JP2010148966A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a game machine including a first changeable-display means and a second changeable-display means reduce a program volume in a game control means referring to start control of changeable displays in the two display means. <P>SOLUTION: A game control microcomputer determines whether at least one of prize-winning in a first start pocket or that in a second start pocket is generated or not with a common processing routine. The common processing routine proceeds specifying generation of the prize-winning in either of the start pockets and extracts a random number (including at least a jackpot determining random number) corresponding to the prize-winning in the specified start pocket, storing the random number value in a storage region. The microcomputer controls, when a total of the number of a first and a second hold storages is a specified number or larger, shortening a changeable-display time as compared to when the total is less than the specified number. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention starts the variable display of the first identification information and derives and displays the display result based on the fact that the first execution condition of the variable display based on the winning of the first start opening is established. A second variable for starting the variable display of the second identification information and deriving and displaying the display result based on the display means and the second execution condition of the variable display based on the winning of the second start opening being established The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that has a display means and shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the specific display result is derived and displayed on either the first variable display means or the second variable display means. .

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Further, a variable display unit capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display result in the variable display unit, The state of the machine, more specifically, the state in which the gaming machine is controlled) is configured to give a predetermined game value to the player.

  The game value is the right that the state of the variable winning ball apparatus provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine becomes advantageous for a player who is easy to win, and the right for becoming advantageous for a player. In other words, or a condition for winning a prize ball is easily established.

  In a pachinko machine, a specific display mode determined in advance is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display of a special symbol (identification information) that is started in the variable display unit based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening. If this happens, a “big hit” will occur. Note that the derivation display is to stop and display a symbol (excluding stop before so-called re-variation). When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state in which a hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round.

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

  Among such gaming machines, there are gaming machines provided with two variable display portions (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In each variable display section, when the variable display start condition corresponding to the variable display section is satisfied, variable display of the identification information is started. Note that the variable display on one variable display unit and the variable display on the other variable display unit may be executed simultaneously, but control is performed so that variable display is not executed simultaneously on the two variable display units. It is described in Patent Document 1 that this may be performed. Further, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the variable display start condition is satisfied based on, for example, a game ball winning in a start winning opening provided corresponding to each variable display unit. . Therefore, the game control microcomputer that controls the progress of the game determines whether or not the game ball has won the start winning opening.

JP 2005-177082 (paragraphs 0146, 0147, FIG. 1) JP-A-8-84807 (FIG. 2)

  As described above, the game control microcomputer determines whether or not the game ball has won the start winning opening. In order to determine whether or not a game ball has won the start winning opening, the game control microcomputer performs processing in accordance with a determination program. When a start winning opening is provided corresponding to each of the two variable display portions, the game control microcomputer needs to determine whether or not a game ball has won the respective starting winning opening. That is, a process for determining whether or not a game ball has won one of the start winning holes is performed in accordance with a determination program for determining whether or not a game ball has won the other start winning hole. Processing is performed according to the program.

  Then, if a start winning opening is provided corresponding to each of the two variable display sections, two programs for determining the starting winning opening are stored in the ROM of the game control microcomputer. The area occupied by the determination program in the ROM increases. That is, the program capacity related to the variable display start control increases. Since the capacity of the program for determination is increased, the number of programs for controlling game effects and the like is reduced accordingly.

  Therefore, the present invention reduces the program capacity in the game control means relating to the start control of the variable display by the two variable display means in the gaming machine having the first variable display means and the second variable display means. Objective.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention has the first identification information (for example, the first identification information) based on the fact that the variable display execution condition is established based on the winning of the first starting opening (for example, the first starting winning opening 13). The first variable display means (for example, the first special symbol display 8a) for starting the variable display of one special symbol and deriving and displaying the display result, and the second starting port (for example, the second starting winning port 14) Second variable display means for starting the variable display of the second identification information (for example, the second special symbol) and deriving and displaying the display result based on the fact that the variable display execution condition based on the winning has been established. And a second special symbol display device 8b), which is advantageous to the player when a specific display result (for example, big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on either the first variable display means or the second variable display means. Game state (for example, jackpot play A game control means (for example, a game control microcomputer 560) that controls the progress of the game, and the game control means is configured to win a first start opening or a second start opening. In the execution condition determination means (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560), it is determined by a common processing routine (for example, the routine by the processes of steps S311 to S313, S211 to S239) whether or not a prize has been won. When the execution condition determination means determines that at least one of the winning at the first starting port or the winning at the second starting port has occurred, whichever part of the common processing routine executes the process of steps S311 to S313 It is specified whether or not a winning at the start-up port has occurred (for example, the process of step S211 is executed) A numerical value for determination including a numerical value for determination (for example, a random value) corresponding to a winning at the entrance and including at least whether or not to shift to a specific gaming state (for example, random R) is stored as a numerical value. Winning process execution means for executing a winning process (for example, the process of step S217) stored in the means (for example, the RAM 55) (for example, a part for executing the processes of steps S211 to S219 in the game control microcomputer 560). The game control means includes first counting means (for example, game control) that counts the number of established first execution conditions when the winning time process execution means specifies that a winning at the first start port has occurred. In the microcomputer 560, when the data indicating “first” is set in the start port pointer, the process of step S214) , Second counting means for counting the number of fulfillment of the second execution condition when the winning time process execution means specifies that the winning to the second start opening has occurred (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the start opening The portion in which the process of step S214 is executed when data indicating “second” is set in the pointer), and the variable display of the identification information is not executed by the first variable display means and the second variable display means. When the variable display start condition is satisfied after the variable display execution condition of the first identification information is satisfied on the first variable display means (for example, the first reserved memory number is not 0 and the big hit First variable display start means for starting variable display of the first identification information by the first variable display means (when the game is not being executed) The portion in which the process of step S106 is executed when data indicating “first” is set in the pointer), and the variable display of the identification information is not executed by the first variable display means and the second variable display means. When the variable display start condition is satisfied after the variable display execution condition of the second identification information on the second variable display means is satisfied (for example, the second reserved memory number is not 0 and the big hit Second variable display start means for starting variable display of the second identification information by the second variable display means when the game is not being executed (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the special symbol pointer is “second”. And the first variable display time for determining the variable display time of the first identification information in the first variable display means). In the determination means (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, when the data indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the process of steps S100 to S103) and the second variable display means Second variable display time determining means for determining the variable display time of the second identification information (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, when data indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer, steps S100 to S100 Each of the first variable display time determination means and the second variable display time determination means includes an established value counted by the first counting hand and an established value counted by the second counting means. When the total number of establishments that is the sum of and a predetermined number (for example, 4) or more is more variable than when the total number of establishments is less than the predetermined number Control is performed to shorten the interval (for example, the processing of steps S101 to S103 is executed). According to such a configuration, the process for determining whether or not a winning at the first start opening has occurred and the process for determining whether or not a winning at the second starting opening has occurred can be made common. It is possible to reduce the program capacity in the game control means relating to the variable display start control by the two variable display means. Further, when the total number is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the shortening variation is performed in one of the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit, and the shortening variation is performed in the other variable display unit. It is possible to prevent a situation where no operation is performed.

  An effect display device (for example, an effect display device 9) that performs display effects corresponding to variable display of the first identification information in the first variable display means or variable display of the second identification information in the second variable display means, and a first count The number-of-establishment display means (for example, the total pending storage display portion 18c formed on the display screen of the effect display device 9) displays the number of formations counted by the means and the number of formations counted by the second counting means. And may be provided separately from the effect display device 9), and based on a command (for example, an effect control command) that instructs the contents of the effect transmitted by the game control means, Effect control means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100), and the game control means includes a variable display of the first identification information and a variable display of the second identification information. Display means specifying information (for example, information indicated by the first symbol variation designation command or the second symbol variation designation command) that can identify which identification information variable display is to be started, and a display time that identifies the variable display time Start command transmission means for transmitting information (for example, information indicated by the variation pattern command) by a command (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S104 and S105 in the game control microcomputer 560), and first counting means The number of establishments increased based on the increase in the number of establishments (for example, the first reserved storage number) counted by the number of establishments (for example, the second number of reserved storages) counted by the second counting means. When the established number identification command (for example, the first start prize designation command or the second start prize designation command) is transmitted. In addition, a total number specifying command (for example, a total pending storage number designation command) that can specify the total number corresponding to the sum of the number of establishments counted by the first counting means and the number of establishments counted by the second counting means The total number specifying command transmitting means to be transmitted (for example, the part for executing the processing of steps S218 and S219 in the game control microcomputer 560), the effect control means specifies the display means specified by the start command transmitting means. An effect executing means (for example, in the effect control microcomputer 100, in step S833) that executes an effect display device (for example, effect display variable display) corresponding to the variable display of the identification information specified by the command indicating information. ~ S835, S841 to S845C processing) and the total number specifying command transmission Based on the total number specifying command transmitted by the transmitting means, the established number display means displays the established number counted by the first counting means in a first mode (for example, a red circle), The number-of-establishment display control means (for example, in the production control microcomputer 100, in steps S901 and S909) that displays the number of formations counted by the second counting means in a second mode (for example, green circles) that can be specified. , S911, S921, and S923), and when the total number specifying command is received without receiving the total number identifying command from the total number specifying command transmitting means, The number-of-establishment display mode control means (for example, a production control display unit) that performs a display that can specify the number of formations in a special mode (for example, a blue circle) different from the mode and the second mode. In black computer 100, step S909, S921, portions for performing the process of S931) and may be configured to include. According to such a configuration, the command indicating the display time information for specifying the variable display time is common to the variable display of the identification information on the first variable display means and the variable display of the identification information on the second variable display means. The effect control means does not increase the types of commands transmitted from the game control means when the effect corresponding to the variable display means specified by the command indicating the display means specifying information is started with the effect parts. Can be. Further, the effect control means can grasp which variable display means the execution condition of the variable display condition of the identification information has increased without increasing the types of commands transmitted from the game control means. Furthermore, when the total number specifying command is received without receiving the total number identifying command from the total number specifying command transmitting unit, the established number displaying mode control unit displays the first mode and the second Since a display capable of specifying the number of formations is performed in a special mode different from the mode, it is possible to easily grasp that an abnormality has occurred regarding transmission / reception of commands.

