JP2012085864A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a Pachinko game machine restricting the generation of trouble in performance even when a lower-level control unit 320 incompletely receives a plurality of commands in one cycle but receives the rest of the commands in the next cycle.SOLUTION: A selection section 312 of a higher-level control unit 310 selects a plurality of commands relating to the performance content and a termination command not relating to the performance content from among commands stored in a storage section 311. A transmission control section 313 transmits the plurality of commands and termination command which are selected by the selection section 312 to the lower-level control unit 320, with the termination command put at the end. A determination section 322 of the lower-level control unit 320 determines whether the termination command is contained or not, when the commands are received by a receiving section 321. A performance execution section 323 starts the performance based on the plurality of commands having been received by the receiving section 321 prior to a specific command, when it is determined by the determination section 322 that the termination command is contained.

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine that includes a plurality of control units and transmits and receives commands between the control units.

  Conventionally, when a game ball launched into the game area of the game board wins a specific start opening, a random number is acquired at the start winning timing under the control of the main control unit, and this random number matches a predetermined hit random number In addition, pachinko gaming machines are widely used in which a special symbol is stopped at a symbol indicating winning and the game state is shifted to a winning gaming state.

  Such a pachinko gaming machine is provided with an effect control unit that displays the effect symbols on the image display unit in accordance with the change of the special symbols controlled by the main control unit. For example, the production control unit gradually increases the player's sense of expectation by developing a reach production when the jackpot is reached.

  The reach effect is, for example, when three effect symbols (first effect symbol to third effect symbol) are changed, the first effect symbol and the second effect symbol are arranged on the active line with the same symbol, and then the third effect symbol. This is an effect in which only the effect design is changed and the effect time is made longer than usual to increase the expectation of the jackpot. When the third effect symbol stops at the same effect symbol as the first effect symbol and the second effect symbol, it is a win, and when it does not stop at the same effect symbol, it is lost.

  When performing an effect in the effect control unit, a plurality of commands are transmitted from the main control unit to the effect control unit. The effect control unit determines the effect based on a plurality of commands transmitted from the main control unit, and executes the determined effect. The plurality of commands include a command indicating a gaming state, a command indicating a special symbol, a command indicating a variation pattern, a command indicating a pre-determination result, and the like.

  Here, the gaming state includes, for example, a low probability gaming state that is difficult to win, or a high probability gaming state that is easier to win than the low probability gaming state. The variation pattern indicates the variation pattern of the special symbol. The pre-determination result is a result of performing a pre-determination on a holding ball that has won a prize at the starting port during the change of the special symbol. The main control unit transmits the plurality of commands to the effect control unit (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

  The effect control unit transmits the determined effect contents as a command to an image control unit that controls the image display unit and a lamp control unit that controls a lamp provided on the game board. Also in this case, a plurality of effects commands are transmitted from the effect control unit to the image control unit and the lamp control unit.

  The main control unit transmits a command to the effect control unit with a period of a predetermined period (for example, 4 msec). The effect control unit receives a command from the main control unit with a period of a predetermined period (for example, 4 msec). Further, the image control unit and the lamp control unit receive commands from the effect control unit with a period of a predetermined period (for example, 33 msec). In the following, each control unit will be described as an upper control unit and a lower control unit. Specifically, in the relationship between the main control unit and the production control unit, the main control unit is a higher control unit, and the production control unit is a lower control unit. In addition, in the relationship between the effect control unit, the image control unit, and the lamp control unit, the effect control unit is a higher control unit, and the image control unit and the lamp control unit are lower control units.

JP 2007-111130 A

  However, in the above-described prior art of Patent Document 1, since the synchronization between the upper control unit and the lower control unit is different, the lower control unit cannot receive all of the plurality of commands in one cycle, and the remaining control in the next cycle. When a command is received, that is, when a plurality of commands are received across a plurality of cycles, there is a problem in that there may be a problem in the production. This will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional effect selection timing. In FIG. 22, a timing chart 2200 shows the cycle of the effect timer interrupt process. This period is, for example, 4 msec for the production control unit. The effect timer interruption process is a process for referring to a command received from the main control unit and selecting an effect based on this command. Timing T1 and timing T3 indicate timings for referring to commands transmitted from the main control unit. Timing T2 and timing T4 each indicate a time when an effect is selected.

  It is assumed that two commands 2205 and 2206 are received among a plurality of commands 2205 to 2207 including three commands in a cycle 2201. Then, in cycle 2202, it is assumed that the last one command 2207 among the plurality of commands 2205 to 2207 is received after timing T1. In the period 2202, at the timing T1, the two commands 2205 and 2206 are referenced, and an effect is selected at the timing T2 based on the two commands 2205 and 2206. On the other hand, in cycle 2203, at timing T3, the last command 2207 is referred to, and an effect is selected at timing T4 based on this command 2207.

  Here, the plurality of commands 2205 to 2207 will be specifically described as a command indicating a variation pattern, a command indicating a gaming state, and a command indicating a pre-determination result. In a period 2202, a command indicating a variation pattern at a timing T1 or a command indicating a gaming state is referred to, and based on these commands, the number of reserved balls is subtracted by “1” and an effect is selected at a timing T2. Then, in cycle 2203, referring to a command indicating a pre-determination result at timing T3, and if an effect is selected based on this command at timing T4, the number of reserved balls is subtracted in the effect timer interruption process in cycle 2202. Therefore, there is a possibility that the number of held balls and the prior determination result do not correspond. As a result, there has been a problem that defects such as bugs may occur.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a pachinko gaming machine that can suppress the occurrence of problems in production in order to eliminate the above-described problems caused by the conventional technology.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention employs the following configuration. Reference numerals in parentheses indicate correspondence with the embodiments in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The pachinko gaming machine (100) according to the present invention includes a lower control unit (320) that produces an effect, and a higher control unit (320) that controls the lower control unit (320) by transmitting a command to the lower control unit (320). 310), a pachinko gaming machine (100), wherein the upper control unit (310) stores a plurality of commands for controlling the lower control unit (320), and a storage means (311). A selection means (312) for selecting a plurality of commands related to the production contents and a specific command (hereinafter referred to as “specific command”) unrelated to the production contents from the commands stored in the storage means (311); The plurality of commands and the specific command selected by the selection means (312) are classified into the lower control unit (3 0), and the lower control unit (320) receives the command transmitted from the upper control unit (310) and the reception unit. When the command is received by the means (321), the determination means (322) for determining whether or not the specific command is included, and when the determination means (322) determines that the specific command is included And an effect execution means (323) for starting an effect based on the plurality of commands received prior to the specific command by the receiving means (321).

  That is, according to the present invention, after receiving a specific command transmitted after a plurality of commands, an effect based on the plurality of commands is started.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine (100) as described above, it is determined whether or not to shift to a special gaming state that is an advantageous gaming state for a player, and the result of the determination is changed as a symbol. The means (312) is irrelevant to the plurality of commands related to the symbol variation and the symbol variation among the commands stored in the storage unit (311) when the symbol variation is started. The transmission control unit (313) selects the plurality of commands and the specific command that are selected when the symbol change is started by the selection unit (312). Are transmitted to the lower-order control unit (320) in the last order.

  According to the present invention, even if the lower-level control unit cannot receive all of the plurality of commands in one cycle and receives the remaining commands in the next cycle, it is possible to prevent the production from causing problems. There is an effect that can be.

It is a front view which shows an example of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control part of a pachinko game machine. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the start port SW process which a main control part performs. It is the flowchart which showed the preliminary determination process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the hit determination processing which a main control part performs. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the hit determination table for low probability. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the hit determination table for high probability. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation pattern selection process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process during a stop which a main control part performs. It is the flowchart which showed the big prize mouth process which a main control part performs. It is the flowchart which showed the game state setting process which a main control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the production timer interruption process which a production supervision part performs. It is the flowchart which showed the command reception process concerning Embodiment 1 which a production control part performs. It is the flowchart which showed the command reception process concerning Embodiment 1 which a production control part performs. It is the flowchart which showed the variation production selection process concerning Embodiment 1 which an production supervision part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the production | generation button process which an production supervision part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the gimmick production start process concerning Embodiment 1 which a lamp control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the gimmick control process concerning Embodiment 1 by pressing down of an effect button. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a gimmick combined effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a gimmick combined effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a gimmick combined effect. It is the flowchart which showed the command reception process concerning Embodiment 2 which an effect supervision part performs. It is the flowchart which showed the command reception process concerning Embodiment 2 which an effect supervision part performs. It is the flowchart which showed the variation production selection process concerning Embodiment 2 which an production supervision part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the gimmick production start process concerning Embodiment 2 which a lamp control part performs. It is a flowchart which shows the gimmick control process concerning Embodiment 2 by pressing down of an effect button. It is explanatory drawing which showed the conventional production selection timing.

  Exemplary embodiments of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
(Basic configuration of pachinko machine)
First, the basic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 101. A launcher is disposed at a lower position of the game board 101. The game ball launched by driving the launching unit rises between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103.

  The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown), and the game balls fall in an unspecified direction by the nails. In the game area 103, a windmill and various winning openings (such as a start opening and a big winning opening) that change the falling direction of the gaming balls are arranged at positions in the middle of the falling of the gaming balls.

  An image display unit 104 is disposed in the center portion of the game board 101. A liquid crystal display or the like is used as the image display unit 104. A first start port 105 and a second start port 106 are disposed below the image display unit 104. The first start port 105 and the second start port 106 are winning ports for starting and winning. In the vicinity of the second start port 106, an electric tulip 107 as an electric accessory is provided. The electric tulip 107 has a closed state (a closed state) that makes it difficult to win the game ball to the second starting port 106 and an open state (opened state) that makes it easier to win than the closed state.

