JP2018130254A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform appropriate presentations.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a display stop period in which displays are stopped without reproduction displays of moving images being started due to occurrence of delay in reading out moving image data to be used for performing the reproduction displays of the moving images included in a ready-to-win presentation. In the display stop period, when occurrence of an error is detected, an error notification EH1 is performed even if in the display stop period. It is so configured that presentation control performance data to be used for performing the error notification EH1 can perform the error notification EH1 even if in the display stop period, without being affected by the delay in the reproduction displays of the moving images.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 27

Description

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

  A gaming machine using a NAND flash memory has been proposed that corrects a data error and replaces the area where the data error has occurred with a redundant area (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP, 2006-77819, A

  According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, when the data read time is prolonged, there is a possibility that an inappropriate performance that causes a sense of incongruity is executed.

  This invention is made in view of the said actual condition, and aims at provision of the gaming machine which can perform an appropriate production.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the claims of the present application is a gaming machine capable of playing a game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like), and a memory capable of storing data relating to display control. Means (for example, an effect data memory 123), display control means (for example, CPU 131, VDP 135, etc.) capable of controlling the display means by reading the storage data of the storage means, and auxiliary using the effect means different from the display means Auxiliary production means (for example, speakers 8L and 8R, production lighting accessories 90, production movable members 32A and 32B, etc.) capable of producing the production, wherein the auxiliary production device is a display auxiliary production related to the display of the display device. (For example, reach effect by moving image reproduction) and abnormality notification auxiliary effect (for example, error notification EH1) related to notification of occurrence of abnormality can be executed. Yes, the display auxiliary effect can be delayed and executed in accordance with a stop period in which the display of the display means stops due to occurrence of a predetermined event (see, for example, moving image reproduction start and moving image reproduction end in FIG. 27), Even during the stop period, the abnormality notification auxiliary effect can be executed (for example, the error notification EH1 can be executed before the start of moving image reproduction in FIG. 27).
According to such a configuration, an appropriate effect can be executed.

(2) The gaming machine of the above (1) includes abnormality determination means (for example, the CPU 131 that executes error notification processing in step S61 of the production control main process) capable of determining a plurality of abnormalities, The abnormality notification assisting effect may be executable in different effects depending on the abnormality determined by the abnormality determining means (see, for example, FIG. 28).
In such a configuration, an appropriate effect can be executed.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) or (2), the game machine includes voice control means (for example, a voice processing circuit 136) capable of controlling the output of the production sound, and the storage means includes data relating to display control, Data related to the output control of the production sound may be stored as a series of data (for example, moving image data), and the control by the display control unit and the control by the audio control unit may be executed in synchronization. (See, for example, FIG. 14).
In such a configuration, an appropriate effect can be executed.

(4) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (3), a period in which control delayed by the occurrence of the predetermined event can be executed before the display result is derived after the variable display is started ( For example, a period during which a decorative symbol is displayed may be provided.
In such a configuration, an appropriate effect can be executed.

(5) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (4), an abnormality determining means capable of determining an abnormality corresponding to a plurality of types of events having different priorities (for example, in step S402 of the main side error processing) When the abnormality is determined by the abnormality determination means, the notification is terminated when the determined priority of the abnormality is higher than the priority of the abnormality being notified. Then, based on the abnormality notification means (for example, the CPU 103 that executes steps S403 to S409 and S413 of the main-side error processing) for notifying the determined abnormality and the abnormality determination means determines the abnormality. , State control means for controlling the state corresponding to the determined abnormality (for example, the CPU 103 executing step S411 of the main-side error processing) And when the state controlled by the state control unit is a predetermined state and a new event corresponding to the abnormality occurs, the abnormality notification unit includes the predetermined unit regardless of the priority of the abnormality. You may continue alerting | reporting about the abnormality which triggered the state control (for example, refer to the case of Y in step S407 of main side error processing, and Y in step S408).
In such a configuration, an appropriate effect can be executed.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the various control boards etc. which were mounted in the pachinko game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the various circuits etc. which were mounted in the production control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game control process process. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a fluctuation pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variable display start setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production process during variable display. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a memory inspection process during control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production data transfer process during control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a memory test | inspection process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the storage area in effect data memory. It is a figure which shows the structural example etc. of moving image data. It is a figure which shows the structural example of production control execution data. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of a moving image reproduction | regeneration control. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of a moving image reproduction | regeneration control. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of a moving image reproduction | regeneration control. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of start winning notification control. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of start winning notification control. It is a figure which shows the example of starting prize-notification execution. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of post-reach effect control. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of post-reach effect control. It is a figure which shows the example of execution execution after reach. FIG. 10 is a timing chart in the case of updating the remaining time of the operation valid period. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of error alerting | reporting control. It is a sequence diagram which shows the example of error alerting | reporting control. It is a figure which shows the example of error notification execution. It is a sequence figure showing an example of notice effect control. It is a sequence figure showing an example of notice effect control. It is a figure which shows the example of notice production execution. It is a timing diagram in the case of performing a notice effect. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main side error process. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting for every error (abnormality). It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the execution aspect of error alerting | reporting. It is a figure which shows the execution example of an error alerting | reporting. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an error alerting | reporting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main side error process in a modification.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly composed of a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a game area surrounded by guide rails and having a substantially circular outer edge. In this game area, a game ball as a game medium is launched from a predetermined hitting ball launching device and driven.

  A first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B are provided at predetermined positions of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the lower right side of the game area). Each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B is composed of, for example, 7-segment or dot matrix LEDs (light emitting diodes) and the like. Special symbols (also referred to as “special graphics”), which are a plurality of types of identification information (special identification information) that can be displayed, are variably displayed (variable display). For example, each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B variably displays a plurality of types of special symbols composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. To do. The special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are limited to those composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. However, for example, a plurality of types of lighting patterns in which the combination of the LED to be turned on and the LED to be turned off in the 7-segment LED may be set in advance as a plurality of types of special symbols. Hereinafter, the special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as "first special symbol", and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is also referred to as "second special symbol". .

  An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or the like, and forms a display area for displaying various effect images. On the screen of the image display device 5, in response to the variable display of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A and the variable display of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B in the special symbol game. For example, in a decorative symbol display area serving as a plurality of variable display units such as three, decorative symbols that are a plurality of types of identification information (decorative identification information) that can be identified are variably displayed. This variable display of decorative designs is also included in the variable display game.

  As an example, in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R arranged on the screen of the image display device 5, the corresponding decorative symbols are variably displayed. In this case, in response to the start of one of the variation of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A and the variation of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B in the special symbol game. , Variation of the decorative symbols (for example, vertical scroll display) is started in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. After that, when the fixed special symbol is stopped and displayed as a variable display result in the special symbol game, the decorative symbols can be changed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. The confirmed decorative symbol (final stop symbol) that is the display result is stopped and displayed.

  In this way, on the screen of the image display device 5, a special game using the first special graphic in the first special symbol display device 4A or a special graphic using the second special graphic in the second special symbol display device 4B. In synchronism with the figure game, variable display of a plurality of types of decorative symbols that can be identified is performed, and a definite decorative symbol that is a variable display result is derived and displayed (or simply referred to as “derivation”). In addition, for example, deriving and displaying various display symbols such as a special symbol and a decorative symbol means that identification information such as a decorative symbol is stopped and displayed (also referred to as a complete stop display or a final stop display) and the variable display is ended. . On the other hand, during the variable display from the start of the variable display of the decorative pattern until the fixed decorative pattern that is the variable display result is derived and displayed, the variation speed of the decorative pattern becomes “0”, The symbol may be displayed in a stationary state, for example, in a display state that causes slight shaking or expansion / contraction. Such a display state is also called a temporary stop display, and although the display result in the variable display is not displayed deterministically, the player can recognize that the variation of the decorative pattern due to the scroll display or the update display is not progressing. It becomes. The temporary stop display may include displaying the decorative symbols completely stopped for a time shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) without causing slight shaking or expansion / contraction.

  The decorative symbols variably displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are, for example, eight types of symbols (alphanumeric characters “1” to “8” or Chinese numerals). Or a combination of English characters, eight character images related to a predetermined motif, numbers, letters or symbols and character images, and character images are, for example, people, animals, other objects, or It may be configured to include a symbol such as a character or a decorative image showing any other figure). A corresponding symbol number is assigned to each of the decorative symbols. For example, symbol numbers “1” to “8” are assigned to alphanumeric characters indicating “1” to “8”, respectively. Note that the number of decorative symbols is not limited to eight, and may be any number as long as an appropriate number of combinations such as a jackpot combination or a combination that is lost can be configured (for example, seven types or nine types).

  After the decorative symbol variable display is started, the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are displayed until the fixed decorative symbol that is the variable display result is derived and displayed. In FIG. 5, for example, scroll display is performed such that the symbol number sequentially flows from the top to the bottom from the smallest to the largest, and when the decorative symbol having the largest symbol number (for example, “8”) is displayed, The decorative symbol having the smallest symbol number (for example, “1”) is displayed. Alternatively, in at least one of the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R (for example, the “left” decorative symbol display area 5L), the symbols are scrolled from the largest symbol number to the smallest symbol symbol. When the decorative design having the smallest number is displayed, the decorative design having the largest design number may be displayed.

  On the screen of the image display device 5, a start winning memory display area 5H is arranged. In the start winning memory display area 5H, a hold display for displaying the variable display hold number (special figure hold memory number) corresponding to the special figure game is specified. Here, the variable display suspension corresponding to the special game is that the game ball passes through the first start winning opening formed by the normal winning ball apparatus 6A and the second starting winning opening formed by the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B. Generated based on the start winning by entering (entering). That is, the start condition (also referred to as “execution condition”) for executing a variable display game such as a special figure game or a variable display of decorative symbols has been established, but a variable display game based on the previously established start condition is being executed. When the start condition that allows the start of the variable display game is not satisfied due to the fact that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit gaming state, the variable display corresponding to the established start condition is suspended. Done.

  For example, a special game start condition (first start condition) using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A due to the occurrence of the first start prize that the game ball passes (enters) through the first start prize opening. ) Is satisfied, if the first start condition for starting the special figure game using the first special figure based on the establishment of the first start condition is not satisfied, the first special figure holding storage number is 1. Addition (increment) is made, and execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is suspended. In addition, when the second start winning that the game ball passes (enters) through the second start winning opening is generated, the start condition of the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B (second start condition) ) Is established, if the second start condition for starting the special figure game using the second special figure based on the establishment of the second start condition is not established, the second special figure holding memory number is 1. Addition (increment) is made, and execution of the special figure game using the second special figure is suspended. On the other hand, when the execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is started, the first special figure holding memory number is decremented by 1 (decrement), and the special figure game using the second special figure is executed. Is started, the second special figure reserved memory number is decremented by 1 (decremented). The hold display in the start winning memory display area 5H is based on the information regarding the variable display that has not yet started (holding storage information) such as the first special figure holding memory number and the second special figure holding memory number. Display as identifiable.

  The variable display hold memory number obtained by adding the first special figure hold memory number and the second special figure hold memory number is also referred to as a total hold memory number. When simply referring to the “number of special figure hold memory”, it usually refers to a concept including any of the first special figure hold memory number, the second special figure hold memory number, and the total hold memory number. It may refer to a concept that includes the first special figure reserved memory number and the second special figure reserved memory number but excludes the total reserved memory number).

  A display for displaying the number of reserved special figure memories may be provided together with the start winning memory display area 5H or instead of the start winning memory display area 5H. In the example shown in FIG. 1, together with the start winning memory display area 5H, a first hold for displaying the number of special figure hold memories in an identifiable manner on the upper part of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B. A display 25A and a second hold display 25B are provided. The first hold indicator 25A displays the first special figure hold memory number so that it can be specified. The second hold indicator 25B displays the second special figure hold memory number so that it can be specified. Each of the first hold indicator 25A and the second hold indicator 25B has a number (for example, 4) corresponding to an upper limit value (for example, “4”) in each of the first special figure hold memory number and the second special figure hold memory number, for example. LED).

  A circular effect lighting accessory 90 is provided on the upper portion of the image display device 5. A lighting member such as a lamp or LED is built in the lighting member 90 for production. The effect lighting accessory 90 is configured to be rotatable, for example, and may be configured to be lit when rotating (operating). Around the image display device 5, such as the upper and lower portions of the image display device 5, there are a plurality of effect models (production effect devices) that can advance to the front of the display screen of the image display device 5 and can be combined. Production movable members 32A and 32B are provided. These effect movable members 32A and 32B are used as effect models for executing a predetermined effect by advancing to the front of the display screen of the image display device 5 and merging during variable display of ornamental symbols. .

  Below the image display device 5, an ordinary winning ball device 6A and an ordinary variable winning ball device 6B are provided. The normal winning ball device 6A forms a first starting winning opening as a starting area (first starting area) that is always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member, for example. The normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B has an electric motor having a pair of movable wing pieces that are changed into a normal open state as a vertical position and an expanded open state as a tilt position by a solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory shown in FIG. A tulip-shaped accessory (ordinary electric accessory) is provided, and a start area (second start area) and a second start winning opening are formed.

  As an example, in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the movable wing piece is in the vertical position when the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory is in the off state, so that the game ball passes (enters) through the second start winning opening. Do not close. On the other hand, in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B, when the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory is in the ON state, the movable wing piece is in the tilting position, so that the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning hole. ) Make it open. The normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is normally opened when the solenoid 81 is in the off state, and the game ball can enter (pass) through the second start winning opening, while the expansion when the solenoid 81 is in the on state. You may comprise so that a game ball may enter (pass) more easily than an open state. As described above, the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B has the first variable state such as the open state or the expanded open state in which the game ball easily passes (enters) the second start winning port, and the game ball cannot pass (enters). It is configured to be able to change to a second variable state such as a closed state or a normally open state that is difficult to pass (enter).

  A game ball that has passed (entered) the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A is detected by, for example, a first start opening switch 22A shown in FIG. The game ball that has passed (entered) the second start winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B is detected by, for example, the second start opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the first special figure holding memory number is set to a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “ 4 ") If the following, the first start condition is satisfied. Based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port 22B, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the second special figure holding memory number is set to a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “ 4 ") If the following, the second start condition is satisfied.

  The number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A and the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port switch 22B. May be the same number or different numbers. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be one that directly pays out game balls that are prize balls, or may be one that gives a score corresponding to the number of game balls that are prize balls.

  A special variable winning ball device 7 is provided below the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball apparatus 7 includes a special winning opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 82 for the special winning opening door shown in FIG. 2, and the specific region that changes between an open state and a closed state by the special winning opening door. As a big prize opening.

  As an example, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid 82 for the special prize opening door is in the OFF state, the special prize opening door closes the big winning prize opening, and the game ball passes (enters) the big winning prize opening. become unable. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid 82 for the big prize opening door is in the ON state, the big winning opening door opens the big winning opening and the game ball passes through the big winning opening (entrance). ). In this way, the special winning opening as a specific area changes into an open state in which a game ball easily passes (enters) and is advantageous to the player, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot pass (enters) and is disadvantageous to the player To do. Instead of the closed state where the game ball cannot pass (enter) through the big prize opening, or in addition to the closed state, a partially opened state where the game ball hardly passes (enters) through the big prize port may be provided.

  The game ball that has passed (entered) through the big prize opening is detected by, for example, the count switch 23 shown in FIG. Based on the detection of game balls by the count switch 23, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. In this way, when the game ball passes (enters) through the large winning opening opened in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, the gaming ball passes through other winning openings such as the first starting winning opening and the second starting winning opening, for example. More prize balls are paid out than when passing (entering). Therefore, if the special prize winning ball device 7 is in the open state, the game ball can enter the special prize winning opening, which is a first state advantageous to the player. On the other hand, when the special prize winning device 7 is closed in the special variable prize winning ball device 7, it becomes impossible or difficult for the player to get a prize ball by passing (entering) the gaming ball into the special prize winning port. This is a disadvantageous second state.

  A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (on the left side of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is composed of 7 segments, dot matrix LEDs, and the like, like the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and a plurality of types of identification information different from the special symbols. Is displayed (variably displayed) in a variable manner. Such variable display of normal symbols is called a general game (also referred to as “normal game”). Above the normal symbol display 20, a universal figure holding display 25 </ b> C is provided. The general-purpose hold indicator 25C includes, for example, four LEDs, and displays the general-purpose hold storage number as the number of effective passing balls that have passed through the passing gate 41.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill for changing the flow direction and speed of the game ball, a number of obstacle nails, and the like. As a winning opening different from the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the big winning opening, for example, a single or a plurality of general winning openings that are always kept in a certain open state by a predetermined ball receiving member are provided. Also good. In this case, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls may be paid out as a prize ball based on the fact that a game ball that has entered one of the general prize openings is detected by a predetermined general prize ball switch. In the lowermost part of the game area, there is provided an out port through which game balls that have not entered any winning port are taken.

  Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3. A game effect lamp 9 is provided around the game area. Around each structure (for example, a normal winning ball device 6A, a normal variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7, a frame member arranged at the peripheral portion of the image display device 5) in the game area of the pachinko gaming machine 1 A decorative LED may be arranged. A hitting operation handle (operation knob) is provided at the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3. The hitting operation handle is operated by a player or the like in order to launch a game ball as a game medium toward the game area. For example, the resilience of the game ball can be adjusted according to the operation amount (rotation amount) of the hitting operation handle by the player or the like. The hitting operation handle only needs to be provided with a single shot switch or a touch ring (touch sensor) for stopping the driving of a shooting motor included in the hitting ball shooting device.

  At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, a game ball paid out as a prize ball or a game ball lent out by a predetermined ball lending machine is held (stored) so as to be supplied to a ball hitting device. )) Is provided. Below the gaming machine frame 3, there is provided a lower plate that holds (stores) surplus balls overflowing from the upper plate so as to be discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  For example, a stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by the player is attached to a member that forms the lower plate, for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower plate main body (for example, a central portion of the lower plate). Yes. The stick controller 31A includes an operation stick that the player holds, and a trigger button is provided at a predetermined position of the operation stick (for example, a position where the index finger of the operator is hooked when the player holds the operation stick). Yes. The trigger button can be operated in a predetermined direction by performing a push-pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, an index finger) in a state where the player holds the operation stick of the stick controller 31A with an operation hand (for example, the left hand). What is necessary is just to be comprised. A trigger sensor that detects a push-pull operation on the trigger button as a player's action may be incorporated inside the operation rod.

  A controller sensor unit 35A shown in FIG. 2 may be provided in the lower pan body or the like below the stick controller 31A. The controller sensor unit 35A only needs to include a tilt direction sensor unit that detects a tilt operation with respect to the operating rod as the player's motion. For example, the tilt direction sensor unit includes two transmissive photosensors (parallel sensors) arranged in parallel to the board surface of the game board 2 on the left side of the center position of the operation pole when viewed from the player side facing the pachinko gaming machine 1. And a pair of transmissive photosensors (vertical sensor pairs) arranged perpendicularly to the surface of the game board 2 on the right side of the center position of the operation rod when viewed from the player side. What is necessary is just to be comprised including the photo sensor.

  The member that forms the upper plate includes, for example, a push button 31B that allows a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the upper plate body (for example, above the stick controller 31A). Is provided. The push button 31B only needs to be configured to be able to detect a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from a player mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A push sensor 35B shown in FIG. 2 only needs to be provided inside the main body of the upper plate at the installation position of the push button 31B. The push sensor 35B detects a pressing operation on the push button 31B as an operation of the player. Note that the stick controller 31A and the push button 31B change the display effect of the image display device 5 or the speakers 8L and 8R by the control on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 2 when an operation by the player is detected. As long as it is used in a production such as a sound output from the player, a lighting effect (flashing operation) in a light emitting body such as the game effect lamp 9 or the lighting accessory 90 for a performance.

  Various control boards such as a main board 11, an effect control board 12, a lamp driver board 13, and a motor driver board 14 as shown in FIG. 2 are mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 1. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is also equipped with a relay board 15 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, and an interface board are disposed on the back surface of the game board 2 in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The main board 11 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 is mainly addressed to a sub-side control board composed of a random number setting function used in a special game, a function of inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, and an effect control board 12. A function of outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information as a control signal, a function of outputting various information to a hall management computer, and the like are provided. In addition, the main board 11 performs lighting control and light-off control of each LED (for example, segment LED) constituting the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and performs the first special symbol and the second special symbol display. Predetermined display symbols such as controlling the variable display of special symbols and controlling the normal symbol variable display by the normal symbol display 20 by controlling the lighting and turning off of the normal symbol display 20 or the coloring control. It also has a function to control the variable display.

  The main board 11 includes, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110 that receives detection signals from various switches for game ball detection and transmits the detection signals to the game control microcomputer 100, and the game control microcomputer 100. A solenoid circuit 111 for transmitting a solenoid drive signal to the solenoids 81 and 82 is mounted.

  The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, receives the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, and receives the image display device 5, the speakers 8L, 8R. Various circuits for controlling the progress of the production by the electrical parts for production, such as the game effect lamp 9, the lighting member 90 for production, and the movable members 32A and 32B for production, are mounted. In other words, the effect control board 12 is a voice display from the speakers 8L and 8R, all or part of the display mode in the image display device 5, the game effect lamp 9, the lighting accessory 90 for the effect, and other decorative LEDs. It has a function of determining control contents for causing a production electric part to execute a predetermined production operation, such as all or part of the output mode and all or part of the operation of the production movable members 32A and 32B. .

  The lamp driver board 13 is a board for generating a lamp drive signal provided separately from the effect control board 12, and based on the lamp control signal from the effect control board 12, the game effect lamp 9 and the effect lighting lamp 90. It only needs to include a driver circuit or the like that generates a drive signal that enables switching between lighting and extinguishing of other decorative LEDs and the like. The motor driver board 14 is a board for generating a motor drive signal provided separately from the effect control board 12, and based on the motor control signal from the effect control board 12, the rotation and stop of the movable member drive motors 33A and 33B. A driver circuit that generates a drive signal that enables switching of the rotation speed, the rotation angle (phase), and the like may be included. The movable member drive motor 33A only needs to be connected to the effect movable member 32A via a predetermined link mechanism and supply power that can change the operation and position of the effect movable member 32A. The movable member drive motor 33B only needs to be connected to the effect movable member 32B via a predetermined link mechanism and supply power that can change the operation and position of the effect movable member 32B.

