JP2011172865A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute continuous presentation without a sense of disorder by preventing the continuous presentation from being terminated in a symbol variable display game based on starting suspended balls before the starting suspended game ball to specify the final round of symbol variable display game determined as the object of the continuous presentation at first. <P>SOLUTION: When an integrally controlling CPU confirms that a variation pattern assigning command and an advance determining command are set in the same control period when the commands set in a buffer for processing are read at the start of presentation control processing, the period from confirmation of the input of the variation pattern assigning command till the elapse of the same time as the presentation control period is set as a prohibition period in which execution of processing based on the advance determining command is prohibited. As a result, when the variation pattern assigning command or a suspension assigning command is input during the prohibition period, the integrally controlling CPU executes the processing based on these commands, but does not execute the processing based on the advance determining command. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine configured to be capable of executing a continuous effect for executing a predetermined effect over a plurality of symbol variation games.

  Conventionally, a pachinko gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine, includes main control means for instructing the content and time of effect of a symbol variation game, and sub-control means for controlling the effect based on an instruction from the main control means. . In such a pachinko machine, an effect (hereinafter referred to as “continuous effect”) in which a predetermined effect is continuously executed (appears) across a plurality of symbol variation games is performed. Some are. In the continuous production, a predetermined production is performed once for each symbol variation game from a plurality of symbol variation games that are performed before the symbol variation game in which the jackpot effect may be performed, and the effect is performed several times. It is an effect that continues across the fluctuating game. And in continuous production, reach production is performed in the symbol variation game where the continuous production ends, and the player's interest is enhanced. Such a continuous effect is proposed in the invention described in Patent Document 1, for example.

JP-A-8-243224

  The processing procedure for continuous production in a gaming machine such as Patent Document 1 is as follows. First, the main control means determines whether or not the value of the jackpot determination random number coincides with the jackpot determination value indicating that it is a jackpot when the winning of the game ball is detected by the start winning means, and the determination result is determined. Generate a winning command to be instructed. In addition, the main control means determines whether or not the value of the jackpot determination random number coincides with the jackpot determination value indicating that it is a jackpot at the start of the symbol variation game, and instructs the determination result. A game start command for instructing the start of the variable game is generated. Further, the main control means generates a rewrite command for instructing the reserved memory number after the subtraction when the reserved memory number of the starting reserved ball is decremented by 1 with the start of the symbol variation game. Similarly, the main control means generates a rewrite command that indicates the number of reserved memories after the addition when the number of reserved memories of the starting reserved ball is incremented by one. Then, the main control means repeatedly executes a process of outputting these commands to a predetermined sub-control means every predetermined control cycle.

  When the sub control means inputs these commands, the sub control means executes processing based on the input commands. However, it is assumed that the process based on the winning command is executed in accordance with the timing at which the sub-control means tries to execute the process based on the game start command. In this case, if the sub-control means executes the process based on the winning command in preference to the process based on the other commands, the sub-control means continuously starts the start-holding ball one prior to the start-holding ball that is the target of the continuous performance. It will be mistakenly recognized as the target of the production.

  For example, in order to start the symbol variation game after subtracting the reserved memory number by 1 based on the game start time command input from the main control means when the current reserved memory number is “4”. It is assumed that a command at the time of winning is input before the start process of is executed. In this case, the sub-control means preferentially processes the command at the time of winning, thereby erroneously recognizing that the current fourth starting reserved ball before decrementing the number of reserved memories is the target of continuous performance. Become. Thereafter, the sub-control means executes a process based on the game start command and the rewrite command, and subtracts 1 from the current reserved memory number, thereby setting the current reserved memory number to “3”. In this case, the third start-up holding ball after 1 subtraction is the target of continuous performance. Thereafter, the sub-control means recognizes that the current number of reserved memories is “4” by executing a process based on a rewrite command that is output based on the winning detection of the game ball by the start winning means. It will be.

  However, in such a case, since the command at the time of winning is preferentially processed, it is not actually recognized that the start holding ball, which is the target of continuous production, is the target of continuous production, the actual number of reserved balls and the target of continuous production There will be a difference in the number of reserved balls. As a result, the continuous production ends in the symbol variation game based on the start holding ball that is originally the target of the continuous production, and the start holding ball that is the target of the continuous production. In the symbol variation game based on, a continuous effect is not executed.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems existing in the prior art, and its purpose is to initially hold the last design variation game determined as the target of continuous performance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a continuous effect from ending in a symbol variation game based on a start-holding ball before a ball and execute a continuous effect without a sense of incongruity.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a main control unit that controls the entire gaming machine, and a sub-control that executes various controls related to the symbol variation game based on instructions from the main control unit. And a main game machine, wherein the main control means is extracted when the start winning means wins a prize. A winning time process for comparing the random number value determined in advance with a predetermined determination value for determination, a random number value extracted in response to winning of the starting winning means, and a predetermined determination value for determination A game start process to be compared at the start of a variable game, a winning command for instructing a comparison result in the winning process, a comparison result in the game start process, and an instruction to start a symbol variable game An output process for outputting a command at the start of a program to the sub-control means is repeatedly executed for each predetermined control period, and the sub-control means performs the control process for each control period set longer than the control period of the main control means. Processing based on the command output from the main control means is performed. In the control cycle for the sub-control means, a plurality of start holding balls stored in the storage means at the time when the winning command is input. In the case of a sphere, various processes including a process for determining whether or not to execute a continuous effect for a symbol variation game based on the plurality of starting and holding balls are executed. A specific period required for executing the process for starting and including the control cycle for the sub-control means is set as a prohibited section for prohibiting the process based on the winning command. And summary that was.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, when the sub control means inputs the winning command during the specific period, the sub-control unit does not perform processing based on the winning command. Is the gist.

  According to the present invention, the continuous effect is ended in the symbol variation game based on the start holding ball preceding the start reservation ball that specifies the last symbol variation game determined as the target of the continuous effect. It is possible to prevent and perform a continuous production without a sense of incongruity.

The front view which shows the machine surface side of a pachinko machine. The block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of a pachinko gaming machine. The flowchart which shows the flow of the timer interruption process of a main control board. The flowchart which shows the flow of a special symbol input process. The flowchart which shows the flow of a special symbol start process. The flowchart which shows the flow of the timer interruption process of a sub control board. (A), (b) is a timing chart which shows the flow of the game at the time of reading the prior determination command or the variation pattern designation | designated command in one control period of effect control processing. The timing chart which shows the flow of the game at the time of reading a prior judgment command and a change pattern designation | designated command in one control period of effect control processing. The timing chart which shows the flow of the game based on the presentation control process in the case of providing the execution prohibition period of the process based on the prior determination command.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a pachinko gaming machine which is a kind of gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 schematically shows a pachinko gaming machine 10, and a vertical rectangular middle frame for setting various gaming components on the front side of the opening of an outer frame 11 that forms the outline of the machine body of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The front frame 14 is assembled to the front side of the middle frame 12 so as to be opened and closed and detachable. As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 14 is assembled so as to overlap the middle frame 12 when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is viewed from the front side. The front frame 14 is configured by integrally molding an upper plate 15 capable of storing game balls, and a glass support frame for protecting the game board 13 disposed inside the machine is assembled on the back side. . In addition, a lower plate 16 for storing game balls overflowing from the upper plate 15 is mounted on the front side of the middle frame 12 and at the lower part of the front frame 14, and on the right side of the lower plate 16, A launching handle 17 for launching a game ball that is turned by a player when the game ball is fired on the game board 13 is mounted. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with an electric decoration display unit (decorative lamp) 18 that performs a light emission effect, and a plurality of speakers 19 that output various sounds and perform an audio effect.

