JP2015163110A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of smoothly executing a game performance.SOLUTION: For a plurality of pieces of interruption processing, an order of priority of interruption in start of at least two pieces of interruption processing is determined. Interruption processing having high order of priority is executed more preferentially than interruption processing having low order of priority, main processing and one or more pieces of interruption processing partially include control processing including common processing each. Control processing of the main processing includes interruption enabling processing for enabling interruption, interruption disabling processing for disabling interruption, and the common processing executed between the interruption enabling processing and the interruption disabling processing. Control processing of the interruption processing does not include the interruption enabling processing nor the interruption disabling processing, but includes only the common processing.

Description

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

  The pachinko gaming machines described above are provided for a game in which a plurality of gaming machines are installed in a horizontal row on an island facility called a so-called game island in a game store. Such a gaming machine is configured to include a main control board that controls the progress of the game and an effect control board that controls the control of the game effects based on commands from the main control board. The production control board executes a main process including a loop process that is continuously repeated, and an interrupt process that is started by interrupting the main process when a predetermined condition is established, Production control is performed such as image display on a liquid crystal display, lighting of an LED lamp, sound by a speaker, operation of a movable accessory (motor, solenoid), and the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-131244 A

  By the way, in recent years, the effects for enhancing the interest of the player are diversified, and accordingly, the operation requirements of various devices such as LED lamps, motors, solenoids, etc. are increasing. For this reason, there is a problem that on the side of the effect control board, the processing burden required for controlling various devices increases, and it may be difficult to smoothly process the game effect.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of smoothly processing a game effect.

  In order to achieve such an object, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a main control unit that controls the progress of the game, and an effect control unit that controls an effect related to the game based on a command from the main control unit. A main process including a loop process that is continuously repeated, and a plurality of interrupt processes that are started by interrupting the main process when a predetermined condition is satisfied. And a plurality of interrupt processes, the priority order of interrupts when at least two or more interrupt processes are started is determined, and the interrupt process with a higher priority is prioritized. Is executed with priority over low interrupt processing, and the main processing and the one or more interrupt processing each include a control processing including a common processing in part, The control process of the main process includes an interrupt permission process for permitting an interrupt, an interrupt prohibition process for prohibiting an interrupt, and the common process executed between the interrupt permission process and the interrupt prohibition process. The control process of the interrupt process is configured not to include the interrupt permission process and the interrupt prohibition process but to include only the common process.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly process a game effect.

It is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a control block diagram of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the main control board and effect control board of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a special symbol winning / losing lottery table. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the symbol table per special symbol. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a special symbol fluctuation pattern table. It is a flowchart which shows the main process side main process of a pachinko game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the control process following FIG. 8 of the main process by the main control side. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port monitoring control process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol change start monitoring control process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol fluctuation | variation start monitoring process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol control process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol control general purpose process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change start process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol stop symbol display process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control process following FIG. 18 of the special symbol stop symbol display process. It is a flowchart which shows a special electric accessory control process. It is a flowchart which shows the control process following FIG. 20 of a special electric accessory control process. It is a flowchart which shows the control process following FIG. 20 of a special electric accessory control process. It is a flowchart which shows a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows production control side main processing. It is a flowchart which shows the command analysis process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the production content determination process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the error effect content determination process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a lamp production | presentation interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a lamp request process. It is a flowchart which shows the reception interruption process of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows production control side timer interruption processing. It is a flowchart which shows a command set process. It is a flowchart which shows the transmission interruption process of an image control command. It is a flowchart which shows the reception interruption process of an ACK command. It is a schematic diagram with which it uses for description of the priority level of each interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the lamp production interruption process which concerns on a modification.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A front view and a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. First, an overall configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to the drawings. The pachinko gaming machine PM according to this embodiment is a model in which two functions corresponding to the conventional first type pachinko gaming machine are mixed, and the first game (first special symbol game) and the second Realizes compatibility with games (second special symbol games).

[Basic configuration of pachinko machines]
First, the basic structure of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured with a rectangular frame size adapted to the front of the opening of the outer frame 1 which forms a vertically fixed holding frame configured in an outer rectangular frame size, and can be opened and closed. The front frame 2 that forms a frame is attached to the front left side edge portion of the front left and right hinge mechanism 3 so that it can be opened and closed sideways and detachable, and is called a double lock provided on the front right side edge portion. The device 4 is always held in a closed state engaged and connected to the outer frame 1.

  On the front frame 2, a rectangular glass frame 5 fitted to the upper front area of the front frame 2 is assembled so as to be opened and closed laterally and detachable using the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3, and using the locking device 4 It is always kept in a closed state covering the front surface of the front frame 2. In the front frame 2, the game board 20 is detachably set and held, and the game area PA in front of the game board 20 is faced through the double-layer glass of the glass frame 5 that is always held closed. Yes.

  On the front side of the glass frame 5, there are provided a frame lamp (LED lamp) 10 that emits light according to the game development status, and a speaker 11 that generates sound effects according to the game development status. Upper and lower ball trays (upper ball tray 8 and lower ball tray 9) for storing game balls are provided at the lower portion of the glass frame 5, and an effect that is pressed by the player at the front center of the upper ball tray 8 is provided. A button 15 is provided, and a launch handle 12 for performing a launch operation of the game ball is provided on the front right side of the lower ball tray 9.

  The game board 20 is configured with a decorative board formed by attaching a cell printed with a predetermined pattern on a rectangular laminated plywood subjected to router processing or the like. On the front surface of the game board 20, an outer rail and an inner rail are fixed in an arc shape, and a substantially circular game area PA on which a game ball can roll is defined, and a windmill and a large number of games are formed in the game area PA. In addition to the nail, in addition to various winning ports such as the first starting port 61, the second starting port 62, the operation gate 63, and the big winning port 64, the first special symbol display device 71, the second special symbol display device 72, the first Various display devices such as a special figure hold lamp 73, a second special figure hold lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, and a general figure hold lamp 76 are provided. A center ornament 22 is disposed substantially at the center of the game area PA, and the screen of the effect display device 70 is provided so as to be visible through the center opening of the center ornament 22. At the lower end of the game area PA, there is provided an out port 29 through which the game balls that have tumbled down without entering each winning port are discharged to the back side of the game board 20. Hereinafter, each component provided in the game board 20 is demonstrated in order.

  The first start port 61 is provided as a start winning port corresponding to the first special symbol game, and includes a first start port switch 611 for detecting the entrance of a game ball. Entering a game ball into the first start port 61 triggers the first special symbol lottery.

  The second start port 62 is provided as a start winning port corresponding to the second special symbol game, and includes a second start port switch 621 for detecting the entrance of a game ball. Entering a game ball into the second start port 62 triggers the second special symbol lottery. The second start port 62 includes a normal electric accessory 622 and a normal electric accessory solenoid 623 for opening and closing the normal electric accessory 622. The ordinary electric accessory 622 changes between a closed state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting port 62 and an open state in which the game ball is easier to enter than this state. Here, the second start port 62 is disposed almost directly below the first start port 61, and if the ordinary electric accessory 622 of the second start port 62 is not opened, the game ball is caused by the presence of the first start port 61. The structure is difficult to enter. On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory 622 is released, the ease of entering the second starting port 62 is increased, and a game ball can be inserted into the second starting port.

  The operation gate 63 is provided as a start winning opening corresponding to a normal symbol game, and includes an operation gate switch 631 for detecting passage of a game ball. Note that the passing of the game ball to the operation gate 63 triggers the normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to expand the normal electric accessory 622 of the second start port 62.

  The big winning opening 64 is a winning opening that is in the shape of a horizontal rectangle and is located below the game area PA, which is opened when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined to be a big or small lottery. . The special prize opening 64 includes a special prize opening switch 641 for detecting the entry of a game ball, and a special electric accessory 642 called a so-called attacker device, and for opening and closing the special electric accessory 642. The large winning opening solenoid 643 is provided. The special electric accessory 642 changes between a normal state in which a game ball cannot enter or difficult to enter the grand prize opening 64 and an open state in which a game ball can enter or can easily enter.

  The first special symbol display device 71 performs variable display and fixed display of the first special symbol when the game ball enters the first start port. The first special symbol display device 71 is composed of, for example, eight LED lamps, and the fluctuation display of the first special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the lamp, and the blinking of the lamp is stopped and switched to the lighting display. The first special symbol is confirmed and displayed.

  The second special symbol display device 72 performs variation display and confirmation display of the second special symbol when the game ball enters the second starting port. The second special symbol display device 72 is composed of, for example, eight LED lamps, and the variation display of the second special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the lamp, and the blinking of the lamp is stopped and switched to the lighting display. The second special symbol is confirmed and displayed.

  The first special figure reservation lamp 73 and the second special figure reservation lamp 74 are each composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is indicated by lighting / flashing display of the lamps. Express (up to 4). The number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol is the number of game balls that have entered the first starting port during the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of the special game. Indicates the number of authorizations once held. The number of suspended balls in the second special symbol is the number of game balls that have entered the second starting port during the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of the special game. Indicates the number of authorizations once held.

  The normal symbol display device 75 is composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and performs normal symbol variation display and fixed display. For example, the regular figure holding lamp 76 is composed of four lamps, and the number of lighting of the lamp corresponds to the number of normal symbol fluctuations held (the number of normal symbol fluctuations not yet executed). On the left side of the normal symbol display device 75, a round indicator 77 for displaying the number of round games in the special game (the number of rounds: the number of times that the special electric accessory 642 operates continuously) is provided.

  The effect display device 70 mainly displays an effect image including a decorative pattern and a notice effect that fluctuately display / stop in conjunction with the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Hold display. Specifically, on the screen of the effect display device 70, the first special symbol is synchronized with the decorative symbol display unit 700 on which the decorative symbol change display or the notice effect display is executed, and the first special symbol hold lamp 73. The first special figure hold display section 701 that executes the hold display of the second special figure hold display section 702 that executes the hold display of the second special symbol in synchronization with the second special figure hold lamp 74 Is provided. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is employed as the effect display device 70. The decorative symbol display unit 700 is provided with three rows of display areas (a left display area Z1, a middle display area Z2, and a right display area Z3) serving as a decorative display variable display area on a predetermined effective line (not shown). The right symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the left display area Z1, the middle symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the middle display region Z2, and the right symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the right display region Z3 are stopped and displayed. It has become so. In the special figure hold display sections 701 and 702, in a normal display mode, when an operation holding ball of a special symbol is generated, a holding image of a white circle is displayed, whereas when the operation holding ball is digested, it corresponds. The reserved image is lost. The reserved images are displayed in order according to the order in which the special symbols actuated on-hold balls are generated (the order of entering the balls), and a maximum of four can be displayed on each of the on-hold display units 701 and 702.

  The center decoration 22 is installed around the effect display device 70, and has functions such as a flow path of the game ball, protection of the screen of the effect display device 70, and decoration. The center decoration 22 is provided with a plurality of movable accessories 24 (24A, 24B, 24C) for performing a production operation according to the game development status. Each movable accessory 24 includes a motor M (for example, a stepping motor) as a drive source. Note that, for example, another drive source such as a solenoid may be used as the drive source of the movable accessory 24. Further, the center decoration 22 is provided with a board lamp (LED lamp) 25 that emits light according to the game development status. In the following description, for convenience, the frame lamp 10 and the panel lamp 25 are also collectively referred to as “effect lamp LP”. In this embodiment, an LED lamp is used as the effect lamp LP, but other light emitting means other than the LED lamp may be used as long as the lamp effect can be exhibited.

  Next, the basic structure of the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. On the back side of the front frame 2, there is a back set board 30, which has a window that communicates with the front and rear in the center and is based on a base frame that is formed in a rectangular frame shape somewhat smaller than the front frame 2. Via the hinge mechanism 3, it is connected to the back of the front frame 2 so that it can be opened, closed, and detached. A back set cover 30C having a rectangular box shape with an open front is detachably attached to the back set board 30 and is always disposed to cover the back side of the game board 20 attached to the front frame 2. (Thus, the main control board 100, the effect control board 200, and the image control board 300, which will be described later, are covered with the back set cover 30C).

  Each part of the back set board 30 has a storage tank 31 for storing a large number of game balls, a tank rail 32 extending from the storage tank 31 with a gentle downward slope to the right, and a lower end connected to the right end of the tank rail 32. A ball supply passage 33 extending to the ball, a prize ball payout unit 34 for paying out a game ball guided by the ball supply passage 33, and a prize for guiding the game ball discharged from the prize ball payout unit 34 to the upper ball tray 6. A ball passage portion 35 and the like are provided.

  On the back side of the game board 10, a main control board (main control board unit) 100 that comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko gaming machine PM, an effect control board (effect control board unit) 200 that controls the overall effects, An image control board (image control board unit) 300 that performs image display according to game development, control of sound effects, and the like are attached. On the other hand, on the back side of the back set board 30, a payout control board (payout control board unit) 400 that performs control related to the launch and payout of game balls, and various control boards, A power supply board (power supply board unit) 500 for supplying power to the electronic components is attached. In order to prevent unauthorized modification, these control boards are respectively placed at predetermined positions on the back of the game board 20 or the back set board 30 in an assembled state housed in a transparent resin board case having a caulking structure and a sealing structure. Arranged. These control boards and the electrical / electronic components of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PM are connected to each other via a harness (connector cable) so that the pachinko gaming machine PM can be operated.

[Basic operation of pachinko machines]
The pachinko gaming machine PM configured as described above can be used in a game in which the outer frame 1 is fixedly installed on the gaming island of the gaming facility, and the front frame 2, the glass frame 5, the ball tray unit 6 and the like are closed and locked. The game is started by storing the game ball in the upper ball tray 8 and rotating the launch handle 12. When the firing handle 12 is rotated, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 8 are launched one by one by a ball feed mechanism 13 (see FIG. 3) disposed on the back side of the glass frame 5. 14 (see FIG. 3), and is launched into the game area PA by the launch mechanism 14.

  When a game ball rolling down in the game area PA enters one of the first start port 61, the second start port 62, the operation gate 63, or the big winning port 64, a winning ball corresponding to the type of the winning port Is paid out to the upper ball tray 8 or the lower ball tray 9 by the prize ball payout unit 33. When the game ball enters the first start port 61 (second start port 62), the first special symbol (second special symbol) is displayed in a variable manner on the first special symbol display device 71 (second special symbol display device 72). At the same time, the decorative symbols are variably displayed in the decorative symbol display section 700 of the effect display device 70 in synchronism with this. The variation display of the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the decorative symbol is stopped (determined display) after the lapse of the variation time previously determined by lottery.

  When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is confirmed and displayed in a stop mode indicating a big hit, the game shifts to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, and the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 64 starts. Is done. The stop pattern of the decorative symbol indicating the big hit is, for example, a mode in which the types of three symbols match. In this embodiment, as a special game, a round game is set to 2 times (2 rounds), a 2R special game, a round game is set to 12 times (12 rounds), and a round game is 16 times. 16R special games set to (16 rounds) are provided.

  In this embodiment, the probability variation function (hereinafter also referred to as “probability variation”) of the special symbol may be activated after the special game is ended, regardless of whether the game is shifted to the 2R special game, the 12R special game, or the 16R special game. . When the special symbol probability variation function is activated, a lottery with a special symbol jackpot probability higher than the normal probability state is performed, so that a new special game is generated relatively early.

  On the other hand, after the special game is over, a special symbol variation time shortening function (hereinafter also referred to as “shortening time”) is activated in association with the probability variation function. When the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the average variation time of special symbols and decorative symbols tends to be shorter than the normal state, and the number of successful lotteries per unit time is improved compared to the normal state (unit time). Can increase the chance of winning big hits). In this example, the duration of the short time state is set to a period of a predetermined number of fluctuations (for example, 50 times) of the special symbol from the end of the special game. On the other hand, in the case of a variable time shortening function associated with the probability variation function of a special symbol, it is set to a period from the end of the special game until the next big hit occurs.

  When the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the so-called electric chew support function is activated, and the state shifts to the electric chew support state (easy entry state). In the easy-to-enter state, the ease of entering the second starting port 62 is enhanced by the operation of the normal symbol variation time shortening function, the normal symbol probability variation function, and the normal electric accessory opening time extension function. It is a state that can be. In this easy-to-enter state, the possibility that the number of fluctuations of the normal symbol per fixed time will increase more than usual and the ease of entering the second start port 62 will also increase, so that the second start port 62 will be entered. The possibility that the number of balls entering will increase. Therefore, by operating the special symbol variation time shortening function and the electric chew support function, the chance to obtain a winning ball by entering the second starting port 62 increases during the period, so that the number of possessed balls is hardly reduced. The game can be continued.

[Control configuration of pachinko machines]
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, each control board mounted in the pachinko gaming machine PM according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing a control configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM.

  The main control board 100 includes a main CPU 101 that performs various arithmetic processes related to games, a ROM 102 that stores control programs and various data, a RAM 103 that functions as a work area and buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, a peripheral board, An I / O port circuit 104 that inputs and outputs signals to and from the device, and a random number generation circuit 105 that operates as a system different from the program processing (software random number) by the main CPU 101 and generates a predetermined random number (built-in random number). A main control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 110 configured to include is mounted, and the main CPU 101 is configured to execute main control related to game progression in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 102. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the main control board 100 is reset when a clock circuit that divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock and the main CPU 101 malfunctions or runs out of control. A WDT circuit for returning to a normal state, a CTC circuit capable of generating a real-time interrupt and measuring time, and the like are mounted, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The main CPU 101 executes various processes related to the main control of the game by reading various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performing arithmetic processing based on detection information from each switch. The RAM 103 is a backup RAM as a nonvolatile storage unit that is backed up by a backup power supply (VBB) generated in the power supply substrate 500. The backup area of the RAM 103 is an area for storing data such as a stack pointer and each register held when the power is turned off when the power is turned off. ), The state of the gaming machine is restored to the state before power-off based on the information in the backup area.

