JP2016165619A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of preventing occurrences of unintended processing, errors, etc., as much as possible.SOLUTION: The game machine includes: start time transfer means 86 for transferring a program data stored in a non-volatile memory 84 to a volatile memory 85 and storing the same, corresponding to a power activation; program performance means 86 for performing the program data stored in the volatile memory 85 by the start time transfer means 86 to control a prescribed operation of the game machine; and re-transfer means 86 for, after the program performance means 86 starts performing the program data stored in the volatile memory 85, if a prescribed re-transfer condition is established, re-transferring the program data stored in the non-volatile memory 84 to the volatile memory 85 and storing the same.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing games.

  Conventionally, pachinko gaming machines and slot machines as gaming machines have a control board equipped with a CPU, memory, and the like, and display control and sound in effects according to the progress of the game using the CPU, memory, etc. Various control processes such as output control are performed. In such a gaming machine, after executing the initial startup process according to the boot data stored in the boot memory provided in the memory module, the regular program data is read from the memory module (non-volatile memory) and the work RAM (fast RAM) is fast. The display CPU (program execution means) executes the process according to the regular program data on the work RAM, and the processing speed is improved (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

JP 2011-36541 A (pages 33-35, FIG. 10)

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the program data transferred to and stored in the work RAM (volatile memory) is rewritten to inappropriate data due to the influence of noise, static electricity, or the like. If the display CPU (program execution means) executes a process according to the rewritten program data, an unintended process or an error may occur.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent unintended processing, errors, and the like as much as possible.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention is:
A gaming machine (pachinko machine 1) capable of playing games,
A non-volatile memory (internal ROM 84) in which program data for controlling a predetermined operation of the gaming machine is stored in a non-rewritable manner;
Program data can be stored in a rewritable manner, and a read speed of the stored program data is faster than the nonvolatile memory (built-in RAM 85);
When the power is turned on, the start-up transfer means for transferring the program data stored in the nonvolatile memory to the volatile memory and storing it (for example, the effect control executed by the effect control CPU 86 as shown in FIG. 9) In the main process, the transfer module program is read from the built-in ROM 84, and the transfer process of various module programs is executed in step S702).
Program execution means for controlling the predetermined operation of the gaming machine by executing the program data stored in the volatile memory by the startup transfer means (for example, an effect executed by the effect control CPU 86 as shown in FIG. 9) In the main control process, among the transferred various module programs stored in the built-in RAM 85 by the effect control CPU 86, the part that reads the initialization module program and executes the initial setting process in step S705, the CTC that is the built-in device in step S706 (Counter / timer) and a part that initializes various devices such as PIO (parallel input / output port), a part that initializes the VDP 262 that performs display control of the effect display device 9 in step S707, and each speaker 27R in step S708 , 27L, 27a, 27b Initialization of the generated sound processing IC173 and the part for)
When a predetermined re-transfer condition is satisfied (for example, when a demonstration effect period, a fanfare period, or a big hit period is reached as shown in FIG. 11), the program data stored in the nonvolatile memory is stored in the volatile memory. Re-transfer means for re-transferring and storing in the memory (for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the portion where the effect control CPU 86 executes re-transfer processing),
With
As the predetermined retransmission condition, on condition that it is a specific period,
There are a plurality of the specific periods,
The program data stored in the non-volatile memory is composed of a plurality of types of module programs,
The retransfer means retransfers a module program of a type corresponding to the specific period.
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the program execution means can execute the program data transferred to the volatile memory, so that the processing speed of the program execution means can be improved and the program transferred to the volatile memory and stored. Even if the data is rewritten to inappropriate data due to the influence of noise, static electricity, etc., the program data can be restored to the proper data by being re-transferred by the re-transfer means. Processing and errors can be prevented as much as possible.

The gaming machine of means 1 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The re-transfer means (production control CPU 86) is configured by the program execution means executing a transfer program (transfer module program),
The re-transfer condition is a specific period (for example, a demonstration effect period, a fanfare period, a jackpot period, as shown in FIG. 11) with a small processing load per predetermined period in the program execution means (effect control CPU 86).
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, since the retransfer is executed during a specific period when the processing load in the program execution unit is low, the retransfer is not properly executed due to a large processing load. It is possible to prevent improper data from being stored.

The gaming machine of means 2 of the present invention is the gaming machine described in means 1,
The re-transfer means (effect control CPU 86) executes the re-transfer only once in the specific period (for example, in step S906, the effect control CPU 86 executes the big hit effect module program as shown in FIG. 11). In step S907, the effect control CPU 86 sets the variable effect module program as the transfer target, and in step S908, the effect control CPU 86 sets the demo effect module program as the transfer target, or step. In S910, the effect control CPU 86 sets the variation effect module program as the transfer target, and when the transfer of the module program set as the transfer target is completed, in step S919, the effect control CPU 86 sets the transfer completion flag. In step S925, the production control CPU 86 determines whether or not the demonstration production period, fanfare period, or jackpot period as the target period has ended, and if the target period has ended, in step S926 The production control CPU 86 sets the transfer target of the module program and resets the transfer completion flag),
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, since re-transfer is performed only once in a specific period, the program data can be written to the volatile memory to the minimum number, and the program data executed by the program execution means is transferred. Since this is performed only once, the load on the volatile memory and the program execution means in the retransfer can be suppressed.

A gaming machine according to means 3 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to means 1,
The re-transfer means (production control CPU 86) executes the re-transfer a plurality of times in the specific period (re-transfer of the module program set as a transfer target is performed twice or three or more times in the specific period. Run),
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, there are transfers in which program data is replaced with incorrect data by executing multiple retransfers, and program data is rewritten to unintended incorrect data in the previous retransfer. Even so, the incorrect data can be restored to the correct data by the subsequent re-transfer, so that the program data stored again in the volatile memory can be avoided as much as possible. .

The gaming machine of means 4 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to means 3,
The specific period is a plurality of types, and the program data is a plurality of types of module programs (for example, as shown in FIG. 13, an activation module program, a transfer module program, an initialization module program, a jackpot effect module program, a demonstration effect) Module program, variation production module program, etc.)
The re-transfer means (production control CPU 86)
Specific period type determining means for determining the type of the specific period (for example, as shown in FIG. 11, in step S902, the effect control CPU 86 sends the effect control command based on the content of the effect control command. In step S903, the effect control CPU 86 determines, based on the value of the effect control process flag, that the fan control period for displaying the fanfare screen is displayed. In step S904, the effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not the transition has occurred, and determines whether or not the transition to the big hit period is based on the value of the effect control process flag. The type of module according to the type of the specific period specified by the judging means The program is retransferred (for example, as shown in FIG. 11, in the retransfer process executed by the effect control CPU 86, when the demonstration effect period starts (step S902), the jackpot effect module program is set as the transfer target. (Step S906)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, since different types of module programs are transferred in separate specific periods, the processing load associated with one retransfer is reduced as compared with the case where all program data is transmitted in one specific period. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the influence on the re-transmission due to the processing load of other processes, so that it is possible to execute an accurate re-transmission.

The gaming machine of means 5 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to means 4,
The re-forwarding means (effect control CPU 86) sends the effect control command sent by the effect control CPU 86 to the game control microcomputer 156 in step S902 as shown in FIG. In step S903, the effect control CPU 86 determines that the fanfare screen is displayed based on the value of the effect control process flag. In the part for determining whether or not the fanfare period to be displayed has been shifted, in step S904, the effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not the process has shifted to the big hit period based on the value of the effect control process flag. In the specified period of the specified type, the program execution means (production The module program other than the type of the module program executed by the control CPU 86 is retransferred (for example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the program shifts to the demonstration performance period in step S902, the module program for jackpot performance in step S906) In step S903, when the transition to the fanfare period is made, in step S908, the demonstration effect module program is set as the transfer target, in step S904, when the big hit period is entered. When the variable effect module program is set as the transfer target in S907, the value of the effect process flag is “0” in Step S905, and the hold memory is “0” in Step S909. In step S910, the portion for setting the fluctuation effect module program transfer target),
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, since program data other than the type of the module program being executed in a specific period is transferred, the rewriting of the module program itself being executed is not executed. Since it is possible to avoid affecting the execution, it is possible to prevent an unintended process or an error from occurring due to these effects.

A gaming machine according to means 6 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1, means 1 to means 5,
The non-volatile memory (internal ROM 84) stores the program data including the transfer program (transfer module program stored in the internal ROM 84 as shown in FIG. 13),
The retransfer means transfers the transfer program after the transfer of the program data other than the transfer program is completed (for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the effect control CPU 86 completes the transfer in step S917). It is determined whether or not the module program determined to be a transfer module program. If the module program that has been transferred is not a transfer module program, the transfer module program is set as a transfer target).
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, in the retransfer, the transfer program being executed by the program execution means to perform the retransfer is executed at the end of the transfer. Even if this occurs, the retransfer of other program data can be completed without being affected by the unintended rewriting.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine which is the gaming machine of execution example 1 where this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example in the effect control board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern of the production | presentation symbol prepared beforehand. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a retransfer process. It is a figure for demonstrating a transfer sequence. It is a figure which shows the state which transfers the module program from built-in ROM in the microcomputer 81 for production control to built-in RAM, (a) is a transfer start, (b) is in the middle of transfer, (c) is a figure explaining completion of transfer. is there. It is a front view of the slot machine which is the game machine of Example 2 to which this invention was applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a slot machine.

  A mode for carrying out a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.

  First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as “pachinko machine 1”) as seen from the front. In the following description, the front side (player side) in FIG. 1 will be described as the front side of the pachinko machine 1, and the back side (inward side) will be described as the back side. In addition, the front surface of the pachinko machine 1 in the present embodiment is an opposing surface that faces the player when the pachinko machine 1 is viewed from the player side.

  The pachinko machine 1 is mainly composed of an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape and a front frame (not shown) attached to the outer frame so as to be openable and closable. A glass door frame 102 and a lower door frame 103 are provided on the front surface of the front frame so as to be openable and closable around one side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the upper front portion of the lower door frame 103 attached to the lower side of the glass door frame 102 is a game ball storage unit that can store pachinko balls (hitting balls) as game media (game balls). An upper plate portion 3 a having a hitting ball supply tray (also referred to as an upper plate) 3 formed on the upper surface thereof protrudes toward the front of the pachinko machine 1 (front direction of the pachinko machine 1). Also, below this upper plate portion 3a, an operation lever 600, which will be described later, is pivotally supported, and a lower plate portion 4a (also called a lower plate) 4 is formed on the upper surface. The projecting portion) is projected toward the front of the pachinko machine 1 (front direction of the pachinko machine 1). A hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing a pachinko ball is provided on the right side.

  The operation lever 600 includes an operation rod that is held by the player, and a trigger switch is provided at a predetermined position of the operation rod (for example, a position where the index finger of the operator is applied when the player holds the operation rod). A trigger button is provided. The trigger button can be operated in a predetermined direction by performing a push / pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, index finger) while the player holds the operation lever of the operation lever 600 with an operation hand (for example, the left hand). What is necessary is just to be comprised. Lever switches 510a to 510d arranged in four directions in order to detect a tilting operation with respect to the operating rod may be provided inside the main body of the lower plate 4a below the operation lever 600.

  In addition, the member that forms the upper plate 3 can be operated by a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by, for example, pressing a predetermined position on the upper surface of the upper plate 3 main body (for example, above the operation lever 600). An operation button 516 is provided. The operation button 516 may be configured to be able to detect a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from a player mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A button switch 516a (see FIG. 2) for detecting the player's operation performed on the operation button 516 may be provided inside the body of the upper plate at the installation position of the operation button 516.

  A pair of left and right speakers 27a and 27b, which will be described later, are disposed on the front left and right sides of the lower door frame 103.

  A game board 6 detachably attached to the front frame 101 is disposed on the back surface of the glass door frame 102. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. A game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6.

  In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, there is an effect display device 9 (variable display device) including a plurality of variable display areas for variable display (also referred to as variable display) of a decorative pattern for effect (also referred to as an effect pattern). 6 openings are provided. The effect display device 9 that performs variable display of decorative symbols is controlled by an effect control microcomputer 81 (see FIG. 2) mounted on the effect control board 80.

  In this embodiment, since the opaque game board 6 is used, the effect display device 9 is arranged so as to face an opening (not shown) of the game board 6, but when the transparent game board 6 is used. In this case, since the player can visually recognize the display on the effect display device 9 through the transparent game board, the opening may not be provided.

  A special symbol display (special symbol display device) 8 (see FIG. 2) for variably displaying special symbols as a plurality of types of identification information that can identify each of them is provided at predetermined locations on the game board 6. The effect display device 9 has, for example, three variable display areas (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. The effect display device 9 is a symbol for decoration (for effect) during the variable symbol display period by the special symbol indicator 8, and is an effect symbol (decorative symbol) as a plurality of types of identification information that can identify each symbol. (Also referred to as variable) display. The effect display device 9 is controlled by each device such as an effect control microcomputer 81 (see FIG. 2) mounted on an effect control board 80 (effect execution means) described later.

