JP2010279718A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which improves interest of a game by mode report and improves the certainty and stability of special symbols and performance control processing. <P>SOLUTION: A main control means 310 can transmit a command for controlling a performance controlled object to a sub control means 340, and the performance controlled object is constituted to have a display means 103 for executing the mode report indicating whether a present lottery probability is in a normal probability state or a probability variation state. The sub control means 340 includes processing of selecting one report mode from a plurality of report modes as the mode report when controlling the display means based on the received command, and the main control means 310 transmits the command for starting the control of the performance controlled object to the sub control means 340 after starting a control for displaying special symbols based on a lottery result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

  In general, for gaming machines such as pachinko machines, the winning prize of the ball at the starting prize opening provided on the game board is a big win (also called “special prize”) / outage lottery by the built-in program, and the result of lottery In the case of jackpot, a predetermined game value is given to the player. Moreover, the gaming machine is equipped with a device for performing various effects corresponding to the lottery results. For example, the gaming machine may include an effect symbol display device such as a liquid crystal display that variably displays a special symbol for notifying an actual lottery result composed of a plurality of numbers, figures, etc. and an effect symbol composed of a video such as a character. There is something in the game board. The reason for performing the display of the effect symbol and the display of the special symbol separately is that there are legal restrictions on the effect regarding the display for the special symbol used for the actual lottery result notification. This is because, because it is positioned as an effect display screen for attracting players, it is not subject to laws and regulations related to display imposed on special symbols. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the method of expressing the effect symbol is higher than that of the special symbol, and the gaming machine manufacturer can make the effect symbol a variety of variations. In addition, the production symbol can also represent a variety of reach actions that cannot be expressed in a special symbol. In this way, by providing an effect design including an effect function separately from the special design, it is possible to perform an elaborate effect that does not get the player bored, and the game performance can be further enhanced.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control unit in the gaming machine 100. As shown in the figure, the control unit mainly includes three control units: a main control unit 210, a sub-control unit 240, and a display control unit 270. The main control unit 210 determines reach, jackpot, probability variation, loss, etc., various commands to the sub-control unit 240 according to a random number generated internally based on the detection of the game ball by winning the start winning opening. And overall control of the gaming machine. The main control unit 210 also controls the special symbol display device 102 that displays special symbols. The sub-control unit 240 transmits a command for controlling the display control unit 270 based on the command transmitted from the main control unit 210, and controls the blinking of lamps provided in the game area, etc., and the speaker of the gaming machine Control of the sound output from the player, and control of the movable object for performance such as character figures provided in the game area etc. by controlling the rotation of the motor. The display control unit 270 controls the effect symbol display device 103 such as a liquid crystal display device based on the command transmitted from the sub control unit 240.

  More specifically, the variation pattern in the effect symbol display device 103 is displayed on the screen of the effect symbol display device 103 when the main control unit 210 transmits a change pattern command (reach, special award, miss). Command for instructing the variation pattern of the effect design to be selected and determined. The main control unit 210 transmits, to the sub-control unit 240, a variation pattern command for instructing the variation pattern of the effect symbol and an effect symbol designation command for instructing a combination of the stop symbol of the effect symbol. The sub-control unit 240 transmits the change pattern command and the liquid crystal display command created based on the change pattern command and the effect designating command to the display control unit 270. The display control unit 270 that has received the change pattern command instructs the effect symbol display device 103 to perform the specified effect operation for the change time specified by the change pattern command.

  “Reach” refers to a combination of symbols (same symbols) where multiple symbol strings (usually three) are used, two symbol strings are stopped first, and the display result that has already been stopped is displayed. It is a display state that satisfies the condition (combination of jackpot symbol), and is an effect that makes expectation to stop the final stop symbol, and “reach action” is a series of effects at the time of reach.

  Now, most current gaming machines such as pachinko machines have a probability fluctuation system when a big hit is made with a probabilistic design, and a normal fluctuation system that makes it easy to obtain a big hit because the normal probability fluctuates. Probability 1/320 → probability probability jackpot probability 1/60). In the game digestion at the time of probability fluctuation, the original function has a game digestion speed (time reduction function) of 1.5 times to 2.0 times the normal time, and the next time without reducing the number of balls that were obtained at the big hit The big hit of can be quickly obtained. Therefore, whether or not to enter the probability variation state is a very important concern for the player, and the device of this probability variation further increases the entertainment of the gaming machine. In general, when the probability variation state is due to jackpot, the gaming machine notifies the information to the player and hall related persons (such as pachinko hall employees). As specific notification methods for the player, a method of displaying on the effect symbol display device in a sentence that the state of probability variation is in text, a method of notifying that the speaker built in the gaming machine is in a state of probability variation, a probability, There are a method of changing the background color of the effect design during the fluctuation, and a method of blinking a lamp installed at the upper part of the gaming machine during the probability fluctuation. It should be noted that the player can know that the probability variation state by visually recognizing that the symbol at the time of the big hit is a probability variation symbol. On the other hand, hall personnel can know whether or not each gaming machine is in a state of probability variation by using a computer in the hall that collects information such as the operating status of gaming machines from gaming machines (for example, patents). Reference 1).

  On the other hand, a gaming machine equipped with a function of “non-notification of probability change” has recently appeared. “Probability variation non-notification” is a system that does not inform the player or the hall personnel of the probability variation state. In this system, in order to keep the player's sense of expectation and to continuously perform the gaming action, the player is informed whether the current state is a probability variation state or a normal variation state. do not do. That is, the player cannot accurately know whether the current state is the probability variation state or the normal variation state.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-118315

  In the conventional “probability variation non-notification” system, it is necessary not to notify the player whether the current state is the probability variation state or the normal variation state. A command indicating the current state (which means a probability variation state or a normal variation state; hereinafter referred to as an “internal probability state”) is not transmitted to the control unit. In this case, although the control burden on the main control unit is reduced, it is likely to be a monotonous effect pattern from the viewpoint of the player. However, the more the game content is diversified by providing a large number of performance patterns, the more complicated the control by the main control unit and the more the load on the main control unit increases. On the other hand, because there is a legal upper limit for the CPU performance that can be used on the main control unit board on which the main control unit is mounted, the processing of the main control unit is reduced as much as possible while enhancing the game content. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid an increase in the load on the main control unit.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and its purpose is to improve the fun of the game by mode notification and to improve the certainty and stability of special symbols and effect control processing. Is to provide a game machine.

According to the present invention, the above problem is solved as follows.
In the first invention, the lottery is executed with the lottery probability corresponding to the normal probability state or the probability fluctuation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal probability state, and a special symbol is displayed based on the result of the lottery. A main control means for controlling the special symbol display device, and at least a sub-control means for controlling the effect control object, wherein the main control means sends a command for controlling the effect control object to the sub-control means. In the game machine that can be transmitted, the presentation control target has a display means for performing mode notification that suggests whether the current lottery probability is the normal probability state or the probability variation state. The sub-control unit selects one notification mode from a plurality of notification modes when controlling the display unit based on the received command. Wherein said main control means, after starting the control to display the special symbol based on a result of the lottery, and transmits the command to start the control of the performance control object with respect to said sub-control means.

  In a second aspect of the invention, the main control means is configured to repeatedly execute a control processing procedure including a plurality of control processing steps, and the special symbols are displayed and controlled in the plurality of control processing steps. And a command output management process having a process for transmitting the command to the sub-control means, wherein the main control means displays the special symbol in the special game management process. After the control process is started, the command for starting the control of the effect control target is transmitted to the sub-control means in the command output management process.

  In a third aspect of the invention, the control processing procedure is a program configuration in which the command output management processing is arranged prior to the special game management processing, and the main control means performs the control processing procedure that is repeatedly performed. In order to start the process of controlling the display of the special symbol in the special game management process executed first, and to start the control of the effect control target in the command output management process executed thereafter Are sent to the sub-control means.

