JP2012034766A - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gaming machine configured to execute presentation display control advantageous to a player relating to notification of a game status involved in a probability dropping lottery.SOLUTION: In the gaming machine, a control unit generates a special game status advantageous to the player, when a variation display game executed by satisfaction of starting conditions based on the detection of prize winning entrance of a game ball, has a special result. The control unit includes: a probability oscillation control unit for generating a high-probability state in which the probability that the variation display game has the special result is increased based on the special game status; a unit for controlling the support of an electrical accessory which increases the opening time of an electrical accessory for supporting the satisfaction of the starting conditions after the end of the special game status; a probability dropping lottery unit for determining whether the high-probability state is returned to a low-probability state or not by lottery when the starting conditions are satisfied; and a high-probability state notification unit for notifying of the high-probability state of the game status, based on the satisfaction of conditions for ending an increased opening time state by the unit for controlling the support of an electrical accessory, when the probability dropping lottery is not won during the high-probability state and the increased opening time state of the electrical accessory.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that generates a special gaming state that gives a player a gaming value, and more particularly to a gaming machine that controls a probability state of generating a special gaming state.

  A conventional gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, displays a variation display of an identification symbol on a variation display device when a game ball launched by a launching device wins a start winning opening in the process of flowing down a game area formed on a game board. A game such as a variable display game is executed. When the result of the variable display game becomes a special result (big hit), a special game state in which a predetermined prize ball can be obtained as a game value is generated. When the special game state ends, the game state shifts to a predetermined game state according to the result of the variable display game. The predetermined game state includes a so-called short-time state in which a state in which the probability of occurrence of a special result is high (probability variation state) and a state in which a game ball is likely to win a winning prize opening continues for a specified number of times.

  In such a gaming machine, a falling lottery is executed when the gaming state after entering the special gaming state is a probabilistic state, and if the winning state is won, the occurrence probability of the special result is lowered (normal state, low probability state). A game machine to return is proposed. Then, when the identification symbol has been stopped and displayed in a specific stop mode in a predetermined period before the fall, a screen display for informing that the fall has been executed is executed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-93045 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when winning the fall lottery, the identification symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific stop mode before the fall, and the fall is notified in advance. Informing in advance of the transition to a gaming state (normal state, low probability state) that is not advantageous to the player will not only improve the interest of the game, but also reduce the player's willingness to play. For this reason, there exists a possibility that the operation rate of a gaming machine may fall.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of executing presentation display control useful for a player with respect to notification of a gaming state related to a falling lottery.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a variable display device capable of displaying a variable display game in which a start condition is established by detecting a winning game ball and a plurality of types of identification symbols are varied by the establishment of the start condition; A player who has a state where it is easy to win, a state where it is difficult to win a game ball, or a state where it is difficult to win, and an electric accessory that opens and closes in a variable manner. In a gaming machine having control means capable of generating a special gaming state advantageous to the game, the control means has a high probability that the result of the variable display game becomes a special result when the special gaming state occurs. Probability variation control means for generating a state, and electric support for generating an open time increase state in which the open time of the electric accessory that assists the establishment of the start condition after the special gaming state ends is increased A high probability state is generated by a control lottery means, a falling lottery means for performing a lottery lottery for lottering whether to return the high probability state to a low probability state when the start condition is satisfied, and the probability variation control means And when the electric support control means does not win the falling lottery while the open time increase state is generated by the electric support control means, the end condition of the open time increase state is satisfied by the electric support control means And a high probability state informing means for informing that the gaming state is the high probability state.

  According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the high probability state notification means is a state in which a high probability state is being executed while the variable display game in which the termination condition for the increased open time state is established by the electric support control means. It is characterized by notifying.

  In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the control means generates a high probability state by the probability variation control means and generates an open time increase state by the power support control means. In the case of winning the falling lottery, it is provided with low probability state notifying means for notifying that the gaming state is the low probability state while the variable display game at the time of winning the falling lottery is being executed. Features.

  According to a fourth invention, in the first to third inventions, when the control means wins the falling lottery in the high probability state, the control device executes a falling effect using a ball by an effect device, and the gaming state is A fall effect means for notifying that the high probability state has shifted to the low probability state is provided.

  In a fifth aspect based on the fourth aspect, when the control means wins the falling lottery, the control means sets the stop time of the identification symbol of the variable display game when winning the falling lottery longer than usual. Then, the fall production means is characterized in that the gaming state is informed from the high probability state to the low probability state during the long stop time.

  According to the present invention, when the gaming state is a probability variation state and the normal power support state (electric support state) is finished without winning the falling lottery, the player has a probability that the gaming state is a jackpot. Informs that it is in a high probability state. For this reason, the player can obtain the pleasure of knowing that the probability and the probability state escaped the fall during the ordinary power support are high probability states.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board with which the gaming machine of the 1st embodiment of the present invention is equipped. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the presentation control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a table showing an example of a big hit symbol distribution pattern when a big hit occurs in the special figure variation display game in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a state transition diagram which shows the game state transition pattern peculiar to the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the first half part of the main process performed by the game control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the latter half part of the main process performed by the game control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the timer interruption process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure game process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the start port switch monitoring process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure start port switch common process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure pending | holding information determination process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the fall determination process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure normal process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure 2 fluctuation | variation start process 1 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the fall lottery process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the fall time information setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the small hit flag 1 setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the small hit flag 2 setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the probability state alerting | reporting process performed by the presentation control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the small hit release setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the small hit probability change alerting | reporting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 22A is a flowchart, and FIG. 22B is a timing chart. It is a flowchart of the fall effect display lottery process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen display of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a table showing an example of a jackpot symbol distribution pattern when a jackpot occurs in a special figure variation display game in a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the electric support end process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the fall effect display process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the fall effect display in the collective display apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the game board with which the game machine of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is equipped. It is a figure explaining the effect | action of the fall effect display of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which performs the fall effect display of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the fall effect display of the modification of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the effect ball path of the modification of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

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

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

  The gaming machine 1 includes an opening / closing frame that is attached to a main body frame (outer frame) 2 fixed to the island facility via a hinge 4 so that one side portion can be freely opened and closed. The open / close frame includes a front frame (game frame) 3 and a glass frame (front frame) 18.

  In the front frame 3, a game board 10 (see FIG. 2) having a game area 10a is accommodated in a storage frame (not shown) attached to the back surface. Further, a glass frame 18 having a cover glass (transparent member) 18 a that covers the front surface of the game board 10 is attached to the front frame 3. The front frame 3 and the glass frame 18 can be opened individually. For example, only the glass frame 18 can be opened to access the game area 10a (see FIG. 2) of the game board 10. Further, by opening the front frame 3 in a state where the glass frame 18 is not opened, it is possible to access a game control device (main control means) 500 (see FIG. 3) or the like disposed on the back side of the game board 10. it can.

  A decorative member 9 that emits decorative light is provided around the cover glass 18 a of the glass frame 18. Inside the decoration member 9, a frame decoration device 18d (see FIG. 4) configured by a lamp, an LED, or the like is provided. By causing the frame decoration device 18d to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode, the decoration member 9 emits light in a predetermined light emission mode.

  An illumination unit 11 is provided in the upper center portion of the glass frame 18. Inside the illumination unit 11, light emitting members such as LEDs and lamps are provided.

  A first movable illumination 13 is provided on the left side of the illumination unit 11 and a second movable illumination 14 is provided on the right side. The 1st movable illumination 13 and the 2nd movable illumination 14 are arrange | positioned above the upper speaker 30a. The first movable illumination 13 and the second movable illumination 14 are each provided with an illumination drive motor (frame effect device 18f) in addition to an illumination member such as an LED, and operate according to the effect contents (for example, Controlled to rotate).

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a speaker 30 that emits sound (such as sound effects, warning sounds, and notification sounds). The speaker 30 includes an upper speaker 30a and a lower speaker 30b. The upper speaker 30a is disposed above the glass frame 18, and the lower speaker 30b is disposed below the upper plate 21, which will be described later.

  On the right side of the first movable illumination 13, a gaming state LED 29 for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 1 is provided. When an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, a notification sound for notifying the abnormality is further output from the speaker 30.

  Abnormalities occurring in the gaming machine 1 include failure of the gaming machine 1 and implementation of fraud. The cheating is, for example, an act of illegally manipulating the trajectory of a game ball launched by a magnet or an act of vibrating the gaming machine 1. These fraudulent acts are detected by detecting magnetism with the magnetic sensor switch (SW) 39a (see FIG. 3) or detecting vibration with the vibration sensor switch (SW) 39b (see FIG. 3). Also, the act of opening the open / close frame illegally is also included in the illegal act. At this time, it is detected by the frame open sensor switch (front frame open detection switch 3b, glass frame open detection switch 18b, see FIG. 3) that the front frame 3 and the open / close frame of the glass frame 18 are opened during business hours. . When an illegal act as described above is detected, an abnormality is notified by the gaming state LED 29, the speaker 30, or the like.

  Below the cover glass 18a of the glass frame 18, an upper plate unit including an upper plate 21 and the like is provided. The upper plate 21 supplies a game ball (game medium) to a hitting ball launching device (not shown). The upper plate unit includes an upper plate cover unit 20 having a production button 31.

  Further, a fixed panel 22 that is positioned below the glass frame 18 and is fixed to the front frame 3 is provided with a lower plate 23, an operation unit 24 of a ball striking device, and the like. When the player rotates the operation unit 24, the hitting ball launching device launches the game ball supplied from the upper plate 21 to the game area 10a (see FIG. 2) of the game board 10.

  The lower tray 23 is provided with a lower tray ball removing mechanism 16 for discharging the game balls stored in the lower tray 23. A key 25 for locking the glass frame 18 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 3.

  In addition, on the front side of the upper plate 21 in the upper plate unit, there is provided an effect button 31 (operation means) incorporating an effect button switch (SW) 31a (see FIG. 4) for receiving an operation input from the player. It has been. By operating the effect button 31, the player can perform an effect in which the player's operation is intervened in the variable display game on the display device 48 (see FIG. 2). For example, the production content can be selected. Note that the fluctuation display game includes a special figure fluctuation display game and a common figure fluctuation display game. In the present specification, when the fluctuation display game is simply referred to, the special figure fluctuation display game is indicated.

  Further, the effect pattern may be changed not only during the execution of the variable display game but also by the player operating the effect button 31 in the normal game state. Note that the normal gaming state (normal state) is a gaming state in which no special gaming state has occurred. In addition, the special game state is, for example, a state (progressive change state) or a big hit state (special change state) with a high probability of occurrence of a special result (big hit) in a specific game state (general power support state or a short time state) described later Gaming state).

  In addition, after the variable display game is started, an operation promotion effect for promoting the operation of the effect button 31 is executed. By operating the effect button 31 while the operation promotion effect is being executed, the start memory is stored. It is possible to execute a notice effect or the like for notifying the result of the corresponding variable display game in advance.

  In the upper right portion of the upper plate 21, a ball lending button 26 that is operated when a player borrows a game ball and a discharge button 27 that is operated to discharge a prepaid card from a card unit (not shown) are provided. . Further, a balance display unit 28 for displaying a balance of a prepaid card or the like is provided between the ball lending button 26 and the discharge button 27.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming board 10 provided in the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The game board 10 includes a flat game board body 10b (made of wood or synthetic resin) serving as a mounting base for various members, and has a game area 10a surrounded by a guide rail 32 on the front surface of the game board body 10b. ing. A front component (side case) 33 is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10 b and outside the guide rail 32. Further, the front right component 33 on the lower right side of the game area 10a is covered with a black transparent certificate plate 36 at the center of the front. A game ball is fired from a ball striking device in the game area 10a surrounded by the guide rail 32 to play a game. In the game area 10a, a windmill 45 as a hitting direction changing member, a number of obstacle nails (not shown), and the like are arranged, and the shot game balls are changed in rolling direction by these hitting direction changing members. The game area 10a flows down.

  A center case 46 that forms a window serving as a display area for the variable display game is attached to the approximate center of the game area 10a. Behind the window formed in the center case 46 is disposed a display device 48 as an effect display device capable of executing an effect of a variable display game that displays a plurality of identification information in a variable manner (variable display). The display device 48 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is arranged so that display contents can be visually recognized from the front side of the game board 10 through the window portion of the center case 46. Note that the display device 48 is not limited to a device including a liquid crystal display, and may include a display such as an EL or a CRT.

  A plurality of variable display areas are provided in an area (display area) where an image of the display screen can be displayed, and identification information (special symbol) and a character that produces a variable display game are displayed in each variable display area. . In addition, an image (for example, jackpot display, fanfare display, ending display, etc.) based on the progress of the game is displayed on the display screen.

  A normal symbol start gate (ordinary start gate) 34 is provided on the left side of the center case 46 in the game area 10a. A gate switch (SW) 34 a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has passed through the normal start gate 34 is provided inside the normal start gate 34. Then, when the game ball that has been driven into the game area 10a passes through the usual figure start gate 34, the usual figure change display game is executed.

  Further, three general winning holes 44 are arranged on the lower left side of the center case 46, and one general winning hole 44 is arranged on the lower right side of the center case 46. In addition, winning of a game ball in the general winning opening 44 is detected by winning opening switches (SW) 44a to 44n (see FIG. 3) provided in the general winning opening 44.

  Also, below the center case 46 is provided a first start winning opening (first start winning area) 37 for giving a start condition for the special figure variation display game, and an inverted “C” character is formed immediately below the first start winning opening 37. And a second start winning opening (second start winning area) 38 is provided therein, and a pair of movable members (electrical accessories) 38a that are converted into a state in which the game ball can easily flow in. And when a game ball wins the 1st start winning opening 37 or the 2nd starting winning opening 38, a special figure change display game is performed as an auxiliary game.

  The pair of movable members 38a of the second start winning opening 38 is normally held in a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) with an interval of about the diameter of the game ball. And since the 1st start winning opening 37 is provided above the 2nd starting winning opening 38, it is constituted so that a game ball cannot win a 2nd starting winning opening when it is closed.

  Then, when the result of the normal fluctuation display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode, the movable member 38a is opened in a reverse “C” shape by the general electric solenoid 38b (see FIG. 3) as a driving device. Thus, it is configured to be changed to an open state in which the game ball easily flows into the second start winning opening 38 (a state advantageous to the player, an easy winning state).

  The movable member 38a is controlled by a game control device 500 (see FIG. 3) described later. The game control device 500 generates the above-described specific game state (general power support state, short time state) by increasing the frequency of occurrence of the easy-to-win state or increasing the occurrence time of the easy-to-win state.

  Further, an attacker-type opening / closing door that is opened below the second start winning opening 38 of the game area 10a by being rotated in a direction in which the upper end side is tilted forward by a large winning opening solenoid 42b (see FIG. 3). A special variable winning device 42 having a special winning opening having a (special electric accessory) 42a is provided. The special variation winning device 42 converts the state where the big prize opening is closed (blocking state unfavorable for the player) from the closed state (a state advantageous to the player, a special gaming state) according to the result of the special figure variation display game. A predetermined game value (prize ball) is given to the player by facilitating the inflow of the game ball into the big prize opening. In addition, a count switch 42d (see FIG. 3) as a detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the special winning opening is disposed inside the special winning opening (winning area).

  When the game ball wins the general winning port 44, the first starting winning port 37, the second starting winning port 38, and the special winning port of the special variable winning device 42, the payout control device 580 (see FIG. 3) wins the winning prize. Control is performed so that the number of prize balls corresponding to the type of mouth is discharged from the dispensing device to the upper plate 21 or the lower plate 23 of the front frame 3. Further, below the special variable winning device 42, an out port 43 is provided for collecting game balls that have not won a winning port or the like.

  In addition, on the outside of the game area 10a (for example, the lower right portion of the game board 10), the special figure variation display game (first special figure variation display game, second special figure variation display game) on the display device 48, and the general figure There is provided a collective display device 50 for executing a general-purpose variable display game triggered by winning at the start gate 34. Further, the collective display device 50 is provided with a display unit for displaying information such as the current gaming state.

