JP2019054945A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce a process load, in a game machine in which a set value can be changed.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: a game board in which a game area is formed; shooting means for shooting a game medium to the game area; and control means for performing a progress control of a game operation. The control means comprises: setting means for setting a set value representing a step on probability as to whether or not the game is won in a game state advantageous to a player on the basis of an operation; error determination means for performing an error determination process for determining presence or absence of the error regarding the game operation; and setting change handling processing means for disabling shooting by the shooting means and not performing the error determination process by the error determination means in the setting change state to accept the change of the set value, and for permitting shooting and performing the error determination process after the set value has been changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a ball game machine or a revolving gaming machine, and in particular, a set value representing a stage regarding a probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to a player is operated. The present invention relates to a technical field related to a gaming machine that can be set based on the above.

For example, various game machines such as a ball and ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine and a revolving game machine such as a slot machine are widely known.
Some gaming machines, such as slot machines, can be set based on an operation to set a value representing a stage regarding the probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player.

  In addition, about the related prior art, the following patent document 1 can be mentioned.

Japanese Patent No. 5966529

  An object of the present invention is to reduce processing load in a gaming machine in which a setting value is set to be changeable.

  A gaming machine according to the present invention includes a game board in which a game area is formed, a launching means for launching a game medium to the game area, and a control means for controlling the progress of a game operation, the control means Is a setting means for setting, based on the operation, a setting value indicating a stage regarding the probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player, and an error for performing an error determination process for determining the presence or absence of an error relating to the gaming operation In the setting changing state for accepting the change of the setting value with the determination means, the firing by the firing means is disabled, the error determination processing by the error determination means is not performed, and after the change of the setting value is completed And a setting change response processing means for permitting the launch and allowing the error determination process to be performed.

  Thereby, in the state in which the setting is being changed, that is, in the state in which the game medium is not allowed to be launched and the game operation does not progress, the error determination process is not performed indiscriminately.

  According to the present invention, a processing load can be reduced in a gaming machine in which a setting value can be changed.

It is a perspective view of the front side which shows the external appearance of the game machine as embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the game board of the game machine as embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the game machine as embodiment. It is explanatory drawing about the example of the prefetch notice effect in embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the main control side main process of embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the initial setting process in FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the main loop process in FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the main control side timer interruption processing of the execution form. It is the flowchart which showed the power supply abnormality check process in FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the setting change process in FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the special symbol management process in FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the special figure 1 start port check process in FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the special symbol fluctuation start process in FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the fluctuation | variation management process in FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the big hit random number determination process in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the jackpot random number determination method of embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the fluctuation pattern creation process in FIG. It is the figure which showed the example of the deviation fluctuation | variation pattern table of embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of the hit fluctuation pattern table of embodiment. It is the figure which showed the other example of the hit fluctuation pattern table of embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of the common fluctuation pattern table at the time of the setting error of embodiment. It is the figure which showed the other example of the common fluctuation pattern table at the time of the setting error of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing about the notice lottery table corresponding to the time of the fluctuation | variation start of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing about the notice lottery table corresponding to the time of prefetch determination of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the pending | holding change notice scenario table in embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of the appearance rate and reliability of the pending | holding change notice effect in embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the pending | holding change notice scenario table in a modification. It is the figure which showed the example of the appearance rate and reliability of the hold change notice effect in a modification. It is the figure which showed the example of the appearance rate and the reliability of a pending | holding change notice effect in the case of implement | achieving the setting suggestion effect which suggests a specific setting value. It is explanatory drawing of the SU (step up) notice scenario table in embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of the appearance rate and reliability of SU notice effect in embodiment. It is. It is explanatory drawing of the timer notice scenario table in embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of the appearance rate and reliability of the timer announcement effect in embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the main control side main process in the modification. It is the flowchart which showed the setting change process in FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the main control side timer interruption process as a modification. It is. It is the flowchart which showed the setting confirmation process in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in the following order with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<1. Structure of gaming machine>
<2. Control configuration of gaming machine>
[2-1. Main control unit]
(About setting value change operation)
(About performance display)
(Direction control command)
[2-2. Production control unit]
<3. Outline of operation>
[3-1. Design variation display game]
(Special symbol variation display game)
(Decoration pattern change display game)
(Normal symbol fluctuation display game)
(About hold)
[3-2. Game state]
[3-3. About winning]
[3-4. About production]
(Direction mode)
(Notice production)
(Direction means)
<4. Processing of main control unit>
[4-1. Main control side main processing]
(Initial setting process)
(Process after initial setting)
(Main loop processing)
[4-2. Main control timer interrupt processing]
(Power failure check processing)
(Setting change processing)
(Processing for error management and game progression, etc.)
[4-3. First Summary]
[4-4. Processing related to special symbol variation display game]
(Special symbol management process)
(Special Figure 1 Start-up check process)
(Special symbol variation start processing)
(Variation management processing)
(Big hit random number judgment process)
(Variation pattern lottery process)
[4-5. Second summary]
<5. Processing of production control unit>
[5-1. About the appearance of decorative patterns at startup]
[5-2. Third summary]
[5-3. About setting suggestion effects]
(Example of setting suggestions using the notice lottery table)
(Example of setting using the pending change notice scenario table)
(Setting suggestion example using SU notice scenario table)
(Example of setting the timer notice scenario table)
[5-4. Fourth summary]
<6. Modification of setting process>
<7. Other variations>

<1. Structure of gaming machine>

With reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the structure of the pachinko game machine 1 as embodiment which concerns on this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the appearance of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the front side of the game board 3 of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  A pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter may be abbreviated as “gaming machine 1”) is attached to a front surface of a wooden outer frame 4 so that a frame-shaped front frame 2 can be opened and closed. A structure in which a game board 3 (see FIG. 2) is mounted in an attached game board storage frame (not shown), and a game area 3a formed on the surface of the game board 3 faces the opening of the front frame 2. Have. 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. In addition, a plurality of decorative lamps 45 (for example, light effect LEDs using full-color LEDs) that provide a light effect by decorating 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 periphery of the front frame of the glass door 6.

  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 to protect 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 center ornament 48 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 ornament 48. ing. 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 the “special symbol” expressed by the 7-segment display. 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 when either side is lit, thereby determining whether or not a 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). The award opening relating to the starting condition of the variable display operation (abbreviated as “)” is configured as a winning rate fixed-type winning device that does not have a 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 start opening 35 of the normal variable winning device 41 is a second special symbol (hereinafter, the second special symbol is referred to as “special symbol 2”, and sometimes referred to as “special symbol 2”) in the special symbol display device 38b. ) Of the variable display operation according to the starting condition, and the winning area of the lower starting port 35 is an open state (e.g., an open state (e.g., operating or non-operating) of the movable wing piece 47 that facilitates winning). (A winning easy state) and a closed state (a 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 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, the upper starting port 34 or the lower starting port 35 is 3, the large winning port 50 is 13, and the general winning port 43 is 10) is the game 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” means that the winning opening takes a game ball inside, or the winning opening is not a structure that takes the gaming ball inside, but is a winning opening made up of a passing gate (for example, a normal symbol start opening 37). If it is, it means that the game ball passes through the gate. Actually, if a game ball is detected by each winning detection switch formed for each winning opening, a "winning" occurs at that winning opening It is treated as. 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. Unless otherwise specified in this specification, whether or not the gaming ball is detected by the winning detection switch. Regardless of the case, it may be referred to as “winning” including a case where a game ball enters the winning opening.

<2. Control configuration of gaming machine>

With reference to the block diagram of FIG. 3, a configuration (control configuration) for realizing gaming operation control of the gaming machine 1 will be described.
The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main control board (main control means) 20 (hereinafter referred to as “main control unit 20”) that performs overall control of game operations (game operation control), and main control. An effect control board (effect control means) 24 (hereinafter referred to as “effect control section 24”) that receives the effect control command from the section 20 and controls the execution control (appearance control) of the effect by the effect means; A payout control board (payout control means) 29 that controls the payout of the ball, and a power supply board (power supply control means (not shown)) that generates and supplies the necessary power to the gaming machine 1 from an external power supply (not shown). , And is configured.
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 to each part is omitted.

[2-1. Main control unit]

The main control unit 20 is equipped with a microprocessor incorporating a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 (main control CPU), and in addition to a control program describing a game operation control procedure, various data necessary for game operation control are also stored. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 (main control ROM) for storing and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 (main control RAM) functioning as a work area and a buffer memory are mounted, and a microcomputer is configured as a whole. .

  Although not shown in the figure, the main control unit 20 has a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) for realizing a periodic interrupt, a pulse output generation function (bit rate generator) having a fixed period and a time measurement function, and a CPU 201. Interrupt controller circuit that demonstrates interrupt enable / disable function such as timer interrupt that gives interrupt signal, and can reset CPU201 by detecting system power-on, power-off, power failure, etc. and outputting system reset signal Reset circuit, a watchdog timer (WDT) circuit for monitoring an abnormal operation of the control program, and an out-of-designated area prohibition (IAT) circuit for monitoring whether the program is correctly executed within a preset address range And a counter circuit for generating a certain range of random numbers in hardware.

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

  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.

  Further, a special symbol display device 38a and a special symbol display device 38b are connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for display control of the special symbols 1 and 2. . Furthermore, a normal symbol display device 39a is connected to the main control unit 20 so that a control signal for controlling display of the normal symbols can be transmitted.

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

Further, a frame external concentrated terminal board 21 is connected to the main control unit 20, 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 with a predetermined value. Game information (for example, jackpot information, prize ball number information, symbol variation execution information, etc.) can be transmitted.
The hall computer HC is an information processing device (computer device) for monitoring game information from the main control unit 20 and managing the operating status of pachinko hall gaming machines in an integrated manner.

  Furthermore, a payout control board (payout control part) 29 is connected to the main control unit 20, and when it is necessary to pay out a prize ball, a control command (number of prize balls) relating to the payout control board 29 is given. Can be transmitted.

  Connected to the payout control board 29 are a launch control board (launch control unit) 28 for controlling the launch device 32 and a game ball payout device (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). Each of the 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 the storage state of the game balls stored in the upper tray 9) that detects that the upper tray 9 is full of game balls. The front door opening sensor 61 (in this embodiment, a detection sensor for detecting at least the open state of the front frame 2) 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 state signal includes a ball clogging signal indicating a full state, a door opening signal indicating that at least the front frame 2 is opened, a replenishment out signal indicating insufficient supply of game balls from the game ball dispensing device 19, and a prize ball Are included, and a count 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, and various status signals can be transmitted. Based on these state signals, the main control unit 20 determines whether the front frame 2 is open (door open error), whether the game ball payout device 19 is normally discharged (replenishment error), Monitor for fullness (ball clogging error), etc.

Furthermore, a discharge control board 28 is connected to the payout control board 29 so that a permission signal for permitting the launch control board 28 can be transmitted. 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.
Also, the payout control board 29 outputs a firing permission signal to the firing control board 28 on the condition that the firing control is instructed from the main control unit 20.

  Here, the main controller 20 is connected to a setting key switch 94 and a RAM clear switch 98, and can receive detection signals from these switches. The main control unit 20 is connected to a setting display 97, and can transmit a control signal for display control of a setting value (setting value Ve described below) displayed on the setting display 97.

The RAM clear switch 98 is, for example, a push button type switch for inputting an instruction to initialize a predetermined area of the RAM 203.
The setting key switch 94 is a key switch for switching to the setting change mode (at the time of ON operation) by inserting a setting key possessed by the hall staff when the power is turned on and performing an ON / OFF operation.

  In this example, the RAM clear switch 98 is also used for changing the set value Ve. Specifically, the RAM clear switch 98 also functions as an operator for sequentially feeding the set value Ve.

The RAM clear switch 98 and the setting key switch 94 are provided at appropriate positions inside the gaming machine 1. For example, it is disposed on the main control board 20.
The setting indicator 97 functions as a setting display unit capable of displaying the setting value Ve, and is mounted on the main control unit (main control board) 20 at a position where it can be easily seen.
The arrangement positions of the setting key switch 94, the RAM clear switch 98, and the setting display 97 are not limited to the main control board 20, but the payout control board 28, the launch control board 29, the relay board (various display devices, switches, etc.) A relay board for relaying the connection with the control board (not shown) or a board such as the stage control unit (stage control board (including liquid crystal control board)) 24 or the like may be provided at an appropriate place inside the gaming machine 1. it can.

“Set value Ve” 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). Thus, the higher the set value Ve, the higher the winning probability (the setting 1 is the lowest winning probability, and the winning probability is increased in the ascending order of the setting value), and this is advantageous for the player. . In other words, the higher the set value Ve, the higher the so-called “mechanical discount (ball payout rate, PAYOUT rate)”, which is advantageous for the player.
As described above, the set value Ve is a value that prescribes a jackpot winning probability, a machine discount, and the like, and means a value for a grade related to the likelihood of occurrence of a specific event such as a profit state acting on a player. In the present embodiment, the advantage relating to the game is defined according to each set value Ve.

The set value Ve is set by a hall staff such as a hall clerk based solely 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 to determine which jackpot winning probability is changed according to the set value Ve. For example, if there are three types of big hits, 1 to 3, the higher the set value Ve, the higher the probability of winning all of the big hits 1 to 3, The combined winning probability may be increased. In addition, the probability of winning some jackpots may be increased. For example, only the winning probabilities 1 to 2 of the big hits may be increased, and the big winning 3 may be set to a constant winning probability with all set values Ve.

(About setting value change operation)

In order to change the setting value Ve, in this example, the setting key switch 94 is turned on (operated to the setting change mode side) in a state where the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off and the front frame 2 is released. To power on the gaming machine 1. Then, the current set value Ve is displayed on the setting display 97, and a transition is made to the “setting change mode” in which the setting value Ve (for example, 1 to 6) can be changed.

In this example, whether or not to shift to the setting change mode is determined in a main process on the main control side described later (see steps S105 and S113 in FIG. 5). When the condition for shifting to the setting change mode is satisfied, the “setting changing flag” is changed from the OFF state to the ON state (step S114 in FIG. 5), and the processing for changing the setting is executed accordingly. .
In this example, the process for changing the setting is performed by a main control side timer interrupt process (FIG. 8) periodically performed by the main control unit 20. In the main control side timer interrupt process, the process proceeds to the process for setting change on condition that the setting change flag controlled in the main control side main process is ON as described above (step S601 in FIG. 10). (See S613). That is, the setting change mode is entered.

In the setting change mode, when the RAM clear switch 98 that functions as a setting operator for the setting value Ve is turned ON, the current display value of the setting display 97 becomes “1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 1”. In the range of 1 to 6 like “→ 2 → 3 →. When the setting key switch 94 is turned OFF when the desired setting value Ve is reached, the setting value Ve is determined, and information on the determined setting value Ve is stored (stored) in a predetermined area of the RAM 203.
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.
When the setting change mode ends, the state is shifted to a state in which game progress is allowed.

(About performance display)

A performance indicator 99 is connected to the main controller 20. The main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for controlling display of predetermined performance information displayed on the performance indicator 99.

  The performance indicator 99 functions as a display means for displaying (notifying) performance information related to a gaming operation in a predetermined period (specific game period), and includes a plurality of 7-segment indicators. Although details will be described later, the performance information is information that the pachinko hall and related agencies want to confirm, such as whether or not there are illegal prize balls such as excess prize balls for the gaming machine 1 and the original performance of the gaming machine 1 Information is a typical example. Therefore, the performance information itself is information that is not directly related to the progress of the game itself when the player is engaged in the game, unlike the notice effect.

  For this reason, the performance indicator 99 is provided inside the gaming machine 1, 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 (effect control board (liquid crystal control board) 24) and a board case (protective cover for protecting the board), etc., are provided at appropriate positions inside the gaming machine so that the performance information can be easily seen.

  Here, the following information can be specifically 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) that are paid out when winning at the winning opening (upper starting opening 34, lower starting 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.
Further, as to which state is adopted as the specific state, it can be determined as appropriate depending on the desired state of performance information. In the case of the present embodiment, any of the normal state, the latent state, the short time state, the probability variation state, and the big hit game can be employed. A plurality of types of states may be measured. For example, there are a normal state and a probable change state, and all the game states except the hit game, and the types to be measured can be determined as appropriate.
Moreover, as a period in a specific state, you may employ | adopt the period in which a jackpot lottery probability is a low probability state or a high probability state.
Alternatively, the total number of payouts may be determined by excluding one or a plurality of specific payouts from the measurement target (specific payout-excluded 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 (value calculated as normal payout number ÷ normal time out number × 100) is displayed as performance information (hereinafter referred to as “normal time ratio information”). The displayed value at this time is a value obtained by rounding off the first decimal place.
Therefore, the normal payout number, normal out number, and normal ratio information are respectively stored in the corresponding areas of the RAM 203 (specific middle total winning ball number storage area, specific middle out number storage area, specific ratio information storage area). 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 a 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. 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.

(Direction control command)

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

Here, the production control command defines a function by a 2-byte configuration consisting of a 1-byte length mode (MODE) and an event (EVENT) of the same 1-byte length. Bit7 is ON, and EVENT Bit7 is 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. Further, event (EVENT) information is set and output after a predetermined time elapses from the transmission of the strobe signal, and the second time 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.

[2-2. Production control unit]

The effect control unit 24 is equipped with a microprocessor incorporating a CPU 241 (effect control CPU), a ROM 242 (effect control ROM) that stores effect data required for the effect control processing, and a RAM 243 (function memory or 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), RTC (Real Time Clock) function unit, counter circuit, interrupt controller circuit, reset circuit, 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. This display control unit is an image ROM that stores a VDP (Video Display Processor) that controls overall video output processing such as image development processing and image drawing, and image data (effect image data) on which the VDP performs image development processing. A VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily stores image data developed by the VDP, a liquid crystal control CPU that outputs control data necessary for the VDP to perform display control, and a display control operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU. A liquid crystal control ROM that stores the described program and various data necessary for display control thereof, and a liquid crystal control RAM that functions as a work area and a buffer memory are mainly configured.

  In addition, the effect control unit 24 is a light display control unit for the light display device 45a including the decoration lamp 45 and various LEDs in order to display various effects (light effect, sound effect, and movable object effect by a movable body accessory). And an acoustic control unit for the sound generator 46a including the speaker 46, a drive control unit (motor drive circuit) for the movable body accessory motor 80c for operating the movable body accessory (not shown), and the like.

  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 detected 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 selects (determines) an effect pattern 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 is necessary. Various production means are controlled at the timing to produce the desired production. 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.

Here, with respect to the effect control command, the effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) generates an interrupt process based on the input of the above-described strobe signal transmitted by the main control unit 20 (CPU 201), and performs reception / analysis thereof. Specifically, the CPU 241 executes a control program for command reception interrupt processing based on the input of the strobe signal described above, acquires an effect control command in the interrupt processing realized thereby, and analyzes the command content. Do.
At this time, if an interrupt is generated based on the input of the strobe signal, the CPU 241 performs the process even if an interrupt process based on another interrupt (a timer interrupt process periodically executed) is being executed. The command reception interrupt processing is performed by interrupting the command, and the command reception interrupt processing is preferentially performed even if other interrupts occur simultaneously.

<3. Outline of operation>
[3-1. Design variation display game]

Next, an outline of the gaming operation of the gaming machine 1 realized by the above control configuration (FIG. 3) will be described.
First, the symbol variation display game will be described.

(Special symbol variation display game)

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, based on a predetermined starting condition, specifically, when a game ball enters (wins) the game ball into the upper start port 34 or the lower start port 35, the main control unit 20 A “big hit lottery” is performed by a random lottery. Based on the lottery result, the main control unit 20 displays the special symbol 1 and the special symbol 2 on the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b to start the special symbol variation display game. Derived and displayed on the symbol display 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, a predetermined “big hit” is obtained when the big win lottery result is “big hit” after a predetermined fluctuation display time has elapsed. In this mode, in other cases, the special symbol that is being displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed in a predetermined “offset” 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 symbol” (sometimes abbreviated as “special symbol”), and “special symbol variation display game 1” and “ The “special symbol variation display game 2” is simply referred to as “special symbol variation display game”.

(Decoration pattern change 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. Accompanying this, various effects 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 decorative 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”, and “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”. ”Is displayed).

  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 (big prize opening) won by the open door 52b until the opening time of the big prize opening passes a predetermined time (maximum opening time: 29.8 seconds, for example), or the big prize opening is won. 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 round games), where 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 above-described decorative symbol variation display game, first, the main control unit 20 is based on the fact that a game ball has entered (wins) the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35. Whether the game is detected by the upper start sensor 34a or the lower start sensor 35a and the start condition (the start condition related to the special symbol) is satisfied, whether the game is “big hit” or “out of” 'Lottery lottery (win / fail type lottery)' and, if it is 'big hit', the big hit type is drawn, and if it is 'out of lot', the wrong type is drawn. ) 'And a lottery lottery (If there is only one type, the lottery may be omitted because there is no need to perform a type lottery for the loss), and based on the lottery result information And winning A special symbol (hereinafter, referred to as “special stop symbol”) that is finally stopped and displayed is determined according to the type.
The main control unit 20 then includes a “variation pattern designation command” including at least a special symbol variation pattern information (for example, information on the jackpot lottery result and the variation time of the special symbol) as an effect control command for specifying the processing state. It transmits to the production control unit 24 side. 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 winning and a “outlier variation pattern” in the case of loss depending on the result of the big hit lottery. 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 (duplication occurrence) of a pseudo-continuous effect and a reach effect. 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” which designates the occurrence of pseudo-continuous production and does not designate 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. In addition, 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.

(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 display device 39a displays the normal symbol represented by the LED in a variably displayed manner, and the normal symbol variation display game is started. And stop display. For example, when the result of the normal symbol variation display game is “per assist”, 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 in a lighting state, 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 ordinary open game, the game that won the lower start port 35 by the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 until the lower start port 35 has been opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) or has passed. Until the number of 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, maximum 2) repeated.

(About hold)

Here, in the present embodiment, during the special / decorative symbol variation display game, during the normal 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 port sensor 34a, the lower start port sensor 35a or the normal symbol start port sensor 37a, and the corresponding start condition (symbol game start condition) is satisfied, As data relating to the right to start the variable display game, except for data related to the variable display game, the data is reserved and stored up to a maximum reserved storage number (for example, a maximum of four) which is a predetermined upper limit value. The on-hold hold data that has not been subjected to the symbol variation display operation or the game ball related to the hold data is also referred to as an “operation hold ball”. In order to clarify to the player the number of the operation holding balls, 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 number of times that the special symbol or the normal symbol is changed. In addition, the maximum memory number (maximum reserved memory number) of each operation reservation ball number 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 appropriately determined according to game play.

[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 embodiment, first, various gaming states will be described.

  The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to execute and control at least four types of gaming states: a normal state, a short time state, a latent probability state, and a probability variation state. 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 extension state occurs, the opening operation period of the movable wing piece 47 is extended from, for example, 0.2 seconds in the normal state (under the non-open extension state) to 1.7 seconds. The normal time is extended to 2-3 times.
In the case of the present embodiment, the lottery probability per assistance varies from a low probability (for example, 1/256) of a predetermined probability (normal probability) to a high probability (for example, 255/256) under the electric chew support state. The figure probability variation state) occurs, and the “normal symbol short state” occurs (for example, from 10 seconds), which shortens the average time required for one normal symbol variation display game (ordinary symbol variation display operation time). Shortened to 1 second). Therefore, when the electric chew support state occurs, the ordinary electric open game frequently occurs, and the operating rate improvement state (high base state) in which the operating 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 other case is referred to as “no electric support”.

  In the present embodiment, the “normal state” is a low probability (for example, 1/399) that the jackpot lottery probability is a predetermined probability (normal probability), and a gaming state without electric support (low probability + no electric support). say.

  “Time-short state” means that the probability of winning a lottery is the same as in the normal state, but the average time required for one special symbol variation display game (special symbol variation display operation time)) is higher than the normal state. This means a game state in which a special symbol short-time state is generated, and an electric chew support state occurs. 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 a big hit lottery is higher than the low probability (for example, 1/3 of 19.9), and a gaming state without electric support (high Probability, no power 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”.

