the expected value which becomes a display result mode in which the identification information when the variation pattern table B is selected causes a special gaming state is displayed, and the identification value when the variation pattern table A is selected is a display that causes the special gaming state. The variation pattern tables A and B are set so as to be higher than the expected value as a result mode.

  In addition, the expected value that is the display result mode in which the identification information when the variation pattern table D is selected causes a special gaming state is displayed, and the identification value when the variation pattern table C is selected is a display that causes the special gaming state. The variation pattern tables C and D are set so as to be higher than the expected value as a result mode.

  First, the variation pattern table A is selected (S901).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the BGM counter is a specific value (S902). This process is a process of determining whether or not the current playback position of the music is at a position where the expected value for the special game state is increased.

  If the BGM counter is not a specific value, the current playback position of the music is not at a position where the expected value for the special game state is increased, and the process proceeds to step S904 while the variation pattern table A is selected. On the other hand, when the BGM counter is a specific value, the variation pattern table B having a higher expected value than the variation pattern table A is selected (S903). As described above, the variation pattern table A has a higher probability that a variation display pattern having a lower expected value than the variation pattern table B is selected. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S904.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a jackpot flag is set (S904).

  If the jackpot flag is not set, the variation pattern tables C and D for the jackpot are not selected, and the process proceeds to step S908.

  On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is set, the variation pattern table C for the jackpot is selected (S905). As described above, the variation pattern table C has a higher probability that a variation display pattern having a lower expected value than the variation pattern table D is selected.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the BGM counter is a specific value (S906). Note that the specific value used in the determination in step S906 may be the same as or different from the specific value used in the determination in step S902. By making the specific value used in step S906 wider than the specific value used in step S902, a specific variable display pattern is selected even at a playback position different from the normal case. can do.

  If the BGM counter is not a specific value, the current playback position of the music is not at a position where the expected value for the special game state is increased, so the process proceeds to step S908 while the variation pattern table C is selected. On the other hand, if the BGM counter is a specific value, the variation pattern table D having a higher probability of selecting a variation display pattern having a higher expected value than the variation pattern table C is selected (S907), and the process proceeds to step S908. The variation pattern tables A to D will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Note that the range of the specific value in the process of step S906 may be wider than the range of the specific value in the process of step S902. Thereby, in the case of a big hit state, it becomes easy to select a fluctuation pattern with a higher expected value, and the interest can be further improved.

  Next, a fluctuation pattern random number is acquired in order to determine which fluctuation pattern registered in the finally selected fluctuation pattern table is to be acquired (S908).

  And the number of the fluctuation pattern corresponding to the fluctuation pattern random number acquired by the process of step S908 is acquired (S909). Thereafter, the number of the variation pattern acquired in the process of step S909 is stored in the ROM 102 (S910).

  Next, the special symbol winning memory number is acquired (S911), 1 is subtracted from the acquired special symbol winning memory number (S912), and the special symbol winning memory number after subtraction is stored in the ROM 102 (S913). The variation pattern setting process is terminated.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the special figure variation start process 2 (S604 in FIG. 6) according to the first embodiment of this invention, which is executed by the game control apparatus 100.

  First, the number of the variation pattern acquired in the process of S909 is acquired (S1001). Then, a special figure fluctuation pattern command corresponding to the obtained fluctuation pattern number is obtained (S1002). The special figure variation pattern command is a command for causing the identification information displayed on the variation display device 22 to be variably displayed according to a predetermined pattern.

  Next, the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern number acquired in the process of step S1001 is acquired (S1003). The variation time is a time during which the identification information displayed on the variation display device 22 is variably displayed according to a predetermined pattern. Thereafter, the acquired variation time is set in the special figure game processing timer (S1004).

  Next, the acquired special figure fluctuation pattern command value is temporarily stored in the decoration special figure fluctuation pattern command area of the ROM 102 (S1005). The decoration special figure variation pattern command area is an area in which the number of special symbol winning memories displayed on the variation display device 22 is stored.

  Next, the jackpot related random number save area corresponding to the special symbol start memory number after the first special symbol start memory number is moved to the jackpot related random number save area corresponding to the previous special symbol start memory number (S1006). ). The jackpot related random number save area is an area for storing a special figure variation pattern and the like. In this process, the jackpot related random number save area corresponding to each special symbol start memory number is incremented one by one. For example, the jackpot related random number save area corresponding to the second special symbol start memory number moves to the jackpot related random number save area corresponding to the first special symbol start memory number.