  Here, the collective display device 50 will be described. The collective display device 50 includes a first special figure fluctuation display unit (special figure 1 display unit) 51 and a second special figure fluctuation display unit (figure display unit) (figure display game) composed of a 7-segment display (LED lamp) or the like Special display 2 display) 52, a general display change display game change display section (common display display) 53, and a memory display section for informing the start memory number of each variable display game, which is also composed of LED lamps ( Special figure 1 start memory display 54, special figure 2 start memory display 55, and general figure start memory display 56).

  Further, in the collective display device 50, a round display unit (determined round number display) 57 is provided to display the number of rounds at the time of a big hit (the number of opening / closing of the special variable winning device 42), or a first game state display unit (not shown). (First game status indicator) is provided to light up when a big hit occurs to notify the occurrence of a big hit, or a second game status display unit (second game status indicator) (not shown) is provided to light up when a short-time state occurs Then, the occurrence of a short-time state is notified, or an error indicator (not shown) is provided to display an error in which the jackpot probability state is a high probability state when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  The special figure fluctuation display game in the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52 is a 7 segment type while the fluctuation display game is being executed, that is, while the decoration special figure fluctuation display game is being performed on the display device 48. By flickering the segments of the indicator, special display information (special drawing, special symbol) is changed and displayed in a changing manner every predetermined time.

  When the variation time determined at the start of the variation display of the special identification information has elapsed, the variation display is stopped at the special identification information corresponding to the result of the variation display game, and the special figure 1 display 51 or special figure is displayed. 2 The special figure fluctuation display game on the display 52 is ended.

  The normal display 53 blinks the lamp during the change and displays that the change is in progress. When the game result is “out of”, for example, the lamp is turned off, and when the game result is “hit”, the lamp is turned on to display the game result.

  The special figure 1 start memory display 54 displays the number of undigested balls (starting memory number = holding number) out of the number of winning balls to the first start winning opening 37 which is the variation start condition of the special figure 1 display 51. To do. Specifically, when the starting memory number is “0”, the two lamps 1 and 2 are all turned off, and when the starting memory number is “1”, only the lamp 1 is turned on. When the starting memory number is “2”, the lamps 1 and 2 are turned on. When the starting memory number is “3”, the lamp 1 is blinked and the lamp 2 is turned on. In the case of “4”, the lamps 1 and 2 are made to blink.

  The special figure 2 start memory display 55 sets the start memory number (= the number of holdings) of the second start winning opening 38, which is the variation start condition of the special figure 2 display 52, in the same manner as the special figure 1 start memory display 54. To display.

  The general-purpose start memory display 56 displays the start memory number (= the number of holdings) of the general-purpose start gate 34, which is the fluctuation start condition of the general-purpose display 53, in the same manner as the special-purpose start memory display 54. .

  For example, the determined round number display 57 turns off the lamp in a normal gaming state, and lights a lamp (2 rounds, 12 rounds or 15 rounds) corresponding to the number of rounds when the big hit occurs. Put it in a state. The determined round number display 57 may be a 7-segment display.

  In addition, a first game state indicator (not shown) turns off the lamp in a normal game state, for example, and turns on the lamp when a big hit has occurred. Further, a second game state indicator (not shown) turns off the lamp in the normal gaming state, for example, and turns on the lamp in the case where the short time state is generated. In addition, the error indicator, for example, turns off the lamp when the jackpot probability state is low when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and when the jackpot probability state is high probability when the gaming machine 1 is turned on. Turn on the lamp.

  The gaming machine plays a game by firing (balling) a game ball into the internal game area 10a. The gaming machine places the gaming board 10 whose front surface is covered by a cover glass (transparent member) (not shown) in a gaming frame, and installs a gaming area 10 a on the gaming board 10.

  Here, the flow of the game in the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the details of the fluctuation display game (the normal figure fluctuation display game, the special figure fluctuation display game) will be described.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from a not-shown hitting ball launcher toward the game area 10a. The launched game balls flow down the game area 10a while changing the rolling direction by means of direction changing members such as obstacle nails and windmills 45 arranged in various places in the game area 10a, and the normal start gate 34, general winning opening 44, the first start winning port 37, the second starting winning port 38 or the special variable winning device 42 is won, or it flows into the out port 43 provided at the bottom of the game area 10a and is discharged from the game area. When a game ball wins the general winning port 44, the first starting winning port 37, the second starting winning port 38, or the special variable winning device 42, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of the winning winning port is controlled for payout. From the dispensing unit controlled by the device 580, the sheet is discharged to the upper plate 21 or the lower plate 23 of the front frame 3.

  As described above, a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has passed through the general diagram start gate 34 is provided in the general diagram start gate 34. The usual start gate 34 is, for example, a non-contact type switch. When the game ball that has been driven into the game area 10a passes through the usual figure start gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a, and the usual figure change display game is executed.

  In addition, a state in which the normal map change display game cannot be started, for example, when the normal map change display game has already been performed and the normal map change display game has not ended, or the result of the normal map change display game is a hit. When the second start winning opening 38 is converted to the open state and the game ball passes through the ordinary start gate 34, if the number of ordinary start memories is less than the upper limit, the ordinary start memory number is added (+1). ) And one ordinary start memory is stored. The memorized number of the general start prize is displayed on the general chart start memory display 56 for notifying the start prize number of the collective display device 50.

  In addition, in the normal chart start memory, a random number value for hit determination for determining a hit error of the normal figure fluctuation display game is stored, and when the random number value for hit determination coincides with the determination value In addition, a specific result mode (specific result) is derived by hitting the common map fluctuation display game.

  The usual map change display game is executed by a change display unit (common figure display) 53 provided in the collective display device 50. The general-purpose indicator 53 is composed of LEDs indicating normal identification information (general-purpose symbols, normal symbols) when the LED is lit, and indicating misalignment when the LED is not lit. Information variation is displayed, and after a predetermined variation display time has elapsed, the LED is turned on or off to display the result.

  Note that, for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, and the like may be used as the normal identification information, and this may be configured to be displayed by variably displaying for a predetermined time and then stopped. If the stop display of the usual figure change display game is a specific result, the pair of movable members 38a of the second start winning opening 38 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds). It becomes an open state. This makes it easier for a game ball to win the second start winning opening 38, and the number of times that the special figure 2 variable display game is executed increases.

  When the random number value extracted at the time of detection of the passage to the universal chart start gate 34 is a winning value, the normal symbol displayed on the universal chart display unit 53 stops in the hit state and enters the hit state. At this time, the second start winning opening 38 is in a state where the movable member 38a is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) by driving the built-in power solenoid 38b (see FIG. 3). And the winning of the game ball into the second start winning opening 38 is allowed.

  The winning ball to the first starting winning port 37 and the winning ball to the second starting winning port 38 are respectively a start port 1 switch 37d (see FIG. 3) and a start port 2 switch 38d (see FIG. 3) provided inside. ) Is detected. The game balls won in the first start winning opening 37 are detected as start winning balls in the special figure 1 variable display game and are stored in the limit of four, and the game balls won in the second start winning opening 38 are special figures. It is detected as a start winning ball of a two-variable display game and is stored up to four.

  In addition, when the starting winning ball is detected, a big hit random number value, a big hit symbol random number value, and each variation pattern random number value are extracted, and the extracted random number value is stored in a special figure in the game control device 500 (see FIG. 3). Each area (a part of the RAM) is stored as a special figure start winning memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four times). Then, the number stored in the special figure start winning memory is displayed on the start display number storage display unit (the special figure 1 start memory display 54, the special figure 2 start memory display 55) of the collective display device 50. At the same time, it is also displayed on the display device 48 of the center case 46.

  The game control device 500 receives a special figure indicator (variable display device, special figure 1 indicator 51 or special figure) based on winning in the first starting prize opening 37 or the second starting prize opening 38, or their start memory. 2 display 52), a special figure 1 fluctuation display game or a special figure 2 fluctuation display game is played.

  The special figure 1 fluctuation display game and the special figure 2 fluctuation display game are performed by variably displaying a plurality of special symbols (special figures and identification information) and then stopping and displaying a predetermined result form. In addition, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game is displayed in which a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, etc.) are variably displayed on the display device 48 corresponding to each special figure fluctuation display game. ing.

  In the decorative special symbol variation display game on the display device 48, for example, the decorative special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-described numbers is left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), middle (third special symbol). The variation display is started in the order of symbols), the symbols that have been varied after a predetermined time are sequentially stopped, and the result of the special symbol variation display game is displayed. In addition, the display device 48 performs a decoration special figure variation display game with a special decoration pattern corresponding to the number of stored special figure winning memories, and various effects such as the appearance of a character are provided to enhance the interest.

  Further, when winning at the first start winning port 37 or the second starting winning port 38 is made at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the winning random number at the time of winning detection is a winning value) As a result of the variable display game, a specific result mode (special result mode) is derived from the display symbols, and a big hit state (special game state) is obtained. Correspondingly, the display mode of the display device 48 is also a special result mode (for example, any one of the numbers in the flat order such as “7, 7, 7”).

  At this time, the special variable prize winning device 42 is in a closed state (player) in which the big prize opening does not accept a game ball for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) by energizing the big prize solenoid 42b (see FIG. 3). From an unfavorable state) to an open state (a state advantageous to the player) in which a game ball can be easily received. That is, since the open / close door 42a of the special variable prize winning device 42 opens greatly for a predetermined time or until a predetermined number of game balls wins, a privilege that a player can acquire many game balls during this time is given.

  The special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 may be separate displays or the same display, but each special figure variation display game is not executed simultaneously. In addition, for the decorative special figure variation display game on the display device 48, the special figure 1 variation display game and the special figure 2 variation display game may be executed in different display devices or in different display areas. It may be executed in the display device or display area. In this case, the decorative special figure fluctuation display game corresponding to the special figure 1 fluctuation display game and the special figure 2 fluctuation display game is prevented from being executed simultaneously.

  The special figure 2 variable display game is executed with priority over the special figure 1 variable display game. That is, when there is a start memory of the special figure 1 fluctuation display game and the special figure 2 fluctuation display game, and the execution of the special figure fluctuation display game becomes possible, the special figure 2 fluctuation display game is executed.

  In addition, in a state where the special figure 1 variable display game (special figure 2 variable display game) can be started and the start memory number is 0, a game is played in the first start winning opening 37 (second start winning opening 38). When the ball wins, the start memory is stored as the start right is generated. At this time, the start memory number is incremented by 1, and the special figure 1 fluctuation display game (special figure 2 fluctuation display game) is immediately started based on the start memory, and at this time, the start memory number is decremented by one.

  On the other hand, a state in which the special figure 1 fluctuation display game (the special figure 2 fluctuation display game) cannot be started immediately, for example, the special figure 1 fluctuation display game or the special figure 2 fluctuation display game has already been performed, and the special figure fluctuation display game is ended. If a game ball is won in the first start winning opening 37 (second start winning opening 38) in a state that is not played or in a special gaming state, the starting stored number is less than the upper limit number. 1 is added and one start-up memory is stored. And the state where the special figure 1 variable display game (the special figure 2 variable display game) can be started in the state where the starting memory number becomes 1 or more (the end of the previous special figure variable display game or the end of the special game state) Then, the start memory number is decremented by 1, and the special figure 1 variable display game (special figure 2 variable display game) is started based on the stored start memory.

  In the following description, when the special figure 1 fluctuation display game and the special figure 2 fluctuation display game are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as a special figure fluctuation display game.

  Although not particularly limited, the start port 1 switch 37d in the first start prize port 37, the start port 2 switch 38d in the second start prize port 38, the gate switch 34a, and the prize port switches 44a to 44a. 44n, the count switch 42d is provided with a magnetic detection coil, and a non-contact type magnetic proximity sensor (hereinafter referred to as a proximity switch) that detects a game ball using a phenomenon in which a magnetic field changes when a metal approaches the coil. ) Is used. As the front frame open detection switch 3b on the front frame 3 or the glass frame open detection switch 18b provided on the glass frame 18, a micro switch having a mechanical contact can be used.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the game control device 500 according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The gaming machine 1 includes a game control device 500. The game control device 500 is a main control device (main board) that controls the game in an integrated manner, and includes a game microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a game microcomputer) 511. The CPU unit 510 includes an input port 520 having an input port, an output unit 530 having an output port, a driver, and the like, a data bus 540 for connecting the CPU unit 510, the input unit 520, and the output unit 530.

  The CPU unit 510 logically inverts a signal (start winning detection signal) from the gaming microcomputer 511 called an amusement chip (IC) and the proximity switch interface chip (proximity I / F) 521 in the input unit 520. An oscillating circuit (quartz crystal) including an inverting circuit 512 formed of an inverter or the like to be input to the gaming microcomputer 511 and an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator, and generating a clock serving as a reference for a CPU operation clock, a timer interrupt, and a random number generating circuit. Oscillator) 513 and the like. The game control device 500 and electronic components such as a solenoid and a motor driven by the game control device 500 are supplied with a DC voltage of a predetermined level such as DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V generated by the power supply device 300 to be operable. Composed.

  The power supply apparatus 300 includes a normal power supply unit including an AC-DC converter that generates a DC32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power supply, a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC12V and DC5V from a DC32V voltage, and the like. 310, a backup power supply unit 320 that supplies a power supply voltage to the RAM 511c inside the gaming microcomputer 511 at the time of a power failure, a power failure monitoring circuit and an initialization switch, and notifies the game control device 500 of the occurrence and recovery of the power failure. A control signal generation unit 330 that generates and outputs control signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal is provided.

  In this embodiment, the power supply device 300 is configured separately from the game control device 500, but the backup power supply unit 320 and the control signal generation unit 330 are integrated on a separate board or the game control device 500, that is, You may comprise so that it may provide on a main board | substrate. Since the game board 10 and the game control device 500 are to be replaced when the model is changed, the backup power supply unit 320 and the control signal generation unit 330 are provided on a board different from the power supply apparatus 300 or the main board as in the embodiment. By providing, it can remove from the object of replacement | exchange and can aim at cost reduction.

  The backup power supply unit 320 can be composed of one large-capacitance capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power is supplied to the game microcomputer 511 (particularly the built-in RAM) of the game control device 500, and the data stored in the RAM 511c is retained even during a power failure or after the power is shut off. The control signal generation unit 330 monitors the voltage of 32V generated by the normal power supply unit 310, for example, and detects the occurrence of a power failure when the voltage drops to, for example, 17V or less, changes the power failure monitoring signal, and resets the signal after a predetermined time. Is output. In addition, a reset signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the power is turned on or the power is restored. After the power failure is restored, the game control device 500 restores the gaming state before the power failure based on the game data held in the RAM 511c. Note that the backup power supply unit 320 can hold game data for two to three days or more.

  The initialization switch signal is a signal generated when the initialization switch is turned on, and forcibly initializes information stored in the RAM 511c in the gaming microcomputer 511 and the RAM in the payout control device 580. . Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 511. The reset signal is a kind of forced interrupt signal and resets the entire control system.

  The gaming microcomputer 511 stores a CPU (Central Processing Unit, Microprocessor) 511a, a non-rewritable ROM (read only memory) 511b and a rewritable data (read only memory) (511). A RAM (random access memory, volatile storage means) 511c that can be read and written as needed.

  The ROM 511b stores invariant information (program, fixed data, various random number judgment values, etc.) for game control in a non-volatile manner (non-rewritable), and the RAM 511c stores the work area and various signals of the CPU 511a during game control. Used as a storage area for random values. As the ROM 511b or the RAM 511c, an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM may be used.

  In addition, the ROM 511b stores, for example, variation pattern distribution information for determining a variation pattern that defines the execution time of the special figure variation display game, the contents of the effects, the presence or absence of the reach state, and the like.