  The random number generation circuit 105 generates a predetermined range of random numbers (built-in random numbers) according to a certain rule by updating once based on the clock signal (1 clock) from the clock circuit (1 clock 1 random number generation method). The initial value of the built-in random number is a numerical value calculated by a predetermined calculation based on the ID number (unique identification information given to each microcomputer) of the main control microcomputer 110, and is changed every time the system is reset. This built-in random number forms a part of a random number per special symbol used in the lottery for special symbols described later.

  The main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first start port switch 611, the second start port switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, the big prize port switch 641, and the like, via the I / O port circuit 104. Thus, detection signals from various switches are input to the main CPU 101. The main control board 100 includes a first special symbol display device 71, a second special symbol display device 72, a first special symbol hold lamp 73, a second special figure hold lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, and a general figure hold lamp. 76, and is further electrically connected to a normal electric accessory solenoid 623 and a special electric accessory solenoid 643, and receives a control signal from the main CPU 101 via the I / O port circuit 104. It transmits to various display means and various solenoids.

  The main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 are communicably connected in only a single direction from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200. The effect control command is transmitted. Data cannot be transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the main control board 100 cannot be requested to transmit data.

  The effect control board 200 includes a sub-main CPU 201 that performs various arithmetic processes related to game effects based on an effect control command from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 that stores an effect control program and various data, a work area that is a temporary storage area, An effect comprising a RAM 203 functioning as a buffer memory, an I / O port circuit 204 for inputting / outputting signals between peripheral boards and devices, and a serial communication circuit 205 for inputting / outputting serial data. A control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 210 is mounted, and the sub-main CPU 201 is configured to execute main control related to game effects according to a control program stored in the ROM 202. In addition, although not shown, the production control board 200 is reset when a clock circuit that divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock, or when the sub main CPU 201 malfunctions or runs away. Equipped with a WDT circuit that returns to normal state, a TPU circuit that outputs various signals based on the system clock, an interrupt controller that activates various interrupts such as timer interrupts based on signals from the TPU circuit, etc. Are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The effect control board 200 is an effect control process based on the effect control command from the main control board 100, an image control command for instructing the image and sound to the image control board 300, and a lamp control signal for controlling the lamp connection board 91. (Lamp data), a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92, and the like are generated. The effect control board 200 is connected to the image control board 300 so as to be capable of two-way communication, and image control commands related to images and sound are transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300. A response command (ACK command) indicating that the control command has been successfully received is transmitted from the image control board 300 to the effect control board 200.

  The effect control board 200 is electrically connected to the lamp connection board 91, and transmits a lamp control signal (lamp data) via a serial communication circuit. In this example, the production control board 200 and the lamp connection board 91 employ clock-synchronized serial transmission, and are transmitted by a signal line (clock line) different from the data line for lamp data transmission. In synchronization with the clock signal, the ramp control signal is transmitted bit by bit through the data line. The lamp connection board 91 incorporates an LED driver (not shown) that functions in response to a lamp control signal for LED driving transmitted from the effect control board 200, and switches in the circuit based on the lamp control signal. By switching on / off, the drive current is supplied to or cut off from the effect lamp LP, and the effect lamp LP is turned on or off.

  Furthermore, the effect control board 200 is electrically connected to the motor driver 92, and transmits a drive control signal (drive data) to the motor driver 92 via the I / O port circuit 204. The motor driver 92 supplies a drive current to the motor M of each movable accessory 24 by switching on / off the switch in the circuit based on the drive control signal for the accessory drive transmitted from the effect control board 200. Alternatively, control is performed so that each movable accessory 24 is operated by being shut off.

  The image control board 300 includes a sub-sub CPU 301 that performs various arithmetic processes related to image effects based on image control commands from the effect control board 200, a program ROM 302 that stores image control programs and various data, and a work that serves as a temporary storage area. RAM 303 that functions as an area or buffer memory, VDP 304 that generates image data according to the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the sub-sub CPU 301, and acoustic data that corresponds to the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the sub-sub CPU 301 A sound source IC 305 is mounted. The VDP 304 is a so-called image processor, reads image data stored in the image ROM 306 in accordance with an instruction from the sub-sub CPU, and transmits a video signal (image data) generated by image processing to the effect display device. The VPD 304 is connected to a high-speed VRAM 307 used for developing and processing image data read from the image ROM 306. The sound source IC 305 reads the acoustic data stored in the voice ROM 308 in accordance with an instruction from the sub-sub CPU 301, and outputs the acoustic data generated by synthesizing the data to the speaker 11 via an amplifier (digital amplifier) (not shown). .

  The payout control board 400 is composed mainly of a payout CPU 401, ROM 402 and RAM 403. The payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The payout payout unit 34 is driven based on a payout control command from the main control board 100 to pay out a prize ball. And the ball feed mechanism 13 and the launch mechanism 14 are driven synchronously based on the operation amount of the launch handle 12 to control the launch of the game ball.

  Although not shown in detail, the power supply board 500 includes a normal power supply circuit for generating a normal power supply used by each control board based on a primary power supply supplied from the power supply facility of the game island, and a backup power supply. (VBB) is generated, and a power-off monitoring circuit for monitoring power-off due to a voltage drop is provided. The electronic / electrical parts such as control boards and game machines Supply the necessary power. A power switch for starting a power circuit is connected to the power board 500, and when the power switch is turned on on the assumption that the primary power is supplied from the power supply device of the game island, the power board A predetermined power is supplied from 500 normal power supply circuits to each control board. The power supply board 500 is configured to be able to detect that the power supply from the power supply device on the amusement island is cut off. When the power supply is detected to be cut off, a power cut-off signal (NMI signal) for informing the fact is sent to the main control board 100. , To the effect control board 200 and the payout control board 400. The backup power supply circuit is charged when power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine PM from the power supply device on the game island. Further, a RAM clear switch (not shown) is connected to the power supply board 500 for temporarily erasing the temporarily stored contents of the RAM 103 of the main control board 100 and setting initial values when the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned on. ing. The RAM clear switch may be connected to the main control board 100 instead of the power supply board 500, for example.

[Main functional configuration of pachinko machines]
Next, various functions of the pachinko gaming machine PM (mainly the main control board 100 / effect control board 200) according to the present embodiment will be described with additional reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

<Main control board>
As shown in FIG. 4, the main control board 100 includes a ball entry judging means 110, a game lottery random number generating means 120, a holding control means 130, a prior judgment means 135, a special symbol lottery processing means 140, a normal symbol lottery processing means 145, Demonstration effect setting means 150, symbol display control means 155, electric accessory control means 160, gaming state control means 165, error monitoring control means 170, main information storage means 180, and command transmission / reception means 190 are included. Note that each of the above-described means in the main control board 100 is configured by main CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, hardware such as an electronic circuit provided on the main control board 100, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the like. Is a functional representation of things.

  Based on detection signals from the first start port switch 611, the second start port switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, and the big winning port switch 641, the entrance determination unit 110 determines whether or not a game ball has entered each winning port. judge.

  The game lottery random number generation means 120 takes in the built-in random number generated by the random number generation circuit 105 by software, and adds a soft random number per special symbol to be described later to the random number per special symbol used for the special symbol winning lottery. Is generated. The game lottery random number generation means 120 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers by the program processing of the main CPU 101. These random number counters serve as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. As this software random number, a soft random number per special symbol that is added to the above-mentioned built-in random number to form a random number per special symbol, a soft initial value random number per special symbol for determining an initial value and an end value of the soft random number per special symbol, Special symbols for determining the random number of symbols per special symbol used for determining the winning symbol (the combination of symbols that will activate the condition device) as the stop symbol of the special symbol, the initial value and the end value of the symbol random number per special symbol The initial symbol random number per symbol, the random number per normal symbol, the random number per normal symbol, the random number per normal symbol, the random number per normal symbol, and the random number per normal symbol Includes initial value random numbers per normal symbol to determine, normal symbol variation pattern random number to use for selection of variation pattern of ordinary symbols, etc. That. These software random numbers are updated once every time timer interrupt processing occurs, and the remaining time of the interrupt cycle is maintained even when timer interrupt processing is not being executed for the initial value random number (during loop processing). Update using.

  The hold control means 130 includes a special symbol hold control means 131 and a normal symbol hold control means 132.

  The special symbol hold control means 131 is a lottery random number value related to special symbol games, which is a random number value per special symbol, per special symbol, when the game ball enters the first start port 61 or the second start port 62. The design random number value and the special design variation pattern random value are acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation reserved ball information of the first special design or the second special design. The special symbol holding control means 131 is a main information storage means that combines the action holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number (4) with the entering order of the holding balls. The first special symbol reservation storage area of 180 or the second special symbol reservation storage area is temporarily stored.

  In the first special symbol reserved storage area and the second special symbol reserved storage area, the reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area), reserved 2 storage area (2 A reserved storage area), a reserved 3 storage area (third reserved storage area), and a reserved 4 storage area (fourth reserved storage area). Each reserved storage area can store a random number per special symbol, a random number per special symbol, and a special symbol variation pattern random number as a set as the operating reserved ball information. The operation hold ball information is stored in the order of the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area, while the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage. Digested in order of area (first-in first-out principle). Further, when the reserved ball information in the hold 1 storage area is digested, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower numbered storage areas, respectively. The contents of the reserved 4 storage area are cleared to zero.

  Further, the special symbol hold control means 131 has a first special symbol hold ball number counter for counting the number of active reserved balls of the first special symbol, and a second special symbol for counting the number of active hold balls of the second special symbol. It has a symbol holding ball number counter. The special symbol hold control means 131 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one special reserved action ball is acquired as an update process of the number of special reserved action balls. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

  Further, when the special symbol holding control means 131 updates the number of the active reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the special symbol holding control means 131 includes an effect control command (referred to as a “symbol memory number command”) including update information of the number of held balls. ) And is temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This 1 command includes information on both the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the number of the operation reserved balls of the second special symbol. In principle, the action-reserved balls of each special symbol are digested in the order of entry, but in this embodiment, the variable special symbol is displayed with priority over the first special symbol. In order to adopt so-called preferential digestion, while there is an operation reservation ball related to the second special symbol game, regardless of the presence of the operation reservation ball related to the first special symbol game, the operation reservation related to the second special symbol game It is configured to preferentially digest spheres.

  The normal symbol hold control means 132 is triggered by the entrance of the game ball to the operation gate 63, and is a random number value per normal symbol, a random symbol value per normal symbol, a normal symbol fluctuation pattern, which is a lottery random number value related to the normal symbol game. A random value is acquired, and the random value is managed as the operation reservation ball information of the normal symbol. The normal symbol holding control unit 132 stores the normal symbol operation holding ball information in the normal symbol holding storage area of the main information storage unit 180 in a form combined with the order of entering the holding balls up to a predetermined upper limit number (four). Memorize temporarily. Further, the normal symbol holding control means 132 has a normal symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of normal reserved operation balls. The normal symbol hold control means 132 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one normal reserved actuated ball is acquired as the update processing of the number of held normal symbols of the active normal symbol. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

  When the predetermination means 135 acquires the operation reservation ball of the special symbol at a predetermined predetermination timing, the predetermination means 135 executes the advance determination of the pre-reading notice effect for the operation reservation ball. Here, the pre-reading notice effect refers to a preliminary decision such as a lottery for an undigested action-holding ball for which a special symbol variation display is pending, and the result of the judgment is notified to the player in advance. It is an effect to notify. As an example of the pre-determination timing, (1) when waiting for hitting and when the action holding ball of the first special symbol is acquired while the electric chew support function is not operating, (2) waiting for hitting and When the support holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired while the support function is operating, (3) When the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired during the big hit or small hit, When you are satisfied. Specifically, the pre-determination unit 135 reads a random number value corresponding to the currently reserved ball for operation from the special symbol storage area of the main information storage unit 180, and pre-determined pre-decision for a lottery (pre-pre- ), Pre-determination of pre-reading symbol lottery (pre-determination of symbol), and pre-determination of pre-reading variation pattern lottery (pre-determination of variation pattern). The prior determination unit 135 sequentially generates an effect control command including information on the result of the previous / failure determination, and stores this in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  The special symbol lottery processing unit 140 includes a special symbol success / failure determination unit 141, a special symbol stop symbol determination unit 412, and a special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143. The special symbol lottery processing means 140, when the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the random number value per special symbol and the symbol per special symbol stored in the earliest storage area (hold 1 storage area) in the special symbol hold storage area The random number value and the special symbol variation pattern random number value are read out and stored in the special symbol success / failure determination region, the special symbol symbol determination region, and the special symbol variation pattern determination region of the main information storage unit 180, respectively. Here, as an example, the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied. (1) No big hit or small hit is in effect. (2) Both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for variation. (3) When all the conditions of the operation holding ball exist in at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are satisfied, and as a result, the special symbol can start to fluctuate. It is judged that there is.

  The special symbol success / failure determination means 141 reads a random value per special symbol from the special symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage means 180 and executes the determination of the success / failure, and the determination result corresponds to any one of the big hit, the small hit, and the loss Decide what to do. The result of this lottery lottery is temporarily stored in a special symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180 (for example, big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, loss data “00H”), and is used in subsequent processing. After that, it is cleared when the special symbol changes. The special symbol success / failure determination means 141 holds a special symbol success / failure lottery table which is referred to in the determination of success / failure.

  Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a special symbol winning / losing lottery table, where (A) is a table referred to in a normal state (low probability state), and (B) is a probability variation state (high probability state). It is a table to be referenced. In this special symbol success / failure lottery table, random numbers per special symbol and judgment results of big hits, small hits, and losing are associated with each other. Is determined. As can be seen from FIG. 5, in the special symbol game winning / losing lottery, in the normal state (low probability state), only when the random number value falls within the range of 0 to 163, it is a big hit. On the other hand, in the probability variation state (high probability state), the range of jackpot is expanded, and not only when the random number value falls within the range of 0 to 163 but also when it falls within the range of 164 to 1639. That is, when the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated, the jackpot lottery probability varies from the low probability state (164/65536) to the high probability state (1640/65536). As described above, the range corresponding to the jackpot changes according to the gaming state, but the probability of winning the jackpot is the same in the winning lottery of the first special symbol and the winning lottery of the second special symbol. Here, even if the random number value per special symbol does not correspond to the big hit range, if it falls within the predetermined range, it is a small hit. In this example, the winning lottery of the first special symbol is a small hit with a higher probability than the winning lottery of the second special symbol. In addition, for example, in the lottery determination of the second special symbol, it may be configured so that there is no small hit.

  The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the symbol group to which the stop symbol belongs, based on the result of the first or second special symbol determination. To do. The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 includes a first special symbol per symbol table that is referred to when determining a stop symbol and a symbol group of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a big hit, It has a symbol table per second special symbol.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram schematically showing an example of a symbol table per first special symbol. In the symbol table per first special symbol, the random symbol value per special symbol is the stop symbol, symbol group, jackpot content (the number of operations of the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the special symbol, the big prize opening 64 Are associated with each other. In this table, the stop symbols “2” to “11” of the first special symbol are classified into three types of symbol groups A to C according to the type of jackpot.

  Specifically, in the symbols “2”, “3”, “4”, and “5”, the symbol group A (the 12R specified short-time symbol 1) includes symbols “6”, “7”, “8”, Symbol group B (2R specific time short symbol) is associated with “9”, and symbol group C (12R normal time short symbol) is associated with symbols “10” and “11”, respectively. The “specific symbol” is a symbol that activates the probability variation function after the end of the special game, and the “normal symbol” is a symbol that does not activate the probability variation function after the end of the special game (described later). The same applies to the symbol group of the second special symbol).

  The symbol group A is a specific symbol indicating a so-called “probability hit”, in which the game state after the end of the special game is transferred to the probability change state (high probability state) of the special symbol, and the probability change function of the special symbol until the next big hit occurrence In addition, a variable time shortening function and an electric chew support function are provided. The specified number of rounds for the special game is 12 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  The symbol group B shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to the probability variation state (high probability state) of the special symbol, although the number of times and the opening time of the special winning opening 64 are different from the above “probability variation”. A special symbol indicating a so-called “sudden probability change hit”, and a probability change function and a change time shortening function of a special symbol and an electric chew support function are provided until the next big hit occurrence. The specified number of rounds for the special game is two rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 0.05 seconds.

  The symbol group C is a normal symbol indicating so-called “normal hit” in which the gaming state after the end of the special game is shifted to the normal state (low probability state), and a predetermined number of times after the end of the special game (50 times in this example). For example, a special symbol variation time reduction function and an electric chew support function are provided. The specified number of rounds for the special game is 12 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery is a small hit, the symbol determination by the random number per special symbol is omitted, and the symbol “12” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol. The symbol group “12” is associated with the symbol “12”. In the case of a small hit, the gaming state (probability variation function, variation time shortening function, electric chew support function) is not triggered, and the gaming state is maintained before and after the winning lottery. When the result of the lottery determination is out of place, the symbol “1” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol.

  Subsequently, FIG. 6B is a diagram schematically showing an example of a symbol table per second special symbol. In the symbol table per second special symbol, the stop symbol, the symbol group, the content of the jackpot (the number of operations of the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the special symbol, the big prize opening 64 for the symbol random value per special symbol) Are associated with each other. In this table, the stop symbols “13” to “22” of the second special symbol are classified into three types of symbol groups D to F according to the type of jackpot. Specifically, the symbols “13”, “14”, “15”, and “16” include the symbol group D (16R specific short time symbol), and the symbols “17” and “18” include the symbol group E. The symbol group F (2R normal time short symbol) is associated with the symbols “19”, “20”, “21”, and “22”, respectively.