  As shown in FIG. 2, wiring for transmitting detection signals from the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22 </ b> A, the second start port switch 22 </ b> B, and the count switch 23 is connected to the main board 11. The gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 have an arbitrary configuration capable of detecting a game ball as a game medium, such as a sensor. If it is. In addition to the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B and the count switch 23, other switches connected to the main board 11 (for example, a switch for detecting the open / closed state of the glass door, the game board 2 itself) A switch for detecting the open / closed state of the switch, a switch for detecting unauthorized vibration, and a switch for detecting unauthorized electromagnetic waves). The main board 11 includes a first special symbol display device 4A, a second special symbol display device 4B, a normal symbol indicator 20, a first hold indicator 25A, a second hold indicator 25B, a general figure hold indicator 25C, and the like. A wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing display control is connected.

  A control signal transmitted from the main board 11 toward the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15 is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electric signal. The effect control command includes, for example, a display control command used for controlling image display contents in the image display device 5, a voice control command used for controlling sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a game effect lamp 9. And lamp control commands used for controlling lighting modes of lighting effects 90 and other decorative LEDs, motor control commands used for controlling the operation of the movable member drive motors 33A and 33B, and the like. It is.

  The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing a game control program, fixed data, and the like, and a game control work. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 that provides an area, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 that executes a control program by executing a game control program, and updates numeric data indicating random values independently of the CPU 103 A random number circuit 104 to perform and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105 are provided. The ROM 101 only needs to be configured as a read-only semiconductor memory.

  As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, a process for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is executed by the CPU 103 executing a program read from the ROM 101. At this time, the CPU 103 reads fixed data from the ROM 101, the CPU 103 writes various fluctuation data to the RAM 102 and temporarily stores the fluctuation data, and the CPU 103 temporarily stores the various fluctuation data. The CPU 103 receives the input of various signals from outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105, and the CPU 103 goes outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105. A transmission operation for outputting various signals is also performed. The random number circuit 104 only needs to count numerical data indicating some or all of the various random number values used for controlling the progress of the game.

  On the main board 11, numerical data indicating various random values used for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is countably updated. Such random numbers used to control the progress of the game are also referred to as game random numbers. The game random number may be generated by the random number circuit 104 of the game control microcomputer 100 or the game random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102. As described above, the game random number may be partially or entirely updated by hardware such as the random number circuit 104, or the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 may execute a predetermined computer program. The software may be partially or wholly updated.

  In addition to the game control program, the ROM 101 provided in the game control microcomputer 100 stores various selection data and table data used to control the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 101 stores data constituting a plurality of determination tables, determination tables, setting tables and the like prepared for the CPU 103 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings. Further, the ROM 101 includes table data constituting a plurality of command tables used for the CPU 103 to transmit control signals serving as various control commands from the main board 11 and a variation pattern table storing a plurality of types of variation patterns. Table data to be stored is stored.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of various circuits mounted on the effect control board 12. 3 includes an input circuit 121, a memory controller 122, an effect data memory 123, a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 132, a watchdog timer 134, a VDP 135, an audio processing circuit 136, a lamp control circuit 137, and a motor control circuit. 138 is mounted. The VDP 135 includes an instruction decoder 141, a demultiplexer 142, a video decoder 143, a VRAM 144, and a display driving circuit 145. The audio processing circuit 136 includes an audio decoder 151. A part or all of the configuration shown in FIG. 3 may be included in the production control microcomputer. For example, an effect control microprocessor in which the CPU 131, the VDP 135, the sound processing circuit 136, the lamp control circuit 137, and the motor control circuit 138 are integrated may be used.

  The input circuit 121 only needs to include a buffer circuit or the like for receiving the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15. The memory controller 122 executes various processes on the stored data in the effect data memory 123 in response to request signals supplied from the CPU 131 and the VDP 135. The effect data memory 123 stores various image data (image element data) indicating the display image on the image display device 5 in advance. The image data stored in the effect data memory 123 only needs to include still image data and moving image data. As the still image data, sprite image data serving as a plurality of types of image element data corresponding to a plurality of types of effect images, such as a plurality of types of decorative designs that are variably displayed on the screen of the image display device 5, may be prepared. . In addition, the character displayed on the screen of the image display device 5, specifically, a person, a character, a figure, a symbol, and the like, and image data of the background image may be stored in the effect data memory 123 in advance. In addition to the image data, the effect data memory 123 only needs to store part or all of audio data used for audio output by the speakers 8L and 8R. The effect data memory 123 only needs to store part or all of the lamp drive data used for the lighting drive for the game effect lamp 9, the effect lighting accessory 90, and other decoration LEDs. The effect data memory 123 only needs to store part or all of the motor drive data used for rotational driving of the movable member drive motors 33A and 33B. The effect data memory 123 may be a non-volatile semiconductor memory that can be electrically erased, written, or rewritten, such as a NAND flash memory. However, the effect data memory 123 is used as a read-only storage device in a normal use state in which the progress of the effect in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled. For example, when a 512-byte sector is the minimum unit of data transfer, the memory controller 122 only needs to be able to read data of an integer multiple of 512 bytes from the effect data memory 123. And can be written.

  The memory controller 122 reads the sector data corresponding to the request signal from the CPU 131 from the effect data memory 123. The memory controller 122 only needs to be able to perform error detection and error correction on the read sector data. In the error detection of sector data, the number of error bits and the error bit position are specified. At this time, it is determined whether or not error correction is possible. If error correction is possible, it suffices to execute error correction and transfer the sector data to RAM 133, VRAM 144, or the like. The effect data memory 123 only needs to store the management information of the erase unit block. The erasing unit block is an erasing unit when erasing data stored in the effect data memory 123. The management information of the erase unit block only needs to include information indicating the number of erase processes executed in each erase unit block. The memory controller 122 reads the management information of the erase unit block including the sector data, and determines whether or not to refresh the memory cell of the sector data in the effect data memory 123 based on the information on the number of error bits (data refresh). To do.

  In the effect data memory 123, deterioration of the memory cell occurs due to factors such as erasure of stored data and read disturb. Read disturb occurs when the number of times of reading data stored in the effect data memory 123 increases, the electrons accumulated in the floating gate of the memory cell are gradually extracted, and the threshold voltage of the transistor changes. . Even when read disturb does not occur, electrons accumulated in the floating gate of the memory cell may be gradually released at a very slow rate, causing data retention that changes the threshold voltage of the transistor. is there. Deterioration of the memory cell due to read disturb or data retention can be recovered by refreshing the memory cell. Deterioration of the memory cell due to erasure of stored data may reduce the life expectancy of the memory cell and may be unrecoverable even if the memory cell is refreshed. In this case, a replacement process is performed in which a block including a memory cell that has become unrecoverable is determined as a defective block (defective area), and data is transferred to a separately provided alternative block (alternative area).

  CPU131 performs control processing according to the computer program for production control. The ROM 132 stores an effect control program, fixed data, and the like. The RAM 133 provides a work area for the CPU 131. The watchdog timer 134 has a counter circuit that counts up or down based on the setting of a built-in register, and when a time-out occurs after a measurement time exceeds a monitoring time (time-out time), a time-out that becomes a time-lapse signal Generate a signal. The time-out signal may be a signal that causes the CPU 131 to be reset and restarted. The activation method of the watchdog timer 134 may be set by a reset setting stored in the program management area of the ROM 132. The watchdog timer 134 only needs to be able to validate or invalidate the reset operation due to the elapse of the timeout time according to the WDT start data stored in the WDT start register included in the built-in register. The watchdog timer 134 clears the count value which is the stored value of the counter circuit by sequentially writing a plurality of WDT clear data to the WDT clear register included in the built-in register, and restarts the count operation. The CPU 131 can clear and restart the watchdog timer 134 by periodically setting WDT clear data in the WDT clear register. On the other hand, when a delay occurs in the processing of the CPU 131 due to some trouble or the like and the watchdog timer 134 cannot be cleared and the measurement time has passed the monitoring time, a timeout signal is generated and the CPU 131 is reset.

  The CPU 131 executes processing for controlling the progress of the production by the electrical parts for production in accordance with the program for production control read from the ROM 132. For example, the CPU 131 reads fixed data from the ROM 132 to read fixed data, the CPU 131 writes various data to the RAM 133 and temporarily stores the data, and the CPU 131 stores various data temporarily stored in the RAM 133. Fluctuation data reading process for reading out the fluctuation data, reception process in which the CPU 131 receives input of various signals from the outside, transmission process in which the CPU 131 outputs various signals to the outside, or part or all of these processes. Also good.

  The ROM 132 stores various data tables used for controlling the rendering operation, in addition to the rendering control program. For example, the ROM 132 stores a plurality of determination tables prepared for the CPU 131 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings, table data configuring the determination table, pattern data configuring various effect control patterns, and the like. Yes. The effect control pattern includes, for example, effect control execution data (display control data, sound control data, lamp control data, motor control data, operation detection control data, etc.) associated with the effect control process timer determination value, an end code, and the like. It consists of process data. Part or all of the effect control pattern and effect control execution data may be configured as a display list. The display list is data of an instruction group in which a series of transfer instructions to be executed by the VDP 135 are described according to the order of image processing. The display list may include a mixture of display control command groups, audio control command groups, lamp control command groups, and motor control command groups. By controlling the progress of the production using such a display list, it is only necessary that the electrical parts for the production can be controlled in cooperation. The RAM 133 stores a program and various data used for controlling the electrical parts for production. The CPU 131 only needs to be able to read the program and data stored in the RAM 133 in a reading time shorter than the reading time of the program and data stored in the ROM 132.

  The VDP 135 determines the content of image display control in the image display device 5 based on a display control command from the CPU 131, register settings, and the like. For example, the VDP 135 performs control for executing decorative display variable display and various effect displays by determining the switching timing of effect images to be displayed on the screen of the image display device 5. The VDP 135 is an image processor having an image data processing function such as a high-speed drawing function, a moving image data separation function, and a video decoding function. Note that the VDP 135 may be a graphics processing unit (GPU), a graphics controller LSI (GCL), or a microprocessor for image processing, more commonly referred to as a digital signal processor (DSP).

  The VDP 135 may be configured to include an instruction decoder 141, a demultiplexer 142, a video decoder 143, a VRAM 144, and a display drive circuit 145. The instruction decoder 141 decodes an instruction part (instruction code) included in the display control command from the CPU 131 and instructs image processing according to the decoding result. For example, a display control instruction group included in the decoding result is supplied to an internal circuit of the VDP 135. In addition, the voice control instruction group included in the decoding result may be supplied to the voice processing circuit 136. The lamp control instruction group included in the decoding result may be supplied to the lamp control circuit 137. The motor control instruction group included in the decoding result may be supplied to the motor control circuit 138. The demultiplexer 142 receives the moving image data read from the effect data memory 123, and outputs the video data and audio data separately. The video data output from the demultiplexer 142 is input to the video decoder 143. The audio data output from the demultiplexer 142 is input to the audio decoder 151 of the audio processing circuit 136. The video decoder 143 decompresses and outputs the compressed and encoded video data. Video data output from the video decoder 143 is stored in a predetermined area of the VRAM 144. The VRAM 144 temporarily stores the image data and provides a work area for image data processing by the VDP 135. The VRAM 144 may be provided with various areas such as a palette area in which palette data is arranged, a character buffer in which character image data is stored, and a CG buffer. The CG buffer temporarily saves palette data in which the display color of the character is defined when the drawing process by the VDP 135 is executed, or temporarily saves display data of the effect image created by the drawing process. It is used to

  A frame buffer is provided in the VRAM 144 or in a memory module separate from the VRAM 144. The frame buffer provides a virtual display area in which display data of the effect image created by the drawing process by the VDP 135 is expanded and stored. The display data stored in the frame buffer may be pixel data (raster data) created by the VDP 135 based on vector data (vector data) such as points, lines, and polygons. In the frame buffer, for example, an actual display area for storing display data of various images displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 and display data of various images not displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 are stored. Virtual display area to be included may be included. Alternatively, display data for displaying a screen having the same size as the display screen of the image display device 5 is created in the virtual display area of the frame buffer, and the display data in the virtual display area read by the VDP 135 is displayed on the display drive circuit. By being supplied to 145, it may be output to the image display device 5 side. An image display area and an image drawing area are allocated to the storage area of the frame buffer. In the image display area, display data for displaying an effect image on the screen of the image display device 5 is stored. In the image drawing area, display data of each effect image created by the drawing process is stored. The image display area and the image drawing area may be switched each time a V blank is generated. The V blank is generated at a cycle in which an image displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 is updated. Each time a V blank is started, a V blank interrupt signal is output from the VDP 135 to the CPU 131, and various other interrupt signals are output from the VDP 135 to the CPU 131. By switching between the image display area and the image drawing area each time a V blank occurs, display data for each effect image is created in the storage area allocated as the image drawing area in a certain V blank period (first drawing display period). In the next V blank period (second drawing display period), the storage area is switched to the image display area. Accordingly, the display data created by the drawing process in the first drawing display period is output to the image display device 5 in the second drawing display period, and an image drawing area is assigned in the second drawing display period. In the storage area, display data created by the drawing process is stored.

  The display driving circuit 145 is a circuit for outputting a signal for displaying various images on the screen of the image display device 5. The display drive circuit 145 outputs a predetermined clock signal (dot clock signal) and a scanning signal (drive control signal) to the image display device 5 together with a color signal (gradation control signal) corresponding to the display data created by the VDP 135. That's fine.

  The audio processing circuit 136 generates an audio signal that enables audio output using the speakers 8L and 8R based on commands from the CPU 131 and the VDP 135 and register settings. The audio data output from the demultiplexer 142 of the VDP 135 is input to the audio decoder 151 of the audio processing circuit 136. The audio decoder 151 expands the compression-encoded audio data so that an audio signal can be generated. Further, the audio processing circuit 136 may include an audio data memory capable of storing audio data not included in the moving image data in advance. The audio processing circuit 136 may generate an audio signal by expanding audio data read from the audio data memory based on a command from the CPU 131 or the VDP 135 or register setting.

  The lamp control circuit 137 controls lighting modes (light emitting modes) such as lighting, extinguishing, and flashing of light emitting members such as the game effect lamp 9, the lighting lamp 90 for effects, and other decorative LEDs. The lamp control circuit 137 generates lamp control data based on a command from the CPU 131 or the VDP 135 and register settings, and outputs the lamp control data to the lamp driver board 13. The motor control circuit 138 controls operating states such as rotation, stop, rotation speed, and rotation angle (phase) of the movable member drive motors 33A and 33B. The motor control circuit 138 generates motor control data based on commands from the CPU 131 and VDP 135 and register settings, and outputs them to the motor driver board 14.

  On the effect control board 12, numerical data indicating various random values used for controlling the progress of the effect are counted in an updatable manner. The random number used for controlling the progress of such production is also called production random number. The effect random number only needs to be generated by an effect random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133 or a random number circuit built in or attached to the effect control microcomputer. As an example, on the side of the effect control board 12, it is possible to count numerical data indicating random values for determining various effects such as a random number for determining a stop symbol in a variable display of decorative symbols, and a random value for determining a notice effect. Controlled.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a predetermined game using a game ball as a game medium is performed, and a predetermined game value can be given based on the game result. As an example of a game using a game ball, a predetermined hitting ball is emitted based on a predetermined operation (for example, a rotation operation) performed by a player on a hitting operation handle installed on the lower right side of the front surface of the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1 A game ball as a game medium is launched toward a game area by a launch motor provided in the apparatus. When this game ball passes (enters) the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A, the first is based on the fact that the game ball is detected by the first start opening switch 22A shown in FIG. The start condition is met. Thereafter, the first start condition is established based on, for example, the end of the previous special game or the big hit gaming state. When the first start condition is satisfied, the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A is started.

  When the game ball launched toward the game area passes (enters) the second start winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the game ball is detected by the second start opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Is done. Based on the fact that the game ball is detected by the second start port switch 22B, the second start condition is satisfied. Thereafter, the second start condition is satisfied based on, for example, the end of the last special game or the big hit gaming state. When the second start condition is satisfied, a special game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B is executed. When the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is in the normally open state as the second variable state, it is difficult or impossible for the game ball to pass through the second starting winning opening.

  In the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, based on the fact that the normal symbol variable display result by the normal symbol display device 20 is "per normal figure", the opening control or the expansion opening where the movable wing piece of the electric tulip is in the tilting position is performed. Control is performed, and closing control and normal opening control for returning to the vertical position when a predetermined time elapses are performed. When the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is in the expanded opening state as the first variable state by the opening control or the expanding opening control, the game ball can easily pass or can pass through the second start winning opening. The normal figure starting condition for executing the variable display of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 20 is established based on the fact that the game ball that has passed through the passing gate 41 is detected by the gate switch 21 shown in FIG. After the normal chart start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol display 20 uses the normal symbol display unit 20 based on the fact that the normal map start condition for starting variable display of the normal symbol is satisfied, for example, that the previous general chart game has ended. The figure game is started. In this ordinary game, when a predetermined time elapses after starting the change of the normal symbol, the fixed normal symbol that is the variable display result of the normal symbol is stopped and displayed (derived display). At this time, if a specific normal symbol (a symbol per ordinary symbol) is stopped and displayed as the fixed ordinary symbol, the variable symbol display result of the ordinary symbol becomes “per ordinary symbol”. On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the symbols per regular symbol is stopped and displayed as the fixed regular symbol, the variable symbol display result of the regular symbol becomes “ordinary symbol losing”.

  When a special symbol game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A is started or when a special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B is started, a special game is started. It is determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed whether or not the variable display result of the symbol is set to “big hit” as a predetermined specific display result. Then, the variation pattern is determined at a predetermined ratio based on the determination of the variable display result, and the effect control command for designating the variable display result and the variation pattern is the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 shown in FIG. To the effect control board 12.

  After the special figure game is started based on the determination of the variable display result and the variation pattern, for example, when a predetermined variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern elapses, a definite special symbol as a variable display result is derived. Is displayed. Corresponding to the variable display of special symbols by the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, decorations of “left”, “middle”, and “right” arranged on the screen of the image display device 5 In the symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, a variable display of a decorative symbol (effect symbol) different from the special symbol is performed. The decorative symbols variably displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are also referred to as a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol, respectively.

  In the special symbol game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A and the special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B, a fixed special that results in variable display of the special symbol When the symbol is derived and displayed, a fixed decorative symbol that is a variable display result of the decorative symbol is derived and displayed on the image display device 5. As a special symbol variable display result, when a predetermined jackpot symbol is derived and displayed, the variable display result is “big hit” (specific display result), and when a predetermined lose symbol is derived and displayed, the variable display result is “Lose” (non-specific display result). Based on the fact that the variable display result is “big hit”, the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state advantageous to the player. That is, whether or not the game state is controlled to the big hit gaming state corresponds to whether or not the variable display result is “big hit”, and is determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed.

  When the variable display result of the special symbol in the special game is “big hit”, a definite decorative symbol that is a predetermined big hit combination is derived and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5. As an example, a combination of big hits is confirmed by stopping and displaying the same decorative symbols on predetermined effective lines in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. It is only necessary that the decorative design is derived and displayed.

  In the big hit gaming state, the special winning opening is in an open state, and the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in a first state advantageous to the player. Then, for example, a round game in which the prize winning opening is continuously opened in 29.5 seconds or a period until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the prize winning opening and a winning ball is generated. (Also simply called “round”) is executed. During periods other than the execution period of such round games, the big prize opening is closed, and it is difficult or impossible to generate a winning ball. When a game ball enters the big prize opening, the winning ball is detected by the count switch 23, and a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as a prize ball for each detection. The round game in the big hit game state is repeatedly executed until a predetermined upper limit number of times (for example, “16”) is reached. Therefore, in the big hit gaming state, the player can acquire a large number of prize balls very easily, and the gaming state is advantageous to the player. Note that the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be one that directly pays out game balls that are prize balls, or may be one that gives a score corresponding to the number of game balls that are prize balls.

  After the big hit gaming state ends, the gaming state becomes a probable state based on the establishment of a predetermined probability change control condition, and the probability that the variable display result will be a “big hit” (big hit probability) is higher than the normal state. Control may take place. In the probability change state, a predetermined probability change end condition is satisfied, for example, a variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), or a big hit gaming state is started before the number of executions of the variable display reaches the predetermined number of times. It is controlled to continue until The probability variation end condition may be satisfied when the next big hit gaming state is started regardless of the number of executions of variable display. After the big hit gaming state is finished, the gaming state becomes a short time state, and the short time control may be performed in which the average variable display time becomes shorter than the normal state. In the short-time state, a predetermined short-time end condition is satisfied, for example, the variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), or the big hit gaming state is started before the variable display execution number reaches the predetermined number of times. It is controlled to continue until

  In the probable change state and the short time state, the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is in the first variable state (open state or expanded open state) in an advantageous change mode in which the game ball easily passes (enters) through the second start winning opening than in the normal state. And a second variable state (closed state or normally open state). For example, the normal symbol display unit 20 controls the normal symbol change time (normal diagram change time) in the normal symbol game to be shorter than that in the normal state, or the variable symbol display result of the normal symbol in each normal symbol game is “general”. Tilt control time for controlling the tilt of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B based on the fact that the probability of “per figure” is higher than that in the normal state, and the variable display result is “per figure”. By making the control longer than that in the normal state and increasing the number of tilts more than in the normal state, the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is changed to the first variable state and the second variable state in an advantageous change mode. Just do it. Note that any one of these controls may be performed, or a plurality of controls may be performed in combination. In this way, the control for changing the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B between the first variable state and the second variable state in an advantageous change mode is referred to as high opening control (also referred to as “high base control”). By controlling to such a probable change state and a short time state, the time required until the next variable display result becomes “big hit” is shortened, and a special game state (“advantageous game state”) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. Also called). Even when the probability variation control is performed in the probability variation state, the high opening control may not be performed.