  The variation pattern distribution information is distribution information for the CPU 511a to determine the variation pattern by referring to the variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 stored as the start memory. Also, the fluctuation pattern distribution information includes out-of-range fluctuation pattern distribution information selected when the result is out of place, large hit fluctuation pattern distribution information selected when the result is per 15R, per 12R, or per 2R. It is. For example, the special pattern fluctuation display game is a fluctuation pattern distribution information related to a fluctuation pattern without reach, a fluctuation pattern distribution information related to a fluctuation pattern in which normal (N) reach is executed in the special figure fluctuation display game, and a special figure fluctuation display game. Fluctuation pattern distribution information related to a fluctuation pattern for executing a special (SP) 1 reach, Fluctuation pattern distribution information relating to a fluctuation pattern for executing a special (SP) 2 reach in a special figure fluctuation display game, Special figure fluctuation for a big hit There is variation pattern distribution information related to a variation pattern for executing premium reach in a display game.

  Further, the pattern distribution information includes the latter half variation pattern distribution information and the first half variation pattern distribution information.

  Here, the ROM 511b constitutes a change distribution information storage unit that stores a plurality of change distribution information related to the execution time setting in the special figure change display game.

  Reach (reach state) has a display device whose display state can change, and the display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are predetermined. In the gaming machine 1 in which the game state becomes a game state advantageous to the player (special game state) when the special result mode is entered, the game is already derived at the stage where some of the plurality of display results are not yet derived and displayed. Display state that satisfies the condition that the displayed display result is a special result mode (for example, a plurality of pieces of identification information except for the identification information to be stopped at the end are stopped with identification information that can generate a special result in which a special gaming state is generated) And the state in which the identification information to be stopped last is variably displayed). In other words, the reach state is deviated from the display condition that is the special result mode even when the display device's variable display control progresses and reaches the stage before the display result is derived and displayed. There is no display mode. For example, a state where so-called full-rotation reach is performed in a variable display region while maintaining a state in which special result modes are aligned (so-called full rotation reach) is also included in the reach state. In addition, the reach state is a display state at the time when the display control of the display device proceeds and reaches the stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and is determined before the display result is derived and displayed. The display state in the case where at least a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display areas satisfies the condition for the special result mode.

  Thus, for example, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game displayed on the display device corresponding to the special figure fluctuation display game has a plurality of identification information for a predetermined time in each of the left, middle and right fluctuation display areas on the display device 48. After the variable display, if the variable display is stopped and displayed in the order of left, right and middle, and the result mode is displayed, the left and right variable display areas satisfy the conditions for the special result mode (for example, , The state where the variable display is stopped with the same identification information) becomes the reach state. In addition to this, when the variable display of all the variable display areas is temporarily stopped, the condition that the special result mode is satisfied in any two of the left, middle, and right variable display areas (for example, the same The state that is the identification information (except for the special result mode) may be the reach state, and the remaining one variable display area may be variably displayed from the reach state.

  In addition, the reach state includes a plurality of reach productions, and the possibility of deriving a special result form is different (reliability is different). As the reach production, normal reach, special 1 reach, special 2 reach, special 3 reach, premium Reach is set. The reliability increases in the order of no reach <normal reach <special 1 reach <special 2 reach <special 3 reach <premium reach (the probability that a special result mode is derived differs depending on reach production). In addition, the reach state is included in a variable display mode at least when a special result mode is derived in a special figure variable display game (when a big hit is achieved). In other words, there may be included a variable display mode in a case where it is determined that a special result mode is not derived in the special figure variable display game (when it is out of place).

  The CPU 511a executes a game control program in the ROM 511b to generate control signals (commands) for the payout control device 580 and the effect control device (secondary control means) 550, and generate drive signals for the solenoid and the display device. And controlling the entire gaming machine 1.

  Further, although not shown, the gaming microcomputer 511 generates a jackpot determination random number for the special figure variation display game, a big hit symbol random number for determining the jackpot symbol, a hit determination random number for the common figure variation display game, and the like. A random number generation circuit. Furthermore, a clock generator is provided that generates a clock that gives a timer interrupt signal of a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) to the CPU 511a and a renewal timing of the random number generation circuit based on an oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 513. Yes.

  In addition, the CPU 511a selects any one of a plurality of variation pattern distribution information stored in the ROM 511b in a start port switch monitoring process (S1001) and a special figure routine process (S1009) in a special figure game process to be described later. Fluctuation pattern distribution information is acquired. Specifically, the CPU 511a displays the game result (big hit or miss) of the special figure variation display game, the probability state (normal (low) probability state or high probability state) of the special figure fluctuation display game as the current game state, Based on the operation state (normal operation state or short-time operation state) of the second start winning port 38 as the current gaming state, the start memory number, etc., any one variation pattern distribution among a plurality of variation pattern distribution information Select and get information.

  Although not shown, the payout control device 580 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input interface, an output interface, and the like, and drives a payout motor of the payout unit in accordance with a prize ball payout command (command or data) from the game control device 500. , Control for paying out a prize ball. Also, the payout control device 580 performs control for driving the payout motor of the payout unit on the basis of the loan request signal from the card unit and paying out the rental money.

  The input unit 520 of the game control device 500 includes a start port 1 switch 37d in the first start winning port 37, a start port 2 switch 38d in the second start winning port 38, a gate switch 34a in the usual start gate 34, Connected to the prize opening switches 44a to 44n and the count switch 42d, a negative logic signal such as a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V supplied from these switches is inputted and converted into a positive logic signal of 0V-5V. An interface chip (proximity I / F) 521 is provided. Proximity I / F 521 seems to be floating because the input range is 7V-11V, the lead wire of the proximity switch is improperly shorted, the switch is disconnected from the connector, or the lead wire is disconnected. An abnormal state can be detected, and when an abnormality is detected, an abnormality detection signal is output. At this time, the abnormality detection signal is input to the input port 523.

  All outputs of signals input to the proximity I / F 521 are supplied to the input port 522, read into the game microcomputer 511 via the data bus 540, and from the game control device (main board) 500 via the relay board 591. It is supplied to a test firing test apparatus (not shown). In addition, the detection signal of the start port 1 switch 37d and the start port 2 switch 38d among the outputs of the proximity I / F 521 is configured to be input to the gaming microcomputer 511 through the inverting circuit 512 in addition to the input port 522. ing. The inversion circuit 512 is provided because the signal input terminal of the gaming microcomputer 511 assumes that a signal from a micro switch or the like is input, and detects negative logic, that is, low level (0 V) as an effective level. Because it is designed to do.

  Therefore, when a micro switch is used as the start port 1 switch 37d and the start port 2 switch 38d, it is possible to directly input the detection signal to the gaming microcomputer 511 without providing the inverting circuit 512. That is, when it is desired to directly input negative logic signals from the start port 1 switch 37d and the start port 2 switch 38d to the gaming microcomputer 511, the proximity switch cannot be used. As described above, the proximity I / F 521 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, the proximity I / F 521 is supplied with a voltage of 12 V from the power supply device 300 in addition to a voltage such as 5 V required for normal IC operation. It has become.

  Further, the input unit 520 includes a first start winning opening converted by a signal from the fraud detection magnetic sensor switch 39a and the vibration sensor switch 39b provided on the front frame 3 of the gaming machine 1 and the proximity I / F 521. 37, the start port 1 switch 37d in the 37, the start port 2 switch 38d in the second start winning port 38, the gate switch 34a, the winning port switches 44a to 44n, the signals from the count switch 42d and the game via the data bus 540 An input port 522 for supplying to the microcomputer 511 is provided. The data held by the input port 522 can be read by asserting the enable signal CE1 (changing to an effective level) by decoding the address assigned to the input port 522 by the gaming microcomputer 511. The same applies to other ports described later.

  Further, the input unit 520 includes signals from the front frame opening detection switch 3b provided on the front frame 3 of the gaming machine 1 and the glass frame opening detection switch 18b provided on the glass frame 18, and from the payout control device 580. An input port 523 is provided which takes in a status signal indicating a payout abnormality, a shot ball break switch signal indicating a shortage of game balls before payout, and an overflow switch signal indicating an overflow and supplies them to the game microcomputer 511 via the data bus 540. ing. The overflow switch signal is a signal that is output when it is detected that a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 23 (full).

  Further, the input unit 520 is provided with a Schmitt trigger circuit 524 for inputting signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal from the power supply device 300 to the gaming microcomputer 511 and the like. The circuit 524 has a function of removing noise from these input signals. Of the signals from the power supply device 300, the power failure monitoring signal and the initialization switch signal are once input to the input port 523 and taken into the game microcomputer 511 via the data bus 540. That is, it is treated as a signal equivalent to the signal from the various switches described above. This is because the number of terminals receiving external signals provided in the gaming microcomputer 511 is limited.

  On the other hand, the reset signal RST from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt trigger circuit 524 is directly input to a reset terminal provided in the gaming microcomputer 511 and is also supplied to each output port of the output unit 530. In addition, the reset signal RST is directly output to the relay board 591 without going through the output unit 530, thereby turning off the test test signal held in the port (not shown) of the relay board 591 for output to the test board 591. It is configured as follows. Further, the reset signal RST may be configured to be output to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 591. The reset signal RST is not supplied to each input port (522, 523) of the input unit 520. The data set to each output port of the output unit 530 by the gaming microcomputer 511 immediately before the reset signal RST is input needs to be reset to prevent malfunction of the system, but immediately before the reset signal RST is input, This is because the data read by the game microcomputer 511 from each input port (522, 523) is discarded by resetting the game microcomputer 511.

  The output unit 530 of the game control device 500 is connected to the data bus 540 and outputs a 4-bit data signal output to the payout control device 580, a control signal (data strobe signal) indicating the validity / invalidity of the data, and an effect control device 550. A first output port 531a that generates a data strobe signal SSTB to be output, and a second output port 531b that generates an 8-bit data signal to be output to the effect control device 550. Data is transmitted from the game control device 500 to the payout control device 580 and the effect control device 550 by parallel communication. In addition, the data strobe signal SSTB from the first output port 531a is provided to the output unit 530 in order to prevent a signal from being input to the game control device 500 from the effect control device 550 side, that is, in order to secure one-way communication. In addition, a unidirectional buffer 532a for outputting an 8-bit data signal from the second output port 531b is provided. A buffer may be provided for a signal output from the first output port 531a to the payout control device 580.

  Further, the output unit 530 outputs, via the relay board 591, data indicating special symbol information of the variable display game to a test firing test apparatus of an accredited organization connected to the data bus 540 and a signal indicating the probability status of the jackpot via the relay board 591. The buffer 532b to be mounted is configured to be mountable. The buffer 532b is a component that is not mounted on a game control device (main board) of a pachinko gaming machine as an actual machine (mass production product) installed in the game shop. Note that a detection signal of a switch that does not require processing, such as a start port switch, output from the proximity I / F 521 is supplied to the test firing test apparatus via the relay substrate 591 without passing through the buffer 532b.

  On the other hand, detection signals that cannot be supplied to the test fire test device as they are, such as the magnetic sensor switch 39a and the vibration sensor switch 39b, are once taken into the game microcomputer 511 and processed into other signals or information. For example, an error signal indicating that the gaming machine cannot be controlled is supplied from the data bus 540 to the test firing test apparatus via the buffer 532b and the relay board 591. Note that the relay board 591 is provided with a port that takes in the signal output from the buffer 532b and supplies it to the test test apparatus, a connector that relays and transmits the signal line of the switch detection signal that does not pass through the buffer, and the like. Yes. A chip enable signal CE output from the gaming microcomputer 511 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 591, and a signal of a port that is selectively controlled by the signal CE is supplied to the test test apparatus.

  Further, the output unit 530 is connected to the data bus 540 to open a special variable winning device 42 (a large winning port solenoid 42b) or a solenoid (a general electric solenoid 38b) that opens a movable member 38a of the second start winning port 38. ), The third output port 531c for outputting the ON / OFF data of the digit line to which the LED cathode terminal of the collective display device 50 is connected, and the LED displayed according to the contents displayed on the collective display device 50 A fourth output port 531d for outputting the on / off data of the segment line connected to the anode terminal of the second, and a fifth output port 531e for outputting information related to the gaming machine 1 such as jackpot information to the external information terminal 508. Is provided. Information relating to the gaming machine 1 output from the external information terminal 508 is supplied to, for example, an information collection terminal installed in a game store or a game hall internal management device (not shown).

  Further, the output unit 530 is provided with a first driver (drive circuit) 533a, a second driver 533b, a third driver 533c, and a fourth driver 533d. The first driver 533a receives the opening / closing data signal of the big prize opening solenoid 42b output from the third output port 531c, receives the solenoid driving signal and the opening / closing data signal of the power solenoid 38b, and generates and outputs the solenoid driving signal. . The second driver 533b outputs an on / off drive signal for the digit line on the current drawing side of the collective display device 50 output from the third output port 531c. The third driver 533c outputs an on / off drive signal for the segment line on the current supply side of the collective display device 50 output from the fourth output port 531d. The fourth driver 533d outputs an external information signal supplied from the fifth output port 531e to an external device such as a management device to the external information terminal 508.

  The first driver 533a is supplied with DC32V from the power supply device 300 as a power supply voltage so that a solenoid operating at 32V can be driven. Also, DC12V is supplied to the third driver 533c that drives the segment lines of the collective display device 50. Since the second driver 533b for driving the digit line is for extracting the digit line corresponding to the display data with a current, the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V. The third driver 533c that outputs 12V supplies current to the anode terminal of the LED via the segment line, and the second driver 533b that outputs ground potential extracts current from the cathode terminal via the segment line, so that the dynamic drive system The power supply voltage flows through the LEDs sequentially selected in step 1 so that the LEDs are lit. The fourth driver 533d that outputs the external information signal to the external information terminal 508 is supplied with DC12V in order to give the external information signal a level of 12V. The buffer 532b, the third output port 531c, the first driver 533a, and the like may be provided on the output unit 530 of the game control device 500, that is, on the relay board 591 side instead of the main board.

  Further, the output unit 530 is provided with a photocoupler 534 for transmitting information such as an identification code and a program of each gaming machine to an external inspection device 592. The photocoupler 534 is configured to be capable of two-way communication so that the gaming microcomputer 511 can transmit and receive data to and from the inspection device 592 through serial communication. Note that such data transmission / reception is performed using a serial communication terminal included in the gaming microcomputer 511 in the same manner as a normal general-purpose microprocessor, and thus a port such as the input port 522 is not provided.

  Next, the configuration of the effect control device 550 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the effect control device 550 according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The production control device 550 includes a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 formed of an amusement chip (IC) as in the case of the game microcomputer 511, and a video control microcomputer that performs video control exclusively under the control of the main control microcomputer 551. 2nd CPU) 554, VDP (Video Display Processor) 558 as a graphic processor that performs image processing for video display on the display device 48 in accordance with commands and data from the video control microcomputer 554, various melody and sound effects Etc. are provided with a sound source LSI 560 for controlling the output of sound in order to reproduce them from the speaker 30 (30a, 30b).

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554 are connected to program ROMs 553 and 555, each of which includes a PROM (programmable read only memory) storing a program executed by each CPU, and the VDP 558 is connected to the VDP 558. An image ROM 557 storing character images and video data is connected, and an audio ROM 561 storing audio data is connected to the sound source LSI 560. The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 analyzes the command from the game microcomputer 511, determines the contents of the presentation, instructs the video control microcomputer 554 about the contents of the output video, and instructs the sound source LSI 560 to play the reproduced sound. Then, processing such as lighting of the decoration lamp, motor drive control, and production time management is executed. RAMs that provide work areas for the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554 are provided in the respective chips. Note that the RAM that provides the work area may be provided outside the chip.

