JP2019013586A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of holding specific game result information for a long term.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: a back-up function for holding the content stored in RAM even after power is turned off; power supply time determination means for determining validity of the content stored in the RAM after power is turned on; and recovery means for executing recovery processing for recovering the operation to an operation before power is turned off, after power is tuned on, based on the content stored in the backed-up RAM, when it is determined that the content is valid. The RAM has a first storage area for storing game data to be used in game processing which is related to normal game progress and a second storage area for storing game result data to be obtained in a predetermined game period. The power supply time determination means does not determine validity of the data stored in the second storage area but determines validity of the data stored in the first storage area. The recovery means recovers the operation to an operation before power is turned off, when it is determined that the data stored in the first storage area is valid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to game operation control of a gaming machine.

  In the gaming machine, based on the checksum value backed up when the power is turned off, a RAM check is performed to determine whether the stored contents of the RAM are normal when the power is turned on. If it is normal, the power is turned off based on the backup data. Return to the current control state. However, if it is determined that the data is abnormal due to damage due to some trouble, all the game result information up to that point is cleared, and the control state is started from the initial state (for example, the following patent document) 1).

JP 2012-1000078 A

  The information obtained from the game is not directly related to the progress of the game itself when the player engages in the game, but the game result information that the pachinko hall store and related agencies want to confirm, for example, the gaming machine There is performance information (outflow performance information), etc., and there is a desire to keep it for a long time. Even such performance information is not subject to the RAM check at power-on, and the RAM check on the performance information data is independently performed, and the darkness is not cleared by the RAM check at power-on. It can be said that it is preferable to be able to hold the entire area.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can hold specific game result information for a long period of time.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means. The parentheses indicate corresponding elements in the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this.

(1) backup means (S081 in FIG. 11) that retains the stored contents of the RAM (main control RAM 203) even after the power is shut off;
Power-on determination means (S052 in FIG. 8) for determining the validity of the stored contents of the RAM after power-on;
A return for executing a return process for returning to the operation before the power-off after the power-on based on the stored contents of the RAM held by the backup means when it is determined that the power-on determination means is valid Means (S054 in FIG. 8),
A gaming machine configured to execute a lottery process based on a predetermined start condition and to be controlled to a special gaming state based on a result of the lottery process (S092 to S094 in FIG. 11).
The RAM stores a first storage area (normal data storage area) for storing game data used in a game process related to normal game progress including the lottery process result data, and game result data obtained in a predetermined game period. A second storage area for storing (RAM area for performance display),
The power-on determination means is
The validity of the storage data of the first storage area is determined without determining the validity of the storage data of the second storage area (S052 in FIG. 8),
The return means includes
When the power-on determination means determines that the stored data in the first storage area is valid (S052, S054 in FIG. 8),
A gaming machine characterized by that.
(2) It is configured to determine the validity of the stored data in the second storage area in a game process that is repeatedly executed every predetermined time after the initial process after the power is turned on. If it is determined, only the storage data in the second storage area is initialized (S096 in the figure, FIGS. 16 to 17 showing the details),
The gaming machine according to (1) above, characterized in that.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game machine which can hold | maintain specific game result information over a long term can be provided.

It is a perspective view of the front side which shows the external appearance of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the game board and effect button of the gaming machine which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control apparatus of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a figure with which it uses for description of the game state transition of the gaming machine which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the screen display of the liquid crystal display device which concerns on this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing main control side main processing according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the initial setting process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the backup confirmation process in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing RAM error processing in FIG. 8. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the setting value change process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side timer interruption process which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the setting value confirmation process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol management process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special figure 1 start port check process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change start process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the performance display monitor process in FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an out-of-area RAM check process in FIG. 16.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described taking a pachinko gaming machine as an example with reference to the drawings.

<1. Outline of Configuration: FIGS. 1 and 2>
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the outline | summary of a structure of the pachinko game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the appearance of a pachinko gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view showing the front side of the game board.

  A pachinko gaming machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as “gaming machine 1”) shown in FIG. 1 has a frame-like front frame 2 attached to the front surface of a wooden outer frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed, and is attached to the back surface of the front frame 2. A game board 3 (see FIG. 2) is mounted in a storage frame (not shown), and a game area 3 a formed on the surface of the game board 3 faces the opening of the front frame 2. A glass door 6 supporting a transparent glass is provided on the front side of the game area 3a. Various control boards (see FIG. 3) for controlling game operations are arranged on the back side of the game board 3.

  A key cylinder (not shown) for unlocking the door is provided on the front side of the glass door 6. When the key is inserted into this key cylinder and operated on one side, the glass door 6 is locked to the front frame 2. When operated to the other side, the locked state of the front frame 2 with respect to the outer frame 4 can be released and opened to the front side.

  A front operation panel 7 pivotally supported on the front frame 2 by a hinge (not shown) is disposed below the glass door 6. The front operation panel 7 is provided with an upper tray unit 8, and the upper tray unit 8 is formed with an upper tray 9 for storing discharged game balls.

  Further, the upper tray unit 8 pays out the game balls to a ball removal button 14 for pulling out the game balls stored in the upper tray 9 below the gaming machine 1 and a game ball lending device (not shown). A ball lending button 11 for requesting and a card return button 12 for requesting the return of the valuable value medium inserted in the game ball lending device are provided. The upper tray unit 8 is provided with an effect button 13 (operation means) configured to be operable by the player. The effect button 13 can be operated (input can be accepted) when the built-in lamp (button LED 75) is lit during a predetermined input acceptance period, and predetermined operations (pressing, continuous hitting, long pressing, etc.) while the built-in lamp is lit. It is possible to change the production by doing.

  A firing operation handle 15 for operating the firing device 32 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the right end side of the front operation panel 7.

  In addition, speakers 46 are provided on both sides of the upper part of the front frame 2 and on the upper side of the firing operation handle 15 to produce a sound effect (sound effect) by sound. Further, a plurality of decorative lamps 45 (full color LEDs: LEDs for light effects) that exhibit a light effect by decoration of light are provided at appropriate positions on the glass door 6. A plurality of full-color LEDs (light effect LEDs) as the decorative lamp 45 are provided in the circumferential direction around the pachinko gaming machine, that is, at the peripheral edge of the front frame of the glass door 6. Called.

(Game board: Fig. 2)
Next, the configuration of the game board 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In the illustrated game board 3, a ball guide rail 5 for guiding the launched game ball is annularly mounted as a board surface partition member, and a substantially circular area surrounded by the ball guide rail 5 is a game area 3a, The four corners are non-game areas.

  In the substantially central portion of the game area 3a, for example, in three (left, middle, right) display areas (design variation display areas), a plurality of types of decorative symbols (for example, numbers, characters, symbols, etc.) A liquid crystal display (LCD) 36 capable of variable display operation (variable display and stop display) of the left symbol (corresponding to the left display area), middle symbol (corresponding to the middle display area), right symbol (corresponding to the right display area)) Is provided. The liquid crystal display device 36 displays various effects as images in addition to the decorative symbol change display operation under the control of the effect control unit 24 described later.

  Further, a center decoration 48 is provided in the game area 3a so as to surround the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 36 in a distant manner. The center decoration 48 is provided along the front side of the game board 3 and protects the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 36 from the surrounding game balls, and the flow of the game balls depends on the strength or stroke length of the game balls. It functions as a flow path distribution means that makes it possible to distribute the path to the left and right. In the present embodiment, the game ball 3 is disposed substantially at the center of the game area 3a so that the flow path of the game ball is formed on both upper sides (left side and right side) of the game area 3a due to the presence of the center decoration 48. The game balls thrown into the upper side of the game area 3a by the launching device 32 are distributed to the left and right on the upper side of the armor frame portion 48b, and the left down flow path 3b on the left side of the center decoration 48 and the right down flow path 3c on the right side. Flow down either.

  In addition, the non-game area near the upper right edge (upper right corner) of the game board 3 is a function display section, and a 7-segment display (with dots) is started with the upper start port 34 (for the first special symbol) and the lower start. A special symbol display device 38a (first special symbol display means) and a special symbol display device 38b (second special symbol display means) which are arranged side by side in correspondence with the mouth 35 (for the second special symbol). Is provided. In the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, a special symbol variation display game is executed by a variation display operation of “special symbol” expressed by 7 segments. In the liquid crystal display device 36 described above, the decorative symbols are variably displayed in synchronism with the special symbol variation display by the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and the decorative symbols are displayed together with various notice effects (effect images). The symbol variation display game is executed (details of these symbol variation display games will be described later).

  In addition, in the various function display units, a composite display device (LED display for holding composite display) 38c including a 7-segment display (with dots) is disposed next to the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b. The compound is called five symbols, special symbols 1 and 2, the display of the number of suspended balls of normal symbols, the status notification during the variable time reduction function operation (short time) and high probability state (high accuracy) This is because the display is a holding / short-time / high-accuracy composite display device (hereinafter simply referred to as “composite display device”).

  The various function display units are provided with a normal symbol display device 39a (normal symbol display means) in which a plurality of (two in this embodiment) LEDs are arranged next to the composite display device 38c. In the normal symbol display device 39a, a normal symbol variation display game is executed by a normal symbol variation display operation represented by two LEDs. For example, as a variable display operation, a normal symbol by LED repeatedly turns on and off alternately in a seesaw manner, and stops in a state where either side is lit, thereby determining whether or not the normal symbol variable display game is successful. Yes. In addition, a round number display device 39b in which three LEDs (first to third round display LEDs) are arranged adjacent to the normal symbol display device 39a is provided. This round number display device 39b notifies the specified round number (maximum round number) related to the jackpot by the combination of the lighting and extinguishing states of the three LEDs.

  Below the center decoration 48, an upper start port 34 (first special symbol start port: first starter) and a lower start port 35 (second special symbol starter: second starter) are provided. The normal variation winning device 41 is provided at the top and bottom, and detection sensors 34a and 35a (upper start opening sensor 34a and lower start opening sensor 35a: see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball are formed inside each. ing.

  The upper start port 34, which is the first special symbol start port, is the first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "special symbol 1" in the special symbol display device 38a). This is a winning opening relating to the starting condition of the variable display operation, and is configured as a winning ratio fixing type winning apparatus having no starting opening / closing means (means for opening or expanding the starting opening). In the present embodiment, a game ball dropping direction changing member (for example, a game nail (not shown), a windmill 44, a center decoration 48, etc.) in the game area 3a is operated to the upper start port 34 to the left-down flow path 3b. The game balls that have flowed down are easy to enter (win), whereas the game balls that have flowed down the right flow path 3c are difficult to enter or cannot enter.

  The normal variation winning device 41 is configured as a winning rate variation type winning device capable of changing the winning rate of the game ball at the starting port by the starting port opening / closing means. In the present embodiment, a so-called “electric tulip” including a pair of left and right movable wing pieces (movable members) 47 that can open or expand the lower start opening 35 that is the second special symbol start opening as the start opening opening / closing means. "Type" configured as a winning device.

  The lower starting opening 35 of the normal variable winning device 41 is a second special symbol in the special symbol display device 38b (hereinafter, the second special symbol is referred to as “special symbol 2”, and in some cases, “special symbol 2”). The prize-winning area according to the start condition of the variable display operation of the lower start-up opening 35 is based on an open state (winning prize) that makes it easy to win according to the operating state (operation or non-operation) of the movable wing piece 47. Easy state) and a closed state (winning difficult state) that makes it difficult or impossible to win than the open state. In the present embodiment, when the movable blade piece 47 is inactive, a closed state (a state in which a prize cannot be awarded) in which a prize cannot be awarded to the lower start port 35 is maintained.

  Further, on both sides of the normal variable winning device 41, there are four general winning openings 43 on the left side and one on the right side, four in total. A mouth sensor 43a (see FIG. 3) is formed. In the area of the game board, a movable body accessory (not shown) that provides a visual effect is disposed at a position that does not obstruct the flow of the game ball.

  Also, a normal symbol start port 37 (third start) formed by a pass gate (specific pass region) through which a game ball can pass is located obliquely above and to the right of the normal variation winning device 41, that is, above the middle portion of the right flow path 3c. Means). The normal symbol start port 37 is a winning port related to the normal symbol variation display operation in the normal symbol display device 39a, and a normal symbol start port sensor 37a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a passing game ball is provided therein. Is formed. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol start port 37 is formed only on the right flow path 3c side, and is not formed on the left flow path 3b side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be formed only in the left flow path 3b or may be formed in each of the both flow paths.

  In the middle of the path from the normal symbol starting port 37 to the normal variable winning device 41 in the right flow path 3c, a special variable winning that is configured such that the big winning port 50 can be opened or expanded by the retractable opening door 52b. A device 52 (special electric accessory) is provided, and a special winning opening sensor 52a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has entered the special winning opening 50 is formed therein.

  Around the big prize opening 50 is a bulging portion (decorative member) 55 bulging from the surface of the game board 3, and the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55 forms the downstream guide portion of the right flow path 3c. Yes. And if the big prize opening 50 is closed by the open door 52b (the big prize opening closed state), by forming a surface continuous with the upper side 55a of the bulging part 55, the downstream guide part ( A part of the upper side 55a) is formed. In the downstream area of the right flow path 3c, in the area above the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55, more precisely in the game area above the big winning opening 50, the flow path correction plate is substantially parallel to the flow direction of the game ball. 51d is provided so as to move the flowing game balls toward the big prize opening 50.

  The process of entering a game ball into the big prize opening 50 is as follows. The game ball that has passed through the play area between the upper surface of the center ornament 48 and the ball guide rail 5 projects on the top surface (upper side) 55a of the bulging portion 55 that protrudes from the game board 3 and functions as a guide for the game ball. Come down along. Then, the game ball comes into contact with the right end of the flow path correcting plate 51d protruding from the surface of the game board 3, and thereby the flow direction of the game ball is corrected to the direction of the big prize opening 50 (downward direction). At this time, if the special winning opening 50 is covered by the retractable open door 52b (the special winning opening is closed), the game ball rolls on the special winning opening in a predetermined arrangement (not shown). By the game nail, it is led in the direction of the tulip-type normal variation winning device 41 (lower start opening 35). At this time, if the lower start opening 35 is in a winning state (start opening open state), a game ball can win the lower start opening 35. On the other hand, if the open door 52b is retracted into the game board surface and the special winning opening 50 is open (large winning opening opened state), the game ball is guided into the special winning opening 50.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the player aims the launch position on the special variation prize winning device 52 side (when the game ball is aimed so as to pass the right flow down path 3c), the upper start port On the 34th side, the game ball is difficult to be guided or is not guided. Therefore, in the “large winning opening closed state”, it is difficult or impossible to win the starting openings 34 and 35 unless the movable blade 47 of the normal variation winning apparatus 41 is operated. The movable wing piece 47 operates in an opening / closing pattern that is more advantageous than the normal state when it enters a gaming state with an electric support state described later.

  In the case of the present embodiment, how the player makes an advantageous situation changes according to the gaming state. Specifically, if the game state is accompanied by a “non-electric support state” to be described later, “left-handed” for aiming the game ball so as to pass through the leftward flow path 3b is advantageous. If the gaming state is accompanied by a “present state”, “right-handed” for setting the aim so that the game ball passes through the right flow down path 3c is advantageous.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when there is a winning in a winning port other than the normal symbol starting port 37 among the various winning ports provided in the gaming area 3a, it is promised for each winning port. The number of winning balls per winning ball (for example, 3 for the upper starting hole 34 or the lower starting hole 35, 13 for the large winning opening 50, 10 for the general winning opening 43) is the gaming ball payout device 19 (FIG. 3). (See below). The game balls that have not won the winning holes are discharged from the game area 3a through the out port 49. Here, “winning” is not a structure in which a winning opening takes a game ball inside, or a winning opening takes a gaming ball inside, but a winning opening made of a pass-through gate (for example, a normal symbol start opening 37). ) Means that the game ball passes through the gate. Actually, when a game ball is detected by each winning detection switch formed for each winning opening, a “winning” is entered in the winning opening. Are treated as if they occurred. The game ball related to the winning is also referred to as “winning ball”. If a game ball enters the winning opening, the game ball is detected by the winning detection switch. Therefore, unless otherwise specified in this specification, whether the gaming ball is detected by the winning detection switch. Regardless of whether or not, a game ball may be referred to as “winning” including a case where a game ball enters the winning opening.

<2. Control device: Fig. 3>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a control device that controls the game operation control of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing an outline of the control device.

  The control device of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a main control board (main control means) 20 (hereinafter referred to as a “main control unit 20”) that comprehensively manages control (game operation control) related to game operations in general. An effect control board (effect control means) 24 (hereinafter referred to as “effect control section 24”) that receives the effect control command from the main control unit 20 and controls the execution control (appearance control) of the effect by the effect means. A payout control board (payout control means) 29 for performing payout control of prize balls, and a power supply board (power supply control means (not shown)) for generating and supplying power necessary for the gaming machine from an external power supply (not shown). ), And so on. In addition, a liquid crystal display device 36 as an image display device is connected to the effect control unit 24. In FIG. 3, the power supply route is omitted.

(2-1. Main control unit 20)
The main control unit 20 includes a microprocessor incorporating a CPU 201 (main control CPU) and a ROM 202 (main control) for storing various data necessary for game operation control in addition to a control program describing a game operation control procedure. ROM) and a RAM 203 (main control RAM) that functions as a work area and a buffer memory are mounted, and a microcomputer (Z80 system equivalent) is configured as a whole.

  Although not shown, the main control unit 20 gives an interrupt signal to the CTC and the CPU that give the Z80 system a periodic interrupt, a pulse output generation function (bit rate generator) having a constant period, and a time measurement function. Interrupt controller circuit that demonstrates interrupt enable / disable function such as timer interrupt, reset circuit that can reset the CPU by detecting system power-on, power-off, power failure, etc., and control program A watchdog timer (WDT) circuit that monitors abnormal operation of the system, a running prohibition outside specified area (IAT) circuit that monitors whether a program is correctly executed within a preset address range, A counter circuit for generating random numbers is also provided.

  The counter circuit includes a random number generation circuit that generates a random number and a sampling circuit that samples a random value from the random number generation circuit at a predetermined timing, and functions as a 16-bit counter as a whole. The CPU 201 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit according to the processing state to acquire the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit as an internal lottery random number value (a random number for jackpot determination (random number size: 65536)). The random value is used for the big hit lottery. The internal lottery random number is obtained by adding a soft random number value generated by an appropriate software process and a hard random number value in order to prevent a go-to action such as hitting a hit.

  The main control unit 20 includes an upper start port 34 a that detects a winning (win ball) at the upper start port 34, a lower start port sensor 35 a that detects a win at the lower start port 35, and a normal symbol start port 37. From the normal symbol start opening sensor 37 a for detecting passage, the large winning opening sensor 52 a for detecting winning to the large winning opening 50, the general winning opening sensor 43 a for detecting winning to the general winning opening 43, and the out opening 49 An OUT monitoring switch 49a for detecting a game ball (out ball) to be discharged is connected, and the main control unit 20 can receive detection signals from these. Based on the detection signal from each sensor, the main control unit 20 grasps which winning opening the game ball has entered.

  Further, the main control unit 20 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 41c for controlling opening and closing of the movable wing piece 47 of the lower start opening 35 and a large winning opening solenoid 52c for controlling opening and closing of the open door 52b of the large winning opening 50. And the main control unit 20 can transmit control signals for controlling them.

  The main control unit 20 is connected to a special symbol display device 38a and a special symbol display device 38b, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for display control of the special symbols 1 and 2. . The main control unit 20 is connected to a normal symbol display device 39a, and can transmit a control signal for display control of the normal symbol.