  In a fourth aspect of the invention, the control processing procedure has a program configuration in which the special game management process is arranged prior to the command output management process.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the fun of the game while reducing the burden on the main control means by causing the sub control means to carry out mode notification. In addition, the configuration of the control processing procedure executed by the main control means can be clarified, and the command can be reliably transmitted to the sub-control unit after starting the control to display the special symbol, so that the control processing can be reliably performed. It leads to improving the property and stability.

It is a figure which shows an example of the front general view of the game machine using this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the conventional control part of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the main control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the sub-control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the display control part of the game machine of this invention. It is an example of the table of the grouping effect symbol designation | designated command which the main control part of one Embodiment of this invention transmits. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation pattern selection process of the main control part of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole process of the sub control part of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the value of the flag for determining the internal probability state of the gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the sub control part of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the time relationship of the fluctuation | variation stop of the special symbol and effect symbol in the gaming machine of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the change pattern command selection process of the game machine of this invention. It is an example of the table of the grouping command which the main control part of one Embodiment of this invention transmits. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the game control of the main control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the sub control part of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the value of the flag for determining the internal probability state of the gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship which changes the appearance rate of each notification effect in the gaming machine of this invention with an internal probability state. It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows the outline of a special game management process and a normal game management process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the location which has the same function in each drawing.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows an example of a front view of a gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a gaming board 101 for installing a game machine character on the board, a special symbol display device 102, a production symbol display device 103, a first start winning opening 104, a normal symbol display device. The operation gate (left) 105, the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106, the normal symbol display device 107, the normal electric accessory (tulip) 108 which is also the second start winning port (hereinafter referred to as the second start winning port 108) It is mainly provided with a variable winning ball device 109 having a big winning opening, a gaming machine handle 111, a special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (hold lamp) 112, a normal symbol action memory indicator lamp (hold lamp) 113, and the like.

  The special symbol display device 102 includes, for example, a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) display, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix display device, and the like, and variably displays special symbols such as a plurality of numbers and figures. . A special prize is given when the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 102 is a predetermined combination of symbols. In this embodiment, the special symbol display device 102 is a two-digit 7-segment LED.

  The production symbol display device 103 includes, for example, a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT display, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix display device, a drum variably displayed by the rotation of a motor, and the like. Is displayed in a variable manner. This embodiment is a variable display device of a liquid crystal display. A display control unit (described later) for controlling the effect symbol display device 103 includes a CPU, a program ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM, an image processing LSI (hereinafter referred to as a VDP (Video Display Processor)), a character ROM, a video RAM, and the like. Have In the present embodiment, the effect symbol display device 103 includes a variable display device that can display an image such as a background and a plurality of symbols as a moving image. In the present embodiment, a gaming machine capable of displaying various effect symbols on the effect symbol display device 103 is assumed.

  The first start winning opening 104 or the second start winning opening 108 detects the winning by turning on the internal special symbol start switch when the game ball launched by the player wins, and the symbol of the special symbol display device 102 is detected. Give an opportunity to change. The variation display of the special symbol of the special symbol display device 102 and the effect symbol of the effect symbol display device 103 is stopped after a predetermined variation time elapses, and the lottery result is notified and the effect is performed.

  The normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 and the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106 pass when the game ball launched by the player passes and the normal symbol operation switch inside is turned ON. A sphere is detected, and a normal symbol change trigger of the normal symbol display device 107 is given.

  The normal symbol display device 107 variably displays a normal symbol with a 7-segment LED or the like. The second start winning port 108 is opened when the normal symbol display device 107 stops displaying (small hit) a specific normal symbol, and facilitates the winning in the second start winning port 108. The first start winning opening 104 is always open.

  When the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 102 is a combination of specific symbols that are determined in advance, that is, when the special winning symbol device 109 becomes a special prize, An opening / closing member 114 attached to the front performs opening and closing operations.

  During the special award, the opening / closing member 114 opens almost horizontally, and the variable winning ball device 109 that receives a winning game ball is opened to receive a large number of winning game balls. When a game ball wins the variable winning ball device 109, a large winning opening switch inside the variable winning ball device 109 is turned on, so that the gaming machine knows the number of game balls to the variable winning ball device 109 and wins the prize. There will be an opportunity for paying out the prize balls (out, safe balls). The opening of the variable winning ball device 109 is continued until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (a predetermined number of winning prize winning prizes) of game balls wins the variable winning ball device 109. This single opening is called a round. Since there is no V zone (specific area), there is no continuation condition based on the passage of the V zone. Once a big hit occurs, the next time (about 30 seconds) or the predetermined number (10) wins To the next round.

  As in the prior art, the variable winning ball device 109 may have V zones (not shown) therein. When there is a V zone, if at least one game ball passes through a specific area while the variable winning ball apparatus 109 that is performing a jackpot is opened, a specific area switch inside the variable winning ball apparatus 109 is turned ON. The gaming machine is given an opportunity to generate the right for the next round. In this way, the round continues from 1R → 2R →... And continues up to the maximum round (for example, 6 rounds or 15 rounds).

  The gaming machine handle 111 has a touch sensor on the surface and is provided with a stop button (stop firing) 116. The touch sensor detects that the player has gripped the gaming machine handle 111, and in this state, the variable resistor inside the gaming machine handle 111 detects that the gaming machine handle 111 has been rotated clockwise 117 or counterclockwise 118. Then, the ball launcher launches game balls continuously. The player can turn the gaming machine handle 111 clockwise 117 or counterclockwise 118 to adjust the launching route of the game ball launched onto the game board 101. Further, when the player presses the stop button 116, the ball launcher stops launching the game ball.

  The special symbol operation memory indicator lamp 112 stores information on each ball won in the first start winning port 104 or the second starting winning port 108 during the change of the special symbol on each RAM on the main control unit described later. Lights in conjunction with storing in the hold memory for each sphere (hereinafter referred to as sphere hold), and notifies the number of times that the symbol (special symbol) can be varied continuously. The number of times may be displayed on the effect symbol display device 103. Also, a winning ball to the first start winning opening 104 or the second starting winning opening 108 that is a target for holding the ball is referred to as a holding ball.

  The normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp 113 stores information on each sphere that has passed through the normal symbol operation gate (left) 105 or the normal symbol operation gate (right) 106 during the change of the normal symbol in each RAM on the main control unit. Lights in conjunction with storing in the holding memory for each ball, and notifies the number of times that the symbol (ordinary symbol) can be continuously varied. The number of times may be displayed on the effect symbol display device 103.

  The objects, nails, and the like installed on the game board 101 are covered with a glass plate, and a game ball that has been launched from the space secured between the glass plate and the game board 101 falls.

  Note that the gaming machine 100 may include a special symbol variation time reduction switch (not shown) that is an optical touch sensor attached to the gaming board 101. When the special symbol change time reduction switch is present, the player hands the special symbol change time reduction switch through the glass plate while the special symbol display device 102 and the production symbol display device 103 are variably displaying the special symbol and the production symbol. The special symbol variation time reduction switch that detects this is turned on, and the variation display of the special symbol display device 102 and the effect symbol display device 103 can be immediately stopped or shortened and stopped.

  The gaming machine 100 also includes an effect changeover switch 120. By operating the effect changeover switch 120, the player can display a favorite effect screen on the effect symbol display device 103, or can control the operation of the effectable movable object.

(Configuration of control unit of gaming machine)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the control unit 300 in the gaming machine 100. As shown in the figure, the control unit 300 is mainly composed of three control units: a main control unit 310, a sub control unit 340, and a display control unit 370. In order to prevent illegal acts and to restrict legal restrictions, each control unit is usually mounted on a separate board for each function, and is connected directly or indirectly so that communication is possible. The main control unit 310 transmits a command and controls the entire gaming machine according to a random number generated internally based on detection of a game ball by winning at the first start winning opening 104 or the second starting winning opening 108. I do. In the present embodiment, in particular, the main control unit 310 transmits a grouping command to be described later to the sub control unit 340. The main control unit 310 also controls the special symbol display device 102.