  Next, when the jackpot related random number save area is moved, the data stored in the empty area that is not associated with the special symbol start memory number is deleted (S1007).

  Then, the decoration special figure variation pattern command is set in a command transmission buffer (not shown) (S1008). The decorative special figure variation pattern command indicates how the special symbol displayed on the variation display device 22 is variably displayed.

  Next, a decoration special figure variation pattern command is set in a command transmission buffer (not shown) (S1009). The decorative special figure variation pattern command is a command for notifying a stop symbol of a special symbol to be variably displayed.

  Then, 1 is subtracted from the decoration special symbol winning memory number (S1010), and the decoration special symbol winning memory number command is set in a command transmission buffer (not shown) (S1011).

  Next, 1 is added to the special figure game process number to make 2 (S1012).

  The various values described above are stored in the ROM 102 (S1013), and the special figure variation start process 2 is terminated.

  11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the BGM counter according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The BGM counter is for determining the current playback position of the music. When the BGM counter counts 65535, the value of the BGM counter is set so as to indicate that the reproduction of the music has ended.

  The music has two states, state A is a normal melody part, and state B is a rust part. In addition, the state B which is a specific value may be any part instead of a rust part. Further, it may be a portion with a different tempo, modulation, or the like.

  The music of this embodiment is in state A when the BGM counter values are 0 to 45000 and 50001 to 65535, and is in state B when the BGM counter value is 45001 to 50000.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a variation pattern table according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  A plurality of variation patterns are registered in the variation pattern table. Then, one variation pattern registered in the selected variation pattern table is selected. Based on the selected variation pattern, the variation display pattern of the identification information displayed on the variation display device 22 is determined.

  The fluctuation pattern table A is a table that may be selected when it is determined that there is a shift in the process of step S801, and normal fluctuations 1 to 3 and reach 1 to 4 are registered as fluctuation patterns. The variation pattern table B is a table that may be selected when it is determined that there is a shift in the process of step S801, and normal variation 3 and reach 1 to 6 are registered as variation patterns.

  The variation pattern table C is a table that may be selected when it is determined that the jackpot is determined in step S801, and reach 1 to 6 are registered as variation patterns. The variation pattern table D is a table that may be selected when it is determined that the jackpot is determined in step S801, and reach 3 to 8 are registered as variation patterns.

  Assuming that the selection probability of the fluctuation display in each fluctuation pattern table is the same, the fluctuation pattern table B has a higher probability of selecting the reach fluctuation that derives the jackpot than the fluctuation pattern table A. Therefore, when the variation pattern table B is selected, the expected value is higher than when the variation pattern table A is selected. Similarly, when the variation pattern table D is selected, the expected value is higher than when the variation pattern table C is selected.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of selection of the variation pattern table according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  When the fluctuation displays 1 to 3 are performed, it is determined that there is a shift in the process of step S801, and the reproduction position of the music is in the state A (BGM counter value is between 0 and 45000), so the fluctuation pattern table A is selected. .

  After that, when the variation display 4 is performed, it is determined that there is a shift in the process of step S801, and the reproduction position of the music is in the state B (BGM counter value is between 45001 to 50000). Is selected.

  Next, when the fluctuation display 5 is performed, it is determined that the game is a big hit in the process of step S801, and the music is in the state A (BGM counter value between 50001 and 65535), so the fluctuation pattern table C is selected.

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern table to be selected is changed when the music playback position is in the state B. However, when the music playback position is in the state B, the fluctuation registered in the variation pattern table is changed. The probability of selecting a pattern may be changed. Note that the case of changing the contents registered in the variation pattern table will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating processing for changing the probability of selecting a variation pattern registered in the variation pattern table according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  In this case, two variation pattern tables may be used: a variation pattern display table for jackpots and a variation pattern table for deviation.

  Specifically, a variation pattern table E for loss and a variation pattern table F for jackpot are stored in the ROM 102.

  The variation pattern table in this case includes a selection probability and a corresponding random number value. The variation pattern included in the entry of the corresponding random number value that matches the variation pattern random number acquired in the process of step S908 is acquired. The selection probability is a probability that each variation pattern is selected.

  In the fluctuation pattern table E for loss, normal fluctuations 1 to 3 and reach 1 to 4 are registered. Reach 1 to 6 are registered in the variation pattern table F for jackpot.

