JP2019136168A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique in which output control of sound can be efficient.SOLUTION: When the number of tracks within a voice IC 134 is 40, the number of buffers required by volume adjustment performed between tracks is 1560 when the worst case is assumed, but actually, 300 is well enough. Then, to the respective buffers, link destination information which shows positions the volume adjustment data having the same track as a source of operation is stored together with volume adjustment data, and head indices of buffers for respective tracks and head indices of empty buffers showing positions where volume adjustment data having the respective tracks as the source of operation are stored first in a buffer for volume adjustment are managed. Thus, it is possible to track a position where volume adjustment data having a specific track as the source of operation is stored. Also, it is possible to use the buffer in the buffer for volume adjustment from forward without space to the full, and the number of buffers to use can be considerably reduced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 56

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of outputting sound.

  In this type of gaming machine, when various audio data are simultaneously specified for a plurality of tracks, it is generally output from a speaker in a state where audio based on the audio data is synthesized. Here, in order to notify important information, a gaming machine is disclosed in which specific audio data is duplicated and simultaneously written to another track to simultaneously designate the same audio data to a plurality of tracks (for example, (See Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-81528 A

  According to the above prior art, since the original audio data and the audio data of the duplication destination are recognized as different even though they are the same audio data, the audio of each audio data is transmitted through a plurality of tracks. It is considered that other voices that are output at the same time can be emphasized.

  However, since the number of tracks is limited, the above method may not be able to cope with a large number of sounds to be emphasized. In addition, in order to effectively execute the presentation as the game progresses, the volume of the audio data specified for each track must be controlled more finely, but the buffer capacity that can be used for volume control Is also finite, so efficient control is required.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving the efficiency of sound output control.

  The present invention employs the following means for solving the above problems. In addition, the wording in the following brackets is an illustration to the last, and this invention is not limited to this. Moreover, this invention can be set as the invention containing each invention specific matter shown in the following solution means. Furthermore, each invention specific matter shown in the following solution means can be subordinated by adding an element that limits the invention specific matter, and can also be subordinated by deleting an element that limits the invention specific matter. .

  Solution 1: The gaming machine of the present solution has a predetermined number of tracks that can specify sound information related to the sound to be output, and a plurality of sounds are overlaid based on the sound information specified for each track Sound output control means for outputting sound, control information storage means for storing control information related to sound output control in advance, and any one of the tracks related to sound output control for the other tracks. When the control information includes an instruction to adjust the output volume of the track, the control information is divided into a number smaller than the total number of combinations that allow duplication due to a difference in order between the tracks and the other tracks within the predetermined number. Temporary storage means for temporarily storing instructions based on the control information in the storage areas using a storage area, and an output volume of the sound information to be specified for each track. And a volume adjusting means for adjusting based on instructions that are temporarily stored in the area.

The gaming machine of the present solution has the following configuration.
(1) The sound output control means causes a speaker or the like to output in a state where a plurality of sounds are superimposed in the process of production (audio IC). The sound output control means has a predetermined number (for example, 40) of tracks (buffers for specifying sound information) that can specify sound information related to the sound to be output (music number corresponding to the sound, output volume, etc.). A plurality of sounds are superimposed on the basis of the sound information designated for each track.

(2) The control information storage means stores in advance control information related to sound output control (for example, ROM).

(3) When the predetermined information is included in the control information of (2), the temporary storage means stores a plurality of these instructions in a storage area (a plurality of RAMs in the RAM built in the effect control CPU). Temporary buffer). Here, the predetermined instruction is that any one track is in relation to each other track (for example, when each track is “track 1”, the other tracks are “track 2 to track 40”). Yes, when one track is “track 2”, the other tracks are “track 1, track 3 to track 40.”) The instruction to adjust the output volume of the sound information in (1) above. is there. In addition, the term “plurality” refers to a combination that allows duplication due to the difference in the order of each track and the other tracks within the predetermined number of (1) (a combination that is paired in a prior relationship. For example, “track 1-track 2”. ”And“ Track 2—Track 1 ”patterns). In other words, this number is a product of a number obtained by subtracting 1 from the predetermined number and the predetermined number.

(4) The volume adjusting means adjusts the output volume of the sound information designated for each track of (1) above based on the instructions temporarily stored in each storage area of (3).

  In the production process, various sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and character voices (sounds designated for each track) are output in a superimposed state. At this time, in order to make it easier to hear particularly important sounds or sounds that you want to stand out in accordance with the scene, specify those tracks for each track, giving priority to those sounds and gradually reducing the volume of other sounds. It is necessary to finely control the output volume of the generated sound. Volume adjustment between tracks is performed in response to such a situation, and a volume adjustment instruction performed by one track on another track is stored in one partitioned storage area. .

  For example, assuming that the number of tracks is 40 and each track adjusts the volume of all other tracks except itself (worst case), the storage area required to store these instructions Is 1560 (= 40 × 39). However, it is difficult to realistically think that such very complicated volume adjustments are made at the same time, and in actual production, even if the number of storage areas is smaller than this, the volume adjustment between tracks is sufficiently controlled. Is possible. Nevertheless, if a storage area is secured in the worst case, a large number of unused storage areas are generated.

  Therefore, in this solution, in order to control the volume adjustment performed between the tracks, a smaller number of storage areas than those in the worst case are secured, and individual instructions are stored in these storage areas. Yes. According to this solution, the number of storage areas to be secured for volume adjustment between tracks can be greatly reduced compared to the worst case. Efficiency can be improved. In addition, by reducing the number of storage areas to be secured, the vacant area can be used to produce effects other than volume adjustment between tracks (volume adjustment made by other factors, control related to sound other than volume adjustment, production other than sound) Therefore, it is possible to perform more various effects.

  Solution 2: The gaming machine of the present solution is the solution 1, wherein the temporary storage is associated with any one of the other storage areas in addition to the instruction based on the control information. Link information indicating that is temporarily stored.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(5) In addition to the instruction based on the control information, the temporary storage means in (3) above is link information (associated) indicating that each storage area in (3) is associated with any other storage area. The number of the current buffer) is temporarily stored. Each storage area is associated with any other storage area having the same attribute. For example, storage areas in which instructions for the same track as a volume adjustment source are stored, or empty storage areas in which instructions are not stored are associated in one direction.

  According to this solution, since a plurality of storage areas having relevance can be traced one after another by using link information as a clue, when temporarily storing instructions based on control information, an empty storage area is used. You can trace and memorize them in order. In addition, when deleting an instruction temporarily stored in a part of the storage area when the sound designated for a specific track is stopped, the memory in which the instruction that the volume is to be adjusted is stored is stored. It is possible to trace the areas and delete them in order, and associate these storage areas with empty storage areas. Thus, according to this solution, a limited number of storage areas can be used effectively without waste.

  According to the present invention, sound output control can be made more efficient.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows a game board unit independently. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board unit. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of CPU initialization processing. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of CPU initialization process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the saving process at the time of a power-off. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a command reception interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a switch input event process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 1st special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 2nd special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | presentation determination process at the time of acquisition. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a figure which shows the open | release operation | movement pattern of a variable winning apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol change pre-processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern selection table at the time of loss. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the stop symbol selection table at the time of the 1st special symbol big hit. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the 2nd special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. It is a figure which shows an example of the big hit hour fluctuation pattern selection table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a special symbol memory | storage area shift process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol stop display process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a display output management process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a big win time variable winning apparatus management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening big opening opening pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the big winning opening big opening / closing operation | movement process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the big winning prize closing opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the end process at the time of big hit. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of the variable winning device management process at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the big winning opening opening pattern setting process at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the big winning opening opening / closing operation | movement process at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the big winning opening closing process at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the end process at the time of a small hit. It is a figure explaining the game flow developed when it corresponds to "12 round normal symbol" or "12 round probability variation symbols 1 and 2" in normal mode. It is a figure explaining the game flow developed when it corresponds to "16 round probability variation symbol" or "6 round probability variation symbol 1, 2" in fireworks rush or coast mode. It is a continuation figure showing an example of a production picture corresponding to change display and stop display of a special symbol. It is a continuation figure showing the flow of reach production (super reach production) performed at the time of big hit (winning). It is a continuation figure which shows partially the example of the production of the big role production when it corresponds to "12 round normal symbol" etc. (1/4). It is a continuation figure which shows partially the example of a production of a big role production when it corresponds to "12 round normal symbol" etc. (2/4). It is a continuation figure which shows partially the example of a production of a big role production when it corresponds to "12 round normal symbol" etc. (3/4). It is a continuation figure which shows partially the example of the production of the big role production when it corresponds to "12 round normal symbol" etc. (4/4). It is a continuation figure which shows the example of an effect of fireworks rush. FIG. 10 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of a big-game effect performed during a jackpot game when “6 round probability variation 1” or the like is met. FIG. 10 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of a big role production performed during a big hit game in the case of “16 round probability variation 1” or the like. It is a continuation figure which shows the example of a production of coast mode. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an operation | movement memory production | presentation management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an effect design change pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a process at the time of variable winning apparatus operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an audio | voice output process. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure inside an effect control apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the data which instruct | indicates the volume adjustment between each track | truck. It is a figure which shows the number of buffers required for volume adjustment in each track feeling. It is a schematic diagram which shows the usage condition of the volume adjustment buffer in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an audio | voice control data analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an audio | voice control buffer expansion | deployment process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the buffer reset process for volume adjustment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the buffer expansion | deployment process for volume adjustment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an audio | voice control buffer update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the buffer part buffer volume deletion process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the buffer partial buffer for volume adjustment processing. It is a figure which shows the state of the buffer for volume adjustments just after reset. It is a figure which shows the usage example 1 (the beginning of the scene A) of the volume adjustment buffer. It is a figure which shows the usage example 2 (after 100 frames progress) of the volume adjustment buffer. It is a figure which shows the usage example 3 (when the button is pressed after 100 frames have passed) of the volume adjusting buffer.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) 1. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses a game ball as a game medium, and a player borrows a game ball from a game hall operator to play a game with the pachinko machine 1. In the game of the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium having a game value, and a privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, a game ball acquired by the player Based on the number of games, it can be converted into a game value. Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

〔overall structure〕
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame unit 2, an integrated door unit 4, and an inner frame assembly 7 (a plastic frame, a gaming machine frame) as its main body. The integrated door unit 4 is located on the foremost side when viewed from the front facing the player. An inner frame assembly 7 is located on the back side (back side) of the integrated door unit 4, and the outer frame unit 2 is disposed so as to surround the outer side of the inner frame assembly 7.

  The outer frame unit 2 is a structure in which wood and metal materials are combined in a vertically long rectangular shape. The outer frame unit 2 has a fastener such as a screw attached to an island facility (not shown) in the game hall. It is used and fixed. In the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used for a portion corresponding to the upper and lower short sides, and a metal material is used for a portion corresponding to the left and right long sides.

  The integrated door unit 4 has a structure in which the tray unit 6 is integrated at a lower position thereof. The integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are attached to the island facility via the outer frame unit 2, and these operate in an openable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). An opening / closing axis of a hinge mechanism (not shown) extends in the vertical direction along the left end as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

  A unified lock unit 9 is provided on the inner side of the right edge (the left edge in FIG. 2) of the inner frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in FIG. Correspondingly, a locking tool (not shown) is also provided on the right side edge (back side) of the integrated door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2. As shown in FIG. 1, in the state where the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame unit 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly together with the locking device. 7 cannot be opened.

