JP2019069116A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To execute a normal performance operation which is hardly influenced by noises.SOLUTION: A performance control board 200 includes: a performance control ROM 202 for storing data to control a performance operation; a performance control ROM board 700 on which a performance control ROM side connector 701 electrically connected to the performance control ROM 202 is mounted; and a performance control board side connector 200A to which the performance control ROM side connector 701 is directly connected. A member capable of shielding electromagnetic waves is provided in the vicinity of a signal pattern itself or in a part where an influence of the electromagnetic waves may be received which may be generated from a signal pattern out of at least one of the performance control ROM side connector 700 and the performance control board side connector 701.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a ball-and-ball type gaming machine (also referred to as a "pachinko machine") and a drum-type gaming machine (also referred to as a "slot machine").

  In a general gaming machine, in addition to a main control board for controlling a game operation, an effect control board for controlling an effect operation is provided. A high-performance device or the like is mounted on this effect control board, and in recent years various functions can be exhibited. Along with this, various noise generation sources exist in the effect control board (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-119355 A

  However, in the conventional gaming machine, there is a problem that the original operation can not be normally executed if it is affected by the noise.

  Therefore, in view of the above-described problems, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine which is less susceptible to noise and capable of executing a normal rendering operation.

  In order to solve such problems, in the present invention, when the start condition is satisfied, a lottery is executed, and a main control board for controlling a game operation according to the result of the lottery, and a rendering operation by control of the main control board An effect control board for controlling the effect control board, the effect control board is electrically connected to the effect control ROM storing data for controlling the effect operation, and the effect control ROM electrically connected to the effect control ROM The effect control ROM substrate on which the ROM side connector is mounted, the effect control substrate side connector to which the effect control ROM side connector is directly connected, and the wiring formed on the surface of the effect control substrate, the effect control substrate side And at least one of the effect control ROM side connector and the effect control board side connector. And providing a member capable of shielding the electromagnetic wave in the vicinity of parts or the signal pattern itself may be affected in the electromagnetic waves can be generated from the signal pattern.

  According to the present invention, the influence of noise can be reduced.

It is a front view showing an example of composition of a game machine concerning this embodiment. It is a rear view which shows the structural example of the game machine shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the external appearance with which each board | substrate is detachably mounted to the production control board shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the substrate surface of the production control board of the state which removed each board | substrate from the state shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the production control ROM board | substrate and the image control board from the production control board. It is a rear view which shows the structural example of the image control board | substrate shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the connector provided in the board | substrate plane of the side by which the production control ROM board | substrate was mounted. FIG. 5 is a control block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 9 is a block diagram mainly showing a configuration example of an I / O port circuit etc. shown in FIG. 8. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a circuit structure of the output timing control part shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the function of the main control board shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the function of the presentation control board shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a special symbol equivalence lottery table. It is a figure which shows an example of a symbol table per special symbol. It is a figure which shows an example of a special symbol variation pattern table. It is a flow chart which shows an example of main control side main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main-control side main process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main-control side main process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main control side timer interrupt process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main-control side timer interrupt process which follows in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a starting opening monitoring control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the starting opening monitoring control process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol variation start monitoring control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol variation start monitoring process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol variation start monitoring process following FIG. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special symbol control processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol control general-purpose processing shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol variation start process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of processing during special symbol variation shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during special symbol stop symbol display shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during special symbol stop symbol display following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during special symbol stop symbol display following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special motorized prize control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special motorized prize control process following FIG. FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a special motorized product control process, following FIG. 34; It is a flowchart which shows an example of a production control command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production | presentation control command transmission process following FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the output timing of a strobe signal. It is a figure which shows an example of the output timing of a strobe signal. It is a figure which shows an example of the timing by which effect data are taken in according to a strobe signal. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a reset start process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of production control side main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the command analysis process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production | presentation state transfer process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the fluctuation production content determination process shown in FIG. FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing an example of a jackpot effect content determination process shown in FIG. 43. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the big hit rendering content determination processing following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a production control command reception interruption process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of production control side timer interruption processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an image control command transmission interruption process.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 are a front view and a rear view showing a configuration example of a gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the front frame 2 is by the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3A and 3B of the front left side edge with respect to the outer frame 1 fixed to the gaming island of the gaming facility. It is attached sideways open / close and detachable. The front frame 2 is held in a state of being engaged with and coupled to the outer frame 1 using a locking device 4 (so-called double lock) provided at the front right side edge.

  A glass frame 5 and a bowl unit are attached to the front side of the front frame 2 so as to be opened, closed, and detached laterally by hinge mechanisms 7a, 7b, 7c at the left edge toward the front. The front frame 2 is held by means of the locking device 4 in a closed state covering its front face. In the upper half of the front frame 2 located behind the glass frame 5, the game board 20 is detachably mounted from the front side, and the game is performed through the double-layered glass of the glass frame 5 closed and held as described above The game area 20A in front of the board 20 is visible.

  On the front side of the glass frame 5, a frame lamp (LED lamp) 10 which emits light according to the progress of the game, and a speaker 11 which outputs a sound according to the progress of the game are provided. The bowl unit is provided with upper and lower bowls (upper bowl 8 and lower bowl 9) for storing gaming balls. At the center of the front face of the upper bowl plate 8, an effect button 15 pressed by the player is provided. On the front right side of the lower ball tray 9, a release handle 12 for performing a release operation of the game ball is provided.

  The game board 20 is configured based on a substrate formed in a rectangular flat plate shape using, for example, a synthetic resin material such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, or ABS resin. On the front face of the game board 20, an outer rail and an inner rail are fixed in an arc shape, and a substantially circular game area 20A through which the game balls can flow while rolling is defined. In this game area 20A, in addition to a windmill and a large number of game nails, various other winning openings such as the first starting opening 61, the second starting opening 62, the operation gate 63, the special winning opening 64 and the general winning opening 66, (1) Various display devices such as special symbol display device 171, second special symbol display device 172, first special view hold lamp 173, second special view hold lamp 174, normal symbol display unit 175 and common view hold lamp 176 are provided ing. A center decoration 22 is provided substantially at the center of the game area 20A, and the screen of the effect display device 70 can be viewed through the center opening of the center decoration 22. At the lower end of the game area 20A, an out port 29 is provided for discharging the game balls rolled down without entering each winning port to the back side of the game board 20.

  The first start opening 61 corresponds to the first special symbol game, and is provided with a first start opening switch described later for detecting the ball entering of the game ball. Entry of the game ball into the first starting opening 61 is a trigger for the first special symbol lottery.

  The second start opening 62 corresponds to the second special symbol game, and is provided with a second start opening switch described later for detecting the entering of the game ball. Entry of the game ball into the second starting opening 62 triggers a second special symbol lottery. The second starting port 62 is provided with a normal motor combination 622 configured of a movable piece, and a common motor combination solenoid to be described later for driving the common motor combination 622 to open and close. In the closed position in which the gaming ball is less likely to enter the second starting opening 62 and the opening in which the gaming ball is more likely to enter than in the closed state, in accordance with the energization state of the ordinary electromotive role solenoid. The states can be changed alternately. Here, in the second starting opening 62, the gaming ball is difficult to enter unless the ordinary electric accessory 622 is opened, but the gaming ball is easy to enter when the ordinary electromotive role 622 is opened. It becomes composition.

  The actuation gate 63 corresponds to a normal symbol game, and is provided with an actuation gate switch described later for detecting that the gaming ball has passed. In addition, passage of the game ball to the operation gate 63 becomes an opportunity of the normal symbol lottery which determines whether the normal motorized item 622 of the 2nd starting opening 62 is made into an open state. In the present embodiment, a gate (passage opening) in which balls are allowed to flow down the game area even after passing is adopted as an operation opening that triggers an operation of a normal symbol, but like a general winning opening described later It is also possible to set it as a type with a winning opening, and with the generation of a winning ball, the ball being discharged from the back of the gaming machine after entering the ball.

  The special winning opening 64 is a laterally long rectangular winning opening that is opened when a big or small hit occurs in the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special winning opening 64 is provided with a special winning opening switch to be described later for detecting entry of the game ball, and a special electric winning combination 642 which constitutes a part of a so-called attack device, and this special electric winning combination A special motorized electric function solenoid 124 for opening and closing the object 642 is provided. The special electric character 642 changes alternately between a normal state where the game ball can not enter or hard to enter the big winning opening 64 and an open state where the game ball can enter or can enter easily.

  The special winning opening 64 is provided in the area on the right side in the game area 20A. Therefore, in the special game state, when the game ball is fired to the game area 20A, the game ball can easily enter the big winning opening 64 by performing a so-called right hit to hit the right area. ing.

  The general winning opening 66 is provided in the lower left area of the game area 20A, and may rarely receive a game ball rolling down the game area 20A. The general winning opening 66 is provided with a general winning opening switch described later for detecting entry of the game ball.

  The out port 29 is provided in the lower area of the game area 20A, and receives the game ball having rolled down the game area 20A. The out port 29 is provided with an out ball detection switch described later for detecting a game ball.

  The first special symbol display device 171 performs the variation display of the first special symbol after the game ball enters the first starting opening 61, and then performs the finalized display. The first special symbol display device 171 is configured of, for example, seven segments of LEDs, and the variable display of the first special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of each segment, and the blinking of the segment is stopped and the lighting display is displayed. The first special symbol is displayed by switching. The stop symbol of this first special symbol is constituted by numbers, symbols, etc. which are expressed by the combination of each segment.

  The second special symbol display device 172 performs the variation display of the second special symbol after the game ball enters the second starting opening 62, and then performs the finalized display. The second special symbol display device 172 is configured of, for example, seven segments of LEDs, and the variable display of the second special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of each segment, and the blinking of the segment is stopped and the lighting display is displayed. The second special symbol is displayed by switching. The stop symbol of this second special symbol is formed by numbers, symbols, etc. represented by the combination of each segment.

  The first special view reserve lamp 173 and the second special view reserve lamp 174 are respectively constituted of, for example, two LED lamps, and the operation reserve of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is made by the lighting / flashing display of the lamps. Express the number of balls (up to 4). The number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is the number according to the number of balls entering the first starting opening 61 during the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of a special game, The random number value acquired in response to entering the starting opening 61 is held. That is, this indicates the number of times that the pass / fail judgment is temporarily suspended until the variation start condition (the pass / fail judgment permission condition) is satisfied for the acquired random number value. The number of operation reserved balls of the second special symbol is the number according to the number of balls entering the second starting opening 62 during the change of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of the special game, and the second start The random number value acquired in response to entry into the mouth 62 is reserved. That is, this indicates the number of times that the pass / fail judgment is temporarily suspended until the variation start condition (the pass / fail judgment permission condition) is satisfied for the acquired random number value.

  The normal symbol display device 175 is constituted of, for example, two LED lamps, and the variable symbol display and the fixed display of the normal symbol are performed by lighting and blinking display of the lamps. In the present embodiment, for example, the variation display of the normal symbol is expressed in a mode in which two lamps alternately repeat lighting and extinguishing, and depending on which lamp is stopped and displayed in the final lighting state, the normal symbol is displayed. Report the result of the lottery. The general drawing reserve lamp 176 is constituted of, for example, two LED lamps, and the lighting and blinking display of the lamp expresses the number of operation reserved balls (maximum four) of the normal symbol. In addition, on the left side of the normal symbol display device 175, a round indicator 177 is provided for displaying the number of round games in the special game (the number of rounds: the number of times the special electric character 642 operates continuously).

  The effect display device 70 mainly displays an effect image including a decorative symbol to be displayed in a variable manner and stopped in conjunction with the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and a notice effect, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol Make a pending display. Specifically, in synchronization with the first special view holding lamp 173, a decorative symbol display unit (not shown) on which the variable display of the decorative symbol, the advance notice display, etc. is executed on the screen of the effect display device 70 The first special symbol hold display (not shown) where the first special symbol hold display is executed, and the second special symbol execute the second special symbol hold display in synchronization with the second special view hold lamp 174 A diagram reserve display unit (not shown) is provided.

  In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is employed as the effect display device 70. Although not shown, the decorative symbol display unit is provided with three lines of display areas (left display area, middle display area, right display area) as variable display areas of the decorative pattern on a predetermined effective line, The left symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the left display region, the middle symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the middle display region, and the right symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the right display region are respectively stopped and displayed. In the special display mode (not shown), in the normal display mode, when the action design ball of the special symbol is generated, the reserve image of the white circle mark is displayed, and when the operation stock ball is digested, it corresponds The hold image is lost. This reserve image is displayed in a predetermined order, such as the type of action reserve ball of the special symbol and the order of occurrence (the order of ball placement), and a maximum of four can be displayed on each special view reserve display section is there.

  The center decoration 22 is a kind of decoration provided around the effect display device 70, and exhibits a decoration function around the flow path of the game ball and the screen of the effect display device 70. The center ornament 22 is provided with a movable combination for executing a rendering operation according to the progress of the game. The movable part is operated by a driving source such as a stepping motor or a solenoid. The center decoration 22 is provided with at least one board lamp 25 that emits light in accordance with the progress of the game. In the following description, for convenience, the frame lamp 10 and the panel lamp 25 to be described later are also collectively referred to as “effect lamps 10 and 25”.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the back side of the front frame 2 has a window that communicates with the front and back substantially at the center, and the back setting board 30 configured in a rectangular frame slightly smaller than the front frame 2 is detachable. It is attached. Each part of the back setting board 30 is connected to the storage tank 31 for storing a large number of game balls, the tank rail 32 extending in a gentle downward slope from the storage tank 31, and the right end of the tank rail 32 downward. The extending ball supply passage 33, the prize ball payout unit 34 for paying out the gaming balls guided by the ball feed passage 33, and the game balls paid out from the prize ball payout unit 34 to the upper ball tray 8. A prize ball passage 35 and the like are provided.

  On the back side of the game board 20, for example, a main control board 100 for overall control of the operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, an effect control board 200 for controlling the overall effect, and an image according to the game development An image control board 300 for controlling display and sound output is mounted in a state of being covered by a rendering unit case (not shown) in FIG. In the present embodiment, the effect control board 200 and the image control board 300 constitute a liquid crystal unit in an assembled state integrated with the effect display device (liquid crystal display device) 70. On the other hand, on the back side of the back setting board 30, for example, a payout control board 400 for controlling the launch and payout of gaming balls, and power from the gaming facility side to supply power to various control boards and electric / electronic parts Power supply board is attached. These control boards are assembled on the back of the game board 20 or on the back of the back setting board 30 in an assembled state housed in a transparent resin substrate case adopting a caulking structure and a sealing structure to prevent tampering. It is attached. The control board and the electric / electronic parts of each part of the gaming machine are mutually connected via a harness (connector cable).

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the effect control ROM substrate 700 and the image control substrate 300 detachably mounted on the effect control substrate 200 shown in FIG. In the effect control ROM 700, an effect control ROM 202 described later is mounted.

  In the effect control substrate 200, for example, the effect control ROM substrate 700 is detachably mounted near the side edge of a part of the outer edge thereof, and the image control substrate 300 is adjacent to the effect control ROM substrate 700. It is attached detachably. Between the effect control ROM substrate 700 and the image control substrate 300 and the effect control substrate 200, an electromagnetic wave which may generate noise is shielded so as to cover a part of the surface of the effect control substrate 200, which will be described in detail later. A portion of the electromagnetic wave adsorbing member 900 for the purpose is exposed.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the substrate surface of the effect control substrate 200 in a state where the effect control ROM substrate 700, the image control substrate 300 and the electromagnetic wave adsorption member 900 are removed from the substrate surface of the effect control substrate 200 in the state shown in FIG. It is a perspective view. In the illustrated example, the image control board 300 mounted on the effect control board 200 is indicated by a broken line, and is formed at the four corners of one plane (the back side in the state shown) of the image control board 300. The non-coated portions where the resist is not formed are fixed to the bosses 316 in close contact with the L-shaped screwing portions 315 of the grounded conductor. The L-shaped screwing portions 315 disposed in the vertical direction are formed to face inward (or reversely outward) as illustrated so as to face each other. By using the L-shaped screwing portion 315 having such a shape, the vibration of the gaming machine itself accompanying the firing of the gaming ball or the operation of the center decoration 22 can be made less susceptible to the vibration.

  On the effect control board 200, a effect control ROM connector 211 and an image control board connector 212 are provided on the surface of the effect control board 200. The effect control ROM connector 211 is electrically connected to the effect control ROM substrate 700 by being fitted with a connector of the effect control ROM substrate 700 (corresponding to the effect control ROM substrate side connector 701 in FIG. 7 described later). Be done. On the other hand, the image control board connector 212 is electrically connected to the image control board 300 by being fitted with a connector (not shown) provided on the back surface of the image control board 300. This connector is connected to an image control board side connector 310 shown in FIG. 6 described later.

  The effect control ROM connector 211 and the image control board connector 212 are electrically connected by two pairs of signal pattern pairs 215 and 216 formed in parallel with the ground line 214 formed on the surface of the effect control board 200 interposed therebetween. Connected. Each signal pattern pair 215, 216 is configured by two signal patterns. Each signal pattern transmits a signal of a frequency of about 3 GHz, which can be a source of noise.

  As described above, in each signal pattern pair 215 and 216 that combines two signal patterns, if signals are exchanged at exactly the same timing in the two signal patterns, they may be simultaneously affected by noise, In these two signal patterns, as an example, the same signal is exchanged with a slight time difference.

  In the two signal pattern pairs 215 and 216 described above, the presence of the ground line 214 as described above allows, for example, a signal of one of the two signal patterns in communication among the two signal patterns to be electromagnetic induction or the like. Can suppress unnecessary noise caused by affecting the signal of the other signal pattern. Here, the terminals of each connector may function as an antenna depending on the surrounding environment, since a relationship may be established in which the length of the pin is an integral multiple or an integral fraction of the wavelength. It may be susceptible to the influence of noise due to electromagnetic waves from each signal pattern. If the effects of noise are communicated during communication between the effect control ROM substrate 700 and the image control substrate 300, the normal effect can not be read out or the control signal can not be transmitted, and effects that should have been provided to the player are There is a risk that it can not be implemented properly. So, in this embodiment, in order to suppress the influence of the noise resulting from such an electromagnetic wave with respect to the terminal of each connector, the following structures are employ | adopted.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the electromagnetic wave adsorption member 900 is disposed and mounted on the surface of the effect control board 200 shown in FIG. The electromagnetic wave adsorption member 900 is disposed to cover the two signal pattern pairs 215 and 216 formed on the surface of the effect control substrate 200.

  The electromagnetic wave adsorbing member 900 has a configuration in which an electromagnetic wave adsorbing sheet 901 for shielding an electromagnetic wave is covered with a semitransparent resin 902. Therefore, even when the electromagnetic wave adsorbing member 900 is disposed on the effect control substrate 200 as shown in the figure, the translucent resin 902 is transmitted and the substrate surface of the effect control substrate 200 is slightly visible through .

  The electromagnetic wave adsorption member 900 is, for example, a T-shaped flat plate member, and cylindrical bosses provided in a case for accommodating the effect control substrate 200 in the translucent resin 902 of both arm portions of the T-shaped upper part Through holes 903 and 904 are formed having an inner circumferential diameter that can pass through 318 and 319, respectively.

  On the effect control substrate 200, a positioning mark 213 is formed on the surface of the substrate as a mark indicating a position where the electromagnetic wave adsorption member 900 should be disposed and mounted. With such a configuration, when the electromagnetic wave adsorption member 900 is disposed on the surface of the effect control board 200 along the positioning mark 213 while penetrating the through holes 903 and 904 to the corresponding bosses 318 and 319, the electromagnetic wave adsorption member 900. Is accurately and easily placed at a predetermined position on the surface of the effect control substrate 200.

  As described above, when the electromagnetic wave adsorbing member 900 is disposed to cover the two signal pattern pairs 215 and 216, noise may be generated from any signal pattern of these two signal pattern pairs 215 and 216. Malfunction of each electronic component can be prevented by making it hard to affect the surroundings. In addition to preventing the noise generated from the signal pattern pairs 215 and 216, it is also possible to take measures against the malfunction with respect to noise directed to the signal pattern pairs 215 and 216 from the outside. On the other hand, since the electromagnetic wave adsorbing member 900 is attachable to and detachable from the effect control board 200 as described above, the electromagnetic wave adsorbing member 900 can be reused in other game machines. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the image control board 300, the effect control ROM substrate 700, and the electromagnetic wave absorbing member 900 are disposed so as to cover the two signal pattern pairs 215 and 216 and the connector portion on the effect control board. There is. The image control board 300 and the effect control ROM board 700 are composed of multi-layer boards, and the front face of the important point of communication is covered with a plurality of copper plates and an electromagnetic wave attracting member inside the board. It becomes possible to suppress noise emitted to the outside from the signal pattern pair 215, 216.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, between the two arms of the semi-transparent resin 902, the connector 211 for effect control ROM connector of the substantially prismatic shape standing almost vertically from the substrate surface of the effect control substrate 200 is avoided. Thus, a rectangular notch is formed. Even when the electromagnetic wave adsorption member 900 is disposed and mounted at a predetermined position on the surface of the effect control substrate 200 due to the presence of such a notch portion, the electromagnetic wave adsorption member 900 is not in contact with the effect control ROM connector 211 Is configured. The effect control ROM connector 211 includes a connector plug 211A provided with each terminal constituting an electrical contact, as described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the effect control ROM connector 211, a sheet metal shield 211B is provided along the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the connector plug 211A. As a result, even when electromagnetic waves are generated around the connector plug 211A, the electromagnetic waves do not easily reach the terminals inside the connector plug 211A, and thus the connector plug 211A is not easily affected by noise.

  FIG. 6 is a rear view showing a schematic configuration example of the back surface of the image control substrate 300 on which the image control substrate side connector 310 is mounted. Although the image control board 300 is cut away at the four corners of one plane as described above, the image control board 300 is configured in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape as a whole.

  As described above, the image control board 300 has the conductive non-covered portions 311, 312, 313, which are not covered with the resist at the four corners of the other plane of the other side of the plane of the substrate on which the image control CPU 301 is mounted. 314 is formed. These non-covered portions 311, 312, 313, 314 are, for example, the L-shaped screwing portion 315 of the grounded conductor when the image control board 300 is mounted on the effect control board 200 as shown by a broken line in FIG. In electrical contact with each other. The presence of the non-coating portions 311, 312, 313 and 314 shown in FIG. 6 makes it possible to dissipate heat to the metallic conductor, and can take measures against heat as well as noise.