  Although not particularly limited, the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 and the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 554 and the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 and the sound source LSI 560 are serially connected. Data is transmitted and received. The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 and the VDP 558 are configured to transmit and receive data in a parallel manner. By transmitting and receiving data in the parallel system, commands and data can be transmitted in a shorter time than in the serial system. The VDP 558 includes an ultra-high-speed VRAM (video RAM) 558a used for developing and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 557, and a scaler for enlarging and reducing images. 558b, a signal conversion circuit 558c for generating a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 48 by an LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) method, and the like are provided.

  A vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is input from the VDP 558 to the main control microcomputer 551 in order to synchronize the image of the display device 48 and lighting of the decorative lamps provided on the front frame 3 and the game board 10. Furthermore, the VDP 558 notifies the video control microcomputer 554 that it is waiting to receive an interrupt signal INT0-n and a command or data from the video control microcomputer 554 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing in the VRAM. A wait signal WAIT is input. Further, the video control microcomputer 554 receives from the main control microcomputer 551 a synchronization signal SYNC that informs that the video control microcomputer 554 is operating normally and gives command transmission timing. A call signal CTS and a response signal RTS are exchanged between the main control microcomputer 551 and the tone generator LSI 560 in order to transmit and receive commands and data by the handshake method.

  Note that the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 554 uses a CPU that is faster, that is, more expensive than the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551. By providing a video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 554 separately from the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 and sharing the processing, it is possible to display a fast moving image on a large screen that is difficult to achieve with the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 551 alone. In addition to being able to display on the display device 48, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost compared to the case where two CPUs having processing capabilities equivalent to the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554 are used. Also, by providing two CPUs, it becomes possible to separately develop the control programs for the two CPUs in parallel, thereby shortening the development period of the new model.

  In addition, the effect control device 550 is provided with an interface chip (command I / F) 552 that receives a command transmitted from the game control device 500. A variation start command, a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, an error designation command, and the like transmitted from the game control device 500 to the effect control device 550 via the command I / F 552 are used as an effect control command signal. Receive. Since the game microcomputer 511 of the game control device 500 operates at DC 5V and the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 of the effect control device 550 operates at DC 3.3V, the command I / F 552 has a signal level conversion function. Is provided.

  Further, the effect control device 550 is provided on the front frame 3 with a panel decoration LED control circuit 10c for controlling a panel decoration device 10d having an LED (light emitting diode) provided on the game board 10 (including the center case 46). Frame decoration LED control circuit 18c for controlling the frame decoration device 18d having LEDs (light emitting diodes), and a board effect device (for example, an effect display on the display device 48) provided in the game board 10 (including the center case 46). Board effect motor / SOL control circuit 10e for driving and controlling 10f, and a frame effect device provided on the front frame 3 (for example, the first movable illumination 13 described above). A frame effect motor control circuit 18e for driving and controlling a motor 18f for operating the second movable illumination 14) is provided. These control circuits (10c, 18c, 10e, 18e) for driving and controlling lamps, motors, solenoids and the like are connected to a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 via an address / data bus 559.

  Furthermore, in the effect control device 550, an on / off state of an effect motor switch that detects the initial position of the switch 31a built in the effect button 31 provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 or the board effect device 10f. Switch input circuit 570 for detecting the signal and inputting a detection signal to the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551, an amplifier circuit 562a including an audio power amplifier for driving the upper speaker 30a provided on the front frame 3, and the front frame 3 An amplifier circuit 562b for driving the provided lower speaker 30b is provided.

  Since the normal power supply unit 310 of the power supply device 300 supplies a desired level of DC voltage to the effect control device 550 having the above-described configuration and electronic components controlled thereby, a plurality of types of voltages can be generated. It is configured. Specifically, in addition to DC 32V for driving a motor and a solenoid, DC 12V for driving a display device 48 including a liquid crystal panel, and DC 5V serving as a power supply voltage for a command I / F 552, an LED and a speaker are driven. Therefore, it is possible to generate a voltage of 18 V DC and a voltage of 24 V NDC used as a reference for these DC voltages or to turn on the power supply monitor lamp. Further, when an LSI that operates at a low voltage such as 3.3 V or 1.2 V is used as the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 551 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 554, DC3. The effect control device 550 is provided with a DC-DC converter for generating 3V or DC 1.2V. The DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply unit 310.

  The reset signal RST generated by the control signal generator 330 of the power supply apparatus 300 is a control circuit (10c to 18e) that controls driving of the main control microcomputer 551, the video control microcomputer 554, the VDP 558, the sound source LSI 560, the lamp, the motor, and the like. Are supplied to the amplifier circuits 562a and 562b for driving the speakers, and are reset. In this embodiment, the general purpose port of the video control microcomputer 554 is used to generate and supply a reset signal to the VDP 558. Thereby, the cooperation of the operations of the video control microcomputer 554 and the VDP 558 can be improved.

  The above is the configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Next, game control performed by these control circuits will be described.

  The CPU 511a of the game control device 500 extracts the random number value for hit determination of the normal figure based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball that has passed through the gate switch 34a provided in the normal figure start gate 34, and is stored in the ROM 511b. It is compared with a determination value that is present, and a hit / decision of the normal map variation display game is determined. Then, after the identification symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time, the general symbol change display game to be stopped is displayed on the general symbol display 53. If the result of this general-purpose fluctuation display game is a win, a special result mode is displayed on the general-purpose display 53, the general-purpose solenoid 38b is operated, and the movable member 38a of the second start winning opening 38 is kept for a predetermined time. Control to release.

  In the case where the result of the normal map change display game is out of order, the CPU 511a performs control to display the result form of the shift on the general map display 53.

  Further, the CPU 511a of the game control device 500 stores a start winning (starting memory) based on an input of a game ball detection signal from the starting port 1 switch 37d provided in the first starting winning port 37. Then, based on the start-up memory, the jackpot determination random number value of the first special figure variation display game is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 511b to determine whether or not the first special figure variation display game is missed. .

  Further, the CPU 511a of the game control device 500 stores the start memory based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the start port 2 switch 38d provided in the second start winning prize port 38. Then, based on the start-up memory, the big hit determination random number value of the second special figure variation display game is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 511b to determine whether or not the second special figure variation display game is missed. Process.

  Then, the CPU 511a of the game control device 500 outputs a control signal (effect control command) including the determination results of the first special figure variation display game and the second special figure variation display game to the effect control device 550. Then, after the identification symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time on the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52, a process for displaying a special figure fluctuation display game to be stopped is performed.

  In addition, the effect control device 550 performs a process of displaying a decoration special figure fluctuation display game corresponding to the special figure fluctuation display game on the display device 48 based on the control signal from the game control apparatus 500.

  Further, the effect control device 550 performs processing for controlling the output of sound from the speakers 30 (30a, 30b), the light emission of various LEDs, and the like based on the control signal from the game control device 500.

  Then, the CPU 511a of the game control device 500 displays the special result mode on the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52 and generates a special game state when the result of the special figure variation display game is a win. To perform the process.

  In the processing for generating the special game state, the CPU 511a of the game control device 500 can open the opening / closing door 42a of the special variable prize winning device 42 by the big prize opening solenoid 42b, for example, and the game ball can flow into the big prize opening. Control is performed.

  Then, a condition that either a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins the grand prize opening or a predetermined time (for example, 25 seconds or 1 second) elapses from the opening of the big prize opening is achieved. Opening the grand prize opening until one is made is defined as one round, and control (cycle game) is performed to continue (repeat) this for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 times or 2 times).

  Further, when the result of the special figure variation display game is out of order, the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 are controlled to display the result form of the deviation.

  Hereinafter, the gaming state according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, with reference to FIG. 5, a case where a big hit occurs in the special figure variation display game will be described. FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of a jackpot symbol distribution pattern when a jackpot occurs in the special figure variation display game in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A shows a case where a big hit is obtained as a result of the game ball being won in the first start winning opening 37 and the special figure 1 variable display game being executed. FIG. 5 (B) shows a case where a big hit is obtained as a result of the game ball having won the second start winning opening 38 and the special figure 2 variable display game being executed.

  First, when the result of the special figure 1 variable display game corresponding to the start memory won from the first start winning opening 37 is a big hit, the big win stored in the start memory is stored using the table of FIG. The symbol number corresponding to the symbol random number is specified, and the type of jackpot symbol corresponding to the symbol number is specified.

  When the result of the special figure 2 variable display game corresponding to the start memory won from the second start winning opening 38 is a big hit, the big hit symbol is similarly specified using the table of FIG. 5B. .

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, when the big hit is generated in the special figure variation display game, the distribution of the big hit symbol is 15R probability variation A, 15R probability variation B, 12R probability variation A, 12R probability variation B. Here, in the probability variation A and the probability variation B, the opening time of the opening / closing door 42a of the special variation winning device 42 per 1R is different. In the probability variation A, an opening time of 1R maximum 20 seconds is set up to an intermediate round (for example, 5R), and an opening time of 1R 0.5 seconds is set in the subsequent rounds (6R and later). In probability variation B, an open time of 1R maximum 20 seconds is set in all rounds.

  In addition, when the big hit probability state of the special figure variation display game as the current gaming state is the normal state, after the special gaming state is finished, the probability state of high jackpot occurrence is high. Further, after the special gaming state is finished, the operation state of the second start winning award port 38 as the current gaming state becomes the ordinary power support state, which is continued 100 times. This number of times corresponds to the number of times the special figure variation display game is executed. Accordingly, when the result of the special figure variation display game is continuously removed 100 times after the special game state is finished, the operation state of the second start winning opening 38 shifts from the normal power support state to the normal state. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the falling lottery is executed to drop the jackpot probability state from the high probability state to the low probability state. Will continue until the special figure variation display game ends 100 times. During the normal power support state, the notification state of the probability state is basically completely non-notification, and the mode display content for notifying the gaming state is not changed at all.

  By the way, in order to win at the second start winning opening 38, it is necessary to open the movable member 38a, and it is harder to win than the first start winning opening 37. For this reason, when a big hit by the start memory at the second start winning opening 38 occurs, the player is more advantageous than the big win at the first start winning opening 37. Specifically, comparing FIG. 5 (A) and FIG. 5 (B), the distribution probability of 15 rounds of jackpots that can be expected to acquire a certain game value in the jackpot symbol distribution by the table of FIG. 5 (B). Is set higher than the distribution probability per 15 round big hits in the table of FIG.

  Next, the transition of each gaming state will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a state transition diagram showing a unique gaming state transition pattern according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the falling lottery is performed. Here, the game state transition mainly related to the timing of winning the falling lottery will be described.

  The initial gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a normal gaming state (normal state). At this time, the probability of jackpot occurrence is a low probability (normal probability), and it is not in the state of ordinary power support.

  Then, when the result of the special figure change display game corresponding to the start memory won in the first start winning opening 37 or the second start winning opening 38 becomes a big hit, the gaming state becomes a special gaming state. At this time, the probability of winning the jackpot is low and not in the normal power support state, but the open / close door 42a of the special variable winning device 42 is opened according to the type of jackpot symbol shown in FIG.

  Next, when the special gaming state ends, the gaming state becomes the first specific gaming state in which the normal power support is continuously executed a prescribed number of times (100 times in FIG. 5). At this time, if the type of jackpot symbol is a probable change, the probability of occurrence of jackpot is high, and if the type of jackpot symbol is normal, the probability of jackpot occurrence is low (normal probability). Since all the jackpot symbols shown in FIG. 5 are probabilistic, immediately after the first specific gaming state is started, the jackpot occurrence probability is always high.

  In addition, a falling lottery is executed in the first specific gaming state. Then, when the falling lottery is won, so-called falling is performed in which the probability of jackpot occurrence is changed from a high probability to a low probability. Then, the ordinary power support is continued until the specified number of special figure change display games are executed, that is, the first specific gaming state in which the probability of jackpot occurrence is set to a low probability is continued. Thereafter, the stop time effect is executed, and the gaming state returns to the normal gaming state.

  On the other hand, when the falling lottery is not won in the first specific gaming state, the second specific gaming state is entered after the prescribed number of ordinary power support ends. The second specific gaming state is a gaming state after a specified number of ordinary power support has been executed after the special gaming state is completed without winning the falling lottery. The probability of jackpot occurrence is determined from the first specific gaming state. It is maintained, but the ordinary power support state is released.

  The falling lottery is executed even in the second specific gaming state, and when the falling lottery is won, the above-described falling is executed, and the gaming state returns to the normal gaming state.

  Hereinafter, specific processing for the control by the game control device 500 will be described.

[Main processing (game control device)]
First, the main process will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the first half of the main processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the latter half of the main processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The main process is executed when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. For example, it is executed when a gaming machine is turned on to start business at a game hall or when a power failure is restored.

  When the execution of the main process is started, the game control device 500 first prohibits interruption (S701). Next, an interrupt vector setting process for setting a vector address indicating a jump destination executed when an interrupt occurs is executed (S702). Furthermore, a stack pointer that is the start address of an area for saving the value of a register or the like when an interrupt occurs is set (S703). Further, an interrupt processing mode is set (S704).

  Next, the game control device 500 stands by until the program of the payout control device (payout board) 580 is normally activated (S705). For example, wait for 4 milliseconds. By controlling in this way, when the power is turned on, the game control device 500 is activated first, and the command is transmitted to the payout control device 580 before the activation of the payout control device 580 is completed. The payout control device 580 can avoid missing the transmitted command.

  Thereafter, the game control device 500 permits access to a read / write RWM (read / write memory) such as a RAM or EEPROM (S706). Further, all output ports are set to off (no output) (S707). In addition, the serial port preinstalled in the gaming microcomputer 511 is set not to be used (S708). This is because the serial port is not used because parallel communication is performed with the payout control device 580 and the effect control device 550 in the present embodiment.

Subsequently, the game control device 500 determines whether or not the initialization switch signal in the power supply device 300 is set to ON (S709). The initialization switch signal is a signal for setting whether or not to start a game in an initialized state when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.
For example, when the power is normally turned off at the time of closing the store and the power is turned on at the opening of the next day, the initialization switch signal is set to ON so that the game is started in the initialized state. . On the other hand, when the power is turned on again after a power failure, the initialization switch signal is turned off so that the game machine is not initialized in order to resume the game as close to the gaming state as possible before the power failure. Is set.

  When the initialization switch signal is set to OFF (result of S709 is “N”), the game control device 500 checks the power failure inspection area in the RWM (S710). More specifically, the power failure inspection area check data is stored in the power failure inspection area. In the process of S710, it is checked whether or not the power failure inspection area check data stored in the power failure inspection area is normal.

  The game control device 500 is called a checksum when it is determined that the power failure inspection area check data in the power failure inspection area in the RWM is normal, that is, it has been recovered from the power failure (the result of S711 is “Y”). A checksum calculation process for calculating verification data is executed (S712).

  Then, the game control device 500 determines whether or not the checksum value calculated in the checksum calculation process matches the checksum value calculated when the power is turned off (S713).

  On the other hand, when the initialization switch signal is set to ON (result of S709 is “Y”), the game control device 500 is not recovered from a power failure (result of S711 is “N”), and is turned off. If the checksum value calculated in step S712 does not match the checksum value calculated in step S712 (the result in step S713 is “N”), the initialization processing in steps S821 to S823 in FIG. 8 is executed. Details of the initialization process will be described later.

  If the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value at the time of power-off (the result of S713 is “Y”), the gaming control apparatus 500 has executed the power failure processing normally, and therefore The process for recovering to this state is executed (S801 to S806 in FIG. 8).

  First, the game control device 500 clears an area in the RWM (read / write memory: RAM in the embodiment) in which information for determining whether or not the information at the time of the power failure has been normally stored is stored ( initialize. Specifically, the initial value at the time of power failure recovery is saved in the area to be initialized (the power failure inspection area and the area where the checksum is stored) (S801). Furthermore, an area for storing error-related information and information for monitoring fraud is reset (S802).

  Next, the game control device 500 determines whether or not the game state at the time of the power failure is a high probability state from the area for storing the game state in the RWM (S803). If it is determined that the state is not a high probability state (the result of S803 is “N”), the processing after S806 is executed.