  The electric tulip 107 is opened based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through the gate 108 arranged on the left side of the image display unit 104. A big prize opening 109 is provided below the second start opening 106. The big winning opening 109 is a winning opening that is opened when a big hit gaming state is reached and for paying out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of winning balls by winning a game ball. In addition, each starting port 105,106, electric tulip 107, gate 108, and big winning port 109 may be arrange | positioned in the arbitrary positions in the game area 103 not only in the position shown in figure.

  A normal winning opening 110 is provided on the side of the image display unit 104 or below. The normal winning opening 110 is a winning opening for paying out a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls by winning a game ball. At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 111 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports.

  In the lower right part of the game board 101, a special symbol display unit 112 for displaying special symbols is arranged. The special symbol display unit 112 displays a special symbol 1 display unit for displaying a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol 1”) and a special symbol for displaying a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol 2”). 2 display units. FIG. 1 shows the determination result of the hit determination performed for the game ball won in the first starting port 105. FIG. 2 shows the determination result of the hit determination performed for the game ball won in the second starting port 106.

  In addition, a normal symbol display portion 113 for displaying normal symbols is arranged in the lower right portion of the game board 101. The normal symbol indicates the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. The normal symbol lottery is a lottery for determining whether or not the electric tulip 107 is in an open state (long open or short open) as described above. For example, a 7-segment display is used as the special symbol display unit 112 and the normal symbol display unit 113.

  On the left side of the special symbol display unit 112 and the normal symbol display unit 113, a reserved ball display unit 114 that displays the number of reserved balls for the special symbol or the normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as “the number of reservations”) is arranged. The reserved ball is a game ball that is won during a change of a special symbol or a normal symbol and is held in a held state. As the holding ball display unit 114, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is used. A plurality of LEDs serving as the holding ball display unit 114 are arranged, and the number of holdings is indicated by turning on / off. Note that the notification of the holding ball is also made by display on the image display unit 104.

  A frame member 115 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. On the two sides which are the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103 in the frame member 115, an effect light part (frame lamp) 116 is provided. The effect light units 116 each have a plurality of lamps.

  An operation handle 117 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 115. The operation handle 117 includes a firing instruction member 118 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 118 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 117 so as to be rotated clockwise as viewed from the player. The launching unit launches a game ball when the firing instruction member 118 is directly operated by a player.

  In the frame member 115, an effect button 119 for receiving an operation by the player is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. In the frame member 115, a cross key 120 is provided next to the effect button 119. The frame member 115 incorporates a speaker that outputs sound.

  A gimmick 130 is disposed in front of the image display unit 104. FIG. 1 shows a state where the gimmick 130 has advanced to the front surface of the image display unit 104 during a specific performance. A gimmick lamp 131 is provided in the gimmick 130, and the gimmick lamp 131 emits light when the gimmick 130 has advanced to the front surface of the image display unit 104.

  When the gimmick 130 does not produce an effect, the gimmick 130 retreats to the accommodation space 132 provided on the side portion of the image display unit 104 so that it cannot be visually recognized by the player. The accommodation space 132 is provided with a decorative lamp 133, which lights up or blinks during production.

(Internal configuration of control unit of pachinko machine)
Next, the internal configuration of the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit of the pachinko gaming machine 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a main control unit 201 that controls the progress of the game, an effect control unit 202 that controls the contents of the effect, and a prize ball control that controls the payout of prize balls. Part 203. The configuration of each control unit will be described in detail below.

(1. Main control unit)
The main control unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The

  The main control unit 201 functions to control the progress of the game of the pachinko gaming machine 100 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 212 while the CPU 211 uses the RAM 213 as a work area. Specifically, the main control unit 201 controls the progress of the game by setting the game state in addition to the winning lottery and the normal symbol lottery. The main control unit 201 is realized by a main control board.

  The CPU 211 executes basic processing as the game content progresses based on various programs stored in the ROM 212 in advance. The ROM 212 stores a pending storage program, a winning determination program, a winning symbol determination program, a variation pattern selection program, a special diagram variation program, a pre-determination program, a big prize opening control program, a game state setting program, a main command selection program, and the like. ing.

  The holding storage program stores the game ball detected by the first start port SW221 during the special symbol change as the special one hold ball, and stores the game ball detected by the second start port SW222 during the special symbol change. This is a program stored as a special 2 holding ball. The hit determination program is a program for performing a hit determination for the special 1 holding ball and the special 2 holding ball. There are big hits and small hits.

  The winning symbol determination program is a program for determining a winning symbol corresponding to the winning content. The big winning symbol includes a long winning symbol in which the opening time of the big winning opening 109 is expected to be obtained and a short winning symbol in which the opening time of the big winning entry 109 is short and an expected winning ball is not expected. The winning symbol determination for the special 2 reserved ball makes it easier to win the winning symbol (long hit) advantageous to the player than the winning symbol determination for the special 1 reserved ball.

  The variation pattern selection program is a program for selecting a variation pattern when the determination result of the hit determination or the hit symbol determination is changed as a special symbol. The special figure variation program is a program that varies a special symbol using a selected variation pattern. The determination result of the hit determination and the winning symbol determination for the special 1 holding ball is variably stopped as the special figure 1 of the special figure 1 display unit 112a, while the determination result of the hit determination and the winning symbol determination for the special 2 reserved ball is 2 is suspended as a special figure 2 of the display unit 112b. The special symbol change with respect to the special 2 holding ball is prioritized over the special 1 holding ball.

  The pre-determination program is a program for performing a hit determination on a stored ball. The big prize opening control program is a program for intermittently opening the big prize opening 109 for 15 rounds, for example, with a predetermined opening time corresponding to short win or long win as one round. The long winning time is to increase the number of appearances by increasing the opening time of the big winning opening 109 for each round (for example, 30 seconds) and opening the large winning opening 109 for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds). It is a jackpot to win.

  Short win is a big hit with almost no winnings that shortens the opening time of the big winning opening 109 per round (for example, 0.1 seconds) and opens the big winning opening 109 for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds). It is. Also, the small hit is a hit where almost no winnings can be expected, which is the same or similar to the behavior of the big winning opening 109 in the short win with 15 seconds of opening for 15 seconds × 15 rounds.

  The gaming state setting program sets the gaming state after the winning end to the low probability gaming state or the high probability gaming state according to the winning symbol, and adds the gaming state with time shortening or the electric chew support to which the electric chew support is added. This is a program for setting a short-lived gaming state when not. The electric chew support is a function of shortening the normal symbol variation time and lengthening the opening time of the electric tulip 107. The low probability gaming state is a gaming state in which it is difficult to win a jackpot. The high probability gaming state is about 10 times easier to win than the low probability gaming state.

  The main command selection program is a program that selects a command according to the execution result of each program. The main command includes a plurality of commands such as a variation pattern command, a gaming state command, a symbol command, and a prior determination command, and a main end command transmitted after the plurality of commands.

  The main control unit 201 includes various switches (SW) for detecting a game ball, a solenoid for opening and closing an electric accessory such as a special winning opening 109, the above-described special figure 1 display part 112a, and the special figure 2 display part 112b. The normal symbol display unit 113, the reserved ball display unit 114, and the like are connected.

  Specifically, the various SWs described above include a first start port SW221 that detects a game ball won in the first start port 105, and a second start port SW222 that detects a game ball won in the second start port 106. , A gate SW 223 that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 108, a big winning opening SW 224 that detects a gaming ball that has won a prize winning opening 109, and a normal winning opening SW 225 that detects a gaming ball that has won a winning prize 110 Is connected to the main control unit 201.

  The detection results detected by the respective SWs (221 to 225) are input to the main control unit 201. A proximity switch or the like is used for these SWs. It should be noted that a plurality of the normal winning opening SW225 may be provided for each arrangement position of the normal winning opening 110.

  Further, as the solenoid, an electric tulip solenoid 231 that opens and closes the electric tulip 107 and a big prize opening solenoid 232 that opens and closes the big prize opening 109 are connected to the main control unit 201. The main control unit 201 controls driving of the solenoids (231 and 232).

  Further, the main control unit 201 is also connected to the effect control unit 202 and the prize ball control unit 203, and outputs various commands to the respective control units. For example, the main control unit 201 outputs a prize ball command to the prize ball control unit 203.

(2. Production control unit)
The effect control unit 202 includes an effect control unit 202a, an image / sound control unit 202b, and a lamp control unit 202c, and has a function of controlling the effect contents of the pachinko gaming machine 100. The effect control unit 202a has a function of controlling the entire effect control unit 202 based on various commands received from the main control unit 201. The image / sound control unit 202b has a function of controlling the image and sound based on the instruction content from the production control unit 202a. The lamp controller 202c has a function of controlling lighting of lamps provided on the game board 101, the frame member 115, and the like.

(2-1. Director of Production)
First, the configuration of the production control unit 202a will be described. The production control unit 202a includes a CPU 241, a ROM 242, a RAM 243, a real-time clock (hereinafter referred to as "RTC") 244, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  CPU241 performs the process which determines the content of production based on the various programs previously memorize | stored in ROM242. The ROM 242 stores various programs necessary for the CPU 241 to execute the above processing. The RAM 243 functions as a work area for the CPU 241. The data set in the RAM 243 when the CPU 241 executes various programs is output to the image / sound controller 202b and the lamp controller 202c at a predetermined timing.

  The production supervision unit 202a executes various programs such as a variation production program, a subcommand selection program, a main command determination program, and an production execution program stored in the ROM 242 while the CPU 241 uses the RAM 243 as a work area. It functions to control the entire control unit 202.