  The main control unit 20 is connected to a composite display device 38c, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for display control of various information displayed on the main display unit 38c. The main control unit 20 is connected to a round number display device 39b, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for display control of a specified round number by jackpot.

  The main control unit 20 is connected to a frame external concentrated terminal board 21, and the main control unit 20 is connected to the hall computer HC provided outside the gaming machine via the frame external concentrated terminal board 21. Predetermined game information (for example, jackpot information, prize ball number information, symbol variation execution information, etc.) can be transmitted. The hall computer HC monitors the game information from the main control unit 20 and comprehensively manages the operating status of the pachinko hall gaming machines.

  Further, a payout control board (payout control part) 29 is connected to the main control unit 20, and when a prize ball needs to be paid out, a control command (the number of prize balls is given) to the payout control board 29. The designated payout control command) can be transmitted.

  Connected to the payout control board 29 are a launch control board (launch control unit) 28 for controlling the launcher 32 and a game ball payout apparatus (game ball payout means) 19 for paying out game balls. The main role of the payout control board 29 is to receive a payout control command from the main control unit 20, to control the payout of the game ball payout device 19 based on the payout control command, and to transmit a status signal to the main control unit 20. It is.

  The game ball payout device 19 is provided with a replenishment detection sensor 19a for detecting insufficient supply of game balls and a ball counting sensor 19b for detecting game balls to be paid out (prize balls). These detection signals can be received. The game ball payout device 19 is provided with a payout motor 19c for driving a ball payout mechanism (not shown) for paying out game balls. The payout control board 29 controls the payout motor 19c. The control signal can be transmitted.

  Further, the payout control board 29 has a full detection sensor 60 (in this embodiment, a detection sensor for detecting a storage state of game balls stored in the upper tray 9) that detects that the upper tray 9 is full of game balls. A front door opening sensor 61 (in this embodiment, a detection sensor for detecting the open state of the front frame 2 and / or the front operation panel 7) is connected.

  The payout control board 29 can transmit various status signals to the main controller 20 based on detection signals from the full detection sensor 60, the front door opening sensor 61, the replenishment detection sensor 19a, and the ball counting sensor 19b. It has become. This status signal includes a ball clogging signal indicating a full state, a door opening signal indicating that the front frame 2 and the front operation panel 7 are opened, and a supply shortage indicating a lack of supply of game balls from the game ball dispensing device 19 It includes a signal, a shortage of award ball payout, a counting error signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the ball counting sensor 19b, a payout completion signal indicating that the payout operation has been completed, and the like, so that various status signals can be transmitted. ing. Based on these status signals, the main control unit 20 determines whether the front frame 2 and the front operation panel 7 are open (door open error), whether or not the payout operation of the game ball payout device 19 is normal (replenishment error) Then, the full state of the upper tray 9 (ball clogging error) is monitored.

  In addition, a launch control board 28 is connected to the payout control board 29 so that a permission signal permitting launch can be transmitted to the launch control board 28. The launch control board 28 controls the energization of a launch solenoid (not shown) provided in the launch device 32 based on the output of the permission signal from the payout control board 29, and operates the launch operation handle 15. The game ball launching action by is realized. Specifically, a firing permission signal is output from the payout control board 29 (launch permission signal ON state), and the player touches the handle with a touch sensor (not shown) provided on the firing operation handle 15. The game ball is permitted to be fired on the condition that it is detected that the fire is detected and that a fire stop switch (not shown) provided on the fire operation handle 15 is not operated. Therefore, when the firing permission signal is not output (launch permission signal OFF state), even if the firing operation handle 15 is operated, the firing operation is not executed and the game ball is not fired. Further, the strength of launching the game ball can be changed according to the operation amount of the firing operation handle 15. When the payout control board 29 detects the above-described ball clogging error, it transmits a ball clogging signal to the main control unit 20 and stops outputting the firing permission signal to the firing control board 28 (launching permission signal OFF). Control is performed to stop the launching operation until the full state is resolved.

  The main control unit 20 is connected to a setting key switch 94, a setting change switch 95, and a setting change completion switch 96, and the main control unit 20 can receive detection signals from these. Furthermore, the main control unit is connected to a setting display 97, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for display control of the set value displayed on the main control unit 20.

  The setting key switch 94 is a key switch for switching to a setting change mode (at the time of ON operation) by inserting a setting key possessed by a hall-related person at power-on and performing an ON / OFF operation. The setting change switch 95 is a push button switch for changing a “setting value” that causes a change in the payout rate (so-called machine discount, PAYOUT rate, or base value) in stages. The setting change completion switch 96 is a setting confirmation switch for completing the setting value changing operation. These switches are provided at appropriate positions inside the gaming machine. The setting indicator 97 functions as a setting display unit capable of displaying a set value, and is mounted on the main control unit (main control board) 20 at a position where it can be easily seen. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited to the main control board. The payout control board 28, the launch control board 29, the relay board (the relay board for relaying the connection between the various display devices and switches and the control board: FIG. (Not shown), or an effect control unit (effect control board (including a liquid crystal control board)) 24, etc., can be provided at an appropriate place inside the gaming machine.

  The above-mentioned “set value” mainly defines lottery probabilities (winning probabilities) of at least big hits (hit types for which a condition device to be described later will operate) by stage (for example, six stages of settings 1 to 6). However, the higher the set value is, the higher the winning probability is (the setting value 1 is the lowest winning probability and the setting value 6 is the highest winning probability), and this is advantageous for the player. In other words, the higher the fixed value, the higher the so-called “machine discount (roll rate, PAYOUT ratio)” (the setting value 1 is the lowest machine setting and the setting value 6 is the highest machine price), which is advantageous to the player. It comes to work. In this way, the set value is a value that prescribes the jackpot winning probability rate, machine discount, etc., and means a value for a class related to the likelihood of occurrence of a specific event such as a profit state that acts on the player. In this embodiment, a plurality of types of setting values of setting values 1 to 6 in a plurality of stages are provided as the setting values, and the advantage relating to the game is defined according to each setting value.

  The set value is changed by the hall clerk operating the setting change switch 94 exclusively based on the sales strategy of the hall (amusement store). In addition, when there are a plurality of types of jackpots, the type of jackpot to be targeted can be determined as appropriate, which winning probability of which jackpot is changed according to the set value. For example, when there are three types of jackpots, one to three jackpots, the higher the set value, the higher the winning probability of all jackpots 1-3, or the combined winning probability of jackpots 1-3 May be raised. In addition, the probability of winning some jackpots may be increased. For example, only the winning probabilities of the jackpots 1 to 2 may be increased, and the jackpot 3 may be set to a constant winning probability with all set values. Further, the winning probability of the small hit (the hit type where the condition device does not operate) may be defined for each stage as in the case of the big hit described above.

(About setting value change operation)
In order to change the set value, when the setting key switch 94 is turned on (operated to the setting change mode side) in the state where the power to the gaming machine 1 is turned off and then the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the current setting is set. The value is displayed on the setting display 97, and the mode shifts to a setting change mode in which the setting value (1 to 6 steps) can be changed. The process related to the setting change mode (setting mode change process) is executed in a setting value change process (step S024 in FIG. 6, see FIG. 10 showing the details) in the main control side main process described later.

  When the setting change switch 95 is turned on in the setting change mode, the current display value of the setting display 97 is “1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 1 → 2 → 3 →. Thus, it is switched to circulate in the range of 1-6. When the setting change completion switch 96 is turned on when the desired setting value is reached, the setting value is confirmed. After the confirmation is displayed on the setting display 97, the setting key switch 94 is operated to the OFF side. Wait until This set value information is stored (stored) in a predetermined area (set value storage area) of the RAM 203 and is managed on the main control unit 20 side. When the setting key switch 94 is turned off, the setting change mode is terminated and the display on the setting display 97 is cleared. Thereafter, the state is shifted to a state in which the game progress is allowed. Therefore, the main control unit 20 relates to the game by selecting one of a plurality of types of setting values based on the operation of predetermined operation means (setting key switch 94, setting change switch 95). It functions as a “set value selection means” for setting the degree of advantage (the degree of advantage in game progress for the player).

  The main control unit 20 is connected to a RAM clear switch 98 that initializes a predetermined area of the RAM 203, and the main control unit 20 can receive a detection signal of the RAM clear switch 98.

  Further, the performance indicator 99 is connected to the main control unit, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for display control of predetermined game result information displayed thereon.

(About game result information displayed on the performance indicator 99)
The performance indicator 99 functions as a specific game information display means for displaying (notifying) information (hereinafter referred to as “performance information”) related to a game result of a predetermined period (specific game period), and a plurality of 7-segment indicators Consists of. Although details will be described later, the performance information is information that pachinko hall stores and related agencies want to confirm, and information on the presence or absence of illegal prize balls such as excessive prize balls for gaming machines and the original playing performance of gaming machines. These are typical examples. Therefore, the performance information itself is information that is not directly related to the progress of the game when the player is engaged in the game, unlike the notice effect.

  Therefore, the performance indicator 99 is provided inside the gaming machine, for example, the main control unit (main control board) 20, the payout control board 28, the launch control board 29, the relay board, the effect control part (the effect control board (the liquid crystal control board). And the like)) and are provided at appropriate positions inside the gaming machine, such as on the board 24 or a board case (protective cover for protecting the board), and arranged so that the performance information can be easily seen.

  Here, specifically, the following information can be adopted as the performance information.

(1) The total number of payouts (specific total total number of winning balls: α) paid out by winning in a specific state is the total number of out balls discharged from the outlet 49 during the specific state (out of specific Information (specific ratio information) based on a value (α / β) divided by (number: β) can be adopted as performance information.
The “total number of payouts” is the total value of game balls (prize balls) paid out when winning a prize opening (upper start opening 34, lower start opening 35, general winning opening 43, large winning opening 50). It is. In the case of the present embodiment, there are three upper start openings 34 or lower start openings 35, 13 large winning openings 50, and 10 general winning openings 43.
In addition, as to which state is adopted as the specific state, it depends on what kind of state performance information is desired to be grasped. It can be determined as appropriate. In the case of the present embodiment, any of a normal state, a latent probability state, a short time state, a probability variation state, a big hit game, a small hit game, and CZ can be adopted. A plurality of types of states may be measured. For example, there are a normal state and a probability change state, a normal state and a small hit game, and all game states except during a hit game, and the types to be counted can be determined as appropriate.
Further, as the period in the specific state, a period in which the jackpot lottery probability is in a low probability state or a high probability state may be employed.
Alternatively, a total payout number obtained by excluding one or a plurality of specific payouts from the measurement target may be set as the total payout number (specific payout excluding total payout number). For example, out of each winning opening, the one that excludes the large winning opening 50 from the measurement target may be used as the total number of payouts.

  (2) In addition, any one of the total payout number, the specific payout excluded total payout number, and the total number of out balls may be measured, and the measurement result may be used as performance information.

  In this embodiment, the total payout number in the normal state (the normal payout number) and the total out ball number in the normal state (the normal out number) are measured in real time, and the normal payout number is determined as the normal out number. A value obtained by multiplying the value divided by 100 (normally paid out number ÷ normally out number × 100) is displayed as performance information (hereinafter referred to as “normal time ratio information”). (Displays the value rounded to the first decimal place). Accordingly, the normal payout number, normal out number, and normal ratio information are stored in the corresponding areas of the RAM 203 (specific middle total prize ball storage area, specific middle out number storage area, specific ratio information storage area), respectively. Stored (stored). However, instead of simply measuring permanently and displaying the performance information, when the total number of out balls reaches a predetermined specified number (for example, 60000), the measurement is temporarily terminated. The prescribed number is not the total number of out balls in the normal state but the total number of out balls (hereinafter referred to as “the number of all state outs”) in all game states (including hit games). The total number of out-states is also measured in real time, and stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 203 (all-state out number storage area). Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the specific medium total award ball number storage area, the specific medium out number storage area, the specific ratio information storage area, and the all state out number storage area are abbreviated as “measurement information storage area”.

Then, the normal time ratio information at the end time is stored in a predetermined area (performance display storage area) of the RAM 203 (this time normal time ratio information is stored), and then the measurement information storage area (normal payout number, normal out number) And the measurement is started again (measurement of normal payout number, normal out number, normal ratio information, and all state out ball count). The performance indicator 99 displays the previous normal time ratio information (measurement history information) and the normal time ratio information currently being measured. This

It should be noted that not only the previous information but also a history such as two times before or three times before may be displayed, and how many times the information is displayed can be appropriately determined.

  The main control unit 20 can transmit various effect control commands including information related to the special symbol variation display game and information related to errors to the effect control unit 24 according to the processing state. However, in order to prevent the goto action, the main control unit 20 only transmits a signal to the effect control unit 24, and has a one-way communication configuration in which a signal from the effect control unit 24 cannot be received. .

(2-2. Production control unit 24)
The effect control unit 24 includes a microprocessor incorporating a CPU 241 (effect control CPU), a ROM 242 (effect control ROM) that stores effect data required for effect control processing, and a RAM 243 (function control buffer ROM) that functions as a work area and buffer memory. In addition, it is composed mainly of a microcomputer equipped with a production control RAM), and also includes an acoustic control unit (sound source IC), an RTC function unit (Real Time Clock), a counter circuit, an interrupt controller circuit, a reset circuit, a WDT circuit, etc. And control the overall production operation.

  The main roles of the production control unit 24 are reception of production control commands from the main control unit 20, selection of production based on production control commands, image display control of the liquid crystal display device 36, sound control of the speaker 46, decorative lamps. 45, light emission control of various LEDs (button LED 75, other effect LED (not shown)), operation control of a movable body accessory, and the like.

  The effect control unit 24 includes a display control unit (not shown) that controls the display control of the liquid crystal display device 36. The display control unit includes a VDP that controls overall image output processing such as image expansion processing and image drawing, an image ROM that stores image data (effect image data) on which the VDP performs image expansion processing, and VDP expands A VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily stores the image data, a liquid crystal control CPU that outputs control data necessary for the VDP to perform display control, a program that describes the display control operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU, and A liquid crystal control ROM that stores various data necessary for display control and a liquid crystal control RAM that functions as a work area and a buffer memory are mainly configured.

  In addition, the production control unit 24 displays a clock board (numerical display unit) of the decorative lamp 45 and the clock-type accessory 80 in order to display various productions (light production, sound production, and movable body production using a movable body accessory). ) A light display control unit for the light display device 45a including 81 and various LEDs, a sound control unit (sound source LSI) for the sound generation device 46a including the speaker 46, and a movable body accessory for operating a movable body accessory (not shown). A drive control unit (motor drive circuit) for the motor 80c is provided.

  The effect control unit 24 is connected to a position detection sensor 82a for monitoring the operation of the movable body accessory, and the effect control unit 24 performs the current operation of the movable body accessory based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 82a. The operation mode is controlled while monitoring the position (for example, the amount of movement from the origin position). Further, based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 82a, the malfunction of the movable body accessory is monitored, and if a malfunction occurs, this is reported as an error.

  The effect control unit 24 is connected to a switch of the effect button 13, that is, an operation detection switch of the effect button 13, and the effect control unit 24 can receive an operation detection signal from the effect button 13.

  The effect control unit 24 determines by lottery or uniquely from a plurality of types of effect patterns prepared in advance based on the effect control command sent from the main control unit 20, and provides various effect means at a necessary timing. Control to bring out the desired performance. Thereby, display of the effect image by the liquid crystal display device 36 corresponding to the effect pattern, reproduction of the sound from the speaker 46, and lighting and blinking driving of the decoration lamp 45 and the LED are realized, and various effect patterns (decorative symbol variation display operation and The “draft scenario” in a broad sense is realized by developing the notice effect etc. in time series.

  The effect control command defines a function by a 2-byte configuration consisting of a 1-byte length mode (MODE) and an event (EVENT) of 1-byte length. In order to distinguish MODE from EVENT, MODE Bit 7 is Bit 7 of ON and EVENT is set to OFF. When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output corresponding to each of the mode (MODE) and the event (EVENT). That is, when there is a command to be transmitted, the CPU 201 (main control CPU) sets and outputs mode (MODE) information for transmitting the command to the effect control unit 24, and the first time after a predetermined time elapses from this setting. The strobe signal is transmitted. Furthermore, event (EVENT) information is set and output after the elapse of a predetermined time from the transmission of the strobe signal, and the second time of the strobe signal is transmitted after the elapse of the predetermined time from this setting. The strobe signal is controlled to be in an active state by the CPU 201 for a predetermined period during which the CPU 241 (production control CPU) can reliably receive the command.

  Further, the effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) generates an interrupt based on the input of the strobe signal and executes a control program for command reception interrupt processing so that the effect control command is acquired in this interrupt processing. It has become. Unlike the CPU 201, when an interrupt is generated based on the input of the strobe signal, the CPU 241 is executing an interrupt process based on another interrupt (timer interrupt process executed periodically). Even in such a case, the command reception interrupt process is performed by interrupting the process, and the command reception interrupt process is preferentially performed even if another interrupt occurs simultaneously.

<3. Outline of operation>
Next, a gaming operation related to the gaming machine 1 using the control device (FIG. 3) will be described.

(3-1. Symbol change display game)
(3-1-1. Special symbol variation display game, decorative symbol variation display game)
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, based on a predetermined start condition, specifically, the game ball enters (wins) the game ball into the upper start port 34 or the lower start port 35. A “big hit lottery” is performed by a random lottery. Based on the lottery result, the main control unit 20 displays the special symbols 1 and 2 on the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b in a variable manner to start the special symbol variation display game. Derived and displayed on the device, thereby ending the special symbol variation display game.

  Here, in this embodiment, the big hit lottery based on the winning to the upper start opening 34 and the big hit lottery based on the winning to the lower start opening 35 are performed separately and independently. For this reason, the big hit lottery result regarding the upper start port 34 is derived on the special symbol display device 38a side, and the big hit lottery result regarding the lower start port 35 is derived on the special symbol display device 38b side. Specifically, on the side of the special symbol display device 38a, on the condition that a game ball has entered the upper start opening 34, the special symbol 1 is variably displayed and the first special symbol variation display game is started. On the other hand, on the special symbol display device 38b side, on the condition that a game ball has entered the lower start opening 35, the special symbol 2 is displayed in a variable manner and the second special symbol variation display game is started. ing. Then, when the special symbol variation display game in the special symbol display device 38a or the special symbol display device 38b is started, if the big win lottery result is “big hit” after the predetermined fluctuation display time has elapsed, the predetermined “big hit” is given. In this mode, in other cases, the special symbol being displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed in a predetermined “losing” mode, whereby the game result (big hit lottery result) is derived.

  In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the first special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 38a side is referred to as "special symbol variation display game 1", and the second special symbol on the special symbol display device 38b side. The variation display game is referred to as “special symbol variation display game 2”. Unless otherwise required, “special symbol 1” and “special symbol 2” are simply referred to as “special symbols” (sometimes abbreviated as “special symbol”), and “special symbol variation display game 1” and “special symbol” The symbol variation display game 2 ”is simply referred to as“ special symbol variation display game ”.

  In addition, when the above-described special symbol variation display game is started, the decorative symbol variation display game is started by variably displaying the decorative symbol (proactive game symbol) on the liquid crystal display device 36. Various developments are developed. When the special symbol variation display game ends, the decorative symbol variation display game also ends, the special symbol display device reflects a predetermined special symbol indicating the jackpot lottery result, and the liquid crystal display device 36 reflects the jackpot lottery result. Decorative symbols are derived and displayed. In other words, the result of the special symbol variation display game is reflected and displayed by the stunning ornamental symbol variation display game including the decorative symbol variation display operation.