  The special symbol display 8 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7-segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9, for example. The special symbol display 8 includes a first special symbol display (first variation display means) 8a for variably displaying the first special symbol as the first identification information, and a second special symbol as the second identification information. A second special symbol display (second variation display means) 8b for displaying is provided.

  The variation display of the first special symbol is a variation display start condition (for example, after a game ball has won a first start opening 15a, which will be described later) after the first start condition, which is a variation display execution condition, is satisfied. When the number of reserved memories is not 0, the first special symbol fluctuation display is not executed, and the big hit game is not executed) is started and changed. When the time (variable display time) elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. In addition, the variation display of the second special symbol is a variation display start condition after the second start condition, which is the execution condition of the variation display, is satisfied (for example, the game ball has won a second start opening 15b described later). (For example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0, the display of the second special symbol is not executed, and the jackpot game is not executed) is started. When the variation time (variable display time) elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying the display result is to finally stop and display a symbol (an example of identification information).

  As will be described later, the variation display on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b and the variation (variable) display of the decorative symbol on the effect display device 9 are the same as the first special symbol display 8a. It starts in conjunction with the start of the variable display on the second special symbol display 8b and stops in conjunction with the stop of the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b. The decorative display variation (variable) display, which is identification information in the effect display device 9, also satisfies the first start condition or the second start condition that is the execution condition of the variation display (for example, After the game ball has won the first starting port 15a or the second starting port 15b, which will be described later), the start condition of the variable display (for example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0 and the first special symbol or the second special It starts based on the fact that the pattern change display is not executed and the jackpot game is not executed). When the change time (variable display time) elapses, the display result (decorative pattern The stop symbol by combination) is derived and displayed.

  Below the effect display device 9, there is provided a start winning device 15 having a first start port 15a and a second start port 15b as a winning area that can accept a pachinko ball. In the start winning device 15, the first start port 15a is provided in the upper part, and the second start port 15b is provided in the lower part. A pair of movable pieces 13 and 13 are provided on the left and right sides of the second start port 15b in such a manner that an opening / closing operation can be performed. The first start port 15a is open upward and is always in a state where a pachinko ball can enter (accept). On the other hand, the second start port 15b is provided with a structure around the first start port 15a above and the movable pieces 13 and 13 are provided on the left and right, so that the movable pieces 13 and 13 are in a closed state. When the movable pieces 13 and 13 are in an open state, the pachinko ball can enter (accept). Thus, the first start port 15a does not change the easiness of winning, and the second start port 15b changes the easiness of winning according to the opening / closing operation of the movable pieces 13, 13.

  The starting prize-winning device 15 is able to win in the state where the movable pieces 13 and 13 are in the closed state, although it is difficult to win in the second starting port 15b (that is, the pachinko ball has won a prize). It may be configured to be difficult). In addition, the start winning device 15 may be provided with only the first start port 15a that does not change the easiness of winning as a start port, and it is easy to win by opening and closing the movable pieces 13, 13. Only the second start port 15b whose height changes may be provided.

  The movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start prize-winning device 15 are driven by the solenoid 16 when an opening condition described later is satisfied, so that the movable pieces 13 and 13 are opened from the closed state for a predetermined period and then closed. When the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15 are in the open state, the pachinko ball is easy to win the second start port 15b (easy to start start) and is advantageous to the player (first state). ) On the other hand, when the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15 are in the closed state, the pachinko ball does not win the second start opening 15b (it becomes difficult to start winning), which is a disadvantageous state for the player (second state). State). The winning ball that has entered the first start port 15a is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the first start port switch 14a. The winning ball that has entered the second start port 15b is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start port switch 14b.

  The predetermined number of the game board 6 displays four numbers indicating the number of valid winning balls that have entered the first starting port switch 14a or the second starting port switch 14b, that is, the number of reserved memories (also referred to as starting memory or starting winning memory). A special symbol hold storage indicator 18 (see FIG. 2) is provided. The special symbol reservation storage display 18 displays up to four reservation storage numbers in the order of winning. The special symbol hold memory display 18 increases the stored data in the hold memory by 1 and increases the number of LEDs in the lit state by 1 every time there is a start winning in the first start port 15a or the second start port 15b. Each time the special symbol display 8 starts the variable display, the special symbol storage memory display 18 decreases the storage data of the storage by 1 and decreases the number of LEDs in the lit state by 1 (that is, one LED Is turned off. Specifically, the special symbol hold storage display 18 shifts the lighting state every time the special symbol display 8 starts the variable display. In this example, an upper limit number (up to 4) is provided for the number of reserved memories by winning to the first start port 15a or the second start port 15b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the upper limit number of the reserved storage number may be a value of 4 or more, or may be a value less than 4.

  A special variable winning ball device 20 using an opening / closing plate that is opened and closed by a solenoid 21 is provided below the start winning device 15. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is provided with a big winning opening that is opened and closed by an opening / closing plate, and the opening / closing plate is controlled to an open state (first state) advantageous to the player in the big hit gaming state, and the big hit gaming state In other states, the open / close plate is controlled to a closed state (second state) which is disadvantageous to the player. As described above, the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 satisfies the release condition when it enters the big hit gaming state. Of the winning balls that are won in the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 and guided to the back of the game board 6, the winning ball that has entered one (V winning area: special area) and the pachinko ball that has entered the other area are counted as they are. 23. A solenoid 21a (see FIG. 2) for switching the route in the special winning opening is also provided on the back of the game board 6.

  When the pachinko ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 which displays the normal symbols as a plurality of types of identification information in a variable manner is started. In this embodiment, left and right LEDs (not shown) are turned on alternately by turning on the LEDs alternately. For example, if the left LED is turned on at the end of the change display, it becomes a hit. . When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 becomes a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the opening condition of the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15 is established, and the movable pieces 13 and 13 in the start winning device 15 are 13 is opened for a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, the normal symbol holding memory display 41 (see FIG. 2) having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of memorized effective passing balls that have passed through the gate 32, that is, the starting passing memorized number. ) Is provided. Every time there is a pachinko ball passing through the gate 32, the stored data of the start passing memory is incremented by 1, and the normal symbol holding memory display 41 increments the LED to be lit by 1. Then, every time the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the stored data of the start passage memory is decreased by 1, and the LED to be lit is decreased by 1.

  The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of normal winning ports including a first normal winning port 29 and a second normal winning port 30 as a winning area of a winning device that accepts a pachinko ball and allows winning. The winning of the pachinko ball to the first normal winning opening 29 is detected by the first winning opening switch 29a. The winning of the pachinko ball in the second normal winning opening 30 is detected by the second winning opening switch 30a. The first starting port 15a, the second starting port 15b, and the big winning port also constitute a winning area of the winning device that accepts a pachinko ball and allows winning. In addition, decorative light emitting portions 25L and 25R in which decorative LEDs 25a blinking and displayed during the game are provided around the left and right of the game area 7, and an out port 26 for collecting pachinko balls that have not won a prize is provided at the bottom. There is.

  Two speakers 27L and 27R that emit sound effects are provided at the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7, and two speakers 27a and 27b that emit sound effects are provided at the left and right lower portions. In the following description, the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, and 27b may be collectively referred to as speakers 27. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top lamp module 530 in which various LEDs such as a rotating body LED are incorporated, a left light emitting unit 28L in which a left frame LED 28b (see FIG. 2) is incorporated, and a right frame LED 28c (see FIG. 2). ) Is built in. Further, a decoration LED is installed around each structure (such as a big prize opening) in the game area 7. The LED for the rotating body, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the decoration LED are examples of the decoration light emitter provided in the pachinko machine 1.

  In this example, a prize ball LED 51 that is lit during award ball payout is provided at a predetermined position of the left light emitting unit 28L, and a ball break LED 52 that is lit when a supply ball is cut is provided at a predetermined position of the right frame LED 28c. Is provided.

  Various light emitting means such as prize ball LED 51, ball-out LED 52, decoration LED 25 a, left frame LED 28 b, right frame LED 28 c, and each LED in the top lamp module 530 are based on the effect control command output from the main board 31. Lighting control (LED control) is performed based on a signal output from the computer 81. In addition, sound generation control (sound control) from the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, and 27b is also performed by the effect control microcomputer 81.

  Pachinko balls launched from a hitting ball launcher (not shown) by operating the hitting operation handle 5 of the player enter the game area 7 through the hitting guide rail (not shown), and then flow down the game area 7. When a pachinko ball enters the first start port 15a and is detected by the first start port switch 14a, or enters the second start port 15b and is detected by the second start port switch 14b, a special symbol variation display is displayed. If it can be started, the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 starts to be displayed in a variable manner. If the special symbol variable display is not ready to start, the number of reserved memories is increased by one.

  The variation display of the symbols on the special symbol display 8 and the effect display device 9 stops when the variation time set every time the variation display is performed. If the symbol at the time of stop (stop symbol) is a jackpot symbol (also referred to as a jackpot display result) as a specific display result, it will be a jackpot and the game will shift to a jackpot gaming state. In the big hit gaming state, the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is released until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, ten) of pachinko balls wins. Then, if the pachinko ball wins the V winning area while the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is opened and is detected by the count switch 23, a continuation right is generated and the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is permitted with a predetermined number of times such as 15 rounds as an upper limit value. Such control is called repeated continuation control. In the repeated continuation control, a state in which the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 is opened is called a round.

  When the symbols on the special symbol display unit 8 and the effect display device 9 at the time of stoppage are predetermined special jackpot symbols (probable variation jackpot symbols) out of the jackpot symbols, it is determined that the jackpot is made after the jackpot gaming state. This is a more advantageous state for the player in a probability variation state (hereinafter referred to as a probability variation state) in which the probability (big hit probability) is higher than the normal game state, which is a normal state different from the big hit game state. Hereinafter, the probability variation state is also referred to as a high probability state (sometimes abbreviated as a high probability state). Further, the non-probable change state is also referred to as a low probability state (sometimes abbreviated as a low probability state).

  Also, if the symbol display result when the variable display on the special symbol display 8 and the effect display device 9 is stopped is a probable large hit symbol, the variable time is reduced after the big hit gaming state and the time is shortened for a predetermined period. Is controlled over a period of time. Compared to the normal gaming state, the time-short state is the variation display time of each of the special symbol display device 8, the effect display device 9, and the normal symbol display device 10 (the time from the start of variation to the time when the display result is derived and displayed). ) Is a control state in which display results are derived and displayed at an early stage. Further, during the time-short state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time of the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15 is lengthened and the number of times of opening is increased. In other words, so-called electric Chu support control is executed. During the time-short state, since the display time of the symbol variation is shortened, the number of reserved memories to be described later is digested early, and the start winning that occurs exceeding the upper limit (for example, “4”) of the number of reserved memories becomes invalid. Since it is easy to derive and display the jackpot display result early in the short term, it is easy to derive and display the jackpot display result early, so the display result of the variable display is likely to become the display result of the jackpot symbol from a time efficient viewpoint It becomes a gaming state advantageous to the player. As described above, in the case of a probable big hit, the high probability state and the short time state are controlled in a predetermined period after the end of the big hit gaming state. The short-time state over a predetermined period after the end of the jackpot gaming state is either the time when the next jackpot gaming state occurs or until a special symbol and effect symbol change display is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). Continue until one of the conditions is met.

  Also, when considering the payout of pachinko balls according to the winning, the time-short state is shorter than the non-time-short state and the normal symbol variation display time is shortened, and the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol. The probability is increased, the opening time of the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15 at the time of winning is lengthened, and the number of times of opening the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the starting winning device 15 at the time of hitting is increased. Based on this, the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15 are likely to be in an open state as compared with the normal gaming state. Accordingly, in the short-time state, it is easy to generate a prize (including both a case where the start prize is valid and a case where the prize is invalid) in the second start port 15b, so the number of pachinko balls ( The ratio of the number of pachinko balls (the number of balls to be paid out) to be paid out as winning balls according to the winning is greater than the number of hitting balls) compared to the normal gaming state. In general, the ratio of the number of paid-out balls for winning a prize to the number of shot balls is called “base”. For example, when there are 40 payout balls with respect to 100 shot balls, the base is 40 (%). In the case of this embodiment, for example, a time-short state having a higher base than a non-time-short state such as a normal gaming state is called a high base state, and conversely, a base game state having a lower base compared to such a high base state. Such a non-short-time state is called a low base state.

  In this way, the ratio of the number of award balls paid out by winning a prize to the number of balls launched is generally called “base”, but the maximum number of pachinko balls fired per unit time such as 1 minute is limited to a certain number. ing. For this reason, the “base” can also be indicated by a total value of the number of winning balls paid out by winning a plurality of winning openings provided in the game area in a unit time. For example, assuming that the maximum number of pachinko balls fired per unit time is 100, the total number of award balls paid out by winning in a unit time matches the general “base” value. Based on such relevance, in the present embodiment, each of the first start port 15a, the second start port 15b, the first normal winning port 29, and the second normal winning port 30 is an abnormality monitoring target winning port, A total value of the number of paid-out balls of the winning ball due to the winning of the abnormality monitoring target winning opening is called a base, and is used as an object of abnormality monitoring regarding winning.