  Near the center of the game board 13, a display frame body (center accessory) 21 with various display devices and various decorations is mounted. A set opening 21a that opens in a horizontally long rectangle when viewed from the front is formed in the approximate center of the display frame 21. A liquid crystal display type image display unit GH is provided on the display frame 21 in alignment with the set opening 21a. An effect display device 22 is mounted. The effect display device 22 includes a symbol variation game performed by varying a plurality of symbol sequences (three columns in this embodiment), and various display effects (game effects) executed in association with the game are images. It is displayed. In the present embodiment, in the symbol variation game of the effect display device 22, a symbol combination including a plurality of columns (three columns in the present embodiment) is derived. Note that the symbol variation game of the effect display device 22 is performed using decorative symbols (effect symbols) for diversifying display effects.

  A 7-segment special symbol display device 23 is provided in the lower left game area of the display frame 21. In the special symbol display device 23, a symbol variation game is displayed in which a plurality of types of special symbols are varied and displayed. The special symbol is a notification symbol indicating the result of the internal lottery (big hit lottery) whether or not the big hit.

  Then, in the special symbol display device 23, the variation display of the special symbol is started simultaneously with the start of the symbol variation game, and the special symbol is confirmed and stopped simultaneously with the end of the game. In addition, the effect display device 22 starts displaying the decorative symbols at the same time when the symbol variation game is started. The decorative symbols are temporarily stopped before the game is ended, and the decorative symbols in each column are confirmed at the end of the game. Stopped display. “Fluctuation display” is a state in which the type of symbols displayed in the display area defined in the display device that displays the symbols is changing. “Temporary stop display” means that the symbols are shaken in the display area. This is a state displayed in a fluctuating state. The “definite stop display” is a state in which the symbols are fixed and stopped in the display area. In the special symbol display device 23 and the effect display device 22, a display effect relating to the symbol variation game and the symbol variation game is started at the same time and is ended at the same time (that is, the special symbol and the decorative symbol are displayed at a fixed stop).

  In the present embodiment, the special symbol display device 23 selects one special symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the big hit lottery (big hit or miss) from a plurality of types of special symbols, and the selected special symbol is the symbol. A fixed stop is displayed at the end of the floating game. The plurality of types of special symbols in this embodiment are classified into a jackpot symbol that can recognize a jackpot and a missing symbol that can recognize a gap. When the jackpot symbol is displayed, the player is given a jackpot game.

  In the present embodiment, the effect display device 22 displays seven types of numbers [1] to [7] as decorative designs for each column. In this embodiment, the display area (image display surface) of the effect display device 22 is formed to be much larger than the display area of the special symbol display device 23 so that the effect display device 22 stands out in front of the player. It is arranged. For this reason, the player pays attention to the display contents of the effect display device 22 in which the display effect (reach effect or notice effect) is performed by various images in front of his / her own eyes than the special symbol display device 23, and the effect display A big hit or loss will be recognized from the symbol combination derived and stopped in the symbol variation game of the device 22. When the symbols of all the columns stopped and displayed on the effect display device 22 are the same symbol, the jackpot to which the jackpot game is given can be recognized from the symbol combination ([222] [777] or the like). The symbol combination that can recognize the jackpot is a jackpot symbol combination (a jackpot display result) by a decorative symbol. When the big hit symbol combination is displayed in a fixed stop state, the player is given a big hit game after the end of the symbol variation game. On the other hand, in the case where the symbols of all the columns displayed on the effect display device 22 are confirmed and stopped, or when the symbols of one column are different from the symbols of the other two columns, the symbol combination ([122] [767] etc.) can be recognized. The symbol combination that can recognize the deviation is a symbol combination of the detachment symbol (result of the loss display).

  In the present embodiment, the decorative symbols are variably displayed along the predetermined variation direction (vertical scroll direction) for each column in the effect display device 22 when the symbol variation game is started. Then, when the symbol variation game starts (when the decorative symbols in each column start to vary), the left column (left symbol) → the right column (right symbol) → the middle column (middle) as viewed from the player side in the effect display device 22 The decorative symbols are temporarily stopped and displayed in the order of symbols. When the left symbol and the right symbol that are once stopped and displayed are the same symbol, the reach state can be recognized from the symbol combination ([↓] indicates that the symbol is changing, such as [1 ↓ 1]). In the reach state, the decorative symbols of the specific columns (left column and right column in the present embodiment) among the plurality of columns are temporarily displayed as the same symbols, and columns other than the specific column (in the present embodiment, the middle column) ) Is displayed in a variable manner. The symbol combination that can recognize this reach state becomes the symbol combination of the reach by the decorative symbol.

  The effect display device 22 is configured to display a symbol combination corresponding to the display result of the special symbol display device 23. The special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 23 and the symbol combination by the decorative symbol displayed on the effect display device 22 correspond to each other. When the symbol variation game ends, the special symbol and the symbol combination by the decorative symbol correspond to each other. The fixed stop is displayed. For example, when the big hit symbol is confirmed and stopped on the special symbol display device 23, the big hit symbol combinations such as [222] and [444] are also confirmed and stopped on the effect display device 22. . In addition, when the special symbol display device 23 is confirmed and stopped, the symbol combination such as [121] or [345] is also confirmed and stopped on the effect display device 22. . In addition, the symbol combination of the decorative symbol with respect to the special symbol is not necessarily one-to-one, and a symbol combination with one decorative symbol is selected from among symbol combinations with a plurality of decorative symbols with respect to one special symbol. Yes. As described above, in the effect display device 22 of the present embodiment, a display effect related to the symbol variation game (a symbol variation game in which symbols in three columns are variably displayed to display a combination of symbols) is performed. .

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) special symbol holding light emitting sections are provided in the lower left game area of the display frame 21 and in the lower left portion of the special symbol display device 23. A special symbol hold storage display device Ra is provided. Then, the special symbol hold storage display device Ra informs the player of the number of special design start reserved balls stored in the machine (hereinafter referred to as “special figure start hold storage number”). The pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment stores a game ball that has been entered as a start holding ball when a game ball has entered the start winning opening 25 serving as a start winning means disposed below the display frame 21. Then, the number of the start holding balls is stored inside the machine (main control RAM 35c of the main control board 35) as a special figure start storage memory number. The special figure start reserved memory number indicates the number of symbol variable games that are on hold (waiting for symbol variable games). The special figure start reserved memory count is incremented by 1 when a game ball enters the start winning opening 25 and is subtracted by 1 at the start of the symbol variation game. Therefore, when a game ball enters the start winning opening 25 during the symbol variation game, the special figure start reserved memory number is further added and accumulated up to a predetermined upper limit number (four in this embodiment). Yes. The special symbol on-hold storage display device Ra is configured to notify the player of the number of symbol-changing games on hold (the number of on-hold balls) based on the number of lighting of the special symbol on-hold light emitting unit.

  In the game area below the display frame 21, a start winning opening 25 having a game ball entrance 25a is arranged. Behind the start winning opening 25, a start opening switch SW1 (shown in FIG. 2) is provided as a start winning means for detecting a game ball that has entered. The start winning opening 25 can give a start condition for the symbol variation game and a payout condition for a game ball as a predetermined number of prize balls by detecting the game ball that has entered.

  Also, in the game area below the start winning opening 25, a large winning opening (special electric accessory) 27 having a large winning opening door 26 that opens and closes by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) not shown is arranged. It is installed. A count switch SW2 (shown in FIG. 2) for detecting a game ball that has entered the ball is disposed in the back of the special winning opening 27. The big prize opening 27 can give a payout condition of game balls as a predetermined number of prize balls by detecting the game balls that have entered. When the big hit game is awarded, the big winning opening 27 is opened by the opening operation of the big winning door 26 and the game ball is allowed to enter, so that the player has a chance to win the winning ball. be able to. The jackpot game is given when the jackpot is determined by an internal lottery and the jackpot symbol is confirmed and stopped in the symbol variation game. When the big hit game is started, an opening effect indicating the start of the big hit game is first performed. After the opening effect, the round game in which the big prize opening 27 is opened by the opening operation of the big prize opening door 26 is performed a plurality of times, with a predetermined number of rounds set as an upper limit (15 times in the present embodiment). One round game satisfies the condition that the established round game time elapses from the start of the round game or the predetermined maximum number of game balls enter, whichever comes first To finish. The big hit game ends with an ending effect indicating the end of the big hit game after the end of the predetermined number of round games.

