JP2012148119A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that performs variable display with a small amount of data by using a variable start command which is common in multiple models.SOLUTION: A display control device for controlling display of a variable display game to variably display identification information includes: a model designation information storage means for storing model designation information concerning the definition of models of the game machine, which is transmitted from a game control device for issuing an instruction to execute the variable display game to the display control device when a predetermined condition is established; and a display control means for controlling the display of the variable display game, based on the model designation information stored in the model designation information storage means. The display control means allows a display device to variably display the variable display game when the variable start command for starting the variable display game is received from the game control device even when the model designation information transmitted from the game control device is not additionally stored in the model designation information storage means.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine provided with a display device on which a variable display game is played.

  Display control means stores presentation data corresponding to each of multiple types of models for the purpose of making a difference in the contents of the presentation compared to other models of the same series while reducing changes in the configuration of the game control means The production data includes data for determining whether or not to perform a predetermined notice effect according to the type of the variation pattern command, and data for determining which aspect of the notice effect is to be performed. There are known gaming machines that are configured such that the selection rate of whether or not to perform a notice effect differs depending on the model, and that the contents of execution of the notice effect differ depending on the model (for example, patents) Reference 1).

JP 2003-199909 A

  However, in the prior art, since there are too many types of variation modes and commands are divided according to the results of the variation display game, there are many types of commands, and there is still room for common use.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing a variation display with a small amount of data using a common variation start command in a plurality of models.

  The present invention provides a display device that performs a variable display game for displaying the identification information in a variable manner, a display control device that performs display control of the variable display game, and executes the variable display game on the display control device when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In a gaming machine that provides a privilege to a player when the variable display game has a special result, the display control device transmits the gaming machine transmitted from the gaming control device. Model designation information storage means for storing model designation information related to the definition of the model, and display control means for controlling display of the variable display game based on the model designation information stored in the model designation information storage means, Even if the display control means does not newly store the model designation information transmitted from the game control device in the model designation information storage means, When receiving the change start command for starting variable display games from the skill controller, and wherein the varying display the variable display game on the display device.

  According to the present invention, since the variation display game is executed by a common variation start command in a plurality of models, the data amount can be minimized.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine (pachinko machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows a part of control system centering on the game control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the main process of game control of an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of game control of an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart of the special figure fluctuation display game process of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the display control main process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the display control main process of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data for production of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the command of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the command relevant to the jackpot of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the special figure fluctuation display game of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the special figure fluctuation display game of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the special figure fluctuation display game of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the special figure fluctuation display game of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the special figure fluctuation display game of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the special figure fluctuation display game of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the special figure fluctuation display game of embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

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

  The front frame 2 of the gaming machine 1 is assembled to the machine frame 3 via a hinge 4 so as to be capable of opening and closing. A storage frame is attached to the back surface of the front frame 2 to store the game board 5. A glass frame 6 is attached to the front frame 2 through a hinge so as to be opened and closed. A substantially circular opening 7 is formed on the front surface of the glass frame 6. The front surface of the game board 5 is covered with a front structural member (cover glass) 8 incorporated in the opening 7 of the glass frame 6.

  Decorative light emitting devices 9 such as decorative lamps and LEDs are provided at the main points of the front frame 2, and these decorative light emitting devices 9 emit light according to the progress of the game when an event such as a big hit occurs. An upper plate (ball supply plate) 10 for guiding a game ball to a hitting ball launching device (not shown) is disposed below the front frame 2. In addition, a lower plate 11 and a launching operation unit 12 of a hitting ball launching device are disposed below the front frame 2. The upper plate 10 is provided with a ball storage unit 10a, and a card ball lending unit 41 (not shown) provided in the gaming machine 1 from a supply tank 13 provided on the back of the gaming machine 1 in the ball storage unit 10a (FIG. 3). The number of game balls according to the ball lending request is discharged.

  A ball lending button 15 for instructing ball lending and a discharge button 16 for instructing discharge of the card received by the card ball lending unit 41 are provided on the upper right portion of the upper plate 10. At the upper right of these buttons 15 and 16, a remaining sphere display unit 17 for displaying the remaining number of game balls (card balance) is provided. A sound output device (speaker) 18 and an ashtray 19 are provided on the left of the lower plate 11.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 5 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  On the surface of the game board 5, a substantially circular game area 21 surrounded by the guide rail 20 is formed. The game area 21 is composed of resin side cases 22 and guide rails 20 provided on each of the four sides of the game board 5. The side case 22 provided at the lower right of the game area 21 is covered with a black transparent cardboard plate 23 at the center of the front surface. The side cases 22 provided at the upper right and lower right of the game area 21 are provided with attachment portions 24 for fixing the game board 5 to the front frame 2.

  In the game area 21, a center case 26 provided with an image display device (special symbol display device) 25 is disposed substantially at the center. The image display device 25 is attached to a recess provided in the center case 26 at a position deeper than the front surface of the center case 26. That is, the center case 26 surrounds the image display device 25 and is provided so as to protrude from the display area of the image display device 25.

  The display screen of the image display device 25 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), a CRT (CRT), or the like. A plurality of variable display areas are provided in an area (display area) in which an image of the display screen can be displayed, and identification information (special symbol) and a character that produces a special figure variable display game are displayed in each variable display area. Is done. That is, in the variable display areas provided on the left, middle, and right of the display screen, special symbols assigned as identification information (for example, symbols “0” to “9” and “A” and “B” 12 kinds of English characters) are variably displayed (variable display) and a special variability display game is played. In addition, an image (for example, jackpot display, fanfare display, ending display, etc.) based on the progress of the game is displayed on the display screen.

  An expectation notification LED 27 is provided on the right side of the image display device 25. When the player operates the switch 14 during the special figure fluctuation display game, the expectation degree notification LED 27 emits the probability of occurrence of the big hit state of the special figure fluctuation display game in various modes (for example, color, light emission pattern, etc.). To inform you.

  Decoration devices 28 such as decorative lamps and LEDs are provided at key points in the game area, and these decoration devices 28 emit light according to the progress of the game when an event such as a big hit occurs.

  A direction changing member 30 is disposed on the left side of the center case 26. Also, on the lower side of the center case 26, a second special figure start gate provided with a normal symbol start gate 31, a general winning opening 32, a first special figure starting opening 33, and an ordinary variable winning apparatus (normal electric accessory) 34. 35 and a special variable winning device 36 having a big winning opening are arranged. On the left side of the special fluctuation winning device 36, a special figure display comprising a special figure fluctuation display 37A for displaying a special symbol fluctuation display of the special figure fluctuation display game and a special figure memory display 37B for displaying the special symbol winning memory number. A vessel 37 is provided.

  Also, on the right side of the variable winning device 36, there is provided a general symbol display 38 consisting of a general symbol display 38A on which a general symbol variable display game is executed and a general symbol memory display 38B for displaying the number of ordinary symbol winning memories. .

  In the gaming machine 1, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) toward a game area 21 from a ball hitting device (not shown). The launched game balls flow down the game area 21 while changing the rolling direction by the direction changing members 30 such as windmills arranged at various places in the game area 21, and the general winning opening 32 and the first special figure starting opening 33. The second special figure starting port 35 or the special variable winning device 36 is won or discharged from the out port 39 provided at the lowermost part of the game area 21.

  The second special figure starting port 35 is normally prevented from winning a game ball by the first special figure starting port 33 and the closed normal variation winning device 34. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 31, the normal symbol variation display game is executed. Then, when a winning state is generated as a result of the normal variation display game, the normal variation winning device 34 is converted to an open state, and the second special figure starting port 35 can accept a game ball.

  The winning of game balls to the general winning opening 32 is the winning opening sensors 32.1 to 32. N (FIG. 3).

  The winning of the game ball to the first special figure starting port 33 and the second special figure starting port 35 is detected by the special figure starting sensor 33A and the special figure starting sensor 35A (FIG. 3), respectively. The special symbol random number counter value extracted according to the passing timing of the game ball is stored in the special symbol storage area in the game control device 100 as a special symbol winning memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four consecutive times). The The stored number of special symbol winning memories is displayed on the special symbol memory display 37B. The game control device 100 plays a special figure fluctuation display game by the special figure fluctuation display 37A based on the special symbol winning memory.