  The symbol group D is a specific symbol showing a so-called “probability hit” in which the gaming state after the end of the special game is shifted to a special symbol probability variation state (high probability state), and the probability variation function of the special symbol until the next big hit occurrence In addition, a variable time shortening function and an electric chew support function are provided. The specified number of special games is 16 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  The symbol group E shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to the probability variation state (high probability state) of the special symbol, although the number of times and the opening time of the special winning opening 64 are different from the above “probability variation hit”. A special symbol indicating a so-called “sudden probability change hit”, and a probability change function and a change time shortening function of a special symbol and an electric chew support function are provided until the next big hit occurrence. The specified number of rounds for the special game is two rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 0.05 seconds.

  The symbol group F is a normal symbol indicating so-called “normal hit” in which the gaming state after the end of the special game is shifted to the normal state (low probability state), and a predetermined number of times after the end of the special game (50 times in this example). For example, a special symbol variation time reduction function and an electric chew support function are provided. The specified number of rounds for the special game is two rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 0.05 seconds.

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery is a small hit, the symbol determination by the random number per special symbol is omitted, and the symbol “23” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol. The symbol “23” is associated with a symbol group H (special electric operation symbol). In the case of a small hit, the gaming state (probability variation function, variation time shortening function, electric chew support function) is not triggered, and the gaming state is maintained before and after the winning lottery. When the result of the lottery determination is out of place, the symbol “1” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol.

  Here, the game state control means 165 determines the game state after the special game and determines the game state after the special game based on the type of the symbol group related to the jackpot when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a big hit. Switch. As the gaming state, the special symbol time reduction state and the electric chew support state are continued until the number of times the special symbol fluctuates reaches a predetermined number of end conditions, for example, 50 times, counting from the end of the special game. However, when the state changes to the probable change state of the special symbol at the same time, as long as the probable change state continues, the short time state and the electric chew support state of the special symbol are continued. That is, the probability variation state of the special symbol is continued until the next big hit. At this time, in the probability variation state of the special symbol, the big win lottery probability is changed from a normal low probability to a high probability, and a high probability state advantageous to the normal gaming state is obtained. In the short time state of the special symbol, the average variation time of the special symbol is shortened. The electric chew support state (easy entry state) is activated by the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol changing time shortening function, and the normal electric accessory opening time extending function. This is a state where the ease of entering the ball is enhanced. When the normal symbol probability variation function is activated, the normal symbol winning probability is increased from the normal state. When the normal symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the normal symbol variation time is reduced. When the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 622 is activated, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 622 becomes longer than the normal state.

  Further, the game state control means 165 determines the variation pattern selection state after the special game based on the type of the symbol groups A to H when the result of the winning / losing lottery is a big hit or a small hit, and after the special game Switches the variation pattern selection state. The variation pattern selection state is one of the conditions referred to when selecting a variation pattern table to be described later. The switching timing of the variation pattern selection state is when the special game ends or when the end number of times of the variation pattern selection state has expired. In the present embodiment, there are a normal variation pattern selection state, a probability variation pattern selection state, a short-time variation pattern selection state, and the like as the variation pattern selection state. Here, the normal variation pattern selection state is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference to the normal variation pattern table selected when the gaming state is the normal state. The probability variation pattern selection state is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference to a probability variation pattern table selected when the game state is the probability variation state of the special symbol. The short-time variation pattern selection state is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference to a short-time variation pattern table selected when the gaming state is the special symbol time-short state. The gaming state control means 165 generates an effect control command (referred to as “gaming state designation command”) including the current gaming state information and variation pattern selection state information, and stores this command in the main information storage means 180. Store in the area.

  The special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the special symbol variation pattern random number value. Here, the special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 holds a plurality of types of variation pattern tables that are referred to when a variation pattern of the special symbol is selected. The special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143 selects one variation pattern table from among a plurality of types of variation pattern tables based on the current variation pattern selection state and the result of the lottery determination.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a special symbol variation pattern table. Here, (A1) and (A2) in the figure are normal fluctuation pattern tables, (B1) and (B2) in the figure are probability variation pattern tables, and (C1) and (C2) in the figure are short-time fluctuation pattern tables. It is. Each variation pattern table defines a plurality of types of variation patterns. In each figure, “selection rate” is shown for convenience of explanation, but in actuality, a decision value (range of random values) for determining the fluctuation pattern is set according to the special symbol fluctuation pattern random value. The variation pattern is determined based on which determination value the variation pattern random value belongs to. As for the various variation patterns, the variation time is determined for each variation pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation, and it is assumed that the symbol variation by the decorative symbol composed of multiple symbols is also executed at the variation time. Is defined as Specifically, the variation patterns P1 and P2 have a variation time of 5 seconds and 10 seconds, respectively, and can take a non-reachable variation mode as a symbol variation process. The variation patterns P3 and P4 have a variation time of 20 seconds and 40 seconds, respectively, and can take a normal reach (N reach) variation mode as a symbol variation process. The variation patterns P5 and P6 have a variation time of 60 seconds and 90 seconds, respectively, can take a variation mode with reach as a variation process of symbols, and finally develop into super reach (SP reach). Here, in any variation pattern table, when the result of the lottery determination is a big hit, the non-reach variation patterns P1 and P2 are not selected, and only the variation patterns P3 to P6 with reach are selected. The On the other hand, when the result of the lottery determination is out of place, the selection rates of the non-reach fluctuation patterns P1 and P2 are relatively high. Here, compared with the normal fluctuation pattern table for loss, the selectivity of the non-reach fluctuation pattern P1 (change time: 5 seconds) is relative in the probability variation pattern table for loss and the short-time fluctuation pattern table for loss. Therefore, the average fluctuation time tends to be shortened. In this example, for convenience of explanation, only a plurality of types of variation patterns will be described as an example, but actually there are more than 100 types of variation patterns.

  Further, in the above description, the variation pattern table for deviation is expressed by a single table in any case, but when the result of the lottery is lost, the number of reserved balls for special symbols ( Depending on 0-4), different variation pattern tables may be selected. That is, by using a variation pattern table according to the number of reserved balls for special symbols, the proportion of relatively short variation times is increased as the number of activated balls is increased, and the number of reserved operations is small. As a result, a relatively long variation time can be selected.

  Further, since the special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 selects the variation pattern of the special symbol and then instructs the effect control board 200 to start the variation of the decorative symbol, the communication with the effect control board 200 is normally performed. Effect control command ("communication inspection command") for confirming whether or not, effect control command ("variation addition symbol information designation command" including variation addition symbol information (information for adding and subtracting variation time) ), An effect control command including variation pattern information (referred to as a “variation pattern designation command”), a “character effect number designation command” including character representation number information (design group and game state information), and the like. (Hereinafter, these commands are collectively referred to as “variation start command”), And stores it in the pay area.

  The normal symbol lottery processing unit 145 includes a normal symbol success / failure determination unit 146, a normal symbol stop symbol determination unit 147, and a normal symbol variation pattern determination unit 148. When the normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol lottery processing unit 145 reads the normal symbol random number value and the normal symbol variation pattern random value stored in the first storage area in the normal symbol holding storage area, They are stored in the normal symbol success / failure determination area and the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180, respectively.

  The normal symbol success / failure determination unit 146 reads out a random value per normal symbol from the normal symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage unit 180 and executes the determination of success / failure, and determines whether the determination result corresponds to hit or miss. decide. The result of this lottery lottery is temporarily stored in the normal symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180, and after being used in the subsequent processing, it is cleared when the variation of the normal symbol is stopped. The normal symbol success / failure determination means 146 holds a normal symbol success / failure lottery table which is referred to at the time of the success / failure lottery. In the normal state (low probability state), for example, the normal symbol hit / decision unit 146 Referring to the symbol winning / losing lottery table, in the probability variation state (high probability state) of the normal symbol, for example, referring to the normal symbol winning / losing lottery table with a probability of “282/283”, the normal symbol winning / losing lottery is executed. To do.

  The normal symbol stop symbol determination means 147 refers to the symbol lottery table and assigns a predetermined winning symbol when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a win, and allocates a predetermined off symbol when the result is wrong. It has become.

  The normal symbol variation pattern determination unit 148 reads the normal symbol variation pattern random number value from the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180, and refers to the normal symbol variation pattern table to display the variation display of the normal symbol in the normal state. In, a relatively long variation time is selected (for example, seven types of “4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, and 10 seconds” are uniformly selected). On the other hand, a relatively short variation time (for example, “0.5 seconds”) is selected in the short time state (easy entry state) of the normal symbol.

  When the result of the lottery determination is a big hit, the demonstration production setting means 150 determines the big hit start demonstration production and the big hit end demonstration displayed on the production display device 70 or the like during the special game according to the determined type of symbol group. The demonstration performance time related to the performance is determined. The demonstration effect setting means 150 also includes an effect control command (“hit start demo command”) for instructing execution of a jackpot start demonstration effect and effect control for instructing execution of a jackpot end demo effect as demo setting processing for the special game. Generate a command ("Big jack end demo command").

  Also, the demonstration performance time setting means 150 is a demonstration performance time related to the small hit start demonstration performance and the small hit end demonstration performance displayed on the performance display device 70 or the like during the small hit game when the result of the lottery is small hit. To decide. In addition, the demonstration effect setting means 150 performs an effect control command (“small hit start demo command”) for instructing execution of a small hit start demonstration effect and a small hit end demonstration effect as demo setting processing for the small hit game. An instruction control command to be instructed (“small hit end demo command”) is generated.

  The symbol display control means 155 includes a special symbol display control means 156 and a normal symbol display control means 157. The special symbol display control means 156 displays the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 71 according to the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol, and confirms and displays the first special symbol after the variation display. Let Further, the special symbol display control means 156 displays the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 72 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the second special symbol, and displays the second special symbol after the variation display. Confirm display. The special symbol display control means 156 has a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The operating states of the first special symbol display device 71 and the second special symbol display device 72 are monitored based on the special symbol game status in the main information storage means 180. The special symbol display control means 156 requests the effect control board 200 to confirm the decoration symbol when the special symbol fluctuation is stopped (that is, when the value of the special symbol game timer becomes “0”). An effect control command (referred to as “variation stop command”) is generated. The normal symbol display control means 157 variably displays the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 75 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the ordinary symbol, and displays the regular symbol after the variation display. The normal symbol display control means 157 has a normal symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the display of the normal symbol. The operating state of the normal symbol display device 75 is monitored based on the normal symbol game status of the main information storage means 180.

  If the result of the special symbol winning / losing lottery is a big win, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 643 as a special game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed. The object 642 is opened according to a predetermined operation pattern. In the special game, one opening / closing operation of the special electric accessory 642 is defined as one round game, and the round game is continuously executed for a specified number of rounds (2R, 12R, and 16R in this example). . Here, when the big hit type is so-called 12R big hit (symbol group A, C) or 16R big hit (symbol group D), the big winning opening is opened for about 30 seconds at the maximum in one round game. On the other hand, when the big hit type is a so-called 2R big hit (symbol group B, E, F), the big winning opening is opened for about 0.05 seconds at the maximum in one round game.

  In addition, when the result of lottery determination of the special symbol is a small hit, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 643 as a small hit game process after the special symbol is determined and displayed. The special electric accessory 642 is opened for a short period of time. A small hit game is distinguished from a special game composed of a plurality of round games in that it is composed of a single round game. Here, when the 2R special game and the small hit game described above are compared, although they are internally different, the point of the same opening / closing time (0.05 seconds) and the number of times of opening / closing are the same (the former is Since one opening and closing per round is twice in two rounds, and the latter is common in two opening and closing per round twice, a game with an approximate opening time / opening pattern is developed.

  In addition, when the winning combination of normal symbols is won, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 643 to open the ordinary electric accessory 642 for a predetermined opening time. Here, the electric accessory control means 160 opens the ordinary electric accessory 623 for a very short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, whereas it is normally electric in the easy entry state (electric chew support state). The accessory 623 is opened for a relatively long time (for example, 4 seconds) compared to the normal state.

  The error monitoring control unit 170 monitors input information of the I / O port circuit 104 and inspects a magnetic detection signal by a magnetic sensor, a disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, a radio wave detection signal by a radio wave sensor, a door / frame opening signal, and the like. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state. If it is in an error state, an effect control command including the error information (“error effect designation command”) is requested to indicate an error state effect to the effect control board 200. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the door opening switch is a detecting unit for detecting whether or not the glass frame 5 is opened, and the frame opening switch is a detecting unit for detecting whether or not the front frame 2 is opened. The back set release switch is a detecting means for determining whether or not the back set board 30 is open. Further, the magnetic sensor and the radio wave sensor are detection means for detecting a so-called goto action.

  The main information storage means 180 stores the obtained random number value information, information on the game state (probability change state, short time state, easy entry state) regarding the special symbol game and the normal symbol game, information on the variation pattern selection state, and result information on the pass / fail lottery (Hits, small hits, out of play), information on stop symbols and variation patterns related to special symbols and normal symbols, information on special games (number of rounds, opening time, opening mode (number of times released per round game), etc.), special It is configured to temporarily store status information indicating the operating state of the symbol display devices 71 and 72, status information indicating the operating state of the special electric accessory 642, information on the effect control command data, etc., and store each information. A predetermined storage area is provided.

  The command transmission / reception means 190 is configured to transmit various effect control command data stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 to the effect control board 200 by a parallel transmission method when a command transmission request is made. Has been. Each effect control command has a 2-byte configuration including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data. Bit 7 of the MOD data is “1” to distinguish MODE and EVENT. Bit 7 of the EVENT data is “0”. When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output to each of MODE and EVENT. In principle, the effect control command generated in each process is transmitted for each interrupt period in accordance with the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

《Direction control board》
As shown in FIG. 4, the effect control board 200 includes an effect lottery random number generation means 210, an effect control means 220, a lamp control means 230, an accessory control means 240, an error effect control means 250, a sub main information storage means 260, a command. Transmitting / receiving means 270. Note that each of the above-described units in the effect control board 200 is configured by sub-main CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, hardware such as an electronic circuit arranged on the effect control board 200, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 202. Is a functional representation of things.

  The effect lottery random number generation unit 210 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers (effect lottery random numbers) by the program processing of the sub main CPU 201. These random number counters serve as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. This software random number includes a pre-reading notice lottery random number for use in a pre-reading notice effect lottery, a pre-reading notice pattern random number used for selection of a pre-reading notice pattern, a decoration design random number used for selection of a stop pattern of a decoration design, and a decoration design. For example, a random effect pattern random number used for selecting a variable effect pattern, a notice effect pattern random number used for selecting a notice effect pattern, and the like. The update time of these random numbers is updated using the remaining time when the command analysis is not performed in the production control side main process described later.

  The effect supervising means 220 includes an effect mode control means 221, a hold information display control means 222, a prefetch notice control means 223, a decoration symbol determination means 224, a variable effect determination means 225, a notice effect determination means 226, and a big hit effect determination means 227. Including.

  The effect mode control means 221 controls the transition of the effect mode in accordance with the game state designation command from the main control board 100 and the consistency with the game state and the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side. Execute. In the present embodiment, a normal effect mode, a probability change effect mode, and a time-saving effect mode are included as the three types of effect modes. On the effect display device 70, an effect mode notification image (in this example, a background image to be displayed on the back of the decorative symbol) corresponding to the effect mode in which the user is currently staying is displayed, and the background images are different for each effect mode. Since it is set, the player can recognize which effect mode he is currently staying in from the type of background image.

  The holding information display control means 222 includes a first reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated reserved balls of the first special symbol, a second reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated reserved balls of the second special symbol, have. When the holding information display control means 222 receives the symbol storage number command from the main control board 100, the first holding ball number counter and the second holding ball are based on the information of the operation holding ball number included in the symbol storage number command. Update the value of the number counter. In addition, the hold information display control unit 222 applies the action hold ball of the first special symbol to the hold display portions 701 and 702 of the effect display device 70 based on the values of the first hold ball number counter and the second hold ball number counter. Control is performed to display the number of reserved images corresponding to the number and the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of active reserved balls of the second special symbol. In the normal display mode, when a special design operation holding ball is generated, a white display hold image is displayed. On the other hand, when a hold change pre-reading notice effect described below is executed, it becomes a target of a pre-reading notice. The reserved image is changed from a normal display mode (white) to a special display mode (blue, green, purple, red, etc. according to the degree of expectation of jackpot).

  The prefetch notice control means 223 determines whether or not the prefetch notice effect can be executed by lottery when the prior determination command is received from the main control board 100. The pre-read notice control unit 223 temporarily stores the information of the pre-determination result (pre-read information) included in the pre-determination command in the pre-read information storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 in a form combined with the order of entering the operation holding balls. . The pre-reading notice effect is generated as one aspect of a so-called continuous notice effect for notifying the possibility of occurrence of a big win or reach effect over a plurality of continuous display of decorative symbols. When it is determined that the pre-reading notice effect (continuous notice effect) can be executed, information on the pre-determining command from the main control board 100 (pre-judgment result) and information on the symbol memory number command (the number of currently operating suspended balls) are obtained. Analyzing, a pre-reading notice effect pattern over a plurality of continuous variable displays is determined by lottery for an operation hold ball (referred to as “trigger hold”) that triggers the generation of this pre-reading notice effect. Note that there are various types of prefetching notice effects such as a pending change prefetching notice effect, a chance eye prefetching notice effect, and a background change prefetching notice effect.