  The effect control means is based on the establishment number identification command indicating that the establishment number counted by the first counting means has increased, and execution of variable display based on establishment of the variable display execution condition in the first variable display means. The first establishment number determination means for determining the number of establishment of the variable display execution condition in the first variable display means that has not yet started variable display (for example, in the production control microcomputer 100, steps S909, S912, S941, A portion for executing the processing of S945 and S914, where the processing of S941 is based on the reception of the total pending storage number subtraction designation command, and the total pending storage number subtraction designation command is transmitted when the first special symbol starts to change (see step S117). ), An established number identification command indicating that the established number counted by the second counting means has increased, Based on execution of variable display based on establishment of variable display execution condition in variable display means, second establishment for determining the number of execution conditions of variable display in second variable display means that have not yet started variable display Number determination means (for example, in the production control microcomputer 100, a part for executing the processes of steps S921, S924, S941, S947, and S926. The number subtraction designation command is transmitted at the start of the variation of the second special symbol (see step S117)), and the established number display mode control means indicates that the established number counted by the first counting means has increased. When the formation number identification command is received, the first formation number determination means has not yet started variable display. 1 On the condition that the number of execution conditions of variable display in the variable display means is determined to be a predetermined number (for example, 4) determined in advance (for example, the process of step S914), When the display mode is changed from the special mode to the second mode (for example, the process of step 916), when the number-of-establishment number identification command indicating that the number of formations counted by the second counting unit has increased is received, On condition that the establishment number determination means determines that the establishment number of execution conditions for variable display in the second variable display means that has not yet started variable display is a predetermined number (for example, 4) (for example, , The process of step 926), even if the display mode of the display capable of specifying the number of establishment is changed from the special mode to the first mode (for example, the process of step 928) Good. According to such a configuration, even if an abnormality occurs in the transmission / reception of a command, the display that can identify the number of establishment can be returned to a normal display.

  First detection means (for example, a first start port switch 13a) that detects a winning at the first start port and outputs a detection signal; and second that detects a win at the second start port and outputs a detection signal Detection means (for example, the second start port switch 14a), the detection signal of the first detection means and the detection signal of the second detection means are input to the input port (for example, input port 0) in the game control means, The winning process execution means executes the winning process based on the detection signal input to the input port, and then the result of the winning process and the detection signal input to the input port when the winning process is terminated. When the state does not match, the winning process may be executed again (for example, after the processes of steps S232 to S239 are executed, the processes of steps S211 to S219 are executed). According to such a configuration, it is reliably determined whether a winning at the first starting opening has occurred or whether a winning at the second starting opening has occurred.

  An effect display device (for example, an effect display device 9) that performs a display effect corresponding to the variable display of the first identification information in the first variable display means or the variable display of the second identification information in the second variable display means, and the specific game state And a variable winning ball device (for example, a big winning opening) that can be changed to an open state, and a game ball detecting means (for example, a count switch 23) that detects a gaming ball that has won the variable winning ball device and outputs a detection signal. And a game control means for determining whether or not a detection signal from the game ball detection means has been inputted, for example, a winning determination means (for example, a part for executing the process of step S586 in the game control microcomputer 560). An abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification based on the fact that the winning determination means inputs a detection signal in a gaming state other than the specific gaming state An abnormality notification command transmission means (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S585 to S587 in the game control microcomputer 560), and the effect control means transmits the abnormality notification command transmitted by the abnormality notification command transmission means. Based on the above, after the abnormality notification is started by the effect device provided in the gaming machine, the abnormality notification means for continuing the abnormality notification even when the display effect is executed in the effect display device after starting the abnormality notification (For example, in the production control microcomputer 100, the part that executes the processing of steps S976 to S979, S835A, and S835C) may be included. According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify that an abnormal winning has occurred, and it is possible to continue the game and prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a big hit determination value. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern. FIG. 38E illustrates an effect control command signal line. It is a timing diagram showing the relationship between an 8-bit control signal and an INT signal constituting a control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the transmission timing of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bit allocation example of the input port in the microcomputer for game control. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a holding | maintenance specific area | region and a preservation | save area | region. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result specific command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a small hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows an abnormal winning notification process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the aspect of the variable display of a decoration design. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display state of a total pending storage display part. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit display process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st decoration symbol display control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the alerting | reporting screen displayed on an effect display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows alerting | reporting control processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the condition of the display effect in a variable display apparatus, and the sound effect by a speaker. It is a flowchart which shows a pending | holding memory | storage display control process. It is a flowchart which shows a pending | holding memory | storage display control process. It is a flowchart which shows a pending | holding memory | storage display control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the data set to a summation pending storage table, and the example of a display of a summation pending storage display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the data set to a summation pending storage table, and the example of a display of a summation pending storage display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the data set to a summation pending storage table, and the example of a display of a summation pending storage display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol, a decoration symbol, and an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the relationship between a total pending storage number and a fluctuation pattern. It is explanatory drawing which shows the further another example of the relationship between the number of pending storages, and a fluctuation pattern. It is explanatory drawing which shows the further another example of the relationship between the number of pending storages, and a fluctuation pattern.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the front.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be openable and closable. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) that can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate (not shown) to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts (games to be described later) attached to them. A structure including the board 6).

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

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

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

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

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

  For the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first start condition or the second start condition, which is the variable display execution condition, is satisfied (for example, the game ball has the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening) 14), a variable display start condition (for example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0 and the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed) , A state where the big hit game is not executed) is established, and when the variable display time elapses, a display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying a display result is to stop and display a symbol (an example of identification information) (excluding stop before so-called re-variation). In this embodiment, the variable display start condition is established in the order in which the start prizes are generated regardless of the prizes in the first start prize slot 13 and the second start prize slot 14. The variable display start condition may be established by giving priority to one of winning in the winning opening 13 and winning in the second start winning opening 14. For example, when giving priority to winning in the first start winning opening 13, the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed, and the big hit game is not executed. For example, even when the second reserved memory number is not zero, the variable display of the first special symbol is continuously executed until the first reserved memory number becomes zero.

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

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

  Further, the first decorative symbol display 9a and the second decorative symbol display 9b may not be provided.

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

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

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

  Hereinafter, the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14 may be collectively referred to as a start winning opening or a starting opening.

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

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

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

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

  In addition, the display screen of the effect display device 9 displays an area (hereinafter referred to as a summed pending storage display unit 18c) that displays a total number (summed pending memory count) that is the sum of the first reserved memory count and the second reserved memory count. .) Is provided. Since the total pending storage display unit 18c for displaying the total number is provided, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of execution conditions that are not satisfied with the variable display start condition. In addition, since the total reserved memory display unit 18c is provided, the first special symbol reserved memory display 18a and the second special symbol reserved memory display 18b may not be provided.

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

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a special variable winning ball device 20 is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 includes an opening / closing plate, and when the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, and the specific display result (big hit symbol) on the second special symbol display 8b. When the open / close plate is controlled to be open by the solenoid 21 in the specific game state (big hit game state) that occurs when the symbol is derived and displayed, the big winning opening serving as the winning area is opened. The game ball that has won the big winning opening is detected by the count switch 23.

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

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

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting the upper and lower lamps (the symbols can be visually recognized when turned on). For example, if the lower lamp is turned on at the end of the variable display, it is a hit. . When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one. Further, in the probability variation state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit compared to the normal state is high, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 Opening time and opening times are increased. Further, in the short time state (the game state in which the variable symbol display time for special symbols is shortened), the opening time and the number of opening times of the variable winning ball device 15 may be increased.

  A decorative lamp 25 blinkingly displayed during the game is provided around the left and right of the game area 7 of the game board 6, and an out port 26 into which a hit ball that has not won a prize is taken in at the bottom. In addition, two speakers 27 that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. A top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c provided on the front frame are provided at the outer periphery upper portion, the outer periphery left portion, and the outer periphery right portion of the game area 7. Also, a prize ball lamp 51 that is turned on when there is a remaining number of prize balls is provided in the vicinity of the left frame lamp 28b, and a ball break lamp 52 that is turned on when the supply ball is cut out is provided in the vicinity of the right frame lamp 28c. Is provided.

  In the gaming machine, a ball striking device (not shown) that drives a driving motor in response to a player operating the batting operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the driving motor to launch a gaming ball to the gaming area 7. ) Is provided. A game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through a ball striking rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and then descends the game area 7. When the game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a, if the variable display of the first special symbol can be started (for example, the variable display of the special symbol ends, 1), the first special symbol display 8a starts variable display (variation) of the first special symbol, and the first decorative symbol display 9a displays variable display of the first decorative symbol. The effect display device 9 starts variable display of effect symbols. In other words, the variable display of the first special symbol, the first decorative symbol, and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the first start winning opening 13. If the variable display of the first special symbol cannot be started, the first reserved memory number is increased by 1 on the condition that the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

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

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

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

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

  A reset signal from the power supply board is input to the reset terminal of the game control microcomputer 560. A reset circuit for generating a reset signal supplied to the game control microcomputer 560 and the like is mounted on the power supply board. When the reset signal becomes high level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operable state, and when the reset signal becomes low level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operation stop state. Therefore, an allowable signal that allows the operation of the game control microcomputer 560 or the like is output during a period when the reset signal is at a high level, and a game control microcomputer is output when the reset signal is at a low level. An operation stop signal for stopping the operation of 560 or the like is output. Note that the reset circuit may be mounted on each electric component control board (a board on which a microcomputer for controlling the electric parts is mounted).

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

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

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 instructs the effect contents from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. Upon receiving the effect control command, display control is performed on the first decorative symbol display unit 9a and the second decorative symbol display unit 9b that variably display the decorative symbol, and the effect display device 9 that variably displays the effect symbol.

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

  The effect control board 80 has an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101 and a RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture signal from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77 ( In response to the (effect control INT signal), an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103. Further, the effect control CPU 101 controls the display of the first decorative symbol display device 9a and the second decorative symbol display device 9b via the output port 106 based on the effect control command, and VDP (video display processor) 109. The display control of the effect display device 9 is performed.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the effect display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 100 is mounted on the effect control board 80. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the production control microcomputer 100 and maps the VRAM therein. The VRAM is a buffer memory for expanding image data generated by the VDP. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the effect display device 9.

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

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

  As a signal direction regulating means, the signal inputted from the main board 31 is allowed to pass through the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 (the signal is not passed in the direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). The unidirectional circuit 74 is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 3 illustrates a diode. A unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal. Furthermore, since the effect control command and the effect control INT signal are output from the main board 31 via the output port 571 that is a unidirectional circuit, the signal from the relay board 77 toward the inside of the main board 31 is restricted. That is, the signal from the relay board 77 does not enter the inside of the main board 31 (the game control microcomputer 560 side). The output port 571 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG. Further, a signal driver circuit that is a unidirectional circuit may be further provided outside the output port 571 (on the relay board 77 side).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S35 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output when, for example, a voltage drop monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a drop in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for storing necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals of the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a are input via the input driver circuit 58, These state determinations are performed (switch processing: step S21).