  In addition, at the lowermost part of the game area of the game board 13 (below the big prize opening 27), the game balls that have been launched into the game area and have not entered any of the prize openings are out balls. An out bulb port 28 is formed for discharge. The game balls that have passed through the out ball opening 28 are discharged to an out ball tank (not shown) disposed in the installation facility (game island) of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  And in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, it is comprised so that the continuous production | presentation which performs a predetermined | prescribed production | presentation over multiple symbol variation games can be performed. The continuous production is performed once for each symbol variation game from the symbol variation game that is performed before the symbol variation game in which the jackpot effect may be performed, and the effect is performed several times for the symbol variation game. It is to be continued across the bridge. In the present embodiment, as the predetermined effect, the effect display device 22 performs an image display of an image in which a petal falls.

Next, the control configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
On the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 10, a main control board 35 as a main control means for controlling the entire pachinko gaming machine 10 is mounted. The main control board 35 executes various processes for controlling the entire pachinko gaming machine 10 and performs arithmetic processing on control signals (control commands) as various control commands for controlling the game according to the processing results. The control signal (control command) is output. Also, on the back side of the machine, a sub general control board 36 as a sub control means, an effect display control board 37, and a sound / lamp control board 38 are mounted.

  The sub integrated control board 36 comprehensively controls the effect display control board 37 and the sound / lamp control board 38 based on the control signal (control command) output from the main control board 35. The effect display control board 37 controls the display mode (display images such as symbols, backgrounds, characters, etc.) of the effect display device 22 based on the control signals (control commands) output from the main control board 35 and the sub integrated control board 36. To do. Further, the sound / lamp control board 38 controls the light emission mode (lighting (flashing) / lighting timing, etc.) of the electric display 18 and the sound output mode (sound output timing, etc.) of the speaker 19.

Hereinafter, specific configurations of the main control board 35, the sub-integrated control board 36, and the effect display control board 37 will be described.
On the main control board 35, a main control CPU 35a capable of executing control operations in a predetermined procedure, a main control ROM 35b for storing a control program of the main control CPU 35a, and necessary data can be written and read. A main control RAM 35c as a storage means is provided. A main control ROM 35b and a main control RAM 35c are connected to the main control CPU 35a. The main control CPU 35a includes a start port switch SW1 for detecting a game ball that has entered the start winning port 25, a count switch SW2 for detecting a game ball that has entered the big winning port 27, and a special symbol display device. 23 and a special symbol hold storage display device Ra are connected.

  Further, the main control CPU 35a updates a random number update process (random number) such as a jackpot determination random number, a reach determination random number, a special figure distribution random number, or a variation pattern distribution random number at predetermined intervals. Generation process). The big hit determination random number is a random number used in the big hit lottery (big hit determination) as to whether or not the big hit. The reach determination random number is a random number used in the reach lottery (reach determination) to determine whether or not the player has won the jackpot lottery. The special figure distribution random number is a random number used when determining the jackpot symbol. The variation pattern distribution random number is a random number used when a variation pattern is selected. Further, the main control CPU 35a has a timer function, and measures time at a predetermined timing (for example, timing at which a symbol variation game is started). The main control RAM 35c stores (sets) various pieces of information (random values, timer values, flags, etc.) that are appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  A main control program for controlling the entire pachinko gaming machine 10 is stored in the main control ROM 35b. In addition to the main control program, a plurality of types of variation patterns are stored in the main control ROM 35b. The variation pattern is displayed in the symbol display game 22 and the special symbol display device 23 after the symbol variation game is started by the start of symbol variation. The pattern used as the base of the game effect (display effect, light emission effect, audio | voice effect) until is complete | finished is shown. That is, the variation pattern can specify the effect contents and the effect time (variation time) of the symbol variation game from when the special symbol starts to vary until the special symbol is confirmed and stopped. Then, the variation patterns are classified for each variation content composed of a jackpot effect, an outlier reach effect, and an outlier effect.

  The jackpot effect performed based on the variation pattern for the jackpot effect is an effect that is developed so that the symbol variation game is finally subjected to the reach effect and finally the symbol combination of the jackpot is confirmed and stopped. Further, the outlier reach effect performed based on the fluctuation pattern for the outlier reach effect is an effect developed so that the symbol change game finally reaches the final symbol combination after the reach effect. Further, the outlier effect performed based on the fluctuation pattern for the outlier effect is an effect that is developed so that the symbol variation game finally displays the symbol combination of the outage without being subjected to the reach effect. In the reach effect, in the symbol variation game with the decorative pattern of the effect display device 22, after the reach symbol combination is formed, the symbol combination (the jackpot symbol combination or the off symbol combination) is finally derived. It is an effect performed in In the special symbol display device 23, when the symbol variation game is started, the variation of the symbol is continued until the variation time elapses without performing the reach effect. Further, the off-line effect performed based on the fluctuation pattern for out-of-line effect changes after the start of the symbol variation game in accordance with a predetermined variation stop order (for example, left column → right column → middle column). This is an effect of stopping and deriving symbols to each column.

  The main control ROM 35b stores a big hit determination value. The big hit judgment value is a judgment value used in the big jackpot lottery (big hit judgment) to determine whether or not the big hit, and is determined from numerical values (all 1471 kinds of integers from 0 to 1470) that the big hit judgment random number can take. .

  The reach control value is stored in the main control ROM 35b. The reach determination value is a determination value used in the internal lottery (reach determination) whether or not reach is determined when determining a loss, and is a numerical value that can be taken by a random number for reach determination (a total of 241 integers from 0 to 240). It is determined from the inside.

Next, the sub integrated control board 36 will be described.
On the sub-general control board 36, an overall control CPU 36a capable of executing control operations in a predetermined procedure, an overall control ROM 36b for storing an overall control program of the overall control CPU 36a, and writing and reading of necessary data An overall control RAM 36c is provided. The overall control CPU 36a is connected to the overall control ROM 36b and the overall control RAM 36c. The overall control CPU 36a is equipped with a timer function, and measures time at a predetermined timing (for example, timing at which a symbol variation game is started). In addition to the overall control program, the overall control ROM 36b stores various tables to be referred to when determining various effects.

Next, the effect display control board 37 will be described.
On the effect display control board 37, a display control CPU 37a capable of executing a control operation in a predetermined procedure, a display control ROM 37b for storing a control program for the display control CPU 37a, and writing and reading of necessary data. A display control RAM 37c is provided. An effect display device 22 is connected to the display control CPU 37a. Further, the display control CPU 37a of the present embodiment has a timer function, and measures time at a predetermined timing (for example, timing at which a symbol variation game is started). The display control ROM 37b stores various image data (image data such as symbols, backgrounds, characters, characters, etc.).

Hereinafter, the control contents executed by the main control board 35, the sub general control board 36, and the effect display control board 37 will be described.
First, timer interrupt processing (shown as a main control program in the figure) executed by the main control CPU 35a will be described with reference to FIG.