  Therefore, for example, when the result of the special symbol variation display game is “big hit” (when the big hit lottery result is “hit”), the decoration symbol variation display game develops an effect reflecting the result. In the special symbol display device, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a display mode in which the special symbol is a big hit (for example, the 7-segment display state is “7”), the liquid crystal display device 36 displays “left”, “middle”, “right”. In each display area of “”, the display pattern in which the decorative symbol reflects “big hit” (for example, in each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” display areas, the three decorative symbols are “7”, “7”, “ 7 ”display state).

  When this “big hit” is reached, specifically, the special symbol variation display game is terminated, and the decorative symbol variation display game is terminated accordingly. As a result, the symbol pattern of “hit” is derived and displayed. Thereafter, the special prize opening solenoid 52c of the special variable prize-winning device 52 is operated to open and close the open door 52b in a predetermined pattern, thereby opening and closing the special prize opening 50, which is more advantageous to the player than in the normal gaming state. A special gaming state (big hit game) occurs. In this jackpot game, the number of game balls that have won a prize at the big prize opening (the big prize opening) until a predetermined time (maximum opening time: 29.8 seconds, for example) elapses by the opening door 52b. 50 (the number of winning balls) is a predetermined number (maximum number of winnings: the maximum number of winning balls allowed for an opened winning opening is increased by one operation of an accessory: for example, 9) Until the game reaches the predetermined number of rounds (for example, a maximum of 16 rounds), such that the winning area is opened or expanded and the big winning opening is closed when either of these conditions is met. Round) repeated.

  When the jackpot game is started, an opening effect for informing that the jackpot is started is performed first, and after the opening effect is finished, the round game is performed a plurality of times with a predetermined number of rounds as an upper limit. Then, after the specified number of rounds is finished, an ending effect for notifying that the jackpot is finished is performed, and thereby the jackpot game is finished.

  Regarding the information necessary for the execution of the decorative symbol variation display game, first, the main control unit 20 is based on the fact that a game ball enters (wins) the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35. On the condition that the game ball is detected by the upper start port sensor 34a or the lower start port sensor 35a and the start condition (start condition relating to the special symbol) is satisfied, “big hit”, “small hit”, or “lost” “Lost winning (lottery type lottery)”, which is a lottery, and if it is “big hit”, the big hit type, if “small hit”, the small hit type, If there is a big win lottery including 'design lottery (winning type (winning type) lottery)' that draws the type of loss (if there is one kind of small hit or lose, there is no need to perform a type lottery , Omitting the lottery May be), that based on the lottery result information, and the variation pattern of the special symbols, special symbol (hereinafter which finally stopped and displayed in accordance with the winning type, determines the referred) to as "special stop symbol." Then, as a production control command for specifying the processing state, a “variation pattern designation command” including at least a special pattern fluctuation pattern information (for example, information on the jackpot lottery result and the special symbol fluctuation time) is provided to the production control unit 24 side. Send. Thereby, basic information required for the decorative symbol variation display game is sent to the effect control unit 24. In the present embodiment, in order to enrich the production variations, a “decorative design designation command” including special stop symbol information (design lottery result information (information related to the hit type)) is also transmitted to the production control unit 24. It is like that.

  The special symbol variation pattern information may include information designating whether or not a specific notice effect (for example, “reach effect” or “pseudo-continuous effect” described below) is generated. In detail, the variation pattern of the special symbol is roughly classified into a “hit variation pattern” in the case of a win and a “lack variation pattern” in the case of a loss according to the big hit lottery result. These fluctuation patterns include, for example, a “reach fluctuation pattern” that specifies the occurrence of a reach effect, which will be described later, a “normal fluctuation pattern” that does not specify the occurrence of a reach effect, and the occurrence of a pseudo-continuous effect and a reach effect (overlap occurrence). A plurality of types of variation patterns are included, such as “reach variation pattern with pseudo-continuous” to be designated, and “normal variation pattern with pseudo-continuous” to designate the occurrence of pseudo-continuous production and not specify the occurrence of reach production. Note that, in order to ensure the reach time of the reach effect or the pseudo-continuous effect, the change pattern that specifies the reach effect or the pseudo-continuous effect is usually set longer than the normal change pattern.

  The effect control unit 24 performs time series during the decorative symbol variation display game based on the information included in the effect control command (here, the variation pattern designation command and the decorative symbol designation command) sent from the main control unit 20. Decide the content of the production (draft scenario such as the notice effect) and the decoration pattern (decoration stop pattern) to be stopped and displayed in the end, and display the decoration pattern variably according to the time schedule based on the variation pattern of the special design. The symbol variation display game is executed. As a result, the decorative symbols by the liquid crystal display device 36 are variably displayed in synchronism with the special symbol variation display by the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and the period of the special symbol variation display game and the decorative symbol variation display game are in progress. Are substantially the same time width. Further, the effect control unit 24 controls the liquid crystal display device 36, the light display device 45a, or the sound generation device 46a so as to correspond to the effect scenario, and develops various effects in the decorative symbol variation display game. Thereby, the reproduction of the image (image effect), the reproduction of the sound effect (sound effect), and the lighting and blinking drive (light effect) of the decoration lamp 45 and the LED, etc. are realized on the liquid crystal display device 36.

  In this way, the special symbol variation display game and the decorative symbol variation display game have an inseparable relationship, and the display reflecting the display result of the special symbol variation display game is expressed in the decoration symbol variation display game. These two symbol variation display games may be regarded as equivalent symbol games. In the present specification, the above two symbol variation display games may be simply referred to as “symbol variation display games” unless otherwise required.

(3-1-2. Normal symbol fluctuation display game)
Further, in the gaming machine 1, based on the fact that the game ball has passed (winned) through the normal symbol start opening 37, “main lottery lottery” by random number lottery is performed in the main control unit 20. Based on the lottery result, the normal symbol displayed on the LED is displayed in a normal symbol display device 39a in a variable manner to start a normal symbol variation display game. After a certain period of time, the result is converted into a combination of lighting and non-lighting of the LED. And stop display. For example, when the result of the normal symbol variation display game is “per assistance”, the display unit of the normal symbol display device 39a is turned on in a specific lighting state (for example, all the two LEDs 39 are on, or “O” and “ The display is stopped when the “○” side LED among the LEDs representing “x” is in a lighting state).

  When this "subsidiary hit" is reached, the normal electric accessory solenoid 41c (see FIG. 3) is actuated, thereby opening the movable blade 47 in a reverse "C" shape and opening the lower start port 35. Alternatively, the game ball is expanded to enter a state in which the game ball is likely to flow in (opening opening state), and an auxiliary game state (hereinafter referred to as “general power open game”) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state occurs. In this open electric game, the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variable prize winning device 41 won the open time of the lower start opening 35 until a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) elapses or the lower start opening 35 was won. Until the number of game balls reaches a predetermined number (for example, 4), the winning area is opened or expanded, and when one of these conditions is satisfied, the lower start opening 35 is closed a predetermined number of times (for example, , Up to 2 times).

  Here, in the present embodiment, during the special / decorative symbol variation display game, during the regular symbol variation display game, during the big hit game, or during the open-circuit game, the upper start port 34 or the lower start port 35 or the normal symbol start port 37, when a winning occurs, that is, when a detection signal is input from the upper start sensor 34a, the lower start sensor 35a, or the normal symbol start sensor 37a, and the corresponding start condition (symbol game start condition) is satisfied As a data relating to the right to start the variable display game, except for the data related to the variable display, the maximum storage number (for example, a maximum of four) which is a predetermined upper limit value is reserved and stored. . The on-hold hold data that has not been subjected to the symbol variation display operation or a game ball related to the hold data is also referred to as an “operation hold ball”. In order to clarify the number of the operation holding balls to the player, a dedicated holding display (not shown) provided at an appropriate position of the gaming machine 1 or a holding display provided as an icon image on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 Turn on the indicator.

  Further, in the present embodiment, up to four operation holding balls relating to the special symbol 1, the special symbol 2, and the normal symbol are each stored in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 203, and are held as the fixed number of times of change of the special symbol or the normal symbol. In addition, the maximum memory number (maximum reserved memory number) of the number of each operation hold balls regarding the special symbol 1, the special symbol 2, and the normal symbol is not particularly limited. In addition, all or a part of the maximum reserved storage number of each symbol may be different, and the number can be determined as appropriate according to game playability.

(3-2. Game state)
The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to be capable of generating a plurality of types of gaming states in addition to the jackpot that is a special gaming state. In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, first, various gaming states will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to execute and control five types of gaming states: a normal state, a short time state, a latent probability state, a probability variation state, and a CZ (chance mode). These gaming states are distinguished by whether or not a big hit lottery probability state (low probability state, high probability state) or an electric chew support state (privilege game) is generated (with electric support, without electric support).

  The “electric chew support state” means that the opening operation period of the movable wing piece 47 (at least one of the opening time of the movable wing piece 47 and the number of times of opening thereof) of the normal variation winning device 41 in the ordinary electric open game is the normal state. It refers to the "open extended state" that is extended more than. When the open extended state occurs, the opening operation period of the movable blade piece 47 is extended from, for example, 0.2 seconds in normal time (under the non-open extended state) to 1.7 seconds. The normal time is extended to 2-3 times. In the case of the present embodiment, under the electric chew support state, the lottery probability per auxiliary varies from a low probability (for example, 1/256) of a predetermined probability (normal probability) to a high probability (for example, 255/256). (Ordinary symbol probability variation state) occurs, and an 'ordinary symbol short-time state' occurs that shortens the average time required for one normal symbol variation display game (ordinary symbol variation display operation time) (for example, Reduced from 10 seconds to 1 second). Therefore, when the electric chew support state is generated, a normal electric open game occurs frequently, and an operation rate improvement state (high base state) in which the operation rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is improved as compared with the normal state. Hereinafter, the electric support state is abbreviated as “electric support”, and the case where it is not “absence of electric support”.

  In the present embodiment, the “normal state” means a low probability (for example, 1/399) of a big hit lottery probability of a predetermined probability (normal probability), and a gaming state without electric support (low probability + no electric support) Say.

  The “short-time state” means that the probability of winning a big hit lottery is as low as the normal state, but the average time required for one special symbol variation display game (variable display operation time of special symbol)) is the normal state. A game state in which a special symbol short-time state, which is shortened, occurs and becomes an electric chew support state. That is, during the time-short state, “low probability + electric support” + special symbol time-short state.

  The “latent probability state” is a “special symbol probability changing state” in which the probability of winning the big hit lottery is higher than the low probability (for example, 1/3 of 19.9), and the gaming state without electric support. (High probability, no electric support).

  The “probability changing state” refers to a gaming state in which a big win lottery probability is as high as the latent probability state, but a special symbol short-time state and an electric chew support state occur. In other words, during the probability variation state, “high probability + electric support / plus special symbol time-short state”.

  “CZ (chance mode)” is used as a gaming state for concealing the jackpot lottery probability for production. In the present embodiment, “CZ” is provided with “CZ (latent probability)” under the latent state and “CZ (normal)” under the normal state. When the mode is shifted to “CZ (normal)” or “CZ (latency)”, the later-described effect mode is shifted to substantially the same “CZ effect mode (chance effect mode)”. As a result, the jackpot lottery probability state (high probability, low probability) is concealed for production, and the game is inferred by giving the player an estimation element of the game state. Note that the above-mentioned CZ is such that the special figure variation display game is finished either once or twice (refer to the remarks column in FIG. 4), and if it is “CZ (latency probability)” after the CZ is finished. If it is “CZ (normal)”, it is shifted to the normal state. In addition, the state is shifted to the corresponding production mode, whereby the concealment state is released, and the current game state is revealed in the production.

  Therefore, with regard to the gaming state, if paying attention to the jackpot lottery probability, when the gaming state is “normal state”, “short-time state” or “CZ (normal)”, at least the jackpot lottery probability becomes “low probability state” When the state is “latent probability state” or “probability variation state”, at least the big hit lottery probability becomes a “high probability state”. In addition, during the big hit, a big hit game is generated in which the big winning opening is opened and closed, but the big win lottery probability and the presence / absence of the electric support are placed under the same low probability / no electric support game state as in the normal state.

<4. About winning>
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the “winning” of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described.

(4-1. About per category and per game)
The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment performs a big hit lottery (win lottery) for multiple types of hits. This hit type includes "16R long open probability variable big hit", "12R long open positive change big hit", "12R long open positive change big hit", "5R long open positive change big hit", "5R long open short hit big hit" belonging to big hit type, Multiple hits such as “2R short open latent big hit”, “2R short open short big hit A, B” and “small hit (small hit A, small hit B)” belonging to the non-big hit type are included.

  The big hit type is a hit that triggers the operation of the condition device, and the “small hit” is a hit that belongs to the “non-big hit” type that does not trigger the operation of the condition device. Here, the “condition device” is a device whose operation is a condition necessary for the operation of the accessory continuous operation device for performing a round game, in which a combination of specific special symbols is displayed or a game ball is displayed. The one that operates when it passes a specific area in the big prize opening. Each of the hits belonging to the above-mentioned “big hit” type and the hits belonging to the “non-big hit” type (small hits) both have an opportunity to shift to a special gaming state (winning game) with opening / closing operation of the big prize opening (occurrence trigger) It is a hit. Therefore, hits belonging to the “non-big hit” type are different from simple “losing”. Note that “small hit” is a hit belonging to the “non-big hit” type, but unless otherwise necessary, it is treated as one of the big hit types in the same row without being distinguished from the above big hit.

  Among the hits belonging to the above-mentioned “big hit” type, “probable big hit” is a big hit that shifts the gaming state after the big hit game to the probable state, and “short-time big hit” is a short-time state (60 or 100 short-time times). ) Is a big hit that shifts to the latent state. However, depending on the game state won for the big win, the game state of the transfer destination may be different. For example, when winning the 2R short open latent big hit, as shown, depending on the game state at the time of the win For example, when winning in the normal state, the transfer destination is changed to “CZ (4 times: latent probability)”, and when winning in the latent state, the “latent state” is transferred to CZ (normal). "CZ (4 times: latent accuracy)" when winning in "CZ (latency probability)", "latent accuracy state" when winning in CZ (latency accuracy), "probability change state" when winning in both the short-time state and the probability variation state ""

  The notations such as “16R, 12R, 5R, 2R” and the like related to the hit type in FIG. 4 mean the specified number of rounds (maximum number of rounds), respectively. “Long opening” means that the maximum opening time of the grand prize opening in one round game is set to “long opening time (for example, 29.8 seconds)”. Refers to a hit type that can be expected to reach the maximum number of winnings (9). On the other hand, “short opening” means that the maximum opening time of the big prize opening in one round game is set to “short opening time (for example, 0.1 seconds)”, and almost no winning is expected. Refers to the type of winning (may not be a prize). Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, the profit state during the big hit game is the highest for the 16R long open probability variable big hit and the lowest for the 2R short open latent big hit.

  The latent state or the probability variation state is determined when the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game is completed a predetermined number of times (for example, 70 times: the specified number of STs) without winning the big hit type (except for the small win). This is a so-called “number cut probability change machine (ST machine)” that ends the high probability state and shifts to a low probability, and when the specified ST number ends, the transition is made from the next game to the normal state. However, it may be a “general probability change machine” of the type that is continued until the next big hit is won. The number of executions of the special symbol variation display game may be the total number of executions of the special symbol variation display game 1 and the special symbol variation display game 2 (total variation number of the special symbol 1 and the special diagram 2). The number of times of execution (for example, the number of times of execution of the special symbol variation display game 2) may be used. Further, the number of times of the short-time state is not limited to 60 times or 100 times, and can be appropriately determined according to game play. Moreover, there is no restriction | limiting in particular about what kind of contact | win, and it can determine suitably.

  Next, a winning game with small hits A and B (hereinafter referred to as “small hit game”) will be described. In the small hit game, the opening of the big prize opening is performed twice with a short opening, and the opening and closing operation of the big winning opening 50 captured from the appearance during the small hit game is the upper 2R short opening latent big hit The game is controlled in substantially the same manner of operation as that of the big hit game. Since this “small hit” is a hit type that does not trigger the operation of the “condition device”, a round game like “big hit” is not executed. However, by controlling the opening and closing of the big winning opening in substantially the same manner of operation as the 2R short open latency big hit, it was possible to realize a pseudo round game and apparently win the 2R short open latent big hit It is possible to dress like.

  In addition, the “winning effect (the effect that appears during the hit game)” during the small hit game is substantially the same (same or very similar) as the hit effect during the 2R latent large hit game. It is like that. In other words, the action related to the small hit game including the hit effect shows substantially the same behavior as the game action related to the 2R short open latency big hit, and which hit game is executed as viewed from the player side. Is difficult or impossible to identify. As a result, even when winning a small hit, it is possible to give the player a sense of winning expectation for the “2R short open latent big hit” that is a trigger for the transition to the high probability state. In addition, when winning a small hit, as shown in FIG. 4, the winning game may be shifted to the same “CZ (chance mode)” as when the 2R short open latent big hit is won, Until CZ ends (until the CZ effect mode ends), it is possible to conceal whether or not it is in a high-probability state for the effect, and to be able to win the winning expectation for the potential big hit.

<5. About production>
(5-1. Production mode)
Next, an effect mode (effect state) will be described. The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of types of effect modes for causing an effect related to the gaming state to appear, and is configured to be able to go back and forth between the effect modes. Specifically, there are provided a normal performance mode, a time reduction performance mode, a latent performance mode, and a probability variation performance mode corresponding to the normal state, the short time state, the latent state, the probability variation state, and the CZ (chance mode). . In each effect mode, the background display as the background of the variation display screen of the decorative symbols is displayed in different background effects so that the player can grasp what game state they are currently staying in. It has become. In the case of “CZ (normal)” or “CZ (latency)”, the mode is shifted to the same CZ effect mode. Accordingly, the CZ effect mode plays a role as a “secret effect mode” in which the jackpot lottery probability state is concealed from the effect.

  The effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) includes a function unit (effect state transition control means) that controls transition between a plurality of types of effect modes. The effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) includes a specific effect control command sent from the main control unit 20 (CPU 201), specifically, a “specific effect including game state information managed on the main control unit 20 side. Based on the “control command”, the current game state is grasped in a form that maintains consistency with the game state managed on the main control unit 20 side, and transition control between a plurality of types of effect modes is possible. Examples of such effect control commands include a variation pattern designation command, a decorative symbol designation command, and a game state designation command sent when a change occurs in the game state.

(5-3. Notice effect)
Next, the notice effect will be described. The effect control unit 24 is based on the contents of the effect control command from the main control unit 20, specifically, based on at least the change pattern information included in the change pattern designation command, and various effects related to the current effect mode and the jackpot lottery result. "Preliminary effects" can be controlled. Such a notice effect suggests (notifies) the expectation level (hereinafter referred to as “winning expectation degree”) of whether or not the winning type has been won, and serves as a “drilling effect” for encouraging the player's sense of expectation. work. Typical examples of the notice effect include a “reach effect”, a “pseudo-continuous effect”, and a look-ahead notice effect. The effect control unit 24 includes a notice effect control means capable of executing (appearing) these effects.

  “Reach production” refers to a production mode with a reach state (variable display mode with a reach state: reach variation pattern). Specifically, the final game result is derived and displayed via the reach state. This refers to a variety of effects. The reach production includes a plurality of types of reach production associated with the winning expectation. For example, there is a case where the winning expectation degree is relatively higher than the case where the normal reach production (N reach) appears. Such reach production is called 'super reach production (SP reach)'. Many of these “SP reach” have a relatively long production time (variation time) than N reach in order to win the winning expectation. N reach and SP reach include a plurality of types of reach production. For example, the SP reach includes a plurality of types of reach productions of SP reach A, B, and C, and the winning expectation has a relationship of “SP reach A <SP reach B <SP reach C”. Can do.