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S27). In the special symbol process, corresponding processing is executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the first special symbol indicator 8a, the second special symbol indicator 8b, and the special winning award in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S28). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 and the open / close state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a table in which a jackpot determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The jackpot determination table includes a normal jackpot determination table (see FIG. 7 (A)) used in a normal state (a gaming state that is not a probability change state) and a probability change jackpot determination table (see FIG. 7 (B)) used in a probability change state. ) The numerical values described in the left column of FIGS. 7A and 7B are jackpot determination values. The CPU 56 compares the random R value with the big hit determination value, and determines that the big hit or the small hit is made when the random R value matches any of the big hit determination values. The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and uses the extracted value as a jackpot determination random number value. When the jackpot determination random number value matches the jackpot determination value shown in FIG. It is determined to be a big hit (big hit or 2R big hit (small hit)) for the 1 special symbol and the second special symbol.

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

  The 2R (2 rounds) big hit (small hit) is a big hit in which the number of times the big winning opening is opened in the big hit gaming state is allowed up to two times. Note that when the small hit game ends, the gaming state does not shift to the probable change state.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol, a decorative symbol, and an effect symbol used in this embodiment. In FIG. 8, “EXT” indicates EXT data of the second byte in the effect control command for designating a variation pattern of a decorative pattern having a 2-byte structure. “Variation time” indicates the variation time (variable display period of identification information) of special symbols, decorative symbols, and effect symbols. Note that the variation pattern indicates the variation time of the special symbol, decorative symbol, and production symbol, etc. May be expressed as a variation pattern, a decoration pattern variation pattern, and a production pattern variation pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the shortening variation is not performed, the variation patterns # 1 to # 4 are used, and when the shortening variation is performed, the variation patterns # 5 to # 8 are used. In this embodiment, variation patterns # 5 to # 8 of shortening variation are used when the value of the total number of pending storages is a predetermined value (for example, 4) or more.

  Note that the variation patterns # 2 to # 4 and the variation patterns # 6 to # 8 are a case where the stop symbol becomes a big hit symbol, and a case where the stop symbol is an off symbol but a reach effect is executed on the effect display device 9. The variation pattern used. The variation pattern # 1 and the variation pattern # 5 are variation patterns that are used when the stop symbol is an off symbol and the reach display is not executed in the effect display device 9. In this embodiment, the same variation pattern (any one of variation patterns # 1 to # 8) is displayed when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed and when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. Although used, different variation patterns may be used when variable display of the first special symbol is performed and when variable display of the second special symbol is performed. For example, variation patterns # 1 ′ to # 8 ′ are defined, any one of variation patterns # 1 to # 8 is used for the first special symbol, and variation patterns # 1 ′ to # 8 ′ are used for the second special symbol. Use one of the following. In this case, for example, the fluctuation pattern table in which data indicating the fluctuation patterns # 1 to # 8 is set and the fluctuation pattern table in which data indicating the fluctuation patterns # 1 ′ to # 8 ′ are set are stored in the ROM 54 separately. Is done.

  When receiving the effect control command indicating the variation pattern, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs variable display of the decoration symbol on the ornament symbol display for a time corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the received effect control command. The effect design is variably displayed, and the effect display device 9 performs a type of display effect corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the received effect control command. At the same time, an effect using effect parts such as a lamp, LED, and speaker 27 is performed. That is, the fluctuation pattern indicates the fluctuation time and the aspect of the effect.

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 11, commands 8001 (H) to 8008 (H) are variable patterns of decorative symbols and effect symbols that are variably displayed on the decorative symbol display and effect display device 9 in response to variable display of special symbols. Is an effect control command (variation pattern command) for designating. “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when the production control microcomputer 100 receives any of the commands 8001 (H) to 8008 (H), the decoration design display and the production display device 9 start variable display of the decoration design and the production design. Control.

  The commands 8C01 (H) to 8C04 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit and the type of the big hit game. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display results of the decorative symbols and the effect symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C04 (H), so that the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C04 (H) are specified as the display results. It is called a command.

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

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

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

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

  The commands A001 to A003 (H) are effect control commands for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). The jackpot start designation commands include jackpot start 1 designation to jackpot start designation 3 designation commands depending on the type of jackpot. The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of the big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

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

  The command C000 (H) is an effect control command (first start winning designation command) that designates that the first start winning has been won. The command C100 (H) is an effect control command (second start winning designation command) for designating that the second starting win has been won. The first start prize designation command and the second start prize designation command may be collectively referred to as a start prize designation command.

  The command C2XX (H) is an effect control command (total pending storage number designation command) that designates the total number (total pending storage number) that is the sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. “XX” in the command C2XX (H) indicates the total pending storage number. Command C300 (H) is an effect control command (total pending storage count subtraction designation command) that specifies that 1 is added to the total pending storage count. In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a total pending storage number subtraction designation command when subtracting the total pending storage number, but does not use the total pending storage number subtraction designation command, and does not use the total pending storage number subtraction designation command. When the stored number is subtracted, the combined pending storage number after the subtraction may be designated by a combined pending storage number designation command.

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

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the effect display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 11, the display state of the lamp is changed, or the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70.

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

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the transmission timing of the effect control command. FIG. 12 (A) shows an example when a start prize (first start prize or second start prize) occurs. The game control microcomputer 560 transmits the first start prize designation command (or the second start prize designation command) and then continuously transmits the total pending storage number designation command. Specifically, a first start winning designation command (or second start winning designation command) is transmitted in a game control process based on a timer interrupt, and then a combined pending storage number designation command is transmitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12B, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a variation pattern command, a special symbol identification command, a display result identification command, and a total pending storage number subtraction designation command at the start of variation. When the variable display time has elapsed, a symbol confirmation designation command is transmitted.

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

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

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

  FIGS. 14 and 15 are flowcharts showing an example of a special symbol process (step S27) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. FIG. In the special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, and the special winning opening is executed.

  In this embodiment, the special symbol process is used for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol. That is, the special symbol process is also shared.

  In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 detects that the first starting port switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning port 13 or that the game ball has won the second start winning port 14. If the second start opening switch 14a is turned on, that is, if the first start winning or the second starting winning is generated, the start opening switch passing process is executed. Specifically, the data of the input port 0 (see FIG. 13) is read and loaded into a predetermined area of the register or RAM 55, for example (step S311). Then, the bitwise AND operation of the loaded contents (loaded data) and C0 (H) is performed, and if the operation result is not 0 (step S312), the start port switch passing process is executed (step S313). . More specifically, when the calculation result changes to a state of 0 (when it is 0 in the immediately preceding determination of 2 ms and 0 in the current determination), the start port switch passing process is executed. . Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed. C0 (H) is a value corresponding to the input bit of the detection signal from the first start port switch 13a and the second start port switch 14a of the input port 0. In this embodiment, the contents of the input port 0 are directly loaded. However, when the contents of the input port 0 are set in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 in the switch process (step S21), the area The contents of may be loaded. Further, the process of step S312 may be replaced with an operation of performing exclusive OR with 00 (H) after masking bits 0 to 5 of the loaded contents (loaded data) (set to 0). .

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 560 enters a state where variable display of special symbols can be started, the game control microcomputer 560 confirms the number of reserved memories (the number of start winning memories). The reserved memory number can be confirmed by the count value of the reserved memory number counter. If the number of reserved memories is not 0, it is determined whether or not to win. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) corresponding to step S301.

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. The stop symbol after variable display of the special symbol is determined. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from when the variable display is started until the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) is defined as the variable symbol variation display time. Decide to do. Also, a variable time timer for measuring the special symbol variable time is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

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

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the internal state (special symbol process flag) is stepped. Update to a value corresponding to S304 (4 in this example).

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The variable display on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b is stopped, and the stopped symbols are derived and displayed. In addition, control for transmitting a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed. When the big hit flag is set and the small hit flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If the big hit flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300. The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the decorative symbols when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  16 and 17 are flowcharts showing the start port switch passing process in step S312. As shown in step S311, when the logical product of the content loaded from the input port 0 (loaded data) and C0 (H) is performed and the operation result is not 0, that is, the first start switch 13a and the first switch In the start port switch passing process executed when at least one of the two start port switches 14a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the bit 6 of the loaded data is 1 (step S211). . As shown in FIG. 13, when the second start port switch 14a is in the ON state, the detection signal input to bit 6 of the loaded data is 1 (high level). That is, the fact that bit 6 of the loaded data is 1 means that bit 6 of input port 0 has changed from 0 to 1. That is, it means that the second start port switch 14a is turned on.

  In addition, the fact that bit 6 of the loaded data is not 1 means that bit 7 of input port 0 has changed from 0 to 1. That is, it means that the first start port switch 13a is turned on.

  When the bit 6 of the input port 0 is 1, the CPU 56 sets data indicating “second” in the start port pointer (step S212). If bit 6 of input port 0 is not 1, data indicating “first” is set in the start port pointer (step S213).

  The start port pointer is formed in the RAM 55. “Formed in RAM” means an area in the RAM. For example, data indicating “first” is “0”, and data indicating “second” is “1”.

  Next, the CPU 56 increases the value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the start port pointer by 1 (step S214). Specifically, when the starting port pointer indicates “first”, the value of the first reserved memory number counter indicating the first reserved memory number is incremented by 1, and the starting port pointer indicates “second”. If it is, the value of the second reserved memory number counter indicating the second reserved memory number is incremented by one. Then, the CPU 56 increases the value of the total pending memory number counter indicating the total pending memory number that is the sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number by 1 (step S215).

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the data indicated by the start port pointer in an area corresponding to the value of the total reserved memory number counter in the reserved storage specific information storage area (hold specific area) (step S216). Specifically, when the start port pointer indicates “first”, data indicating “first” is set, and when the start port pointer indicates “second”, “second” is set. Set the data indicating.

  FIG. 18A is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a reserved storage specifying information storage area (holding specified area). As shown in FIG. 18A, an area corresponding to the maximum value (8 in this example) of the value of the total reserved memory number counter is secured in the reserved specific area. FIG. 18A shows an example in which the value of the total pending storage number counter is 5.

  FIG. 18B is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (hold buffer) for storing a random number or the like corresponding to the hold memory. As shown in FIG. 18B, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In the second reserved storage buffer, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value of the second reserved storage number (4 in this example) is secured. The first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

  The CPU 56 extracts a software random number (a counter value for generating a big hit determination random number, etc.) and a random R (a big hit determination random number), and uses them as an extracted random number value as a first hold storage buffer. A process of storing in the storage area in the reserved storage buffer indicated by the start port pointer of the second reserved storage buffer is executed (step S217). Specifically, when the start port pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 stores the software random number and random R in the storage area corresponding to the value indicated by the first reserved memory number counter of the first reserved memory buffer. When the start port pointer indicates “second”, the software random number and random R are stored in the storage area corresponding to the value indicated by the second reserved memory number counter of the second reserved memory buffer.