  The image control substrate side connector 310 is provided at a portion sandwiched by the non-coating portion 313 and the non-coating portion 314 formed on the outer edge of the image control substrate 300. As described above, the image control board side connector 310 is electrically connected to the image control board 300 and the effect control board 200 by being fitted to the image control board connector 212 of the effect control board 200, and both of them are connected. Enables exchange of signals between each other.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration example in the vicinity of the effect control ROM substrate side connector 701 provided in the effect control ROM substrate 700. As described above, the effect control ROM board side connector 701 is fitted to the effect control ROM connector 211 of the effect control board 200 so that the effect control ROM 202 mounted on the effect control ROM board 700 is the effect control board 200. Electrically connected to

  In the effect control ROM substrate side connector 701, the respective connector connection terminals 701C are arranged in a line in the center of the bottom of a box-shaped rectangular recess having a side wall having a predetermined thickness, and each connector connection terminal 701C is the side wall It is configured to face the The side walls that surround the four sides in this manner are surrounded along the outer peripheral surface (or the inner peripheral surface) by the electromagnetic wave shielding member 701D provided with a sheet metal shield. The effect control ROM substrate side connector 701 having such a configuration is fixed to the effect control ROM substrate 700, and electrically connected to the electronic components mounted on the effect control ROM substrate 700 by the connection terminals 701E. ing.

  Such an electromagnetic wave shielding member 701D can similarly shield electromagnetic waves and make the same less susceptible to noise even if the member is made of a ferrite core instead of the above-described configuration in which a sheet metal shield is provided. it can. In addition, if this ferrite core is configured to be removable, it can be reused in the same application also in other game machines. Also, instead of attaching the ferrite core so as to surround the side wall of the effect control ROM substrate side connector 701, the effect control ROM substrate side connector 701 and the effect control ROM connector 211 from the base member that holds the effect control ROM substrate 700. It is also possible to form a cylindrical rib surrounding the periphery and attach the ferrite core to the inner periphery and outer periphery of the rib, and with this method, it is not necessary to remove the ferrite core itself. Convenience rises.

  Furthermore, the side wall of the effect control ROM connector 211, which is a rectangle having a predetermined thickness when viewed from above, has two long sides, as described above, when the electromagnetic wave shielding member 701D is a sheet metal shield. An elastic member 701B configured to be continuous with the electromagnetic wave shielding member 701D in a portion to be configured is formed so as to partially cover the outer peripheral surface of the side wall to a part of the inner peripheral surface.

  When the effect control ROM substrate side connector 701 is fitted to the effect control ROM connector 211 due to the presence of the elastic member 701B described above, the effect control ROM substrate side connector 701 performs effect control by the elasticity of the elastic member 701B. The ROM connector 211 is reliably held.

  As described above, the configuration to make it difficult to receive the influence of noise is not limited to the one described above, and for example, a box-shaped cooling holding unit that is a holding member of a heat source such as a CPU described later An electromagnetic attraction sheet may be attached to the bottom of the base member (not shown) or to each side wall continuous with it, or a shield may be applied, for example, by evaporation.

  In addition, such an electromagnetic attraction sheet may be attached to the side wall of a storage case that includes the effect control board 200 and the image control board 300. By doing this, it is possible to make it hard to receive the influence of noise generated due to static electricity that is likely to be generated in the ball feeding mechanism and the prize ball flow path described later. Communication with an external device such as a data counter, etc.) or vice versa can also be prevented.

<Control configuration of gaming machine>
FIG. 8 is a control block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration example of I / O port circuit 104 etc. of main control board 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram shown, and FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram more specifically exemplifying the switching circuit 104C and the like shown in FIG.

<Main control board>
As shown in FIG. 8, the main control board 100 includes a main control CPU 101, a main control ROM 102, a main control RAM 103, an I / O port circuit 104, and the like. The main control CPU 101 controls the operation of the main control program to execute various arithmetic processing related to the game. The main control ROM 102 stores the main control program and various data in a non-volatile manner. The main control RAM 103 functions as a work area and buffer memory used as a temporary storage area (temporary area). The I / O port circuit 104 inputs / outputs signals between peripheral devices such as the effect control substrate 200 and the payout control substrate 400 and devices under control of the main control CPU 101.

  The main control CPU 101 reads the main control program from the main control ROM 102 and executes each command on the main control RAM 102 to control the game operation according to each command of the main control program.

  Besides, although not shown, the main control board 100 is provided with a clock circuit, a WDT circuit, a CTC circuit, a random number generation circuit and the like.

  The clock circuit divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock. The WDT circuit resets and restores the normal state when the main control CPU 101 is in a malfunction or runaway state. The CTC circuit generates real time interrupts and measures time. The random number generation circuit operates as a system different from the program processing (software random number) by the main control CPU 101 to generate a predetermined random number (internal random number). These are electrically connected to one another via an internal bus (not shown).

  The main control CPU 101 reads out the main control program stored in the main control ROM 102 based on detection information from each switch 161 or the like, and executes arithmetic processing to execute various processes related to main control of the game.

  Furthermore, the main control CPU 101 is a rendering command output port (corresponding to the rendering command output port 101A in FIG. 9 described later) for outputting a rendering control command to the rendering control board 200 for executing a rendering operation accompanying the main control of the game. In addition to the above, it also has a payout command output port for outputting a payout command for executing the payout operation of the game ball, and further, a strobe signal for adjusting the timing of causing the target substrate to receive those transmission commands. A strobe signal output port (corresponding to a strobe signal output port 101B in FIG. 9 described later) used for output is provided. The main control CPU 101 is provided with various other output ports, and the strobe signal output port 101B is actually present as a port for outputting a plurality of data combined with other output data. In the present embodiment, an effect command output port and a strobe signal output port are mainly illustrated and described.

  The main control RAM 103 is volatile storage means in which at least a part of the area is backed up by a backup power supply generated on the power supply substrate. The backup area of the main control RAM 103 is an area that should hold the storage of data such as the stack pointer and each register that was held at the time of power shutdown when a power shutdown (hereinafter referred to as “power shutdown”) occurs. When the power is turned on (when power is restored), the state of the gaming machine is restored to the state before the power was turned off based on the information of the backup area.

  The main control board 100 includes a first start port switch 161 provided in the first start port 61, a second start port switch 162 provided in the second start port 62, and an operation gate switch 163 provided in the operation gate 63; It is electrically connected to various switches such as a special winning opening switch 164 provided in the special winning opening 64 and a general winning opening switch 166 provided in the general winning opening 66. In the main control board 100, detection signals from these various switches are input to the main control CPU 101 via the I / O port circuit 104.

  Furthermore, the main control board 100 includes a first special symbol display device 171, a second special symbol display device 172, a first special view holding lamp 173, a second special view holding lamp 174, a normal symbol display 175, and a common view holding lamp. It is electrically connected to various display means such as 176. The main control board 100 is electrically connected to various solenoids such as a normal motor combination solenoid 123 for operating the common motor combination 622 and a special motor combination solenoid 124 for operating the special motor combination 642. The control signal from the main control CPU 101 is transmitted to these various display means and various solenoids via the I / O port circuit 104.

  The main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 are connected by, for example, eight parallel signal lines and one strobe signal line, and a single direction from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200 Communication is only possible. That is, while transmission of various effect control commands from the main control substrate 100 to the effect control substrate 200 is permitted, transmission of commands and data from the effect control substrate 200 to the main control substrate 100 is not permitted. .

  The I / O port circuit 104 is provided in the main control board 100 between the main control CPU 101 and the effect control board connector 109. The main control CPU 101 and the effect control board connection connector 109 are connected by a strobe signal bus 112 formed by strobe signal lines in addition to the data bus 111 formed by eight data lines. This I / O port circuit 104 includes a latch and switching circuit 104A, a latch circuit 104B and a switching circuit 104C as shown in FIG.

  The latch and switching circuit 104A is provided on the 8-bit data bus 111, while the latch circuit 104B and the switching circuit 104C are provided on a strobe signal bus 112 formed of, for example, 1-bit strobe signal lines. There is.

  The latch and switching circuit 104A holds 8-bit command data (first command, second command) output by the main control CPU 101 via the effect command output port 101A. The command data held by the latch and switching circuit 104A is received by the effect control board 200 via the effect control board connector 109 under the control of the main control CPU 101 as described later.

  On the other hand, latch circuit 104B is a 1-bit strobe signal output by main control CPU 101 via strobe signal output port 101B (exactly, active potential or inactive potential of signal based on 1-bit strobe signal data) Hold. The strobe signal held by the latch circuit 104B is sent to the effect control board 200 via the effect control board connector 109 at the output timing designated by the main control CPU 101 by the on / off control of the switching circuit 104C by the main control CPU101. It is output.

  As shown in FIG. 10, this switching circuit 104C includes a resistor R1, a pull-down resistor R2 and a transistor TR. When the strobe signal at L level is held in latch circuit 104B, transistor TR is turned off, and the output of transistor TR is turned on (H in accordance with the input voltage of which the strobe signal voltage is stepped down by resistance R2). Level). On the other hand, when the strobe signal at H level is held in latch circuit 104B, transistor TR is turned on and the input of transistor TR is grounded via pull-down resistor R2, so the output of transistor TR is off (L level) It becomes.

  Switching circuit 104C is responsive to whether the strobe signal held in latch circuit 104B is at the H level or at the L level at the output timing designated using the strobe signal output timing control function mounted on main control CPU 101. , Its output is switched to H level or L level. Here, it is possible to set for each gaming machine whether the strobe signal is at the H level or the L level and is recognized as an active potential which is a valid signal (a signal serving as a trigger for reading effect control). It is.

  In this embodiment, as such a strobe signal output timing control function, the waiting time from setting of the effect control command to output thereof and the output maintaining period of the strobe signal are preferred embodiments as described below. It is set up. The strobe signal output timing control function will be described in detail using a flowchart.

  The switching circuit 104C matches the voltage of the strobe signal output from the main control CPU 101 on the input side and operating with a higher voltage to the effect control board 200 operating on the output side and with a lower voltage. Although the voltage may be reduced, the voltage may be maintained and the voltage may be reduced by a transformer circuit or the like immediately before the effect control board 200 receives the strobe signal. In this case, the higher potential is generally more resistant to noise, and thus the communication section such as the harness or connector connecting the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200 is less susceptible to noise. it can.

<Effect control board>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the effect control board 200 stores an effect control CPU 201 that executes various arithmetic processing related to game effects based on the effect control command from the main control board 100, and stores effect control programs and various data. Between the effect control ROM 202, the effect control RAM 203 functioning as a work area as a temporary work area (temporary area) and a buffer memory, and the peripheral substrates such as the main control substrate 100 and the image control substrate 300 and devices And an I / O port circuit 204 that inputs and outputs signals.

  The effect control CPU 201 reads out the effect control program stored in the effect control ROM 202 and executes it on the effect control RAM 203 to control the effect operation accompanying the progress of the game according to the effect control program. In addition, although not shown, the clock circuit that divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate the internal system clock is reset to the effect control board 200, and the effect control CPU 201 is reset when it becomes a malfunction or runaway state. Circuit to return to normal state, TPU circuit to output various signals based on system clock, interrupt controller to generate various interrupts such as timer interrupt based on signals from register settings and CTC circuit, etc. serial data input / output A serial communication circuit for carrying out the operation and a real time clock circuit (hereinafter referred to as "RTC circuit") having a clocking function are mounted, and they are mutually connected via an internal bus.

  In the effect control process according to the effect control command from the main control board 100, the effect control board 200 generates an image control command for instructing the image control board 300 to output an image and sound, and in addition, a lamp connection A lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the substrate 91, a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92, and the like are generated. The effect control board 200 is connected to the image control board 300 so as to enable bidirectional communication. While an image control command relating to an image and a sound is transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300, a response command (so-called ACK command) indicating that the image control command has been successfully received. Is transmitted from the image control board 300 to the effect control board 200.

  The effect control board 200 is electrically connected to a lamp connection board 91 on which a plurality of LED drivers are mounted, and a lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the lamp connection board 91 via a serial communication circuit. Send. In the present embodiment, clock synchronous serial communication is adopted in effect control substrate 200 and lamp connection substrate 91, and transmission is performed using a signal line (clock line) different from the data line for lamp data transmission. The lamp control signal is transmitted bit by bit via the data line in synchronization with the clock signal.

  The lamp connection board 91 incorporates an LED driver that functions in response to a lamp control signal for LED drive transmitted from the effect control board 200. The lamp connection board 91 supplies or cuts off the drive current to the effect lamps 10, 25 by switching on / off switches in the circuit based on the lamp control signal to turn on or turn off the effect lamps 10, 25. Control.

  Further, the effect control board 200 is electrically connected to the plurality of motor drivers 92, and a drive control signal (drive data) for driving the item to the motor driver 92 via the I / O port circuit 204. Output. The motor driver 92 supplies drive current to the stepping motor of each movable part by switching on / off a switch in the circuit based on a drive control signal for accessory drive transmitted from the effect control board 200. Shut off and operate each movable part. A parallel communication method is adopted for data transmission to the motor driver 92. The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and as long as it has a drive source other than a stepping motor as a drive source of a prize, a control signal for a driver IC corresponding to the drive source instead of the motor driver 92. And control data are sent.

  The image control board 300 includes an image control CPU 301, a ROM 304, a RAM 305, and an I / O port circuit 306. The image control CPU 301 executes various arithmetic processing relating to image effects based on the image control command from the effect control board 200. The ROM 304 stores an image control program and various data. The RAM 305 temporarily functions as a work area or buffer memory as a storage area (temporary area). The I / O port circuit 306 inputs and outputs signals to and from peripheral substrates and devices.

  The image control CPU 301 reads an image control program from the ROM 304, loads the image control program into the RAM 305, and executes the program to control an image display operation related to an effect according to the image control program. The ROM 304 corresponds to the ROM on the effect control ROM substrate 700.

  Furthermore, the image control board 300 generates VDP 302 that generates image data according to the effect contents based on the control signal acquired from the image control CPU 301, and sound data according to the effect contents based on the control signal acquired from the image control CPU 301 A sound source IC 303 to be generated is mounted. The VDP 302 is a so-called graphic processor, reads image data stored in an image ROM (not shown) according to an instruction from the image control CPU 301, processes the image data, and generates a video signal on the effect display device 70. Output against. The VDP 302 is connected to a high-speed VRAM (not shown) used for developing and processing the image data read from the image ROM. The sound source IC 303 reads sound data stored in a voice ROM (not shown) in accordance with an instruction from the image control CPU 301, and outputs the generated sound data to the speaker 11 through the amplifier. Do.

<Discharge control board>
The payout control board 400 includes a payout control CPU 401, a payout control ROM 402, and a payout control RAM 403. The payout control board 400 drives the winning ball payout unit 34 based on the payout control command from the main control board 100 to control the payout operation of the gaming balls (winning ball operation), while the amount corresponding to the operation amount of the firing handle 12 The ball feed mechanism 13 and the launch mechanism 14 are synchronously driven to control the launch operation of the gaming ball.

<Power supply board>
Although omitted in FIG. 8, the power supply substrate includes a normal power supply circuit, a backup power supply circuit, and a power failure monitoring circuit. The normal power supply circuit generates a normal power supply used in each control board based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply equipment on the game island. The backup power supply circuit generates a backup power supply. The power failure monitoring circuit has a function of monitoring a power failure due to a voltage drop.

  The power supply substrate generates and supplies a power supply voltage necessary for electronic and electrical components such as control substrates and gaming machines. A power switch for activating the power circuit is connected to the power board, and when the power switch is turned on in a state where the primary power is supplied from the power supply device of the game island, each power circuit of the power board is selected. A predetermined power is supplied to a control board or the like.

  The power supply board has a function of detecting that the power supply from the power supply device on the gaming island is shut off (hereinafter also referred to as "power shutoff"), and a power shutoff signal (NMI) Signal) is transmitted to the main control board 100, the effect control board 200, and the payout control board 400. The backup power supply circuit is configured to be charged while power is supplied to the gaming machine from the power supply device on the gaming island. A RAM clear switch (not shown) is connected to the power supply substrate. The RAM clear switch is a switch for temporarily erasing stored contents of the main control RAM 103 of the main control board 100 and setting an initial value when the game machine is powered on. The RAM clear switch may be connected to another substrate such as the main control substrate 100 instead of the power supply substrate.

<Basic operation example of gaming machine>
In the gaming machine configured as described above, the game is started with the gaming balls stored in the upper bowl plate 8. First, when the firing handle 12 is turned, the gaming balls stored in the upper bowl 8 are sent out one by one to the firing mechanism 14 by the ball feeding mechanism 13 provided on the back side of the glass frame 5 The firing mechanism 14 is fired to the game area 20A at a firing strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the firing handle 12.

  When a game ball rolling down the game area 20A enters any of the general winning opening 66, the first starting opening 61, the second starting opening 62, and the large winning opening 64, this detection signal is input to the main control board 100 Be done. In the main control board 100, the main control CPU 101 transmits a payout control command instructing the ball operation according to the type of the winning opening to the payout control board 400, and storage is performed by the control of the payout control board 400 having received it The game balls of the tank 31 are paid out to the upper ball dish 8 or the lower ball dish 9 by the prize ball payout unit 34.

  On the other hand, when the gaming ball enters the first starting opening 61 or the second starting opening 62, this detection signal is input to the main control board 100. In the main control board 100, when the main control CPU 101 detects a ball entering the first starting opening 61 or the second starting opening 62, the lottery random number value of the special symbol is acquired, and the random number is up to a predetermined upper limit number. Temporarily memorize as a holding ball of special symbol. When the predetermined change start condition is satisfied, the main control CPU 101 then executes the determination of success or failure of the special symbol and the symbol determination on the lottery random number value related to the first holding ball, and the change pattern determination to select the change pattern. Is executed, and the special symbol is variably displayed using the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 in a mode according to the determination result. In addition to this, the main control CPU 101 transmits the effect control command to the effect control board 200 to cause the image control board 300 to execute the effect display of the decorative symbol and the display of the change effect on the effect display device 70. The variation display of the special symbol and the decoration symbol is synchronously stopped after the lapse of the variation time according to the selected variation pattern. Here, there is a ball entry to the first start port 61 and the second start port 62, and various lottery random number values are acquired, and further, the acquired random number values are reserved and the fluctuation start condition is satisfied. At the time of performing special symbol game by the special symbol display device, the processing that results in execution of the special symbol game is referred to as "start condition (satisfies)".

  When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed on the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 in the stop mode indicating a big hit, the gaming state is more advantageous to the player than the normal game. After shifting to a special game, the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 64 is started in response to the operation of the special electric symbol 642. On the other hand, the stop mode of the decorative symbol indicating the big hit in the effect display device 70 is, for example, a mode in which the types of three symbols match. In the present embodiment, as special games, 10R special games set to 10 round games (10 rounds), 5R special games set to 5 round games (5 rounds), and 2 round games There are 2R special games set for the times (2 rounds).

  In this embodiment, even if the game is transferred to any of the 10R special game, 5R special game and 2R special game, the number of times of variation of the special symbol after the end of the special game is a predetermined number of closing times (also referred to as "ST times") During the period until reaching the symbol (also referred to as "ST period"), the probability variation function (also referred to as "probability variation") of the special symbol operates. That is, in this embodiment, the probability variation function of the special symbol is limited to the number of times of the ST, not continuing until the occurrence of the next big hit. Thus, when the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated, the probability of the big hit of the special symbol lottery shifts from the low probability state to the high probability state, so the probability of reaching a new jackpot relatively early becomes high.

  On the other hand, after the special game is over, the main control CPU 101 may activate the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function (hereinafter also referred to as “time saving”) in addition to or separately from the special symbol probability fluctuation function. When the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function is activated, the average fluctuation time of the special symbol (and the decorative symbol) tends to be shortened than usual, the number of special symbol lottery per unit time improves, and the previous big hit end It will be easier to get the next big hit in a shorter time.

  Further, when the variation time reduction function of the special symbol is activated, the main control CPU 101 also activates a so-called electric chow support function (ordinary electric character support function). In the electric chow support function, any function or combination of the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol, the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol, and the open extension function of the common electric character 622 operates. When the probability variation function of the normal symbol is activated, the probability of winning the normal symbol is higher than that in the normal state. When the variation time reduction function of the normal symbol is activated, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, and the opening mode of the ordinary electric character 622 is changed to that of the normal gaming state (when the electric cho support function is not activated). The game ball can easily enter the second starting opening 62 (also referred to as an “entering easy state”) as a result of opening (for example, the opening time of the normal motorized accessory 622 is longer than normal). When the open time extension function of the normal motor vehicle 622 is activated, the open time of the normal motor vehicle 622 is in a state in which the open period is extended beyond the normal state. In this easy-to-enter-the-ball state, the possibility of increasing the number of times of fluctuation of the ordinary symbol per fixed time increases more than that of the ordinary condition by operating the fluctuation time shortening function of the ordinary symbol. Since the ease of ball entry into the second start port 62 is also improved by the operation of the time extension function, the possibility that the number of balls entered into the second start port 62 increases is increased. Therefore, the activation of the special symbol variation time reduction function and the electric chow support function increases the chance of getting a winning ball by entering the second starting opening 62 during that period, and as a result, the player holds It becomes possible to continue the game in a state where it is more difficult to reduce the balls compared to the normal gaming state.

<Example of main functional configuration of gaming machine>
The outline of the game operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is as described above, and next, main functions of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the function of the main control board 100 mounted on the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

  The main control board 100 is the ball entry determination means 110, the game lottery random number generation means 120, the hold control means 130, the advance determination means 135, the special symbol lottery processing means 140, the normal symbol lottery processing means 145, the special game control means 150, and the symbol It includes display control means 155, motorized article control means 160, gaming state control means 169, error monitoring control means 170, main information storage means 180, and command transmission / reception means 190. The above-described units in the main control board 100 are the main control CPU 101 provided on the main control board 100, the main control ROM 102, the main control RAM 103, hardware such as an electronic circuit, and the main control ROM 102 stored. It is configured by software such as a control program, but is represented as a functional block here.

  The ball entry determination means 110 detects detection signals from the first start port switch 161, the second start port switch 162, the operation gate switch 163, the special winning port switch 164, the general winning port switch 166, the out ball detection switch 167, etc. It is determined on the basis of the game ball entry into each winning opening and the like.

  The game lottery random number generation means 120 takes in the built-in random number generated in the above-mentioned random number generation circuit, and adds a soft random number per special symbol described later to this to add a random number per special symbol used for the special lottery Generate The game lottery random number generation unit 120 is provided with a random number counter for generating various software random numbers by the program processing of the main control CPU 101. These random number counters function as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software.

  As this software random number, soft random number per special symbol which is added to the above-mentioned built-in random number and constitutes random number per special symbol, special symbol per software special symbol per special symbol for determining initial value and end value of soft random number per special symbol , The special symbol random number per special symbol used to determine the special symbol stop symbol (a combination of symbols that will activate the condition device, a combination of outlying symbols, etc.) Initial value and end value of the symbol random number per special symbol Special symbol per symbol for determining initial pattern random number, special symbol variation pattern random number for use in selection of variation pattern of special symbol, normal symbol per random symbol for use in regular lottery of random symbol, random number per symbol Normal pattern initial value random number per pattern to determine the initial value and end value of the pattern, Normal pattern to use for selection of the variation pattern of the normal pattern Such as dynamic pattern random number is included. In addition, the hit symbol mentioned above means a winning symbol.