  In the image display device 5, the symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol) are stopped and shaken in a state where the symbol matches the jackpot combination continuously for a predetermined time. It can be a big hit before the final result is displayed because it is moving, scaling, or deforming, or multiple symbols change synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the displayed symbol is switched. An effect performed in a state where the sex is continued (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, the variable display including the reach effect is called reach variable display. A plurality of types of reach modes are prepared in advance corresponding to the decorative pattern variation pattern, etc., and the possibility that the variable display result will be a “big hit” (a big hit expectation) differs depending on the reach mode. That is, it is possible to vary the possibility that the variable display result will be a “hit” depending on which of the multiple types of reach effects is executed. In the reach production, it is only necessary to include a normal reach production and a super reach reach production with a higher degree of expectation of jackpot than the normal reach production. And when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 is not a big hit combination, it becomes “lost”, and the variability display state ends.

  As an effect of liquid crystal display on the screen of the image display device 5, variable display of decorative symbols is performed. In addition, on the screen of the image display device 5, for example, an effect using a character image, or an effect of displaying a notification image based on a jackpot determination and a determination result of a variation pattern is executed. Various effects executed during variable display in which variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols is performed are also referred to as “variable display effects”. As an example of effects during variable display, there is a possibility that the decorative display variable display state will reach a reach state due to an effect operation different from the decorative display variable display operation, the possibility that a super reach reach effect will be executed, variable display A notice effect may be executed to suggest to the player in advance that the result may be a “hit”.

  The effect operation that becomes the notice effect is the variable display state of the decorative symbol after the decorative symbol variable display is started in all of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. May be executed (started) prior to the reach state (before the decorative symbols are temporarily displayed in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R). In addition, the notice effect that notifies that the variable display result may be a “big hit” may include one that is executed after the variable display state of the decorative symbol becomes the reach state. In this way, the notice effect can be a big hit gaming state at a predetermined timing from the start of variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols until the fixed special symbols and fixed decorative symbols that result in variable display are derived. Anything that can give notice of sex is acceptable. A plurality of notice effect patterns are prepared in advance corresponding to the contents of the effect operation (effect mode) when such a notice effect is executed.

  When the lost symbol is stopped and displayed (derived) on the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B and the variable display result is “lost”, the variable display mode is “non-reach” (“normal” A case where the variable display mode is “reach” (also referred to as “reach lose”). When the variable display mode is “non-reach”, the variable display state of the decorative design is not reached after the variable display of the decorative design is started. Reach combination) is stopped (derived). When the variable display mode is “reach”, the reach presentation is executed after the variable display state of the decorative symbol becomes the reach state after the decorative symbol variable display is started, and finally the jackpot combination is A predetermined combination of decorative symbols (reach-miss combination) that is not to be displayed is stopped (derived).

  The game ball used as a game medium in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the recorded information of the score given corresponding to the number thereof have value that can be exchanged for special prizes or general prizes according to the quantity, for example. That's fine. Alternatively, these game balls and score recording information may not be exchanged for special prizes or general prizes, but may have valuable value that can be used for a second game in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  Further, the game value that can be given in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not limited to paying out a game ball as a prize ball or giving a score. For example, the game value can be controlled to a big hit game state or a special game state such as a probable change state. Control, the maximum number of rounds that can be executed in the big hit gaming state becomes the first round number (for example, “15”) larger than the second round number (for example, “7”), can be executed in a short time state The upper limit number of variable display becomes a first number (for example, “100”) larger than the second number (for example, “50”), and the big hit probability in the probability variation state is higher than the second probability (for example, 1/50). The first probability (for example, 1/20), the number of consecutive chunks, which is the number of times of repeated control to the big hit gaming state without being controlled to the normal state, is greater than the second consecutive number of chunks (for example, “5”) First Communicating Chang number (e.g. "10") and such part or all of becoming, it may include be a more favorable game situation for the player.

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described.

  In the main board 11, when power supply from a predetermined power supply board is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined process as a game control main process. When the game control main process is started, the CPU 103 performs necessary initial settings after setting the interrupt disabled. In this initial setting, for example, the RAM 102 is cleared. Also, register setting of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) built in the game control microcomputer 100 is performed. Thereby, thereafter, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute timer interrupt processing. When the initial setting is completed, an interrupt is permitted and then loop processing is started. In the game control main process, a process for returning the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the state at the time of the previous power supply stop may be executed before entering the loop process.

  When the CPU 103 that has executed such a game control main process receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and receives an interrupt request, the CPU 103 sets the interrupt disabled state and executes a predetermined game control timer interrupt process. Game control timer interrupt processing includes, for example, switch processing, main-side error processing, information output processing, gaming random number update processing, game control process processing, normal symbol process processing, command control processing, and the like in pachinko gaming machine 1 Processing for controlling the progress of the process is included.

  The switch processing is processing for determining the state of detection signals input from various switches such as the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22 </ b> A, the second start port switch 22 </ b> B, and the count switch 23 via the switch circuit 110. The main-side error process is a process of performing an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and generating a warning if necessary according to the diagnosis result. The information output process is a process for outputting data such as jackpot information, start-up information, probability variation information supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example. The game random number update process is a process for updating at least a part of a plurality of types of game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software.

  In the game control process included in the game control timer interrupt process, the value of the game process flag provided in the RAM 102 is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the first special symbol display device 4A or Various processes are selected and executed in order to perform control of the display operation in the second special symbol display device 4B, setting of the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 in a predetermined procedure. The normal symbol process process controls the display operation (for example, turning on / off the segment LED) on the normal symbol display 20 to variably display the normal symbol, set the tilting operation of the movable wing piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, and the like. It is a process that enables.

  The command control process is a process of transmitting a control command from the main board 11 to a sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12. As an example, in the command control process, the output control board 12 among the output ports included in the I / O 105 corresponds to the setting in the command transmission table specified by the value of the transmission command buffer provided in the RAM 102. After setting the control data in the output port for transmitting the effect control command, the predetermined control data is set in the output port of the effect control INT signal, and the effect control INT signal is turned on for a predetermined time and then turned off. Thus, it is possible to transmit the effect control command based on the setting in the command transmission table. After executing the command control process, after setting the interrupt enabled state, the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the game control process. In the game control process shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 first determines whether or not a start winning has occurred (step S11). As an example, in step S11, an input state (on / off) of a start winning signal as a detection signal transmitted from the first start port switch 22A or the second start port switch 22B is checked. What is necessary is just to determine with winning.

  If a start winning is generated in step S11 (step S11; Yes), a winning random number is stored (step S12). As an example, in the process of step S12, a random number circuit 104 built in (or externally attached to) the game control microcomputer 100, a random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100, or a game control microcomputer A gaming random number (random number for determining a variable display result, gaming state determining random number, etc.) updated by at least a part of a random counter configured using an internal register provided separately from the RAM 102 in the computer 100 A part or all of the numerical data indicating the random number and the random number for determining the variation pattern) is extracted. The random number value extracted at this time may be stored as hold data associated with the hold number, for example, in a hold random number storage unit provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S12, various control commands corresponding to the start winning prize are transmitted (step S13). As an example, in the process of step S <b> 13, it is only necessary to perform a setting for transmitting a start winning designation command for notifying the occurrence of a start winning to the effect control board 12. When no start winning has occurred in step S11 (step S11; No), after executing the process of step S13, the value of the game process flag is determined (step S21). Then, a process corresponding to the determination value is selected from a plurality of processes previously described in the game control computer program and executed.

  For example, when the value of the game process flag is “0”, it is determined whether or not variable symbol display (variable display game) can be started (step S101). As an example, in the process of step S101, it is determined whether or not the number of holds of the variable display game is “0” by checking the stored contents of the random number storage unit for holding. At this time, if the number of hold is other than “0”, the variable display is started because the start of the variable display has been satisfied and the variable display has not been started yet. Determine that it is possible. On the other hand, when the hold number is “0”, it is determined that variable display cannot be started. When the variable display cannot be started (step S101; No), the game control process is terminated.

  When variable display can be started in step S101 (step S101; Yes), a fixed symbol derived and displayed as a variable display result is determined (step S102). The variable display result of the special symbol in the special figure game is referred to as a special figure display result. In the process of step S102, the game random number (random number for determining the variable display result, random number for determining the game state, fluctuation, etc.) stored in the head (storage area with the smallest hold number) in the hold random number value storage unit Read random number for pattern determination). The game random number read from the holding random value storage unit may be temporarily stored in a variable display random number buffer or the like provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100. Then, using a random value for determining the variable display result and the variable display result determination table, it is determined at a predetermined ratio whether or not the variable display result is “big hit”. Here, when the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a probable variation state, the variable display result determination table is determined so that the variable display result is determined to be “big hit” at a higher rate than in the normal state or the short time state. It is sufficient that the determination value is set.

  When the variable display result is determined to be “big hit” in the process of step S102, the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is further changed using the random number value for gaming state determination and the gaming state determination table. Decide whether or not to enter the special gaming state. Corresponding to these determination results, a fixed symbol derived and displayed as a variable display result may be determined.

  Following the processing in step S102, an internal flag and the like are set (step S103). As an example, in the process of step S103, when the variable display result is determined as “big hit” in the process of step S102, the big hit flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 is turned on. set. Further, when it is determined that the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is to be a probability variation state, a probability variation confirmation flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 is set to an on state. In addition, it may be stored in such a way that it can be specified that the state is likely to change. Thereafter, the value of the game process flag is updated to “1” (step S104), and the game control process process is terminated.

  When the value of the game process flag is “1”, a variation pattern or the like is determined (step S111). FIG. 5 shows a setting example of a variation pattern used in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Each variation pattern indicates that the required time (variable display time) from the start of variable display to the display of a fixed symbol that is a variable display result can be specified and the outline of the production mode can be specified. In this embodiment, among the cases where the variable display result is “losing”, the variable display mode of the decorative symbols variably displayed on the image display device 5 is “non-reach” and “reach”. A plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance corresponding to each case and when the variable display result is “big hit”. For the variation pattern, a plurality of patterns are prepared in advance for each variation time (variable display time) in the variable display of the special figure game or the decorative design. Therefore, by determining the variation pattern, it is possible to determine the variable display time for special symbols and decorative symbols.

  In the process of step S111, the variation pattern to be used is determined at a predetermined rate using the variation pattern determination random value temporarily stored in the variable display random number buffer and the variation pattern determination table. At this time, the variable display result may become “big hit” corresponding to each fluctuation pattern by changing the determination ratio of each fluctuation pattern depending on whether or not the variable display result is decided as “big hit” (Big hit reliability) can be varied.

  Further, in the process of step S111, it may be determined whether or not the variable display state of the decorative symbol is set to “reach” by determining a variation pattern when the variable display result is determined to be “losing”. . Alternatively, prior to determining the variation pattern, it may be determined whether or not the variable display state of the decorative symbol is set to “reach” by using the reach determination random number value and the reach determination table. That is, in the process of step S111, it is only necessary to determine the variation pattern as one of a plurality of types based on the variable display result and the determination result of reach.

  Subsequent to the process of step S111, various control commands corresponding to the start of variable display are transmitted (step S112). As an example, in the process of step S112, as a variable display start command for designating the start of variable display, a variable display result notification command for notifying a variable display result, a variable display such as a variable display time of a decorative symbol and a type of reach effect, etc. A setting for transmitting a variation pattern designation command for notifying a variation pattern indicating a mode may be performed. Further, in response to the decrease in the hold count due to the start of variable display, a setting for transmitting a hold count notification command for notifying the hold count after the decrease may be performed.

  The variable display time is set in response to the change pattern being determined by the process of step S112. Moreover, the setting for starting the variable display of the special symbol by either the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B may be performed. As an example, variable display of symbols may be started by transmitting a predetermined drive signal to either the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B. Which special symbol display device using the special symbol on which special symbol display device is to be executed is a special symbol game based on whether the game ball has passed through the first starting winning port or the second starting winning port It may be set accordingly. More specifically, a special game is played by the first special symbol display device 4A based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the first start winning opening. On the other hand, based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the second start winning opening, a special game by the second special symbol display device 4B is performed. Thereafter, the value of the game process flag is updated to “2” (step S113), and the game control process process is terminated.

  When the value of the game process flag is “2”, it is determined whether or not the variable display time has elapsed (step S121). And when variable display time has not passed (step S121; No), after performing variable display control of a special symbol (step S122), game control process processing is ended. On the other hand, when the variable display time has elapsed (step S121; Yes), the variable symbol special display is stopped, and the final symbol is controlled to be derived and displayed (step S123).

  Subsequent to the processing in step S123, various control commands corresponding to the end of variable display are transmitted (step S124). As an example, in the process of step S124, a variable display end command for instructing the end (stop) of variable display or a big hit start specifying command (fanfare command for specifying the start of a big hit gaming state when the variable display result is “big hit”. ) And the like may be set for transmission.

  After the process of step S124 is executed, it is determined whether or not the variable display result is “big hit” (step S125). If the variable display result is “big hit” (step S125; Yes), the value of the game process flag is updated to “3” (step S126), and the game control process is terminated. On the other hand, when the variable display result is not “big hit” but “losing” (step S125; No), the game process flag is cleared and the value is initialized to “0” (step S125). S127), the game control process is terminated. When the process of step S127 is executed, it is determined whether or not the probability variation state or the time saving state is to be ended, and when it is determined that the predetermined condition is to be ended, these gaming states are ended. Settings for controlling to a normal state may be performed.

  When the value of the game process flag is “3”, it is determined whether or not to end the big hit gaming state depending on whether or not a predetermined big hit end condition is satisfied (step S131). The jackpot end condition may be, for example, that all rounds executed in the jackpot gaming state have ended. When the big hit game state is not ended (step S131; No), the game operation control at the time of the big hit is performed (step 132), and the game control process is ended. On the other hand, when ending the big hit gaming state (step S131; Yes), the setting for controlling the gaming state after the big hit ending is performed (step S133).

  As an example, in the process of step S133, it is determined whether or not the probability variation confirmation flag is on. If it is on, the probability variation flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 is turned on. Set to. Thus, when it is determined that the variable display result is “big hit”, and it is decided that the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is to be a probable change state, a game corresponding to this decision result is made. It is possible to control the state to a certain change state. Even in the case of controlling to the short time state, a setting corresponding to this may be performed. Thereafter, the game process flag is cleared and its value is initialized to “0” (step S134), and the game control process is terminated.

  Next, the operation in the effect control board 12 will be described. The effect control board 12 is supplied with a power supply voltage from a power supply board or the like. In the effect control board 12 in which the power supply for activation is started, the CPU 131 executes the effect control main process.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control main process. In the effect control main process shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 131 first executes an initialization process (step S51). In the initialization process in step S51, for example, the storage area in the RAM 133 is cleared, various initial values are set, and a CTC (counter / timer circuit) register that generates a timer interrupt for effect control is performed. Further, a timeout value setting or a measurement start setting in the watchdog timer 134 may be performed by the initialization process in step S51.

  Subsequent to the initialization process in step S51, memory inspection setting at power-on is performed (step S52). For example, the CPU 131 supplies an inspection request signal to the memory controller 122. The memory controller 122 inspects the storage data of the effect data memory 123 by executing a memory inspection process based on the supply of the inspection request signal. After the setting in step S52, an interval setting for memory inspection is performed (step S53). For example, the CPU 131 may set an interval (waiting time) until the next memory inspection process is executed based on the inspection result by the memory controller 122. Next, in response to turning on the power, the transmission setting of the production data predetermined as the initial production data is performed (step S54). For example, the CPU 131 supplies a transfer request signal prepared in response to power-on to the memory controller 122. Based on the supply of the transfer request signal, the memory controller 122 stores predetermined data among the programs and data stored in the effect data memory 123 and used to execute effects by various effect devices. (Including binary code constituting the program module) is transferred to the RAM 133, the VRAM 144 of the VDP 135, and the like. The CPU 131 may transfer predetermined initial data among the programs and data stored in the ROM 132 to the RAM 133, the VRAM 144 of the VDP 135, and the like.

  Thereafter, the effect random number update process (step S55) is executed in the effect control main process, and the numerical data indicating the random number value to be the effect random number is updated by software. The effect random number is counted as various random values used for effect control. The effect random number that is updated by hardware using a random number circuit incorporated in or externally provided in the effect control microcomputer by the effect control board 12 may not be updated in the effect random number update process. . Alternatively, the rendering random number may be updated by software using numerical data indicating a random value updated by hardware.

  After performing the effect random number update process, it is determined whether or not a timer interrupt has occurred (step S56). In step S56, for example, when the timer interrupt signal output from the timer circuit included in the CTC is on, it may be determined that a timer interrupt has occurred. Alternatively, for example, it may be determined that a timer interrupt has occurred when a timer interrupt flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133 is on. When a timer interrupt occurs, for example, the timer circuit included in the CTC is restarted, or the timer interrupt flag is cleared and turned off to restart the time measurement until the next timer interrupt occurs. May be.

  If no timer interrupt has occurred in step S56 (step S56; No), the effect random number update process in step S55 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when a timer interrupt occurs (step S56; Yes), a timer interrupt process for effect control is executed. The timer interrupt process for effect control includes command analysis process (step S57), effect control process process (step S58), in-control memory inspection process (step S59), error notification process (step S60), and controlled effect data transfer process. (Step S61) is included.

  The CPU 131 can execute an interrupt process for command reception in addition to a timer interrupt process for effect control. In the interrupt process for command reception, an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15 is acquired. The effect control command acquired at this time may be temporarily stored in a reception command buffer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133, for example. In the command analysis process of step S57, it is determined whether or not an effect control command has been received. If there is a reception, setting or control corresponding to the received command is performed. In the effect control process of step S58, in order to control the progress of the effect by the electric parts for the effect, determination, determination, setting, etc. according to the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 and the progress of the effect are performed. Is called. In the in-control memory inspection process of step S59, in order to inspect the stored data in the effect data memory 123 in response to the elapse of the standby time serving as the memory inspection interval during the effect control that controls the progress of the effect. Is set. In the error notification process in step S60, settings for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality are performed based on various error detections in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the in-control effect data transfer process in step S61, settings for transferring effect data are performed during the effect control for controlling the progress of the effect.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S58 of FIG. 6 as the effect control process. In the effect control process shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 131 sets the value of the effect process flag stored in a predetermined area (for example, the effect control flag setting unit) of the RAM 133 after performing the effect setting at the time of starting winning (step S161). In response, a process selected from a plurality of processes described in advance in the computer program for effect control is executed. The processing executed in accordance with the value of the effect process flag includes variable display start waiting processing (step S170), variable display start setting processing (step S171), variable display effect processing (step S172), and wait processing per special figure. (Step S173), a big hit effect process (Step S174), and an ending effect process (Step 175) are included.

  The start winning effect setting in step S161 shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the start winning memory in response to the reception of the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 at the start opening winning in which the first start winning or the second starting winning occurs. It only needs to include a setting for updating the hold display in the display area 5H. Along with the update of the hold display, the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting state of the game effect lamp 9 and the lighting accessory 90 for effects, and other decorative LEDs, the operation of the effect movable members 32A and 32B, part of these or You may alert | report generation | occurrence | production of a start winning prize by all the combinations. The setting in step S161 only needs to include a setting for notifying the occurrence of the start winning prize.

  The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “0”. The variable display start waiting process performs variable display of decorative symbols on the screen of the main image display device 5MA based on whether the first change start command or the second change start command transmitted from the main board 11 is received. It includes a process for determining whether or not to start. The first variation start command is an effect control command for notifying that the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A is started. The second variation start command is an effect control command for notifying that the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B is started. In the variable display start waiting process, when it is determined that either the first change start command or the second change start command is received, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “1”.

  The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “1”. The variable display start setting process is performed on the screen of the image display device 5 in response to the start of variable display of special symbols in the special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B. In order to perform decorative display variable display and other various presentation operations, it includes a process of determining a fixed decorative design and various presentation control patterns in accordance with the variation pattern of the special design and the type of display result. When the variable display start setting process is executed, the value of the rendering process flag is updated to “2”.

  The variable display effect process in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “2”. In the variable display effect processing, the CPU 131 reads various control data from the effect control pattern corresponding to the timer value in the effect control process timer provided in a predetermined area (the effect control timer setting unit or the like) of the RAM 133, and displays the decoration. Processing for performing various effects control during variable display of symbols is included. In addition, in the variable display effect processing, in response to the reception of the symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 11, the finalized symbol as the final stop symbol resulting in the variable symbol variable display result is displayed as a complete stop. Processing to display (derived display) is included. Note that, in response to the end code being read from the predetermined effect control pattern, the finalized decorative symbol may be displayed in a complete stop (derived display). By performing display control based on the end code read out from the effect control pattern, a definite decorative symbol is derived and displayed autonomously on the effect control board 12 side without using an effect control command from the main board 11. Thus, the variable display result can be confirmed. In the variable display effect process, after the control for deriving and displaying the variable symbol display result is performed, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “3”.

  The special figure waiting process in step S173 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “3”. In the special figure waiting process, the jackpot gaming state is determined based on the variable display result notified by the variable display result notification command or the determination result of whether or not the jackpot start designation command transmitted from the main board 11 is received. A process for determining whether or not to start is included. When it is determined that the jackpot gaming state is started in response to the variable display result corresponding to “big hit” by receiving the big hit start designation command, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “4”. On the other hand, if the waiting time has elapsed without receiving the jackpot start designation command and the variable display result determines that the jackpot gaming state does not start in response to “losing”, the effect process flag is cleared. The value is initialized to “0”.

  The big hit effect process in step S174 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “4”. In the big hit effect processing, for example, the CPU 131 sets an effect control pattern or the like corresponding to the effect contents in the big hit effect that is executed in the big hit game state, and executes the effect control based on the set contents. For the effect control in the big hit effect processing, control for displaying the effect image on the screen of the image display device 5, control for outputting sound and sound effect from the speakers 8L and 8R, game effect lamp 9 and decoration use Some or all of the control for changing the lighting mode of the LED and the other effect control may be included. In the jackpot effect process, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “5” in response to, for example, receiving a jackpot end designation command transmitted from the main board 11.