The timer interrupt process is a process that is repeatedly executed every predetermined control cycle (every 4 ms), and processes related to various games are executed by the timer interrupt process.
In the timer interrupt process, the main control CPU 35a executes an output process of outputting a control signal to a large winning opening solenoid (not shown) for opening and closing the large winning opening door 26 (step MC1), and also performs an overall control CPU 36a. A command output process for outputting a control command is executed (step MC2). Next, the main control CPU 35a executes processing (special symbol input processing (FIG. 4)) according to various control signals (control commands) input from the start port switch SW1 (step MC3). Next, the main control CPU 35a executes random number processing for updating various random numbers such as a big hit determination random number, a reach determination random number, a special figure distribution random number, and a variation pattern distribution random number (step MC4).

  Next, the main control CPU 35a executes a special symbol start process (FIG. 5) related to the start of the symbol variation game performed by the special symbol display device 23 (step MC5). Next, the main control CPU 35a executes a special electric accessory process for controlling the opening and closing of the special prize opening door 26 (step MC6). Next, the main control CPU 35a executes a prize ball process related to the payout of the game ball when the prize ball payout condition is satisfied (step MC7). Next, the main control CPU 35a executes a special symbol variation process related to the symbol variation game performed by the special symbol display device 23 (step MC8).

Next, the special symbol input process (step MC3) as the winning process executed in the timer interrupt process will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
The main control CPU 35a determines whether or not a game ball has entered the start winning opening 25 (step S1). That is, in step S1, the main control CPU 35a determines whether or not a detection signal output when the start port switch SW1 detects a game ball is input. When the determination result of step S1 is negative, the main control CPU 35a ends the special symbol input process. If the determination result of step S1 is affirmative, the main control CPU 35a determines whether or not the special figure start pending storage number stored in the main control RAM 35c is less than the upper limit number 4 (step S2). When the determination result of step S2 is negative (the number of special figure start hold memory = 4), the main control CPU 35a ends the special symbol input process.

  If the determination result in step S2 is affirmative (special drawing start hold memory number <4), the main control CPU 35a adds +1 (add 1) to the special figure start hold memory number and rewrites the special figure start hold memory number (step S3). The main control CPU 35a that has rewritten the special figure start reserved memory number sets a hold designation command (rewrite command) instructing rewriting of the special figure start hold memory number in a predetermined transmission buffer in the main control RAM 35c. The main control CPU 35a is also configured to output a hold designation command even when the special figure start hold memory number is decremented by 1 (-1) at the start of the symbol variation game.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of hold designation commands for instructing the number of special figure start hold memories are output according to the number of special figure start hold memories. Specifically, since the upper limit value of the special figure start hold memory number is 4, five types of hold: hold 0 designation command, hold 1 designation command, hold 2 designation command, hold 3 designation command and hold 4 designation command The specified command is output. The hold 0 designation command is output when the special figure start hold memory number is rewritten from “1 → 0”, and the hold 1 designation command is output when the hold memory number is rewritten from “0 → 1” or “2 → 1”. The hold 2 designation command is output when the number of hold memories is rewritten from “1 → 2” or “3 → 2”. The hold 3 designation command is output when the hold memory number is rewritten from “2 → 3” or “4 → 3”, and the hold 4 designation command is output when the hold memory number is rewritten from “3 → 4”.

Further, the main control CPU 35a changes the display content of the special symbol hold storage display device Ra so as to represent the number of special figure start hold storage after 1 addition.
Subsequently, the main control CPU 35a reads and acquires the value of the random number for jackpot determination, the value of the random number for reach determination, the value of the random number for special figure distribution, and the value of the random number for distribution pattern distribution from the main control RAM 35c. Then, the value is set in a predetermined storage area of the main control RAM 35c associated with the special figure start pending storage number (step S4).

  Thereafter, the main control CPU 35a determines in advance whether or not the value of the jackpot determination random number acquired in step S4 matches the jackpot determination value (step S5). If the determination result of step S5 is affirmative (matches the jackpot determination value), the main control CPU 35a executes a jackpot command setting process (step S6). In step S6, the main control CPU 35a designates the number of special figure start suspension stored in the main control RAM 35c and creates a pre-determination command “D6xxH” for instructing a big hit effect, and the predetermined value in the main control RAM 35c Set to the send buffer. Incidentally, “xxH” indicates the special figure start reserved memory number (01H to 04H) at the time when the special symbol input process is executed. Then, the main control CPU 35a ends the special symbol input process.

  If the determination result in step S5 is negative (does not match the jackpot determination value), the main control CPU 35a determines whether the reach determination random number value acquired together with the jackpot determination random number value matches the reach determination value. It is determined in advance whether or not (step S7). If the determination result in step S7 is affirmative (matches the reach determination value), the main control CPU 35a executes a disconnection command setting process (step S8). In step S8, the main control CPU 35a designates the special figure start hold storage number stored in the main control RAM 35c, and creates a pre-determination command “D5xxH” instructing that the reach reach effect is produced. The predetermined transmission buffer in the RAM 35c is set. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S7 is negative (does not match the reach determination value), the main control CPU 35a ends the special symbol input process without executing the disconnection command setting process (step S8). Various commands set in the predetermined transmission buffer are sequentially output to the overall control CPU 36a in the next command output processing. Various commands set in a predetermined transmission buffer are sequentially output to the overall control CPU 36a in the next command output processing. In the present embodiment, the advance determination command “D5xxH” and the advance determination command “D6xxH” are the winning commands.

Next, the special symbol start process as the game start process will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the main control CPU 35a determines whether or not the symbols (special symbols and decorative symbols) are being displayed in a variable manner and whether or not the jackpot game is being played (step S11). If the determination result of step S11 is affirmative, the main control CPU 35a ends the special symbol start process. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S11 is negative, the main control CPU 35a reads the special figure start reserved memory number (step S12), and determines whether or not the special figure start reserved memory number is greater than "0". (Step S13). When the determination result of step S13 is negative (when the special figure start hold storage number = 0), the special symbol start process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of step S13 is affirmative (when the special figure start hold memory number> 0), the main control CPU 35a decrements the special figure start hold memory number by −1 (1 subtraction) (step S14). The main control CPU 35a having rewritten the special figure start hold memory number sets the hold designation command in a predetermined transmission buffer in the main control RAM 35c.

  Next, the main control CPU 35a correlates with the special figure start pending storage number and stores the big hit determination random number, reach determination random number, special figure distribution stored in a predetermined storage area of the main control RAM 35c. Each value of the random number and random number for fluctuation pattern distribution is acquired (step S15).

  More specifically, the main control CPU 35a reads the random number stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold storage number “1” stored earliest. Further, after reading the random number, the main control CPU 35a associates the random number stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold memory number “2” with the special figure start hold memory number “1”. Stored in the storage area. Similarly, the main control CPU 35a stores the random number stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold memory number “3” in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold memory number “2”. To do. Similarly, the main control CPU 35a stores the random number stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold memory number “4” in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold memory number “3”. To do. Further, the main control CPU 35a changes the display content of the special symbol hold storage display device Ra so as to represent the number of special figure start hold memories after 1 subtraction.

  Next, the main control CPU 35a determines whether or not the acquired jackpot determination random number value matches the jackpot determination value stored in the main control ROM 35b, and determines the jackpot (hit lottery) (step). S16).

  When the determination result of step S16 is affirmative (in the case of a big hit), the main control CPU 35a executes a big hit determination process (step S17). Specifically, the main control CPU 35a determines the final stop symbol to be displayed on the special symbol display device 23 in a fixed stop manner from the big hit symbols based on the special symbol, based on the acquired special symbol distribution random number value. Thereafter, the main control CPU 35a identifies the type of jackpot game from the determined final stop symbol, and determines a variation pattern from among the variation patterns for the jackpot effect that can be selected. Thereafter, the main control CPU 35a proceeds to step S18.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of the big hit determination in step S16 is negative (not the big hit), the main control CPU 35a performs a reach determination for determining whether or not to form a reach (step S19). In the present embodiment, the main control CPU 35a determines whether or not the reach determination random number acquired from the main control RAM 35c during the process of step S19 matches the reach determination value.