  Here, when it is determined that there is a shift in the process of step S801, the variation pattern table E is selected in the process of step S901. When the BGM counter is a specific value in the process of step S902, the corresponding random number value is changed so that the expected value of the changed variation pattern table E ′ is higher than the expected value of the changed variation pattern table E. Specifically, the corresponding random number value is changed so that the selection probability of the reach 1 to 4 of the variation pattern table E ′ after the change is higher than the selection probability of the reach 1 to 4 of the variation pattern table E before the change. .

  Next, when it is determined that the jackpot is determined in step S801, the variation pattern table F is selected in step S905. If the BGM counter is a specific value in the processing of step S906, the corresponding random number value is changed so that the expected value of the changed variation pattern table F ′ is higher than the expected value of the changed variation pattern table F. Specifically, the corresponding random number value is changed so that the selection probability of the reach 5 and 6 of the changed variation pattern table F ′ after the change is higher than the selection probability of the reach 5 and 6 of the changed pattern table F before the change. .

  The variation pattern table E ′ is more likely than the variation pattern table E to select the reach variation that derives the jackpot. Therefore, when the variation pattern table E ′ is selected, the expected value is higher than when the variation pattern table E is selected. Similarly, when the variation pattern table F ′ is selected, the expected value is higher than when the variation pattern table F is selected.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the BGM counter update process (S27 in FIG. 4) according to the first embodiment of this invention, which is executed by the game control device 100.

  First, it is determined whether a predetermined time set in advance has elapsed (S1501). This process is effective to prevent the BGM counter from running out of storage capacity when 1 is added to the BGM counter per interrupt when the storage capacity (number of usable bits) of the BGM counter is small. When the storage capacity of the BGM counter is large, the process of step S1501 may not be executed (all are determined to be “YES”).

  If it is determined in step S1501 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the BGM counter update process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1501 that the predetermined time has elapsed, 1 is added to the BGM counter (S1502).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the BGM counter is larger than a preset upper limit value (S1503). In the present embodiment, the upper limit value is 65535.

  When it is determined that the value of the BGM counter is equal to or less than the upper limit value, the BGM counter update process is terminated. When it is determined that the value of the BGM counter is larger than the upper limit value, the value of the BGM counter is set to zero (S1504).

  Next, a BGM reset command is set in the command transmission buffer (S1505). The BGM reset command is a command for returning the playback position of the music being played back to the initial playback position.

  Note that the BGM counter update process is performed every time a predetermined time elapses, and the playback position of the music played by the effect control device 150 and the playback position of the music specified by the BGM counter controlled by the game control device 100. Is a process for matching.

  In the present embodiment, the BGM counter update process is executed assuming that the number of clocks of the effect control device 150 and the number of clocks of the game control device 100 are different from each other or not synchronized. When the number of clocks of the device 150 and the number of clocks of the game control device 100 are the same frequency and are synchronized with each other, the BGM reset command setting process (S1505) may not be executed.

  Further, the process of setting the BGM counter to zero (S1504) may be executed at the time of transmitting a customer waiting demonstration display start command, at the time of transmitting a change start command, at the time of transmitting a symbol stop command, or the like.

  In particular, when processing for setting the BGM counter to zero (S1504) is executed at the time of sending a customer waiting demonstration display start command (S1504), even if the music playback position is returned to the initial playback position, the player can change the music playback position. Since it is not known that it flew, it does not give the player a sense of incongruity.

  In addition, since the customer waiting demonstration display start command, the change start command, and the symbol stop command are immediately executed by the effect control device 150, there is a difference between the BGM counter of the game control device 100 and the music playback position of the effect control device 150. Hard to occur.

  It should be noted that the BGM reset command may be transmitted by being included in a decorative special figure variation pattern command indicating how the special symbol displayed on the variation display device 22 is variably displayed.

  Next, the first modification of the BGM counter reset process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a first modification of the special figure routine process (FIG. 7) including the BGM counter reset process according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is performed by the game control device 100.

  In the first modified example, the process of setting the BGM counter to zero and returning the music playback position to the initial playback position when returning from the customer waiting demonstration display state is executed in the special figure normal processing. In addition, about the process same as the special figure usual process shown in FIG. 7, the same code | symbol is provided and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  First, it is determined whether or not the number of special symbol winning memories is 0 (S701). When the special symbol winning memory number is 0, the process of step S704 and the process of step S705 shown in FIG. 7 are executed, and the special figure routine process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of special symbol winning memorized numbers is not 0, it is determined whether or not it is a return from the customer waiting demonstration (S706).

  If it is determined that it is not a return from the customer waiting demonstration, the process proceeds to step S702. On the other hand, when it is determined that the return is from the customer waiting demonstration, the value of the BGM counter is set to zero (S707). Then, a BGM reset command is set in the command transmission buffer (708).