  In step S217, the CPU 56 extracts random values 1 to 3 (see FIG. 6) as software random numbers, and reads the count value of the random number circuit 503 to extract random R. In addition, in each of the first to eighth areas in the reserved specific area illustrated in FIG. 18A, two storage areas for storing the extracted random number values (a storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory and A storage area corresponding to the second reserved storage) may be formed. In the case of such a configuration, the CPU 56 specified that there was a prize in the area (any one of the first to eighth areas) in the reserved specific area corresponding to the combined reserved memory number in the process of step S217. A random value is stored in a storage area corresponding to the start winning opening (corresponding to the data of the start opening pointer).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the start winning designation command indicated by the start port pointer. Specifically, when the starting port pointer indicates “first”, a first starting winning designation command is transmitted, and when the starting port pointer indicates “second”, the second starting winning specification is specified. Send a command. In addition, a total pending storage number designation command is transmitted (step S218). Then, the start port pointer is cleared (step S219). Note that the total pending storage number designation command may be transmitted before the first start prize designation command or the second start prize designation command.

  When transmitting an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the CPU 56 sets the address of a command transmission table (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) corresponding to the effect control command as a pointer. And the address of the command transmission table according to an effect control command is set to a pointer, and an effect control command is transmitted in an effect control command control process (step S29).

  Further, the value of the first reserved memory number counter is set in the EXT data of the first start winning designation command. The value of the second reserved memory number counter is set in the EXT data of the second start winning designation command. The value of the total pending storage number counter is set in the EXT data of the total pending storage number designation command.

  If the start port pointer indicates “second” (step S221), it is checked whether bit 7 of the loaded data is 1 (step S222). If bit 7 of the loaded data is 1, data indicating “first” is set in the start port pointer (step S223), and the process proceeds to step S214. When both the bits 6 and 7 of the loaded data are 1 by the processing of steps S221 to S223, that is, when both the first start port switch 13a and the second start port switch 14a are turned on. After the processing of steps S214 to S219 is executed for the second start port switch 14a corresponding to bit 7, the processing of steps S214 to S219 is executed for the first start port switch 13a corresponding to bit 6 immediately. Will be.

  In this embodiment, when both the first start port switch 13a and the second start port switch 14a are turned on, both switches are turned on by the process executed within 2 ms. A process based on this is executed. Therefore, for example, even if a situation occurs in which the period during which the switch that has detected the game ball turns the detection signal on is extremely short, the processing based on the switch being turned on can be completed with certainty. In addition, since the processing of steps S214 to S219 is completed within 2 ms (within 1 timer interrupt processing) based on both switches being turned on, a random number is extracted before the software random number increases by one. Is done.

  When the start port pointer does not indicate “second”, or when the start port pointer indicates “second” but bit 7 of the loaded data is not 1, the process proceeds to step S231.

  In step S231, it is confirmed whether both bit 6 and bit 7 of the loaded data are 1. If bit 6 and bit 7 of the loaded data are both 1, the start port pointer is cleared (step S239), and the process ends. That is, when both the first start port switch 13a and the second start port switch 14a are in the on state, the processes after step S232 are not executed.

  When both the bit 6 and the bit 7 of the loaded data are not 1 (when only one of the bits 6 and 7 is 1), the CPU 56 indicates that the start pointer indicates “second”. It is confirmed whether or not (step S232). When the start port pointer indicates “second”, it is confirmed whether or not the bit 6 of the input port 0 to which the detection signal of the second start port switch 14a is input is 1 (step S233). In the processing of steps S211, S212, when the bit 6 of the input port 0 is 1, “second” is set in the start port pointer. Therefore, when the start pointer indicates “second”, bit 6 of input port 0 should be 1. If bit 6 of input port 0 is 1, it is determined that the input port input is normal, and the process proceeds to step S239.

  If the bit 6 of the input port 0 is not 1, it is inconsistent with the determination result in step S211, so that the start port pointer is cleared again to execute the determination process in step S211 again (step S237). ) After reading the data of the input port 0 (see FIG. 13) and loading it into a predetermined area of the register or RAM 55, for example (step S238), the process proceeds to step S211. Note that the value of the second reserved memory number counter is incremented by 1 in step S214, and the value of the total pending memory number counter is incremented by 1 in step S219. That is, the value of the second reserved memory number counter and the value of the total reserved memory number counter are set to -1 (step S234).

  When the start port pointer does not indicate “second”, that is, when it indicates “first”, the bit 7 of the input port 0 to which the detection signal of the first start port switch 13a is input is 1. Whether or not (step S235). In the processing of steps S211, S213, when the bit 7 of the input port 0 is 1, “first” is set to the start port pointer. Therefore, when the start pointer indicates “first”, bit 7 of input port 0 should be 1. If bit 7 of input port 0 is 1, it is determined that input port input detection is normal, and the process proceeds to step S239.

  If bit 7 of input port 0 is not 1, it is inconsistent with the determination result in step S211, so that the processing of steps S237 and S238 is performed again to execute the determination processing of step S211 again. The process proceeds to step S211. Note that the value of the first reserved memory number counter is incremented by 1 in step S214, and the value of the total pending memory number counter is incremented by 1 in step S219. That is, the value of the first reserved memory number counter and the value of the total reserved memory number counter are set to -1 (step S236).

  In this embodiment, after the game control microcomputer 560 executes a specifying process (a process for specifying which start opening has been won) based on the detection signal input to the input port 0, When the result of the specific process and the state of the detection signal input to the input port do not match, the specific process is executed again, so whether the winning to the first start port 13 has occurred or not to the second start port 14 It is reliably determined whether or not a prize has occurred. For example, if a winning is made to the first starting port 13 when the first reserved memory number is the upper limit of 4, the winning is not considered as a valid starting winning, but the first starting When it is determined that the winning at the mouth 13 is erroneously the winning at the second starting port 14, the value of the second reserved memory number is increased (when the second reserved memory number is not 4 which is the upper limit value). ). In other words, although it should not be a valid start prize, it will be a valid start prize. In this embodiment, the possibility of such a situation is reduced.

  However, the specific process may not be configured to be executed again. In such a configuration, the processes of steps S231 to S238 may not be executed. In this case, the program capacity is reduced as compared with the case where the specific process is executed again. In the case where the specific process is not executed again, the program is configured to shift to step S239 instead of the process to shift to step S231 in FIG.

  Further, the specific process may not be executed again after the processes of steps S231 to S238 are executed. In that case, when the process of step S238 is executed, the start port switch passing process is terminated. Note that the contents of the storage area corresponding to the value of the pending storage number counter before being subtracted in the processes of steps S234 and S236 are the random numbers newly extracted when the processes of steps S214 and S216 are subsequently executed. However, when the process of step S238 is executed and the start port switch passing process is terminated (the same applies to the case where the process of step S238 is executed and the process proceeds to step S211 as in this embodiment). As a precaution, the contents of the storage area corresponding to the value of the pending storage number counter before being subtracted in the processing of steps S234 and S236 may be cleared.

  In addition, when the process after step S211 is performed again, if the process of step S218, S219 is performed again, a start winning designation | designated designation | designated command and a total pending | holding storage number designation | designated command will be transmitted twice. In order to avoid such a situation, when it is reliably determined whether a winning at the first starting port 13 or a winning at the second starting port 14 has occurred, a start winning designation command and What is necessary is just to comprise so that a total pending storage number designation command may be transmitted.

  In this embodiment, the subroutine of step S313 is executed after the processing of steps S311 and S312. However, the processing of steps S211 to S239 is executed following the processing of steps S311 and S312. You may comprise.

  In the start port switch passing process, first, data indicating “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first start winning port 13 or the process for the second start winning port 14 is executed. Data indicating “second” is set in the start port pointer. In the subsequent processing, processing corresponding to the data set in the start port pointer is executed. For example, taking the process of step S214 as an example, specifically, the first reserved memory number counter and the second reserved memory number counter are formed in continuous addresses in the RAM 55, and at the beginning of the process of step S214, the first The address of the reserved memory number counter is set in the register, and the value set in the start port pointer in the register (for example, the data indicating “first” is “0” and the data indicating “second” is “1”). ”) Is added, the value of the register after the addition is used as the address of the RAM 55, and 1 is added to the data at that address. According to such processing, the target of the addition processing is the first reserved memory number counter when the data indicating “first” is set in the start port pointer, and indicates “second” in the start port pointer. When data is set, it is a second reserved memory number counter. That is, in one addition process, the value of the reserved memory number counter corresponding to the start winning opening that is turned on is automatically incremented by one. In other words, the processing for both start winning awards is made common.

  In addition, although the process of step S214 was taken as an example here, the process can be shared for the processes of step S216 and step S218. For example, data corresponding to the first start winning prize (address of the first reserved storage number buffer or command transmission table address of the first start winning designation command) is set in the register, and the start pointer is set in the register. By adding the value as an offset and setting the data based on the value of the register after the addition (in the case of step S216) and specifying the address of the command transmission table (in the case of step S218), one process is performed. , Data setting processing and command transmission table address designation can be performed.

  19 and 20 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total pending storage number is 0, the process is terminated.

  If the total pending storage number is not 0, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the first data among the data set in the pending specific area (see FIG. 18A) is data indicating “first”. (Step S52). If it is data indicating “first”, a special symbol pointer (a flag indicating whether special symbol process processing is being performed for the first special symbol or special symbol process processing is being performed for the second special symbol) is set to “first 1 "is set (step S53). If it is not data indicating “first”, that is, if it is data indicating “second”, data indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer (step S54).

  In the RAM 55, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved storage number = 1 indicated by the special symbol pointer, and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S55). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 determines each random number stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = 1 in the first reserved memory number buffer. The numerical value is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 reads each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = 1 in the second reserved memory number buffer. And stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55.

  Then, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer, and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S56). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the first reserved storage number counter by 1 and shifts the contents of each storage area. When the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the count value of the second reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1, and the contents of each storage area are shifted.

  That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 saves the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55. Are stored in a storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n−1. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, it is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55. Each random number value is stored in a storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n−1.

  Therefore, the order in which each random value stored in each storage area corresponding to each first reserved memory number (or each second reserved memory number) is extracted is always the first reserved memory number (or (Second reserved storage number) = 1, 2, 3 and 4 in order.

  Then, the CPU 56 stores the count value of the total pending storage number counter in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (step S57A), and then decreases the value of the total pending storage number by one. That is, 1 is subtracted from the count value of the total pending storage number counter (step S57B).