  The sub-control unit 340 converts the grouping command transmitted from the main control unit 310 into a corresponding design symbol designation command, for example, and transmits it to the display control unit 370. The display control unit 370 controls the effect symbol display device 103 such as a liquid crystal display device in accordance with the effect symbol designation command transmitted from the sub-control unit 340.

Next, each configuration / function of the main control unit 310, the sub control unit 340, and the display control unit 370 will be described in detail.
(Configuration and function of main controller)
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the main control unit 310. The main control unit 310 includes a CPU 422, a ROM 420, a RAM 424, a special winning opening solenoid output port 428, a normal electric accessory solenoid output port 430, a special symbol display output port 432, a normal symbol display output port 434, and a special symbol operation memory display. Lamp port 436, normal symbol operation memory display lamp port 438, sub-control command output port (transmitting variation pattern command, grouped effect symbol designating command, etc.) 440, payout control command output port 442, external information output port 444 and an input port 426 are provided. The effect symbol designation command is a command for designating a stop symbol of an effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 103. The details of the grouping command, which is a command included in the group, are used as a grouping command as a grouping command, as will be described later.

  The main control unit 310 receives various switches (a special symbol start switch 410, a normal symbol operation switch 412, a special prize opening switch 414, other switches 418, and a specific area switch 416 when mounted, via an input port 426. Data is input from the special symbol variation time reduction switch 119) and processed.

  The main control unit 310 is connected to the special symbol display device 102, the special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) 112, the normal symbol display device 107, the normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) via the output ports 428 to 438, 444. ) 113, the special prize opening solenoid 446, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 448, and the external information output unit 454 are directly controlled. On the other hand, the main control unit 310 transmits a sub-control command (variation pattern command, grouped effect design designation command, etc.) to the sub-control unit 340 to control the sub-control unit 340 by command transmission. Further, the main control unit 310 transmits a command to the payout control unit 450 to perform payout control of prize balls. Details of control of command transmission to the sub-control unit 340 by the main control unit 310 according to the present embodiment will be described later.

  Next, various switches input by the main control unit 310 via the input port, components of the main control unit 310, and control targets of the main control unit will be described in detail. The special symbol start switch 410 is turned on when a game ball that has been launched by the player and won the first start winning port 104 or the second start winning port 108 passes through this switch, detects the winning, and the special symbol display device An opportunity for 102 symbol variations is given.

  The normal symbol operation switch 412 is turned on when a game ball that has been launched by the player and passed through the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 and the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106 passes this switch. The normal symbol display device 107 is given an opportunity to change the normal symbol. The big winning opening switch 414 is turned on when the game ball that has won the variable winning ball device 109 passes through this switch in the subsequent jackpot operation when the special prize is won, and the main control unit 310 detects the winning of the game ball. Do.

  The other switches 418 are turned on when a game ball that has won a prize other than the first start winning opening 104, the second starting winning opening 108, and the variable winning ball apparatus 109 passes this switch. The control unit 310 detects a winning of a game ball. When the specific area switch 416 is mounted, the switch 416 is turned on when a game ball that has passed through the specific area while the variable winning ball device 109 is opened passes through this switch, and the main control unit 310 Detect the next round's right occurrence. When the special symbol variation time reduction switch 119 is installed, the switch 416 forces the player to immediately stop or shorten the variation display of the special symbol display device 102 or the production symbol display device 103 and stop. It is possible to make it.

  The CPU 422 is a circuit that controls the entire main control unit. The ROM 420 stores a program for the main control unit 310 for controlling the gaming machine. Specifically, the ROM 420 stores a game control program that realizes the processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 15 and 19 that define the content of the game control processing performed by the CPU of the main control unit 310, for example. The ROM 420 further stores various parameter values for commands for controlling gaming machines, such as grouped effect designating commands and variation pattern commands transmitted to the sub-control unit 340. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the main control unit 310 determines a grouping command to be transmitted to the sub control unit 340 according to the internal probability state information stored in the RAM 424.

  The RAM 424 temporarily stores input / output data for the main control unit 310, data for arithmetic processing, various counters including a random number counter related to the game, and the like, and has a holding memory for storing information of each holding ball. And a probability state storage area for storing the current gaming state (probability state).

  The special symbol display device 102 displays special symbols such as a plurality of numbers and figures. The normal symbol display device 107 displays normal symbols such as a plurality of numbers and figures. The special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) 112 notifies the number of times that the special symbol can be continuously changed. The normal symbol operation memory display lamp (holding lamp) 113 notifies the number of times that the normal symbol can be continuously changed. The big prize opening solenoid 446 is one of the components inside the variable prize ball device 109. When a special prize is won, the open / close member 114 attached to the front face of the variable prize ball device 109 is mainly controlled in the subsequent big hit operation. Open based on an instruction from the unit 310.

  When the normal symbol display device 107 stops displaying the normal symbol for the small hit, the normal electric accessory solenoid 448 opens the normal electric accessory 108 based on an instruction from the main control unit 310. The payout control unit 450 receives a payout control command from the main control unit 310 and receives a prize to the prize ball payout device 452 when the special symbol start switch 410, the big prize opening switch 414, the other switch 418, or the like is detected. Instructs to pay out the ball.

  The external information output unit 454 is a substrate for providing information from the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 to the information display device 201. The information display device 201 is electrically connected to the gaming machine via the external information output unit 454 of the gaming machine. The CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 can output to the information display device 201 a signal for knowing the stop of symbol variation, the big hit state, etc. via the external information output unit 454. Examples of the signal include a jackpot signal, a winning number signal, a start signal, a time reduction signal, and a door opening signal.

(Game control processing procedure by the main control unit)
Next, an example of the game control process executed by the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 will be described with reference to FIG.
The processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15 is a game control interrupt process performed when the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 reads and executes a game control program stored in the ROM 420. In this processing, two types of interrupt processing (interrupt processing for each first predetermined period of the game control system (for example, interrupt processing every 4 msec)), random number update and switch, which are started every cycle (for example, 4 msec and 2 msec) Interrupt processing (for example, interrupt processing every 2 msec) for each second predetermined period such as check is running in parallel. Note that it is possible to perform interrupt processing for each third predetermined period, interrupt processing for each fourth predetermined period, or the like so that the interrupt processing cycles do not overlap as necessary. In FIG. 15, when the gaming machine is turned on, the main control unit 310 clears the RAM 424 and performs initial setting (S1510), and then sends an initial command (for example, RAM clear processing) to the sub control unit 340. , Initial symbol designation, initial state, etc.) are transmitted (S1512), and initial setting instructions relating to images, lamps, sounds, games, and the like are given. In addition, when power is cut off, power is restored.

  First, interrupt processing for each first predetermined period of the game control system will be described.

(Command output management process (S1514))
The main control unit 310 transmits, to the sub-control unit 340, the grouped effect designating command and the variation pattern command prepared in the special game management process (S1516) described later and prepared in the command storage area of the RAM 424. First, it is determined whether there is a command to be transmitted. If there is a command to be transmitted, the command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 340. If there is no command to be output, this processing ends as it is. As will be described later, when command transmission is performed, the command is activated next to “interrupt processing every first predetermined period” in which special symbol variation start processing in special game management processing (S1516) described later is performed. Is transmitted in the command output management process (S1514) in the “interrupt process for each first predetermined period”. Therefore, the command related to the control of the effect symbol is transmitted by the command output management process after one interruption (after 4 msec in the present embodiment) during a predetermined period after the process of starting the variation of the special symbol is started. Become.

  In addition, when the process procedure which moves this command output management process to the next process of the special game management process (S1516) to be described later is adopted, the command related to the control of the effect symbol starts the process of changing the special symbol. Will be transmitted by the command output management process in the same interrupt during the predetermined period.