  The ending effect process in step S175 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “5”. In the ending effect process, for example, the CPU 131 sets an effect control pattern or the like corresponding to the effect content in the ending effect (hit end effect) executed when the jackpot gaming state ends, and executes effect control based on the set content. To do. With the effect control in the ending effect process, it is possible to execute the ending effect corresponding to the end of the big hit gaming state by controlling the effect image display, sound output, turning on / off or blinking of various light emitting members, and other effect operations do it. Thereafter, the effect process flag is cleared and its value is initialized to “0”.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in step S171 of FIG. 7 as variable display start setting processing. In the variable display start setting process shown in FIG. 8, a final stop symbol or the like that becomes a final symbol as a variable symbol display result is determined (step S201). The final stop symbol is determined based on variable display contents such as a variation pattern indicated by a variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11 and a variable display result indicated by a variable display result notification command. As an example, the variable display contents according to the combination of the fluctuation pattern and variable display result include “non-reach (loss)”, “reach (lack)”, “non-probability change (big hit)”, and “probability change (big hit)”. I just need it.

  When the variable display content is “non-reach (losing)”, the variable display state of the decorative symbol is not changed to the reach state, the fixed decorative symbol of the non-reach combination is stopped and displayed, and the variable display result is “lost”. " When the variable display content is “reach (losing)”, after the variable display state of the decorative symbol becomes the reach state, the fixed decorative symbol of the reach lose combination is stopped and displayed, and the variable display result becomes “losing”. . The non-reach combination definitive decorative design and the reach lose combination definitive decorative design are included in the definite combination definitive decorative design corresponding to the case where the variable display result is “lost”. When the variable display content is “non-probable change (big hit)”, the variable display result is “big hit”, and the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is the short-time state. When the variable display content is “probable change (big hit)”, the variable display result is “big win”, and the gaming state after the big hit gaming state is changed to the probable state.

  When the variable display content is “non-reach (losing)”, the final stop symbol is determined to be different (mismatched) decorative symbols in the “left” and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R. Is done. When the variable display content is “reach (losing)”, the final stop symbol is determined to be the same (matching) ornament symbol in the “left” and “right” ornament symbol display areas 5L and 5R. Is done. When the variable display content is “non-probable change (big hit)” or “probable change (big hit)”, the final stop symbols are displayed in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. Are determined to be the same (matching) decorative designs. At this time, depending on whether the variable display content is “non-probability change (big hit)” or “probability change (big hit)”, whether or not the promotion effect during the big hit is executed, etc. It is only necessary to determine which one of the design symbol to be displayed and the probability variation symbol (for example, a design symbol that represents an odd number) is the final design symbol. Further, when the variable display content is “non-probability change (big hit)” or “probability change (big hit)”, it may be determined whether or not to execute a probability change promotion effect such as a re-lottery effect or a jackpot promotion effect.

  Following the determination of the final stop symbol and the like in step S201, a notice effect is determined (step S202). In step S202, the presence / absence of the notice effect and the notice pattern need only be determined. The presence / absence of the notice effect corresponds to whether or not the notice effect is executed. The notice pattern is determined when the notice effect is executed, and a plurality of notice patterns may be prepared in advance corresponding to a plurality of kinds of effects. The CPU 131 extracts numerical data indicating a random number value for determining the announcement effect updated by a random number circuit, an effect random counter, and the like, and refers to the announcement determination table prepared in advance stored in the ROM 132, for example. What is necessary is just to determine the presence or absence of a production and a notice pattern.

  After the determination in step S202, the effect control pattern is determined as one of a plurality of patterns prepared in advance (step S203). For example, the CPU 131 determines an effect control pattern as one of a plurality of patterns prepared in advance. Further, the CPU 131 may select any of a plurality of prepared effect control patterns (notice effect control patterns) corresponding to the notice pattern determined in step S202 and set it as a use pattern. In addition, it is not limited to what determines a separate production control pattern as a special figure change production control pattern and a notice production control pattern, but determines one production control pattern corresponding to the combination of execution settings of each production. There may be.

  When the effect control pattern is determined in step S203, for example, the initial of the effect control process timer provided in a predetermined area (such as an effect control timer setting unit) of the RAM 133 corresponding to the change pattern specified by the change pattern specifying command. A value is set (step S204). Then, a setting for starting a change (variable display) such as a decorative design on the screen of the image display device 5 is performed (step S205). At this time, for example, the display control command designated by the display control data included in the effect control pattern determined in step S203 (the effect control pattern when changing the special figure) is transmitted to the VDP 135, etc. The variation of the decorative symbols may be started in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “left”, “middle”, and “right” provided on the screen.

  After the variable display start setting is performed in step S205, the hold display update setting at the time of variable display start is performed (step S206). In step S206, in the start winning memory display area 5H, the hold display corresponding to the variable display to be executed is deleted, and the other hold displays are moved (shifted). Note that the hold display corresponding to the variable display to be started may be moved (shifted) to the active display area to update the active display. Then, after updating the value of the effect process flag to “2”, which is a value corresponding to the effect process during variable display (step S207), the variable display start setting process ends.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in step S172 of FIG. 7 as variable display effect processing. In the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not the variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed based on, for example, the timer value of the effect control process timer (step S221). At this time, if it is determined that the variable display time has not elapsed (step S221; No), the timer value of the effect control process timer is updated (step S222). In step S222, for example, 1 is subtracted from the timer value of the effect control process timer. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a control data reading condition is satisfied (step S223). In step S223, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the effect control process timer matches any of the effect control process timer determination values set in the effect control pattern. When the timer value of the effect control process timer matches the determination value, it is determined that the control data reading condition is satisfied. On the other hand, if the timer value of the effect control process timer does not match the determination value, it is determined that the control data read condition is not satisfied (step S223; No), and the variable display effect process is terminated.

  If the control data reading condition is satisfied in step S223 (step S223; Yes), the corresponding control data is read (step S224). In step S224, effect control execution data (display control data, sound control data, lamp control data, motor control data) associated with the effect control process timer determination value that matches the timer value of the effect control process timer in the effect control pattern. , Operation detection control data, etc.) may be read out. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the control data read in step S224 includes voice control data (step S225). If it is determined that the audio control data is included (step S225; Yes), settings for controlling (audio control) audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R are performed (step S226). In step S226, the command or register value indicated in the voice control data may be supplied to the VDP 135 or the voice processing circuit 136.

  When it is determined in step S225 that the voice control data is not included (step S225; No), after setting in step S226, it is determined whether or not the control data read in step S224 includes the lamp control data. Determination is made (step S227). When it is determined that the lamp control data is included (step S227; Yes), settings for controlling (lamp control) lighting modes (light emission modes) of various light emitting members are performed (step S228). In step S228, the command or register value indicated by the lamp control data may be supplied to the VDP 135 or the lamp control circuit 137. If it is determined in step S227 that the lamp control data is not included (step S227; No), after the setting in step S228 is performed, whether the control data read in step S224 includes motor control data or not. Is determined (step S229). If it is determined that the motor control data is included (step S229; Yes), settings for controlling (motor control) the operating states of the movable member drive motors 33A and 33B are performed (step S230). In step S230, the command or register value indicated in the motor control data may be supplied to the VDP 135 or the motor control circuit 138.

  When it is determined in step S229 that the motor control data is not included (step S229; No), after the setting in step S230 is performed, whether or not the control data read in step S224 includes display control data. Is determined (step S231). If it is determined that the display control data is not included (step S231; No), the variable display effect process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the display control data is included (step S231; Yes), it is determined whether or not the memory inspection is being performed (step S232). In step S232, for example, when a memory checking flag provided in a predetermined area (effect control flag setting unit) of the RAM 133 is on, it may be determined that a memory check is being performed. The memory checking flag may be set and turned on when the memory check is started in the in-control memory checking process of step S59 shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, and may be cleared and turned off when the memory check is finished. .

  If it is determined in step S232 that the memory test is not in progress (step S232; No), it is determined whether or not effect data is being read (step S233). In step S233, for example, when the effect data reading flag provided in a predetermined area (effect control flag setting unit) of the RAM 133 is on, it may be determined that the effect data is being read. The effect data reading flag is set to ON when effect data is being read during the control effect data transfer process in step S61 shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, and is cleared when the reading end control is performed. It only has to be turned off.

  If it is determined in step S233 that the effect data is not being read (step S233; No), the display mode in the image display device 5 is set for normal control (normal display control) (step S234). The effect process during variable display is terminated. In step S234, the command or register value indicated in the display control data may be supplied to the VDP 135. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S232 that the memory test is being performed (step S232; Yes), or if it is determined in step S233 that the effect data is being read (step S233; Yes), the image display device 5 is set for simple control (simple display control) of the display mode (step S235), and the variable display effect processing is terminated.

  In step S235, for example, settings for performing simple display using only image data stored in the VRAM 144 may be performed. When the memory is being examined or the effect data is being read, the data stored in the effect data memory 123 cannot be read in real time and used for image display. Therefore, for example, variable display of decorative symbols is performed using image data transferred to and stored in the VRAM 144 as initial data, such as image data (sprite image data) corresponding to a plurality of types of decorative symbols. Also good. On the other hand, for example, in the case of a reach effect in which moving image reproduction using moving image data is performed, an image display that needs to read data stored in the effect data memory 123 may be stopped without being displayed. . If it is determined in step S232 that the memory test is being performed or if it is determined in step S233 that the effect data is being read, the variable display effect process is performed without setting in step S235. You may end. In these cases, the storage data of the frame buffer provided in the VRAM 144 or the like is not updated, so that there is a possibility that the image display is not updated on the screen of the image display device 5 and the display is stopped. Alternatively, when the data stored in the frame buffer is erased (cleared), there is a possibility that the image is not displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 and the display is stopped (blacked out).

  In the variable display effect processing shown in FIG. 9, it is determined in step S232 whether or not the memory inspection is being performed, and in step S233 it is determined whether or not the effect data is being read. Instead of these determinations, for example, it may be determined whether the read standby signal output from the memory controller 122 is on or off. The read standby signal output from the memory controller 122 is turned on when the data stored in the effect data memory 123 is being read and when the memory test in the effect data memory 123 is being performed, and is turned off during other periods. Any signal may be used.

  If the variable display time has elapsed in step S221 (step S221; Yes), it is determined whether or not a symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 11 has been received (step S236). At this time, if there is no reception of the symbol confirmation command (step S236; No), the variable display effect processing is terminated and waits. If the predetermined time has passed without receiving the symbol confirmation command after the variable display time has elapsed, the occurrence of a predetermined error is notified in response to the failure to receive the symbol confirmation command normally. You may make it do.

  If a symbol confirmation command is received in step S236 (step S236; Yes), for example, by supplying a command or a register value to the VDP 135, a final stop symbol (determined ornament symbol) that is a display result in variable display of the ornament symbol. ) Is derived and displayed (step S237). Subsequently, a predetermined fixed time is set as the hit start designation command reception waiting time (step S238). Also, after the value of the effect process flag is updated to “3” which is a value corresponding to the waiting process per special figure (step S239), the effect process during variable display is ended.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S59 of FIG. 6 as the in-control memory inspection process. In the in-control memory inspection process shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the memory inspection is being performed (step S251). In step S251, it may be determined whether or not the memory test is being performed, for example, depending on whether the memory test in progress flag is on or off. If it is determined in step S251 that the memory check is not in progress (step S251; No), it is determined whether or not a standby time as a memory check interval has elapsed (step S252). The CPU 131 may determine that the memory check interval has elapsed, for example, when the timeout signal output from the timer circuit included in the CTC is on. Alternatively, the CPU 131 may determine that the memory test interval has elapsed when the current time specified using, for example, an RTC (real time clock) has passed the time set as the memory test interval.

  If the memory inspection interval has elapsed in step S252 (step S252; Yes), it is determined whether or not a demonstration is being displayed (step S253). In step S253, it is determined that the demonstration is being displayed when the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not progressing and the demonstration display for displaying the demonstration effect image on the screen of the image display device 5 is being executed. do it. If the memory test interval has elapsed in step S252, the memory test interval may be set again. When it is determined in step S253 that the demonstration is not being displayed (step S253; No), a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) set in advance as the inspection waiting time during control is set (step S254), and the control is in progress. The memory inspection process is terminated. The predetermined time set as the in-control inspection standby time in step S254 corresponds to the case where data refresh or data transfer is executed after the memory inspection interval has elapsed, and the data stored in the effect data memory 123 is normal. In order to be recoverable or transferable (substitutable), it may be set within a range where data refresh and data transfer can be normally executed. For example, the predetermined time serving as the inspection waiting time during control may be set differently according to the number of times the effect data memory 123 is read before the memory inspection interval elapses. In this case, when the number of readings of the effect data memory 123 executed until the memory inspection interval elapses is equal to or greater than a predetermined number determination value, the time is shorter than when the number is less than the number determination value. May be set. Alternatively, the predetermined time serving as the inspection waiting time during control may be set to be different depending on the number of error bits generated until the memory inspection interval elapses. In this case, when the number of error bits detected until the memory test interval elapses is greater than or equal to a predetermined error determination value, a shorter time is set than when the error determination value is less than the error determination value. Also good.

  If the memory inspection interval has not elapsed in step S252 (step S252; No), it is determined whether the in-control inspection standby time set in step S254 has elapsed (step S255). If the inspection waiting time during control has not elapsed (step S255; No), it is determined whether or not a demonstration display is in progress (step S256). If it is determined in step S256 that the demonstration is not being displayed (step S256; No), the in-control memory inspection process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S253 that the demonstration is being displayed (step S253; Yes), the in-control inspection waiting time has elapsed in step S255 (step S255; Yes), or the demonstration is being displayed in step S256. If it is determined (step S256; Yes), the memory controller 122 is controlled to start the in-control memory inspection for inspecting the storage data of the effect data memory 123 during the effect control (step S257). ). For example, the CPU 131 supplies an inspection request signal to the memory controller 122. The memory controller 122 inspects the storage data of the effect data memory 123 by executing a memory inspection process based on the supply of the inspection request signal. At this time, for example, a setting corresponding to the memory test is performed such as setting and turning on the memory test in-progress flag (step S258), and the in-control memory test process is terminated. If the memory test interval has elapsed in step S252, the process proceeds to step S257 without determining whether the demonstration display is being performed in step S253, and the in-control memory test is immediately started. You may do it.

  If it is determined in step S251 that the memory test is being performed (step S251; Yes), it is determined whether the memory test is completed (step S259). In step S259, when the memory inspection completion notification is received from the memory controller 122, it may be determined that the memory inspection is completed. If it is determined that the memory test has not been completed (step S259; No), the in-control memory test process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the memory test is completed (step S259; Yes), control corresponding to the end of the in-control memory test is performed (step S260). For example, the CPU 131 may supply an instruction or a register value to the memory controller 122, the VDP 135, or the like in order to read the effect data that has become unreadable due to the execution of the memory test. At this time, for example, the memory checking flag is cleared and turned off to make a corresponding setting after the memory check (step S261), and the in-control memory checking process is terminated.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed in step S61 in FIG. 6 as the in-control effect data transfer process. In the in-control effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 131 determines whether or not effect data is being read (step S271). In step S271, for example, whether or not effect data is being read out may be determined depending on whether or not the effect data reading flag is on or off. When it is determined in step S271 that the effect data is not being read (step S271; No), it is determined whether or not the effect data reading condition is satisfied (step S272). In step S272, for example, if it is determined from the content of the effect control execution data included in the effect control pattern that the stored data in the effect data memory 123 needs to be transferred to the RAM 133 or VRAM 144, it is determined that the effect data read condition is satisfied. Good. Alternatively, when the storage data of the effect data memory 123 is read based on a signal transmitted from the memory controller 122 or the VDP 135, it may be determined that the effect data read condition is satisfied.

  When it is determined in step S272 that the effect data reading condition is not satisfied (step S272; No), normal time WDT clear setting is performed (step S273). In step S273, the watchdog timer 134 is cleared and the measurement time is initialized before the monitoring time of the watchdog timer 134 elapses, corresponding to the case where the storage data of the effect data memory 123 is not read. You just have to restart. For example, the CPU 131 may periodically clear the watchdog timer 134 by sequentially writing a plurality of WDT clear data to the WDT clear register.

  When the effect data reading condition is satisfied in step S272 (step S272; Yes), the memory controller 122 is controlled to start reading the effect data (step S274). For example, the CPU 131 supplies a read request signal to the memory controller 122. Note that the present invention is not limited to the case where the CPU 131 supplies a read request signal to the memory controller 122, and the VDP 135 may supply the read request signal to the memory controller 122, for example. The memory controller 122 may read the storage data of the effect data memory 123 based on the supply of the read request signal, transfer it to the RAM 133 or VRAM 144, and store it. At this time, for example, an effect data reading flag is set and turned on, for example, corresponding settings are made during effect data reading (step S275), and the in-control effect data transfer process is terminated. In step S275, a predetermined time is set as a clear time during reading.

  If it is determined in step S271 that the effect data is being read (step S271; Yes), it is determined whether or not the effect data has been read (step S276). In step S276, when the data read completion notification is received from the memory controller 122, it may be determined that the effect data has been read. If it is determined that the effect data has been read (step S276; Yes), control corresponding to the end of the effect data reading is performed (step S277). For example, the CPU 131 may supply an instruction or a register value to the VDP 135 or the like in order to restart the progress that has been stopped due to the execution of the effect data reading. At this time, for example, the effect data reading flag is cleared and turned off, and corresponding settings are made after the effect data is read (step S278), and the in-control effect data transfer process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S276 that the effect data has not been completely read (step S276; No), it is determined whether the clearing time during reading has elapsed (step S279). At this time, if the clearing time during reading has passed (step S279; Yes), it is determined whether or not the number of clearing during reading has reached a predetermined clear upper limit determination value (step S280). The number of times of clearing during reading indicates the number of times that the watchdog timer 134 has been cleared by the setting in step S281 after the effect data is started to be read out by the control in step S274. For example, in step S275, “0” is set as the count initial value of the reading clear counter, and the count value may be updated so that 1 is added by the setting in step S282.

  If the reading clear time has not elapsed in step S279 (step S279; No), or if the clear upper limit determination value has been reached in step S280 (step S280; Yes), the in-control effect data transfer process Exit. On the other hand, if the clear upper limit determination value has not been reached in step S280 (step S280; No), WDT clear setting during reading is performed (step S281). In step S281, the watchdog timer 134 is cleared and the measurement time is initialized before the monitoring time of the watchdog timer 134 elapses, corresponding to the case where the storage data of the effect data memory 123 is read. It can be restarted by making it. When the WDT clear setting during reading is performed in step S281, the number of times of clearing during reading is updated by adding 1 or the like (step S282), and the in-control effect data transfer process is terminated.

  Note that the WDT clear setting during reading in step S281 may be set so as to clear the watchdog timer 134 at a different period from the case of the normal WDT clear setting in step S273. For example, in the reading WDT clear setting in step S281, the watchdog timer 134 is cleared in a longer cycle than in the normal WDT clear setting in step S273. In this case, the normal WDT clear setting in step S273 clears the watchdog timer 134 by each setting, whereas the reading WDT clear setting in step S281 allows the watchdog timer to be set a plurality of times. 134 may be cleared. In the case where the watchdog timer 134 is cleared by sequentially setting a plurality of WDT clear data in the WDT clear register, all of the plurality of WDT clear data are stored when the normal WDT clear setting is performed once in step S273. In contrast to setting in order, when the WDT clear setting during reading in step S281 is performed once, only one WDT clear data is set, and a plurality of WDT clear settings during reading are repeated a plurality of times. Clear data may be set in order. On the contrary, in the reading WDT clear setting in step S281, the watchdog timer 134 may be cleared in a shorter cycle than in the normal time WDT clear setting in step S273.

  As described above, in the effect data transfer process during control, when the normal time WDT clear setting in step S273 is performed, the measurement time by the watchdog timer 134 is initialized before the monitoring time of the watchdog timer 134 elapses. To do. If it is determined in step S276 that reading of the effect data is not completed after starting the reading of the effect data by the control in step S274, the WDT clear setting during reading in step S281 is performed. Before the monitoring time of the dog timer 134 elapses, the measurement time by the watch dog timer 134 is initialized. Thereby, when the read time of the production data is prolonged, the watchdog timer 134 can be appropriately cleared to suppress inappropriate reset of the CPU 131, so that the occurrence of a malfunction can be prevented.

  In the in-control effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the effect data is being read in step S271, thereby determining whether or not the storage data in the effect data memory 123 is being read. Determine. If data refresh or data transfer (alternative processing) is performed in the effect data memory 123 during this readout period, the readout period can be lengthened and the normal time WDT clear setting in step S273 can be performed. There is a risk of disappearing. Therefore, if it is determined in step S271 that the effect data is being read, and if it is determined in step S276 that the effect data has not been read, the watchdog timer 134 is set according to the WDT clear setting during reading in step S281. The measurement time by the watchdog timer 134 can be initialized before the monitoring time elapses. In this case, when it is determined in step S280 that the number of times of clearing during reading has not reached the clear upper limit determination value, the WDT clearing during reading in step S281 can be performed. If it is determined in step S280 that the number of clears during reading has reached the clear upper limit determination value, the WDT clear setting during reading in step S281 is not performed, so initialization of the measurement time by the watchdog timer 134 is limited. The In this way, after the number of times of clearing during reading reaches the clear upper limit determination value, when the monitoring time of the watchdog timer 134 elapses, a time-out signal that becomes a time elapse signal is generated, and the CPU 131 is reset. restart. When the number of clears during reading reaches the clear upper limit determination value, the CPU 131 may be immediately reset and restarted without waiting until the monitoring time of the watchdog timer 134 elapses. For example, when it is determined in step S280 that the number of clearing during reading has reached the clear upper limit determination value, the CPU 131 may be reset by generating a reset interrupt of the CPU 131.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a memory inspection process executed by the memory controller 122. The memory controller 122 may start the execution of the memory inspection process based on the supply of the inspection request signal from the CPU 131. As described above, the memory controller 122 only needs to be able to execute the memory inspection process on condition that the signal is supplied from the CPU 131. Alternatively, the memory controller 122 may execute the memory inspection process based on the setting at power-on, the end of the memory inspection interval, or the like, without being conditional on the signal supply from the CPU 131. .

  In the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 12, the memory controller 122 reads status information stored in the effect data memory 123 or the like (step S451). The status information may include erasure unit block management information, error bit number management information, error correction management information, data refresh management information, and the like. The management information of the number of error bits may be information indicating the number of error bits generated every time sector data is read from the effect data memory 123 and specified by error detection of each sector data. The error correction management information may be information that is created when the sector data read from the effect data memory 123 is corrected and indicates whether or not each sector data has been corrected. The data refresh management information may be information that is created when the sector data stored in the effect data memory 123 is refreshed, and indicates information such as the number of times the data refresh has been performed and the execution date and time.