  In addition, when the production control device 150 displays a waiting-for-customer demonstration on the variable display device 22, the sound output device 18 is set so as not to output sound. Therefore, when returning from the customer waiting demonstration, the BGM counter is set to zero, and the playback position of the music being played back is returned to the first playback position, thereby returning the playback position of the music to the player to the first playback position. Without giving a sense of incongruity to this, the playback position of the music played by the effect control device 150 and the playback position of the music specified by the BGM counter controlled by the game control device 100 can be matched.

  Next, the process of step S702 and the process of step S703 shown in FIG. 7 are executed, and the special figure routine process is terminated.

  Next, a second modification of the BGM counter reset process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a second modification of the special figure routine process (FIG. 7) including the reset process of the BGM counter according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is performed by the game control device 100. .

  The second modification is a process of setting the BGM counter to zero when the customer waiting demonstration is started, and returning the music playback position to the initial playback position, which is executed in the special figure routine shown in FIG. The In addition, about the process same as the special figure usual process shown in FIG. 7, the same code | symbol is provided and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  If the customer waiting demo command is not set in step S704, the customer waiting demo command is set (S705), and the value of the BGM counter is set to zero (S709). Then, a BGM reset command is set in the command transmission buffer (S710).

  In addition, when the production control device 150 displays a waiting-for-customer demonstration on the variable display device 22, the sound output device 18 is set so as not to output sound. The production control device 150 continues to play the music.

  At the timing when the sound output device 18 is set so as not to output sound, the BGM counter is set to zero, and the playback position of the music being played back is returned to the initial playback position, thereby allowing the player to play back the music playback position. The playback position of the music played by the effect control device 150 matches the playback position of the music specified by the BGM counter controlled by the game control device 100 without giving a sense of incongruity to returning to the first playback position. Can be made.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the BGM counter upper limit value changing process according to the first embodiment of this invention, which is executed by the game control device 100.

  First, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied (S1801). The predetermined condition is a condition for changing the music. For example, the predetermined condition is when a specific variation pattern is selected, when the jackpot ends, or the like.

  If it is determined in step S1801 that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the music is not changed, and thus the BGM counter upper limit value update process ends.

  On the other hand, if a predetermined condition is satisfied in the process of step S1801, the music is changed, and therefore an upper limit value of the BGM counter corresponding to the music specified by the variation pattern is newly set (S1802).

  Next, the BGM counter is set to zero (S1803), and a specific value corresponding to the music is set (S1804).

  Then, the music change command is set in the command transmission buffer (S1805), and the BGM counter upper limit value changing process is terminated. The music change command is a command that causes the effect control device 150 to change the music being played back to a music specified by the variation pattern.

  When receiving the music change command, the production control device 150 changes the music being played back to the designated music and plays it from the beginning of the music after the change.

  By the above processing, even when the music is changed, the upper limit value and the specific value corresponding to the changed music can be set.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the first embodiment described above, the BGM counter is controlled by the game control device 100. However, in the second embodiment, the BGM counter is controlled by the effect control device 150.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing according to the second embodiment of this invention, and is executed by the game control device 100.

  The same processes as those in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 4) of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  The timer interrupt process of the second embodiment is different from the timer interrupt process of the first embodiment in that the game control apparatus 100 does not control the BGM counter, and therefore the BGM counter update process (S27) shown in FIG. 4 is not executed. Is different. In the second embodiment, the BGM counter update process is executed by the effect control device 150, and the BGM counter is updated every predetermined time.

  Further, in the first embodiment, in the special figure fluctuation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 9 in the special figure game process (S29), the music reproduction position is determined from the BGM counter, and the fluctuation pattern is determined based on the music reproduction position. Change the table. However, in the second embodiment, since there is no BGM counter, the variation pattern table is not changed based on the reproduction position of the music in the special figure variation pattern setting process. Details of the special figure variation pattern setting process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the special figure variation pattern setting process according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by the game control apparatus 100. In addition, the same code | symbol is provided to the process same as the special figure fluctuation pattern setting process (FIG. 9) of 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the special figure variation pattern setting process, the variation pattern number is determined without selecting the variation pattern table.

  First, a variation pattern random number is acquired as a determination random number (S908). And the number of the fluctuation pattern corresponding to the fluctuation pattern random number acquired by the process of step S908 is acquired (S909). Thereafter, the number of the variation pattern acquired in the process of step S909 is stored in the ROM 102 (S910).