  Receiving the grouping effect designating command and the variation pattern command, the sub-control unit 340 converts the grouping effect designating command into the effect designating command by a method to be described later, and the display control unit 370 displays the variation pattern command and the liquid crystal display. Send command for. Upon receiving the variation pattern command and the liquid crystal command, the display control unit 370 performs variation control of the effect symbol of the effect symbol display device 103 for a predetermined change time, and then stops at the symbol designated by the effect symbol designation command.

  Returning to FIG. 15, the reason why the command output management process (S 1514) is placed in the first half of the interrupt process for each first predetermined period is that the second predetermined period, which will be described later, has a high processing priority. Is likely to occur in the second half of the interrupt processing for each first predetermined period, so the command output management process (S1514) having a long processing time is set in the second half of the interrupt processing for each first predetermined period. If it is set, there is a high possibility of interruption by an interrupt every second predetermined period during the process, and the problem that the command output management process (S1514) is aborted during the process is likely to occur. Therefore, in order to avoid the problem as much as possible, the command output management process (S1514) is placed in the first half of the interrupt process for each first predetermined period, preferably in the first part of the interrupt process for each first predetermined period. Thus, the execution timing of the command output management process (S1514) and the interrupt timing for each second predetermined period are prevented from overlapping as much as possible.

(Special game management process (S1516))
The main control unit 310 performs control related to the game such as symbol variation and accessory control by special game management processing. The reach random number (reach type (reach type)) is read from the reach random number loop counter on the RAM 424 at the start of the change of the special symbol by the reserved digest of the winning ball or the holding ball to the first starting winning port 104 or the second starting winning port 108. Random number for determining normal reach, long reach, etc.), design random number read from design random number loop counter (random number for determining stop design), and first start winning port 104 or second start winning port Based on the jackpot random number of the winning ball to 108 (random number for determining whether to win or miss) or the jackpot random number stored in the holding memory of the holding ball, the main control unit 310 performs a grouping effect designating command. , Change pattern commands and special symbols (left) and special symbols (right) stop symbols, etc. Frequency stored (hereinafter, referred given area.). The system of the design symbol designation command has already been described in the command output management process (step 714).

  In addition, during the big hit operation, the main control unit 310 instructs the big prize opening operation solenoid 446 to release the variable prize ball device 109 for a predetermined time, and receives the big prize opening data and the big prize opening closing data. Is stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. Further, the main control unit 310 controls variation of the special symbol (left) and the special symbol (right) for a predetermined variation time via the special symbol display output port 432 and stores it in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. Stop at each of the special symbols (left) and special symbols (right). Each stop symbol is displayed on a special symbol display device 102 of 7 segments consisting of two digits.

  Thus, in S1516, the main control unit 310 does not control the special symbol by transmitting a special symbol designation command to another control unit, but the special symbol display device via the special symbol display output port 432. A display drive signal is transmitted to the 102 side, and the special symbol is directly controlled.

  The main control unit 310 starts a process for controlling the special symbol to change directly (for example, as a control related to the special game management process (S1516), a special symbol variation timer is set, the special symbol display device 102 side In the command output management process (S1514) of the interrupt process to be generated next (S1514) after the display drive signal is transmitted to the sub control unit 340, the grouping effect designating is specified. The command and the variation pattern command using the effect symbol corresponding to the special symbol are transmitted. Here, the effect symbol variation time specified by the variation pattern command and the variation time set in the special symbol variation timer are set to the same value. The timing is synchronized with a predetermined time (for example, 4 msec), that is, with a time difference corresponding to the interrupt period of the game control system. That is, although depending on the processing speed of the sub-control unit 340, as shown in FIG. 12, the timing at which the effect symbol shifts from the stop state to the variation state (variation start timing) is a special symbol (left special symbol and right special symbol). Lags behind the timing of transition from the stop state to the fluctuation state (for example, after 4 msec). Similarly, the timing at which the effect symbol shifts from the variation state to the stop state (stop timing) is delayed from the timing at which the special symbol shifts from the variation state to the stop state (for example, after 4 msec).

  Since the effect symbols are finally selected by the sub-control unit 340 as will be described later, the variation and symbols are determined after the start of the variation of the special symbols and the determination of the symbols of the special symbols. For this reason, the main control unit 310 Then, when the big hit is a “special prize”, the sub-control unit 340 creates a grouped effect design designation command designating a selectable design group as an effect design.

  The display control unit 370 that has received the liquid crystal display command determines an out symbol (the final stop symbol in the out mode) based on the variation pattern command received from the sub-control unit 340, and stops and displays the symbol in the symbol.

(Normal game management processing (S1518))
At the start of normal symbol variation due to the passage of the sphere of the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 (or the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106), the main control unit 310 is based on the small hit random number on the RAM 424. Prepares stop symbol data for normal symbols. This process is performed when it is determined that the normal symbol change is started while the main control unit 310 performs the normal game management process.

(External information processing (S1520))
In order to transmit game state information from the main control unit 310 to the outside of the gaming machine via the external information output unit 454, the main control unit 310 transmits information to the outside by performing external information processing.

(Solenoid control processing (S1521))
The main control unit 310 instructs the big winning opening solenoid 446 to open or close the variable winning ball apparatus 109 based on the big winning opening opening data and the big winning opening closing data stored in the predetermined area on the RAM 424. . In addition, the main control unit 310 instructs the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 448 to open or close the second start winning opening 108.

(Other random number update process (S1522))
The main control unit 310 updates random numbers other than the jackpot random number and the jackpot special symbol random number (reach random number, missed symbol random number, etc.) in S1522 during the remaining time of the interrupt processing for the first predetermined period. Next, interrupt processing for each second predetermined period will be described.

(Winning lottery random number update process (S1530))
For example, the main control unit 310 increments (+1) the jackpot random number loop counter on the RAM 424 every cycle of 2 msec, thereby updating the bonus jackpot random number and the jackpot special symbol random number. At the same time, the main control unit 310 updates the small hit random number for the normal symbol by incrementing (+1) the small hit random number loop counter on the RAM 424. In the present embodiment, the loop counter means a counter that cyclically updates a value from 0 to a predetermined maximum value.

(Input processing (S1532))
When the main control unit 310 detects the winning ball to the first starting winning port 104 or the second starting winning port 108 with the special symbol starting switch 410, the main control unit 310 reads the big hit random number from the big hit random number loop counter and stores it on the RAM 424. . When the special symbol start switch 410 detects that the ball has won the first start winning port 104 or the second start winning port 108 during the special symbol variation, the main control unit 310 detects the big hit random number from the big hit random number loop counter. Then, the jackpot special symbol random number is read and stored in the holding memory of the holding ball on the RAM 424 (holding of the ball). Each time this step is repeatedly executed during the special symbol variation, the value of each big hit random number is continuously stored in the holding memory of the holding ball on the RAM 424 for a plurality of holding balls.

  Further, when the main control unit 310 detects the passage of the sphere of the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 (or the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106), the main control unit 310 calculates a small hit random number from the small hit random number loop counter. Read and store on RAM 424. Further, the main control unit 310 detects the winning at the first starting winning port 104 or the second starting winning port 108 by the special symbol starting switch 410 and the variable winning ball device 109 at the time of the big hit operation by the big winning port switch 414. The results of winning detection of the other winning ports other than the first starting winning port 104, the second starting winning port 108, and the variable winning ball device 109 by the other switch 418 are stored on the RAM 424. In particular, when detecting a winning to the variable winning ball apparatus 109, the main control unit 310 also increments (+1) a big winning counter on the RAM 424. The big prize counter is controlled so that it is not counted except during the big hit (in a normal state or the like).

  If the specific area switch 416 is mounted, the main control unit 310 sets a V flag on the RAM 424 when detecting a game ball that has passed through the specific area. Further, when the special symbol variation time shortening switch 119 is mounted, the main control unit 310 sets a special symbol variation time shortening switch flag when detecting that the switch is turned on.