Focusing on the big win lottery probability regarding the gaming state, if the gaming state is “normal state” or “short-time state”, at least the big hit lottery probability is “low probability state”, and the gaming state is “latency probability state” “probability change”. In the case of “state”, at least the jackpot lottery probability is “high probability state”. Note that, during the big hit, a big hit game in which the big winning opening is opened and closed occurs, but the big win lottery probability and the presence / absence of electric support are placed under the same low probability / no electric support game state as in the normal state.

[3-3. About winning]

Next, “winning” in the gaming machine 1 will be described.
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a big hit lottery (win lottery) is performed for a plurality of types of hits. In the case of this example, the hit types include, for example, “normal 4R”, “normal 6R”, “probability variation 6R”, and “probability variation 10R” big hits that belong to the big hit type.
The notation “R” means a specified number of rounds (maximum number of rounds).

  The jackpot type is a hit that triggers 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 passing through a specific area in the big prize opening.

In the probability variation state, when the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game is over a predetermined number of times (for example, 70 times: the specified number of STs) without winning the jackpot type, the high probability state is terminated and a low probability is entered. This is a so-called “number cutting probability change machine (ST machine)”, and when the specified number of STs is completed, the game is shifted to the normal state from the next game. 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). Any one of 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.

Here, in this example, as with the jackpot type, a plurality of types are also provided for “out”. Specifically, there are three types of detachment types: “displacement 1”, “detachment 2”, and “displacement 3”.
As described above, if the result of the winning lottery is “missing”, the lottery of the losing type is performed in the symbol lottery.

[3-4. About production]
(Direction 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, 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, and the probability change state are provided. In each effect mode, the background display as the background of the variation display screen of decorative symbols is displayed with different background effects so that the player can grasp what game state they are currently staying in. It has become.

The effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) includes a function unit (effect state transition control means) that controls the transition between a plurality of types of effect modes. The effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) receives a specific effect control command sent from the main control unit 20 (CPU 201), specifically, an effect control command including game state information managed on the main control unit 20 side. Based on the game state managed on the main control unit 20 side, the current game state is grasped and transition control between a plurality of types of effect modes is possible. Examples of the specific effect control command as described above include a variation pattern designation command, a decoration symbol designation command, and a game state designation command sent when a change occurs in the game state.

(Notice production)

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 (predicts) the degree of expectation of whether or not the winning type has been won (hereinafter referred to as “winning expectation degree”), and serves as a “drilling effect” for encouraging the player's winning expectation. work. Typical examples of the notice effect include “reach effect”, “pseudo-continuous effect”, and “prefetching notice effect”. The effect control unit 24 functions as a notice effect control means capable of executing (appearing) these effects.

  The “reach effect” refers to an effect mode with a reach state (variable display mode with a reach state: reach change pattern). Specifically, the final game result is derived and displayed via the reach state. Say the direction. 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 a normal reach production appears. Such reach production is called 'super reach production'. Many of these “Super Reach” have a relatively long production time (fluctuation time) than normal reach in order to win the winning expectation. Normal reach and super reach include multiple types of reach production. In this example, the super reach includes a plurality of types of reach productions of super reach 1, 2, 3, 4 and the winning expectation of these super reach 1 to 4 is “super reach 1 <super reach 2 <super. Reach 3 <super reach 4 ”.

  “Pseudo-continuous effect” refers to an effect that involves a pseudo continuous variation display state (pseudo-continuous variation) of a decorative symbol. “Pseudo continuous variation” refers to one of the decorative symbols in a decorative symbol variation display game. This refers to a variable display mode in which a display operation is repeated once or a plurality of times such that a part or the whole is temporarily stopped and a 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 (appearance rate) of such “pseudo trains” is basically determined so that the winning expectation degree increases as the number of pseudo fluctuations increases. It is easy to select an effect for raising expectations such as reach.

  The “pre-reading notice effect” is mainly used for the 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 at the same time. In addition, in the symbol variation display game, in addition to the “reach effect”, various effects such as a so-called “SU (step-up) notice effect”, “timer notice effect”, “resurrection effect”, and “premier notice effect” are provided. Occurs and excites the game content.

Here, with reference to FIG. 4, the “holding change notice effect” as an example of the prefetch notice effect will be described.
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 FIG. 4, the presence or absence of the operation holding ball is turned on (with the operation holding ball: “◯ (white circle mark)” in the figure)) or turned off (without the operation holding ball: the broken line circle shown in the figure). The example which alert | reports the information regarding the number of operation suspension balls 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 the present embodiment, the changing display area 78 is configured such that an image of a form in which an icon of the game execution hold K currently provided for the game appears on the icon of the seat J appears. That is, when the change 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 S809 to S812 in FIG. 12).
In the case of the present embodiment, the hold addition command is composed of 2 bytes, and the hold addition command makes it possible to specify the data on the upper byte side that makes it possible to specify the number of suspended balls at the time of prefetch determination, and prefetch determination information. It consists of lower byte data.

Here, as can be understood from the above description, in the present embodiment, the pre-reading of the reserved ball is based on the fact that a winning ball is generated at the upper starting port 34 or the lower starting port 35 and a new holding ball is generated. As a determination, a big hit lottery is performed for the symbol variation display game related to the reserved ball. As will be described later, the main control unit 20 suspends and stores information representing the result of the big hit lottery performed as such a prefetch determination in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 203.
The information of the jackpot lottery result obtained at the time of prefetching determination is used for selecting (lottery) a symbol variation pattern in the symbol variation display game, and can be said to be “variation pattern selection information”. Therefore, it can be said that the main control unit 20 makes a prefetch determination and holds the “variation pattern selection information” obtained as a result in a predetermined area of the RAM 203.

When receiving the above hold addition command transmitted from the main control unit 20, the effect control unit 24, based on the prefetch determination information included therein, as a part of the display control process related to the hold display, “prefetching notice effect” The effect control process is performed. Specifically, a “prefetching notice lottery” for drawing whether or not to execute the prefetching notice effect is performed, and if this is won, the prefetching notice effect is displayed.
Regarding the pre-reading notice lottery, the pre-reading notice lottery method for the “pending change notice” in this embodiment will be described later.

Here, the pre-reading determination information specifically refers to a big hit lottery result (a big hit lottery result at the start of fluctuation) executed when the main control unit 20 is used for the action holding ball in the symbol fluctuation display game, This is game information obtained by prefetching the variation pattern at the start of variation. 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.
In this example, it is assumed that the pending addition command includes prefetch failure information, prefetch symbol information, and prefetch variation pattern information.

  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 in which the variation pattern at the start of the variation is a variation pattern designating “super reach 1” will be representatively described. In this case, the content designated by the prefetch variation pattern is “super reach 1”. It is possible to specify that it is not the type of reach production itself but the “super reach type” that is the main point.

In the case of the present embodiment, when the pre-reading notice lottery is won, among the holding icons of the holding display parts a1 to d1 and a2 to d2, the holding icon that is the target of the prefetching notice is, for example, a normal holding display. “Normal hold display mode” can be changed from the white color of the normal display to the hold display (special hold display mode) with the blue, green, red, or danger pattern (or a special color or pattern such as rainbow color) of the notice display. System "pre-reading notice effect (also referred to as" pending change notice ") is performed.
FIG. 4 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 danger pattern display of the hold icon means that the winning expectation degree is high in this order. Especially, the display of the hold icon of the danger pattern has a very high win expectation expectation degree. It is a premium hold icon that is displayed.

(Direction means)

Various effects in the gaming machine 1 are displayed by effecting means arranged in the gaming machine 1. The directing means may be any stimulus transmitting means that can exert a directing effect by appealing to human perception such as visual, auditory, and tactile sensations, and light generating means (light display device 45a: Light producing means), a sound generating device such as a speaker 46 (sound producing device 46a: sound producing means), an effect displaying device (display means) such as a liquid crystal display device 36, a pressurizing device for transmitting contact pressure to the operator's body, A wind pressure device that applies wind pressure to a player's body, a movable body accessory that exhibits a visual effect by its operation, and the like are typical examples. 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 a display device that does not depend on an image (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.

<4. Processing of main control unit>

With reference to FIGS. 5-22, the process which the main-control part 20 of this embodiment performs is demonstrated. The processing of the main control unit 20 mainly includes predetermined main processing (main control side main processing: FIG. 5) and timer interrupt processing (main control side timer interrupt processing: FIG. 8) activated by a scheduled interrupt from the CTC. It is comprised including.

[4-1. Main control side main processing]

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main process on the main control side.
The main process on the main control side is started when a 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 out of control. In some cases, the CPU 201 is forcibly reset (WDT reset) by exerting (WDT). 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 S101).

(Initial setting process)

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the initial setting process in step S101.
In FIG. 6, when the above system reset or WDT reset occurs, the CPU 201 sets itself to an interrupt disabled state in step S201, and then proceeds to the processing of step S202. Execute the process.
That is, initialization processing for initial setting of register values and the like in the CPU 201 including each part of the microcomputer, interrupt mode setting processing for setting to a predetermined interrupt mode, and the value of the stack pointer in the CPU 201 as the final address of the stack area Correspondingly set stack pointer setting processing, internal hard random number setting processing for starting the internal hard random number circuit, and the like are executed.

  In step S203 following step S202, the CPU 201 sets the activation waiting time of the sub control board (effect control unit 24). Then, by the processing of steps S204 to S206, the WDT count value is timed out and the WDT count value is cleared so that the WDT count value does not occur, while waiting for the set activation waiting time to elapse. Specifically, 1 is subtracted from the set activation waiting time (step S204), the WDT count value is cleared (step S205: WDT clear processing), and the activation waiting time is not zero (step S206: ≠ 0). ), The process returns to step S204. Due to this waiting time, the activation of the effect control unit 24 is completed.

  In step S206, when the above startup waiting time has elapsed (waiting time = 0), the CPU 201 reads the power supply abnormality signal output from the power supply board twice in step S207. Next, in step S208, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the level of the power supply abnormality signal read twice matches, and repeats the processing of steps S207 and S208 until they match, and if the power supply abnormality signal level matches, In step S209, it is determined whether the power supply abnormality signal is at a normal level (power supply abnormality signal is OFF = normal level, ON = not normal level).

If the power supply abnormality signal is not at a normal level (step S209: ON), the CPU 201 returns to the process of step S207. That is, the same processing is repeated until the power supply abnormality signal changes to a normal level.
On the other hand, if the power abnormality signal is at a normal level (step S209: OFF), the CPU 201 proceeds to step S210 and turns on the power from the payout control board 29 while clearing the WDT count value by the processing of steps S210 and S211. Wait for the time signal to be sent. 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. As a result, if the payout control board 29 is not functioning normally due to some trouble, only the processing of steps S210 and S211 is repeated, and the gaming operation is not started. Therefore, for example, a payout abnormality such as a prize ball not being paid out does not occur, and it is possible to prevent the player from feeling distrust.
When the power-on signal is sent (step S211: ON), the CPU 201 finishes the initial setting process in step S101.

(Process after initial setting)

The CPU 201 proceeds to step S102 shown in FIG. 5 in response to finishing the initial setting process.
In step S <b> 102, the CPU 201 transmits a standby screen display command to the effect control unit 24.
In response to this standby screen display command, the effect control unit 24 displays on the liquid crystal display device 36 a predetermined screen display determined in response to activation, such as a screen on which characters such as “Please Wait...” Are arranged. Let it run.

In step S103 following step S102, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the RAM is abnormal. Specifically, whether or not the set value Ve stored in the work area of the RAM 203 is a value outside the normal range (in this example, the set value Ve corresponding to the settings 1 to 6 is outside the range of 0 to 5). Determine at least.
Here, the setting value Ve actually handled by the CPU 201 is, for example, a value of 1 byte, and values 00H to 05H are defined as values corresponding to the settings 1 to 6. “H” means a hexadecimal number (hereinafter the same). In the determination process in step S201, it is determined whether or not the value stored in the work area of the RAM 203 is a value in the range of 00H to 05H.
If it is determined that the set value Ve is not a value outside the normal range and that the RAM is not abnormal, the CPU 201 advances the process to step S104.

  If the process proceeds to step S104 instead of a RAM abnormality, it is determined whether any of the conditions for shifting to the setting change mode, the RAM clear condition, or the backup return condition is satisfied (S105, S106, S107, S108). ), Transition to the setting change mode, clearing of the RAM 203, and restoration of the backup are performed according to the determination result.

First, in step S104, the CPU 201 performs input port information acquisition and mask processing. This process is a process for obtaining information necessary for determining whether or not the condition for shifting to the setting change mode is satisfied. Specifically, this is a process for obtaining detection signal values by the front door opening sensor 61 and the setting key switch 94.
The detection signals from the front door opening sensor 61 and the setting key switch 94 can be rephrased as detection signals used by the main control unit 20 to determine whether to shift to the setting change mode.

Here, in the present embodiment, the detection signals output from the front door opening sensor 61 and the setting key switch 94 are input to the same input port of the main control unit (main control board) 20. Further, in this example, a signal other than the detection signals output from the front door opening sensor 61 and the setting key switch 94 is also input to the input port.
Specifically, the input port is a 1-byte port that can input, for example, 8 bits. The front door opening sensor 61 is set at a predetermined bit position in one byte, and the key switch is set at another predetermined bit position. 94 detection signal values are assigned, and signal values other than the detection signal values of the front door opening sensor 61 and the setting key switch 94 are assigned to other bit positions.

  In step S104, the CPU 201 acquires a value (1 byte in this example) at the corresponding input port, and masks values other than the detection signal values of the front door opening sensor 61 and the setting key switch 94 among the acquired values. To do.

In step S105, the CPU 201 determines whether the door is open and the setting key is ON based on the value after masking in step S104. That is, it is determined whether or not the door opening sensor 61 is in the ON state (the front frame 2 is open) and the setting key switch 94 is in the ON state.
In this example, such a determination as to whether the door is open and the setting key is ON is performed as a batch determination based on the value after masking in step S104. Specifically, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the door is open and the setting key is ON by determining whether or not the value after the masking (a 2-bit value in this example) is a predetermined value. To do. For example, if the detection signal value of the door opening sensor 61 = “1” represents the front frame 2 release state, and the detection signal value of the setting key switch 94 = “1” represents the ON state of the setting key switch 94, Whether the value of each bit position after masking is “1” is determined as whether the door is open and the setting key is ON.

As described above, in the present embodiment, detection signals from the front door opening sensor 61 and the setting key switch 94, in other words, detection signals used for determining whether to shift to the setting change mode are input to the main control unit 20 in the same manner. It is input to the port, and it is collectively determined whether or not the value of each input detection signal is a value satisfying a predetermined condition.
As a result, the number of determination processes can be reduced as compared with the case of individually determining whether or not the value of each detection signal satisfies a predetermined condition for the determination of transition to the setting change mode.

If it is determined in step S105 that the door is open and the setting key is ON, the CPU 201 advances the process to step S114 to change the setting change flag from the OFF state to the ON state.
As described above, the setting change flag is turned on, so that it is set according to the operation in the setting change process (see FIG. 10) executed as part of the main control side timer interrupt process described later. Processing for setting the value Ve is performed.

In response to setting the setting changing flag in the ON state in step S114, the CPU 201 transmits a setting changing command to the effect control unit 24 in step S115.
Upon receiving this setting change command, the effect control unit 24 displays on the liquid crystal display device 36 a screen display for notifying that the setting is being changed, such as a screen on which characters such as “setting is being changed”. A process for executing the sound or outputting a corresponding sound while changing the setting from the speaker 46 is performed. Further, at this time, the effect control unit 24 may light a predetermined LED (for example, all LEDs) in the above-described light generation means (light display device 45a) with a predetermined lighting pattern.
In addition, the process as an embodiment performed by the effect control unit 24 in response to the reception of the setting change command will be described later.

In step S117 following step S115, the CPU 201 executes a RAM clear process and proceeds to step S118.
In this RAM clearing process, data in a predetermined target area other than the storage area for the set value Ve, the storage area for the setting change flag, and the performance information storage area described above in the RAM area of the RAM 203 is cleared (for example, “0”). ”Is written).

  Here, what is to be cleared in the RAM clear process is data of various flags necessary for normal game progress, and data in a RAM area (normal data storage area) such as a timer and a counter. Examples of these data include the following. That is, data relating to the game state designation (a game state flag for specifying a current game state such as a normal state, a probability change state, a short time state, a latent state, etc.), and a flag (condition device) for designating whether or not a winning game is being played Operation 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 judgment flag: winning lottery result information, special symbol judgment data: symbol lottery result information) , Hold data related to the active hold ball (actual hold ball number, various random numbers used for big hit lottery, various random values used for lottery per auxiliary, random number for variation pattern), special symbol operation status, managing game progress Timer (special symbol accessory operation timer), input / output data related to switches and sensors, various winning counters for counting the number of winning balls in the winning opening, electric support Flags that specify the presence or absence of an electric signal (open extension flag), electric support count counter that counts the remaining number of electric supports, counters that count the remaining number of times in a high probability state (special figure variable number counter, universal figure variable number counter), various An error flag (excluding a RAM error flag), payout-related data, and the like. In any case, when the RAM clear process is executed, all data other than the specific data (set value Ve and performance information) are set to the initial state.

In step S118, the CPU 201 sets the current set value Ve in the set value buffer.
Here, in the present embodiment, an area as a setting value buffer is secured in addition to the work area as a storage target area of the setting value Ve in the RAM 203. The process of step S118 is a process of setting (storing) the current set value Ve stored in the work area of the RAM 203 in the set value buffer.
The significance of providing the set value buffer will be described later.

In step S119 following step S118, the CPU 201 sets a CTC for periodically generating a timer interrupt every predetermined time such as 4 ms.
By performing the setting process in step S119, an interrupt request signal to the interrupt controller is periodically output, and the main control timer interrupt process is executed.

In subsequent step S120, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the setting change flag is ON.
If the setting change flag is not ON, the CPU 201 turns on the firing permission signal for the payout control board 29 in step S121.
In response to this, 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 a game ball. As a result, the game ball can be launched by the launch operation handle 15.

As described above, when the setting change flag is not ON, that is, when the setting change is not performed at the time of activation, the state is shifted to a state where a game ball can be launched.
As shown in the figure, when the launch of the game ball is permitted in step S121, the process shifts to the main loop process in step S122, thereby controlling the state in which the game operation can proceed. .
The main loop process in step S122 will be described later with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S120 that the setting changing flag is ON, the CPU 201 passes the firing permission signal ON process in step S121 and proceeds to the main loop process in step S122.
That is, when the setting is changed at the time of activation, the launch of the game ball is not permitted, and the game operation is not allowed to proceed. As will be described later, when the setting is changed, the firing permission signal is turned ON in response to an operation for determining the setting value Ve on the timer interrupt processing side (steps S611 and S615 in FIG. 10). See). That is, the game state is shifted to a state in which the game operation can proceed in accordance with the completion of the setting change operation.

  In the above description, the discharge control board 29 receives the launch permission signal from the main control unit 20 and permits the launch operation, that is, the launch permission instruction information from the main control unit 20 is indirectly transmitted through the payout control board 29. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration in which a firing permission signal from the main control unit 20 is directly output to the firing control board 28 may be employed. .

Next, the case where it is determined in step S103 that the RAM is abnormal will be described.
When it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S110 and transmits a setting change waiting command to the effect control unit 24.
In the present embodiment, when a RAM abnormality is detected at the time of activation, the mode is forcibly shifted to the setting change mode and a change (setting) of the setting value Ve is accepted. For this reason, first, in step S110, the CPU 201 notifies the effect control unit 24 side of transition to the setting change mode by a setting change waiting command.
Upon receiving the setting change waiting command, the production control unit 24 executes a screen display for prompting a setting change operation on the liquid crystal display device 36 such as a screen including characters such as “Please open the door to change the setting”. Let At this time, the effect control unit 24 may perform control for causing a corresponding light effect (for example, lighting of all LEDs in the light display device 45a) and sound effect to appear together with the screen display.

  In response to the command transmission process of step S110, the CPU 201 clears the WDT so as not to be reset by the WDT by the process of steps S111, S112, and S113 (S111), and the condition for shifting to the setting change mode is satisfied. (S112, S113). Here, the processing in steps S112 and S113 is the same as the processing in steps S104 and S105 described above, and therefore a duplicate description is avoided.

  If it is determined in step S113 that the door is open and the setting key is ON, the CPU 201 advances the process to step S114 described above. As a result, even when shifting to the setting change mode due to a RAM error at the time of startup, the setting changing flag is turned ON (S114), the setting changing command is transmitted (S115), and the RAM clearing process (S117) is performed. In addition, the processing after step S118 described above is executed.

Next, a case where the RAM is cleared without changing the setting will be described.
If it is determined in the previous step S105 that the door is not opened and the setting key is not ON, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S106 and determines whether or not the RAM clear switch 98 is ON.
If the RAM clear switch 98 is ON, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S116 and transmits a RAM clear command to the effect control unit 24, and then executes a RAM clear process in step S117.
Upon receiving the RAM clear command, the effect control unit 24 performs a process for performing screen display, light effect, and sound effect corresponding to the RAM clear.
In addition, the process as embodiment which the production | presentation control part 24 performs according to RAM clear command is mentioned later.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the RAM can be cleared without changing the setting. Thus, it is possible to deal with cases where it is desired to clear data other than the data related to the set value Ve, such as payout-related data in the RAM 203.

  If the CPU 201 determines that the RAM clear switch 98 is not ON in step S106, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the backup flag is ON in step S107. If the backup flag is ON, the checksum is determined in step S108. It is determined whether or not.

Here, in the gaming machine 1, when the power is shut off, a process for backing up the stored information in the RAM 203 is performed by a power abnormality check process (step S 401, see FIG. 9) described later in the main control timer interrupt process. If the backup process is properly performed when the power is shut off, the backup flag is turned ON, and the checksum value based on the data stored in the RAM 203 is calculated and stored in the RAM 203 (SUM address in the RAM 203) ( (See steps S511 and S512 in FIG. 9).
Therefore, in the above steps S107 and S108, the backup flag and the checksum value are confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the backup can be restored. Specifically, in step S107, it is determined whether or not the backup flag stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203 is ON. In step S108, a checksum value is calculated based on the data stored in the RAM 203, and it is determined whether or not the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value stored in the SUM area of the RAM 203. Here, the checksum value is calculated by an 8-bit addition operation for a predetermined work area of the RAM 203, for example.
Note that the data stored in the RAM 203 is maintained by the backup power supply even after the power is shut off.

  If it is determined in step S107 that the backup flag is not ON, or if it is determined in step S108 that the checksums do not match, the CPU 201 advances the process to step S110 described above. As a result, when the backup restoration condition is not satisfied, the transition to the setting change mode is forcibly performed as in the case where the RAM abnormality described above is recognized.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that the checksums match (that is, if the backup flag is ON and the checksum matches), the CPU 201 performs the backup recovery process in step S108 and advances the process to step S118 described above.
The above-described backup recovery process is a process for returning to the operation before power-off after power-on based on the stored contents of the RAM 203 backed up at the time of power-off. Specifically, the CPU 201 restores the stack pointer before the power shutdown, starts the game operation from the processing state at the time of the power shutdown, and information necessary for the game recovery from the backup data (for example, at the time of the power shutdown Processing for obtaining the number of pending action balls, hold data, game state information, and winning game type information) and transmitting various effect control commands (a plurality of game return commands) including the information to the effect control unit 24 I do. With such a game return command, the effect control unit 24 grasps the game progress state when the power is cut off, and returns to the effect state when the power is cut off when the game is restored.

(Main loop processing)

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the main loop process of step S122.
In the main loop process of FIG. 7, the CPU 201 sets itself to an interrupt disabled state in step S301, and executes a random number update process in subsequent step S302. In this random number update process, various random numbers used in the special symbol variation display game and the normal symbol variation display game (random numbers related to the big hit lottery circulating through a predetermined numerical range by the increment process (special symbol determination used in the symbol lottery) Random numbers) and random numbers used for lottery per assistance (random numbers for judgment per assistance used for winning lottery per assistance)) (random numbers used for special symbol judgment) , An initial value random number for determining per assistance) and a random number for variation pattern used to select a variation pattern.