  When it is determined that the gaming state at the time of the power failure is a high probability state (the result of S803 is “Y”), the game control device 500 sets the high probability notification flag to ON and sets the high probability notification flag area. (S804). Subsequently, the high-probability notification LED (third gaming state indicator 58) provided in the collective display device 50 is set to ON (lighted) (S805).

  Furthermore, the game control device 500 transmits a command at the time of power failure recovery corresponding to the special figure game process number to the effect control device 550 (S806). The special figure game process number is a number indicating the state of the special figure game, and is stored in a predetermined area of the RWM when a power failure occurs. In this way, by transmitting a command at the time of power failure recovery corresponding to the special figure game process number to the effect control device 550, the game can be resumed in a state as close as possible to the occurrence of the power failure.

  Here, a case where the initialization process is executed will be described. As described above, the initialization process is executed when a gaming machine that has been normally powered off is activated or when it cannot return to the state before the occurrence of a power failure.

  In the initialization process, the game control device 500 first resets the work area to be used (S821). Further, an initial value for power-on is saved in the area to be initialized (S822). And the command at the time of power-on is transmitted to the production control device 550 (S823), and the processing after S807 is executed.

  When the processing of S806 or S823 ends, the game control device 500 activates a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the game microcomputer 511 (clock generator). (S807).

  The CTC circuit is provided in a clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 511. The clock generator includes a frequency dividing circuit that divides the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 513 and the CTC circuit described above. The timer interrupt signal is a signal for causing the CPU 511a to generate a timer interrupt with a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) based on the divided signal. The random number update trigger signal (CTC) is supplied to the random number generation circuit based on the divided signal, and the random number generation circuit serves as a trigger for updating the random number.

  When the CTC circuit is activated, the game control device 500 performs activation setting of the random number generation circuit (S808). Specifically, the CPU 511a executes processing such as setting a code (specified value) for starting the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. Further, the values of predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at power-on are saved in predetermined areas of the RWM as initial values (start values) of various initial value random numbers (S809). . Thereafter, the game control device 500 permits an interrupt (S810).

  Note that the random number generation circuit in the CPU 511a of the present embodiment is configured such that the initial value of the soft random number register is changed every time the power is turned on, and initial values of various initial value random numbers are based on the initial value of the soft random number register. By setting a value (start value), it becomes possible to break the regularity of random numbers generated by software, making it difficult for a player to acquire illegal random numbers. Various initial value random numbers include, for example, a random number that determines the jackpot symbol (hit symbol random number 1, jackpot symbol random number 2), a random number that determines the hit of the normal game display game (per random number), and the probability status of the jackpot Random numbers (falling winning random numbers) to be won in the falling lottery to drop from the state to the low probability state are included.

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 executes an initial value random number update process for updating the values of various initial value random numbers and breaking the regularity of the random numbers (S811). In the present embodiment, the big hit random number is configured to be generated using a random number generated in the random number generation circuit. That is, the big hit random number is a hard random number generated by hardware, and the big hit symbol random number, the hit random number, the variation pattern random number, and the falling winning random number are soft random numbers generated by software. Note that the source of various random numbers is not limited to the above-described mode, and the big hit random number may be a software random number, or the big hit symbol random number, the hit random number, the variation pattern random number, the falling winning random number is a hardware random number. There may be.

  Further, after the initial value random number update process is executed, the game control device 500 determines whether or not the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 300 and read via the port and the data bus is on (S812). ). Whether or not a power failure has occurred can be determined based on whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is on. When the power failure monitoring signal is not on, that is, when there is no power failure (result of S812 is “N”), the initial value random number update processing of S811 is executed again, and the processing of S811 and S812 is repeatedly executed (loop) processing).

  Also, by permitting an interrupt (S810) before the initial value random number update process (S811), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process can be preferentially executed. Become. Accordingly, since the timer interrupt process cannot be executed until the execution of the initial value random number update process is completed, it is possible to avoid a shortage of time for executing various processes included in the interrupt process.

  In the initial value random number update process (S811), the initial value random number update process may be executed by a timer interrupt process in addition to the main process. However, when the initial value random number update process is executed in the timer interrupt process, an interrupt is issued during the initial value random number update process in the main process in order to avoid executing the initial value random number update process in both processes. It is prohibited to release the interrupt after updating the initial random number. However, if the initial value random number update process is not executed in the timer interrupt process and the initial value random number update process is executed only in the main process as in this embodiment, the interrupt can be canceled before the initial value random number update process. There is no problem, and there is an advantage that the main processing is simplified.

  On the other hand, when the power failure monitoring signal is set to ON (the result of S812 is “Y”), the game control device 500 considers that a power failure has occurred and executes the process when the power failure occurs (S813 to S813). S818).

  The game control device 500 prohibits interruption (S813) and sets all output ports to off (S814). Thereafter, the power failure recovery inspection area check data is saved in the power failure recovery inspection area (S815).

  Further, the game control device 500 executes a checksum calculation process for calculating a checksum when the RWM is powered off (S816), and saves (saves) the calculated checksum value in the checksum area of the RWM ( S817). Finally, access to the RWM is prohibited so that the contents of the RWM are not changed (S818), and the system waits until the power of the gaming machine 1 is cut off. In this way, by saving check data in the power failure recovery inspection area and calculating and storing the checksum at the time of power-off, the information stored in the RWM before power-off is correctly backed up. It is possible to determine when the power is turned on again.

[Timer interrupt processing (game control device)]
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of timer interrupt processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The timer interrupt process is started when a periodic (for example, 1 millisecond cycle) timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 511a.

  When the timer interrupt process is started, the game control device 500 first saves the register by moving the value held in the predetermined register to the RWM (S901). In this embodiment, a Z80 microcomputer is used as the game microcomputer. The Z80 microcomputer is provided with a front register and a back register, and the processing of S901 can be implemented by saving the value held in the front register to the back register.

  Next, the game control device 500 executes input processing for acquiring input signals from various sensors and switches input via the input unit 520 and reading the state of each input port (S902). The various sensors include a start port 1 switch 37d, a start port 2 switch 38d, a conventional gate switch 34a, a count switch 42d, and the like. In the input process, the input information is confirmed by performing chattering removal or the like on the input signal.

  Furthermore, the game control device 500 executes output processing for transmitting output data related to game control set in various processes to the effect control device 550 and the payout control device 580 (S903). The output data is information for performing drive control of an actuator such as a solenoid, and the solenoids to be controlled include, for example, a big prize opening solenoid (SOL) 42b and a general electric solenoid (SOL) 38b. The output processing includes outputting game data to an information collection terminal device (not shown) that collects game data in the gaming machine.

  Next, the game control device 500 executes command transmission processing for transmitting (outputting) the command set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the effect control device 550, the payout control device 580, and the like (S904). Specifically, the effect control device 550 includes a change pattern designation command for specifying the change pattern of the identification information in the special figure change display game, and a power failure recovery command for causing the effect control device 550 to execute the power failure recovery process when the power failure is recovered. Or a prize ball command specifying the number of prize balls to be paid out from the payout device is sent to the payout control device 580.

  Further, the game control device 500 executes a random number update process 1 for updating the jackpot symbol random number 1 and the jackpot symbol random number 2 (S905), and subsequently uses a variation pattern random number for determining a variation pattern in the special diagram variation display game. Random number update processing 2 to be updated is executed (S906). In random number update processing 1 and random number update processing 2, in order to give randomness to various random numbers, the values of counters corresponding to various random numbers (big hit random number counter, hit random number counter, presentation determination random number counter, etc.) are incremented by one To do.

  After that, the game control device 500 executes a winning port switch / error monitoring process for monitoring various winning port switches and the like, and monitoring errors such as unauthorized opening of a frame (S907). The various winning port switches include, for example, a starting port 1 switch 37d, a starting port 2 switch 38d, a gate switch 34a, winning port switches 44a to 44n, and a count switch 42d. In the prize opening switch / error monitoring process, it is monitored whether a normal signal is input from these switches. As an error monitoring, the front frame 3 and the glass frame 18 are targeted for unauthorized opening.

  Further, the game control device 500 executes a special figure game process for performing a process related to the special figure variation display game (S908). The details of the special figure game process will be described later with reference to FIG. Subsequently, a general game process for performing a process related to the general map variable display game is executed (S909).

  Next, the game control device 500 executes a segment LED editing process for controlling the display contents of the segment LED for displaying the special figure variation game and various information related to the game (S910). Specifically, the parameters for outputting the results of the special map variation display game and the general map variation display game to the segment LED (for example, the collective display device 50) are edited.

  The game control apparatus 500 checks the detection signals from the magnetic sensor switch 39a and the vibration sensor switch 39b, and executes a magnet fraud monitoring process for determining whether there is an abnormality (S911). When the occurrence of an abnormality is detected, a notification sound is output from the speaker 30 or the gaming state LED 29 is turned on to notify the outside.

  Next, the game control device 500 executes an external information editing process for editing various signals output from the external information terminal 508 (S912).

  Then, the game control device 500 clears the interrupt request and declares the end of the interrupt (S913). After that, the register temporarily saved in the process of S901 is restored (S914), the interrupt and timer interrupt by the prohibited external device are permitted (S915), the timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process. .

[Special Figure Game Processing]
Next, the details of the special game process (S908) in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special game process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  In the special figure game process, the input signal is monitored by the start port 1 switch 37d and the start port 2 switch 38d, the entire process related to the special figure variation display game is controlled, and the display of the special figure (identification symbol and identification information) is set.

  When the special figure game process is started, the game control device 500 first executes a start switch monitoring process for monitoring a winning of the start port 1 switch 37d and the start port 2 switch 38d (S1001).

  In the start port switch monitoring process, when a game ball wins at the first start winning port 37 and the second start winning port 38, various random numbers (such as big hit random numbers) are extracted, and a special variable display game based on the win Prior to the start of the game, a game result pre-determination is made to pre-determine a game result based on a prize. The details of the start port switch monitoring process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the game control device 500 executes a count switch monitoring process (S1002). In the count switch monitoring process, a game ball won in the special variable prize winning device 42 is detected by a count switch 42d provided in the special variable prize winning device 42, and the number of winning game balls is monitored.

  Next, the game control device 500 determines whether or not the special figure game processing timer has already expired or the special figure game processing timer has expired as a result of updating (-1) the special figure game processing timer. Is checked (S1003). Note that the special figure game process timer is set to an initial value when each process (S1009 to S1015) to be branched according to a special figure game process number, which will be described later, is executed. Decrease the value by 1. The value set as the initial value is a time value until the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is completed. For example, the value is set in the special figure normal process (S1009; special figure game process number “0”). As the value to be set, the time value during which the special symbol is variably displayed in the special figure variation display game is set. Then, when the value of the special figure game processing timer becomes 0, it is determined that the time is up.

  When the special game process timer has not expired (the result of S1004 is “N”), the game control device 500 executes the processes after S1016.

  On the other hand, when the special figure game process timer expires (the result of S1004 is “Y”), the game control device 500 refers to the special figure game sequence to be referred to for branching to the process corresponding to the special figure game process number. The branch table is set in the register (S1005). Furthermore, the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is acquired based on the table (S1006). Then, the return address after the branch process ends is saved in the stack area (S1007), and the process is branched according to the game process number (S1008).

  When the game process number is “0” (the result of S1008 is “0”), the game control apparatus 500 executes the special figure routine process (S1009). The special chart routine process monitors the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game, sets the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game, sets the effects, sets the information necessary to execute the special figure fluctuation processing, etc. Do. Details of the special figure routine processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the game process number is “1” (the result of S1008 is “1”), the game control device 500 executes the special figure changing process (S1010). In the special figure changing process, the stop display time of the identification information in the special figure changing display game, the setting of information necessary for performing the special figure display process, and the like are performed.

  When the game process number is “2” (the result of S1008 is “2”), the game control device 500 executes the special figure display process (S1011). In the special figure display process, if the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is a big hit, the fanfare command setting according to the type of the big hit, the fanfare time corresponding to the big winning opening opening pattern of each big hit, For example, information necessary for performing fanfare / interval processing is set.

  When the game process number is “3” (the result of S1008 is “3”), the game control apparatus 500 executes the fanfare / interval process (S1012). In the fanfare / interval processing, setting of the opening time of the big prize opening, updating of the number of times of opening, setting of information necessary for performing the processing during opening of the big prize opening, and the like are performed.

  When the game process number is “4” (the result of S1008 is “4”), the game control apparatus 500 executes a special winning opening opening process (S1013). The processing during opening of the big prize opening is necessary to set an interval command if the big hit round is not the final round, while setting the command of the big hit end screen if the big round is the final round, or to perform the big prize opening remaining ball processing Set information.

  Also, during the special prize opening opening process, when the result of the special figure variation display game becomes a special result, the opening / closing door 42a of the special variable prize winning device 42 is opened based on the opening time of the special prize winning opening to the player. Since a special game state for giving a game value is generated, the game control device 500 serves as a special game state control means.

  When the game process number is “5” (the result of S1008 is “5”), the game control apparatus 500 executes the big winning opening remaining ball process (S1014). In the winning ball remaining ball processing, when the big hit round is the final round, the time for the remaining ball in the big winning mouth to be discharged is set, or the information necessary to perform the big hit end processing is set Or

  In the winning prize remaining ball process, information necessary for updating the special symbol process timer and performing the fanfare / interval process or the big hit end process is set. In addition, it is determined whether the maximum opening time of the grand prize opening has elapsed or whether a predetermined number (predetermined number) of game balls have been won in the big prize opening, and the opening / closing door 42a is closed when any of the conditions is satisfied. To do. After this is repeated for a predetermined number of rounds, the special figure game process number is set to 6.

  When the game process number is “6” (the result of S1008 is “6”), the game control device 500 executes a jackpot end process (S1015). In the jackpot end process, information necessary for performing the special figure routine process of S1009 is set.

  Thereafter, the game control device 500 prepares a table for controlling the variation of the symbols in the special figure 1 display 51 (S1016). Subsequently, the symbol fluctuation control process related to the special figure 1 display 51 is executed (S1017).

  Further, the game control device 500 prepares a table for controlling the variation of symbols in the special figure 2 display 52 (S1018). Subsequently, the symbol variation control process related to the special figure 2 display 52 is executed (S1019).

[Starter switch monitoring process]
Next, the details of the start port switch monitoring process (S1001) in the special figure game process (FIG. 10) described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the start port switch monitoring process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  When the start port switch monitoring process is started, the game control device 500 first prepares a table for setting information on hold due to winning of a game ball in the first start winning port 37 (S1101).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 executes a special-purpose start port switch common process that is executed in common when a game ball has won the first start winning port 37 or the second starting winning port 38 (S1102). The details of the special figure start port switch common process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in the game control device 500, the ordinary electric accessory (ordinary variable winning device, movable member 38a of the second start winning port 38) is operating, that is, the movable member 38a of the second starting winning port 38 is a game. It is checked whether or not the ball is open so that a winning of a ball is possible (S1103). When the ordinary electric accessory is in operation (the result of S1103 is “Y”), the processing after S1106 is executed.

  On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory is not in operation (the result of S1103 is “N”), the game control device 500 determines whether or not the number of fraudulent winnings at the second start winning award 38 is greater than or equal to the fraud occurrence determination number. It is checked (S1104), and it is determined whether or not the number of fraudulent winnings is equal to or greater than the number of fraud occurrence determination (S1105).

  The illegal winning award will be described in detail. The second start winning opening 38 cannot receive a game ball when the movable member 38a is closed, and can receive a game ball only when the movable member 38a is open. Therefore, when the game ball wins in the closed state, there is a high possibility that some abnormality or fraud has occurred, and when there is a game ball won in the closed state, the number is counted as the number of illegal wins. Then, in the processes of S1104 and S1105, it is determined whether or not the number of illegal winnings thus counted is equal to or greater than a predetermined fraud occurrence determination number (upper limit value).