(Prize ball payout management process (S1534))
In the input process (S1532), the special symbol start switch 410 stored in the RAM 424 detects the winning to the first start winning port 104 or the second starting winning port 108, and the variable winning at the time of the big hit operation by the big winning port switch 414. For each result of winning detection to the ball device 109, and other detection results of the other starting ports other than the first starting winning port 104, the second starting winning port 108, and the variable winning ball device 109 by the switch 418, The main control unit 310 stores on the RAM 424 the number of prize balls paid out corresponding to each preset number of prize balls. The main control unit 310 instructs the prize ball payout device 452 to pay out a prize ball by a command output based on the number of prize balls paid out stored in the RAM 424.

(Special game management process and normal game management process)
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a series of processing contents including the special game management process (S1516) and the normal game management process (S1518) of FIG.
In S1910, the main control unit 310 checks the big hit flag, and if the big hit flag is ON, the big hit is being hit, so the big hit process (S1934) is performed, and the process proceeds to S1940. When the big hit flag is OFF and the special symbol change timer on the RAM 424 is 0, that is, neither big hit nor special symbol change, the big hit random number (the first start winning prize port 104 or the second start prize port 104) related to the special symbol change to be processed at this time Whether or not the winning winning jackpot random number of the winning ball or the holding memory winning jackpot random number) is stored in the RAM 424, and the first starting winning opening 104 or the second starting winning opening 108 is checked. If it is determined that the special symbol change starts with the reservation of the winning ball or the holding ball, the process proceeds to S1912.

  In step S1912, the main control unit 310 determines a special symbol variation special prize to be started based on the jackpot random number related to the special symbol variation stored in the RAM 424. When it is determined that the big hit random number does not match the value of the special prize, the special prize flag on the RAM 424 is turned OFF, and when it is determined that it matches the value of the special prize, the special prize flag is turned ON. Here, when the probability variation flag is ON (at the time of probability variation), the number of special prize values for determining a special prize is increased to increase the special prize probability. For example, “7” is set as the value of the special prize at the normal time (normal game state), but “3”, “7”, “11”, “15” as the value of the special prize at the time of the probability variation. , “82” is set. If the hour / middle flag is ON, the hour / hour variation counter on the RAM 424 is decremented (−1), and if the hour / hour variation counter is 0 as a result, the hour / middle flag is turned OFF.

  In S1914, when the determination result in S1912 is a special prize, the main control unit 310 uses a special symbol from the jackpot special symbol random number loop counter (100 values from 0 to 99) stored in the RAM 424 in the same manner as the jackpot random number. A plurality of symbols to be stopped and displayed on the display device 102 and the effect symbol display device 103 are determined. On the other hand, in the case of losing, a plurality of symbols to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 102 are determined from the losing symbol random numbers (21 values from 0 to 20) read from the losing special symbol random number loop counter. In step S1916, the main control unit 310 determines a variation pattern of the effect symbol variation based on the determination of the special prize, the reach random number, and the symbol random number, and stores it in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. In S1918, main control unit 310 stores special symbol variation instruction data instructing special symbol variation in a predetermined area on RAM 424.

(Change pattern selection process)
Here, the variation pattern selection process in the main control unit 310 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern selection processing of the main control unit of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, at the time of determining the special symbol described above, a group of a special prize or disapproval, an internal probability state, an effect symbol, and an effect pattern are determined, and the sub-control unit 340 finally determines the effect symbol and the fluctuation pattern. To do.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the main control unit 310 determines whether or not a special prize is obtained by the above-described processing (S802), and if it is a special prize, first, a special symbol is selected (S803). Next, the variation pattern at the time of big hit is selected (S804), and the variation pattern table corresponding to the internal probability state, that is, the high probability state or the low probability state is selected (S805). Finally, a variation pattern is selected from the variation pattern table (S806).

  On the other hand, in the case of “out”, a special symbol to be stopped is selected from the special symbols in the out (S807), and a variation pattern at the time of out is selected (S808), and the internal probability state, that is, the high probability state or the low probability state The variation pattern table is selected according to (S809). Finally, a variation pattern table corresponding to the number of special symbol operation memories is selected (S810), and a variation pattern is selected from the variation pattern table (S806).

  When necessary information is selected or determined as described above, a command is created based on the information and transmitted to the sub-control unit 340 as described below.

  That is, when the information required for the symbol variation is stored, in S1920, the main control unit 310 commensurate with the rendering symbol variation in which the normal rendering time (seconds) is uniquely determined from the command ID of the grouped rendering symbol designation command. After setting a predetermined value, a special symbol variation timer for monitoring the variation of the special symbol is set to a normal production time (seconds). The normal effect time (seconds) is unique for each command ID of the grouped effect design designation command, and the number of seconds differs for each EVENT of the grouped effect design designation command. Further, when the special symbol variation time shortening switch 119 is mounted, a special symbol variation time shortening switch timer for monitoring ON / OFF of the switch 119 is set.

  Similarly, in S1940, the main control unit 310 checks that the small hit random number related to the normal symbol variation is stored in the RAM 424 as the processing target, and checks the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 or the normal symbol display. If it is determined that the normal symbol variation start associated with the passage of the sphere of the device operation gate (right) 106, the process proceeds to S1942.

  In S1942, the main control unit 310 determines a small hit for the normal symbol variation to be started based on the small hit random numbers related to the normal symbol variation stored in the RAM 424. When it is determined that the small hit random number does not match the small hit value, the small hit flag on the RAM 424 is turned OFF, and when it is determined that the small hit random value matches the small hit value, the small hit flag is turned ON. Here, when the probability variation flag is ON or the hour / medium flag is ON, the number of small hit values for determining the small hit is increased to increase the small hit probability.

  In S1944, the main control unit 310 determines a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 107 from the small hit determination result. For example, the small hit determination is “small hit flag ON”, and the stop symbol data of the normal symbol uniquely determined from the small hit determination result is “7” H. The main control unit 310 stores the normal symbol stop symbol data in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. In S1946, the main control unit 308 stores normal symbol variation instruction data for instructing normal symbol variation in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. When the information required for the normal symbol variation is stored, in S1948, the main control unit 310 sets a normal symbol variation timer for monitoring the normal symbol variation to a predetermined value.

  Returning to FIG. 15, the main control unit 310 executes special game management processing (S1516) based on information required for special symbol variation stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424, and starts variation of the special symbol. (S1918 in FIG. 19). Similarly, the main control unit 310 executes normal game management processing (S1518) based on information required for normal symbol variation stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 to start normal symbol variation (FIG. 19). S1946). After that (for example, after 4 msec or more), command output management processing (S1514) is executed, and a grouped effect design designation command, a variable pattern command, etc. are transmitted to the sub-control unit 340. Subsequently, the sub-control unit 340 that receives the grouping effect designating command, the variation pattern command, etc. transmits the variation pattern command, the liquid crystal display command, etc. to the display control unit 370.

  The process of FIG. 19 is called again from the process of FIG. 15 by the interrupt process, and in S1910 and S1922, the main control unit 310 has the big hit flag OFF and the symbol fluctuation timer is not 0, that is, the big symbol is not being hit and the special symbol is changing. If it is determined that, the process proceeds to S1924. In S1924, the main control unit 310 subtracts the special symbol variation timer by an interruption period T (for example, 4 msec). In S1910 and S1922, if the jackpot, special symbol variation start, or special symbol variation is not in progress, the main control unit 310 advances the process to S1930.

  In S1926, it is determined whether the special symbol variation timer is 0. If the special symbol variation timer is 0, in S1928, the special symbol is stopped at the stop symbol stored in the predetermined area on the RAM 424 in S1914. When the symbol change timer is 0, that is, when the symbol is not changing, the main control unit 310 checks the special prize flag (S1930). When the special prize flag is ON, the main control unit 310 sets the big hit / medium flag to ON in S1932. Then, the information of the jackpot start command (command ID is “90” H) is stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. This command is transmitted to the display control unit 370 via the sub control unit 340 in the command output management process (S1514) of FIG. This command is a command for displaying a big hit start screen on the effect symbol display device 103.