  Subsequently, based on the contents of the status information read in step S451 and the like, it is determined whether or not a data refresh condition is satisfied (step S452). For example, when there is sector data in which the number of error bits indicated in the management information of the number of error bits exceeds a predetermined error threshold, it may be determined that the data refresh condition is satisfied. Further, when there is sector data that cannot be corrected by the error correction management information, it may be determined that the data refresh condition is satisfied.

  If the data refresh condition is satisfied in step S452 (step S452; Yes), control for executing the data refresh is performed (step S453). In step S453, for example, the storage data of the erase unit block including the sector data to be subjected to data refresh is read, and correct data is restored by performing error correction or the like. Then, with respect to the erase unit block from which the stored data is read, the stored data may be erased and the restored correct data may be written. Alternatively, the restored correct data may be written in an erase unit block different from the erase unit block from which the stored data is read. When the restored correct data is written, it may be determined whether or not the data refresh is normally completed by reading the written data again and comparing it with the data before writing.

  When the data refresh condition is not satisfied in step S452 (step S452; No), after the control in step S453 is performed, it is determined whether the data transfer condition is satisfied (step S454). For example, it may be determined that the data transfer condition is satisfied when there is sector data that could not be corrected by the error correction management information. Further, when there is sector data in which the number of times data refresh indicated in the data refresh management information is performed exceeds a predetermined transfer threshold, it may be determined that the data transfer condition is satisfied. . If the data refresh is not normally completed in step S453, it may be determined that the data transfer condition is satisfied.

  If the data transfer condition is not satisfied in step S454 (step S454; No), the memory inspection process is terminated. On the other hand, when the data transfer condition is satisfied (step S454; Yes), control for executing the data transfer is performed (step S455), and the memory inspection process is terminated. In step S455, for example, the stored data of the erase unit block including the sector data to be transferred is read, and correct data is restored by performing error correction or the like. At this time, the erase unit block from which the stored data is read is set as a defective block as a defective area. Then, the restored data may be written in an alternative block serving as an alternative area in the redundant area. In addition, the arrangement information included in the address conversion table is updated so that the storage data of the alternative block can be read in place of the defective block.

  In the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 12, when the data refresh condition is satisfied in step S452, the data refresh can be executed by the control in step S453. As a result, in the effect data memory 123, even when a memory cell deteriorated due to a read disturb or data retention occurs, the stored data can be restored to the correct data and protected. Further, when the data transfer condition is satisfied in step S454, an alternative process for performing data transfer is made executable by the control in step S455. Thereby, in the effect data memory 123, when there is a defective block that becomes a defective area that cannot be recovered even if the memory cell is refreshed, the storage data of the defective area can be transferred to the alternative block that becomes the alternative area for protection. it can.

  In the effect control main process shown in FIG. 6, power-on memory inspection setting is performed in step S <b> 52, and an inspection request signal is supplied from the CPU 131 to the memory controller. Based on the supply of the inspection request signal, the memory controller 122 executes the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 12 when the power is turned on. At this time, data refresh may be executed by the control in step S453, or data transfer may be executed by the control in step S455. For example, the status information of the effect data memory 123 is updated after the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, for example, before the power is shut off last time, and the state where the data refresh condition can be satisfied and the data transfer condition can be satisfied. May be in a state. However, if the power supply is terminated by turning off the power without performing data refresh or data transfer, the deterioration of the memory cell is left as it is and further progresses, and the data stored in the effect data memory 123 has many errors. May be included. Therefore, when the power supply is started again when the power is turned on, the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 12 is executed. If the data refresh condition is satisfied in step S452, the data refresh is executed by the control in step S453. If the data transfer condition is satisfied in step S454, the data transfer is executed by the control in step S455. In the effect control main process shown in FIG. 6, a memory inspection interval is set in step S53.

  In the in-control memory inspection process shown in FIG. 10, when the memory inspection interval has elapsed in step S252, it is determined in step S253 or step S256 that the demonstration is being displayed, or in step S255. On the condition that it is determined that the in-control inspection waiting time has elapsed, the control in step S257 enables the memory inspection being controlled. In this way, data refresh and data transfer can be executed based on the elapse of the memory inspection interval not only when the power is turned on, but also during the control of the performance, so that the power since the power was turned on can be executed. Even when a long time has passed without the supply being stopped, the process for protecting the storage data of the effect data memory 123 can be executed. In particular, since the alternative process of transferring data can be executed based on the elapse of the memory inspection interval, the storage data of the defective block that becomes a defective area in which an unrecoverable data error occurs even if the memory cell is refreshed, It can be appropriately transferred and stored in an alternative block serving as an alternative area.

  FIG. 13 shows a configuration example of the storage area in the effect data memory 123. The storage area of the effect data memory 123 has three areas: a data area, a control area, and a redundant area. A management table and various types of effect data can be stored in the data area and the redundant area. The effect data may be audio data, lamp drive data, motor drive data, etc., in addition to image data including still image data and moving image data. The data area is a normal use area used for normal access of the effect data memory 123. The program for controlling the progress of the effect and the effect data used for executing the effect are written and stored in the data area as long as access is not hindered. The redundant area is an alternative use area that can be used in place of a defective area that hinders writing or reading in the data area. A defective area such as a defective block determined to have an access problem in the data area is prohibited from being used, and the storage data of the defective area is stored in a replacement area such as a replacement block in the redundant area. The control area is a control information area for storing correspondence information indicating the relationship between the defective area of the data area and the alternative area of the redundant area. As the correspondence information, for example, arrangement information indicating the correspondence between the address of the data area and the address of the redundant area is stored. The address of the data area and the address of the redundant area may be specified by a page number or a block number, or may be specified by a start address and an end address. The arrangement information indicating the correspondence between the address of the data area and the address of the redundant area may be stored together in the address conversion table. The address change table is an arrangement information table data that can convert a logical block address designated when requesting access to the effect data memory 123 from the CPU 131 or VDP 135 into a physical block address assigned to an actual storage area. What is necessary is just to be comprised by.

  In the data area shown in FIG. 13, there are three defective areas A, B, and D. In this case, replacement areas A, B, and D to which stored data of defective areas A, B, and D are transferred are provided in the redundant area. In the control area, arrangement information A, B, and D for specifying the correspondence relationship between the defective areas A, B, and D and the alternative areas A, B, and D are stored. History information may be written in the redundant area. The history information may be information indicating a history of data transfer in the effect data memory 123, and may include date information on which data transfer is performed, for example. History information C is stored in the redundant area shown in FIG. Arrangement information C corresponding to the history information C is stored in the control area. Unlike the arrangement information indicating the correspondence between the defective area and the alternative area, the arrangement information C includes a history flag indicating that the arrangement information is related to history information, and address information of a redundant area storing the history information. It only has to be included. By reading the address information included in the arrangement information whose history flag is on, the history information stored in the redundant area can be read out. The number of times data transfer is performed in the effect data memory 123 may be specified from the date information of data transfer included in the history information, and it may be determined whether the use of the effect data memory 123 can be continued or discarded. In addition to the arrangement information, the control area includes various management information constituting status information, such as management information for erase unit blocks, management information for the number of error bits, management information for error correction, and management information for data refresh. It may be stored.

  FIG. 14A shows a configuration example of moving image data included in the image data among the effect data stored in the effect data memory 123. FIG. 14B shows an operation example in which moving image data is separated into video data and audio data and decoded. FIG. 14C shows an execution example of moving image reproduction using moving image data. The moving image data may be configured by multiplexing video data and audio data, each of which is compression-encoded, in a predetermined container format. In moving image data, if header data is followed by a video data block storing packetized video data and an audio data block storing packetized audio data in a predetermined order Good. The moving image data read from the effect data memory 123 is input to the demultiplexer 142 of the VDP 135 and separated into video data and audio data. The video data output from the demultiplexer 142 is supplied to the video decoder 143 of the VDP 135. The audio data output from the demultiplexer 142 is supplied to the audio decoder 151 of the audio processing circuit 136. The video decoder 143 decodes the video data supplied from the demultiplexer 142 and outputs the decoded video data at a timing according to the header information or the time stamp added to each packet. The audio decoder 151 decodes the audio data supplied from the demultiplexer 142 and outputs it at a timing that matches the header information or the time stamp added to each packet.

  In this way, video data and audio data are separated and decoded using moving image data configured by multiplexing video data and audio data, and then output according to a time stamp. Thereby, it is possible to reproduce a moving image in which the video output and the audio output are synchronized. In the effect data memory 123, video data related to display control of the image display device 5 and audio data related to output control of effect sound in the speakers 8L and 8R are stored as a series of moving image data. The VDP 135 and the audio processing circuit 136 reproduce the moving image using the moving image data read from the effect data memory 123, thereby performing display control of the image display device 5 and output control of effect sound in the speakers 8L and 8R. Can be executed synchronously.

  FIG. 15 shows a configuration example of effect control execution data stored in the ROM 132. The production control execution data may be stored in association with the production control process timer determination value in the production control pattern. Further, the production control execution data may be stored so as to be readable on the condition of occurrence of a specific event such as the occurrence of a start winning prize or the detection of the action of the player pressing the push button 31B. The effect control execution data may be configured to include a part or all of various control data such as display control data, sound control data, lamp control data, motor control data, and operation detection control data.

  The display control data is configured as data that designates the display state of the image display device 5, and may include a display control command (command) and a register value (parameter). The designated content by the display control data may include a case where the moving image reproduction is designated and a case where the still image display is designated. When moving image reproduction is designated by the display control data, control for reproducing and displaying a moving image using the moving image data read from the effect data memory 123 is executed. When still image display is designated by the display control data, a still image is displayed on the screen using still image data stored in advance in the VRAM 144 or using still image data read from the effect data memory 123. Control is executed. The screen display of the still image only needs to be able to execute an animation display in which various effect images are smoothly changed and displayed by switching the display of each frame in a short time. The audio control data is configured as data specifying the audio output state of the speakers 8L and 8R, and may be configured to include an audio control command (command) and a register value (parameter). The lamp control data is configured as data for designating the lighting mode (light emission mode) of the light emitting member such as the game effect lamp 9, the effect lighting accessory 90, and other decoration LEDs, and includes a lamp control command (command) and a register value. (Parameter) should just be comprised. The motor control data is configured as data specifying the operating state of the movable member drive motors 33A and 33B, and may be configured to include a motor control command (command) and a register value (parameter). The operation detection control data is configured as data designating the motion detection state of the player who operates the stick controller 31A and the push button 31B, and includes a control command (command) and a register value (parameter). Just do it.

  The effect control execution data shown in FIG. 15 includes sound control data and lamp control data together with display control data. On the other hand, the presentation control execution data including the voice control data and the lamp control data may be configured separately from the presentation control execution data including the display control data. As the effect control pattern, an audio lamp control pattern in which a plurality of combinations in which an effect control process timer determination value is associated with effect control execution data including audio control data and lamp control data may be prepared. In addition, as the effect control pattern, a display control pattern in which a plurality of combinations in which the effect control process timer determination value and the effect control execution data including only the display control data are associated may be prepared.

  The CPU 131 determines the effect control pattern in step S203 of the variable display start setting process shown in FIG. 8, and controls the control contents of various effects during the variable display of the decorative symbols according to the effect control execution data included in the effect control pattern. Set. For example, in the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 9, when the timer value of the effect control process timer matches one of the effect control process timer determination values set in the effect control pattern, the control data is read in step S223. It is determined that the condition is met. At this time, in accordance with the control data read in step S224, the audio output control content is set in step S226, the lamp output control content is set in step S228, and the motor output control content is set in step S230. In step S234, the display output control content is set. For example, in accordance with the setting in step S234, the decorative design is variably displayed in a mode specified by the display control data, and an effect image using a still image such as a character image or a background image, or an effect using a moving image in reach effect Control is performed to display an image or the like on the screen of the image display device 5. For example, according to the setting in step S226, control is performed to output effect sound from the speakers 8L and 8R in the sound output state specified by the sound control data. For example, according to the setting in step S228, control is performed to turn on or off the light emitting members such as the game effect lamp 9, the effect lighting accessory 90, and other decoration LEDs in the lighting mode (light emission mode) specified by the lamp control data. According to the setting in step S230, the movable member drive motors 33A and 33B are driven in the operating state specified by the motor control data, and the production movable members 32A and 32B are controlled to move or stop. Further, in the motion detection state specified by the operation detection control data, control may be performed to detect the motion of the player who operates the trigger button, the operating rod or the push button 31B of the stick controller 31A.

  Instructions (commands) and register values (parameters) included in display control data, sound control data, lamp control data, motor control data, and operation detection control data in the effect control execution data are supplied from the CPU 131 to the VDP 135 and the like. In the VDP 135, for example, the instruction decoder 141 decodes the instruction and instructs image processing according to the decoding result. For example, when a moving image reproduction command is supplied, moving image data specified from a register value as a parameter is read from the effect data memory 123 and supplied to the demultiplexer 142. Alternatively, when a still image display command is supplied, if image data specified from a register value or the like as a parameter is stored in advance in the VRAM 144, drawing is performed so that the image data is arranged at a predetermined position in the frame buffer. Create display data for the screen. Alternatively, when an audio output command is supplied, audio data specified from a register value as a parameter is supplied to the audio processing circuit 136.

  Moving image data tends to have a larger data capacity than other production data. If moving image data having a large data capacity is stored in advance in the VRAM 144 or the like, the work area of the VDP 135 may be compressed. Therefore, it is difficult to store moving image data having a large data capacity in the VRAM 144 or the like in advance, and it is necessary to read from the effect data memory 123 every time it is used. The VDP 135 reads the moving image data stored in the effect data memory 123 by sending a moving image data read request to the memory controller 122 when the moving image reproduction command is supplied from the CPU 131.

  FIGS. 16 to 18 are sequence diagrams showing examples of moving image reproduction control in response to a case where a moving image reproduction command is supplied. FIG. 16 shows a case where the inspection result of the moving image data (read data) read from the effect data memory 123 is normal. FIG. 17 shows a case where the data refresh is successful in the effect data memory 123 and the data refresh is successful. FIG. 18 shows a case of defective block detection in which a defective block is detected in the effect data memory 123.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the VDP 135 receives a moving image playback command from the CPU 131, the VDP 135 sends a moving image data read request for requesting reading of moving image data specified from a register value as a parameter to the memory controller 122. Supply. In response to receiving the moving image data read request, the memory controller 122 sets a read standby signal output to the CPU 131 to ON. Thereafter, reading of moving image data is started. When the reading of the moving image data is completed, error detection and error correction are performed on the read moving image data. As a result, when the moving image data is completely read, the VDP 135 starts the reproduction display of the moving image on the screen of the image display device 5. The moving image data is not limited to the one in which the reproduction and display of the moving image is not started until the reading of all moving image data is completed. Thus, the playback and display of moving images may proceed sequentially. Further, as shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, in moving image reproduction display, video output in the image display device 5 and audio output in the speakers 8L and 8R are executed in synchronization with each other. And then proceed.

  Further, the memory controller 122 inspects the read data by using the error detection and error correction execution results. For example, the inspection result of the read data is determined depending on whether or not the number of error bits specified by error detection exceeds an error threshold and whether or not there is sector data that cannot be corrected by error correction. At this time, if it is determined that the inspection result of the read data is normal, the storage data in the effect data memory 123 has been normally read out, and the read standby signal output to the CPU 131 is set to off. Thereafter, when the reproduction and display of the moving image by the control of the VDP 135 or the like is completed, the VDP 135 may notify the CPU 131 of the completion of the reproduction of the moving image.

  In the case shown in FIG. 17, the memory controller 122 determines that the inspection result of the read data is abnormal. In this case, data refresh is started for the sector data stored in the effect data memory 123. Thereafter, when the data refresh is normally completed, the stored data in the effect data memory 123 can be newly read out, so that the read standby signal output to the CPU 131 is set to OFF. The data refresh based on the inspection result of the read data is executed according to the execution result of error detection or error correction, so that it can be executed after the moving image reproduction display by the control of the VDP 135 or the like is started. Good. As a result, even when data refresh is performed on the stored data in the effect data memory 123, it is possible to prevent delays in the playback and display of moving images, and to execute effects by appropriate playback and display of moving images. On the other hand, if the moving image reproduction display under the control of the VDP 135 or the like is not started until the data refresh is completed, a delay occurs in the moving image reproduction display.

  In the case shown in FIG. 18, after the data refresh is started in the memory controller 122, the data refresh is interrupted when a defective block that becomes a defective area is detected. In this case, data transfer is started with respect to the sector data of the erasure unit block stored in the effect data memory 123 in correspondence with the detection of the defective block. After that, in the effect data memory 123, the data transfer from the defective block, which is a defective area in the data area, to the alternative block, which is an alternative area in the redundant area, is completed, and the data stored in the effect data memory 123 can be newly read. Then, the read standby signal output to the CPU 131 is set off. It should be noted that the data transfer executed following the data refresh based on the detection result of the read data may be executed after the moving image reproduction display is started by the control of the VDP 135 or the like, similarly to the data refresh. As a result, even when data transfer to the storage data of the effect data memory 123 is executed, it is possible to prevent a delay in the reproduction and display of the moving image, and to execute an effect by appropriate reproduction and display of the moving image. On the other hand, when waiting for data transfer from the defective area to the alternative area to end without starting playback and display of moving images under the control of the VDP 135 or the like, the data refresh is normally completed. As a result, a further delay occurs in the reproduction display of the moving image.

  In the case shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, when it is determined that the inspection result of the read data is abnormal, the data refresh is subsequently started. In the case shown in FIG. 18, after data refresh is started, data transfer is started when a defective block that becomes a defective area is detected. As described above, data refresh or data transfer may be executed immediately after the reading is performed in accordance with the inspection result for the read data in the effect data memory 123. In contrast, the execution results of error detection and error correction for the read data of the effect data memory 123 are stored in the effect data memory 123, and when the memory inspection interval elapses, the data refresh condition and the data transfer condition are set. In response to the establishment, data refresh or data transfer may be executable.

  In the moving image reproduction control examples shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, when a moving image reproduction command is supplied from the CPU 131 to the VDP 135, the VDP 135 supplies a moving image data read request to the memory controller 122, thereby moving image data. Reading is started. On the other hand, a command corresponding to the moving image data read request may be supplied from the CPU 131 to the memory controller 122. When the CPU 131 determines to start moving image playback from the effect control execution data included in the effect control pattern, the effect data read condition is satisfied in step S272 of the effect data transfer process during control shown in FIG. judge. Therefore, an instruction corresponding to the moving image data read request may be supplied from the CPU 131 to the memory controller 122 under the control of step S274. However, if the CPU 131 supplies a moving image playback command to the VDP 135 and also supplies a command corresponding to the moving image data read request from the CPU 131 to the memory controller 122, the processing load on the CPU 131 may increase. is there. On the other hand, when the VDP 135 receives a moving image reproduction command supplied from the CPU 131 as in the moving image reproduction control examples shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, a moving image data read request is supplied from the VDP 135 to the memory controller 122. By doing so, the processing load for reading the moving image data is distributed, so that the processing load on the CPU 131 can be reduced.

  When starting playback and display of a moving image, a delay may occur due to various factors. For example, as in the example of moving image reproduction control shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, there may be a delay due to data refresh or data transfer based on the inspection result of the read data. In addition, when control for starting the in-control memory test is performed in step 257 of the in-control memory test process shown in FIG. 10, the stored data in the effect data memory 123 becomes unreadable, and the in-control memory test ends. Up to this time, there may be a delay in the playback and display of moving images. Furthermore, in the effect data memory 123 configured using a NAND flash memory, there may be a delay in the playback and display of moving images due to the reading of stored data by random access. In the effect data memory 123 configured using a NAND flash memory, stored data is read out in units of sectors. Since moving image data tends to have a larger data capacity than other production data, the production data memory 123 may store the data across a plurality of sectors. In the effect data memory 123, when effect data such as moving image data is stored across a plurality of sectors, the stored data must be read by accessing each sector. In this case, since random access to the effect data memory 123 frequently occurs, a delay occurs in reading out the stored data, and the influence of the delay also affects the reproduction display of the moving image.

  Among the effects executed in the pachinko gaming machine 1, there is an effect that is likely to cause a delay according to the read permission / refusal state of the effect data memory 123, as in the case of playing and displaying a moving image. On the other hand, there is an effect that can be executed without delay regardless of the read permission / refusal state of the effect data memory 123. For example, the effect control execution data stored in the ROM 132 may include effect control execution data for executing the start winning notification SH1. The start winning notification SH1 is a sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, a game effect lamp 9, an effect lighting lamp 90, and other decorative LEDs when the first start prize or the second start prize is generated. The occurrence of the start winning is notified by the mode, the operation in the production movable members 32A and 32B, and a combination of some or all of them. The effect control execution data stored in the ROM 132 may include effect control execution data for executing the post-reach effect AR1 and the post-reach effect AR2. The post-reach effect AR1 corresponds to the fact that the decorative symbol variable display state has reached the reach state, for example, the audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R corresponding to the period in which the moving image playback display is normally started. The start of the reach effect is notified by the lighting state of the game effect lamp 9, the effect lighting accessory 90, and other decoration LEDs, the operation of the effect movable members 32A and 32B, and a combination of some or all of them. In addition, the effect control execution data stored in the ROM 132 may include effect control execution data for executing the error notification EH1. The error notification EH1 is an audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R, a lighting effect on the game effect lamp 9, the lighting accessory 90, and other decoration LEDs, or some or all of these when an error occurs. The occurrence of abnormality is notified by the combination. Alternatively, the effect control execution data stored in the ROM 132 may include effect control execution data for executing the notice effect YA1. The notice effect YA1 is the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting effect of the game effect lamp 9 and the effect lighting accessory 90, and other decoration LEDs, and the effect movable members 32A and 32B. It is suggested that the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state as an advantageous state by a combination of some or all of these operations.