  Whether the probability variation state (high probability state) or the non-probability variation state (low probability state) is determined based on whether or not the probability variation flag, which is a flag set in the probability variation state, is set. . Also, whether the time-short state (high base state) or the non-time-short state (low base state) is determined based on whether or not the time-short flag, which is a flag set in the time-short state, is set. Is done.

  In addition, in the state that is not controlled to the above-mentioned time-short state, every time the number of special symbols on-hold storage exceeds a predetermined number, the memory that controls the memory variation shortened state that shortens the variation display time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol Variation shortening control is performed. The memory fluctuation shortening control ends when the number of reserved symbols for special symbols is less than a predetermined number. Therefore, even in a state where the time-short state is not controlled, there is a case where the variation display time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is shortened.

  The effect symbols that are variably displayed in the effect display device 9 are decorations that are variably displayed with a predetermined relationship with the variability display of the special symbols in order to enhance the decoration effect of the variability display of the special symbols on the special symbol display 8. It is a symbol with a special meaning. The predetermined relationship for such symbols includes, for example, the relationship that the variation display of the effect symbol starts when the variation display of the special symbol is started, and the display result of the special symbol at the end of the variation display of the special symbol. This includes a relationship in which the display result of the effect symbol is derived and displayed when the variation display of the effect symbol is terminated. When the special symbol display unit 8 derives and displays a predetermined jackpot symbol as a display result, the effect display device 9 derives and displays the combination of the jackpot symbol with left, middle and right symbols as a display result. The Such a display result of the jackpot symbol by the special symbol and the display result of the combination of the jackpot symbol by the effect symbol are referred to as a jackpot display result.

  The special symbol display 8 and the effect display device 9 have the correspondence relationship as described above, and therefore, in the following description, they may be collectively referred to as a variation display unit.

  Next, the reach display mode (reach) will be described. The reach display mode (reach) in the present embodiment means that the symbols that have not been stopped when the stopped symbols constitute a part of the jackpot symbol, and that all or This is a state where some symbols are synchronously displayed while constituting all or part of the jackpot symbol.

  For example, in the effect display device 9, an effective line (one effective line in the case of this embodiment) that becomes a big hit when the symbol stops is determined in advance, and a part of the display area on the effective line is preliminarily set. A state in which the variable display is performed in the display area on the active line that has not been stopped when the predetermined symbol is stopped (for example, among the left, middle, and right variable display areas in the effect display device 9) The left and right display areas are stopped and the same display is still displayed, and the middle display area is still in the variable display mode), and all or part of the display area on the active line A state in which all or a part of the jackpot symbol is formed and is displayed in a synchronized manner (for example, the left, middle, and right display areas in the effect display device 9 are displayed in a varying manner and are always the same. The state) variable display in a state where the handle is aligned is made that reach the display mode or reach.

  Also, during the reach, an unusual effect may be performed with LEDs or sounds. This production is called reach production. Further, in the case of reach, a character (an effect display imitating a person or the like, which is different from a design (decoration design, etc.)) or a display mode (for example, a color etc.) of the background image of the effect display device 9 is displayed. ) May change. This change in character display and background display mode is called reach effect display. In addition, some reach is set so that when it appears, a big hit is likely to occur compared to a normal reach. Such special (specific) reach is called super reach.

  In addition, with respect to the effect display device 9, there is a case where a jackpot notice effect such as a pseudo-ream for notifying that there is a possibility of winning a big hit in a variable display that triggers the occurrence of the big hit may be performed.

  In this embodiment, as a big hit, a plurality of types of big hits such as a normal big hit C and a probable big hit A are provided as will be described later. In the following description, when “big hit” is simply indicated without specifying the types of big hits, it is a case where these multiple types of big hits are representatively shown.

  Normally, the big hit C is a big hit (non-probable big hit) that becomes a low probability state and a low base state by not being in the above-mentioned probability change state after the end of the big hit gaming state and not being in a time-short state. Such a state with a low probability state and a low base state is called a low probability low base state. The probability variation jackpot A is a jackpot that becomes a probability variation state after the end of the jackpot gaming state and is in a high probability state in which the time is short for a predetermined period and in a high base state. Such a state with a high probability state and a high base state is referred to as a highly accurate high base state. After the probability variation big hit, when the predetermined period elapses, the time reduction state ends, and the state becomes a high probability state and a low base state. Such a state having a high probability state and a low base state is referred to as a high probability low base state.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the main board 31. 2 also shows the payout control board 37 and the effect control board 80 mounted on the pachinko machine 1. The main board (game control board) 31 includes a game control microcomputer 156 serving as a basic circuit (corresponding to game control means) for controlling the pachinko machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 32a, a first start port switch 14a, Input that gives various signals such as a power-off signal and a clear signal to the game control microcomputer 156 in addition to signals from the second start port switch 14b, the count switch 23, the first winning port switch 29a, and the second winning port switch 30a. The circuit 58, the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15, the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20, and the solenoid 21a for switching the path in the special winning opening are micro-game control. An output circuit 59 driven in accordance with a command from the computer 156; It has been mounting.

  The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a power supply board (not shown), and this power supply board is provided with a reset circuit (not shown) that gives a system reset signal when the power is turned on. The game control microcomputer 156 on the main board 31 is supplied with a system reset signal from a reset circuit on the power board when the power is turned on. Also, a system reset signal is given to the effect control microcomputer 81 of the effect control board 80, which will be described later, from the reset circuit of the power supply board when the power is turned on.

  The game control microcomputer 156 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means (variation data storage means for storing fluctuation data) used as a work memory, and a program. Therefore, it includes a CPU 56 that is a processor that performs a control operation, and an I / O port 57. The game control microcomputer 156 is a one-chip microcomputer.

  In the game control microcomputer 156, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program stored in the ROM 54. Therefore, the execution (or processing) of the game control microcomputer 156 as described below specifically means that the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31. The game control means is realized by a game control microcomputer 156 including a CPU 56.

  The game control microcomputer 156 includes a clock circuit that generates a clock signal, a reset controller, a random number circuit, and a CTC that sends an interrupt request signal to the CPU 56.

  The random number circuit is a hardware circuit that is used to generate a random number for determination to determine whether or not to win a jackpot based on the display result of the variation display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol. The random number circuit updates numerical data in accordance with a set update rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set, and at random timing. Based on the fact that the start winning time generated is the time of reading (extracting) the numerical data, it has a random number generation function in which the numerical data to be read becomes a random value.

  The game control microcomputer 156 reads the numerical data from the random number circuit as a random number value R (random R) when a start winning to the first start port switch 14a or the second start port switch 14b occurs, and converts the numerical data into the numerical data. Based on this, it is determined whether or not to make a jackpot display result as a specific display result, that is, whether or not to make a jackpot. When it is determined that the game is a big hit, the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state advantageous to the player. The determination as to whether or not to win is actually executed based on the random number value extracted at the time of starting winning at the start of the variation display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol. Whether the random number generated by the random number circuit is a big hit, such as a random number for probability variation determination for determining whether or not to make a probability variation, and a random number for variation pattern determination for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol. It may be used as a random number for determination other than determination.

  The clock circuit outputs a system clock signal to the CPU 56, and outputs a reference clock signal CLK having a predetermined period generated by dividing the system clock signal to each random number circuit. When a low level signal is input for a certain period, the reset controller outputs a predetermined initialization signal to the CPU 56 and each random number circuit to reset the game control microcomputer 156 as a system.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a volatile storage means that is partly or wholly backed up by a backup power source created on a power supply board (not shown). That is, even when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is stopped, even when the power supply is cut off, a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied) or a part of the RAM 55 All contents are saved. In particular, at least data corresponding to the control state of the game (special symbol process flag or the like) and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the RAM 55 as backup data. The data corresponding to the control state is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like.

  Further, a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board (not shown) has dropped below a predetermined value is input to the input circuit 58. The power-off signal is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 156 via the input circuit 58. A clear signal indicating that the clear switch for instructing clearing of the contents of the RAM is operated is input to the input circuit 58 at the input port of the game control microcomputer 156. The clear signal is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 156 via the input circuit 58.

  Each of the plurality of switches is connected to the input port of the game control microcomputer 156 via the input circuit 58. Thereby, the game control microcomputer 156 receives an input detection signal indicating the input state of each switch from each of the plurality of switches.

  Further, the output circuit 78 mounted on the game control microcomputer 156 transmits (outputs) the effect control command output by the CPU 56 to the effect control board 80. The output circuit 78 transmits (outputs) a control signal output from the CPU 56 to the special symbol display 8, the special symbol hold storage display 18, the normal symbol display 10, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41.

  The game control microcomputer 156 outputs an effect control command (effect control signal) as a control signal for instructing the effect control board 80 to perform effect control including display control, sound control, and LED control. Send through.

  The effect control commands transmitted to the effect control board 80 by the game control microcomputer 156 include a customer waiting demo designation command and a variable display command.

  The customer waiting demonstration designation command is an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating the display during the customer waiting demonstration by the game control microcomputer 156, and a predetermined time has elapsed after the change of the special symbol is finished. When the customer waiting demo designation command is sent to the effect control board 80, a predetermined customer waiting demo screen is displayed on the effect display device 9. In other words, normally, when a player changes, there is a period in which the player is absent, so it is assumed that these waiting-for-demo demonstration designation commands are due to the player changing. When it is output.

  The variation display command is an effect control command transmitted at the start of variation in order to specify a variation pattern of the decorative symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 corresponding to the variation display of the special symbol. Is a command to specify.

  The effect control board 80 receives an effect control command from the game control microcomputer 156, and performs an effect display display control and an effect sound (effect sound) output control on the effect display device 9. 81 etc. are mounted.

  In this embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 81 mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command from the game control microcomputer 156, and the display control of the effect display device 9 displays the effect symbols in a variable manner. And sound output control from the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, 27b.

  In addition, the effect control microcomputer 81 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects the detection signals from the lever switches 510a to 510d and the button switch 516a, thereby operating the operation lever 600 and the player of the operation button 516. Detects operations by.

  In addition, the production control microcomputer 81 performs display control of the stage LED 25b provided on the game board 6, and the prize ball LED 51, the ball cut LED 52, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c provided on the frame side, Moreover, lighting control of each LED in the top lamp module 530 is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the effect control board 80 includes an effect control microcomputer 86 including an effect control CPU 86 (effect control means, program execution means) and a RAM 85. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 86 operates in accordance with various module programs (program data) stored in the built-in ROM 84 and the built-in RAM 85, and receives an effect control command via the input circuit 260, as will be described later. To do. Among these, the ROM 84 stores data relating to images displayed on the effect display device 9 in various effects, a time chart such as display start timing and end timing, and the like for each effect type.

  Here, the built-in ROM 84 is a non-volatile memory such as a PROM or a flash memory in which various module programs are stored in a non-rewritable manner. The built-in RAM 85 can store various module programs in a rewritable manner, and is a volatile memory such as an SDRAM in which the read speed of the stored various module programs is faster than the built-in ROM 84 (nonvolatile memory). . As will be described later, in the effect control microcomputer 81 to which the present invention is applied, various module programs stored in the internal ROM 84 are transferred to the internal RAM 84 in order to improve the processing speed of the program in the effect control CPU 86. The effect control CPU 86 executes various module programs stored in the RAM 84. In the present embodiment, the built-in ROM 84 and the built-in RAM 84 may be an external ROM or external RAM that is locally connected to the CPU 86.

  The built-in ROM 84 includes a startup module program executed when the power is turned on, a transfer module program (transfer program) for transferring various module programs stored in the built-in ROM 84 to the built-in RAM 84, a VDP 262 and a sound processing IC 173, which will be described later. An initialization module program (initialization program) for executing initialization of a built-in device on the presentation control board 80, a jackpot presentation module program for executing a jackpot presentation, a demonstration presentation module program for executing a demonstration presentation, and a variable presentation Various module programs such as a variation effect module program to be executed are stored (see FIG. 13).

  Further, the effect control CPU 86 causes the VDP (video display processor) 262 to generate an image to be displayed on the effect display device 9 and adjust the light emission intensity of the backlight 9c based on the effect control command. Display control processing for performing display control is performed.

  The effect control board 80 is equipped with a WDT (watchdog timer) 88, and a service pulse signal output every predetermined period from the effect control CPU 86 of the effect control microcomputer 81 is input to the WDT 88. It has come to be. The WDT 88 measures a predetermined period (500 ms in the present embodiment) by the built-in timing means (see FIG. 12). If no service pulse signal is input within the predetermined period, that is, effect control. The WDT 88 gives a user reset signal to the effect control CPU 86 when the operation of the effect control CPU 86 of the microcomputer 81 stops for a certain period of time or when the service pulse signal cannot be output due to runaway due to abnormal processing. It has become. That is, it is possible to monitor whether or not the effect control CPU 86 is operating normally by the WDT 88. If the effect control CPU 86 stops operating normally, the effect is forcibly provided by giving a user reset signal. The control CPU 86 can be reset. The WDT 88 constitutes the operation monitoring means in this embodiment.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 262 that performs display control of the effect display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 81 is mounted on the effect control board 80.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the VDP 262 is a CGROM 205 that stores data such as characters (image data such as people, animals, characters, figures, symbols, and CG data) as image element data used as sprite images, a frame A display control circuit is configured together with SDRAM 210 (synchronous DRAM) used as a buffer area (VRAM area).