  The variation effect program is a program that performs a variation effect using the effect symbol in correspondence with the variation of the special symbol. The subcommand selection program is a program that selects a plurality of subcommands for production and a sub end command to be transmitted after the plurality of subcommands. These subcommands are transmitted to the image / sound controller 202b and the lamp controller 202c. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the sub-end command will be described as being transmitted only to the lamp control unit 202c.

  The plurality of subcommands include, for example, a time command indicating the time for operating the gimmick 130 and a number command indicating the number of times for operating the gimmick 130, which are selected at the start of variation when performing the performance using the gimmick 130 A command for driving the gimmick motor 266, a command for lighting the gimmick lamp 131, and the like, which are selected when the player presses the effect button 119, can be given.

  The main command determination program is a program for determining whether or not there is a main end command transmitted from the main control unit 201 after a plurality of commands. The effect execution program is a program for starting an effect based on a plurality of main commands after receiving the main end command.

  The RTC 244 counts and outputs real time. The RTC 244 continues timing operation by a backup power source (not shown) even when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is cut off. In addition, an effect button 119 is connected to the effect control unit 202a, and data indicating that the effect button 119 has been operated (pressed) from the player is input. In addition, a cross key 120 is connected to the production control unit 202a, and data corresponding to the key selected by the player is input.

(2-2. Image / Audio Control Unit)
Next, the configuration of the image / sound controller 202b will be described. The image / sound control unit 202b includes a CPU 251, a ROM 252, a RAM 253, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 251 executes image and sound generation and output processing. The ROM 252 stores a program for image and sound generation and output processing, various image data such as background images, effect design images, and character images necessary for the processing, various sound data, and the like. The RAM 253 functions as a work area for the CPU 251 and temporarily stores image data to be displayed on the image display unit 104 and audio data to be output from the speaker 254.

  That is, the image / sound control unit 202b executes image and sound control based on an instruction from the production control unit 202a by executing various programs stored in the ROM 252 while the CPU 251 uses the RAM 253 as a work area. Works like doing.

  In addition, the CPU 251 performs various image processing and audio processing such as background image display processing, effect design variation / stop display processing, preview image processing, character image display processing, hold display processing, and the like based on the instruction content instructed from the effect supervising unit 202a. Execute the process. At this time, the CPU 251 reads image data and audio data necessary for processing from the ROM 252 and writes them in the RAM 253.

  Image data such as background images and effect design images written in the RAM 253 is output to the image display unit 104 connected to the image / sound control unit 202b, and is superimposed on the display screen of the image display unit 104. . That is, the effect design image is displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image. Further, the preview image is displayed so as to be seen in front of the effect symbol image. When the background image and the effect design image overlap at the same position, the effect design image is given priority by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. To be stored in the RAM 253.

  The audio data written in the RAM 253 is output to the speaker 254 connected to the image / audio control unit 202b, and audio based on the audio data is output from the speaker 254.

(2-3. Lamp control unit)
Next, the configuration of the lamp control unit 202c will be described. The lamp control unit 202c includes a CPU 261, a ROM 262, a RAM 263, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 261 executes processing for turning on the lamp and the like. The ROM 262 stores various programs necessary for executing the above processing, control data used for lamp lighting necessary for the processing, and the like. The RAM 263 functions as a work area for the CPU 261. The ROM 262 stores a subcommand determination program and a lamp effect execution program.

  The subcommand determination program is a program for determining the presence / absence of a sub-end command transmitted after a plurality of commands from the production control unit 202a. The lamp effect execution program is a program for starting an effect based on a plurality of subcommands after receiving a sub-end command.

  The lamp control unit 202c is connected to the effect light unit (frame lamp) 116, the panel lamp 264, the effect agent 265, the gimmick lamp 131, and the gimmick motor 266, and receives data for lighting control and data for operation control. Output. Thereby, the lamp control unit 202c functions to control the lighting of the lamps provided on the game board 101, the frame member 115, and the like, and the operations of the effect actor 265 and the gimmick 130.

  The production control unit 202 is composed of different boards using the production control unit 202a, the image / sound control unit 202b, and the lamp control unit 202c, but these are incorporated on the same printed board. It may be configured. However, even when they are incorporated on the same printed circuit board, their functions are assumed to be independent.

(3. Prize ball control unit)
Next, the configuration of the winning ball control unit 203 will be described. The prize ball control unit 203 includes a CPU 281, a ROM 282, a RAM 283, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 281 executes a prize ball control process for controlling a prize ball to be paid out. The ROM 282 stores a program necessary for the processing. The RAM 283 functions as a work area for the CPU 281.

  The prize ball control unit 203 is connected to a payout unit (payout drive motor) 291, a launch unit 292, a fixed position detection SW 293, a payout ball detection SW 294, a ball presence detection SW 295, and a full tank detection SW 296. .

  The prize ball control unit 203 controls the payout unit 291 to pay out the number of prize balls at the time of winning. The payout unit 291 includes a motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit. Specifically, the winning ball control unit 203 receives the winning game balls that have won the winning units 291 (the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 109, the normal winning port 110) with respect to the payout unit 291. Control to pay out the corresponding number of prize balls.

  In addition, the prize ball control unit 203 detects the operation of launching the game ball with respect to the launch unit 292 and controls the launch of the game ball. The launcher 292 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 203 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 292, the prize ball control unit 203 intermittently fires a game ball by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, thereby playing the game area 103 of the game board 101. A game ball is sent out.

  The prize ball control unit 203 is connected to various detection units for detecting the state of the game ball to be paid out, and detects the payout state for the prize ball. These detection units include a fixed position detection SW293, a payout ball detection SW294, a ball presence detection SW295, a full tank detection SW296, and the like. For example, the prize ball control unit 203 realizes its function by a prize ball control board.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 297 is connected to the main control unit 201, and various information executed by the main control unit 201 can be output to the outside. The prize ball control unit 203 is also connected to the frame external information terminal board 298, and can output various information executed by the prize ball control unit 203 to the outside.

  The main control unit 201, the effect control unit 202, and the prize ball control unit 203 having the above-described configuration are provided on different printed boards (main control board, effect control board, and prize ball control board). For example, the prize ball control unit 203 can be provided on the same printed circuit board as the main control unit 201.

(Outline of Embodiment 1)
Next, the outline of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the first embodiment. In FIG. 3A, the timing chart 300 is a timer interrupt process (if the effect control unit 202 a is used) that is interrupted and executed in the main process (the effect control unit 202 a is the main effect control process) that performs a random number update or the like. The cycle of the effect timer interruption process of FIG. 13 is shown. The timer interrupt process is a process for starting an effect based on the received command with reference to the received command. In FIG. 3A, the periods 301 to 303 are, for example, 4 msec for the production control unit 202a, and 33 msec for the image / audio control unit 202b or the lamp control unit 202c.

  Timing T1 and timing T3 indicate times when the command received from the main control unit 201 is referred to. Timing T4 indicates a time when an effect is selected. It is assumed that two commands 305a and 305b among a plurality of commands (hereinafter referred to as “series commands”) 305 including three commands 305a to 305c are received in a cycle 301. In the period 302, the command is referred to at the timing T1, but the presentation is not selected.

  In cycle 302, it is assumed that the last one command 305c of the series commands 305 and the end command 306 added after the series commands 305 are received after the timing T1. In period 303, commands 305c and 306 are referred to at timing T3. When the end command 306 is received, an effect is selected at timing T4 based on the series command 305. In other words, in the present embodiment, after receiving the end command 306, an effect is selected based on the series of commands 305.

(Functional configuration of pachinko machine)
Next, the functional configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3-2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 100. 3-2, the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an upper control unit 310 and a lower control unit 320. In the relationship between the main control unit 201 and the production control unit 202a, the upper control unit 310 is the main control unit 201, and the lower control unit 320 is the production control unit 202a. In the relationship between the production control unit 202a and the image / sound control unit 202b or the lamp control unit 202c (only the lamp control unit 202c is shown in FIG. 3-2), the upper control unit 310 is the production control unit 202a. The control unit 320 is the image / sound control unit 202b or the lamp control unit 202c.

  The upper control unit 310 includes a storage unit 311, a selection unit 312, a transmission control unit 313, and a changing unit 314. The storage unit 311 stores a plurality of commands for controlling the lower control unit 320. When the host control unit 310 is the main control unit 201, a plurality of commands include, for example, a series command composed of a plurality of commands such as a variation pattern command, a gaming state command, a symbol command, and a pre-determination command. There is a main end command added. In this case, the storage unit 311 is realized by the ROM 212 of the main control unit 201.

  When the host control unit 310 is the production control unit 202a, the plurality of commands are, for example, a command for controlling an image, a command for driving the gimmick motor 266, a command for lighting the gimmick lamp 131, and the like. . In this case, the storage unit 311 is realized by the ROM 242 of the production control unit 202a.

  The selection unit 312 selects from the commands stored in the storage unit 311 a series of commands related to the production content and a specific command (hereinafter referred to as “end command”) that is unrelated to the production content. The end command selected by the main control unit 201 is called a main end command, and the end command selected by the production control unit 202a is called a sub end command. The main end command and the sub end command correspond to the specific command of the present invention.

  The transmission control unit 313 transmits the series command and end command selected by the selection unit 312 to the lower-level control unit 320 with the end command as the last order. The changing unit 314 changes the determination result as to whether or not to shift to the special game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, as a symbol. The symbol is a special symbol when the upper control unit 310 is the main control unit 201, and is a production symbol when the upper control unit 310 is the production control unit 202a.

  The lower control unit 320 includes a reception unit 321, a determination unit 322, an effect execution unit 323, and an analysis unit 324. The receiving unit 321 receives a command transmitted from the host control unit 310. The determination unit 322 determines whether an end command is included when a command is received by the reception unit 321. When the determination unit 322 determines that the end command is included, the effect execution unit 323 starts the effect based on a series of commands received by the reception unit 321 prior to the end command.