  In the special symbol normal process, first, data indicating “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first start winning opening 13, that is, “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first special symbol. ”Or“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second special symbol, that is,“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second start winning opening 14. Data is set in the special symbol pointer. In the subsequent processing in the special symbol process, processing corresponding to the data set in the special symbol pointer is executed. Therefore, the process of steps S300 to S310 can be made common between the case where the first special symbol is the target and the case where the second special symbol is the target.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area (step S61), and executes a jackpot determination module (step S62). The big hit judgment module compares a big hit judgment value (see FIG. 7) determined in advance with a big hit judgment random number, and determines that the big hit (ordinary big hit or probability variation big hit) or small hit is made if they match. It is a program that executes

  Note that, when the gaming state is in the probability variation state, the CPU 56 uses the jackpot determination value in the table in which the jackpot determination value as shown in FIG. 7B is set, and the gaming state is in the normal state (non-probability variation state). Is, the jackpot determination value in the table in which the jackpot determination value as shown in FIG. 7A is set is used. When it is determined to be a big hit (step S63), the process proceeds to step S71. Note that deciding whether or not to make a big hit means deciding whether or not to shift to the big win gaming state, but deciding whether or not to make the stop symbol in the first special symbol display 8a a big hit symbol. It is also to do.

  If it is not a big hit, it is determined whether or not it is a small hit. If it is determined to be a small hit, a small hit flag is set (steps S76 and S77). Then, the process proceeds to step S80. If not, the CPU 56 reads out the design determining random number from the random number buffer area (step S78), and determines the stop design based on the out-of-design determining random number (step S79). In this case, an off symbol (for example, any of even symbols) is determined. Then, the process proceeds to step S80.

  In step S71, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag. Then, the big hit symbol determination random number is read from the random number buffer area (step S72), and the big hit symbol (for example, one of the odd symbols) as the stop symbol is determined based on the big hit symbol determination random number (step S73). In this embodiment, when the determined stop symbol is a probability variation symbol (for example, “7” or “3”), it is determined to be a probability variation big hit.

  When it is determined that the probability variation jackpot is determined, the CPU 56 sets a probability variation jackpot flag (steps S74 and S75). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S80). When the probability change big hit flag is set, the game state is shifted to the probability change state when the big hit game is finished.

  Also, in this embodiment, whether or not to make a big hit is determined based on a big hit determination random number, and when it is decided to make a big win, a predetermined big hit symbol (predetermined in advance) When the probability variation jackpot symbol) is determined, control is made to the probability variation state. However, based on the jackpot determination random number, whether or not to make a jackpot and the type of jackpot may be determined.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 reads the variation pattern determination random number from the random number buffer area (step S100).

  Then, the variation pattern is determined. At that time, if the value of the total pending storage number counter stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 55 (the value before being subtracted in the process of step S57B) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value (for example, 4 or larger) (step S101). ), A variation pattern is selected from the shortened variation pattern table (see FIG. 8) (step S102). The shortened variation pattern table is a table stored in the ROM 54, and data indicating the variation patterns # 5 to # 8 is set corresponding to the determination value. When the big hit flag is set, the variation pattern # 5 is not selected from the shortened variation pattern table.

  When the value of the total pending storage number counter (specifically, the value before being subtracted in step S57B) is 4 (when the upper limit value is 8) or more, it is desired to use the shortened variation pattern table. The reason is as follows. That is, when the first reserved memory number is 4 (upper limit number), the variation time of the first special symbol is shortened, and when the second reserved memory number is 4 (upper limit number), the second special symbol When the variation time is shortened, for example, when the first reserved memory number is 2 and the second reserved memory number is 3, the variation time is not shortened. However, the total pending storage number displayed on the total pending storage display portion 18c is 5. At that time, since the variation time is not shortened, there is a possibility that a player who has a suspicious feeling appears. Therefore, in this embodiment, the variation time is shortened for the variation of the special symbol that is started when the value of the total pending storage number counter is 4 or more.

  If the value of the total pending storage number counter is less than the predetermined value (step S101), a variation pattern is selected from the non-shortened variation pattern table (see FIG. 8). The non-shortening variation pattern table is a table stored in the ROM 54, and data indicating the variation patterns # 1 to # 4 is set corresponding to the determination value. When the big hit flag is set, the fluctuation pattern # 1 is not selected from the non-shortening fluctuation pattern table. Note that when different variation patterns are used when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed and when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed, for example, in the processes of steps S102 and S103, the special symbol pointer is changed. A variation pattern is selected from the variation pattern table shown.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a variation pattern command (see FIG. 11) corresponding to the variation pattern selected in step S102 or S103 to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S104). Note that the special symbol variation time (variable display time) is determined by the processing of steps S100 to S103.

  Further, control for transmitting a symbol variation designation command indicating the variation of the special symbol is performed (step S105). Specifically, when data indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 transmits a first symbol variation designation command indicating the variation of the first special symbol, and the special symbol pointer is transmitted to the special symbol pointer. When the data indicating “second” is set, a second symbol variation designation command indicating the variation of the second special symbol is transmitted. Then, according to the setting of the special symbol pointer, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is started to change (step S106). For example, a start flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 is set. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S107). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result specifying command transmission process (step S302) (step S108). In addition, you may comprise so that the process of step S105 may be performed before the process of step S104. That is, the symbol variation designation command (special symbol specifying command) may be transmitted before the variation pattern command is transmitted (see FIG. 12B).

  In this embodiment, the special symbol process is used for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol. That is, the special symbol process is also shared. Therefore, an area for storing the special symbol process processing program in the ROM 54 is also saved. In addition, for example, the variable time timer (formed in the RAM 55) set in step S107 is shared by the first special symbol and the second special symbol, which leads to a capacity saving of the RAM 55.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the display result specifying command transmission process (step S302). In the display result specifying command transmission processing, the CPU 56 performs any one of the display control 1 designation to display result 4 designation control commands (see FIG. 11) according to the determined type of jackpot (including the jackpot). Control to send. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag (which is also set when the small hit is determined) is set (step S110). If not set, control is performed to transmit a display result 1 designation command (step S111). When the big hit flag is set, when the probability variation big hit flag is set, control for transmitting the display result 4 designation command is performed (steps S112 and S113). When the small hit flag is set, control for transmitting a display result 3 designation command is performed (steps S114 and S115). When neither the probability variation big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, control is performed to transmit a display result 2 designation command (step S116). Next, a total pending storage number subtraction designation command designating that 1 is subtracted from the total pending storage number is transmitted (step S117). Instead of transmitting the total pending storage number subtraction designation command, a total pending storage number designation command for designating the total pending storage number after subtraction may be transmitted.

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S118).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 decrements the variable time timer by 1 (step S121), and when the variable time timer times out (step S122), the value of the special symbol process flag corresponds to the special symbol stop process (step S304). The updated value is updated (step S123). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 sets an end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 to end the variation of the special symbol, and the first special symbol display unit 8a and the second special symbol display unit 8b. Then, a control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol is performed (step S131). When data indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the variation of the first special symbol is terminated, and when data indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer. The variation of the second special symbol is terminated. Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for production control is performed (step S132). If the big hit flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S140 (step S133).

  When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability variation flag (step S134) and performs control to transmit the big hit start designation command (step S135). Specifically, a big hit start 3 designation command is transmitted when the probability variation big hit flag is set, a big hit start 2 designation command is transmitted when the small hit flag is set, otherwise Send a jackpot start 1 designation command.

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

  In step S140, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S140).

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

  In the process during opening of the big prize opening, the CPU 56 does not finish the final round when the big prize opening time timer times out or the number of winning balls to the big prize opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). In this case, control for closing the special winning opening is performed, a value corresponding to the interval time is set in the interval timer, and the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to the pre-opening process for the special winning opening (step S305). Update. When the final round is completed, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end process (step S307).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S150). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S154. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S151), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S152). If the probability variation jackpot flag is set, a jackpot end 2 designation command is transmitted. If the probability variation jackpot flag is not set, a jackpot termination 1 designation command is transmitted. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is performed on the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S153), and the processing is ended. It should be noted that the count switch detection time shown in FIG. 25 is a time sufficient for the game ball to be detected by the count switch 23 after winning the winning ball. For example, if it takes a maximum of 1.0 seconds for a game ball to enter the grand prize opening and be detected by the count switch 23, the count switch detection time is longer than 1.0 seconds.

  In step S154, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step S155). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, it is confirmed whether or not the probability variation big hit flag is set (step S158).

  If the probability variation jackpot flag is set, the set flag (probability variation jackpot flag) is reset (step S159), the probability variation flag is set, and the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state (step S161). If the gaming state at that time is a probability variation state, the probability variation flag has already been set. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S162).

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

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the small hit end process (step S310) in the special symbol process. In the small hit end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit end display timer is set (step S170). If the small hit end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S174. When the big hit end display timer is not set, the big hit flag and the small hit flag are reset (step S171), and control for transmitting a big hit end 1 designation command is performed (step S172). Then, the small hit end display timer sets a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the small hit end display is performed in the effect display device 9 (small hit end display time) in the small hit end display timer ( Step S173), the process is terminated. It should be noted that the count switch detection time shown in FIG. 26 is a sufficient time for the game ball to be detected by the count switch 23 after winning the winning ball.

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

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the abnormal winning notification process in step S23. In the abnormal winning notification process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the abnormal notification prohibition flag is set (step S581). The abnormality notification prohibition flag is set in a main process executed when power supply to the gaming machine is started (see step S44 in FIG. 4). When the abnormality notification prohibition flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S585. If the abnormality notification prohibition flag is set, the value of the prohibition period timer set in step S45 is decremented by 1 (step S582). When the value of the prohibition period timer becomes 0, that is, when the prohibition period timer times out, the abnormality notification prohibition flag is reset (steps S583 and S584).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more (step S585). The state where the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more is a state where a big hit game or a small hit game is being played. In such a state, there is a possibility that a game ball will win the big winning opening, so it is not confirmed that an abnormal winning has occurred in the big winning opening. That is, if the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more, the abnormal winning notification process is terminated.

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 5 (the state where neither big hit game nor small hit game is played), the CPU 56 determines the value of bit 0 of the input port 0 (input bit of the detection signal from the counter switch 23). Whether or not has changed from 0 to 1 is checked (step S586). When the bit 7 or the bit 6 of the input port 0 changes from 0 to 1 (that is, when the counter switch 23 is turned on), the CPU 56 determines that an abnormal winning at the big winning opening has occurred, and the effect control board 80 Then, control for transmitting an abnormal winning notification designation command is performed (steps S586 and S587). In the big hit end process and the small hit end process shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the count switch detection time (the time from when the game ball is won to the big winning opening until it is detected by the count switch 23) has elapsed. After that, the value of the special symbol process flag is returned to zero. Therefore, the processing of steps S586 and S587 is not executed before the game ball has won the big winning opening but is not detected by the count switch 23. That is, the abnormal winning notification designation command is not transmitted even though the count switch 23 normally detects the game ball.