  In the RAM 203 of the present embodiment, as various random number counters used for symbol lottery related to jackpot lottery, supplementary lottery, or variation pattern lottery, a counter for generating a random symbol initial value for special symbol determination, a special symbol determination There are provided a random number counter for use, a counter for generating a random number for initial determination for auxiliary per unit, a random number counter for determining auxiliary per unit, 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 random number update process in step S302, the above-described special symbol determination random number counter, two initial value generation counters for generating initial values of the auxiliary hit determination random number counter, the fluctuation pattern random number counter, and the like are updated to Generate a soft random number of. For example, if the numerical value range that can be taken as the variation pattern random number counter is “0 to 238”, the value is acquired from the count value storage area for generating the variation pattern random number value in the RAM 203, and the acquired value is After adding “1”, it is stored in the original count value storage area. At this time, if the result of adding “1” to the acquired value is “239”, “0” 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 random number update process in step S302 is completed, the CPU 201 performs a process of saving all register values in, for example, a predetermined area of the RAM 203 in step S303, and then performs a performance display monitor aggregation division process in step S304.
This performance display monitor totaling division process is a process of calculating a value as the above-described performance information (here, for example, a value as the above-mentioned “normal time ratio information”). As described above, the value of the normal time ratio information is calculated using the total number of payouts and the total number of out balls. However, the CPU 201 determines the winning prize (upper start port 34, Calculated based on the result of counting the number of game balls won in the lower start opening 35, the general winning opening 43, the big winning opening 50), and the total number of out balls is the number of game balls discharged from the out opening 49 Find by counting.
The counting of the number of winning balls and the counting of the number of out balls are performed in an input management process (see step S408 in FIG. 8) described later in the main control timer interrupt process. In step S304, the CPU 201 calculates a value as normal time ratio information based on the count values of the number of winning balls and the number of out balls that are performed on the timer interrupt processing side in this way. As described above, the calculated value as the normal time ratio information is stored in a predetermined area (measurement information storage area) of the RAM 203.
Note that the value of the normal time ratio information calculated in this way is displayed on the performance display 99 by a performance display monitor display process (see step S417 in FIG. 8) described later in the main control timer interrupt process.

  In step S305 following step S304, the CPU 201 performs processing for returning all register values saved in the previous step S303 to the corresponding registers as all register return processing, and in the subsequent step S306, the CPU 201 is set in an interrupt enabled state. Then, the process returns to step S301.

Thus, in the main loop process in step S122, the processes in steps S301 to S306 are repeated in an infinite loop. The CPU 201 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S301 to S306 except during the period of the timer interrupt process that is intermittently executed.

[4-2. Main control timer interrupt processing]

The main control timer interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The 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. 8, when a timer interruption occurs, the CPU 201 first executes a power supply abnormality check process in step S401. This power failure 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. Backup processing for storing predetermined game information in the RAM 203 is performed.

(Power failure check processing)

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the power supply abnormality check process in step S401.
In the power supply abnormality check process, the CPU 201 reads the power supply abnormality signal output from the power supply board twice in step S501, and determines in step S502 whether both read values match. If the two values do not match, the process returns to step S501 and the power supply abnormality signal is read twice.

If both values match in step S502, the CPU 201 determines in step S503 whether the power supply abnormality signal is at a normal level (power supply abnormality signal is OFF = normal level, ON = not normal level).
If the power supply abnormality signal is at a normal level (step S503: OFF), the CPU 201 turns off the backup flag in step S504, clears the power supply abnormality confirmation counter in step S505, and ends the power supply abnormality check process in step S401. That is, when it is confirmed that the power supply abnormality signal is at a normal level, the backup process described below is not performed and the timer interrupt process is continued.

On the other hand, if the power supply abnormality signal is not a normal level in step S503 (step S503: ON), the CPU 201 increments the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter by 1 in step S506, and then the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is increased in step S507. It is determined whether or not the threshold value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (threshold value = 2 or more natural number: for example, “2”).
If the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is not greater than or equal to the threshold value, the CPU 201 ends the power supply abnormality check process in step S401. That is, when a state where the power supply abnormality signal is not at a normal level is detected but not continuously detected, the backup process is not performed and the timer interrupt process is continued.

On the other hand, if the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the CPU 201 performs the backup process shown as steps S509 to S513 after setting the setting changing flag to the OFF state in step S508.
Specifically, the CPU 201 first clears the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter (S509), sets the firing permission signal to OFF (S510), sets the backup flag to ON (S511), and checks based on the data stored in the RAM 203. The sum value is calculated and stored (S512). As described above, in the process of step S512, a checksum value is calculated by an 8-bit addition operation for a predetermined work area of the RAM 203, and the calculated checksum value is stored in a predetermined area (SUM area) of the RAM 203. save.
Further, the CPU 201 transmits a power-off command to the effect control unit 24 (S513), and the process proceeds to step S514.

In step S514, the CPU 201 performs processing for enabling RAM protection and setting the prohibited area to invalid.
The RAM protection is a function for preventing rewriting of the RAM 203 due to malfunction or erroneous operation. When the RAM protection is set to be valid, only data reading from the RAM 203 is possible, and data cannot be written.
The prohibited area is an area corresponding to a designated area in the IAT (prohibition of running outside designated area) function. By setting the prohibited area to be invalid, an IAT reset does not occur thereafter.

In step S515 following step S514, the CPU 201 clears the value of the output port. In step S516, the CPU 201 stops timer interrupt processing, sets itself to the interrupt disabled state, and shifts to infinite loop processing.
In this infinite loop, the CPU 201 is reset by WDT, and shifts to an operation stop state due to loss of operation power.

Returning to FIG.
In FIG. 8, when the power failure check process in step S401 is completed, the CPU 201 executes a switch input data creation process in step S402. Specifically, 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 input information includes, for example, a winning detection switch such as an upper starting sensor 34a, a lower starting sensor 35a, a normal symbol starting sensor 37a, a big winning opening sensor 52a, a general winning opening sensor 43a, and an OUT monitoring switch 49a. ON / OFF information (winning detection information) of the output switch signal, ON / OFF information (operation Information), status signals from the dispensing 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.

In subsequent step S403, the CPU 201 performs a setting change process.
In this setting change process, a process for setting the set value Ve based on an operation or a process for confirming and displaying the set value Ve being set is performed according to the value of the setting change flag.

(Setting change processing)

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the setting change process in step S403.
In FIG. 10, the CPU 201 first determines in step S601 whether or not the setting change flag is ON. This corresponds to determining whether or not the condition for shifting to the setting change mode is satisfied.
As can be understood from the above description, the condition for shifting to the setting change mode in this example is specifically that at the start-up, the front frame 2 is released and the setting key switch 94 is ON. Even if the condition is satisfied, or even if the condition is not satisfied, a RAM abnormality is confirmed at startup (S103), or it is determined that backup recovery is impossible (S107 or S108) The front frame 2 is released and the setting key switch 94 is turned on.

If the setting change flag is ON, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S602, and as a security signal flag set process, a security signal transmission flag (security signal flag) for notifying the hall computer HC that the setting is being changed. Then, the process proceeds to the process for setting the set value Ve based on the operation following step S603.
When the security signal flag is set, a security signal is output to the hall computer HC through the frame external concentrated terminal board 21 by an external terminal management process (step S414) described later.

First, in step S603, the CPU 201 acquires the above-described setting value buffer value as the setting value Ve currently being set.
The “value of the set value buffer” here is the set value Ve set by the process of step S118 in FIG. 5 (that is, the same value as the set value Ve stored in the work area of the RAM 203).
In step S603, processing for acquiring the setting value Ve set in the setting value buffer on the main processing side in the register of the CPU 201 is performed.
The reason why the setting value Ve is taken into the register in this way is to perform an operation for incrementing the setting value Ve in accordance with a setting value Ve changing operation (in this example, a forward feed operation) described below.

In step S604 following step S603, the CPU 201 confirms the state of the change switch, that is, the operation switch that instructs to change the set value Ve.
As described above, in this example, the RAM clear switch 98 is also used as the change switch. Therefore, in step S604, processing for confirming the state (ON state / OFF state) of the RAM clear switch 98 is performed.

If the change switch as the RAM clear switch 98 is ON, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S605 and increments the set value Ve by one. That is, the set value Ve acquired in the register is incremented by one.
Next, in step S606, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the set value Ve is within a specified range, specifically, in this example, whether or not it is within the range of “0 to 5”.
As described above, the setting value Ve actually handled by the CPU 201 is a 1-byte value, and values 00H to 05H are defined as values corresponding to the settings 1 to 6. In step S606, it is determined whether or not the value held in the register is a value in the range of 00H to 05H.

In step S606, if the set value Ve is not within the specified range, the CPU 201 rewrites the set value Ve held in the register to “0” (00H) in step S607, and stores the register in the set value buffer in step S608. Is stored.
Accordingly, the setting value Ve can be changed to the value “00H” corresponding to the setting 1 in accordance with the changing operation performed in the state where the setting value Ve is “05H” corresponding to the setting 6, and the setting value Ve is cyclically changed. Changes are realized.
On the other hand, if the set value Ve is within the specified range, the CPU 201 passes step S607 and executes the storage process of step S608. That is, in this case, a value obtained by incrementing the original set value Ve before the change operation by 1 is stored in the set value buffer.

  The significance of storing the setting value Ve during the setting change in the buffer area (setting value buffer) instead of the work area of the RAM 203 will be described later.

  In step S609 following step S608, the CPU 201 creates setting value display data. That is, the display data for creating the setting value Ve changed (selected) in accordance with the changing operation on the setting display 97 is created. Specifically, the CPU 201 creates setting value display data based on the setting value Ve stored in the setting value buffer.

The setting value display of the setting indicator 97 based on the setting value display data created in step S608 is performed by the display control process for the setting indicator 97 performed by the CPU 201 in the LED management process in step S415 (FIG. 8) described later. Realized.
By performing the setting value display based on the setting value display data as described above, it is possible to make a staff member such as a hall staff check the setting value Ve currently selected in the setting change mode.

  If the change switch is not in the ON state in the previous step S604, the CPU 201 passes steps S605 to S608 and performs the data creation process in step S609. That is, if no change operation is detected, the setting value display data representing the setting value Ve held in the setting value buffer at that time is created and displayed on the setting display 97.

In step S610 following step S609, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the setting key is OFF, that is, whether or not the setting key switch 94 is in the OFF state.
If the setting key is not OFF, the setting change operation has not been completed, and the CPU 201 ends the setting change process in step S403.
During the setting change mode in which the setting change flag is ON, the state of the change switch is sequentially confirmed for each interrupt by the process of step S406. If the change switch is ON, the processes of steps S605 to S609 are performed. Then, the set value Ve is incremented according to the operation, and the display data of the setting display 97 is updated.

On the other hand, if the setting key is OFF in step S610, the CPU 201 clears the setting value display data in step S611, and sets the setting changing flag to the OFF state in step S612, assuming that the setting change operation is completed.
Further, in the subsequent step S613, the CPU 201 stores the value of the setting value buffer in the work area. That is, the setting value Ve held in the setting value buffer is stored in the setting value Ve storage area defined in the work area of the RAM 203.
As described above, the setting value Ve held in the setting value buffer is stored in the work area of the RAM 203 in accordance with the completion of the setting change. That is, the setting value Ve as a so-called fixed value after the setting change is completed is stored in the work area.

  In subsequent step S <b> 614, the CPU 201 transmits a set value command to the effect control unit 24. This setting value command includes information (setting value information) that can identify the current setting value Ve. The setting value command sent here is transmitted when the setting change operation is completed and the setting value Ve is finalized. Therefore, the command indicating that the setting changing operation is completed (the setting value Ve is confirmed). Also used as

  When receiving the above set value command, the effect control unit 24 ends the setting change 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 Ve is selected and determined (reset to the same set value Ve). It is preferable to notify the above. 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 all 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 any effect that uses at least one effect among the light effect, the sound effect, and the image display effect.

In addition, since the set value command includes set value information, the effect control unit 24 can grasp the current set value Ve by the set value command. Thereby, it is possible to control the appearance related to the set value Ve (“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 the internal set value Ve while enjoying the game, so that the fun of the game can be improved.
The setting suggestion effect in the present embodiment will be described later.

In step S615 subsequent to step S614, the CPU 201 sets the firing permission signal to the ON state, and ends the setting change process in step S403.
When the launch permission signal is turned ON in step S615, the state is shifted to a state where a game operation can be started in response to the completion of the setting change operation.

Next, a process for confirming and displaying the setting value Ve being set will be described.
As a premise, the confirmation display of the set value Ve in the present embodiment can be performed by releasing the front frame 2 and turning on the setting key switch 94 while the gaming machine 1 is in a game operation.

If the setting change flag is not ON in the previous step S601, the CPU 201 first clears the setting value display data in step S616, and then determines whether or not there is a setting error in step S617. That is, based on the result of referring to a “setting error flag” (for example, ON = error present, OFF = no error) indicating the presence / absence of an error in the setting value Ve (a state where the setting value Ve is not in the normal range) Determine if there is an error.
Here, the setting error is reflected in the setting error flag by the processing of steps S1003 and S1005 in the variation management processing (step S909: see FIGS. 13 and 14) executed in response to the start of variation of the special symbol. .

In step S617, if it is not a setting error (setting error flag = OFF), the CPU 201 determines in step S618 whether or not the setting key is ON, that is, whether or not the setting key switch 94 is ON.
The determination processing in step S618 functions as processing for determining whether or not an operation for instructing confirmation display of the setting value Ve has been performed.

  If it is determined in step S618 that the setting key is not ON, the CPU 201 ends the setting change process in step S403. That is, in this case, the processing after step S403 in the main control timer interrupt processing is executed. During the game operation, unless the setting key switch 94 is turned ON for setting value Ve confirmation display and no setting error has occurred, the process flows in steps S601 → S616 → S617 → S618 → S404, and the game operation is performed. It is possible to proceed.

On the other hand, if the setting key is ON in step S618, the CPU 201 generates setting value display data in step S619, and ends the setting change process in step S403.
Here, when step S619 is executed, since the set value Ve is already determined, the creation of the set value display data in step S619 is stored in the work area instead of the set value buffer. This is performed based on the set value Ve.
Note that the display control of the setting indicator 97 based on the setting value display data created in step S619 is also performed in the LED management process in step S415 (FIG. 8).

Here, since the setting value display data is cleared every time timer interruption is performed in step S616, if a setting error is confirmed in step S617, the setting indicator 97 is displayed in the LED management process (S415) described later. There is no value to be used for the display control, and accordingly, the setting value Ve is not displayed on the setting display 97. That is, nothing is displayed in this example.
In the confirmation display of the set value Ve, it is only an example that nothing is displayed on the setting display unit 97 as described above when a setting error occurs. For example, the normal range values “1” to “1” are displayed. Information other than “6” may be displayed. For example, when the setting display 97 is a display using a 7-segment LED as in this example, it is possible to display “E” indicating an error.

Further, as can be understood from the above processing explanation, in this embodiment, when the setting key switch 94 is turned on during the game operation, the setting value Ve being set is displayed on the setting display 97. At this time, After the setting value display data is created, the process proceeds to step S404, and the timer interruption process is continued. Therefore, the gaming operation is not suspended during the setting confirmation.
Thereby, the process for resuming the game operation after the setting confirmation is completed becomes unnecessary, and the processing load can be reduced.

(Processing for error management and game progression, etc.)

Returning to FIG.
In FIG. 8, after completing the setting change process in step S403, the CPU 201 determines in step S404 whether the setting change flag is ON.
If the setting change flag is not ON, the CPU 201 executes an error management process in step S405. 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, the CPU 201 transmits the relevant command to the effect control unit 24 as an error process if the error type requires an error command to be transmitted. When the production control unit 24 receives this error command, it performs error notification according to the error type. Further, the CPU 201 transmits an error cancel command to the effect control unit 24 when the error that has occurred is resolved. When the production control unit 24 receives this error release command, the error notification being executed is terminated.

Next, the CPU 202 executes various processes for progressing the game shown as steps S406 to S413.
First, in step S406, the CPU 201 executes a timer management process for managing a timer used for game operation control. Here, updating (subtraction processing) is performed on the values of various timers used for gaming operation control of the gaming machine 1.

  Further, in the subsequent step S407, the CPU 201 executes a timer interrupt random number management process for periodically updating the random numbers related to each variable display game. 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, in step S408, the CPU 201 performs input management processing. In this input management process, based on the input data created in the switch input data creation process (S402), the value of the winning counter or the OUT ball monitoring counter is updated. The “winning counter” is a counter that is provided corresponding to each winning opening and counts the number of game balls won (number of winning balls). The OUT ball monitoring counter is a counter that counts game balls (out balls) discharged from the out port 49.
The input management process in step S408 functions as an input management unit that manages input signals (detection signals) from various winning a prize opening sensors.

  Next, in step S409, the CPU 201 executes prize ball management processing. 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, in step S410, the CPU 201 executes normal symbol management processing. 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 port 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, in step S411, the CPU 201 executes normal electric accessory management processing. 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. On the basis of the solenoid control data set here, an excitation signal is output to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 41c, whereby the opening / closing operation pattern of the movable blade piece 47 is controlled.

Next, in step S412, the CPU 201 executes a special symbol management process. In this special symbol management process, a big hit 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 and the variation pattern at the start of variation) and the special stop symbol The processing necessary for the special symbol variation display game, such as determination of, is executed.
Details of the special symbol management process in step S412 will be described again with reference to FIGS.

Next, in step S413, the CPU 201 executes a special electric accessory management process. 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, the winning game (big 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 winning prizes to the big prize opening 50 and the opening time are performed. In addition, when the winning game is completed, the game state transition setting based on the winning gaming state and the winning type is performed.

  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. Send according to. 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.

  When the process for progressing the game up to step S413 is completed, the CPU 201 performs an external terminal management process in step S414. In this external terminal management process, the operating state information of the gaming machine 1 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 / award winning ball number information, and error information. The operation state information includes information indicating that the setting is being changed, particularly in the case of the present embodiment.

  Subsequently, CPU201 performs LED management processing at Step S415. 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. Control signals based on the display data created in the normal symbol management process (step S410), the special symbol management process (step S412), the setting change process (FIG. 10), etc. are displayed in the corresponding display device or display in this LED management process. The display is controlled. 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.

In step S416 following step S415, the CPU 201 saves the values of all the registers, and then performs a performance display monitor display process in step S417. That is, this is a process for displaying the value as the normal time ratio information described above on the performance indicator 99.
As mentioned above, in the case of this example, the value of the normal time ratio information is recalculated every time the number of all-out balls reaches a predetermined specified value, and the performance indicator 99 displays the current normal time ratio. Information and the previous normal time ratio information (normal time ratio information that has been calculated at the latest recalculation timing) can be displayed. For this reason, in the display process of step S417 in this case, the performance indicator 99 displays a value as these two types of normal time ratio information.
The current normal ratio information value is the value calculated in step S304 in the main loop process (FIG. 7), and the previous normal ratio information value is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203. Then, the CPU 201 reads the stored value and displays it on the performance indicator 99.

  Next, the CPU 201 restores all register values in step S418, clears the WDT count value in step S419, and finishes the main control timer interrupt processing.

  If the setting change flag is ON in step S404, the CPU 201 passes steps S405 to S413 and proceeds to the external terminal management process in step S414. That is, the error management process (S405) and the various processes (S406 to S413) for progressing the game are not performed in a state where the predetermined condition at the time of activation is satisfied and the mode is changed to the setting change mode. On the other hand, the process for displaying the set value Ve (S415) and the process for displaying performance information (S417) are executed.

When the above timer interrupt processing ends, the CPU 201 executes main control-side main processing until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[4-3. First Summary]

Here, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration by performing the main control side main process and the main control side timer interrupt process described so far. it can.

  That is, the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment includes a control unit (main control unit 20) that controls the progress of the game operation, and a storage unit (RAM 203) that can read / write information by the control unit. The control means includes a setting means (setting change process in step S403) for setting a setting value (the same Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation; At the time of startup, the backup information is determined to be unrecoverable by the backup recovery determination unit (determination processing in steps S107 and S108) for determining whether or not the stored information in the storage unit can be restored to the state before the power cut-off. If it is determined, the waiting means for waiting for the setting value setting operation without shifting to the process for starting the gaming operation (waiting by steps S111 to S113) And processing transition means for shifting to processing for starting a gaming operation on condition that a setting operation is performed during standby by the standby means (from flag OFF processing in step S612 and determination processing in step S120 to step S120). (See the transition to the firing permission signal ON in S121).

Thereby, it is possible to prevent the gaming operation from being performed in the setting state of the set value that may be rewritten illegally.
Therefore, the fairness of the game can be improved.

Moreover, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment includes a control unit (main control unit 20) that controls the progress of the game operation, and a storage unit (RAM 203) that can read / write information by the control unit. The control means includes setting means (setting change process in step S403) for setting a setting value (same Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation, and the setting value When the power shutdown is detected in the setting changing state for accepting the change, the setting changing flag for identifying whether the setting is being changed is changed from the ON state to the OFF state (setting change in step S508). Power interruption response processing means (power failure check processing in step S401) that shifts to processing for stopping operation in response to power shutdown, If the condition for changing the set value is not satisfied at the time of starting, the backup recovery process (step S109) for returning the stored information in the storage means to the state before the power shutoff is performed to start the gaming operation. On the other hand, if the condition for changing the set value is satisfied at startup, the setting changing flag is changed from the OFF state to the ON state (setting changing flag ON process in step S114). After that, there is a process transition means for transitioning to a clear process for clearing stored information in the storage means (RAM clear process in step S117).

According to the above configuration, the setting change process is not performed unconditionally by taking over the state before power-off.
The setting change condition is prevented when the setting change condition is not satisfied when the power is restored (for example, the front frame 2 (door) of the gaming machine 1 is closed). It is possible to reduce the processing load in that the processing is not executed indefinitely.
In addition, if the setting change condition is not satisfied when the power is restored, the storage means performs the backup restoration process and shifts to the process for starting the game operation. If there is not, the game operation can be started promptly without a useless setting change process.
On the other hand, if the setting change condition is satisfied after the power is restored, the setting changing flag is turned ON. It can be resumed promptly.
Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the operation burden when it is desired to continuously perform the setting change performed before the power is turned off after the power is restored.

Furthermore, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment includes a game board (3) in which a game area (3a) is formed, and a launching unit (launching device 32) that launches a game medium (game ball) to the game area. And a control means (main control unit 20) for controlling the progress of the game operation, and the control means indicates a set value (same Ve) indicating a stage as to whether or not to win a game state advantageous to the player. ) Based on the operation (setting change processing in step S403), error determination means for performing error determination processing for determining the presence / absence of an error relating to the game operation (error management processing in step S405), and change of the set value In the setting changing state (setting change in progress flag is ON state) that accepts the error, the firing by the launching means is disabled (processing route from step S120 to S122) and the error judgment by the error judgment means (Step S404 → S414 processing route), and after the change of the set value is completed, the launch is permitted (Step S615 launch permission signal ON process), and the error determination process is performed ( Processing route from step S404 to S405) setting change handling processing means.

Thereby, in the state in which the setting is being changed, that is, in the state in which the game medium is not allowed to be launched and the game operation does not progress, the error determination process is not performed indiscriminately.
Therefore, the processing burden can be reduced.

Furthermore, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment includes a game board (3) in which a game area (3a) is formed, and a winning opening (upper starting opening 34, lower starting opening 35, large winning opening provided in the gaming area). 50, a general winning opening 43), a launching means (launching device 32) for launching a game medium (game ball) to the game area, and a detecting means (upper start opening) for detecting the entering of the game medium into the winning opening Sensor 34a, lower start opening sensor 35a, large winning opening sensor 52a, general winning opening sensor 43a) and control means (main control unit 20) for controlling the progress of the game operation. A setting means (setting change process in step S403) for setting a setting value (the same Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of whether or not to win an advantageous gaming state is managed, and an input signal from the detection means is managed. Input management means for performing input management processing ( In the input management process in step S408) and in the setting changing state where the change of the setting value is accepted (the setting changing flag is ON), the launching means cannot be fired and the input management process is not performed by the input managing means. (Step S404 → S414 processing route), and after the change of the set value is completed, the launch is permitted (Step S615 launch permission signal ON process), and the input management process is performed (continues from Step S404 → S405 onward). Processing route) setting change handling processing means.