  Further, in S1932, the main control unit 310 sets predetermined values for the round counter (counter for counting the number of rounds during the jackpot operation) and the release timer (the timer for measuring the opening time of the big winning opening during one round) on the RAM 424. Set the interval timer (the timer that measures the closing time of the big winning opening between rounds) to a predetermined value (several seconds), and the big winning counter (the number of game balls that won the big winning opening during one round) Is set to 0. Specifically, the round counter is set to 15 rounds, the release timer is set to 30 seconds, and the process proceeds to S1940. If the specific area switch 416 is mounted, the V flag (a flag that is turned on when the game ball passes through the specific area) is turned OFF.

  If it is determined in step 1126 that the symbol variation timer is not 0, main controller 310 advances the process to S1940. Further, the main control unit 310 checks the special prize flag (step 1130), and if the special prize flag is OFF, the process proceeds to S1940. When the main control unit 310 determines that the normal symbol variation timer is not 0, that is, during normal symbol variation (S1940 → S1950), the main control unit 310 subtracts the normal symbol variation timer by an interrupt cycle T (for example, 4 mec) (S1952).

  When the normal symbol variation timer becomes 0, the main control unit 310 stores normal symbol stop instruction data for instructing the normal symbol variation stop in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 (S1954 → S1956). When the normal symbol variation timer is 0, that is, when the normal symbol is not varying, the main control unit 310 checks the small hit flag (S1958). If the small hit flag is ON, the main control unit 310 turns the normal electric accessory 108 on. The small hit processing instruction data for instructing the ordinary electric accessory actuating solenoid 448 to be released for a predetermined time is stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 (S1960). When the probability variation flag is ON, the open state time of the ordinary electric accessory 108 is set longer than the normal time. This makes it easier for the ball to enter the second start winning opening 104 during probability change.

  The above is a series of processing contents including the special game management process (S1516) and the normal game management process (S1518). Next, the configuration and operation of the sub-control unit 340 will be described below.

(Configuration and function of sub-control unit)
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the sub-control unit 340.
Similar to the main control unit 310, the sub control unit 340 includes a CPU 514, a RAM 512, a ROM 510, various input ports 516, and various output ports 518. The ROM 510 stores a program for the sub control unit 340. In the present embodiment, the ROM 510 stores a program for realizing processing such as the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The sub-control unit 340 receives a sub-control command (variation pattern command, grouped effect design designation command, etc.) transmitted from the main control unit 310, and produces a grouped effect design designation command according to the program stored in the ROM 510. The symbol designating command is converted (in other words, the rendering symbol designating command is selected according to the grouped rendering symbol designating command), and the rendering symbol designating command is transmitted to the display control unit 370. Prior to this, the sub-control unit 340 creates a liquid crystal display command in accordance with the variation pattern command, transmits it to the display control unit 370, and displays a predetermined variation pattern until the final effect symbol is displayed. . Further, the sub-control unit 340 performs blinking control of the lamp display device 520, generation control of the sound effect output from the sound effect generation device 522, control of the effect movable object 524, and the like. In this way, the sub-control unit 340 reduces the load on the main control unit 310 by specially performing control related to effects such as liquid crystal display, lamp lighting, generation of sound effects, and control of effectable movable objects.

  The lamp display device 520 is a display device for lamps related to the game, and selectively turns on / off a plurality of lamps according to an instruction from the sub-control unit 340. The sound effect generator 522 generates sound related to the game. The effect movable object 524 is an effect character figure or the like provided in a game area whose rotation is controlled by a motor or the like.

  The sub-control unit 340 receives an input from the effect change switch 120. By operating the effect changeover switch 120, the player can display a favorite effect screen on the effect symbol display device 103 or can control the operation of the effect movable object 524. In this way, the player can participate in the effect surface of the gaming machine by operating the effect changeover switch 120.

  Next, the overall processing of the sub-control unit 340 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the overall processing of the sub-control unit of the present embodiment. The sub-control unit 340 receives the variation pattern command and the grouping effect designating command transmitted from the main control unit 310 (S902). In S903, a lottery is performed based on the received grouped effect design designation command, and an effect design is selected based on a predetermined ratio. When the effect design is finally determined, an effect pattern is selected based on the designation of the variation pattern command (S904), and a command for the display control unit 370 is created and transmitted (S905). Details of the effect pattern selection process among the above processes will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Conversion processing from grouped effect designating command to effect designating command)
FIG. 7 is an example of a table of grouping effect designating commands transmitted by the main control unit 310. As can be seen from the figure, the grouping effect designating commands are classified into 7 groups of numbers 0 to 6, and a 1-byte command ID and 1-byte EVENT are assigned to each number. The command IDs of the grouped effect designating commands are all the same “B1” H, while EVENT is different for each number (“00” H to “06” H, where H is a hexadecimal symbol). Based on the results of the jackpot determination process, reach determination process, and probability variation determination process executed by the main control unit 310, the main control unit 310 sends a grouped effect design designation command of number 0 when the jackpot is “out”. When the “special award” is a non-specific symbol, a grouping effect designating command is selected from the numbers 1, 5, and 6. When the “special award” is a specific symbol, the numbers 2 to 2 are selected. One grouping effect designating command is selected from 4. In other words, grouping effect designating commands (commands for designating an effect design to be finally stopped after variation pattern production) when a special prize is given are roughly classified into two types according to the internal probability variation state after the end of the main character production. In the high probability variation state, the specific symbol is used as the production symbol, and in the low probability variation state, the non-specific symbol is used as the production symbol.

  Further, referring to FIG. 7, it is possible to read the correspondence relationship between the grouped effect design designation command (main control → secondary control) and the effect design designation command (sub control → display control). Hereinafter, an example of the conversion process from the grouped effect designating command to the effect designating command executed by the sub-control unit 340 will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the special prize determination result executed by the main control unit 310 is “out”. In this case, the main control unit 310 transmits a grouping effect designating command (command ID: “B1” H, EVENT: “00” H) to the sub-control unit 340. Receiving the “out” grouped effect design designation command, the sub-control unit 340 displays the effect design designation command (command ID: “B1” H, EVENT: “00”) on the display control unit 370 to display the out effect design symbol. H).

  Here, a case where the special prize determination result executed by the main control unit 310 is “special prize” will be described. In this case, the main control unit 310 transmits a grouping effect designating command (command ID: “B1” H, EVENT: “01” to “06” H) to the sub-control unit 340. The sub-control unit 340 that has received the “special award” grouping effect designating command designates each effect design (“111” or “222”) based on the selection ratio set in advance for the effect designating command. One effect design is selected from them. An effect symbol designation command (command ID: “B1” H, EVENT: “01” to “0A” H) is transmitted to the display control unit 370 in order to display the effect symbol of the special prize. More specifically, the sub-control unit 340 extracts a random number from the effect design selection random number provided in the sub-control unit 340 at the timing of receiving the grouped effect design designation command from the main control unit 310, and calculates the random value. One effect symbol is selected with the selection ratio set originally. At this time, since the selected effect symbol is not affected by the internal probability state, an effect pattern indicating it can be displayed when any effect symbol is selected in the high probability state. Note that the EVENT value of the command transmitted to the display control unit 370 is “222” H, “04” H “06” H, “08” H as shown in FIG. , “444”, “666”, “888”, and “01” H, “03” H “05” H, “07” H, the production symbols are “111”, “333”, “555”, respectively. ”And“ 777 ”. Further, in the case of double hit, that is, when the EVENT value is “09” H and “0A” H, the effect symbols are a combination of “111” and “222”, and a combination of “777” and “888”, respectively. In the present embodiment, the internal probability state and the production symbol are irrelevant. Regardless of this, a certain production symbol is used to indicate a high probability state (for example, an odd number indicates a high probability state). You can also

(Production pattern selection processing in the sub-control unit)
The above process will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating flag values for determining the internal probability state of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. When it is transmitted from the main control unit 310 to the sub control unit 340, the internal probability state is determined by the EVENT value. By the association as shown in FIG. 10 (when the flag is “0”, the low probability state, the flag When “1” is “1”, a high probability state is indicated). That is, the sub-control unit 340 determines the internal probability state from the EVENT value of the command received from the main control unit 310 by using the correspondence relationship of FIG. 10 and determines the production symbol. This process is described below with reference to FIG. To explain. In the present embodiment, two types of flags, an internal probability state determination flag and an internal probability state determination preparation flag, are used as flags indicating the internal probability state used by the sub-control unit 340.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing of the sub control unit 340 of the present embodiment. In S1101, two flags are prepared. As will be described later, when the internal probability state is determined for these two flags, the corresponding flag value is temporarily stored in the internal probability state determination preparation flag. Here, when the variation pattern command is received, a variation pattern is prepared according to the received command as already described (S1102).