  When the counter switch 23 is turned on in the state where neither big hit game nor small hit game is performed by the above processing, an abnormal winning notification designation command is transmitted. In addition, the process of steps S581 to S583 prohibits the start of abnormality notification when the effect control microcomputer 100 is performing initialization notification. The production control microcomputer 100 continues to execute the initialization notification until the period corresponding to the prohibition period has elapsed since the start of the initialization notification.

  In this embodiment, the control for detecting and notifying the abnormal winning a prize winning opening is performed, but the abnormal winning to the variable winning ball apparatus 15 having the second start winning opening 14 is detected and notified. Control may also be performed. In this case, since the control state of the variable winning ball device 15 can be determined by the value of the normal symbol process flag, the CPU 56 does not indicate that the value of the normal symbol process flag indicates that the variable winning ball device 15 is open. An abnormal winning notification designation command is also transmitted when it is detected that the detection signal of the second start port switch 14a is turned on. It is preferable that the abnormal winning notification designation command is distinguishable from the abnormal winning notification designation command transmitted when an abnormal winning to the big winning opening is detected.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 2 ms) (step S701). . Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring a timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S705). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed.

  Next, a first decorative symbol display control process is performed (step S706). In the first decorative symbol display control process, display control of the first decorative symbol display 9a is executed. Further, a second decorative symbol display control process is performed (step S707). In the second decorative symbol display control process, display control of the second decorative symbol display 9b is executed. Further, a hold storage display control process for controlling the display state of the combined hold storage display unit 18c is executed (step S708). Furthermore, a notification control process for performing notification using an effect device such as the effect display device 9 is executed (step S709). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702. As in the special symbol process executed by the game control microcomputer 560, the first ornament symbol display control process and the second ornament symbol display control process are made common, that is, realized by one program module. Thus, the capacity of the program executed by the production control microcomputer 100 may be reduced.

  FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer of a ring buffer type capable of storing six 2-byte configuration effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  If the received effect control command is one of the jackpot start 1 to 3 designation commands (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets the jackpot start 1 to 3 designation command reception flag (step S624).

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

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

  If the received effect control command is a power failure recovery designation command (step S633), a predetermined power failure recovery screen (screen for displaying information notifying the player that the gaming state is continuing) is displayed. Display control is performed (step S634), and a power failure recovery flag is set (step S635).

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

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

  If the received presentation control command is a combined pending storage number designation command (step S651), the presentation control CPU 101 uses the second byte data (EXT data) of the combined pending storage number designation command as a combined pending storage number storage area. (Step S652).

  If the received effect control command is the first start winning designation command (step S653), the effect control CPU 101 sets the first start winning flag (step S654). If the received effect control command is the second start winning designation command (step S655), the effect control CPU 101 sets the second start winning flag (step S656). If the received effect control command is a combined pending storage number subtraction designation command (step S657), the effect control CPU 101 sets a combined pending storage number subtraction designation command reception flag (step S658).

  If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag according to the received effect control command (step S659). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variable display mode of decorative symbols (first decorative symbol and second decorative symbol). In this embodiment, the first decorative symbol display 9a and the second decorative symbol display 9b are composed of two LEDs. And as shown in FIG. 33, it lights alternately every predetermined time (for example, 0.5 second). When the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the upper LED is turned on as a display result of a decorative symbol reminiscent of the jackpot (see FIG. 33A). Further, when the display result of the special symbol is changed to the off symbol, the lower LED is turned on as the display result of the decorative symbol reminiscent of the off symbol (see FIG. 33B).

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of the summation pending storage display unit 18c. As shown in FIGS. 34 (A) and 34 (B), the total pending storage display portion 18c displays a number of circles (up to 8) corresponding to the total pending storage number. The effect control microcomputer 100 causes the VDP 109 to display a circle so that the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory can be distinguished. For example, a circle corresponding to the first reserved memory is displayed in red, and a circle corresponding to the second reserved memory is displayed in green.

  FIG. 34 (C) shows an example of the display state of the total suspension storage display unit 18c at the time of power failure recovery. As shown in FIG. 34C, at the time of power failure recovery, a number of stars corresponding to the total number of pending storage is displayed on the total pending storage display unit 18c. FIG. 34 (D) shows an example of the display state of the total pending storage display unit 18c when the total pending storage number designation command is received from the game control microcomputer 560 but the start winning designation command cannot be received. ing. As shown in FIG. 34 (D), when the start winning designation command cannot be received, a blue circle is displayed on the combined suspension storage display unit 18c.

  As shown in FIG. 34C, at the time of power failure recovery, the production control microcomputer 100 displays the display corresponding to the original first reserved memory (first start winning memory) (in this example, a red circle is displayed). ) And the display corresponding to the second reserved memory (second start-up winning memory) (in this example, the display of the green circle) is a display of the number specified by the total reserved memory number designation command (this In the example, an asterisk) is displayed on the combined suspension storage display unit 18c. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily grasp that the gaming state has been restored by using the display of the total suspension storage display unit 18c. In addition, if the display mode of the summed hold storage display unit 18c at the time of power failure recovery is different from the display mode corresponding to the original first hold memory and the display mode corresponding to the second hold memory, this embodiment. It is not restricted to changing the shape of the displayed image. For example, the color may be changed without changing the shape, or the size may be changed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 34D, when the start winning designation command cannot be received, the effect control microcomputer 100 displays the display corresponding to the original first reserved memory (in this example, a red circle). The image corresponding to the increased reserved memory is displayed in a different manner from the display corresponding to the second reserved memory (in this example, the display of the green circle). Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp that an abnormality has occurred with respect to transmission / reception of the effect control command (in this example, the start winning designation command). In addition, if the display mode of the summed hold storage display unit 18c at the time of power failure recovery is different from the display mode corresponding to the original first hold memory and the display mode corresponding to the second hold memory, this embodiment. It is not restricted to changing the color of the image displayed like this. For example, the shape may be changed without changing the color, or the size may be changed.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S806 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command has been received from the game control microcomputer 560. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If the change pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change start process (step S801).

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

  Production symbol variation processing (step S802): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803).

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIGS. 37 and 38 are flowcharts showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 reads the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S820). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S821). When the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set, the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is reset (step S822), and the first ornament symbol variation indicating that the variation of the first ornament symbol is started. A request flag is set (step S823). Then, for example, a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds is set in the decorative symbol switching timer for determining the switching timing of the lighting LED (step S825). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S828.

  If the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is not set, the second symbol variation designation command reception flag should be set. Therefore, the effect control CPU 101 resets the second symbol variation designation command reception flag (step S825), and sets a second symbol variation request flag indicating that the variation of the second symbol variation is started (step S826). . Then, for example, a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds is set in the decorative symbol switching timer for determining the switching timing of the lighting LED (step S827). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S828.

  In step S828, the effect control CPU 101 reads data indicating the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area. Further, the display result (stop symbol) of the decorative symbol and the effect symbol is determined according to the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command) (step S829). The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the display result of the determined decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display result storage area, and stores data indicating the stop symbol of the determined decorative symbol in the effect symbol display result storage area.

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 39, when the received display result specifying command indicates a normal jackpot (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses the stop design as a stop symbol. A combination of effect symbols in which three symbols on one line are even-numbered symbols (a stop symbol reminiscent of occurrence of a big jackpot) is determined. When the received display result specifying command indicates a probable big hit (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 4 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses three symbols on one line as a stop symbol. A combination of effect symbols arranged with odd symbols (stop symbols reminiscent of occurrence of probable big hits) is determined. When the received display result specifying command indicates a small hit (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 3 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses three symbols on one line as a stop symbol. The combination of “135” (a stop symbol reminiscent of occurrence of a small hit) is determined. And in the case of detachment (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 1 designation command), a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols in which two symbols on one line are aligned is determined. A combination of 3 symbols on one line derived and displayed on the effect display device 9 is a “stop symbol” of the effect symbol.

  Further, “upper line” means an oblique line from the upper left to the lower right (there are three production patterns on the line), an oblique line from the upper right to the lower left, a vertical line, or a horizontal line. Hereinafter, three symbols on one line are referred to as left middle right symbols. For example, in the case of a big hit, the left, middle and right symbols are all stopped and displayed on at least one line. In the case of a small hit, “135” is stopped and displayed on at least one line.

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

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

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

  Next, the production control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the variation pattern (step S833). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S834).

  FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 in accordance with the data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. In the display control execution data, data indicating each variation aspect constituting the variation aspect during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbols is described. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and performs control to display the effect design in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value.

  The process table shown in FIG. 40 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern.

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

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

  When the abnormality notification flag is set, the rendering device is controlled according to the contents of the process data 1 excluding the sound number data 1 (steps S835A and S835C). In other words, when the abnormality notification flag is set, when a new variable display of the production symbol is started, a sound production according to the variable display is not executed, but an abnormal prize is notified. The corresponding sound output is continued.

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

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

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation in-process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S841) and subtracts 1 from the value of the variation time timer (step S842). When the process timer times out (step S843), the process data is switched. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S844). Further, on the condition that the abnormality informing flag is not set, the control state for the rendering device is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S845A). , S845B).

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

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

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

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the confirmed command reception flag is set (step S851). If the confirmed command reception flag is set, the confirmed command reception flag is reset. In step S852, control is performed to derive and display the stop symbol in accordance with the data (data indicating the stop symbol) stored in the effect symbol display result storage area (step S853). Also, a decorative symbol variation end flag is set (step S854). Then, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is determined to be a big hit (step S855). Whether or not it is determined to be a big hit is confirmed by, for example, a display result specifying command stored in the display result specifying command storage area. In this embodiment, it can be confirmed whether or not it is determined to be a big hit based on the determined stop symbol.

  If it is determined to be a big hit, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S804) (step S856).

  If it is determined not to win, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S857).

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

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (step S804) in the effect control process. In the jackpot display process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the jackpot start 1-3 designation command reception flag indicating that any of the jackpot start 1-3 designation commands has been received is set (step S871). If any one of the big hit start 1 to 3 designation command reception flags is set, the game start screen corresponding to the set flag is displayed on the effect display device 9 (step S872). Further, the set flag (any one of the big hit start 1 to 3 designation command reception flags) is reset (step S873). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S805) (step S874).

  In step S872, if the big hit start 2 designation command is received, the production control CPU 101 performs a control to display a screen for informing the start of the small hit game on the production display device 9. When the jackpot start 1 designation command or jackpot start 3 designation command is received, the effect display device 9 displays a screen for notifying the start of the jackpot game (different from the screen for notifying the start of the jackpot game). Control to display on.