  The decorative design determining means 224 is configured to combine the final stop symbols of the decorative symbols (the left symbol, the middle symbol, the character symbol) based on information (variation pattern information, character production number information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100. The left symbol is determined by lottery. In this example, three symbol sequences including a plurality of types of decorative symbols are configured. This decorative design is formed by, for example, an identification element made up of numbers or letters. In this example, 12 types such as numbers “1” to “9”, characters “A”, “B”, and “C” are set as identification elements. Each decorative pattern is displayed in the order of “1” → “2” → “3” →... → “9” → “A” → “B” → “C” in accordance with the arrangement of the symbol rows. Display the patrol at Z3. In this example, as a combination of decorative symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol), even-numbered decorative symbols are treated as non-probabilistic symbols that usually generate big hits, while odd-numbered and character decorative symbols are probable big hits. It is treated as a probable variation pattern.

  The decorative symbol determination means 224 holds a plurality of types of stop symbol pattern tables that are referred to when a combination of stop symbols of decorative symbols (also referred to as “stop symbol pattern”) is determined by lottery. As the plural types of tables, there are a stop symbol pattern table for big hits, a stop symbol pattern table for small hits, a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach, a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach. The stop symbol of the decorative symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols. For example, when the result of the winning / failing lottery corresponds to a big hit, a specific combination such as “7 · 7 · 7” or “1 · 1 · 1” Thus, a combination of three symbols is selected. In the case where the lottery result is 2R big hit or small hit, a specific combination, for example, a predetermined combination such as “3 · 5 · 7” is selected. That is, the specific combination of 2R big hit or small hit does not necessarily have to be a combination of three symbols. If the lottery result is out of reach, for example, “3 ・ 4 ・ 3” or “7 ・ 5 ・ 7”, the left symbol and the right symbol match, and only the middle symbol is A frame-shifted combination is selected. In addition, when it is a small hit or 2R big hit, it is good also as a mode of said reach deviation. On the other hand, when the lottery result is out of reach, a combination (so-called “break”) in which three symbols are not aligned, such as “3, 1, 2” and “9, 4, 6” is selected. In addition, when the lottery result is out of reach, a specific outcome called a so-called “chance” may be selected. Furthermore, when performing an effect of temporarily stopping before final display of the final stop symbol as described above, the temporary stop symbol is selected.

  Based on the information (variation pattern information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100, the variation effect determining means 225 defines the variation process (effect process) from the variation start to the stop in the variation display of the decorative symbol. Determine the production pattern. The variation effect determining means 225 holds a plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation effect pattern, and a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol is selected from the plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables. ) Is selected. In the variation effect pattern table, the variation effect pattern random value and the variation effect pattern are associated with each other according to the result of the variation pattern lottery of the special symbol (that is, the reach type). Here, while the basic pattern (for example, “N reach A”, “SP reach A”, etc.) of the symbol variation is determined as the variation pattern on the main control board 100 side, the variation control pattern is provided on the effect control substrate 200 side. Based on the basic pattern, a detailed pattern of design fluctuation (for example, “N reach A1, A2, A3”, “SP reach A1, A2, A3, A4”, etc.) that defines the scenario of the effect display process in detail is determined. In this way, the variation display pattern of the decorative design defines a variation display mode of the decorative design, that is, a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the start of variation of the decorative design to the end of the variation. The timing for generating the notice effect at the stage is also defined as a time schedule. Note that the stop order for stopping the decorative symbols is predetermined for each variation effect pattern. In this embodiment, in principle, the decorative symbols are stopped in the order of left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol. However, if it is a variation effect pattern with a short variation time, the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol are stopped almost simultaneously, and if it is a specific variation effect pattern, the left symbol → middle symbol → right symbol It can also be stopped. At this time, if it is not the stopping order of the above principle (left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol), the big hit expectation degree tends to be relatively high.

  The notice effect determining means 226 determines the notice effect pattern that defines the content of the notice effect that is executed at each stage of the decorative symbol change process according to the scenario of the change effect pattern described above. The notice effect pattern includes an effect pattern that displays images of specific characters and motifs, animations, etc. temporarily or in stages, an effect pattern that outputs a specific sound, an effect pattern that operates a movable accessory, etc. It is. The notice effect is executed in parallel with the variation display of the decorative symbol and suggests in advance that the jackpot reliability that the symbol variation stops in the jackpot mode is high. The notice effect includes a notice effect that is executed before the reach state occurs (including when the reach occurs) in the process of changing the decorative symbol, and a notice effect that is executed after the reach state occurs. Each of the announcement effects has different jackpot reliability. Basically, the announcement effect displayed after the occurrence of reach is relatively higher than the announcement effect displayed before the reach occurs. It has become. The notice effect determining means 226 maintains a notice effect pattern table to be referred to when selecting the notice effect pattern for each type of the notice effect, and according to the type of the notice effect generated according to the scenario of the variable effect pattern. A notice effect pattern table is selected. The notice effect determining means 226 refers to the notice effect pattern table selected above and, based on the notice effect pattern random number obtained from the effect lottery random number generator 210, draws a lot of kinds of notice effect patterns. Choose one. In addition, as a kind of specific notice effect pattern, a comment notice effect pattern, a background notice effect pattern, an SU (step-up) notice effect pattern, a group notice effect pattern, a cut-in notice effect pattern, an accessory movable notice effect pattern, Etc. are prepared. This notice effect is basically performed by synthesizing one or a plurality of notice effects with the decorative display of the effect display device 70. For this reason, even in the case of decorative display variation display using the same variation production pattern, various production modes can be generated by combining with one or a plurality of notice productions.

  The jackpot effect determining means 227 is based on the jackpot effect demo time information from the main control board 100, and includes a special game effect including a jackpot start demonstration and a jackpot end demo displayed during the special game prior to the execution of the special game ( Determine the content of the jackpot game production). Further, when the big hit effect determining means 227 receives the hit start demonstration effect command or the hit end demonstration effect command from the main control board 100, according to the content of the determined special game effect, Controls the effect processing of the hit end demonstration effect.

  As described above, the production supervision unit 220 generates the image control command related to the image and the sound based on the decided production content (variation production pattern, notice production pattern, stop symbol pattern, etc.), and the sub-main information storage unit 260 Store in the command storage area.

  The lamp effect control means 230 controls the lighting of the effect lamp, the emission color, and the like according to the effect contents set by the effect control means 220. The lamp effect control means 230 holds a plurality of types of lamp data (lamp pattern data) for lighting control of the effect lamp LP (the frame lamp 10, the panel lamp 25), and the lamp according to the determined effect pattern. Data is read, and this lamp control signal (lamp data) is transmitted to the lamp connection board 91.

  The accessory effect control means 240 controls the driving of each movable accessory 24 according to the effect contents set by the effect supervision means 220. The accessory effect control means 240 holds a plurality of types of drive data for driving and controlling the movable accessory 24, and transmits a drive control signal (drive data) corresponding to the determined effect pattern to the motor driver 92. To do.

  The error effect control means 250 is configured to determine an error effect pattern when an error effect designation command is received from the main control board 100 and to notify the gaming machine that an error state has occurred according to the error effect pattern. Yes.

  The sub-main information storage means 260 is configured to temporarily store decoration symbol information, variation effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, control command information, and the like, and a predetermined number for storing each information. A storage area is provided. For example, in the command storage area, an effect control command buffer for storing an effect control command from the main control board 100, an image control command buffer for storing an image control command to the image control board 300, and an image control board 300 ACK command buffer for storing ACK commands from Each command buffer is composed of a ring buffer and can store a predetermined number of effect control commands, image control commands, and ACK commands.

  The command transmission / reception means 270 is configured to receive the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100 and store the effect control command in the effect control command buffer. The command transmission / reception means 270 generates an interruption based on the input of the strobe signal from the main control board 100 and executes an effect control command reception interrupt process (details will be described later). In this interrupt process, various effect control commands are sent. To get. When the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the strobe signal, the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the effect control command reception interrupt process preferentially over other interrupt processes (interrupt processes with a priority level less than 7 described later). ing.

  Further, the command transmission / reception means 270 stores in the sub-main information storage means 260 in order to instruct execution of the effect contents (variation effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, decorative symbol information, etc.) set by the effect control means 220. The image control command thus transmitted is transmitted to the image control board 300 by a serial communication method. In principle, the image control command is transmitted every predetermined cycle (500 μs in this example) in accordance with the order set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260. Thereby, the image control board 300 analyzes various image control commands transmitted from the effect control board 200, and causes the effect display device 70 to variably display the effect image including the decorative design according to the scenario of the change effect pattern. The notice effect is displayed in a manner superimposed on the design variation effect at each stage of the variation display process. Further, the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the ACK command transmitted from the image control board 300 and stores the ACK command in the ACK command buffer.

[Process on the main control board]
Next, the procedure of the operation process in the main control board 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing on the main control board 100 side includes main control side main processing and main control side timer interrupt processing.

<Main control side main processing>
FIGS. 8 to 9 are flowcharts showing main processing on the main control side of the main control board 100. In the main process on the main control side, after the security check of the main CPU 101 is performed by reset at power-on, the program starts and the processes after S1 are started.

  First, as an initial setting required when the power is turned on, a head address is set as an initial value of the stack area in the stack pointer (S1), and access to the RAM 103 is permitted (S2). Subsequently, a vector table storing the start address of a program to be processed when a timer interrupt occurs is set (S3), and an initial value is set in a built-in register of the main CPU 101 (S4).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch is turned on (S5). If the RAM clear switch is on (S5: YES), the entire area of the RAM 103 is cleared to zero in S9 described later. On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is not turned on (S5: NO), the value of the power-off information flag is read to determine whether or not the information on normal power-off is stored (S6).

  Here, when the information indicating that the power is off normally is stored (S6: YES), a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area of the RAM 103 (S7). Then, it is determined whether or not this checksum is 0, that is, whether or not the checksum is normal (S8). Note that the checksum at power-on calculated here includes the complement of the checksum calculated in the power-off process described later, so if it has been backed up normally, Sam becomes “0”. In this way, it is determined when the power is turned on whether the information stored in the RAM 103 before the power is turned off is correctly backed up. At this time, if the checksum is normal (S8: YES), the process proceeds to S12, which will be described later, in order to return to the state before the power interruption. On the other hand, if the checksum is abnormal (S8: NO), the entire area of the RAM 103 is cleared to zero (S9). Next, initialization data at power-on is set in the RAM 103 (S10). Subsequently, in order to initialize the effect display device 70 and the effect lamp LP, an effect control command (“effect initial command”) is requested to the effect control board 200 (S11).

  Next, in the power-off recovery setting process, power-on normal information setting, various error initial settings, and communication initial setting with the payout control board 400 are sequentially performed in the RAM 103 (S12). Here, as the setting of the power-on normal information, in order to save that the power was correctly turned on, the power-on normal data is stored in the power-off information flag and the information on the occurrence of power-off is initialized. Turn off the power-off confirmation flag. Next, a data transfer source address, a data transfer destination address, and a transfer byte number are set, and data corresponding to the transfer byte number is transferred (S13). Then, a special symbol game status value at the time of power-off is read, and a power-off recovery process related to the special symbol game is performed (S14).

  Subsequently, a transmission request for an effect control command (“power failure return command”) at the time of power failure recovery between the main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 is made (S15). The power-off recovery command includes information related to the inspection of the communication line, the special symbol operating state, the probability variation count, the time reduction count, the easy-to-enter state count, the variation pattern selection status, and the error status. It should be noted that the command requests for untransmitted before the power is turned off are cleared. . Next, in the symbol memory number command request process, the information on the number of suspended balls in the first special symbol and the second special symbol at the time of power-off is read, and an effect control command including the information on the number of suspended balls is requested ( S16).

  Subsequently, a return setting is made to return the ordinary electric accessory 622 to a state before the power is turned off (for example, the second start port 62 is opened) (S17). Further, a return setting is made to return the special electric accessory 642 to a state before the power is cut off (for example, the big prize opening 64 is opened) (S18). Subsequently, the value of the special symbol mode flag is read, and the operation state of the probability variation function of the special symbol when the power is turned off is set (S19). The special symbol mode flag is a flag for setting the operation probability (high probability or low probability) of the special symbol game. Next, in order to start a timer interrupt, a predetermined count value is set as an initial setting of the CTC circuit of the main control microcomputer 110, and a timer interrupt is generated every 4 ms (S20). Subsequently, interrupt prohibition is set to prohibit generation of timer interrupt processing (S21). Then, as a preparation for restarting the watchdog timer, clear word 1 (“55H”) is set (S22).

  Next, in order to determine the occurrence of a power interruption, the value of the power interruption confirmation flag is read to determine whether or not a power interruption has occurred (S23). If no power interruption has occurred, an initial value random number update process is executed (S24). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value.

  Next, interrupt permission is set so as to allow the generation of the timer interrupt process (S25), the process returns to the above-described process for prohibiting the interrupt (S21), and the loop process of S21 to S25 is repeatedly executed. Here, the timer interrupt process is periodically executed at predetermined intervals, but using the remaining time from the completion of the previous interrupt process until the next interrupt process occurs, S21 to S25. Repeat the process up to. If there is an interrupt request in the interrupt disabled state, timer interrupt processing is started when the interrupt is enabled in S25. On the other hand, if the power-off confirmation flag is turned on in S23, that is, if a power-off has occurred, the process proceeds to S26 to execute the power-off process described below.

  Next, as power-off processing (S26 to S32), first, clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set to restart the watchdog timer (S26). Next, it is determined whether or not the content of the power-off information flag is power-on normal data (S27). If it is power-on normal information (S27: Yes), power-off normal data is set in the power-off information flag (S28). On the other hand, if the power-on normal information is not found (S27: No), the power-off abnormality data is set in the power-off information flag (S29), and the process proceeds to S32.

  Next, a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area (excluding the checksum area) of the RAM 103 (S30). Then, a complement for the checksum data is calculated, and the result value of this complement is set in the checksum area of the RAM 103 (S31). Subsequently, the access prohibition setting of the RAM 103 is set (S32), and the process is looped until the power is turned off.

《Main control timer interrupt processing》
Next, the main control side timer interrupt processing of the main control board 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing of the main control board 100. This timer interrupt process is started by a clock pulse every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms) from the CTC circuit of the game control microcomputer 110, and is executed by interrupting the main process on the main control side. In addition, as the terms used below, the terms “condition device” and “actual accessory continuous actuating device” mean a conceptual control device, and “condition device” means a big hit in a special symbol game. The “actual accessory continuous actuating device” is capable of operating the special electric accessory 642 continuously a plurality of times.

  First, when this timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the register in the main CPU 101 are saved in the stack area of the RAM 103, and then an interrupt operation condition is set (S51).

  Next, a clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set to restart the watchdog timer (S52). At this time, the clear word 1 and the clear word 2 are sequentially written in the WDT clear register of the CPU 101 within a preset time-out period, whereby the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted. That is, when the main CPU 101 is executing the program normally, the clear words 1 and 2 are periodically set, so that the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted before time-out. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Next, input processing is executed (S53). In this input process, information of switches other than the RAM clear switch is read as various switches connected to the main control board 100. That is, input information such as the first start port switch 611, the second start port switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, the big prize port switch 641, the door opening switch, the frame opening switch, the back set opening switch, the magnetic sensor, the radio wave sensor, etc. Is read, and after the state is determined, the detection information is stored.

  Next, various random number update processes are executed (S54). In these various random number update processes, the normal symbol variation pattern random number and the special symbol variation pattern random number are updated. As for the normal symbol variation pattern random number, 1 is added to the numerical value of the random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value. On the other hand, for the special symbol variation pattern random number, a predetermined value (for example, 3511) is subtracted from the previous random number. When the subtraction result is less than 0, a predetermined value (for example, 50000) is added to the subtraction result.

  Next, initial value update type random number update processing is executed (S55). In this initial value update type random number update process, the random numbers per ordinary symbol, the soft random numbers per special symbol, and the symbol random numbers per special symbol are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value. Further, when the counter value makes one round, the corresponding initial value random number is set as the initial value.

  Next, an initial value random number update process is executed (S56). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value.

  Next, timer subtraction processing is executed (S57). In this timer subtraction process, the values of various timers used for game operation control of the pachinko gaming machine PM are subtracted and updated. For example, the values of various timers are subtracted by an interrupt cycle (4 ms in this example). The various timers include special symbol game timers for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the special symbol display devices 71 and 72.

  Next, a second start port effective period setting process is executed (S58). In the second start port effective period setting process, a win effective period and a win invalid period of the second start port 62 are determined, and effective period data or invalid period data of the second start port 62 is set as a determination result.

  Next, a winning monitoring process is executed (S59). In this winning monitoring process, a game ball switch passage test is performed based on the detection information of the first starting port switch 611, the second starting port switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, and the big winning port switch 641 in the input process (S53). As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed each switch, the number of prize balls is stored and a request for sending out a payout control command is made.

  Next, a prize ball control process is executed (S60). In this prize ball control process, a payout control command is transmitted to the payout control board 400 to instruct the number of prize balls corresponding to the type of winning prize, and the received data from the payout control board 400 is monitored to pay out the payout control board 400. Perform communication inspection with.

  Next, normal symbol operation gate monitoring processing is executed (S61). In this normal symbol operation gate monitoring process, the passing of the game ball to the operation gate 63 is monitored. In addition to updating the number of suspended balls for a maximum of 4 balls, random numbers related to normal symbol lottery are stored.

  Next, normal symbol control processing is executed (S62). In this normal symbol control process, since a series of processes related to the normal symbol display device 75 or the normal electric accessory 622 is performed, the normal symbol changing process, the normal symbol stop symbol display process, and the like according to the value of the normal symbol game status The processing during normal electric accessory operation, the processing during normal electric accessory operation end demonstration, etc. are executed. In the normal symbol changing process, the display pattern number data of the normal symbol is created (updated) so that the normal symbol is variably displayed or fixedly displayed.

  Next, normal symbol variation start monitoring processing is executed (S63). In this normal symbol variation start monitoring process, when the normal symbol operating state is monitored and it is determined that the normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol operation holding number of balls is digested by one, and the normal symbol variation is monitored. Determination of success / failure, determination of design, determination of variation pattern, setting of variation time, and the like are sequentially performed.