  When a game ball wins a prize at the first special figure starting port 33 or the second special figure starting port 35, the image display device 25 displays the special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-described numbers on the left (first special figure starting point). Variation display is started in the order of symbol), right (second special symbol), and middle (third special symbol), and an image related to the special symbol variation display game is displayed. That is, in the image display device 25, the special symbol variation display corresponding to the display of the special diagram variation display 37A is performed. The special figure change indicator 37A accurately notifies the player of the change display state and the change display result, and the image display device 25 produces various displays to improve the interest.

  When winning at the first special figure starting port 33 or the second special figure starting port 35 is made at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the special symbol random number counter value at the time of winning detection is a winning value) As a result of the special figure variation display game, a specific result mode is derived from the display symbols, and a big hit state is obtained. Specifically, the special figure change indicator 37A stops at a single-digit special symbol that is a winning symbol, and the image display device 25 stops when three special symbols are aligned (big hit symbol). At this time, the special variable prize-winning device 36 is in a closed state (to the player) in which the big prize opening does not accept a game ball for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) by energizing the big prize solenoid 43 (FIG. 3). It is converted from an unfavorable state to an open state in which it is easy to accept the game ball (a state advantageous to the player). In other words, the special prize opening provided in the special variable prize-winning device 36 is greatly opened for a predetermined time, so that a player is given a game value that can acquire many game balls during this period.

  The winning of the game ball to the special variation winning device 36 is detected by the count sensor 36A (FIG. 3).

  The passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 31 is detected by the general symbol start sensor 31A (FIG. 3). The normal symbol random number counter value extracted according to the passing timing of the game ball is stored as a normal symbol winning memory in the normal symbol storage area in the game control device 100 for a predetermined number of times (for example, up to four consecutive times). The Then, the stored number of the normal symbol winning memory is displayed on the general memory display 38B.

  When there is a normal symbol winning memory, the game control device 100 starts a general symbol variation display game on the general symbol display 38A based on the normal symbol winning memory. That is, when the passage detection to the normal symbol start gate 31 is performed at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the normal symbol random number counter value at the time of passage detection is a winning value), the normal symbol display 38A is displayed. The displayed normal symbol stops in the hit state and enters the hit state. At this time, the normal variation winning device 31 provided at the upper part of the second special figure starting port 35 has a predetermined entrance to the second special figure starting port 35 by energizing the normal electric accessory solenoid 34A (FIG. 3). The game ball is converted so as to be opened for a certain period of time, and the winning of the game ball to the second special figure starting port 35 is permitted. The release time of the normal variation winning device 34 may be, for example, 2.9 seconds in the probability variation state and the variation time reduction state, and 0.5 seconds in the normal game state, and the release mode may be changed according to the game state.

  In this way, when a game ball wins the general winning opening 32, the first special figure starting opening 33, the second special figure starting opening 35, and the special variable winning arrangement apparatus 36, the number of prizes corresponding to the type of the winning winning opening is obtained. The balls are discharged from the dispensing unit (discharge device) to the upper plate 10 or the lower plate 11 of the front frame 2.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a part of a control system centering on the game control device 100 of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The game control device 100 is a main control device that controls the game in an integrated manner, a CPU that controls the game control, a ROM that stores invariant information (programs, data, etc.) for game control, and at the time of game control The game microcomputer 101 includes a RAM used as a work area, an input interface 102, an output interface 103, and the like.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 is provided with an external communication terminal, and an identification number uniquely set in the gaming microcomputer 101 can be output from the external communication terminal. By connecting a management computer (so-called hall control), the management computer can identify the gaming machine 1.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 is connected to various detection devices (award opening sensors 32.1 to 32.N, special figure start sensors 33A and 35A, a general figure start sensor 31A, and a count sensor 36A) via the input interface 102. In response to the detection signal, various processes such as a big hit lottery are performed.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 also has a special figure display 37 (special figure variation display 37A, special figure storage display 37B) and a general figure display 38 (general display) provided in the game area 21 via the output interface 103. Various types of information are output to the figure display 38A and the common figure storage display 38B).

  The special figure fluctuation display 37A outputs the fluctuation display mode of the special figure fluctuation display game. The special symbol winning display 37B outputs a special symbol winning memorized number display.

  A variation display mode of the variation map display game is output to the map display 38A. In addition, a normal symbol winning memory number display is output to the common symbol memory display 38B.

  In addition, the gaming microcomputer 101 transmits command signals to each subordinate control device (the display control device 150 and the discharge control device 200), the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 34A, the big prize opening solenoid 43, and the like via the output interface 103. And overall control of the game.

  The discharge control device 200 controls the operation of the payout unit based on the prize ball command signal from the game control device 100 and discharges the prize ball. Further, based on a ball rental request signal from the card ball rental unit 41 provided in the gaming machine 1, the operation of the payout unit is controlled to discharge the ball rental.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 outputs information related to the gaming machine 1 to the management computer via the board external information terminal 40.

  A start command, a special figure change start command, a special figure change stop command, a big hit occurrence command, a round start command, an interval start command, a big hit end command, etc. are transmitted as display control command signals from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150. Is done. Further, a command signal for changing the display mode according to a difference in the gaming state such as the normal gaming state, the special gaming state, the probability variation state, or the variation time shortening state is transmitted.

  Note that the normal game state is a state in which no special game is executed and neither the probability variation state nor the variation time reduction state. The special game state is a state in which a big hit is generated as a result of the special figure variation display game and a special game (big hit game) is being executed. The probability variation state is a state in which a special prize occurrence probability is higher than that in the normal gaming state and acts on the player in an advantageous manner with respect to the occurrence of the special gaming state. The variation time reduction state is a state in which the time for which the identification information is variably displayed is reduced as compared with the normal game state.

  The start command initializes the display control device 150, defines the model in the display control device 150, and instructs the display of the initial screen. The special figure change start command instructs the start of the special figure change display game. The special figure change stop command stops the special figure change and instructs the end of the special figure change display game. The jackpot generation command indicates the jackpot generation. The round start command indicates the number of the current round. The interval start command instructs the start of an interval between rounds. The jackpot end command indicates the end of the jackpot.

  The communication path between the game control device 100 and the display control device 150 is configured such that a control signal is transmitted only in one direction from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150. An illegal signal is prevented from being input.

  The display control device 150 is a control device that executes image display control and the like of the display device (display control means) 25, and controls the display device 25 and the like based on control information transmitted from the game control device 100. For example, when a special figure variation display game is executed, a display control signal including stop symbol combination (result mode) data and variation time data is transmitted from the game control device 100. The display control device 150 selects the stop mode and the change mode satisfying the change time, displays the special figure (identification information) on the display device 25 in a variable manner, and finally displays a specific symbol combination (result mode). A special figure variation display game for derivation display is performed.

  The display control device 150 includes a CPU 151, a control ROM 152 that stores control programs and invariant data, a RAM 153 that provides a work area for the CPU 151 and stores information based on display control command signals transmitted from the game control device 100, and a game Input / output interface 154 for inputting data from the control device 100, outputting information to the decoration control device 250, the sound control device 300 or the display device 25, a monitoring circuit 155 for monitoring the operation of the CPU 151, and the display device 25. A graphic display processor (GDP) 156 for displaying and driving, and an image ROM 157 storing data for rendering such as images and characters.

  When a display control command signal is input from the game control device 100 via the input / output interface 154, the display control device 150 performs display control as follows. First, a reception interrupt is issued from the input / output interface 154 to the CPU 151. In response to this, the CPU 151 receives the display control signal and stores the received display control command signal in the RAM 153. Then, the CPU 151 analyzes the received display control command signal.

  For example, if the received display control command signal is a start command, information for defining the model included in the start command is stored in the RAM 153. The RAM 153 has an area for storing information related to the definition of the model, and the CPU 151 defines the model of the gaming machine by referring to the information stored in this area. That is, the RAM 153 is configured as a model designation information storage unit.

  Further, if the received display control command signal is a special figure fluctuation start command, the content of the fluctuation display is determined based on the fluctuation display mode and result mode included in the special figure fluctuation start command, information on the fluctuation time, etc. Display data for realizing the variable display (based on a defined model, data including a code of a symbol to be displayed, display position data, a command such as a scroll) is generated and stored in the RAM 153.