  The effect control CPU 86 outputs a command for reading out necessary data from the CGROM 205 to the VDP 262 in accordance with the received effect control command. The CGROM 205 stores character image data and moving image data displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, person, characters, figures, symbols, etc. (including decorative designs), and background image image data. It is ROM for storing. The VDP 262 reads the image data from the CGROM 205 in response to a command from the effect control CPU 86. The VDP 262 performs display control based on the read image data.

  The VDP 262 is a system register 202 that stores various settings of the VDP 262, and attributes (parameters used when drawing the character. The drawing order of the character, the number of colors, the scaling ratio, the palette number, the coordinates, etc. Attribute register 203 for storing (designated data), drawing control unit 206 for controlling drawing of an image in the drawing area of the frame buffer area, and data for controlling transfer of CG data stored in the CGROM 205 to the frame buffer area The transfer control unit 211 outputs a video signal (R (red), G (green), B (blue)) signal and a synchronization signal for displaying image data stored in a display area (to be described later) of the frame buffer area. Display control unit 213, analog video signal output from display control unit 213 An integrated circuit such as a DA converter 214 and 215 is mounted to output the effect display device 9 converts the item.

  A system bus and a CG bus are provided inside the VDP 262. The system bus and the CG bus are connected to the CPU 86 of the effect control microcomputer 81 via the CPU interface 201, and the CG bus is a CG bus interface. It is connected to the CGROM 205 via 204. A system register 202 is connected to the system bus, and an attribute register 203 is connected to the CG bus, so that the CPU 86 can access the system register 202 and the attribute register 203.

  The drawing control unit 206, the data transfer control unit 211, and the display control unit 213 are connected to the system bus so that the system register 202 can be accessed. The drawing control unit 206 and the data transfer control unit 211 are connected to the CG bus so that the CGROM 205 and the attribute register 203 can be accessed.

  Further, a VRAM bus is further provided inside the VDP 262, and the VRAM bus is connected to the SDRAM 210 via the VRAM bus interface 209. A drawing control unit 206, a data transfer control unit 211, and a display control unit 213 are connected to the VRAM bus so that the frame buffer area of the SDRAM 210 can be accessed via the VRAM bus.

  The system register 202 includes a system control register for storing instructions such as initial setting, drawing, and data transfer, an interrupt control register for storing an interrupt signal output instruction to be described later, a drawing area in the frame buffer area, a palette data A drawing register for storing an arrangement area, a transfer source address at the time of data transfer, a data transfer register for storing a transfer destination address, a display register for storing a display area in the frame buffer area, and the like are allocated.

  The CPU interface 201 outputs a V blank interrupt signal to the CPU 86 at every start of V blank (an image update period), and outputs various other interrupt signals to the CPU 86. The display control unit 213 performs display processing for outputting image data in the frame buffer area specified by the display register as a video signal.

  The frame buffer area of the SDRAM 210 includes a palette area in which palette data is arranged, a character buffer in which necessary characters are read from the CGROM 205 and stored, and palette data (when the drawing control unit 206 draws an image). Each area such as a CG buffer for temporarily storing CG data when the drawing control unit 206 draws an image is allocated. ing.

  As described above, the effect control CPU 86 can access the system register 202 and the attribute register 203 via the CPU interface 201, and these systems according to the process data defining the display pattern of the effect display device 9 described above. By storing execution instructions and necessary data in the register 202 and the attribute register 203, the VDP 262 is indirectly controlled.

  In the process data, the setting contents that the effect control CPU 86 performs on the system register 202 and the attribute register 203 are determined for each V blank. The setting contents of the system register 202 include drawing, data transfer commands, CG data and palette data for performing data transfer, and attribute settings. The setting contents of the attribute register 203 are attributes, that is, parameters used when drawing a character.

  In the process data, an attribute is set so that the image is updated every V blank. For this reason, the image is updated every V blank.

  Here, the drawing control will be briefly described. In order for the drawing control unit 206 to perform drawing processing, it is necessary that characters necessary for drawing be arranged in the frame buffer area. In other words, it is necessary to place a character serving as the source data of the sprite image in the frame buffer area.

  For this reason, when executing various effects, the effect control CPU 86 issues a transfer command from the CGROM 205 to the frame buffer area for all characters necessary for executing the effects. As a result, the data transfer control unit 211 arranges all the characters necessary for the performance in the frame buffer area. When performing an effect, the same character is often used for drawing repeatedly, but the data stored in the CGROM 205 is compressed, and it takes time to read it. By arranging all necessary characters in the frame buffer area at the first stage of performing the performance, the time required for drawing can be reduced compared to reading data from the CGROM 205 for each frame. In this embodiment, when the effect control CPU 86 executes the effect, a transfer command from the CGROM 205 to the frame buffer area for all the characters necessary for reproducing the moving image is issued. A character transfer command may be issued each time.

  Further, in order for the drawing control unit 206 to perform drawing processing, it is necessary to set an attribute in the attribute register 203. Since the attribute is different for each V blank, the attribute according to the process data is stored in the attribute register 203 for each V blank.

  Then, after starting the production, the production control CPU 86 sets an attribute in the attribute register 203 for each V blank, and then commands execution of reading of the attribute. Along with this, the drawing control unit 206 reads the attribute of the attribute register 203 and instructs the output of the reading end interrupt signal when the reading is completed. In response to this, the effect control CPU 86 commands execution of drawing, and the drawing control unit 206 draws image data in the drawing area in accordance with the read attribute. In the case of variable display, the rendering load of the effect control CPU 86 is large, and display data is reproduced without rendering during the big hit period or the demonstration effect period, so the processing load of the effect control CPU 86 is reduced. Yes.

  In this embodiment, the sound processing IC 173 and the D / A converter IC 177 that generate sounds output from the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, and 27b in cooperation with the production control microcomputer 81 (CPU 86), and the A digital amplifier 175 that amplifies the sound signal (generated sound) converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter IC 177 is mounted on the effect control board 80, and the CPU 86 is based on the effect control command from the main board 31. The sound number (ID) data is output to the sound processing IC 173, and the sound corresponding to the sound number (ID) data is generated by the sound processing IC 173.

  When the sound number data is input from the production control microcomputer 81, the sound processing IC 173 individually outputs the sound and sound effect corresponding to the input sound number data for each speaker 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b. And output to the digital amplifier 175. The digital amplifier 175 amplifies the output level of the D / A converter IC 177 to a volume corresponding to the volume level set by the production control microcomputer 81 (CPU 86), and outputs the amplified volume to each speaker 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a sound data ROM 174 is locally connected to the sound processing IC 173. In the sound data ROM 174, the speakers 27R, 27L for outputting sounds corresponding to various effects performed by the effect commands corresponding to the sound number (ID) data in association with the sound number (ID) data. Sound control data for each of 27a and 27b is stored. In other words, these sound control data are output from the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, and 27b during the production period (for example, the decorative symbol variation period) (volume level, position where the sound image is localized, echo) This is a collection of data in which the presence or absence of an effect, etc.) is described along with the sound source data in time series.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 81, the audio processing IC 173, and the VDP 262 are individually mounted on the effect control board 80.

  Next, the fluctuation pattern in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation pattern of the effect symbols prepared in advance. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, non-reach PA1-0 to non-reach as a variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variation display result is “losing” and the variation display mode of the effect symbol is “non-reach”. A variation pattern of PA1-4 is prepared. In addition, as a variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variation display result is “losing” and the variation display mode of the effect symbol is “reach”, normal PA2-1 (normal reach A) to normal PA2-2 (normal reach B), normal Fluctuation patterns of PB2-1, normal PB2-3 (normal reach A), normal PB2-2, normal PB2-4 (normal reach B), and super PB3-1 to super PB3-2 are prepared. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, about the fluctuation pattern of non-reach PA1-4 which is used when not reaching and has a pseudo-continuous effect, re-change is performed twice. Of the fluctuation patterns that are used for reaching and have a pseudo-continuous effect, when normal PB2-1 and normal PB2-2 are used, re-variation is performed twice. Of the fluctuation patterns used for reaching and accompanied by pseudo-continuous effects, when normal PB2-3 and normal PB2-4 are used, re-variation is performed three times.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, normal PA2-3 (normal reach A) to normal PA2-4 are used as the variation patterns corresponding to the case where the variation display result of the special symbol is a big hit symbol or a small hit symbol. (Normal reach B), normal PB2-5 and normal PB2-7 (normal reach A), normal PB2-6 and normal PB2-8 (normal reach B), super PB3-4 to super PB3-5, special PG1-1 to special PG1 -3, special PG2-1 (normal reach A) to special PG2-2 (normal reach B) variation patterns are prepared. In FIG. 4, the fluctuation patterns of special PG1-1 to special PG1-3 and special PG2-1 to special PG2-2 are fluctuation patterns used when the probability variation big hit B or small hit, and the probability variation big hit. In the case of B or small hit, the variation pattern of the special PG 2-1 including the reach effect of the normal reach A and the special PG 2-2 including the reach effect of the normal reach B may be determined. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, when normal PB2-1 and normal PB2-2 are used among the fluctuation patterns that are used when the probability big hit B or the small hit is not used, and accompanied by pseudo-continuous effects, the re-variation is 2 Performed once. Of the fluctuation patterns used for reaching and accompanied by pseudo-continuous effects, when normal PB2-3 and normal PB2-4 are used, re-variation is performed three times. Further, the fluctuation pattern of the special PG1-3 and the special PG2-2, which is used in the case of the probable big hit B or the small hit and accompanied with the effect of the pseudo-ream, is re-varied twice.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, when the variation time is fixedly determined according to the type of variation pattern (for example, when there is no non-reach reduction, it is fixed at 6.75 seconds). In the case of Super Reach A, the fluctuation time is fixed at 22.75 seconds). For example, even in the case of the same type of Super Reach, the fluctuation time depends on the total number of pending storage. May be different. For example, even with the same type of super reach, the variation time may be shortened as the total number of pending storage increases. Further, for example, even in the case of the same type of super reach, the variation time may be varied depending on the number of reserved storage. In this case, a separate determination table is prepared for each value of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number (for example, the variation pattern determination table for the reserved memory numbers 0 to 2 and the reserved memory numbers 3 and 4 And the variation pattern determination table may be prepared) and the determination table may be selected according to the value of the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number to vary the variation time.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 156. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) for designating a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the variation display of the special symbol. (Corresponding to variation pattern XX, respectively) That is, when a unique number is assigned to each of the usable variation patterns shown in FIG. 4, there is a variation pattern command corresponding to each variation pattern specified by the number. “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when the effect control microcomputer 81 receives the command 80XX (H), the effect display device 9 controls the effect display device 9 to start displaying the effect symbols in a variable manner.

  Commands 8C01 (H) to 8C04 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit and the type of the big win. The effect control microcomputer 81 determines the display result of the effect symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C04 (H), so the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C04 (H) are referred to as display result designation commands.

  Command 8D01 (H) is an effect control command (first symbol variation designation command) indicating that the variation display of the first special symbol is started. Command 8D02 (H) is an effect control command (second symbol variation designation command) indicating that the variation display of the second special symbol is started. The first symbol variation designation command and the second symbol variation designation command may be collectively referred to as a special symbol specifying command (or symbol variation designation command). Note that information indicating whether to start the variable display of the first special symbol or the variable display of the second special symbol may be included in the variable pattern command.

  The command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the effect symbol variation display is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. When receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control microcomputer 81 terminates the effect symbol variation display and derives and displays the display result.

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization designation command: power-on designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the gaming control microcomputer 156 transmits a power failure recovery designation command if data is stored in the backup RAM, and if not, initialization designation is performed. Send a command.

  Command 95XX (H) is an effect control command (winning time determination result designation command) indicating the contents of the winning time determination result. In this embodiment, in the winning effect processing, the game control microcomputer 156 determines which variation pattern type is to be used when starting winning. Then, a value for specifying the variation pattern type as the determination result is set in the EXT data of the determination result specifying result command at the time of winning, and control for transmitting to the effect control microcomputer 81 is performed.

  Command 9F00 (H) is an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  Command A001 (H) is an effect control command (probability big hit A start designation command: fanfare 1 designation command) for designating display of a big hit start screen (fanfare screen). Command A002 (H) is an effect control command (probability big hit B start designation command: fanfare 2 designation command) for designating display of a big hit start screen (fanfare screen). Command A003 (H) is an effect control command (normal jackpot C start designation command: fanfare 3 designation command) for designating display of a big hit start screen (fanfare screen).