  “Pseudo-continuous effect” refers to an effect that involves a pseudo continuous variation display state (pseudo variation) of a decorative symbol, and “pseudo variation” refers to a part of the decorative symbol or This refers to a variable display mode in which the display operation is repeated once or a plurality of times such that the entire temporary stop state is performed and the decorative symbol re-variable display operation is executed from the temporary stop state. This is different from a “prefetching notice effect (continuous notice effect)” described later, which is developed over a plurality of symbol variation display games. The occurrence rate of such “pseudo-ream” is basically determined so that the winning expectation increases as the number of pseudo-variations increases. For example, according to the number of pseudo-variations, SP reach, etc. This is used as a notice effect to capture the expectation of occurrence.

  In addition, the “pre-reading notice effect” is mainly used for an operation holding ball (undigested operation holding ball) that has not been provided for the execution of the symbol change display game (the change display operation of the special symbol). This is an effect mode in which the expected degree of winning can be notified in advance before the operation holding ball is used for the symbol variation display game by using the background effect of the symbol variation display game executed first. In the symbol variation display game, in addition to the “reach effect”, various effects such as a so-called “character notice effect” and “step-up notice effect” are generated to excite the game contents.

  Here, the screen display of the liquid crystal display device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the display area on the upper side of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 displays a display area for displaying a decorative symbol variation display game (a decorative symbol variation display effect or a notice effect is displayed. Display area) and a lower display area in the screen has a holding display area 76 (holding display portions a1 to d1) for displaying the number of reserved balls on the special symbol 1 side and a special symbol. A holding display area 77 (holding display portions a2 to d2) for displaying the number of operation holding balls on the second side is provided. As for the presence / absence of the operation hold ball, this is notified by a predetermined hold display mode. In the figure, whether or not there is an operation holding ball is in a lighting state (with an operation holding ball: “◯ (white circle)” in the figure)) or in a light-off state (no operation holding ball: a broken circle in the drawing). An example in which information on the number of balls is notified is shown.

  The display (holding display) regarding the presence or absence of the operation holding ball is sequentially displayed in the order of occurrence (winning order). In each holding display area 76, 77, the leftmost operation holding ball is all the operations in the holding display. It is displayed as the operation holding ball that occurs first (that is, the oldest) on the time axis among the holding balls. Further, on the left side of the hold display areas 76 and 77, a changing display area 78 is provided to indicate an operating hold ball currently used for the special symbol change display game. In the case of this embodiment, the in-fluctuation display area 78 is configured such that an image of a form in which an icon of a game execution hold K currently provided for the game appears on the icon of the seat J appears. That is, when the variation display of the special symbol 1 or the special symbol 2 is started, the icon (icon image) of the oldest hold a1 or a2 displayed in the hold display areas 76 and 77 is the game running hold K. The icon moves to the icon of the seat J in the changing display area 78, and the state is maintained for a predetermined display time.

  When an operation holding ball is generated, from the main control unit 20, the pre-reading determination information related to the big hit lottery result and the number of operation holding balls at the time of the pre-reading determination (the number of existing operation holding balls including the operation holding ball generated this time) Is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (see steps S319 to S322 in FIG. 14). The hold addition command is composed of 2 bytes, and in the case of the present embodiment, the hold addition command can specify the data on the upper byte side that can specify the number of the operation hold balls at the time of the prefetch determination and the prefetch determination information. And the lower byte data.

  When the effect control unit 24 receives the hold addition command, the effect control process related to the “prefetching notice effect” is performed as part of the display control process related to the hold display based on the prefetch determination information included therein. Specifically, a pre-reading notice lottery for drawing whether or not the pre-reading notice effect is performed is performed, and if this is won, the pre-reading notice effect is displayed. The probability of winning through the pre-reading notice lottery is higher for “big hit” than “losing” and for reach types with a relatively high expectation of winning, resulting in pre-reading notice effects. Depending on whether or not, winning expectation degree to jackpot is shown.

  Here, the pre-reading determination information specifically refers to a big hit lottery result (a big hit lottery result at the start of fluctuation) or a fluctuation that is executed when the operation holding ball is used in the symbol fluctuation display game in the main control unit 20. This is game information obtained when the change pattern at the start is determined in advance. In other words, this information includes at least pre-determined winning lottery results at the start of fluctuation (pre-read winning information), other information that pre-determined symbol lottery results (pre-read symbol information), and fluctuations at the start of fluctuation. Information (prefetch variation pattern information) obtained by prefetching a pattern can be included. What information is included in the hold addition command to be sent to the effect control unit 24 can be appropriately determined according to the content to be notified in the prefetch notice. Note that the “look-ahead variation pattern” obtained by the pre-reading determination at the time of the operation holding ball occurrence is not necessarily the “variation pattern at the start of the variation” itself obtained when the operation holding ball is actually subjected to the variation display operation. There is no. For example, a case where the variation pattern at the start of the variation is a variation pattern designating “SP reach A” will be described representatively. In this case, the content designated by the prefetch variation pattern is “SP reach”. It is possible to specify that the “SP reach type”, which is the main point, is not the type of reach production “A” itself.

  In the case of this embodiment, when the prefetch notice lottery is won, among the hold icons of the hold display sections a1 to d1 and a2 to d2, the hold icon that is the target of the prefetch notice is, for example, a normal hold display. Pre-reading of “holding display change system” such as changing from white of (normal hold display mode) to a special hold color or color hold display (special hold display mode) such as blue, green, red, rainbow color of notice display A notice effect is performed. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the operation hold ball of the hatched hold display portion b1 is changed to a special hold display. Here, the blue, green, red, and rainbow colors on the hold icon indicate that the winning expectation is higher in the order of the colors. In particular, the display of the rainbow color hold icon confirms the jackpot (correct) It is a premium hold icon that is displayed. Therefore, this hold display unit functions as a hold display means for displaying the number of hold operations. However, when the pre-reading notice effect is executed, the hold display mode of the corresponding one of the hold display units a1 to d1 and a2 to d2 is changed to a predetermined prefetch notice display mode (special hold display mode). As a result, this works as a means for generating a pre-reading notice effect.

(5-4. Production means)
Various effects in the gaming machine 1 are manifested by the rendering means arranged in the gaming machine. Such directing means may be any stimulus transmitting means that can exert its effect by appealing to human perception, such as visual, auditory, and tactile sensations. Light generating means (light directing means such as a decorative lamp 45 and an LED device) ), Sound generating device (sound production means) such as a speaker 46, production display device (display means) such as a liquid crystal display device 36, a pressure device that transmits contact pressure to the operator's body, and wind pressure to the player's body A wind pressure device or a movable object that exhibits a visual effect by its operation is a typical example. Here, the effect display device is a display device that appeals to the eye like the image display device, but differs from the image display device in that it also includes an image-independent display device (for example, a 7-segment display). The term “image display device” refers mainly to a type that produces an effect by displaying an image, and a device that produces an effect other than an image, such as a 7-segment display, is included in the concept of the effect display device.

<Processing on the main control unit side: FIGS. 6 to 17>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 6-17, the game operation | movement process in the main-control part 20 side of this embodiment is demonstrated. The main control unit 20 side mainly includes a predetermined main process (main control side main process: FIG. 6) and a timer interrupt process (main control side timer interrupt process: activated by a scheduled interrupt from the CTC). 11).

<10. Main process on the main control side: FIG. 6>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing main processing on the main control unit 20 side. The main process is started when the system reset occurs due to a system reset signal from the power supply board when recovering from a power failure or power failure, or when the control program runs away, and the watchdog timer function (WDT) May be used to forcibly reset the CPU (WDT reset). In any case, when the main process is started, the main control unit 20 (CPU 201) first executes an initial setting process necessary for starting a game operation such as initial setting of register values of each unit including the CPU 201. (Step S011). This initial setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the initial setting process in step S011 is completed, a CTC is set for periodically generating a timer interrupt every 4 ms (step S012). Thereafter, an interrupt request signal to the interrupt controller is periodically output, and a main control timer interrupt process (FIG. 11) described later is executed. Although details will be described later, in the main control timer interrupt process, an input management process for monitoring the ON / OFF state of switches, an LED management process for controlling LED display, and various processes related to game progress are executed. It has become.

  Next, the processing route (YES in step S023 → S024 → S017) via the “setting value changing process (step S024: FIG. 10 described later)” related to the setting value changing operation (setting changing operation), or the game restoration process One of the processing routes (steps S014 → S015 → S016 → S017) via the “backup confirmation process (step S016: FIG. 8 described later)” is executed. In the case of the present embodiment, it is determined whether the setting key switch 94 is in an ON / OFF state and the open / closed state of the front frame 2 to determine whether or not the “setting changeable condition” is satisfied. It has become.

  When the “setting changeable condition” is satisfied, as shown in the figure, the setting key switch 94 is in the ON state (step S013: YES) and the door is open, that is, the door opening sensor 61 is in the ON state (the front frame 2 is open). State) (step S023: YES). When the setting changeable condition is satisfied, a “setting value changing process (step S024)” shown in FIG. 10 to be described later is executed, and the setting value (1 to 6 steps) can be changed.

  However, in order to determine that the setting key switch 94 is in the ON state in step S013, the setting key switch 94 is turned on while the power of the gaming machine (main power) is turned off, and the power is turned on in the ON state. It is necessary to do. That is, in order to change the setting value, the setting key switch 94 is set to the setting value change mode side (the setting key switch 94 is turned on) in a state where the power is not turned on to the gaming machine (power switch OFF), and the game is performed as it is. It is necessary to turn on the power of the machine (power switch ON). This is because when the setting key switch 94 is turned on after turning on the power to the gaming machine, it takes at least several seconds from turning on the power to turning on the main control side. Through the timer interrupt process (FIG. 11), it is determined that the setting key switch 94 is in the OFF state (step S013: NO), and the “backup confirmation process (step S016)” is performed assuming that the setting changeable condition is not satisfied. This is because the process route that is passed through is executed (see NO process route in step S013), and the setting value changing operation is prohibited. Therefore, if you want to change the set value, if you turn on the gaming machine without turning on the setting key switch 94, turn off the power switch and turn off the gaming machine. The switch 94 may be turned on, and in that state, the power switch may be turned on again to turn on the gaming machine.

  When the set value change process (step S024) is completed, the process proceeds to step S017 described later.

  On the other hand, when the “setting changeable condition” is not satisfied, that is, when the setting key switch 94 is not in the ON state when the power is turned on (step S013: NO), or the setting key switch 94 is in the ON state. If the door opening sensor 61 is in the OFF state (step S023: NO), then the protection of the RAM 203 is validated and the prohibited area is invalidated (step S014). This prohibits data writing to the RAM 203 in subsequent processing.

  Here, the RAM protection is a function for preventing rewriting of the RAM due to malfunction or erroneous operation. The operation of RAM protection is as follows. After a system reset or WDT reset occurs, RAM protection is enabled (RAM protection state). If RAM protection is set to be valid, data can be read from the RAM, but data cannot be written to the RAM. Therefore, when writing data into the RAM, it is necessary to disable the protection of the RAM.

  Further, when the prohibited area is valid, if there is an access to a preset address range (for example, a program related to the setting change of the setting value), an IAT generation signal is sent from the IAT circuit assuming that there is an access outside the designated area. Is output and an IAT reset occurs (travel outside designated area prohibition (IAT) function), but if the setting of the prohibited area is invalidated, this IAT reset does not occur. When an IAT reset occurs, only the CPU core is reset and internal functions are not reset. However, when a system reset or a WDT reset occurs, all internal functions including the CPU core are reset. That is, even if an IAT reset occurs, the RAM protect state is not entered, and the CTC and WDT are not initialized. However, when a system reset or a WDT reset occurs, the RAM is set to a protect state (valid), CTC and WDT are initialized. However, even if any one of system reset, WDT reset, and access error reset is performed, the stored contents of the RAM do not change. Note that when an IAT reset occurs, a system reset may be performed assuming that an unauthorized program is executed.

  Next, a standby screen display command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S015), and the backup confirmation process shown in FIG. 8 is executed (step S016). Although details will be described later, in this backup confirmation process, a return process is performed to return to the operation before power-off after power-on based on the stored contents of the RAM saved by the backup function (not shown) at the time of power-off. (Return means). When the standby screen display command is transmitted from the main control unit 20, the effect control unit 24 that has received the command notifies the fact that the game is being restored using the effect means until at least the backup confirmation process is completed. Production during game restoration is shown. For example, a dedicated standby image in which characters such as “please wait” are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36.

  When the backup confirmation process (step S016) is completed, the protection of the RAM 203 is invalidated and the prohibited area is set valid (step S017). Thereby, in the subsequent processing, data writing to the RAM 203 is permitted, and access to the designated area is prohibited.

  Next, WDT is set to permit operation, and a timeout time (for example, 1000 ms) for WDT to generate a timeout signal (WDT reset signal) is set (step S018). With this process, the WDT is restarted. Thereafter, if the WDT is not cleared within the set time-out period, a WDT reset occurs, the internal functions including the CPU core are reset, and the RAM is set to the protected state. However, during normal operation, such a problem does not occur because the WDT is periodically cleared during the main control unit timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 11 (step S101 in FIG. 11).

  When the processing of step S018 is finished, the program at power-on is normally started, that is, the game start ready state is ready, and “launch control signal 1 (launch permission signal)” that permits the launch operation by the launch device 32 is issued. Output to the payout control board 29 (step S019: set the firing permission signal from the OFF state to the ON state). When the payout control board 29 receives the launch control signal 1, the payout control board 29 determines that it is in a launch permission state, outputs the permission signal to the launch control board 28, and allows the launching device 32 to launch the game ball. . As a result, the game operation ball 15 can be launched by the launch operation handle 15 after the transition from the launch operation prohibited state to the launch operation permitted state. In the present embodiment, the dispensing control board 29 receives the firing permission signal from the main control unit 20 and permits the firing operation, that is, the firing permission instruction information from the main control unit 20 passes through the dispensing control board 29. Although it is configured to be indirectly sent to the launch control board 28, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fire control signal 1 by the main control unit 20 may be directly output to the fire control board 28.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, before the process of step S019 is executed, control is performed so as not to output the firing control signal 1 (control to the OFF state (control to the firing prohibited state)). Therefore, when the setting change operation is performed, the firing control signal 1 is not output until the setting value changing process (step S024) is finished (control to the OFF state), and the firing control signal 1 is sent after the setting changing process is finished. Output (control to ON state (control to firing permitted state)). Then, when a series of power-on processes S011 to S019: control start process) is finished, the process proceeds to a game process related to normal game progress (main loop process of steps S20 to S22 to be described later), thereby progressing the game. Will be controlled in a possible state.

  When the process of step S019 is completed, various random number update processes are executed (step S021) in a state where the CPU is set to the interrupt disabled state (step S20). In this various random number update processing, various random numbers used in special symbol variation display games and normal symbol variation display games (random numbers related to jackpot lottery circulating through a predetermined numerical range by increment processing (special symbols used in symbol lottery) (Random number for judgment) and a random number (initial value for special symbol judgment) used to change the initial value (start value) of random numbers related to lottery per assistance (random numbers for judgment per assistance used for winning lottery per assistance) Random numbers, initial value random numbers for determining per assistance), and fluctuation pattern random numbers used for selection of fluctuation patterns are updated.

  In the RAM 203 of the present embodiment, a special symbol determination random number counter initial value generation counter, a special symbol determination counter, and the like as various random number counters used for symbol lottery related to jackpot lottery, supplementary lottery, or variation pattern lottery, etc. There are provided a random number counter, a counter for generating an initial value per auxiliary counter, a counter for generating an initial value per auxiliary, a random number counter for variation pattern, and the like. These counters serve as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. In the various random number update processing in step S021, the above-described special symbol determination random number counter, the two initial value generation counters for generating the initial value of the auxiliary hit determination random number counter, the fluctuation pattern random number counter, and the like are updated. Generate various soft random numbers. For example, assuming that the range of values that can be taken as the variation pattern random number counter is 0 to 238, a value is obtained from the count value storage area for generating the variation pattern random number value in the RAM 203, and 1 is added to the obtained value. And then stored in the original count value storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 239, zero is stored in the original random number counter storage area. Other initial value generation random number counters are updated in the same manner.

  When the various random number update processes (step S021) are finished, the interrupt permission state is set (step S022), the process returns to step S020, and the processes of steps S20 to S22 are repeated thereafter (main loop process). The CPU 201 is configured to repeatedly execute various random number update processes except during a timer interrupt process that is executed intermittently.

(10-1. Initial setting process: FIG. 7)
Next, the initial setting process (step S011) in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the initial setting process in step S011.

  In FIG. 7, when a system reset or WDT reset occurs, the CPU 201 first sets itself to an interrupt disabled state (step S031). Execute each process.

  Initialization processing for initial setting of register values and the like in the CPU including each part of the microcomputer, interrupt mode setting processing for setting to a predetermined interrupt mode (interrupt mode 2), the value of the stack pointer SP in the CPU, the stack area Stack pointer setting processing to be set corresponding to the last address, internal hard random number setting processing for starting the internal hard random number circuit, and the like.

  Subsequently, a RAM clear signal is acquired from an input port (not shown). The RAM clear signal is a signal for determining whether or not to initialize a predetermined area of the RAM, and usually has a value corresponding to the ON / OFF state of the RAM clear switch 98 operated by the hall clerk. . Here, the setting change signal is acquired from the input port. The setting change signal is a signal for determining whether or not to shift to a setting change mode in which the setting value can be changed. Like the above-described RAM clear switch, the setting key switch 94 normally operated by the hall clerk is turned on. It has a value corresponding to the / OFF state. For this reason, if the acquisition timing of the RAM clear signal or the setting change signal is delayed, the hall clerk releases the switch and misses the ON operation. However, in this embodiment, in order to avoid such a situation. In addition, these signals are acquired promptly when the power is restored.

  Next, the activation waiting time of the sub control board (production control unit 24) is set (step S033). Then, it waits for the set activation waiting time to elapse while clearing the WDT count value so that the WDT count value times out and WDT reset does not occur (steps S034 to S036). Specifically, 1 is subtracted from the set activation waiting time (step S034), the WDT count value is cleared (step S035: WDT clear processing), and the activation waiting time is not zero (step S036: ≠ 0). ), The process returns to step S034. Due to this waiting time, the activation of the effect control unit 24 is completed.

  If the activation waiting time has elapsed (step S036: = 0), the power supply abnormality signal output from the power supply board is read twice (step S037). Next, it is determined whether or not the level of the power supply abnormality signal read twice matches (step S038), and the processing of steps S037 to S038 is repeated until the levels match (step S038: NO). If they match (step S038: YES), it is determined whether or not the power supply abnormality signal is at a normal level (step S039).

  If the power supply abnormality signal is not at a normal level (step S039: ON), the process returns to step S037. That is, the same processing is repeated until the power supply abnormality signal changes to a normal level. If the power supply abnormality signal is normal level (H) (step S039: OFF), the process proceeds to step S040, and then the WDT count value is set. While clearing, it waits for a power-on signal from the payout control board 29 (steps S040 to S041). This power-on signal is a signal that is output when the payout control board 29 starts up normally, and the CPU 201 waits until the payout control board 29 starts up normally. Thereby, when the payout control board 29 is not functioning normally due to some trouble, the game operation is not started only by repeating the processes of steps S040 to S041. Therefore, for example, a payout abnormality such as a prize ball not being paid out does not occur, and there is no fear of distrust to the player. If the above power-on signal is confirmed (step S041: ON), the initial setting process is exited, and the process of step S012 of the main process on the main control side in FIG. 6 is executed.