  Next, the GDP 156 reads display data stored in the RAM 153. That is, the character font data stored in the image ROM 157 is read in correspondence with the special figure, effect design, and character code to be displayed, and image data (including the background image) to be displayed is generated according to the display position data. The data is stored in the display image storage area of the video RAM in the GDP 156.

  Thereafter, the GDP 156 reads the image data from the display image storage area and forms a display drive signal for the display device 25. As a result, a predetermined display is performed on the screen of the display device 25.

  The image ROM 157 stores effect data to be displayed on the image display device.

  As described in the prior art, the display controller 150 previously stores the image ROM 157 in the display controller 150 for the purpose of making a difference in the content of the performance compared to other models of the same series while reducing the change in the configuration of the gaming device. Production data corresponding to each of a plurality of types of models is stored. The data for production includes, for example, data in which the color of the characters (numbers) displayed in a variable manner is changed, and the pattern of the variable display (vertical rotation, horizontal rotation, characters may fluctuate, or characters may burst) Or a pattern such as a change to (). Upon receiving the gaming machine model information transmitted from the gaming control device 100, the display control device 150 defines the gaming machine model, and effects control by variable display based on the rendering data corresponding to the defined model. I do. As will be described later, the production data includes data that differs for each model and data common to the models. That is, the image ROM 157 is configured as a display control information storage unit.

  Further, the display control device 150 outputs a sound control command signal to the sound control device 300 so that a predetermined sound effect is emitted from the speaker 18. Furthermore, the display control device 150 sends a decoration command signal to the decoration control device 250 in order to control the decoration light emitting device 9 such as an LED or a decoration lamp and the decoration device 28 such as a decoration lamp or LED in the game area 21. Is output. Based on the decoration control command signal from the display control device 150, the decoration control device 250 is provided with a decoration light emitting device 9 such as a decoration lamp and LED provided on the front frame 2, and a decoration lamp and LED in the game area 21. And so on. The sound control device 300 controls the sound effect output from the speaker 18 based on the sound control command signal from the display control device 150.

  The monitoring circuit 155 is configured by, for example, a watchdog timer, and monitors a signal output at a predetermined interval when the CPU 151 is operating normally. The monitoring circuit 155 detects that the operation of the CPU 151 has stopped when a signal from the CPU 151 is not output for a predetermined time or when a signal indicating that the CPU 151 has hung up is received. When the monitoring circuit 155 detects that the operation of the CPU 151 is stopped, the monitoring circuit 155 outputs a reset signal to the CPU 151 to restart the CPU 151 and initialize the CPU 151.

  The power supply device (not shown) of the gaming machine 1 includes a backup power supply unit and a power failure monitoring circuit in addition to the power supply circuit. When the power failure monitoring circuit detects a voltage drop of the power supply device, the power failure monitoring circuit sequentially outputs a power failure detection signal and a reset signal to the game control device 100 and the like. When the game control device 100 receives a power failure detection signal, the game control device 100 performs a predetermined power failure process, and when it receives a reset signal, stops the operation of the CPU. The backup power supply unit supplies backup power to a RAM such as the game control device 100 to back up game data (game information, game control information (including special figure variation display game information)) and the like.

  Although the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 are provided separately from the display control device 150, the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 among the subordinate control devices are included in the display control device 150, and the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 are included. The control device 250 and / or the sound control device 300 may be configured integrally with the display control device 150.

  Further, the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 may be directly connected to the game control device 100 without being connected to the display control device 150, and the game control device 100 may control them.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a main process of game control executed by the game control apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  When the power to the gaming machine is turned on, the gaming microcomputer 101 executes an initialization process for setting initial values for various control parameters (S11), and sets the gaming machine to an initial state. At this time, the game control device 100 outputs an activation command (see FIG. 10) including information indicating the model set in the gaming machine 1 to the display control device 150. Upon receiving this activation command, the display control device 150 acquires model information included in the activation command. Then, a model is defined based on the acquired model information, and presentation data based on the defined model is specified. Thereafter, the display control device 150 displays an initial screen on the image display device 25 using the specified effect data. Subsequently, the game control device 100 performs a stirring random number update process (S12). Thereafter, this random number update process for stirring is repeated.

  This stirring random number update process (S12) is a process for updating the initial value of the random number update process in S25 of FIG. This process will be described. Among the processes executed by the game control device 100, when a game ball wins the normal symbol start gate 31, the first special figure start port 33, and the second special figure start port 35, A lottery for deriving the corresponding game result mode, or for giving randomness to the production or decoration when a special figure variation display game is advanced based on this lottery result, Includes random number processing. As an example of these random number processes, the counter value is incremented by 1 in a predetermined time period, for example, 1 ms period between 0 and 316, and the random number value is reset to 0 again when the value exceeds 316 There is processing. This random number update process is executed in S25.

  This counter value is extracted when the game control apparatus 100 recognizes the above-described event such as winning of a game ball, and becomes a random value at that time. However, even if it is a random number, if the above-described processing is repeated, the random value extracted at a cycle of 317 milliseconds has a periodicity, and the randomness is lowered. Therefore, further randomness is imparted by stirring the counter value in the random number updating process for stirring.

  In the random number initialization process described above, 0 is not set every time, but the value obtained by the stirring random number update process is set as the initial value of the counter value. In other words, when the fluctuation of one cycle is finished, a new initial value obtained by the random number updating process for stirring is set as the initial value of the next cycle.

  Further, a process for changing the counter value in one cycle is performed, and the initial value at the time of the counter value change is successively updated. Since the random number update cycle in the stirring random number update processing is considerably shorter than the random number update cycle in S25, the randomness of the counter can be increased.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a game control timer interrupt process executed by the game control apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  After the power to the gaming machine is turned on, the game control main process is executed, and when a timer interrupt occurs periodically (for example, every 1 ms), the timer interrupt process is repeatedly executed. However, the processes of S21 to S31 are not necessarily performed every time an interrupt occurs. For example, the input process S22 monitors the input signal every time, but the output process S23 may be executed every other interrupt occurrence. That is, instead of completing all the processes in one interrupt process, the interrupt process may be repeatedly executed a plurality of times to complete a series of game control processes.

  First, interrupt prohibition setting and register saving processing are performed (S21).

  Thereafter, processing such as chattering removal is performed on signals from various sensors and switches input via the input interface 102, and input processing for determining input information is performed (S22).

  Thereafter, output processing for outputting data relating to game control to a predetermined output destination (ordinary electric accessory solenoid 34A, large prize opening solenoid 43, board external information 40, etc.) is performed via the output interface 103 (S23).

  Thereafter, command transmission processing for outputting a display control command signal to the display control device 150 and outputting a prize ball command signal to the discharge control device 200 is performed (S24).

  After that, each random number counter for determining whether or not the special figure fluctuation display game is hit, and the effects or decorations when the special figure fluctuation display game is advanced (fluctuation display pattern, stop pattern, etc.) A random number update process for incrementing the value of each random number counter for imparting randomness by one is performed (S25).

  After that, an error monitoring process is performed to monitor the ball jam of the gaming machine, abnormality of various switches, sensors, etc. (S26).

  Thereafter, the presence / absence of input from the special figure start sensors 33A, 35A, the general figure start sensor 31A, the count sensor 36A, etc. is detected, and according to the result, special symbol winning memory, ordinary symbol winning memory, winning prize count to the big prize opening A switch monitoring process for updating the number and the like is performed (S27). At this time, if a game ball is detected by the special figure start sensor 33A or 35A, a special figure random number counter value (a random number related to the result mode of the special figure variation display game) is stored in the special figure start memory 31A. If the game ball is detected by the above, the usual random number counter value (random number relating to the result mode of the usual fluctuation display game) is stored in the usual figure start memory.

  After that, a special figure fluctuation display game process (S28) and a normal figure fluctuation display game process (S29) for controlling the progress of the special figure fluctuation display game are performed. The special figure variation display game process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The normal symbol variation display game process (S29) is extracted based on the passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 31 detected by the general symbol start sensor 31A, and is stored in the normal symbol start memory and stored in the normal symbol start memory. It is determined whether or not the random number relating to the result mode of the normal map change display game extracted and stored in step S27 is hit, and the process for the normal map change display game executed by the general map display 38A is performed. If the common random number counter value is a predetermined value, the common figure fluctuation display game is in a winning state, and the normal symbol fluctuation display stops at the winning symbol. Further, when the winning state is reached, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 34A is driven to open the ordinary variation winning device 34, and winning to the second special figure starting port 35 is allowed.