  Further, a cylinder lock 6 a with a key hole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. For example, when an administrator of the game hall inserts a dedicated key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 operates and the integrated door unit 4 can be opened together with the inner frame assembly 7. . If these are opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed on the front side.

  On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the locking of the integrated door unit 4 is released while the inner frame assembly 7 remains locked, and the integrated door unit 4 can be opened. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board unit 8 is directly exposed, and in this state, the manager of the game hall can remove obstacles such as ball clogging in the board surface. Further, when the integrated door unit 4 is opened, the tray unit 6 is also opened to the front side together.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes a game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4. The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7 with the integrated door unit 4 opened to the front side, for example. The integrated door unit 4 is formed with a vertically oval window 4a at the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is attached in the window 4a. The glass unit is a combination of, for example, two transparent plates (glass plates) cut in accordance with the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the integrated door unit 4 via a fixture (not shown). A game area 8a (board surface, game board) is formed on the front surface of the game board unit 8, and this game area 8a is visible to the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integrated door unit 4 is closed, a space in which a game ball can flow down is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface.

  The saucer unit 6 has a shape projecting from the integrated door unit 4 to the front side as a whole, and an upper plate 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. The upper plate 6b can store a game ball (rental ball) lent to a player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize. In the tray unit 6, a lower plate 6c is formed at the lower position of the upper plate 6b. The lower tray 6c stores game balls that are further paid out when the upper tray 6b is full. The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine (model connected to the CR unit), and the game balls borrowed by the player are separated from the payout device unit 172 on the back side separately from the prize balls. It is paid out to the dish 6b or the lower dish 6c).

  A lending operation unit 14 is provided on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on the lending operation unit 14. When a player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.) inserted in a CR unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 degrees). (For example, 125) game balls are lent out. For this reason, a frequency display unit (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the lending operation unit 14, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium put in the CR unit is displayed on this frequency display unit. The player can receive the return of the valuable medium with the remaining frequency by operating the return button 12. Although the CR machine is taken as an example in the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a model not connected to the CR unit) different from the CR machine.

  Further, on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, an upper dish ball removal button 6d is installed in front of the upper dish 6b in the upper position, and a lower dish ball removal lever 6e is located in the center of the lower dish 6c. Is installed. The player can cause the game balls stored in the upper plate 6b to flow down to the lower plate 6c by, for example, pressing the upper plate ball removing button 6d. Also, the player can drop the game balls stored in the lower plate 6c downward and discharge them by sliding the lower plate ball removal lever 6e to the left, for example. The discharged game ball is received by, for example, a ball receiving box (not shown).

  A handle unit 16 is installed at the lower right of the tray unit 6. The player operates the handle unit 16 to operate the launch control board set 174 and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launcher). The launched game ball rises from the lower edge portion of the game board unit 8 along the left edge portion, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (without reference numerals in the drawing) and the like are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown-in game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmill. The configuration of the game area 8a (board surface, game board) will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
The integrated door unit 4 is provided with a left top lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 as components for production. Among these, the left top lens unit 47 incorporates a glass frame top lamp 46 and a left glass frame decoration lamp 48, and the upper right electrical decoration unit 49 incorporates a right glass frame decoration lamp 50. In addition, left and right glass frame decoration lamps 52 are installed in the integrated door unit 4 so as to be connected to the lower part of the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49, respectively. It extends from the left and right edges of the integrated door unit 4 to the front surface of the tray unit 6. In the integrated door unit 4, the glass frame top lamp 46 and the left and right glass frame decoration lamps 48, 50, and 52 are arranged so as to surround the glass unit.

  The various lamps 46, 48, 50, and 52 described above perform effects by, for example, the light emission of the built-in LEDs (lighting and blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, and the like). In addition, on the upper part of the integrated door unit 4, speakers on the glass frame 54 and 55 are incorporated in the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49, respectively. On the other hand, an outer frame speaker 56 is incorporated in the lower left position of the outer frame unit 2. These speakers 54, 55, and 56 output effects sound, BGM, dialogue, etc. (general voice) and perform effects.

  In the center of the tray unit 6, an effect switching button 45 is installed at a position before the upper plate 6b (operation input means). The player switches the contents of the effect (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42) by pressing the effect switching button 45, or is changing the symbol, displaying the big hit, or playing the big hit game. It is possible to generate a certain effect (notice effect, probability change promotion effect, promotion effect while playing a big role, etc.).

  Furthermore, a jog dial 45a is installed around the effect switching button 45 so as to surround the effect switching button 45 (operation input means, rotary selector). The player can change the contents of the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, for example, by rotating the jog dial 45a.

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a dispensing device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a dispensing control board unit 176. A back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) constituting the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed.

  The payout device unit 172 includes, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference numeral), and the prize ball tank 172a is installed on the upper edge (back side) of the inner frame assembly 7. The game balls replenished from a replenishment route (not shown) can be stored. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are guided to a prize ball case through an upper prize ball basket (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game ball sent out from the payout device unit 172 toward the tray unit 6 on the front side.

  The external terminal board 160 is used to connect the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.). And various external information signals (for example, award ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, start opening information, etc.) indicating the maintenance status and the like are output to an external electronic device. .

  The power cord 164 secures a power source (electric power) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1 by being connected to, for example, a power source device (for example, AC 24V) installed in an island facility of a game arcade. In addition, the ground wire 166 is connected to a ground terminal that is also installed in the island facility, thereby securing the ground (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

  FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. The game board unit 8 includes a game board 8b serving as a base, and a game area 8a is formed on the front side of the game board 8b. The game board 8b is made of, for example, a transparent resin plate. With the game board unit 8 fixed to the inner frame assembly 7, the front surface of the game board 8b is parallel to the glass unit. On the front surface of the game board 8b, a game area 8a is formed on the inner side of a launch rail (without reference numeral) installed in a substantially circular shape.

  In the game area 8a, a relatively large effect unit 40 is arranged at the center position, and the game area 8a is largely divided into a left part, a right part and a lower part with the effect unit 40 as the center. The left part of the game area 8a is a first game area (left-handed area) used in a normal game state (low probability non-time shortened state), and the right part of the game area 8a is a special game state (big hit game state) The second game area (right-handed area, specific area) used in a small hit game state, a low probability time shortened state, a high probability time shortened state, or the like. The left portion of the game area 8a is also used in the high probability non-time shortened state (advantageous game state). Further, in the game area 8a, a middle start winning opening 26, a starting gate 20, a normal winning opening 22, 24, a variable starting winning apparatus 28, a first variable winning apparatus 30, and a second variable winning apparatus are provided around the effect unit 40. 31 etc. are distributed and installed.

  Among these, the middle start winning opening 26 is arranged at the center of the lower part of the game area 8a. The start gate 20, the variable start winning device 28, the second variable winning device 31, and the first variable winning device 30 are arranged in this order from the top in the right portion of the game area 8a. Here, the first variable winning device 30 is disposed on the right side of the middle start winning port 26, and the second variable winning device 31 is disposed on the upper right side of the first variable winning device 30. Further, the three left normal winning holes 22 are arranged in the left part of the game area 8a, and the one right normal winning hole 24 (predetermined winning hole) is arranged below the variable start winning device 28. .

Further, four obstacle nails are arranged above the variable start winning device 28, and further, a ball entrance 19a and a discharge port 19b are arranged above the nail. The ball inlet 19a and the outlet 19b are connected by a communication passage on the back side (not shown). The game ball that has entered the entrance 19a is decelerated and rectified through this communication passage, and is released from the exit 19b.
Further, an out port 19c (predetermined entrance) is arranged on the right side of the start gate 20. The game ball released from the discharge port 19b basically falls straight and passes through the start gate 20, but enters the out port 19c when it is flipped to the right by the obstacle nail.

  The game balls thrown into the game area 8a enter the middle start winning opening 26, the normal winning openings 22, 24, pass through the start gate 20, and the variable start winning apparatus at the time of operation. 28, the first variable winning device 30 during the opening operation, and the second variable winning device 31 during the opening operation. Here, there is a possibility that game balls flowing down the left area of the game area 8 a mainly enter the middle start winning opening 26 or enter the normal winning opening 22. On the other hand, the game ball flowing down the right area of the game area 8a enters the entrance 19a and is released from the exit 19b, and mainly passes through the start gate 20 or enters the variable start prize device 28 during operation. There is a possibility of entering a ball, entering a first variable winning device 30 during an opening operation, entering a second variable winning device 31 during an opening operation, or entering a normal winning port 24. The game balls that have passed through the start gate 20 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but the medium start winning port 26, the normal winning ports 22, 24, the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device. The game balls that have entered the device 31 and the out port 19c are collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through through holes formed in the game board (plywood material, transparent board, etc. constituting the game board unit 8).

  Here, in the present embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 8a (the board surface), when a game ball is to enter the middle start winning opening 26 or the normal winning opening 22, an area on the left side in the game area 8a (left-handed) It is necessary to drive a game ball into the area (so-called “left-handed” is executed).

  On the other hand, when a game ball is to be placed in the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, or the normal winning port 24, the right side region (right-handed region) in the game region 8a. ) To play a game ball (perform so-called “right-handed”).

  In the present embodiment, the variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied (when a normal symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined stop display time in a winning manner), and accordingly a right start is performed. It is possible to enter the winning entrance 28a (predetermined entrance) (ordinary electric accessory). The variable start winning device 28 is provided with a tongue-type opening / closing member 28b. In the state shown in the figure, the opening / closing member 28b is in a position (retreat position) retracted from the board surface, making it impossible or difficult for the game ball to enter the right start winning opening 28a. On the other hand, when the opening / closing member 28b moves to a position (driving position) that protrudes toward the front side from the board surface, the opening / closing member 28b receives the game ball flowing down from above and guides the game ball to the right starting winning opening 28a (right It is possible or easy to enter the starting prize opening 28a). Note that the variable start winning device 28 may be a device that opens the right start winning port by displacing the opening / closing member so as to fall forward with the lower edge portion of the opening / closing member as a hinge.

  The first variable winning device 30 is a case where a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big-hit or small-hit manner) and a predetermined first condition (for example, from the first round of the big-hit game) Operates when the 5th round or 7th to 16th rounds, the condition that the small hit game is open), and can enter the first big prize opening 30b (Special electric accessory, first special entry event generating means).

  The first variable winning device 30 is a device arranged on the right side of the middle start winning opening 26 (so-called lower attacker), and has, for example, one opening / closing member 30a. The first variable winning device 30 is a device of a type in which the opening / closing member 30a slides inside the board surface (sliding type attacker). The opening / closing member 30a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by, for example, a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). The opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position (closed state) in a state of protruding from the board surface to the player side. At this time, the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the opening / closing member 30a. Is impossible or difficult (the first big prize opening 30b is closed). When the first variable winning device 30 is activated, the opening / closing member 30a is drawn into the board surface, and the first big winning opening 30b is opened (open state). During this time, the first variable winning device 30 is in a state where the inflow of the game ball is not impossible (possible or easy), and can generate an event of entering the first big winning opening 30b.

  The second variable winning device 31 is the same as the first variable winning device 30 when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big win mode), and a predetermined second condition (for example, Operates when the 6th round of the jackpot game is satisfied) and enables entry into the second grand prize opening 31b (specific prize opening) (special electric accessory, second special entry) Sphere event generation means).