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a special winning opening) indicating a display of the number of times (round) indicated by XX while the special winning opening is open. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  The command A301 (H) displays a jackpot end screen (ending screen), that is, designates the end of the jackpot game, and also designates an effect control command (probable change jackpot A end designation command: Ending 1 designation command). The command A302 (H) displays a jackpot end screen (ending screen), that is, designates the end of the jackpot game, and also specifies an effect control command (probable variation jackpot B end designation command: Ending 2 designation command). The command A303 (H) displays a jackpot end screen (ending screen), that is, designates the end of the jackpot game, and designates that the normal jackpot C is normal (normal jackpot C end designation command: Ending 3 designation command).

  In the present embodiment, the big hit start screen of the probability big hit B designated by the command A002 (H) and the big hit start screen of the normal big hit C designated by the command A003 (H) are the same start screen. The big hit end screen of probability variation big hit B specified by command A302 (H) and the big hit end screen of normal big hit C specified by command A303 (H) are the same screen. Specifically, the probability variation big hit B and the normal big hit C start screen are the same display screens, and the probability variation big hit B and the normal big hit C big hit end screens are the same type of display screens. Normally, it is difficult to specify which of the big hits C has occurred, and it is a screen that suggests that there is a possibility that the probability change big hit B has occurred and the gaming state has shifted to the probability change state (high probability low base state). ing.

  Command B000 (H) is an effect control command (normal state designation command) that designates that the gaming state is a normal state. Command B001 (H) is an effect control command (time-short state designation command) for designating that the gaming state is the time-short state. Command B002 (H) is an effect control command (probability change state designation command) for designating that the gaming state is a probability change (high probability) state.

  Command C0XX (H) is an effect control command (first reserved memory number designation command) for designating the first reserved memory number. “XX” in the command C0XX (H) indicates the first reserved storage number. Command C1XX (H) is an effect control command (second reserved memory number designation command) that designates the second reserved memory number. “XX” in the command C1XX (H) indicates the second reserved storage number. The command C2XX (H) is an effect control command (total pending storage number designation command) for designating the total pending storage number of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. “XX” in the command C2XX (H) indicates the total pending storage number.

  In this embodiment, regardless of the game state (for example, whether the game is in a high probability state, a high base state, or whether the game is a big hit game), a start winning is generated and held. Each time the storage is performed, a winning determination process is executed, and a winning determination result designation command shown in FIG. 5 is always transmitted. Then, based on the received winning determination result designation command, the production control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not a big hit or super-reach will occur before the display of the subject change notice is started. There is a case where a hold notice to be notified is executed.

  The effect control microcomputer 81 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 156 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the effect display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 5, the display state of the lamp is changed, or the sound number data is output to the sound processing IC 173.

  For example, the game control microcomputer 156 designates the variation pattern of the effect symbol every time there is a start prize and the variation display of the special symbol is started on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. The variation pattern command and the display result designation command are transmitted to the production control microcomputer 81.

  In this embodiment, the effect control command has a 2-byte structure, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always set to “0”. Note that such a command form is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

  In addition, as the transmission method of the effect control command, the effect control command data is output from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77 by the eight parallel signal lines of the effect control signals CD0 to CD7, In addition to the effect control command data, a method of outputting a pulse-shaped (rectangular wave) capture signal (effect control INT signal) for instructing capture of the effect control command data is used. The 8-bit effect control command data of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control microcomputer 81 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interrupt process.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the variation pattern command and the display result designation command are displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b. It can be used in common with the change display of the effect symbol corresponding to the change of the second special symbol, and controls the effect parts such as the effect display device 9 that performs the effect according to the change display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. In this case, the types of commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 156 to the effect control microcomputer 81 can be prevented from increasing.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. When power is supplied to the pachinko machine 1 and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high, and the game control microcomputer 156 (specifically, the CPU 56) After executing a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, a main process (not shown) after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). After initialization of the built-in device (CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port), which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) is performed (step S4), the RAM is accessible (Step S5). In the interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This mode indicates an interrupt address.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal (clear signal) of a clear switch (for example, mounted on the power supply board) input via the input port (step S6). When the ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S10 to S15).

  If the clear switch is not on, check whether data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped (Step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process.

  When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process has been performed, the CPU 56 performs data check of the backup RAM area (step S8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in step S8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 recovers the game state restoration process (steps S41 to S43) for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Process). Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain as they are. The part that should not be initialized is, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, time reduction flag, etc.), and the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer) ), A portion in which data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Then, the process proceeds to step S14. In this embodiment, the CPU 56 also transmits, to the effect control board 80, a total pending storage number designation command in which the value of the total pending storage number counter stored in the backup RAM is set in the process of step S43.

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether the data in the backup RAM area is stored using both the backup flag and the check data, but only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity for executing the game state restoration process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The RAM clear process initializes predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a random number for normal symbol determination) to 0, but an arbitrary value or a predetermined value It may be initialized to. Alternatively, the entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, data of a count value of a counter for generating a random number for normal symbol determination) may be left as it is. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing in steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol per-determining random number counter, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, and other flags for selectively performing processing according to the control state are initialized. Value is set.

  In addition, the CPU 56 initializes a sub board (a board on which a microcomputer other than the main board 31 is mounted). An initialization designation command (a command indicating that the game control microcomputer 156 has executed initialization processing). Is also transmitted to the sub-board (step S13). For example, when the effect control microcomputer 81 receives the initialization designation command, the effect display device 9 performs screen display for notifying that the control of the gaming machine has been initialized, that is, initialization notification.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initial setting of the random number circuit 503 (step S14). For example, the CPU 56 performs setting according to the random number circuit setting program to cause the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R.

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 156 so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every predetermined time (for example, 1 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 1 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 1 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the stop symbol of the special symbol when it is not a big hit, or a random number for determining whether to reach when it is not a big hit, The random number update process is a process for updating the count value of a counter for generating a display random number. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number determines the initial value of the count value of a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to win a normal symbol (ordinary random number generation counter for normal symbol determination). It is a random number to do. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 156 controls itself a game device such as an effect display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the gaming machine. In the process of transmitting a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, or a game machine control process), the count value of the random number for determination per normal symbol is one round (the random number for determination per normal symbol is taken). When the value is incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value of the possible values), an initial value is set in the counter.

  In this embodiment, the reach effect is executed using an effect symbol (decorative symbol) that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9. Further, when the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the reach effect is always executed. When the display result of the special symbol is not a jackpot symbol, the game control microcomputer 156 determines whether or not to execute the reach effect by lottery using a random number. However, it is the production control microcomputer 81 that actually executes the reach production control.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process in steps S20 to S34 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output, for example, when a power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a decrease in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal is output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals of the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 14a, the second start port switch 14b, and the count switch 23 are input via the input circuit 58, and the state determination is performed (switch processing: step S21). .

  Next, the CPU 56 performs display control to perform display control of the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41. Processing is executed (step S22). About the 1st special symbol display 8a, the 2nd special symbol display 8b, and the normal symbol display 10, a drive signal is output with respect to each display according to the content of the output buffer set by step S32, S33. Execute control.

  Also, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each random number for determination such as a random number for determination per ordinary symbol used for game control is performed (determination random number update process: step S23). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (initial value random number update process, display random number update process: steps S24 and S25).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S26). In the special symbol process, corresponding processing is executed in accordance with a special symbol process flag for controlling the first special symbol indicator 8a, the second special symbol indicator 8b, and the big prize opening in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 81 (effect control command control process: step S28).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the first start port switch 14a, the second start port switch 14b, and the count switch 23 (step S30). Specifically, the payout control micro board mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to winning detection based on any one of the first start port switch 14a, the second start port switch 14b and the count switch 23 being turned on. A payout control command (prize ball number signal) indicating the number of prize balls is output to the computer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 relates to solenoid on / off in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. Is output to the output port (step S31: output process).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S32). For example, if the variation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag set in the special symbol process is set, the CPU 56, for example, every 0.2 seconds passes. Then, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by one. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer, whereby the first special symbol display unit 8a and the second special symbol display unit 8b The variable display of the second special symbol is executed.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, when the start flag related to the variation of the normal symbol is set, the CPU 56 switches the display state (“◯” and “×”) for the variation rate of the normal symbol every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set. With such a speed, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating “◯” and 0 indicating “x”) is switched every 0.2 seconds. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a normal signal on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S34), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 1 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes in steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed in the main process. It may be executed.

  When the lost symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the change display state of the effect symbol is displayed after the effect symbol change display is started. There may be a case where a predetermined combination of effect symbols that does not reach reach is stopped and displayed without reaching the reach state. Such a variation display mode of the effect symbol is referred to as a “non-reach” (also referred to as “normal loss”) variation display mode when the variation display result is a loss symbol.

  When the lost symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the change display state of the effect symbol is displayed after the effect symbol change display is started. After reaching the reach state, a reach effect is executed, and a combination of predetermined effect symbols that do not eventually become a jackpot symbol may be stopped and displayed. Such a variation display result of the effect design is referred to as a variation display mode of “reach” (also referred to as “reach lose”) when the variation display result is “losing”.

  In this embodiment, when the big win symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the reach effect is executed after the variation display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state. Finally, the effect symbols are all stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas of the effect display device 9.

  When the predetermined symbol (predetermined symbol corresponding to the type of small hit) is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display device 9 In the same way as when the symbol variation display mode is “probability variation big hit B” to be described later, after the effect symbol variation display is performed, a predetermined small hit symbol (the same symbol as the probability variation big hit B symbol, for example, “355”). May be stopped. The display effect on the effect display device 9 corresponding to the fact that a predetermined symbol (symbol), which is a small hit symbol, is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol indicator 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b is changed to “small hit”. This is called a display mode.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of a program of special symbol process (step S26) executed by the game control microcomputer 156 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, if the first start port switch 14a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start port 15a is turned on, that is, the start winning to the first start port 15a is made. If it has occurred, the first start port switch that determines whether the winning is a super hit or the super reach in the variation display corresponding to the start winning, and transmits a start winning determination result specifying command including the determination result A passing process is executed (steps S311 and S312). If the second start port switch 14b for detecting that the game ball has won the second start port 15b is turned on, that is, if a start win to the second start port 15b has occurred, A determination is made as to whether or not a big win or super reach is reached, and a second start-port switch passing process for transmitting a start winning determination result specifying command including the determination result is executed (steps S313 and S314). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14b is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 156 enters a state where the special symbol variation display can be started, the game control microcomputer 156 checks the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage number buffer (total number of reserved storage). The stored number of numerical data stored in the pending storage number buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the total pending storage number counter. If the count value of the total pending storage number counter is not 0, it is determined whether or not the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is a big hit. In case of big hit, set big hit flag. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) according to step S301. The jackpot flag is reset when the jackpot game ends.

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variation display time: the time from the start of variation display until the display result is derived and displayed (stopped display)) is the variation time of the special symbol variation display. Decide to do. Also, a variable time timer for measuring the special symbol variable time is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

  Display result designation command transmission process (step S302): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. Control for transmitting a display result designation command to the effect control microcomputer 81 is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to step S303.

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the internal state (special symbol process flag) is stepped. Update to a value corresponding to S304 (4 in this example).

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The variable display on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is stopped, and the stopped symbol is derived and displayed. In addition, control for transmitting a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 81 is performed. If the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0). The effect control microcomputer 81 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the effect symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 156.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S306 (6 in this example). The pre-opening process for the big winning opening is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. A control for transmitting an effect control command for a round display during the big hit gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 81, a process for confirming the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the special prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. When all the rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S307 (7 in this example).

  Big hit end process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control for causing the production control microcomputer 81 to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended is performed. In addition, a process for setting a flag indicating a gaming state (for example, a probability change flag or a time reduction flag) is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  Small hit release pre-processing (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the pre-opening process for small hits, control is performed to open the big prize opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S309 (9 in this example). It should be noted that although the pre-opening process for small hits is executed for each round, the pre-opening process for small hits is also a process for starting a small hit game when starting the first round.

  Small hit release processing (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. Processing to confirm the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening is performed. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S308 (8 in this example). When all rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S310 (in this example, 10 (decimal number)).

  Small hit end processing (step S310): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10. Control for causing the production control microcomputer 81 to perform display control for notifying the player that the small hit gaming state has ended is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  Next, the operation of the effect control board 80 as effect control means will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an effect control main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 81 (specifically, effect control CPU 86) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80.

  The effect control CPU 86 starts executing the effect control main process when the power is turned on. In the effect control main process, first, the activation module program is read from the built-in ROM 84 and executed (step S700). Thereafter, the effect control CPU 86 is initialized by the activation module program read from the built-in ROM 84 (step S701). Here, initialization processing for performing initialization of the timer for determining the RAM area clearing and the start interval (for example, 1 ms) of effect control is also performed.

  Next, the effect control CPU 86 (start-up transfer means) reads the transfer module program from the built-in ROM 84 and executes transfer processing of various module programs (step S702). In the transfer process when the power is turned on, among the various module programs stored in the built-in ROM 84, module programs other than the startup module program that has already been processed are transferred (see FIG. 13A). .