  Thereafter, external information editing processing for editing the board external information for outputting the state of the gaming machine 1 to the management computer connected via the board external information terminal 40 is performed (S30). The external information for the board includes information related to the progress status of the special-figure display game, such as whether the symbol has been confirmed, whether it is a big hit, whether the probability is changing, or whether the time is changing (shorter) It is.

  Thereafter, the process of restoring the temporarily saved register and the process of setting the permission of the interrupt that has been prohibited are performed (S31), the timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process. The stirring random number update process is repeated until the next timer interrupt occurs.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the special figure variation display game process executed by the game control apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  When a game is started on the gaming machine 1, the game control device 100 determines the contents of the special figure variation display game process in the RAM of the game microcomputer 101 based on the game state being executed. Remember one of these.

  The process number 0 is a “waiting for change” process, and is a number set when neither the special figure change display game nor the special game is being executed. Process number 1 is a process of “changing”, and is set until the special symbol variation display game is started and the special symbol variation display is stopped. Process number 2 is a process of “waiting for big hit determination” and is set after the special symbol variation display is stopped. Process number 3 is a “big hitting operation” process, and is set during execution of a special game. Note that the initial value of the process number is “0”.

  In the special figure variation display game process, first, the process number stored in the RAM of the gaming microcomputer 101 is specified (S41). Then, according to the stored process number, the process branches to the following process.

  If the process number is 0, it is neither during the special figure variation display game nor during the special game, and therefore the game control device 100 determines whether or not the special symbol winning memory number is not 0 (S42). When the special symbol winning memory number is 0, that is, when there is no special figure variation display game pending based on the winning of the game ball to the first special figure starting port 33 or the second special figure starting port 35 Return to timer interrupt processing.

  On the other hand, if the special symbol winning memory number is greater than 0, the execution of the special figure variation display game based on the winning of the game ball to the first special figure starting port 33 or the second special figure starting port 35 is suspended. The game control device 100 performs processing for starting the special figure variation display game (S43).

  Specifically, the game control device 100 subtracts the stored number of 1 from the stored special symbol winning stored number. Further, the game control device 100 determines whether the random number counter value extracted at the passing timing of the game ball to the first special figure start sensor 33A or the second special figure start sensor 35A is a hit value or an outlier. judge. Moreover, the game control apparatus 100 determines the stop symbol of a special symbol by lottery using another random number. This stop symbol is determined so as to match the determination result of the random number counter value described above.

  Moreover, the game control apparatus 100 sets time T1 to a process timer. Time T1 is the time from when the special figure variation display game starts until the special symbol stops. In addition, the game control device 100 sets the process number to 1. Thus, the next time the special figure fluctuation display game process is executed, the process branches to the “fluctuating” process. In addition, the game control device 100 starts the special symbol variation display on the special diagram variation display 37A. In addition, the game control device 100 outputs a special figure change start command (see FIG. 10) to the display control device 150. As a result, the special display variation display game is started on the image display device 25 as well. That is, the game control device 100 transmits a special figure change start command that is a change start command for starting the special figure change display game to the display control device 150, thereby constituting a change start command transmission means.

  When the process number is 1, since the special figure variation display game has started, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the time T1 set in the process timer in step S43 has expired (S44). .

  If the processing timer T1 has not timed up, the special symbol variation display time has not elapsed, and the routine returns to the timer interrupt processing while maintaining the special symbol variation display.

  On the other hand, when the processing timer T1 has expired, the variation display time of the special symbol has expired, so the game control device 100 sets the time T2 in the processing timer. Time T2 is the time from when the special symbol variation display stops until the transition to the special game or the next special variation display game, and the player recognizes the confirmed special symbol (big hit symbol or missed symbol). It is time to make it happen. In addition, the game control device 100 sets the process number to 2. In addition, the game control device 100 stops the special symbol variation display. In addition, the game control device 100 outputs a special figure variation stop command to the display control device 150. Thereby, also in the image display device 25, the fluctuation of the special figure fluctuation display game stops (S45). That is, the game control device 100 transmits a special figure variation stop command which is a variation start / stop command for stopping the special figure variation display game to the display control device 150, thereby constituting a variation stop command transmission means.

  The special figure variation stop command (see FIG. 10) includes information indicating the model set in the gaming machine 1. When the display control device 150 receives the change stop command, the display control device 150 defines the model based on the model information included in the command, and specifies the production data based on the defined model. The display control device 150 displays an initial screen on the image display device 25 using the specified effect data.

  In this way, by including the information indicating the model in the special figure variable stop command instructing the stop of the change, the display control device 150 becomes in an undecided state due to a restart or the like during the change display. Even in this case, the model can be specified again at the time when the stop of the change is instructed. Therefore, the display control device 150 can perform variable stop display with the effect data corresponding to the specified model. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the suspension of the change in the model undefined state in the display control device 150, and the game state and the image display device 25 in the game control device 100 are displayed by the suspension of the change in the model undefined state. It is possible to prevent the player from making mistakes based on the inconsistency with the display state to be displayed, and to prevent the player from giving unnecessary misunderstanding and giving distrust to the gaming machine.

  When the process number is 2, since the special symbol change display has ended, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the time T2 set in the process timer in step S45 has expired (S46).

  If the processing timer T2 has not expired, the process returns to the timer interrupt process.

  On the other hand, when the processing timer T2 has expired, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit based on the determination result of the random number counter value in step S43, and performs the next processing. Determine (S47). If the result of the special figure variation display game is not a big hit, that is, if it is a miss, the process number is set to 0 (S48). Thus, the next time the special figure variation display game process is executed, the process branches to the “waiting for variation” process.

  When the result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit, the game control device 100 sets the time T3 in the processing timer. Time T3 is time for fanfare display on the image display device 25. Next, the game control device 100 sets the process number to 3. In addition, the game control device 100 outputs a jackpot generation command to the display control device 150. As a result, the image display device 25 is also in a big hit operation (S49). Thus, the next time the special figure variation display game process is executed, the process branches to a process of “big hit operation”.

  If the process number is 3, the game control device 100 executes a special game process (S50). Specifically, the special winning opening solenoid 43 is driven to open the special variable winning device 36 for a predetermined time so that the game ball can be easily received.

  At this time, the game control device 100 outputs a command to the display control device 150 to instruct a big hit game displayed on the image display device. This command includes a jackpot generation command, a round start command, an interval start command, and a jackpot end command (see FIG. 11).

  Then, after the elapse of a predetermined time or when a predetermined number of game balls are awarded to the active variable winning device, the special variable winning device 36 is converted into a closed state.

  Then, when a predetermined game of a predetermined round (for example, 16 rounds) is executed with the predetermined time or a predetermined number of game balls being won as one round, the special game process ends. When the special game process ends, the process number is set to zero.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts of the display control main process executed by the display control apparatus 150 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  When the gaming machine 1 is turned on, or when the gaming machine 1 is reset and restarted, the display control device 150 executes the processing according to this flowchart. First, the display control apparatus 150 executes an initialization process for setting various control parameters and register values to initial values (S100).

  Next, the display control device 150 performs initial display of the model undefined state on the image display device (S101). Specifically, an initial display of a preset model undefined state (different from any initial display of models that can be set in the gaming machine 1) is executed.

  Next, the display control device 150 determines whether an activation command has been received (S102). When the activation command is transmitted from the game control device 100 by the initialization process (S11) of FIG. 4 and the display control device 150 receives this activation command, the process proceeds to step S106, and the activation command is received. If not, the process proceeds to S103.

  In step S103, a special figure fluctuation stop command is transmitted from the game control apparatus 100, and the display control apparatus 150 determines whether or not this special figure fluctuation stop command has been received. If a special figure fluctuation stop command has been received, the process proceeds to step S106. If a special figure fluctuation stop command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, a special figure change start command is transmitted from the game control apparatus 100, and the display control apparatus 150 determines whether or not this special figure change start command has been received. When the special figure change start command is received, the process proceeds to step S113 (FIG. 8), and when the special figure change start command is not received, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, a command related to the jackpot (for example, a jackpot occurrence command, a round start command, an interval start command, a jackpot end command) is transmitted from the game control device 100, and the display control device 150 receives the command related to the jackpot. Determine whether or not. If the command related to the jackpot is received, the process proceeds to step S119 (FIG. 8). If the command related to the jackpot is not received, the process returns to step S102 and the process is repeated.