  In addition, when the variation unit 314 starts the variation of the symbol, the selection unit 312 selects a series of commands related to the variation of the symbol from the commands stored in the storage unit 311 and an end command not related to the variation of the symbol. Select. The transmission control unit 313 transmits the series command and the end command selected when the symbol change is started by the selection unit 312 to the lower-level control unit 320 with the end command as the last order.

  Further, when the higher-level control unit 310 is the production control unit 202a, in the production using the gimmick 130, the selection unit 312 selects a series of commands from the commands stored in the storage unit 311 during the operation of the gimmick 130, And an end command unrelated to the production contents is selected. The time when the gimmick 130 is operated includes not only when the change of the symbol is started by the changing unit 314 but also when the effect is switched (for example, when the effect button 119 is pressed by the player depending on the content of the effect). .

  Next, the analysis timing of a series command by the analysis unit 324 will be described. In the first embodiment, analysis of a series of commands is started at the timing when an end command is received. Specifically, the analysis unit 324 analyzes a series of commands received before the end command by the reception unit 321 when the determination unit 322 determines that the end command is included. The effect execution unit 323 starts the effect based on the series of commands analyzed by the analysis unit 324.

  The analysis timing of the series command by the analysis unit 324 is not limited to this, and the series command analysis may be started before the end command is received, and the presentation may be started after the end command is received. This will be described in the second embodiment.

  The selection unit 312, the transmission control unit 313, and the variation unit 314 are realized by the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 or the CPU 241 of the production control unit 202 a. The reception unit 321, the determination unit 322, the effect execution unit 323, and the analysis unit 324 are realized by the CPU 241 of the effect control unit 202a, the CPU 261 of the lamp control unit 202c, or the CPU 251 of the image / sound control unit 202b. .

(Processing procedure of the main control unit)
Next, the contents of the processing procedure of the main control unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process performed by the main control unit 201. The timer interrupt process is a process that interrupts the main control process executed by the main control unit 201 every predetermined period (for example, 4 msec) during the power supply period.

  In FIG. 4, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 executes a random number update process (step S401). The random number update process is a process of updating each random number by incrementing the jackpot random number, the jackpot symbol random number, and the like, for example, by one.

  Thereafter, a switch process performed when a game ball is detected by each switch is executed (step S402). For the switch process, a start port SW process for obtaining a random number every time a game ball is detected by the first start port SW221 or the second start port SW222, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 5-1, or a game ball by the gate SW223. There is a gate SW process that obtains a random number every time.

  Thereafter, symbol processing such as normal symbol processing for changing and stopping the normal symbol and special symbol processing described later with reference to FIG. 6 is executed (step S403). Then, an electric accessory process such as an electric chew process for operating the electric tulip 107 and a special prize opening process for operating the special prize opening 109 described later with reference to FIG. 11 is executed (step S404). Thereafter, a prize ball process for performing a prize ball for the winning game ball is executed (step S405), and an output process for outputting a command set in each process is executed (step S406).

(Start-up SW processing)
Next, the start port SW process performed by the main control unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating the start port SW process performed by the main control unit 201. The start port SW process is a process content included in the switch process shown in step S402 of FIG.

  5A, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the first start port SW221 of the first start port 105 is ON (step S501). When the first start port SW221 is OFF (step S501: No), the process proceeds to step S507. When the first start port SW221 is ON (step S501: Yes), it is determined whether or not the count value U1 of the first start port detection counter that has counted the number of detections of the first start port SW221 is smaller than “4”. (Step S502).

  When the count value U1 is “4” (step S502: No), the process proceeds to step S507. When the count value U1 is smaller than “4” (step S502: Yes), “1” is added to the count value U1 (step S503). Then, the random number is acquired, and the acquired random number is stored in the RAM 213 (step S504). The random number is a hit random number, a design random number, a reach random number, or the like. The hit random number is a random number for determining any one of big hit, small hit, and loss. For example, one hit random number is randomly obtained from 400 random numbers from “0” to “399”. .

  The symbol random number is a random number for determining the hit type, and for example, one symbol random number is randomly obtained from 250 random numbers “0” to “249”. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed. For example, one reach random number is randomly acquired from 250 random numbers “0” to “249”.

  Each acquired random number is stored in the RAM 213. The RAM 213 has a storage area for four reserved balls by winning the first start port 105. In this storage area, information indicating that the winning is made to the first starting port 105, winning random numbers, symbol random numbers, reach random number information, and the like are stored.

  Thereafter, a preliminary determination process is performed (step S505). In the pre-determination process, it is determined whether or not the winning is achieved using the winning random number acquired in step S504. In the prior determination process, in addition to the hit determination, symbol determination using a symbol random number or reach determination using a reach random number is performed. Details of the prior determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, a special 1 reserved ball number increase command is set to indicate that the number of reserved balls has increased due to winning at the first starting port 105 (step S506).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the second start port SW222 of the second start port 106 is ON (step S507). If the second start port SW222 is OFF (step S507: No), the process is terminated as it is. If the second start port SW222 is ON (step S507: Yes), it is determined whether or not the count value U2 of the second start port detection counter that has counted the number of detections of the second start port SW222 is smaller than “4”. (Step S508).

  When the count value U2 is “4” (step S508: No), the processing is ended as it is. When the count value U2 is smaller than “4” (step S508: Yes), “1” is added to the count value U2 (step S509). Then, each random number is acquired, and the acquired random number is stored in the RAM 213 (step S510). The RAM 213 has a storage area for four reserved balls by winning the second starting port 106. In this storage area, information indicating that the winning is made to the second starting port 106, winning random numbers, symbol random numbers, reach random number information, and the like are stored.

  Thereafter, a preliminary determination process is performed (step S511). In the pre-determination process, the winning random number acquired in step S511 is used to determine whether or not it is a win, symbol determination using a symbol random number, and reach determination using a reach random number. Details of the prior determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, a special 2 reserved ball number increase command is set to indicate that the number of reserved balls has increased due to winning at the second starting port 106 (step S512).

(Preliminary judgment processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 5B, the pre-determination process shown in steps S505 and S511 in FIG. 5A will be described. FIG. 5-2 is a flowchart illustrating a pre-determination process executed by the main control unit. In FIG. 5B, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 determines whether or not a high-probability gaming state is set (step S521).

  If it is determined in step S521 that the game state is a high probability game state (step S521: Yes), a high probability random number determination table is selected (step S522), and each random number is determined (step S523). The high probability random number determination table is a table used for random number determination in a high probability gaming state (a hit random number determination table, a reach random number determination table, a variation pattern random number determination table), and a low probability random number used in a low probability gaming state. It is easier to win big hits than when using a decision table.

  The random number determination includes a hit random number determination, a determination of a design random number at the time of hit, a reach random number determination, a variation pattern random number determination, and the like. Thereafter, the determination result of step S523 is stored in the RAM 213 as prior determination information (step S524), and the process is terminated as it is.

  If it is determined in step S521 that the gaming state is not high probability (step S521: No), a low probability random number determination table is selected (step S525), and the process proceeds to step S523. The low probability random number determination table is a table used for random number determination in a low probability gaming state (a hit random number determination table, a reach random number determination table, a variation pattern random number determination table).

(Special symbol processing)
Next, the special symbol process performed by the main control unit 201 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2. FIGS. 6A and 6B are flowcharts illustrating special symbol processing performed by the main control unit 201. This special symbol process is a process content included in the symbol process of step S403 shown in FIG.

  6A and 6B, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the winning game flag is ON (step S601). The winning game flag is a flag that is set when the stopped special symbol indicates a winning in the stopping process shown in step S618.

  If the winning game flag is ON (step S601: Yes), the process is terminated as it is. When the winning game flag is OFF (step S601: No), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (step S602), and when it is changing (step S602: Yes), the process proceeds to step S615. If not changing (step S602: No), it is determined whether or not the count value U2 of the second start port detection counter as the number of reserved balls of the game balls won in the second start port 106 is "1" or more. (Step S603).

  When the count value U2 is “1” or more (step S603: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the count value U2 is set as a new number of reserved balls (step S604), and the process proceeds to step S607. In step S603, if the count value U2 is not equal to or greater than “1” (step S603: No), that is, if U2 is “0”, the first start as the number of game balls retained in the first start port 105 is determined. It is determined whether or not the count value U1 of the mouth detection counter is “1” or more (step S605). If the count value U1 is not equal to or greater than “1” (step S605: No), that is, if U1 is “0”, the process ends.

  When the count value U1 is “1” or more (step S605: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the count value U1 is set as a new number of reserved balls (step S606), and the process proceeds to step S607. In step S607, a hit determination process is performed (step S607). The winning determination process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 7, but the winning random number acquired when the game ball wins the first starting opening 105 or the second starting opening 106 matches the preset winning random number. This is a process for determining whether or not to do so.

  As shown in steps S603 to S606, the game ball won at the second start port 106 is digested earlier than the game ball won at the first start port 105. Thereafter, a variation pattern selection process is performed (step S608). The details of this variation pattern selection processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 9, but are processing for selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol according to the determination result of the hit determination processing.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the advance determination information is stored in the RAM 213 (step S609). When the prior determination information is not stored (step S609: No), that is, when there is no reserved ball, the process proceeds to step S611. When the advance determination information is stored (step S609: Yes), that is, when there is a holding ball, the advance determination command is set (step S610). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the time reduction flag is ON (step S611).