  The second variable winning device 31 is a device arranged at the upper right of the first variable winning device 30 (so-called upper attacker), and has, for example, one opening / closing member 31a. The second variable winning device 31 is a device of a type in which the opening / closing member 31a slides inside the board surface (sliding type attacker). The opening / closing member 31a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by, for example, a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). The opening / closing member 31a is in the closed position (closed state) in a state of protruding from the board surface to the player side. At this time, the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the opening / closing member 31a. Is impossible or difficult (the second big prize opening 31b is closed). Then, when the second variable winning device 31 is activated, the opening / closing member 31a is drawn into the board surface, and the second large winning opening 31b is opened (open state). During this time, the second variable winning device 31 is in a state where the inflow of game balls is not impossible (possible or easy), and can generate an event of entering the second large winning opening 31b.

  In addition, a guide passage 31 c for guiding a game ball that has entered the second variable winning device 31 is disposed inside the second variable winning device 31. The guide passage 31c extends downward from the second major winning opening 31b, turns left from there, extends to the lower left, and then extends downward again.

  A second count switch 85 is disposed upstream of the guide passage 31c, and a probability variation region blade member 31d and a probability variation region hole 31e are disposed in the middle flow of the guide passage 31c. A discharge port 31f is disposed downstream of the air outlet.

  A game ball that has entered the second variable winning device 31 is detected by the second count switch 85 to enter first. Here, when the probability variation region solenoid that operates the probability variation region blade member 31d is ON, the probability variation region blade member 31d rises and guides the game ball to the probability variation region hole 31e. On the other hand, when the probability variation region solenoid for operating the probability variation region blade member 31d is OFF, the probability variation region blade member 31d does not rise, so the game ball passes through the upper portion of the probability variation region blade member 31d, It is guided to the discharge port 31f.

[Probability change area (specific area)]
Further, a probability variation region (no reference sign) is provided in the probability variation region hole 31e. The probability variation area is an area in which a game ball cannot pass when the second variable winning device 31 is in a closed state, and the probability varying region blade member 31d is activated when the second variable winning device 31 is in an open state. If it is, it is an area through which game balls can pass.

  The probability variation region blade member 31d operates when the second variable prize-winning device 31 is released during the big hit game. The operation pattern of the probability variation region blade member 31d is that the production region is opened for a short period of time (for example, 0.1 seconds) simultaneously with the start of the round, and then closed for a few seconds (about 2 to 3 seconds), and then the probability variation region is extended for a long time. It is a pattern that is opened for a long time (for example, about 20 seconds). Note that the game ball does not reach the probability variation region blade member 31d in the short-term release that is executed simultaneously with the start of the round, and therefore, the game ball is not guided to the probability variation region by this operation. Even if the probability variation area blade member 31d is operated, the game ball does not pass through the probability variation area when the second variable winning device 31 is short-circuited.

  The game board unit 8 is provided with an effect unit 40 from the center position to the right side. The effect unit 40 has an upper edge portion 40a that functions as a guide member that changes the flow direction of the game ball, and includes various decorative parts 40b and 40c on the inner side. The decorative parts 40b and 40c can enhance the decorativeness of the game board unit 8 by three-dimensional modeling, and can perform a stunning operation by emitting transmitted light from, for example, a built-in light emitter (LED or the like). . In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed inside the effect unit 40, and various effect images are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, including effect symbols corresponding to special symbols. (Display means). In this way, the game board unit 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface and the decorativeness of the effect unit 40. Further, when the game board 8b is a transparent resin board (for example, an acrylic board) as in the present embodiment, various decorative bodies (including a movable body and a light emitting body) arranged not only on the front side but also behind the game board 8b. ) Can be added.

  In addition, a drive source (for example, a motor, a solenoid, etc.) is attached to the inside of the effect unit 40 together with a movable body 40f (for example, a decoration imitating a vehicle on which a female character is riding). The effect movable body 40f can execute an effect accompanied by an operation of a tangible object in addition to an effect using an image by the liquid crystal display 42 and an effect by a light emitter. Due to the effects using these movable bodies 40f, appealing power different from the effects using two-dimensional images can be exhibited.

  In addition, a ball guide passage 40d is formed at the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed at the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened obliquely upward to the left in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide path 40d, it passes through the inside and rolls. Released onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball that has rolled on the rolling stage 40e will eventually flow into the lower game area 8a. A ball discharge path 40k is formed at the center position of the rolling stage 40e, and the game ball guided from the rolling stage 40e to the ball discharge path 40k easily flows into the middle start winning opening 26 just below the ball discharge path 40k. .

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8 a, and game balls that have not entered (winned) in various winning ports are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board unit 8. In addition, the game area includes game balls that have entered the normal winning ports 22, 24, the middle starting winning port 26, the right starting winning port 28a, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, and the out port 19c. All game balls that have been driven into the 8a are collected to the back side of the game board unit 8. The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further join a supply path of an island facility (not shown).

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board unit 8 (lower left position in the window 4a). That is, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the lower left position in the window 4a, for example, as well as a first special symbol display device 34 and a second special symbol display device 35. And a game state display device 38 is provided. Among these, the normal symbol display device 33, for example, turns on two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display the normal symbols variably, and stops and displays the normal symbols when the lamps are turned on or off. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 memory numbers depending on, for example, a combination of turning off, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs). For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are extinguished, a memory number of 0 is displayed, in a display mode in which one lamp is lit, a memory number of 1 is displayed, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. In the display mode in which two stored numbers are displayed, and in addition to blinking one lamp, the other lamp is lit, three stored numbers are displayed, and in the display mode in which the two lamps are flashed together, the stored number is four. For example, the individual is displayed. Here, although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a may be configured using four lamps (LEDs). In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lamps to be lit.

  Each time the game ball passes through the start gate 20, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a changes to the display mode after being incremented one by one in the sense of memorizing the occurrence of the passage that triggers the operation lottery. Every time (up to a maximum of four), the change of the normal symbol is started every time the change of the normal symbol is started. In this embodiment, when the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball passes through the start gate 20 in a state in which the normal symbol can already start to change (during stop display). However, the display mode does not change. That is, the memorized number (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passages at which the variation of the normal symbol has not started yet.

  In addition, the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 display, for example, a change state and a stopped state of the corresponding first special symbol or second special symbol by 7 segment LED (with dots), respectively. (Symbol display means). The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 may have a form in which a plurality of dot LEDs are arranged geometrically (for example, in a circular shape).

  Further, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a have 0 to 4 each, for example, depending on a display mode constituted by a combination of extinction or lighting and blinking of two lamps (LEDs). Is stored (memory number display means). For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are extinguished, a memory number of 0 is displayed, in a display mode in which one lamp is lit, a memory number of 1 is displayed, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. In the display mode in which two stored numbers are displayed, and in addition to blinking one lamp, the other lamp is lit, three stored numbers are displayed, and in the display mode in which the two lamps are flashed together, the stored number is four. For example, the individual is displayed.

  The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is displayed after being incremented by one in the sense of memorizing that a game ball has entered the middle start winning opening 26 every time a game ball enters the middle start winning opening 26. It changes to a mode (up to a maximum of 4), and changes to the display mode after being reduced one by one each time the change of the special symbol is triggered by the entry. Further, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is incremented by one in the sense that each time a game ball enters the variable start winning device 28, it stores that the game ball has entered the right start winning port 28a. Change to the display mode (up to 4), and each time the change of the special symbol is started with the entry, the display mode is changed by 1 each. In the present embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the middle start winning opening 26 is in a state where the first special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). Even if a game ball enters, the display mode does not change. In addition, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), a game ball enters the variable start winning device 28 in a state where the second special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). Even if it is a sphere, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (maximum of 4) represented by the display mode of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a is the number of incoming balls for which the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not yet started. It represents the number of times.

  The game state display device 38 includes LEDs corresponding to, for example, jackpot type display lamps 38a, 38b, and 38c, a probability variation state display lamp 38d, a time-short state display lamp 38e, and a launch position designation lamp 38f. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol are described. The symbol operation memory lamp 35a and the game state display device 38 are attached to the game board unit 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89.

  These LED lamps mounted on the integrated display substrate 89 are divided into four different control areas (hereinafter referred to as “commons”) for the purpose of controlling switching between turning on and off. In other words, there are four commons in the integrated display substrate 89, and each lamp belongs to any one common. In the present embodiment, a dynamic lighting method is employed, and the lamps are driven sequentially in common units at intervals of an interrupt period (for example, 4 ms). Therefore, all the lamps mounted on the integrated display substrate 89 are not driven simultaneously.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 (main control computer) that serves as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. Yes. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72 as a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 includes a ROM 74, a RAM ( RWM) 76 and other semiconductor memories are integrated as an LSI. The main controller 70 is also equipped with a random number circuit 75, an interrupt controller (interrupt CTR) 192, a parallel I / O port 79, a timer circuit (PTC) 194, and a serial communication circuit (SCU) 196. Among these, the random number circuit 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for the big symbol determination of the special symbol lottery or the normal symbol lottery determination, and the generated random number is Input to the main control CPU 72. The interrupt controller 192 accepts each interrupt request (XINT interrupt, PTC interrupt, SCU interrupt) from the parallel I / O port 79, the timer circuit 194, and the serial communication circuit 196, and outputs these interrupt requests. Control based on priority. In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with a clock generation circuit (not shown) and peripheral ICs such as a reset controller for monitoring various states and generating a reset as necessary. Implemented above. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or the inner layer portion). The I / O port of the main controller 70 may be in a serial format.

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. In addition, the game board unit 8 includes a medium start winning port 26, a variable start winning device 28, a first variable winning device 30, and a second variable winning device 31 corresponding to the middle start winning port switch 80 and the right start winning port, respectively. A switch 82, a first count switch 84, and a second count switch 85 are provided. Each start winning port switch 80, 82 is for detecting the entrance of a game ball into the middle start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning port 28a). The first count switch 84 is for detecting the number of game balls that have entered the first variable prize-winning device 30 (first big prize opening) and counting the number thereof. Furthermore, the second count switch 85 is for detecting the number of game balls that have entered the second variable winning device 31 (second big winning port 31b) and counting the number thereof. Further, the probability variation area switch 95 is a switch for detecting that the game ball has passed through the probability variation area disposed inside the second variable winning device 31 (detection means).

  Similarly, the game board unit 8 includes a first winning port switch 86 for detecting a game ball entering the normal winning port 22 and a second winning port switch for detecting a game ball entering the normal winning port 24. 81 is equipped. In addition, although the configuration using the common winning opening switch 86 is given as an example for the three normal winning openings 22 on the left side, for example, three winning opening switches are installed, and the game balls for the respective normal winning openings 22 are arranged. Incoming balls may be detected individually.

  In any case, winning detection signals of these switches are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). In this embodiment, the game board unit 8 has a gate switch 78, a first count switch 84, a second count switch 85, a first winning port switch 86, a second winning port switch 81, and a probability changing area switch 95. The winning detection signal is transmitted via the panel relay terminal board 87, and the panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with a wiring pattern, a connection terminal, and the like for relaying each winning detection signal.

  The above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and game The state display device 38 is controlled in display operation based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals for the display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. The display devices 33, 34, 35, and 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, and 35a are installed in the game board unit 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89 as described above. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the display substrate 89 via the panel relay terminal board 87.