  These software random numbers are updated once each time the timer interrupt process occurs, and while the timer interrupt process is not being executed for the initial value random number (during loop processing), the remaining time of the interrupt cycle is also used To update.

  The suspension control means 130 includes a special symbol suspension control means 131 and a regular symbol suspension control means 132. The special symbol holding control means 131 is a random number value for a special symbol, which is a random number for drawing a special symbol game, triggered by the entry of the gaming ball to the first starting opening 61 or the second starting opening 62. The symbol random number value and the special symbol variation pattern random number value are acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special symbol suspension control means 131 combines the operation suspension ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four) to combine with the ball entry sequence of the suspension balls. It temporarily stores in the first special symbol hold storage area or the second special symbol hold storage area of the means 180.

  The first special symbol hold storage area and the second special symbol hold storage area, in the order of entry to the starting openings 61 and 62, hold 1 storage area (first hold storage area), hold 2 storage area (2 A first pending storage area), a pending 3 storage area (third pending storage area), and a pending 4 storage area (fourth pending storage area) are provided. Each pending storage area can store a random number per special symbol, a special symbol random number per special symbol, and a special symbol variation pattern random number as a set of operation pending ball information. The operation holding ball information is stored in order of holding 1 storage area, holding 2 storage area, holding 3 storage area, holding 4 storage area, while holding 1 storage area, holding 2 storage area, holding 3 storage area, holding 4 storage It is digested according to the so-called first-in-first-out principle of the order of the areas. When the holding ball information of the holding 1 storage area is digested, the holding ball information stored in the holding 2 storage area, the holding 3 storage area, and the holding 4 storage area is shifted to the lower number storage area, and Clear the contents of the storage area to zero.

  Special symbol holding control means 131 is a first special symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of operation holding balls of the first special symbol, a second special symbol holding for counting the number of operation holding balls of the second special symbol It has a ball number counter. The special symbol holding control means 131 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one operation holding ball of the special symbol is acquired, and one operation holding ball is digested, as update processing of the number of operation holding balls of the special symbol. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by one.

  When special symbol suspension control means 131 updates (adds or subtracts) the operation suspension ball number of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, an effect control command (“symbol storage number command including update information of the suspension ball number) ) Is temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. This one command includes information of both the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the number of operation reserved balls of the second special symbol. In addition, as a general rule, although operation reserve balls of each special symbol are digested in the order of entering the ball, in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is executed preferentially over the first special symbol. In order to adopt what is called priority digestion, while the operation reserve ball concerning the second special symbol game is present, the operation concerning the second special symbol game regardless of the existence of the operation reserve ball concerning the first special symbol game It is configured to preferentially digest holding balls. In addition, under this priority digestion, if there is an operation retaining ball of the second special symbol, even if there is an operation retaining ball of the first special symbol, the digestion of the operation retaining ball of the first special symbol is It will be put on hold.

  The normal symbol holding control means 132 is a random number per lottery, which is a lottery random number related to a normal symbol game, triggered by the game ball rolling down the game area 20A passing through the operation gate 63. The symbol random number value and the normal symbol variation pattern random number value are acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation pending ball information of the normal symbol. The normal symbol holding control means 132 normally sets the normal holding storage area of the main information storage means 180 so that the operation holding ball information of the normal symbol is combined with the entering order of the holding balls to a predetermined upper limit number (for example 4) Temporarily store in The normal symbol holding control means 132 has a normal symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of operation holding balls of the normal symbol. The normal symbol holding control means 132 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one normal operating symbol holding ball is acquired as an update process of the number of operating normal symbol holding balls, and one operating holding ball is digested. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by one.

  The prior determination means 135 performs the prior determination for the prefetch notice for the operation reserved ball when acquiring the operation reserved ball of the special symbol at a predetermined prior determined timing. As an example of the prior determination timing, (1) while waiting for each operation, and when the operation holding ball of the first special symbol is obtained while the electric support function is not activated, (2) is waiting for each time, and electric When the support function acquires the operation reserving ball of the second special symbol while operating, (3) when the operation reserving ball of the second special symbol is acquired during the big hit or small hit, either of the conditions It is time to be satisfied. In addition, in the main control board 100, even when the operation holding ball is acquired at any timing, the predetermination is executed and information is transmitted to the effect control board 200, and all of the effect control board 200 is concerned with the execution notice of the prefetch notice. It is also possible to make a decision.

  Specifically, the prior determination means 135 reads the random number value corresponding to the operation reserve ball acquired this time from the first special symbol hold storage area or the second special symbol hold storage area of the main information storage means 180, and the lottery for winning or not The prior determination of (presence or absence determination), the prior determination of the symbol lottery (pattern prior determination), and the prior determination of the variation pattern lottery (variation pattern prior determination) are sequentially executed. Although the preliminary determination table used in each preliminary determination is not shown, it is equivalent to the total number of random numbers in the same manner as the lottery table (special symbol pass / fail lottery table, special symbol per symbol table, variation pattern table) described later. An area is divided into a plurality of areas, and a lottery ID is assigned to each of the areas (the number of determination values). In addition, if the prior determination by the prior determination means 135 corresponds to the random number value used for the lottery when the change is actually started, the first special symbol hold storage area or the second special symbol hold storage area The data temporarily stored in the RAM or the register of the CPU instead of the data stored in the memory may be determined in advance.

  As the lottery ID, a number (also referred to as "pre-judgment number") indicating the result of pre-judgment is set. The prior determination unit 135 sequentially generates effect control commands (referred to as “predetermined determination commands”) including information on the prior determination results (predetermination numbers), and stores them in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. . As in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the case where the preliminary determination result is transmitted as information (lottery ID) to which random number value range belongs, and a lottery table etc. used when actually starting the fluctuation is used. It is also possible to transmit the result of lottery in advance.

  Special symbol lottery processing means 140 includes special symbol compliance determination means 141, special symbol stop symbol determination means 142, and special symbol variation pattern determination means 143. The special symbol lottery processing means 140, when the variation start condition of the special symbol is satisfied, a random value per special symbol stored in the first storage area (pending 1 storage area) of the special symbol storage area in the main information storage means 180 The special symbol random number value and the special symbol variation pattern random number value are read out and stored in the special symbol judgment region, the special symbol variation region and the special symbol variation pattern determination region of the main information storage means 180, respectively. Here, "the variation start condition of the special symbol is satisfied" means that the priority control of the second special symbol is adopted as in this embodiment, for example, (1) it is not in the big hit or the small hit, (2) All of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are all waiting for variation, and (3) that at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol has an operation reserving ball. To be satisfied. If all the conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the special symbol can start changing.

  The special symbol compliance judgment means 141 reads out the random value per special symbol from the special symbol compliance judgment area of the main information storage means 180 and executes the qualification judgment, and whether the judgment result corresponds to the big hit, the small hit or the outside Decide. The result of this success or failure judgment is temporarily stored in the special symbol judgment flag of the main information storage means 180 (for example, big hit data (for example "55H"), small hit data (for example "33H"), and outlying data (for example "00H"), after being used in the subsequent processing, is cleared when the variation of the special symbol is stopped. The special symbol compliance determination means 141 refers to the special symbol compliance lottery table at the time of this compliance determination. “H” shown after each of the above data is an initial of “Hexadecimal (hexadecimal number)” and means that the data is expressed in hexadecimal number, eg, “55H”, 1 It indicates that the byte data is “01010101 B (“ B ”is a binary number).” Especially in decimal notation, no symbol is added or “D It is assumed that the description of those.

  FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of a special symbol-qualification lottery table referred to in a normal state as a so-called low probability state, and FIG. 13B is referred to in a definite variation state as a so-called high probability state FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of a special symbol success / failure lottery table.

  In this special symbol qualification lottery table, the random number value per special symbol and the determination result of the big hit, the small hit and the off are associated. The winning probability of the big hit and the small hit is determined according to the random number range associated in this way. As can be seen from FIGS. 13 (A) and 13 (B), in the special symbol game lottery, in the normal state (low probability state), only when the random number value falls within the range of “0 to 163” the big hit It becomes. On the other hand, the range of the big hit is expanded in the probability variation state (high probability state), and not only when the random number value falls within the range of “0 to 219”, but also falls within the range of “220 to 2185” It will be a big hit. That is, when the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated, the lottery probability of the big hit is varied from the low probability state (about 1/300) to the high probability state (about 1/30).

  As described above, the range corresponding to the big hit changes according to the game state, but the winning probability of the big hit is equal between the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery. Here, even if the random value per special symbol does not fall within the range of the big hit, it will be a small hit if it falls within the predetermined range. In the present embodiment, small hits only exist for the success or failure lottery of the first special symbol, but for example, small hits are prepared for the success or failure lottery for the second special symbol, and the second special symbol The lottery may be configured to be a small hit with a higher probability than the lottery of the first special symbol, or may be prepared only for the lottery of the second special symbol.

  The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol and the symbol group to which the stop symbol belongs, based on the result of the lottery of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Do. The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 is the first special symbol per symbol table to be referred to when deciding the stop symbols and symbol groups of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the result of the acceptance lottery is a big hit And it has a symbol table per second special symbol.

  The first special symbol per symbol table, as shown in FIG. 14 (A), for a special symbol per symbol random number, stop symbol, symbol group, content of big hit (special symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening The number of times of operation of the function and the operation pattern of the special winning opening 64 are associated with each other. In addition, the numerical value "100" in a parenthesis means the number of times of operation of the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of a special symbol, that is, the number of ST. In this table, stop symbols “1” to “8” of the first special symbol are classified into two types of symbol groups A and B according to the type of the big hit. In the present embodiment, the hit symbol table in the case of a small hit is not shown, but the hit symbol table is used in the case where all the left and small hits are single operations. If you want to change the variation pattern or change the control mode of the special motorized part by giving a kind to the out-slip and the small-slip, it is decided to uniquely determine the out-of-pattern and the small-slip pattern. The symbol may be determined using a symbol table even in the case of off, off, or small hit.

  Specifically, symbol groups A (10R specific short-time fixed symbols) are displayed for symbols "1", "2", "3" and "4", and symbol group B is displayed for symbols "5" and "6". A symbol group C (2R specified short-time limited symbol) is associated with each of the symbols “7” and “8” (5R-specified short-period fixed symbol). In the present embodiment, the “specific symbol” is a symbol that activates the probability variation function after the end of the special game, while the “normal symbol” is the probability variation function after the end of the special game. It is a symbol which is not operated (the same applies to a second special symbol described later).

  The symbol groups A and B are so-called “perceivable variation hits” that shift the gaming state after the end of the special game to a definite variation state (high probability state), and the number of times the variation of the special symbol is within the ST number The special symbol probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time shortening function and the electric chow support function are given by the time it is finished until it does not occur or the time until the next big hit occurs within the ST number. Ru. For the symbol group A, the specified number of rounds of the special game is 10, and the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds. On the other hand, for the symbol group B, the number of special rounds for special games is five, and the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  The symbol group C shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to the special symbol oddity state (high probability state) although the opening count and opening time of the special winning opening 64 are different compared to the above-mentioned "certain hit". , It is a specific symbol showing the so-called "sudden probability variation hit", until the variation number of the special symbol is finished without generating big hit within the ST number, or until the next big hit is generated within the ST number In the meantime, the special symbol's probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time shortening function, and power chew support function will be added. The prescribed round number of the special game is two rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 64 in one round game is about 1.8 seconds.

  On the other hand, when the result of the success or failure lottery is a small hit, symbol determination based on random numbers per special symbol is omitted, and symbol "9" is uniquely assigned as a stop symbol. A symbol group F (special power operating symbol 1) is associated with the symbol "9". In the case of a small hit, there is no opportunity to change the gaming state (probability fluctuation function, fluctuation time shortening function, power chew support function) and fluctuation pattern selection state, and the gaming state is maintained before and after the lottery. Be done. When the result of the success or failure lottery is a disconnection, the symbol "0" is uniquely assigned as a stop symbol.

  On the other hand, in the second special symbol per symbol table described above, as shown in FIG. 14 (B), for a special symbol per symbol random number, stop symbol, symbol group, contents of big hit (probability fluctuation function of special symbol) And the number of times of operation of the fluctuation time shortening function is associated with the operation pattern of the special motorized symbol 642. In this second special symbol per symbol table, the stop symbols "11" to "18" of the second special symbol are In accordance with the type of the big hit, it is classified into two kinds of symbol groups D and E. Specifically, in the symbols “11”, “12”, “13” and “14”, the symbol group D ( The symbol group E (5R specific short-time special symbol) is associated with the symbols “15”, “16”, “17”, and “18”, respectively.

  The symbol groups D and E are special symbols indicating so-called “perceivable variation hits”, which shift the gaming state after the end of the special game to a definite variation state (high probability state), and the number of times of variation of the special symbol is a large hit within the ST number The special symbol probability fluctuation function, fluctuation time shortening function, and electric chow support function are given only until the next big hit occurs within the ST number of times until it ends without generating sell. For symbol group D, the number of special rounds for special game is 10, and the maximum opening time of big winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds. For symbol group E, the specified number of special game rounds is five, and the maximum opening time of big winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  On the other hand, when the result of the success or failure lottery is a small hit, symbol determination by random numbers per special symbol is omitted, and symbol "19" is uniquely assigned as a stop symbol. A symbol group G (special electric power operating symbol 2) is associated with the symbol "19". In the case of a small hit, there is no trigger for changing the gaming state (probability fluctuation function, fluctuation time shortening function, power chute support function) and fluctuation pattern selection state, and the winning result is lost before and after the lottery. Similarly to the case, it is determined whether the termination condition of the gaming state such as the probability variation function is not satisfied, and when the termination condition is not satisfied, the gaming state at the time when it is determined to be a small hit is maintained. When the result of the success or failure lottery is a disconnection, the symbol "0" is uniquely assigned as a stop symbol.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, three types of jackpot types are provided: 10R big hit (10R specific short main symbol), 5R big hit (5R specific short main symbol) and 2R big hit (2R specific short main symbol) There is. Expected values for winning balls in the special game (winning balls winning expectation value) are in the order of 10R big hit> 5R big hit> 2R big hit. Therefore, in the following, the 10R jackpot is also referred to as the "high profit jackpot" having the highest expected prize ball acquisition value, and the 2R jackpot is also referred to as the "low profit jackpot" for which the prize ball acquisition expectation value is the lowest. In addition, even if the same number of execution rounds, when long open round game (30 seconds) and short open round game (1.8 seconds) are mixed, the big hit where many long open round games exist is “high It will be a profit hit.

  Specifically, the special game may have a common number of execution rounds, such as unifying the number of execution rounds into 10 rounds, but may include a special game in which the mode of the round game changes in a predetermined round. In that case, the special winning game of the type consisting of only a short opening round game with a relatively short opening time of the special winning opening 64 and the opening time of the special winning opening 64 relatively long after a predetermined number of execution rounds It may include a special game of a type that switches to the open round game, and the latter constitutes a "high profit big hit". Even in the case of a big hit of the same number of execution rounds, it may be configured such that the substantial benefit, that is, the winning ball winning expectation value is different due to the difference in the winning opening opening pattern.

  Here, as can be understood from the above description, when the big win in the first special symbol lottery, 10R big hit is selected with a probability of 50%, but the second special symbol If you get a big hit in the lottery, 10R big hit will be selected with a probability of 75%. Thus, entering the second start opening 62 rather than entering the game ball into the first start opening 61 is advantageous for the player in that there is a high possibility that more balls can be obtained. Note that the count number (specified count number) is the maximum number of game balls that can be entered into the large winning opening 64 in the round game.

  The special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 shown in FIG. 11 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the special symbol variation pattern random number value. Here, the special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143 refers to a plurality of types of variation pattern tables to be referred to when selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol as illustrated in FIGS. 15 (A) and 15 (B) described later. Have. The special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143 selects one of the plurality of variation pattern tables based on the current variation pattern selection state and the result of the acceptance lottery. The relationship between the variation pattern selection state and the variation pattern table will be described later. In each variation pattern table, a plurality of variation patterns are defined. In addition, in order to make explanation easy to understand in each figure, although "selectivity" is described, it is a judgment value (random number value) for determining a fluctuation pattern according to a special symbol fluctuation pattern random number value in fact. And the variation pattern is determined based on which determination value the variation pattern random value belongs to. It is premised that the variation time of various variation patterns is determined for each variation pattern as the termination condition of the symbol variation, and the symbol variation by the decorative symbol composed of a plurality of symbols is also executed in the variation time. Defined as In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, only a plurality of types of variation patterns are described as an example, but in actuality, more variation patterns exist.

  FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern table for big hit / small hit. The upper (A1) is a normal variation pattern table, the middle (A2) is a probability variation variation pattern table, and the lower (A3) is a special variation pattern table. In the present embodiment, the selected fluctuation pattern is set to be different according to the fluctuation pattern selection state or according to the jackpot type even in the same fluctuation pattern selection state.

  In the normal fluctuation pattern table (A1), the fluctuation pattern PX2 (normal reach A) or fluctuation pattern PX3 (super reach A) is selected when the jackpot type is 10R big hit, and the fluctuation pattern is the case where 5R big hit PY2 (normal reach A) or fluctuation pattern PY3 (super reach A) is selected. On the other hand, in the case of the 2R big hit or small hit, the variation pattern PZ2 (normal reach A) or the variation pattern PZ4 (super reach D) is selected. In the normal fluctuation pattern table for the big hit / small hit, the fluctuation pattern of the non-reach mode is not selected, and only the fluctuation pattern of the reach mode is selected in the case of the big hit or the small hit in the normal state. obtain.

  In the probability variation variation pattern table (A2), only the variation pattern PX7 (Super Reach B) is selected when the jackpot type is 10R big hit or 5R big hit. On the other hand, in the case of the 2R big hit or the small hit, either the fluctuation pattern PZ6 (normal reach B) or the fluctuation pattern PZ8 (super reach D) is selected. In this big hit / small hit probability variation variation pattern table, the variation pattern of the non-reach mode is not selected, and if it becomes a big hit or a small hit in the probability variation state of the special symbol, only the variation pattern of the reach feature May be selected.

  In the special variation pattern table (A3), when the big hit type is 10R big hit, only the variation pattern PX9 (non-reach C) is selected, and when it is 5R big hit, only the variation pattern PY10 (super reach C) Is selected. On the other hand, in the case of the 2R big hit or the small hit, only the variation pattern PZ10 (Super Reach C) is selected. Here, the variation pattern PX9 of the non-reach C mode is configured as a super-shortening variation time (2 seconds), while the variation patterns PY10 and PZ10 of the super reach C mode are configured as relatively long variation times (120 seconds) Be done.

  FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern table for disconnection. The upper (B1) is a normal variation pattern table, the middle (B2) is a probability variation variation table, and the lower (B3) is a special variation pattern table. In the present embodiment, the selected fluctuation pattern is set to be different according to the fluctuation pattern selection state.

  In the normal fluctuation pattern table (B1), any of fluctuation pattern PH1 (non reach A), fluctuation pattern PH2 (normal reach A), fluctuation pattern PH3 (super reach A), and fluctuation pattern PH4 (super reach D) is selected . In the probability variation variation pattern table (B2), one of the variation pattern PH5 (non-reach B), variation pattern PH6 (normal reach B), variation pattern PH7 (super reach B), and variation pattern PH8 (super reach D) is selected . In the special variation pattern table (B3), only the variation pattern PH9 (non-reach C) is selected. Here, the variation pattern PH9 of the non-reach C mode is configured as a variation time (2 seconds) of ultrashortening.

  In the above description, the variation pattern table for outliers is expressed as a single table in any case, but when the result of the lottery for adjudication is out, the number of operation reserved balls of the special symbol ( Different fluctuation pattern tables may be selected depending on 0 to 4). In other words, by using the variation pattern table according to the number of actuation reserved balls of the special symbol, the larger the number of actuation pending balls is, the higher the ratio for which the relatively short variation time is selected. It is possible to increase the rate at which relatively long fluctuation times are selected. Moreover, it is also possible to divide according to the kind of special symbol as a fluctuation pattern table. For example, in the state where the electric chew support function is in operation, the variation display of the second special symbol is easy, and the big hit of the second special symbol is more advantageous as shown in FIG. In addition, by making the fluctuation time of the first special symbol a long time, it is possible to create a time for storing the reserve of the second special symbol that is preferentially subjected to fluctuation control.

  After the special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 selects the variation pattern of the special symbol, in order to instruct the effect control board 200 to start the variation of the decorative symbol, the effect control command including the variation pattern information of the special symbol (“variation A performance control command (referred to as “pattern designation command”), special symbol (pattern group) and effect control command including information on gaming state (referred to as “pattern designation command”) A number of commands ") and the like are generated (hereinafter, these effect control commands are collectively referred to as" variation start command "), and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  The normal symbol lottery processing means 145 includes an ordinary symbol suitability determination means 146, an ordinary symbol stop symbol determination means 147, and an ordinary symbol variation pattern determination means 148. The normal symbol lottery processing means 145 reads out the random symbol value per normal symbol and the normal symbol variation pattern random number value stored in the first storage area in the normal symbol storage area when the variation start condition of the normal symbol is satisfied, The main symbol storage area 180 is stored in the normal symbol suitability determination area and the normal symbol variation pattern determination area, respectively.

  The normal symbol acceptance determination means 146 reads out the random value per normal symbol from the normal symbol acceptance determination area of the main information storage means 180 and executes the acceptance determination, and determines whether the determination result corresponds to a hit or a release. Do. The result of the success or failure lottery is temporarily stored as the normal symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180, and is cleared when the variation of the normal symbol stops after being used in the subsequent processing. The normal symbol success or failure determination means 146 holds a normal symbol success or failure lottery table which is referred to in the case of this success or failure lottery. In the normal state (low probability state), for example, this normal symbol success / failure determination means 146 refers to the normal symbol failure lottery table which is hit with the probability of "160/283", for example, while the normal variation (high probability state) In), for example, by referring to a normal symbol-in-progress lottery table which is a hit with a probability of "282/283", a normal lottery for a normal symbol is executed.

  In the present embodiment, the normal symbol stop symbol determination means 147 refers to the symbol lottery table and selects a predetermined hit symbol if the result of the acceptance lottery is a hit, while the predetermined symbol if it is not. Select the out of hand pattern. In addition, what is necessary is just to design so that it may have two or more lottery results of the symbol lottery table of a normal symbol, when wanting to have two or more control patterns of a common_motor_character combination. In addition, even if the selected ordinary symbol is the same, the control pattern of the ordinary electric symbol can be made different depending on whether or not the game state is in operation of the open extension function of the ordinary electric symbol.

  The normal symbol variation pattern determination means 148 reads out the normal symbol variation pattern random number value from the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180 and refers to the normal symbol variation pattern table to display the variation of the normal symbol in the normal state. In (1), a relatively long fluctuation time is selected (for example, 7 kinds of "4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds" are uniformly selected, respectively). On the other hand, a relatively short fluctuation time (for example, "0.5 seconds") is selected in the time-shortened state of the ordinary symbol (the ball entry easy state).