  Next, the special symbol winning memory number is acquired (S911), 1 is subtracted from the acquired special symbol winning memory number (S912), and the special symbol winning memory number after subtraction is stored in the ROM 102 (S913). The variation pattern setting process is terminated.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the decoration special figure variation pattern setting process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. When the decoration special figure variation pattern command and the hit command are received from the game control apparatus 100, the effect control apparatus 150 performs the process. Executed.

  The ROM 152 of the effect control device 150 stores a plurality of variation pattern tables belonging to a loss group selected in the case of a loss by the determination of a big hit random number and a plurality of variation pattern tables belonging to a jackpot group selected in the case of a big hit. The

  Each of these groups includes a variation pattern table A when the BGM counter is not a specific value and a variation pattern table B when the BGM counter is a specific value. A corresponding number is stored in the ROM 152.

  It should be noted that the variation pattern table having the same variation pattern number has an expected value that is a display result mode in which the identification information when the variation pattern table when the BGM counter is a specific value is selected causes a special gaming state, The identification information when the variation pattern table when the BGM counter is not a specific value is selected is set to be higher than the expected value that is the display result mode that causes the special gaming state. Details of the variation pattern table will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the variation pattern table A corresponding to the variation pattern number is selected from the variation pattern tables belonging to the outlier group (S2101).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the BGM counter is a specific value (S2102). This process is a process of determining whether or not the current playback position of the music is at a position where the expected value for the special game state is increased.

  If the BGM counter is not a specific value, the current playback position of the music is not at a position where the expected value for the special game state is increased, so the process proceeds to step S2104 while the variation pattern table A is selected. On the other hand, if the BGM counter is a specific value, the variation pattern table B corresponding to the same variation pattern number is selected (S2103). As described above, the variation pattern table B has a higher probability of selecting a variation display pattern having a higher expected value than the variation pattern table A. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S2104.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a jackpot flag is set (S2104).

  If the jackpot flag is not set, the variation pattern table corresponding to the variation pattern number is not selected from the variation pattern table belonging to the jackpot group, and the process proceeds to step S2108.

  On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is set, the variation pattern table A corresponding to the variation pattern number is selected from the variation pattern tables belonging to the jackpot group (S2105). As described above, even in the jackpot group, the variation pattern table A has a high probability that a variation display pattern having a lower expected value than the variation pattern table B is selected.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the BGM counter is a specific value (S2106). Note that the specific value used in the determination in step S2106 may be the same as or different from the specific value used in the determination in step S2102. By making the specific value used in step S2106 wider than the specific value used in step S2102, a specific variable display pattern is selected even at a playback position different from the normal case. can do.

  If the BGM counter is not a specific value, the current playback position of the music is not at a position where the expected value for the special game state is increased, so the process proceeds to step S2108 while the variation pattern table A is selected. On the other hand, if the BGM counter is a specific value, the variation pattern table B corresponding to the same variation pattern number is selected (S2107), and the process proceeds to step S2108.

  Next, in order to determine which variation pattern registered in the finally selected variation pattern table is to be acquired, an effect determination random number is acquired (S2108).

  Then, from the variation pattern registered in the finally selected variation pattern table, the number of the effect pattern corresponding to the effect determination random number acquired in the process of step S2108 is acquired (S2109). Thereafter, the number of the effect pattern acquired in the process of step S2109 is stored in the ROM 102 (S2110).

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a variation pattern table according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  In the second embodiment, the ROM 152 of the effect control device 150 stores a plurality of variation pattern tables belonging to the jackpot group and a plurality of variation pattern tables belonging to the loss group.

  Each group includes a fluctuation pattern table A when the BGM counter is not a specific value and a fluctuation pattern table B when the BGM counter is a specific value. Note that the variation pattern tables A and B are stored in the ROM 152 by the number corresponding to each variation pattern number.

  The variation pattern table B is set so that the probability that a variation display pattern having an expected value higher than the expected value of the variation pattern table A is selected is increased.

  The variation pattern table includes a variation pattern number and a variation time. When the change control number is notified from the game control apparatus 100, the effect control device 150 can recognize the change time corresponding to the change pattern number.

  In addition, the production pattern is registered in the variation pattern table. The effect control device 150 selects an effect pattern corresponding to the number of the effect pattern acquired in the process of step S2109. Then, the identification information is variably displayed based on the selected effect pattern.