  FIGS. 19 and 20 are sequence diagrams illustrating a control example in the case of executing the start winning notification SH1. FIG. 19 shows a case where there is no reading delay in which no delay occurs in reading moving image data. FIG. 20 shows a case where there is a read delay that causes a delay in reading moving image data. In the control examples shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the control until the start of the reach effect is common. Specifically, a variable display start command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 when the variable display of the special symbols in the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B is started. Is done. For example, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 performs settings for transmitting a variable display result notification command and a variation pattern designation command in step S112 of the game control process shown in FIG. . In the effect control board 12, in response to receiving the variable display start command, the CPU 131 executes the variable display start setting process in step S171 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, and the decorative design is set by the setting in step S205. Start variable display of. Thus, in response to the start of variable display of the special symbol, the variable symbol display start setting of the decorative symbol is performed, and the variable symbol variable display is started. Thereafter, the pre-reach effect BR1 may be executed. The pre-reach effect BR1 may be an effect suggesting that the game state is controlled to the big hit game state by a variable display mode of decorative symbols such as a variable display effect of “sliding” or “pseudo-ream”, for example. Alternatively, the pre-reach effect BR1 may be an effect suggesting that the game is controlled to the big hit game state, such as a notice effect, regardless of the decorative display variable display mode. Thereafter, in response to reaching the reach establishment in which the variable display state of the decorative symbols becomes the reach state, the reach effect starts where the execution of the reach effect is started.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 19, the moving image reproduction display is started without delay as a reach effect. The start winning notification SH1 is executed at the time of the start winning when the first start winning or the second starting winning occurs after the reproduction display of the moving image is started. The start winning notification SH1 can be executed without delay at the time of starting winning by reading the effect control execution data stored in the ROM 132 in response to the occurrence of the start winning. The start winning notification SH1 is a passing area (starting area) through which a game ball can pass, such as a first starting winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A or a second starting winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B. ) Is included in the passage assistance effect relating to the passing of the game ball. The reach effect by the reproduction display of the moving image includes audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R executed in synchronization with the video output on the screen of the image display device 5. This audio output is included in the display auxiliary effect relating to the display of the image display device 5.

  After the execution of the reach effect is started in the control example shown in FIG. 19, the post-reach effect AR10 may be executed. The post-reach effect AR10 may be an effect suggesting that the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state, such as a cut-in display of an effect image prepared in advance. Alternatively, the post-reach effect AR10 may be an effect that does not suggest that the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state, such as video output or audio output explaining the content of the reach effect. In the control example shown in FIG. 19, after the playback and display of a moving image started without delay is finished, the decorative display of shaking is started. Next, the reach production ends, the execution of the reach production ends, and the display result in the variable display of the decorative symbols is stopped and displayed (completely stopped display) in response to the end of the variable display where the special symbol variable display ends. The decorative pattern is displayed.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 20, a period in which reading of moving image data used for executing reproduction display of a moving image included in the reach effect is delayed, and display of the moving image is stopped without being started. There is. When the first start prize or the second start prize occurs during the display stop period, the start prize notification SH1 is executed even during the display stop period. For example, if the presentation control execution data used for the execution of the start winning notification SH1 includes a part or all of the voice control data, the lamp control data, and the motor control data, the display control data is not included. Good. Alternatively, the production control execution data used for the execution of the start prize notification SH1 is production control execution data including only audio control data, lamp control data, and part or all of motor control data, and display control data. Data may be prepared separately. When the read standby signal output from the memory controller 123 is on, the CPU 131 does not use the presentation control execution data including only the display control data, and a part of the voice control data, the lamp control data, the motor control data, or The start prize notification SH1 may be made executable using the production control execution data including all of them. For example, the CPU 131 executes the effect control prepared in response to the occurrence of the first start prize or the second start prize when performing the effect setting at the time of starting prize in step S161 of the effect control process shown in FIG. Data is read from the ROM 132. Since the start winning notification SH1 is executed using the effect control execution data read at this time, the start winning notification SH1 can be executed even during the display stop period without being affected by the delay in the reproduction and display of moving images.

  The post-reach effect AR10 may be executed after the execution of the reach effect with a delay in the playback and display of moving images in the control example shown in FIG. In this control example, the display of the decorative pattern is started before the reproduction and display of the moving image with the delay is finished. The timing at which the decorative display of the decorative pattern is started is determined in advance by the effect control process timer determination value set in the effect control pattern read from the ROM 132, regardless of whether or not the playback and display of the moving image is delayed. It only has to be done. In the decorative symbol shaking display, the decorative symbols subject to final display in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are accompanied by slight shaking and expansion / contraction. Display until the display is stopped (complete stop display). The decorative symbol that is the target of the final display is a finalized symbol derived as a display result in the variable display of the decorative symbol, and may be the final stop symbol determined in step S201 of the variable display start setting process shown in FIG. That's fine. The shaking display period during which the decorative symbol is displayed may be a period up to elapse of a preset time in the effect control pattern, for example, 2 seconds. In this shaking display period, playback and display of a moving image with a delay is continuously performed. The reach effect by the reproduction display of the moving image includes an audio output executed in synchronism with the video output as a display assist effect related to the display on the screen of the image display device 5. Therefore, when a delay occurs in the playback display of the moving image, the audio output serving as a display auxiliary effect can be delayed and executed according to the playback display stop period due to the delay. Control of audio output serving as a delayed display assist effect is executed. Thus, the shaking display period can be a period in which the control delayed by the occurrence of the read delay can be executed.

  For example, when variable display corresponding to the variation pattern PA2-3 or variation pattern PA3-3 shown in FIG. 5 is executed, the variable display time from when the variable display is started until the display result is derived becomes longer. The moving image data used to execute the reach effect by reproducing and displaying the moving image tends to have a large data capacity. For this reason, there is a high possibility that a delay occurs in the reproduction display of the moving image. Therefore, when variable display corresponding to a fluctuation pattern with a long variable display time is executed, the shaking display period is longer than when variable display corresponding to a fluctuation pattern with a short variable display time is executed. May be set. As a result, even when the playback and display of the moving image is likely to be delayed, the possibility of completing the reach effect by the playback and display of the delayed moving image can be improved, and the occurrence of a malfunction can be prevented by an appropriate effect without a sense of incongruity. .

  Note that, in the control example shown in FIG. 20, when the execution of the reach effect with a delay in the reproduction and display of the moving image is started, the video output by the reproduction and display of the moving image may be faded in. For example, when starting playback and display of a delayed moving image, the moving image blend rate may be initially set to “0” and updated so as to increase the blend rate as time elapses. As described above, by fading in the video output by the reproduction display of the delayed moving image, when the reproduction of the moving image is delayed, it is possible to suppress the uncomfortable feeling of the display effect using the moving image.

  FIG. 21 shows an execution example of the start winning notification SH1. For example, as shown in FIG. 21 (A), when a game ball passes through a start area included in the pass area, such as the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A, for example, as shown in FIG. 21 (B1). By outputting the sound of “PICONE!” From the speakers 8L and 8R, the start winning notification SH1 is executed. Alternatively, when the game ball passes through the start area, for example, as shown in FIG. 21 (B2), the decoration LED provided in or around the normal variable winning ball device 6A is emitted with a predetermined light emission such as blue or yellow. The start winning notification SH1 is executed by emitting light (lighting) with a color (lamp lighting color).

  As shown in FIG. 21C, the start winning notification SH1 in which the content of the sound output and the lamp lighting color are different corresponding to each of the plurality of holding display colors at different winning execution rates depending on the winning determination result. May be executed. The determination result at the time of winning is determined, for example, by using numerical data indicating the random number value extracted in step S12 of the game control process shown in FIG. 4 to determine whether or not to be controlled to the big hit gaming state as an advantageous state. If it is a result. By determining in step S12, it is only necessary to determine whether or not to be controlled to the jackpot gaming state before determining whether or not to control to the jackpot gaming state. The determination result at the time of winning only needs to include a “hit” in the case of being controlled to the jackpot gaming state and a “losing” in the case of being not controlled to the jackpot gaming state. Alternatively, the determination result at the time of winning is determined to be a specific variation pattern in which a specific effect such as a reach effect of super reach is executed instead of “big hit” and “losing” or in addition to “hit” and “losing” The determination result when it is determined and the determination result when the specific variation pattern is not determined may be included. The hold display color is the display color of the hold display in the start winning storage display area 5H. In the start winning memory display area 5H, a hold display capable of specifying the number of hold of variable display is performed based on the hold storage information regarding the variable display. As shown in FIG. 21C, by setting the sound output content and lamp lighting color corresponding to the on-hold display color, the start winning notification SH1 can be executed in different presentation modes depending on the display mode of the on-hold display. . In the example shown in FIG. 21C, both the contents of the audio output and the lamp lighting color are set corresponding to the hold display color. On the other hand, only one of the content of the audio output or the lamp lighting color may be set corresponding to the hold display color, and the other content may be set regardless of the hold display color.

  22 and 23 are sequence diagrams illustrating a control example when the post-reach effect AR1 is executed. FIG. 22 shows a case where there is no reading delay in which no delay occurs in reading moving image data. FIG. 23 shows a case where there is a read delay that causes a delay in reading moving image data. Also in the control examples shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the control from the start of variable display to the start of reach production is common as in the control examples of FIGS.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 22, the playback display of moving images is started without delay as a reach effect. After the playback and display of the moving image is started, the post-reach effect AR1 is executed. The post-reach effect AR1 can be executed without delay during variable display of decorative symbols using, for example, effect control execution data included in the effect control pattern determined corresponding to the variation pattern. The post-reach effect AR1 may be executed when, for example, an action by a player who presses down the push button 31B is detected, and an effect execution condition is satisfied based on the detection result. Alternatively, the post-reach effect AR1 may be executed when the effect execution timing is reached during the variable display of decorative symbols, regardless of the detection result of the action by the player. The post-reach effect AR1 in which the effect execution condition is satisfied based on the detection result of the operation by the player is included in the detection auxiliary effect related to the detection of the operation by the player. Regardless of the result of motion detection by the player, for example, the post-reach effect AR1 in which the effect movable members 32A and 32B are operated by the driving force of the movable member drive motors 33A and 33B is included in the operation assist effect related to the operation of the movable object. . The reach effect by the reproduction display of the moving image includes audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R executed in synchronization with the video output on the screen of the image display device 5. This audio output is included in the display auxiliary effect relating to the display of the image display device 5.

  After the reach effect AR1 is executed in the control example shown in FIG. 22, the after reach effect AR2 may be further executed. The post-reach effect AR2 may be an effect suggesting that the game is controlled to the big hit game state, such as a cut-in display of an effect image prepared in advance. Alternatively, the post-reach effect AR2 may be an effect that does not suggest that the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state, such as video output or audio output explaining the contents of the reach effect. In the control example shown in FIG. 22, after the reproduction display of the moving image started without delay is finished, the decorative pattern shaking display is started. Next, the reach production ends, the execution of the reach production ends, and the display result in the variable display of the decorative symbols is stopped and displayed (completely stopped display) in response to the end of the variable display where the special symbol variable display ends. The decorative pattern is displayed.

  In the example of control shown in FIG. 23, a delay occurs in reading out moving image data used to execute reproduction display of a moving image included in the reach effect, and the display is stopped without starting reproduction display of the moving image. There is. When the production execution condition is satisfied or the production execution timing is reached during the display stop period, the post-reach effect AR1 is executed even during the display stop period. For example, if the effect control execution data used for the execution of the post-reach effect AR1 includes part or all of the audio control data, the lamp control data, and the motor control data, the display control data is not included. Good. Alternatively, the effect control execution data used for the execution of the post-reach effect AR1 is effect control execution data including only some or all of the audio control data, the lamp control data, and the motor control data, and the effect control execution data including only the display control data. Data may be prepared separately. When the read standby signal output from the memory controller 123 is on, the CPU 131 does not use the presentation control execution data including only the display control data, and a part of the voice control data, the lamp control data, the motor control data, or It is only necessary to enable the post-reach effect AR1 using the effect control execution data including all. For example, when the CPU 131 determines in step S223 that the control data read condition is satisfied based on the timer value of the effect process timer updated in step S222 of the variable display effect processing shown in FIG. Production control execution data constituting the production control pattern determined in step 203 shown in FIG. Since the post-reach effect AR1 is executed using the effect control execution data read at this time, the post-reach effect AR1 can be executed even during the display stop period without being affected by the delay in the reproduction and display of the moving image.

  After the execution of the reach effect in which the playback and display of the moving image is delayed in the control example shown in FIG. 23, the post-reach effect AR2 may be executed as in the case of FIG. In this control example, the display of the decorative pattern is started before the reproduction and display of the moving image with the delay is finished. The timing at which the decorative display of the decorative pattern is started is determined in advance by the effect control process timer determination value set in the effect control pattern read from the ROM 132, regardless of whether or not the playback and display of the moving image is delayed. It only has to be done. In the decorative symbol shaking display, the decorative symbols subject to final display in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are accompanied by slight shaking and expansion / contraction. Display until the display is stopped (complete stop display). The shaking display period during which the decorative symbol is displayed may be a period up to elapse of a preset time in the effect control pattern, for example, 2 seconds. In this shaking display period, playback and display of a moving image with a delay is continuously performed. The reach effect by the reproduction display of the moving image includes an audio output executed in synchronism with the video output as a display assist effect related to the display on the screen of the image display device 5. Therefore, when a delay occurs in the playback display of the moving image, the audio output serving as a display auxiliary effect can be delayed and executed according to the playback display stop period due to the delay. Control of audio output serving as a delayed display assist effect is executed. Thus, the shaking display period can be a period in which the control delayed by the occurrence of the read delay can be executed.

  For example, when variable display corresponding to the variation pattern PA2-3 or variation pattern PA3-3 shown in FIG. 5 is executed, the variable display time from when the variable display is started until the display result is derived becomes longer. The moving image data used to execute the reach effect by reproducing and displaying the moving image tends to have a large data capacity. For this reason, there is a high possibility that a delay occurs in the reproduction display of the moving image. Therefore, when variable display corresponding to a fluctuation pattern with a long variable display time is executed, the shaking display period is longer than when variable display corresponding to a fluctuation pattern with a short variable display time is executed. May be set. As a result, even when the playback and display of the moving image is likely to be delayed, the possibility of completing the reach effect by the playback and display of the delayed moving image can be improved, and the occurrence of a malfunction can be prevented by an appropriate effect without a sense of incongruity. .

  Note that, in the control example shown in FIG. 23, when the execution of the reach effect in which the playback and display of the moving image is delayed is started, the video output by the playback and display of the moving image may be faded in. For example, when starting playback and display of a delayed moving image, the moving image blend rate may be initially set to “0” and updated so as to increase the blend rate as time elapses. As described above, by fading in the video output by the reproduction display of the delayed moving image, when the reproduction of the moving image is delayed, it is possible to suppress the uncomfortable feeling of the display effect using the moving image.

  FIG. 24 shows an execution example of the post-reach effect AR1. For example, as shown in FIG. 24A, when an effect execution condition is established based on the detection of an action by the player, such as a continuous hitting operation in which the push button 31B is repeatedly pressed, for example, FIG. 24B1 The post-reach effect AR1 is executed by the sound output for outputting the sound “CHANCES!” Shown in FIG. Alternatively, when the effect execution condition is satisfied, for example, as shown in FIG. 24 (B2), the post-reach effect AR1 is executed by the lighting mode in which the lighting accessory 90 for effect is turned on. Alternatively, when the production execution condition is satisfied, for example, as shown in FIG. 24 (B3), the production movable members 32A and 32B are operated (expanded) by the driving force of the movable member drive motors 33A and 33B. The production AR1 is executed. The post-reach effect AR1 may be an effect that can be executed by any one of voice output, lighting mode, operation of the movable member, or a combination of some or all of them.

  As shown in FIG. 24C, the post-reach effect AR1 may be executable at different operation execution ratios depending on the variable display result. The variable display result may be a result determined using a random value in step S102 of the game control process shown in FIG. The variable display result may include a “hit” corresponding to a case where the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state and a “lack” corresponding to a case where the game is not controlled to the big hit gaming state. Alternatively, the variable display result may be “probability change” corresponding to the case where the probable change state is reached after the big hit game state is completed, in addition to “big hit” and “losing”, or in addition to “big hit” and “losing”. It may include “non-probability change” corresponding to a case where the probability change state is not reached after the game state is ended. The operation execution ratio shown in FIG. 24C is set to be higher when the variable display result is “big hit” than when the variable display result is “lost”. Therefore, when the variable display result is “big hit”, the post-reach effect AR1 becomes easier to execute than when the variable display result is “lost”. In addition, it is not limited to what changes the execution rate at the time of operation according to a variable display result, The effect aspect of post-reach effect AR1 may be determined at a different rate according to a variable display result. In this case, the degree of expectation that the variable display result becomes “big hit” and is controlled to the big hit gaming state can be made different according to the production mode of the post reach reach AR1. Further, the operation execution rate may be varied according to the variation pattern, or the effect mode of the post-reach effect AR1 may be determined at a different rate according to the variation pattern.

  The post-reach effect AR1 is executed when the player's action of pressing the push button 31B is detected when the promotion notification for urging the player's action is not executed, and the effect execution condition is satisfied based on the detection result. May be. Detecting an action by the player who presses down the push button 31B when the promotion notification for urging the player's action is not executed in the display stop period in which the display of the moving image is stopped without being started. Thus, the post-reach effect AR1 may be executed based on the detection result.

  The remaining time of the operation effective period may be notified by displaying the effect image on the screen of the image display device 5 as the promotion notification for encouraging the player's operation. The operation effective period is an effective detection period during which an operation by the player who presses the push button 31B is detected effectively. In the display stop period in which the playback display of the moving image is not started due to a delay and the display is stopped, the remaining time of the operation effective period may not be notified or the display of the remaining time may not be updated. When the promotion notification is not properly executed in the display stop period, the remaining time of the operation effective period may be continuously reduced as in the normal case without delay in controlling the progress of the presentation. Unlike the normal case without delay, the remaining time measurement may be temporarily stopped so as not to decrease. Each time an action by the player who presses down the push button 31B is detected during the operation valid period, the post-reach effect AR1 is executed at the operation execution rate according to the variable display result as shown in FIG. What is necessary is just to determine whether to do. And when it is determined that the post-reach effect AR1 is to be executed, any one of the audio output, the lighting mode, and the operation of the movable member shown in FIGS. The post-reach effect AR1 may be executed by the combination.

  FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing a control example when the remaining time of the operation valid period is updated. FIGS. 25A1 and 25A2 illustrate a case where there is no reading delay in which no delay occurs in reading moving image data. FIGS. 25B1 to 25B3 show a case where there is a read delay that causes a delay in reading moving image data. The timing at which the video playback shown in FIG. 25A1 is changed from “none” to “present” is a playback start setting timing specified by display control data included in the presentation control execution data constituting the presentation control pattern. Yes, it is the timing set as the start of moving image playback at the design stage.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 25 (A1), when there is no reading delay that does not cause a delay in reading moving image data, the remaining time of the operation valid period is shown in FIG. 25 (A2) corresponding to the reproduction start setting timing. An initial setting time T0 as shown in FIG. The remaining time of the operation valid period may be measured using the timer value of the valid period timer provided in a predetermined area (production control timer setting unit) of the RAM 133, for example. As shown in FIG. 25 (A2), after the initial setting time T0 is set in correspondence with the reproduction start setting timing, the remaining time of the operation valid period is decreased as time elapses. Then, when the remaining time of the operation effective period becomes “0”, the operation effective period ends. In addition, before the remaining time of the operation effective period becomes “0”, if the condition for ending the operation effective period is satisfied based on the detection result of the operation by the player pressing the push button 31B, The operation valid period may be ended with. For example, when it is determined that the post-reach effect AR1 is to be executed at the operation execution rate shown in FIG. 24C, the operation valid period end condition can be established in advance based on the detection of the operation. It only has to be defined.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 25 (B1), even when there is a readout delay that causes a delay in readout of moving image data, the remaining time of the operation valid period corresponds to the playback start setting timing, as shown in FIG. ) And initial setting time T0 as shown in (B3) are set. As an example of the subsequent control, as shown in FIG. 25 (B2), the remaining time of the operation effective period is reduced in the same manner as in the case of no reading delay, and when the remaining time becomes “0”, the operation effective period You may end. As another example, as shown in FIG. 25 (B3), the remaining time of the operation effective period may be temporarily stopped so as not to decrease in accordance with the delay in starting the reproduction of the moving image. In this case, unlike the case where there is no readout delay, in the display stop period in which the playback start of the moving image is delayed and the display is stopped, the timer stop control for maintaining the timer value of the valid period timer without updating is performed. You just have to do it.

  FIG. 25C shows a display example of the meter image MT1 as an execution example of the promotion notification. In this display example, the meter image MT1 is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 together with the effect image MS1 indicating the character for informing the message “Press!” And the effect image BT1 indicating the character corresponding to the push button 31B. Is done. The meter image MT1 may be displayed in an updatable manner using video data separated from the moving image data. In this case, the display of the meter image MT1 is also stopped from being updated during the display stop period due to a read delay that causes a delay in reading the moving image data. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 25 (B2), in the case where the remaining time of the operation effective period is reduced even when there is a read delay as in the case where there is no read delay, the operation notified by the display state of the meter image MT1. There may be a difference between the remaining time of the effective period and the remaining time of the operation effective period actually measured using the timer value of the effective period timer. Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 25 (B3), if there is a readout delay, once the operation is stopped so as not to decrease the remaining time of the operation effective period, the operation effective period notified by the display state of the meter image MT1 is displayed. There is no difference between the remaining time and the remaining time of the operation effective period actually measured using the timer value of the effective period timer, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a malfunction by an appropriate presentation without a sense of incongruity. However, by controlling the stop of the timer, an operation effective period longer than that in the design stage is provided. Therefore, an action by the player at an unintended timing in the design stage is detected, and the post-reach effect AR1 There is also a possibility that a malfunction may occur due to execution of.