  Next, the start port monitoring control process is executed (S64). In this start port monitoring control process, the winning of the game balls to the first start port 61 and the second start port 62 is monitored, and if there is a winning game ball, the number of reserved balls is updated and the special symbol lottery is concerned Random number storage, prefetching notice effect determination, symbol memory number command request, etc. are performed in order.

  Next, a special symbol control process is executed (S65). In this special symbol control process, as a series of processes related to the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, according to the value of the special symbol game status, a special symbol variation start process (S420) and a special symbol variation process (S430) which will be described later in detail. ), Special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440), and the like.

  Next, a special electric accessory control process is executed (S66). In this process, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” or “small hit”, as the operation process related to the special electric accessory 642, the operation start and end setting of the special electric accessory 642, Update of the opening time and the number of times of opening the winning opening 64, the operation start setting of the probability variation function, the operation start setting of the variation time shortening function, the setting of the variation pattern selection state, the command request of the demonstration effect, etc. are executed in order.

  Next, a special winning opening valid period setting process is executed (S67). In this big winning opening effective period setting process, the winning effective period and the winning invalid period of the big winning opening 64 are determined, and the effective period data or invalid period data of the large winning opening 64 is set as the determination result.

  Next, a special symbol variation start monitoring control process is executed (S68). In this special symbol variation start monitoring control process, when there is an operation holding ball of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the number of the holding balls is digested, and a command request for the number of stored symbols, whether the special symbol is successful or not is determined. The determination of the special symbol, the determination of the probability variation function, the determination of the time shortening function, the setting of the operation pattern of the special electric accessory, the setting of the demonstration performance time, etc. are performed in order.

  Next, an abnormality detection process is executed (S69). In this abnormality detection process, based on the input information in the input process (S53), the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, the radio wave detection signal by the radio sensor, the door / frame opening signal, etc. are inspected in order. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state. If it is in an error state, an effect control command (“error effect designation command”) including the error information is generated to request the effect control board 200 to display an error.

  Next, an entrance passage time abnormality detection process is executed (S70). In this incoming ball passing time abnormality detection process, when the ON signal of the winning detection switch is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more, the incoming ball passing time abnormality is set, and an effect control command (“error” A request for a production designation command ") and a request for outputting a security signal for output to an external terminal are made.

  Next, a game state display process is executed (S71). In this game state display process, display data such as the number of times that the special electric accessory 642 is continuously operated (the number of specified rounds), the number of reserved balls for normal symbols and special symbols, and the like are created. In addition, display data for displaying the information on the error state detected in the abnormality detection process on the state indicator lamp of the main control board 100 is created.

  Next, a handle state signal inspection process is executed (S72). In this handle state signal inspection process, the touch state of the firing handle 12 is monitored based on the detection information from the touch sensor of the firing handle 12, and an effect control command (handle state effect command) is issued based on the monitoring result. Generate.

  Next, an LED output process is executed (S73). In this LED output process, the special symbol control process (S65), in order to display special symbols and normal symbols, display the number of reserved balls, the number of times that the special electric accessory is operated continuously, display an error, etc. The display data created in the abnormality detection process (S69), the game state display process (S71), etc. are used as the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, the normal symbol display device 75, the special symbol hold lamps 73 and 74, and the general figure hold. In addition to outputting to the lamp 76, the status indicator lamp of the main control board 100, etc., the display in these various display devices is initialized.

  Next, a firing control signal output process is executed (S74). In this launch control signal output process, when no communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or an abnormality in the short circuit power supply is detected, a fire permission signal is output to the payout control board 400, and the game ball is allowed to be launched. To do. On the other hand, if an abnormality in communication with the payout control board 400 or an abnormality in the short circuit power supply is detected, a firing prohibition signal is output to the payout control board 400 to prohibit the launch of the game ball.

  Next, a test signal output process is executed (S75). In this test signal output process, various test signals indicating the operating state of the gaming machine are created and output to an external testing device in a performance confirmation test for determining whether or not the gaming machine is appropriate.

  Next, a solenoid output process is executed (S76). In this solenoid output process, in the normal symbol control process (S62) and the special electric accessory control process (S66) to operate each electric accessory 622, 642. Based on the acquired control data, an excitation signal is output to each of the electric accessory solenoids 623 and 643.

  Next, an effect control command transmission process is executed (S77). In the effect control command transmission process, the effect control command designated by the pointer is read out from the effect control commands stored in the command storage area (ring buffer) of the main information storage means 180 in the process described above. The control command is transmitted to the effect control board 200.

  Next, external information output processing is executed (S78). In the external information output process, the operating state information of the gaming machine is output as external information to an external device such as a hall computer via the external terminal board.

  Next, the contents of the saved register are restored, and the main CPU 101 is set in an interrupt enabled state (S79). As a result, the main control side timer interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the main control side main process, and the main control side main process is executed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

  If the main control board 100 detects a power-off (a decrease in supply voltage based on a predetermined threshold) during the main control-side main process or interrupt process, a non-maskable interrupt is generated and the power-off confirmation flag is turned on. To do. Then, after returning to the original process, the above-described power-off process (S26 to S32) is executed.

≪Special design game processing≫
Next, a series of processes related to the special symbol game in the main control timer interrupt process will be described. The process related to the special symbol game includes the above-described start port monitoring control process (S64), special symbol control process (S65), special electric accessory control process (S66), special symbol variation start monitoring control process (S68), etc. Is applicable.

(Start-up port monitoring control process)
First, the start port monitoring control process (S64) will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of the start port monitoring control process (S64).

  First, it is determined whether or not a game winning at the first start port 61 has been detected (S201). When the winning to the first start port 61 is detected (S201: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number of 4 (S202).

  When the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol is less than 4 (S202: YES), as a lottery random value for the first special symbol game, a random value per special symbol, a random symbol value per special symbol, a special symbol Fluctuation pattern random values are acquired, and each random value is stored in the first special symbol reservation storage area (hold n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the order of entry (S203). Then, as an update of the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol, the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter is incremented by 1 (S204), and the winning check of the first start port 61 is completed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a game winning at the second starting port 62 has been detected (S205). When a winning at the second starting port 62 is detected (S205: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of operation reserved balls of the second special symbol is less than the upper limit number of 4 (S206). When the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol is less than 4 (S206: YES), a random number per special symbol, a random symbol value per special symbol, a special symbol as a lottery random number value related to the second special symbol game Fluctuation pattern random values are acquired, and each random value is stored in the second special symbol reservation storage area (hold n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the order of entry (S207). Then, as the update of the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol, the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter is incremented by 1 (S208), and the winning check at the second start port 62 is finished.

  Subsequently, whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been updated, that is, whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been added in S204 or S208. Is determined (S209). When there is an update of the number of balls with an operating reserve (S209: YES), a symbol memory number command including information on the number of balls with an operating reserve of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is generated, and this is stored as main information storage means. The command is stored in the command storage area 180 (S210).

  Next, the state of the gaming machine is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not it is a pre-determination timing of the pre-reading notice effect (S211). As described above, the pre-determination timing is (1) waiting per hit, and when the operation holding ball of the first special symbol is acquired while the electric chew support function is not operating, (2) waiting per hit, and In the case where the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired while the electric chew support function is operating, (3) any of the cases in which the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired during the big hit or the small hit When you are satisfied. If it is a prior determination timing (S211: YES), a random number value per special symbol is read from the random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and a prior determination is made (S212). Then, a validity determination command including this determination result information (notice number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (S213).

  Further, the symbol random number value per special symbol is read from the symbol random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and symbol preliminary determination is performed (S214). Then, a symbol pre-determination command including this determination result information (notice number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S215). Further, the special symbol variation pattern random number value is read from the variation pattern random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and the variation pattern prior determination is performed (S216). Then, a variation pattern advance determination command including information on the determination result (notice number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S217).

(Special symbol variation start monitoring control process)
Next, the special symbol variation start monitoring control process (S68) will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control process (S68).

  In this special symbol fluctuation monitoring and monitoring control process (S68), a special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process to be described later is applied to the special symbol side satisfying the fluctuation start condition among the first special symbol and the second special symbol. (S310) is executed. When both the first special symbol and the second special symbol satisfy the variation start condition, the process on the second special symbol side is preferentially executed as described above.

  First, it is determined whether a big hit or a small hit is being made (S301). Subsequently, whether both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for change, that is, whether the first special symbol game status and the second special symbol game status are both “00H (waiting for change)”. It is determined whether or not (S302).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the number of retained balls in the second special symbol is “0” (S303). If the number of retained balls is not “0” (S303: NO), the second special symbol is determined. It is assumed that the symbol variation start condition is satisfied, and after setting the address of the second special symbol variation start monitoring table (addresses of various tables used in the subsequent processing and the address of the RAM storage area) (S304) Then, the process proceeds to the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process (S310) on the second special symbol side. That is, in the present embodiment, when there is an operation holding ball of the second special symbol, the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is given priority regardless of the presence or absence of the operation holding ball of the first special symbol. Digested.

  On the other hand, when the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol is “0” (S303: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol is “0” (S305). . If the number of reserved balls is not “0” (S305: NO), it is assumed that the first special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, and the address of the first special symbol variation start monitoring table (hereinafter referred to as “the first special symbol variation start monitoring table”). After setting the addresses of the various tables used in the processing and the addresses of the RAM storage area (S306), the process proceeds to the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) on the first special symbol side.

  Note that if the variation start conditions of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not satisfied (S301: YES, S302: NO, S305: YES), the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) is skipped. .

(Special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process)
Next, the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310).

  In the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process (S310), the first special symbol fluctuation start monitoring table or the second special symbol fluctuation start monitoring table set in S304 or S306 described above is referred to The special symbol side process will be executed, but the processing method is the same on the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, so the first special symbol side process is the exception unless otherwise specified. Whether or not there is a process on the second special symbol side will be described as a group without distinction.

  First, 1 is subtracted from the number of reserved balls on the special symbol side that is the subject of the current fluctuation start (S311). Then, a symbol memory number command including information on the number of suspended balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after the subtraction is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (S312). Subsequently, the special symbol holding storage area on the side of the special symbol subject to the start of the current change is accessed, and the random number value per special symbol and the special symbol stored in the first reserved storage area (holding 1 storage area) In order to sequentially read the design random number value and the special design variation pattern random value and use these random number values for the special symbol success / failure determination processing (S320), the symbol determination processing (S330), and the variation pattern selection processing (S423) described later, Transfer to the special symbol success / failure determination area, special symbol determination area, and special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180 (S313). Further, as the update of the hold storage area, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area to the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower hold storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is cleared to zero (S314).

  Subsequently, a special symbol success / failure determination process is executed (S320). In the special symbol success / failure determination process (S320), first, a special symbol success / failure lottery table is acquired. At this time, if the gaming state is a special symbol probability changing state, a high-probability lottery table is obtained, and if the gaming state is a normal state, a low-probability lottery table is obtained. Next, a random value per special symbol is read from the special symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage unit 180. Then, referring to the special symbol success / failure lottery table, the special symbol success / failure determination is executed based on the random number value per special symbol. Further, values corresponding to the determination result (big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, and loss data “00H”) are stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

  Subsequently, a symbol determination process is executed (S330). In the symbol determination process (S330), a special symbol stop symbol, a symbol group type, and a character effect number (variable added symbol information) are determined according to the result of the determination. Then, the special symbol stop symbol, the symbol group type, and the character effect number determined this time are stored in the symbol storage area of the main information storage unit 180. The character effect number includes the determined symbol group type (eight patterns of symbol groups A to L) and the operation status of the probability variation function of the special symbol and the normal symbol (special symbol probability change on / special symbol probability change off). Any one of 32 patterns in total is determined on the basis of a combination of (4 patterns of normal symbol probability variation ON / normal symbol probability variation OFF). If the result of the determination is wrong, the character effect number “0” is determined.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the result of the determination is a small hit (S341), and whether or not the result of the determination is a big win (S342). If the result of the determination is a small hit (S341: YES), the process proceeds to S347, and if the result of the determination is out of order (S341: NO, S342: NO), the process proceeds to S349.

  On the other hand, if the determination result is a big hit (S341: NO, S342: YES), the special symbol is displayed as the gaming state after the special game based on the type of the symbol group determined in S333 (the jackpot type). It is determined whether or not to operate the probability variation function (S343). That is, when the symbol group type (big hit type) indicates a specific symbol, it is decided to provide a probability variation function, and when the symbol group type indicates a normal symbol, the probability variation Decide not to give the function. This determination result is stored in the probability variation determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

  Further, based on the symbol group type (big hit type) determined in S333, the number of times of operation of the variable time reduction function is determined as the gaming state after the special game (S344), and the number of times of operation of the electric support function is determined. (S345). This determination result (the operation time information of the variation time shortening function and the operation time information of the electric chew support function) is stored in the time information storage area and the easy-to-enter state storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  Subsequently, the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642 is set based on the type (big hit type) of the symbol group determined in S333 (S346). Specifically, as the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642, the specified number of round games (16 rounds, 12 rounds, 2 rounds in this example), the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 (30 in this example) Seconds, 0.05 seconds).

  Next, based on the type of symbol group determined in S333 and the current game state, a variation pattern selection state after the end of the special game or after the small hit game is set (S347). Subsequently, based on the type of symbol group determined in S333, the demonstration performance time (the hit start demo time and the hit end demo time) of the special game or the small hit game is set (S348). Next, the special symbol success / failure determination region and the special symbol / symbol determination region of the main information storage unit 180 used in the above-described special symbol success / failure determination processing (S320) and symbol determination processing (S330) are cleared (S349). Then, the special symbol game status on the special symbol side to be changed this time is changed from “00H (standby)” to “01H (change start)” (S350).

(Special symbol control processing)
Next, the special symbol control process (S65) will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control process (S65).

  First, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is inactive, that is, whether or not the special electric accessory game status is “00H (waiting for winning)” (S401). Subsequently, when the special electric accessory 642 is not operating (S401: YES), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol game status is "00H (standby)" (S402).

  When the second special symbol game status is not “00H (standby)” (S402: YES), the second special symbol control table (used in the subsequent processing) is executed to execute the processing related to the second special symbol. The addresses of the various tables and the addresses of the RAM storage areas are set (S403), and the process proceeds to the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410). On the other hand, when the second special symbol game status is “00H (standby)” (S402: NO), the first special symbol control table (in the subsequent processing) is executed to execute the process related to the first special symbol. The addresses of various tables to be used and the addresses of the RAM storage areas are set (S404), and the process proceeds to the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410).

  In the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410) described below, the first special symbol control table or the second special symbol control table set in S403 or S404 described above is used, and the special subject to change this time is used. The process on the symbol side will be executed, but the processing method is the same on the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, so is it the process on the first special symbol side unless otherwise specified? A description will be given collectively without distinguishing whether the processing is on the second special symbol side.

(Special design control general-purpose processing)
Subsequently, special symbol control general-purpose processing is executed (S410). FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410).

  In this special symbol control general-purpose processing (S410), branch processing (S411 to S414) is executed to shift to processing according to the special symbol game status values ("01H", "02H", "03H"). First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status on the special symbol side subject to the current variation is not 0 (S411). If the special symbol game status is not “00H” (S411: YES), it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is “01H (change start)” (S412). If the special symbol game status is “01H” (S412: YES), the process proceeds to a special symbol variation start process (S420). In the case of NO in S412, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is “02H (changed)” (S413). When the special symbol game status is “02H” (S413: YES), the process proceeds to the special symbol changing process (S430). If NO in S413, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "03H (stopped symbol display)" (S414). If the special symbol game status is “03H” (S414: YES), the process proceeds to a special symbol stop symbol display process (S440).

(Special symbol variation start processing)
Next, the special symbol variation start process (S420) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start process (S420).

  First, a special symbol variation pattern table is acquired based on the result of the lottery determination and the variation pattern selection state (S421). Subsequently, a special symbol variation pattern random value is read from the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 (S422). Then, with reference to the special symbol variation pattern table, one of a plurality of types of variation patterns is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random value (S423).

  Next, a variation time corresponding to the variation pattern selected this time is set (S424). Then, as a special symbol variation start setting, the variation time is stored in the special symbol game timer of the symbol display control means 165 (S425), and a variation start command to the effect control board 200 is generated (S426). As the change start command, in order to start the inspection of the communication line and the effect display between the main control board 100 and the effect control board 200, a communication check command, a change additional symbol information specifying command, a change pattern specifying command, a character effect number specifying command Are created in order and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

  Subsequently, the contents of the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 used for determining the variation pattern are cleared (S427). Then, the special symbol game status is changed from “01H (change start)” to “02H (change)” (S428).

(Special symbol change processing)
Next, the special symbol variation processing (S430) will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol changing process (S430).

  First, a special symbol display pattern number switching process is executed in order to perform a special symbol variable display (S431). In this display pattern number switching process (S431), special pattern display pattern number data is generated for each predetermined switching time. The display pattern number data is output to the first special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72 in the LED output process (S73) in order to display the variable special symbols in a variable manner or in a definite manner.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has reached "0 (timeout)", that is, whether or not the special symbol variation time has ended (S432). When the variation time of the special symbol is completed (S432: YES), a special symbol stop symbol to be fixedly displayed on the first special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72 is set (S433). Subsequently, a change stop command for instructing the effect control board 200 to confirm and display the decoration symbol is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S434).

  Next, “500 (ms)” is stored in the special symbol game timer as a fixed display time (S435). Note that the “determined display time” is a time for definitely stopping and displaying the stopped symbol when the special symbol is suspended. Then, the special symbol game status is changed from “02H (fluctuating)” to “03H (stopping symbol display)” (S436).