  Next, when a grouping effect designating command is received (S1103), the internal probability state is determined from the EVENT value of the received command and the content determined in the internal probability state determination preparation flag is stored with reference to the table of FIG. (S1104). That is, when the EVENT value is “02” H, “03” H, “04” H, “1” is set as the flag value, and the EVENT value is “01” H, “05” H, “06” H. In this case, “0” is set as the flag value.

  Next, in S1105, referring to the internal probability state determination flag, the low probability state effect pattern and the high probability state effect pattern are selected according to whether the flag value is “0” or “1”, respectively. (S1106, S1107) An effect design is determined. As a result, the effect design is determined at this stage, and the variation pattern is finally determined. Therefore, the variation pattern to be displayed on the display device is also determined, and the ID and EVENT value of the command transmitted to the display control unit 370 are stored in the memory. Set to a predetermined area.

  In S1108, the set command is transmitted, a predetermined variation pattern is displayed on the display unit, and an effect design is output. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the main character effect has ended with the various timer values described above (S1109), and if ended, the value of the internal probability state determination preparation flag is set as the internal probability state determination flag (S1110). . Thus, the internal probability state determined by the received command is used when determining the next effect pattern. This is because, according to the processing method of the gaming machine of the present embodiment, if the result determined at the stage of receiving the command is not immediately reflected in the effect pattern, the effect that correctly reflects the internal probability state after the effect ends. It is because it does not become. For this reason, in this embodiment, two types of flags are used.

  Here, when the production symbol is finally determined, a random number is extracted from the variation pattern selection random number provided in the sub-control unit 340 at a predetermined timing, and the variation of 1 is performed with the selection ratio set based on the random value. A pattern command is selected and determined (a hit determination variation pattern selection process).

  Next, the process of the variation pattern command by the sub control unit 340 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the variation pattern command selection process. Referring to FIG. 13, in step S1301, the sub control unit 340 receives a grouped effect designating command from the main control unit 310 (command receiving process). Next, in S1302, the sub control unit 340 refers to the variation pattern command (group) corresponding to the variation pattern command. In step S1303, the sub control unit 340 selects a variation pattern command based on the selection ratio (variation pattern selection process). Next, in S1304, the sub-control unit 340 determines whether it is a “special prize” or “out of” (lottery result symbol determination process). The command is reselected (effect design corresponding variation pattern determination selection process), and the selected variation pattern command is transmitted to the display control unit 370 in S1310 (variation pattern command transmission process). On the other hand, in the case of “out”, the variation pattern command selected in S1303 is transmitted to the display control unit 370 in S1306.

(Change pattern command selection process according to internal probability state (sub-control unit 340))
For example, the sub-control unit 340 that has received the grouped effect design designation command, the variation pattern command, etc. from the main control unit 310 is provided on the RAM 512 of the sub-control unit 340 to indicate which stage of the effect is in progress. Determination is made based on the stage information stored in the stage stage identification information storage area, and the stage pattern is determined.

  Examples of production patterns include the following. First, a plurality of notice effects that suggest an internal probability state are prepared in the notice effect, and each notice effect appears according to the appearance probability determined in advance by the internal probability state. It can be expected.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18A, for example, when there are three types of notice A, notice B, and notice C as notice effects, the appearance rate of each notice effect is changed by the internal probability state. If the notice C appears, the player can be expected to be in a high probability state, and conversely, if the notice A is displayed, the player feels that the probability has not changed. It should be noted that the gaming machine can be further changed by changing the appearance rate in various ways.

  Next, a description will be given of an embodiment that gives a player a sense of expectation by the action of the character being produced or the pattern of changing background. According to such an embodiment, when a character or background showing a high probability is displayed and does not change, or when a character or background immediately transitioning from a character or background showing a low probability, the high probability state is entered. If there is, it will make the player expect.

  Referring to FIGS. 18B to 18D, mode 1 is easily selected when the internal probability state is low, and when the internal probability state is high when staying in mode 1, Easy to move to mode 2. Similarly, referring to FIG. 18 (c), when staying in mode 2, it is easy to shift to mode 1 when the internal probability state is low, and referring to FIG. 18 (d), the internal probability state is high. When it is a probability, it becomes easy to shift to mode 3. Contrary to mode 1, when staying in mode 3, it is easier to shift to mode 2 when the internal probability state has a low probability. By performing the processing as in the present embodiment, the player can be expected to be in a low probability state when displayed in mode 1, and to be in a high probability state when performance is performed in mode 3. .

  In the present embodiment, since control is performed so as to suggest a probability variation state (high probability state) from the effect stage displayed on the effect symbol display device 103, the sub-control unit 340 provides the effect stage identification information. The stage information is stored in the storage area, and the probability state information is not particularly stored.

(Configuration and function of display control unit)
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the display control unit 370.
In particular, the display control unit 370 receives the variation pattern command and the liquid crystal display command transmitted from the sub-control unit 340, and varies the effect symbol of the effect symbol display device 103 according to the variation pattern command and the liquid crystal display command. It has a function of stopping or receiving a notice designation command and displaying a notice.

  In FIG. 6, the control circuit configuration of the display control unit 370 of this embodiment includes an input port 618 for receiving a variation pattern command and a liquid crystal display command, a CPU 620, a program ROM 610, a RAM 612, an image processing LSI (VDP) 622, a character. A ROM 616, a video RAM 614, and an output port 624 are included. The input port 618 receives the variation pattern command and the liquid crystal display command from the sub control unit 340 and passes them to the CPU 620.

  The CPU 620 performs image processing and image display control according to the program stored in the program ROM 610. The program ROM 610 stores a program for image processing executed by the CPU 620, and specifically stores an image display control program that defines the contents of image display control performed by the CPU 620. Further, the program ROM 620 stores VDP 622 control data to be mapped and written in the data register of the VDP 622, various parameter values for controlling image display, and the like. The RAM 612 temporarily stores input / output data for the CPU 620 and data for arithmetic processing, and functions as a work area and a buffer memory. The VDP 622 develops image data such as sprite / scroll for display on the effect symbol display device 103 in accordance with the symbol update instruction from the CPU 620 in the video RAM 614, and effects symbol display via the output port 624 in accordance with the output instruction from the CPU 620. Image data is output and displayed in the display area of the device 103. The effect symbol display device 103 is an LCD, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, or the like, and visually displays a video signal of an image output from the VDP 622.

  For display control, a color palette (hereinafter referred to as a palette) in which a plurality of specific color data are arranged and set is often used. This embodiment VDP 622 incorporates four palettes that define 256 colors, processes four layers, and performs image processing by associating one palette with each layer. The VDP 622 synthesizes image data set for each of the four layers in accordance with an output instruction from the CPU 620, and outputs and displays the synthesized image data on the effect symbol display device 103. Specifically, the VDP 622 converts the image data into color data based on the color data of the palette specified by the image data on the video RAM 614, and the color data is converted into analog RGB video signals as the effect symbol display device 103. Output to and display. The image data here includes an index (array number) for the palette.