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process (step S806) in the effect control process. In the jackpot end process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the jackpot end effect timer is set (step S880). If the big hit end effect timer is set, the process proceeds to step S885. If the jackpot end effect timer is not set, a jackpot end designation command reception flag (a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag or a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag) indicating that the jackpot termination designation command has been received is set. It is confirmed whether or not there is (step S881). When the jackpot end designation command reception flag is set, the jackpot end designation command reception flag is reset (step S882), and a value corresponding to the jackpot end display time is set in the jackpot end presentation timer (step S883). Then, the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a jackpot end screen (screen for notifying the end of the jackpot game) (step S884). Specifically, an instruction to display the big hit end screen is given to the VDP 109.

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

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

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

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the first decorative symbol display control process of step S706 in the effect control main process shown in FIG. In the first decorative symbol display control process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the first decorative symbol changing flag is set (step S781). If the first decorative symbol variation flag is set, the process proceeds to step S785. If the first decorative symbol variation flag is not set, it is confirmed whether or not the first decorative symbol variation request flag is set (step S782). If the first decorative symbol variation request flag is set, the first decorative symbol variation request flag is reset (step S783), and the first decorative symbol variation flag is set (step S784).

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

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

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

  Note that the program of the second decorative symbol display control process (step S707) is configured in the same manner as the first decorative symbol display control process. That is, in the above description of the first decorative symbol display control process, if “first” is read as “second”, the second decorative symbol display control process will be described.

  FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a notification screen displayed on the effect display device 9. FIG. 46A shows an example of an initial screen displayed on the effect display device 9 by the effect control CPU 101 in response to reception of the initialization designation command. FIG. 46B shows an example of a power failure recovery screen that the effect control CPU 101 displays on the effect display device 9 in response to reception of the power failure recovery designation command. FIG. 46C shows an example of an abnormality notification screen displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the reception of the abnormal prize notification designation command by the effect control CPU 101, and the variation of the effect symbol is started. Also, it is shown that the display of the abnormality notification screen is continued (see the right side of FIG. 46C).

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the notification control process in step S709. In the notification control process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the initial notification flag is set (step S971). The initial notification flag is set when an initialization designation command is received from the game control microcomputer 560 (see step S632B in FIG. 31). If the initial notification flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S976. If the initial notification flag is set, the value of the period timer set in step S632C is decremented by 1 (step S972). When the value of the period timer becomes 0, that is, when the initial notification period has elapsed, the initial notification flag is reset (steps S973 and S974).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs to the VDP 109 a command for deleting the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen in the effect display device 9 (step S975). The VDP 109 erases the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen from the effect display device 9 according to the command.

  In step S976, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not an abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag indicating that an abnormal winning notification designation command has been received is set. If not set, the process is terminated. When the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is set, the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is reset (step S977), and the effect display device 9 has an abnormality with respect to the screen displayed at that time. A command to superimpose and display the notification screen is output to the VDP 109 (step S978). In response to the command, the VDP 109 superimposes and displays an abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 (see FIG. 46C).

  Furthermore, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output in response to the abnormal winning notification to the sound output board 70 (step S979). The voice synthesis IC 703 mounted on the voice output board 70 reads data corresponding to the input sound data from the voice data ROM 704 and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 27 side according to the read data. Therefore, sound output (output of abnormal notification sound) corresponding to the notification of abnormal winning is performed thereafter. Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets an abnormality notification flag indicating that abnormality notification is being performed (step S980).

  FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the situation of the display effect in the effect display device 9 and the sound effect by the speaker 27. FIG. 48A shows an example when the effect display device 9 is performing variable display of effect symbols. FIG. 48B shows an example in which initialization notification is performed in the effect display device 9.

  FIG. 48C shows an example in which an abnormality notification is performed in the effect display device 9 and an abnormality notification sound is output by the speaker 27. When receiving the abnormal prize notification designation command from the game control microcomputer 560, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs control to display an abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and outputs the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27. I do. Further, even when the variable display of the effect symbol is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. Moreover, even if the variable display of the effect symbol is finished, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued.

  The production control microcomputer 100 does not execute the control for deleting the abnormality notification screen and the control for stopping the output of the abnormality notification sound, so that the display of the abnormality notification screen on the production display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are performed. Continues until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. However, the production control microcomputer 100 stops displaying the abnormality notification screen and outputting the abnormality notification sound when a predetermined time has elapsed after the display of the abnormality notification screen and the output of the abnormality notification sound have started. You may control. In this embodiment, the abnormality notification is performed by the effect display device 9 and the speaker 27. However, the abnormality notification may be performed using a lamp / LED. In that case, when receiving the abnormal winning notification designation command, the production control microcomputer 100 controls the lamp / LED to blink in a manner different from that in the normal state (when no abnormal winning has occurred). . In addition, even when the abnormality notification is performed using the lamp / LED, the abnormality notification using the lamp / LED is continued even if the variable display of the effect symbol is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command. .

  In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 does not detect abnormal winnings for a predetermined period (a period during which the initialization notification is executed) after the power supply to the game machine is started, and does not perform game control. The abnormal winning notification designating command is not transmitted from the microcomputer 560. However, the game control microcomputer 560 always detects an abnormal winning when the value of the special symbol process flag is less than a predetermined value (5 in this embodiment), so that the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the game control. If an abnormal winning notification designation command is received during a predetermined period after the power supply to the machine is started, the abnormal winning notification may not be performed. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits an abnormal winning notification designation command when detecting that an abnormal winning has occurred, regardless of whether or not the initialization notification is being executed, so that the effect control microcomputer Even if the computer 100 receives the abnormal prize notification designation command during the period in which the initialization notification is being executed, the initialization notification is given priority over the abnormality notification by continuing the initialization notification without performing the abnormality notification process. You may make it make it. In that case, if an abnormal winning notification designation command is received during the period in which the initialization notification is being executed, the abnormality notification may be performed when the period in which the initialization notification is being executed ends.

  49 to 51 are flowcharts showing the hold storage display control process (step S708) in the effect control main process. In the hold memory display control process, the effect control CPU 101 stores the data in the sum hold memory number storage area in which the second byte data (EXT data) of the sum hold memory number designation command is stored in the sum hold memory number counter. It is confirmed whether it is larger than the value (step S901). If the data in the total pending storage number storage area is not greater than the value of the total pending storage number counter, the process proceeds to step S941.

  The fact that the data in the total pending storage count storage area is larger than the value of the total pending storage count counter means that a new total pending storage count designation command has been received. When the power is turned on, the value of the total pending storage number counter is 0 by the initialization process in step S701.

  When the data in the total reserved memory number storage area is larger than the value of the total reserved memory number counter, whether or not the production control CPU 101 has a power failure recovery flag indicating that a power failure recovery designation command has been received is set. Confirmation is made (step S902). If the power failure recovery flag is set, the power failure recovery flag is reset (step S903), and the number of stars corresponding to the data (value) in the total pending storage number storage area is displayed in the total pending storage display unit 18c. It is displayed (step S904). That is, the number of star images stored in the total reserved storage number storage area is displayed (see FIG. 34C).

  In addition, the production control CPU 101 sets the data in the total reserved memory number storage area in the unknown start winning memory number counter (step S905). The unknown start winning memory number counter is a counter formed in the RAM, and is a counter for counting the number of reserved memories that are unknown whether the reserved memory corresponding to the first starting prize or the reserved memory corresponding to the second starting prize is unknown. It is. Hereinafter, the reserved memory in which the reserved memory corresponding to the first start prize or the reserved memory corresponding to the second start prize is unknown is referred to as unknown reserved memory.

  Further, in the total pending storage table, the number of data corresponding to the data (value) in the total pending storage number storage area is changed to data indicating “unknown” (step S906). The total hold storage table is a table formed in the RAM, and whether each hold storage is a hold storage corresponding to the first start prize, a hold memory corresponding to the second start prize, or whether it is unknown. This is a table in which data indicating is set.

  Then, the data in the total pending storage number storage area is set in the total pending storage number counter (step S907).

  When the power failure recovery flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the first start winning flag indicating that the first start winning designation command has been received is set (step S909). If the first start winning flag is set, the first starting winning flag is reset (step S910), the number of circles displayed in the total pending storage display unit 18c is increased by 1, and the increased circle is displayed in red. Control is performed (step S911). Further, the value of the first start winning counter is incremented by 1 (step S912), and the data corresponding to the data (value) in the total reserved storage number storage area is set to data indicating “first” in the total pending storage table (step S912). S913). For example, if the data in the total pending storage number storage area is “5”, the fifth data in the total pending storage table is set to data indicating “first”. That is, the data corresponding to the increased reserved storage is set to data indicating “first”.

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the first start winning counter has reached the upper limit “4” (step S914). If it is not “4”, the process proceeds to step S907. If it is “4”, it is checked whether or not the value of the unknown start winning counter is 0 (step S915). If the value of the unknown start winning counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S907. If the value of the unknown start winning counter is not 0 at this stage, it means that the number of unknown reserved memories indicated by the value of the unknown start winning counter is actually a reserved memory based on the second start winning prize. Because the upper limit number of the first reserved memory number is 4 and the value of the first start winning counter is 4, other reserved memories (the number of reserved memories exceeding 4) are the first start winning prizes. This is because it is not based on the reserved memory. That is, the other reserved memory is a reserved memory based on the second start winning prize.

  Therefore, when the value of the unknown start winning counter is not 0, the effect control CPU 101 changes the star displayed on the total pending storage display unit 18c to a green circle corresponding to the second start winning. (Step S916). Further, the data indicating “unknown” in the total pending storage table is changed to data indicating “second” (step S917). Further, the value of the unknown start winning counter is set to 0 (step S918), and the value of the second starting winning counter is updated (step S919). In step S919, the value of the unknown start winning counter before being set to 0 is added to the value of the second starting winning counter. Then, control goes to a step S907.

  By performing such control, an abnormality occurs in the transmission / reception of the production control command, an unknown hold memory is generated, and when the display corresponding to the unknown hold memory is displayed on the total hold memory display unit 18c, the display is normal. Display can be restored.

  If the first start winning flag is not set, it is confirmed whether the second starting winning flag is set (step S921). If the second start winning flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S931. If the second start winning flag is set, the second starting winning flag is reset (step S922), the number of circles displayed in the total pending storage display unit 18c is increased by 1, and the increased circle is displayed. Control is performed to display green (step S923). Further, the value of the second start winning counter is incremented by 1 (step S924), and the data corresponding to the data (value) in the total reserved storage number storage area is set to data indicating “second” in the total pending storage table (step S924). S925).

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the second start winning counter has reached the upper limit “4” (step S926). If it is not “4”, the process proceeds to step S935. If it is “4”, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the unknown start winning counter is 0 (step S927). When the value of the unknown start winning counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S935. When the value of the unknown start winning counter is not 0, the effect control CPU 101 changes the star displayed on the summation pending storage display unit 18c to a red circle corresponding to the first start winning (step). S928). Further, the data indicating “unknown” in the total pending storage table is changed to data indicating “first” (step S929). Further, the value of the unknown start winning counter is set to 0 (step S930), and the value of the first starting winning counter is updated (step S934). In step S934, the value of the unknown start winning counter before being set to 0 is added to the value of the first starting winning counter. Then, control goes to a step S935.