  If the determination result of step S19 is affirmative (when a reach is formed), the main control CPU 35a executes a miss reach determination process (step S20). Specifically, the main control CPU 35a determines the outlier symbol as a final stop symbol to be displayed on the special symbol display device 23 as a final stop, and also determines a variation pattern from the variation patterns for the outlier reach effect. Thereafter, the main control CPU 35a proceeds to the process of step S18.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of step S19 is negative (when a reach is not formed), the main control CPU 35a executes a deviation determination process (step S21). Specifically, the main control CPU 35a determines the outlier symbol as a final stop symbol that causes the special symbol display device 23 to confirm and stop display, and also determines a variation pattern from among the variation patterns for the offending effect. Thereafter, the main control CPU 35a proceeds to the process of step S18.

  In step S18, the main control CPU 35a designates the determined variation pattern and uses a variation pattern designation command for instructing the start of symbol variation and a special symbol stop symbol designation command for designating the final stop symbol for main control. After setting the predetermined transmission buffer in the RAM 35c, the special symbol start process is terminated.

  Thereafter, the main control CPU 35a executes various processes related to the symbol variation game, such as outputting a predetermined control command to the sub overall control board 36 (overall control CPU 36a) according to the timer interrupt process. Specifically, the main control CPU 35a controls the display content of the special symbol display device 23 so as to start the variation of the special symbol at the same time as outputting the variation pattern designation command. At the same time, the main control CPU 35a starts measuring the effect time of the symbol variation game. The main control CPU 35a outputs a stop symbol designation command for special symbols. Further, the main control CPU 35a controls the display content of the special symbol display device 23 so as to display the determined final stop symbol based on the effect time determined in the designated variation pattern. Further, the main control CPU 35a instructs to stop the variation of the decorative symbols based on the effect time set in the designated variation pattern, and outputs a symbol stop command for displaying the symbol combination to be confirmed and stopped. In the present embodiment, the commands (variation pattern designation command and hold designation command) generated in the special symbol start process are the game start commands.

Next, timer interrupt processing executed by the overall control CPU 36a of the sub overall control board 36 will be described with reference to FIG.
The timer interrupt process executed by the overall control CPU 36a is a process that is repeatedly executed every predetermined control cycle (every 2 ms), and processes related to various games are executed by this timer interrupt process.

  In the timer interrupt process, the overall control CPU 36a executes a command output process for outputting various control commands stored in a predetermined transmission buffer in the overall control RAM 36c to the control boards 37 and 38 (step SC1). Subsequently, the overall control CPU 36a executes command input processing for setting various commands input in one control cycle in a processing buffer (step SC2).

Further, the overall control CPU 36a executes an effect control process for executing an effect based on various input commands as a process different from the above-described timer interrupt process.
The effect control process is a process that is repeatedly executed every predetermined control period (every 16.67 ms). The control period (16.67 ms) of the effect control process is set longer than the control period (4 ms) of the timer interrupt process executed by the main control CPU 35a. The overall control CPU 36a reads the command set in the processing buffer by the command input process of the timer interrupt process every 16.67 ms, and executes the process corresponding to the read command. Further, the overall control CPU 36a sets the read command in a predetermined transmission buffer in the effect control process.

  In the effect control process according to the present embodiment, a continuous effect process for determining whether or not to execute a continuous effect is set as a process based on a prior determination command. In addition, as a process based on the fluctuation pattern designation command, a fluctuation start process for starting fluctuation is set, and as a process based on the hold designation command, a hold rewrite process for rewriting the special figure start hold memory number is set. Has been.

Hereinafter, specific contents of the continuous effect process will be described.
When the predetermination command “D5xxH” for instructing that it becomes a loss reach effect or the predetermination command “D6xxH” for instructing a big hit effect is input as the continuous effect process, the overall control CPU 36a inputs It is determined whether or not the special figure start pending storage number specified by the lower byte is greater than “1”. If this determination result is affirmative, the overall control CPU 36a determines whether or not the continuous effect can be executed by lottery. When the overall control CPU 36a determines that the continuous production can be executed, the number of symbol variation games executed with the continuous production (the production of the special figure start hold memory number specified by the input prior determination command) The number of executions) is set in the overall control RAM 36c. Thereafter, the overall control CPU 36a sets an effect execution command for executing a continuous effect in a predetermined transmission buffer in the overall control RAM 36c at the start of the symbol variation game until the effect execution count reaches “0”.

  Further, the overall control RAM 36c of the present embodiment has four storage areas (addresses) associated with respective values (in the present embodiment, “1” to “4”) that can be taken as the number of special figure start hold memories. Is set. Then, the overall control CPU 36a stores (stores) information indicating the effect contents of the symbol variation game that can be specified from the value of the upper byte of the prior determination command in a storage area associated with the specified special figure start pending storage number. ).

  By executing such a rewriting process and the value of the prior determination command, the overall control CPU 36a can grasp the contents of the effect of the pending symbol variation game managed by the main control CPU 35a of the main control board 35. It is like that. Further, the overall control CPU 36a sets the number of special figure start pending storage indicated by the lower byte of the prior determination command as the number of management times (the number of performance executions), and in advance until the special symbol variation game for the number of management times ends. The value of the determination command is stored and held, and the value of the prior determination command is erased when the special symbol variation game for the number of times of management ends.

  Further, when the overall control CPU 36 inputs a stop symbol designation command for a special symbol in the variation start process, the overall control CPU 36 displays the decoration symbol on the effect display device 22 according to the stop symbol designation of the special symbol corresponding to the command. Decide. Specifically, the overall control CPU 36a, when the stop symbol (special symbol) designated by the special symbol stop symbol designation command is a big hit symbol, the symbol combination that can recognize the big hit as the symbol symbol combination To decide. In addition, when the stop symbol (special symbol) is a loss symbol, the overall control CPU 36a determines a symbol combination that can recognize the loss. At this time, when the fluctuation pattern for the outlier reach effect is instructed, the overall control CPU 36a determines a symbol combination that can recognize the outlier including the reach symbol combination (reach formation symbol). On the other hand, when the variation pattern for the offending effect is instructed, the overall control CPU 36a determines a symbol combination that can recognize the outbreak that does not include the reach symbol combination (reach formation symbol). Then, the overall control CPU 36a generates a stop symbol designation command for a decorative symbol that designates the decorative symbol so that the symbol combination of the determined decorative symbol is confirmed and stopped, and sets the command in the transmission buffer.

  Then, the overall control CPU 36a reads a command set in the processing buffer in the effect control process executed every 16.67 ms. If the command read at this time is a variation pattern designation command, the overall control CPU 36a executes variation start processing as processing based on the command. On the other hand, when the command read at this time is a prior determination command, the overall control CPU 36a executes a continuous effect process as a process based on the command. In addition, when the command read at this time is a variation pattern designation command and a prior determination command, the overall control CPU 36a prohibits the execution of the continuous rendering process based on the prior determination command, the continuous rendering process, The start process is read, and the continuous effect process is not executed by the prohibit process. Thereby, the continuous production process is not executed, but the variation start process is executed.

Hereinafter, the input timing of the prior determination command and the variation pattern designation command and the rewriting timing of the special figure start reserved memory number will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the following description, “× (Batsu)” indicates that a prior determination command is not associated, and “● (Kuromaru)” indicates that a prior determination command is associated. Further, in the following description, it is assumed that the execution of the continuous effect is determined by an execution lottery executed when the overall control CPU 36a inputs a prior determination command. In addition, the start of the “symbol variation game” in the following description does not mean that the variation of the symbol is started in the effect display device 22, but the overall control CPU 36a inputs a variation pattern designation command by the command input process. It is confirmed that control has started.