As a result, the input management process related to winning is never performed in a state where the setting is being changed, that is, in a state where the game medium is disabled to be launched and the game operation does not progress.
Therefore, the processing burden can be reduced.

Moreover, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment sets a setting value (the same Ve) that represents a stage regarding the probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation, and controls the progress of the gaming operation. The control means (main control unit 20) to be performed, and the information can be read / written by the control means, and the first storage area (setting value buffer) and the second storage area (work area) can be stored as setting values. Storage means (RAM 203) in which the two areas are defined, and the control means, when the setting value is changed in the setting changing state for accepting the change of the setting value, Of these, only the value in the first storage area is rewritten (see the acquisition process in step S603 and the storage process in S608), and when the setting value change is completed, the storage value in the first storage area is written in the second storage area. ( Storage processing of step S613) is intended.

As a result, even if the setting value setting process is realized by an interrupt process, the setting value before the setting is being determined is stored in the second area (work area) of the storage means. Prevention is achieved.
Therefore, for a gaming machine capable of changing settings, malfunctions based on erroneous setting values can be prevented, and the reliability of gaming operations can be improved.

Here, when the setting change is realized by an interrupt process, the interrupt process is executed a plurality of times during the period from the change of the set value according to the operation to the determination of the set value. At this time, after the set value is incremented by 1 and before the set value is incremented by 1 again, various processes such as other processes in the interrupt process and a main loop process are involved. Registers are used for incrementing the set value, but the number of registers is finite, and considering that registers are used in various processes involved as described above, the registers used for incrementing the set value are It is not desirable to keep the value as it is after the increment. That is, every time the set value is incremented by 1 using the register, it is desirable to save the incremented register value in another storage means until the next increment process.
At this time, the save destination of the set value after increment using the register may be the work area of the RAM, but the set value stored in the work area is referred to by various processes using the set value. In other words, it is not desirable to save the setting value before confirmation to the work area during the setting change because it causes a malfunction due to an incorrect setting value. In addition, if the setting value before confirmation in the register is saved to the work area, if the power shuts down while the setting is changed, the setting values used by various processes before the power shut down after the power is restored And the set value of the work area cannot be matched, and there is a risk of causing a malfunction due to this. Also from this point, it is not desirable to save the setting value before confirmation in the register to the work area.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the register setting value is saved each time in a buffer area (first area) different from the work area (second area), and is stored in the buffer area when the setting value change is completed. The set value is written to the work area.
As a result, it is possible to prevent the setting value before being determined from being stored for the work area from being stored, and to prevent malfunction based on an erroneous setting value, thereby improving the reliability of the gaming operation. Figured.

Furthermore, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment sets a setting value (the same Ve) that represents a stage regarding the probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation, and controls the progress of the gaming operation. The control means (main control unit 20) to be performed, and the information can be read / written by the control means, and the first storage area (setting value buffer) and the second storage area (work area) can be stored as setting values. Storage means (RAM 203) in which these two areas are defined, and display means (setting display 97) capable of displaying set values, and the control means performs setting display processing for displaying the set values on the display means. Setting display processing means to perform (each data creation processing in steps S609 and S619, LED management processing in step S414), and the setting display processing means enters a setting changing state that accepts a change in the setting value. When setting values are displayed, setting value display data is created based on the setting values stored in the first storage area (data creation processing in step S609), while setting value confirmation operation (determination processing in step S618) When the setting value is displayed based on the setting value, the setting value display data is created based on the setting value stored in the second storage area (the data creation process in step S619).

As a result, when setting value setting processing is realized by interrupt processing, the setting value display data for setting value display can be used to prevent the occurrence of malfunction due to the use of the setting value before setting so-called confirmation for game operation. Appropriate display data corresponding to each setting change and setting confirmation is created.
Therefore, for gaming machines that can be changed in settings, the setting value that is currently selected during the setting change is displayed in order to prevent the occurrence of a malfunction due to the setting value before the setting being changed being used for the gaming operation. , And the setting value currently being set during the setting confirmation can be displayed correctly.

Furthermore, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment sets a setting value (the same Ve) that represents a stage regarding the probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation, and controls the progress of the gaming operation. Control means (main control unit 20) for performing, first detection means for outputting detection signals used by the control means for determining whether to shift to the setting change mode for accepting a change in the set value, and second detection means (front door) An open sensor 61 and a setting key switch 94), and the control means inputs the detection signal of the first detection means and the detection signal of the second detection means through the same input port and inputs them. Whether or not each detection signal value satisfies a predetermined condition is collectively determined (see steps S104 and S105, S112 and S113).

As a result, the number of determination processes can be reduced as compared with the case of individually determining whether or not the value of each detection signal satisfies a predetermined condition for the determination of transition to the setting change mode.
Therefore, the processing burden can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to shorten the processing time required for determining the transition to the setting change mode.

  The first detection means and the second detection means described above are not limited to the front door opening sensor 61 and the setting key switch 94. For example, when the transition condition to the setting change mode is that the setting key switch 94 is ON and the RAM clear switch 98 is ON, the setting key switch 94 and the RAM clear switch 98 are first and second detected. It corresponds to a means.

Moreover, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment sets a setting value (the same Ve) that represents a stage regarding the probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation, and controls the progress of the gaming operation. Control means for performing (main control unit 20) and display means for performing information display (performance indicator 99), the control means is game performance information (performance information: for example, normal time ratio) which is performance information related to game operations Information) is managed, and in the setting changing state where the change of the setting value is received, the game result information is displayed on the display means (display processing in step S417), while in the setting changing state, the game result information is displayed. The update process is not performed.
Here, as described with reference to FIG. 8, when the setting change flag is ON (S404), the input management processing in step S408 is not performed, and accordingly, the value of the winning counter or the OUT ball monitoring counter used for calculating the performance information. Will not be updated. For this reason, performance information (game achievement information) is not updated in the setting changing state.

Since the game is disabled during the setting change, the game record information cannot be changed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the dark update process from being performed by not updating the game record information during the setting change as in the above configuration.
Therefore, the processing burden can be reduced.
On the other hand, during the setting change, game performance information is displayed. That is, it is possible to prevent the game performance information from being uncheckable during the setting change.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to check game performance information and improve the capacity while reducing the processing load.
In particular, as in the present embodiment, the performance indicator 99 corresponding to the display means for the game performance information is arranged at a position where it can be seen when the front frame 2 is opened, and the setting change is under the released state of the front frame 2. Under the premise that is performed in, there is an effect that the setting can be changed while checking the game performance information.

In the above description, the performance information is given as an example of the game performance information. However, the game performance information targeted in the present invention only needs to correspond to the performance information related to the game operation, and is limited to the information related to the game performance. It is not something.

[4-4. Processing related to special symbol variation display game]
(Special symbol management process)

Next, processing of the main control unit 20 related to the special symbol variation display game will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the special symbol management process (step S412) described above. As described above, the special symbol management process is executed as a part of the main control side timer interruption process shown in FIG. 8. A special symbol variation pattern (prefetch variation pattern and variation pattern at the start of variation), a special stop symbol, and the like are determined.

In FIG. 11, the CPU 201 first performs a special figure 1 start port check process for the special symbol 1 side (upper start port 34 side) in step S701, and in a subsequent step S702 for the special symbol 2 side (lower start port 35 side). The special figure 2 starting port check process is performed.
The details of the starting port check process will be described again with reference to FIG.

  When the start opening check process in steps S701 and S702 is completed, the CPU 201 determines the state of the condition device operation flag in step S703. 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 (for example, 5AH), it indicates that a big hit game is being played, When the flag is in an OFF state (for example, 00H), it indicates that the big hit game is not being played.

  When the condition device operation flag is in the OFF state (≠ 5AH), that is, when the big hit game is not being played, the CPU 201 proceeds to the special symbol operation status branching process of step S704, and the special symbol operation status (00H to 03H) Processing related to the variable display operation is performed (steps S705, S706, and S707).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S703 that the game is a big hit game (= 5 AH), the CPU 201 proceeds to the special symbol display data update processing in step S708 without performing the processing related to the special symbol variation display operation in steps S705 to S707. That is, when the big hit game is in progress, the special symbol variation display operation is not performed (the special symbol display state of the special symbol display device is kept in the state of being confirmed and displayed after the big hit). The “special symbol operation status” is a status value indicating the behavior of the special symbol. The 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 S704, depending on which status value the special symbol operation status is "waiting (00H, 01H)", "changing (02H)" or "confirming (03H)". , Each corresponding process is executed.

  Specifically, the CPU 201 performs special symbol variation start processing (step S705) when the special symbol operation status is “standby (00H, 01H)”, and special when the special symbol operation status is “variable (02H)”. When the symbol changing process (step S706) is “confirming (03H)”, the special symbol checking time process (step S707) is executed. Here, the above “waiting” means that the behavior of the special symbol is in a standby state for the next fluctuation, and the above “changing” means that the behavior of the special symbol is fluctuating (variation display). The above-mentioned “under confirmation” means that the change of the special symbol is finished and the stop (determined) display is in progress (during the special symbol confirmation time).

  In the special symbol changing process of step S706, it is monitored whether or not the special symbol is changing, that is, whether or not the change time of the special symbol has passed. As described above, the process of transmitting the “variation stop command” to the effect control unit 24, the fixed display time (for example, 500 ms) is stored in the special symbol accessory operation timer, and the special symbol operation status is switched to “confirming (03H)”. Processing (stores 03H in the special symbol operation status) is performed. 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 processing in step S707, it is monitored whether or not the above-described fixed display time has elapsed. 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) Various setting processing). 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 the special symbol confirmation time process of step S707, when the gaming state is updated, a process of transmitting a “gaming state designation command” including the gaming state transition information to the effect control unit 24 is performed. The effect control unit 24 can grasp that the gaming state has shifted by the gaming state designation command.

By the processing in steps S705, S706, and S707 described above, a variable display operation that sets the change start and stop of the special symbol as one set is realized.
The details of the special symbol variation start process in step S705 will be described again with reference to FIG.

  When the process in any of steps S705 to S707 is completed, the CPU 201 executes a special symbol display data update process in step S708. 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 to the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b by the LED management processing (step S415) of FIG.

The CPU 201 finishes the special symbol management process in step S412 in response to the execution of the update process in step S708, and proceeds to the special electric accessory management process in step S413 shown in FIG.

(Special Figure 1 Start-up check process)

With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12, the special figure 1 start-up port check process (step S701) will be described.
This special figure 1 start opening check process serves as a winning process executed based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition. In the special figure 1 start opening check process in this example, as a pre-start process (special figure 1 winning process) for executing the special symbol variation display game 1 on the special figure 1 side, a prize is generated at the upper start opening 34. The processing for adding the number of suspended balls on the special figure 1 side caused by the above, the processing for storing various random numbers (holding storage processing), the processing for transmitting the holding addition command, and the like are executed.
The special figure 2 starting port check process (step S702) also serves as a winning time process executed based on the establishment of a predetermined starting condition, as in the special figure 1 starting port check process. As a pre-start process for executing the special symbol variation display game 2 (special figure 2 side winning time process), an addition process of the number of reserved balls on the special figure 2 side resulting from the winning of the lower start opening 35, Various random number storage processing, pending addition command transmission processing, and the like are executed. Therefore, the special figure 1 start opening check process and the special figure 2 start opening 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. 12, the CPU 201 first determines in step S801 whether or not a winning (winning ball) for the upper start opening 34 has been detected.
When the winning to the upper start opening 34 is detected, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S802 to determine whether or not the number of the operation holding balls of the special symbol 1 (hereinafter referred to as “special drawing 1 operation holding ball”) is four or more. judge. 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 is detected at the upper start opening 34 (step S801: N), the special figure 1 start opening check process at step S701 is terminated without doing anything.

  If it is determined in step S802 that the number of special figure 1 suspension balls is 4 or more, that is, if the winning of the upper start opening 34 is detected, but the number of special figure 1 suspension balls is 4 or more, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S811 described later. On the other hand, when the special figure 1 operation reservation ball number is not 4 or more (less than 4), 1 is added to the special figure 1 operation reservation ball number (step S803), and the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S804, the CPU 201 obtains various random numbers used in the special symbol variation display game 1 related to the special symbol 1 operation holding ball generated this time. Specifically, the current values of the jackpot determination random number, special symbol determination random number, and variation pattern random number are acquired from various random number counters, and the acquired random number values are 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: n = 4 in this embodiment), and each of the reserved data for the maximum number of reserved memories can be stored. It has become.

In step S805 following step S804, the CPU 201 uses prefetch prohibition data (EVENT: prohibiting prefetch determination) as winning command data (data corresponding to the lower byte (EVENT) of the hold addition command) for creating a pending addition command. “01H”).
Next, in step S806, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the “special figure 1 prefetch prohibition condition” is satisfied. 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, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S811 without executing the prefetch determination processing (step S809) regarding 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 S809) is not executed.

In this example, 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. When the game state is accompanied by “no electric support” (normal state, latent state), the lower start opening 35 is hardly generated and the upper start opening 34 is frequently won. In consideration of the game state, the pre-reading determination of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 is not performed in the dark clouds regardless of the gaming state. Is prohibited, and prefetch determination on the special figure 2 side is allowed, and in the normal state or the latent state of “no electric support”, the prefetch determination on the special figure 2 side is prohibited and the prefetch determination on the special figure 1 side is prohibited. Is to be tolerated.

If the special figure 1 prefetch prohibition condition is not satisfied in step S806, the CPU 201 acquires the set value Ve (current set value Ve) in step S807, and the acquired set value Ve is in the normal range in step S8008. It is determined whether or not there is. Note that the determination process in step S808 is a process for determining whether or not the set value Ve is any one of 00H to 05H corresponding to the settings 1 to 6, similar to the determination process in step S606 of FIG.
If the acquired setting value Ve is not in the normal range, the CPU 201 determines that an abnormality (setting value data abnormality) has occurred and proceeds to step S811 without executing the prefetch determination process (step S809). Although details will be described later, if an abnormality of the set value Ve is recognized in the winning process, a pending addition command including the prefetch prohibition data (01H) is transmitted without causing a RAM error, and the start opening check in step S701 is performed. The process will be exited.

  On the other hand, when the acquired set value Ve is within the normal range, the CPU 201 executes a prefetch determination process in step S809. In this prefetch determination process, the big hit lottery result executed at the start of variation is prefetched. Therefore, a series of “prefetch winning judgment” for prefetching the winning lottery result, “prefetching symbol judgment” for prefetching the symbol lottery result, and “prefetching variation pattern judgment” for prefetching the variation pattern at the start of the variation. Processing is included.

  Specifically, in step S809, the CPU 201 first obtains a jackpot determination random number value stored in the RAM 203 (determination random number storage area), and determines the jackpot determination random number value and a “hit random number determination table” (not shown). Based on the above, the winning lottery (at least a big hit and a pre-fetch winning determination for determining whether to miss) is performed for the current operation holding ball, and the result (referred to as “pre-read winning result”) is acquired.

  In the present embodiment, the set value Ve is used for the winning determination (winning lottery). A specific method for determining the winning as the present embodiment based on such a setting value Ve will be described later. Since the winning determination is performed in the same way in the process at the time of starting the change of the special symbol (FIG. 13), the specific method for determining the winning is described again when the process at the start of the change is described.

  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 201. This is because the prefetch failure determination result is immediately used in the subsequent prefetch symbol determination processing, and this data is not required and need not be stored in the RAM 203.

In step S809, the CPU 201 uses a symbol table (not shown) corresponding to the prefetch failure result (at least for hit and miss) and the special symbol type (special diagrams 1 and 2) as the above-described prefetch symbol determination process. The used symbol lottery is performed. Specifically, the CPU 201 performs a symbol lottery (winning type lottery) for the current operation holding ball based on the special symbol determination random value and the symbol table acquired in the previous step S804, and the result (“ (Referred to as “prefetched symbol result”). In the “symbol table” of the present embodiment, a determination value (winning area) for determining a symbol type is determined, and is displayed as a stop symbol depending on which determination value the random number value for special symbol determination belongs to. The type of special symbol to be determined is determined.
In addition, when there are a plurality of types of deviation as in this example, a loss symbol table for determining the loss type is provided. If there is only one type of loss, the loss symbol table is not necessary.
Here, in this example, in response to the fact that there are a plurality of types of “outage 1”, “outside 2”, and “outside 3”, in the symbol determination, an outlier symbol table is used for lottery selection. To do.
Further, in this example, as described above, there are at least four types of “normal 4R”, “normal 6R”, “probability variation 6R”, and “probability variation 10R”, which are provided separately from the above-described outlier symbol table. Based on the winning symbol table, the special symbol type corresponding to the winning symbol corresponding to the special symbol determining random value is determined from among the four types of winning symbols.

  Here, for some or all of the above-described symbol tables, a symbol table in which different symbol selection rates are set according to the set value Ve may be provided. For example, for the jackpot symbol table, tables having different selection rates for the jackpot type for each of the settings 1 to 6 (for example, six types of jackpot symbol tables corresponding to the six setting levels) can be provided. For example, it is conceivable that the table contents are determined so that the appearance performance becomes more advantageous to the player as the setting becomes higher. Of course, a common jackpot symbol table may be used for each setting. Further, the symbol table used in step S809 is also used for processing at the start of fluctuation (FIG. 13).

  The CPU 201 does not store the prefetched symbol result in the RAM 203 while fetching the prefetched symbol result in a predetermined general-purpose register built in the CPU 201 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 203.

  When the prefetch symbol determination is finished, the CPU 201 executes prefetch variation pattern determination. In this pre-reading variation pattern determination, the above-described pre-reading symbol determination result (in this example, one of “normal 4R”, “normal 6R”, “probability variation 6R”, “probability variation 10R”, “displacement 1”, “displacement 2”, and “displacement 3”) ) And a variation pattern table for selecting a variation pattern according to the pre-reading symbol determination result and a variation pattern random number obtained in step S804, lottery of variation patterns is performed to determine a prefetch variation pattern. 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 this example, the above variation pattern table is also used in variation pattern lottery performed in the processing at the start of variation (FIG. 13).
A specific example of the above variation pattern table and the variation pattern lottery processing using the table will be described again when explaining the processing at the start of variation.

  Note that the look-ahead variation pattern determination result (winning command data (EVENT)) is immediately used in the pending addition command creation process in step S810 described below, and thereafter this data is not required. Therefore, the CPU 201 finishes the process of step S809 while capturing the result of the prefetch variation pattern determination in the register without storing it in the RAM 203.

In response to the execution of the prefetch determination process in step S809, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S810, and creates data on the lower byte side of the pending addition command corresponding to the prefetch determination result. Specifically, data representing the type of the prefetch variation pattern is created as winning command data (EVENT) on the lower byte side of the pending addition command.
For EVENT data, “01H” set in step S805 is updated to a value corresponding to the prefetch fluctuation pattern (value obtained by the prefetch fluctuation pattern determination process) in this process.

When the creation process in step S810 is completed, the CPU 201 creates data on the upper byte side of the hold addition command corresponding to the number of balls for operation hold in step S811. That is, data representing the current number of active balls to be held and the above-described prefetched symbol result (special symbol type) is created as winning command data (MODE) on the upper byte side of the pending addition command.
For the MODE data, 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 four holds in FIG. “BAH to BEH” is set according to the number.

  In response to the execution of the creation process in step S811, the CPU 201 performs a pending addition command transmission process in step S812. That is, a pending addition command including the winning command data created in steps S810 and S811 as EVENT and MODE, respectively, is created and transmitted to the effect control unit 24.

Here, if the prefetch prohibition condition is satisfied (Y in S816), or if the abnormality of the set value Ve is recognized in the determination processing in the previous step S808, the CPU 201 determines that the prefetch prohibition data (lower byte = 01H) described above. Is maintained without being updated, and a pending addition command having prefetch prohibition data is transmitted.
When overflow occurs (when a new winning occurs when the maximum number of reserved memories is reached), an overflow designation pending addition command is transmitted (see processing route Y in step S802). ).

  Note that after the hold addition command is sent from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24, it is used when the “prefetching notice effect” related to the current operation hold ball appears on the effect control unit 24 side. However, it is not particularly utilized in the special symbol variation start process shown in FIG. Therefore, the CPU 201 does not store the hold addition command in the RAM 203, and exits the special figure 1 start opening check process in step S701, and then performs the special figure 2 start opening check process in step S702.

Here, as described above, in this example, even when a failure occurs in the data of the set value Ve at the time of winning (when the operation holding ball is generated), the hold addition command is transmitted. Since the command has prefetch prohibition data, even if the prefetching notice effect based on the setting value Ve or the prefetching notice effect not based on the setting value Ve is configured to appear, the effect related to the prefetching notice Since the control itself is prohibited, there is no particular problem because a pre-reading notice due to a malfunction does not appear and there is no disadvantage to the player. If the pre-reading notice effect is not prohibited, the RAM error processing after that is performed when a high-expected hold display appears in the pre-reading notice effect of the hold display system, even though the set value Ve is abnormal. If the progress of the game is stopped due to (error processing due to an abnormality in the set value), the winning expectation that the player has had disappears all at once, causing a great distrust of the gaming machine. However, in the case of this example, as described above, the pre-reading notice itself is prohibited, so that such a problem is not caused and the player can be prevented from feeling distrust.

(Special symbol variation start processing)

Next, the special symbol fluctuation start process (step S705), which is a process at the start of fluctuation, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In FIG. 13, first, in step S901, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the special figure 2 operation holding ball number is zero. If the special figure 2 operation holding ball number is not zero, the CPU 201 proceeds to the process of step S903, and this time. The process at the time of the start of fluctuation (steps S903 to S912) for the special figure 2 operation holding ball to be used for the fluctuation display is performed.
On the other hand, when the special figure 2 operation holding ball number is zero, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the special figure 1 operation holding ball number is zero in step S902, and when the special figure 1 operation holding ball number is not zero, Proceeding to the process of step S903, the process (steps S903 to S912) related to the start of fluctuation of the special symbol for the special figure 1 operation holding ball to be used for the current fluctuation display is performed.
Which of the special FIG. 1 operation holding ball and the special figure 2 operation holding ball is to be preferentially used for the variable display operation by the processing of steps S901 and S902 (which operation holding ball is preferentially digested)? ) 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 2 is executed with priority over the special symbol variation display game 1. 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 the operation reservation balls of both the special figure 2 operation reservation balls number and the special figure 1 operation reservation balls number is zero, it becomes the state of “no operation reservation balls”. This “no operation hold ball” state is when the special symbol is in a standby state and there is no hold storage state, 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). Accordingly, when “no operation hold ball” is reached, the process proceeds to step S913, and it is determined whether or not the special symbol operation status is “standby (00H)” indicating the state of “no operation hold ball”. .

If the special symbol operation status is “standby (01H)” in step S913, the special symbol operation status is switched to “standby (00H)” (00H is stored in the special symbol operation status). Then, a “demo display command” for displaying the customer waiting demo screen is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 as an effect control command (step S915), and the special symbol variation start process in step S705 is completed.
Thereafter, if “waiting (00H)” when the determination process of step S913 is executed, the special symbol variation start process is finished 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. This is for the purpose of preventing the occurrence of unnecessary transmissions and increasing the control burden.

  If the production control unit 24 does not receive any production control command (for example, a hold addition command) related to the symbol variation display game even after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the demonstration display command, the variation display operation is performed. It is assumed that a state in which no operation is performed for a certain period of time (a waiting state for waiting for customers) has occurred, and a waiting screen for waiting for a customer is displayed.

In step S901, if the special figure 2 operation holding ball number is not zero, and in step S902, the special figure 1 operation holding ball number is not zero (the special figure 2 operation holding ball number is zero, while the special figure 1 operation holding ball number is zero. When the number is not zero), the CPU 201 performs processing (steps S903 to S912) related to the start of variation of the special symbol for the operation holding ball used for the present variation display.
Here, regarding the processing of steps S903 to S912 described below, if “NO” in the determination of step S901, the processing for the special figure 2 operation holding ball, the determination of step S902 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 following description will be made without distinguishing whether the process is a process for the holding ball or a process for the operation holding ball on the special symbol 2 side.

  In step S903, the CPU 201 subtracts 1 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), and includes the number of reserved balls for operation after subtraction in step S904. A “hold subtraction command” is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. 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, in step S905, the CPU 201 sets special symbol operation confirmation data. 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 a predetermined area (special symbol operation confirmation data storage area) of the RAM 203.