(10-2. Backup confirmation processing: FIG. 8)
Next, the backup confirmation process (step S016) in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the backup confirmation processing in step S016.

  This backup confirmation process is a process executed when a setting changeable condition such as the OFF state of the setting key switch 94 is not satisfied. Here, the RAM clear switch 98 (RAM clear signal) is turned on / off. In response to this, a game restoration process from backup data at the time of power interruption and a RAM clear process for initializing (clearing) a predetermined area of the RAM 203 are executed.

  In FIG. 8, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the value of the backup flag BF is in an ON state (step S051). The backup flag BF is set to an ON state (backup flag BF = 5 AH (“H” is a hexadecimal number) by a power-off process (not shown) at the time of power-off. However, if the program goes out of control for some reason and a WDT reset occurs, the backup flag BF is in the OFF state (00H). Therefore, in the case of an abnormality in which the backup flag BF is in an OFF state (step S051: OFF), the RAM contents may be damaged, and a RAM error process described later is executed (step S051). S055).

  On the other hand, if the backup flag BF is ON (step S051: YES), a checksum calculation for calculating a checksum value is executed. Here, the checksum operation is an 8-bit addition operation for a predetermined work area in the RAM 203. When the checksum value is calculated, the calculation result is compared with the stored value at the SUM address in the RAM 203 (step S052: checksum processing (corresponding to power-on determination means)). The SUM address stores a checksum value obtained by the same checksum calculation when the power is turned off. The stored calculation result is maintained by a backup power source together with other data of the RAM 203. Therefore, originally, both should match according to the determination in step S052.

  However, if the checksum operation cannot be executed when the power is turned off, or if it can be executed, the data in the work area will not be saved until the checksum operation is executed after the power is turned on (main control side main processing). In some cases, the determination result in step S052 is inconsistent. If data corruption is detected due to the mismatch of the determination results (step S052: NO), the RAM error processing (step S055) described below is executed.

(10-2-1. RAM error processing: FIG. 9)
The processing contents of the RAM error processing (step S055) are shown in FIG. In this RAM error processing, the CPU 201 first turns on the RAM error flag (step S058). Next, a RAM error command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S059), data of all output ports (not shown) is cleared (step S60), and then no loop processing (infinite loop processing) is performed. repeat. Therefore, when a RAM error occurs, the process relating to the game progress is not executed and the game operation is stopped (game stop process). Here, when clearing the output port, it is preferable to clear at least the data to be transmitted to the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b in order to explicitly notify that the game has stopped. When the RAM error command is transmitted from the main control unit 20, the presentation control unit 24 receives the error using the presentation means such as the speaker 46, the decorative lamp 45, and the liquid crystal display device 36, and an error corresponding to the RAM error. Announcement is executed. If a RAM error occurs, the determination result in S086 during the main control timer interruption process in FIG. 11 described later is YES, and then the WDT clear process in step S101 is executed. The WDT reset does not occur at the timing of repeating the above.

  Here, in the RAM error processing, the contents of the RAM 203 are not cleared. Therefore, if the backup data remains in a damaged state, an erroneous checksum value including the damaged data is stored in the SUM address at the time of power failure, and the check in step S052 after power restoration is performed. In the sum determination, the data corruption may be overlooked. Therefore, assuming such a case, in this embodiment, once a RAM error occurs, the ON state of the RAM error flag is not canceled even if the power is turned ON / OFF, and the RAM error flag is checked when the power is turned on. If the flag is ON, the RAM error is re-executed. This RAM error cannot be resolved unless the RAM error flag is cleared in “RAM clear processing at the time of setting change (step S061 in FIG. 10)” in the setting value changing processing (step S024) described later. Yes. That is, when a RAM error occurs, the error cannot be resolved unless a setting change operation is performed.

  Returning to the description of step S052, if the checksum value obtained by the checksum operation matches the stored value at the SUM address (step S052: YES), the RAM clear input via the input port (not shown) is cleared. It is determined whether the signal (the output signal of the RAM clear switch 98) is in an ON state or an OFF state (step S053).

  Here, assuming that the RAM clear signal is in the ON state, the determination result in step S053 is “YES”. In this case, the RAM clear processing described below is executed (step S056).

  In the above RAM clearing process, at least the setting value storage area of RAM 203 and the area related to performance information (measurement information storage area and performance display storage area) are cleared, and the operating state of the gaming machine is set to the initial state. Return (step S056). Therefore, the value of the backup flag BF set at the time of power interruption becomes zero together with other checksum values.

  In addition, the RAM clear process is a RAM area (normal data storage area) such as various flags, timers, and counters necessary for normal game progress. Such data is mainly used in step S021 of the main process in FIG. 6, timer interrupt processing steps S081 to S085, S089 to 095, and S097 to S100 in FIG. There are the following. Data related to game state designation (a game state flag that identifies the current game state such as normal state, probability change state, short time state, latent state, etc.), flag that specifies whether or not a winning game is being played (conditional device operation flag) , Small hitting flag), various data related to the execution of the winning game (current number of rounds, maximum number of rounds, etc.), data related to the big hit lottery result (big hit determination flag / small hit determination flag (win lottery result information)), special Symbol determination data (symbol lottery result information)), pending data related to the action-holding ball (number of action-holding balls, various random values used for big hit lottery, various random values used for auxiliary lottery, random numbers for variation patterns), Special symbol operation status, timer for managing game progress (special symbol actor operation timer), input / output data related to switches and sensors, and the number of winning balls in the winning mouth Various winning counters, flags that specify the presence or absence of power support status (open extension flag), power support count counter that counts the remaining number of power support, counter that counts the remaining number of high probability states (special figure variation counter, A special figure variation counter), a special figure variation counter that counts the remaining number of times in a specific gaming state (CZ in this embodiment), various error flags (excluding a RAM error flag), and the like. In any case, when the RAM clearing process (step S056) is executed, all data other than specific data (setting values and performance information) are set to the initial state.

  In the present embodiment, the set value is not initialized by the RAM clear process. The setting value storage area is not subject to the determination process (checksum) in step S052, and the RAM area is checked in the setting value confirmation process described later (see step S061 in FIG. 10). ). Therefore, when the RAM clear in step S056 is executed, the set value remains the same as the value at the previous power-off, but the game state and the hold data are cleared (the normal state and the operation hold ball). The game is started in a state of “No”. Thus, for example, when it is desired to take over only the setting value from the previous day's business, the clearing operation can be completed by a simple operation such as ON / OFF operation of the RAM clear switch 98 without performing many setting changing operations. There is an advantage.

  Also, the performance information is not initialized by the RAM clear process. The RAM area related to the performance display (measurement information storage area, performance display storage area) is not subject to the determination process in step S052, and the RAM area is checked in the performance display monitor process described later. (Refer to step S096, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, etc. of FIG. 11). That is, the checksum determination process at the time of power-on according to the present embodiment does not determine the validity of the storage contents of the RAM area (measurement information storage area, performance display storage area) related to performance display, It is configured to determine the validity of the storage contents of the RAM area (normal data storage area) for storing game data used in the game process related to the progress, and the backup recovery process is valid for the storage contents of the normal data storage area. When it is determined that there is a possibility, the return process is executed.

  Subsequently, a “RAM clear display command” is transmitted to each control board as an initialization command. Then, a predetermined notification time (for example, 30 seconds) is set in the RAM clear notification timer as a time for notifying the surroundings that the RAM is cleared (including notification to the hall computer HC). When the production control unit 24 receives the RAM clear display command, the production mode is set to the “normal production mode” in the initial state, the production state is returned to the initial state, the speaker 46, the decoration lamp 45, the liquid crystal display device 36, and the like. The error notification corresponding to the RAM clear is executed for 30 seconds which is the same as the set time of the notification timer.

  On the other hand, if the RAM clear signal is in the OFF state (step S053: OFF), the stack pointer before power-off is restored based on the backup data saved at the time of power-off, and the game is started from the processing state at the time of power-off. The backup restoration process necessary for this is performed (step S054). In addition, information required for game restoration (for example, information on the number of held balls at the time of power interruption, hold data, game state information, winning game type information, etc.) is acquired from the backup data, and various effect controls including that information are included. A command (a plurality of game return commands) is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. By such a game return command, the effect control unit 24 grasps the game progress state when the power is shut off, and returns to the effect state when the power is shut off when the game is restored.

  When either the process at the time of backup restoration in step S054 or the process at the time of RAM clear in step S056 is finished, this backup confirmation process is exited, and the process of step S017 of the main process on the main control side in FIG. 6 is executed.

(10-3. Setting value change processing: FIG. 10)
Next, the setting value changing process (step S024) in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the setting value changing process in step S024.

  In FIG. 10, the CPU 201 first executes a RAM clear process at the time of setting change (step S061). Here, similarly to the above-described RAM clearing process (step S056 in FIG. 8), an area other than the set value storage area of RAM 203 and the storage area related to performance information (measurement information storage area and performance display storage area) (for example, normal Clear (initialize) the data storage area. That is, the RAM error flag is also cleared. Thereby, the RAM error can be solved. If there is an abnormality in the set value data, the set value is set to the initial setting 1 in the process of step S067 described later.

  Next, a setting changing flag for designating that the setting is being changed is set to the ON state (5AH) (step S062).

  Next, the protection of the RAM 203 is invalidated and the prohibited area is invalidated (step S063). As a result, data writing to the RAM 203 is permitted, and access to the set value storage area is permitted.

  Next, a setting change display command for designating that the setting is being changed is transmitted (step S064). When the effect control unit 24 receives this setting change in-display command, it executes the setting changing effect informing that the setting value is being changed. For example, the effect LED of the decoration lamp 45 is fully lit in red, the alarm sound “setting is being changed ♪” is output from the speaker 16, and the effect image “setting is being changed” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36.

  Next, the setting value Nc (current setting value) stored in the RAM 203 is acquired (step S065), and it is determined whether or not the acquired setting value Nc is a normal value (step S066). In the present embodiment, six steps of setting values 1 to 6 are defined, and values 00H to 05H are defined as data corresponding to these setting values 1 to 6. For this reason, when the acquired set value is not any value of 00H, 01H, 02H, 03H, 04H, and 05H due to some trouble such as noise or the like, that is, the acquired set value Nc is the set value. If none of 1 to 6 applies, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and the initial value 00H (setting 1) is set as the setting value Nc (step S067). Then, the process proceeds to step S068, and set value display processing is executed. On the other hand, when the acquired set value Nc is a normal value (step S66: YES), step S067 is skipped and the set value display process of step S068 is executed.

  In the set value display processing in step S068, display data (dynamic lighting data) for displaying the current set value is created and set on the 7-segment LED setting display 97. The display data created here is output to the setting display 97 in the LED management process (step S098) during the main control timer interruption process of FIG. As a result, the current set value is displayed on the setting display 97 so that the set value can be confirmed during the setting change operation.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the setting change completion switch 96 is in an ON state (step S069). If the setting change completion switch 96 is not in an ON state (step S069: NO), it is assumed that the setting change operation has not been completed. Next, it is determined whether or not the setting change switch 95 is in an ON state (step S070).

  If the setting change switch 95 is not in the ON state (step S070: NO), the process returns to the determination process in step S69. In other words, either the setting change completion switch 96 or the setting change switch 95, which is a setting value confirmation operation, waits for ON operation detection (step S70: NO, S069: NO).

  If an ON operation of the setting change switch 95 is detected during the ON operation detection waiting state (step S070: YES), the current setting value Nc is changed (updated) assuming that there is a setting changing operation (step). S071). As described above, when the setting change switch 95 is operated, the setting value is switched so as to circulate in the range of settings 1 to 6. That is, when the process of step S071 is completed, the process returns to step S066, and thereafter, every time there is a setting change operation, the processing route of “YES in step S070 → YES in S066 to S070” is determined, and the determination result in S069 is “YES”. Run repeatedly until

  When the setting change completion switch 96 is turned on (step S069: YES), it is determined that the setting value is confirmed, and the current setting value Nc is saved in the setting value storage area of the RAM 203 (step S072). A setting confirmation LED lighting display process is executed (step S073). In the setting confirmation LED of this embodiment, the DP section (decimal point) of the setting indicator 97, which is a 7-segment LED, has its function. When the setting change completion switch 96 is turned on, the setting value being displayed disappears, the DP section is turned on, and it is notified that the setting value has been confirmed. Thereby, the change of the set value is completed.

  In the present embodiment, a dedicated switch is provided as the setting change completion switch 96, but it may be configured as follows using switches provided in the gaming machine 1. For example, during the setting value changing process, a sensor (touch sensor, sensor for detecting an operation amount, or firing stop switch) related to the firing handle 15 may be configured to function as the setting change completion switch 96. Further, a winning detection sensor (sensors 34a, 35a, 37a, 52a, 43a, or 49a) related to the winning opening may be configured to function as the setting change completion switch 96. In this case, it is determined that the setting operation is completed when the sensor detects the game ball (ON state), such as by cleaning the game ball in the winning opening.

  Next, the process waits until the setting key switch 94 is turned off (step S074: NO). If the setting key switch 94 is confirmed to be off (step S074: YES), the setting confirmation LED (DP section) is turned off. The set value command is transmitted (step S077). The set value command includes information (set value information) that can identify the current set value Nc. The set value command sent here is sent when the setting change operation is completed and the set value is confirmed, so that it can be used as a command indicating that the setting change operation is finished (the set value has been confirmed). Used.

  When receiving the set value command, the effect control unit 24 ends the setting changing effect being executed. After the setting key switch 94 is turned off, the front frame 2 is simply opened. Therefore, after the setting change effect is completed, the door switching error notification is switched. However, the door opening error notification is not immediately executed after the effect during setting change is finished, but the setting change operation is ended, that is, a new set value is selected and determined (it can be changed to the same set value). It is preferable to notify (including). Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the effect control unit 24 receives the set value command, a setting change operation end effect that notifies the end of the setting change operation may be displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). Since this setting change operation end effect is to notify the end of the setting change operation, the effect (notification) is different from the door opening error notification and the setting change effect. For example, the effect LED of the decoration lamp 45 is fully lit in blue, the change end sound is output from the speaker 16, and the effect image “setting change complete” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. The setting change effect or the setting change operation end effect may be an effect using at least one of a light effect, a sound effect, and an image display effect.

  Further, since the set value command includes set value information, the effect control unit 24 can grasp the current set value by the set value command. Thereby, it is possible to control the appearance related to the set value (setting suggestion effect) in the notice effect or the hit effect. For this reason, it is possible to give the player a guessing element for guessing an internal set value while enjoying the game, so that the fun of the game can be improved.

  As this setting suggestion effect, for example, a “low setting suggestion effect” suggesting a low setting (settings 1 to 3), an “even setting suggestion effect” suggesting an even setting (settings 2, 4, 6), an odd setting ( “Odd setting suggesting effect” suggesting settings 1, 3, 5), “High setting suggesting effect” implying high setting (settings 4 to 6), and “setting 6” of the maximum setting value are definitely notified. “Setting 6 finalized effect”, a specific range suggesting effect indicating a set value of a specific range (for example, setting N or more (N <6)), and the like. For example, the current set value can be suggested by displaying a specific item image or character image, or by displaying a specific sound effect or specific light effect.

  In addition, as an effect related to the set value, the appearance rate of a specific reach effect can be different for each set value or some set values. In addition, with respect to the decorative symbols, the appearance rate of a specific losing symbol pattern (decorating decorative symbol at the time of losing: “224”, for example) can be made different for each set value or some set values. Specifically, the appearance rate can be set to a high probability in the order of settings 1 to 6, or the settings 1 to 3 can be set to the same appearance rate, and the settings 4 to 6 can be set to different appearance rates.

  Moreover, a preset value can be suggested using a pre-reading notice effect. For example, the hold display (hold icon) can be changed to a setting suggestion item image, or a hold icon using a hold color other than the special hold display mode can be displayed (special hold display mode). In this case, the above-described low setting suggestion effect to specific range suggestion effect can be displayed using the special hold display mode. Further, the appearance rate of the special hold display mode can be different for each set value or some set values. Moreover, it is good also as what makes the appearance rate of a specific special reservation display mode (for example, blue reservation color) differ by each setting value or a part of setting value, without utilizing a special reservation display mode.

  Finally, the setting changing flag is set to OFF (00H) (step S078), thereby exiting the setting value changing process and executing the process of step S017 of the main process on the main control side in FIG.

<11. Main control timer interrupt processing: Fig. 11>
Next, the timer interrupt process on the main control side will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main control timer interrupt process. This main control side timer interrupt process is started by interruption every predetermined time (about 4 ms) from the CTC, and interrupted and executed during execution of the main control side main process.

  In FIG. 11, when a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 201 immediately executes a power supply abnormality check process without saving the register contents (step S081). This power supply abnormality check process mainly monitors the power supply level supplied from the power supply board, and if an abnormality such as a power interruption occurs, the game can be restored without any trouble when the power is restored. A backup process for storing predetermined game information in the RAM is performed. Therefore, the power supply abnormality check process functions as backup means.

  Next, switch input data creation processing is executed (step S082). Input data is generated from various sensors and switches based on input information (ON / OFF signal and rising state (ON edge, OFF edge)). Here, the detection information by various sensors includes, for example, the upper start opening sensor 34a, the lower start opening sensor 35a, the normal symbol start opening sensor 37a, the big winning opening sensor 52a, the general winning opening sensor 43a, the OUT monitoring switch 49a, and the like. ON / OFF information (winning detection information) of switch signals output from the winning detection switch, and switch signals output from switches related to setting change operations such as the setting key switch 94, the setting change switch 95, and the setting change completion switch 96. ON / OFF information (operation information), status signals from the payout control board 29 (ON / OFF information of the door opening sensor 61 and the full detection sensor 60), and the like. Thereby, it is monitored for every interruption whether or not a game ball is detected at the out-port or each winning port.

  Next, error management processing is executed (step S083). In this error management process, whether or not an error has occurred is monitored based on input data relating to various sensors and a status signal from the payout control board 29. When an error occurs, as an error process, if the error type requires the transmission of an error command, the command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. When the production control unit 24 receives this error command, it performs error notification according to the error type. If the error that has occurred is resolved, an error cancel command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. When the production control unit 24 receives this error release command, the error notification being executed is terminated.

  Next, a timer management process for managing a timer used for game operation control is executed (step S084). Timer values of various timers (for example, special symbol accessory operation timer described later) used for game operation control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are updated (subtracted) here.

  Next, a random number management process within timer interruption for periodically updating the random numbers related to each variable display game is executed (step S085). Here, in order to make the count value of the random number counter random, the random number is updated (added +1 for each interrupt) and the random number counter makes one round with respect to the random number for special symbol determination, the random number for determination per auxiliary, etc. Then, a process of changing the start value of the random number counter is performed. The internal lottery random number (big hit determination random number) is generated by the random number generation circuit and is not updated here.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a RAM error is occurring (step S086). Whether or not a RAM error is occurring is determined by the ON / OFF state of the RAM error flag. If a RAM error is in progress (step S086: YES), the processing proceeds to step S101 without executing the processing of steps S087 to S100 described later (processing related to game progression such as a symbol variation display game or winning game), and proceeds to WDT. WDT clear processing for clearing the count value is executed.

  On the other hand, if the RAM error is not in progress (step S086: NO), it is then determined whether or not the setting change flag is ON, that is, whether or not the setting value is being changed (step S087). If the setting change flag is ON (step S087: YES), it is determined that the setting is being changed, and the process proceeds to step S098 without executing the processes of steps S088 to S097 described later, and the LED management process is executed. To do.