  In step S104 and step S105, it is determined whether a special figure change start command or a command related to jackpot has been received when the model is undefined. When a special figure variation start command or a jackpot related command is received when the model is undefined, if the variation display differs between models (design or variation), it corresponds to which model in the model undefined state It is unclear whether the change display to be executed should be executed, and this may give an error to the player. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S113 or step S119, and special processing is executed when the model is undefined.

  In step S106, the display control device 150 acquires the model information included in the start command received in step S102 or the special figure fluctuation stop command received in step S103, and the model based on the acquired model information. And perform initial display on the defined model.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the RAM 153 is provided with an area for storing information relating to the definition of the model. When the CPU 151 of the display control device 150 receives the start command or the special figure fluctuation stop command, it stores the model information included in these commands in this area and updates the model information. That is, the CPU 151 updates the area for storing the model information in the RAM 153, whereby the model designation information updating unit is configured.

  Next, a special figure change start command is transmitted from the game control apparatus 100, and the display control apparatus 150 determines whether or not the special figure change start command is received. When the special figure change start command is received, the process proceeds to step S108, and the special figure change display is executed based on the received special figure change start command. If a special figure change start command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S111.

  After executing the special figure fluctuation display in step S108, a special figure fluctuation stop command is transmitted from the game control device 100, and it is determined whether or not the display control device 150 has received this special figure fluctuation stop command (S109). When the special figure fluctuation stop command is received, the process proceeds to step S110, and the stop display of the symbol during the fluctuation display is executed. When the special figure fluctuation stop command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S111.

  In step S111, a command related to the jackpot (for example, a jackpot occurrence command, a round start command, an interval start command, a jackpot end command) is transmitted from the game control device 100, and the display control device 150 receives the command related to the jackpot. Determine whether or not. When the command related to the jackpot is received, the process proceeds to step S112, and the display related to the jackpot is executed based on the received command related to the jackpot. When the command related to the jackpot is not received, the process returns to step S107 and the process is repeated.

  Turning to FIG. 8, in step S113, it is determined whether or not the content of the change executed by the special figure change start command received in step S104 is common to the models. If it is determined that the model is common, the process proceeds to step S114. If it is determined that the model is not common, the process proceeds to step S115.

  Specifically, the display control device 150 stores a list of control commands in the control ROM 152 or the image ROM 157. Then, the list is compared with the received special figure change start command to determine whether or not the content of the change is common to the models. For example, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 10, the special figure change start command is a command common to different models (in the example of FIG. 10B, codes 11H, 15H, 16H, 17H, 18H, etc.) Different commands (in the example of FIG. 10B, codes 12H, 13H, 14H, etc.) are included. If the received special figure change start command is 11H, the display control device 150 determines that the change is common to all models. If the received special figure change start command is 12H, it is determined that the change is not common to the models.

  In step S114, since the received special figure change start command is a change in symbols common to all models, the change display of the symbols is executed based on the received special figure change start command. At this time, the display control device 150 is in a model undefined state, but since the received special figure variation start command is a symbol variation common to the model, even if it is executed in the model undefined state, the content of the special figure variation display game effect There is no change.

  Also, in step S115, since the received special figure variation start command is not a variation of the symbol common to the models, unlike the received special diagram variation start command, the variation display of the symbols is executed in a variation mode of the model undefined state. To do. At this time, since the display control device 150 is in a model-undefined state, if a variable display that is not common to the models is given, an error is given to the player (that is, the player is playing with the model “A”). Suddenly, the change display of the model “O” may start). Therefore, when the display control device 150 is in a model undefined state and receives a special figure variation start command for performing a variable display that is not common to the models, the model undefined without executing the variable display based on the command. A state of variation (for example, a variation display different from the variation display set in advance) is executed. In this way, the display control device 150 controls the special figure variation display game in a mode different from the state in which the model is defined in the model undefined state, whereby the undefined state display control means is configured. .

  Next, the display control apparatus 150 determines whether or not the special figure variation stop command is transmitted from the game control apparatus 100 and the display control apparatus 150 has received this special figure variation stop command (S116). When the special figure fluctuation stop command has not been received, it waits until the special figure fluctuation command is received. When the special figure fluctuation stop command is received, the process proceeds to step S117, and the stop display of the symbol during the fluctuation display is executed.

  At this time, since the special figure variation stop command includes information indicating the model set for the gaming machine, the display control device 150 defines the model based on the model information, and the defined model The initial display at is executed (S118). After the process of step S118, the process proceeds to step S106.

  If a command related to jackpot is received in step S105, the process proceeds to step S119 to execute a display related to jackpot in a model undefined state. As in step S115 described above, at this time, the display control device 150 is in a model-undefined state, and therefore, if a display related to a jackpot that is not common to the models is given, an error is given to the player (that is, the player is Despite playing with the model, there is a possibility that the display of the variation of the model "B" suddenly starts). Therefore, when the display control device 150 receives a command related to a jackpot that is not common to the models when the model is in an undefined model state, the model is not defined without executing a display related to the jackpot based on the command. The change mode (for example, a display different from the display related to the jackpot set in advance) is executed.

  Then, the game control apparatus 150 determines whether or not the special figure change start command is transmitted from the game control apparatus 100 and the display control apparatus 150 receives this special figure change start command (S120). If the special figure change start command is received, the process proceeds to step S113. If the special figure change start command has not been received, the process returns to step S119 and waits.

  As described above, in the processing from step S107 to step S112 in FIG. 7, the model is already defined in step S106, and the start and stop of the special-figure display game or the jackpot-related display is executed with the model defined. . On the other hand, even if the display control device 150 is initialized in the middle of the special figure variation display game and the model information is lost, the process proceeds from the model undefined state (step S104 or S105) to step S116 or S118. Therefore, information related to the definition of the model is always received, so that it is possible to return to the normal state, that is, the model definition state.

  As described above, the display control device 150 according to the embodiment of the present invention is initialized by a factor such as restart due to generation of static electricity or the like while the special figure variation display game is in progress, and is in a model undefined state. If you receive a special figure change start command or jackpot related command that is not common to all models (different for each model), or is related to a variable display or jackpot that is not dependent on each model (or different from any model) Display. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an error from being given to the player, and it is possible to prevent winning or loss of winning that is not intended by the player. In particular, compared to the method of periodically transmitting the model designation information to the display control device, not only can the data transmission frequency from the game control device to the display control device be reduced, but also the game control by periodically outputting a signal. By synchronizing with the timing, the risk of unauthorized use can be eliminated.

  Furthermore, since the information indicating the model is included in the special figure variation stop command transmitted from the game control device 100, the type of the command signal does not increase unnecessarily, and the display control device 150 does not define the model with very few instructions. It is possible to return to the model definition state from the state. For example, normally, when model designation information is set for each of tens to hundreds of types of variation start commands, the number of command signals that is the product of the number of variation start commands and the number of models must be prepared. However, since a variable stop command is usually one, it is sufficient to prepare the number of command signals for the number of models. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the types of commands from the game control device to the display control device and reduce the frequency of command transmission.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of effect data stored in the image ROM 157 of the gaming machine 1.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, eight types of symbols “1” to “8” are used as production data, and these are colored differently for each of the model names “A”, “O”, and “そ れ ぞ れ”.

  For example, in the model name “A”, the symbols “1”, “2”, “4”, “5”, “6”, and “8” are colored in blue (shown as white characters in FIG. 9). The symbols “3” and “7” are set as red coloring (shown as black characters in FIG. 9).

  On the other hand, in the model name “B”, the symbols “1”, “2”, “4”, “6” and “8” are colored in blue, and the symbols “3”, “5” and “7” are red. It is set as coloring.

  In the model name “丙”, symbols “2”, “4”, “6” and “8” are colored in blue, and symbols “1”, “3”, “5” and “7” are red. It is set as coloring.

  As described above, the symbols “2”, “3”, “4”, “6”, “7”, and “8” have the same color for all models (model common symbol). On the other hand, the symbols “1” and “5” have different colors depending on the models (model dependent symbols). The color of the symbol is set in association with the probability variation at the time of jackpot occurrence and the presence or absence of time reduction. The reason why the value of the pattern differs depending on the model is that the gaming performance differs for each model.