  The special game control means 150 relates to the start demonstration effect and the end demonstration effect displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the special game according to the type of the determined big hit, when the result of the success or failure lottery is a big hit. Determine the demonstration time. The special game control means 150 instructs the execution control board 200 side to execute a start demonstration effect (referred to as a "big hit start demo command") and an execution control command to instruct the end demonstration effect to be executed. It generates (called “big hit end demo command”) and stores it in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. The jackpot start demonstration command also serves as a trigger for determining the contents of a series of jackpot effects (start demonstration effect, round effect, end demonstration effect) developed during the special game on the effect control board 200 side. In addition to the present embodiment, the demonstration effect time determined in the special game control means 150 can also be determined based on the gaming state at the time of the big hit other than the big hit type.

  When special game control means 150 generates an effect control command (referred to as a “round effect designation command”) for instructing start of a round effect corresponding to each round game in each round game in a special game, this is It is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. This round effect designation command includes a round start command including information on the current number of rounds transmitted at the start of a round, and a large effect for executing a prize effect based on the detection of the special winning opening switch 164 during the round game. Winning mouth valid winning command is included.

  The special game control means 150 determines the demonstration effect time according to the small hit start demonstration effect and the small hit end demonstration effect displayed on the effect display device 70 etc. during the small hit game when the result of the success or failure lottery is the small hit . Special game control means 150, production control command ("small hitting start demonstration command") which instructs execution of small hitting start demonstration production, production control command which instructs execution of small hitting ending demonstration production ("small hitting ending demonstration The command “)” is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  The symbol display control means 155 includes a special symbol display control means 156 and a normal symbol display control means 157. The special symbol display control means 156 causes the first special symbol to be variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 171 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol, and the first special symbol is displayed after the variation display is finished. Make a final display. The special symbol display control means 156 variably displays the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 172 according to the variation pattern (variation time) of the second special symbol, and confirms the second special symbol after the variation display Let The special symbol display control means 156 has a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, final display time) relating to the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The operating states of the first special symbol display device 171 and the second special symbol display device 172 are monitored based on the special symbol gaming status of the main information storage means 180. The special symbol display control means 156 performs effect control at the time of the variation stop of the special symbol (that is, when the special symbol game timer manages the variation time, and at the timing when the value becomes "0"). An effect control command (referred to as a “variable stop command”) for requesting the substrate 200 to display a finalized decorative symbol is generated.

  On the other hand, the normal symbol display control means 157 causes the normal symbol to be variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 175 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol, and causes the normal symbol to be determined after the variation display. The normal symbol display control means 157 has a normal symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, final display time) related to the display of the normal symbol. The operation state of the normal symbol display device 175 is monitored based on the normal symbol gaming status of the main information storage unit 180.

  If the result of the lottery of special symbols is a big hit, the electric role control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric role solenoid 124 as a special game processing after the final display of the special symbol, and the special electric role The object 642 is opened in accordance with a predetermined operation pattern. In the special game, one opening / closing operation of the special electric character 642 is regarded as one round game, and the round game is continuously executed for the prescribed number of rounds (10R, 5R, 2R in the present embodiment). The motorized prize control means 160 holds a special winning opening open counter for storing the number of times of operation of the special motorized prize 642 (ie, the number of rounds being executed). Here, when the big hit type is the so-called 10R big hit (symbol group A, D) or 5R big hit (symbol group B, E), the big winning opening 64 is opened for about 30 seconds at maximum in one round game. . On the other hand, when the big hit type is a so-called 2R big hit (symbol group C), the big winning opening 64 is opened for about 1.8 seconds at maximum in one round game. Here, the closing condition (end condition of the round game) of the special winning opening 64 in the special game is the lapse of the winning of the game ball of the specified count number or the openable period of the specified number of seconds.

  If the result of the lottery of special symbols is a small hit, the electric role control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric role solenoid 124 as a small hit gaming process after the final display of the special symbol, The motorized part 642 is opened for a short time. The small hit game is a special game consisting of one round game, and is distinguished from the special game jackpot consisting of a plurality of round games. In particular, the small hit game and the big hit game are both special games in which it is easy to obtain balls based on the operation of the special electric character 642, but to enable continuous operation of the special electric character 642 It can be divided depending on whether or not the accessory continuous operating device is operating.

  When the winning combination lottery of the normal symbol is won, the electric combination control means 160 outputs a control signal to the common electric combination solenoid 123, and opens the common combination electric 622 only for a predetermined opening time. Here, the electric part control means 160 opens the ordinary electric part 622 for a very short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, whereas in the easy entering state (the electric chow support state) the ordinary electric part 622 The item 622 is opened for a relatively long time (eg, 4 seconds) as compared to the normal state.

  The game state control means 169 determines the game state after the end of the special game based on the type of the symbol group pertaining to the big hit, when the result of the lottery of the special symbol is a big hit, and after the end of the special game. Switch the game state of. In the following, among various functions relating to the special symbol and the ordinary symbol, 1) the gaming state in which the probability variation function of the special symbol, the variation time shortening function of the special symbol and the power chew support function operate is referred to as "probable state"; 2) A game state in which only the special symbol variation time shortening function and the electric chow support function operate is referred to as "time saving state", and 3) a game state in which only the special symbol probability fluctuation function is activated is referred to as "latency probability change state" 4) A state in which all functions are not activated is referred to as a "normal state". It should be noted that the “probable change state”, the “time reduction state”, and the “latency change state” are all advantageous game states for the player as compared to the “normal state”.

  In the following, each gaming state is a combination of the special symbol game operating state (high probability / low probability) and the normal symbol game operating state (power chew support function activated / no power chew support function activated) (1 ) Probability state "high probability / high base", (2) short time state "low probability / high base", (3) latent probability change state "high probability / low base", (4) normal state "low probability It is sometimes called "low base" ("base" refers to the number of balls per shot), and during the operation of the electric support function, it is possible to obtain the balls by the operation of the ordinary electric role. Is called "high base"). In the present embodiment, as an example, in the gaming state after the end of the special game, the variation number of the special symbol is counted from the end of the special game and reaches the predetermined ending number (ie, the above-described ST number). The definite change state continues over (However, if the next big hit occurs within the ST number, the positive change state is terminated due to the change, and the big hit type again at the end of the big hit game, corresponding based on the big hit symbol Transition to gaming state). When the small hit occurs during the ST period, the ST number is not reset to 0, and the ST number is continuously counted before and after the occurrence of the small hit. In the present embodiment, the ST number is set to 100 as an example, but may be set to another number. In addition, when it shifts to the definite change state, the probability change function of the special symbol, the change time shortening function of the special symbol, and the electric chow support function operate at the same time, and each function will be continued as long as the positive change state continues.

  If the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, regardless of the game state before the big hit is either the normal state or the probability change state, the special game is in the normal state during the special game and after the special game, the ST count It becomes definite variation state uniformly as a limit. On the other hand, if the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit, if the gaming state before the small hit is a normal state, the gaming state in the small hit game and after the small hit game will also be a normal state. When the gaming state before the small hit is a definite variation state of the special symbol, the gaming state during the small hitting game and after the small hitting game also becomes the definite variation state of the special symbol.

  The game state control means 169 determines the variation pattern selection state after the special game based on the type of the big hit (the types of symbol groups A to E) when the result of the success or failure lottery is a big hit, and after the special game Change the variation pattern selection state of. The variation pattern selection state is one of the conditions referred to when selecting the above-mentioned variation pattern table. The switching timing of the variation pattern selection state is at the end of the special game or when the number of terminations of the variation pattern selection state has expired. In the present embodiment, there are three types of fluctuation pattern selection states such as “low probability normal fluctuation state α”, “high probability shortening fluctuation state β”, and “high probability special fluctuation state γ”. Here, the low probability normal fluctuation state α means a normal fluctuation pattern table (A1 in FIG. 15A and B1 in FIG. 15B) selected when the gaming state is the normal state (low probability state). It is in the state of determining the variation pattern of the special symbol with reference. The high probability shortening fluctuation state β is a probability variation fluctuation pattern table (A2 of FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B) selected when the gaming state is a definite variation state of a special symbol (except for a limited period described later). It is a state where the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference to B2). The high probability special fluctuation state γ is the number of times of symbol fluctuation corresponding to the maximum number (four) of the operation holding balls of the second special symbol after the gaming state is the definite variation state of the special symbol and immediately after the end of the special game. Period over (4 times) variation display: Special variation variation with reference to special variation pattern table (A3 in Figure 15 and B3 in Figure 15 (B)) where selection is permitted only It is a state to determine a pattern. In this embodiment, even when any of the symbol groups A to D is selected, the variation pattern selection state is (1) immediately after the end of the special game, the high probability special variation state γ only for the limited period of four times of symbol variation. Stay in the high probability shortening fluctuation state β when the number of executions is within the ST number (100 times) after the end of the limited period, and (3) after the end of the ST number, ie After the 101st time as the number of times of execution, stay in the low probability normal fluctuation state α. Of course, the period until the first hit occurs is to stay in the low probability normal fluctuation state α. In addition, the gaming state control means 169 generates a production control command (referred to as a "gaming state designation command") including the current gaming state information and the variation pattern selection state information, and stores this in the command of the main information storage means 180. Store in the area. Further, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and a plurality of special fluctuation states γ may be provided to allow reference to different special fluctuation states at different timings of one fluctuation time shortening gaming state period. (For example, the special fluctuation state γ1 of staying in the special fluctuation state γ1 four times after the big hit end and further staying 95 times in the shortening fluctuation state β and then staying in one special symbol game etc.).

  The error monitoring control means 170 monitors input information of the I / O port circuit 104, and inspects a magnetic detection signal by a magnetic sensor, a disconnection short circuit power source abnormality signal, a radio wave detection signal by a radio wave sensor, a door / frame open signal, etc. , It is determined whether the gaming machine is in an error state. In the case of an error state, in order to indicate an error state effect on the effect control board 200, an effect control command ("error effect designating command") including the error information is requested. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the door open switch is a detecting means for detecting whether or not the glass frame 5 is open, and the frame open switch is for detecting whether or not the front frame 2 is open. It is a means, and a back set open switch is a detection means which detects whether the back setting board 30 is open | released. The magnetic sensor and the radio wave sensor are detection means for detecting fraudulent acts (so-called goto acts).

  The main information storage unit 180 is random number value information acquired in the special symbol game and the normal symbol game, the operation holding ball information of the special symbol and the normal symbol, and the gaming state regarding the special symbol game and the ordinary symbol game Information on entering the ball easy state, information on the variation pattern selection state, result information of the winning lottery (big hit, small hit, off) information on stop symbols and variation patterns pertaining to special symbols and normal symbols, information on special games (round Number, opening time, opening mode (number of opening per round game, etc.), status information showing the operating state of the special symbol display devices 171, 172, status information showing the operating state of the special electric character 642, effect control command It is configured to temporarily store information necessary for controlling the progress of the game, such as data information, and stores each information And a predetermined storage area.

  The command transmission / reception means 190 is configured to transmit various effect control command data stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 to the effect control board 200 by parallel transmission when there is a command transmission request. It is done. Each effect control command has a 2-byte structure including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data. In order to distinguish MODE data from EVENT data, the seventh bit of MODE data is “1”, and the seventh bit of EVENT data is “0”. When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output for each of the MODE data and EVENT data.

  Although the details will be described later, the effect control board 200 can receive MODE data and EVENT data, respectively, upon receiving the strobe signal output in this way. In principle, the effect control commands generated in each process are transmitted one command at a time for each interrupt cycle in accordance with the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180, MODE data and EVENT data, respectively.

  FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions of the effect control board 200 in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The effect control board 200 includes an effect lottery random number generation means 210, an effect generalizing means 220, a lamp effect control means 230, a feature effect control means 240, an error effect control means 250, an effect control information storage means 260 and a command transmitting / receiving means 270. . The above-described means of the effect control board 200 are the effect control CPU 201 disposed on the effect control board 200, the effect control ROM 202, the effect control RAM 203, the hardware such as the electronic circuit, and the control program stored in the effect control ROM 202. Etc. are functionally expressed.

  The effect lottery random number generation means 210 is provided with a random number counter for generating various software random numbers (effect lottery random numbers) by program processing of the effect control CPU 201. These random number counters play a role as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. As this software random number, pre-reading notice lottery random number which is used for drawing of the execution possibility of pre-reading notice production, pre-reading notice pattern random number which is used for selection of pre-reading notice pattern, decoration design random number which is used for selection of stop design of decoration design, decoration Variation production pattern random number used to select the variation production pattern of the pattern, notice production pattern random number used to select the notice production pattern, big hit production pattern random number used for selection of the big hit production pattern, whether or not to hold in consecutive reservation effects It includes a continuous random effect production random number used for a lottery, a continuous continuous character effect pattern random number used to select a continuous local effects pattern of on-hold internal continuous effects effects, and the like. These random numbers are updated using the remaining time when command analysis is not performed in the effect control side main processing described later. In addition, although the name is given to the random number used for each drawing for convenience, it may have a commonly used random number.

  The effect supervising means 220 includes an effect mode control means 221, a hold information display control means 222, an advance notice control means 223, a decorative symbol determining means 224, a variation effect determining means 225, an advance effect determining means 226 and a big hit effect determining means 227. .

  The holding information display control means 222 is a first holding ball number counter for counting the number of operation holding balls of the first special symbol, and a second number holding ball number counter for counting the number of operation holding balls of the second special symbol. Have. When the holding information display control means 222 receives the symbol storage number command from the main control board 100, the first holding sphere number counter and the second holding sphere number counter are based on the information of the operation holding sphere number included in the symbol storage number command. Update the value of the number counter. Holding information display control means 222 is a number corresponding to the number of operation holding balls of the first special symbol on the holding display portion of effect display device 70 based on the values of the first holding ball number counter and the second holding ball number counter The control is performed to display the hold image of and the number of hold images corresponding to the operation hold ball number of the second special symbol. In the normal display mode, when the operation reserve ball of the special symbol is generated, the white display reserved image is displayed, while when the hold change previewing notice effect described below is executed, the hold that is the target of the prefetch notice. The image can take one of “blue”, “green”, “red” and “rainbow color” as a special display mode (display color) from “white” in the normal display mode (display color). The above four kinds of special display modes are related to the reliability that the lottery result is a big hit (referred to as "big hit reliability"), and "blue", "green", "red" and "rainbow" It is set so that the big hit reliability becomes high one by one in order. In the present embodiment, when the reserve image changes to “rainbow color”, the big hit becomes definite in the operation reserve ball of the prefetch target. Note that in the pending change pre-reading advance notice effect, the change in the display mode of the pending image may be expressed not by the display color but by a shape, a pattern, or the like.

  Pre-read notice control means 223 determines whether or not to execute pre-read notice by lottery at the time of receiving the pre-determination command from main control board 100. The prefetch notice control means 223 distinguishes the information of the prior determination result of the first special symbol and the information of the prior decision result of the second special symbol, and enters the ball for the operation holding ball up to a predetermined upper limit number (four) respectively. It is temporarily stored in the prefetch information storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 so as to be combined with the order. This prefetch information storage area has the same configuration as the pending storage area of the main control board 100, and the pending 1 storage area (the first pending storage area) in the order of ball entry into the starting ports 61 and 62, A reserve 2 storage area (second reserve storage area), a reserve 3 storage area (third reserve storage area), and a reserve 4 storage area (fourth reserve storage area) are provided. Each of the pending storage areas can store information on the result of the preliminary determination of the success or failure, information on the result of the preliminary determination of the symbol, and information on the result of the preliminary determination of the variation pattern as one set.

  When the advance notice control means 223 determines whether or not to execute the advance notice, based on the result of the pre-judgment by the main control board 100, the action judgment ball targeted for this advance notice is judged beforehand (“preread judgment”). (Also referred to as In this embodiment, in addition to the above-described hold change pre-read notice, the pre-read notice is a so-called continuous notice for giving notice of the possibility of a jackpot or reach effect over a plurality of continuous change displays of the decorative symbol. Have a rendition. If it is determined that the pre-reading advance notice effect (continuous advance notice effect) is executable, the information of the pre-determination command from the main control board 100 (result of the pre-judgment) and the information of the symbol memory number command (the number of existing operation pending balls) After analysis, an advance notice effect pattern for a plurality of continuous variable displays is determined by lottery for the operation holding ball (referred to as “trigger hold”) serving as a trigger for generating the advance notice effect of this time. In addition, in the preview notice, there are various variations such as a pending change preview notice effect, a chance look ahead notice effect, and a background change preview effect. In addition, as another type of pre-reading, there is a pending inside rendition effect that suggests or reports the possibility that there will be an operation holding ball that becomes a big hit when a big hit game or a big hit winning variation is being executed.

  Based on the game state designation command from the main control board 100, the effect mode control means 221 performs transition control of the effect mode so as to maintain consistency with the game state and the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side. Run. In the present embodiment, the normal effect mode α, the probability variation effect mode β, and the special effect mode γ are included as three types of effect modes, and the variation patterns of the special symbols instructed from the main control board 100 are the same. Even in the effect mode, the change effect pattern (details described later) for specifying the specific content of the symbol change effect is set to be different. On the effect display device 70, an effect mode notification image (in the present embodiment, a background image to be displayed on the back of the decorative symbol) corresponding to the effect mode currently in stay is displayed. The player can recognize which rendering mode is currently staying from the type of background image.

  An outline of each effect mode is given. First, the normal effect mode α is set when the low probability normal fluctuation state α is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection state on the main control substrate 100 side, and “normal background” is displayed as the background image . The probability variation presentation mode β is set when the high probability shortening variation status β is selected as the variation pattern selection status on the main control substrate 100 side, and “probability variation background” is displayed as the background image. The special effect mode γ is set when the high probability special fluctuation state γ is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side. In this special effect mode, stay for a period of four times (limited period) immediately after the end of the special game as a limit, and when the limited period is exceeded, transition to the probability change effect mode β. If a pending in-line effect is generated during the special game, "special background" is displayed as a background image. On the other hand, if the on-hold reservation effect is not generated during the special game, that is, if the continuous change effect is not performed, the "probable change background" common to the probability change effect mode is displayed as the background image.

  The decorative symbol determination means 224 is a combination of the final stop symbol of the decorative symbol (left symbol, middle symbol,...) Based on the information (the variation pattern information, the character effect number information) included in the variation start command Determine the right symbol) by lottery. In the present embodiment, three symbol rows including multiple types of decorative symbols are configured. This decorative pattern is formed of, for example, identification elements consisting of numbers or letters. In the present embodiment, all ten types such as the numbers “1” to “9” and the characters “S” are set as identification elements. Each decorative symbol is arranged in the order of “1” → “2” → “3” →. It is cyclically displayed in the display area.

  The decorative symbol determination means 224 holds a plurality of types of stop symbol pattern tables that are referred to when the combination of stop symbols of the decorative symbol (also referred to as “stop symbol pattern”) is determined by lottery. As the plurality of types of tables, there are a stop symbol pattern table for big hit, a stop symbol pattern table for small hit, a stop symbol pattern table for reach loose, a stop symbol pattern table for non reach loose, and the like. The stop symbol of the decorative symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols, and includes a "stop symbol (big hit symbol) showing a big hit" and a "stop symbol (drop symbol) showing an off". A big hit symbol indicating a specific big hit (probable variation big hit) is a combination of stop modes in which three identical odd-numbered symbols are aligned (for example, “7 · 7 · 7”). A big hit symbol indicating a normal big hit (non-probable variation big hit) is a combination of stop modes in which three identical even-numbered symbols are aligned (e.g., "2.2.2"). The off symbols are a combination of stop modes (for example, “1 · 3 · 8”) in which at least one of the three symbols is a symbol of a number different from other numbers. Here, out of reach symbols out of reach reach symbols are combinations of stop modes in which only the middle symbol is shifted several frames forward and back (for example, "3 · 1 · 3") with left symbol and right symbol matched. Become. In addition, in the case of "stop symbol (small hit symbol) showing small hit" or 2R big hit symbol even if it is a big hit symbol, it becomes a combination of a predetermined stop mode such as "3 ・ 5 ・ 7". There is a case. In the present embodiment, “S · S · S” is provided as a special jackpot symbol for informing the reserved U-Ran on a definite basis. When it is determined that the decoration symbol determination means 224 is to execute the hold internal row effect, when the continuous row effect pattern PA2 is selected, a normal jackpot symbol (such as "3.3.3") Is replaced with a special jackpot symbol ("S, S, S").

  The fluctuation effect determining means 225 specifies the fluctuation process (rendering process) from the fluctuation start to the stop in the fluctuation display of the decorative symbol based on the information (fluctuation pattern information) included in the fluctuation start command from the main control board 100 Determine the presentation pattern. In the present embodiment, reach effect (normal reach effect) with simple effect content and reach effect (super reach effect) in which the effect content develops along the way are included as the symbol variation effect (reach effect) performed after reach display. Be The fluctuation effect determining means 225 holds a plurality of fluctuation effect pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a fluctuation effect pattern, and a fluctuation pattern of a special symbol (a fluctuation time is selected from among the plurality of fluctuation effect pattern tables. Select a variation effect pattern table corresponding to. In the variation effect pattern table, the variation effect pattern random number and the variation effect pattern are associated with each other according to the result of the variation pattern lottery of the special symbol (that is, the reach type). Here, while the basic pattern (for example, "Normal reach A", "Super reach A", etc.) of symbol variation is determined as the variation pattern on the main control substrate 100 side, the variation control pattern is concerned on the side of the presentation control substrate 200. A detailed pattern of symbol variation (for example, "normal reach A1, A2, A3 ...", "super reach A1, A2, A3 ...", etc.) defining in detail the scenario of the effect display process based on the basic pattern is determined. As described above, the variation display pattern of the decorative symbol defines the variation display mode of the decorative symbol, that is, a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the start of the variation of the decorative symbol to the end of the variation. The timing etc. which generate a preliminary announcement production in a stage are also prescribed as a time schedule. In addition, the stop order for stopping a decorative symbol is previously determined for every fluctuation production pattern, and it is made to stop in order of a left symbol-> a right symbol-> a middle symbol in principle in this embodiment. However, in the case of a fluctuation effect pattern with a short fluctuation time, the left symbol, the middle symbol and the right symbol are stopped almost simultaneously, and in the case of a specific fluctuation effect pattern, the order of left symbol → middle symbol → right symbol It can also be stopped. At this time, if it is not the stop order of the above principle (left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol), the big hit expectation tends to be relatively high.