  On the other hand, if the setting change flag is not ON (step S087: NO), it is then determined whether or not the setting change confirmation flag is ON (step S088). This setting change confirmation flag is a flag for designating that the setting value is being confirmed (setting confirmation is being performed), and is set during the setting value confirmation processing in step S095 described later (of the setting value confirmation processing). Refer to S805 in FIG. 12 for details).

  If the set value confirmation flag is in the ON state (step S088: YES), the process proceeds to the set value confirmation process in step S095 without executing the processes in steps S089 to S094 described later. If the set value confirmation flag is not in the ON state (step S088: NO), then an input management process is executed (step S089). In the present embodiment, when the RAM error is not occurring, the setting is not being changed, and the setting is not being confirmed, it is determined that the game is in a progressable state, and the processing after step S089 related to the symbol variation display game is executed. Yes.

  In the input management process in step S089, the value of the winning counter or the OUT ball monitoring counter is updated based on the input data created in the switch input data creation process (step S082). The “winning counter” is a counter that is provided for each winning slot and counts the number of winning game balls (winning ball number). The OUT ball monitoring counter is a counter that counts game balls (out balls) discharged from the out port.

  Next, a prize ball management process is executed (step S090). In this winning ball management process, the winning counter is checked, and if there is a winning, a payout control command for designating the number of winning balls is transmitted to the payout control board 29. When the payout control board 29 receives a payout control command, the payout control board 29 controls the game ball payout device 19 based on the prize ball number information included therein to execute a payout operation for the designated number of prize balls.

  Next, normal symbol management processing is executed (step S091). In this normal symbol management process, processing necessary to execute the normal symbol variation display game is performed. Here, it is monitored whether or not a game ball is detected by the normal symbol start opening sensor 37a, and when a game ball is detected, predetermined game information (such as a random number for determination of auxiliary hit) necessary for lottery per auxiliary is detected. It is acquired (random number acquisition process), and the game information is stored as hold data (actuation hold ball related to normal symbols), and the maximum hold ball number is held and stored up to an upper limit (hold storage process). Then, when a predetermined variation display start condition for the normal drawing is satisfied, a lottery per assistance based on the operation holding ball is performed, a variation pattern selection of the normal symbol based on the lottery result per assistance and a stop display mode of the normal symbol (ordinary Determine the stop pattern). Further, here, in order to perform a variable display operation of the normal symbol, the LED display data for variable display is created if it is changing, and the LED display data for stop display is generated if it is not changing.

  Next, the ordinary electric accessory management process is executed (step S092). In this ordinary electric utility management process, a process necessary for executing the ordinary open game is performed. Specifically, when the lottery result of the assist per lottery is a win, setting processing of solenoid control data for the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 41c is performed. Based on the solenoid control data set here, an excitation signal is output to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 41c in a solenoid management process in step S100 described later, whereby the opening / closing operation pattern of the movable blade piece 47 is changed. Be controlled.

  Next, special symbol management processing is executed (step S093). In this special symbol management process, the big win lottery in the special symbol variation display game is mainly performed, and based on the lottery result, the variation pattern of the special symbol (the look-ahead variation pattern, the variation pattern at the start of variation) and the special stop symbol Processing necessary for the special symbol variation display game, such as determination, is executed. Details of the special symbol management process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the special electric accessory management process is executed (step S094). In this special electric accessory management process, a setting process necessary to control the execution of the winning game is performed. Specifically, when the big hit lottery result is a big hit or a small hit, the winning game (big hit game or small hit game) corresponding to the hit type is executed and controlled.

  Specifically, setting of solenoid control data for the big prize opening solenoid 52c, counting of the number of rounds (in the case of big hit), monitoring of the maximum number of winnings to the big prize opening 50 and the opening time are performed. When the winning game is over, the game state transition setting is made based on the winning game state and the winning type (see FIG. 4).

  Here, a plurality of effect control commands are transmitted according to the progress of the winning game. The jackpot start command, round start command, round end command, jackpot winning command, and jackpot end command have arrived at the time of jackpot start, round game start, round game end, maximum number of rounds, etc. To send when. The jackpot start command includes the current hit type information, and is used when determining a series of hit effect scenarios developed during the hit game on the effect control unit 24 side. The jackpot end command includes information related to the current hit type and the gaming state at the time of winning, that is, information that can specify the gaming state after the winning game ends. It is used when determining the post-game effect mode. Therefore, since the “big hit end command” can specify the gaming state after the winning game ends, it plays a role as a gaming state designation command for designating the gaming state.

  Next, a set value check process related to the set value check is executed (step S095). Details of this set value confirmation processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, performance display monitor processing is executed (step S096). In this performance display monitor process, a process for displaying on the performance indicator 99 is executed. Details of the performance display monitor processing will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, right-handed notification information management processing is executed (step S097). In this right-handed notification information management process, if the player is in a hit state or under a gaming state (with short-time state, probability variation state) with electric support, that is, a right-handed advantageous gaming state, a right-handed instruction is given. On the other hand, when the “right-handed notification effect (first launch position guidance effect)” for informing information is in a gaming state with no electric support (normal state, latent state), that is, “left-handed advantage” game If it is in the state, processing necessary to make the “left-handed notification effect (second launch position guidance effect)” that notifies the left-handed instruction information appear.

  Next, LED management processing is executed (step S098). In this LED management process, output control of control signals (dynamic lighting data) for LED displays such as the normal symbol display device 39a, the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and the setting indicator 97 is performed. A control signal based on the LED display data created in the normal symbol management process (step S091), the special symbol management process (step S093), the set value change process (steps S024 and S068) is output by this LED management process. The As a result, a series of variable display operations (variable display and stop display) of the special symbol in the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b and the normal symbol in the normal symbol display device 39a, and the setting value display by the setting display 97 are realized.

  Next, external terminal management processing is performed (step S099). In this external terminal management process, the operating state information of the gaming machine is output to an external device such as a hall computer HC or an island lamp through the frame external concentrated terminal board 21. The operation state information includes, for example, game information such as winning game occurrence information, symbol variation display game execution start information, winning / ball number information, and error information.

  Next, solenoid management processing is performed (step S100). In this solenoid management processing, based on the solenoid control data set in the ordinary electric accessory management processing (step S092) or the special electric accessory management processing (step S094), the normal electric accessory solenoid 41c and the big prize opening solenoid 52c are processed. Performs excitation signal output control. Thereby, the opening / closing operation | movement of the movable wing | blade piece 47 or the big prize opening 50 is implement | achieved.

  Next, the WDT count value is cleared (step S101). As a result, the WDT is reset and the count value is returned to the initial value.

  After completing the processes in steps S081 to S101, the interrupt permission state is set (step S102). Thus, the timer interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the main control side main process before the interruption, and the main control side main process is performed until the next timer interruption occurs.

<12. Setting Value Confirmation Processing: FIG. 12>
Next, the setting value confirmation process (step S095) in FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the set value confirmation processing in step S095. Here, after the above control start process at the time of power-on is completed (after the start of the game process related to normal game progress), if a case where the set value is confirmed occurs (set value work, etc.), the current set value The processing required to display is performed.

  In FIG. 12, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not a set value confirmation flag is in an ON state (step S801). When the set value confirmation flag is in the ON state (step S801: YES), in this case, since the setting is being confirmed, the process proceeds to step S803 described later. On the other hand, when the set value confirmation flag is not in the ON state (step S801: NO), in this case, since the setting confirmation is not being performed, it is subsequently determined whether or not the “setting confirmation permission condition” described below is satisfied. (Step S802).

(About setting confirmation allowable conditions)
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the current setting value is to be confirmed after the control start process at power-on is completed, and the setting value is displayed again by a setting change operation under a predetermined setting confirmation permission condition ( The current setting value can be displayed on the setting display 97 without performing step S068 during the setting value changing process shown in FIG.

  For example, when checking the set value in the confirmation work before opening the hall (after the setting change operation at power-on, and before the player actually starts the game) There is a case where the set value is checked when some trouble or error occurs after opening the hall. Further, the setting display 97 is arranged at an appropriate position inside the gaming machine so that the setting value is not known to the player. Normally, unless the front frame 2 is opened and the inside is looked into the game, It is not visible from the person. For this reason, the set value cannot be confirmed unless the front frame 2 is opened. Therefore, when checking the set value, it can be said that it is desirable that the symbol variation display game is not being executed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the following conditions (A) to (C) are defined as conditions (setting confirmation permission conditions) for displaying the setting value on the setting display 97 after the setting change operation is completed.

(A) The switch / sensor (switches connected to the main control unit 20) is not being input (ON state),
(B) No error other than door open error (no errors other than door open error, such as full error, ball clogging error, RAM error, etc.), and (C) Special symbol fluctuation display The condition is that the game is not being executed and that there is no special figure operation holding ball (the special symbol is stopped and the operation holding ball is zero).
In short, it is a condition that at least a special symbol variation display game is not being executed and only a door opening error is occurring. In addition to the above conditions (A) to (C), (D) the normal symbol variation display game is not being executed and there is no normal operation holding ball (the normal symbol is stopped and the operation holding ball is (E) The award ball is not being paid out (the payout operation of the game ball payout device 19 has been completed (the state signal relating to any abnormality from the payout control board 29 has not been received). )) Can be set as an allowable condition for setting confirmation. Further, the condition (C) may be a condition that (F) the special symbol is stopped and a predetermined time elapses after the operation holding ball becomes zero (for example, after 10 seconds).

  Here, in the present embodiment, detection information (ON / OFF signal) of a touch sensor (not shown) of the firing operation handle 15 is not transmitted to the main control unit 20. Therefore, the main control unit 20 has a configuration in which it is impossible to grasp the firing operation state whether or not the player is operating the firing operation handle 15, that is, whether or not the launching device 32 is performing the firing operation. . However, if the main control unit 20 is configured to be able to detect the ON / OFF signal of the touch sensor, for example, a state signal that can specify the ON / OFF state of the touch sensor from the launch control board 28 (or the launch device 32). When (touch sensor signal) is configured to be able to be transmitted to the main control unit 20, (G) the firing operation is not performed under the conditions (A) to (C) at least as the setting confirmation permission condition ( You may add to the conditions of a touch sensor being an OFF state). Which condition (one or a plurality of conditions) is added to the above conditions (A) to (C) from among the conditions (D) to (G) to determine the setting confirmation allowable condition, It can be determined as appropriate according to game play and the like.

  If the setting confirmation permission condition is not satisfied (step S802: NO), the game is in a game situation where the setting value cannot be confirmed, and the setting value confirmation process is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, if the setting confirmation permission condition is satisfied (step S802: YES), it is checked whether the setting is being confirmed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the door opening sensor 61 is in an ON state (whether or not the front frame 2 is open) and whether or not the setting key switch 94 has been turned ON (steps S803 and S804). .

(When checking settings)
As shown in the figure, if the door opening sensor 61 is in the ON state and the setting key switch 94 is in the ON state (steps S803: YES, S804: YES), the setting is being confirmed and the setting confirmation flag is in the ON state. (Step S805), the current set value is acquired, and display data for displaying the set value is created and set on the setting display 97. The display data created here is output in the LED management process (step S098).

  Next, a command for confirming the setting is transmitted (step S806), the firing control signal 1 is turned off to control the firing stop state (step S807), and the setting value confirmation process is exited. Here, the reason for controlling the firing stop state is to prevent the game ball from being accidentally fired during the setting confirmation. For example, there may be a case where a certain abnormality occurs during the game and the hall clerk checks the set value. At this time, if a game ball is accidentally fired during the setting confirmation, there is a possibility that a loss may be given to the player if the ball dies. However, if the launching operation is stopped, such trouble can be prevented beforehand.

  When the production control unit 24 receives the command for confirming the setting, the production control unit 24 displays a “production for confirmation of setting” for notifying that the setting is being confirmed (for example, the liquid crystal display device 36 is dedicated to “setting is being confirmed” or the like). Display an image). By the way, when confirming the set value, first, after opening the front frame 2, the setting key switch 94 is turned on (ON state) (a door opening error occurs prior to the effect during setting confirmation). On the other hand, when the setting confirmation is finished, on the contrary, first, the setting key switch 94 is turned off (OFF state), and then the front frame 2 is closed (even if the setting confirmation is finished, the front frame 2 is removed). Until it is closed, a door opening error has occurred). That is, a door opening error has occurred in any case from the start of the confirmation of the set value to the completion of the confirmation. Therefore, in order to reduce the control burden, the setting confirmation effect and the door opening error notification may be the same effect. However, if at least the setting key switch 94 is being confirmed to be in the ON state, the door opening error It is preferable to notify that the setting is being confirmed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to reduce the control burden and realize duplicate notification, the light effect by the decoration lamp 45 or the like until the setting key switch 94 is turned off regarding the effect during setting confirmation and the door opening error notification. In both cases, the same effect mode (for example, blinking in red) is issued, and for the sound effect by the speaker 46, an alarm sound for the door opening error (for example, “the door is open ♪” etc.) is issued, and the liquid crystal display screen In (image display effect), an image display of “setting is being confirmed” or an image display for both notifications such as “door open error. Setting is being confirmed” is displayed. When the setting key switch 94 is turned off, the currently displayed setting confirmation effect is ended based on a setting confirmation end command described later until the door opening sensor 61 is turned off (front Only the door opening error notification is executed until the frame 2 is closed).

(When not checking settings)
On the other hand, if the setting confirmation permission condition is satisfied but the setting confirmation is not being performed, that is, the door opening sensor 61 is not in the ON state (step S803: NO), or the door opening sensor 61 is in the ON state. If the switch 94 is not in the ON state (steps S803: YES, S804: NO), it is determined that the setting is not being confirmed, and the setting confirmation flag is set to the OFF state (step S808), and the setting value being displayed on the setting display 97 is displayed. A process for erasing (turning off) the display is executed. This is because if the setting value is displayed even when the setting is not being confirmed, the current setting value may be exposed when the front frame 2 is opened due to some trouble.

  Next, a setting confirmation end command is transmitted (step S809), the firing control signal 1 is turned on to control the firing permission state (step S810), and the setting value confirmation processing is exited.

  When the production control unit 24 receives the setting confirmation end command, as described above, the production control unit 24 terminates the production if the production under setting confirmation is in progress. Accordingly, the door opening error notification is executed until the effect during setting confirmation is ended and the door opening sensor 61 is turned off.

<13. Performance Display Monitor Processing: FIG. 16>
Next, the performance display monitor process (step S096) in FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the set value confirmation processing in step S095.

  In the present embodiment, the processing program and data related to the performance display are different from an area (in-use area memory (first memory area)) that the CPU 201 accesses during normal game progress (out-of-use area memory (first memory area)). 2 memory areas)). Therefore, in FIG. 16, the CPU 201 first saves the contents of the register in the use area to the stack area, and then performs processing such as setting the stack pointer to execute processing related to performance display (step S821: register save). processing).

  Next, an out-of-area RAM check process is executed (step S822). FIG. 17 shows the processing contents of this out-of-area RAM check processing.

  In the out-of-area RAM check process, it is checked whether or not the process related to the performance display is correctly executed and whether or not the data in the RAM area (performance display storage area and measurement information storage area) related to the performance display is damaged. Perform (steps S831 to S832). Here, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the check data is an initial normal value (AA55H) (step S831). This check data is data that is monitored in a process of comparing and determining the total number of outs R and the normal number of outs S (out ball number confirmation processing: not shown). When the number of outs S is large (R <S), an abnormal value (00H) is set. If the check data is not a normal value (step S831: NO), a data initialization process in step S833 described later is performed.

  If the check data is a normal value (step S831: NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the count data (step S832). The case where abnormality has occurred in the count data is, for example, a case where the switch input data indicates an abnormal value or a case where the arithmetic processing required for calculating the performance information is not correctly executed. The case where the above-described arithmetic processing is not correctly executed specifically refers to a case where the arithmetic processing (ball count processing) for the sensor related to the calculation of performance information is not performed correctly. The sensors to be counted in the present embodiment are five types of sensors: an upper start opening sensor 34a, a lower start opening sensor 35a, a general winning opening sensor 43a, a large winning opening sensor 52a, and an OUT monitoring switch 49a. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the ball count process (award ball number addition process, out ball number addition process) for all these sensors has been executed.

  Here, the award starting number sensor 34a, the lower starting position sensor 35a, the general winning opening sensor 43a, and the large winning opening sensor 52a are sequentially performed in this order, and each time the number counting process is completed, One is added to a counter (sensor detection counter) that counts the number of processing times. Finally, an out ball number addition process for the OUT monitoring switch 49a is performed, and when this process is completed, the sensor detection number counter is cleared (00H). Therefore, “00H” indicating a normal value should be set when the process is correctly completed, but if this value is a value other than “00H” due to some problem (step S832: If the count data is out of range (abnormal), data initialization processing in step S833 described later is performed, and if it is “00H” (step S832: in range), the count data is in range ( Normal), the data initialization process is skipped and the out-of-area RAM check process is exited.

  In the data initialization process of step S833, the initial value (normal value) “AA55H” is set in the check data. Next, the RAM area (measurement information storage area, performance display storage area) related to the performance display is initialized (cleared to zero), and the display data currently being displayed is cleared. However, only the measurement information storage area may be cleared in the RAM area related to the performance display. The reason is as follows. The data saved in the performance display storage area is usually the previous normal time ratio information (saved when the total number of out-states = 60000) (history information), and the previous process (if this is the first time, This is because the correctly processed result is stored in the case of (zero is stored).

  Even if the initialization process is executed because it is determined to be abnormal, no error process is executed. After the out-of-area RAM check process is completed, a process for calculating new normal time ratio information is performed. However, if an error occurs in the measurement information (aggregated information), the performance indicator 99 may be configured to display the error information (for example, a specific display mode is periodically blinked). In this case, the error display period may be a predetermined time or a predetermined period. As the predetermined period, for example, a specific total total number of winning balls, a specific number of outs, or a period until the total state out number reaches a predetermined number (for example, 300) can be employed.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 16, when the out-of-area RAM check process is completed, the data counting process is then executed. Here, the normal time ratio information is calculated. Specifically, the current gaming state is first determined, and if it is in the normal state, the upper starting opening sensor 34a, the lower starting opening sensor 35a, the big winning opening sensor 52a, the general winning opening sensor 43a, the OUT monitoring switch 49a. Based on each input data, the normal payout number, the normal out number, and the total state out number are updated. Then, based on the updated normal payout number and normal out number, that is, based on the latest normal payout number and normal out number, the normal time ratio is calculated and stored in the measurement information storage area of the RAM 203. To do. However, in the case of this embodiment, the performance information (specific ratio information) related to the normal state is calculated, so that the detection information of the special winning opening sensor 52a is excluded from the measurement target. When the total number of out-of-states reaches a predetermined specified number (here 60000), the normal time ratio information (current normal time ratio information) at this time is stored in the performance display storage area of the RAM 203, and the next time. The current normal payout number, normal out number and all state out number are cleared to zero. In this case, the current normal ratio information is overwritten when the next normal ratio information is calculated, so it may not be cleared.

  Next, LED display data for displaying the normal time ratio information obtained in step S823 on the performance indicator 99 is created (step S824: display data update processing), and based on the created display data. Then, output control of the control signal (dynamic lighting data) is performed on the performance indicator 99 (step S826). Then, the contents of the saved register are restored and the performance display monitor process is exited. Thereby, the performance display 99 realizes real-time display of performance information (in this embodiment, normal time ratio information and previous history information).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the above-described backup confirmation process at power-on (steps S016 and FIG. 8 in FIG. 6), the RAM check for the performance display (measurement information storage area, performance display storage area) is performed as a RAM check. In the performance display monitor process (step S096), which is separately provided independently, the stored contents of the RAM area are checked, and if there is a defect, it is necessary to calculate at least performance information. A RAM area (measurement information storage area) storing measurement data is initialized, and measurement is started from an initial state. Therefore, even if a malfunction such as data corruption occurs in the RAM area (the above-mentioned normal data storage area) that stores game data necessary for normal game progress, the RAM area related to performance display is not cleared together. Instead of (initialization), only the normal data storage area is initialized independently. Therefore, as long as there is no problem in the stored contents of the RAM area related to the performance display, as long as the backup function or other gaming machine itself operates normally, it will be permanent for several days or years. Data is retained and performance information can be maintained (displayed) over a long period of time.