  First, in this transfer process, module programs other than the transfer module program being executed are sequentially transferred (see FIG. 13B). Then, the transfer module program is transferred last (see FIG. 13C).

  In this transfer process, the effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not the transfer process of various module programs has been completed (step S703). If it is determined that the transfer process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S704. If it is determined that the transfer process has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S715.

  In this embodiment, when transferring a module program, the module program is divided and transferred for each amount of data that can be transferred within a predetermined period (500 ms in this embodiment) counted by a WDT (watchdog timer) 88. (See FIG. 12). When transferring, the memory area of the built-in ROM 84 in which the module program set as the transfer target is written is designated from the memory address starting the transfer to the memory address interrupting the transfer. Set so that the amount of data in the area is the specified amount that can be transferred. Then, after transferring the transfer data, the transfer is temporarily interrupted, and the effect control CPU 86 outputs a service pulse signal to the WDT 88. After the effect control CPU 86 outputs the service pulse signal, the transfer data is transferred again. Here, even if the transfer data is set to a prescribed amount that can be transferred within a predetermined period, it may be overwritten by inappropriate data due to the influence of noise, static electricity, etc. during transfer. In some cases, it exceeds the prescribed amount that can be transferred within a predetermined period. In preparation for such a case, the effect control CPU 86 (erase condition determination means) determines in step S715 whether or not the transfer data amount exceeds the specified amount.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the effect control CPU 86 (effect control means) performs the transfer, the transfer process of the module program is performed by repeating the transfer of the predetermined data capacity in the predetermined period. Therefore, during the period from the transfer of one predetermined data capacity to the transfer of the next predetermined data capacity, the service pulse signal output process, which is a process other than the transfer process, can be executed. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent the service pulse signal from being restarted by the WDT 88 (operation monitoring means) without being output.

  If it is determined in step S715 that the transfer data amount exceeds the specified amount (a predetermined erasure condition is satisfied), the process proceeds to step S716, and the transfer data amount does not exceed the specified amount. If it is determined, the process returns to step S702. Here, in a state where the transfer is normally performed, steps S702, S703, and S715 are looped until the transfer process is completed.

  Further, in step S716 that proceeds when it is determined that the amount of transfer data exceeds the prescribed amount, the effect control CPU 86 (transfer data erasing means) stops the execution of the transfer module program and clears the built-in RAM 85. All the transferred module programs are deleted (step S717). Then, the process returns to step S702, and the transfer process is executed again from the beginning.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to specify that the transfer to the built-in RAM 85, which is a volatile memory, is not completed well, for example, the transferred program data is not normal. Since the program data transferred to the built-in RAM 85 is erased when these predetermined erase conditions are satisfied, the processing based on the inappropriate program data is continued. Can be prevented.

  In step S704, which proceeds when it is determined in step S703 that the transfer process has been completed, the effect control CPU 86 sets the storage area of the internal RAM 85 in which the transferred module program is stored as a write-inhibited area. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the transferred module program from being rewritten with other data that is not intended.

  Thereafter, the effect control CPU 86 reads out the initialization module program among the transferred various module programs stored in the built-in RAM 85 and executes the initial setting process (step S705). In this initial setting process, first, various devices such as CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices are initialized (step S706).

  Thereafter, the effect control CPU 86 performs initialization processing to initialize the VDP 262 (output device control means) that performs display control of the effect display device 9 (effect output device) (step S707). Then, the effect control CPU 86 executes an initial setting process, thereby initializing the sound processing IC 173 (output device control means) that generates sounds output from the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, and 27b (effect output devices). (Step S708). Thereafter, the effect control CPU 86 executes a random number update process for updating the count value of the counter for generating a random number such as a jackpot symbol determining random number (step S709).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to a loop process for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (step S710). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 86 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. In the effect control main process, if the timer interrupt flag is set, the effect control CPU 86 clears the flag (step S711) and executes the following effect control process. If no timer interrupt has occurred, the random number update process in step S709 is performed, and the process returns to step S710 again.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 86 first analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S712). Next, the effect control CPU 86 performs effect control process processing (step S713). Then, the effect control CPU 86 performs a retransfer process (step S714), and then proceeds to step S709. In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed. In the retransfer process, among the various module programs transferred from the built-in ROM 84 to the built-in RAM 85 in the transfer process of step S702 described above, a predetermined module program that may be executed later is transferred from the built-in ROM 84 to the built-in RAM 85 again. (See FIG. 11).

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 156 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal and stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, which command is the effect control command stored in the buffer area is analyzed.

  Further, in addition to the processing in steps S711 to S714, the reserved memory display for displaying the storage status of the number of reserved memories displayed in the special symbol storage memory display 18 set in the display area of the effect display device 9 You may make it implement the pending | holding memory | storage display control process for controlling the display of an area | region. In the hold storage display control process, it is determined that a super reach or a big hit is made based on the start winning time determination result designation command transmitted in the first start port switch passing process or the second start port switch passing process described above. By changing the display of the reserved memory to a special display mode different from the normal display mode with a predetermined probability, it is predicted that there is a high possibility that the variable display corresponding to the reserved memory will be a super reach or big hit You may make it implement the process for performing the prefetch notice effect to perform.

  In addition, similar to these pre-reading notice effects, it is highly likely that a super-reach or a big hit will occur in the variable display corresponding to the reserved memory, and the variable display multiple times before the variable display corresponding to the reserved memory is performed. In addition, for example, the pre-reading continuous notice process for carrying out the pre-reading continuous notice to be notified by performing a countdown display or the like may be performed in addition to the processes in steps S711 to S713.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the effect control CPU 86 reads the module program from the built-in ROM 84 and executes the processes of steps S700 to S704 and S715 to S717. Further, the processing from step S705 to S714 is executed by reading the module program from the built-in RAM 85. Thus, compared with the case where all the module programs are read from the built-in ROM 84 and executed, a part of the module programs are read from the built-in RAM 85 and executed, thereby improving the program processing speed of the effect control CPU 86. be able to.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the initialization module program is not transferred after the initialization of the VDP 262 and the sound processing IC 173 (output device control means), but the initialization module program is transferred. After that, since the initialization of the VDP 262 and the voice processing IC 173 is performed by executing the transferred initialization module program, even if a problem such as data corruption occurs during the transfer, Since an inappropriate effect output is not executed from the VDP 262 or the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, and 27b (production output devices) that have not been initialized, an unintended effect output is output to the VDP 262 or each speaker 27R. 27L, 27a, 27b can be prevented from being output.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S713) in the effect control main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 86 performs any one of steps S800 to S809 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled, and the change display of the effect symbol (decoration symbol) is realized, but the effect symbol (decoration symbol) synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol is realized. The control related to the variable display and the control related to the variable display of the effect symbol (decorative symbol) synchronized with the change of the second special symbol are executed in one effect control process.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether a variation pattern command is received from the game control microcomputer 156 or not. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If the change pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change start process (step S801).

  Effect symbol variation start processing (step S801): Control is performed so that the variation of the effect symbol (decoration symbol) is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802).

  Production symbol variation processing (step S802): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803).

  Production symbol variation stop processing (step S803): Based on the reception of the production control command (design confirmation designation command) for instructing all symbols to stop, the variation of the production symbol (decoration symbol) is stopped and the display result (stop symbol) Control to derive and display. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Big hit display process (step S804): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 9 of the occurrence of the big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S805).

  Big hit game processing (step S805): Control during big hit game is performed. For example, when a special winning opening opening designation command or a special winning opening open designation command is received, display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end effect process (step S806).

  Big hit end effect processing (step S806): In the effect display device 9, display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Small hit display process (step S807): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 9 of the occurrence of the small hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit game processing (step S808).

  Small hit game processing (step S808): Control during the small hit game is performed. For example, when a special winning opening opening designation command or a special winning opening open designation command is received, display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit end effect process (step S809).

  Small hit end effect process (step S809): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the small hit game state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  In this embodiment, when a small hit occurs, in Steps S807 to 809, by performing the same effect processing as when the probability changing big hit B occurs, the occurrence shifts to the probability changing state. The player cannot determine whether the probability variation big hit B or the small hit that does not shift to the probability variation state has occurred.

  In the effect symbol variation start process, a message prompting the operation of the operation button 516 or the operation lever 600 is displayed as a notice effect that suggests the possibility of a big hit in the variation, and the operation is performed on the condition In addition, the setting for performing the operation advance notice effect for displaying any one of a plurality of characters having different degrees of expectation to be a big hit may be performed at a predetermined ratio.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the re-transfer process (step S714) in the effect control main process shown in FIG. In the retransfer process, the effect control CPU 86 executes the processes of steps S900 to S926 described below. In this re-transfer process, among the various module programs transferred from the built-in ROM 84 to the built-in RAM 85 when the power is turned on, predetermined module programs (other than the initialization module program) that may be executed later are loaded from the built-in ROM 84. Transfer to the internal RAM 85 again.

  When the power is turned on, the transfer module program stored in the built-in ROM 84 is read and executed by the effect control CPU 86 to transfer various module programs. In this re-transfer process, the built-in RAM 85 is used. When the transfer module program stored in is read and executed by the effect control CPU 86, the various module programs are transferred. Furthermore, in the retransfer process, when the demonstration control period, the fanfare period, and the big hit period, which are specific periods (target periods) where the processing load per predetermined period in the effect control CPU 86 is small (a predetermined retransfer condition is satisfied). When established, the effect control CPU 86 (re-transfer means) re-transfers the module program to be transferred.

  In the present embodiment, the specific period with a small processing load per predetermined period in the effect control CPU 86 is a processing load applied to the effect control CPU 86 during the variable period in which the variable display is performed in the effect display device 9. The period during which the effect control CPU 86 can be executed with a smaller processing load is shown. That is, in the variable period, since the VDP 262 and the like generate a large number of sprite images, a processing load for drawing is applied to the effect control CPU 86, whereas the demonstration effect period and the fanfare period described above are applied. In the big hit period (specific period), it is only necessary to display the generated single image on the effect display device 9, so that the VDP 262 and the like do not need to generate a large number of sprite images, and the effect control CPU 86 per predetermined period. This is a period when the processing load is small.

  First, in the retransfer process, the effect control CPU 86 sets the interruption prohibition (step S900). Next, it is determined whether there is a module program set as a transfer target among various module programs stored in the built-in ROM 84 (step S901). If there is a module program set as a transfer target, the process proceeds to step S911. If there is no module program set as a transfer target, the process proceeds to step S902.

  In step S902, the effect control CPU 86 (specific period type determining means) shifts to a demonstration effect period in which an effect of waiting for a customer demonstration is performed based on the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 156 described above. It is determined whether or not. Here, when it shifts to a demonstration production period, it progresses to step S906, and when it has not transfered to a demonstration production period, it progresses to step S903. In step S906, the effect control CPU 86 sets the jackpot effect module program as a transfer target, and proceeds to step S911.

  In step S903, the effect control CPU 86 (specific period type determining means) determines whether or not the operation has shifted to the fanfare period for displaying the fanfare screen based on the value of the effect control process flag described above. Here, if the fanfare period has been shifted (when the value of the effect control process flag is a value corresponding to the jackpot display process), the process proceeds to step S908, and if the fanfare period has not been shifted to, step S904 is performed. move on. In step S908, the effect control CPU 86 sets the demonstration effect module program as a transfer target, and proceeds to step S911.

  In step S904, the effect control CPU 86 (specific period type determining means) determines whether or not the jackpot period has been reached based on the value of the effect control process flag described above. Here, when it shifts to the big hit period (when the value of the effect control process flag is a value corresponding to the big hit game process), the process proceeds to step S907, and when it does not shift to the big hit period, step S905. Proceed to In step S907, the effect control CPU 86 sets the variation effect module program as a transfer target, and proceeds to step S911.

  In step S905, the effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not the value of the effect process flag is “0”. If the value of the effect process flag is “0”, the process proceeds to step S909. If the value of the effect process flag is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S920. In step S920, the effect control CPU 86 sets the interrupt permitted state and ends the process.

  In step S909, the effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not the hold storage is “0”. If the hold storage is “0”, the process proceeds to step S910. If the hold storage is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S920. In step S920, the effect control CPU 86 sets the interrupt permitted state and ends the process. In step S910, the effect control CPU 86 sets the variation effect module program as a transfer target, and proceeds to step S911.

  In step S911, the effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not the transfer interruption flag is set. If the transfer interruption flag is set, the process proceeds to step S921. If the transfer interruption flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S912.

  In step S <b> 921, the effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not the effect control CPU 86 has completed the output of the service pulse signal to the WDT (watchdog timer) 88. If the output of the service pulse signal has been completed, the process proceeds to step S922. If the output of the service pulse signal has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S920. In step S922, the effect control CPU 86 resets the transfer interruption flag and proceeds to step S914. In step S920, the effect control CPU 86 sets the interrupt permitted state and ends the process.