  Next, in step S906, the CPU 201 shifts the hold data stored in the hold storage area of the RAM 203, and clears the hold 4 storage area in the subsequent step S907. In the processing of Steps S906 to S907, the hold data (the big hit determination random number, the special symbol determination random number, and the fluctuation pattern use) stored in the hold storage area (hold 1 storage area) corresponding to the hold storage number n = 1. 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 S906), and the hold 4 storage area is cleared to provide a free area (step S907). 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 the operation reservation balls acquired at the time of the start opening winning are stored. Whether the area corresponds to the area is specified, and the storage of a new operation holding ball becomes possible.

Next, in step S908, the CPU 201 performs a process of transmitting a change count remaining designation command and a gaming state command. In this step S908, it is determined whether or not the “electric support count counter” that counts the remaining number of times of electric support is zero, and if there is a remaining short time count, the “variation including the remaining short time information” is included. The “remaining number of times designation command” is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. By this “variable number remaining designation command”, the production control unit 24 side can execute a process of grasping the remaining number of short times and informing the remaining time number information.
In step S908, processing for transmitting a game state command designating the current game state to the effect control unit 24 is also performed.

Next, the CPU 201 executes variation management processing in step S909.
In this variation management process, a jackpot lottery corresponding to the start of variation, a symbol lottery for a stopped symbol, and a variation pattern lottery are performed. In the variation management process, an abnormality determination of the set value Ve is performed, and when an abnormality is recognized in the data of the set value Ve, an effect control command (RAM abnormality command) for notifying the effect control unit 24 of the setting error. ) Is transmitted.
Details of the change management process in step S909 will be described again with reference to FIGS.

When the change management process in step S909 is completed, the CPU 201 stores 5AH (ON state) in a special symbol N changing flag (N = 1, 2) that specifies that the change is being displayed in step S910. The “special symbol N changing flag” is a flag indicating whether one of the special symbols 1 and 2 is changing, and when the flag is in an ON state (= 5 AH). Indicates that the target special symbol is changing. When the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the target 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, in step S911, the CPU 201 executes command transmission processing at the start of fluctuation. In this command transmission process, in order to inform the effect control unit 24 of the contents of the change pattern selected in the change management process in step S909, the change control information including change pattern information that can specify the change pattern contents is included as the effect control command. A “pattern designation command” is created and transmitted to the effect control unit 24.
In the command transmission process, a decorative symbol designation command is created based on the symbol lottery result in step S909 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 designating command includes information related to the winning type, on the production control unit 24 side, mainly a combination of decorative symbols (design type having a reach design as a constituent element) when forming a 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.

  In step S912, the CPU 201 switches to the special symbol operation status “changed (02H)” (stores 02H in the special symbol operation status) as the variation start time setting process, and determines the random number storage area for determination and the random number for variation pattern. Performs processing to clear the storage area.

In response to the execution of the variation start setting process in step S912, the CPU 201 ends the special symbol variation start process in step S705. When the CPU 201 completes the special symbol variation start process, the CPU 201 performs the special symbol display data update process (step S708) in FIG. 11, thereby starting the variation display of the special symbol.

(Variation management processing)

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the change management process in step S909.
In FIG. 14, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not there is a setting error in step S1001. That is, it is determined whether or not the setting error flag is in an ON state.
The setting error flag is a flag in which the ON state indicates that the set value Ve is abnormal and the OFF state indicates that the set value Ve is normal. This setting error flag is set to ON in step S1004 when data abnormality of the setting value Ve is recognized as a result of determination processing in step S1003 described later.

  If it is determined in step S1001 that the setting error flag is OFF and not a setting error, the CPU 201 obtains the setting value Ve in step S1003, that is, the value stored in the storage area of the setting value Ve in the work area of the RAM 203. In step S1003, it is determined whether or not the set value Ve is normal. That is, it is determined whether or not the set value Ve (actual storage value) is in the range of “00H” to “05H”.

If the set value Ve is not within the normal range, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S1005 to set the setting error flag to the ON state, and in the subsequent step S1006, a RAM abnormality command for indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the set value Ve is sent to the effect control unit 24. Send.
Here, the setting error flag includes the above-described determination processing in step S1001, the above-described determination processing in step S617 (determination of presence / absence of setting value abnormality when confirming and displaying the setting value Ve), and step S1201 described later. It is used in determination processing (determination of presence / absence of set value abnormality when performing variation pattern lottery at the start of variation).

  Further, upon receiving the RAM abnormality command, the effect control unit 24 performs a process for notifying the data abnormality of the set value Ve. For example, the liquid crystal display device 36 performs processing for displaying an image including a display such as “RAM is abnormal. Please call a staff member”.

  CPU201 advances processing to Step S1007 (symbol lottery processing) mentioned later according to having performed transmission processing of Step S1006.

If the CPU 201 determines in step S1003 that the set value Ve is within the normal range, the CPU 201 proceeds to the symbol lottery process in step S1007 after executing the big hit random number determination process in step S1004.
The big hit random number determination process in step S1004 selects (determines) the big hit / out of winning type by lottery based on the big hit determination random number (internal lottery random number), the big hit determination table, and the set value Ve.
The details of the big hit random number determination process as the embodiment will be described again with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that there is a setting error in the previous step S1001, the process of steps S1002 to S1004 including the big hit random number determination process of step S1004 is passed, and the process proceeds to the symbol lottery process of step S1007.

Here, in this embodiment, when a setting error occurs (when a determination result of Y is obtained in step S1001 or when a determination result of N is obtained in step S1003), the setting error is not eliminated. The big hit random number determination process is not performed.
As described above, the setting error can be canceled by performing a setting change operation. That is, when a setting error state occurs, a setting change operation is performed to cancel the setting error state, thereby returning to a state in which the big hit random number determination process is performed.

In the symbol lottery process in step S1007, the CPU 201 performs a process of determining the type of winning / losing (stop symbol type) based on at least the winning lottery result (big hit determination flag), the special symbol determination random number, and the symbol table. Do. Then, the result (special symbol determination data) is stored in a predetermined area (special symbol determination data storage area) of the RAM 203. As a result, the winning type (win / fail type) related to the current special symbol variation display game is determined.
Note that, in the same manner as the symbol lottery process at the time of prefetch determination, the symbol lottery can be performed according to the set value Ve.

In step S1008 following step S1007, the CPU 201 provides the present variation display operation based on at least the symbol lottery result (the above-described special symbol determination data), the variation pattern random number, and the variation pattern table as the variation pattern lottery process. A process of determining a variation pattern at the start of variation for the operation holding ball by lottery is performed.
Specifically, in the variation pattern lottery process according to the present embodiment, a variation pattern lottery is also performed using the set value Ve and the number of operation suspension balls (the number of operation suspension balls obtained by subtracting the current digestion amount).
Details of the variation pattern lottery process in the present embodiment will be described again with reference to FIGS.

  In response to the execution of the variation pattern lottery process in step S1008, the CPU 201 ends the variation management process in step S909. That is, thereafter, the process proceeds to step S910 shown in FIG.

Here, as described above, in this example, the lottery result of the winning lottery or the symbol lottery at the start of the variation is stored in the RAM 203. Is not used only in the special symbol management process (step S412: see FIG. 8 and FIG. 11) to which the data belongs, but is also used in the special electric utility management process (step S413: see FIG. 8) later. It is.
This is different from the pre-reading determination process in which the lottery result is not stored in the RAM 203.

In addition, although description by illustration is abbreviate | omitted, in the fluctuation | variation management process of step S909, when the winning lottery result is a win, as a setting process for shifting a game state, it is for specifying the game state after a hit game. Necessary setting processing is performed (game state transition preparation processing).

(Big hit random number judgment process)

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the big hit random number determination process in step S1004, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the big hit random number determination method of the embodiment.
Prior to detailed description of the jackpot random number determination process in FIG. 15, the jackpot random number determination method employed in the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as a premise, in the present embodiment, the big hit determination random number can take 65536 values from 0 to 65535. In the big hit random number determination in the present embodiment, the determination reference value TH is determined within a range of values that can be taken by such a big hit determination random number, and based on the result of comparing the magnitude relationship between the big hit determination random number and the determination reference value TH, Judgment of big hit / loss. As an example, in this example, a technique for obtaining a jackpot determination result when the value of the jackpot determination random number is within a range of “0 to a determination reference value TH” and obtaining a determination result of deviation in other cases is adopted. Yes.

In the present embodiment, the determination corresponding to a low probability (when normal state: hereinafter abbreviated as “low probability”) and a high probability (when probability variation state: hereinafter abbreviated as “high probability”) as the big hit random number determination. Two types of determinations corresponding to are performed. For this reason, as the determination reference value TH, two types of determination reference value TH1 used for determination at low accuracy and determination reference value TH2 used for determination at high accuracy are set.
As illustrated in FIG. 16, the determination reference value TH2 at the time of high accuracy is made larger than the determination reference value TH1 at the time of low accuracy, thereby increasing the winning probability of jackpot in the determination at high accuracy. ing.

  Here, in this example, in order to make a big hit random number determination according to the set value Ve, a different value is set as the determination reference value TH according to the set value Ve. At this time, in this example, the determination reference value TH for each set value Ve is not simply prepared, but a basic single determination reference value TH (hereinafter referred to as “basic determination reference value THr”). A method of preparing a different determination reference value TH for each set value Ve by preparing an offset value determined for each set value Ve and offsetting the basic determination reference value THr by an offset value corresponding to the set value Ve Take.

As a specific example, in this example, the basic determination reference value THr for each of the low accuracy time and the high accuracy time (hereinafter referred to as “THr1” and “THr2”, respectively) and the offset value for each set value Ve are as follows: It is stipulated in.
Basic judgment reference value THr1 = 00842
-Basic judgment reference value THr2 = 08429
・ Setting 1
Offset value at low accuracy = 000 (TH1 = 00842)
Offset value at high accuracy = 000 (TH2 = 08429)
・ Setting 2
Offset value at low accuracy = 001 (TH1 = 00843)
Offset value at high accuracy = 010 (TH2 = 08439)
・ Setting 3
Offset value at low accuracy = 002 (TH1 = 00844)
Offset value at high accuracy = 020 (TH2 = 08449)
・ Setting 4
Offset value at low accuracy = 003 (TH1 = 00845)
Offset value at high accuracy = 030 (TH2 = 084559)
・ Setting 5
Offset value at low accuracy = 004 (TH1 = 00846)
Offset value at high accuracy = 040 (TH2 = 08469)
・ Setting 6
Offset value at low accuracy = 005 (TH1 = 00847)
Offset value at high accuracy = 050 (TH2 = 08479)

  Here, in the present embodiment, the basic determination reference values THr1 and THr2 are each 2-byte data, and the offset value is 1-byte data.

  In the above example, the big hit determination lower limit in the big hit random number determination is “0”, that is, if the big hit determination random number is within the range of “0” to “judgment reference value TH”, the big hit determination result is Although the case of obtaining is illustrated, the determination lower limit value may be a numerical value larger than “0”.

Based on the above assumptions, the jackpot random number determination process shown in FIG. 15 will be described.
In FIG. 15, in step S1101, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the big hit determination random number is less than a determination lower limit value. The determination lower limit value is a jackpot determination lower limit value (lower limit value of a numerical range in which a determination result of jackpot is obtained) as described above, and is “0” in this example.
If the big hit determination random number is less than the determination lower limit value, it is determined that it is already out of order, so the processing of steps S1102 to S1106 described below is passed and the big hit random number determination processing of step S1004 is finished.
Note that when the determination lower limit value = 0 as in this example, it is not normally possible for the jackpot determination random number to take a value less than 0, and therefore it is not essential to provide the processing in step S1101. The process of step S1101 is effective when the determination lower limit value is set to a value larger than zero.

Here, when it is determined in step S1101 that the random number is less than the determination lower limit value, and the determination result of the loss is obtained, the big hit determination flag is not a big hit (= 5 AH), specifically, the loss (= 00H However, in the big hit random number determination process in step S1004, the big hit determination flag is not updated to 00H indicating that it is off.
In the gaming machine 1 of the present example, the big hit determination flag is updated to 00H corresponding to the case where the determination of the loss is obtained, because the big hit determination flag = 5 AH is confirmed. When starting, the CPU 201 clears the jackpot determination flag (= 00H) (see the description of the special symbol confirmation time process in step S707).
That is, since the big hit determination flag is set to 00H at the start of the big hit game, the big hit determination flag is set to 00H unless the big hit determination flag is updated to 5AH in step S1106 shown in FIG. Thus, the process of updating to the big hit determination flag = 00H in accordance with the determination result of the deviation is unnecessary.

  In step S1101, if the random number is not less than the determination lower limit value, the CPU 201 determines in step S1102 whether or not the probability is changing. This determination is made based on the result of referring to the gaming state flag described above.

If the probability change is not in progress (if it is in the normal state), the CPU 201 adds an offset value corresponding to the setting to the low accuracy basic determination reference value THr1 in step S1103. That is, by this, the determination reference value TH1 corresponding to the current gaming state (normal state) and the set value Ve is calculated.
On the other hand, if the probability is changing, the CPU 201 adds an offset value corresponding to the setting to the highly accurate basic determination reference value THr2 in step S1104. Thereby, the determination reference value TH2 corresponding to the current gaming state (probability changing state) and the set value Ve is calculated.

In response to calculating the determination reference value TH1 in step S1103 or the determination reference value TH2 in step S1104, the CPU 201 is less than the determination reference value TH calculated in step S1105 (random number <determination reference value TH). It is determined whether or not.
If the random number <the determination reference value TH, the CPU 201 updates the big hit determination flag to 5AH in step S1106 and finishes the big hit random number determination process in step S1004. The big hit random number determination process in step S1004 ends.

  In the above example, the upper limit value side of the jackpot determination is offset by the offset value. However, it is of course possible to offset the determination lower limit value side.

  In the above description, an example in which different offset values are set for each set value Ve has been described. However, a common offset value may be used between some set values Ve, and the basic determination reference value THr is partially set. Different values may be used between the set values Ve. Even if a common offset value is used for some set values Ve, if different basic judgment reference values THr are set for some set values Ve, different judgment reference values are set for each set value Ve. It is possible to set TH.

  As described above, in the big hit random number determination of the present embodiment, the basic determination reference values (THr1, THr2) defined in common between different set values Ve and the basic determination defined in different values between different set values Ve. Based on the offset value for the reference value, a determination reference value (TH1, TH2) corresponding to the set value Ve is calculated, and a winning determination is performed based on the calculated determination reference value. At this time, the basic determination reference value is composed of 2-byte data and the offset value is composed of 1-byte data.

With such a configuration, it is not necessary to store different determination reference values for each set value Ve in the storage means (memory) of the gaming machine 1 in order to realize the winning determination according to the set value Ve. That is, the memory may store a basic determination reference value that is common between different set values Ve and an offset value having a data capacity smaller than the basic determination reference value.
Accordingly, the memory capacity can be reduced.

(Variation pattern lottery process)

The variation pattern lottery process will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern lottery process in step S1008.
First, in step S1201, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is a setting error based on a setting error flag. That is, based on the big hit determination flag, it is determined whether or not the big hit (= 5 AH).

If it is determined in step S1202 that it is not a hit (displacement), the CPU 201 selects a deviation variation pattern table in step S1203, and then proceeds to a variation pattern selection process in step S1206. That is, it is a process of selecting a variation pattern based on the table and the random number for variation pattern.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning is determined in step S1202, the CPU 201 selects the winning variation pattern table in step S1204, and then proceeds to the variation pattern selection process in step S1206.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the deviation fluctuation pattern table, and FIG. 19 shows an example of the hit fluctuation pattern table.
First, as a premise, a fluctuation pattern table for special figure 1 and a fluctuation pattern table for special figure 2 are prepared as the deviation fluctuation pattern table and the hit fluctuation pattern table, respectively.

In the fluctuation pattern lottery performed at the time of the deviation performed using the deviation fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. There are nine types: “8s”, “normal fluctuation 12s”, “normal reach”, “super reach 1”, “super reach 2”, “super reach 3”, and “super reach 4”.
In addition, in the fluctuation pattern lottery at the time of hit performed using the hit fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. There are five types of “Super Reach 4”.
As for “normal fluctuation”, the numerical value written together represents the fluctuation time, and “s” after the numerical value means “second”.

  Here, among the ten types of variation patterns described above, “normal variation 4 s”, “normal variation 6 s”, “normal variation 8 s”, and “normal variation 12 s” are variation patterns corresponding to “out-of-range” that are not selected at the time of hitting. Belonging (hereinafter also referred to as “displacement variation pattern”).

In the present embodiment, the variation pattern lottery at the time of losing is performed by using a variation pattern table that is different for each detachment type (missing 1, 2, 3) regardless of whether the special figures 1 and 2 are different (see FIG. 18).
Here, in the present embodiment, for each of the types of “out of 1”, “out of 2”, and “out of 3”, the selection rate by the symbol lottery (the rate at which the corresponding type is selected) is different. "Is the highest in the selection rate, and" selection 2 "and" exclusion 3 "have lower selection rates than" selection 1 ". Specifically, in this example, the selection rate of “out of 1” is “190/200”, the selection rates of “out of 2” and “out of 3” are “5/200”, respectively. In this case, if the big hit determination result is “missing”, in most cases, “missing 1” will be selected as the losing type.

  As the variation pattern lottery for the special figure 1, the variation pattern lottery when the loss type is “outage 1” is not a lottery according to the set value Ve but a lottery according to the number of reserved balls. For this reason, among the fluctuation pattern tables for special figure 1, the fluctuation pattern table used when the deviation type is “outage 1” is common among the set values Ve, but is different for each number of reserved balls. Is prepared.

In FIG. 18, for convenience of illustration, a table structure is shown on the assumption that the range of the set value Ve is set to the range of settings 1 to 3.
This also applies to the hit variation pattern table shown in FIG.

In the variation pattern lottery of FIG. 1 in the case of “out of 1”, the variation patterns of the lottery candidates are “normal variation 4 s”, “normal variation 6 s”, “normal variation 8 s”, “normal variation 12 s”, and “normal reach”. In this example, the variation pattern subject to the lottery is varied according to the number of reserved balls.
Specifically, when the number of reserved balls = 0, “normal fluctuation 12 s” and “normal reach”, when the number of reserved balls = 1, “normal fluctuation 8 s” and “normal reach”, and when the number of held balls = 2, “normal” Fluctuation 6 s ”and“ normal reach ”are used, and when the number of reserved balls is 3,“ normal fluctuation 4 s ”and“ normal reach ”are used as the variation patterns to be drawn.

Here, in the variation pattern table, the numerical value stored for each variation pattern subject to lottery distribution of winning probabilities on the assumption that the random number for variation pattern determination can take 200 numerical values from 0 to 199. A value (a value indicating sorting) is represented. For example, in the variation pattern table for special figure 1, in the table of “out of 1” and “number of reserved balls = 0”, the stored value for “normal variation 12 s” = “160”, the stored value for “normal reach” = “40” However, this means that the winning probability of “normal fluctuation 12s” is “160/200” and the winning probability of “normal reach” is “40/200”.
The above distribution values are shown as stored values in the table for the convenience of explanation, and the actual variation pattern table stores the determination reference values as used in the above jackpot random number determination. become. For example, in the case of the table of “out of 1” and “number of reserved balls = 0”, for example, “159” is stored as the actual stored value (judgment reference value), and in this case, the random number for variation pattern is 159 or less. If so, “normal fluctuation 12 s” is selected, and if the fluctuation pattern random number is larger than 159, “normal reach” is selected.

As can be seen with reference to the distribution values shown in FIG. 18, in the fluctuation pattern lottery of FIG. 1 corresponding to the case of “out of 1”, “normal fluctuation” is more easily selected than “normal reach”. (The appearance rate is high).
In addition, in the fluctuation pattern lottery of FIG. 1 corresponding to the case of “displacement 1”, a normal fluctuation pattern having a shorter fluctuation time is selected as the number of reserved balls increases.

  Subsequently, as the variation pattern lottery in FIG. 1, the variation pattern lottery in the case where the loss type is “outage 2” or “outage 3”, respectively, is a lottery according to the set value Ve, while depending on the number of reserved balls. It is not a lottery. For this reason, as the fluctuation pattern table for the special figure 1 used in each case of “displacement 2” and “displacement 3”, it is common among the number of reserved balls, but a different table is prepared for each set value Ve. Yes.

In the variation pattern lottery of FIG. 1 corresponding to the cases of “out of 2” and “out of 3”, the variation patterns of the lottery candidates are “super reach 1”, “super reach 2”, “super reach 3”, and “super reach 4”. It is a seed.
In this example, with respect to the variation pattern lottery in FIG. 1 corresponding to the case of “out of 3”, the variation pattern to be selected for the lottery varies depending on the set value Ve.
Specifically, in the variation pattern lottery of FIG. 1, the variation patterns targeted for lottery for each combination of “out of 2”, “out of 3” and settings 1 to 3 are as follows.
Setting 1 and “Outgoing 2” = Super Reach 1, 2, 3, 4
Setting 1 and “out of 3” = Super Reach 1
Setting 2 and “Outgoing 2” = Super Reach 1, 2, 3, 4
Setting 2 and “offset 3” = super reach 2, 3
Setting 3 and “Outgoing 2” = Super Reach 1, 2, 3, 4
Setting 3 and “offset 3” = super reach 4

Based on the distribution values illustrated in the figure, in this example, as the variation pattern lottery of the special figure 1 corresponding to the case of “out of 2”, in the case of setting 1, the variation is in the order of super reach 4, 3, 2, 1. The patterns are easily selected, and in the case of setting 2 and setting 3, the variation patterns are easily selected in the order of super reach 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Further, in this example, regarding the fluctuation pattern lottery in FIG. 1 corresponding to the case of “offset 3”, the higher the setting (the larger the set value Ve), the higher the super-reach with a high expectation of winning is selected. I am doing so.

  In addition, as in the variation pattern lottery corresponding to the case of “displacement 2”, the variation pattern table used for the lottery in which the variation patterns of the lottery candidates are three or more types has a plurality of values ( “Value represented by“ the number of variation patterns of lottery candidates−1 ”” is stored. For example, in the table corresponding to the case of setting 1 and “out of phase 2” in the figure, for example, the first value = 9, the second value = 49, and the third value = 99, respectively, as the determination reference values. In this case, if the random number for the variation pattern is equal to or smaller than the first value, “super reach 1” is greater than the first value and equal to or smaller than the second value, and “super reach 2” is equal to the second value. If it is greater than the value and less than or equal to the third value, “Super Reach 3” is selected, and if it is greater than the third value, “Super Reach 4” is selected.

Subsequently, as the fluctuation pattern lottery of special figure 2, the fluctuation pattern lottery in the case where the loss type is “outage 1” is different from the case of special figure 1, and the fluctuation pattern of the lottery candidate is only “normal fluctuation 12s”. Yes. For this reason, in the variation pattern table for the special figure 2, “out of 1” and “number of held balls = 0”, “out of 1” and “number of held balls = 1”, “out of 1” and “number of held balls = In each table used in the case of “2”, “out of 1” and “number of reserved balls = 3”, all of the distribution values corresponding to “normal fluctuation 12 s” are “200”.
In this case, since the lottery results are the same even if the number of reserved balls is different, the variation pattern table can be a common table among the numbers of reserved balls.

  Further, as the variation pattern lottery in FIG. 2, the variation pattern lottery in the case where the outage type is “outage 2” or “outage 3” is a lottery according to the set value Ve as in the case of FIG. It is not a lottery according to the number of balls held. For this reason, the variation pattern table for special figure 2 is common to the number of reserved balls as the variation pattern table used in each of “out of 2” and “out of 3”, but differs for each set value Ve. A table is provided.

In the variation pattern lottery of FIG. 2 corresponding to the cases of “out of 2” and “out of 3”, the variation patterns of the lottery candidates are two types of “normal variation 12 s” and “super reach 4”. Any one of these “normal variation 12 s” and “super reach 4” variation patterns is selected.
Specifically, in the fluctuation pattern lottery of the special figure 2 corresponding to the cases of “out of 2” and “out of 3” in this example, “normal fluctuation 12s” is always selected when either of the settings 1 and 2 is selected. In the case of setting 3, “super reach 4” is selected.