<13. Special symbol management processing: Fig. 13>
Next, the special symbol management process (step S093) in FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol management process in step S093.

  In FIG. 13, the CPU 201 first performs a special figure 1 start port check process on the special symbol 1 side (upper start port 34 side) (step S301), and then a special symbol on the special symbol 2 side (lower start port 35 side). 2. A starting port check process is performed (step S302). Details of this will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the start opening check process in steps S301 to S302 is completed, the state of the small hitting flag is determined (step S303). This “small hitting flag” is a flag for designating whether or not a small hit game is in progress, and when the flag is in the ON state (= 5 AH), it indicates that a small hit game is in progress. When the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the small hit game is not being played.

  When the start opening check process in steps S301 to S302 is completed, the state of the small hitting flag is determined (step S303). This “small hitting flag” is a flag for designating whether or not a small hit game is in progress, and when the flag is in the ON state (= 5 AH), it indicates that a small hit game is in progress. When the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the small hit game is not being played.

  When the small hitting flag is in the OFF state (= 00H) (step S303: ≠ 5AH), the state of the condition device operation flag is then determined (step S304). The “conditional device operation flag” is a flag for designating whether or not a big hit game is being played. When the flag is in an ON state (= 5 AH), it indicates that a big hit game is being played. When the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the big hit game is not being played.

  When the condition device operation flag is in the OFF state (= 00H) (step S304: ≠ 5AH), that is, neither the small hit game nor the big hit game (step S303: ≠ 5AH and step S304: ≠ 5AH) In accordance with the symbol operation status (00H to 03H), processing related to the special symbol variation display operation is performed (step S305: special symbol operation status branching process). On the other hand, if the small hit game is being played (step S303: = 5 AH) or if the big hit game is being played (step S304: = 5 AH), the processing related to the variable symbol display operation of steps S306 to S308 is not performed. It progresses to the special symbol display data update process of step S309. Therefore, when either the small hit game or the big hit game, the special symbol variation display operation is not performed (the special symbol display state of the special symbol display device is displayed after the small hit or after the big hit) As it is). The “special symbol operation status” is a status value indicating the behavior of the special symbol. This status value is changed according to the processing state and stored in the special symbol operation status storage area of the RAM 203.

  In the special symbol operation status branching process of step S305, depending on which status value the special symbol operation status is “waiting (00H, 01H)”, “changing (02H)” or “confirming (03H)”. The processing corresponding to each is executed.

  Specifically, when the special symbol operation status is “standby (00H, 01H)”, the special symbol variation start process (step S306) is performed. When the symbol variation processing (step S307) is “confirming (03H)”, the special symbol confirmation time processing (step S308) is executed. Here, “Waiting” indicates that the behavior of the special symbol is in a standby state for the next change, and “Waiting” indicates that the behavior of the special symbol is changing (variation display). The above-mentioned “under confirmation” indicates that the special symbol has been changed and is stopped (confirmed) and is being displayed (during the special symbol confirmation time). By these processes, a variation display operation that sets a variation start and a variation stop of a special symbol is realized. Details of the special symbol variation start process (step S306) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When any of the processes in steps S306 to S308 is completed, a special symbol display data update process in step S309 described later is executed. In this special symbol display data update process, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is fluctuating, and if it is fluctuating, the 7-segment display data for the special symbol fluctuating is created and the special symbol must be fluctuating. For example, data for 7-segment display during special symbol stop display is created. The special symbol display data created here is output in the LED management process (step S098) of FIG. Thus, the special symbol management process is exited, and the process proceeds to the special electric accessory management process in step S094 of FIG.

(13-1. Special Figure 1 Starting Port Check Processing: FIG. 14)
First, the special figure 1 start opening check process (step S301) shown in FIG. 13 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the special figure 1 starting port check process in step S301. The special figure 1 start opening check process serves as a winning process executed based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition. Here, the special symbol fluctuation display game 1 on the special figure 1 side is executed. As the pre-start process (special figure 1 side winning process), the special figure 1 side operation holding ball number addition process, various random number storage processes (holding storage process), and the reservation, which are caused by the occurrence of winning at the upper start port 34 An addition command transmission process or the like is executed. Also, the special figure 2 starting port check process (step S302), like the above-described special figure 1 starting port check process, also serves as a winning process executed based on the establishment of a predetermined starting condition. As a pre-start process (special figure 2 side winning time process) for executing the special symbol fluctuation display game 2 on the side, a process of adding the number of reserved balls on the special figure 2 side due to the occurrence of winning at the lower start port 35 Then, various random number storage processing, pending addition command transmission processing, and the like are executed. Therefore, the special figure 1 starting port check process and the special figure 2 starting port check process have substantially the same processing contents. Below, it demonstrates centering on the special figure 1 start opening check process, and the detail about the special figure 2 start opening check process is abbreviate | omitted in order to avoid duplication description.

  In FIG. 14, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not a winning (winning ball) has been detected at the upper start opening 34 (step S311).

  When the winning of the upper start opening 34 is detected (step S311: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls of the special symbol 1 (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 1 operation reserved balls”) is 4 or more ( Step S312). That is, it is determined whether or not the number of special figure 1 operation holding balls is equal to or greater than the maximum holding memory number (here, the upper limit is 4). However, if no winning detection is detected at the upper start opening 34 (step S311: NO), nothing is done and the special figure 1 start opening check process is exited.

  When the winning of the upper start opening 34 is detected, but the special figure 1 operation reservation ball number is 4 or more (step S312: YES), the process proceeds to step S321 described later, and the special figure 1 operation reservation ball number is When it is not 4 or more (when it is less than 4) (step S312: NO), 1 is added to the special figure 1 operation holding ball number (step S313), and the process proceeds to step S314.

  When the process proceeds to step S314, various random numbers used for the special symbol variation display game 1 related to the special figure 1 operation holding ball generated this time are acquired (step S314). Specifically, the current values of the jackpot determination random number, the special symbol determination random number, and the variation pattern random number (in this embodiment, two types of variation pattern random numbers 1 and 2) are acquired from various random number counters, The acquired random number value is stored in the reserved storage area of the RAM 203. This reserved storage area is an area for storing predetermined game information related to the symbol variation display game as an operation reserved ball (holding data). In the reserved storage area, the various random numbers as the reserved data are stored in a special area. Until the symbol 1 variable display operation is performed (until the execution of the special symbol variable display game 1), it is held and stored in the starting condition establishment order (winning order). The reserved storage area is provided with reserved storage areas corresponding to the special symbol 1 side and the special symbol 2 side, that is, the special figure 1 reserved storage area and the special figure 2 reserved storage area. These reserved storage areas are provided with a reserved 1 storage area to a reserved n storage area (n is the maximum number of reserved memories: in this embodiment, n = 4), and each of the reserved data for the maximum number of reserved memories is stored. It is possible.

  Next, prefetch prohibition data (EVENT: “01H”) for prohibiting prefetch determination is acquired as winning command data (data corresponding to the lower byte (EVENT) of the hold addition command) for creating a pending addition command ( Step S315), it is determined whether or not “Special Figure 1 prefetching prohibition condition” is satisfied (Step S316). The special figure 1 prefetch prohibition condition is a condition for prohibiting the prefetch determination for the special figure 1 operation holding ball.

  When the special figure 1 prefetch prohibition condition is satisfied (step S316: YES), the process proceeds to step S321 without performing the prefetch determination process (step S319) related to the prefetch determination. In this case, the hold addition command having the prefetch prohibition data (EVENT: “01H”) designates the prefetch prohibition, and the prefetch determination for the special FIG. The production will not be executed. In other words, it can be said that the prefetch prohibition data specifies that the prefetch determination process (step S319) is not executed.

  In the present embodiment, the prefetch determination in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is not performed regardless of the gaming state, but it is determined whether or not prefetching is prohibited based on the current gaming state. The reason is as follows. In the case of a game state with “Electric support” that is advantageous to the right (short-time state, probability variation state), winning to the lower start opening 35 frequently occurs, but left-handed advantage is advantageous. In the case of a game state with “no electric support” (normal state, latent state), winnings to the upper starting port 34 are frequently made with almost no winnings to the lower starting port 35. In consideration of the occurrence, the pre-reading determination in FIG. 1 and FIG. The prefetch determination on the side of the special figure 2 is permitted and the prefetch judgment on the side of the special figure 2 is allowed. In the normal state or the latent state of “no electric support”, the prefetch judgment on the special figure 2 side is prohibited. The prefetch determination on the side is allowed.

  When the special figure 1 prefetch prohibition condition is not satisfied (step S316: NO), a set value is acquired (step S317), and whether or not the set value is in a normal range (whether or not there is validity). ) Is determined (step S318). The determination process in step S318 determines whether the acquired setting value is any one of 00H to 05H corresponding to the setting values 1 to 6, similar to the content of the determination process in step S066 of FIG. When the acquired set value is not in the normal range (step S318: NO), it is determined that an abnormality (setting value data abnormality) has occurred, and the next prefetch determination process (step S319) is not executed, and the process of step S321 described later is performed. move on. Although details will be described later, if a set value data abnormality occurs in the process at the time of winning a prize, a pending addition command including prefetch prohibition data (01H) is transmitted without a RAM error, and the start opening check process is exited. When the set value data abnormality occurs, a RAM error is generated in the subsequent special symbol variation start processing (processing at the start of variation) in FIG.

  When the acquired set value is within the normal range (step S318: YES), a prefetch determination process is executed (step S319). In the prefetch determination process, the big hit lottery result executed at the start of the change is prefetched. Therefore, prefetching for performing prefetch determination for prefetching the winning lottery result, prefetching for judging prefetching for the symbol lottery result, and prefetching variation pattern judging for prefetching the variation pattern at the start of the variation. A series of processes related to determination is included.

  Specifically, first, a big hit determination random number value stored in the RAM 203 (determination random number storage area) is acquired, and then a “hit random number determination table (not shown)” is acquired. Based on the random number determination table, a winning lottery (pre-decision determination to determine whether another big hit, small hit, or lose) is performed for the current operation holding ball, and the result (pre-read winning result) is acquired. In the “hit random number determination table”, a determination value (winning area) for determining whether a big hit, a small hit, or a loss (winning) is determined, and the big hit determination random value belongs to any determination value Depending on whether or not, the winning type is determined. In other words, the winning lottery at the start of the change, which is executed when the current operation holding ball is subjected to the change display operation, is prefetched and the result is acquired. The winning random number determination table is provided with a table corresponding to the set value (a table in which at least the big winning lottery probabilities differ according to the set values 1 to 6). It should be noted that instead of the hit random number determination table that differs for each set value, a table that is common to a part of each set value may be used. For example, it is a table that is common to settings 1 and 2 and that has different jackpot lottery probabilities in settings 3 to 6. In addition, when referring to a common winning random number judgment table with some setting values, the profit level (outgoing rate) will be the same performance, but in the symbol table described later, the symbol selection rate of the hit type is set What is necessary is just to make it a different probability for every value. The winning random number determination table is also used for processing at the start of fluctuation (FIG. 15).

  In this embodiment, the prefetch failure result is not stored in the RAM 203 while being stored in a predetermined general-purpose register built in the CPU. This is because the prefetch failure determination result is used immediately in the subsequent prefetch symbol determination processing, and this data is not required and need not be stored in the RAM.

  In the pre-reading symbol determination, a symbol table (not shown) corresponding to the pre-reading winning result (separate big hit, small hit, and loss) and the special symbol type (special diagrams 1 and 2) is acquired, and the special table acquired in step S314. A symbol determination random value is acquired, and based on the acquired symbol table and the special symbol determination random value, a symbol lottery is performed for the current action holding ball, and the result (prefetched symbol result) is acquired. The “symbol table” of the present embodiment includes a “big hit symbol table” for determining the jackpot type and a “small hit symbol table” for determining the jackpot type, and each determines a hit type (symbol type). A determination value (winning area) is determined, and it is determined which hit is based on which determination value the special symbol determination random value belongs to (in the case of Special Figure 1) In the case of the hit shown in FIG. 4 (a), in the case of the special figure 2, one of the hits shown in FIG. 4 (b) is determined). In other words, the symbol lottery at the start of variation, which is executed when the current operation holding ball is subjected to the variation display operation, is prefetched and the result is acquired. When there are a plurality of types of loss (for example, loss A, B, etc.), a loss symbol table for determining the loss type may be provided. In addition, when only one type of small hit or loss is provided, the small hit symbol table or the lost symbol table is not necessary.

  Moreover, you may provide the symbol table which defined the symbol selection rate which changes according to a setting value about a part or all of each symbol table mentioned above. For example, with respect to the jackpot symbol table, tables having different selection rates for the jackpot type for each of the setting values 1 to 6 (in this case, six types of jackpot symbol tables corresponding to six setting values) can be provided. The hit type on the side of the special figure 2 will be described representatively. For example, in the case of the setting value 1, “2R short open latent big hit is 50/256, 12R long open big hit is 70/256, 16R long open big hit is 136 / 256 ”, and in the case of the set value 6, the set value becomes high, such as“ 2R short open latency big hit is 40/256, 12R long open big hit is 60/256, 16R long open big hit is 156/256 ”, etc. Accordingly, the ball appearance performance can be determined so as to be advantageous to the player. Of course, a common jackpot symbol table may be used for each set value. The symbol table is also used for processing at the start of fluctuation (FIG. 15).

  The prefetched symbol result is not stored in the RAM 203 while being taken into a predetermined general-purpose register built in the CPU, as in the above-described prefetch failure determination. This is because the pre-reading symbol result is immediately used in the subsequent pre-reading variation pattern determination, and this data is not required and need not be stored in the RAM.

  When pre-reading symbol determination is completed, pre-reading variation pattern determination is executed. In this prefetch fluctuation pattern determination, a lottery is performed using a prefetch fluctuation pattern selection table (not shown) according to the prefetch symbol determination result (hit type) and the random number for fluctuation pattern acquired in step S314 to determine the prefetch fluctuation pattern. To do. In other words, the variation pattern (the variation pattern at the start of variation) that is executed when the current operation holding ball is subjected to the variation display operation is determined in advance. In the prefetch variation pattern selection table, one or a plurality of determination values corresponding to the prefetch variation pattern are determined, and the prefetch variation pattern is determined depending on which determination value the random value for variation pattern belongs to. The In short, the winning command data (the lower byte side of the pending addition command (EVENT)) corresponding to the prefetch fluctuation pattern is determined, and the contents of the prefetch fluctuation pattern can be specified.

  Note that when determining the prefetch variation pattern, the same variation pattern selection table as that at the start of variation is not used because the number of suspended balls at the time of prefetch determination does not necessarily match the number of pending operations at the start of variation. The change pattern at the start of change cannot be determined in advance. For this reason, in the pre-reading variation pattern determination stage, the variation pattern is determined without considering the number of suspended balls. However, even if the pre-reading variation pattern is determined without considering the number of suspended balls in this way, the pre-reading variation pattern should be determined so that the contents of the pre-reading variation pattern and the variation pattern at the start of variation do not deviate as much as possible. Can be done. Further, the variation pattern selection table referred to at the start of variation includes a table corresponding to the set value (a table in which the selection rates of at least one (one or a plurality of types) of specific variation patterns differ according to the set value). Therefore, the above-described prefetch variation pattern selection table is similarly provided with a table corresponding to each set value, but may be a table common to each set value.

  The pre-reading variation pattern determination result (winning command data (EVENT)) is immediately used in the pending addition command creation process in step S321, and thereafter this data is not required. Therefore, also in this case, the processing is completed while the result of the prefetch variation pattern determination is stored in the register without being stored in the RAM 203.

  When the series of prefetch determination processing in steps S319 to S320 is completed, the winning command data (EVENT) on the lower byte side obtained by the above-described prefetch fluctuation pattern determination processing, the current number of active suspended balls and the special symbol type The “pending addition command” is created based on the winning command data (MODE) on the upper byte side based on the above (step S321), and is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 without being stored in the RAM 203 (step S322). . For the data on the MODE side, for example, “B6H to B9H” is set according to one hold in FIG. 1 to four holds in FIG. 1, and one hold in FIG. 2 to one in FIG. “BAH to BEH” is set according to the four. For the EVENT side data, “01H” set in step S315 is updated to a value corresponding to the prefetch fluctuation pattern (value obtained by the prefetch fluctuation pattern determination process) in this process. Become. When the prefetch prohibition condition is satisfied or when the set value data abnormality occurs, the prefetch prohibition data (01H) is maintained without being updated, and a pending addition command having the prefetch prohibition data is transmitted. . In addition, a hold addition command (overflow designation hold addition command) is also transmitted at the time of overflow (when a new winning occurs when the maximum number of reserved storage is reached) (step S312). (See YES processing route).

  After the hold addition command is sent from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24, it is only used when the “pre-reading notice effect” relating to the current operation holding ball appears on the effect control unit 24 side. Yes, it is not particularly used in the special symbol variation start process shown in FIG. Therefore, the pending addition command is not stored in the RAM 203, the special figure 1 start opening check process is exited, and then the special figure 2 start opening check process in step S302 of FIG. 13 is performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the start port check process is completed without storing various data obtained by a series of 'prefetch determination' processes related to the winning process, in the RAM. Thereby, the memory capacity of ROM and RAM can be reduced, and the control burden can be reduced. In addition, even if there is an abnormality in the set value data at the time of winning (when the operation holding ball occurs), a hold addition command is transmitted, but this hold addition command is a command having prefetch prohibition data. Even if the pre-reading notice effect based on the set value or the pre-reading notice effect not based on the set value is configured to be able to appear, the pre-fetch notice due to a malfunction is prohibited because the production control itself related to the pre-read notice is prohibited. Will not appear and will not be detrimental to the player. If the pre-reading notice effect is not prohibited, a high expectation red hold display or a rainbow-colored hold display indicating the accuracy will appear in the hold display type pre-read notice effect even though the set value data is abnormal. If the game progress is stopped by the RAM error processing (FIG. 9) after that, the winning expectation held by the player disappears all at once, resulting in great distrust of the gaming machine. However, in the case of the present embodiment, as described above, the prefetch notice itself is prohibited, and thus such a problem does not occur.

(13-2. Special symbol variation start processing: FIG. 15)
Next, the special symbol variation start process (step S306), which is a process at the start of variation, will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start process of FIG.

  In FIG. 15, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the special figure 2 operation reservation ball number is zero (step S401). If the special figure 2 operation reservation ball number is not zero (step S401: NO), Proceeding to the process of S403, the process at the start of change (steps S403 to S416) for the special figure 2 operation holding ball for the present change display is performed. On the other hand, when the special figure 2 operation holding ball number is zero (step S401: YES), it is subsequently determined whether or not the special figure 1 operation holding ball number is zero (step S402). If the number is not zero (step S402: NO), the process proceeds to step S403, and the process related to the start of variation of the special symbol for the special figure 1 operation holding ball used for the current variation display (steps S403 to S403). S416) is performed. Which one of the special FIG. 1 operation holding ball and the special figure 2 operation holding ball is subjected to the variable display operation preferentially by the processing of steps S401 and S402 (which operation holding ball is preferentially digested)? The “priority change ranking” is determined. In this embodiment, when there is an operation holding ball in both the special figure 1 operation holding ball and the special figure 2 operation holding ball, the special figure 2 operation holding ball is preferentially digested, that is, the special symbol variation display game 1. The special symbol variation display game 2 is more preferentially executed (priority variation means). In addition, it is good also as a structure which digests an operation | movement reservation ball | bowl not only in the above-mentioned priority variation type but according to the order which won.