  The VDP 622 of this embodiment has a specification that controls each of R, G, B, and I (intensity) per pixel with 8 bits of 3 bits and 4096 colors (= 8 × 8 × 8 × 8). Have the ability to handle Since the VDP 622 performs image processing by associating palettes capable of setting 256 colors with each of the four layers, each palette displays up to 1024 colors out of 4096 colors from 256 colors × 4 layers = 1024. Is possible. The character ROM 616 stores image data such as sprite / scroll that the VDP 622 that has received an instruction from the CPU 620 expands in the video RAM 614. Also, four pallet data to be set in the four pallets built in the VDP 622 are stored. The image data is compressed by run length encoding, predictive encoding, Huffman encoding, and other known compression techniques, and stored in the character ROM 616.

  In the video RAM 614, the image data to be output in the display area of the effect symbol display device 103 is developed and temporarily stored by the VDP 622. In this case, the image data set for each of the four layers is temporarily stored in the video RAM 614, and the four layers of image data are combined by the screen buffer on the video RAM 614 to generate combined image data.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the main control unit notifies the sub control unit of the internal probability state, the sub control unit selects the variation pattern command according to the internal probability state, that is, the effect pattern. be able to. The present invention does not explicitly notify the player of the probability variation state and the normal variation state, but can indicate the possibility of the probability variation state to the player through the effect pattern.

(Second Embodiment)
This embodiment is basically the same configuration as the first embodiment described above, but the processing of the sub-control unit is different. That is, in the first embodiment, the grouped effect designating command is used to suggest the internal probability state from the main control unit to the sub-control unit. However, in this embodiment, instead of this, the big hit start command or the big hit Use the end command. For example, when a big hit start command is used, as shown in FIG. 14, the main control unit 310 transmits an uncertain variable big hit start command (command ID: “90” H, EVENT value: “00” H) to the sub-control unit 340. This suggests that the internal probability state is in a low probability state. Similarly, by transmitting a probability variation big hit start command (command ID: “90” H, EVENT value: “01” H) to the sub-control unit 340, it is suggested that the internal probability state is in a high probability state. Therefore, except for some processes and configurations of the sub-control unit, the same configurations and processes as those of the first embodiment are performed in the present embodiment.

(Production pattern selection processing in the sub-control unit)
With reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the effect pattern selection process of this embodiment in the sub-control part 340 is demonstrated. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating flag values for determining the internal probability state of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. When transmitted from the main control unit 310 to the sub control unit 340, the internal probability state is determined based on the EVENT value. When the flag is “0”, the low probability state, the flag When “1” is “1”, a high probability state is indicated). That is, the sub-control unit 340 determines the internal probability state from the EVENT value of the command received from the main control unit 310 using the correspondence relationship of FIG. 17 and determines the production symbol. This process is described below with reference to FIG. To explain. In the present embodiment, one internal probability state determination flag is used as a flag indicating the internal probability state used by the sub-control unit 340.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing of the sub control unit 340 of the present embodiment. In S1601, once the internal probability state determination flag is initialized and a variation pattern command is received, a variation pattern is prepared according to the received command as already described (S1602). Next, when an effect designating command is received, an effect design is determined in the same manner as in the first embodiment (S1603).

  Next, in S1604, referring to the internal probability state determination flag, the low probability state effect pattern and the high probability state effect pattern are respectively selected depending on whether the flag value is “0” or “1”. (S1605, S1606) An effect design is determined. As a result, the effect design is determined at this stage, and the variation pattern is finally determined. Set to a predetermined area.

  In step S1607, the set command is transmitted, a predetermined variation pattern is displayed on the display unit, and an effect design is output. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the main character effect is ended by the above-described various timer values (S1608). If the effect is ended, the internal probability state is determined from the EVENT value of the received command with reference to the table of FIG. The determined contents are stored in the internal probability state determination flag (S1609). That is, when the EVENT value is “00” H, “0” is set as the flag value, and when the EVENT value is “01” H, “1” is set as the flag value. Thus, the internal probability state determined by the received command is used when determining the next effect pattern. According to the processing method of the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main control unit after the jackpot start command (ID: “90” H) or jackpot end command (ID: “92” H) is actually determined Therefore, if the internal probability state is suggested in these commands, an effect at the time of probability change is performed without using two types of flags as in the first embodiment. It can be done.

  According to the present embodiment, the control system related to the special symbol and the production control target can be shared by the relationship between the main control unit and the sub-control unit, and further, the control processing procedure executed by the main control unit The configuration can be clarified and the reliability and stability of the control process can be improved. That is, it can be clarified that the special symbol is the “main” symbol, and the effect symbol is, for example, the “slave” symbol (the symbol for the effect subordinate to the special symbol) as the effect control. The reason is that the target directly controlled by the main control unit, which is the center of the control of the gaming machine, is a special symbol, while the effect display by the image display, the effect sound and the display lamp is a command of the main control unit. This is because it is controlled by the operating sub-control unit and is in a subordinate position. This prevents a special symbol in the “main” position from being displayed due to the occurrence of some abnormality, so that it is possible to avoid starting a stunning auxiliary operation in the “secondary” position. Does not cause confusion.

100 gaming machine 101 game board 102 special symbol display device 103 production symbol display device 104 first start winning opening 105 normal symbol display device operation gate (left)
106 Normal symbol display device operation gate (right)
107 Normal symbol display device 108 Normal electric accessory (tulip) (second starting prize opening)
109 Variable winning ball device 111 having a big winning opening 111 Game machine handle 112 Special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp)
113 Normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp (hold lamp)
119 Special symbol change time shortening switch 120 Effect changeover switch 200, 300 Control unit 210, 310 Main control unit 240, 340 Sub control unit 270, 370 Display control unit 410 Special symbol start switch 412 Normal symbol operation switch 414 Big prize opening switch 416 Specific area switch 418 Other switch 420 ROM
422 CPU
424 RAM
426 Input port 428 Large winning opening solenoid output port 430 Normal electric accessory solenoid output port 432 Special symbol display output port 434 Normal symbol display output port 436 Special symbol operation memory indicator port 438 Normal symbol operation memory indicator port 440 Sub-control command output port (sends design symbol designation command, variation pattern command, etc.)
442 Dispensing control command output port 444 External information output port 446 Large winning opening solenoid 448 Ordinary electric accessory solenoid 450 Dispensing control unit 452 Prize ball dispensing device 510 ROM
512 RAM
514 CPU
516 Various input ports 518 Various output ports 520 Lamp display device 522 Sound effect generator 524 Production movable object 610 Program ROM
612 RAM
614 Video RAM
616 Character ROM
618 Input port 620 CPU
622 LSI for Image Processing (VDP)
624 output port

Claims (4)

A lottery is executed with a lottery probability corresponding to a normal probability state or a probability variation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal probability state, and a special symbol display device that displays a special symbol based on the lottery result is controlled. Main control means;
Sub-control means for controlling at least the production control object,
In the gaming machine in which the main control means is capable of transmitting a command for controlling the effect control target to the sub-control means,
The production control target is configured to include display means for performing mode notification indicating whether the current lottery probability is the normal probability state or the probability variation state,
The sub-control unit includes a process of selecting one notification mode from a plurality of notification modes when controlling the display unit based on the received command,
The main control means, after starting the control to display the special symbol based on the result of the lottery, transmits a command for starting the control of the production control target to the sub-control means. A gaming machine. The main control means is configured to repeatedly execute a control processing procedure including a plurality of control processing steps,
The plurality of control processing steps include a special game management process having a process for controlling display of the special symbol, and a command output management process having a process for transmitting the command to the sub-control means,
The main control means starts the process for controlling the display of the special symbol in the special game management process, and then sends the command for starting the control of the effect control target in the command output management process. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is transmitted to the means. The control processing procedure is a program configuration in which the command output management processing is arranged before the special game management processing,
The main control means starts a process for controlling the display of the special symbol in the special game management process that is executed first in the control process procedure that is repeatedly performed, and the command output management that is executed thereafter. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the command for starting control of the effect control target is transmitted to the sub-control means in a process.   The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the control processing procedure has a program configuration in which the special game management processing is arranged prior to the command output management processing.

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