  In step S912, the effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not the transfer completion flag is set. If the transfer completion flag is set, the process proceeds to step S925. If the transfer interruption flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S913.

  In step S925, the effect control CPU 86 determines whether the demonstration effect period, the fanfare period, or the jackpot period as the target period has ended. If the target period has ended, the process proceeds to step S926. If the target period has not ended, the process proceeds to step S920. In step S926, the effect control CPU 86 resets the transfer target setting of the module program and the transfer completion flag, and proceeds to step S920. In step S920, the effect control CPU 86 sets the interrupt permitted state and ends the process.

  In step S913, the effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not there is a transfer interruption address setting. If there is a transfer interruption address set, the process advances to step S915. If no transfer interruption address is set, the process advances to step S914. In step S914, the effect control CPU 86 sets a transfer interruption address, and proceeds to step S915.

  In this re-transfer process, similar to the transfer process when the power is turned on, the module program is transferred within a predetermined period (500 ms in this embodiment) measured by the WDT (watchdog timer) 88. Module programs are divided and transferred for each possible data amount (see FIG. 12). When transferring, specify the area from the memory address where transfer is started to the memory address where transfer is interrupted (transfer stop address) from the memory area of the built-in ROM 84 where the module program set as the transfer target is written. (Step S914), the data amount in the designated area is set to be a prescribed transferable amount. Then, after transferring the transfer data, the transfer is temporarily interrupted, and the effect control CPU 86 outputs a service pulse signal to the WDT 88. After the effect control CPU 86 outputs the service pulse signal, the transfer data is transferred again (steps S921 to S922).

  In this re-transfer process, as in the transfer process when the power is turned on, it is determined whether the transfer data amount exceeds the specified amount, and the transfer data amount exceeds the specified amount. May include a step of canceling the transfer.

  In step S915, the effect control CPU 86 transfers a predetermined amount of data corresponding to one interrupt (see FIG. 12). In this embodiment, a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 1 ms, and the re-transfer process is performed by 100 us every 1 ms. Therefore, a large processing load can be executed in parallel with other processes without applying a large processing load to the effect control CPU 86 at a time.

  Next, in step S916, it is determined whether or not the transfer up to the transfer interruption address is completed. If the transfer to the transfer interruption address is completed, the process proceeds to step S923. If the transfer to the transfer interruption address is not completed, the process proceeds to step S917. In step, the effect control CPU 86 sets a transfer interruption flag and proceeds to step S920. In step S920, the effect control CPU 86 sets the interrupt permitted state and ends the process.

  In step S917, the effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not the transfer of the module program set as the transfer target has been completed. If the transfer of the module program set as the transfer target has been completed, the process proceeds to step S918. If the transfer of the module program set as the transfer target has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S920. . In step S920, the effect control CPU 86 sets the interrupt permitted state and ends the process.

  In step S918, the effect control CPU 86 determines whether or not the module program determined to have been transferred in step S917 is a transfer module program. If the module program for which transfer has been completed is a transfer module program, the process proceeds to step S919. If the module program for which transfer has been completed is not a transfer module program, the process proceeds to step S924.

  In step S919, the effect control CPU 86 sets a transfer completion flag and proceeds to step S920. In step S924, the effect control CPU 86 sets the transfer module program as the transfer target, and proceeds to step S920. In step S920, the effect control CPU 86 sets the interrupt permitted state and ends the process.

  Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, even if various module programs transferred and stored in the built-in RAM 85 are rewritten to inappropriate data due to the influence of noise, static electricity, etc., the module program is re-transferred. Since the data can be restored to the proper data by being re-transferred by the processing, it is possible to prevent the unintended processing or error in the pachinko machine 1 as much as possible.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the retransfer is performed during a demonstration production period, a fanfare period, or a big hit period, which is a specific period (target period) with a small processing load on the production control CPU 86 (program execution means). Therefore, it is possible to prevent improper data from being stored in the re-transfer without being re-executed properly due to a large processing load.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the effect control CPU 86 (re-transfer means, specific period type determination means) is a module other than the type of module program executed by the effect control CPU 86 in the specified type of specific period. By transferring the program again, program data other than the type of the module program being executed in a specific period is transferred, so that the rewriting of the module program itself being executed is not executed. Since it is possible to avoid affecting the execution of the program, it is possible to prevent unintended processing, errors, etc. from occurring due to these effects.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the transfer module program is transferred after the transfer of the program data other than the transfer module program such as the jackpot effect module program, the demonstration effect module program, and the variation effect module program is completed. Thus, in the retransfer, the transfer program being executed by the effect control CPU 86 (program execution means) for executing the retransfer is executed at the end of the transfer. Even if an unintended rewrite occurs, retransfer of other program data can be completed without being affected by the unintended rewrite.

  In the re-transfer process described above, the set module program is re-transferred every time a specific period when the processing load per predetermined period in the effect control CPU 86 is small, that is, a plurality of re-transfers is executed. As a result, even if there is a transfer in which the program data is replaced with incorrect data, and the program data is rewritten to unintentional incorrect data in the previous re-transfer, it will be transferred to the subsequent re-transfer. Inappropriate data can be restored to appropriate data, so that it is possible to prevent the program data stored again in the built-in RAM 85, which is a volatile memory, from becoming inappropriate data as much as possible.

  In addition, in the said Example, when it becomes a specific period when the processing load per predetermined period in the production control CPU 86 is small, among the big hit production module program, the fluctuation production module program, and the demonstration production module program, the transfer target Re-transfer of the module program set as “only” is executed once, but re-transfer of the module program set as the transfer target is executed twice or three times or more in a specific period. May be.

  Further, in the above embodiment, there are a plurality of types of specific periods such as a demonstration production period and a fanfare period, and the program data is composed of a plurality of types of module programs such as a jackpot presentation module program and a demonstration production module program. Since different types of module programs are transferred in separate specific periods in the retransfer process, the processing load associated with one retransfer is reduced as compared with the case where all program data is transmitted in one specific period. It is possible to reduce the influence on the re-transmission due to the processing load of other processes, so that an accurate re-transfer can be executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, among the various module programs transferred from the built-in ROM 84 to the built-in RAM 85 in the transfer process when the power is turned on, a predetermined module program that may be executed later is stored in the built-in ROM 84 in the re-transfer process. In this retransfer process, all the module programs transferred in the transfer process, including the initialization module program, are also 1 in this retransfer process, as in the transfer process when the power is turned on. It may be retransmitted each time.

  In the first embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 is illustrated as a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is also applicable to other gaming machines such as a slot machine. Can do. Hereinafter, a case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine which is an example of another gaming machine will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

  FIG. 14 is a front view of a slot machine 1′001 to which the present invention is applied. The slot machine 1′001 is pivotally pivoted to a housing 1001a having an open front surface and a side end of the housing 1001a. The front door 1001b is supported.

  Inside the casing 1001a of the slot machine 1'001, reels 1002L, 1002C, and 1002R (hereinafter referred to as a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 14, three consecutive symbols out of the symbols arranged on the reels 1002L, 1002C, and 1002R are arranged so as to be seen from the see-through window 1003 provided on the front door 1001b.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 1'001 of this embodiment, first, medals are inserted from the medal insertion unit 1004, or the bet number is set using credits. To use credit, the MAXBET switch 1006 may be operated. When a predetermined number of bets determined according to the gaming state are set, the pay lines L1 to L5 (see FIG. 14) become valid, and the operation of the start switch 1007 is valid, that is, the game can be started. It becomes a state. In the present embodiment, when the prescribed number of bets is set to three regardless of the gaming state and the prescribed number of bets is set, the pay lines L1 to L5 become valid. In addition, when a medal is inserted exceeding the maximum number out of the prescribed number corresponding to the gaming state, the amount is added to the credit.

  The winning line is a line that is set to determine whether the combination of symbols displayed on the perspective windows 1003 of the reels 1002L, 1002C, and 1002R is a winning symbol combination. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a winning line L1 set across the symbols arranged in the middle stage of each reel 1002L, 1002C, 1002R, and the symbols arranged in the upper stage of each reel 1002L, 1002C, 1002R. The winning line L2 set in the above, the winning line L3 set across the symbols arranged in the lower stage of each reel 1002L, 1002C, 1002R, the upper stage of the reel 1002L, the middle stage of the reel 1002C, the lower stage of the reel 1002R, that is, lower right. There are five types of winning lines: a winning line L4 set across the arranged symbols, a lower stage of the reel 1002L, a middle stage of the reel 1002C, an upper stage of the reel 1002R, that is, a winning line L5 set across the symbols arranged in the upward direction. It is defined as.

  When the start switch 1007 is operated while the game can be started, the reels 1002L, 1002C, and 1002R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 1002L, 1002C, and 1002R continuously change. When one of the stop switches 1008L, 1008C, 1008R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 1002L, 1002C, 1002R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 3.

  Then, when all the reels 1002L, 1002C, and 1002R are stopped, one game is finished, and a combination of symbols (hereinafter also referred to as roles) that are validated and predetermined on the winning line are each reels 1002L, 1002C, and 1002R. When the display result is stopped, a winning occurs, and a predetermined number of medals are awarded to the player and added to the credit. Further, when the credit reaches the upper limit (50 in this embodiment), medals are paid out directly from the medal payout opening 1009 (see FIG. 14). In addition, when a combination of symbols with payout of medals is arranged on a plurality of winning lines that are activated, the number of payouts determined for each of the combinations of symbols that are activated and aligned on the winning line is totaled, The total number of medals will be awarded to the player. However, an upper limit (15 in this embodiment) is set for the number of medals to be awarded in one game, and when the total number of medals exceeds the upper limit, the upper limit number of medals is awarded. It will be. In addition, when the combination of symbols accompanied by the transition of the gaming state is stopped as a display result of each reel 1002L, 1002C, 1002R on the winning line, the gaming state is shifted according to the combination of symbols. ing.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the slot machine 1'001. As shown in FIG. 15, the slot machine 1′001 is provided with a game control board 1040, an effect control board 1090, and a power supply board 1101. The game state is controlled by the game control board 1040, and the effect control board 1090 The production according to the gaming state is controlled, and the power supply board 1101 generates drive power for the electrical components constituting the slot machine 1′001 and supplies them to each unit. Note that the game control board 1040 and the effect control board 1090 may be connected via a relay board.

  The power supply board 1101 is supplied with AC100V power from the outside, and from this AC100V power supply, a DC voltage necessary for driving the electrical components constituting the slot machine 1'001 is generated, and the game control board 1040 and the game control The effect control board 1090 connected via the board 1040 is supplied.

  Further, the above-described hopper motor 1034b, payout sensor 1034c, full tank sensor 1035a, setting key switch 1037, reset / setting switch 1038, and power switch 1039 are connected to the power supply board 1101.

  On the game control board 1040, the above-described MAXBET switch 1006, start switch 1007, stop switches 1008L, 1008C, 1008R, settlement switch 1010, reset switch 1023, stop switch 1036a, automatic settlement switch 1036b, insertion medal sensor 1031, door opening The detection switch 1025, reel sensors 1033L, 1033C, and 1033R are connected, and the above-described payout sensor 1034c, full tank sensor 1035a, setting key switch 1037, and reset / setting switch 1038 are connected via the power supply board 1101. Detection signals from these connected switches are input.

  The game control board 1040 includes the credit display 1011, the game auxiliary display 1012, the payout display 1013, 1 to 3 BET LEDs 1014 to 1016, the insertion request LED 1017, the start valid LED 1018, the waiting LED 1019, the replaying LED 1020, and the BET A switch valid LED 1021, left, middle, and right stop valid LEDs 1022L, 1022C, 1022R, a set value display 1024, a flow path switching solenoid 1030, reel motors 1032L, 1032C, 1032R are connected to each other, and are described above via the power supply board 1101. The hopper motor 1034b is connected, and these electric components are driven based on the control of a main control unit 1041 described later mounted on the game control board 1040.

  The game control board 1040 is composed of a microcomputer having a main CPU 1041a, ROM 1041b, RAM 1041c, and I / O port 1041d, and a main control unit 1041 for controlling the game, a random number in a predetermined range (0 to 65535 in this embodiment). , A pulse oscillator 1043 for supplying a constant frequency clock signal to the random number circuit 1042, and detection signals input from switches connected to the game control board 10040 directly or via the power supply board 1101 A switch detection circuit 1044, a motor drive circuit 1045 that controls the drive of the reel motors 1032L, 1032C, and 1032R, a solenoid drive circuit 1046 that controls the drive of the flow path switching solenoid 1030, various displays connected to the game control board 1040, The LED drive circuit 1047 that controls the driving of the ED and the power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1'001 are monitored, and when a voltage drop is detected, a voltage drop signal indicating that is output to the main controller 1041 A power interruption detection circuit 1048 for performing the reset operation, a reset circuit 1049 for supplying a reset signal to the main CPU 1041a when the power is turned on or when an initialization command is not input from the main CPU 1041a, and various other devices and circuits are mounted.