  The notice effect determining means 226 determines a notice effect pattern defining the contents of the notice effect to be executed at each step of the process of changing the decorative symbol along the above-described scenario of the change effect pattern. The preview effect pattern includes an effect pattern for displaying an image of a specific character, an animation, etc. temporarily or stepwise, an effect pattern for outputting a specific sound, an effect pattern for operating a movable character, and the like. The advance presentation effect is executed in parallel with the variation display of the decorative symbol, and it is indicated in advance that the symbol variation has a high hit probability that it stops in the big hit mode. The notice effects include a notice effect performed before the reach state occurs (including when the reach occurs) in the process of changing the decorative symbol, and a notice effect performed after the reach state occurs. The preview effects are different from each other in the big hit reliability, and basically, the big hit reliability in the advance effects displayed after the reach occurrence is relatively larger than that shown before the reach occurrence. It's getting higher. The notice effect determining means 226 holds the notice effect pattern table to be referred to when selecting the notice effect pattern by type of notice effect according to the type of notice effect occurring along the scenario of the change effect pattern. Select a notice effect pattern table. Based on the notice effect pattern random number value acquired from the effect lottery random number generation means 210, the notice effect determining means 226 refers to the notice effect pattern table selected above and selects from among a plurality of notice effect patterns by lottery. Choose one. Specific types of preview effect patterns include comment preview effect pattern, background preview effect pattern, SU (step-up) preview effect pattern, group preview effect pattern, cut-in preview effect pattern, feature movable preview effect pattern, Etc. are prepared. This advance notice effect is basically performed by executing one or a plurality of advance notice effects in accordance with the variable display of the decorative symbol on the effect display device 70. Therefore, even if the variation display of the decorative symbol by the same variation representation pattern, it becomes possible to generate a variety of representation modes by the combination with one or a plurality of advance presentation.

  The big hit effect determination means 227 determines the content (big hit effect pattern) of the big hit effect notifying that it is in the special game. The jackpot effect includes a start demonstration effect for notifying the start of the special game, a round effect for notifying that the game is a round game, and an end demonstration effect for notifying the end of the special game. When the big hit effect determination means 227 receives a big hit start demo command from the main control board 100, the big hit effect pattern (start demo effect pattern, round effect based on the information etc. of the big hit type stored in the effect control information storage means 260 Determine the pattern, the end demonstration pattern). In this big hit effect pattern, a big hit start demonstration time, a round effect time (show time according to the opening pattern of the big winning opening 64) and a big hit end demonstration effect time are set according to the big hit type and A series of presentation contents are set along the time axis. The jackpot effect determination means 227 executes the start demonstration effect according to the big hit effect pattern, triggered by receiving the big hit start demo command from the main control board 100, and receives each round effect designation command as a trigger for each round effect Execute and execute an end demonstration effect triggered by receiving a big hit end demonstration command.

  Here, in the normal jackpot start demonstration effect, for example, the characters "jackpot start" are displayed on the screen, and the start of the special game is announced. In the normal round effect, for example, the number of rounds currently being executed on the screen and the number of winning prize balls are displayed, and various images (animation images etc.) for enhancing the special game are displayed. In the normal big hit end demonstration effect, for example, the characters "big hit end" is displayed on the screen, and the end of the special game is notified.

  As described above, the image supervising means 220 controls the image control command for the image and the sound based on the determined effect contents (prereading effect pattern, continuous effect pattern, variation effect pattern, advance effect pattern, stop symbol pattern, big hit effect pattern, etc.) Are stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260.

  The lamp effect control means 230 controls lighting of the effect lamp, light emission color and the like in accordance with the contents of the effect set by the effect generalizing means 220. The lamp effect control means 230 holds a plurality of types of lamp data (lamp pattern data) for lighting control of the effect lamps 10, 25 (frame lamp 10, board lamp 25), according to the determined effect pattern The lamp data is read out and this lamp control signal (lamp data) is sent to the lamp connection substrate 91.

  The feature presentation control means 240 controls the drive of each movable combination according to the contents of the presentation set by the presentation control means 220. The prize effect control means 240 holds a plurality of types of drive data for driving and controlling movable prizes, and transmits to the motor driver 92 a drive control signal (drive data) according to the determined rendering pattern. .

  The error presentation control means 250 is configured to determine an error presentation pattern when an error presentation designation command is received from the main control board 100, and to notify an occurrence of an error condition in the gaming machine according to the error presentation pattern There is.

  The effect control information storage unit 260 is configured to temporarily store information of a decorative symbol, information of a variation effect pattern, information of a notice effect pattern, information of a control command, and the like, and is for storing each information. It has a predetermined storage area. For example, in the command storage area, an effect control command buffer for storing effect control commands from the main control board 100, an image control command buffer for storing image control commands to the image control board 300, an image control board 300. And an ACK command buffer for storing an ACK command from Each command buffer is formed of a ring buffer, and can store a predetermined number of effect control commands, an image control command, and an ACK command.

  The command transmission / reception means 270 is configured to receive the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100 triggered by the reception of the strobe signal output together and store the effect control command in the effect control command buffer. ing. Specifically, the command transmission / reception means 270 executes reception interrupt processing of a rendering control command in response to an interrupt generated triggered by the input of a strobe signal from the main control board 100, and various types of reception interrupt processing are performed. Get the effect control command of. Details of the reception interrupt process of this effect control command will be described later. When the command transmitting / receiving unit 270 receives the strobe signal, the command transmitting / receiving unit 270 executes the reception interrupt process of this effect control command with priority over other interrupt processes.

  The command transmission / reception means 270 is stored in the effect control information storage means 260 in order to instruct execution of the effect contents (the change effect pattern information, the advance effect pattern information, the decoration symbol information, etc.) set by the effect generalizing means 220. The image control command is transmitted to the image control board 300 using a serial communication method as an example. In principle, the image control command is transmitted every predetermined period (500 μs in this embodiment) in the order set in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260.

  Thus, the image control board 300 analyzes various image control commands transmitted from the effect control board 200, and causes the effect display device 70 to variably display the effect image including the decorative symbol along the scenario of the change effect pattern. , At each stage of the fluctuation display process, it is superimposed on the effect of the symbol fluctuation and the notice effect is displayed. Furthermore, the command transmitting / receiving unit 270 receives an ACK command transmitted from the image control board 300, and stores the ACK command in an ACK command buffer.

<Process on main control board side>
16 to 37 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of operation processing in the main control board 100. The operation processing on the main control board 100 side mainly includes main control side main processing and main control side timer interrupt processing.

<Main control side main processing>
FIG. 16, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are each a flow chart showing an example of main control side main processing executed in the main control board 100. In the main control side main processing, after the security check of the main control CPU 101 is performed by the reset at the time of power on, the main control program is started, and the processing is executed by the main control program. In the following description, the subject of each process may be omitted as appropriate.

  First, as the initial setting necessary at the time of power on, the start address is set in the stack pointer as the initial value of the stack area (step S1), and the access of the main control RAM 103 is permitted (step S2). Next, a vector table in which the start address of the main control program to be processed when a timer interrupt occurs is set (step S3), and an initial value is set in the internal register of the main control CPU 101 (step S4).

  Next, it is determined whether the RAM clear switch is turned on (step S5). When the RAM clear switch is turned on, while the whole area of the main control RAM 103 is zero cleared in step S9 described later, when the RAM clear switch is not turned on, the value of the power off information flag is read and the power off is normal. It is determined whether or not the information of (1) is stored (step S6).

  Here, if the information on power-off normality is stored, a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area of the main control RAM 103 (step S7). It is determined whether this checksum is 0, that is, whether the checksum is normal (step S8). The checksum at power on calculated here includes the complement of the checksum calculated at power off processing described later, so if it is backed up normally, the check at power on is checked. Sam is "0". As described above, it is determined when the power is turned on whether the information stored in the main control RAM 103 before the power failure is properly backed up. If the checksum is normal, the process proceeds to step S12 described later in order to restore the state before power-off. On the other hand, if the checksum is abnormal, the entire area of the main control RAM 103 is cleared to zero (step S9). Next, initialization data at power on is set in the main control RAM 103 (step S10). Next, in order to initialize the effect display device 70, initialize the effect lamps 10, 25 and the like, a request for a effect control command (“effect initial command”) to the effect control board 200 is requested (step S11).

  Next, in the power failure / return setting process, setting of power on normal information, initialization of various errors, and communication initialization with the payout control board 400 in the main control RAM 103 are sequentially executed (step S12). Here, as the setting of the power-on normal information, in order to store that the power-on was correctly performed, the power-on normal data is stored in the power-off information flag and the information on the power-off occurrence is initialized. Turn off the power off confirmation flag. Next, the data transfer source address, the data transfer destination address, and the number of transfer bytes are set, and data for the number of transfer bytes is transferred (step S13). The value of the special symbol gaming status at the time of the power-off is read, and the power-off recovery processing relating to the special symbol game is executed (step S14).

  Next, a transmission request of the effect control command (“power-off recovery command”) at the time of power-off recovery between the main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 is made (step S15). The power failure recovery command includes information on the inspection of the communication line, the operating state of the special symbol, the number of probability variations, the number of time reductions, the number of easy entering states, the variation pattern selection status, and the error status. The command request for the unsent part before power-off is cleared. Next, in the symbol memory number command request process, read the information of the number of operation pending balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the power is turned off, and request the effect control command including the information of the number of operations pending balls ( Step S16).

  Next, a return setting is performed to return the normal motor-operated part 622 to a state before power-off (for example, the second start port 62 is in the open state) (step S17). Further, return setting is performed to return the special electric combination 642 to a state before the power is turned off (for example, the big winning opening 64 is in the open state) (step S18). Next, the value of the special symbol mode flag is read, and the operation state of the probability variation function of the special symbol when the power is turned off is set (step S19). In addition, a special symbol mode flag is a flag for setting the operation probability (high probability or low probability) of the special symbol game. Next, in order to start a timer interrupt, a predetermined count value is set as an initial setting of the CTC circuit, and a timer interrupt is generated every 4 ms (step S20). Next, in order to inhibit the generation of the timer interrupt process, the interrupt disable is set (step S21). In preparation for restarting the watchdog timer, clear word 1 ("55H") is set (step S22).

  Next, in order to determine the occurrence of the power-off, the value of the power-off confirmation flag is read, and it is determined whether the power-off has occurred (step S23). If the power is not interrupted, the initial value random number updating process is executed (step S24). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per symbol normally, the software initial value random number per special symbol and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each counter is incremented by one, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value determined for each random number, the value is returned to the minimum value "0".

  Next, interrupt permission is set to allow generation of timer interrupt processing (step S25), and the process returns to the processing for prohibiting the above-described interrupt (step S21), and loop processing is repeated from step S21 to step S25. . Here, the timer interrupt process is periodically executed at predetermined intervals, but the remaining time from the completion of the previous interrupt process to the generation of the next interrupt process is utilized, and the steps S21 to S21 are performed. The processing up to S25 is repeated. If there is an interrupt request in the interrupt disabled state, the timer interrupt process is activated when the interrupt is enabled in step S25. On the other hand, if the power-off confirmation flag is on in step S23, that is, if the power-off has occurred, the process proceeds to step S26 to execute the power-off time process described next.

  Next, as the power-off process (steps S26 to S32), first, clear word 2 ("AAH") is set to restart the watchdog timer (step S26). Next, it is determined whether the content of the power-off information flag is power-on normal data (step S27). If it is the power-on normal information, the power-off normal data is set in the power-off information flag (step S28). On the other hand, if it is not the power-on normality information, the power-off abnormal data is set in the power-off information flag (step S29), and the process proceeds to step S32.

  Next, a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area (excluding the checksum area) of the main control RAM 103 (step S30). The complement to the checksum data is calculated, and the result value of the complement is set in the checksum area of the main control RAM 103 (step S31). Next, access prohibition setting of the main control RAM 103 is performed (step S32), and the process is repeatedly executed until the power is shut off.

<Main control side timer interrupt processing>
Next, the relationship between the drawings for describing the main control timer interrupt process will be described. First, FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are flowcharts showing an example of the timer interrupt process executed on the main control board 100. FIGS. 21 and 22 are flowcharts showing the details of the starting opening monitoring control process shown in FIG. 19, respectively. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start monitoring control process shown in FIG. 20, and FIGS. 24 and 25 are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol variation start monitoring process shown in FIG. FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing in detail the special symbol control process shown in FIG. FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing details of the special symbol control general-purpose processing shown in FIG. 28 to 32 are flowcharts showing the details of the special symbol variation start process, the special symbol variation process, and the special symbol stop symbol display process shown in FIG. 27, respectively. 33 to 35 are flowcharts showing the details of the special motorized prize control process shown in FIG. 20, respectively.

  First, the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 19 is executed by interrupting the main control side main process triggered by the occurrence of the timer interrupt in response to a clock pulse every predetermined time (for example 4 ms) from the CTC circuit described above. Ru. The terms "condition device" and "character continuous actuation device" used hereinafter mean conceptual control devices. The "condition device" is activated when a big hit occurs in the special symbol game, and the "character continuous operating device" can operate the "special motorized character" a plurality of times in succession.

  First, when this timer interrupt is generated, the contents of the register in the main control CPU 101 (data used during main processing of the main control side) are saved in the stack area of the main control RAM 103, and then interrupt operation conditions are set. It sets (step S51). Next, the interrupt operation condition set value is set in the interrupt control register (step S52). Next, clear word 2 is set (step S53).

  Next, clear word 2 ("AAH") is set to restart the watchdog timer (step S54). At this time, the clear word 1 and the clear word 2 are sequentially written to the WDT clear register of the main control CPU 101 within a preset timeout time, whereby the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted. That is, when the main control CPU 101 normally executes the main control program, the clear words 1 and 2 are periodically set, whereby the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted before timing out. Become. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Next, an input process is performed (step S55). In this input process, information on switches other than the RAM clear switch is read as various switches connected to the main control board 100. That is, the first start port switch 161, the second start port switch 162, the operation gate switch 163, the big winning port switch 164, the out ball detection switch 167, and the door open switch, frame open switch, back set open switch not shown. , And reads the input information such as a magnetic sensor and a radio wave sensor, determines their state, and stores the detected information.

  Next, various random number update processing is executed (step S56). In this various random number updating process, the normal symbol variation pattern random number and the special symbol variation pattern random number not using the initial value random number are updated. For the normal symbol variation pattern random number, the numerical value of the random number counter is incremented by one, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value “0”. On the other hand, for the special symbol variation pattern random number, a predetermined value (for example, 3511) is subtracted from the previous random number. If the subtraction result is less than 0, a predetermined value (for example, 50000) is added to the subtraction result.

  Next, the initial value update type random number update process is executed (step S57). In this initial value update type random number updating process, the random number per symbol, the soft random number per special symbol and the symbol random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is incremented by one, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value "0". When the value of the counter turns one round (when it becomes the value set as the initial value), the value of the initial value random number corresponding to the random number that the value of the counter turns one round at the corresponding timing is set as a new initial value Do.

  Next, the initial value random number updating process is executed (step S58). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per symbol normally, the software initial value random number per special symbol and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is incremented by one, and when the numerical value exceeds a predetermined maximum value for each random number, the value is returned to "0" which is the minimum value.

  Next, timer subtraction processing is executed (step S59). In this timer subtraction process, the values of various timers used for controlling the gaming operation of the gaming machine are decremented and updated. The various timers include a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, final display time) relating to the special symbol display devices 171 and 172, a timer for controlling the operation pattern of the special electric symbol 642, , A timer, etc. are used for various controls such as ordinary symbols and ordinary motorized roles.

  Next, a second starting opening valid period setting process is executed (step S60). In this second starting opening effective period setting process, the winning effective period and the winning ineffective period of the second starting opening 62 are determined, and the effective period data or the invalid period data of the second starting opening 62 is set as the determination result.

  Next, the prize monitoring process is executed (step S61). In this prize monitoring process, the first starting opening switch 161, the second starting opening switch 162, the operation gate switch 163, the special winning opening switch 164, the general winning opening switch 166, and the out ball in the above-described input processing (step S55). Based on the detection information of the detection switch 167, the switch passage inspection of the gaming ball is performed, and as a result, when it is determined that the gaming ball has passed each switch, effect control including information indicating that the gaming ball has passed each switch Make a request to send a command.

  Next, a winning ball control process is executed (step S62). In this prize ball control process, it is determined whether a prize is valid or invalid, and a payout control command is sent to the payout control board 400 to instruct the number of prize balls corresponding to the type of prize, The data received from the substrate 400 is monitored to conduct communication inspection with the payout control substrate 400.

  Next, a normal symbol operation gate monitoring process is executed (step S63). In this normal symbol operation gate monitoring process, the passage of the game ball to the operation gate 63 is monitored, and when it is determined that the operation gate 63 is passed, a random number related to the normal symbol lottery is acquired as operation holding ball information As well as updating the number of operation pending balls up to a maximum of four, storing the random numbers pertaining to the normal symbol lottery.

  Next, normal symbol control processing is executed (step S64). In this normal symbol control processing, in order to execute a series of processing according to the normal symbol display device 175 or the normal motorized character 622, according to the value of the normal symbol gaming status, processing during normal symbol fluctuation, during normal symbol stop symbol display Processing, processing during normal motor vehicle operation, processing during normal motor vehicle operation end demonstration, etc. are executed. In the normal symbol change processing, display pattern number data of the normal symbol is created (updated) in order to change or display the normal symbol.

  Next, the normal symbol variation start monitoring process is executed (step S65). In this normal symbol variation start monitoring process, the operating state of the normal symbol is monitored, and when it is determined that the variation start condition of the normal symbol is satisfied, the normal symbol operation retention ball number is digested by one and the normal symbol The determination of success or failure, the determination of symbols, the determination of fluctuation patterns, the setting of fluctuation time, etc. are performed in order.

  Next, the starting opening monitoring control process is executed (step S66). In this starting opening monitoring control process, when entering the first starting opening 61 and the second starting opening 62 of the gaming ball is monitored and it is detected that the gaming ball has entered the ball, for example, The command request of the command including information necessary for the effect control board 200 such as update, random number storage related to special symbol lottery, prior determination for advance notice, and the number of stored symbols etc is sequentially issued.

  Next, special symbol control processing is executed (step S67). In this special symbol control process, as a series of processes relating to the special symbol display devices 171 and 172, for example, a special symbol variation start process described later (see step S420 in FIG. 27 described later) according to the value of the special symbol gaming status. , Special symbol variation processing (see step S430 in FIG. 27 described later) and special symbol stop symbol display processing (see step S440 in FIG. 27 described later) are executed.

  Next, a special motorized prize control process is executed (step S68). In this process, when the lottery result of the special symbol is "big hit" or "small hit", the operation start and end of the special electric symbol 642 are set as the operation processing according to the special electric symbol 642, Update of the opening time and opening number of the winning opening 64, operation start setting of the probability fluctuation function, operation start setting of the fluctuation time shortening function, setting of the fluctuation pattern selection state, and the like are sequentially executed.

  Next, the special winning opening valid period setting process is executed (step S69). In the special winning opening valid period setting process, the winning effective period and the winning invalid period of the special winning opening 64 are determined, and the valid period data or the invalid period data of the special winning opening 64 is set as the determination result.

  Next, a special symbol variation start monitoring control process is executed (step S70). In this special symbol variation start monitoring control process, when there is an operation holding ball of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the number of holding balls is digested by one, and the command request of the symbol memory number, the pass / fail judgment of the special symbol , Special symbol pattern determination, probability variation function determination, time reduction function determination, setting of operation pattern of special electric combination product, setting of demonstration effect time, etc. are performed in order.

  Next, an abnormality detection process is performed (step S71). In this abnormality detection processing, based on the input information in the above-described input processing (step S55), the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short circuit power source abnormality signal, the radio wave detection signal by the radio wave sensor, the door / frame open signal, etc. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state. In the case of an error state, in order to request an error display from the effect control board 200, an effect control command ("error effect designating command") including the error information is generated.

  Next, the ball passing time abnormality detection process is executed (step S72). In this ball passing time abnormality detection process, when the on signal of the winning detection switch is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more, the ball passing time abnormality is set, and the effect control command (“error While performing the request of the effect designation command “), the output request of the security signal for outputting to the external terminal is performed.

  Next, a game state display process is executed (step S73). In this game state display process, display data such as the number of times the special electric character 642 operates continuously (prescribed number of rounds), the number of operation reserved balls of the normal symbol and the special symbol, and the like are created. Display data for causing the status indicator of the main control board 100 to display information on the error status detected in the above-described abnormality detection processing is created.

  Next, a handle state signal inspection process is executed (step S74). In the handle state signal inspection process, the handle state signal is inspected.

  Next, LED output processing is executed (step S75). In this LED output process, the above-mentioned special symbol control process (step S85) is performed to display the special symbol and the normal symbol, the number of holding balls, the number of times the special motorized symbol operates continuously, and the error display. The display data created in the abnormality detection process (step S89), the game state display process (step S73), etc. are displayed on the respective special symbol display devices 171 and 172, the normal symbol display device 175, As well as outputting to the general drawing reserve lamp 176 and the status indication lamp of the main control board 100, the display on these various display devices is initialized.

  Next, emission control signal output processing is executed (step S76). In this emission control signal output process, when communication abnormality with the payout control substrate 400 or disconnection short circuit power source abnormality is not detected, the emission control signal is output to the payout control substrate 400 to release the gaming ball. On the other hand, when the communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or the short circuit power source abnormality is detected, a signal for prohibiting the firing is outputted to the payout control board 400 to forbid the firing of the gaming ball.

  Next, test signal output processing is executed (step S77). In this test signal output process, error test processing is performed after creating various test data, and as a result, when an error is detected, various test data are output to each test signal output port.

  Next, a solenoid output process is executed (step S78). In this solenoid output process, the normal symbol control process (step S82) and the special electric symbol control process are performed to operate the ordinary electric symbol 622 and the special electric symbol 642. Based on the control data acquired in (step S86), an excitation signal is output to each of the motorized combination solenoids 123 and 124.

  Next, an effect control command transmission process is executed (step S79). In this effect control command transmission process, as described above, the effect control command stored in the ring buffer designated by the pointer out of the effect control commands stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 is MODE data and Each event data is read out and transmitted to the effect control board 200 as described later. In the present embodiment, regarding the output timing of the strobe signal output from main control board 100 to effect control board 200 when transmitting such an effect control command, the following types of time are taken into consideration, as described later. It adjusts by setting suitably constant data, such as waiting time until it outputs a strobe signal, and its output maintenance period. A first time to be considered is a signal transition time from when the effect control command is set to the strobe signal output port to when the strobe signal transits to the active potential or the inactive potential. Furthermore, the second time to be considered is the propagation delay time related to the propagation delay of the signal in the passing circuit such as the latch circuit 104B. Details of this effect control command transmission process will be described later.

  Next, external information output processing is executed (step S80). In this external information output process, operation state information of the gaming machine is output as external information to an external device such as a hall computer or a data counter via an external terminal board.

  Next, the content of the saved register is restored, and the main control CPU 101 is set in the interrupt enabled state (step S81). As a result, the main control timer interrupt process is terminated and the process returns to the main control main process, and the main control main process is executed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

  When the main control board 100 detects a power cut (a decrease in the supply voltage based on a predetermined threshold) during main control side main processing or interrupt processing, a non-maskable interrupt is generated to turn on the power cut confirmation flag. Do. After returning to the original processing, the above-mentioned power-off time processing (steps S26 to S32) is executed.