  If the number of fraudulent winnings is equal to or greater than the number of fraud determinations (the result of S1105 is “Y”), the game control device 500 determines that the game ball is won and invalidated at the second start winning opening 38, and the process related to the special figure variation display game. Is not executed, and the start port switch monitoring process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of fraudulent winnings is less than the number of fraud determinations (the result of S1105 is “N”), the game control device 500 prepares a table for setting information on hold by the second start winning award 38 (S1106). Then, the special figure start port switch common process is executed (S1007). Thereafter, the start port switch monitoring process is terminated.

[Special figure start port switch common processing]
Next, details of the special-purpose start-port switch common processing (S1102, S1107) in the above-described start-port switch monitoring processing (FIG. 11) will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the special-purpose start port switch common process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The special figure start port switch common processing is common when a signal is input from the start port 1 switch 37d or the start port 2 switch 38d because the game ball has won the first start winning port 37 or the second start winning port 38. Is executed.

  First, the game control device 500 checks whether or not a signal is input from a monitored start port switch (for example, the start port 1 switch 37d) among the start port 1 switch 37d and the start port 2 switch 38d (S1201). , S1202). If no signal is input from the target starter switch (the result of S1202 is “N”), the special-purpose starter switch common process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when a signal is input from the target start port switch (the result of S1202 is “Y”), the game control device 500 sets the start port prize flag corresponding to the target start port switch to a predetermined value of the RWM. Save in the area (S1203). Furthermore, the big hit random number extracted to the hard random number latch register corresponding to the target start port switch is loaded, and preparation for use in the subsequent processing is made (S1204).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 provides information regarding the number of times of winning at the start winning port corresponding to the target start port switch, that is, the number of times output to the management device outside the gaming machine 1 (start port signal output). (Number of times) is loaded and updated by adding 1 to the loaded value, and it is checked whether or not the number of times of start port signal output overflows (S1205, S1206).

  When the start port signal output count does not overflow (the result of S1206 is “N”), the game control device 500 sets the updated start port signal output count value in the RWM start port signal output count area. Save (S1207).

  The game control device 500, after the processing of S1207 is completed or when the number of times of starting port signal output overflows (the result of S1206 is “Y”), the special figure of the update target corresponding to the target starting port switch. It is checked whether the number of pending (starting memory) is less than the upper limit value (S1208, S1209).

  When the special figure hold number is less than the upper limit (the result of S1209 is “Y”), the game control device 500 sets information corresponding to the winning detected by the start port switch. Specifically, first, the number of special figure hold to be updated (for example, the special figure 1 hold number) is incremented by 1 (S1210).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 prepares a decoration special figure holding number command. The decoration special figure reservation number command is composed of a MODE part and an ACTION part. More specifically, the game control device 500 first prepares a decoration special figure hold number command (MODE) for the target start-up switch (S1211), and further displays a special figure hold number corresponding to the special figure hold number. A command (ACTION) is prepared (S1212). Then, a command setting process for setting the prepared special figure reservation number command is executed (S1213). Then, the address of the random number save area corresponding to the updated number of special figure hold is calculated (S1214).

  Next, the game control device 500 saves the jackpot random number in the RWM target random number save area (S1215), further extracts the jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the target start-up switch, and stores it in the RWM random number save area. Save (S1216). Subsequently, the corresponding variation pattern random number 1 is extracted, and the extracted value is saved in the random number saving area of the RWM (S1217). Similarly, the corresponding variation pattern random number 2 is extracted, and the extracted value is saved in the random number save area of the RWM (S1218). Further, the corresponding variation pattern random number 3 is extracted, and the extracted value is saved in the random number saving area of the RWM (S1219). The variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 are used, for example, for individually setting the variation patterns of the first half and the second half, or for executing a specific effect.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the big hit random number is extracted in the same procedure regardless of which of the start port 1 switch 37d and the start port 2 switch 38d detects the winning of the game ball. In other words, whether the winning is from the first start winning opening 37 or the second starting winning opening 38, the random numbers that are the big hits of the winning game balls are the same. A big hit random number may be set for each start winning opening.

  Here, a fluctuation pattern random number (fluctuation) for determining a fluctuation pattern (including the execution time of the fluctuation display game in various fluctuation and non-reach fluctuation display) in the special figure fluctuation display game (special figure 1 or special figure 2) The patterns 1 to 3) are updated by the game control program, unlike the patterns updated by the software of the random number generation circuit such as the jackpot symbol random number. Note that the update of the variation pattern random number is not limited to being performed by the game control program, but may be performed by hardware or software of the random number generation circuit.

  Further, the game control device 500 extracts the corresponding falling lottery random number and saves the extracted value in the random number saving area of the RWM (S1220). In the first embodiment of the present invention, the falling lottery is executed when the gaming state is a high probability state, but the process of S1220 is executed every time regardless of the gaming state.

  Then, the game control device 500 loads the jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the target start-up switch saved in the RWM in the process of S1216, and uses the loaded value in the special figure hold information determination process described later. Prepare (S1221). Finally, a special figure hold information determination process is executed (S1222), and the special figure start port switch common process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of special figure hold is not less than the upper limit value (result of S1209 is “N”), the game control device 500 checks whether or not the target start port switch is the start port 1 switch 37d ( S1230, S1231). If the target is not the start port 1 switch 37d (the result of S1231 is “N”), a decoration special figure reservation number command (overflow command) is prepared (S1232), and command setting processing is executed (S1233).

  On the other hand, when the target is the start port 1 switch 37d (the result of S1231 is “Y”), or when the command setting process of S1233 is completed, the game control device 500 performs the special-purpose start port switch common process. finish.

[Special figure hold information judgment processing]
Next, details of the special figure hold information determination process (S1223) in the special figure start port switch common process (FIG. 12) will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special figure hold information determination processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The special figure hold information determination process is a prefetching process for determining the result related information (game result information) corresponding to the start memory before the start timing of the special figure variation display game based on each start memory.

  The game control device 500 first checks whether or not the start port switch to be monitored in the special figure start port switch common process is the start port 2 switch 38d (S1301). When the monitoring target is not the start port 2 switch 38d (the result of S1302 is “N”), the open extension function of the ordinary electric accessory (the movable member 38a provided in the second start winning port 38) is operating, that is, Then, it is determined whether or not the power transmission support is in progress (S1303).

  The game control device 500 determines whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in a big hit (special game state) when the power transmission support is not being performed (the result of S1303 is “N”) (S1304). If the gaming machine 1 is not in a big hit (the result of S1304 is “N”), a fall determination process is executed (S1305). The fall determination process determines whether or not the fall lottery random number value included in the pending start-up memory is within the fall winning range. Details of the fall determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 determines whether or not there is falling information that the falling lottery is won (S1306). If there is no fall information (the result of S1306 is “N”), a big hit determination process is executed to determine whether or not the pending start-up memory is a big hit (S1307). The big hit determination process determines whether or not the result of the variable display game related to the start memory is a big hit by determining whether or not the big hit random number value included in the pending start memory matches the big hit determination value. judge.

  On the other hand, the game control device 500 is in a case where the power transmission is being supported (the result of S1303 is “Y”), the jackpot is being hit (the result of S1304 is “Y”), or there is fall information (S2306). When the result is “Y”), the special figure hold information determination process is terminated. That is, when the start port switch to be monitored is the start port 1 switch 37d and the power transmission support is being performed or the jackpot is being hit, prefetching for determining the result related information (game result information) corresponding to the start memory It is configured not to execute processing. Moreover, even if it progresses to a prefetch process, when winning a fall lottery in a fall determination process, it is comprised so that the process after a jackpot determination process may not be performed. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the game control device 500 executes the fall determination process for the start memory at the time of the execution of the process of S1305. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game control apparatus 500 falls to the pending start memory. If there is a start memory for winning the lottery, the processes of S1305 and S1306 may not be executed until the start memory is exhausted. In other words, the start memory stored after the start memory won in the falling lottery is configured not to execute the fall determination process until a maximum of four variable display games are completed.

  In addition, when the monitoring target is the start port 2 switch 38d (the result of S1302 is “Y”), the game control device 500 executes a fall determination process (S1305). That is, when the start port switch to be monitored is the start port 2 switch 38d, the look-ahead process corresponding to the start-up memory is executed regardless of whether the power transmission support or the big hit is being performed.

  After that, the game control device 500 determines whether or not the determination result of the jackpot determination process of S1307 is a jackpot (S1308). If the determination result of the big hit determination process is not a big hit (the result of S1308 is “N”), a slippage information table is set as a table for selecting the production contents (S1316). And the process after S1317 is performed.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of the big hit determination process is a big hit (the result of S1308 is “Y”), the game control device 500 checks whether or not the start port switch to be monitored is the start port 1 switch 37d. (S1309, S1310).

  In addition, when the start port switch to be monitored is not the start port 1 switch 37d (the result of S1310 is “N”), the game control device 500 uses the jackpot symbol random number check table 2 to identify the jackpot symbol identification symbol. As a table (S1311). When the start port switch to be monitored is the start port 1 switch 37d (the result of S1310 is “Y”), the big hit symbol random number check table 1 is prepared as a table for identifying the identification symbol at the big hit. (S1312).

  Next, the game control device 500 checks the jackpot symbol random number, acquires a winning information pointer corresponding to the jackpot symbol random number (S1313), and sets the address table of the jackpot information table (S1314). Further, the jackpot information table corresponding to the winning information pointer is acquired and set (S1315).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 acquires symbol information from the information table set in the processing of S1315 or S1316 (S1317), and saves the symbol information in the symbol information area for work of the RWM (S1318).

  Then, the game control device 500 acquires a start opening prize effect symbol command from the set information table (S1319), and saves the start opening prize effect symbol command command in the winning effect symbol command area of the RWM (S1320).

  Next, the game control device 500 prepares a start opening prize flag corresponding to the start opening switch to be monitored (S1321), and prepares a target table for setting a start opening winning effect command (S1322).

  Thereafter, the game control device 500 executes a special figure information setting process for setting special figure information set for the monitoring target start port (S1323). Subsequently, among the variation modes in the special figure variation display game, after executing the latter half variation pattern setting process for setting the latter half variation pattern (S1324), the variation pattern setting process for setting the first half variation pattern of the special figure variation display game is performed. Execute (S1325).

  The latter half fluctuation pattern setting process (S1324) and the fluctuation pattern setting process (S1325) are processes for selecting one fluctuation pattern from a plurality of fluctuation patterns indicating the fluctuation mode of the identification information. It is executed based on the variation pattern selected by.

  Then, the game control device 500 calculates and prepares a variation (start opening prize effect) command (MODE) corresponding to the first half variation number (S1326), and prepares the value of the second half variation number as a variation command (ACTION) ( S1327), command setting processing is executed (S1328). Subsequently, the start opening winning effect command command is loaded and prepared from the winning effect symbol command area (S1329), and the command setting process is executed (S1330). Thereafter, the special figure hold information determination process is terminated.

  That is, a start opening prize effect command is prepared in the processes of S1325 and S1327, and a start opening prize effect symbol command is prepared in the process of S1329, and the determination result (prefetch result) corresponding to the start memory is set to the corresponding start. It is possible to notify the effect control device 550 before the start timing of the special figure variation display game based on the memory. The effect control device 550 notifies the player of the result of the special figure variation display game before the start timing of the special figure variation display game, for example, by changing the display mode of the hold display displayed on the display device 48. To do.

[Falling judgment process]
Next, the details of the fall determination process (S1305) in the special figure hold information determination process (FIG. 13) described above will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the fall determination process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control device 500 first determines whether or not the jackpot probability state is a high probability state (probability variation state) (S1401). If not in the high probability state (the result of S1401 is “N”), the fall determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is in a high probability state (result of S1401 is “Y”), the game control device 500 determines the winning of the fall in the processing after S1402.

  Here, the game control device 500 determines whether or not the falling lottery random number value saved in the random number saving area of the RWM in S1220 matches the falling winning determination value. In the first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of consecutive values are set as the falling winning determination value, and a falling winning range is provided. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the probability of falling is 1/70.

  First, the game control device 500 sets the lower limit value of the fall winning range to be compared with the falling lottery random value, that is, the lower limit judgment value of the fall winning judgment value, in the RWM (S1402). Then, it is checked whether or not the falling lottery random number value is less than the lower limit determination value (S1403). If the falling lottery random number value is less than the lower limit determination value (the result of S1404 is “Y”), a fall determination process is performed. Exit.

  When the falling lottery random value is equal to or greater than the lower limit determination value (the result of S1404 is “N”), the game control device 500 sets the upper limit value of the falling winning range, that is, the upper limit determination value of the falling winning determination value to RWM. Then (S1405), it is checked whether or not the falling lottery random number value is less than or equal to the upper limit value (S1406). If the falling lottery random number value is larger than the upper limit value (the result of S1407 is “N”), the falling determination process ends.

  On the other hand, when the falling lottery random value is equal to or less than the upper limit (the result of S1407 is “Y”), the game control device 500 determines that the falling lottery has been won, and sets the fall information as the setting information for RWM work. Save in the area (S1408).

  Then, the game control device 500 prepares a fall information command corresponding to the start memory for storing the winning fall lottery random number (S1409), executes a command setting process (S1410), and ends the fall determination process.

[Special figure routine processing]
Next, details of the special figure routine process (S1009) in the special figure game process (FIG. 10) described above will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the special figure normal processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control device 500 first checks whether or not the special figure 2 hold number (second start memory number) is 0 (S1501, S1502).

  When the special figure 2 hold number is 0 (the result of S1502 is “Y”), the game control device 500 checks whether or not the first start memory number (special figure 1 hold number) is 0 ( S1503, S1504). As described above, the special figure 2 holding number check (S1501) is performed before the special figure 1 holding number check (S1503), so that the special figure 2 advantageous to the player over the special figure 1 variable display game. The variable display game is preferentially executed.

  Further, when the special figure 1 hold number is 0 (the result of S1504 is “Y”), the game control device 500 checks whether or not a customer waiting demonstration has already been started (S1505, S1506). If the customer waiting demo has not been started, that is, if it has not been started (the result of S1506 is “N”), a customer waiting demo flag is set in the customer waiting demo flag area (S1507). Subsequently, a customer waiting demo command is prepared (S1508), and command setting processing is executed (S1509).

  On the other hand, if the customer waiting demo has already been started (the result of S1506 is “Y”), the customer waiting demo flag area has already been set, and the customer waiting demo command is sent to the effect control device 550. Since it has already been transmitted to the game control device 500, the game control device 500 executes the processing after S1510.

  Next, the game control device 500 executes the special figure normal process transition setting process 1 for preparing a table for shifting to the special figure normal process (S1510). Specifically, a process of setting a processing number “0” related to the special figure routine processing, a flag (big prize opening fraud monitoring information) for defining a big prize opening fraud monitoring period, and the like in the table is executed. Thereafter, the special figure routine processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, the game control device 500 executes the special figure variation display game when the special figure 2 hold number is not 0 (the result of S1502 is “N”), that is, the game ball has won the second start winning opening 38. If so, the special figure 2 fluctuation start process 1 is executed (S1511). Details of the special figure 2 fluctuation start process 1 in S1511 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, the game control device 500 executes a special figure changing process transition setting process (special figure 2) for preparing a table (for the second special figure) for shifting to the special figure changing process (S1512). Specifically, in the table, the special figure game process number “1” relating to the special figure changing process, the information relating to the end of the customer waiting demonstration, the test signal relating to the change of the second special figure, and the special figure 2 display Information for controlling the special figure 2 fluctuation display game in the device 52 (for example, a flag relating to the fluctuation of the special figure 2 display 52, the initial value of the timer of the blinking period of the special figure 2 display 52, etc.), etc. Execute the process. Thereafter, the special figure routine processing is terminated.