  Note that the variation pattern table is configured like the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 15 of the first embodiment, and the selection probability of each effect pattern is selected without selecting the variation pattern table when the BGM counter is a specific value. It may be changed.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative in all points and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description of the invention but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

  As described above, the present invention can be applied to gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines, coin gaming machines, and slot machines that switch display effects.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine (pachinko machine) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows a part of control system centering on the game control apparatus of the game machine 1 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the main process of the game control of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of game control of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the special figure game process of 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the special figure game branch process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the special figure usual process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the special figure fluctuation start process 1 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the special figure fluctuation pattern setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the special figure fluctuation start process 2 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the BGM counter of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the BGM counter of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the fluctuation pattern table of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the transition of the selected fluctuation | variation pattern table of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which changes the probability which selects the variation pattern registered into the variation pattern table of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the BGM counter update process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the 1st modification of the reset process of the BGM counter of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the 2nd modification of the reset process of the BGM counter of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the BGM counter upper limit change process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the special figure fluctuation pattern setting process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the decoration special figure fluctuation pattern setting process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the fluctuation pattern table of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 18 Sound output device 22 Fluctuation display device 23 Normal variation prize-winning device 24 Start opening 25 Large winning opening 26 Normal symbol start gate 100 Game control device 150 Production control device

Claims (9)

A variation display game executing means for executing a variation display game for varyingly displaying a plurality of types of identification information in each of a plurality of display areas formed on the display device;
Change pattern determining means for determining a change pattern of a change display game executed by the change display game executing means;
Sound control means capable of outputting music played repeatedly at a predetermined cycle as game sound,
In the gaming machine capable of generating a special game state for giving a game value when the variable display game is executed when the start condition is satisfied and the display result mode of the variable display game becomes a predetermined special display result mode ,
The variation pattern determining means includes
Music state determination means for determining the playback position of the music being played by the sound control means each time the variable display game is executed;
Fluctuation pattern selection means for selecting a fluctuation pattern to be executed in the fluctuation display game from a plurality of predetermined fluctuation patterns based on the determination result of the music state determination means. Gaming machine. The gaming machine includes a plurality of variation pattern selection tables in which a plurality of variation patterns are registered and associated with the reproduction position of the music piece,
The fluctuation pattern selection means selects the fluctuation pattern selection table associated with the reproduction position of the music being reproduced based on the determination result of the music state determination means, and selects the fluctuation pattern selection table in the selected fluctuation pattern selection table. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a variation pattern executed in the variation display game is selected from a plurality of registered variation patterns.   The music state determination unit updates a cycle counter having a cycle corresponding to a repetition cycle of the song played by the sound control unit every predetermined time, and a predetermined determination value corresponding to the playback position of the song The game machine according to claim 2, wherein the reproduction position of the music is determined by comparing the value of the period counter with the value of the period counter. The music is divided into a first state and a second state according to the playback position,
The variation pattern selection table includes a first variation pattern table corresponding to the first state and a second variation pattern table corresponding to the second state,
The fluctuations so that the fluctuation pattern registered in the second fluctuation pattern table has a higher expected value as the special display result mode than the fluctuation pattern registered in the first fluctuation pattern table. The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a pattern table is set. The gaming machine includes a game control device that comprehensively controls a game, and an effect control device that performs effect control of the display device based on a command signal from the game control device,
The game control device includes:
Comprising the variation pattern determining means,
A reset control means for initializing a value of the period counter when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and transmitting a reset signal for initializing the reproduction position of the music piece to the effect control device;
The production control device
The variation display game execution means and the sound control means,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the reset signal is received, a playback position of a music played by the sound control means is initialized. When the predetermined time has elapsed from the last executed variation display game, the game control device shifts the game state to a customer wait state and outputs a customer wait signal for causing the effect control device to display a customer wait demo image. With customer waiting control means to send,
The said reset control means transmits the said reset signal based on the starting conditions of the said variable display game being satisfied, when the said game state is the said customer waiting state. Gaming machine. The production control device
When the customer waiting signal is received, the display device displays a customer waiting demo image, and the reproduction of the music is stopped,
7. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein upon receiving the reset signal, the display of the demo image displayed on the display device is stopped, and the reproduction position of the music is initialized and reproduced. The game control device includes a pattern command signal transmission unit that transmits the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit to the effect control device as a pattern command signal.
The gaming machine according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the reset control means transmits the reset signal included in the pattern command signal.   The variation pattern selecting means selects any one of a plurality of variation patterns with a selection probability set in advance corresponding to the reproduction position of the music being reproduced by the sound control means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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