  In addition, the difference in the value of the jackpot generated by the colors attached to the symbols is clearly indicated, so that the player can easily recognize the difference in the value of the jackpot generated.

  In this way, the display control device 150 stores presentation data for each model in advance.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a command transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150.

  FIG. 10A shows a list of activation commands transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150 in step S11 of the game control main process (FIG. 4). The start command is a command for instructing the display control device 150 for the model and for displaying the initial screen.

  FIG. 10B shows a list of special figure change start commands transmitted from the game control apparatus 100 to the display control apparatus 150 in step S43 of the special figure change display game process (FIG. 6). The special figure change start command is a command for instructing a special figure change start (for example, reach fluctuation or normal fluctuation). This command uses the same code for different models. Therefore, the amount of data transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150 can be minimized.

  FIG. 10C shows a list of special figure change stop commands transmitted from the game control apparatus 100 to the display control apparatus 150 in step S43 of the special figure change display game process (FIG. 6). The special figure fluctuation stop command is a command for instructing the display control device 150 to specify the model while also instructing to stop the variable display started by the special figure fluctuation start command. In this way, by specifying the model with the special figure change stop command, the model can be specified with a small number of commands, and even if the display control device 150 is initialized, the model is always displayed in a series of special figure change display games. The definition can be restored.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a command related to jackpot transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150.

  FIG. 11A shows a list of jackpot occurrence commands transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150 in step S49 of the special figure variation display game process (FIG. 6). The game control device 100 instructs the display control device 159 of the type of jackpot by transmitting this jackpot generation command to the display control device 150 when the jackpot is drawn in the special figure variation display game.

  11B to 11D show round start commands, interval start commands, and jackpot end commands transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150 in step S50 of the special figure variation display game process (FIG. 6). A list of The game control device 100 provides a jackpot game to the player by sending these commands to the display control device 150 when the jackpot game is drawn and the jackpot game is started, and the corresponding bonus is played by the game. Can be given to a person.

  Next, a specific example of the special figure variation display game will be described.

  12 to 18 are explanatory diagrams showing display examples of the special figure variation display game displayed by the image display device 25 in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 12A shows an example of the initial display of the model undefined state in step S101 of the display control main process (FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 9, symbol “1” and symbol “5” are not common between different models. Therefore, in the model undefined state, the symbol “3” is displayed between models. Since it is common, it is displayed in the color specified for the symbol.

  FIG. 12B shows an example of the initial display of the model definition state in step S106 of the display control main process (FIG. 7). A model is defined by an initialization command from the game control device 100, and an initial display is executed by data for presentation corresponding to the defined model. In the example shown in FIG. 12B, since the model “B” (see FIG. 9) is set, the color of the symbol “5” is changed to the color corresponding to the defined model “B”.

  FIGS. 12C and 12D show an example of symbol variation display in step S108 of the display control main process (FIG. 7). After the model is defined, when a special figure change start command is received (S107 in FIG. 7), the special figure change display is started (c). Then, after a certain period of time has elapsed, a temporary stop state is reached in which each symbol stands by in a state where it sways up and down (d). This variation display indicates “normal variation” (see FIG. 10B).

  FIG.12 (e) shows an example of the symbol stop display in step S110 of a display control main process (FIG. 7). When a special figure fluctuation stop command is received after starting the special figure fluctuation (S109 in FIG. 7), the special figure fluctuation is stopped and displayed. In this case, each symbol stops completely.

  FIGS. 13A to 13C are examples of the symbol variation display in step S108 and the symbol stop display in step S110 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), and normal reach variation (see FIG. 10B). This case is shown. As shown in FIG. 12 (c), after a certain time when each symbol fluctuates, the right symbol and the left symbol temporarily stop at the same symbol and wait in a state where the symbol is shaken up and down. At this time, the middle symbol is still changing (a). Thereafter, the fluctuation rate of the middle symbol is slowed down (b), and after a certain period of time, the middle symbol temporarily stops at a predetermined symbol “4” (c). Furthermore, all symbols stop after a certain time. In the case shown in FIG. 13 (d), since the middle symbols are not aligned, it is lost.

  FIGS. 14A and 14B show a case where the symbols are stopped by the winning symbol combination after FIG. 13B. After FIG. 13B, the middle symbol is temporarily stopped at the same symbol “5” as the right symbol and the left symbol (a). Further, all symbols stop after a certain time (b). In the case shown in FIG. 14B, each symbol is aligned, so it is a hit.

  FIG. 14C is an example of the symbol variation display in step S108 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), and shows the horizontal rotation reach variation (see FIG. 10B). As shown in FIG. 12 (c), after a certain time when each symbol fluctuates, the right symbol and the left symbol temporarily stop at the same symbol and wait in a state where the symbol is shaken up and down. The middle symbol is displayed so as to rotate in the horizontal direction with the center in the left-right direction of the symbol as an axis. After that, as in FIG. 14A, the middle symbol temporarily stops at the same symbol “5” as the right symbol and the left symbol, and after a certain time, all symbols stop (FIG. 14B). This horizontal rotation reach has an expected value of 100% and is always stopped and displayed with a winning symbol combination.

  FIG. 14D is an example of symbol variation display in step S108 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), and shows burst reach variation (see FIG. 10B). As shown in FIG. 12 (c), after a certain time when each symbol fluctuates, the right symbol and the left symbol temporarily stop at the same symbol and wait in a state where the symbol is shaken up and down. The middle symbol is displayed in a variable manner so that the symbols are sequentially replaced while the symbols burst. After that, as in FIG. 14A, the middle symbol temporarily stops at the same symbol “5” as the right symbol and the left symbol, and after a certain time, all symbols stop (FIG. 14B). Alternatively, as in FIG. 13C, the middle symbol temporarily stops at the predetermined symbol “4”, and all symbols stop after a certain period of time (FIG. 13D). This burst reach has an expected value of 50%.

  FIG. 14E is an example of the symbol variation display in step S108 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), and shows the full rotation reach variation (see FIG. 10B). As shown in FIG. 12 (c), after a certain time when each symbol fluctuates, the right symbol, the middle symbol, and the left symbol temporarily stop at the same symbol, and wait in a state where they swing up and down. Then, the display is slowly changed in a state where the right symbol, the middle symbol, and the left symbol are aligned. Thereafter, as in FIG. 14A, the middle symbol temporarily stops at the same symbol as the right symbol and the left symbol, and all symbols stop after a certain period of time (FIG. 14B). This full rotation reach has an expected value of 100% and is always stopped and displayed with a winning symbol combination.

  FIG. 15A is an example of a jackpot-related display in step S112 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), and shows a case where a jackpot occurrence command (see FIG. 11A) is received. When the big hit occurrence command is received in step S111 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), the letters “big hit” and the state in which the symbols “5” designated by the command are aligned are displayed.

  FIG. 15B is an example of a jackpot-related display in step S112 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), and shows a case where a round start command (see FIG. 11B) is received. When a round start command is received in step S111 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), the characters “nR start” using the number of rounds n specified by the round start command and the jackpot occurrence command have already been specified. The symbol “5” is displayed together.

  FIG. 15C is an example of a jackpot-related display in step S112 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), and shows a case where an interval start command (see FIG. 11C) is received. When an interval start command is received in step S111 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), the characters “still more!” And the state in which the symbols “5” designated by the big hit occurrence command are already displayed are displayed together. Is done.

  FIGS. 15D and 15E are examples of jackpot-related displays in step S112 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), and show a case where a jackpot end command (see FIG. 11D) is received. . When the big hit end command is received in step S111 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), it is determined whether or not the probability change state has already occurred according to the coloring of the symbol designated by the big hit occurrence command. In the case of a probable change state (when the color of the symbol is red), the characters “Probability change has entered!” And the state in which the symbol “5” already specified by the jackpot occurrence command is aligned are displayed. . When not in the probable change state (when the color of the symbol is blue), the characters “not probabilistic” and the state in which the symbol “2” already specified by the jackpot occurrence command is aligned are displayed (see FIG. 15 (e)).

  16 to 17 are display examples when the model is not defined.