  In addition, the game board unit 8 includes a variable start winning device 28, a first variable winning device 30, a second variable winning device 31, and a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and a first large winning opening corresponding to the upstream of the probability changing region, respectively. A solenoid 90, a second big prize opening solenoid 97, and a probability changing area solenoid 99 are provided. These solenoids 88, 90, 97, 99 are operated (excited) based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72, and open / close operations of the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device 31, respectively ( Actuating) or moving the probability variation region blade member 31d. Note that these solenoids 88, 90, 97, 99 also transmit control signals from the main control CPU 72 through the panel relay terminal plate 87.

  In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 is installed in the integrated door unit 4, and a plastic frame opening switch 93 is installed in the inner frame assembly 7. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72), and the inner frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame unit 2. Then, a contact signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. When the main control CPU 72 detects the open state of the integrated door unit 4 or the inner frame assembly 7, the main control CPU 72 generates a door open information signal as an external information signal.

  On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a payout control device 92 is provided. The payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which a payout control CPU 94 is mounted. The payout control CPU 94 is also an LSI in which a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 96 and a RAM 98 is integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). It is configured. The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls. The main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball information signal as an external information signal together with a prize ball instruction command.

  In a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, a payout device substrate 100 is installed together with a payout motor 102 (for example, a stepping motor). The payout device substrate 100 is provided with a drive circuit for the payout motor 102. Yes. The payout device substrate 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (the payout control CPU 94), and pays out the designated number of game balls from the prize ball case. Let it come out. The paid-out game balls are sent to the tray unit 6 through the payout flow path in the flow path unit 173.

  Further, for example, a payout path ball cut switch 104 is installed at an upstream position of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed at a downstream position of the payout motor 102. When a prize ball is actually paid out by driving the payout motor 102, a count signal from the payout count switch 106 is input to the payout device substrate 100 each time. Further, when a ball break occurs at an upstream position of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball break switch 104 is input to the payout device substrate 100. The dispensing device substrate 100 transmits the input count signal and contact signal to the dispensing control device 92 (dispensing control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual payout number and the out-of-ball state based on the signal received from the payout device substrate 100.

  Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full tank switch 161, for example, inside the lower plate 6c (the position of the bowl as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The award balls (game balls) that are actually paid out are discharged to the upper plate 6b through the flow path unit 173, but when the upper plate 6b is filled with game balls, the game balls that have been paid out more than those are described above. Into the lower plate 6c. Further, when the lower plate 6c is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned ON, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, even if the payout control CPU 94 receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, it temporarily suspends further prize ball operations, and stores the unpaid prize ball remaining number in the RAM 98. Note that the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is cut off, so that even if a power failure (including momentary power failure) occurs during the game, the information on the number of remaining unsold prize balls will not be lost. .

  In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a launch solenoid 110 is installed together with the launch control board 108 (ball launching means). A ball feed solenoid 111 is provided in the tray unit 6. The launch control board 108, the launch solenoid 110, and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above, and the launch control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Among these, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation of sending out the game balls stored in the tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined launch position in the launcher case. Moreover, the launch solenoid 110 hits the game ball sent to the launch position, and performs the operation of launching game balls one by one continuously (intermittently) toward the game area 8a as described above. Note that the game ball is fired at intervals of, for example, about 0.6 seconds (within 100 per minute).

  On the other hand, the handle unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114, and a firing stop switch 116. Among these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the operation amount (so-called stroke) of the firing handle by the player. Further, the touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the handle unit 16 (launching handle) from the change in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal thereof. The firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) in accordance with the player's operation.

  A launch relay terminal plate 118 is installed in the saucer unit 6, and each signal from the launch lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the launch stop switch 116 is transmitted to the launch control board 108 via the launch relay terminal plate 118. Is done. The drive signal from the launch control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the launch relay terminal board 118. When the player operates the firing handle, an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) is generated by the firing lever volume 112 according to the operation amount, and the firing solenoid 110 is driven based on the signal at this time. Thereby, the strength of launching a game ball is adjusted according to the operation amount of the player. The drive circuit of the firing control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when the firing stop signal is input from the firing stop switch 116. To do. In addition to this, the launch relay terminal plate 118 is connected with a lending device connection terminal plate 120 such as a game ball, and when a CR unit is not connected to this lending device connection terminal plate 120 such as a game ball, the launch control board is also used. The drive circuit 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110.

  The tray unit 6 includes a frequency display board 122 and a lending / return switch board 123. Of these, the frequency display board 122 is provided with a display of a frequency display section (7-segment LED for 3 digits). In addition, switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12 are mounted on the lending / return switch board 123, and when the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is lended. And the return switch board 123 via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 120 to the CR unit. Further, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted from the CR unit to the frequency display board 122 via the gaming ball lending device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display board 122 drives the display unit based on the frequency signal, and displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium as a numerical value. In addition, when no valuable medium is inserted into the CR unit, or when the remaining frequency of the inserted valuable medium becomes zero, the display circuit of the frequency display board 122 drives the display to display a demonstration (value medium). Display for urging the user to input.

  Further, the pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 124 (effect control computer) as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with an effect control CPU 126, which is a central processing unit, on a circuit board (composite sub-control board). The effect control CPU 126 is configured as an LSI including a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as the RAM 130. The production control device 124 is provided at a position covered by the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.

  The effect control device 124 is equipped with a control ROM 180 and a watchdog timer IC (WDTIC) 188 necessary for controlling execution of the effect. The control ROM 180 stores a basic program related to production control. The effect control CPU 126 controls the effect by accessing the control ROM 180 via a CPU bus (not shown) and executing a program stored in the control ROM 180. The watchdog timer IC 188 is a timer that monitors whether the control executed by the effect control device 124 is normally performed (whether the process is completed within the assumed time), and is connected to the reset terminal of the effect control CPU 126. Yes. When a signal (clear pulse) for clearing the monitoring timer of the watchdog timer IC 188 is not input within a predetermined time, the watchdog timer IC 188 outputs a reset pulse to the effect control CPU 126. Thereby, the production control device 124 is forcibly reset.

  The effect control device 124 is equipped with a circuit board (effect display control board) on which a VDP 152 (drawing means) is mounted and a CGROM (image / audio ROM) 190. The VDP 152 incorporates a VRAM 156 that is mainly used when developing drawing materials. The VRAM 156 can use a part of the storage area as a frame buffer. The VDP 152 is integrated with the effect control CPU 126 in one chip, and is connected to the CGROM 190 via a CG bus (not shown). The CGROM 190 stores image data of drawing materials constituting the effect screen and audio data output with the progress of the effect.

  The effect control CPU 126 executes effect control in accordance with a program stored in the control ROM 180. The production control includes the production control using the various lamps 46 to 53 and the speakers 54, 55, and 56 as described above, and the production control by the image display using the liquid crystal display 42. . The effect control CPU 126 outputs a detailed control signal for controlling the image display for effect to the VDP 152 based on basic information (for example, effect number) regarding the effect. Receiving this, the VDP 152 accesses the CGROM 190 based on the control signal, reads necessary image data therefrom, and transfers it to the VRAM 156. Further, the VDP 152 expands the image data on the VRAM 156 for each frame (still image per unit time) in a frame buffer, and each pixel (full color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 is expanded based on the buffered image data. Drive individually.

  In addition to these, the effect control device 124 supplies the SRAM 182 as a storage area for backup data, a real-time clock (RTC) 184 for time management, and backup power to the SRAM 182 and the real-time clock 184 as functions related to the effect. A lithium battery 186 is mounted. The lithium battery 186 stores this electric power and charges itself while driving power is supplied from the power supply control unit 162 to the effect control device 124. The SRAM 182 and the real-time clock 184 are connected to the lithium battery 186 and can be driven by the lithium battery 186 when the supply of drive power from the power supply control unit 162 to the effect control device 124 is cut off. Therefore, the SRAM 182 and the real-time clock 184 continue to operate during a period (for example, about one and a half months) until the lithium battery 186 is charged even when the power supply from the power supply control unit 162 is cut off. The SRAM 182 can hold stored information for a while even under a power-off condition.

  The production control program is configured to be able to save information on security, monitoring, malfunctions, and the like that should not be easily deleted in the SRAM 182. Thereby, for example, when some trouble occurs in the production control device 124, the pachinko machine 1 is collected (or inspected in the installed state), and the cause investigation of the trouble is advanced by analyzing the information held in the SRAM 182. It becomes possible.

  In addition to the peripheral ICs such as an input / output driver, a clock generation circuit, and a counter / timer circuit (not shown), the effect control device 124 is also equipped with a driver IC 132 and an audio IC 134. The production control CPU 126 performs production control based on the production command transmitted from the main control CPU 72, gives a command to the driver IC 132 and the audio IC 134, and causes the various lamps 46 to 52 and the panel lamp 53 to emit light, or the speaker. A process of actually outputting sound effects, voices, etc. from 54, 55, 56 is performed.

  The effect control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other via a communication harness (not shown), for example. However, the communication between these is performed only in one direction from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and communication in the reverse direction is not performed. Note that the communication harness may adopt a parallel format according to the bus width of various commands transmitted from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, or each driver (I / O). A serial format may be adopted according to the hardware configuration.

  The driver IC 132 includes a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown), for example. The driver IC 132 switches (or switches duty) the driving voltage applied to various lamps including the LED. The operation such as light emission and blinking is managed. In addition to the glass frame top lamp 46 and the glass frame decoration lamps 48, 50, and 52, the various lamps include a decoration / production board lamp 53 installed in the game board unit 8. The board lamp 53 corresponds to an LED incorporated in the effect unit, or an LED incorporated in the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, and the like. Here, an example is given in which the glass frame decoration lamp 52 is connected to the sub-connection board 136, but a saucer illumination board is installed in the saucer unit 6. It may be configured to be connected to the driver IC 132 via

  The audio IC 134 is a sound generator and is connected to a CG bus and an amplifier (not shown). The audio IC 134 accesses the CGROM 190 via the CG bus, reads the audio data, decodes it, and outputs it to the speakers 54 and 55 on the glass frame and the outer frame speaker 56 via the amplifier, thereby providing a stereo 2ch or monaural 2ch. Audio reproduction (the number of channels larger than 2 may be realized).

  In this embodiment, the sub connection board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and drive signals from the driver IC 132 and the audio IC 134 pass through the sub connection board 136 and various lamps 46 to 52 and speakers 54, 55,. 56 is applied. Further, the effect switching button 45 is connected to the sub connection board 136, and when the player operates the effect switching button 45, the contact signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the sub connection board 136. Further, a jog dial 45 a is connected to the sub connection board 136, and when the player rotates the jog dial 45 a, the rotation signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the sub connection board 136. In addition, although the example which connected the production | presentation switch button 45 and the jog dial 45a to the sub connection board | substrate 136 is given here, when installing a saucer electrical decoration board, the presentation switch button 45 and the jog dial 45a are connected to a saucer electrical decoration board. It may be.

  In addition, a driver board 138 is installed in the game board unit 8, and a movable body motor 57 is connected to the driver board 138 in addition to the board surface lamp 53. The movable body motor 57 drives the movable body 40f via a link mechanism (not shown), for example. The drive signal from the driver IC 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 and the movable body motor 57 via the driver board 138, respectively.

  The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display screen is visible through a substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board unit 8. Further, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the inverter board 158 generates an AC power source that is applied to a backlight (for example, a cold cathode tube) of the liquid crystal display 42.