<Special symbol game processing>
Next, a series of processes relating to the special symbol game in the main control timer interrupt process will be described. In the processing related to the special symbol game, the above-mentioned starting opening monitoring control processing (step S84), the special symbol control processing (step S85), the special electric symbol control processing (step S86) and the special symbol variation start monitoring control processing (step S88) corresponds.

<Starting opening monitoring control processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 21, it is determined whether or not the entry of the gaming ball into the first starting opening 61 has been detected (step S201). When the entry of the gaming ball into the first starting opening 61 is detected, it is determined whether or not the number of operation pending balls of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number 4 (step S202).

  If the number of operation pending balls for the first special symbol is less than 4, as a random number for the first special symbol game, random number per special symbol, symbol random number per special symbol, special symbol variation pattern random number, Are acquired, and each random number value is stored in the first special symbol hold storage area (hold n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the entry order (step S203). The value of the first special symbol holding ball number counter is incremented by 1 as the update of the operation holding ball number of the first special symbol (step S204), and the winning check of the first starting opening 61 is ended.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the entry of the gaming ball into the second starting opening 62 has been detected (step S205). If entry of the gaming ball into the second starting opening 62 is detected, it is determined whether or not the number of operation pending balls of the second special symbol is less than the upper limit number 4 (step S206). If the number of operation pending balls for the second special symbol is less than 4, acquire the random number value for the special symbol, the symbol random number for the special symbol and the special symbol variation pattern random number as the lottery random number for the second special symbol game The random number values are stored in the second special symbol hold storage area (hold n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the order of ball entry (step S207). The value of the second special symbol holding ball number counter is incremented by one (step S208) as the update of the operation holding ball number of the second special symbol (step S208), and the winning check of the second starting opening 62 is ended.

  Next, whether or not there is an update of the number of actuation reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, that is, the number of actuation reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is added in step S204 or step S208. It is determined whether or not it is (step S209). If there is an update of the number of operation pending balls (step S209), a symbol memory number command including information of the number of operation pending balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is generated, and this is used as the main information storage means 180 Are stored in the command storage area (step S210).

  Next, the state of the gaming machine is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not it is a prior determination timing (step S211). If it is the prior determination timing (step S211), the random value per special symbol is read out from the hit random number buffer of the storage n storage area, and the in-precedence determination is performed (step S212). A pre-decision judgment command including information on the pre-judgment result (presence / decision judgment number) is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S213).

  The symbol random number per special symbol is read out from the hit symbol random number buffer of the storage n storage area, and symbol prior determination is performed (step S214). A symbol prior determination command including information on the prior determination result (symbol prior determination number) is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S215). Furthermore, the special symbol fluctuation pattern random number value is read out from the fluctuation pattern random number buffer of the storage n storage area, and fluctuation pattern prior determination is performed (step S216). A fluctuation pattern a priori determination command including information of this a priori determination result (a variation pattern a priori determination number) is generated and stored in a command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S217).

<Special symbol variation start monitoring control process>
In the special symbol variation start monitoring control process (step S88) shown in FIG. 23, of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the special symbol described later is applied to the special symbol side satisfying the variation start condition. A change start monitoring process (step S310) is performed. When both the first special symbol and the second special symbol satisfy the variation start condition, as described above, the processing on the second special symbol side is preferentially executed as an example.

  First, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is medium or small (step S301). Next, whether both of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are in change standby, that is, whether the first special symbol gaming status and the second special symbol gaming status are both "00H (during variation waiting)" It is determined whether or not (step S302).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the operation reserved ball number of the second special symbol is "0" (step S303), and if the number of held balls is not "0", the variation start condition of the second special symbol is After setting the address of the second special symbol variation start monitoring table (the address of various tables and the address of the RAM storage area used in the subsequent processing), assuming that it is established (step S304), the second special symbol side The processing shifts to the special symbol variation start monitoring process (step S310). That is, in the present embodiment, when the operation retaining ball of the second special symbol is present, the operation retaining ball of the second special symbol is preferentially digested regardless of the presence or absence of the operation retaining ball of the first special symbol. Be done. The details of the special symbol variation start monitoring process will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25 described later.

  On the other hand, when the operation pending ball number of the second special symbol is "0", it is determined whether or not the operation pending ball number of the first special symbol is "0" (step S305). Here, if the number of holding balls is not "0", it is considered that the variation start condition of the first special symbol is established, and the address of the first special symbol variation start monitoring table (various tables used in the subsequent processing) After setting the address of and the address of the RAM storage area (step S306), the process shifts to a special symbol variation start monitoring process (step S310) on the first special symbol side.

  In addition, when neither the 1st special symbol nor the fluctuation start condition of the 2nd special symbol is satisfied (step S301, S302, S305), execution of a special symbol change start monitoring process (step S310) is omitted.

<Special symbol change start monitoring process>
In the special symbol variation start monitoring process (step S310), with reference to the first special symbol variation start monitoring table or the second special symbol variation start monitoring table set in step S304 or step S306 described above, of the current variation start Execute the target special symbol side process. In addition, since the processing contents are almost the same on the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, it is the processing of the second special symbol side whether it is the processing of the first special symbol side except in the special case. I will explain together as one without distinction of the existence.

  First, as shown in FIG. 24, the number of operation pending balls on the side of the special symbol to be subjected to the start of the current variation is decremented by 1 (step S311). A symbol memory number command including information on the number of operation pending balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after subtraction is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S312). Next, the special symbol hold storage area on the side of the special symbol to be subject to the start of the variation is accessed, and the random symbol value per special symbol stored in the first hold storage area (hold 1 storage area), per special symbol The symbol random number value and the special symbol variation pattern random number value are sequentially read out, and these random number values are subjected to special symbol suitability determination processing (step S320) described later, symbol determination processing (step S330), variation pattern selection processing (FIG. 27 described later In order to use for step S423), it transfers to the special symbol conformity decision territory of the main information storage expedient 180, the special symbol design decision territory, the special symbol fluctuation pattern decision territory (step S313). As updating of the pending storage area, the pending ball information stored in the pending 2 storage area to the pending 4 storage area is sequentially shifted to the pending 1 storage area to the pending 3 storage area, and the pending 4 storage area is cleared to zero (step S314) .

  Next, special symbol propriety judgment processing is executed (step S320). In the special symbol compliance determination process, first, a special symbol compliance lottery table is acquired. At this time, when the gaming state is a special symbol probability variation state, a high probability success or failure lottery table is acquired, and when the gaming state is a normal state, a low probability success or failure lottery table is acquired. Next, a random value per special symbol is read out from the special symbol compliance determination area of the main information storage means 180. Based on the special symbol random number value with reference to the special symbol acceptance lottery table, the acceptance determination of the special symbol is executed. The values (big hit data "55H", small hit data "33H", outlying data "00H") corresponding to the result of the success or failure judgment are stored as a special symbol judgment flag of the main information storage means 180.

  Next, symbol determination processing is executed (step S330). In the symbol determination process, the stop symbol of the special symbol, the type of symbol group, and the character effect number (variation added symbol information) are determined according to the result of the pass / fail determination. The stop symbol of the special symbol determined this time, the type of symbol group, and the character effect number are stored in the symbol storage area of the main information storage unit 180. In addition, the character effect number is determined type of symbol group (7 patterns of symbol groups A to G) and operation state of probability variation function of special symbol and normal symbol (probability variation of special symbol / probability variation of special symbol off / 28 patterns are determined on the basis of the combination of 4 patterns of probability variation on / normal symbol pattern / probability variation of normal symbol pattern). When the result of the pass / fail determination is an out-of-order, the character effect number “0” is determined.

  Next, it is determined whether the result of the success or failure judgment corresponds to a small hit (step S341), and it is judged whether the result of the success or failure judgment corresponds to a big hit (step S342). When the result of the pass / fail determination is a small hit, the process proceeds to step S346, while when the result of the pass / fail determination is a release, the process proceeds to step S349.

  On the other hand, if the result of the success or failure judgment is a big hit, based on the type (big hit type) of the symbol group determined in step S330, whether to operate the probability variation function of the special symbol as the gaming state after the special game It is determined (step S343). That is, when the type of symbol group (big hit type) indicates a specific symbol, it is decided to assign the probability fluctuation function, and the probability fluctuation operation counter of the main information storage unit 180 operates probability fluctuation data (ST number of times) ) If "64H" is stored, but the type of symbol group indicates a normal symbol, it is determined that the probability fluctuation function is not given, and probability fluctuation non-operation data "00H" is stored in the probability fluctuation number counter (Step S344). The determination result is stored in the probability variation determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

  Based on the type (big hit type) of the symbol group determined in step S330, as the gaming state after the special game, the number of activations of the fluctuation time shortening function is determined (step S345), and the number of activations of the electronic cho support function is determined. (Step S346). The determination results (operation frequency information of the fluctuation time shortening function (hereinafter referred to as “variation time reduction frequency information”) and operation frequency information of the electric chow support function (hereinafter referred to as “number-of-balls easy state information”) are respectively It is stored in the time saving storage area of the corresponding main information storage means 180 and the number of easy entering states storage area.

  Next, based on the type (big hit type, small hit type) of the symbol group determined in step S330, the operation pattern of the special motorized item 642 is set (step S347). Specifically, as the operation pattern of the special electric character 642, the prescribed number of rounds of the round game (10 rounds, 5 rounds, 2 rounds in this embodiment), the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 64 In the form, 30 seconds, 1.8 seconds, etc. are set.

  Next, a variation pattern selection state after the end of the special game is set based on the type of symbol group determined in step S330 and the current gaming state (step S348). In the above description, the special fluctuation state is exemplified according to the jackpot symbol, but even in the case of a small hit, the fluctuation pattern selection state can be changed to a special one in step S348. It is also good. Next, the flow returns to the flow, and based on the type of symbol group determined in step S330, the demonstration effect time (the start demonstration time and the end demonstration time) of the special game is set (step S349). Next, the special symbol judgment area and the special symbol judgment area of the main information storage means 180 used in the above-mentioned special symbol judgment process (step S320) and the symbol judgment process (step S330) are cleared (step S351). The special symbol gaming status of the special symbol to be subject to variation this time is transitioned from "00H (standby)" to "01H (variation start)" (step S351).

<Special symbol control process>
Next, the special symbol control process (step S85) shown in FIG. 26 will be described. First, it is determined whether or not the special electric combination 642 is inoperative, that is, whether the special electric combination gaming status is "00H (waiting state)" (step S401). Next, if the special motorized combination 642 is inactive (step S401), it is determined whether the second special symbol gaming status is not "00H (standby)" (step S402).

  When the second special symbol gaming status is not "00H (standby)", the second special symbol control table (the address and RAM memory of various tables used in the subsequent processing) to execute the processing relating to the second special symbol The address of the area) is set (step S403), and the processing proceeds to special symbol control general processing (step S410). On the other hand, when the second special symbol gaming status is "00H (in standby)", the first special symbol control table (the address of various tables used in the subsequent processing) is executed to execute the processing relating to the first special symbol. And the address of the RAM storage area is set (step S404), and the process proceeds to special symbol control general processing (step S410).

  In addition, in the special symbol control general-purpose processing described below, using the first special symbol control table or the second special symbol control table set in the above-mentioned step S403 or step S404, the special to be the target of the present variation Although the processing on the symbol side is to be executed, since the method of processing is common to the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, is it the processing on the first special symbol side except in the special case? The second special symbol side processing will be described collectively without distinction. Details of the special symbol control general processing will be described later.

<Special symbol control general processing>
In the special symbol control general-purpose processing (step S410) shown in FIG. 27, a branch processing (step S411 to step S411) for shifting to processing according to the value ("01H", "02H", "03H") of special symbol gaming status. Execute S414). First, it is determined whether the special symbol game status on the special symbol side subject to the current variation is not 0 (step S411). If the special symbol gaming status is not "00H" (step S411), it is determined whether the special symbol gaming status is "01H (variation start)" (step S412). If the special symbol gaming status is "01H", the processing proceeds to special symbol variation start processing (step S420). The details of the special symbol variation start process will be described with reference to FIG. 28 described later. On the other hand, when the special symbol gaming status is not "01H" in step S412, it is determined whether the special symbol gaming status is "02H (during variation)" (step S413). If the special symbol gaming status is "02H", the processing shifts to special symbol variation processing (step S430). The details of the special symbol variation processing will be described with reference to FIG. 29 described later. If it is determined in step S413 that the special symbol gaming status is not "02H", it is determined whether the special symbol gaming status is "03H (during stop symbol display)" (step S414). If the special symbol gaming status is "03H", the processing proceeds to the special symbol stop symbol display processing (step S440). Details of this special symbol stop symbol display processing will be described with reference to FIG. 30 described later.

<Special symbol variation start process>
First, as shown in FIG. 28, the special symbol variation pattern table is acquired based on the result of the winning lottery, the winning symbol, the number of reservations, the type of the special symbol, the variation pattern selection state, etc. (step S421). Next, the special symbol variation pattern random number value is read out from the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S422). With reference to the special symbol variation pattern table, one of a plurality of variation patterns is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random value (step S423).

  Next, the fluctuation time corresponding to the currently selected fluctuation pattern is set (step S424). As setting of the variation start of the special symbol, the variation time is stored in the special symbol game timer of the symbol display control means 155 (step S425), and the variation start command to the effect control board 200 is generated (step S426). As the change start command, in order to start the symbol change effect in the effect display device 70, the change pattern specification command and the symbol specification command are sequentially generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  Next, the content of the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 used to determine the variation pattern is cleared (step S427). The special symbol gaming status is transitioned from "01H (start of change)" to "02H (during change)" (step S428).

<Special symbol during processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 29, in order to perform variable display of a special symbol, display pattern number switching processing of the special symbol is executed (step S431). In this display pattern number switching process, the display pattern number data of the special symbol is updated every predetermined switching time. The display pattern number data is output to the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 in the LED output process (step S76) so as to variably display or confirm the special symbol, and the predetermined pattern In the special symbol display device during the variable display at each switching time, a display indicating a change is performed by blinking a specific display unit or by sequentially lighting individual LEDs of the display unit.

  Next, it is determined whether the special symbol game timer has become "0 (timeout)", that is, whether the variation time of the special symbol has ended (step S432). When the variation time of the special symbol is finished, the stop symbol of the special symbol to be displayed on the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 is set (step S433). Next, a change stop command for instructing the effect control board 200 to display the decorative symbol is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S434).

  Next, "125", which is data corresponding to 500 ms, is stored in the special symbol game timer as the determined display time (step S435). In addition, "determination display time" is time which makes a stop symbol stop display definite at the time of the fluctuation | variation stop of a special symbol. The special symbol gaming status is changed from "02H (during variation)" to "03H (during stopped symbol display)" (step S436).

<Special symbol stop symbol display processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 30, it is determined whether or not the special symbol gaming timer has become "0 (timeout)", that is, whether or not the finalized display time of the special symbol (stop symbol) has ended (step S441) ). Here, when the finalized display time of the special symbol is finished, the special symbol gaming status is transited from "03H (during stop symbol display)" to "00H (during standby)" (step S442).

  Next, it is determined whether the success or failure determination data stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180 is the big hit data "55H" (step S443). If the judgment data is big hit data, stop the operation of the special symbol probability fluctuation function (step S444), stop the operation of the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function (step S445), stop the operation of the electronic chew support function (step S446) , In order.

  Next, as the start demonstration setting process of the special game, the start demonstration display time is set, and the effect control command (big hit start demonstration command) for instructing the start of the start demonstration effect is generated (step S447). Next, the number of times of execution of the variation pattern selection state (variation pattern selection state number counter) is cleared to zero (step S448). The special electric role thing game status changes from “00H (waiting state)” to “01H (special game)” (step S 449). In order to clear the contents of the pass / fail judgment flag, "00H" is set (step S450).

  On the other hand, if the success / failure determination data is not the big hit data (step S443), it is determined whether the probability variation function of the special symbol is in operation (step S451). As shown in FIG. 31, when the probability variation function of the special symbol is in operation (step S 451), the probability variation number counter of the main information storage unit 180 is set to 1 as a part of the variation number of the special symbol this time. The subtraction is performed (step S452). Next, it is determined whether the probability variation number counter is zero (step S453). If the probability fluctuation number counter is zero, the operation of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is stopped (step S454). On the other hand, when the probability variation frequency counter after subtraction is not zero, step S454 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S455.

  Next, it is determined whether the special symbol variation time shortening function is in operation (step S455). When the variation time shortening function of the special symbol is in operation, the time reduction number counter of the main information storage unit 180 is decremented by 1 as the amount of the variation number of the special symbol this time (step S456). Next, it is determined whether the time saving number counter is zero (step S457). If the time saving number counter is zero, it is determined that the number of times of ending the special symbol time shortening state has been reached, and the operation of the variation time shortening function of the special symbol is stopped (step S458). On the other hand, if the time reduction counter after subtraction is not zero, the process skips step S458 and proceeds to step S459.

  Next, it is determined whether the electronic chew support function is in operation (step S459). When the electric chew support function is in operation, the easy entry number state counter of the main information storage unit 180 is decremented by 1 as the amount of change in the special symbol this time (step S460). Next, it is determined whether or not the entry easy state number counter is zero (step S461). If the easy-to-enter-state number counter is zero, it is determined that the end number of the easy-to-enter state has been reached, and the operation of the electronic Chu support function is stopped (step S462). On the other hand, when the entry easy state number counter after subtraction is not zero, step S462 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S463.

  Next, the fluctuation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage unit 180 is decremented by 1 (step S463). The variation pattern selection state is updated (step S464). Specifically, the variation pattern selection condition number counter of the main information storage unit 180 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the current variation pattern selection condition has reached a preset number of terminations. If it has reached, it is switched to the fluctuation pattern selection state defined next. On the other hand, if the end number has not been reached, the current fluctuation pattern selection state is maintained.

  Next, an effect control command (playing state designation command) including the current gaming state information and the variation pattern selection state information updated in the above-described steps S451 to S464 is generated, and this is used as a command of the main information storage unit 180 It stores in the storage area (step S465). In addition, on the effect control board 200 side, setting and updating of the effect mode are executed based on the information of the game state designation command.

  Next, it is determined whether the small hit data "33H" is stored in the special symbol determination flag (step S466). When small hit data is stored, as the start demonstration setting process of the small hit game, while setting the start demonstration display time, it produces the production control command (small hitting start demonstration command) which directs the start of the start demonstration effect (Step S467). Next, the special electric role thing game status is transited from "00H (waiting state)" to "02H (small hit game)" (step S468). “00H” is set to clear the contents of the pass / fail judgment flag (step S469).

  On the other hand, when the small hit data "33H" is not stored in the special symbol determination flag, that is, when the shifted data "00H" is stored in the special symbol determination flag, the execution of steps S467 to S469 is omitted. In addition, when the special symbol determination flag is outlier data, the reason why the process of clearing the content of the flag is not performed is that “00H” is originally stored as the outlier data.

<Special motor role control processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 33, it is determined whether or not the special electric combination product gaming status is “01H (special game: big hit)” (step S501). When the special motorized role thing gaming status is “01H”, special gaming processing is executed in the subsequent processing. In the special game process, first, it is determined whether the special electric combination 642 is in operation (step S502). If the special motorized item 642 is not in operation, it is determined whether it is the operation start time of the special electric symbol 642 (step S503). The operation start time of the special electric symbol 642 is the timing at which the operation of the special electric symbol 642 is started in each round game.

  If it is the operation start time of the special electric role thing 642, to produce a round effect, it generates an effect control command (round effect designating command) and stores it in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S504) ). In addition, on the effect control board 200 side, the round effect corresponding to each round game in the special game is executed based on the information (information such as the current number of rounds) of this round effect designating command. The operation of the special motorized part 642 is started (step S505), and the processes of steps S506 to S510 are executed as the processing during the operation of the special motorized part 642.

  As processing during the operation of the special motorized symbol 642, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the large winning opening 64 by the maximum number of winnings (step S506), and the operation time of the special motorized symbol 642 (opening time It is determined whether or not (step S507). At this time, when the game ball enters the special winning opening 64 for the maximum number of winnings, or when the operation time of the special electric combination 642 has elapsed, the operation of the special electric combination 642 is stopped (step S508). It is determined whether the number of continuous operations of the special motorized part 642 has reached a predetermined specified number of rounds (step S509). If the number of continuous operations has not reached the specified number of rounds, the number of continuous operations of the special electric symbol 642 is incremented by one (step S510).

  On the other hand, when the number of times of continuous operation of the special motorized character 642 has reached the specified number of rounds, the process proceeds to step S511 shown in FIG. Then, an effect control command (big hit end demo command) instructing the start of the end demonstration effect is generated (step S511).

  Next, the probability fluctuation number information set in step S344 is stored in the probability fluctuation number counter (step S512). The fluctuation time reduction number information set in step S345 is stored in the time reduction number counter (step S513). The easy-to-enter-state number information set in step S346 is stored in the easy-to-enter-state number counter (step S514).

  Next, with reference to the content of the probability variation determination flag set in step S343, it is determined whether or not the probability variation number information stored in the probability variation number counter is probability variation function data ("64H"). (Step S515). If the probability variation frequency information is probability variation function data, activation of the probability variation function of the special symbol is started (step S516). On the other hand, if the probability variation count information is not probability variation function data (if step S515 is NO), the execution of step S516 is omitted.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time reduction number information stored in the time reduction number counter is fluctuation time reduction function operation data (data other than "00H") (step S517). If it is the fluctuation time shortening function operation data, the operation of the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol is started (step S518). On the other hand, when it is not fluctuation time shortening function operation data, execution of Step S518 is omitted.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the easy-to-enter-state number information stored in the easy-to-enter-state number counter is the power chew support function operation data (data other than "00H") (step S519). If it is the electric chow support function operation data, the operation of the electric chow support function is started (steps S520 to S522). That is, the start operation of the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol (step S520), the operation start of the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol (step S521), the operation start of the open extension function of the ordinary electric character 622 (step S522) Run. On the other hand, when it is not the electric chow support function operation data, the execution of steps S520 to S522 is omitted.

  Next, the state is switched to the fluctuation pattern selection state determined in step S347 (step S523). Next, an effect control command (playing state designating command) including the game state information after the special game and the variation pattern selection state information set in the above-mentioned steps S512 to S523 is generated, and this is used as the main information storage means 180. The command is stored in the command storage area of (step S524). In the effect control board 200, the effect mode after the special game is set based on the information of the game state designation command. The special electric role thing game status changes from "01H (special game)" to "00H (waiting state)" (step S525).

  On the other hand, when the special electric role thing game status is not "01H" (step S501), the process proceeds to step S530, and the special electric role thing game status is "02H (special game: small hit game)". It is determined (step S530). If the special motorized role thing gaming status is "02H", small hit game processing is executed in the subsequent processing.

  In the small hit game processing, first, it is determined whether the special electric combination 642 is in operation (step S531). If the special motorized part 642 is not in operation, the special motorized part 642 is activated (step S532). On the other hand, when the special motorized product 642 is in operation, the execution of step S532 is omitted.