  The short time flag is a flag that is turned ON in the gaming state with a short time, and is set in a gaming state setting process to be described later with reference to FIG. When the time reduction flag is OFF (step S611: No), the process proceeds to step S613. If the time reduction flag is ON (step S611: Yes), a time reduction command that is a gaming state command indicating a gaming state is set (step S612).

  Thereafter, the main end command is set (step S613), and the special symbol change is started (step S614). Then, it is determined whether or not the variation time of the special symbol has passed the variation time selected by the variation pattern selection process (step S615). If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (step S615: No), the processing is terminated as it is.

  When the variation time has elapsed (step S615: Yes), a variation stop command is set (step S616), and the variation of the special symbol is stopped (step S617). Thereafter, the stop process is executed (step S618), and the process ends. The stopped process is a process of setting a winning game flag when the stopped special symbol indicates winning, or turning off the time flag indicating the time-saving gaming state in accordance with the number of remaining times. 10 will be described later.

(Winning judgment process)
Next, the hit determination process shown in step S607 of FIG. 6-1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a hit determination process performed by the main control unit 201. In FIG. 7, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the high probability flag indicating the high probability gaming state is ON (step S <b> 701). The high probability flag is a flag that is set to ON in a gaming state setting process that will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the high probability flag is OFF (step S701: No), a low probability command is set as a gaming state command indicating a gaming state (step S702), and a low probability hit determination table is set (step S703). Details of the low probability hit determination table will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the high probability flag is ON (step S701: Yes), a high probability command is set as a gaming state command indicating a gaming state (step S704), and a high probability hit determination table is set (step S705). Details of the high probability hit determination table will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, using the set hit determination table and the hit random number acquired in the start port SW process (see FIG. 5A), a hit random number determination process for determining whether the game is a big hit or a small hit is performed (step S706). ).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the result of the hit random number determination process is a big hit (step S707). When it is determined that it is a big hit (step S707: Yes), it is determined whether or not it is a big hit symbol determination for the count value U1 of the first start port detection counter (step S708). When it is jackpot symbol determination with respect to the count value U1 (step S708: Yes), the first start opening jackpot symbol determination table is set (step S709). In the first start-up jackpot symbol determination table, for example, the winning rate for short hits with a short opening time of the big winning opening 109 is high.

  On the other hand, if it is not a jackpot symbol determination for the count value U1 in step S708 (step S708: No), that is, if it is a jackpot symbol determination for the count value U2 of the second starting port detection counter, the second starting port jackpot symbol is determined. A determination table is set (step S710). In the second start-up jackpot symbol determination table, for example, the winning ratio per long long opening time of the big winning opening 109 is high.

  Thereafter, the jackpot symbol random number determination process for determining the jackpot symbol is performed using the set jackpot symbol determination table (step S711). Then, a jackpot symbol is set (step S712), a symbol command indicating that it is a jackpot symbol is set (step S713), and the process ends.

  In Step S707, when it is determined that it is not a big hit (Step S707: No), it is determined whether or not it is a big hit (Step S714). When it is determined that it is a small hit (step S714: Yes), a small hit symbol random number determination process is performed using the small hit symbol determination table (step S715). The small hit symbol random number determination process is a process for determining a small hit type using the small hit symbol determination table.

  Then, a small hit symbol is set (step S716), the process proceeds to step S713, and a symbol command indicating a small hit symbol is set (step S713). If it is determined in step S714 that it is not a small hit (step S714: No), a lost symbol is set (step S717), the process proceeds to step S713, and a symbol command indicating that it is a lost symbol is set (step S714). S713).

(An example of the low probability hit determination table)
Next, the low probability hit determination table set in step S703 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of an example of a low probability hit determination table. 8A, the low probability hit determination table 810 includes a hit type 801, a range 802, a ratio 803, and a random value 804.

  The hit type 801 indicates a hit type or a big hit type. A range 802 is a value that the acquired random number can take, and there are 400 “0 to 399”. The ratio 803 is obtained by dividing the number of random number values 804 by the number of ranges 802, that is, the probability that a big hit or a small hit is selected.

  The low probability hit determination table 810 indicates that the big hit among the hit types 801 is selected at a ratio 803 of “1/400”. Further, it is shown that the small hit is selected at a ratio 803 of “4/400”. If the acquired random number is a value that is not described in the random number value 804, for example, if the random number acquired by winning the first starting port 105 is “100”, the game is lost.

(Example of high probability hit determination table)
Next, the high probability hit determination table set in step S705 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8-2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the high probability hit determination table. In FIG. 8B, the high probability hit determination table 820 indicates that the jackpot is selected at a ratio 803 of “10/400”. Further, it is shown that the small hit is selected at a ratio 803 of “4/400”. As shown in the low-probability hit determination table 810 and the high-probability hit determination table 820, in the high-probability gaming state, it is easier to win a jackpot by about 10 times than in the low-probability gaming state.

(Change pattern selection process)
Next, the variation pattern selection process performed by the main control unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern selection process performed by the main control unit 201. This variation pattern selection process is the process shown in step S608 of FIG.

  In FIG. 9, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 determines whether or not it is a winning as a result of the hit determining process shown in FIG. 7 (step S901). If it is a win (step S901: Yes), either a big hit table or a small win table is set for the winning variation pattern table (step S902).

  Then, a variation pattern random number determination process is performed using the set table (step S903). As a result of the variation pattern random number determination process, the determined variation pattern is set (step S904), a variation pattern command is set (step S905), and the process ends. In step S901, if it is not a win (step S901: No), reach determination processing for determining the presence or absence of reach is performed using the reach determination table (step S906).

  And it is determined whether it is a reach (step S907). If it is reach (step S907: Yes), a reach variation pattern table is set (step S908), and the process proceeds to step S903. If it is determined in step S907 that it is not reach (step S907: No), a variation pattern table for loss is set (step S909), and the process proceeds to step S903.

(Processing during stoppage)
Next, the stop process shown in step S618 of FIG. 6-2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the in-stop process performed by the main control unit 201. In FIG. 10, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the time reduction flag indicating that the gaming state with time reduction is ON (step S <b> 1001). The time reduction flag is a flag set in a game state setting process which will be described later with reference to FIG. When the time reduction flag is not ON (step S1001: No), the process proceeds to step S1005.

  When the time-short flag is ON (step S1001: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the time-short game remaining number J is set as a new time-short game remaining number J (step S1002). The short-time game remaining number J indicates the remaining number of games in the time-reduced gaming state, and is set to, for example, 100 after the normal big hit to shift to the low-probability gaming state, and after the probabilistic big hit to shift to the high-probability gaming state Is a numerical value set at, for example, 10,000 times. The setting of the short time remaining game count J will be described later in the game state setting process (FIG. 12). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the short time remaining game count J is “0” (step S1003).

  When the time-saving game remaining count J is “0” (step S1003: Yes), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (step S1004). When the time-shortage game remaining number J is not “0” (step S1003: No), the process proceeds to step S1005. In step S1005, it is determined whether or not a high probability flag indicating a high probability gaming state is ON (step S1005).

  In step S1005, when the high probability flag is OFF (step S1005: No), the process proceeds to step S1009. When the high probability flag is ON (step S1005: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the high probability remaining game count X is set as a new high probability game remaining count X (step S1006).

  The high probability remaining game count X indicates the remaining number of times in the high probability game state, and is set to, for example, 10000 after the probability variation jackpot is finished or after the short chance of winning the short opening time of the big winning opening 109. It is a numerical value. The numerical value “10000” is a number determined for convenience in order to prevent the high-probability gaming state from being changed until the next jackpot is won. The setting of the high probability remaining game count X will be described later in the game state setting process (FIG. 12).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether the high probability remaining game count X is “0” (step S1007). If the high probability game remaining count X is “0” (step S1007: Yes), the high probability flag is turned OFF. (Step S1008). When the high probability game remaining number X is not “0” (step S1007: No), the process proceeds to step S1009.

  In step S1009, it is determined whether or not the stopped special symbol is a jackpot (step S1009: No), it is determined whether or not the stopped special symbol is a jackpot (step S1010). If the stopped special symbol is not a small hit (step S1010: No), the process is terminated.

  When the stopped special symbol is a small hit (step S1010: Yes), the small hit game flag is turned ON (step S1011), and the winning opening is started (step S1012). Thereafter, an opening command is set (step S1013), and the process ends.

  In step S1009, if the stopped special symbol is a jackpot symbol (step S1009: Yes), it is determined whether or not the opening time of the big winning opening 109 in one round is a long hit (step S1014). The long hit is usually a jackpot or a probable jackpot. When it is a long hit (step S1014: Yes), the long hit game flag is turned ON (step S1015), and the process proceeds to step S1017.

  If it is not long hit (step S1014: No), that is, if it is short hit, the short hit game flag is turned ON (step S1016), and the process proceeds to step S1017. Short hits are latent short hits. In step S1017, the time-shortage game remaining count J or the high probability game remaining count X is set to “0” (step S1017). Thereafter, the time reduction flag or the high probability flag is turned OFF (step S1018), and the process proceeds to step S1012.

  Note that the gaming state (probability changing gaming state, short-time gaming state, latent probability gaming state, normal gaming state) is represented by each flag in the above-described processing. Specifically, when both the short-time flag and the high-probability flag are ON, the probability variation gaming state is set, and when the short-time flag is ON and the high-probability flag is OFF, the short-time gaming state is set. It has become. Further, when the hourly flag is OFF and the high probability flag is ON, the latent game state is set. When both the hourly flag and the high probability flag are OFF, the game state is normal.

(Large winnings processing)
Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the special winning a prize mouth process performed by the main control unit 201 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the big prize opening process performed by the main control unit 201. This special winning opening process is one process included in the electric accessory process shown in step S404 of FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 determines whether or not the winning game flag is ON (step S1101). The winning game flag is a long winning game flag, a short winning game flag, or a small hit game flag that is set in the stop process shown in FIG.