  In addition, a power control unit 162 (power control means) is provided on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7. The power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit. When external power (for example, AC 24V) is taken from the island facility through the power cord 164, necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V) can be generated therefrom. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, the effect control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120. The low voltage power for logic (for example, DC + 5V) is generated by a power supply IC (3-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Further, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded (grounded) to the island facility through the ground wire 166.

  In addition, the power supply control unit 162 is provided with a RAM clear switch 163. The RAM clear switch 163 is a switch for clearing the RAM (initializing all areas except the use-prohibited area of the RAM 76). When the RAM clear switch 163 is operated when the power is turned on, the RAM clear signal is sent to the main controller. 70 and the payout control device 92. A RAM clear switch may be provided in the main controller 70. The main controller 70 transmits a RAM clear command to the payout controller 92 when the main controller 70 accepts the input of the RAM clear signal without inputting the RAM clear signal to the payout controller 92. Also good.

  The external terminal plate 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are externally transmitted from the external terminal plate 160 via the payout control device 92. Is output. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) can output an external information signal to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are collected by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) in a game hall. Here, the configuration via the payout control device 92 is taken as an example, but a configuration in which an external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 may be used.

  The above is a configuration example relating to the control of the pachinko machine 1. Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70 will be described.

[CPU initialization (main) processing in main controller]
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 starts a CPU initialization process. The CPU initialization process restores the gaming state based on the backup information saved at the previous power shutdown (so-called power recovery), or conversely clears the backup information, so that the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 is restored. It is a process for arranging. Further, the CPU initialization process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for guaranteeing a stable gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

  6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of the CPU initialization process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

  Step S100: First, the main control CPU 72 sets the top address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

  Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector table. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the address of the interrupt vector table in the I register (interrupt vector register) used for interrupt control. The interrupt vector table defines priorities necessary for controlling interrupt requests generated during the execution of the CPU initialization process, and the main control CPU 72 sets the priorities defined in the interrupt vector table. Based on this, a plurality of interrupt requests are executed in order. The interrupt process control will be described later in detail.

  Step S104: The main control CPU 72 saves the RAM clear signal (input signal from the RAM clear switch 163). More specifically, the value of the input port to which the RAM clear signal is input is obtained twice in succession, and the logical sum of these values is saved as the input port value.

  Step S106: The main control CPU 72 executes standby processing here. This process secures a certain waiting time (for example, about several thousand ms) after power-on, and checks the power-off notice signal (a signal indicating that power-off is occurring) during that time. Is. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the waiting time, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the power-off notice signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The power-off notice signal is input by an IC that monitors the voltage level of the drive voltage. When the input of the power-off notice signal is confirmed before the loop counter reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the process from the beginning. As a result, for example, the system can be protected when a main power switch (not shown) is turned on and off repeatedly within a short time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

  Step S108: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value in the work area is reset (00H). As a result, thereafter, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted.

  Step S110: The main control CPU 72 refers to the RAM clear signal by checking the specific bit of the input port value saved in the previous step S104, and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch 163 has been operated (switch ON). To do. If the RAM clear switch 163 is not operated (No), step S112 is executed next.

  Step S112: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether or not a backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup is normally completed by the process executed at the previous power shutdown and the backup validity determination flag (for example, “A5H”) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S114. Note that the processing executed when the power is turned off will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S114: The main control CPU 72 executes a sum check on the backup information in the RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sum-checks all areas of the work area of the RAM 76 (a user work area including a use-prohibited area and a stack area) except the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S116.

  Step S116: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents of a partial area of the RAM 76. The partial area of the RAM 76 is a work area within a predetermined continuous range based on the address of the backup validity determination flag to be cleared when power is restored. The main control CPU 72 can restore the power-off state by clearing the stored contents of this area for each address (in bytes) and retaining the saved backup information as it is. (Memory restoration means).

  Step S118: The main control CPU 72 is to send a power command indicating that the power has been restored after being turned off and activated (command to be sent to the production control device 124) and a payout command (to be sent to the payout control device 92). Command).

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch 163 is operated at the time of power-on (step S110: Yes), the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S112: No), or the backup information is not normal. In the case (step S114: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S120.

Step S120: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents other than the use prohibited area of the RAM 76. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, the contents are erased.
Step S122: The main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of the RAM 76.

  Step S124: The main control CPU sets a RAM clear designation effect command (command for the effect control device 124) and a payout command (command for the payout control device 92) indicating that the RAM clear has been activated.

  Step S126: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a payout control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the payout command (power return designation) set in step S118 or the payout command (RAM clear designation) set in step S124 to the payout command buffer.

  Step S128: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, first, the main control CPU 72 outputs the effect command (power supply return designation) set in step S118 or the effect command (RAM clear designation) set in step S124 to the effect command buffer. The main control CPU 72 further performs other various effect commands required for effect control (for example, a model designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a special figure destination determination effect command, an effect command when the working memory number is increased, and a decrease in the working memory number. (Time production command, remaining count counter remaining command, special gaming state designation command, launch position designation command, etc.) are set and output to the production command buffer. At this time, the main control CPU 72 sets different values for these effect commands when the power is restored and when the RAM is cleared.

  For example, when the power is restored, the value of each effect command is set based on the backup information. By transmitting these effect commands to the effect control device 124 in the subsequent effect command transmission processing (step S142), the effect control device 124 is in the effect state (for example, internal) (Probability state, effect symbol display mode, working memory number effect display mode, audio output contents, light emission states of various lamps, etc.) can be restored.

  Step S130: The main control CPU 72 executes input port processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 acquires the contents of each input port, and stores the result of performing a predetermined calculation on the value in the status flag of each input port. When this process is finished, the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S131 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S131: The main control CPU 72 sets a main command permission signal to a specific bit of the output port. The main command permission signal is a signal that indicates to the payout control device 92 that the main control device 70 permits command transmission to itself. When the main command permission signal is input to the payout control device 92, the payout control device 92 receives this and inputs a payout command permission signal indicating that the main control device 70 is permitted to transmit the payout command. It becomes.

  Step S132: The main control CPU 72 resets (turns off) the specific bit of the output port to clear the firing permission signal (specific output information clearing means). The launch permission signal is included in the backup target when the power is shut off. Accordingly, when the main controller 70 (pachinko machine 1) returns to the power supply state, the main control CPU 72 executes the flow for returning the power supply in the CPU initialization process, and the main controller 70 is in a state when the power supply is shut off based on the backup information. (Step S116), but as part of this, the firing permission signal is also returned to the power-off state.

  The firing permission signal is set to a specific bit (for example, bit 0) in a specific output port buffer (for example, a buffer for the output port 3) stored in the RAM 76. However, the address of the target output port buffer here is located in the address space of the RAM 76 that is out of the continuous area to be cleared in step S116. For this reason, if it is attempted to clear the value of the specific bit of the specific address in which the firing permission signal is set in addition to the clear target area as part of the process of step S116, the specific address is specified. An exceptional process must be performed in which only the specific bit data of the 8-bit data stored at the address is cleared while the remaining 7-bit data is maintained. The efficiency of the process of clearing the area becomes very poor. Under such circumstances, the main control CPU 72 does not clear the firing permission signal in the previous step S116, handles it in the same manner without distinguishing it from other backup target data, and temporarily returns to the power-off state.

  However, at the stage where the backup information is returned in the main control device 70 (step S116), communication with the payout control device 92 has not been established yet, and the payout control device 92 has been started normally (main control device). It is not possible to confirm whether or not an instruction by a command from 70 can be accepted. When the power supply is cut off with the firing permission signal ON, the firing permission signal is returned to ON, and as a result, the game ball can be fired even though the normality of the payout control device 92 is unknown. A state will occur. Here, temporarily, the payout control device 92 is replaced with a modified product that does not conform to the original inspection (for example, a modified number of prize balls, etc.) while the power supply is shut off. When activated, the game ball can be launched by returning the launch permission signal to ON. Such a state is not preferable from the viewpoint of security.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, regardless of whether the activation is due to power recovery or the activation of RAM clear designation, the firing control signal is explicitly cleared once before the main control CPU 72 transitions to the main loop ( (Reset to OFF). Thereafter, when the main control CPU 72 confirms that a payout command permission signal has been input from the payout control device 92 to the main control device 70, and then transmits a payout command to the payout control device 92, as an opportunity. Control that sets the firing permission signal to ON is adopted. By performing such control, even if the game is started (restarted) by processing of the main loop, as long as communication between the main control device 70 and the payout control device 92 is not established, the launch of the game ball is not permitted. In the case where the above-described fraud is made, it is possible to avoid the illegal launch of the game ball.

Step S133: The main control CPU 72 sets a timer interruption period. More specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a value corresponding to a timer interrupt period (for example, 4 ms) in the counter setting register of the timer circuit 194.
Step S134: The main control CPU 72 resets the interrupt daisy chain. More specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes the RETI instruction after backing up the head address of the main loop, which will be described later, as advance preparation for interrupt processing. By performing this process, it is possible to normally start the interrupt process that occurs thereafter, and to continue the process from the main loop after executing the interrupt process.

  When the above procedure is executed in the CPU initialization process, the main control CPU 72 transitions to a main loop (steps S136 to S146 described below). As long as the power supply from the power supply control unit 162 is maintained, the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the main loop from start to finish.

  Step S136, Step S138: The main control CPU 72 executes the initial value update random number update process after prohibiting the interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, jackpot determined random numbers (hardware random numbers) and various random numbers excluding hit determined random numbers (hardware random numbers) corresponding to ordinary symbols (for example, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) Is generated in the program. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another timer interrupt process (step S212 in FIG. 10). In this process, the initial value of the loop counter (all The random number of may not be the target). The initial value update random number is used to change the initial value at random, and in step S138, the initial value update random number is updated. The reason why step S138 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S136 is that the same process is executed in another timer interruption process (step S210 in FIG. 10). ) To prevent the above). In this embodiment, the big hit decision random number and the hit decision random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number circuit 75, and the update cycle is faster (eg, several μs) than the timer interrupt cycle (eg, several ms). Therefore, it is not necessary to update the big hit decision random number and the initial value of the big hit decision random number. The timer interrupt process will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S140: The main control CPU 72 executes a received command management process. In this process, data received from the payout control device 92 is analyzed, and a process corresponding to the result is performed. When the received command is a payout start designation command, the main control CPU 72 outputs a payout start confirmation designation command to the payout command buffer. Otherwise, the main control CPU 72 determines whether the received data is a value within a predetermined range (reception command). If it is out of the range, a payout error designation command is output to the effect command buffer, and a payout radio wave error flag is set according to the situation.

  Step S142: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command transmission process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 transmits each effect command output to the effect command buffer to the effect control device 124.

  Step S144, Step S146: The main control CPU 72 permits interruption and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this processing are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when an interrupt request is generated during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes various interrupt processes. The contents of the interrupt process will be described later using still another flowchart.

[Evacuation process when power is turned off]
Next, a description will be given of processing to be executed when a power interruption occurs (hereinafter abbreviated as “power interruption”). FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the power-off saving process. In main controller 70, the occurrence of power interruption and the occurrence of reset are monitored by the same monitoring IC (for example, an IC mounted on a reset controller (not shown)). This monitoring IC monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power supply control unit 162, and outputs a power-off notice signal to the XINT terminal of the parallel I / O port 79 when the voltage level falls below the reference voltage. The main control CPU 72 executes a power-off save process (XINT interrupt process, backup means) triggered by the input of a power-off notice signal to the XINT terminal (XINT interrupt). Hereinafter, each procedure of the saving process at power-off will be described.