  At the start time (time point a1) of the symbol variation game in FIG. 7A, a variation pattern designation command is output from the main control CPU 35a with the start of the symbol variation game. At this time, when the general control CPU 36a reads the command from the processing buffer in the effect control process, it recognizes that the prior determination command is not input and the variation pattern designation command is input. As a process based on the change pattern designation command, a change start process is executed. Then, the overall control CPU 36a outputs the input variation pattern designation command to the effect display control board 37, whereby the symbol change game is started on the effect display device 22.

  Further, the main control CPU 35a outputs a hold 3 designation command for designating that the special figure start hold memory number is rewritten from “4 → 3” with the start of the symbol variation game. Thereby, the overall control CPU 36a that has confirmed the input of the command during the effect control process uses the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start reserved memory number “1” as the special figure start reserved memory number “ The value is rewritten to the value stored in the storage area associated with “2”. In addition, the overall control CPU 36a stores the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold memory number “2” in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold memory number “3”. Rewrite the value. Similarly, the overall control CPU 36a stores the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start pending storage number “3” in the storage area associated with the special figure start pending storage number “4”. To the new value (time point a1).

  Then, it is assumed that a pre-determination command is output from the main control CPU 35a in accordance with the winning of a game ball in the start winning opening 25 after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the symbol variation game (time point a2). At this time, the overall control CPU 36a has read the processing buffer by the effect control process executed every 16.67 ms, recognizes that the prior determination command has been input, and has started the symbol variation game. Recognize that the variation pattern designation command is not input. Then, at the time point a2, the overall control CPU 36a recognizes that it has not input the variation pattern designation command in the effect control process and has input the prior determination command, and therefore based on the prior determination command in the effect control process. As the process, execution of the continuous effect process is determined.

  At the same time as the prior determination command, the main control CPU 35a outputs a hold 4 designation command for designating that the special figure start hold memory number has been rewritten from “3 → 4”. The CPU 36a stores a pre-determination command in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold storage number “4”. As a result, the overall control CPU 36a recognizes that the symbol variation game based on the special diagram start reserved memory number “4” is the last symbol variation game to be subjected to the continuous effect.

  Thereafter, the main control CPU 35a outputs a symbol stop command as the variation time determined in the variation pattern elapses (time point a3). At this time, the overall control CPU 36a recognizes that the symbol stop command has been input by reading the command stored in the processing buffer at the start of the effect control process. In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the symbol variation game cannot be ended immediately after the symbol stop command is input, but the general control CPU 36a that has input the command does not stop the timer interruption in the next cycle or later. A symbol stop command is output to the control boards 37 and 38 by command output processing. Then, the display control CPU 37a that has input the symbol stop command controls the effect display device 22 so as to confirm and stop the variation of the symbol, so that the overall control CPU 36a actually displays the effect after the symbol stop command is input. There is a time difference until the symbol variation game is completed on the device 22.

  After that, when the symbol variation game being executed is finished and a predetermined interval time has elapsed, the symbol variation game based on the special figure start reserved memory number “1” is executed with a continuous effect (time point a4). . At this time, the main control CPU 35a outputs a variation pattern designation command along with the start of the symbol variation game, and outputs a hold 3 designation command by rewriting “4 → 3”. As a result, the overall control CPU 36a stores the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start pending storage number “1” in the storage area associated with the special figure start pending storage number “2”. Rewrite to the value. Similarly, the overall control CPU 36a stores the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start suspension storage number “2” in the storage area associated with the special figure start suspension storage number “3”. Rewrite to the value. Similarly, the overall control CPU 36a stores the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start pending storage number “3” in the storage area associated with the special figure start pending storage number “4”. To the new value (time point a4).

  As described above, when the prior determination command is input after the symbol variation game is started, the prior determination command and the variation pattern designation command are simultaneously processed within one control period (the same control period) of the effect control process. There is no. Therefore, since the storage area to which the information specified by the prior determination command is to be associated does not shift, it is possible to execute the continuous effect as many times as specified by the prior determination command.

  On the other hand, FIG. 7B shows an example in which the overall control CPU 36a inputs a prior determination command after outputting the symbol stop command to the control boards 37 and 38. In the following description, the description of the same part as in FIG.

  At the start of the symbol variation game (time point b1) in FIG. 7B, a variation pattern designation command is output from the main control CPU 35a with the start of the symbol variation game. At this time, when the general control CPU 36a reads the command from the processing buffer in the effect control process, it recognizes that the prior determination command is not input and the variation pattern designation command is input. As a process based on the change pattern designation command, a change start process is executed. Then, the overall control CPU 36a outputs the input variation pattern designation command to the effect display control board 37, whereby the symbol change game is started on the effect display device 22.

  Further, the main control CPU 35a outputs a hold 2 designation command for designating that the special figure start hold memory number is rewritten from “3 → 2” with the start of the symbol variation game. As a result, the overall control CPU 36a that has confirmed the input of the variation pattern designation command during the effect control process uses the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold storage number “1” as the special figure start hold. The value is rewritten to the value stored in the storage area associated with the storage number “2”. In addition, the overall control CPU 36a stores the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold memory number “2” in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold memory number “3”. The value is rewritten (time point b1).

  Thereafter, the main control CPU 35a outputs a symbol stop command with the passage of the variation time determined in the variation pattern (time point b2). At this time, the overall control CPU 36a recognizes that the symbol stop command has been input by reading the command stored in the processing buffer at the start of the effect control process. Since the main control CPU 35a does not output the hold designation command together with the symbol stop command, the overall control CPU 36a is stored in the storage area associated with each special figure start hold storage number at the time point b2. Do not rewrite the value.

  Then, it is assumed that a pre-determination command is output from the main control CPU 35a in accordance with the winning of the game ball in the start winning opening 25 until the change in the design actually stops in the effect display device 22. b3). At this time, the overall control CPU 36a reads the processing buffer at the start of the effect control process, recognizes that the prior determination command is input, and before starting the symbol variation game, the variation pattern designation Recognize that no command is entered. Then, at the time point b3, the overall control CPU 36a recognizes that it has not input the change pattern designation command in the effect control process and has input the prior determination command, and therefore based on the prior determination command in the effect control process. As the process, execution of the continuous effect process is determined.

  At the same time as the prior determination command, the main control CPU 35a outputs a hold 3 designation command for designating that the special figure start hold memory number has been rewritten from “2 → 3”. The CPU 36a stores a pre-determination command in a storage area associated with the special figure start hold storage number “3”. As a result, the overall control CPU 36a recognizes that the symbol variation game based on the special diagram start reserved memory number “3” is the last symbol variation game to be subjected to the continuous effect.

  After that, the symbol variation game being executed is finished, and a predetermined interval time has elapsed, so that the symbol variation game based on the special figure start reserved memory number “1” is executed with a continuous effect (time point b4). . At this time, the main control CPU 35a outputs a variation pattern designation command along with the start of the symbol variation game, and outputs a hold 2 designation command by rewriting “3 → 2”. As a result, the overall control CPU 36a stores the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start pending storage number “1” in the storage area associated with the special figure start pending storage number “2”. Rewrite to the value. Similarly, the overall control CPU 36a stores the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start suspension storage number “2” in the storage area associated with the special figure start suspension storage number “3”. To the new value (time point b4).

  When the variation pattern designation command and the prior determination command are output at such timing, the prior determination command and the variation pattern designation command may be processed simultaneously within one control cycle (the same control cycle) of the effect control process. Absent. Therefore, since the storage area to which the value specified by the prior determination command is to be associated does not shift, it is possible to execute the continuous effect as many times as specified by the prior determination command.