  The meter image MT1 shown in FIG. 25C may be displayed in an updatable manner by animation display or the like using still image data prepared separately from moving image data. Still image data used for the update display of the meter image MT1 may be stored in advance in a predetermined area of the VRAM 144 or the like. The updated display of the meter image MT1 may be controlled using effect control execution data included in the effect control pattern read out from the ROM 132 by the CPU 131. In this case, the display of the meter image MT1 may be stopped during the display stop period due to a readout delay that causes a delay in the readout of the moving image data. Even during the display stop period, the display of the meter image MT1 may be updated by using still image data stored in advance in the VRAM 144. Even when the update display of the meter image MT1 is stopped during the display stop period, when the display stop period ends, the display state is the same as when there is no readout delay according to the setting in the effect control execution data. In addition, the display of the meter image MT1 may be updated. Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 25 (B2), in the case where the remaining time of the operation effective period is reduced even when there is a read delay as in the case without the read delay, at least after the display stop period ends, The difference between the remaining time of the operation effective period notified by the display state of the image MT1 and the remaining time of the operation effective period actually measured using the timer value of the effective period timer is eliminated, and an appropriate presentation without a sense of discomfort The occurrence of defects can be prevented. However, since the display state of the meter image MT1 may change discontinuously when the display stop period ends, the display of the meter image MT1 may be uncomfortable and a problem may occur. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 25 (B3), in the case where there is a readout delay, when the operation is temporarily stopped so as not to decrease the remaining time of the operation effective period, the meter image MT1 is displayed at least after the display stop period ends. There may be a difference between the remaining time of the operation effective period notified by the state and the remaining time of the operation effective period actually measured using the timer value of the effective period timer. In the CPU 131 and the VDP 135, when the timer stop control for the valid period timer is performed in the display stop period, the update display stop control for stopping the update display of the meter image MT1 may be performed. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of a malfunction can be prevented by the suitable production which does not feel strange.

  The post-reach effect AR1 for operating (advancing) the effect movable members 32A and 32B shown in FIG. 24 (B3) may be executed regardless of the motion detection result by the player. For example, when variable display of decorative symbols is started, an effect control pattern corresponding to the variation pattern is determined in step S203 of the variable display start setting process shown in FIG. And in the specific production control pattern determined corresponding to the specific variation pattern, when the production execution timing is reached as the motor control data included in the production control execution data associated with the production control process timer determination value Data used for the execution of the post-reach effect AR1 that moves (moves) the effect movable members 32A and 32B may be set in advance. Such a specific effect control pattern may be determined at different ratios depending on the variable display result. The determination ratio may be set to be higher when the variable display result is “big hit” than when the variable display result is “lost”. With this setting, when the variable display result is “big hit”, the post-reach effect AR1 becomes easier to execute than when the variable display result is “lost”. In addition, it is not limited to what makes the execution ratio of post-reach effect AR1 which operates movable member 32A, 32B for production according to a variable display result, and movable member 32A, 32B for production in a different rate according to a variable display result. The operation mode may be determined. In this case, the degree of expectation that the variable display result becomes “big hit” and is controlled to the big hit gaming state can be varied according to the operation mode of the production movable members 32A and 32B.

  26 and 27 are sequence diagrams illustrating an example of control when the error notification EH1 is executed. FIG. 26 shows a case where there is no reading delay in which no delay occurs in reading moving image data. FIG. 27 shows a case where there is a read delay that causes a delay in reading moving image data. Also in the control examples shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the control from the start of variable display to the start of reach production is common as in the control examples of FIGS.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 26, the playback display of the moving image is started without delay as a reach effect. The error notification EH1 is executed when an error is detected after the occurrence of an error is detected after the moving image reproduction display is started. The error notification EH1 can be executed without delay when an error is detected by reading the effect control execution data stored in the ROM 132 in response to the detection of the error occurrence. The error notification EH1 is included in the abnormality notification auxiliary effect related to notification of the occurrence of an abnormality in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The reach effect by the reproduction display of the moving image includes audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R executed in synchronization with the video output on the screen of the image display device 5. This audio output is included in the display auxiliary effect relating to the display of the image display device 5.

  After the execution of the reach effect is started in the control example shown in FIG. 26, the post-reach effect AR10 may be executed. The post-reach effect AR10 may be an effect suggesting that the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state, such as a cut-in display of an effect image prepared in advance. Alternatively, the post-reach effect AR10 may be an effect that does not suggest that the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state, such as video output or audio output explaining the content of the reach effect. In the example of control shown in FIG. 26, after the playback and display of a moving image started without delay is finished, the decorative symbols start to be displayed. Next, the reach production ends, the execution of the reach production ends, and the display result in the variable display of the decorative symbols is stopped and displayed (completely stopped display) in response to the end of the variable display where the special symbol variable display ends. The decorative pattern is displayed.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 27, a delay occurs in the reading of moving image data used for executing the reproduction display of the moving image included in the reach effect, and the display is stopped without starting the reproduction display of the moving image. There is. If the occurrence of an error in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is detected during the display stop period, the error notification EH1 is executed even during the display stop period. For example, the presentation control execution data used for the execution of the error notification EH1 may include a part or all of the voice control data, the lamp control data, and the motor control data, but may not be configured to include the display control data. . Alternatively, the effect control execution data used for execution of the error notification EH1 includes effect control execution data including part or all of audio control data, lamp control data, and motor control data, and effect control execution data including only display control data. May be prepared separately. When the read standby signal output from the memory controller 123 is on, the CPU 131 does not use the presentation control execution data including only the display control data, and a part of the voice control data, the lamp control data, the motor control data, or The error notification EH1 may be made executable using the production control execution data including all of them. For example, in the effect control main process shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 131 receives, from the ROM 132, effect control execution data prepared in advance in response to the occurrence of an error when executing the error notification process in step S60. read out. Since the error notification EH1 is executed using the effect control execution data read at this time, the error notification EH1 can be executed even during the display stop period without being affected by the delay in the reproduction and display of the moving image.

  The post-reach effect AR10 may be executed after the execution of the reach effect in which a delay occurs in the playback and display of the moving image in the control example shown in FIG. In this control example, the display of the decorative pattern is started before the reproduction and display of the moving image with the delay is finished. The timing at which the decorative display of the decorative pattern is started is determined in advance by the effect control process timer determination value set in the effect control pattern read from the ROM 132, regardless of whether or not the playback and display of the moving image is delayed. It only has to be done. In the decorative symbol shaking display, the decorative symbols subject to final display in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are accompanied by slight shaking and expansion / contraction. Display until the display is stopped (complete stop display). The shaking display period during which the decorative symbol is displayed may be a period up to elapse of a preset time in the effect control pattern, for example, 2 seconds. In this shaking display period, playback and display of a moving image with a delay is continuously performed. The reach effect by the reproduction display of the moving image includes an audio output executed in synchronism with the video output as a display assist effect related to the display on the screen of the image display device 5. Therefore, when a delay occurs in the playback display of the moving image, the audio output serving as a display auxiliary effect can be delayed and executed according to the playback display stop period due to the delay. Control of audio output serving as a delayed display assist effect is executed. Thus, the shaking display period can be a period in which the control delayed by the occurrence of the read delay can be executed.

  For example, when variable display corresponding to the variation pattern PA2-3 or variation pattern PA3-3 shown in FIG. 5 is executed, the variable display time from when the variable display is started until the display result is derived becomes longer. The moving image data used to execute the reach effect by reproducing and displaying the moving image tends to have a large data capacity. For this reason, there is a high possibility that a delay occurs in the reproduction display of the moving image. Therefore, when variable display corresponding to a fluctuation pattern with a long variable display time is executed, the shaking display period is longer than when variable display corresponding to a fluctuation pattern with a short variable display time is executed. May be set. As a result, even when the playback and display of the moving image is likely to be delayed, the possibility of completing the reach effect by the playback and display of the delayed moving image can be improved, and the occurrence of a malfunction can be prevented by an appropriate effect without a sense of incongruity. .

  Note that, in the control example shown in FIG. 27, when the execution of the reach effect in which the playback and display of the moving image is delayed is started, the video output by the playback and display of the moving image may be faded in. For example, when starting playback and display of a delayed moving image, the moving image blend rate may be initially set to “0” and updated so as to increase the blend rate as time elapses. As described above, by fading in the video output by the reproduction display of the delayed moving image, when the reproduction of the moving image is delayed, it is possible to suppress the uncomfortable feeling of the display effect using the moving image.

  FIG. 28 shows an execution example of the error notification EH1. For example, when an error related to a power supply error (power supply error), such as an error due to a switch power supply short circuit error, is detected, the message “Power supply error detected” is displayed as shown in FIG. The error notification EH1 is executed by outputting the sound to be notified from the speakers 8L and 8R. Alternatively, when the occurrence of an error due to the front door being in an open state (door open error) is detected, as shown in FIG. 28 (B), a sound for notifying the message “the door is open” Is output from the speakers 8L and 8R, error notification EH1 is executed. Alternatively, if an error (full tank error) is detected due to the lower plate being full of game balls, a message “Pull out ball” is displayed as shown in FIG. The error notification EH1 is executed by outputting the sound to be notified from the speakers 8L and 8R.

  In the effect control main process shown in FIG. 6, when an error notification process is executed in step S <b> 60, any of the plurality of errors depends on the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11. Determine if it occurred. Corresponding to the determination result, the error control effect control execution data stored in the ROM 132 is selected and read, and the error notification EH1 is executed using the read effect control execution data. Thereby, the error notification EH1 included in the abnormality notification auxiliary effect may be executed in a different effect manner depending on the determined abnormality.

  FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 are sequence diagrams illustrating a control example in the case of executing the notice effect AY1. FIG. 29 shows a case where there is no reading delay in which no delay occurs in reading moving image data. FIG. 30 shows a case where there is a read delay that causes a delay in reading moving image data. In the control examples shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the control from the start of variable display to the start of reach production is common as in the control examples of FIGS.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 29, the playback display of moving images is started without delay as a reach effect. After the reproduction and display of the moving image is started, the notice effect YA1 is executed. The notice effect YA1 can be executed without delay during variable display of decorative symbols, using, for example, effect control execution data included in the effect control pattern determined corresponding to the notice effect pattern. The notice effect YA1 is executed when a predetermined notice execution timing is reached corresponding to the effect control process timer determination value set in the effect control pattern during the variable display of the decorative design. The notice effect YA1 is included in the notice auxiliary effect related to the notice. The reach effect by the reproduction display of the moving image includes audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R executed in synchronization with the video output on the screen of the image display device 5. This audio output is included in the display auxiliary effect relating to the display of the image display device 5.

  After the notice effect YA1 is executed in the control example shown in FIG. 29, the post-reach effect AR10 may be executed. The post-reach effect AR10 may be an effect suggesting that the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state, such as a cut-in display of an effect image prepared in advance. Alternatively, the post-reach effect AR10 may be an effect that does not suggest that the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state, such as video output or audio output explaining the content of the reach effect. In the example of control shown in FIG. 29, after the playback and display of a moving image started without delay is finished, the decorative symbols start to be displayed. Next, the reach production ends, the execution of the reach production ends, and the display result in the variable display of the decorative symbols is stopped and displayed (completely stopped display) in response to the end of the variable display where the special symbol variable display ends. The decorative pattern is displayed.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 30, a delay occurs in reading out moving image data used to execute reproduction display of a moving image included in the reach effect, and the display is stopped without starting reproduction display of the moving image. There is. When the notice execution timing is reached during the display stop period, the notice effect YA1 is executed even during the display stop period. For example, the effect control execution data used for the execution of the notice effect YA1 may include a part or all of the audio control data, the lamp control data, and the motor control data, but may not be configured to include the display control data. . Alternatively, the effect control execution data used for the execution of the notice effect YA1 is effect control execution data including only part or all of voice control data, lamp control data, and motor control data, and effect control execution data including only display control data. May be prepared separately. When the read standby signal output from the memory controller 123 is on, the CPU 131 does not use the presentation control execution data including only the display control data, and a part of the voice control data, the lamp control data, the motor control data, or The notice effect YA1 may be executed using the effect control execution data including all of them. For example, when the CPU 131 determines in step S223 that the control data read condition is satisfied based on the timer value of the effect process timer updated in step S222 of the variable display effect processing shown in FIG. Production control execution data constituting the production control pattern determined in step 203 shown in FIG. Since the notice effect YA1 is executed using the effect control execution data read at this time, the notice effect YA1 can be executed even during the display stop period without being affected by the delay in the reproduction and display of the moving image.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 30, after the execution of the reach effect in which the playback and display of the moving image is delayed is started, the post-reach effect AR10 may be executed as in the case of FIG. 29. In this control example, the display of the decorative pattern is started before the reproduction and display of the moving image with the delay is finished. The timing at which the decorative display of the decorative pattern is started is determined in advance by the effect control process timer determination value set in the effect control pattern read from the ROM 132, regardless of whether or not the playback and display of the moving image is delayed. It only has to be done. In the decorative symbol shaking display, the decorative symbols subject to final display in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are accompanied by slight shaking and expansion / contraction. Display until the display is stopped (complete stop display). The shaking display period during which the decorative symbol is displayed may be a period up to elapse of a preset time in the effect control pattern, for example, 2 seconds. In this shaking display period, playback and display of a moving image with a delay is continuously performed. The reach effect by the reproduction display of the moving image includes an audio output executed in synchronism with the video output as a display assist effect related to the display on the screen of the image display device 5. Therefore, when a delay occurs in the playback display of the moving image, the audio output serving as a display auxiliary effect can be delayed and executed according to the playback display stop period due to the delay. Control of audio output serving as a delayed display assist effect is executed. Thus, the shaking display period can be a period in which the control delayed by the occurrence of the read delay can be executed.

  For example, when variable display corresponding to the variation pattern PA2-3 or variation pattern PA3-3 shown in FIG. 5 is executed, the variable display time from when the variable display is started until the display result is derived becomes longer. The moving image data used to execute the reach effect by reproducing and displaying the moving image tends to have a large data capacity. For this reason, there is a high possibility that a delay occurs in the reproduction display of the moving image. Therefore, when variable display corresponding to a fluctuation pattern with a long variable display time is executed, the shaking display period is longer than when variable display corresponding to a fluctuation pattern with a short variable display time is executed. May be set. As a result, even when the playback and display of the moving image is likely to be delayed, the possibility of completing the reach effect by the playback and display of the delayed moving image can be improved, and the occurrence of a malfunction can be prevented by an appropriate effect without a sense of incongruity. .

  Note that, in the control example shown in FIG. 30, when the execution of the reach effect in which the playback and display of the moving image is delayed is started, the video output by the playback and display of the moving image may be faded in. For example, when starting playback and display of a delayed moving image, the moving image blend rate may be initially set to “0” and updated so as to increase the blend rate as time elapses. As described above, by fading in the video output by the reproduction display of the delayed moving image, when the reproduction of the moving image is delayed, it is possible to suppress the uncomfortable feeling of the display effect using the moving image.

  FIG. 31 shows an execution example of the notice effect YA1. When the notice execution timing is reached, for example, the notice effect YA1 is executed by sound output that outputs the sound of “It's intense heat!” Shown in FIG. 31A1 from the speakers 8L and 8R. Alternatively, when the notice execution timing is reached, for example, as shown in FIG. 31 (A2), the notice effect YA1 is executed in a lighting mode in which the effect lighting accessory 90 is lit. Alternatively, when the notice execution timing is reached, for example, as shown in FIG. 31 (A3), the effect movable members 32A and 32B are operated (advanced) by the driving force of the movable member drive motors 33A and 33B, thereby providing the notice effect. YA1 is executed. The notice effect YA1 may be an effect that can be executed by any one of voice output, lighting mode, operation of the movable member, or a combination of some or all of them.

  As shown in FIG. 31 (B), whether or not to perform the notice effect YA1 may be determined as the presence or absence of the notice effect at a different rate depending on the change pattern indicated in the change pattern designation command. In this case, for example, in step S202 of the variable display start setting process shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 131 determines whether or not to execute the notice effect YA1 at a different rate according to the variation pattern as shown in FIG. decide. In the example shown in FIG. 31B, the notice effect YA1 can be executed at a predetermined rate in the case of the variation pattern PA2-3 and the variation pattern PA3-3. As shown in FIG. 5, the variation pattern PA2-3 is in a reach state corresponding to the case where the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is “reach” among the cases where the variable display result is “losing”. Later, normal reach production, super A reach production, and super B reach production are variation patterns that can be executed in order. The variation pattern PA3-3 is a variation pattern that can execute the reach effect similar to the variation pattern PA2-3 after entering the reach state in response to the case where the variable display result is “big hit”. The determination ratio shown in FIG. 31B is set so that the ratio of executing the notice effect YA1 is higher in the case of the fluctuation pattern PA3-3 than in the case of the fluctuation pattern PA2-3. Therefore, when the variable display result is “big hit”, the notice effect YA1 is more easily executed than when the variable display result is “lost”. In addition, the reach effect of Super B executed corresponding to the fluctuation pattern PA2-3 and the fluctuation pattern PA3-3 has a higher ratio of the variable display result of “big hit” than when the normal reach effect is executed. It is the reach production of Super Reach. The notice effect YA1 may be executable before the reach effect of the super B is started, for example, in response to the start of the reach effect of the super A by the reproduction display of the moving image. When the notice effect YA1 is executed, it can be notified that the reach effect of Super B is executed corresponding to the change pattern PA2-3 or the change pattern PA3-3, so that the variable display result is “big hit”. It is possible to dramatically increase the player's expectation for becoming.

  It is not limited to determining whether or not to execute the notice effect YA1 at a different rate according to the variation pattern, and the effect mode of the notice effect YA1 may be determined at a different rate according to the change pattern. In this case, according to the effect mode of the notice effect YA1, the expectation degree that the variable display result is “big hit” and controlled to the big hit game state, and the specific effect such as the reach effect of Super B is executed, Can be different. In addition, if the reach variation pattern corresponding to the case where the decorative symbol variable display mode is “reach”, regardless of the variation pattern, depending on whether the variable display result is “lost” or “big hit” It may be determined whether or not the notice effect YA1 is executed at a different ratio, and the effect form of the notice effect YA1 is different at different ratios depending on whether the variable display result is “lost” or “big hit”. It may be determined.

  The notice effect YA1 may be executed based on the detection result of the action by the player who presses the push button 31B during the operation valid period, as in the case of the post-reach effect AR1. In this case, the promotion notification for encouraging the player's action may be executed. For example, even if the promotion notification is not executed in the display stop period in which the playback display of the moving image is not started and the display is stopped. Good. When the promotion notification is not executed, an operation performed by the player pressing the push button 31B may be detected, and the notice effect YA1 may be executed based on the detection result.

  The notice effect period in which the notice effect YA1 is executed may include the entire display stop period in which the display stop of the moving image is not started or may be included in a part of the display stop period. Alternatively, the display stop period may include the entire notice effect period, or the display stop period may include a part of the notice effect period. In this way, the notice effect period and the display stop period may be controlled so that the notice effect YA can be executed within the notice stop period even if it is a display stop period when at least some of the periods overlap each other. .

  FIG. 32 is a timing diagram illustrating an example of control when the notice effect YA1 is executed. FIG. 32A shows an example of moving image reproduction control in the case where there is no read delay in which no delay occurs in the reading of moving image data. FIG. 32B shows an example of moving image playback control in the case where there is a readout delay that causes a delay in readout of moving image data. FIG. 32C shows a control example for executing the notice effect YA1. The timing at which the video playback shown in FIG. 32A is changed from “none” to “present” is the playback start setting timing specified by the display control data included in the presentation control execution data constituting the presentation control pattern. Yes, it is the timing set as the start of moving image playback at the design stage.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 32A, there is no reading delay that does not cause a delay in reading moving image data, or there is a reading delay that causes a delay in reading moving image data as shown in FIG. Regardless of whether or not this is the case, the notice effect YA1 is executed by reaching the notice execution timing before the reach is reached when the decorative symbol variable display state becomes the reach state, as shown in FIG. Is started. Thereafter, the notice effect YA1 is executed until the notice effect period ends across the reproduction start setting timing. In the case of the readout delay shown in FIG. 32 (B), the moving image playback is started before the end of the notice effect period, although the playback start of the moving image is delayed. In this case, the notice effect period in which the notice effect YA1 is executed includes the entire display stop period in which the display of the moving image is stopped without being started. The notice effect YA1 uses the effect control execution data constituting the effect control pattern determined corresponding to the notice effect pattern, regardless of whether it is a display stop period or not. Any one of these operations, or a combination of some or all of them is executed.

  For example, when the display stop period is extended, the notice effect period in which the notice effect YA1 is executed may end before the display stop period ends. Alternatively, the notice effect period during which the notice effect YA1 is executed may be started after the reproduction start setting timing. In this case, the notice execution period may be started after the display stop period is started and before the display stop period is ended. In addition, when the display stop period is extended, the notice execution period may end before the display stop period ends. Thus, no matter what the relationship between the notice effect period in which the notice effect YA1 is executed and the display stop period are in the relationship, the notice effect YA1 uses the effect control execution data constituting the effect control pattern. It is only necessary that the execution is controlled so that it can be executed in a predetermined notice effect period.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 1 does not have to include all the technical features shown in the above embodiment, and the part described in the above embodiment so as to solve at least one problem in the prior art. It may be provided with the following structure. For example, among the features shown in the above embodiment, any one of the features for preventing the occurrence of defects, the features for appropriately protecting the stored data, and the features for executing an appropriate performance, or What is necessary is just to have the characteristic which combined these at least one part.

  In the above embodiment, as moving image data, as shown in FIG. 14A, video data and audio data that are compression-encoded and multiplexed in a predetermined container format are used as video data. It has been described that the display control of the image display device 5 and the output control of the effect sound in the speakers 8L and 8R are executed synchronously so as to reproduce a moving image in which the output and the audio output are synchronized. On the other hand, for example, display control of the image display device 5 and output control of effect sound in the speakers 8L and 8R in reproduction of a moving image by setting effect control execution data constituting the effect control pattern stored in the ROM 132. May be executed synchronously. In this case, when the image data and the sound data stored in the effect data memory 123 are read, if a delay caused in reading one of the stored data is detected, the control using the other stored data is progressed. You may make it wait and perform display control and production sound output control synchronizing.