  Steps S150 and S152: The main control CPU 72 reads the power-off detection switch input port of the parallel I / O port 79 and checks a specific bit to confirm whether or not a power-off notice signal is detected. When it is not possible to confirm that the power-off notice signal has been detected (No), the main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt, ends the saving process at the time of power-off, and the main loop (FIG. 6 to FIG. 7) of the CPU initialization process ( Return to the program address specified by the stack pointer. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the power-off notice signal has been detected (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S154.

  Step S154: The main control CPU 72 performs test signal terminals and command control in addition to the output ports corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88, the first large prize opening solenoid 90, the second large prize opening solenoid 97, and the probability changing area solenoid 99. Clear the output port buffer corresponding to the signal.

Step S156, Step S158: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76 excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer in units of 1 byte, and repeats the addition for all areas. .
Step S160: When the calculation of the sum is completed for all the areas (step S158: Yes), the main control CPU 72 stores the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S162: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores a valid value in the backup validity determination flag area.
Step S164: Further, the main control CPU 72 stores “00H” representing access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the use prohibition area and the stack area) of the RAM 76.

Step S166: The main control CPU 72 sets a predetermined value for counting the number of checks of the power-off notice signal in the loop counter.
Step S168: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a power-off notice signal has been detected. The confirmation method of the power-off notice signal is the same as the method in step S150 described above. When it is confirmed that the power-off notice signal has been detected (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the previous step S166 again. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the power-off notice signal has been detected (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S170.

Step S170: The main control CPU 72 subtracts 1 from the value of the loop counter.
Step S172: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the loop counter is “0”. When it cannot be confirmed that the value of the loop counter is “0” (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S168. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the value of the loop counter is “0” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S174.
Step S174: The main control CPU 72 proceeds from the power-off saving process to the CPU initialization process (FIG. 6). At this time, since the RETI instruction is not executed before the transition to the CPU initialization process, the CPU initialization process can be started while other interrupts are prohibited.

  The processes in steps S166 to S172 described above are so-called standby processes (follow-up observation processes) that are executed in preparation for the interruption of power supply from the power supply control unit 162. If the power-off notice signal is continuously detected, step S166 to step S168 are repeatedly executed, so that the loop counter does not become “0”. Therefore, the standby state is continued as long as the power supply is continued. On the other hand, if the detection of the power interruption notice signal is temporary (for example, detection due to momentary power failure, etc.), steps S168 to S172 are repeatedly executed, and the loop counter is subtracted with the passage of time. Then, when it becomes “0”, the process proceeds to the CPU initialization process. That is, before the power supply is completely cut off, the main control CPU 72 first calculates the checksum and saves the result, enters a standby state, and performs other processing in a situation where the power supply is being cut off. In the situation where the power supply that should come in a safe state is maintained without maintaining the standby state, the CPU is initialized in a situation where a stable power supply is restored after a temporary power interruption Move to processing and resume main processing. By executing such standby processing, it is possible to ensure stable game operation of the main controller 70 and thus the pachinko machine 1.

  When the power supply from the power control unit 162 is cut off, the power supply source to the main control device 70 is automatically switched to the backup power source. Since main controller 70 is supplied with backup power from a backup power supply circuit (not shown) (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on main controller 70) after the occurrence of power interruption, the stored contents of RAM 76 are It is maintained without disappearing even after power is turned off. The backup power supply circuit may be incorporated in the power supply control unit 162, for example.

  Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 to be backed up (sum addition target) is retained in the RAM 76 even after the power is turned off. Further, the stored memory is restored as backup information at the time of power failure after the normal checksum is confirmed in the previous CPU initialization process (FIG. 6).

[Command reception interrupt processing]
Next, a process executed when a command is received from the payout control device 92 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of command reception interrupt processing. The payout control device 92 transmits a payout activation designation command indicating that the payout of the game ball has started to the main control device 70, and various devices (for example, a payout ball as the game progresses) (for example, The command transmitted from the payout device board 100 and the full tank switch 161 to the main control device 70 is relayed. These commands transmitted by the payout control device 92 are received by the reception data register of the specific channel of the serial communication circuit 196 of the main control device 70. The main control CPU 72 executes a command reception interrupt process (SCU interrupt process) triggered by this command reception (SCU interrupt). Hereinafter, each procedure of the command reception interrupt process will be described.

  Step S180: First, the main control CPU 72 saves the values of the A register (accumulator) and F register (flag register) used during execution of the main loop in the save area of the RAM 76. Another value can be written to each register after the value is saved in the course of the data reception interrupt process.

Step S182: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks a specific bit of the status register to confirm whether or not there is data in the reception data register (reception FIFO). When it is confirmed that there is data in the reception data register (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S184. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that there is data in the reception data register (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S186.
Step S184: The main control CPU 72 stores the contents of the data register in the reception command buffer.

  Steps S186 and S188: The main control CPU 72 restores the values of the A and F registers saved in step S180 to each register, permits the interrupt, ends the command reception interrupt process, and executes the CPU initialization process. Return to the main loop (FIG. 7).

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, the timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the timer interrupt process. Based on the interrupt request (PTC interrupt) output from the timer circuit 194, the main control CPU 72 executes a timer interrupt process (PTC interrupt process) every predetermined time (for example, several ms). Hereinafter, each procedure of the timer interrupt process will be described.

  Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 stores the values of the AF register (accumulator and flag register pair), BC, DE, and HL register (pair of general purpose registers) used during the execution of the main loop in the save area of the RAM 76. Evacuate. Another value can be written to each register after saving the value during the timer interrupt process.

  Step S202: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits interruption. When the interrupt is permitted here, another interrupt can be generated while executing the subsequent steps of the timer interrupt process. Thus, multiple interrupts are permitted in the timer interrupt process. The interrupt controller 192 performs reception of an interrupt request signal, priority control of multiple interrupts, and the like. The interrupt management by the interrupt controller 192 will be described later.

  Step S204: The main control CPU 72 executes dynamic port output processing. In this processing, in order to control lighting of each lamp mounted on the integrated display substrate 89 by a dynamic lighting method, port output is performed in units of common. More specifically, after clearing the output port, the main control CPU 72 stores the content output to the common output request buffer corresponding to the selected common in the output port.

  Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes port input processing. In this process, in order to accurately acquire the latest switch state based on the input port information, the main control CPU 72 performs a logical product of the input values of various switch signals from the parallel I / O port 79 and the inverted result value of the previous input value. Is stored in the input port on detection flag. As a result, it is possible to grasp an accurate input state based on the change of various switch signals from the previous time based on the value (ON / OFF) of the input port ON detection flag. Specifically, the various switch signals include a passage detection signal from the gate switch 78 and the probability changing area switch 95, a middle start winning port switch 80, a right starting winning port switch 82, a first count switch 84, and a second count switch. 85, a winning detection signal from the first winning port switch 86, the second winning port switch 81, and the like are included.

  Step S208: The main control CPU 72 executes timer update processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts 1 from counters such as various external information timers and security signal timers in addition to timers for managing the game time and the closing time of the ordinary electric accessory.

  Step S210: The main control CPU 72 executes the initial value update random number update process also here. The content of the process is the same as that described in the process of the CPU initialization process (step S138 in FIG. 7).

  Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning symbol random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for drawing special symbols and normal symbols. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76 and loops within a specified range. Various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers.

  Step S214: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this processing, among the switch signals input in the previous port input processing (step S206), the gate switch 78, the middle start winning port switch 80, the right starting winning port switch 82, the first count switch 84, the second count switch 85. The event occurring during the game is determined based on the winning detection signal from the first winning port switch 86 and the second winning port switch 81, and further processing is executed according to each event that has occurred. The specific contents of the switch input event process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the middle start winning opening switch 80 or the right starting winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 performs internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, respectively. It is determined that an event that triggers the event (lottery opportunity) has occurred. Further, when a passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event serving as a lottery trigger corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. If it is determined that any event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes a process corresponding to each event. Note that processing executed when a winning detection signal is input from the middle start winning opening switch 80 or the right starting winning opening switch 82 will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S216, Step S218: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process (step S216), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, or the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 34. 2 The variable display and the stop display by the special symbol display device 35 are determined, and the operations of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 are controlled according to the display result. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In the normal symbol game process (step S218), the main control CPU 72 determines the variable display or stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, or operates the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. Or control. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (ordinary random number per symbol) acquired in response to the passage of the start gate 20 in the previous switch input event processing (step S204). The random number value is read out from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery execution means). When the random number value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner, and after stopping the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state, the main control CPU 72 switches the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 on. Excitingly activates the variable start winning device 28 (movable piece actuating means). On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs a normal symbol stop display in a manner of deviation after the variable display.

  Step S220: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes state management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 collects an abnormality in the winning frequency (a state in which the number of balls entering the middle start winning opening 26 and the normal winning openings 22 and 24 is abnormally large) or a base abnormality (behind the game board unit 8). The number of game balls played, that is, the number of winning balls in each of the winning openings 22, 24, 26, 28a, 30b, 31b is greater than the number of game balls driven into the game area 8a) Check if there is a high state. When the abnormal state is detected, the main control CPU 72 generates an abnormality by outputting a security signal to the hall computer in the game hall and by transmitting a predetermined effect control command to the effect control device 124. Inform you.

  Step S222: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning opening switch process. In this process, when each input port on detection flag stored based on the winning detection signal input from the various switches 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86 in the previous port input process (step S206) is ON, Each target prize ball control counter is incremented by one and updated.

  Step S224: The main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. Although the detailed flow is not shown, in this process, the main control CPU 72 first checks whether or not the payout command buffer is not empty (a payout command to be transmitted is set), and is not empty (the payout command is not set). If set, the various payout commands output to the payout command buffer are transmitted to the payout control device 92. For example, a payout command indicating the startup mode when the power is turned on is set during the CPU initialization process (steps S118 and S124 in FIG. 6) and is output to the payout command buffer (step S126 in FIG. 6). However, a payout command indicating this activation mode is transmitted here. On the other hand, if the payout command buffer is empty, the process proceeds to a process for instructing payout of the winning ball. The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the prize ball control counter is 0, and if the prize ball control counter is not 0, the prize control device 92 issues a prize ball designation payout command for instructing the number of prize balls corresponding to this counter. Send to. More specifically, a prize ball designation payout command corresponding to each prize ball control counter updated in the previous step S222 is transmitted here. Note that the payout command is transmitted by a payout command permission signal input from the payout control device 92 to the main control device 70, and the number of payout commands set in the transmission data register (transmission FIFO) is a predetermined number. Is less than (more specifically, when the payout command set in the transmission FIFO in step S224 executed before the previous time has already been transmitted, or is currently being transmitted and the transmission FIFO has an empty space. Only executed).

  In particular, in step S224 when the power is turned on, if the payout command set in the course of the CPU initialization process is normally transmitted, the main control CPU 72 turns on the firing permission signal in response to this. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 clears the payout command buffer output when the power is turned on, and turns on the firing permission signal by setting a specific bit of the output port (specific output information setting means). Thereby, after confirming normal operation after power-on, the launch of the game ball is permitted, and this launch permission signal is sent to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, so that the game ball can be launched. It becomes a state.

  Further, the main control CPU 72 outputs a prize ball content command for transmitting the contents of the number of prize balls to the effect control device 124 in the prize ball payout process. When a winning detection signal is input from the first count switch 84 or the second count switch 85 corresponding to the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31, it corresponds to the first profit (for 15 game balls). Generate a prize ball content command. Further, when a winning detection signal is input from the second winning opening switch 81 corresponding to the normal winning opening 24, a winning ball content command corresponding to the second profit (for 10 game balls) is generated. The prize ball content command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in a port output process (step S236) described later.