  In step S1101, when the winning game flag is OFF (step S1101: No), the process is ended as it is. If the winning game flag is ON (step S1101: Yes), it is determined whether or not the game is being opened (step S1102). The opening refers to a predetermined time before the special winning opening 109 is opened.

  If it is during opening (step S1102: Yes), it is determined whether a predetermined opening time has passed (step S1103). If the opening time has not elapsed (step S1103: No), the process is terminated as it is.

  If the opening time has elapsed (step S1103: Yes), the round number / operation pattern setting process is executed (step S1104). In the round number / operation pattern setting process, the number of rounds corresponding to the winning game flag and the operation pattern of the special winning opening 109 are set. For example, in the case of a big hit, the number of rounds is set to 15 rounds. Further, in the case of long hits, an operation pattern of 30 seconds per round is set, and in the case of short hits, an operation pattern of 0.1 seconds per round is set. In the case of small hits, the number of rounds is set to one round, and an operation pattern is set in which one round is 0.1 seconds × 15 times.

  In step S1104, after the number of rounds / operation pattern setting process is executed, the winning count value C to the big winning opening 109 in each round is set to “0” (step S1105). A value obtained by adding “1” to the round number R is set as a new round number R (step S1106). Thereafter, a round start command is set to cause the production control unit 202a to produce an effect to start the round (step S1107). Further, the special winning opening solenoid 232 is controlled to start the operation of the special winning opening 109 (step S1108).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the operation time or the operation pattern has ended (step S1109). The end of the operation time means that a predetermined time (30 seconds or 0.1 second) has elapsed since the operation of the special winning opening 109 was started. Further, the end of the operation pattern means that the operation pattern of 0.1 seconds × 15 times at the small hitting time ends.

  When the operation time or the operation pattern has not ended (step S1109: No), it is determined whether or not the winning count value C of the game ball to the big winning opening 109 is a specified number (eg, “10”) (step). S1110). When the winning count value C is a specified number (step S1110: Yes), the operation of the special winning opening 109 is ended (step S1111). When the winning count value C is not the prescribed number (step S1110: No), the processing is ended as it is.

  In step S1109, when the operation time or the operation pattern is ended (step S1109: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1111 and the operation of the special winning opening 109 is ended. In other words, in the case of a big win, the big winning opening 109 ends the operation when either one of the elapsed operating time or a predetermined number of winnings is satisfied.

  It should be noted that the operating time is set to 0.1 seconds for a short hit such as a small hit or a latent short hit, so that the game ball rarely wins the big winning opening 109 during this time. In other words, the number of prize balls can hardly be expected at the time of small hit or short hit.

  After the operation of the special winning opening 109 is finished in step S1111, it is determined whether or not the final round has been reached (step S1112). For example, if the round number R set in the round number setting process in step S1104 is 15 rounds, the final round is obtained when “round number R = 15”. Further, if the round number R set in the round number setting process is 1 round as in the case of small hitting, the final round is obtained when “round number R = 1”.

  If it is not the last round in step S1112 (step S1112: No), the process ends. When it is the final round (step S1112: Yes), an ending command is set (step S1113). Ending refers to a predetermined production time after the end of the operation of the special winning opening 109. The ending command is a command for causing the production control unit 202a to perform an ending production.

  After setting the ending command in step S1113, ending is started (step S1114). Then, the round number R is set to “0” (step S1115), and it is determined whether the ending time has elapsed (step S1116). If the ending time has elapsed (step S1116: Yes), a game state setting process is executed (step S1117). The game state setting process will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the winning game flag is turned off (step S1118), and the process is terminated. If the ending time has not elapsed (step S1116: No), the process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, in step S1102, if it is not opening (step S1102: No), it is determined whether it is ending (step S1119). If it is ending (step S1119: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1116. If it is not ending (step S1119: No), it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 109 is in operation (step S1120). When the special winning opening 109 is not in operation (step S1120: No), the process proceeds to step S1105. When the special winning opening 109 is operating (step S1120: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1109.

(Game state setting process)
Next, the game state setting process performed by the main control unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a game state setting process performed by the main control unit 201. The game state setting process is the process shown in step S1117 of FIG. In FIG. 12, the CPU 211 of the main control unit 201 determines whether or not it is a small hit (step S1201). If it is a small hit (step S1201: Yes), the process is terminated as it is.

  If it is not a small hit (step S1201: No), it is determined whether or not a normal big hit (step S1202). When it is a normal big hit (step S1202: Yes), the hourly flag is turned ON (step S1203). Then, the time-saving game remaining count J is set to “100” (step S1204), and the process is terminated.

  If it is not a normal big hit (step S1202: No), it is determined whether or not a probable big hit (step S1205). If it is a probable big hit (step S1205: Yes), the hourly flag is turned ON (step S1206), and the hourly game remaining number J is set to “10000” (step S1207). The value “10000” is a number determined for convenience in order to prevent the gaming state from being changed until the next jackpot is won.

  Thereafter, the high probability flag is turned ON (step S1208), the high probability remaining game count X is set to “10000” (step S1209), and the process is terminated. In step S1205, when it is not the probability variation big hit (step S1205: No), that is, when the latent probability is short hit, the process proceeds to step S1208.

(Production timer interrupt processing executed by the production control department)
Next, the effect timer interruption process performed by the effect control unit 202a of the effect control unit 202 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an effect timer interrupt process performed by the effect control unit 202a. This effect timer interruption process is a process in which the effect control unit 202a performs an interrupt operation to the main effect control process executed by the effect control unit 202a every predetermined period (for example, 4 msec) during activation.

  In FIG. 13, the CPU 241 of the production control unit 202a executes a command reception process performed when a command is received from the main control unit 201 (step S1301). The command reception process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14-1 and 14-2. Then, the effect button process is executed (step S1302). The effect button process will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, a command transmission process for transmitting a command to the image / sound control unit 202b or the lamp control unit 202c is executed (step S1303), and the process ends.

(Command reception processing)
Next, details of the command reception process shown in step S1301 of FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14-1 and 14-2. FIGS. 14A and 14B are flowcharts illustrating the command reception process according to the first embodiment performed by the production supervision unit 202a. 14A and 14B, has the CPU 241 of the production control unit 202a received the pending ball number increase command from the main control unit 201 during a predetermined period (4 msec) during which the production timer interruption process is performed? It is determined whether or not (step S1401).

  Specifically, the determination as to whether or not the reserve ball number increase command has been received is stored in a predetermined storage area such as the RAM 243 or the buffer of the production control unit 202a. It is done by referring to whether or not. The same applies to commands (game state commands, symbol commands, etc.) other than the command to increase the number of held balls described below. The retained ball number increase command is a command set in the start port SW process of the main control unit 201 (see step S506 and step S512 in FIG. 5A).

  When the reserve ball number increase command is not received (step S1401: No), the process proceeds to step S1403. When the reserve ball number increase command is received (step S1401: Yes), a reserve ball number addition process is performed to add the reserve ball number (step S1402). Then, it is determined whether or not a gaming state command indicating a gaming state has been received during a predetermined period (4 msec) (step S1403). The gaming state command is a time-short command (see step S612 in FIG. 6-2) set in the special symbol process of the main control unit 201 or a low-probability command or a high probability set in the hit determination process of the main control unit 201. This is a command (see step S702 and step S704 in FIG. 7).

  When no gaming state command is received (step S1403: No), the process proceeds to step S1405. When the gaming state command is received (step S1403: Yes), the gaming state command is stored in the RAM 243 (step S1404). Then, it is determined whether or not a symbol command has been received during a predetermined period (4 msec) (step S1405). The symbol command is a command set in the hit determination process of the main control unit 201 (see step S713 in FIG. 7).

  When a symbol command is not received (step S1405: No), the process proceeds to step S1407. When the symbol command is received (step S1405: YES), the symbol command is stored in the RAM 243 (step S1406). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a variation pattern command has been received during a predetermined period (4 msec) (step S1407). The variation pattern command is a command set in the variation pattern selection process of the main control unit 201 (see step S905 in FIG. 9).

  When the variation pattern command is not received (step S1407: No), the process proceeds to step S1409. When the variation pattern command is received (step S1407: Yes), the variation pattern command is stored in the RAM 243 (step S1408). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a prior determination command has been received during a predetermined period (4 msec) (step S1409). The prior determination command is a command set in the special symbol process of the main control unit 201 (see step S610 in FIG. 6A).

  When a prior determination command is not received (step S1409: No), the process proceeds to step S1411. When the advance determination command is received (step S1409: YES), the advance determination command is stored in the RAM 243 (step S1410). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a main end command has been received during a predetermined period (4 msec) (step S1411). The main end command is a command transmitted after a series of commands (game state command, symbol command, variation pattern command, advance determination command), specifically, a command set in the special symbol processing of the main control unit 201. (See step S613 in FIG. 6-2).

  When the main end command has been received (step S1411: YES), a variation effect selection process for selecting the variation effect content is executed (step S1412). The details of the variation effect selection process will be described later with reference to FIG. 15, but it is a process of selecting an effect having the same reproduction time as the variation time of the special symbol by analyzing each command. When the main end command is not received (step S1411: NO), the process proceeds to step S1413 without performing the variation effect selection process in step S1412.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a variation stop command for stopping the effect symbol has been received (step S1413). The change stop command is a command indicating change stop of the special symbol, and is a command set in the special symbol processing of the main control unit 201 (see step S616 in FIG. 6-2).