Next, the hit variation pattern table shown in FIG. 19 will be described.
In the present embodiment, in the variation pattern lottery at the time of hitting, both different figures 1 and 2 use different tables for each hit type.
In the present embodiment, the variation pattern for the lottery is set as follows for each hit type. That is, when the hit type is “normal 4R”, the variation patterns of the lottery objects are “per normal change”, “super reach 1”, “super reach 2”, “super reach 3”, “super reach 4”. ”.
In addition, when the hit type is “normal 6R”, in FIG. 1, the variation pattern of the lottery object is “normal change per”, “super reach 1”, “super reach 2”, “super reach 3”, “super reach 4”. In FIG. 2, there are four types of “super reach 1”, “super reach 2”, “super reach 3”, and “super reach 4” excluding “per normal fluctuation”.
In addition, when the winning type is “probability variation 6R” or “probability variation 10R”, the variation patterns of the lottery objects are “super reach 1”, “super reach 2”, “super reach 3”, and “super reach 4”. There are four types.

  In the variation pattern lottery at the time of hit in the present embodiment, the variation pattern lottery corresponding to the set value Ve is performed only for a specific hit type. Specifically, for the fluctuation pattern lottery of the special figure 1, the fluctuation pattern lottery corresponding to the set value Ve is performed only for the hit types of “normal 4R” and “probability change 10R”, and the fluctuation pattern lottery of the special figure 2 is “normal”. The variation pattern lottery corresponding to the set value Ve is performed only for the hit types of “4R”, “probability variation 6R”, and “probability variation 10R”.

With respect to the variation pattern lottery in the case of “normal 4R”, the variation pattern to be selected is made different depending on the set value Ve in both FIGS. Specifically, in the variation pattern lottery corresponding to “normal 4R” in this example, five types of “per normal variation” to “super reach 4” are set for setting 1, and “super” is set for setting 2 or setting 3. Four types of “reach 1” to “super reach 4” are used as the lottery variation patterns.
Regarding the variation pattern lottery in the case of “normal R6”, “probability variation 6R”, and “probability variation 10R” other than “normal 4R”, the variation pattern of the lottery object is set to the set value Ve in both FIGS. Regardless.

In the present embodiment, in the variation pattern lottery at the time of hitting in FIG. 1, the variation pattern lottery corresponding to the set value Ve is performed only for “normal 4R” and “probability variation 10R”. For this reason, in the hit variation pattern table of FIG. 1, different tables are prepared for each set value Ve as the variation pattern table used in the case of “normal 4R” and “probability variation 10R”.
As can be seen from FIG. 19, in this example, in the variation pattern table of FIG. 1, the distribution value for “super reach 4” in the “normal 4R” and “probability variation 10R” tables increases as the set value Ve increases. It is getting bigger. Thereby, at the time of hitting each of “normal 4R” and “probability variation 10R”, the higher the current setting is, the easier it is to select the variation pattern with the highest expected value as the variation pattern of FIG.

  Further, in this example, in the fluctuation pattern lottery at the time of hitting in FIG. 2, the fluctuation pattern lottery corresponding to the set value Ve is also performed for “normal 4R”, “probability variation 10R” and “probability variation 6R”. For this reason, in the hit variation pattern table of FIG. 2, different tables are prepared for each set value Ve as the variation pattern table used in the case of “normal 4R”, “probability variation 6R”, and “probability variation 10R”. In this example, in the variation pattern table of FIG. 2, in all of these “normal 4R”, “probability variation 6R”, and “probability variation 10R”, the distribution value for “super reach 4” is increased as the set value Ve increases. .

  Here, as can be seen with reference to the distribution value in the figure, in this example, the distribution value for “super reach 4” is maximized in each table regardless of the type of hit or the set value Ve. That is, in this example, in the variation pattern lottery when it is determined that it is a big hit, the variation pattern with the highest expectation degree of winning is most easily selected.

Returning to FIG.
In the selection process in step S1206 described above, the variation pattern is selected based on the above-described deviation or hit variation pattern table.
Specifically, when the deviation variation pattern table is selected corresponding to the case where the deviation is determined in step S1202, the CPU 201 selects a table corresponding to the deviation type, the number of reserved balls, and the set value Ve from the variation pattern table. Then, the variation pattern is selected based on the selected table and the variation pattern random number. Further, when the hit variation pattern table is selected in response to the determination that it is a win in step S1202, the CPU 201 selects a table corresponding to the hit type and the set value Ve from the corresponding variation pattern table, and the selected The variation pattern is selected based on the table and the random number for variation pattern. In this case, it goes without saying that the tables for special figure 1 and special figure 2 are selected and divided according to whether the symbol to be processed is special figure 1 or 2.
As understood from the above description, in each variation pattern table of winning / losing, one or a plurality of determination reference values (number of variation patterns of lottery candidates-1) corresponding to the variation pattern to be selected are determined. In the selection process in step S1206, the variation pattern is selected based on the result of comparing the magnitude relation between the determination reference value stored in the table selected as described above and the value of the variation pattern random number.

In the above description, the variation pattern table for selecting the variation pattern has been described by dividing the table for each set value Ve. However, a common table may be used for some set values Ve.
FIG. 20 shows an example.
Here, a modified example of the hit variation pattern table in the case where it is assumed that the set value Ve can take six values corresponding to the settings 1 to 6 is shown.
In the example of FIG. 20, a table corresponding to “normal 4R” and “probability variation 10R” for special figure 1 and a table corresponding to “normal 4R”, “probability variation 6R” and “probability variation 10R” for special figure 2 are set. The example which divided | segmented the table for every group of 1-3, and the group of setting 4-6 is shown.
As shown in the example of FIG. 20, the variation pattern lottery according to the set value Ve is not limited to dividing the table individually for each set value Ve, but is common to some set values Ve. The table may be used.

Next, processing when a setting error is detected during the variation pattern lottery will be described.
If it is determined in step S1201 in FIG. 17 that a setting error has occurred, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S1205, selects a setting error common variation pattern table, and executes the selection process in step S1206.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a common variation pattern table at the time of setting error.
In the present embodiment, in the variation pattern lottery at the time of setting error that is performed using the common variation pattern table at the time of setting error, the deviation variation pattern is forcibly selected regardless of whether it is a hit or miss in both special figures 1 and 2. So that That is, in this example, the deviation variation pattern of “normal variation 4 s”, “normal variation 6 s”, “normal variation 8 s”, or “normal variation 12 s” is forcibly selected.

In the variation pattern lottery at the time of setting error in this example, a different variation pattern is selected according to the number of reserved balls for the special figure 1 side, and a specific variation pattern is selected for the special figure 2 side regardless of the number of reserved balls. Specifically, only “normal fluctuation 12 s” is selected.
For the special figure 1 side, a normal variation pattern with a long variation time is selected as the number of reserved balls increases.

In FIG. 21, for convenience of explanation, the table structure shows a structure in which the distribution value corresponding to the case where the random number for variation pattern lottery can take a value of 0 to 199 is stored. As a table for each number (0 to 3), a structure in which a determination reference value is associated with at least a variation pattern of a lottery candidate is adopted.
If the specific variation pattern is selected on the special figure 2 side regardless of the number of reserved balls as in this example, there is no need to divide the table for each number of reserved balls (0 to 3). Needless to say.

  In FIG. 17, in the selection process in step S1206, when the common variation pattern table at the time of setting error is selected in step S1205, the variation pattern is selected based on the table and the random number for variation pattern. Specifically, in this example, a table corresponding to the current number of reserved balls in the common variation pattern table at the time of setting error is selected, and the magnitude relationship between the determination reference value stored in the selected table and the random number for variation pattern is expressed. A variation pattern is selected based on the comparison result.

The CPU 201 ends the variation pattern lottery process in step S1008 in response to the execution of the selection process in step S1206. By the end of the lottery process in step S1008, the change management process in step S909 shown in FIG. 14 is ended, and the process thereafter proceeds to step S910 (in-change flag ON process) shown in FIG.
As described above, in the command transmission process in step S911 following step S910, the “variation pattern designation command” representing the variation pattern lottery result and the “decorative symbol designation command” representing the symbol lottery result are transmitted to the effect control unit 24. The
On the side of the production control unit 24, based on these commands, a combination of decorative symbols (design symbol having the reach symbol as a constituent element) at the time of forming the reach state, or a decorative symbol (decoration stop symbol) that is finally displayed in a stopped state. And a lottery of a notice effect corresponding to the winning type is performed in the symbol variation display game.

Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, when a setting error is recognized at the time of starting the variation of the special figure, the deviation variation pattern (normal variation) is forcibly selected. In this example, a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time, such as the normal fluctuation 4 s to the normal fluctuation 12 s, is selected as described above in order to confuse the player when the intense heat fluctuation is selected as the side fluctuation. Yes.
And in this embodiment, the effect control part 24 side is also devised not to perform a notice effect at the time of a setting error. Specifically, when the main control unit 20 receives a RAM abnormality command (see step S1006 in FIG. 14) that notifies the setting error in response to the start of fluctuation of the special drawing, the production control unit 24 gives a notice production. The lottery is not performed.
This point will be described later.

  Here, in this embodiment, when a setting error is recognized based on the above-described RAM abnormality command, the production control unit 24 displays a message such as “Call a clerk at the RAM abnormality” on the liquid crystal display device 36. Announcement of occurrence of abnormality is performed such as displaying an image including it. The notification is not limited to notification by image display using the liquid crystal display device 36. For example, notification by sound or lighting (and / or blinking) of an LED, or a combination of a plurality of types of effect means such as an image, sound, or LED. It is also possible to make a notification by combination.

In the above, in the common variation pattern table at the time of setting error on the special figure 1 side, the normal variation pattern having a longer variation time is selected as the number of retained balls is larger. However, this is an example. It is also possible to select a normal variation pattern having a long variation time as the number decreases.
Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the same variation pattern can be selected for each number of reserved balls as in the special figure 2 side. In the example of FIG. 22, “normal variation 12 s” is selected in common for each number of reserved balls.
Thus, in the common variation pattern table at the time of setting error, the relationship between the number of reserved balls and the variation pattern to be selected can be considered in various ways, and is not limited to a specific relationship.
It should be noted that the variation pattern selected on the special figure 2 side can also be made different depending on the number of reserved balls as in the special figure 1 side.

[4-5. Second summary]

From the description so far, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.

  That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment includes display means (special symbol display devices 38a, 38b, etc.) capable of variably displaying symbols, and control means (main control unit 20) for controlling the progress of game operations. The control means includes setting means (setting change process in step S403) for setting a setting value (the same Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation, and a predetermined condition In accordance with the establishment of the determination, a determination unit (a big hit random number determination process in step S1004) for determining whether or not to shift to a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the set value set by the setting unit, and a display unit A selection means (a symbol lottery process in step S1007 and step S100) that selects a variation pattern and a symbol type to be stopped and displayed after variation from among a plurality of candidates. If there is an abnormality in the set value when starting the variation display of the variation pattern) and the symbol variation display, the winning means of forcing is obtained forcibly without executing the winning judgment by the judging means. It includes a setting abnormality response processing means for executing selection of a variation pattern and a symbol type to start variation display (refer to the route from step S1001 to step S1007 in FIG. 14).

By passing the winning determination at the time of setting value error, it is possible to prevent unnecessary winning determination from being performed and to reduce the processing load.
On the other hand, by performing variation pattern determination and symbol determination, special symbols and decorative symbols can be variably displayed even when a set value error occurs.

  According to the above configuration, the special symbol is variably displayed at the time of setting error. At this time, the decorative symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 may not be changed with a predetermined stop. . Or it is not limited to this, About the decoration design at the time of a setting error, you may carry out the variable display by the predetermined deviation fluctuation pattern.

In addition, in the above configuration, when an abnormality is recognized in the set value Ve when starting the variable display of the symbols, the effect control unit 24 displays the decorative symbols as described above, and the liquid crystal display device 36 and the like. The effecting means (notifying means) executes a notifying operation that suggests an abnormality of the set value Ve (for example, as described above, displaying an image including a message such as “Please call a clerk”).
Thereby, it is possible to prevent a gaming operation from being performed using a set value that may be illegally rewritten, and to improve the fairness of the game.

  It should be noted that when an abnormality is recognized in the set value Ve at the start of symbol variation display, not only determination of winning by the determination unit but also selection of variation pattern and symbol type by the selection unit is not executed. Is also possible.

Moreover, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment includes symbol display means (special symbol display devices 38a, 38b, etc.) capable of variably displaying symbols, and control means (main control unit 20) for controlling the progress of game operations. The control means sets a setting value (the same Ve) representing a stage regarding the probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation (setting change processing in step S403), and setting Setting confirmation display processing means (processing in steps S618 and S619 in FIG. 10 and LED management processing in step S415 in FIG. 10) for performing a setting confirmation display process for displaying the current setting value on a required display means based on a value confirmation operation; A determination unit (in step S1004) that makes a winning determination based on a set value set by the setting unit as to whether or not to shift to a gaming state advantageous to the player according to establishment of the predetermined condition. Winning random number determination processing) and selection means for selecting a variation pattern and a symbol type to be stopped and displayed after variation from among a plurality of candidates for symbols to be displayed on the symbol display means (the symbol lottery processing in step S1007 and step S1008) Variation pattern lottery processing), display control means for causing the symbol display means to perform variation display based on the selection result of the variation pattern and symbol type by the selection means (special symbol display data update processing in step S708, and LED management processing in step S415) ), When an abnormality is recognized in the set value when starting the variable display, the winning result of the deviation is forcibly obtained without executing the winning judgment by the judging means (refer to the route from step S1001 to S1007 in FIG. 14). After that, even if the confirmation operation is performed, the setting value display by the setting confirmation display process is (If setting at step S617 in FIG. 10 errors, reference points not performed to create a set value display data) that control is not to be those having a setting anomaly correction means.
In this embodiment, since the setting value display data is cleared in step S616, if an abnormality is recognized in the setting value (in the case of a setting error in step S617), the display data of the setting display 97 is displayed. Therefore, no numerical value is displayed on the setting display 97 in this case (nothing is displayed).

According to the above configuration, when the setting value is recognized to be abnormal, that is, when there is a high possibility that fraud has been performed, it is possible to prevent unnecessary determination of winning from being performed by passing the determination of winning. The processing burden can be reduced.
In addition, when an abnormality is recognized in the set value, the confirmation display of the set value is not performed, so that it is not necessary to perform a dark display process, thereby reducing the processing burden.

Furthermore, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, based on the random number and the determination reference value, a determination unit that determines whether or not to shift to a gaming state advantageous to the player (a big hit random number determination process in step S1004), Setting means (setting change processing in step S403) for setting a setting value (same Ve) representing a stage as to whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation; Based on the basic determination reference value (THr) defined in common between different set values and the offset value for the basic determination reference value determined in a different value between different set values A reference value (TH) is calculated, a winning determination is made based on the calculated determination reference value, and the basic determination reference value is composed of 2-byte data and the offset value is composed of 1-byte data.

This eliminates the need to store different determination reference values for each set value in the storage means (memory) of the gaming machine in order to realize the winning determination according to the set value. That is, the memory only needs to store a basic determination reference value that is common among different set values and an offset value having a data capacity smaller than the basic determination reference value.
Accordingly, the memory capacity can be reduced.

Furthermore, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment includes a symbol display means (special symbol display devices 38a, 38b, etc.) capable of variably displaying symbols, and symbol variation pattern selection information acquired when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Reservation storage means (RAM 203) capable of storing (for example, information on the jackpot lottery result obtained at the time of pre-reading determination) for a predetermined upper limit number, variation pattern selection information stored in the retention storage means, and symbol variation pattern Based on the variation pattern table for lottery, variation pattern selection means for selecting a variation pattern (variation pattern lottery processing in step S1008), and the probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player Setting means (setting change processing in step S403) for setting a setting value representing the stage of The normal variation pattern selection process that selects the variation pattern based on the current number of holds and the specific variation pattern selection process that selects the variation pattern without being based on the current number of holds can be executed. The process can select a variation pattern from a variation pattern table that is common among the set values (see the table corresponding to “lack 1” for FIG. 18 and FIG. 1), while the specific variation pattern selection process is a setting process. A variation pattern can be selected from a variation pattern table (refer to a table corresponding to “normal 4R” and “probability variation 10R” in FIG. 19) depending on the value.

This eliminates the need to prepare a variation pattern table for each combination of the number of holdings and the set value when it is desired to change the appearance rate of the symbol variation pattern according to the number of holdings and the set value.
Accordingly, the memory capacity can be reduced.

<5. Processing of production control unit>
[5-1. About the appearance of decorative patterns at startup]

As described above, when the RAM clear switch 98 is turned on at the time of startup in response to power-on (when the RAM clear process is performed), the main control unit 20 (CPU 201) issues a RAM clear command in step S116 in FIG. It is transmitted to the production control unit 24.

  Upon receiving this RAM clear command, the effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) performs a RAM clear notification process using the effect means. The RAM clear notification process is a process for realizing a notification indicating that the RAM is to be cleared. Specifically, in this example, a process for performing a notification by sound using at least the speaker 46 is performed.

  When the main control unit 20 shifts to the setting change mode at the time of startup in response to power-on (that is, when setting change is performed: if it is determined that the RAM is abnormal in step S103, the door is opened and the setting key is set in step S105). If it is determined to be ON), a setting changing command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 in step S115. Thereafter, a RAM clear process is executed in step S117.

  Upon receiving the above command for changing setting, the effect control unit 24 performs a setting change notification process. The setting change notification process is a process for realizing notification indicating that the process for setting change (the process after step S602 in FIG. 10) is performed. Specifically, in this example, at least the speaker 46 is used. The process which performs notification by the sound which was heard is performed. At this time, in the setting change notification process, a sound different from that in the RAM clear notification process is output as a notification sound.

  Note that the two notifications of RAM clear notification and setting change notification are notifications using effect elements other than sound, such as notification by image display using the liquid crystal display device 36 and notification by light using LEDs. You can also. Also in that case, about said two alerting | reporting, alerting | reporting by a respectively different aspect is performed about at least 1 effect element.

As described above, the effect control unit 24 according to the present embodiment causes the RAM clear notification to be performed when the RAM clear is performed without performing the setting change, and when both the setting change and the RAM clear are performed. In this case, the setting change notification (notification different from the RAM clear notification) is performed without performing the RAM clear notification.
This significance will be described later.

Here, in the gaming machine 1, a movable body accessory (movable accessory) initialization process (a process for performing calibration of at least the origin position) is performed in response to the activation. In the initializing process of the movable body accessory 24, the execution timing is controlled differently when the RAM is cleared without changing the setting and when both the setting is changed and the RAM is cleared.
Specifically, when the RAM clear is performed without changing the setting (when the RAM clear command is received at the time of activation), the effect control unit 24 starts the initialization process without particularly going through the standby process, and changes the setting. And RAM clearing (when the setting changing flag is received at the time of startup), after that, until the setting change is completed (until the setting value command transmitted in step S614 is received), the initialization process is performed. Wait for execution. In other words, the initialization process is started on the condition that the setting change is completed.
In the initialization process, since the movable body accessory is moved relatively large, for example, the movable body accessory may interfere with the display of the setting value Ve on the setting display 97, which may be an obstructing factor for the setting change operation. . By waiting for the initialization process until the setting change is completed as described above, it is possible to prevent the situation where the setting change operation is hindered.

  Note that depending on the arrangement of the movable body accessory and the like, there is a possibility that the above-described operation disturbance may not be induced, and it is not essential to adopt a configuration in which the initialization process is waited until the setting change is completed as described above.

In the present embodiment, the effect control unit 24 first applies the liquid crystal display device 36 to the liquid crystal display device 36 when the RAM is cleared without changing the setting at the time of start-up and when both the setting change and the RAM clear are performed. Control is performed so that the appearance of the decorative symbols displayed on the screen is the same.
Specifically, the effect control unit 24 displays the appearance of the decorative pattern that is initially displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 regardless of whether the RAM clear command or the setting change command is received from the main control unit 20 at the time of activation. As a common outcome. In this example, as the common outcome, a decorative symbol having a predetermined symbol combination such as “731” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36.

When the RAM clear is performed, the decorative design is first displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 on the display screen at the time of the RAM clear displayed by the effect control unit 24 in response to the reception of the RAM clear command.
On the other hand, when the setting is changed, the decoration symbol is first displayed after the start-up in the setting change completion screen in this example. This setting change completion screen is displayed by the effect control unit 24 on the liquid crystal display device 36 in response to the completion of the setting change (that is, in response to the reception of the set value command described above: S614).

When the RAM clear command is received at the time of activation, the effect control unit 24 decorates a predetermined symbol combination such as “731” as an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 in response to the RAM clear command. An image including a design (referred to as “specific decoration design”) is generated, and the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36.
In addition, after receiving the setting changing command at the time of activation, the effect control unit 24 generates an image including the specific decorative design in response to receiving the setting value command, and the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. To display.
As a result, the appearance of the decorative pattern initially displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 is the same when the RAM is cleared without changing the setting at the time of startup and when both the setting change and the RAM clear are performed. It becomes.

Furthermore, the production control unit 24 of the present embodiment first applies to the liquid crystal display device 36 when the backup is restored (step S109) at the time of startup and when the setting is changed (and the RAM is cleared). Control is performed so that the appearance of the displayed decorative pattern is the same.
Here, when the backup is restored, the screen display for notifying that the RAM is cleared or the setting is changed is not performed. Therefore, the decorative pattern is displayed first after the start-up on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36. This is when the display is switched from the standby screen described above (a standby screen on which characters such as “Please Wait...” Displayed in response to the standby screen display command in step S102 are displayed). Such an instruction to switch the display from the standby screen to the next screen at the time of activation is performed by the “customer waiting demonstration display command” transmitted from the main control unit 20 in step S915.
On the other hand, when the setting is changed, the decoration symbol is first displayed after the activation on the setting change completion screen displayed in response to the reception of the setting value command (S614) as described above.

When the activation control unit 24 receives neither the RAM clear command nor the setting changing command at the time of activation and the above-described customer waiting demonstration display command is received, the liquid crystal display device responds to the customer waiting demonstration display command. As an image to be displayed on 36, an image including the above-mentioned specific decorative design (for example, “731” in this case) is generated, and the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36.
In addition, after receiving the setting changing command at the time of activation, the effect control unit 24 generates an image including the specific decorative design in response to receiving the setting value command, and the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. To display.
As a result, the appearance of the decorative design first displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 is the same when the backup is restored at the time of startup and when the setting is changed.

[5-2. Third summary]

From the above description, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.

  That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment includes a control unit (main control unit 20) that controls the progress of the game operation, a storage unit (RAM 203) that can read / write information by the control unit, and a player Notification means (for example, speaker 46 etc.) that performs notification, and the control means based on the operation a set value (same Ve) representing a stage as to whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player Setting means for setting (setting change processing in step S403), clearing means for clearing stored information in the storage means (RAM clear processing in step S117), and setting value setting processing by the setting means are not performed. When the clear process is performed, the notification means performs a clear notification indicating that the clear process has been performed, and when both the setting process and the clear process are performed, Notification control means for executing a setting process notification indicating that setting process of setting value to knowledge means has been performed and (performance control unit 24), and has a.

When the setting value setting process is performed, the storage unit clear process is performed (because the storage unit backup restoration process is not performed). For this reason, when the setting process is performed, it is not necessary to notify that the storage unit has been cleared.
When both the setting process and the clearing process are notified, there is a concern that the gaming machine user may feel annoyance, and the occurrence of such annoyance can be prevented.
Furthermore, the gaming machine user can be surely identified when the clearing process is performed without performing the setting process and when both the setting process and the clearing process are performed.

Moreover, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment performs a winning determination as to whether or not to shift to a gaming state advantageous to the player, and includes a control unit (main control unit 20) that controls the progress of the game operation, and a control unit. Storage means (RAM 203) capable of reading / writing information, and when winning determination is performed, special symbols are variably displayed on special symbol display means (special symbol display devices 38a and 38b), and determination of winning is made When the winning determination is performed, the decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner on the decorative symbol display means (the liquid crystal display device 36), and are stopped and displayed in a manner indicating the result of the winning determination. The control means is a setting means (step S4) for setting a setting value (same Ve) representing a stage regarding the probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation. 3 setting change processing) and clearing means (RAM clear processing in step S117) for performing clear processing for clearing stored information in the storage means, and clearing processing without setting value setting processing performed by the setting means. Display control means (effect control unit) for displaying a symbol with the same appearance as a decorative symbol initially displayed on the decorative symbol display means after power-on in both cases where the setting process and the clearing process are performed 24).