  Further, the game control device 500 executes the special figure variation display game when the special figure 1 holding number is not 0 (the result of S1504 is “N”), that is, the game ball has won the first start winning opening 37. If YES, the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1 is executed (S1513). Details of the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1 in S1513 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, the game control device 500 executes a special figure changing process transition setting process (special figure 1) for preparing a table (for the first special figure) for shifting to the special figure changing process (S1514). Specifically, in the table, the special figure game process number “1” relating to the special figure changing process, the information relating to the end of the customer waiting demonstration, the test signal relating to the fluctuation of the first special figure, and the special figure 1 display Information for controlling the special figure 1 fluctuation display game in the device 51 (for example, a flag related to the fluctuation of the special figure 1 display 51, the initial value of the timer of the blinking period of the special figure 1 display 51, etc.), etc. To do. Thereafter, the special figure routine processing is terminated.

[Special figure change start process 1]
Next, details of the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1 (S1513) and the special figure 2 fluctuation start process 1 (S1511) in the above-described special figure normal process (FIG. 15) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of special figure variation start processing 1 according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 16A is a flowchart of the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1, and FIG. 16B is a flowchart of the special figure 2 fluctuation start process 1.

  With reference to FIG. 16A, the special figure 1 fluctuation | variation start process 1 performed at the time of the start of a special figure 1 fluctuation | variation display game is demonstrated.

  The game control device 500 first executes a falling lottery process (S1601a). The above-described fall determination process (FIG. 14) is one of the prefetch processes for the start memory, and therefore only determines whether or not the start memory falls. In the falling lottery process, a process for actually falling from the high probability state to the low probability state is executed. Details of the falling lottery process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the game control device 500 executes a big hit flag 1 setting process for setting off-line information or big hit information to the big hit flag 1 for determining whether or not the special figure 1 variable display game is a big hit (S1602a). ).

  Further, the game control device 500 executes a small hit flag 1 setting process for setting off information or small hit information to the small hit flag 1 for determining whether or not the special figure 1 variable display game is a small hit. (S1603a). Details of the small hit flag 1 setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Here, the difference between the big hit and the small hit will be described.

  The big hit is a special result with the operation of the condition device, and the small hit is a special result without the operation of the condition device. The condition device is activated when a big hit occurs in the special figure fluctuation display game (stop display of the big hit symbol). When the conditional device is activated, for example, a big hit state occurs and a special electric accessory is generated. This means that a specific flag for continuously operating the variable winning device 42 is set. That the condition device does not operate means that the above-mentioned flag is not set, for example, when a small lottery is won. The “condition device” may be software means such as a flag that is turned on / off in software as described above, or may be hardware means such as a switch that is electrically turned on / off. In addition, the “condition device” is a term generally used in the field of pachinko gaming machines as a device whose operation is a necessary condition for continuous operation of the electric accessory, and the same applies to this specification. It is used as a term having the meaning of

  Specifically, in the case of big hit, the special variable winning device 42 is opened by setting the big hit flag, whereas in the case of small hit, the special variable winning is set by setting the small hit flag. The device 42 is opened.

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 executes a special figure 1 stop symbol setting process for setting a stop symbol (special figure 1 stop symbol) in the special figure 1 variable display game (S1604a).

  After that, the game control device 500 saves the test signal corresponding to the first special figure stop symbol number (special figure 1 stop symbol) (S1605a). Subsequently, after the symbol information set from the symbol information area is loaded (S1606a), the symbol information is saved in the symbol information area for work of the RWM (S1607a).

  Next, the game control apparatus 500 loads and prepares the special figure 1 fluctuation flag (during fluctuation flag) (S1608a), and saves the special figure 1 fluctuation flag in the special figure fluctuation flag area of the RWM (S1609a).

  Subsequently, the game control device 500 prepares a table related to the setting of the special figure second half fluctuation (S1610a), and executes special figure information setting processing for setting special figure information (S1611a). Subsequently, among the variation modes in the special figure 1 variation display game, the latter half variation pattern setting process for setting the latter half variation pattern is executed (S1612a), and the variation pattern setting process for setting the first half variation pattern is performed (S1613a).

  Thereafter, the game control device 500 executes a variation start information setting process for setting information for starting the special figure 1 fluctuation display game (S1614a), and ends the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1.

  Note that the special figure 2 fluctuation start process 1 (S1511) executed at the start of the special figure 2 fluctuation display game of FIG. 16B is also executed in the same procedure. Specifically, the processes in S1601b to S1614b correspond to the processes in S1601a to S1614a, respectively, and the big hit flag 2 and the small hit flag 2 are processed in the processes in S1602b and S1603b, and the processes in S1604b and S1605b The stop symbol is the processing target, and the special figure 2 variation flag is the processing target in the processing of S1608b and S1609b.

[Falling lottery processing]
Next, details of the falling lottery process (S1601) in the special figure change start process (FIG. 16) described above will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the falling lottery process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control device 500 loads the falling lottery random number saved in the random number save area of the RWM in S1220 and prepares to use it in the subsequent processing (S1701).

  The processes of S1702 to S1708 are the same as the processes of S1401 to S1407 of the fall determination process described above. In the fall determination process, since the target start-up memory is still on hold, it is only determined whether or not the fall lottery has been won, and even if it is won, no fall is actually executed. In the falling lottery process, it is determined whether or not the falling lottery has been won again when the special drawing change display game in the target start-up memory is started, and when the winning lottery is won, a process for actually executing a fall is executed.

  Specifically, the game control device 500 first determines whether or not the jackpot probability state is a high probability state (S1702). If it is not in a high probability state (the result of S1702 is “N”), the random number save area of the RWM is cleared to 0 (S1710), and the falling lottery process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in the case of a high probability state (result of S1702 is “Y”), the game control device 500 sets the lower limit determination value of the fall winning determination value to RWM (S1703), and the falling lottery random number value is the lower limit determination value. It is checked whether it is less than (S1704). If the falling lottery random value is less than the lower limit determination value (the result of S1705 is “Y”), the RWM random number saving area is cleared to 0 (S1710), and the falling lottery process is terminated.

  If the falling lottery random value is equal to or greater than the lower limit determination value (the result of S1705 is “N”), the game control device 500 sets the upper limit determination value of the falling winning determination value to RWM (S1706), and falls lottery randomness. It is checked whether or not the numerical value is less than or equal to the upper limit value (S1707). If the falling lottery random number value is larger than the upper limit value (the result of S1708 is “N”), the random number saving area of the RWM is cleared to 0 (S1710), and the falling lottery process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the falling lottery random value is equal to or less than the upper limit (the result of S1708 is “Y”), the game control device 500 determines that the falling lottery has been won, and executes the falling time information setting process (S1709). ). Details of the fall time information setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, the game control device 500 clears the RWM random number save area to 0 (S1710) and ends the falling lottery process.

[Fall information setting processing]
Next, details of the fall time information setting process (S1709) in the fall lottery process (FIG. 17) will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the fall time information setting process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  The game control device 500 saves a number indicating a low probability state in the game state display number area of the RWM (S1801).

  Next, the game control device 500 saves the special figure low probability flag in the special figure game mode flag area of the RWM (S1802).

  Further, the game control device 500 saves a probability information command in a low probability state in the RWM power failure recovery transmission command area so that the game state before the power failure can be recovered after the power failure recovery (S1803).

  Finally, the game control device 500 executes a command setting process to transmit the probability information command in the low probability state to the effect control device 550 (S1804), and ends the fall time information setting process.

[Small hit flag setting process]
Next, details of the small hit flag setting process (S1603a, S1603b) in the special figure change start process (FIG. 16) described above will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a small hit flag setting process according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 19A is a flowchart of the small hit flag 1 setting process, and FIG. 19B is a flowchart of the small hit flag 2 setting process.

  With reference to FIG. 19A, the small hit flag 1 setting process executed in the special figure 1 fluctuation start process 1 will be described.

  First, the game control device 500 saves the deviation information in the RWM small hit flag 1 area (S1901a). Then, as a result of the big hit 1 flag setting process of S1602a executed before the small hit 1 flag setting process, it is checked whether or not the big hit flag 1 is a big hit (S1902a).

  If it is a big hit (the result of S1903a is “Y”), the game control device 500 clears the big hit random number save area for the special figure 1 of the RWM in a state where the information for losing the small hit flag 1 is held. (S1911a), the small hit flag 1 setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is not a big hit (the result of S1903a is “N”), the game control device 500 loads and prepares a big hit random number from the RWM special figure 1 big hit random number save area (S1904a).

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the small hit random number used for the big hit determination is used in combination with the big hit random number used for the big hit determination. A small hit random number may be set separately from the big hit random number. Further, the probability of hitting the jackpot is set to be larger than the probability of hitting the jackpot. For example, the hit probability is 1/399 while the hit probability is 1/100.

  Further, the game control device 500 prepares special figure 1 determination data (S1905a), and performs a small hit determination process for determining whether or not the small hit random number value, that is, the big hit random number value matches the small hit determination value. Execute (S1906a). If the determination result is not a small hit (the result of S1907a is "N"), the RWM special figure 1 big hit random number save area is cleared to 0 (S1911a), and the small hit flag 1 setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the determination result is a small hit (the result of S1907a is “Y”), the game control device 500 replaces the outlier information of the small hit flag 1 area with the small hit information and saves (S1908a).

  Subsequently, as a result of the falling lottery process in S1601a, the game control device 500 determines whether or not the winning lottery is won and the gaming state falls from the high probability state to the low probability state (S1909a). (The result of S1909 is "N"), the RWM special figure 1 big hit random number saving area is cleared to 0 (S1911a), and the small hit flag 1 setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when falling (result of S1909 is “Y”), the game control device 500 executes a probability state notification setting process for notifying the probability state (S1910), and the RWM special figure 1 jackpot random number save area Is cleared to 0 (S1911a), the small hit flag 1 setting process is terminated.

  The small hit flag 2 setting process of FIG. 19B is also executed in the same procedure. Specifically, the processing of S1901b to S1911b corresponds to the processing of S1901a to S1911a, the small hit flag 2 becomes the processing target in the processing of S1901b and S1908b, and the big hit flag 2 becomes the processing target in the processing of S1902b. Further, the big hit random number save area for special figure 2 is used in the processes of S1904b and S1911b, and the special figure 2 determination data is used in the process of S1905b.

  In addition, in the small hit determination process of S1906a corresponding to the small hit flag 1 and the small hit determination process of S1906b corresponding to the small hit flag 2, the probability of the small hit may be changed or may be the same. . For example, the probability of winning a small hit in the special figure 1 variable display game is set to 1/100, and the probability of winning a small hit in the special figure 2 variable display game is set to 1/200.

  Hereinafter, specific processing for the control by the effect control device 550 will be described.

[Probability status notification processing]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the probability state notification process executed by the effect control device 550 according to the first embodiment of this invention. The probability state notification process is a process executed after the special figure change start process 1 (S1511, S1513) is executed by the game control device 500.

  The effect control device 550 first determines whether or not data for notifying the probability state is received (S2001). The probability state notification data is set by the game control device 500 in the above-described probability state notification setting process (S1910a, S1910b).

  Then, when the probability state notification data is not received, the effect control device 550 ends the probability state notification process.

  On the other hand, when the probability state notification data is received, the effect control device 550 sets the probability state to be notified after the special figure variation display game ends (S2002), and ends the probability state notification process.

[Small hit release setting process]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the small hit release setting process according to the first embodiment of this invention. The small hit release setting process is a process executed during the fanfare / interval.

  The effect control device 550 first determines whether or not a small hit is made (S2101). If it is not a small hit (the result of S2101 is “N”), the small hit release setting process is terminated.

  When it is a small hit (the result of S2101 is “Y”), the effect control device 550 determines whether or not the big hit probability state is a high probability state (S2102).

  When the jackpot probability state is a high probability state (the result of S2102 is “Y”), the production control device 550 opens the open / close door 42a of the special variable winning device 42 for one second, This is set to be executed twice (S2103), and the small hit release setting process is terminated.

  Also, when the jackpot probability state is not a high probability state (the result of S2102 is “N”), the effect control device 550 opens the open / close door 42a of the special variable prize winning device 42 for 0.5 second at a time. Then, this is set to be executed twice (S2104), and the small hit release setting process is terminated.

[Small hit probability change notification processing]
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the small hit probability change notification process according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 22A is a flowchart, and FIG. 22B is a timing chart.

  First, with reference to FIG. 22A, a flowchart of the small hit probability change notification process will be described.

  The production control device 550 determines whether or not the gaming state is a probable change state (a state where the power transmission is supported and the probability of occurrence of a big hit is high) (S2201).

  If the gaming state is a probable change state (the result of S2201 is “Y”), the effect control device 550 determines whether or not the gaming state is reported in the ambiguous mode (S2202).

  When the gaming state is reported in the ambiguous mode (the result of S2202 is “Y”), the production control device 550 determines whether or not it is a small hit (S2203), and when it is a small hit (S2203) The result is “Y”), and the probability display that makes the jackpot probability state suddenly enter a high probability from the low probability state is set (S2204).

  When the gaming state is not a probable change state (result of S2201 is “N”), when the gaming state is not notified in an ambiguous mode (result of S2202 is “N”), or when it is not a small hit (result of S2203) Is “N”), the effect control device 550 ends the small hit probability change notification process without setting anything.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 22B, the timing for executing the small hit probability change notification described above will be described.

  Here, the upper part of FIG. 22B shows the actual gaming state of the gaming machine 1, and the lower part shows the gaming state to be notified to the player.

  When the result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the gaming state becomes a probable change state after the big hit. However, the player is not notified that the gaming state is in a probabilistic state. At this time, notification to the player is an ambiguous mode display (see FIG. 24A).

  And when the result of the special figure fluctuation display game executed during this time is a small hit, after switching to the probability display, the display is switched to the probability change state display. Thereby, it is possible to produce an effect in which the probability state suddenly shifts to the probable change state triggered by the small hit.

[Falling effect display lottery processing]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the fall effect display lottery process according to the first embodiment of this invention. The fall effect display lottery process is executed in response to the execution of the special figure variation display game.

  The production control device 550 draws a lottery to determine whether or not to perform the fall production display when the power transmission is being supported (S2301). Specifically, the lottery is won with a probability of 1/30. The lottery may be set so that a random number is generated in the production control device 550 and the random number and the determination value match with a probability of 1/30.

  When the power transmission support is not being performed, or when the power transmission support is not being performed and the lottery for the fall effect display is not selected (result of S2301 is “N”), the effect control device 550 performs the fall effect display lottery process. Exit.

  On the other hand, when the fall effect display lottery is won (the result of S2301 is “Y”), the effect control device 550 determines whether or not the number of times of the fall effect display has already been executed is two or more (S2302). .

  Then, when the number of times the fall effect display is executed is less than 2, that is, when the current fall effect display is the first or second (the result of S2302 is “N”), the effect control device 550 directly falls. The display is set to be performed (S2306), and the fall effect display lottery process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the number of times that the fall effect display is executed is two times or more, that is, if the current fall effect display is the third time or later (the result of S2302 is “Y”), the effect control device 550 has a big hit in the gaming state. It is determined whether or not it is a probability variation state with a high probability of occurrence (S2303).

  If the jackpot occurrence probability is in a high probability state (the result of S2303 is “Y”), the effect control device 550 further sets the fall effect display with a probability of 80% (S2304), The fall effect display lottery process is terminated.

  Also, when the probability of jackpot occurrence is in a low probability state (result of S2303 is “N”), the production control device 550 is further set to perform the fall production display with a probability of 1% (S2305), The fall effect display lottery process is terminated.

  It should be noted that the count of the number of times that the fall effect display has been executed is reset when the ordinary power support is executed 100 times in response to the special figure fluctuation display game after the big hit.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, when the big hit is reached, the ordinary power support is executed until the special figure changing display game is executed 100 times after the special game state is ended. Here, since the winning probability of the falling effect display lottery is 1/30, the number of times of winning the falling effect display lottery during the ordinary power support is considered to be about three times. Therefore, the fall effect display three or more times is controlled so that it is hardly executed when the jackpot occurrence probability state is a low probability state.