  When the fluctuation stop command is not received (step S1413: No), the process is terminated as it is. When the change stop command is received (step S1413: Yes), the process during the end of change effect is executed (step S1414), and the process ends. The process during the end of the variation effect is a process of measuring the effect mode according to the gaming state and ending the effect mode according to the measured number of times.

(Variation effect selection process)
Next, details of the changing effect selection process shown in step S1412 of FIG. 14-2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the changing effect selecting process according to the first embodiment performed by the effect managing unit 202a. In FIG. 15, the CPU 241 of the effect supervision unit 202a analyzes a series of commands (game state command, symbol command, variation pattern command, advance determination command) stored in the RAM 243 (step S1501).

  Then, the mode flag indicating the effect mode being executed is referred to (step S1502). The mode flag is, for example, “0” in the normal performance mode, “1” in the time-saving mode indicating the short-time gaming state, “2” in the probability-changing mode indicating the probability-changing gaming state, This flag is set to “3” in the latent mode set later.

  Thereafter, the reserved ball number subtraction process for subtracting the reserved ball number is executed (step S1503). Then, using the analysis result of the series of commands, the effect design pattern selection process for selecting the effect design and selecting the change effect pattern corresponding to each mode is executed (step S1504). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not it is a gimmick combined effect for moving the gimmick 130 to the front surface of the image display unit 104 (step S1505). The gimmick combined effect is, for example, an effect of combining the gimmick 130 on the front surface of the image display unit 104 when the effect button 119 is pressed by the player within a predetermined effective period.

  When it is not a gimmick combined effect (step S1505: No), the process proceeds to step S1509. When it is a gimmick combined effect (step S1505: Yes), a gimmick flag indicating that the gimmick combined effect is being performed is turned ON (step S1506). When the gimmick 130 is joined, the gimmick 130 is moved forward and backward between the accommodation space 132 and the front surface of the image display unit 104 to perform a predictive effect as to whether or not the gimmick is used together (see FIG. 18), a number command indicating the number of times to move the gimmick 130 back and forth is set (step S1507).

  Further, a time command indicating a time when the gimmick 130 is positioned on the front surface of the image display unit 104 and waits until the merge (see FIG. 18-2) is set before the gimmick 130 merges (step S1508). ). Thereafter, a variation production start command indicating the start of variation of the production symbol is set (step S1509), and a first sub end command transmitted after a series of commands (number command, time command, variation production start command) is set. (Step S1510), the process ends.

(Direction button processing)
Next, the effect button process shown in step S1302 of FIG. 13 will be described using FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the effect button process performed by the effect control unit 202a. In FIG. 16, the CPU 241 of the effect supervision unit 202a determines whether or not the effect button 119 is turned on (step S1601). If the effect button 119 is OFF (step S1601: No), the process is terminated as it is.

  When the effect button 119 is ON (step S1601: Yes), it is determined whether or not the gimmick flag indicating that the gimmick combined effect is being performed is ON (step S1602). The gimmick flag is a flag that is set to ON in the variation effect selection process (see step S1506 in FIG. 15).

  When the gimmick flag is OFF (step S1602: No), an effect button command is set (step S1603), and the process ends. If the gimmick flag is ON (step S1602: Yes), it is determined whether or not the effect button 119 is valid (step S1604). If it is not during the effective period of the effect button 119 (step S1604: No), the process proceeds to step S1603.

  If it is determined in step S1604 that the effect button 119 is valid (step S1604: Yes), a uniting operation command for uniting the gimmicks 130 is set (step S1605). Further, a coalescence lighting command for lighting the gimmick lamp 131 when the gimmick 130 is coalesced is set (step S1606). Then, the second sub end command transmitted after the series of commands (the uniting operation command and the uniting lighting command) is set (step S1607), and the process ends.

(Gimmick production start processing)
Next, a gimmick effect start process that the lamp control unit 202c performs at the start of a gimmick combined effect will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17A is a flowchart of the gimmick effect start process according to the first embodiment performed by the lamp control unit 202c. This gimmick effect start process is a process in which the lamp control unit 202c performs an interrupt operation to the main lamp control process executed by the lamp control unit 202c every predetermined period (for example, 33 msec) during startup. In FIG. 17A, the CPU 261 of the lamp control unit 202c determines whether or not the number-of-times command has been received from the production control unit 202a during a predetermined period (33 msec) (step S1701).

  Specifically, the determination as to whether or not the number command has been received is based on whether the number command received from the production control unit 202a during a predetermined period (33 msec) is stored in a predetermined storage area such as the RAM 263 or the buffer of the lamp control unit 202c. This is done by referring to whether it is stored or not. The same applies to the other commands described below.

  The number-of-times command is a preliminary effect of whether or not the gimmick 130 is a gimmick combined effect by moving the gimmick 130 back and forth between the accommodation space 132 and the front surface of the image display unit 104 at a stage before the gimmick 130 unites. -1) is a command that indicates the number of times the gimmick 130 is advanced or retracted, and is a command that is set in the variable effect selection process of the effect supervision unit 202a (see step S1507 in FIG. 15). When the number command is not received (step S1701: No), the process proceeds to step S1703. When the number command is received (step S1701: Yes), the number command is stored in the RAM 263 (step S1702).

  Then, during a predetermined period (33 msec), it is determined whether or not a time command has been received from the production control unit 202a (step S1703). The time command is a command that indicates the time when the gimmick 130 is placed on the front surface of the image display unit 104 and waits for the merge (see FIG. 18-2) before the merger 130 merges. This command is set in the variation effect selection process of the section 202a (see step S1508 in FIG. 15). When the time command is not received (step S1703: NO), the process proceeds to step S1705. When the time command is received (step S1703: YES), the time command is stored in the RAM 263 (step S1704).

  Then, during a predetermined period (33 msec), it is determined whether or not a variation production start command has been received from the production control unit 202a (step S1705). The variation effect start command is a command that indicates the start of the variation effect, and is a command that is set in the variation effect selection process of the effect control unit 202a (see step S1509 in FIG. 15). When the change effect start command is not received (step S1705: No), the process proceeds to step S1707. When the change effect start command is received (step S1705: Yes), the change effect start command is stored in the RAM 263 (step S1706).

  Then, it is determined whether or not a first sub end command has been received from the production control unit 202a during a predetermined period (33 msec) (step S1707). The first sub end command is a command that is transmitted after a series of commands, and is a command that is set in the variable effect selection process of the effect supervision unit 202a (see step S1510 in FIG. 15). When the first sub end command has been received (step S1707: YES), the series of commands (number command, time command, variable effect start command) stored in the RAM 263 are analyzed (step S1708).

  Then, based on the analysis result of the command, data selection processing is performed to select operation data for driving the gimmick motor 266 and lighting data for lighting the gimmick lamp 131 (step S1709). Then, the selected data is set (step S1710), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the first sub end command is not received in step S1707 (step S1707: No), the processing is ended as it is.

(Gimmic control process by pressing the production button)
Next, a gimmick control process performed by the lamp control unit 202c when the effect button 119 is pressed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17-2 is a flowchart of the gimmick control process according to the first embodiment when the effect button 119 is pressed. This gimmick control process is a process in which the lamp control unit 202c performs an interrupt operation on the main lamp control process executed by the lamp control unit 202c every predetermined period (for example, 33 msec) during startup. In FIG. 17-2, the CPU 261 of the lamp control unit 202c determines whether or not a coalescing operation command has been received from the production control unit 202a during a predetermined period (33 msec) (step S1721).

  The coalescing operation command is a command for uniting the gimmicks 130 and is a command set in the effect button processing of the effect supervising unit 202a (see step S1605 in FIG. 16). When the coalescing operation command is not received (step S1721: NO), the process proceeds to step S1723. When the merge operation command is received (step S1721: YES), the merge operation command is stored in the RAM 263 (step S1722).

  Then, during a predetermined period (33 msec), it is determined whether or not a combined lighting command has been received from the production control unit 202a (step S1723). The combined lighting command is a command for lighting the gimmick lamp 131 when the gimmick 130 is combined, and is a command set in the effect button processing of the effect control unit 202a (see step S1606 in FIG. 16). If the combined lighting command is not received (step S1723: NO), the process proceeds to step S1725. When the combined lighting command is received (step S1723: Yes), the combined lighting command is stored in the RAM 263 (step S1724).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the second sub end command is received from the production control unit 202a during a predetermined period (33 msec) (step S1725). The second sub end command is a command transmitted after a series of uniting commands (a uniting operation command and a uniting lighting command), and is a command set in the stage button processing of the stage management unit 202a (step S1607 in FIG. 16). reference). When the second sub end command is received (step S1725: YES), a series of coalescence commands (merging operation command and coalescence lighting command) stored in the RAM 263 is analyzed (step S1726).

  Based on the analysis result of the merge command, the merge operation data for driving the gimmick motor 266 to merge the gimmick 130 and the merge lighting data for lighting the gimmick lamp 131 when the gimmick 130 is merged are selected. Data selection processing is executed (step S1727). Then, the selected coalescence operation data is set (step S1728), the selected coalescence lighting data is set (step S1729), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the second sub end command is not received in step S1725 (step S1725: No), the process is ended as it is.

(An example of gimmick production)
Next, the gimmick combined effect will be described with reference to FIGS. 18-1 to 18-3 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a gimmick combined effect. In FIG. 18A, the production 1810 indicates a stage before the development of the reach production after the start of the fluctuation production, and the gimmick 130 starts its operation. This operation causes the gimmick 130 to advance and retreat a plurality of times between the accommodation space 132 and the front surface of the image display unit 104, that is, indicates a predictive effect as to whether or not it is a gimmick combined effect.