(Special symbol stop symbol display processing)
Next, the special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440) will be described. 18 to 19 are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440).

  First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has become “0 (timeout)”, that is, whether or not the fixed display time of the special symbol (stop symbol) has ended (S441). When the special symbol fixed display time is over (S441: YES), the special symbol game status is changed from "03H (stopped symbol display)" to "00H (standby)" (S442).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the winning / failing determination data stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180 is the big hit data “55H” (S443). When the hit / fail judgment data is jackpot data (S443: YES), the special symbol probability variation function is deactivated (S444), the special symbol variation time shortening function is deactivated (S445), and the electric chew support function is activated. Stop (S446) is performed in order. Specifically, “00H (not actuated)” is set in the special symbol mode flag, and “00H” is set in the time reduction number counter and the easy-to-enter number counter to clear to zero.

  Next, as a special game hit start demo setting process, a hit start demo display time is set, and an effect control command (hit start demo command) for instructing start of a hit start demo effect is generated (S447). Subsequently, the number of executions of the variation pattern selection state (variation pattern selection state number counter) is cleared to zero (S448). Also, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “00H (waiting for winning)” to “01H (special game)” (S449). Then, “00H” is set to clear the contents of the success / failure determination flag (S450).

  On the other hand, if the determination data is not big hit data (S443: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol probability variation function is in operation (S451). When the special symbol probability variation function is in operation (S451: YES), 1 is subtracted from the probability variation counter of the main information storage means 180 as the digest of the current special symbol variation (step S452). . Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the probability variation counter is zero (step S453). When the probability variation counter is zero (S453: YES), the operation of the special symbol probability variation function is stopped (S454). If the probability variation counter after subtraction is not zero (S453: NO), S454 is skipped and the process proceeds to S455.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time reduction function is in operation (S455). If the special symbol variation time reduction function is in operation (S455: YES), the time-count counter of the main information storage means 180 is decremented by 1 as the digest of the current special symbol variation (step S456). . Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the time reduction counter is zero (step S457). If the hourly number counter is zero (S457: YES), the special symbol variable time reduction function is deactivated, assuming that the number of times of termination of the special symbol time-short state has been reached (S458). If the time-count counter after subtraction is not zero (S457: NO), S458 is skipped and the process proceeds to S459.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the electric chew support function is in operation (S459). When the electric chew support function is in operation (S459: YES), 1 is subtracted from the easy-to-enter state counter of the main information storage unit 180 as the digest of the number of changes in the special symbol this time (step S460). . Next, it is determined whether or not the easy-to-enter state counter is zero (step S461). If the easy entry state number counter is zero (S461: YES), the operation of the electric chew support function is stopped (S462), assuming that the end number of easy entry states has been reached. If the easy-to-enter state counter after subtraction is not zero (S461: NO), S462 is skipped and the process proceeds to S463.

  Next, 1 is subtracted from the variation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage means 180 (S463). Then, the variation pattern selection state is updated (S464). Specifically, referring to the variation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage unit 180, it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the current variation pattern selection state has reached a preset end number. If it has been reached, the state is switched to the next specified variation pattern selection state. On the other hand, if the end count has not been reached, the current variation pattern selection state is maintained.

  Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the current gaming state information and the variation pattern selection state information updated in the above-described S451 to S464 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. (S465). On the side of the production control board 200, the production mode is set and updated based on the information of the game state designation command.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the small hit data “33H” is stored in the special symbol determination flag (S466). When the small hit data is stored (S466: YES), as the hit start demo setting process of the small hit game, the hit start demo display time is set and the effect control command for instructing the start of the hit start demo effect is given. Is generated (S467). Subsequently, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “00H (waiting for winning)” to “02H (small winning game)” (S468). Then, “00H” is set to clear the contents of the success / failure determination flag (S469).

  On the other hand, when the small symbol data “33H” is not stored in the special symbol determination flag (S466: NO), that is, when the shift data “00H” is stored in the special symbol determination flag, S467 to S469. To skip. Note that when the special symbol determination flag is outlier data, the process of clearing the contents of the flag was not performed because “00H” was originally stored as outlier data.

(Special electric accessory control processing)
Next, the special electric accessory control process (S66) will be described. 20 to 22 are flowcharts showing details of the electric accessory control process (S66).

  First, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory game status is “01H (special game)” (S501). If the special electric accessory game status is “01H” (S501: YES), the special game process is executed in the subsequent processes. In this special game process, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is operating (S502). When the special electric accessory 642 is not operating (S502: NO), it is determined whether or not it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 642 (S503). The operation start time of the special electric accessory 642 is a timing at which the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started in each round game.

  When it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 642 (S503: YES), the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started (S504), and the processing during the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is performed as S505 to S509. Execute the process.

  As a process during the operation of the special electric accessory 642, it is determined whether or not the maximum number of game balls has been won in the big prize opening 64 (S505), and the operation time (opening time) of the special electric accessory 642 is determined. It is determined whether or not it has elapsed (S506). At this time, when the game ball has won the maximum winning number 64 in the grand prize opening 64 (S505: YES) or when the operation time of the special electric accessory 642 has elapsed (S506: YES), the special electric accessory 642 The operation is stopped (S507). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642 has reached a predetermined number of rounds (S508). If the number of continuous operations has not reached the specified number of rounds (S508: NO), the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642 is incremented by 1 (S509).

  On the other hand, if the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642 has reached the specified number of rounds (S508: YES), the process proceeds to S510, and the winning end demonstration display time is set as the winning end demonstration setting process for the special game. At the same time, an effect control command (hit end demo command) for instructing start of the hit end demo effect is generated (S510).

  Subsequently, the variable time reduction number information set in S344 is stored in the time reduction number counter (S511). Further, the easy entry state number information set in S345 is stored in the easy entry state number counter (S512).

  Subsequently, with reference to the content of the probability variation determination flag set in S343, it is determined whether or not the operation of the condition device is an operation based on a specific symbol (so-called probability variation symbol) (S513). When the condition device is activated by a specific symbol (S513: YES), the operation time data “7FH” is stored in the probability variation counter of the main information storage means 180, and the special symbol probability variation function is activated. (S514). On the other hand, when the condition device is not operated by the specific symbol (S513: NO), the non-operating data “00H” is stored in the probability variation counter, and S514 is skipped.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time reduction number information stored in the time reduction number counter is the fluctuation time reduction function operation data (data other than “00H”) (S515). If it is the variation time shortening function operation data (S515: YES), the operation of the special symbol variation time shortening function is started (S516). On the other hand, when it is not the fluctuation time shortening function operation data (S515: NO), S516 is skipped.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the easy entry state number information stored in the easy entry state number counter is electric Chu support function operation data (data other than “00H”) (S517). If it is the electric chew support function operation data (S517: YES), the operation of the electric chew support function is started (S518 to S520). That is, the operation start of the normal symbol probability variation function (S518), the operation start of the normal symbol variation time shortening function (S519), and the operation start of the normal electric accessory 622 open extension function (S520) are sequentially executed. On the other hand, if it is not the electric Chu support function operation data, S518 to S520 are skipped.

  Next, the variation pattern selection state determined in S347 is switched to (S521). Subsequently, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the game state information after the special game and the variation pattern selection state information set in the above-described S511 to S521 is generated and stored in the main information storage unit 180. Store in the command storage area (S522). On the effect control board 200 side, the effect mode after the special game is set based on the information of the game state designation command. Then, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “01H (special game)” to “00H (waiting for winning)” (S523).

  On the other hand, when the special electric accessory game status is not “01H (special game)” (S501: NO), the process proceeds to S530 and whether the special electric accessory game status is “02H (small hit game)”. It is determined whether or not (S530). When the special electric accessory game status is “02H” (S530: YES), the small hit game processing is executed in the subsequent processing.

  In the small hit game processing, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is operating (S531). When the special electric accessory 642 is not operating (S531: NO), the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started (S532). On the other hand, when the special electric accessory 642 is operating (S531: YES), S532 is skipped.

  Subsequently, as a process during the operation of the special electric accessory 642, it is determined whether or not the maximum number of game balls has been won in the big prize opening 64 (S533), and the operation time (opening) of the special electric accessory 642 is determined. It is determined whether or not (time) has elapsed (S534). At this time, when the game ball has won the maximum winning number in the grand prize opening 64 (S533: YES) or when the operating time of the special electric accessory 642 has elapsed (S534: YES), the special electric accessory 642 The operation is stopped (S535).

  Subsequently, as the hit end demo setting process for the small hit game, the hit end demo display time is set and an effect control command (hit end demo command) for instructing start of the hit end demo effect is generated (S536). Next, the variation pattern selection state determined in S347 is switched to (S537). Subsequently, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the variation pattern selection state information after the special game set in S537 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 ( S538). This gaming state designation command is used on the side of the production control board 200 for determining the production mode transition trigger, specifying the migration destination production mode, and the like. Then, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “01H (special game)” to “00H (waiting for winning)” (S538).

[Processing on the production control board side]
Next, the procedure of the operation process in the effect control board 200 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The process on the side of the effect control board 200 includes a reset start process (including an effect control side main process) that is executed when the sub-main CPU 201 is reset, such as after power-on, and an effect control side timer interrupt that is activated at regular intervals. Ramp activated when triggered by the arrival of a predetermined generation time specified in the time schedule of the process, the reception control process of the effect control command activated due to the strobe signal from the main control board 100, and the time schedule of the variable effect pattern It includes an effect interruption process, an image control command transmission interruption process activated at regular intervals, and an ACK command reception interruption process activated upon receipt of an ACK command.

  In each interrupt process (exception process), a priority level indicating a priority when a plurality of interrupt processes occurs is set. FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram for explaining the priority level of interrupt processing. In this example, “reset start processing by power reset (FIG. 23): highest priority”, “reset start processing at the time of various abnormalities (FIG. 23): highest priority” → “production control command reception interrupt processing (FIG. 30): Level 7 ”→“ Reset start processing by WDT (during runaway detection) (FIG. 23): Level 3 ”→“ Image control command transmission interrupt processing (FIG. 33): Level 2 ”,“ ACK command reception interrupt processing (FIG. 34): Level 2 ”→“ Production control side timer interrupt process (FIG. 31): Level 1 ”,“ Lamp effect interrupt process (FIG. 28): Level 1 ”, and so on. Note that the “reset start processing at the time of various abnormalities” is, for example, when the CPU 201 executes an illegal instruction, when the CPU 201 tries to access in an illegal area or by an illegal method, and during DMA (Direct Memory Access) transfer It starts when an error occurs. In the present embodiment, the above-described plural types of interrupt processing are illustrated, but actually other interrupt processing also exists.

  In the effect control side main process, the process is basically performed after setting all interrupts to be prohibited or interrupts other than the effect control command reception interrupt being set. Then, when the production control side main process is in an interrupt-permitted state, each interrupt process is started in a manner that interrupts the main process. In each interrupt process, when there is a request for another interrupt process during execution of the interrupt process (multiple interrupts are generated), in principle, if the interrupt process has a higher priority level than the interrupt process being executed, While the interrupt request is permitted, the interrupt request is prohibited when the interrupt process has a lower priority level or the same priority level as the interrupt process being executed. That is, each interrupt process is advanced in a state where other interrupts having the same priority level or a lower priority level are prohibited. Then, each interrupt process returns to the production control side main process with all interrupts permitted. Note that the priority order (priority level) of such interrupt factors is defined by register settings of the effect control microcomputer 210 (interrupt controller).

<Reset start processing>
First, reset start processing of the effect control board 200 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing reset start processing of the effect control board 200. In this reset start processing, after the power is turned on, reset caused by various abnormal times, or reset caused by WDT (during runaway detection), the security check of the sub main CPU 201 is performed. The program starts and the processing after S601 is started.

  First, as an initial setting required when the power is turned on, a head address is set as an initial value of the stack area in the stack pointer (S601). Then, all interrupt processing is prohibited until various initial settings are completed (S602).

  Subsequently, as basic settings related to hardware, an initial value is set in a built-in register provided in the sub-main CPU 201 and the I / O port circuit 204 is initialized (S603). Further, the memory area in the RAM 203 of the effect control microcomputer 210 is initialized (S604). Here, an initial value is set for a variable with an initial value, and initialization by zero clear is performed for a variable without an initial value. Further, the sub main CPU 201 appropriately develops the control program stored in the ROM 202 in the RAM 203.

  Subsequently, interrupts other than the production control command reception interrupt process are prohibited (S605). Next, among various errors set in advance for each model, a process for setting the type of error to be valid for the model is performed (S606). Furthermore, a turn-off request is made to turn off the effect lamp LP (the frame lamp 10, the panel lamp 25) (S607). Then, a watchdog timer is started to monitor the runaway of the sub-main CPU 201 (S608).

  Subsequently, an effect control side main process is executed as the main process of the game effect (S609). Details of the effect control side main process (S609) will be described later with reference to FIG. Note that when the process shifts to the production control side main process in S609, it is not normally possible to return from the main process to the reset start process, but in the unlikely event that the process returns to this process due to a program bug or the like. Shifts to the low power consumption mode (sleep mode) in which the power consumption is lower than that during normal operation (S610).

《Direction control side main processing》
Next, the production control side main process (S609) of the production control board 200 will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the effect control side main process (S609).

  First, an address (start address where the program is expanded) for starting a check as to whether or not the control program is correctly expanded in the RAM 203 in the production control side main process is acquired (S611). Subsequently, all interrupts are permitted (activation of various interrupt processes is permitted) (S612).

  Next, a device initialization operation is executed (S613). This initialization operation is an operation mode that is executed only once when the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned on (at the start of resetting). The operation of the movable objects 25A, 25B, and 25C is performed by devices such as a motor and a solenoid. It is executed for the purpose of confirming the position information necessary for controlling. At the end of the initialization operation, the movable accessory 25A, 25B, 25C returns to a preset initial position (reference position).

  Subsequently, the watchdog timer is cleared to restart the watchdog timer (S614). At this time, when the sub main CPU 201 is executing the program normally, a predetermined clear word is written to the WDT clear register of the sub main CPU 201 within a preset time-out period, so that the watchdog timer Cleared and restarted. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Subsequently, the off symbol update process is executed (S615). In this missed symbol update process, the missed symbol counter set in the RAM 203 is updated. The missed symbol counter is a loop counter for determining a missed symbol combination of decorative symbols, and for example, increments from “111” to “999” one by one and circulates. In this example, since all combinations of decorative symbols (big hit symbols, small hit symbols, reach missed symbols, non-reach missed symbols, etc.) are determined by random number lottery, this processing is not actually performed.

  Subsequently, an input port check process is executed (S616). In this input port check process, the reading of the I / O port circuit 204 (input port) in the port input / output process S712 in the timer interrupt process described later is monitored every time an interrupt occurs, and is monitored a plurality of times (for example, four times). When the input port states are all “1”, the signal level is “1 (H level)”, when all the input ports are “0”, the signal level is “0 (L level)”, otherwise the signal level is set. Do not change (this determines the input signal).

  Subsequently, an error effect management process is executed (S617). In this error effect management process, error effects by various devices are started based on the error effect pattern set in the subsequent command analysis process (S621). Here, when a lamp effect number is set in the command analysis process (S621) in order to perform an error notification lamp effect that is an aspect of the error effect (when there is a lamp request), the lamp corresponding to this lamp effect number is set. The pattern data is specified, and the error notification lamp effect is started. In the lamp pattern data, lamp data associated with each frame time (time required to update an image frame once: 16 ms) is stored as schedule data. In addition, a layer (detailed later) is set in the lamp pattern data in accordance with the type of lamp effect. Further, in the error presentation management process, an initial value (error presentation time) is set in the error management timer to manage the progress of the error presentation. This error management timer is subtracted and updated every 16 ms in the error management timer update process (S720) of the production control side timer interrupt process. When the error management timer times out, the effect lamp LP is turned off and the error effect is ended.

  Subsequently, the effect button monitoring control process is executed (S618). In this effect button monitoring control process, when a button notice effect is incorporated during symbol variation, the input state of the effect button 15 within the operation effective time is monitored, and a plurality of preset values are set according to the button notice effect. The content of the production according to the input state of the production button 15 is determined from the types of production content.

  Subsequently, a notice lottery management process is executed (S619). In this notice lottery management process, a notice effect pattern (which defines the contents of the notice effect that occurs at each stage of the decorative symbol change process in accordance with the scenario of the change effect pattern selected in the subsequent command analysis process (S621) ( The notice performance number) is determined by lottery. The notice effect number determined here is temporarily stored in the notice effect number storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. Also, an image control command for designating the notice effect number to the image control board 300 side is generated. At this time, when an accessory announcement effect pattern (an accessory announcement effect number) is selected as the announcement effect pattern, an accessory request is generated, and the movable accessory 24 is obtained in the subsequent device management process (S620). Drive patterns are identified. In this example, not all of the multiple types of notice effects (notice effect patterns) that occur within one variation of the decorative symbol are drawn in one main loop process, but the main loop process efficiency is improved. Therefore, a lottery is performed across a plurality of main loop processes, divided for each time of occurrence of a notice effect (for example, a fluctuation start stage, a reach generation stage, and a fluctuation stop stage). At that time, the notice effect that occurs at the beginning of the decorative symbol change stage needs to be synchronized with the start of the decorative symbol change (send the image control command immediately). To do. When a notice effect pattern is selected in the notice lottery management process, an image control command for instructing the notice effect number is generated and set in the image control command buffer of the sub-main information storage unit 260. . Specifically, a command set function “function name: CmdSet” for non-interrupt is called to perform processing (command set processing) for setting an image control command in the image control command buffer. Details of this command set processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, device management processing is executed (S620). In this device management process, when there is an operation request (lamp request, accessory request) of various devices, an effect number (lamp effect) is selected from a plurality of types of pattern data (lamp pattern, drive pattern) stored in the ROM 203. The pattern data corresponding to the number, the accessory announcement effect number) is specified, and the control of the target device is started. In the lamp pattern data of the effect lamp LP, lamp data associated with every frame time (time required to update an image frame once: 16 ms) is stored as schedule data. In this lamp pattern data, a layer (detailed later) is set according to the type of lamp effect. In this example, one frame time corresponds to the time required for drawing processing of one frame when drawing is performed at about 60 frames per second (= about 60 fps) in the effect display device 70. Similarly, in the driving pattern data of the movable accessory 24, driving data associated with each interrupt cycle (1 ms) is stored as schedule data. As a result, control data (lamp data, drive data, etc.) is output to the target device at regular intervals in an effect control side timer interrupt process described later, and the operation of the target device is started. On the other hand, when the output of a series of control data (lamp data, drive data) is completed in the production control side timer interruption process described later, the production lamp LP is turned off or the operation of the movable accessory 24 is stopped. Then, the control of the target device is finished.