  Next, as processing during operation of the special electric combination 642, it is determined whether or not the gaming ball has entered the large winning opening 64 by the maximum number of winnings (step S533) and the operation time of the special combination electric 642 It is determined whether (opening time) has elapsed (step S534). At this time, when the game ball enters the special winning opening 64 for the maximum number of winnings, or when the operation time of the special electric combination 642 has elapsed, the operation of the special electric combination 642 is stopped (step S535).

  Next, as an end demonstration setting process of the small hit game, an end demonstration display time is set, and an effect control command (small hit end demonstration command) instructing the start of the end demonstration effect is generated (step S536). Next, the state is switched to the variation pattern selection state determined in step S347 (step S537). Next, an effect control command (gaming state designation command) including the variation pattern selection state information after the special game set in step S537 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. (Step S538). The game state specification command is used on the side of the effect control board 200 for, for example, determining the transition opportunity of the effect mode and specifying the effect mode of the transition destination. The special electric role thing game status is transitioned from "01H (special game)" to "00H (waiting state)" (step S539).

  36 and 37 are flowcharts showing an example of effect control command processing shown in FIG. 20, and FIGS. 38 and 39 are diagrams showing an example of output timing of a strobe signal, and FIG. 40 is a diagram 40 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a strobe output process indicated by 37; The strobe signal output timing control function is also described below.

  As shown in FIG. 36, the address of the command request write position is set (step S601), and after loading the contents of the command request write position as position data (step S602), the address of the command request read position is set (step S601) S603). The command request write position address and the command request read position address are the write destination RAM address at the time of the next command generation and the command read destination RAM address at the next command transmission to the command storage area (ring buffer) of the main information storage unit 180. It is data representing, and at the time of command storage, data at which the RAM address reference position is updated at the time of command reading.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the position data matches the content of the command request reading position (step S604), and when both match, this effect control command transmission processing is ended (both match) Is because there is no unsent command). On the other hand, if the two do not match, it is determined that there is a request for sending a command, and the contents of the command request reading position are loaded as reading position data (step S605).

  Next, 1 is added to the content of the command request reading position (step S606), and the logical product of the reading position data and the position correction bit data (00111111B) is calculated (step S607), and then the address of the command buffer is set. (Step S608) The result of the logical product is doubled (step S609). The position correction bit data is correction data for not specifying a command read destination beyond the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. Here, the command buffer means the ring buffer which is the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180, and the address of the command buffer is the address of the head of the command storage area.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 37, the result obtained by adding the above doubled result to the address of the command buffer as the base address is set as the base address (step S610), and the content of the base address is set as 2-byte command data. Load (step S611). At this time, the address set in step S610 is the data area (1 byte) in which the command (MODE) to be transmitted this time is stored, and the corresponding EVENT data is stored in the subsequent data area (1 byte). Loading the contents of the specified address as 2-byte command data in step S611 means reading the address set in step S610 and the subsequent address.

  Next, the contents of the base address +0 and the contents of the base address +1 are cleared to 0 to clear the information in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 read for transmission this time (step S612) Move on to the process of sending a command.

  In the process of transmitting a command, first, the upper 1 byte (MODE) of 2-byte command data is set as output data (step S613), and this output data (MODE data) is produced as shown in FIG. It is output to the command output port (step S614), and held by the latch and switching circuit 104A. A command data holding period, which will be described later, starts from this holding point.

  Next, strobe output processing is executed (step S615). In this strobe output process, first, an initial value "43" is set as the waiting time (step S701). Here, the initial value of this waiting time is a value that can be adjusted based on theoretical values on the output side such as signal transition time and propagation delay time of a transistor array that constitutes a circuit such as latch circuit 104B. For example, when theoretical values such as signal transition time and propagation delay time of the transistor array constituting the latch circuit 104B are longer, the initial value of this waiting time is set longer accordingly.

  After setting the initial value of the waiting time as described above, it is determined whether the result of subtracting 1 from the waiting time is 0 or not (whether or not time T1 in FIG. 38 has been reached). It repeats until it becomes (step S702). The process of subtracting the waiting time is a process that is completed in a short cycle of the system clock cycle (1 state = 62.7 ns) of the main control CPU 101, and the unit of waiting time subtraction is the number of "43" set as the initial value. By repeating the process, after setting the first command in the effect command output port, the process of calling the strobe output process and the process of setting the initial value, the waiting time becomes “0” after about 20 μs in total. . When the above waiting time has elapsed, the value of the digit etc. buffer is loaded (step S703), the loaded value and the effect strobe bit data (01000000B) are ORed with each other, and the output port related to the strobe signal (digit etc. output) The signal data of the port is activated (step S704).

  Next, the result of the logical sum is output to the digit etc. output port (step S 705), and “2” is set as the initial value of the waiting time (corresponding to the output signal maintenance period of strobe signal) enabling reading on the effect control board 200 side. Is set (step S706). The MODE data including the processing until the output of the strobe signal becomes active (up to step S705) from the timing when the above-mentioned waiting time becomes “0” (after approximately 20 μs since the MODE data is set) The strobe signal is output about 26 μs after being set to the effect command output port. Here, the period during which MODE data shown in FIG. 38 is output is about 53 μs, and the effect control CPU 201 is made to start command reception at about the middle position of the command output period. Since the processing is also completed in 3 μs, it is possible to perform command reception with time. Note that the initial value of this waiting time may be different for MODE data (first command) and EVENT data (second command). For example, EVENT data may be shorter than MODE data. .

  Next, returning to the description of the strobe output process of FIG. 40, the initial value "2", which is the output maintaining period of the strobe signal, is subtracted in the same process as the unit process of waiting time subtraction described above to subtract one waiting time. It is determined whether the result is 0 or not, and the output of the strobe signal is maintained repeatedly for about 2.5 μs until the result becomes 0 (step S 707), while the result becomes 0 and the above waiting time When (the output signal maintenance period of the strobe signal) elapses, the exclusive OR of the result of the logical sum in step S704 and the effect strobe bit data (for example, 01000000B) is calculated, and the data in which the strobe signal is switched to inactive Are generated (step S 708). Next, the result of this exclusive OR is output to the digit etc. output port (step S709).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the output timing of the strobe signal is shifted later in time as indicated by the solid line than the conventional output timing indicated by the broken line as shown in FIG. It is located approximately in the middle (about 26 μs) of the command data retention time ranging from the set time of command data to time T3 (after about 53 μs).

  By doing this, as in the strobe signal voltage shown in FIG. 39A, the inactive potential lowers to reach the active potential at time T1 substantially at the center of the command data holding period related to effect data, whereby the effect control board As shown in FIG. 39 (B), the output data holding period 200 holds the output holding period T1 to T2 of the strobe signal in the command data holding period T0 to T3 as shown in FIG. It can be captured reliably. Therefore, in the effect control board 200, it is difficult for a drop of command data to occur, and a necessary effect operation can be reliably controlled.

  Next, returning to the effect control command transmission processing, as shown in FIG. 37, “48” is set as the initial value of the waiting time (step S 616), and whether or not the result of subtracting one waiting time then becomes 0 The determination is repeated until the result is 0 (step S617). By this processing, after the strobe signal is output from the output port, MODE data is counted from the setting to the effect command output port and waits for about 50 μs. Since the main control CPU 101 can not proceed with the process upon receiving information on completion of command reception from the effect control CPU 201, a standby time with a margin for normal completion of command reception of the effect control CPU 201 is set. .

  As the result becomes 0 and the waiting time (corresponding to time T3 shown in FIG. 38) elapses, 2-byte command data lower (EVENT) is set in the output data (step S618), as shown in FIG. The output data (EVENT data) is output to the effect command output port (not shown) (step S609), and held by the latch and switching circuit 104A. Next, strobe output processing is executed (step S620). In this strobe output process, after EVENT data is set as output data, a strobe signal is output after waiting for a waiting time while holding command data as in the case of setting and transmitting MODE data described above. doing. As for reading EVENT data, the data of the effect command output port is not switched immediately, and the main control CPU 101 does not have to wait, so unlike in the case of MODE, a waiting process after strobe signal output is provided. Not.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the output timing of the strobe signal for the command data (MODE data) adjusts the waiting time after setting the command data as described above, whereby the latch circuit 104 B, etc. Control can be performed based on the signal transition time of the transistor array constituting the circuit and the theoretical value (preferably the maximum value) on the output side due to the propagation delay time, so that the effect control board 200 that receives this strobe signal latches and switches The 8-bit command data can be reliably received from the circuit 104A, and the rendering operation can be reliably controlled.

<Process on the production control board side>
Next, the procedure of processing on the side of the effect control board 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the main effect control program is the main subject, but the main subject is omitted as appropriate. The process on the side of the effect control board 200 is a reset start process (including the main process on the effect control side) executed when the effect control CPU 201 is reset such as after power on and an effect control side timer interrupt activated on a fixed cycle Processing and reception interrupt processing of effect control command executed triggered by receipt of strobe signal from main control board 100, and activation triggered by arrival of predetermined occurrence time specified in time schedule of variation effect pattern And the transmission interrupt process of the image control command activated every predetermined period.

  In each interrupt process (exception process), a priority level indicating a priority when multiple interrupt processes occur simultaneously is set. In the present embodiment, “Reset start processing by power reset (FIG. 41): highest priority”, “Reset start processing by various abnormality (FIG. 41): highest priority” → “rendering control command reception interrupt processing (FIG. 48) ): Level 7 "→" Reset start processing by WDT (during runaway detection) (Fig. 41): Level 3 "→" Interrupt processing of image control command transmission (Fig. 50): Level 2 "→" Effective control side timer interrupt processing " (FIG. 49): Priority levels are ranked in the order of “level 1” and the like. Note that “Reset start processing due to various types of abnormality” is, for example, DMA (Direct Memory) when the effect control CPU 201 tries to access in an invalid area or an illegal method when the effect control CPU 201 executes an illegal instruction. Access) Start up when an error occurs during transfer. In the present embodiment, the above-described plural types of interrupt processing are illustrated, but in actuality, other interrupt processing also exists.

  In the effect control side main processing, basically, the processing is advanced after being set in any state of all interrupts inhibited or interrupts inhibited other than the effect control command reception interrupt. After that, when the effect control side main process is in the interrupt enabled state, the main process is interrupted and each interrupt process is executed. In each interrupt process, when there is a request for another interrupt process during the execution of the interrupt process (a multiple interrupt occurs), it is basically an interrupt process with a higher priority level than the interrupt process being executed. In the case where the interrupt request is permitted while the interrupt processing has a lower priority level or the same priority level than the interrupt processing being executed, the interrupt request is prohibited. That is, each interrupt process is performed in a state in which other interrupts with the same priority level or lower priority levels are prohibited. Each interruption process returns to the effect control side main process in a state in which all interruptions are permitted. The priority order (priority level) of such an interrupt factor is defined by the above-described register setting of the interrupt controller.

<Reset start processing>
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing an example of reset start processing of the effect control board 200. In this reset start process, the power is turned on, the reset caused by various abnormalities, or the reset caused by WDT (during runaway detection) is activated, and the security control of the effect control CPU 201 is performed. , The program is started, and the processing after step S801 is started.

  First, as an initial setting necessary at the time of power-on, the start address is set in the stack pointer as the initial value of the stack area (step S801). All interrupt processing is inhibited until various initial settings are completed (step S802).

  Next, as a basic setting regarding hardware, an initial value is set in a built-in register provided in the effect control CPU 201, and the I / O port circuit 204 is initialized (step S803). Further, the memory area in the effect control RAM 203 is initialized (step S804). Here, an initial value is set to a variable with an initial value, and initialization is performed by clearing 0 to a variable having no initial value. The effect control CPU 201 appropriately develops the control program stored in the effect control ROM 202 in the effect control RAM 203.

  Next, interrupts other than the reception control process of the effect control command are prohibited (step S805). Next, processing is performed to set the type of error that should be valid for the model among the various errors set in advance for all models (step S806). Further, a turn-off request is made to turn on the effect lamps 10 and 25 (the frame lamp 10 and the panel lamp 25) completely (step S807). A watchdog timer is activated to monitor runaway of the effect control CPU 201 (step S808).

  Next, the effect control side main processing is executed (step S809). Details of the effect control side main processing will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, if it transfers to the production control side main processing in the above-mentioned step S809, although returning to the said reset start processing is usually impossible, it will return to this reset start processing by any chance by generation | occurrence | production of a bug of a program etc. In the case, transition to the low power consumption mode (sleep mode) in which the power consumption is reduced compared to that in the normal operation.

<Effect control side main processing>
FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing details of the effect control side main processing (step S809) shown in FIG.

  First, in the effect control side main processing, an address (a start address where the effect control program is expanded) for acquiring a check on whether or not the effect control program is correctly expanded in the effect control RAM 203 is acquired (step S811 ). Next, all interrupts are permitted, that is, activation of various interrupt processes is permitted (step S812).

  Next, the device initialization operation is performed (step S813). This initialization operation is an operation mode that is executed only once at the time of power on of the gaming machine (at the start of reset), and is necessary to control the operation of the movable part by a device such as a motor or a solenoid. It is executed for the purpose of confirming the position information. At the end of the initialization operation, the movable role returns to a preset initial position (reference position).

  Next, the watchdog timer is cleared to restart the watchdog timer (step S 814). At this time, when the effect control CPU 201 normally executes the effect program, a predetermined clear word is written in the WDT clear register of the effect control CPU 201 within a preset time-out period, whereby the watchdog timer Is cleared and restarted. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Next, an input port check process is executed (step S815). In this input port check process, the port input / output process (step S1112) in the effect control side timer interrupt process (see FIG. 49) to be described later reads the I / O port circuit 204 (input port) every time an interrupt occurs. As a result of monitoring a plurality of times (for example, 4 times), when the state of all the input ports is "1", the signal level is changed to "1 (H level)" and all the states of the input ports are "0" In this case, the signal level is changed to “0 (L level)”, and when the state of the input port is otherwise, the signal level is not changed (this determines the input signal).

  Next, an error presentation management process is executed (step S816). In this error presentation management process, based on the error presentation pattern set in the subsequent command analysis process (step S820), the error presentation by various devices is started. Furthermore, in the error presentation management process, the error management timer is set to an initial value (error presentation time) to manage the progression of the error presentation. The error management timer is decremented and updated at a cycle of 16 ms in the error management timer update process (step S1120) of the effect control side timer interrupt process. If the error management timer has timed out, the error presentation is ended.

  Next, an effect button monitor control process is executed (step S817). In this effect button monitoring control process, when the button advance effect is incorporated during symbol variation, the input state of the effect button 15 within the operation valid time is monitored, and a plurality of buttons previously set according to the button advance effect The content of the effect corresponding to the input state of the effect button 15 is determined from among the effect contents of the species. Note that the button input operation itself by the player is monitored in a port input process (step S1112) in the effect control side timer interrupt process described later, and in the effect button monitor control process, a flag considered as a button valid operation It is determined whether a flag for "1" is established, and execution control of effect based on pressing of a button is performed.

  Next, a preliminary lottery management process is executed (step S818). In this notice lottery management process, a notice effect pattern defining the contents of the notice effect occurring at each stage of the change process of the decorative symbol along the scenario of the change effect pattern selected in the subsequent command analysis process (step S820) (Preliminary effect number) is determined by lottery. The notice effect number determined here is temporarily stored in the notice effect number storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. An image control command for designating the preview effect number to the image control board 300 is generated, and this is set in the image control command buffer of the effect control information storage unit 260. At this time, if a feature preview effect pattern (feature preview effect number) is selected as the preview effect pattern, a feature request occurs, and in the subsequent device management process (step S819), a movable role feature is generated. The drive pattern of is identified. In the present embodiment, not all of the plurality of types of advance notice effects (notice effect effect patterns) generated within one variation of the decorative symbol are drawn in a single main loop process, but the main loop processing efficiency In order to improve the effect, the composition is divided into each generation time of the notice effect (for example, the fluctuation start stage, the reach generation stage, the fluctuation stop stage, the effective operation of the presentation button 15), and the lottery is performed across multiple main loop processes. It has become. At that time, since it is necessary to synchronize with the start of variation of the decoration symbol (send the image control command immediately) about the notice effect which occurs at the change start stage of the decoration symbol, it is necessary to draw the lottery in the main loop processing described above. Run.

  Next, device management processing is executed (step S819). In this device management process, when there are operation requests (lamp request and feature request) of various devices in the command analysis process (step S820) described later, plural types of pattern data (lamp pattern, drive) stored in the ROM 203 Among the patterns), the pattern data corresponding to the effect number (lamp effect number, feature preview effect number) is specified, and control of the target device is started. In the lamp pattern data of the effect lamps 10 and 25, lamp data associated with each frame time (time required to update an image frame once: 16 ms) is stored as schedule data. In the present embodiment, one frame time corresponds to the time required for the drawing process of one frame when drawing etc. at about 60 frames (= about 60 fps) per second on the effect display device 70. Similarly, in the drive pattern data of the movable part, drive data associated with each interrupt cycle (1 ms) is stored as schedule data. As a result, in the effect control side timer interruption process described later, each control data (lamp data, drive data, etc.) is output to the target device at a constant cycle, and the operation of the target device is started Become. On the other hand, in the effect control side timer interrupt process described later, when all the output of a series of control data (lamp data, drive data) is completed, the effect lamps 10, 25 are turned off or the operation of the movable part is stopped. And end control of the target device.

  Next, command analysis processing (step S820) is executed. In this command analysis process, it is monitored whether or not the effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260, and if the effect control command is stored, this effect control command is read out The effect control process corresponding to the type of effect control command is executed. Details of this command analysis processing will be described using FIG. 43 described later.

  During loop processing of the effect main processing of the current cycle, it is determined whether or not analysis (hereinafter referred to as "command analysis") has been executed regarding the effect control command (step S821). When the command analysis is performed, the process returns to step S814, and steps S814 to S821 are repeatedly performed. On the other hand, when the command analysis is not executed, the effect lottery random number updating process is executed (step S822). In this effect lottery random number update process, effect lottery random numbers such as a pre-reading notice lottery random number, a decorative symbol random number, a variation effect pattern random number, and a notice effect pattern random number are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is incremented by one, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value.

<Command analysis process>
FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing details of the command analysis process (step S820) shown in FIG. In this command analysis process, it is monitored whether or not the effect control command held in the latch and switching circuit 104A in the main control board 100 is taken into the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 as described below, When the effect control command is fetched and stored, the effect control process corresponding to the type of the effect control command is executed.

  First, it is determined whether a game state designation command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S831). If the gaming state designation command is stored, the process proceeds to effect state transition processing (step S832). In this effect state transition process, a process of changing the effect mode is executed based on the variation pattern selection state information included in the game state specification command. Details of this effect state transition process will be described with reference to FIG. 44 described later.

  Next, it is determined whether a hold related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S833). Here, the hold related command includes a symbol storage number command and an advance determination command. If the hold related command is stored, the process proceeds to a hold information management process (step S834). In this suspension information management process, the symbol storage number command or the prior determination command is read out from the effect control information storage means 260, and prefetching determination is executed based on the information of the prior determination result, and the suspension display unit of the effect display device 70 (FIG. A process is performed to update the display number and display mode (display color etc.) of the hold image displayed on the display (not shown).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a symbol variation related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S 835). Here, the symbol variation related command includes a variation start command and a variation stop command. If the symbol variation related command is stored, the process shifts to variation effect content determination processing (step S836). In this variation effect content determination process, if the received symbol variation related command is a variation start command, a process for starting symbol variation effect is executed, and if the received symbol variation related command is a variation stop command Executes the processing for ending the symbol variation production under execution. The details of the change effect content determination process will be described with reference to FIG. 45 described later.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a big hit effect related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S837). Here, the jackpot production related command includes a jackpot start demonstration command, a round presentation specification command, and a jackpot end demonstration command. If the jackpot effect related command is stored, the process proceeds to a jackpot effect content determination process (step S838). In the jackpot effect content determination process, processing for executing a start demonstration effect, a round effect, and an end demonstration effect is executed. Details of the jackpot effect content determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. 46 and 47 described later.

  Next, it is determined whether a small hit effect related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S839). Here, the small hit production related command includes a small hit start demonstration command and a small hit end demonstration command. If the small hit effect related command is stored, the process proceeds to the small hit effect content determination process (step S 840). In this small hit effect content determination process, a process for executing a small hit start demonstration effect and a small hit end demonstration effect is executed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not an error presentation designation command is stored in the command storage area of the presentation control information storage unit 260 (step S841). If this error presentation designation command is stored, the process proceeds to error presentation content determination processing (step S842). In this error effect content determination process, an error effect for reading out an error effect designation command from the effect control information storage unit 260 and notifying an error state by the image display of the effect display device 70 or the light emission mode of the effect lamps 10, 25. Determine the pattern.

  If the effect control command is not stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 in steps S831, S833, S835, S837, S839, and S841, the command analysis process is ended. The loop process (steps S814 to S822) of the effect control side main process synchronizes with the image display cycle (1 frame = 16 ms) of the image control CPU 301, so the command analysis process of step S821 and the effect lottery of step S822 The random number updating process is repeatedly executed, and if it exceeds 16 ms, the process returns to step S814.

<Reproduction state transition processing>
FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the details of the effect state transition process (step S832) shown in FIG.

  First, the content of the gaming state designation command from the main control board 100 is analyzed, and information on the variation pattern selection state included in the content of the command is acquired (step S901). Next, based on the information on the variation pattern selection state acquired in step S901, it is determined whether a transition trigger of the effect mode has come (step S902). When a transition trigger of the effect mode has come, transition setting to a predetermined effect mode is performed in step S903 and subsequent steps. In addition, as a transition trigger of the production mode, in principle, it is linked with the probability fluctuation function after the end of the special game, the fluctuation time shortening function, the operation of the electric chow support function, and the transition trigger of the fluctuation pattern selection state. For example, when the special game ends, or when the number of closing times of the variation pattern selection state has expired. In addition, the end number of times of a fluctuation pattern selection state is the number concerning the number of times of fluctuation of a special symbol.

  First, it is determined whether the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side is the low probability normal variation state α (step S903). When the transition destination is the low probability normal fluctuation state α, the normal effect mode Mα is set as the transition destination of the effect mode (step S904). When shifting to the normal effect mode Mα, a normal background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S905). In the normal effect mode Mα, a normal background image representing, for example, “wilderness” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation. On the other hand, if the transition destination is not the low probability normal fluctuation state α (step S 903), it is determined whether the transition destination of the fluctuation pattern selection state is the high probability time short fluctuation state β (step S 906). If the transition destination is the high probability time short fluctuation state β, the probability variation presentation mode Mβ is set as the transition destination of the presentation mode (step S 907). When shifting to this probability variation effect mode A, a probability variation background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S 908). In the probability variation effect mode Mβ, a probability variation background image representing “fortress” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation, for example.