  FIGS. 16A and 16B are examples of symbol variation display in step S114 or step S115 of the display control main process (FIG. 8), and show an example of “normal variation” (see FIG. 10B). . After the display of the variation of the special figure is started, after a certain time has elapsed, the state becomes a temporary stop state in which each symbol is swayed up and down. At this time, the symbol “4” common to the models is displayed in the color of the symbol, and symbols “1” and “5” that are not common between the models are colored in blue indicating that the model is undefined. Is displayed.

  Thereafter, when the special figure fluctuation stop command is received (S116 in FIG. 8), the special figure fluctuation is stopped and displayed. At this time, the model is defined by the stop command, and the symbol is changed to a symbol in the defined model (FIG. 16B). Each symbol is completely stopped by this symbol.

  FIG. 16C is an example of the symbol variation display in step S114 or step S115 of the display control main process (FIG. 8), and shows an example of “normal reach variation” (see FIG. 10B). After the display of the special symbol is started, the right symbol and the left symbol are temporarily stopped at the same symbol after a certain period of time, and wait while swinging up and down. Thereafter, the fluctuation rate of the middle symbol becomes slow. At this time, the symbol “4” common to the models is displayed in the color of the symbol, and symbols “1” and “5” that are not common between the models are colored in blue indicating that the model is undefined. Is displayed.

  FIG. 16D is an example of the symbol variation display in step S114 or step S115 of the display control main process (FIG. 8), and shows an example of “total rotation reach variation” (see FIG. 10B). After the display of the special symbol is started, the right symbol, the middle symbol, and the left symbol are temporarily stopped at the same symbol after a certain period of time, and the robot stands by in a state where it swings up and down. Then, the display is slowly changed in a state where the right symbol, the middle symbol, and the left symbol are aligned. At this time, the symbol “2” that is common among the models is displayed with the color of the symbol, and the symbol “1” that is not common among the models is displayed with a symbol colored in blue indicating that the model is undefined. .

  As shown in FIG. 10 (b), “lateral rotation reach fluctuation” and “rupture reach fluctuation” are different variations between models, and therefore, in a model undefined state, “lateral rotation reach fluctuation” and “ When a command for instructing “burst reach fluctuation” is received, “normal reach fluctuation” is executed. “Normal reach fluctuation” is less likely to be a big hit than “horizontal rotation reach fluctuation” and “explosion reach fluctuation”, so it does not give a player a disadvantage when the model is undefined ) Variation modes are possible.

  FIG. 17A is an example of a jackpot related display in step S119 of the display control main process (FIG. 8), and shows a case where a jackpot occurrence command (see FIG. 11A) is received. When the big hit occurrence command is received in step S105 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), the letters “big hit” and the state where the symbols “5” designated by the command are aligned are displayed. At this time, the symbol “5” that is not common among the models is displayed as a symbol colored in blue indicating that the model is undefined.

  FIG. 17B is an example of a jackpot-related display in step S119 of the display control main process (FIG. 8), and shows a case where a round start command (see FIG. 11B) is received. When a round start command is received in step S105 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), the characters “nR start” using the number of rounds n specified by the round start command and the jackpot occurrence command have already been specified. The symbol “5” is displayed together. At this time, the symbol “5” that is not common among the models is displayed as a symbol colored in blue indicating that the model is undefined.

  FIG. 17C is an example of a big hit related display in step S119 of the display control main process (FIG. 8), and shows a case where an interval start command (see FIG. 11C) is received. When the interval start command is received in step S105 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), the characters “still more!” And the state where the symbol “5” already designated by the jackpot occurrence command is aligned are displayed. Is done. At this time, the symbol “5” that is not common among the models is displayed as a symbol colored in blue indicating that the model is undefined.

  FIG. 17D is an example of a jackpot related display in step S119 of the display control main process (FIG. 8), and shows a case where a jackpot end command (see FIG. 11D) is received. When the big hit end command is received in step S105 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), the model is undefined, and the state is changed to the uncertain change state. That is, the characters “not surely change” and the state in which the symbols “5” already designated by the jackpot occurrence command are aligned are displayed. At this time, the symbol “5” that is not common among the models is displayed as a symbol colored in blue indicating that the model is undefined.

  As described above, when the jackpot end command is received in the model undefined state, the jackpot game is ended as if the probability variation state is not reached, even if the probability variation state occurs. When the state is not the probability variation state, the player's privilege is small, and therefore, a variation mode that does not give a disadvantage to the player when the model is undefined (does not give a joy) is possible.

  FIG. 18 (a) shows another embodiment of FIG. 12 (a).

  Since symbol “1” and symbol “5” are not common between different models, in the model undefined state, the color (blue or red) defined in the model is displayed in yellow, and symbol “3” Because they are common to all, they are displayed in the color specified for the symbol. The yellow color is a color indicating that neither the probability variation state nor the non-probability variation state is present.

  FIG. 18 (b) shows another embodiment of FIG. 16 (b).

  Since the symbol “5” is not common among different models, it is displayed in yellow, which is not the color (blue or red) defined in the model when the model is not defined. The symbols “6” and “7” Because they are common to all, they are displayed in the color specified for the symbol.

  FIG. 18 (c) shows another embodiment of FIG. 17 (d).

  When the big hit end command is received in step S105 of the display control main process (FIG. 7), since the model is not defined, it indicates that it is unknown whether it is in the probability variation state or the non-probability variation state. ”And a state in which the symbols“ 5 ”already designated by the jackpot generation command are aligned. At this time, since the symbol “5” is not common among different models, in the model undefined state, the symbol “5” is displayed in yellow that is not any of the colors (blue or red) defined in the model.

  FIG. 18 (d) shows yet another embodiment of FIG. 12 (a).

  As shown in FIG. 9, since the symbol “1” and symbol “5” are not common among different models, the initial display is executed without using these symbols. That is, the initial display is executed using only one of the symbols “2”, “3”, “4”, “6”, “7”, and “8” that is common among the models. In this way, when the model is in an undefined state, by displaying only the design symbol common to the models, it is difficult to understand that the model is in the undefined state, and a natural display can be obtained.

  The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description of the invention described above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  In this application, it is also intended to solve another problem in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-199909).

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the display control means determines the model based on the model determination command received from the game control means, and uses the variable display device based on the presentation data corresponding to the determined model. It is comprised so that production control may be performed. Then, on the effect control board of the gaming machine, only when the gaming machine is turned on (that is, when the gaming machine is initialized), the model identification information is accepted from the main board 31 and the model is identified. I am doing so. Note that communication from the main board 31 to the effect control board needs to be unidirectional so that an unauthorized signal is not transmitted to the main board 31.

  However, it can be said that the invention described in Patent Document 1 does not consider an installation environment that is easily affected by static electricity. The control board of the gaming machine is configured to be automatically initialized when the process runs away due to the influence of static electricity. For this reason, when the production control board is initialized due to the influence of static electricity or the like, the set model identification information is lost, so the model identification information must be received from the main board 31 again.

  However, a plurality of control boards are mounted on the gaming machine, and not all control boards are initialized even if static electricity occurs. For example, it can be assumed that only the effect control board is initialized and the main board 31 is not initialized due to the influence of static electricity. In this case, since the model discrimination information does not reach the effect control board from the main board 31, display control must be performed in a state where the model cannot be identified. Further, since the communication from the main board 31 to the effect control board is unidirectional, it is not possible to request the main board 31 to transmit the model discrimination information from the effect control board.

  Therefore, the present invention is configured so that the production control board can be used in common between different models, even in a gaming machine in which communication from the main board to the production control board is unidirectional. Disclosed is an invention that aims to provide a gaming machine that can be properly restored even if the control board is initialized due to the influence. The following are listed as typical ones.

  (1) A display device that performs a variable display game that displays the identification information in a variable manner, a display control device that performs display control of the variable display game, and instructs the display control device to execute the variable display game when a predetermined condition is satisfied And a unidirectional communication path capable of transmitting information in one direction from the game control device to the display control device. In the gaming machine to which the game machine is assigned, the display control device is configured to play a variable display game with identification information common to a plurality of models, and model designation information storage means for storing model designation information relating to the definition of the model of the gaming machine. Display control information storage means for storing common execution information and unique execution information for performing a variable display game with identification information unique to the plurality of models, and the model designation The unique execution information stored in the display control information storage unit is specified based on the model designation information stored in the information storage unit, and the display of the variable display game is controlled based on the specified unique execution information. Display control means, and when the execution start condition of the variable display game is satisfied, the game control device displays a variable display game having a predetermined variable display mode set as a common command for a plurality of models. The variation start command transmitting means for transmitting the variation start command to be started to the display control means, and the variation display game under variation set as a different command for each model when the stop condition of the variation display game is satisfied A variable stop command transmitting means for transmitting a variable stop command to stop the display control means, and when the display control means receives the variable stop command, Serial to correspond to the set model to the received change stop command, and a model specification information updating means for updating the model designation information the storage.