  On the other hand, FIG. 8 shows that when the overall control CPU 36a reads a command set in the processing buffer by the effect control process, it inputs a variation pattern designation command and a prior determination command in the same control cycle. A confirmed example is shown. Further, in the following description, “O (maru)” is originally indicated as a start-pending ball to be associated with a prior determination command, and description of the same parts as those in FIGS. 7A and 7B is omitted. . Incidentally, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the phenomenon shown in FIG. 8 does not occur.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, the main control CPU 35a outputs a symbol stop command with the passage of the variation time set in the variation pattern (time point c1). At this time, the overall control CPU 36a recognizes that the symbol stop command has been input by reading the command stored in the processing buffer at the start of the effect control process. Since the main control CPU 35a does not output the hold designation command together with the symbol stop command, the overall control CPU 36a is stored in the storage area associated with each special figure start hold storage number at the time point c1. Do not rewrite the value.

  Thereafter, the symbol variation game being executed is completed, and a predetermined interval time has elapsed, so that the symbol variation game based on the special figure start reserved memory number “1” is executed with a continuous effect (time point c2). . At this time, it is assumed that a pre-determination command is output from the main control CPU 35a in accordance with the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening 25 at the timing corresponding to the control cycle before the effect control process (time point c3). . In this case, when the general control CPU 36a reads out a command stored in the processing buffer at the start of the effect control process, the overall control CPU 36a inputs both the advance determination command and the variation pattern designation command in the same effect control process. You will confirm that you are doing.

  At this time, it is assumed that the overall control CPU 36a executes the process based on the prior determination command in preference to the process based on the variation pattern designation command. In this case, the prior determination command is stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start pending storage number “4” at the present time. As a result, the overall control CPU 36a recognizes that the symbol variation game based on the special diagram start reserved memory number “4” is the last symbol variation game that is the target of continuous production at this time.

  Thereafter, the overall control CPU 36a executes a process based on the variation pattern designation command in the effect control process after the next period. Since the hold 3 designation command is output with the start of the symbol variation game, the overall control CPU 36a displays the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold storage number “1”. The value is rewritten to the value stored in the storage area associated with the start-pending storage number “2”. Similarly, the overall control CPU 36a stores the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start suspension storage number “2” in the storage area associated with the special figure start suspension storage number “3”. The value is rewritten (time c3). Thereafter, the overall control CPU 36a inputs the hold 4 designation command for designating that the special figure start reserved memory number has been rewritten from “3 → 4”, so that the special figure start hold memory number becomes “4”. Recognize

  However, first, after the value specified by the prior determination command is stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold storage number “4”, the process based on the variation pattern specifying command and the hold specifying command is executed. As a result, a difference occurs in the contents stored in the storage area associated with the actual number of reserved balls and the number of special figure starting reserved memories. In other words, if the original design variation game corresponding to the special diagram start reserved memory number “4” must be associated as the last design variation game that is the target of continuous production, the process based on the prior determination command The CPU 36a for overall control recognizes that the continuous effect that should be executed four times has already been executed once even though the continuous effect is not actually executed. Become.

  Therefore, when a continuous effect is executed in such a state, the continuous effect is generated in the symbol variation game based on the special figure start reserved memory number one immediately before the special figure start reserved memory number originally determined as the target of the continuous effect. Will end. Then, in the symbol variation game based on the special figure start reserved memory number originally determined as the target of the continuous effect, the reach effect is executed, but the continuous effect is not executed (time points c4 to c7).

In addition, a phenomenon in which a difference occurs in the contents stored in the storage area associated with the actual number of reserved balls and the number of special figure start reserved memory may also occur in the following cases.
For example, in the case of the special figure start reserved memory number “2”, the main control CPU 35a receives a game ball from the start winning opening 25 at a timing corresponding to the control cycle before the effect control process. Assume that a prior determination command and a variation pattern designation command are output. In this case, when the general control CPU 36a reads out a command stored in the processing buffer at the start of the effect control process, the overall control CPU 36a inputs both the advance determination command and the variation pattern designation command in the same effect control process. You will confirm that you are doing. At this time, it is assumed that the overall control CPU 36a executes the process based on the variation pattern designation command in preference to the process based on the prior determination command. In this case, the overall control CPU 36a executes the processing based on the variation pattern designation command in preference to the prior determination command, thereby associating with the special figure start hold memory number “2” based on the hold 1 designation command. The value stored in the storage area is rewritten to the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold storage number “1”. Thereafter, when the process based on the prior determination command is executed, the special figure start suspension memory stored in the overall control RAM 36c is stored even though the special figure start suspension storage number specified by the prior determination command is “2”. The number is “1”. As a result, the overall control CPU 36a cannot specify the number of performance executions due to the absence of the special figure start pending storage number to be associated, and cannot perform the continuous performance.

  Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the overall control CPU 36a stores in the processing buffer at the start of the effect control process so as not to cause a shift in the number of special figure start hold memories to be subjected to continuous effects. When it is confirmed that both the pre-judgment command and the variation pattern designation command are input in the same effect control process when the command being read is read, execution of the process based on the pre-judgment command is prohibited Like to do.

Hereinafter, a control procedure for preventing a shift in the number of special figure start reserved memories that are the targets of continuous production in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 9, the main control CPU 35a outputs a symbol stop command with the passage of the variation time set in the variation pattern (time point d1). At this time, the overall control CPU 36a recognizes that the symbol stop command has been input by reading the command stored in the processing buffer at the start of the effect control process.

  After that, when the symbol variation game being executed is finished and a predetermined interval time has elapsed, the symbol variation game based on the special figure start reserved memory number “1” is executed with a continuous effect (time point d2). . At this time, it is assumed that a pre-determination command is output from the main control CPU 35a in accordance with the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening 25 at a timing corresponding to the control cycle before the effect control process (time point d3). . In this case, when the general control CPU 36a reads out a command stored in the processing buffer at the start of the effect control process, the overall control CPU 36a inputs both the advance determination command and the variation pattern designation command in the same effect control process. Will confirm that you are doing. Based on this result, the overall control CPU 36a executes a prohibition process for not executing a process based on the prior determination command. Then, the overall control CPU 36a that has decided to execute the prohibition process sets the current control cycle as a period for not executing the process based on the prior determination command.

  Specifically, the overall control CPU 36a determines in advance in a predetermined storage area of the overall control RAM 36c until the same time as the control cycle of the effect control process has elapsed after confirming the input of the variation pattern designation command. “1” is set to a prohibition flag indicating a command execution prohibition period (prohibition section). Thus, the overall control CPU 36a grasps whether or not the prohibition period is currently in progress. Therefore, the overall control CPU 36a does not execute the process based on the prior determination command during the execution prohibition period, and as a result, the execution of the continuous effect is not determined.

  However, the overall control CPU 36a performs processing based on the variation pattern designation command even during the execution prohibition period (time point d2). As a result, the overall control CPU 36a stores the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start pending storage number “1” in the storage area associated with the special figure start pending storage number “2”. Rewrite to the value. Similarly, the overall control CPU 36a stores the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start suspension storage number “2” in the storage area associated with the special figure start suspension storage number “3”. Rewrite to the value. Similarly, the overall control CPU 36a stores the value stored in the storage area associated with the special figure start pending storage number “3” in the storage area associated with the special figure start pending storage number “4”. To the new value (time point d2). After that, the overall control CPU 36a executes a process related to the hold 4 designation command, thereby storing the value in the storage area associated with the special figure start hold storage number “4” (time point d3).