Thereby, it is not recognized by the player whether or not the setting has been changed.
Therefore, the fairness of the game can be improved.
Also, if the appearance of the decorative design differs depending on whether or not the setting is changed, the hall staff will operate the gaming machine to change the appearance of the decorative design so that the player will not be aware of the setting change. However, such labor can be omitted, and the work burden of the hall staff can be reduced.

Furthermore, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment performs a winning determination as to whether or not to shift to a gaming state advantageous to the player, and includes a control unit (main control unit 20) that controls the progress of the game operation, and a control unit. Storage means (RAM 203) capable of reading / writing information, and when winning determination is performed, special symbols are variably displayed on special symbol display means (special symbol display devices 38a and 38b), and determination of winning is made When the winning determination is performed, the decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner on the decorative symbol display means (the liquid crystal display device 36), and are stopped and displayed in a manner indicating the result of the winning determination. The control means is a setting means (step S4) for setting a setting value (same Ve) representing a stage regarding the probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation. 3 setting change process) and a clear means (RAM clear process in step S117) for performing a clear process for clearing the storage information in the storage means, and the control means stores the storage information in the storage means before the power is shut off. The decoration that is initially displayed on the decorative symbol display means after the power is turned on in the case of performing the backup restoration process (step S108) for returning to the state and the case in which the setting value setting process by the setting means and the clearing process by the clear means are performed. The display control means (effect control part 24) which displays the symbol by the same appearance as a symbol is provided.

Thereby, it is not recognized by the player whether or not the setting has been changed.
Therefore, the fairness of the game can be improved.
Also, if the appearance of the decorative design differs depending on whether or not the setting is changed, the hall staff will operate the gaming machine to change the appearance of the decorative design so that the player will not be aware of the setting change. However, such labor can be omitted, and the work burden of the hall staff can be reduced.

[5-3. About setting suggestion effects]
(Example of setting suggestions using the notice lottery table)

The effect control unit 24 is based on the content of the effect control command from the main control unit 20, specifically, for example, the change pattern information included in the change pattern designation command (see step S911), etc. Various “notice effects” related to the results can be controlled.
The notice effect acts as an effect that suggests (predicts) the winning expectation degree for the big hit. As the notice effect that can appear in the present embodiment, the “reach effect” and “pseudo-continuous effect” exemplified above are exemplified. There are “pending change notice effect”, “SU (step-up) notice effect”, “timer notice effect”, “revival effect”, and “premier notice effect”.
Among these notice effects, the “pending change notice effect” is an effect that appears on the basis of the variation pattern lottery result performed as the above-described prefetch determination (see step S809). This is an effect that appears based on the result of the variation pattern lottery performed (see step S909).

  The effect control unit 24 performs lottery as to whether or not to execute the notice effect as so-called “notice lottery”. In particular, the effect control unit 24 of the present embodiment performs such a preliminary lottery according to the set value Ve.

23 and 24 are explanatory diagrams of the notice lottery table used by the effect control unit 24 for the notice lottery. FIG. 23 shows an example of the notice lottery table used in response to the start of change. FIG. The example of the notice lottery table used correspondingly is shown.
Note that the information in the notice lottery table is stored in a non-volatile storage means such as the ROM 242 provided in the effect control unit 24 and is read out by the CPU 241 as necessary.

  As shown in FIG. 23A, as the notice lottery table corresponding to the start of change in this example, a separate table is prepared for each combination of the set value Ve and “win” and “out”. 23 and 24 show an example on the assumption that the values that the setting value Ve can take are three values corresponding to the settings 1 to 3 for convenience of illustration and explanation.

In each table, “pseudo-continuous effect”, “SU notice effect”, “timer notice effect”, “reach effect”, “resurrection effect”, “ Stored is information regarding whether or not to present each notice effect of “Premier notice effect”.
Specifically, with respect to the “pseudo-continuous effect”, information that defines which number of pseudo-continuous times should be set to “0” to “4” is stored. It should be noted that the number of pseudo-continuous times = 0 is equivalent to not performing the pseudo-continuous production.
For each notice effect of “SU notice effect”, “timer notice effect”, “reach effect”, “resurrection effect”, and “premier notice effect”, information indicating whether or not the effect can be selected, specifically, whether there is a lottery or not. Information to represent is stored.

  The effect control unit 24 determines the hit / miss information specified from the variation pattern designation command received from the main control unit 20 and the current setting specified from the set value command received from the main control unit 20 (see step S614). Based on the information of the value Ve, a table corresponding to a combination of the set value Ve and “winning” and “out of” is selected, and various notice effects corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command based on the selected table. With / without lottery (determining the number of pseudo-continuations for pseudo-continuous production).

Here, referring to each table corresponding to “out” in FIG. 23A, in this example, with regard to “SU notice effect” and “timer notice effect” at the time of loss, a pattern with / without lottery for the variation pattern is set 3 The case of (high setting) is different from the case of settings 1 and 2. Specifically, the “SU notice effect” is associated with “None, No, Yes, Yes” as the lottery availability information for Super Reach 1, 2, 3, 4 in the case of settings 1 and 2, respectively. On the other hand, in the case of setting 3, “none, yes, yes, yes” is associated.
Thus, in this example, at the time of high setting, the appearance rate of a specific notice effect at the time of “out” is set different from that at the time of other setting. Therefore, the player can estimate whether the gaming machine 1 is set to a high setting based on the difference in the appearance rate of the specific notice effect. In other words, a suggestion regarding the set value Ve being set in the gaming machine 1 can be made to the player by the difference in the appearance rate of the specific notice effect.

In addition, regarding the “timer notice effect” at the time of loss, “None, No, Yes, Yes” is associated with each of the settings 1 and 2, whereas “Yes, Yes, “None, None” is associated.
According to this, the “timer notice effect” at the time of losing appears when Super Reach 3 and 4 are set in the case of Settings 1 and 2 and not appearing when Super Reach 1 and 2 are set. On the other hand, it appears when the super reach is 1, 2 and does not appear when the super reach is 3, 4.
Thus, depending on the type of super reach when the “timer notice effect” appears, the current setting value Ve corresponds to setting 3 or corresponds to either setting 1 or 2 It can be suggested to the player if there is any.

Further, focusing on the “winning” time, in this example, the “premier notice effect” is different between the case of setting 3 and the case of setting 1 and 2 with or without the lottery pattern for the variation pattern. Specifically, in the case of setting 1 and 2, the lottery availability information for super reach 1, 2, 3, and 4 is “None, None, None, and Yes” respectively, whereas in the case of setting 3, “None and Yes” , None, Yes "are associated.
Thus, in this example, at the time of “winning”, a specific notice effect (premier notice effect) is more easily selected in the case of high setting than in the case of other settings. That is, based on the frequency with which a specific notice effect is selected, an indication regarding the set value Ve being set in the gaming machine 1 can be made to the player.

FIG. 23B shows an example of a notice lottery table used in response to a setting error.
As shown in the drawing, in the notice lottery table corresponding to the setting error, “0” is set for “pseudo consecutive number”, “SU notice effect”, “timer notice effect”, “reach effect”, “revival effect”, “premier”. Information indicating no lottery is stored for each of the notice effects of “notice effect”.
That is, when a setting error is recognized at the start of the change, no notice effect is performed.
As described above, in this example, when a setting error is recognized at the start of variation, a “out of” lottery result is forcibly selected, and “normal” with a relatively short variation time as a symbol variation pattern. The “variation 12s” is selected.
As mentioned above, there is a risk of distrust to the player if an effect with a high degree of expectation of winning is displayed as a notice effect despite the fact that the setting error is forcibly disengaged. In this example, this point is taken into consideration, and no notice effect is displayed at the time of setting error as described above.

At the start of fluctuation, the effect control unit 24 can grasp whether or not it is a setting error by the RAM abnormality command transmitted from the main control unit 20 in step S1006.
When the RAM abnormality command is received in response to the start of change, the effect control unit 24 determines whether or not lots of various notice effects are lottery based on the notice lottery table shown in FIG. About the number of pseudo-continuous).

The notice lottery table corresponding to the prefetch determination shown in FIG. 24 has the same table structure as that shown in FIG. 23 except that the notice effect to be targeted is only “pending change notice effect”. Specifically, as a notice lottery table (a table corresponding to a non-setting error) shown in FIG. 24A, an individual table is prepared for each combination of the set value Ve and “win” and “out”. For each target variation pattern (super reach 1, 2, 3, 4), information indicating whether lottery is selected or not for “holding change notice effect” is stored.
In addition, as the notice lottery table corresponding to the setting error shown in FIG. 24B, information indicating whether lottery is present or not corresponding to the setting error is stored for the “holding change notice effect”. As shown in the drawing, information indicating no lottery is stored for the “pending change notice effect” in the notice lottery table corresponding to the setting error.

Here, the production control unit 24 performs a pre-reading notice lottery in response to receiving the hold addition command (see step S812) transmitted by the main control unit 20.
As described above, the pending addition command of this example includes information indicating the result of the winning lottery performed as a pre-reading determination (separate hit / loss) and information indicating the result of the variation pattern lottery. The effect control unit 24 converts the hit / miss information specified from the hold addition command received from the main control unit 20 and the current set value Ve information specified from the set value command received from the main control unit 20. Based on the combination of the set value Ve and “win” and “out”, a “hold change notice effect” lottery corresponding to the variation pattern represented by the hold addition command based on the selected table / Determine none.

Further, as described above, the pending addition command is used when the setting error is recognized in the setting error determination process (step S808) performed by the main control unit 20 in response to the prefetch determination, the lower byte (EVENT). Is a value of “01H” indicating prefetch prohibition (see the description of step S812).
When the lower byte of the received hold addition command is “01H”, the effect control unit 24 determines no lottery for the “hold change notice effect” according to the table shown in FIG. 24B. In other words, if a setting error is recognized at the time of the prefetch determination, the “pending change notice effect” is not displayed.

Here, in FIG. 24A, with respect to the table at the time of loss, the pattern with / without lottery of “holding change notice effect” for each variation pattern of Super Reach 1 to 4 is set in the case of setting 3 (high setting) and setting 1 2 and 2 are different.
Specifically, as the lottery availability information for super reach 1, 2, 3, 4 at the time of loss, in the case of settings 1 and 2, “None, No, Yes, Yes” is associated with each, In the case of 3, “None, None, Present, None” is associated.
Thus, in this example, at the time of high setting, the appearance rate of a specific pre-reading notice effect at the time of “out” is set different from that at the time of other settings.
Therefore, in this example, it is possible to make a suggestion to the player regarding the set value Ve that is being set in the gaming machine 1 also by the difference in the appearance rate of the specific prefetch notice effect.

Note that, in the above, as a setting suggestion effect using various notice effects that appear in response to the start of change and the appearance of the prefetch notice effect, an effect that suggests that the set value Ve is the highest value is performed. However, for example, an effect suggesting a low setting (settings 1 to 3) or a high setting (settings 3 to 6), an even setting (settings 2, 4, 6) or an odd setting (settings 1, 3, 5). The method of setting suggestion effect is not limited to the method exemplified above, such as the effect of suggesting the effect or the effect suggesting the set value Ve (for example, setting N or more (N <6)) in a specific range.

(Example of setting using the pending change notice scenario table)

The effect control unit 24 causes the hold change notice effect using the liquid crystal display device 36 to appear as described above with reference to FIG.
The effect control unit 24 in the present embodiment realizes the setting suggestion effect by changing the mode of such a hold change notice effect according to the set value Ve.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of the hold change notice scenario table used when the effect control unit 24 of the embodiment selects an effect type (effect scenario) to be executed as the hold change notice effect.
In the following description, the hold change notice effect on the special figure 1 side will be described as the hold change notice effect, but the setting suggestion effect can also be realized on the special figure 2 side by the same method.

First, as a premise, in the hold change notice effect of the present example, the hold display is performed for each of the five display areas of the hold display portions a1 to d1 and the changing display area 78 where the hold display for the target hold ball can be performed. A plurality of types of scenario data (hereinafter referred to as “holding change notice scenario data”) defining information indicating what kind of display is performed (hereinafter referred to as “holding display mode information”) are prepared.
Specifically, in each hold change notice scenario data, the hold display mode information when the target hold ball is displayed on the hold display unit d1 (that is, the hold display mode information corresponding to winning) is displayed on the hold display unit c1. Hold display mode information (holding display mode information corresponding to the retention 3 subtraction), hold display mode information (holding display mode information corresponding to the retention 2 subtraction) when displayed on the hold display unit b1, Hold display mode information when being displayed in the part a1 (hold display mode information corresponding to subtraction of the hold 1) and hold display mode information when being displayed in the changing display area 78 (hold display mode information corresponding to the time) ) Respectively.
In this example, the candidate for the display mode of the hold display in the hold change notice effect includes the above-mentioned white, blue, green, red, and danger pattern (special hold display form) candidates. On the basis of the winning prize, the maintenance 3 subtraction, the maintenance 2 subtraction, and the maintenance 1 subtraction, the hold display mode information representing any display mode among these candidates is determined.
In this example, 15 types of scenario data are prepared as the pending change notice scenario data defining the hold display mode information for each time when winning, holding 3 subtraction, holding 2 subtraction, holding 1 subtraction, and so on. The scenario number corresponding to each is given (refer to the scenario numbers 1 to 15 in the figure).

In this example, the scenario No. 1 has a white display (normal hold display) in the winning display, at the time of subtraction of 3 times, at the time of subtraction of 2 and at the time of subtraction of 1 at the time. It is assumed that it is a scenario of a pending change notice production with the lowest expected expectation.
Scenarios 2 and 3 have scenarios in which the final change mode of the pending display (the pending display mode at that time) is “blue” and the winning expectation is higher than that of scenario number 1. Scenarios 4 to 6 are scenarios in which the final change mode of the pending display is “green” and the winning expectation is higher than that of scenario numbers 2 and 3. Furthermore, the scenario number 6 to 10 has a final change mode of the holding display “red”, and the winning expectation is higher than the scenario numbers 4 to 6, and the scenario numbers 11 to 15 are held. The final change mode of the display is a “danger pattern”, and the winning expectation is a scenario higher than the scenario numbers 6 to 10.

In the pending change notice scenario table of FIG. 25, information on the winning probability for each of the scenario numbers 1 to 15 is stored.
In FIG. 25, for convenience of explanation, the lottery random number used in the pending change notice lottery (hereinafter referred to as “pending change notice lottery random number”) can take 10,000 values from 0 to 9999 as information related to the winning probability. The distribution value for the winning probability is shown on the assumption of.
As a table actually used for lottery, a table storing determination reference values for random numbers for lottery is used as in the case of the variation pattern table shown in FIG.

In this example, at the time of disconnection, the pending change notice scenario data of scenario number 1 is most easily selected. Specifically, the assigned value for scenario number 1 corresponding to the time of loss is “8450”, and in most cases, the pending change notice scenario data of scenario number 1 is selected.
At the time of disconnection, a set of scenario numbers 2 and 3 (final change mode = blue), a set of scenario numbers 4 to 6 (final change mode = green), a set of scenario numbers 7 to 10 (final change mode = red), For each scenario data of the pairs of scenario numbers 11 to 15 (final change mode = danger pattern), the distribution values are the same, and specifically, “500” “100” “50” “10” respectively. is there. In other words, at the time of deviation, scenarios are easily selected in the order of scenario numbers 2 and 3, scenario numbers 4 to 6, scenario numbers 7 to 10, and scenario numbers 11 to 15 are most difficult to select a scenario. It has become.

On the other hand, for the winning time, the distribution value corresponding to the scenario number 1 is “0”, and the pending change notice scenario data of the scenario number 1 is not selected at the winning time.
At the time of winning, scenario number 2 (final change mode = blue), scenario number 3 (final change mode = blue), scenario number 4, 5 (final change mode = green), scenario number 6 (final change mode = green) Scenario number 7-9 (final change mode = red), scenario number 10 (final change mode = red), scenario number 11-14 (final change mode = danger pattern), scenario number 15 (final change mode) = Danger pattern), the sorting values are different from each other, specifically, “10” “40” “200” “300” “700” “800” “1250” “1350”, respectively. As a result, in combination, scenario number 2, scenario number 3, scenario number 4, 5 set, scenario number 6, scenario number 7-9 set, scenario number 10, scenario number 11-14 set, scenario number 15 set Scenarios are easily selected in order.

Here, in this example, a table for each set value Ve is prepared as the above-described hold change notice scenario table, that is, a table that determines the winning probability for each scenario of the hold change notice for each of the lost time and the winning time. Not. In other words, a common table is used regardless of the set value Ve.
In this example, in the gaming machine 1 that performs the big hit lottery based on the set value Ve, the common change change notice scenario table is used regardless of the set value Ve as described above, so that the hold change notice effect is generated according to the set value Ve. A difference is made in the appearance rate. That is, the setting value Ve being set for the player is suggested based on the difference in the appearance rate of the hold change notice effect.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the appearance rate (FIG. 26A) and the reliability (FIG. 26B) for each set value Ve of the pending change notice effect in the present embodiment.
Here, as a premise of FIG. 26, in this example, six types of values corresponding to the settings 1 to 6 can be set as the set value Ve, and the jackpot winning probability for each setting (in the normal state) is For example, suppose that it is defined as follows.
Setting 1 = 1/300
Setting 2 = 1/280
Setting 3 = 1/260
Setting 4 = 1/240
Setting 5 = 1/220
Setting 6 = 1/200

Both the appearance rate of FIG. 26A and the reliability of FIG. 26B are the numerical values (appearance rate, numerical values of reliability) for each pending change notice effect represented by scenario numbers 1 to 15 for each setting of settings 1 to 6. It shows about each at the time of slipping off and hitting.
In addition, each numerical value of the appearance rate and reliability shown in the figure is shown as a value rounded off to the fourth decimal place.

In FIG. 26A, the “appearance rate” here is the winning probability set for each effect (for each scenario number) in the pending change notice scenario table of FIG. 25 (the distribution value / 10000 in this example). Is a value obtained by multiplying the big hit winning probability and the loss probability at the time of loss (probability that the loss is selected in the big hit lottery).
For example, for the effect of scenario number 15, the appearance rate at the time of setting 1 and hitting is obtained by (1350/10000) × (1/300) (indicated as 0.045% in the figure). Similarly, for the effect of scenario number 15, the appearance rate at the time of setting 6 and hitting is obtained by (1350/10000) × (1/200) (indicated as 0.068% in the figure).

In FIG. 26B, “reliability” means the probability of a big hit when a certain performance appears. Specifically, “representation rate at the time of hit / (appearance rate at the time of loss + Appearance rate at the time of hit) ”.
For example, for the effect of scenario number 15, the reliability in the case of setting 6 is that the appearance rate at the time of hit is “(1350/10000) × (1/200)” as described above, and the appearance rate at the time of loss is “( 10/10000) × (199/200) ”,“ (1350/10000) × (1/200) ”becomes“ (10/10000) × (199/200) + (1350/10000) × (1/200) ”. ) ”(Indicated in the figure as 40.419%).

26A and 26B, in this example, in the gaming machine 1 in which the set value Ve can be set, a common table is used between the set values Ve as the hold change notice scenario table. You can vary the appearance rate and reliability for each setting.
Due to the difference in the appearance rate of the pending change notice effect depending on the setting, it is possible to realize the setting suggestion effect that suggests the set value Ve being set to the player by the difference in the appearance rate.
Also, depending on the setting, there is a difference in the reliability of the hold change notice effect. For example, in a certain setting, it is easier to win a big hit when a specific hold change notice effect appears than in other settings. It is possible to realize a setting suggestion effect that suggests the player about the set value Ve by the ease of winning a big hit when a specific on-hold change notice effect appears.

Note that the pending change notice scenario table is not limited to using a common table among the set values Ve, and different tables can be used depending on the set values Ve as in the modification shown in FIG.
In FIG. 27, only the table for the pending change notice effect (effects of scenario numbers 11 to 15) whose final change mode is a danger pattern is extracted and shown, but the set value Ve is similarly applied to other effects. Can be used, or a common table can be used between the set values Ve as in FIG. 25 (when it is desired to provide a difference in appearance rate and reliability depending on the setting).
FIG. 27 shows an example in which a table for each setting value Ve of settings 1 to 6 is prepared.

FIG. 28 shows an example of the appearance rate (FIG. 28A) and reliability (FIG. 28B) of the hold change notice effect when the hold change notice scenario table as a modified example shown in FIG. 27 is used.
As shown in FIG. 27, by using a table for each set value Ve as the hold change notice scenario table, the appearance rate and reliability of the hold change notice effect are set as illustrated in FIGS. 28A and 28B. Can be the same between.
27, illustration of specific distribution values is omitted, but in this example, distribution values are set so that the appearance rate and reliability shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B are realized.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a common reliability is set between settings for an effect in which the final change mode is a danger pattern (hereinafter referred to as “danger pattern notice effect”) among the pending change notice effects. doing.
Thereby, it can be made difficult for the player to estimate the set value based on the appearance mode of the danger pattern notice effect. By reducing the estimation factor of the set value Ve, the fairness of the game can be improved.

  In the above description, the danger pattern notice effect is given as an example of the target effect having a common reliability among the settings. However, the target effect is not limited to the pending change notice effect, but other examples such as a SU notice and a timer notice. It can also be used as an advance notice. That is, it is possible to set a common reliability between settings for a specific notice effect.

Here, as illustrated in FIG. 29, only the specific set value Ve can be given a difference in the reliability of effects with the other set values Ve.
Specifically, in the example of FIG. 29, as shown in FIG. 29B, the reliability of the danger pattern notice effect is set to a common value (40.419%) between setting 1 and setting 5 and only in the case of setting 6 The reliability of each performance is set to a higher value (80.000%).
As a result, the jackpot winning rate when the danger pattern notice effect appears among the pending change notice effects is increased only in the case of setting 6. For this reason, the player can estimate that the setting value 6 is set to the maximum value if the number of times that the danger pattern notice effect is displayed and the jackpot is won, that is, the current setting value Ve is set to the highest setting. A setting suggestion effect that suggests a certain situation can be realized.

In realizing the reliability exemplified in FIG. 29B, a table for each set value Ve is prepared as the pending change notice scenario table in the same manner as shown in FIG. At this time, each distribution value in the pending change notice scenario table is set so that the appearance rate shown in FIG. 29A is realized.
By preparing a table for each setting value Ve as a pending change notice scenario table, as shown in the example of FIG. 29, a difference in the reliability (and appearance rate) of the production is produced only for a specific setting with other settings. It can also be made. That is, it is possible to realize a setting suggestion effect that suggests to the player that the current set value Ve is the specific set value Ve.
Needless to say, the “specific set value Ve” is not limited to a single value but may be a plurality.

(Setting suggestion example using SU notice scenario table)

With regard to the SU notice effect, the setting suggestion effect can be realized by the same method as in the case of the above-described pending change notice effect.
FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram of the SU notice scenario table used when the effect control unit 24 selects an effect type (effect scenario) to be executed as the SU notice effect.
In this example, with regard to the SU notice effect, 15 effects of scenario numbers 1 to 15 shown in the figure are the effects to be selected. In the SU notice effect of this example, five types of contents SU1 to US5 are defined as effect contents, and the reliability of the effect is determined by the effect contents that finally appear.
The effect of scenario number 1 is a so-called “gase” effect that does not include any effect contents of SU1 to SU5, and is the effect with the lowest reliability. In this example, the gaze effect appears only when it is off, and the reliability is “0”. Note that the gaze effect may be an effect that includes substantially the same effect content as at least one of SU1 to SU5 (for example, only some colors of the image are different).
Thereafter, the effects of scenario number 2, scenario number 3, scenario numbers 4 to 6, scenario numbers 7 to 10, and scenario numbers 11 to 15 are finally shown as shown. ("Final SU" in the figure) are SU1, SU2, SU3, SU4, and SU5, respectively, and these effects have different reliability. Specifically, the reliability has a relationship of “scenario number 2 <scenario number 3 <scenario number 4-6 group <scenario number 7-10 group <scenario number 11-15 group”.
In this example, among the effects of the set of scenario numbers 4 to 6, the set of scenario numbers 7 to 10, and the set of scenario numbers 11 to 15, the effect including only the final SU of the set as the effect contents (scenario number 6 10 and 15) is more reliable than the other effects in the set.