  By controlling the fall effect display in this way, when the fall effect display is performed three times during the ordinary power support, even if the effect is the fall effect display, the probability of occurrence of a big hit in the gaming state is high. There is a high possibility of being in a probabilistic state.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the fall effect display lottery process determines whether or not to execute the fall effect display regardless of the lottery result of the fall lottery process (FIG. 17) executed by the game control device 500. Has been decided. That is, even if the fall effect display lottery is won, the fall effect display may only be executed and not actually fallen. On the other hand, even if it actually falls, the fall effect display may not be executed. It should be noted that a fall effect display may be executed whenever an actual fall occurs.

〔Screen display〕
Subsequently, the screen transition displayed on the display device 48 as a result of executing the above-described fall effect display lottery process (FIG. 23) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  FIG. 24A is a screen display when the probability state notification mode is an ambiguous mode. As described above, since the player is not notified even if the game state becomes a probable change state as a result of the big hit as described above, the screen shown in FIG.

  FIG. 24B is a screen display when the fall effect display is executed. When the fall effect display lottery process described above is set to perform the fall effect display, the display device 48 displays a screen for making an image of a fall as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 24C shows a screen display when the ordinary power support is completed.

  The upper row is a screen display when the fall effect display is executed three times or more during the ordinary power support. As described above, when the fall effect display is executed three times or more during 100 times of ordinary power support, the gaming state is likely to be a probable state with a high probability of jackpot. For this reason, the display device 48 displays a screen for informing that the gaming state is the probability variation state (high probability state) as shown in the upper part of FIG.

  The lower row is a screen display when the number of times that the fall effect display is executed during the ordinary power support is 2 times or less. At this time, contrary to the case where the fall effect display is executed three times or more, the gaming state is highly likely to be a normal state with a low probability of jackpot. For this reason, a screen for informing that the gaming state is the normal state (low probability state) as shown in the lower part of FIG.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, triggered by the big hit of the special figure variation display game, the gaming state changes from a low probability state (normal state) where the probability of jackpot occurrence is low to a high probability that the probability of jackpot occurrence is high. Transition to the state (probability change state). Then, when the falling lottery is won, the probability state returns from the high probability state to the low probability state. For this reason, even after the regular power support is executed a specified number of times after the big hit, the probability state is maintained at a high probability state if the falling lottery is not won. Therefore, even if the ordinary power support state ends, the gaming state may be a high probability state. There is also a possibility of falling from a high probability state to a low probability state. Further, at this time, the player is informed indefinitely so that the probability state is not known. As a result, the player can expect the high probability state to continue even after determining the end of the ordinary power support state, and the player's willingness to play increases. Moreover, since various aspects arise depending on the possibility of a high probability state, the possibility of falling, and the effect display related to these even after the end of ordinary power support, the interest of the game is enhanced. Therefore, the game operation rate can be improved.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to generate a small hit when the special figure variation display game is not a big hit. Then, in the special figure fluctuation start process described above, the small hit determination is executed simultaneously with the falling lottery. Here, when the falling lottery is won, the player is informed that the probability state is changed from the high probability state to the low probability state only when a small hit is made. For this reason, the player is informed that the probability state is a low probability state, but can obtain a prize ball for small hits, so that disappointment due to falling is reduced.

  Furthermore, the falling lottery can be executed simultaneously with the jackpot determination. Thereby, even if the probability state becomes a low probability state, the winning ball for the big hit can be obtained, and the disappointment due to the fall is reduced.

  Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the opening time of the special variable winning device 42 corresponding to the small hit is controlled to be different depending on the probability state in the above-described small hit opening setting process. For this reason, the player can determine the probability state by looking at the release state of the special variable winning device 42.

  Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, vague notification is given so that the player does not know even if the game state becomes a probable change state triggered by the occurrence of a big hit. If a small hit occurs at this time, the player is informed that the gaming state is a probable change state. For this reason, it is possible to make the player think as if the gaming state has changed to a promising state with the occurrence of a small hit, and the player's willingness to play increases.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the falling effect display lottery is executed during the support for ordinary power transmission. The probability that the fall effect display is executed depends on the number of executions and the probability state. For example, when the fall effect display is executed a predetermined number of times or more, control is performed so that the possibility of a high probability state is increased. Thereby, when the fall effect display is executed a predetermined number of times or more during the ordinary power support, it is possible to make the player expect that the actual gaming state is a high probability state even if the display is falling. For this reason, even if the fall effect display is executed, the player's willingness to play can be continued without disappointing the player.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
FIG. 25 is a table showing an example of a big hit symbol distribution pattern when a big hit occurs in the special figure variation display game in the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, when a big hit occurs in the special figure variation display game, the number of times of supporting the general electric power is set to 100 regardless of the big hit symbol, but in the modified example, the 15R probability change is set. For the jackpot symbol, the number of support for ordinary power is set to 100 times, and for the jackpot symbol of 12R probability variation, the number of times of support for ordinary power is set to 50.

  As a result, when the jackpot symbol is 15R, the number of times of support for ordinary power is doubled compared to the case of 12R, so the joy when the jackpot is 15R is great. By changing the privilege (number of times of support for ordinary electricity) given when a big hit occurs for each symbol, the value of the big hit is generated between the distribution patterns of the big hit symbol, so that the interest of the game is further enhanced.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment in the probability state notification process. In the second embodiment, when the game state after the jackpot occurrence is a probable change state, when the ordinary power support is finished without winning the falling lottery, the gaming state is a high probability state after the end of the ordinary power support. Notify that there is. In addition, when the falling lottery is won during the public power support, the falling effect display for notifying that the probability state has become the low probability state is executed only in the special figure variation display game at the time of winning.

[Power support end processing]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the electric support end process according to the second embodiment of this invention. The electric support end process is executed by the effect control device 550 in response to the execution of the special figure variation display game.

  The production control device 550 first determines whether or not the public power support is terminated at this time (S2601). Then, when the ordinary power support state is finished and the state is a high probability state (the result of S2601 is “Y” and the result of S2602 is “Y”), the fact that the gaming state is a high probability state is notified. The high probability state notification process is executed (S2603), and the electric support end process is ended. Note that the high-probability state notification process in S2603 may be executed with a predetermined probability. Further, the high probability state notification process may be executed only in the special figure variation display game in which the number of times of general electric power support reaches a specified number.

  In addition, the production control device 550 does not end the ordinary power support (the result of S2601 is “N”), or even when the ordinary power support ends, the result of the S2602 is “N”. ") Ends the electric support end process.

  When the above-described high probability state notification process (S2603) is not executed, the ambiguous mode display is executed during the general power support, as in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fall effect display processing]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a fall effect display process according to the second embodiment of this invention. The fall effect display process is executed by the effect control device 550 in response to the execution of the special figure variation display game.

  The production control device 550 first determines whether or not it is in the ordinary power support state (S2701). If the power train is being supported and if the winning lottery is won (the result of S2701 is “Y” and the result of S2702 is “Y”), the fall effect display is displayed only in this special figure fluctuation display game. This is executed (S2703), and the fall effect display process is terminated.

  Further, the production control device 550 does not support the ordinary electric power (result of S2701 is “N”), or does not win the falling lottery even if the electric power is supported (the result of S2702 is “N”). ) Ends the fall effect display processing.

  Here, the fall effect display is executed in the first embodiment regardless of whether or not the fall lottery is actually won, but in the second embodiment, the fall lottery is actually won. Only executed if.

  Below, the aspect of the fall effect display (S2703) in the fall effect display process (FIG. 27) mentioned above is demonstrated.

[Talling effect display 1]
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a fall effect display in the collective display device 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  When the fall effect display by the processing of S2703 is executed in the collective display device 50, the eighth segment in the shape of a dot provided near the segment of the 7-segment display of the special figure 2 display 52 is turned on. Alternatively, by blinking, it is notified that the probability state changes from the high probability state to the low probability state due to falling.

[Talling effect display 2]
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 29 to FIG. 31, a fall effect display using a game ball in the game board 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 29 is a front view of the gaming board 10 provided in the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the gaming board 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the rotating body 400 disposed above the display device 48 and the second large body disposed on the left side of the rotating body 400 from the first embodiment. A winning opening 142 and a supply passage 401 for supplying game balls from the second large winning opening 142 to the rotating body 400 are additionally provided.

  Here, the second big prize opening 142 is opened in conjunction with the opening of the big prize opening in connection with the big prize opening having the opening / closing door 42a of the special variable prize winning device 42 described above. The game balls that have won the second grand prize opening 142 are stored in the supply passage 401. The rotating body 400 is provided with a groove indicating a probability state, and the probability state is determined by rolling a game ball from the supply passage 401 into a groove indicating that the probability state of the rotating body 400 is a low probability state. Informs that it is in a low probability state. Further details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31.

  Here, the game ball won in the second grand prize opening 142 is used, but since there is one game ball used for notification of the probability state, there is one game ball stored in the supply passage 401. The remaining game balls that have won the prize flow down through the passage provided on the back of the game board 10 and join the game balls that have won the special variable prize-winning device 42, as indicated by the dotted arrows in the drawing. Further, the ball used for the fall effect display is not limited to the game ball. An encapsulated sphere may be used for the production.

[Effect of falling effect display]
FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating the action of the drop effect display according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  The rotator 400 is provided with grooves A to D indicating the probability states, which respectively represent “normally confirmed”, “high probability confirmed”, “high probability low”, and “high probability high”. . One game ball that has won the second grand prize opening 142 is stored in the supply passage 401. Whether or not the supply passage 401 is accumulated can be determined by the second winning ball detection sensor 142d. The passage is blocked by the stopper 401 a so that the game ball in the supply passage 401 does not roll toward the rotating body 400.

  The game ball rolls in the supply passage 401 toward the rotator 400 when the stopper 401a is removed by the execution instruction of the fall effect display. At this time, the rotator 400 rotates and aligns the groove positions so that the supply passage 401 and the groove A are continuous. Then, the game ball fits into the groove A. Thereby, it is notified that the probability state has become the normal state (low probability state).

  Note that this effect is not limited to the fall effect display, but can also be used to notify the current gaming state. Moreover, it is also possible to put a game ball into the groove C or the groove D of the rotating body 400 as an ambiguous mode display for informing the game state in an ambiguous manner.

[Timing chart of falling effect display]
FIG. 31 is a timing chart for executing a drop effect display according to the second embodiment of this invention. The upper row shows the winning detection by the start port switch, and the lower row shows the execution timing of the special figure variation display game.

  When the start memory A that wins the start opening wins the falling lottery, the symbol stop time after the corresponding special figure change display game is set longer. And the fall effect display by a real ball is performed in the stop time.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
According to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the game state is a probable change state and the normal power support state is finished without winning the falling lottery, the probability that the game state is a jackpot occurrence to the player Is in a high probability state. For this reason, the player can obtain the pleasure of knowing that the probability and the probability state escaped the fall during the ordinary power support are high probability states.

  Further, the notification of the high probability state may be executed only in the last special figure fluctuation display game for which the ordinary power support is ended. Thereby, since the probability state is notified only to the player who is playing the game at this time, the probability state is not known to the player who will play a game later with the same gaming machine. Therefore, the subsequent player can play the game with the expectation that the gaming state is a high probability state, and the interest of the game is enhanced.

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention, during the ordinary power support, the player is vaguely notified of the game state, but during this time, the falling lottery is won and the probability state is changed from the high probability state to the low probability state. When falling, the fall effect display is executed only in the special figure variation display game corresponding to the start memory won in the falling lottery. Then, after the fall effect display is executed, the ambiguous mode display is executed again. A player who has played a game at this time can easily determine whether or not to continue the game because the probability state is in a low-probability state even if the player switches to the fuzzy mode display after the fall effect display. And even if this player leaves the gaming machine, the notification of the gaming state of this gaming machine is an ambiguous mode display, so there is a possibility that another player will start the game with the expectation that it is in a high probability state. high. As a result, the operating rate of the gaming machine is improved.

  And the fall effect display which produces that the probability state falls from the high probability state to the low probability state is not merely a screen display, but an effect using a real sphere. For this reason, the player can easily understand that the gaming state has shifted.

  The effect using the real sphere is executed by setting the symbol stop time of the special figure variation display game to be longer than usual. Therefore, the player can concentrate on the fall effect display because the symbols are stopped, and can enjoy the effect.

(Modification of the second embodiment)
Then, the modification of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In the modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, the game sphere (effect sphere) fitted to the rotating body 400 in the second embodiment falls from the top to the bottom of the display area of the display device 48. Add

[Talling effect display 3]
FIG. 32 is an example of a fall effect display of a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, an effect is produced in which the game ball that has entered the groove of the rotating body 400 falls. For this effect, an effect ball passage 403 through which the effect sphere passes in the front direction of the display device 48 is provided in the vertical direction, and the actual sphere may be actually dropped, or a screen on which the video sphere is dropped is displayed on the display device 48. May be.

  Here, a case where a real sphere is used will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating the effect ball passage 403 according to a modification of the second embodiment of this invention.

  In the game board 10 of the modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention, a clear plate 404 is further provided in front of the display device 48 and behind the stage portion 46a of the center case 46 from the second embodiment. An effect ball passage 403 is formed between them. If the clear plate 404 is formed in a U shape, the real sphere passing through the effect ball passage 403 can be directly below.

  In this way, by executing the effect in which the effect ball falls from the top to the bottom of the display device 48 due to the fall, the player can easily understand that he has won the fall lottery.

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

1 gaming machine 2 body frame (outer frame)
3 Front frame (game frame)
10 game board 10a game area 10b game board body 18 glass frame (front frame)
31 Production button 34 Normal design start gate (ordinary design start gate)
37 First start prize opening (start prize area)
38 Second start prize opening (start prize area)
38a Movable member (electrical accessory)
42 Special variation winning device 46 Center case 48 Display device 50 Collective display device 300 Power supply device 500 Game control device (main control board)
550 Production control device (sub control board)
580 Dispensing control device (dispensing board)

Claims (5)

A variable display device capable of displaying a variable display game in which a start condition is established by detecting a winning game ball and a plurality of types of identification symbols are varied by the establishment of the start condition;
An electric accessory that opens and closes in a manner that allows the game ball to be easily won and a game ball that is difficult to win or not win,
With
In a gaming machine having control means capable of generating a special gaming state advantageous to a player when the result of the variable display game becomes a special result,
The control means includes
Probability variation control means for generating a high probability state in which the probability that the result of the variation display game becomes a special result is improved, triggered by the occurrence of the special gaming state,
Electric support control means for generating an open time increase state in which the open time of the electric accessory that assists the establishment of the start condition after the special gaming state ends;
A falling lottery means for performing a falling lottery for lottering whether to return the high probability state to the low probability state when the start condition is satisfied;
When the probability variation control means generates a high probability state and the electric support control means does not win the falling lottery while the open time increase state is generated, the electric support control means High probability state notification means for notifying that the gaming state is the high probability state when the end condition of the increased open time state is satisfied;
A gaming machine comprising:   The high-probability state informing means informs that the high-probability state is in progress while the variable display game in which the end condition for the increased open time state is satisfied is executed by the electric support control means. Item 1. A gaming machine according to Item 1.   When the control means wins the falling lottery while the probability fluctuation control means generates a high probability state and the electric support control means generates the open time increase state, the control means wins the falling lottery. The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising low probability state notifying means for notifying that the gaming state is the low probability state while the variable display game at the time of winning is being executed.   If the control means wins the falling lottery in the high probability state, the control means executes a falling effect using a ball by a directing device, and the gaming state shifts from the high probability state to the low probability state. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a falling effect means for informing. When the control means wins the falling lottery, the control means sets the stop time of the identification symbol of the variable display game when winning the falling lottery longer than usual,
5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the fall effect means notifies that the gaming state has shifted from the high probability state to the low probability state during the long set stop time.

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