  In step S935, the data in the total pending storage number storage area is set in the total pending storage number counter.

  In step S931, control is performed so that the number of displays in the total pending storage display unit 18c is increased by 1, and the increased display is displayed in blue. Further, the value of the unknown start winning counter is incremented by 1 (step S932), and the data corresponding to the data (value) in the total reserved storage number storage area is set to data indicating “unknown” in the total pending storage table (step S933). . Then, control goes to a step S935.

  In step S941, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the total pending storage number subtraction designation command reception flag is set. If the total pending storage number subtraction designation command reception flag is set, the total pending storage number subtraction designation command reception flag is reset (step S942), and the circle displayed most recently in the total pending storage display portion 18c is displayed. Alternatively, the star mark is erased, and each circle mark or star mark is controlled to be shifted and displayed on the erased circle mark or star mark side (step S943). Then, it is checked whether or not the oldest data in the summation pending storage table is data indicating “first” (step S944). If the data indicates “first”, the value of the first start winning counter is set to − 1 (step S945). Further, in order to erase the oldest data in the total pending storage table, the data in the total pending storage table is shifted (step S951). Also, the value of the total pending storage number counter is decremented by -1 (step S952), and the value of the total pending storage number counter is set in the total pending storage number storage area (step S953).

  If the oldest data in the summation pending storage table is not data indicating “first”, it is confirmed whether or not it is data indicating “second” (step S946). If the data indicates “second”, the value of the second start winning counter is decremented by 1 (step S947). Then, control goes to a step S951. If the oldest data in the total pending storage table is not data indicating “second”, the value of the unknown start winning counter is decremented by 1 (step S948). Then, control goes to a step S951.

  By the control as described above, the red circle is incremented by 1 when the first start winning designation command and the total pending storage designation command are received in the total pending storage display unit 18c, and the second start winning designation command and the total are displayed. Control is executed to increase the green circle by 1 when a pending storage number designation command is received. Further, when the total pending storage number designation command is received but neither the first start prize designation command nor the second start prize designation command is received, control for increasing the blue circle by one is realized. When the total pending storage number subtraction designation command is received, the circle or star displayed in the total pending storage display unit 18c is decremented by one.

  52 to 54 are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of data set in the summation pending storage table and display examples of the summation pending storage display unit 18c.

  FIG. 52A shows an example when the process of step S913 is executed. That is, an example is shown in the case where the reserved memory based on the first start winning memory is increased. FIG. 52B shows an example when the process of step S933 is executed. That is, an example is shown in which it is unclear whether the first start winning memory or the second starting winning memory is based, but the reserved memory increases. FIG. 52C shows an example of the case where the processes of steps S913 and S916 are executed. That is, an example is shown in which the hold memory based on the first start winning memory is increased and the value of the first start winning counter is “4”.

  FIG. 53D shows an example when the process of step S951 is executed. That is, an example in which the data in the total pending storage table is shifted to delete the oldest data in the total pending storage table based on the reception of the total pending storage number subtraction designation command. FIG. 53 (E) shows an example when the processing of steps S904 and S906 is executed. That is, based on the receipt of the total pending storage number designation command together with the power failure recovery designation command, a number of stars corresponding to the data (value) in the total pending storage number storage area is displayed on the total pending storage display unit 18c, An example in which the number of pieces of data corresponding to the data (value) in the total reserved storage number storage area is set as data indicating “unknown” in the total pending storage table.

  FIG. 53 (F) shows an example of a case where a combined pending storage number designation command is received after receiving a combined pending storage count designation command together with a power failure recovery designation command. In the example shown in FIG. 53 (F), after the total pending storage number designation command is received together with the power failure recovery designation command, the total pending storage number designation command is received together with the second start winning designation command, and the processes of steps S923 and S925 are performed. It is an example when it is executed.

  When the total pending storage number designation command is received together with the power failure recovery designation command, the data as shown on the left side of FIG. 53 (F) is set in the total pending storage table, and the total pending storage display unit 18c displays the data shown in FIG. 53 (F) is displayed as shown on the left side, but when the total pending storage number designation command is received together with the second start prize designation command, the regular second startup is performed in the total pending storage display portion 18c. Display about winning (display of NO5) is made.

  FIG. 54G shows an example of a case where the total pending storage number designation command is received after receiving the total pending storage count designation command together with the power failure recovery designation command. In the example shown in FIG. 54 (G), after receiving the combined pending storage number designation command together with the power failure recovery designation command, the combined pending storage number designation command is received together with the first start winning designation command, and the processes of steps S911 and S913 are performed. It is an example when it is executed.

  When the total pending storage number designation command is received together with the power failure recovery designation command, data as shown on the left side of FIG. 54 (G) is set in the total pending storage table, and the total pending storage display unit 18c displays 54 (G) is displayed as shown on the left side, but when the total pending storage number designation command is received together with the first start prize designation command, the regular first startup is performed in the total pending storage display unit 18c. Display about winning (display of NO5) is made.

  54H received the total pending storage number designation command together with the second start winning designation command in the state shown on the left side of FIG. 54H (same as the state shown on the right side of FIG. 54G). An example of the case is shown. In that case, as shown on the right side of FIG. 54 (H), a display about the regular second start winning (NO6 display) is made.

  As described above, after the total pending storage number designation command is transmitted together with the power failure recovery designation command, display capable of specifying the first pending memory number and the second pending memory number can be normally performed. It should be noted that when it is determined whether the start winning prize corresponds to the display (star) that is unclear as to whether it corresponds to the first starting prize or the second starting prize, It may be changed to (green circle). For example, you may make it change according to reception of a symbol fluctuation designation | designated command (special symbol specific command).

  FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol, the decorative symbol, and the effect symbol. In the example shown in FIG. 55, variation patterns # 1 to # 4 are used when the shortening variation is not performed, and variation patterns # 5 to # 12 are used when the shortening variation is performed. The data indicating the variation patterns # 5 to # 8 is set in the first shortened variation pattern table, and the data indicating the variation patterns # 9 to # 12 is set in the second shortened variation pattern table.

  FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the total number of pending storages and the variation pattern when the variation pattern shown in FIG. 55 is used. In the example shown in FIG. 56, when the total pending storage number is 0 or 1, any one of the variation patterns # 1 to # 4 is used based on the data set in the non-shortened variation pattern table. When the total pending storage number is 2, any one of the variation patterns # 5 to # 8 is used based on the data set in the first shortened variation pattern table. If the total pending storage number is 3 to 8, any one of the variation patterns # 9 to # 12 is used based on the data set in the second shortened variation pattern table.

  In the case of control as shown in FIG. 56, in the variation pattern setting process (see FIG. 21), the CPU 56 replaces the processing in steps S101 and S102 with the first shortened variation when the total number of pending storages is two. The data indicating the variation pattern is selected from the data of the pattern table, and the data indicating the variation pattern is selected from the data of the second shortened variation pattern table when the total number of pending storages is 3 to 8.

  57 and 58 are explanatory diagrams showing still another example of the relationship between the number of reserved memories and the variation pattern. In the example shown in FIGS. 57 and 58, the non-shortening variation pattern table, the first shortening variation pattern table, or the second shortening variation pattern table is set based on the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. A variation pattern is determined based on the data. That is, in the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 uses the non-shortened variation pattern table, the first shortened variation pattern table, or the second shortened variation pattern table based on the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. The data indicating the variation pattern is selected from the variation pattern table to be used according to the value of the variation pattern determination random number.

  When the examples shown in FIGS. 57 and 58 are used, the gaming machine is configured to be able to be controlled in a short time state as a gaming state in addition to the control for shortening the variation time based on the number of reserved memories. Then, the CPU 56 determines the variation pattern based on the relationship shown in FIG. 57 when the gaming state is not the time saving state, and determines the variation pattern based on the relationship shown in FIG. 58 when the gaming state is the time reduction state. When the examples shown in FIGS. 57 and 58 are used, the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern indicated by the data set in the first shortened fluctuation pattern table is the data set in the second shortened fluctuation pattern table. It is shorter than the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern shown.

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

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

  The present invention can be applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and is particularly suitable for a gaming machine having a plurality of variable display means, in which variable display is not executed simultaneously on these variable display means. Applied.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display 8b 1st special symbol display 9 Production display device 13 1st start winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 9a 1st decoration symbol display 9b 2nd decoration symbol display 20 Variable Winning ball equipment 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
109 VDP

Claims (1)

First variable display means for starting variable display of the first identification information and deriving and displaying the display result based on the fact that the variable display execution condition based on the winning of the first start opening has been established; Second variable display means for starting the variable display of the second identification information and deriving and displaying the display result based on the fact that the variable display execution condition based on the winning of the start opening has been established; A gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on one of the first variable display means and the second variable display means,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game,
The game control means includes an execution condition determination means for determining whether or not at least one of winning a prize at the first starting opening and winning a prize at the second starting opening has occurred in a common processing routine;
When the execution condition determination means determines that at least one of winning in the first starting port or winning in the second starting port has occurred, winning in any starting port has occurred in the common processing routine And a numerical value for determination corresponding to a winning at the specified starting port and including at least a numerical value for determining whether or not to shift to the specific gaming state is stored in the numerical value storage means. A winning time process executing means for executing a winning time process,
The game control means includes
First counting means for counting the number of established first execution conditions when the winning process execution means specifies that a winning at the first start port has occurred;
Second counting means for counting the number of established second execution conditions when the winning-time process execution means specifies that a winning at the second start port has occurred;
The condition for executing the variable display of the first identification information on the first variable display means is satisfied on the condition that the variable display of the identification information is not executed on the first variable display means and the second variable display means. First variable display start means for starting variable display of the first identification information by the first variable display means when a rear variable display start condition is satisfied;
The execution condition of the variable display of the second identification information by the second variable display means is satisfied on the condition that the variable display of the identification information is not executed by the first variable display means and the second variable display means. Second variable display start means for starting variable display of the second identification information by the second variable display means when a rear variable display start condition is satisfied;
First variable display time determining means for determining a variable display time of the first identification information in the first variable display means;
Second variable display time determining means for determining a variable display time of the second identification information in the second variable display means,
Each of the first variable display time determination unit and the second variable display time determination unit is a total number of formations that is the sum of the establishment value counted by the first counter and the establishment value counted by the second counting unit. A game machine characterized in that when the number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, control is performed to shorten the variable display time compared to when the total number of established is less than the predetermined number.

Images