  This operation is based on the analysis of the number command of the gimmick effect start process (see step S1702 and step S1708 in FIG. 17-1). As a result of this operation, the gimmick 130 retreats to the accommodation space 132 without advancing to the front surface of the image display unit 104, so that a so-called gaze effect that does not develop into a gimmick combined effect may be performed.

  When a predetermined time elapses from the production 1810 and develops into a reach production, for example, the program proceeds to the production 1820 shown in FIG. In FIG. 18B, the effect 1820 is a stage before the gimmick 130 is united, and the gimmick 130 is positioned on the front surface of the image display unit 104 and waits for the uniting, and the image display unit 104 is operated with the operation button 119. A prompt message is displayed. The operation of waiting until the gimmicks 130 are combined is based on the analysis of the time command of the gimmick effect start process (see step S1704 and step S1708 in FIG. 17-1). In the production 1820, when an operation input from the player is accepted, the production 1830 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 18-3, the production 1830 shows a state in which the gimmicks 130 are combined. In the center of the image display unit 104, for example, a main character with a high expectation for winning is displayed. In this state, the gimmick lamp 131 is lit. The combination operation of the gimmick 130 and the lighting of the gimmick lamp 131 are based on a gimmick control process by pressing the effect button 119 (see FIG. 17-2).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the end command transmitted after the series command is received and the production based on the series command is started, the lower control unit 320 (the production control unit) Even if 202a or the lamp control unit 202c) cannot receive all the series of commands in one cycle and receive the remaining commands in the next cycle, it is possible to prevent the production from causing a problem.

  Further, in the first embodiment, when symbol variation is started, a series of commands related to symbol variation and an end command (main end command or first sub end command) unrelated to symbol variation are selected and subordinate. It was made to transmit to the control part 320. That is, the present invention is applied to the time of the start of fluctuation, which is a timing at which a series of commands are frequently transmitted and a malfunction is likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the production from being troubled.

  In the first embodiment, in the production using the gimmick 130, the production supervision unit 202a gives a series command and an end command (second sub-end command) when the operation of the gimmick 130 is switched by the production button 119. The data is transmitted to the lamp control unit 202c. Therefore, the malfunction of the production | presentation which may arise at the time of the operation | movement switching of the gimmick 130 can be suppressed.

  In the first embodiment, the low-order control unit 320 for the production control unit 202a has been described as the lamp control unit 202c. However, the low-order control unit 320 for the production control unit 202a can be the image / sound control unit 202b. That is, the effect supervising unit 202a may add a sub-end command after a series of commands for controlling the image / sound control unit 202b and transmit these commands to the image / sound control unit 202b. Further, the image / sound control unit 202b may perform an effect based on the series of commands after receiving the sub-end command. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a problem from occurring in the effect of the image / sound control unit 202b at the start of variation or at the time of effect switching.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the low-order control unit 320 (the production control unit 202a or the lamp control unit 202c) analyzes the series of commands and starts the production at the timing when the end command is received. In this way, it is possible to prevent the production from causing problems by analyzing the series of commands at the same timing and starting the production.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the analysis timing of the series command. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the analysis of a series of commands is started at the timing when the end command is received. However, in the second embodiment, the analysis is started before the end command is received, and the end command is ended. The production starts after receiving the command. In the following description, the same points as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

(Functional configuration of pachinko gaming machine according to the second embodiment)
First, the functional configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3B, the analysis unit 324 sequentially analyzes the commands received by the reception unit 321. When the determination unit 322 determines that the end command is included, the effect execution unit 323 starts the effect based on the series of commands analyzed by the analysis unit 324.

(Command reception processing)
First, a second embodiment of the command reception process shown in step S1301 of FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19-1 and 19-2. FIGS. 19A and 19B are flowcharts illustrating command reception processing according to the second embodiment performed by the production supervision unit 202a. 19-1 and 19-2, if the CPU 241 of the production supervision unit 202a receives a gaming state command in step S1403 (step S1403: Yes), it analyzes the gaming state command (step S1901).

  Furthermore, when a symbol command is received in step S1405 (step S1405: Yes), the symbol command is analyzed (step S1902). If a variation pattern command is received in step S1407 (step S1407: Yes), the variation pattern command is analyzed (step S1903). In step S1409, when the advance determination command is received (step S1409: Yes), the advance determination command is analyzed (step S1904). As described above, in the second embodiment, the received commands are analyzed without being stored in the RAM 243.

(Variation effect selection process)
Next, the details of the changing effect selection process shown in step S1412 of FIG. 19-2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the changing effect selecting process according to the second embodiment performed by the effect supervising unit 202a. In the variable effect selection process shown in FIG. 20, the “series command analysis” process shown in step S1501 of the variable effect selection process according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 15 is not performed. That is, in the second embodiment, each command is analyzed in the command reception process shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. Therefore, a series of commands are not analyzed in the variation effect selection process. Yes.

(Gimmick production start processing)
Next, a gimmick effect start process that the lamp control unit 202c performs at the start of a gimmick combined effect will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21A is a flowchart of the gimmick effect start process according to the second embodiment performed by the lamp control unit 202c. In FIG. 21A, when the CPU 261 of the lamp control unit 202c receives a number command (step S1701: Yes), it analyzes the number command (step S2101).

  The number-of-times command is a preliminary effect of whether or not the gimmick 130 is a gimmick combined effect by moving the gimmick 130 back and forth between the accommodation space 132 and the front surface of the image display unit 104 at a stage before the gimmick 130 unites. -1) is a command that indicates the number of times the gimmick 130 is advanced or retracted, and is a command that is set in the variable effect selection process of the effect supervision unit 202a (see step S1507 in FIG. 15).

  If a time command is received in step S1703 (step S1703: YES), the time command is analyzed (step S2102). The time command is a command that indicates the time when the gimmick 130 is placed on the front surface of the image display unit 104 and waits for the merge (see FIG. 18-2) before the merger 130 merges. This command is set in the variation effect selection process of the section 202a (see step S1508 in FIG. 15).

  Furthermore, when the change effect start command is received in step S1705 (step S1705: Yes), the change effect start command is analyzed (step S2103). Also, in this flowchart, the “series command analysis” process shown in step S1708 of the gimmick effect start process according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 17A is not performed. That is, in the second embodiment, each command is analyzed in step S2101, step S2102, and step S2103. Therefore, when the first sub end command is received (step S1707: Yes), a series of commands is analyzed. Instead, the data selection process is executed (step S1709).

(Gimmic control process by pressing the production button)
Next, a gimmick control process performed by the lamp control unit 202c when the effect button 119 is pressed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21B is a flowchart of the gimmick control process according to the second embodiment when the effect button 119 is pressed. In FIG. 21B, when the CPU 261 of the lamp control unit 202c receives a coalescing operation command (step S1721: Yes), the CPU 261 analyzes the coalescing operation command (step S2121).

  The coalescing operation command is a command for uniting the gimmicks 130 and is a command set in the effect button processing of the effect supervising unit 202a (see step S1605 in FIG. 16). In step S1723, when the united lighting command is received (step S1723: Yes), the united lighting command is analyzed (step S2122). The combined lighting command is a command for lighting the gimmick lamp 131 when the gimmick 130 is combined, and is a command set in the effect button processing of the effect control unit 202a (see step S1606 in FIG. 16).

  Also, in this flowchart, the “(series) coalescing command analysis” process shown in step S1726 of the gimmick control process by depressing the effect button 119 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 17-2 is not performed. ing. That is, in the second embodiment, since each merge command is analyzed in step S2121 and step S2122, when the second sub end command is received (step S1725: Yes), the merge command is not analyzed. The data selection process is executed (step S1727).

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the lower control unit 320 (the production control unit 202a or the lamp control unit 202c) starts analyzing each command before receiving the end command, and receives the end command. The production started from the beginning. In this way, even if each command is analyzed at the timing at which it is received and the effect is started at the timing at which the end command is received, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of defects in the effect, as in the first embodiment. Can do.

100 Pachinko machines 201 Main control unit (upper control unit)
202 Production control unit 202a Production control unit (upper control unit, lower control unit)
202b Image / sound control unit (lower control unit)
202c Lamp control unit (lower control unit)
310 Host Control Unit 311 Storage Unit (Storage Unit)
312 Selection unit (selection means)
313 Transmission control unit (transmission control means)
314 Fluctuating unit 320 Subordinate control unit 321 Receiving unit (receiving means)
322 determination unit (determination means)
323 Production execution unit (production execution means)
324 Analysis unit (analysis means)

Claims (2)

A pachinko gaming machine comprising: a lower control unit that produces an effect; and an upper control unit that controls the lower control unit by transmitting a command to the lower control unit,
The upper control unit
Storage means for storing a plurality of commands for controlling the subordinate control unit;
A selection means for selecting a plurality of commands relating to the contents of the effect and a specific command irrelevant to the contents of the effect (hereinafter referred to as “specific command”) from the commands stored in the storage means;
Transmission control means for transmitting the plurality of commands selected by the selection means and the specific command to the lower order control unit with the specific command as the last order;
Have
The lower control unit
Receiving means for receiving a command transmitted from the host controller;
Determining means for determining whether or not the specific command is included when a command is received by the receiving means;
When it is determined that the specific command is included by the determining unit, an effect executing unit that starts an effect based on the plurality of commands received before the specific command by the receiving unit;
A pachinko gaming machine characterized by comprising: The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not to shift to a special gaming state that is an advantageous gaming state for a player, and the determined result is varied as a pattern.
The selection means includes
When the variation of the symbol is started, the plurality of commands related to the variation of the symbol and the specific command unrelated to the variation of the symbol are selected from the commands stored in the storage unit,
The transmission control unit transmits the plurality of commands and the specific command selected when the symbol change is started by the selection unit to the lower-level control unit with the specific command as the last order. A pachinko game machine that features.

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