  The main CPU 1041a has an interrupt function (including an interrupt prohibition function) such as a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt, and executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 1041b to perform various control processes related to the progress of the game. In addition, each part of the control circuit mounted on the game control board 1040 is controlled directly or indirectly. The ROM 1041b stores fixed data such as programs executed by the main CPU 1041a and various tables. The RAM 1041c is used as a work area when the main CPU 1041a executes a program. The I / O port 1041d inputs / outputs a control signal to / from each circuit connected via a signal input / output terminal included in the main control unit 1041.

  The main control unit 1041 is also supplied with backup power even during a power failure, and the data stored in the RAM 1041c is held while the backup power is being supplied.

  The main CPU 1041a transmits various commands to the effect control board 1090 via the I / O port 1041d.

  An effect switch 1056 is connected to the effect control board 1090, and when the detection signal corresponding to each direction of the cross key in the effect switch 1056 is input, the effect control board 1090 is operated by the player. It is possible to grasp the specified direction according to presence / absence and operation.

  Further, the effect control board 1090 includes an effect display device 1050 having an image liquid crystal panel 1051 (see FIG. 14) arranged on the front door 1001b of the slot machine 1′001, and an effect LED 1052 as shown in FIG. The presentation devices such as the speakers 1053 and 1054 and the reel LED 1055 described above are connected, and these presentation devices are driven based on control by a sub-control unit 1091 described later mounted on the presentation control board 1090. ing.

  In this embodiment, the sub-control unit 1091 mounted on the effect control board 1090 controls the output of the effect devices such as the image liquid crystal panel 1051, effect effect LED 1052, speakers 1053, 1054, and reel LED 1055. However, an output control unit that directly controls the output of the effect device is mounted on the effect control board 1090 or another board separately from the sub control part 1091, and the sub control part 1091 is based on a command from the main control part 1041. The output pattern of the effect device may be determined, and the output control unit may control the output of the effect device based on the output pattern determined by the sub control unit 1091. In such a configuration, the sub control unit 1091 and the output are controlled. The output control of the effect device is performed by both of the control units.

  In the present embodiment, the image liquid crystal panel 1051, the effect effect LED 1052, the speakers 1053 and 1054, and the reel LED 1055 are illustrated as the effect devices. However, the effect device is not limited to these, and is mechanically driven, for example. A display device or a mechanically driven item may be applied as the rendering device.

  The effect control board 1090 is composed of a microcomputer having a sub CPU 1091a, ROM 1091b, RAM 1091c, and I / O port 1091d in the same manner as the main control part 1041, and includes a sub control part 1091 for effect control and an effect control board 1090. Display control circuit 1092 for controlling the display of the image liquid crystal panel 1051 connected to the LED, an LED driving circuit 1093 for controlling the driving of the effect LED 1052 and the reel LED 1055, and an audio output circuit 1094 for controlling audio output from the speakers 1053 and 1054. From the reset circuit 1095 that gives a reset signal to the sub CPU 1091a when the power is turned on or when the initialization command from the sub CPU 1091a is not input for a certain period of time, and the effect switch 1056 connected to the effect control board 1090 A switch detection circuit 1096 for detecting the detected detection signal, a clock device 1097 for outputting time information including date information and time information, and a power supply voltage supplied to the slot machine 1'001 are monitored and a voltage drop is detected. In addition, a power interruption detection circuit 1098 that outputs a voltage drop signal indicating that to the sub CPU 1091a, other circuits, and the like are mounted. The sub CPU 1091a receives a command transmitted from the game control board 1040. In addition to performing various controls for performing effects, each part of the control circuit mounted on the effect control board 1090 is controlled directly or indirectly.

  The slot machine 1'001 is activated when all the reels 1002L, 1002C, 1002R are stopped (in the present embodiment, all the winning lines are always activated. The winning line is simply called a winning line), and a combination of symbols called “comb” is combined to win. The combination may be a combination of the same symbols or a combination including different symbols. The type of winning combination is determined according to the game state, but it can be roughly divided into a small role with payout of medals and a replay that can start the next game without the need to set the number of bets. There are a game combination and a special combination with a transition to a game state advantageous to the player. A small role and a replay role are collectively called a general role. In order to win each winning combination determined according to the gaming state, it is necessary to win an internal lottery to be described later and set a winning flag for the winning combination in the RAM.

  Of the winning flags for each of these combinations, the winning flag for the small role and the re-playing role is valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and is invalid in the next game. It is valid until a combination of combinations permitted by the flag is completed, and is invalid in a game having a combination of combinations permitted. In other words, once the special combination winning flag is won, even if the combination of the combination permitted by the flag cannot be made, the winning flag is not invalidated and is carried over to the next game. It becomes.

  In the internal lottery, it is determined whether or not the above winning combination is permitted before the display results of all the reels 1002L, 1002C, and 1002R are derived and displayed (actually, when the start switch 1007 is detected). To do. In the internal lottery, first, when the start switch 1007 is detected, an internal lottery random value (an integer from 0 to 65535) is acquired. Specifically, the value of the random number storage work assigned to the RAM is set as the lottery work assigned to the RAM. Then, for each combination determined according to the gaming state and whether or not the special combination is carried over, the numerical data stored in the lottery work, the value of the gaming state flag for specifying the gaming state, the number of bets and the set value It is performed according to the number of judgment values of each combination determined according to

  In the internal lottery, an internal lottery target, a current gaming state flag value, an RT flag value, and the number of determination values determined corresponding to the set value are stored in a random number for internal lottery (a lottery work). When the result of addition overflows, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For this reason, a winning combination will be won with a probability (number of determination values / 65536) according to the number of determination values.

  If a winning combination of any combination is determined, a winning flag corresponding to the combination determined to be winning is set in the internal winning flag storing work assigned to the RAM. The internal winning flag storage work consists of a 2-byte storage area, of which the upper byte is assigned as the special role storing work in which the winning flag for the special role is set, and the lower byte is the winning of the general role It is assigned as a general role storage work for which a flag is set. Specifically, when a special combination is won, a special combination winning flag indicating that the special combination is won is set in the special combination storing work, and the winning flag set in the general combination storing work is cleared. When a general combination is won, a winning flag for the general combination indicating that the general combination is won is set in the general combination storing work. If no winning combination is selected, only the general winning combination work is cleared.

  When the main control unit 1041 effectively detects one of the stop switches 1008L, 1008C, and 1008R corresponding to the rotating reel, the control when the display result is derived to the corresponding reel will be described. When any of the stop switches 1008L, 1008C, and 1008R corresponding to the rotating reel is detected effectively, the area number of the stop operation position is based on the number of steps from the reel reference position at the time when the stop operation is detected. And the number of sliding symbols corresponding to the area number of the specified stop operation position is obtained by referring to the stop control table of the reel where the stop operation is detected. Then, control is performed to rotate and stop the reel by the number of acquired sliding frames. Specifically, from the number of steps from the reel reference position at the time when the stop operation is detected, the number of steps from the acquired number of sliding frames to the stop is calculated, and the reel is rotated and stopped by the calculated number of steps. Take control. As a result, the region corresponding to the region number that is the stop position that is the number of sliding frames ahead of the region corresponding to the region number of the stop operation position where the stop operation is detected is the stop reference position (in this embodiment, the perspective window 1003 It will stop in the lower symbol area).

  If you win any of the winning roles, the maximum number of winning symbols will be drawn on the winning line in the range of 4 frames, and the number of sliding symbols will be determined so that the winning characters will not be aligned on the winning line. A stop control table is created and reel stop control is performed.If none of the winning combinations is won, a stop control table with a number of sliding symbols that does not match any of the roles is created and the reels are controlled. Perform stop control. As a result, when a stop operation is performed, if the winning combination can be stopped on the winning line in the drawing range of up to 4 frames, the control is performed so that the winning combination is stopped. The combination that has not been performed will be controlled to be stopped in a drawing range of a maximum of 4 frames.

  In addition, the slot machine 1'001 in the present embodiment has an assist time (so-called AT time) that is a notification period in which the sub-control unit 1091 can execute a navigation effect that notifies the internal lottery result when the gaming state is a predetermined state. In the AT state, since the internal winning winning combination can be won almost certainly, the gaming state is advantageous to the player.

  In this slot machine 1'001, as in the pachinko gaming machine 1, when a predetermined mission effect execution condition is established, for example, winning an AT winning combination that shifts to the AT state or winning a mission effect execution lottery In addition to displaying and notifying instructions for completing a mission during a one-minute mission, any one of the mission effect production patterns (combination of battle 1 to battle 3 and revival production 1 to revival production 3) What is necessary is just to determine similarly to the case of the gaming machine 1 and to execute the determined effect pattern.

  As described above, the main control unit 1041 of the slot machine 1'001 corresponds to the game control microcomputer 100 in the pachinko machine 1, and can perform the same processing as the game control microcomputer 100 described above. The sub-control unit 1091 of the slot machine 1′001 corresponds to the effect control CPU 120 in the pachinko machine 1, and can perform the same processing as the effect control CPU 120 described above.

  That is, the slot machine 1 ′ has a variable display means capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable, and the first display result until one display result is displayed on the variable display means. Predetermining means for determining whether to allow display of any of the plurality of display results including the special display result and the second special display result, and the determination determined by the predetermination means Based on the result, variable display control means for controlling the display of the display result on the variable display means, and control to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player based on the display of the special display result on the variable display means And a game control means for notifying a predetermined period for achieving the predetermined task, and a first effect for achieving the predetermined task or a second effect for not achieving the predetermined task. A success / failure effect executing means capable of executing a success / failure effect as to whether or not to achieve the predetermined task by performing at a plurality of timings within the predetermined period, and a special that achieves the predetermined task different from the first effect A special effect execution means capable of executing, after the second effect, one special effect among a plurality of types of special effects having different effect periods when the second effect is performed; The special effect execution means executes the special effect with a short effect period at a higher rate than when the execution time of the special effect is the second timing later than the first timing. It is a gaming machine to play.

  The pre-determining means “determines whether or not to allow display of any display result” not only determines whether or not to allow individual display results to be displayed individually, This includes determining only one display result that permits display from among the display results.

  As described above, as an example of the slot machine 1001 as another gaming machine, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the pachinko machine 1, but may be a slot machine that uses medals as gaming media, Furthermore, these game media are enclosed in the gaming machine, and the number of pachinko balls and medals lent out and the number of pachinko balls and medals awarded in accordance with winnings are added, and are used for games. Without depending on the number of pachinko balls and medals that are stored and stored, and without using pachinko balls and medals, for example, given according to the value and winnings of points and points lent in response to loan requests It may be a gaming machine that stores all the values such as the points and points obtained as credits and can play a game using only the values stored as credits. In this case, these points, points, and the like correspond to game media, and credits become game value.

  In the sub CPU 1091a of the slot machine 1001, various module programs are stored in the ROM 1091. The sub CPU 1091a transfers various module programs stored in the ROM 1091 to the RAM 1091c by transfer processing when the power is turned on, and the sub CPU 1091a stores the RAM 1091c. The sub CPU 1091a retransfers the various module programs stored in the ROM 1091 to the RAM 1091c by the retransfer process when a predetermined retransfer condition is satisfied.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. It is.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the PROM, the flash memory, and the like are illustrated as the non-volatile memory constituting the built-in ROM. However, the non-volatile memory constituting the built-in ROM is not limited to this, and EPROM, UV-EPROM, It may be an EEPROM or the like. Moreover, in the said Example, SDRAM etc. are illustrated as a volatile memory which comprises internal RAM, However, The volatile memory which comprises internal RAM is not restricted to this, DRAM, EDO DRAM, DDR which is dynamic memory It may be SDRAM, FPM DRAM, SRAM which is static memory, or the like.

  In the embodiment, in the effect control microcomputer 81 provided on the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 86 transfers various module programs from the built-in ROM 84 to the built-in RAM 85, and the modules stored in the built-in RAM 85. The program is read and executed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and in the game control microcomputer 156 provided on the main board 31, the CPU 56 loads various module programs from the ROM 54 to the RAM 55. The module program stored in the RAM 55 may be read out and executed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Special symbol display device 9 Presentation display device 10 Normal symbol display device 31 Main board 80 Production control board 81 Production control microcomputer 84 Built-in ROM
85 Built-in RAM
86 Production control CPU
88 WDT
262 VDP
173 Voice processing IC

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing games,
A nonvolatile memory in which program data for controlling a predetermined operation of the gaming machine is stored in a non-rewritable manner;
Program data can be stored in a rewritable manner, and the read speed of the stored program data is faster than the nonvolatile memory,
A transfer unit at start-up for transferring and storing the program data stored in the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory in response to power-on;
Program execution means for controlling the predetermined operation of the gaming machine by executing the program data stored in the volatile memory in the startup transfer means;
Re-transfer means for re-transferring and storing program data stored in the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory when a predetermined re-transfer condition is satisfied;
With
As the predetermined retransmission condition, on condition that it is a specific period,
There are a plurality of the specific periods,
The program data stored in the non-volatile memory is composed of a plurality of types of module programs,
The retransfer means retransfers a module program of a type corresponding to the specific period.
A gaming machine characterized by that.

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