  In this example, normal lamp effects (managed by this process), premier lamp effects (managed by this process), and error notification lamp effects (managed by the above error effect management process) are prepared as types of lamp effects. A layer (layer number) is set according to the type of each lamp effect. The layer number indicates the priority order according to the type of lamp effect, and in the descending order of priority, the error notification lamp effect (layer number 3)> premier lamp effect (layer number 2)> normal lamp effect (layer number 1) ). In this device management process, when two or more lamp requests are at the same time or at different timings, the corresponding lamp patterns are specified regardless of the layer number and internally based on all the lamp patterns. Control is to be executed. The normal lamp effect, the premier lamp effect, and the error notification lamp effect are different from each other in the lighting mode of the effect lamp LP.

  Subsequently, command analysis processing (S621) is executed. In this command analysis process, it is monitored whether or not an effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. If an effect control command is stored, this command is read out, and the effect control command that has been read out is read out. The effect control process corresponding to the type is executed. Details of the command analysis processing (S621) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, it is determined whether command analysis (effect control command analysis) has been executed during the current loop processing (S622). If it is immediately after command analysis (S622: YES), the process returns to S614 and proceeds to the next loop process. On the other hand, when the command analysis is not executed (S622: NO), the effect lottery random number update process is executed (S623). In this effect lottery random number update process, effect lottery random numbers such as a pre-reading notice lottery random number, a decorative design random number, a variable effect pattern random number, and a notice effect random number are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value.

(Command analysis processing)
Next, command analysis processing (S621) will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing details of the command analysis processing (S621). In this command analysis processing, it is monitored whether or not an effect control command from the main control board 100 is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and an effect corresponding to the type of the stored effect control command. Execute control processing.

  First, it is determined whether or not a gaming state designation command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S631). When the game state designation command is stored (step S631: YES), the process proceeds to the effect state transition process (S632). In the effect state transition process (S632), a process for changing the effect mode is executed based on the game state information and the variation pattern selection state information included in the game state designation command.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a hold-related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S633). Here, the hold related commands include a symbol memory number command and a prior determination command. When this symbol storage number command is stored (S633: YES), the process proceeds to the hold information management process (S634). In the hold information management process (S634), a symbol storage number command or a pre-determination command is read from the sub-main information storage means 260, and a display mode of a hold image displayed on the hold display portions 701 and 702 of the effect display device 70 ( A process for updating the display number) is performed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a symbol variation related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S635). Here, the symbol variation related commands include a variation start command and a variation stop command. When the symbol variation related command is stored (step S635: YES), the process proceeds to the effect content determination process (S636). In this effect content determination process (S636), if the received symbol variation related command is a variation start command, processing for starting the symbol variation effect is executed, and the received symbol variation related command is a variation stop command. In this case, a process for ending the symbol variation effect being executed is executed. Details of the effect content determination process (S636) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an effect-related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S637). Here, the hit effect related commands include a hit start demonstration effect command and a hit end demo effect command. When the winning effect related command is stored (step S637: YES), the process proceeds to the hit effect display setting process (S638) of the big hit effect and the small hit effect. In the hit effect display setting process (S638), a process for executing a big hit start demo effect (small hit start demo effect) or a big hit end demo effect (small hit end demo effect) is performed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an error effect designation command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S639). If this error effect designation command is stored (S639: YES), the process proceeds to an error effect content determination process (S640). In this error effect content determination process (S640), an error effect designation command is read from the sub-main information storage means 260, and an error effect pattern for notifying an error state is determined by image display on the effect display device 70. Details of the error effect content determination process (S640) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If no effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S631: NO, S633: NO, S635: NO, S637: NO, S639: NO), command analysis is performed without doing anything. The process ends.

(Production content determination process)
Next, the effect content determination process (S636) will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing details of the effect content determination process (S636).

  First, it is determined whether or not a change start command is stored in the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S641). If a variation start command is stored (S641: YES), the contents of this variation start command (variation pattern designation command, variation additional symbol information designation command, character effect number designation command) are analyzed, and the contents of this command are analyzed. As a result of the winning / losing lottery included, information indicating a symbol group, a variation pattern (variation time), a gaming state, and the like is acquired (S642). This acquired information is stored in the variation effect content determination area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

  Subsequently, a variation effect pattern selection process is executed (S643). In this variation effect pattern selection process, a variation effect pattern table is acquired based on the variation pattern information acquired in S642, and a variation effect pattern random number value is acquired from the effect lottery random number generator 210 to obtain a plurality of types of variation effects. One of the variation production patterns is determined by lottery from the patterns. Fluctuation effect pattern is an effect display process in which the decorative pattern change mode, reach effect type / occurrence time, notice effect type / occurrence time, lamp effect interrupt timing (start timing of lamp effect interrupt processing), etc. A scenario is configured. The variable effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the variable effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260.

  Next, a ramp request function “function name: RampReq” for outside the interrupt is called to execute ramp request processing (S644). Here, FIG. 29A is a flowchart showing the details of the lamp request processing for outside interrupt (S644). In the present embodiment, “function” refers to a subroutine obtained by modularizing one or a plurality of processes and executed by a call instruction or the like.

  In this lamp request process, first, interrupt processes other than the reception of the effect control command from the main control board 100 are prohibited (S661). Subsequently, the variable effect pattern number is read from the variable effect pattern storage area (S662). Then, a lamp effect number corresponding to the variable effect pattern number is requested (S663). The lamp effects selected in this process include a normal lamp effect selected at a normal frequency and a premier lamp effect selected at a relatively low frequency compared to the normal lamp effect. This premier lamp effect is a special effect that suggests, for example, the determination of winning a big hit. Next, the lamp effect number requested in S663 is set in the lamp request storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S664). Therefore, in the subsequent processing, when a numerical value other than 0 is set in the lamp request storage area, it is determined that there is an operation request (lamp request) for the effect lamp LP, and the processing proceeds. In this example, a plurality of lamp request storage areas are prepared, and a plurality of lamp effect numbers can be set. When a plurality of lamp effect numbers are set (when there are a plurality of lamp requests), the layer process is executed in such a manner that only a lamp effect with a high priority is visible to the player, and a lamp with a low priority As for the production, only the process is advanced internally (details will be described later). Then, all interrupts are permitted (S665), the ramp request process is terminated, and the process returns to the original process in the main process.

  Next, returning to FIG. 26, a decorative symbol stop symbol selection process is executed (S645). In this decorative symbol stop symbol selection process, based on the symbol group information and the variation pattern information acquired in S642, combinations of decorative symbols to be finally stopped (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) are selected by lottery. decide. The decorative symbol combination number determined here is temporarily stored in the decorative symbol storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260.

  Then, an image control command (variation effect start command) required to start decoration pattern variation is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S646). Specifically, a command set function “function name: CmdSet” for non-interrupt is called, and a process (command set process) for setting an image control command in the image control command buffer of the sub-main information storage unit 260 is performed. Details of this command set processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, when the change start command is not stored (S641: NO), it is determined whether or not the change stop command is stored in the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S647). When the variable stop command is stored (S647: YES), the contents of the variable stop command are analyzed, and the symbol stop information included in the contents of this command is acquired (S648). Then, an image control command (variation effect stop command) required to stop the decoration symbol variation is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S649). Specifically, a command set function “function name: CmdSet” for non-interrupt is called to perform processing (command set processing) for setting an image control command in the image control command buffer. Details of this command set processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Error production content determination process)
Next, the error effect content determination process (S640) will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing details of the error effect content determination process (S640).

  First, it is determined whether or not an error effect designation command is stored in the sub-main information storage means 260 (S651). If an error effect designation command is stored (S651: YES), the contents of this error effect designation command are analyzed, and information indicating an error state included in the contents of this command is acquired (S652). This acquired information is stored in the error state determination area of the sub-main information storage unit 260.

  Subsequently, an error effect pattern selection process is executed (S653). In this error effect pattern selection process, an error effect pattern is determined based on the error state information acquired in S652. The error effect pattern defines information such as an error notification image (for example, a message that an error has occurred) and a warning sound from a speaker. The error effect pattern data determined here is temporarily stored in the error effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. When an error effect pattern is set, an initial value (error effect time) is set in the error management timer in the error effect management process (S617), and error effect management is started. The error management timer is updated by an error management timer process (S720) described later.

  Next, a ramp request function “function name: RampReq” for outside the interrupt is called to execute a ramp request process (S654). FIG. 29A is a flowchart showing details of the lamp request processing for external use (S654). The ramp request function “RampReq” called in this process is the same as the ramp request function “RampReq” called in the ramp request process (S644) in the above-described effect content determination process (S636). That is, the lamp request process shown in FIG. 29A is a subroutine common to the effect content determination process (S636) and the error effect content determination process (S640). Therefore, in the main process, the lamp request process (S644, S654) is performed by one common module. In the ramp request function “RampReq”, all interrupts (except for the production control command reception interrupt processing) are prohibited at the start of processing, and all interrupts are permitted at the end of processing. This is to prevent a failure (for example, a failure that makes the status management complicated) due to the activation of an interrupt process (a lamp effect interrupt process described later) and the generation of a plurality of lamp requests at the same time.

  In this lamp request process, first, interrupt processes other than the reception of the effect control command from the main control board 100 are prohibited (S661). Subsequently, the error effect pattern number is read from the error effect pattern storage area (S662). Then, a lamp effect number corresponding to the error effect pattern number is requested (S663). In this process, only an error notification lamp effect for notifying an error state of the gaming machine is requested. Next, the lamp effect number selected in S663 is set in the lamp request storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S664). Then, all interrupts are permitted (S665), the ramp request process is terminated, and the process returns to the original process in the main process.

  Subsequently, returning to FIG. 27, an image control command (error effect start command) required for the error effect is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S655). Specifically, a command set function “function name: CmdSet” for non-interrupt is called to perform processing (command set processing) for setting an image control command in the image control command buffer. Details of this command set processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In this embodiment, not all lamp requests are performed in the main process (command analysis process) described above, but a lamp effect interrupt process is activated at a predetermined opportunity to perform a lamp request. That is, in the time schedule of the variation effect pattern selected in S643, the occurrence timing (interrupt timing) of the lamp effect interrupt process is defined in relation to the notice effect that occurs at each stage of the decoration effect change effect process. ing. When this interrupt timing arrives, a lamp effect interrupt process is activated to execute a process of requesting a lamp effect number. Note that the occurrence timing of the lamp effect interruption process is synchronized with the occurrence timing of a specific notice effect (for example, when a lamp of a color associated with the notice effect content is turned on).

《Lamp effect interrupt processing》
Next, the lamp effect interruption process will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing lamp effect interruption processing. This lamp effect interrupt process is generated by a software interrupt when the interrupt timing defined in the variable effect pattern arrives.

  First, in the lamp effect interrupt process, interrupts with priority level 2 or higher such as an effect control command reception interrupt from the main control board 100 and a watchdog timer interrupt are permitted (S671). Subsequently, the ramp request function “function name: RampReq_InINT” for the interrupt is called to execute the ramp request processing (S672). FIG. 29B is a flowchart showing the lamp request process for interrupt (S672). This ramp request function (RampReq_InINT) is different from the ramp request function “RampReq” called in the main process described above in that no interrupt disable / permit instruction is set at the beginning and end of the process. As described above, in each interrupt processing, the generation of other interrupts having the same priority level or a lower priority level is prohibited, so that another ramp request occurs during this ramp request processing. Because there is no.

  In this lamp request process, the notice effect pattern is read with reference to the notice effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S681). Then, a lamp effect number corresponding to the notice effect pattern is requested (S682). For example, when the notice effect is a background notice, if a notice effect pattern that displays a blue background is selected in the notice lottery management process, a lamp effect (lamp effect number) for lighting the effect lamp LP in blue is selected. ) Is requested. Subsequently, the lamp effect number is set in the lamp request storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S683). Therefore, in the subsequent processing, when a numerical value other than 0 is set in the lamp request storage area, it is determined that there is an operation request (lamp request) for the effect lamp LP, and the processing proceeds. Then, the lamp effect interruption process is terminated, and the process returns to the original process before the occurrence of the interruption.

《Reception interrupt processing of production control command》
Next, the reception control process of the effect control command will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the reception interrupt process of the effect control command. In this effect control command reception interrupt process, as described above, an interrupt is generated based on the input of the strobe signal from the main control board 100, and various effect control commands are acquired in this interrupt process. It is like that. The effect control command includes 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data, and is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200 in the order of MODE data and EVENT data. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, MODE data is also referred to as “first command”, and EVENT data is also referred to as “second command”.

  First, when an interrupt based on the strobe signal from the main control board 100 is generated, it is determined whether or not the input value of the effect control command is confirmed (S701). Specifically, the command data is read up to five times, and the input value is determined when the same value is read twice. This is because the reading of the effect control command may fail due to noise or the like, and the input value is not finalized until the same value is read twice.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the command received this time is the first command (MODE), in other words, whether the command is the first command (MODE) or the second command (EVENT) (S702). If the command received this time is the first command (S702: YES), the first command is temporarily stored in the temporary area (S703). Then, the effect lottery random number is acquired from the effect lottery random number generating means 210, and this random number information is temporarily stored in the effect lottery random number storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S704). Note that the production lottery random number is acquired when the production control command is received. The production control command is transmitted at a physically irregular timing, such as when a game ball starts winning or when a special symbol changes. Therefore, it is to prevent periodicity from being obtained at the acquisition time by using it as an opportunity. In this way, by making the production lottery random number acquisition time irregular, it is difficult to cause inconveniences such as the same production being unnaturally repeated in various production lotteries.

  On the other hand, if the command received this time is the second command (S702: NO), it is determined whether or not the first command has already been received (S705). That is, it is determined whether or not the effect control command is received in the order of the first command (MODE) → the second command (EVENT), and it is confirmed whether there is no contradiction in the combination of the effect control commands. If there is no contradiction in the combination of effect control commands (S705: YES), the address indicated by the write pointer (writing pointer) is acquired (S706). Subsequently, the first command and the second command are stored in the effect control command buffer (ring buffer) of the sub-main information storage unit 260 according to the address indicated by the light pointer (S707). The saved command data is read in the command analysis process (S621) in the main process, and the effect control process corresponding to the type of effect control command is executed. Next, the address indicated by the write pointer is updated (S708). Further, the command data (first command) temporarily stored in S708 is cleared (S709).

《Timer interrupt processing for production control side》
Next, the production control side timer interruption process will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the effect control-side timer interrupt process. This timer interrupt process is started by a clock pulse at regular time intervals, and is executed by interrupting the above-described production control side main process.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the register in the sub main CPU 201 are saved in the stack area of the RAM 203, and then the processing from S711 onward is sequentially executed. In this timer interrupt process, interrupts with priority level 2 or higher, such as an effect control command reception interrupt from the main control board 100 and a watchdog timer interrupt, are permitted (S711).

  Subsequently, port input / output processing is executed (S712). In this port input / output processing, port data input processing and output processing in the I / O port circuit 204 are performed. In the input processing, various signals input to the I / O port circuit 204 (input port) are read and stored as input information. In the output process, various control signals (motor control signals) temporarily stored in the sub-main information storage unit 260 are read and output from the I / O port circuit 204 (output port). In the I / O port circuit 204, an input port is provided for receiving a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply substrate 500 has dropped below a predetermined value. When a power-off signal is input, processing for saving various data at the time of power-off occurrence in the backup area of the RAM 203 is performed as power-off processing. Thereafter, since backup power is supplied from the backup power supply circuit of the power supply substrate 500, the stored contents of the RAM 203 are retained without being lost even after the power is turned off. In addition, as another power-off process, the excitation of the motor M that is the driving source of the movable accessory 24 is turned off (non-energized state), and the operation of the movable accessory 24 in an unstable state where a power failure occurs is performed. It is interrupted early so that the initial operation can be performed without any abnormality after the power is restored. The stop position of the movable accessory 24 is held with the detent torque at the time of non-energization.

  Subsequently, device control data output processing is executed (S713). In this device control data output process, drive data for a predetermined time is read from the drive pattern data specified in the device management process (S620) and set in the drive data storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. The drive data set in this process is data indicating control for 1 ms corresponding to the interrupt cycle. When drive data is set in this process, the drive data is output from the I / O port circuit 204 (output port) to the motor driver 92 in the next timer interrupt process. Therefore, in this device control data output process, the drive data is switched every interrupt cycle (1 ms) according to the drive pattern data.

  Next, effect timer update processing is executed (S714). In this effect timer update process, the values of various effect timers used for effect operation control are subtracted and updated every interrupt cycle (1 ms in this embodiment). The effect timer includes a timer for managing the variation time of the decorative symbol, a timer for managing the timing of occurrence of the notice effect, and the like. By this effect timer, the time schedule in the variable effect pattern is managed, and time management such as the drive timing of the movable accessory 24 and the lighting timing of the effect lamp LP is managed on the time axis. The effect timer is also used in the device control data output process (S713) and the lamp data update process (S718) in the effect control timer interrupt process.