  In addition, when the number of operation hold balls of both the special figure 2 operation hold ball number and the special figure 1 operation hold ball number is zero (step S401: YES and step S402: YES), the state of “no operation hold ball” It becomes. This “no operation hold ball” state is when the special symbol is on standby and there is no hold memory, and the effect control unit 24 side is informed that it has entered this state, and the liquid crystal display The device 36 is controlled to switch to a demo screen display for waiting for a customer (customer waiting demo screen). Therefore, when “no operation hold ball” is reached, the process proceeds to step S417, and it is determined whether or not the special symbol operation status is “standby (00H)” indicating the state of “no operation hold ball”. (Step S417).

  When the determination process of step S417 is passed, that is, when the state of “no operation hold ball” is entered, and the special symbol operation status at this time is “standby (01H)” (step S417: NO), the special symbol operation status is switched to “waiting (00H)” (00H is stored in the special symbol operation status: step S418). Then, a “demonstration display command” for displaying the customer waiting demonstration screen is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 as an effect control command (step S419), and the special symbol variation start process is exited. Thereafter, if “waiting (00H)” when the determination process of step S417 is executed, the special symbol variation start process is exited again without transmitting the demo display command. The reason for this is that if the demonstration display command is sent without condition when the number of pending balls for operation is zero, the transmission of the demonstration display command is repeated at a period of 4 ms while the number of special figure action pending balls is zero. As a result, unnecessary transmission occurs, and the control burden increases unnecessarily. Therefore, when the “no operation hold ball” state is reached, a demonstration display command is transmitted once, and if the demonstration display command has already been transmitted, the demonstration display command is sent to the effect control unit 24. This special symbol management process can be skipped without sending to the user.

  If the presentation control unit 24 does not receive any presentation control command (for example, a hold addition command) related to the symbol fluctuation display game even after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the demonstration display command, the fluctuation display operation is performed for a certain period of time. It is assumed that an undisturbed state (standby waiting state) has occurred, and the customer waiting demo screen is displayed.

  When the special figure 2 operation reservation ball number is not zero (step S401: NO), or when the special figure 2 operation reservation ball number is zero but the special figure 1 operation reservation ball number is not zero (step S401: YES → step) S402: NO), the process (steps S403 to S416) related to the start of the variation of the special symbol for the operation holding ball used for the present variation display is performed. Here, regarding the processing of steps S403 to S416 described below, if “NO” in the determination of step S401, the processing for the special figure 2 operation holding ball, the determination of step S402 above. If it is 'NO', it will be the process for the special figure 1 action holding ball, but since the process is the same, unless special action is necessary to avoid duplicate description, the action on the special symbol 1 side The description will be made without distinguishing whether the process is for the holding ball or the process for the special holding ball on the special symbol 2 side.

  When the processing proceeds to step S403, 1 is subtracted from the number of reserved balls for operation (number of reserved balls for operation on the special symbol side used for the current variation display operation-1: step S403), and the number of reserved balls for operation after subtraction is included. A “hold subtraction command” is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S404). By this hold subtraction command, the production control unit 24 side grasps the number of remaining operation hold balls after digestion of the current operation hold ball number, and shift-displays the hold display currently being displayed.

  Next, the special symbol operation confirmation data is stored (step S405). This special symbol operation confirmation data is information for designating the special symbol type of the current variation start side. For example, if the special symbol 1 is the variation start side, “00H (special symbol 1 variation start designation)” If the special symbol 2 is on the variation start side, “01H (special symbol 2 variation start designation)” is stored in the special symbol operation confirmation data in the RAM 203.

  Next, the hold data stored in the hold storage area of the RAM 203 is shifted (step S406), and the hold 4 storage area is cleared (step S407). In the processing of steps S406 to S407, the hold data (random hit determination random number, special symbol determination random number, and variation pattern stored in the hold storage area (hold 1 storage area) corresponding to the hold storage number n = 1 is used. The random number is read and stored in the random number storage area for determination of the RAM 203, and the reserved storage area (the reserved 2 storage area, the reserved 3 storage area, the reserved 4 memory) corresponding to the reserved n storage area (n = 2, 3, 4). The hold data stored in the area) is stored in the hold storage area corresponding to 'n-1' (step S406), and the hold 4 storage area is cleared to provide a free area (step S407). As a result, the start order of the special symbol variation display game coincides with the order of the number n of the operation reservation balls (n = 1, 2, 3, 4), and any of the operation reservation balls acquired at the time of winning the starting opening is stored. Whether it corresponds to the area is specified, and a new operation holding ball can be stored.

  Next, the remaining short time command and the game state command are transmitted (step S408). Here, it is determined whether or not the “electric support number counter” that counts the remaining number of times in the electric support state is zero. The “designation command” is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. By this “variation count remaining designation command”, the production control unit 24 side can grasp the remaining number of times and can notify the remaining times information. Here, a game state command for designating the current game state is also transmitted.

  Next, the set value is acquired (step S409), and it is determined whether or not the set value is in the normal range (step S410). The processing contents of steps S409 and S410 are the same as the processing contents of steps S317 and S318 during the start opening check process of FIG. Therefore, the “process of S409 to S410” and the “process of S317 to S318” are configured as a common process.

  If the acquired set value is not within the normal range (step S410: NO), the RAM error process (FIG. 9) is performed (step S411), assuming that the set value data abnormality has occurred (step S411). The process of steps S412 to S416 including the later-described fluctuation pattern management process such as the process is not executed, and the special symbol fluctuation start process is exited. In other words, the special symbol management process is exited without starting the symbol variation display game. As a result, the main operation process relating to the game (design variation display game, winning game, open game, etc.) from step S086 to S100 of the main control unit side timer interruption process is skipped (step S086 in FIG. 11). : Refer to the processing route of YES), unless the RAM error is cleared, the game execution is disabled (RAM error stop control process (abnormal stop process)). As described above, the RAM error is eliminated by performing a setting change operation.

  In the present embodiment, RAM error processing is immediately performed when an operation holding ball is generated, so that the progress of the game (symbol change display game, winning game, open game, etc.) does not proceed further (step of FIG. 11). (Refer to the processing route of S086: YES). However, this case can cause the following problems. For example, if a jackpot game is being executed when an operation holding ball is generated, the currently hit jackpot game has been generated as a result of being correctly processed, but even this jackpot game has a RAM error. (Finally, it disappears due to RAM clear). If it does so, the profit of a jackpot game will lose | disappear, and the distrust of a player will be invited. In order to avoid such a situation, during a big hit game, a RAM error may be executed after waiting for the end of the win game (controlled to the above-mentioned game unexecutable state).

  As the above-described configuration (hereinafter referred to as “Modification 1”), for example, in the timer interruption process of FIG. If the flag is in the ON state (during the big hit game), the process proceeds to the input management process (step S089). If the condition device operation flag is in the OFF state (not in the big hit game), the WDT clear process (step S101) is executed. Just go ahead. When not only big hit games but also small hit games are included, a judgment process for checking a small hit game flag is further provided. As in the case of the big hit game, input management processing is performed when the small hit game is in progress. The process proceeds to (Step S089), and in the case other than the small hit game, the process may proceed to the WDT clear process (Step S101) (Modification 2). In this way, the profit obtained by the player by the winning game is not lost, and no distrust is given. In addition, after the winning game is over, the special symbol does not start to change, and it is possible to appropriately deal with a RAM error (defective set value data).

  The following cases are also assumed. For example, there is a case where there is a symbol variation display game that is in progress (a game that has been processed normally) when an operation holding ball is generated, and the game result is a big hit. In such a case, if the RAM error processing is immediately performed when the current operation holding ball is generated, the game result is stopped despite the fact that the game result is a big hit of the correctly processed result. The right of the jackpot will be lost (eventually, it will be lost by clearing the RAM). In such a case, it is determined whether or not the symbol variation display game in progress (the special symbol variation display) has ended. If the current game is a win, a hit game is generated after the end of the variation. It is configured to execute a control that waits for the end of the current hit game, executes a RAM error (controls to the above-mentioned non-gameable state), and in the case of a loss, puts the game into the non-gameable state after the end of fluctuation. (As for the winning game, the configuration of the first modification or the second modification may be used). In this case, the change display process for the existing operation holding ball is not executed, but the right of the big hit (may include the small hit) is not lost, so the player is not distrusted.

  On the other hand, when the acquired set value is within the normal range (step S410: YES), a set value command is transmitted (step S412). As already described, the set value command includes the current set value information, and is used when an effect based on the set value (such as a setting suggestion effect) is controlled to appear on the effect control unit 24 side. The

  Next, a variation pattern management process is executed (step S413). This variation pattern management processing includes processing for obtaining various random values from the determination random number storage area, executing a big hit lottery, and determining a variation pattern at the start of variation based on the result of the big hit lottery.

  Specifically, first, a “winning lottery” is executed for an operation holding ball used for the special symbol variation display game of this time. The winning lottery is substantially the same as the prefetching determination described in the prefetching determination process in step S319. In other words, a lottery is executed based on the big hit determination random number value and the hit random number determination table corresponding to the set value to determine the winning type (separate big hit, small hit, and lost). Then, the result is stored in the hit determination flag area of the RAM 203 (if the big hit, the big hit determination flag is ON (5 AH), if the small hit, the small hit determination flag is ON (5 AH), if it is lost, the big hit and The small hit determination flag stores OFF (00H)). As a result, the winning type related to the current special symbol variation display game is determined.

  The symbol lottery also has the same processing content as the pre-read symbol determination, acquires the symbol table corresponding to the winning lottery result, acquires a random number for special symbol determination, and determines the symbol table and special symbol determination. The lottery is executed based on the random number for use to determine the hit type. Then, the result (special symbol determination data) is stored in a predetermined area (special symbol determination data storage area) of the RAM 203. Thereby, the winning type (winning type) related to the current special symbol variation display game is determined.

  Here, the reason for storing the lottery results of the winning lottery and the symbol lottery at the start of fluctuation in the RAM 203 is that these lottery results are not used only in the special chart management process (step S093), This is because the data is also used in the special electric accessory processing (step S094). Specifically, the winning lottery result is used in the subsequent special symbol confirmation time processing (step S308) for pre-winning game pre-processing necessary for executing the big hit or small hit game, and the symbol lottery result is This is because, when the result of this time is a win, it is data necessary to execute a hit game corresponding to the type of the hit. This is different from the pre-read determination process in which the lottery result is not stored in the RAM.

  Further, here, as a setting process for shifting the gaming state when it is a win, a necessary setting process for designating the gaming state after the winning game (see FIG. 4) is performed (gaming state transition preparation process). .

  When the above game state transition preparation process is completed, the current set value, current game state, symbol lottery result, random number for variation pattern, and number of working suspension balls (the number of working suspension balls subtracting the current digestion amount) are used. Thus, the variation pattern at the start of variation for the operation holding ball used for the present variation display operation is determined by lottery. The variation pattern is determined by a variation pattern selection table (not shown). In this variation pattern selection table, one or more kinds of determination values corresponding to the variation pattern are determined, and the variation pattern (special symbol of the special symbol) is determined depending on which determination value the variation pattern random value belongs to. Variation pattern) is determined. In addition, in the variation pattern selection table, a plurality of types of variation pattern selection tables corresponding to the set value, the gaming state, the symbol lottery result, and the number of reserved balls are prepared. When the variation pattern is determined, the corresponding variation time is stored in the special symbol accessory operation timer. Thereby, the variation time of the special symbol related to the current variation pattern is determined.

  Next, 5AH (ON state) is stored in a special symbol N changing flag (N = 1, 2) designating that the change display is being performed (step S414). The “special symbol N changing flag” is a flag indicating which of the special symbols 1 and 2 is changing. When the flag is in an ON state (= 5 AH), the special symbol changes. When the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the special symbol is stopped. The special symbol 1 changing flag (N = 1) corresponds to the special symbol 1 side, and the special symbol 2 changing flag (N = 2) corresponds to the special symbol 2 side.

  Next, command transmission processing at the start of fluctuation is executed (step S415). The command transmission process at the start of variation includes variation pattern information that can identify the variation pattern contents as the production control command in order to inform the production control unit 24 of the content of the variation pattern determined in the variation pattern management processing. A “variation pattern designation command” is created and transmitted to the effect control unit 24 side. Further, a decorative symbol designation command is created based on the symbol lottery result and transmitted to the effect control unit 24. The decorative symbol designation command is composed of two bytes, an upper byte (MODE) for designating the special symbol type on the variable side and a lower byte (EVENT) for designating the winning category. Therefore, the decorative symbol designation command includes information on the special symbol type on the variable side and the winning category (symbol lottery result). Since this decoration symbol designation command includes information related to the winning type, on the production control unit 24 side, mainly the combination of decoration symbols (the symbol type that constitutes the reach symbol) when forming the reach state, This is used when determining a combination of decoration symbols (decoration stop symbols) to be finally stopped and a notice effect corresponding to the winning type in the symbol variation display game.

  Then, as the change start time setting process, the special symbol operation status is switched to “Fluctuating (02H)” (02H is stored in the special symbol operation status), and the determination random number storage area and the variation pattern random number storage area are cleared (step) S416).

  As described above, when the special symbol variation start processing is exited, the special symbol display data update processing (step S309) of FIG. 13 is performed, and thus the special symbol variation display is started.

  In the special symbol changing process (step S307), it is monitored whether or not the special symbol is changing, that is, whether or not the special symbol change time has elapsed. As a command, a process of transmitting a “variation stop command” to the effect control unit 24, a fixed display time (for example, 500 ms) is stored in the special symbol accessory operation timer, and the special symbol operation status is “confirming (03H)”. And (for example, 03H is stored in the special symbol operation status). The “variation stop command” is a command indicating that the variation of the special symbol has ended. With this variation stop command, the effect control unit 24 ends the special symbol variation display game after the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed. (End) and stop displaying the decorative symbol currently being displayed in a variable manner. As a result, the decorative symbol variation display game is also terminated along with the termination of the special symbol variation display game. The “determined display time” is a time (stop display time) for holding the stop display when the special symbol change display is finished and the special symbol is stopped.

  Further, in the special symbol confirmation time process (step S308), it is monitored whether or not the above-described fixed display time has passed. If the fixed display time has passed, it is determined that the special symbol fluctuation display game has ended, The symbol action status is switched to “standby (01H)” (01H is stored in the special symbol action status), and if this special symbol variation display game is a big hit, the processing required to start the big hit game (stop big hit symbol) If it is a small hit, the processing required to start the small hit game (various setting processing when the small hit symbol is stopped) is performed. In the various setting processing at the time of big hit symbol stop, as the big hit game transition pre-processing, various settings such as clearing the big hit determination flag and turning on the condition device operation flag to set the gaming state to the gaming state similar to the normal state Process. Further, in various setting processes when the small hit symbol is stopped, the small hit determination flag is cleared (00H is stored), and the small hitting flag is turned ON.

  In addition, the power support count counter (remaining count with power support), special figure accuracy variation counter (high probability state remaining count), special figure fluctuation count counter (remaining count in CZ mode), etc. are monitored. Or in the case of losing, as a digest of the special symbol variation display game of this time, for a counter that is not zero, the counter is subtracted by 1, and the counter value after subtraction is checked and set according to whether it is zero or not. Process.

  When the electric support number counter after the subtraction is zero, in this case, the setting process at the end of the electric support state is performed assuming that the number of continuations with electric support has reached the end number in the current game. As a result, from the next game, there is no power support state. For example, if the current gaming state is a short-time state (low probability / electric support), and the electric support count counter after subtraction becomes zero in this game, the normal state (low probability)・ There will be no power support.

  Also, if the special figure probability variation counter after subtraction is zero, in this case, setting processing at the end of the high probability state is performed assuming that the high probability state has reached the number of ends in the current game. As a result, the next game is in a low probability state. For example, if the current gaming state is a latent state (high probability / no electric support), and the special figure probability variation counter after subtraction becomes zero in this game, the normal state (low) (No probability / electric support). Also, for example, if the current gaming state is a probable change state (high probability / no electric support), and the electric support count counter after subtraction and the special figure accuracy count counter after subtraction become zero, the next game It will be transferred to the normal state (low probability / no electric support).

  Also, if the special figure fluctuation count counter after subtraction is zero, in this case, since the number of fluctuations of the special symbol related to the CZ mode has reached the end count, setting processing at the end of CZ is performed and CZ (latency) Or CZ (normal), a transition setting process from the next game to the latent state or the normal state is performed.

  When the gaming state is updated, a “gaming state designation command” including game state transition information is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. The effect control unit 24 can grasp that the gaming state has shifted by the gaming state designation command.

  In each of the embodiments described above, a pachinko gaming machine using a game ball as a game medium has been described. However, the gaming machine is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve the object of the present invention. For example, a game machine using a game medal as a game medium, a game machine using a game medium using electromagnetic recording (a game machine such as a so-called “enclosed game machine (managed game machine)”), It may be a game machine or the like.

  The present invention is useful for gaming machines.

1 gaming machine,
2 Front frame,
3 Game board,
3a gaming area,
4 outer frame,
6 Glass door,
9 Top saucer,
15 Launch control handle,
19 game ball dispensing device,
20 Main control unit (main control board),
24 Production control unit (production control board, liquid crystal control board)
28 Launch control board,
29 payout control board,
32 launcher,
34, 34a Upper start port, upper start port sensor 35, 35a Lower start port, lower start port sensor,
36 liquid crystal display devices,
37, 37a Normal symbol start port, Normal symbol start port sensor,
38a, 38b Special symbol display device,
39a Normal symbol display device,
50, 52a Grand prize opening, Grand prize opening sensor 41 Ordinary variable prize winning device,
41c Ordinary electric accessory solenoid,
52 Special variable prize device,
52c Solitary solenoid,
43 General prize opening,
43a General prize opening sensor,
45 Decorative lamp,
46 speakers,
47 Movable wing pieces,
49 Out mouth,
60 full detection sensor,
61 Front door open sensor,
94 Setting key switch,
95 Setting change switch,
96 Setting change complete switch,
97 Setting display,
98 RAM clear switch,
99 Performance indicator,
201 main control CPU,
202 main control ROM,
203 main control RAM,
241 Production control CPU,
242 Production control ROM,
243 Production control RAM.

Claims (2)

Backup means for retaining the stored contents of the RAM even after the power is shut off;
Power-on determination means for determining validity of the stored contents of the RAM after power-on;
A return for executing a return process for returning to the operation before the power-off after the power-on based on the stored contents of the RAM held by the backup means when it is determined that the power-on determination means is valid Means, and
A gaming machine configured to execute a lottery process based on a predetermined start condition and to be controlled to a special gaming state based on a result of the lottery process,
The RAM stores a first storage area for storing game data used in a game process related to normal game progress including the lottery process result data, and a second storage area for storing game result data obtained in a predetermined game period. And
The power-on determination means is
Configured to determine the validity of the storage data of the first storage area without determining the validity of the storage data of the second storage area,
The return means includes
Executing the return process when the stored data in the first storage area is determined to be valid by the power-on determination unit;
A gaming machine characterized by that. It is configured to determine the validity of the stored data in the second storage area in a game process that is repeatedly executed every predetermined time after finishing the initial process after turning on the power, and it is determined that there is no such validity. In the case, it is configured to initialize only the storage data of the second storage area,
The gaming machine according to claim 1.

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