  The overall control CPU 36a resets the value of the prohibition flag and cancels the execution prohibition period after the same time as the control cycle of the effect control process has elapsed after confirming the input of the variation pattern designation command. Therefore, when a prior determination command is input during the subsequent symbol variation game and before the start of the next symbol variation game, the overall control CPU 36a executes processing based on the prior determination command. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the continuous production can be executed. The execution prohibition period is set at the start of every symbol variation game (time point d4). In addition, when a prior determination command is input during the execution prohibition period, the process based on the command is executed in the presentation control process after the next period, and thus is not a target for prohibition. In other words, in this embodiment, it is confirmed that the pre-determination command is set together with the variation pattern designation command when the overall control CPU 36a executes the command input process at the timing when the process based on the pre-determination command is prohibited. It will be time.

  In the present embodiment, the time from when the overall control CPU 36a confirms the input of the variation pattern designation command until the same time as the control period of the effect control process elapses is the specific period and the prohibition period.

Next, various processes executed by the display control CPU 37a of the effect display control board 37 based on the display control program will be described.
When the change control designation command is input, the display control CPU 37a of the effect display control board 37 selects the image display data based on the effect contents (variation contents) corresponding to the change pattern designated by the command. The display control CPU 37a controls the display content of the effect display device 22 so as to display an image of the symbol variation game based on the image display data. When the display control CPU 37a inputs a symbol stop command during the symbol variation game, the display control CPU 37a controls the display contents so that the decoration display instructed by the stop display designating command for the decorative symbol is displayed on the effect display device 22. Then, the symbol variation game is terminated. Then, the display control CPU 37a measures the elapsed time from the start of the symbol variation game, and displays an image displayed on the effect display device 22 based on the measured time and display data for each predetermined control period (for example, 4 ms). Every).

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The overall control CPU 36a performs a period from the time when the input of the variation pattern designation command is confirmed until the same time as the effect control cycle elapses as an execution prohibition period for prohibiting the execution of the process based on the prior determination command. Set. As a result, when the control pattern CPU 36a inputs a variation pattern designation command or a hold designation command during the execution prohibition period, the overall control CPU 36a executes processing based on these commands, but does not execute processing based on the prior determination command. The execution of the production is never determined. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the continuous effect from being ended in the symbol variation game based on the start holding ball that is the target of the continuous effect, and to execute the continuous effect without any sense of incongruity. .

  (2) The overall control CPU 36a does not execute processing based on the prior determination command when the prior determination command is input during the execution prohibition period. This ensures that the continuous production will not end in the symbol variation game based on the start holding ball that is the target of the continuous production if it was originally intended, and the continuous production without any sense of incongruity is executed. Can be made.

  (3) The overall control CPU 36a accepts a prior determination command after the execution prohibition period ends. Thereby, if the pre-determination command is input after the execution prohibition period ends, the overall control CPU 36a can execute the process based on the command and determine whether or not the continuous effect can be executed. Therefore, the continuous effect is executed only when there is a difference between the actual number of reserved balls and the content stored in the storage area associated with each special figure start reserved memory number without rapidly decreasing the appearance rate of the continuous effect. Can be prohibited.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
-In embodiment, even if it is a case where the last symbol change game used as the object of a continuous production becomes a failure without a reach production, you may make it perform a continuous production.

  In the embodiment, the processing order of the effect control processing (FIG. 6) executed by the overall control CPU 36a may be changed. That is, the process based on the change pattern designation command and the pending designation command after 1 subtraction may be executed in preference to the process based on the prior determination command. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the continuous effect can be executed no matter what timing the prior determination command is input. However, only when the special figure start hold storage number is less than “4”.

  In the embodiment, when the general control CPU 36a confirms the input of the variation pattern designation command and inputs the prior determination command until the same time as the control period of the effect control process elapses, the command is accepted. You may make it prohibit execution of the process based on the said command.

  In the embodiment, the control time of the effect control process may be the same period (4 ms) as the timer interrupt process of the main control CPU 35a. However, regardless of the order in which the main control CPU 35a outputs the prior determination command, the variation pattern designation command, and the hold designation command, the overall control CPU 36a executes processing based on the prior determination command with priority over other commands. I will do it.

In the embodiment, the execution prohibition period may be from the end of the most recent symbol variation game (determination stop display of symbols) until the same time as the control cycle of the effect control process elapses.
In the present embodiment, the effect display device 22 is a liquid crystal display, but it may be a dot matrix or 7 segment LED display or a mechanical display such as a drum.

The embodiment is embodied in the pachinko gaming machine 10 that uses a special symbol and a decorative symbol, but may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine that uses only a special symbol.
In the embodiment, the sub control board 36 may be omitted, and the processing executed by the sub control board 36 may be executed by the effect display control board 37. Further, the sub integrated control board 36, the voice / lamp control board 38, and the voice / lamp control board 38 may be configured as a single board.

Next, technical ideas that can be grasped from the above-described embodiment and other examples are added below.
(A) a plurality of times that are continuously executed, comprising: main control means for controlling the entire gaming machine; and sub-control means for executing various controls relating to the symbol variation game based on instructions from the main control means. In a gaming machine in which a continuous effect is executed for each symbol variation game, the main control means obtains a random number value extracted in response to a winning of the start winning means and a predetermined determination value for determination. A winning process to be compared at the time of winning a prize, a game start process to compare a random value extracted in response to winning of the starting winning means and a predetermined determination value for determination at the start of a symbol variation game, and the winning A winning command for instructing the comparison result in the time process, a game start command instructing the comparison result in the game start process and instructing the start of the symbol variation game, and the start of the symbol variation game Repetitively executes an output process for outputting a rewrite command for instructing rewriting of a start-pending ball accompanying a winning to the start winning means to the sub control means every predetermined control cycle, and the sub control means performs the main control The processing based on the command output from the main control means is performed every control cycle set longer than the control cycle of the means, and the command at the time of winning is input in the control cycle for the sub-control means. When the starting holding balls stored in the storage means are a plurality of balls at the time, the various processes including the process of determining whether or not to execute the continuous effect for the symbol variation game based on the plurality of starting holding balls After executing the process based on the game start command and the rewrite command accompanying the start of the symbol variation game, Gaming machine and to execute a process based on the winning time commands.

  GH: Image display unit, SW1: Start opening switch (start winning means), 10 ... Pachinko machine, 22 ... Production display device, 23 ... Special symbol display device, 25 ... Start winning opening (start winning means), 25a ... Enter Ball opening, 26 ... Grand prize opening door, 27 ... Grand prize opening, 35 ... Main control board (main control means), 35a ... Main control CPU, 35b ... Main control ROM, 35c ... Main control RAM (storage means) ), 36... Sub-integrated control board (sub-control means), 36 a... Central control CPU, 37 .. Effect display control board, 37 a.

Claims (2)

A plurality of symbol variation games executed continuously, comprising main control means for controlling the entire gaming machine and sub-control means for executing various controls relating to the symbol variation game based on instructions from the main control means In a gaming machine where a continuous production is performed to execute a predetermined production every time,
The main control means includes
Winning process for comparing a random value extracted with a winning of the starting winning means with a predetermined determination value at the time of winning, and a random value extracted with the winning of the starting winning means as a predetermined A game start process for comparing the determination value for determination at the start of the symbol variation game, a winning command for instructing a comparison result in the winning process, a comparison result in the game start process, and a symbol variation An output process for outputting a game start command for instructing the start of the game to the sub-control means is repeatedly executed every predetermined control period,
The sub-control means includes
A process based on a command output from the main control unit is performed every control cycle set longer than the control cycle of the main control unit,
In the control cycle for the sub-control means, when there are a plurality of start-pending balls stored in the storage means at the time when the winning command is input, the symbol variation game based on the plurality of start-pending balls is continuously targeted. Various processes including the process of deciding whether to perform the production are executed,
A specific period required for executing the process for starting the next symbol variation game and including the control cycle for the sub-control means is set as a prohibited section for prohibiting the process based on the winning command. Gaming machine.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the sub-control unit does not perform processing based on the winning command when the winning command is input during the specific period.

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