  Subsequently, a button control timer update process is executed (S715). The value of the effective time management timer for managing the effective operation time of the effect button 15 is updated by subtracting the interrupt period (1 ms in this embodiment). The operation valid time is a time for which the operation input of the effect button 15 is valid.

  Next, an image control command setting process is executed (S716). In the image control command setting process, one or more selected in the notice lottery management process (S619) when the occurrence timing of the notice effect comes in the effect timer in the effect timer update process (S714). When a specific notice effect pattern is included in the previous notice effect pattern, an image control command for instructing the specific notice effect number is generated and stored in the image control command buffer of the sub main information storage means 260. Set to. Specifically, a command set function “function name: CmdSet_InINT” for an interrupt is called to perform a process (command set process) for setting an image control command in the image control command buffer. Details of this command set processing will be described later with reference to FIG. Here, for the specific notice effect pattern, for example, an effect image is displayed on the effect display device 70 when the effect button 15 is pressed, or an effect image is displayed in accordance with the operation of the movable accessory 24. Production patterns are included.

  Subsequently, task control counter update processing is executed (S717). In this task control counter update process, the value of the task counter (“0” to “15”) is updated for each timer interrupt. Specifically, if the value of the task counter is “0” to “14”, it is incremented by 1. If the value of the task counter is “15”, it is returned to “0”. That is, this task counter can take a circulation period of 16 ms. Various tasks (task processing) are assigned corresponding to the task counter value updated this time, and the ramp control task (lamp data update processing in S718) and runaway monitoring are performed according to the task counter value. Each process such as a task (image CPU runaway monitoring process in S719) and an error management task (error management timer update process in S720) is executed. In this example, one of the task counter values (“0” to “15”) is assigned to the lamp control task, and the other two values (values with an interval of 8 ms between each other) are used for runaway monitoring. It is assigned to the task, and another value is assigned to the error management task (the description of the other tasks is omitted). As described above, the reason why the circulation cycle of the task counter is set to 16 ms is to make it coincide with the minimum unit (16 ms) of the effect lamp LP switching control. The minimum unit (16 ms) of the effect lamp LP switching control corresponds to one frame time of the image frame, and realizes synchronization between the image effect and the lamp effect.

  Subsequently, lamp data update processing is executed (S718). In the lamp data update process, lamp data for a predetermined time is read and set from the lamp pattern data specified in the device management process (S620) or the error effect management process (S617). The lamp data set in this processing is data indicating lighting control for 16 ms, which is the minimum unit of the effect lamp LP switching control. When the lamp data is set, the lamp data is automatically output from the output port (serial port) to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer. The ramp data output process is configured as a serial communication interrupt process, and is realized by sequentially writing the ramp data to the transmission buffer of the serial communication circuit 205. The serial communication circuit 205 serially converts the ramp data of the transmission buffer in units of 1 byte, and outputs it to the lamp connection board 91 in units of 1 bit in a manner synchronized with the serial clock. This process is repeated until the transmission buffer becomes empty, whereby all the ramp data (all bytes) stored in the transmission buffer are output. Therefore, in the lamp data update process, the lamp data is switched every frame time (16 ms) according to the lamp pattern, and the lamp data is output to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer. This ramp data update process is executed when the task counter value reaches a predetermined value (value indicating the lamp control task) in the task control counter update process (S717) (that is, executed at a cycle of 16 ms). Processing).

  Here, as described above, in this embodiment, a layer corresponding to each lamp effect type (normal lamp effect, premier lamp effect, error notification lamp effect) is set, and a plurality of lamp requests having different types are set. If there is, only the ramp data set in the upper layer (high priority layer) is output, while the ramp data set in the lower layer (low priority layer) is prohibited from being output. However, since the ramp data switching process (switching process every 16 ms) itself is not stopped, when the process of the upper layer is completed, the lower layer process and the continuity are maintained. The ramp data set in the layer is output (the lamp effect relating to the lower layer is generated). In the lamp data update process (S718), in order to output only the lamp data related to the upper (highest priority) layer, when the lamp data related to a plurality of layers are superimposed, the lighting is generally not regular and uncomfortable. This is because there is a possibility of becoming a pattern. Also, the premier lamp effect is distinguished from the normal lamp effect by the layer structure and the order of priority is different. Generally, the premier lamp effect has a lower appearance rate than the normal lamp effect, but the appearance timing is regular. Since it occurs at random timing and the appearance of the premier lamp effect selected later is reserved due to the presence of the normal lamp effect selected first, the player's expectation for the occurrence of the premier ramp effect This is because the feeling is diminished.

  Subsequently, an image CPU runaway monitoring process is executed (S719). In this image CPU runaway monitoring process, a toggle signal input from the image control board 300 is monitored, and when the toggle signal does not continuously change for 1600 ms (about 50 to 100 frames), the image control board 300 is monitored. The sub-sub CPU 301 is determined to be out of control, and a reset signal is transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300. Thereby, the image control board 300 side executes a predetermined reset process when the reset state of the sub sub CPU 301 occurs. The toggle signal is a signal having a waveform in which H level / L level is alternately repeated every frame time.

  Next, error management timer processing is executed (S720). In this error management timer process, the error effect timer value for managing the error effect time set in the error effect management process (S617) is subtracted and updated. This error management timer process is a process executed when the value of the task counter reaches a predetermined value (a value indicating an error management task) in the S task control counter update process (S717). Therefore, even if the error production time becomes long, the time is counted by a timer with a 16 ms period, so the data amount is smaller than when counting the time every timer interruption period (1 ms). Can be reduced. Then, all interrupts are permitted and the saved register contents are restored. Then, the effect control side timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the original process before the occurrence of the interrupt.

(Command set processing)
Next, command set processing will be described. FIG. 32A is a flowchart showing a command set process in the main process (for interrupt outside), and FIG. 32B is a flowchart showing a command set process in the effect control side timer interrupt process (for interrupt in). This command setting process is a process for setting the image control command generated by the various effect control processes described above in the image control command buffer of the sub-main information storage unit 260. The command set process for outside the interrupt is executed by calling the command set function “CmdSet” in the image control command setting process (S646, S649, S655, etc.) in the main process on the production control side, while the command for the interrupt is used. The set process is executed by calling the command set function “CmdSet_InINT” in the image control command setting process (S716) in the effect control side timer interrupt process.

  First, a command set process called from the main process will be described with reference to FIG. In this command set process, first, interrupts other than the presentation control command reception are prohibited (S691). Subsequently, a write pointer is acquired in the image control command buffer (S692). Next, the image control command is stored in the area pointed to by the write pointer (S693). Then, the write pointer is incremented by 1 and updated (S694). Finally, all interrupts are permitted (S695), and the command set process is terminated.

  Thus, the command set process shown in FIG. 32A is a common subroutine in a plurality of image control command setting processes (S646, S649, S655, etc.). Therefore, in the main process, the command set process is performed by one common module. In this command set function “CmdSet”, all interrupts (except for the reception interrupt processing of the production control command) are prohibited at the start of processing, and all interrupts are permitted at the end of processing. The interrupt processing (timer interrupt processing (image control command setting processing)) is started and a failure due to multiple command set processing occurring at the same time (for example, failure due to mismatch between the write pointer and the set command) is prevented. Because.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 32 (B), a command set process called from the effect control side timer interrupt process will be described. In this command set process, first, a write pointer is acquired in the image control command buffer (S721). Next, the image control command is stored in the area pointed to by the write pointer (S722). Then, the write pointer is updated by incrementing by 1 (S723), and the command setting process is terminated.

  This command set function “CmdSet_InINT” is different from the ramp request function “CmdSet” called in the main process described above in that no interrupt disable / enable instruction is set at the beginning and end of the process. This is because, as described above, since other interrupts having the same priority level or a lower priority level are prohibited during the interrupt processing, other command set processing does not occur repeatedly.

《Image control command transmission interrupt processing》
Next, transmission interruption processing of an image control command will be described. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the image control command transmission interrupt process. This image control command transmission interruption process occurs at predetermined intervals (500 μs).

  In this image control command transmission interrupt process, first, the image control command buffer of the sub-main information storage means 260 is checked (S731). Subsequently, a read pointer is acquired in the image control command buffer (S732). Next, it is determined whether an image control command is stored in the image control command buffer (S733). Whether or not the image control command is stored can be confirmed by, for example, the read pointer and the write pointer. If the read pointer and the write pointer match, the image control command is not stored. If the image control command is stored (S733: YES), the image control command is read from the area pointed to by the read pointer (S734). The read image control command is set in the output buffer of the serial communication circuit 205 designated as the output destination (S735). As a result, the image control command is serially transmitted from the serial port to the image control board 300. Next, the command data (the command data transmitted in S735) is cleared (S736). Subsequently, the read pointer is incremented by 1 and updated (S737). Then, the transmission interruption process of the image command is ended, and the process returns to the original process before the interruption.

<< ACK command reception interrupt processing >>
Next, reception interruption processing of the ACK command of the effect control board 200 will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an ACK command reception interrupt process. This ACK command reception interrupt process occurs when an ACK command is received from the image control board 300 by the serial communication function. The ACK command is transmitted from the image control board 300 to the effect control board 200 as a response signal indicating that the image control command has been normally received when the image control command is transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300. To be sent to.

  In this ACK command reception interrupt process, first, an ACK command is read from the input buffer of the serial communication circuit 205 (S741). Subsequently, the command data of the ACK command is analyzed (S742). Next, a write pointer is acquired in the ACK command buffer of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S743). Subsequently, the ACK command acquired this time is stored in the area pointed to by the write pointer (S744). Next, the write pointer is incremented by 1 in the ACK command buffer and updated (S745). Then, the reception interruption process of the ACK command is terminated, and the process returns to the original process before the interruption. If the ACK command cannot be received from the image control board 300, retry processing (retransmission of the ACK command) is performed up to three times, and the effect control board 200 still cannot receive the ACK command. Is determined that a communication error has occurred between the effect control board 200 and the image control board 300.

[Action]
Next, in order to facilitate understanding of the present embodiment, the characteristic operation of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described. In general, with regard to the file structure / description, function name, variable name, etc. in each program, instruction rules are defined by coding conventions for each gaming machine manufacturer. As a coding rule defined in the present embodiment, there is a rule that a common function (module) called from both the main process (outside interrupt) and the interrupt process (inside interrupt) is not created. Here, in each process in the main process, basically, an interrupt disable instruction / enable instruction (interrupt disable instruction at the beginning of each process, interrupt disable instruction at the beginning of each process, and at the end of each process) is appropriately included in the module (function) called in each process. By performing an interrupt operation such as (interrupt enable instruction), an interrupt prohibition section is appropriately provided in the middle of each process to prevent the process from being interrupted by the occurrence of an interrupt, while the process is completed and interrupt is enabled. An interrupt is activated at the point in time. That is, in the main process, an interrupt prohibition section in which all interrupts are prohibited or interrupts other than the reception of the effect control command are prohibited. On the other hand, each process in the interrupt process basically has a lower priority level or the same priority level than the interrupt process based on the priority level (interrupt priority) set for each interrupt process. Processing proceeds with interrupts disabled. For this reason, in the module (function) called in the interrupt process, the priority level of the caller's interrupt process is maintained, so that there is basically no need to insert an interrupt operation.

  Therefore, if a function that is called in the main process and a function that is called in the interrupt process are used together in one common module, the occurrence of other unintended interrupts may cause inconsistencies in status management in the subsequent processes, and so on. May occur. For example, if a function called in the main process is called in the interrupt process, it will return to the interrupt process with all interrupts enabled, so an interrupt with a lower priority level than itself occurs during the interrupt process after returning. (Inherently, the interrupt program is not created assuming the occurrence of an interrupt with a low priority). On the other hand, if a module (function) that is called in interrupt processing is called in the main processing, no interrupt operation is inserted in the module, so the processing in the module is executed with all interrupts enabled. End up. Therefore, even in this case, an unintended interrupt may occur in the module. Therefore, when such an unexpected event occurs, there arises a problem that there is a possibility of causing a malfunction of the effect control process.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when each module (function) is called in the main process and the interrupt process to perform a part of the common process, the module called in the main process in accordance with the coding rule. Includes a process that manipulates the interrupt level (interrupt disable instruction, interrupt enable instruction), and the module called by the interrupt process does not include the process that manipulates the interrupt level. Has been prevented.

  In the present embodiment, as a first application example, the coding rule is adopted for the ramp request function. That is, as can be seen by comparing (A) and (B) of FIG. 29, there is an interrupt operation in the ramp request function “RampReq” called in the main process, and in the ramp request function “RampReq_InINT” called in the interrupt process. By making no interrupt operation, the configuration according to the coding rule is realized.

  Furthermore, as a second application example, the coding rule is adopted for a command set function. That is, as can be seen by comparing (A) and (B) of FIG. 32, the command set function “CmdSetT” called in the main process has an interrupt operation, and the command set function “CmdSet_InINT” called in the interrupt process has By making no interrupt operation, the configuration according to the coding rule is realized.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when there is a case where the main process and the interrupt process call the subroutines to perform the common process independently, the main process side subroutine includes the interrupt enable / disable instruction, In the interrupt processing side subroutine, by maintaining the priority level assigned to the interrupt processing without including the interrupt enable / disable instruction, it is possible to regulate the occurrence of other unintended interrupts during the execution of the interrupt processing. It is possible to prevent a bug from occurring in the program due to the occurrence of an unexpected event. Furthermore, the occurrence of an unintended interrupt (interrupt with a low priority level) in the timer interrupt processing does not delay the data update cycle for various devices. Therefore, in this embodiment, there exists an effect that a game effect can be processed smoothly.

[Modification]
Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described. In this modification, the lamp request process for requesting the operation of the effect lamp LP is performed only in the main process. In other words, in the above-described embodiment, the ramp request function is called in both the main process and the interrupt process to perform the ramp request process. In this modification, the ramp request function is called only in the main process. This is characteristic in that lamp request processing is performed.

  First, in the command analysis process (effect content determination process, error effect content determination process, etc.) in the main process, the lamp request function “RampReq” is called to perform the lamp request process, as in the above-described embodiment. On the other hand, in this modification, the lamp request process is not executed in the lamp effect interrupt process. The occurrence trigger of this lamp effect interruption process is the same as in the above-described embodiment.

  Here, FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a lamp effect interruption process according to a modification. In this lamp effect interrupt process, first, an interrupt of priority level 2 or higher, such as an effect control command reception interrupt from the main control board 100, a watchdog timer interrupt, etc. is permitted (S801). Subsequently, a lamp request is reserved (S802). In this example, the lamp request reservation means turning on the request flag set in the sub-main information storage unit 260. Therefore, in the lamp effect interrupt process, the lamp request process is not executed (the lamp effect number is not requested), and only the lamp request is reserved.

  On the other hand, in this modification, when a lamp request is reserved in the lamp effect interrupt process, the lamp request process is executed in the device management process (S620) of the effect control side main process. Specifically, if it is determined in this device management process (S620) that the request flag is turned on, the ramp request function “function name: RampReq” for outside the interrupt is called to execute the ramp request process. . The ramp request function “RampReq” that is called in this process is the same as the ramp request function “RampReq” that is called in the main process in the above-described embodiment (the description thereof is therefore omitted).

  Furthermore, in the device management process (S620), if there is a lamp request in the command analysis process (S621) or the device management process, the plurality of data stored in the ROM 203 of the effect control microcomputer 210 are the same as in the above embodiment. The lamp pattern data corresponding to the lamp effect number is specified from the lamp pattern data of the seed, and the control of the effect lamp LP is started. On the other hand, in the effect control side timer interruption process, when the output of a series of lamp data included in the lamp pattern data is completed, the control of the effect lamp LP is ended.

  As described above, according to such a modified example, by configuring all the ramp requests in the main process, the processing load due to the occurrence of duplicate ramp requests from both the main process and the interrupt process is reduced, It is possible to smoothly process the game effects. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a program bug due to the inconsistency of status management, the delay of the data update cycle for various devices in the timer interrupt processing, and the like.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, If it is a range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can improve suitably.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the coding rule is applied to the ramp request function and the command set function has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and is partially shared by the main process and the interrupt process. If the function is called as a process, the same effect can be obtained even if it is applied to other functions.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a gaming machine other than a pachinko gaming machine, for example, a slot machine, an arrange ball machine, The present invention can be applied to other game machines such as a sparrow ball game machine and an enclosed game machine (a game machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed in a machine for circulation), and similar effects can be obtained.

PM Pachinko machine (game machine)
PA game area 1 outer frame 2 front frame 5 glass frame 10 frame lamp 20 game board 24 movable accessory 25 board lamp 70 effect display device 91 lamp connection board 92 motor driver 100 main control board (main control means)
200 Production control board (production control means)
300 Image control board 400 Delivery control board 500 Power supply board

Claims (1)

A main control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Production control means for controlling the production related to the game based on the command from the main control means,
As the control of the effect in the effect control means, a main process including a loop process that is continuously repeated and a plurality of interrupt processes that are started by interrupting the main process when a predetermined condition is satisfied are executed. A gaming machine having a configuration,
In the plurality of interrupt processes, an interrupt priority is determined when at least two or more interrupt processes are started, and an interrupt process with a higher priority is executed preferentially than an interrupt process with a lower priority. And
The main process and the one or more interrupt processes each include a control process including a common process in part,
The control process of the main process includes an interrupt permission process for permitting an interrupt, an interrupt prohibition process for prohibiting an interrupt, and the common process executed between the interrupt permission process and the interrupt prohibition process. ,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the control process of the interrupt process does not include the interrupt permission process and the interrupt prohibition process but includes only the common process.

Images