  According to the invention described in (1) above, a display device that performs a variable display game that displays the identification information in a variable manner, a display control device that performs display control of the variable display game, and the display control according to establishment of a predetermined condition. A game control device for instructing the device to execute a variable display game; and a unidirectional communication path capable of transmitting information from the game control device to the display control device in one direction. In the gaming machine that grants a privilege to the player in the case of becoming a game machine, the display control device and the model designation information storage means for storing the model designation information relating to the definition of the model of the gaming machine, and the identification common to a plurality of models Display control information for storing common execution information for performing a variable display game according to information and unique execution information for performing a variable display game according to identification information unique to the plurality of models A unique execution information stored in the display control information storage means based on the model designation information stored in the storage means and the model designation information storage means, and the variation based on the specified unique execution information. Display control means for controlling display of a display game, and the game control device is configured to have a predetermined variation set as a command common to a plurality of models when the execution start condition of the variation display game is satisfied. A variation start command transmission means for transmitting a variation start command for starting a variation display game of a display mode to the display control means, and when a stop condition for the variation display game is satisfied, a command different for each model is set. And a variable stop command transmission means for transmitting a variable stop command to stop the variable display game being changed to the display control means, wherein the display control means When a stop command is received, it is provided with a model designation information updating means for updating the stored model designation information so as to correspond to the model set in the received variable stop command. Even if a malfunction occurs in the display control means and the model designation information of the display control means is lost, the model designation information is updated and lost by executing the variable display game and receiving the variable stop command. You can restore the definition of the model.

  In particular, compared to the method of periodically transmitting the model designation information to the display control device, not only can the data transmission frequency from the game control device to the display control device be reduced, but also the game control by periodically outputting a signal. By synchronizing with the timing, the risk of unauthorized use can be eliminated.

  In addition, the type of command signal does not increase as compared with the case of setting a change start command for starting a change display game. For example, normally, when model designation information is set for each of tens to hundreds of types of variation start commands, the number of command signals that is the product of the number of variation start commands and the number of models must be prepared. However, since a variable stop command is usually one, it is sufficient to prepare the number of command signals for the number of models. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the types of commands from the game control device to the display control device and reduce the frequency of command transmission.

  (2) In the identification information, a size of a privilege given to the player when the variable display game has the special result by the identification information is determined, and the display control means is initialized. An initialization unit, and the model designation information update unit sets the model designation information to model undefined information indicating that the model is in an undefined state when the model designation information update unit is initialized by the initialization unit. The display control device includes an undefined state display control means for controlling the variable display game in a mode different from the state in which the model is defined when the model designation information is model undefined information. The execution information includes image data of common identification information common to a plurality of models, the unique execution information includes image data of unique identification information unique to a plurality of models, and the undefined state display control means includes: When the common identification information is selected as the identification information used for the variable display game, the variable display game is performed using the common identification information, and the unique identification information is selected as the identification information used for the variable display game. In this case, a variable display game is played using undefined state identification information instead of the unique identification information.

  According to the invention described in the above item (2), the identification information is such that the size of a privilege given to the player when the variable display game has the special result by the identification information is determined. An initialization means for initializing the display control means, and the model designation information update means, when initialized by the initialization means, the model designation information is in a state in which the model is undefined. If the model designation information is model undefined information, the display control device controls the variable display game in a mode different from the state in which the model is defined. Comprising state display control means, wherein the common execution information includes image data of common identification information common to a plurality of models, and the unique execution information includes image data of unique identification information unique to a plurality of models, Not yet When the common identification information is selected as the identification information used for the variable display game, the right state display control means performs the variable display game using the common identification information, and uses the common identification information as the identification information used for the variable display game. When the unique identification information is selected, since the variable display game is performed using the undefined state identification information instead of the unique identification information, when the display control means is initialized and becomes the model undefined state However, it is possible to execute a variable display game that does not mislead the player.

  (3) The undefined state identification information is unique identification information in which a smaller privilege is defined among the privileges corresponding to the unique identification information of each model.

  According to the invention described in (3) above, the undefined state display control means, when the unique identification information is selected as the identification information used for the variable display game, the privilege set in the unique identification information Since the variable display game is played using identification information for which a smaller privilege is determined, it is possible to execute a variable display game that does not mislead the player.

  (4) The undefined state identification information is identification information different from any of the unique identification information of each model.

  According to the invention described in (4) above, since the undefined state display control means stops displaying the common identification information on the display device until the first fluctuation start command is received, the display control means From the initialization to the start of the variable display game, the model is not specified, and the display can be displayed in a natural state where it is difficult to understand the initialization.

  (5) The display control device selects a variation display procedure used in the variation display game, the common execution information includes control data of a common variation display procedure common to a plurality of models, and the unique execution information is: Including the control data of the inherent variation display procedure unique to a plurality of models, and the undefined state display control means, when the common variation display procedure is selected as the variation display procedure used in the variation display game, When the variation display game is performed using the display procedure and the inherent variation display procedure is selected as the variation display procedure used in the variation display game, the undefined state variation display procedure is used instead of the inherent variation display procedure. And performing the variable display game.

  According to the invention described in (5) above, the display control device selects a variation display procedure used for the variation display game, and the common execution information is control data of a common variation display procedure common to a plurality of models. The unique execution information includes control data of a unique variation display procedure unique to a plurality of models, and the undefined state display control means uses the common variation display procedure as a variation display procedure used in the variation display game. If selected, the variation display game is played using the common variation display procedure. If the variation display procedure is selected as the variation display procedure used for the variation display game, the variation display procedure is replaced with the variation display procedure. Since the variation display game is performed using the undefined state variation display procedure, the game is related to the variation mode when the display control means is initialized and the model is undefined. You can perform the variable display game that does not mislead.

  (6) A display device for performing a variable display game for displaying the identification information in a variable manner, a display control device for performing display control of the variable display game, and instructing the display control device to execute the variable display game when a predetermined condition is satisfied. And a unidirectional communication path capable of transmitting information in one direction from the game control device to the display control device, and when the variable display game has a special result, a privilege is given to the player In the gaming machine, the display control device includes a model designation information storage unit that stores model designation information relating to a definition of the model of the gaming machine, and the variation based on the model designation information stored in the model designation information storage unit. Display control means for controlling display of the display game, and the game control device is configured to display a predetermined variable display mode when the execution start condition of the variable display game is satisfied. A variation start command for starting a dynamic display game is transmitted to the display control means, and the variation start command includes variation time data of a variation display game to be executed and data of a result mode of the variation display game. The display control means, upon receiving the change start command from the game control device, determines a change display mode corresponding to the model designation information stored in the model designation information storage means and executes the change display game As the variation time of the variation display game to be executed, a time value common to all models is specified by the variation time data included in the variation start command, while the result mode of the variation display game is A gaming machine characterized in that an expectation degree resulting in a special result varies depending on the model designation information.

  According to the invention described in the above (6), in a plurality of models, a variation display game having a variation mode and an expectation level different among models can be executed by a common variation start command. It can be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 5 Game board 14 Switch 25 Image display apparatus 100 Game control apparatus 150 Display control apparatus

Claims (1)

A display device on which a variable display game for displaying the identification information in a variable manner is performed;
A display control device for performing display control of the variable display game;
A game control device that instructs the display control device to execute a variable display game when a predetermined condition is satisfied,
In the gaming machine that gives a privilege to the player when the variable display game has a special result,
The display control device includes:
Model designation information storage means for storing model designation information related to the definition of the model of the gaming machine transmitted from the gaming control device;
Display control means for controlling display of the variable display game based on the model designation information stored in the model designation information storage means,
The display control means includes
Even when the model designation information transmitted from the game control device is not newly stored in the model designation information storage means, a variation start command for starting a variation display game is received from the game control device. In this case, the game machine is characterized in that a variable display game is displayed in a variable manner on the display device.

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