In the SU notice scenario table, for each scenario data of these scenario numbers 1 to 15, a sorting value is determined for each of the lost time and the hit time. In this case as well, the distribution value is a value on the assumption that the lottery random number used in the SU advance notice lottery can take 10,000 values from 0 to 9999.
Also in this case, as a table actually used for the lottery, a table storing determination reference values for the random numbers for lottery is used.

Referring to the distribution values in the figure, in this example, the gaze effect of scenario number 1 is most easily selected at the time of losing, and thereafter, the combination of scenario number 2, scenario number 3, scenario numbers 4-6, scenario numbers 7-10 It is difficult for the production to be selected in the order of the pairs of the scenario numbers 11-15.
On the other hand, for winning time, scenario number 1, scenario number 2, scenario number 3, scenario numbers 4-5, scenario number 6, scenario numbers 7-9, scenario number 10, scenario numbers 11-14 The production is easily selected in the order of scenario number 15.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating the appearance rate (FIG. 30A) and the reliability (FIG. 30B) of the SU notice effect realized by setting the distribution value illustrated in FIG.
Also in this case, the jackpot winning probability for each set value Ve is the same as that assumed in FIG. Also in this case, the appearance rate and reliability values in the figure are rounded off to the fourth decimal place.

As can be seen with reference to FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B, regarding the SU notice scenario table, a common table is used between the set values Ve, so that the difference in the appearance rate and reliability of the SU notice effect depends on the set value Ve. Can occur.

(Example of setting the timer notice scenario table)

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of a timer notice scenario table in the embodiment.
The timer notice scenario table is a table used when the effect control unit 24 selects an effect type (effect scenario) to be executed as the timer notice effect.
In the timer notice effect in this example, three types of scenarios of scenario numbers 1 to 3 are targeted for lottery. The scenario number 1 is “none”, which means that the timer notice effect is not performed. Scenario number 2 is a timer notice effect of “30 seconds” (eg, an effect where the number of seconds of the timer displayed on the effect image is 30 seconds), and scenario number 3 is a timer notice effect of “1 minute” (eg, the above timer) The number of seconds is 1 minute).

  As shown in FIG. 32, in this example, a different table is prepared for each set value Ve as a timer notice scenario table. In the table for each set value Ve, for each production of scenario numbers 1 to 3, a distribution value for each of the off time and the hit time is set. In this case as well, as a table actually used for the lottery, a table storing determination reference values for the random numbers for lottery is used.

  As can be seen with reference to the distribution value in FIG. 32, in this example, the distribution of the winning probability for each scenario at the time of loss (scenario winning probability) is common among the set values Ve. Specifically, the distribution values for scenario numbers 1, 2, and 3 corresponding to the failure in this example are “9000”, “700”, and “300”. According to the distribution, in most cases, “None” of scenario number 1 is selected regardless of the setting 1 to 6 at the time of losing, and the timer notice effect is not displayed.

  On the other hand, with respect to the winning time, the distribution of the winning probabilities for each scenario varies depending on the set value Ve. Specifically, in this example, different assignments are performed for each of the groups of settings 1 to 3, the groups of settings 4 and 5, and the group of settings 6. As illustrated in FIG. “1000”, “2000”, and “7000” are assigned as the distribution values for 2 and 3; “500”, “500”, and “9000” are assigned as the distribution values for the groups of settings 4 and 5; “500”, “9000”, and “500” are set.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating the appearance rate (FIG. 33A) and the reliability (FIG. 33B) of the timer notice effect realized by setting the distribution value illustrated in FIG.
In this case as well, the jackpot winning probability for each set value Ve is the same as that assumed in FIG. 26, and the appearance rate and reliability are rounded off to the fourth decimal place.

Referring to the appearance rate shown in FIG. 33A, at the time of hitting, the timer notice effect of “30 seconds” is very likely to appear only in setting 6. Specifically, in this case, in the settings 1 to 5, the appearance rate is 0.077% or less at the maximum, whereas in the setting 6, the appearance rate is 0.450%.
Also, at the time of hitting, the timer notice effect of “1 minute” is very difficult to appear only in the setting 6. Specifically, in this example, setting 6 has an appearance rate of 0.025%, while in settings 1 to 5, the appearance rate is at least 0.233%.
In addition, regarding the reliability shown in FIG. 33B, the “30 second” timer notice effect is extremely highly reliable only in setting 6, and the “1 minute” timer notice effect is extremely low only in setting 6. Has been. Specifically, in this case, with regard to the timer notice effect of “30 seconds”, the reliability is 1.091% or less at the maximum in the settings 1 to 5, whereas the reliability is 6.069% in the setting 6. The In addition, for the timer notice effect of “1 minute”, setting 6 has a reliability of 0.831%, while in settings 1 to 5, the appearance rate is at least 7.239%.

By setting the appearance rate and the reliability as described above, the player is more likely to see the “30 seconds” effect than the “1 minute” as the timer notice effect, and the “30 second” effect is now displayed. It is possible to estimate that the current setting value Ve is setting 6 which is the highest setting because it is easy to win a big hit when it is issued.
That is, the setting suggestion effect using the timer notice effect can be realized.

As described above, by preparing different tables for the scenario table of the notice effect according to the set value Ve, the appearance rate and reliability of the effect are set to the set value Ve without depending only on the difference in the jackpot lottery probability due to the set value Ve. A corresponding difference can be produced. That is, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom of setting the appearance rate and the difference in reliability according to the set value Ve.
Therefore, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom of the setting suggestion effect using the notice effect.

[5-4. Fourth summary]

As described in the previous modification (see FIGS. 27 and 28), the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a stage regarding symbol display means (special symbol display devices 38a and 38b) capable of variably displaying symbols and a probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player. A setting means (setting change process in step S403) for setting a set value (Ve) to be expressed based on an operation, and a prefetch determination means (step change determination processing in step S403) that performs prefetch determination based on the setting value set by the setting means for unstarted variation display As a notice effect for the prefetch determination in S809) and the change display, a notice effect means (effect control unit) that can execute a plurality of types of notice effects according to the result of the prefetch determination before the start of the change display of the prefetch determination target. 24 and the liquid crystal display device 36), and the reliability of a specific notice effect (for example, a danger pattern notice effect) among the notice effects is common among the set values. Than is.

Accordingly, it is possible to make it impossible for the player to estimate the set value based on the appearance mode of the specific notice effect.
Therefore, even if the player is an advanced player who cannot estimate the set value when the setting suggestion based on the appearance mode of the notice effect is performed, Similarly, the set value cannot be estimated, and the fairness of the game can be improved.

<6. Modification of setting process>

In the above example, the setting process for the setting value Ve is executed in the main control side timer interrupt process. However, the setting process can also be executed in the main control side main process.
With reference to FIGS. 34 to 37, a processing example as a modified example in which the setting process is executed in the main process on the main control side will be described.
In the following description, the same step number is assigned to a process that is the same as the process that has already been described, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing main control-side main processing in the modification.
The main difference from the main process on the main control side shown in FIG. 5 is that the setting change flag ON process in step S114 is omitted, and the setting value in step S132 is a process following the setting change command transmission process in step S115. An acquisition process is provided, and the setting change process in step S133 is provided as a process following the step S132, and the setting process to the setting value buffer in step S118 and the determination process for the setting changing flag in step S120 are provided. This is an omitted point.

In the modified example, since the setting change process is performed in the main process on the main control side at the time of start-up, it is necessary to make it possible to confirm on the main control side timer interrupt process side the information indicating whether or not it is in the setting change mode. Absent. For this reason, in the modification, the setting changing flag is omitted, and accordingly, the processes of steps S114 and S120 are omitted.
In the modified example, since the setting change process is not executed in the main control timer interrupt process, it is not necessary to provide a set value buffer. For this reason, the setting process to the set value buffer in step S118 is omitted.

In the example of FIG. 34, the backup flag determination processing executed in step S107 in FIG. 5 is executed in step S131. Specifically, the CPU 201 in this case proceeds to step S131 in response to determining in step S103 that there is no RAM abnormality (setting value Ve abnormality), and determines whether or not the backup flag is in the ON state. If not, the process proceeds to step S110, and if it is ON, the process proceeds to step S104.
Note that the backup flag determination process is executed after the determination process in step S103, such as when the RAM clear switch 98 is determined not to be in the ON state in step S106, as in FIG. As long as it is executed at a timing prior to the checksum determination process.

In the modification, the CPU 201 performs a process of acquiring the current set value Ve in step S132 in response to the execution of the command changing process during setting change in step S115. Specifically, a process of acquiring the set value Ve stored in the work area of the RAM 203 in a register is performed.
In step S133, the CPU 201 executes setting change processing, and executes RAM clear processing in step S117.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the setting change process in step S133.
The difference from the setting change process (S403) shown in FIG. 10 is that the processes of steps S1301 to S1303 are provided instead of the processes of steps S601 to S603, and the setting value Ve in the setting value buffer of step S608 is different. The storage process and the process of storing the setting value buffer value in step S613 in the work area are omitted, and the setting value display data creation process in step S609 is changed to the setting value display data output process in step S1304. The setting change flag OFF process in step S612 is omitted, and the firing permission signal ON process in step S615 is omitted.

  In the setting change process of FIG. 35, the CPU 201 first executes the WDT clear process in step S1301, and then uses the above-described security signal (notification signal indicating that the setting is being changed) for the frame as the security signal output process in step S1302. Processing for outputting through the external concentrated terminal board 21 is performed. Note that the flag setting process as in the previous step 602 is not performed. In the modification, the main control side timer interrupt process is not started until the setting change process in step S133 is completed (the CTC setting process in step S119). This is because the external terminal management process in step S414 is not performed.

In response to the execution of the output processing in step S1302, the CPU 201 determines in step S1303 whether the power supply abnormality signal is at a normal level (power supply abnormality signal is OFF = normal level, ON = not normal level). If the power supply abnormality signal is not at a normal level (step S1303: ON), the CPU 201 returns to the process of step S1301. That is, the processes in steps S1301 and S1302 are repeated until the power supply abnormality signal changes to a normal level.
On the other hand, if the power supply abnormality signal is at a normal level (step S1303: OFF), the CPU 201 responds to the processing of steps S604 to S607, that is, in response to detection of a change operation of the set value Ve (operation of the RAM clear switch 98 in this example). After executing a process for changing the set value Ve (register value), a process for outputting set value display data is executed in step S1304 following step S607. That is, the setting value display data based on the register value is created, and the created setting value display data is output to the setting display 97.
The setting value display data creation process (S609) is not the output process, but the main control timer interrupt process is not started until the setting change process in step S133 is completed, and the LED in step S415 is displayed. This is because the management processing (output processing of set value display data) is not performed.

CPU201 advances processing to Step S610 according to having performed output processing of Step S1304.
If it is determined in step S610 that the setting key switch 94 is not OFF (setting change completion operation is not detected), the CPU 201 returns to step S1301.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S610 that the setting key switch 94 is OFF, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S611 to clear the setting value display data, and then executes the setting value command transmission processing in step S614 to execute step S133. Finish the setting change process.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing main control side timer interruption processing in the modification.
The difference from FIG. 8 is that the setting change process in step S403 and the setting change flag determination process in step S404 are omitted, the setting confirmation process in step S421 is added, and the processes in steps S405 to S408. The order has changed.

In response to the execution of the switch input data creation process in step S402, the CPU 201 in the modified example executes a timer management process in step S406, an input management process in step S408, a setting confirmation process in step S421, an error management process in step S405, a step Each process is performed in the order of the random number management process in the timer interruption in S407, and the process proceeds to the prize ball management process in step S409.
Here, the reason why the setting confirmation process is executed in the timer interruption process is to cope with the fact that the front frame 2 is opened during the game operation so that the confirmation display of the setting value Ve can be executed.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the setting confirmation processing in step S421.
In FIG. 37, the CPU 201 first executes processing for clearing the setting value display data in step S616, and then determines in step S618 whether or not the setting key switch 94 is in the ON state. If it is not in the ON state, the setting confirmation processing in step S421 ends. That is, if the operation for confirming the setting is not detected, the process for confirming and displaying the setting value Ve (the creation process in step S619) is not performed.

On the other hand, if the setting key switch 94 is in the ON state, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is a setting error in step S617. Note that the determination processing in step S617 is performed based on the setting error flag as described above.
If it is a setting error, the CPU 201 ends the setting confirmation processing in step S421. Also in this case, since the setting value display data is cleared in step S616, the setting indicator Ve is not displayed on the setting display 97 when there is a setting error.
On the other hand, if there is no setting error, the CPU 201 executes processing for creating setting value display data in step S619, that is, processing for creating setting value display data based on the setting value Ve stored in the work area of the RAM 203. In step S1401, the fraud information timer is set, and the setting confirmation process in step S421 is terminated.
As described above, the setting value display data created in step S619 is output to the setting display 97 in the LED management process (S415), and thereby the current setting value Ve is displayed on the setting display 97.

In step S1401, processing for setting the unauthorized information timer to a predetermined value (30 s in this example) is performed. The fraud information timer is a timer for controlling the output time of the security signal described above. By setting the fraud information timer to a predetermined value, the external terminal management process (S414) performs the time corresponding to the predetermined value. A security signal is output.
By providing the processing in step S1401, the illegal information timer is set to a predetermined value for each interrupt during setting confirmation. As a result, a security signal is output for a predetermined time length after the setting confirmation processing is completed.

<7. Other variations>

In the embodiment 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 gaming machine that uses a gaming medium having a shape other than a spherical shape as a gaming medium, a revolving gaming machine, or the like may be used.

In the above description, the setting check process can be executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the setting check process may be executed only when the power is turned on. In this case, the processing after power-on is either the setting change mode (and RAM clear processing), the setting confirmation mode (and backup recovery processing), or only the RAM clear processing, depending on the conditions established at power-on. In this case, the state transitions to five states, ie, only the backup recovery process, or the power-on process (infinite loop until power-off) due to a RAM error or backup flag error.
Further, as a condition for transition to each state, in the setting change mode, the door is opened (the front door opening sensor 61 is ON) + the setting key is ON (the setting key switch 94 is ON) + the RAM clear switch is ON (the RAM clear switch 98 is ON). ), The setting confirmation mode has two conditions of setting key ON + RAM clear switch OFF, the RAM clear processing has two conditions of setting key OFF + RAM clear button ON, and the backup return processing has setting key OFF + RAM clear button OFF. Two conditions may be set, and it may be determined at power-on which condition is satisfied.
Further, at the time of the determination, it may be configured to acquire three input information of the door opening, the setting key, and the RAM clear button from a common input port. Information acquired from the input port may be stored in a predetermined register. At this time, there is a possibility that the input port includes input information such as other switches in addition to the above-mentioned three input information. These information are used to determine the migration destination at power-on. Since it is not used for branch determination, mask processing is performed on the register value (specifically, when 1-byte input information can be acquired from the input port and each bit indicates the input information, It is also possible to mask the 5 bits indicating other input information other than the 3 bits indicating the 3 input information and clear them to 0).
Further, as described above, since only the setting change mode requires three conditions for branch determination, branch determination processing is first performed to determine whether to shift to the setting change mode, and this time when it is determined not to shift to the setting change mode. After that, mask processing is performed again on the register value (specifically, since determination of branching to other states requires only two conditions except for door opening, one bit indicating input information of door opening is masked) It is also possible to perform processing and clear 0). As a result, in the subsequent branching determination, it is only necessary to determine two conditions excluding the door opening, so that the program capacity can be reduced as compared to the determination of the three conditions.

In addition, the performance display monitor (performance display 99) performs an operation confirmation display for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) when the power is turned on (for example, all 7-segment LEDs are turned on and off alternately). It may be. In addition, it is desirable not to perform the operation confirmation display of the performance display monitor during the setting change mode, the setting confirmation mode, the RAM clear process, and the backup recovery process, and after each process is completed, It is desirable to perform an operation confirmation display. Therefore, the processing for the operation confirmation display is configured to be executed in the interrupt processing (for example, performance display monitor display processing: step S417 in FIG. 8), so that the setting change mode, the setting confirmation mode, and the RAM clear processing are in progress. It is desirable to configure so that the operation confirmation display is not performed in a state where interrupt processing is not yet permitted, such as backup recovery processing.
In addition, even when a game ball enters a winning entrance or out port during the operation confirmation display, the counting process for counting the number of entered balls may be executed. desirable. Further, the counting process for calculating the value of performance information (for example, the base value) may be executed as in the counting process. This makes it possible to accurately count the performance information value even if a game ball enters during the operation confirmation display. In addition, even if the count process or the count process is executed, if the performance information value display process is not executed during the operation confirmation display, the display may be suddenly switched to the performance information display during the operation confirmation display. It will not cause any problems.
The operation confirmation display is executed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) when the power is turned on. However, when the power is turned off during the operation confirmation display and the power is turned on again, the operation confirmation display is performed again for a predetermined time ( (Example: 5 seconds) It is desirable that the operation confirmation display be performed. In this way, every time when the power is turned on, the operation confirmation display is performed for a predetermined time. Even if the power is interrupted during the operation confirmation display, the operation confirmation display is performed for the remaining unexecuted time when the power is turned on next time. It is desirable to configure so as not to cause such a phenomenon.

  Also, in the above, depending on the conditions that are satisfied when the power is turned on, whether the setting change mode (and RAM clear process), the setting confirmation mode (and backup return process), only the RAM clear process, or only the backup return process However, in this case (except for the power-on process), the power-on process (infinite loop until power-off) may be entered. It is desirable to make the appearance of the first decorative design after the introduction common. Also, at least the setting change mode (and RAM clearing process) and the decoration pattern display mode only in the RAM clearing process are the same, and the decoration design display mode only in the setting confirmation mode (and backup restoration process) and the backup restoration process are the same. You may make it do.

  In the above description, the setting check process may be configured to be executed only when the power is turned on, not during the game. However, even in the setting check mode in this case, Similarly, it may be configured such that various processes performed in the interrupt process are not executed after the game ball cannot be launched. Although the description of each process is omitted here, it is desirable to basically prohibit or permit the process prohibited or permitted during the setting change of the embodiment in the setting confirmation mode as well.

In the above description, the setting display 97 and the performance display 99 are provided separately. However, the setting value Ve and the performance information are performed by common display means (hereinafter referred to as “predetermined display means”). It can also be configured.
When such a predetermined display means is provided, the display area of the predetermined display means may be different depending on whether it is used as a display means for the set value Ve or a performance information display means. For example, when the predetermined display means includes a 4-digit 7-segment LED, all 4-digit 7-segment LEDs are used when displaying performance information, and 4-digit 7-segment LEDs are used when displaying the set value Ve. Of the segment LEDs, for example, only one segment of 7 segment LEDs may be used. In this case, the unused 7-segment LED may be hidden (not lit), or a predetermined display such as “---” or “000” may be performed.

In the above description, the display control of the performance indicator 99 is performed in the timer interrupt process. In this case, however, the setting change process and the setting confirmation process can be executed only when the power is turned on as described above. The display control of the performance indicator 99 is executed after the setting change process and the setting confirmation process. That is, during the setting change or setting confirmation, the operation confirmation of the performance indicator 99 and the performance information are not displayed.
However, the display control of the performance indicator 99 can be configured to be performed in parallel with the setting change process and the setting confirmation process. In that case, the operation check (all blinking) of the performance indicator 99 is started when the power is turned on. Even if the operation check is being changed during setting change or setting check, the setting change or setting check is ended. Until this is done, the performance information may not be displayed.

  In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention can be configured to be able to execute a small hit game. In that case, it is good also as a structure that both big hit probability and small hit probability change for every setting. At this time, the range obtained by combining the range of the big hit determination value and the range of the small hit determination value is constant, and if the range of the big hit determination value is enlarged / reduced for each setting, the range of the big hit determination value is reduced / reduced accordingly. You may comprise so that it may expand.

In addition, when the RAM is cleared, the LED of the light display device 45a may be fully lit during the setting change period and during the setting change completion. Or it is not restricted to this, You may use a different lighting pattern according to various processes.
It is also possible to output a predetermined sound as a RAM clear sound when the RAM is cleared and when the setting change is completed. Or it is not restricted to this, You may use a different sound alerting | reporting pattern.

  Further, since it is basically impossible to perform the setting change operation and the setting change completion operation with the door (front frame 2) closed, the door is still open at the timing when the setting change operation is completed. Since possibility is high, you may comprise so that alerting | reporting may not be performed about the door opening during a setting change period. In this case, when the door is once closed and then opened again, a notification regarding door opening may be executed. In addition, if the door is closed during the setting change period even though the setting change has not yet been completed, a predetermined notification ("Setting change has not been completed", "Door closed Etc.) ”may be executed.

  Moreover, you may comprise so that the test | inspection mode for test | inspecting the input of operation means, such as the production | presentation button 13, can be performed. In this case, for example, the inspection mode may be executable during the setting change period, during the setting change completion, during the setting confirmation period, and the like. Further, the inspection mode may not be executed until the customer waiting demonstration is in progress (the inspection mode is entered when the customer waiting demonstration starts).

  Further, it may be configured such that the volume / light quantity can be adjusted during the setting change period, during the setting completion, and during the setting confirmation period by operating a predetermined operation means. Further, when a volume / light quantity change (adjustment) operation is performed, a volume / light quantity adjustment bar may be displayed on the display means such as the liquid crystal display device 36. Also, if the volume / light intensity adjustment bar is displayed, it may overlap with the display such as “Settings are being changed”, so the volume / light intensity will change during the setting change period, during setting completion, and during the setting confirmation period. While the operation is possible, the adjustment bar may not be displayed.

  Even when the volume / light quantity change operation is executed, the notification regarding the setting executed during the setting change period, during the setting completion, and during the setting confirmation period is changed to the changed volume / light quantity value. You may comprise so that it may not be influenced. For example, when a setting change sound is output from the speaker 46 during the setting change period and all the LEDs of the optical display device 45a are lit, the volume of the setting change sound changes even if the volume is changed. Without changing the light amount, the light amount of the LED that is fully lit may not be changed. Of course, the notification regarding the setting change is not affected, and the volume / light quantity change process is effectively performed internally. After the setting change, various effects are performed with the changed volume / light quantity. Is called. Further, the volume / light quantity changing operation may be disabled during the setting change period, during the setting completion, and during the setting confirmation period.

  In addition, regarding the completion of the setting change, a decorative pattern such as “731” is displayed while a setting change completion screen (for example, a notification such as “setting changed”) is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only the setting change completion notification display such as “setting changed” may be executed for a predetermined time (eg, the background is black). In addition, after the setting change completion notification display is executed for a predetermined time, a standby screen including a predetermined decorative pattern such as “731” may be displayed.

  Also, at the time of RAM clearing, a decorative pattern such as “731” can be displayed while displaying a RAM clear return screen (for example, including a notification such as “RAM clearing”). Alternatively, after the display of the RAM clear return screen is completed, a standby screen including a decorative pattern with a predetermined appearance such as “731” may be displayed.

1 Pachinko machine 20 Main control board (main control unit)
201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
24 production control board (production control unit)
241 CPU
242 ROM
243 RAM
36 Liquid crystal display device 38a, 38b Special symbol display device 45 Decorative lamp 45a Optical display device 46 Speaker 46a Sound generator 94 Setting key switch 97 Setting indicator 98 RAM clear switch 99 Performance indicator

Claims (1)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
Launching means for launching a game medium to the game area;
Control means for controlling the progress of the game operation,
The control means includes
A setting means for setting a setting value representing a stage regarding the probability of whether or not to win a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation;
Error determination means for performing an error determination process for determining the presence or absence of an error relating to the gaming operation;
In a setting change state in which the change of the set value is accepted, the firing by the firing unit is disabled, the error determination process by the error determination unit is not performed, and after the change of the set value is completed, the launch is performed. And a setting change response processing means for allowing the error determination process to be performed.

Images