  If the transition destination of the fluctuation pattern selection state is not the high probability time short fluctuation state β (step S906), it is determined whether the transition destination of the fluctuation pattern selection state is the high probability special fluctuation state γ (step S909) ). If the transition destination is the high probability special fluctuation state γ, the special effect mode Mγ is set as the transition destination of the effect mode (step S 910). Next, it is determined whether the special continuous effect flag in the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S911). The special continuous effect flag is a flag that is turned on when the special continuous effect is performed. If the special continuous effect flag is on, a special background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S912). In the special effect mode Mγ, a special background image representing, for example, “starry sky” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation. On the other hand, when the special continuous effect flag is off, a probability variable background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S913). In the special effect mode Mγ, a probability variation background image (for example, a background image substantially the same as in the probability variation effect mode Mβ) representing “fortress” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation. Next, an image control command for instructing display of the effect content (background image) determined in the processing is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S921). Further, as the change of the effect mode, there is also a change which is not determined by the gaming state of the main control board 100 and which is determined on the effect control board 200 side. For example, if the main control board 100 side continues the normal gaming state (low probability / low base) a predetermined number of times, or if it wins a pre-reading lottery for executing a special effect mode, the power is turned on. There may be a timer value for measuring the elapsed time of when the special effect is executed judging that the RTC circuit has reached a predetermined time.

<Variation production contents determination processing>
FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the details of the fluctuation effect content determination process (step S836) shown in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not a change start command is stored in the effect control information storage means 260 (step S 931). If a change start command is stored, the contents of the change start command (a change pattern specification command, a change additional symbol information specification command, a character effect number specification command) are analyzed, and the result of the lottery for success or failure included in the contents of this command Information indicating the symbol group, the variation pattern (variation time), the gaming state, etc. is acquired (step S932). The acquired information is stored in the change effect content determination area of the effect control information storage unit 260.

  Next, the variation presentation pattern selection process is executed (step S933). In this variation effect pattern selection process, based on the variation pattern information acquired in step S932 and the effect mode set in the effect state transition process in step S832, the variation effect pattern table is obtained, and the effect lottery random number generation means The fluctuation presentation pattern random number value is acquired from 210, and one of the plurality of fluctuation presentation patterns is selected by lottery. The fluctuation presentation pattern constitutes a scenario of the effect display process in which the fluctuation pattern of the decorative symbol, the type and time of occurrence of reach effect, the type and time of occurrence of the notice effect, and the like are defined. The variation effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the variation effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. The lamp effect number corresponding to the selected variation effect pattern number is requested, and the requested lamp effect number is set in the lamp request storage area of the effect control information storage means 260.

  Next, the decorative symbol stop symbol selection process is executed (step S934). In this decorative symbol stop symbol selection process, a combination (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) of the stop symbol of the decorative symbol to be finally stopped is drawn on the basis of the symbol group information and the variation pattern information acquired in step S932. To decide. The decorative symbol combination number determined here is temporarily stored in the decorative symbol storage area of the effect control information storage means 260.

  Next, as updating of the prefetch information storage area of the effect control information storage means 260, the pending ball information stored in the pending 2 storage area to the pending 4 storage area is shifted to a lower pending storage area and the pending 4 storage area It is cleared to zero (step S935).

  Based on the effect information acquired in the above steps S933 to S935, an image control command (variation effect start command) required to start fluctuation of the decorative symbol is generated, and this image control command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 The setting is made (step S939).

  On the other hand, when the change start command is not stored (step S 931), it is determined whether the change stop command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S 940). If the variable stop command is stored (step S940), the content of the variable stop command is analyzed, and symbol stop information included in the content of the command is acquired (step S941). An image control command (variation effect stop command) required to stop the fluctuation of the decorative symbol is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S942).

<Big hit effect contents determination processing>
46 and 47 are flowcharts showing the details of the jackpot effect content determination process (step S836) shown in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not a start demo command is stored in the effect control information storage means 260 (step S1001). If the start demonstration command is stored, the content of the start demonstration command is analyzed, and information indicating the jackpot type included in the content of the command is acquired (step S1002). The acquired information is stored in the big hit effect content determination area of the effect control information storage unit 260. Next, the consecutive number counter is updated to count the consecutive number (step S1003). Specifically, when the present big hit is a big hit in the normal state (referred to as "first hit"), "1" is set in the consecutive count counter, and when it is continuous, the continuous count counter Add 1 ".

  Next, a big hit effect pattern selection process is executed to determine the contents of the big hit effect pattern (start demonstration effect pattern, round effect pattern, end demonstration effect pattern) (step S1004). In this big hit rendering pattern selection process, a big hit rendering pattern table (not shown) is acquired, and a big hitting rendering pattern random number value is obtained from the rendering lottery random number generation means 210, and any of the big hitting rendering patterns is selected. Determine the presentation pattern by lottery. The jackpot effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the jackpot effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. The jackpot effect pattern number includes, for example, a start demonstration pattern number, a round effect pattern number, and an end demonstration pattern number.

  Next, the on-hold on-premises consecutive-play effect determination process is executed (step S1005). In this on-hold side-run effect determination process, if there is a on-hold that will be a big hit in the gaming state after the end of the big hit (especially the probability change gaming state), the on-hold side will continue. When it is determined to execute the on-premises in-line effect, the special continuous effect flag is set to ON, and the on-state effect pattern is selected.

  Next, the jackpot effect replacement process is executed (step S1006). In this big-hit effect replacement process, when a pending internal connection effect (special continuous effect) is executed, the normal start demonstration effect pattern and the normal end demonstration effect pattern are converted into a special start demonstration effect pattern and a special end demonstration effect pattern. Replace. In the present embodiment, what is the target of the pre-reading determination in the pending inner row effect is present at the start time of the special game (at the time of the end of the change) when the preceding operation pending ball is a big hit Is a subsequent operation holding ball. Therefore, even if the operation holding ball generated during the special game is a specific hold, the pending internal consecutive effects determination process (step S1005) and the replacement process (step S1006) are not executed, but the special game is in progress. When a specific hold occurs in the special game, the on-premises consecutive player effect determination process and the replacement process may be executed even during the special game, and the jackpot effect data set at the start of the special game may be replaced.

  The start demonstration effect pattern number temporarily stored in the big hit effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 in the above steps S1004 and S1006 is transferred to the start demonstration effect storage area of the effect control information storage means 260, and the start demonstration effect The start of is set (step S1007).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a round effect designation command is stored in the effect control information storage means 260 (step S1011). If the round effect designating command is stored (step S1007), the contents of the round effect designating command are analyzed, and the information indicating the number of rounds included in the contents of the command and the number of winnings to the special winning opening 64 is It acquires (step S1012). The acquired information is stored in the big hit effect content determination area of the effect control information storage unit 260. Next, based on the information acquired in step S1012, the round number counter of the effect control information storage means 260 is updated (step S1013), and the high winning number counter of the effect control information storage means 260 is updated (step S1014) . In the present embodiment, “14” prize balls are paid out each time the game ball enters the big winning opening 64, so by multiplying the number of winnings to the big winning opening 64 by “14”. , Winning prize ball number is calculated.

  Next, it is determined whether the pseudo count flag of the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S1015). A pseudo count flag is a flag that turns on when a pseudo count effect is performed to notify that the number of rounds and winning balls in the special game above is added to the number of rounds and winning balls in the special game later. It is. If the pseudo count flag is on, that is, if it is scheduled to execute a round effect (pseudo count effect) at a later big hit, a round number pseudo addition process is executed (step S1016). In this round number pseudo addition processing, the number of round games executed in the previous special game (number of rounds: 10 R) is set to the number of round game executions (number of rounds: 1 R to 10 R) stored in the round number counter. to add. Thereby, in the special continuous effect, the first round game in the later special game is notified as the eleventh round game.

  Next, the winning prize ball number pseudo addition processing is executed (step S1017). In this winning prize ball number pseudo addition processing, the number of winnings for the special winning opening in the previous special game is added to the number of winnings stored in the large winning number counter. Thereby, in the special serial performance, the number of winning balls obtained in the later special game is notified as the total number of winning balls obtained in the first special game and the second special game.

  The round effect pattern number temporarily stored in the big hit effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 in the above steps S1004 and S1006, together with the numerical value of the round number counter and the large winning number counter, the round of effect control information storage means 260 Transfer to the effect storage area to set the start of the round effect (step S1018).

  Next, it is determined whether or not an end demonstration command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S1021). If the end demonstration command is stored, the content of the end demonstration command is analyzed, and the information included in the content of this command is acquired (step S1022). The acquired information is stored in the big hit effect content determination area of the effect control information storage unit 260. Next, it is determined whether or not the special continuous effect flag in the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S1023), and it is determined whether or not to execute the on-hold on-line consecutive effects. When the special continuous effect flag is on, the value of the round number counter (number of rounds) and the value of the large winning number counter (large winning number) are temporarily stored in the big hit storage area ahead of the effect control information storage means 260. It memorizes (Step S1024). This is because, if the present big hit corresponds to the previous big hit in the special continuous production, the final round number and the number of big winnings in the previous big hit are pseudo addition processing in the big hit production later (steps S1016, S1017 Because it is scheduled to be used in), it is for storing as record information of the previous special game. Therefore, in the pseudo addition processing in the steps S1016 and S1017, the numerical values (the number of rounds and the number of big winnings) stored in the big hit storage area of the future are added. Next, the round number counter and the big winning number counter of the effect control information storage means 260 are cleared (steps S1025 and S1026).

  Next, it is determined whether the pseudo count flag of the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S1027). If the pseudo count flag is on, the pseudo count flag is turned off (step S1028). Next, it is determined whether or not the on-hold consecutive-run effect flag of the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S1035). If the on-hold on-line consecutive-play effect flag is on, the on-hold-on in-line consecutive-play effect flag of the effect control information storage unit 260 is turned off (step S1036).

  Next, the end demonstration effect pattern number temporarily stored in the big hit effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 in the above steps S1004 and S1006 is transferred to the end demonstration effect storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260, The start of the end demonstration effect is set (step S1037). Based on the effect information acquired in the above steps S1005, S1007, S1018 and S1037, an image control command required for a big hit effect is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S1038). .

<Reception interrupt processing of effect control command>
FIG. 48 is a flow chart showing an example of reception interrupt processing for effect control command. In the reception interrupt process of the effect control command, as described above, the reading start condition of the strobe signal input from the main control board 100 is satisfied (for example, when an edge switching to the active potential is detected or the active potential continues for a certain period) Etc.) is triggered when an interrupt occurs.

  The interrupt generated in this way is, for example, triggered by the first half edge where the strobe signal shifts from the inactive potential to the active potential, but is triggered by the second half edge when the strobe signal shifts from the active potential to the inactive potential. You may make it to. As described above, when the second half edge is used as a trigger, it is possible to reduce the value set for the waiting time until the strobe signal is output (and also for the output maintaining period), and in particular, regarding EVENT data (second command). Processing becomes possible ahead of time, and the reading start judgment step on the side of the effect control board 200 is increased (because it is necessary to distinguish inactive transition and chattering after the process of active transition), but on the main control board 100 side The time to complete the command transmission process (step S79 in FIG. 20) can be shortened. In the above-mentioned interrupt, since completion of processing on the main control side of command transmission processing is completion of strobe signal output of EVENT data, for example, MODE data is triggered by the above-mentioned first half edge and EVENT The data may be triggered by the above-mentioned second half edge.

  In this interrupt processing, when various effect control commands are stored in the latch and switching circuit 104A, the stored effect control commands are acquired and stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260. As described above, the effect control command includes 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data, and is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200 in the order of MODE data and EVENT data. Be done. In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, MODE data is also expressed as “first command”, and EVENT data is also expressed as “second command”.

  In this effect control command reception interrupt process, first, it is determined whether or not the input value of the effect control command has been determined (step S1101). Specifically, upon receipt of a strobe signal from the main control board 100, reading of command data held every 8 bits in the latch and switching circuit 104A of the I / O port circuit 104 is repeated up to 5 times When the same value is read twice in a row, the same value is determined as an input value. The reason for repeating in this way is that reading of command data may fail due to the influence of noise or the like.

  Next, it is determined whether the command data received this time is the first command (MODE), in other words, whether the seventh bit of the received command is "1" (step S1102). If the command data received this time is the first command, the first command is temporarily stored in the temporary area (step S1103). Next, the effect lottery random number is acquired from the effect lottery random number generation means 210, and this random number information is temporarily stored in the effect lottery random number storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S1104). It should be noted that the reason for acquiring the effect lottery random number is when the effect control command is received because the effect control command is transmitted at irregular timing such as the start winning of the game ball or the start of fluctuation of the special symbol. In order to make it impossible to estimate from the outside without taking periodicity at the acquisition time by using as an opportunity. As described above, by making the acquisition time of the effect lottery random number irregular, it becomes difficult to generate inconveniences such as the same effect being repeatedly selected unnaturally even in various effect lottery.

  On the other hand, if the command data received this time is the second command (step S1102), it is determined whether the first command has already been received (step S1105). That is, it is determined whether or not the effect control command is received in the order of the first command (MODE) → the second command (EVENT), and whether or not there is any contradiction in the combination of the effect control commands is confirmed. If there is no contradiction in the combination of effect control commands, the address indicated by the write pointer (pointer for writing) is acquired (step S1106). Next, according to the address indicated by the write pointer, the first command and the second command are stored as 16-bit command data in the effect control command buffer (ring buffer) in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (Step S1107). The command data stored in the effect control command buffer in this manner is read out in the above-described command analysis process, and the effect control process corresponding to the type of effect control command represented by the stored command data is executed. . Next, the address indicated by the write pointer is updated (step S1108). Furthermore, the command data (first command) temporarily stored in step S1103 described above is cleared (step S1109).

  In the present embodiment, as already described, the output timing of the strobe signal from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200 is the theory of the output side due to the signal transition time and propagation delay of the transistor array constituting the circuit such as the latch circuit 104B. Since control is performed based on the value, the effect control board 200 can reliably receive each command data in a state where the strobe signal reliably reaches the active potential, so the effect operation can be reliably controlled. .

<Effect control timer interrupt process>
FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control side timer interrupt process. The timer interrupt process is activated by clock pulses at constant time intervals, and is executed to interrupt the effect control side main process described above.

  When a timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the register in the effect control CPU 201 are saved in the stack area of the effect control RAM 203, and the processes after step S1111 are sequentially executed. In this timer interrupt process, an interrupt with priority level 2 or higher, such as an effect control command reception interrupt from the main control board 100 or a watchdog timer interrupt, is permitted (step S1111).

  Next, port input / output processing is executed (step S1112). In this port input / output processing, input processing of input data and output processing of output data are executed using the I / O port circuit 204. In the input process, various signals input to the I / O port circuit 204 are read and stored as input information. On the other hand, in the output process, various control signals (motor control signals) temporarily stored in the effect control information storage means 260 are read out and output from the I / O port circuit 204.

  Next, device control data output processing is executed (step S1113). In this device control data output process, drive data for a predetermined time is read out from the drive pattern data specified in the above-described device management process (step S819), and is set in the drive data storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260. The drive data set in this process is data indicating control for 1 ms corresponding to the interrupt cycle. When drive data is set in this process, the drive data is output from the I / O port circuit 204 to the motor driver 92 in the next timer interrupt process. Therefore, in the device control data output process, the drive data is switched at every interrupt cycle (1 ms) according to the drive pattern data.

  Next, the effect timer update process is executed (step S1114). In this effect timer update process, the values of various effect timers used for effect operation control are decremented and updated every interrupt cycle (for example, 1 ms). The effect timer includes a timer for managing the variation time of the decorative symbol, and a timer for managing the generation timing of the advance effect. The time schedule in the fluctuation effect pattern is managed by the effect timer, and time management such as the drive timing of the movable role and the lighting timing of the effect lamps 10 and 25 is performed on the time axis. The effect timer is also used in the device control data output process (step S1113) and the lamp data update process (step S1118) in the effect timer interrupt process.

  Next, button control timer update processing is executed (step S1115). The value of the effective time management timer for managing the operation effective time of the effect button 15 is subtracted and updated from the interrupt cycle (1 ms in the present embodiment). The operation valid time is the time when the operation input of the effect button 15 is valid.

  Next, task control counter update processing is executed (step S1117). In this task control counter updating process, the value ("0" to "15") of the task counter is updated for each timer interrupt. Specifically, if the value of the task counter is “0” to “14”, 1 is added, and if the value of the task counter is “15”, the value is returned to “0”. That is, this task counter can take a cyclic cycle of 16 ms. Various tasks (task processing) are allocated corresponding to the value of the task counter updated this time, and the lamp control task (the lamp data update process in step S1118) and the runaway monitoring task according to the value of the task counter Each process such as (image CPU runaway monitoring process in step S1119) and error management task (error management timer update process in step S1120) is executed. In the present embodiment, one of the task counter values (“0” to “15”) is assigned to the lamp control task, and the other two values (values at intervals of 8 ms) are monitored for runaway. Assigned to the task for the task, and one other value is assigned to the error management task (the descriptions of the other tasks are omitted). As described above, the reason why the cycle period of the task counter is set to 16 ms is to match the minimum unit 16 ms of the switching control of the effect lamps 10 and 25. The minimum unit of switching control of the effect lamps 10 and 25 corresponds to one frame time of the image frame, and realizes synchronization between the image effect and the lamp effect.

  Next, lamp data update processing is executed (step S1118). In this lamp data update process, lamp data for a predetermined time is read out and set from the lamp pattern data specified in the device management process (step S819) described above. The lamp data set in this process is data representing lighting control for 16 ms, which is the minimum unit of switching control of the effect lamps 10 and 25. When lamp data is set, the lamp data is automatically output from the output port (serial port) to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer. This lamp data output processing is configured as serial communication interrupt processing, and is realized by sequentially writing the lamp data in the transmission buffer of the serial communication circuit. The serial communication circuit serially converts the lamp data of the transmission buffer in units of one byte, and outputs the lamp data to the lamp connection board 91 bit by bit in a manner synchronized with the serial clock. This process is repeated until the transmission buffer becomes empty, whereby all ramp data (all bytes) stored in the transmission buffer are output. Therefore, in the lamp data update process, the lamp data is switched every one frame time (16 ms) according to the lamp pattern, and the lamp data is output to the lamp connection substrate 91 by serial transfer. The lamp data update process is a process (that is, in a cycle of 16 ms) which is executed when the value of the task counter reaches a predetermined value (a value indicating a lamp control task) in the task control counter update process (step S1117) described above. It is a process to be executed.

  Next, image CPU runaway monitoring processing is executed (step S1119). In this image CPU runaway monitoring process, the toggle signal input from the image control board 300 is monitored, and the image control is performed when the toggle signal does not continuously change for 800 to 1600 ms (about 50 to 100 frames). It is determined that the image control CPU 301 of the substrate 300 runs away, and the effect control substrate 200 transmits a reset signal to the image control substrate 300. Thereby, the image control board 300 side executes a predetermined reset process in response to the occurrence of the reset state of the image control CPU 301. The toggle signal is a signal of a waveform in which H level / L level is alternately repeated every one frame time. Note that this image CPU runaway monitoring process is a process that is executed when the value of the task counter reaches a predetermined value (a value indicating an image monitoring task) in the task control counter updating process (step S1117) described above. .

  Next, an error management timer process is executed (step S1120). In this error management timer process, the value of the error presentation timer for managing the error presentation time set in the above-described error presentation management process (step S817) is decremented and updated. The error management timer process is a process executed when the value of the task counter becomes a predetermined value (a value indicating an error management task) in the task control counter update process (step S1117) described above. After making all the interrupts permitted, and restoring the contents of the saved register, the effect control timer interrupt processing is ended, and the processing returns to the original processing before the occurrence of the interruption.

<Interrupt processing for image control command transmission>
FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing an example of the transmission interrupt process of the image control command. The transmission interrupt process of the image control command occurs at predetermined intervals (500 μs) set in advance.

  In this image control command transmission interrupt process, first, the image control command buffer of the effect control information storage unit 260 is checked (step S1131). Next, a read pointer is acquired in the image control command buffer (step S1132), and it is determined whether an image control command is stored in the image control command buffer (step S1133). Whether or not the image control command is stored can be confirmed by, for example, the read pointer and the write pointer. If the read pointer matches the write pointer, no image control command is stored. If the image control command is stored (step S1133), the image control command is read from the area pointed by the read pointer (step S1134). The read image control command is set in the output buffer of the serial communication circuit (not shown) designated as the output destination (step S1135). As a result, an image control command is serially transmitted to the image control board 300 from the serial port. Next, command data (command data stored in step S1135 described above) is cleared (step S1136). Next, the read pointer is incremented by one and updated (step S1137). The transmission interrupt process of the image command is completed, and the process returns to the original process before the interrupt.

  The above embodiments are exemplifications for describing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in the above embodiment, the main control board 100 exemplifies a mode applied when transmitting a command to the effect control board 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Not only when the transmission is applied to the transmission, or when the presentation control board 200 transmits to the image control board 300, the lamp connection board 91, etc., the other boards transmit commands to other boards. It can apply.

  In addition, the present embodiment can be applied to a game machine using parallel communication between substrates, and, for example, a reel-type game machine (also referred to as a "slot machine"), a baseball ball, an arrange ball, etc. It goes without saying that the present invention may be applied to gaming machines. Among these, after the game medium is inserted, the main control board (not shown) executes internal lottery and variably displays a plurality of symbols after the game medium is inserted, and then, In response to the operation of the operation means for stopping or the elapse of a predetermined time, a plurality of symbols being changed are stopped according to the result of the internal lottery, and a symbol row is presented, and it is advantageous for the player when specific conditions are satisfied. It will be in the game state. At that time, the effect control board (not shown) takes in the command from the main control board, triggered by the reception of the strobe signal, and controls the effect operation according to the taken-in command. In this way, it is possible to exhibit the same effect as the effect described above. On the other hand, since the electromagnetic waves generated by the signal patterns on the respective substrates are shielded as described above, this roll-to-roll type gaming machine is unlikely to be affected by noise, and can normally perform a normal rendering operation. become able to.

  100: main control board, 104: I / O port circuit, 104A: latch and switching circuit, 104B: latch circuit, 104C: switching circuit, 200: effect control board, 211: for effect control ROM Connector, 300 ... image control board, 400 ... payout control board, 700 ... effect control ROM board.

Claims (1)

When the start condition is satisfied, a lottery is subsequently executed, and a main control board for controlling a game operation according to the result of the lottery,
An effect control board for controlling an effect operation by controlling the main control board;
Equipped with
The effect control board is
An effect control ROM storing data for controlling the effect operation, and an effect control ROM substrate on which an effect control ROM-side connector electrically connected to the effect control ROM is mounted;
An effect control board side connector to which the effect control ROM side connector is directly connected;
And a signal pattern formed on the surface of the effect control substrate and electrically connected to the effect control substrate connector.
Providing a member capable of shielding the electromagnetic wave in a portion susceptible to an electromagnetic wave that can be generated from the signal pattern or in the vicinity of the signal pattern itself among at least one of the effect control ROM side connector and the effect control board side connector. A game machine characterized by

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