[About the number of prize balls and number of game balls won]
The number of prize balls at the start port of the first special symbol and the number of prize balls at the start port of the second special symbol are each set to a specified number of one or more. In addition, the number of prize balls may be different between the start port of the first special symbol and the start port of the second special symbol. In addition, the minimum number of winning balls is set based on the winning probability of the special symbol and the expected value of the total number of game balls (the average number of balls that can be obtained during the period from the start to the end of the time reduction state) May be. Furthermore, the winning probability of special symbols, the expected number of game balls won, the number of opening of the big prize opening, the opening time of the big winning opening, the maximum number of winning of the big winning opening, the number of winning balls of the big winning opening are predetermined. When the condition is satisfied, a big hit may be set such that the number of game balls acquired by one big hit is less than 1/4 of the maximum number of acquired game balls.

  Step S228: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an external information signal (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information, start opening information, etc.) to the hall computer in the game hall through the external terminal board 160. Store in request buffer.

  In this embodiment, among the various external information signals, for example, “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” are output to the outside as jackpot information, so that an external electronic device (data display) connected to the pachinko machine 1 is displayed. Various jackpot information can be provided (external information signal output means). In other words, the jackpot information is divided into a plurality of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” and output, so that the type of jackpot (winning type) from these combinations can be tabulated and managed by a hall computer (not shown) or internal Recognize changes in the probability state (low probability state or high probability state) or shortened state of symbol variation time, or generate a small hit (a hit where the condition device does not work) that is not classified as a “big hit” even if it is not winning Can be aggregated and managed. Based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each jackpot is currently hit Or can recognize whether or not each symbol is currently in a shortened state of the symbol variation time. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls each output state (set of ON or OFF) of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” in detail.

  Step S230: The main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 displays various internal states (for example, the normal symbol game management state, the special symbol game management state, the launch position designation, the big hit, the probability variation function is activated, and the time reduction function is activated). Test signals are generated and stored in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main controller 70.

  Step S232: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol. Processing necessary for managing the lighting state of the operation memory lamp 35a, the game state display device 38, and the like is performed. Specifically, in a manner corresponding to the symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc. determined in the previous special symbol game processing (step S216) or normal symbol game processing (step S218). The drive signal for lighting each lamp is stored as byte data in the port output request buffer for each common.

  Here, the byte data stored in the port output request buffer for each common is sequentially stored in the output port one by one in the dynamic port output processing (step S204) every time the timer interrupt processing occurs. Is output. For example, in the next timer interrupt process, byte data stored for common 1 is output to the port, and in the timer interrupt process executed next time, byte data stored for common 2 is output to the port. The byte data stored in the port output request buffer for each common is sequentially processed one by one. As a result, each of the lamps constituting a predetermined display mode (a mode for performing symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.) is driven in order in common units, and lighting control is performed by a dynamic lighting system. Will be.

  Step S234: The main control CPU 72 executes solenoid output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 drives each drive signal of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88, the first big prize opening solenoid 90, the second big prize opening solenoid 97, and the probability changing area solenoid 99 stored in the port output request buffer. The test signal and the like are stored together in the port output request buffer.

  Step S236: The main control CPU 72 executes port output processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether a value is stored in each output buffer (port output request buffer), and outputs a port if a value is stored. For example, each drive signal of each solenoid 88, 90, 97, 99 stored in the port output request buffer in the previous step S234 is output to the port. In this case, each drive signal is transmitted to the corresponding solenoid 88, 90, 97, 99, and each solenoid can be operated according to the drive signal.

  In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing of step S216 to step S236 (game control program module) is executed as part of the timer interrupt processing. However, these processing are incorporated into the main loop of the CPU and executed. There are also known programming examples.

  Step S238: The control CPU 72 restores the values of the HL, DE, BC, and AF registers saved in step S200 to the respective registers, finishes the timer interrupt process, and enters the CPU initialization process main loop (FIG. 7). Return.

[Interrupt management by interrupt controller]
As described above, in the main control device 70, during the execution of the CPU initialization process (FIG. 6), which is the main control program, the XINT interrupt (the parallel process that becomes the source of the power-off saving process (FIG. 8)). Interrupt request output by the I / O port 79), SCU interrupt (interrupt request output by the serial communication circuit 196 that is the source of command reception interrupt processing (FIG. 9)), PTC interrupt (timer interrupt) An interrupt request output by the timer circuit 194 that is the source of the interrupt process (FIG. 10) may occur. These interrupt requests are managed / controlled by the interrupt controller 192 installed in the main controller 70. The interrupt controller 192 allows so-called maskable interrupts that permit the acceptance of interrupt requests by the interrupt enable instruction (EI instruction) of the main control CPU 72 and prohibit the acceptance of interrupt requests by the interrupt disable instruction (DI instruction). Control is performed.

  Since XINT interrupts, SCU interrupts, and PTC interrupts are all generated based on independent generation factors having no interdependency, it is naturally considered that a plurality of interrupt requests are generated at the same time. Therefore, the interrupt controller 192 controls each interrupt request according to the priority order of interrupt requests determined in advance in consideration of the importance of interrupt processing, processing efficiency, and the like.

  More specifically, the priority of the interrupt request (interrupt process) is defined in the interrupt vector table, the XINT interrupt (save process at power-off) has the lowest priority, and the SCU interrupt (command (Reception interrupt processing) has the highest priority. By setting the interrupt vector table in the early stage of the CPU initialization process (step S102 in FIG. 6), the interrupt controller 192 can perform priority control of interrupt requests generated at subsequent timings. . Actually, after the CPU initialization process transits to the main loop (steps S136 to S146 in FIG. 7), the interrupt is permitted (step S144 in FIG. 7) until the interrupt is prohibited (FIG. 7). If any interrupt request occurs during step S136), the interrupt controller 192 controls the received interrupt request based on the priority set in the interrupt vector table. For example, when XINT interrupt and PTC interrupt are received at the same time, a higher priority PTC interrupt (timer interrupt process) is processed first. While the timer interrupt process is being executed, the XINT interrupt is in an interrupt wait state, and after the timer interrupt process is completed, the power-off save process is executed.

  In addition, when the procedure example of each interrupt process is reconfirmed, in the power-off saving process (FIG. 8) and the command reception interrupt process (FIG. 9), immediately before returning from each interrupt process (the RETI instruction) In the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10), the interrupt is interrupted at the beginning of the interrupt process (step S152 in FIG. 8 and step S188 in FIG. 9). Is permitted (step S202 in FIG. 10), after which the main steps are executed. That is, the interrupt controller 192 (main control CPU 72) prohibits the execution of multiple interrupts during execution of the power-off saving process and command reception interrupt process, while the timer interrupt process is executed. Execution is allowed.

  By controlling the interrupt request based on the priority order in this way, the interrupt controller 192 can execute multiple interrupts in the main controller 70.

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S204 in FIG. 12). Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input (a lottery opportunity is generated) from the middle start winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes the first special symbol memory update process. Specific processing contents will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14.

  Step S14: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input (a lottery opportunity is generated) from the right start winning port switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the second special symbol memory update process. Here again, the details of the specific processing will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the first count switch 84 corresponding to the first big winning opening of the first variable winning device 30. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S20 and executes the first big winning mouth count process. In the first grand prize winning count process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the first variable prize winning device 30 for each round during the big hit game. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S21a.

  Step S21a: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the second count switch 85 corresponding to the second big winning opening of the second variable winning device 31. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S21b and executes the second big winning mouth count process. In the second grand prize winning count process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the second variable prize winning device 31 during the big hit game. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S22.

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current number of normal symbol working memories is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if it does not reach the upper limit number, obtains a random number per normal symbol To do. Further, the main control CPU 72 increments the normal symbol operation memory number by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, if there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S26.

  Step S26: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a detection signal is input from the probability changing area switch 95 corresponding to the probability changing area provided in the second variable winning device 31. When the input of the detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S28 and executes the process at the time of passing through the probability changing region. As the process at the time of passing through the probability changing area, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of setting the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag in the flag region of the RAM 76 as a gaming state flag (high probability state transition means, probability variation function operation means) , Advantageous game state transition means, special state transition means). The probability variation function operation flag is reset when the special symbol fluctuates a predetermined number of times (170 times) without obtaining a winning result after the end of the big hit game. Further, as the process at the time of passing through the probability variation area, the main control CPU 72 generates a probability variation area passing command. The probability variation area passing command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process (step S142 in FIG. 7) executed in the main loop. The main control CPU 72 may execute the process at the time of passing through the probability variation area only within a specific effective time (for example, within the time during which the solenoid 99 for the probability variation area is operated during the big hit game). On the other hand, when the detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10).

[First special symbol memory update process]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 11). Hereinafter, the procedure of the first special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter to check whether or not the working memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, 4). The working memory number counter represents the number (the number of sets) of big hit determination random numbers and big hit symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Here, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into eight sections (for example, 2 bytes each) used in common for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and each section has a big hit decision random number and a big hit symbol. Random numbers can be stored one by one. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter corresponding to the first special symbol has reached the maximum value (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 11). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter is less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S31.

  Step S31: The main control CPU 72 adds one first special symbol working memory number. The first special symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in the operation memory number area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled by the display output management process (step S232 in FIG. 10).

  Step S32: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number circuit 75 (first lottery element acquisition means, lottery element acquisition means). The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number circuit 75. In the case where the main control CPU 72 performs 8-bit processing, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol.

  Step S33: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The acquisition of the random number value is also performed by designating the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol.

  Step S34: Also, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires a reach determination random number and a variation pattern determination random number from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 as a random value related to the variation condition of the first special symbol (variation pattern determination element acquisition). Means, element acquisition means). Similarly, these random number values are acquired by designating the address of the random number counter area for variation. Then, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, it saves them in the transfer destination address.

  Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and these random numbers are stored in the empty section in the area. Are stored as a set (storage means, lottery element storage means). The order (for example, first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, the random numbers are stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order from the second section. Note that the random number storage area is read out in a FIFO (First In First Out) format.

  Step S36: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current special game management status (game state) is a big hit. If it is not during the big hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following steps S37 and S38. If it is a big hit (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips steps S37 and S38 and proceeds to step S38a. The reason why this determination is made in the present embodiment is that the effect of pre-reading is not performed for the incoming ball generated during the big hit.

  Step S37: When the jackpot is not a big hit (Step S36: No), the main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the first special symbol. This process determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of fluctuation) based on the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number of the first special symbol respectively acquired in the previous steps S32 to S34, and thereby the production contents This is for determination (so-called “look ahead”). The specific processing contents will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S38: After returning from the at-acquisition effect determination process, the main control CPU 72 next sets the upper bytes (for example, “B8H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command for the first special symbol. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the first special symbol”. Since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous acquisition effect determination process (step S37), the upper byte is combined with the lower byte, for example. Will be generated.