  Various processes may be performed in order to execute the error notification EH1. For example, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 may execute a main-side error process in the game control timer interrupt process. The main-side error process is a process for performing an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and making it possible to execute a necessary warning according to the diagnosis result.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of main-side error processing. In the main-side error process shown in FIG. 33, it is determined whether or not the abnormality notification timer is operating (step S401). The abnormality notification timer can measure a predetermined period during which the abnormality notification is being executed, and is in operation during a period in which the abnormality notification is performed on the side of the effect control board 12, for example. When the abnormality notification timer is not operating (step S401; N), abnormality determination processing is executed (step S402). In the abnormality determination process, each error (abnormality) that can occur in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is determined.

  It is confirmed whether or not the occurrence of abnormality has been determined according to the processing result in step S402 (step S403). If it is not determined that an abnormality has occurred (step S403; N), the main-side error process is terminated. When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred (step S403; Y), it is determined whether or not an abnormality notification flag indicating that abnormality notification is being executed is set (step S404). At this time, if the abnormality notification has already been performed, it is determined that the abnormality notification flag is on. If the abnormality notification flag is not set in step S404 (step S404; N), the abnormality notification flag and the abnormality notification timer are set, and an error (abnormality) for starting notification is stored (step S404). S410). In the abnormality notification timer, a predetermined timer initial value may be set corresponding to an error (abnormality) for starting notification.

  When the abnormality notification flag is set in step S404 (step S404; Y), the abnormality being notified is specified from the stored notification abnormality data (step S405). Next, it is determined whether or not the error (abnormality) determined in step S402 is the same as the error (abnormality) being notified (step S406). If they are the same at this time (step S406; Y), the main-side error processing is terminated. If they are not identical (step S406; N), it is determined whether or not the error (abnormality) determined in step S402 is a higher priority error (abnormality) than the error (abnormality) being notified (step). S407). When the priority is not high (step S407; N), the main-side error process is terminated. Thereby, when the error (abnormality) determined in step S402 is not an error (abnormality) having a higher priority than the error (abnormality) being notified, the error designation command is not transmitted to the effect control board 12. The notification of the newly generated error (abnormality) is not executed, and the error (abnormality) being notified is continuously notified.

  When the error (abnormality) determined in step S402 is an error (abnormality) having a higher priority than the error (abnormality) being notified (step S407; Y), the game stop state which is a predetermined state is further set. It is determined whether or not the indicated game stop flag is set (step S408). If the game stop flag is set (step S408; Y), the main-side error process is terminated. Thereby, when the game is in a stopped state, even if an error (abnormality) having a higher priority than the error (abnormality) being notified is determined in step S402, a new error designation command is given to the effect control board 12. Since it is not transmitted, an error (abnormality) during notification is continuously notified. Further, the security signal being output does not change (signal on / off) due to the error being reported. If the game stop flag is not set in step S408 (step S408; N), the abnormality notification timer is reset, and the notification error (abnormality) is updated and stored (step S409).

  After step S409 or step S410, it is determined whether or not the abnormality determined in step S402 is an error corresponding to a game stop (step S411). If the error corresponds to a game stop (step S411; Y), the launch control board is set to prohibit launching, the progress of the game is stopped, and a game stop flag is set (step S412).

  If it is not an error corresponding to a game stop in step S411 (step S411; N), or after setting in step S412, an error designation for designating the occurrence of an error (abnormality) determined in step S402 A setting for transmitting the command to the effect control board 12 is made (step S413). Also, a setting is made to output a security signal in an output mode corresponding to the error (abnormality) that has occurred (step S414), and the main-side error processing is terminated. Based on the setting in step S413, an error designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 12 when the command control process included in the game control timer interrupt process is executed. Further, when the information output process included in the game control timer interrupt process is executed based on the setting in step S414, a security signal is output from the terminal board to an external device such as a hall computer.

  FIG. 34 shows a setting example for each error (abnormality) that may occur in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the setting example shown in FIG. 34, there are errors (abnormalities) corresponding to the priorities 1 to 15. In the abnormality determination process in step S402 shown in FIG. (Abnormality) can be determined. For example, the CPU 103 detects a detection state of a magnetic sensor, a radio wave sensor, a vibration sensor, a door open sensor, a grand prize opening door sensor, a full tank sensor, a ball break sensor connected to the main board 11, a state of the payout board, Each error (abnormality) may be determined based on the detection state of the game ball of the start port switch 22B and the count switch 23. In addition, the kind and number of errors should just be arbitrarily set by the model and specification of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The errors (abnormalities) that can be determined by the abnormality determination process include errors due to a short circuit abnormality of the switch power supply that supplies the power source, such as a switch common short circuit error of priority “1”, and electromagnetic waves from the radio wave sensor. Errors that have a very high possibility of fraud, such as detection and detection of magnetic force by a magnetic sensor, errors that may be faulty or fraudulent, such as abnormal detection of the count switch 23, full error and ball Although there is no possibility of fraud such as a cut error, errors that cause trouble in the progress of the game are included.

  Conditions for canceling the generated error are set corresponding to each error (abnormality). For errors having a relatively high priority, “power off” is mainly used as a cancellation condition. For an error (abnormality) having a relatively low priority, a cancellation condition is that a certain time elapses or the error state is canceled. The plurality of errors (abnormality) includes an error (abnormality) controlled to a game stop state that is a predetermined state and an error (abnormality) that is not controlled to a game stop state that is a predetermined state. An error having a relatively high priority is regarded as an error (abnormality) controlled to a game stop state. An error (abnormality) having a relatively low priority is regarded as an error (abnormality) that is not controlled in the game stop state. The plurality of errors (abnormalities) may include errors that are caused by the same sensor, but that differ depending on the detected time. For example, vibration detection 1 error and vibration detection 2 error are included as errors when abnormal vibration is detected by the vibration sensor. The vibration detection 1 error occurs when an abnormal vibration is detected by the vibration sensor when the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is operated. The priority is high as “6”, and the game is controlled to be in a game stop state until the power is turned off. The The vibration detection 2 error occurs when an abnormal vibration is detected by the vibration sensor when the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is not in operation, the priority is low as “11”, and it is not controlled in the game stop state. The error is cleared after 2 seconds.

  Corresponding to each error (abnormality), the security signal output mode is set. When the occurrence of each error (abnormality) is determined, a security signal is output from the terminal board to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a manner corresponding to each error (abnormality). For an error (abnormality) that has a relatively high priority and enters a game stop state, a security signal is output until the power is turned off. Regarding errors (abnormality) having a relatively low priority, there are an error (abnormality) in which a security signal is output in a certain time after error determination and an error (abnormality) in which no security signal is output. The “illegal prize error” with the priority “10” is set so that a security signal is output not only until the power is turned off but also for a certain time (4 minutes in FIG. 34) after the power is turned on again. ing.

  For example, if the error (abnormality) for starting notification is a vibration detection 2 error, in step S410 shown in FIG. 33, a timer initial value corresponding to 60 seconds is set in the abnormality notification timer. On the other hand, if the error (abnormality) for starting the notification is the start port 2 abnormal winning error, in step S410 shown in FIG. 33, a timer initial value corresponding to 300 seconds is set in the abnormality notification timer. The Further, when the error (abnormality) for starting notification is an error corresponding to the release condition of “power off”, “0” is set in the abnormality notification timer. In this case, since it is determined in step S401 that the abnormality notifying timer is not operating, the set abnormality notifying flag remains set until the power is turned off. As described above, regarding the error corresponding to the release condition of “power off”, the error notification is continued until the power is turned off. As a result, the abnormality notification flag is not cleared until the power is turned off. In the case of an abnormal prize ball error in which it is determined that the number of abnormal prize balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the game is not controlled to be stopped, so that an error is notified in a state where a game is possible.

  By executing the main-side error process shown in FIG. 33, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 can transmit an error designation command corresponding to the generated error (abnormality) to the effect control board 12. On the side of the effect control board 12, an error notification corresponding to the error designation command is executed. At this time, the error notification is executed in a different execution mode depending on whether or not the game state is a game stop state as a predetermined state. As a general rule, each error (abnormality) is reported with priority from the one with the highest priority. However, when the game stop flag is set in step S408 shown in FIG. 33, even if an error (abnormality) with a high priority is newly generated, an error designation command is sent to the effect control board 12. Since it is not transmitted, it is restricted so that a new abnormality notification is not started, and an error during notification is continuously notified.

  FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an execution mode of error notification according to the gaming state. FIG. 36 shows an execution example of error notification by screen display. For example, when the occurrence of vibration detection 2 error is first determined in a gameable state, a screen display as shown in FIG. 36A is performed. In the screen display shown in FIG. 36A, a pop-up window of “E-54 vibration error” corresponding to the vibration detection 2 error is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 for a predetermined time of 60 seconds. When it is determined that a new prize ball abnormality error has occurred during this notification, the screen display is changed as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 34, the priority of the prize ball abnormality error is “7”, and the priority of the vibration detection 2 error is “11”. Is switched to the notification. In the screen display shown in Fig. 36 (A), instead of the vibration detection 2 error pop-up window, "Please call a clerk! E-33 Prize ball abnormality error Please turn on the power again." A pop-up window will appear. When a prize ball abnormality error occurs, the game is not controlled to be stopped and a game-ready state is maintained.

  When it is determined that a new magnet error has occurred during notification of a prize ball abnormality error, a screen display as shown in FIG. 36 (B) is performed. As shown in FIG. 34, since the priority of the magnet error is “3” and the priority of the prize ball abnormality error is “7”, the notice of the prize ball abnormality error is switched to the notice of the magnet error having a high priority. It is done. Further, the game is controlled to be stopped in response to the magnet error. In the screen display shown in FIG. 36 (B), the entire display of the image display device 5 is displayed in black so as to notify that the game is being stopped. In place of the pop-up window for the award ball error error, the message “Please call the suspending agent! E-02 Magnet error Please turn on the power again” corresponding to the magnet error is displayed in white characters. .

  If it is determined that a new radio wave error has occurred during the magnet error notification, the game stop flag is set, so as shown in FIG. 36 (B), a notification corresponding to the newly generated radio wave error is generated. Is not done. In this case, the notification of the “magnet error” that triggered the game stop state is continued. Further, since the game is stopped, the output of the security signal corresponding to the newly generated radio wave error is limited. Thus, since the error (abnormality) that triggered the game stop state is continuously notified, the error (abnormality) that triggered the game stop state can be easily confirmed, Appropriate response becomes possible. In addition, since the security signal corresponding to the error (abnormality) that triggered the game stop state is continuously output, the error (abnormality) that triggered the security signal output is indicated by the pachinko gaming machine. 1 can be easily confirmed outside, and an appropriate response to an error (abnormality) that triggers the output of a security signal is possible.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process that can be executed in step S60 of FIG. 6 as the error notification process. In the error notification process shown in FIG. 37, it is determined whether or not the error notification timer is operating (step S501). The error notification timer is in operation during a period in which error notification is being executed, and is in an operation stop state during a period in which error notification is not being executed. If the error notification timer is not operating in step S501 (step S501; N), it is determined whether or not an error designation command reception flag is set (step S502). The error designation command reception flag is set when the command transmitted from the main board 11 is an error designation command. If the error designation command reception flag is not set (step S502; N), the error notification process is terminated.

  If the error designation command reception flag is set in step S502 (step S502; Y), the set error designation command reception flag is cleared (step S503). At this time, the error type is specified from the error specification command (specifically, the value of EXT) stored in the error specification command storage area (step S504). Further, the notification mode set for the specified error type is specified (step S505). In step S505, for example, the content displayed on the image display device 5, the lighting state of the game effect lamp 9, the sound to be output, and the like may be specified. Thereafter, error notification is started in the specified notification mode (step S506).

  After step S506, it is determined whether or not the error type specified in step S504 is an error with a notification period (step S507). In step S507, for example, when there is a vibration detection 2 error in which 60 seconds is set as the release period (notification period), or a start port 2 abnormal winning error in which 300 seconds is set as the release period (notification period). It is determined that there is an error with a notification period. If the error has a notification period (step S507; Y), a value corresponding to the notification period is set in the error notification timer together with the error notification flag (step S508). As a result, the error notification timer starts counting, and the error notification processing ends. If the error has no notification period (step S507; N), only the error notification flag is set (step S509), and the error notification process is terminated without starting the error notification timer count. In this case, since it is not determined that the error notification timer is operating in step S501, the error notification started in step S506 is continued until the next error designation command is received.

  If the error notification timer is operating in step S501 (step S501; Y), the error notification timer is decremented by -1 (step S510), and then the error notification timer after subtraction is up. Is determined (step S511). If the error notification timer has expired (step S511; Y), the error notification flag is cleared (step S512), and the error notification being executed is terminated (step S513). If the error notification timer is not up in step S511 (step S511; N), or after the error notification is ended in step S513, the process proceeds to step S502.

  In the main-side error process shown in FIG. 33, even in a game stop state that is a predetermined state, an abnormality determination process is executed in step S402 to determine the occurrence of an error (abnormality). In this case, by determining that the game stop flag is set in step S408, the setting for notifying the newly generated error (abnormality) is limited. On the other hand, when the game is stopped, an abnormality determination process for determining the occurrence of an error (abnormality) may be restricted so as not to be executed.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a main-side error process in a modification in which the abnormality determination process is not executed when the game is stopped. In the main-side error process shown in FIG. 38, first, it is determined whether or not a game stop flag is set (step S400). At this time, if the game stop flag is set (step S400; Y), the main-side error process is terminated. When the game stop flag is not set (step S400; N), the processing after step S401 is executed. The processing executed when the game stop flag is not set is the same as the main-side error processing shown in FIG. 33 except for the processing in step S408.

  Thereby, when it is the game stop state which becomes a predetermined state, it restrict | limits so that determination of a new error (abnormality) may not be performed irrespective of priority. Even if it does in this way, it becomes possible to confirm easily the abnormality which became the opportunity controlled by the game stop state used as a predetermined state, and an appropriate response | compatibility is attained.

  In the main-side error processing shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. 38, the priority of the error (abnormality) that has occurred in the game stop state as a predetermined state in response to the game stop flag being set. Regardless of the error, the notification of the error (abnormality) that triggered the control to the predetermined state is continued. On the other hand, when the security signal is output as the predetermined state, an error (abnormality) that triggers the control to the predetermined state is notified regardless of the priority of the error (abnormality) that has occurred. It may be continued. The output condition of the security signal is not limited to when an error (abnormality) has occurred. For example, even if it is a temporal condition such as a state that is outside business hours or a first period before closing time, etc. It may be a condition relating to the content or progress of the game. Alternatively, in a predetermined state, when one movable member cannot be detected at the origin position and the one movable member cannot be returned to the origin position, an error (abnormality) of the movable member is reported. For other movable members, determination or notification of an error (abnormality) related to return to origin may not be performed. In this case, the other movable members may be included in a plurality of movable members that overlap at least a part of the operation range with one movable member.

  In the main-side error process shown in FIG. 33, when it is determined in step S408 that the game stop flag is set, an error designation command corresponding to a new error (abnormality) is controlled regardless of priority. No transmission is made to the substrate 12. In the main-side error process shown in FIG. 38, when it is determined in step S400 that the game stop flag is set, no new error (abnormality) is determined regardless of the priority. In these cases, even in an event in which an error (abnormality) having a high priority has newly occurred, notification of the error (abnormality) that has triggered the game stop state is continued regardless of the priority. As a result, it is possible to easily confirm an event that is triggered by the game stop state as the predetermined state, and it is possible to appropriately respond.

  If it is determined in step S411 shown in FIG. 33 or 38 that an error (abnormal) corresponding to a game stop is detected, the game is stopped in step S412, so that it is suitable for the occurrence of an error (abnormal). Can be dealt with. If the security signal is being output as a predetermined state, if you continue to report the error (abnormality) that triggered the output of the security signal regardless of the priority of the error (abnormality) that occurred, It is possible to easily confirm an event that is triggered by the state in which the security signal is output, and an appropriate response can be made. In a state where one movable member cannot be detected at the origin position and cannot be returned to the origin position as a predetermined state, the other movable member overlapping at least a part of the operation range with the one movable member If the error (abnormality) relating to the return is not judged or notified, the first movable member in which the error (abnormality) has occurred can be easily confirmed, and appropriate measures can be taken. In the abnormality determination process in step S402 shown in FIGS. 33 and 38, for example, a plurality of errors (abnormalities) as shown in FIG. 34 can be determined, and among these errors (abnormalities) that cause a game stop state are detected. Since it is included, it is possible to determine an error (abnormality) that causes a greater number of game stop states and to appropriately respond. The plurality of errors (abnormalities) as shown in FIG. 34 include a vibration detection 1 error that occurs when abnormal vibration is detected by the vibration sensor, and the abnormality determination processing in step S402 relates to vibration abnormality. Since an error (abnormality) can be determined, it is possible to determine that a fraud in which a game ball is won by vibration is abnormal and to take an appropriate response.

  The present invention can be applied not only to the pachinko gaming machine 1 but also to a slot machine or the like. The slot machine is an arbitrary gaming machine that performs a predetermined game such as variable display of symbols that are a plurality of types of identification information, and that can give a predetermined game value based on the game result, more specifically, The game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets (the number of medals or the number of credits) for one game, and a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (designs) that can be distinguished from each other ( The display result of a plurality of reels, for example, is derived and displayed, and one game is completed, and a prize is awarded according to the display result (for example, cherry prize, watermelon prize, bell prize, replay prize, BB prize, RB prize, etc.) Is a gaming machine that can be generated. In such a slot machine, the hardware resources including a game control microcomputer for performing game control and software for performing a predetermined process cooperate with each other so that the pachinko game described in the above embodiment is performed. What is necessary is just to be comprised so that all or one part of the characteristics which the machine 1 has may be provided.

  In addition, the device configuration and various operations of the gaming machine can be arbitrarily changed and modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of gaming media as prizes based on the occurrence of winnings. It can also be applied to an enclosed game machine that gives Slot machines are not limited to those where bets are set using medals and credits as gaming values, but only slot machines that set betting numbers using gaming balls as gaming values, or only credits as gaming values. It may be a full credit type slot machine that sets the number of bets using. The game executed in the gaming machine may be any game, and may be at least controllable to an advantageous state advantageous to the player, or can be given a game value advantageous to the player. There may be.

  As described above, in the gaming machine such as the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present application, the WDT clear setting during reading is performed in step S281 of the in-control effect data transfer process shown in FIG. Since the reset can be suppressed, the occurrence of defects can be prevented.

  In the in-control memory inspection process shown in FIG. 10, if it is determined in step S252 that the memory inspection interval has elapsed, the memory inspection is executed by the control in step S257, and the data transfer condition is satisfied. Since the substitute process for transferring the stored data of the defective area to the substitute area can be executed, the protection process for protecting the stored data can be appropriately executed.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 20, since the start winning notification SH1 can be executed even in the display stop period in which the playback display of the moving image is not started and the display is stopped, an effect can be appropriately executed.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 23, the post-reach effect AR1 can be executed even during the display stop period in which the playback display of the moving image is not started and the display is stopped. it can.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 23, the post-reach effect AR1 can be executed even during the display stop period in which the playback display of the moving image is not started and the display is stopped. Can be executed.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 27, since the error notification EH1 can be executed even during the display stop period in which the playback display of the moving image is not started and the display is stopped, an effect relating to the notification of the occurrence of the abnormality can be appropriately executed.

  In the control example shown in FIG. 30, the notice effect YA1 can be executed even in the display stop period in which the display of the moving image is stopped without starting the reproduction display of the moving image. Therefore, the effect related to the notice can be appropriately executed.

  As shown in FIG. 13, since the storage area of the effect data memory 123 includes a data area that is a normal use area and a redundant area that is an alternative use area, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems, and storage data It is possible to appropriately execute the protection process for protecting

  In step S455 of the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 12, since the storage data of the defective block that becomes the defective area of the data area is controlled to be transferred to the alternative area that becomes the alternative area of the redundant area, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects. In addition, protection processing for protecting stored data can be appropriately executed.

  In step S271 of the in-control effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 11, since it is determined whether or not the effect data stored in the effect data memory 123 is being read out, the occurrence of a problem can be prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, the moving image data is configured by multiplexing video data related to display control and audio data related to output control of effect sound as a series of data, and display control and output of effect sound. Since the control can be executed synchronously, the production can be executed appropriately.

  In the control examples shown in FIGS. 20, 23, 27, and 30, it is possible to execute control such as playback and display of a delayed moving image in a period before a variable display result is derived, such as a shaking display period. Therefore, it is possible to perform the production appropriately.

  In the in-control effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 11, when the number of clears during reading reaches the clear upper limit determination value in step S280, the clearing of the watchdog timer 134 by the setting in step S281 is limited. Occurrence can be prevented.

  For example, if it is determined in step S408 shown in FIG. 33 that the game stop flag is set, an error designation command corresponding to a new error (abnormality) is not transmitted. In this case, even in the event that a high-priority error (abnormality) has newly occurred, since the notification about the error (abnormality) that triggered the game stop state is continued regardless of the priority, It is possible to easily confirm the event that is triggered by the game stop state, and it is possible to appropriately respond.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 5 ... Image display apparatus 6A ... Normal winning ball apparatus 6B ... Normal variable winning ball apparatus 8L, 8R ... Speaker 9 ... Game effect lamp 11 ... Main board 12 ... Production control board 31A ... Stick controller 31B ... Push button 32A, 32B ... Movable members for production 33A, 33B ... Movable member drive motor 35A ... Controller sensor unit 35B ... Push sensor 90 ... Lighting accessory 122 for production ... Memory controller 123 ... Production data memory 131 ... CPU
132… ROM
133 ... RAM
134… Watchdog timer 135… VDP
136 ... Audio processing circuit 137 ... Lamp control circuit 138 ... Motor control circuit 141 ... Command decoder 142 ... Demultiplexer 143 ... Video decoder 144 ... VRAM
145 ... Display drive circuit 151 ... Audio decoder

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing a game,
Storage means capable of storing data relating to display control;
Display control means capable of reading the storage data of the storage means and controlling the display means;
Auxiliary production means capable of performing an auxiliary production using production means different from the display means,
The auxiliary production means is
It is possible to execute a display auxiliary effect related to the display of the display means and an abnormality notification auxiliary effect related to notification of the occurrence of an abnormality,
The display auxiliary effect can be delayed and executed according to a stop period in which the display of the display means stops due to occurrence of a predetermined event,
The abnormality notification assisting effect can be executed even in the stop period.
A gaming machine characterized by that.