  Step S38a: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command at the time of increasing the number of working memories regarding the first special symbol. Specifically, for the preceding value (for example, “BBH”) of the upper byte representing the type of command, a 1-word length in which the increased number of working memories (for example, “01H” to “04H”) is added to the lower byte. A production command is generated. At this time, for the lower byte, the second place is set to “0” by default to indicate that the value is “result (change information) due to increase in number of working memories”. That is, if the lower byte is “01H”, it indicates that the current working memory number has become “01H” as a result of increasing by one from the previous working memory number “00H”. Similarly, if the lower byte is “02H” to “04H”, it is increased by one from the previous working memory numbers “01H” to “03H”, so that the current working memory number is “02H” to “02H”. 04H ". The preceding value “BBH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is the working memory number command for the first special symbol.

Step S39: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the first special symbol. This process is for transmitting the special figure destination determination effect command generated in the previous step S38, the effect command for increasing the number of working memories generated in step S38a, and the start opening winning tone control command to the effect control device 124. Is.
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 11).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol memory update process (step S16 in FIG. 11). Hereinafter, the procedure of the second special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S40: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter to check whether or not the working memory number is less than the maximum value. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol actuated memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter reaches the maximum value (for example, 4) (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 11). On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is still less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S41 and thereafter.

  Step S41: The main control CPU 72 increments the second special symbol working memory number by one (increments the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter). Similarly to the previous step S31 (FIG. 12), the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is controlled by the display output management process (step S232 in FIG. 10) based on the counter value added here. Will be.

  Step S42: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number circuit 75 (second lottery element acquisition means, lottery element acquisition means). The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S32 (FIG. 12) described above.

  Step S43: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S33 (FIG. 12) described above.

  Step S44: Further, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires a reach determination random number and a variation pattern determination random number regarding the variation condition of the second special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 (variation pattern determination element acquisition means, element acquisition). means). Acquisition of these random values is also performed in the same manner as in step S34 (FIG. 12) described above.

  Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and these random numbers in the empty section in the area Are stored as a set (storage means). The storage method is the same as step S35 (FIG. 12) described above.

  Step S45a: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current game management status (game state) is a big hit. If it is not a big hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following steps S46 and S47. Conversely, if it is a big hit (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips steps S46 and S47 and proceeds to step S48. The reason why this determination is made in the present embodiment is that the effect of pre-reading is not performed for the same incoming ball that occurred during the big hit.

  Step S46: When it is other than big hit (step S45a: No), next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the second special symbol. This process determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of the change) based on the big hit determination random number and the big hit symbol random number of the second special symbol obtained in the previous steps S42 to S44, respectively, It is for judging. The specific processing contents will be described later.

  Step S47: After returning from the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, the main control CPU 72 sets the upper byte (for example, “B9H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the second special symbol”. Similarly, since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous effect determination processing at the time of acquisition (step S46), for example, one word is synthesized by combining the upper byte with the lower byte. A long command will be generated.

  Step S48: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for increasing the number of working memories with respect to the second special symbol. Here, a one-word-length production command in which the increased number of working memories (for example, “01H” to “04H”) is added to the lower byte with respect to the preceding value (for example, “BCH”) representing the command type. Is generated. Similarly, for the second special symbol, the second place of the lower byte is set to “0” by default to indicate that the value is “a result of an increase in the number of working memories (change information)”. it can. The preceding value “BCH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is a working memory number command for the second special symbol.

Step S49: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the second special symbol. As a result, preparation for transmitting a special figure destination determination effect command, an effect command for increasing the number of operating memories, a start opening winning sound control command, and the like regarding the second special symbol to the effect control device 124 is performed.
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 11).

[Acquisition process during acquisition]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the effect determination process at the time of acquisition. The main control CPU 72 executes this acquisition effect determination process in the first special symbol memory update process and the second special symbol memory update process (step S37 in FIG. 12, step S46 in FIG. 13) (preliminary determination). means). As described above, this processing is executed for each of the first special symbol (when entering the middle start winning opening 26) and the second special symbol (when entering the variable start winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may correspond to a process related to the first special symbol and a process related to the second special symbol. Hereinafter, the contents of the processing will be described along each procedure.

  Step S50: The main control CPU 72 sets the lower byte (for example, “00H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command (point determination information). The byte data set here represents the standard value of the command (at the time of loss).

  Step S52: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot determination random number as the first determination random value. The random numbers to be loaded here are those stored in the RAM 76 in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 12) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 13). .

  Step S54: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (here, the lower limit value or less) (lottery result destination determination means, prior determination means). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a comparison value (lower limit value) in the A register, and subtracts the loaded random number value from this comparison value. The comparison value (lower limit value) is defined in advance according to the winning probability of the internal lottery in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is 0 or a positive value from the value of the flag register, for example. As a result, if the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S80.

  Step S80: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a variation pattern information preliminary determination process at the time of deviation (variation pattern destination determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a variation pattern destination determination command for the variation time at the time of disconnection. In the variation pattern destination determination command generated here, prior determination information regarding the variation time (or variation pattern number) particularly when the “time reduction function” is activated is reflected. For example, if the current state is when the “time reduction function” is activated, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the “out-of-reach fluctuation fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)” based on the loaded reach determination random number. Judge whether there is. As a result, when the fluctuation time corresponds to “outlier reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “short-time / non-shortening fluctuation time”. In the case of reach variation, it is also possible to determine a “reach group (type of reach)” from the reach mode random number and generate a variation pattern destination determination command from the result. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time does not correspond to the “outlier reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the “short / mid-shortening fluctuation time”. Alternatively, if the current state is when the “time reduction function” is inactive (low probability state), the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the “normally out of reach reach fluctuation” based on the loaded reach determination random number. It is determined whether or not. As a result, when the fluctuation time corresponds to “normally deviation reach fluctuation”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “normally deviation reach fluctuation time”. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time does not correspond to “normally deviation reach fluctuation”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “normal deviation fluctuation time”. Further, the variation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the effect command output setting process (steps S39 and S49). In this process, the main control CPU 72 may generate a change pattern destination determination command for the change pattern at the time of the small hit, similarly to the process at the time of the above-described loss.

  When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 ends the acquisition-time effect determination process and returns to the caller's first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 12) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 13). On the other hand, if it is determined in the previous step S54 that the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but within the range (step S54: No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S56.

  Step S56: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set. The probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set when there is a winning value among the jackpot determination random numbers stored so far, although the fluctuation has not yet started. Specifically, when a winning value is found in the jackpot decision random numbers stored so far, the jackpot symbol random number paired with this is “probable variation area passing symbol (any one of the probability variation symbols other than the 12 round normal symbol). For example, “A0H” is set in the probability state schedule flag. This value represents a flag value for setting as a schedule that a high probability state is to be set in advance determination (prefetching determination) of the jackpot determined random number acquired after the jackpot determined random number. On the other hand, if there is a winning value in the jackpot decision random number stored so far, and the jackpot symbol random number paired with this corresponds to "non-probable (normal) symbol", the probability state For example, “01H” is set in the schedule flag. This value represents a flag value for setting as a schedule that a normal (low) probability state is set in advance determination (prefetching determination) of the big hit determination random number acquired after this big hit determination random number. If the winning value does not exist in the big hit determination random numbers stored so far, the flag value is reset (00H). Further, the value of the probability state schedule flag is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76, for example. Here, an example is given in which the advance hit determination is strictly performed using the “probability state schedule flag”. However, when the advance hit determination is simply performed based on the current probability state, step S56 and the subsequent steps are performed. Step S58, step S60, step S62, step S76, etc. may be omitted.

  If the probability state schedule flag has not yet been set (step S56: No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S66.

  Step S66: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the comparison value for the next low probability (normal time) in the A register. The low probability comparison value is also defined in advance according to the winning probability at the low probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  Step S68: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the “current probability state flag”. This probability state flag indicates whether or not the current internal state has a high probability (probably changing), and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the current probability state is a high probability (probably changing), the value “01H” is set as the state flag, and if the current probability state is low (normally), the value of the state flag is reset (“00H”). ").

  Step S70: Then, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the loaded current special symbol probability state flag does not represent a high probability (≠ 01H), and if the result indicates a high probability (No Then, step S64 is executed.

  Step S64: The main control CPU 72 sets a comparative value for high probability. As a result, the low-probability comparison value set in the previous step S66 is rewritten. The high probability comparison value is defined in advance according to the winning probability at the high probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  As described above, when the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is not yet set and the current internal state is high probability, the comparison value is rewritten for high probability and the next step S72 is performed. Will be executed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S70 that the current probability state flag does not represent a high probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips step S64 and executes the next step S72.

  Step S72: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the random number loaded in the previous step S52 is out of the winning value range (lottery result destination determination means). That is, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the jackpot determination random number value from the comparison value set for each state. Similarly, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is a negative value (<0) from the value of the flag register, and if the result is that the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes) ), The main control CPU 72 executes a variation pattern information preliminary determination process (step S80). On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but is within the range (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S74.

  Step S74: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot symbol type determination process. This process is for determining the big hit type (winning type) at that time based on the big hit symbol random number paired with the big hit decision random number. For example, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random number for each symbol stored in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 12) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 13). Then, the calculation using the comparison value is executed in the same manner as in step S54, and from the result, it is determined whether the jackpot type corresponds to “probability variation region difficult symbol (12 round normal symbol)” or “probability variation region passage symbol” Is determined. The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as a special symbol destination determination value, and proceeds to the next step S76.

  Step S76: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result. Specifically, when the special symbol destination determination value stored in the previous step S74 represents “probability variation region passage difficult symbol”, the main control CPU 72 sets the value “01H” in the probability state schedule flag. On the other hand, when the special symbol destination determination value indicates “probable change region passable symbol”, the main control CPU 72 sets the value “A0H” in the probability state schedule flag. As a result, in the subsequent processing, it is determined that “flag set has been completed” in step S56.

  Step S78: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol destination determination value stored in the previous step S74 as the lower byte of the special symbol destination determination effect command. For example, “01H” is set as the special symbol destination determination value when it corresponds to “probability variation region difficult passage symbol”, and “A0H” is set when it corresponds to “probability variation region passage symbol”. In any case, by setting the lower byte data here, the standard lower byte data “00H” set in the previous step S50 is rewritten.

  Step S79: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern information prior determination process (variation pattern destination determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates the above-described variation pattern destination determination command for the variation time at the big hit. In the variation pattern destination determination command generated here, for example, prior determination information related to the reach variation time (or variation pattern number) at the time of big hit is reflected. Further, the variation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the effect command output setting process (steps S39 and S49).

  The above is the procedure before the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set (before the internal first hit). On the other hand, when the probability state schedule flag is set through the previous step S76, the following procedure is executed. However, when the prior hit determination is performed only with the current probability state, it is not necessary to execute the following step S56, step S58, step S60, step S62, and step S76.

  Step S56: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that a value has already been set in the probability state schedule flag (Yes), it next executes step S58.

  Step S58: The main control CPU 72 first sets a low probability (normal time) comparison value in the A register.

  Step S60: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads a “probability state schedule flag”. The probability state schedule flag is for setting a probability state in a subsequent destination determination based on the immediately preceding destination determination result, and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the probability state based on the immediately preceding destination determination result is scheduled to shift to a high probability (probability change), “A0H” is set as the value of the probability state schedule flag, and conversely the probability state based on the immediately preceding destination determination result Is scheduled to return to a low probability (normal), “01H” is set as the value of the probability state schedule flag.

  Step S62: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the loaded probability state schedule flag does not represent a high-probability schedule (≠ 01H), and if the result indicates a high-probability schedule ( No) Next, step S64 is executed, and a comparative value for high probability is set.

  As described above, when the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is already set and the value is a high probability, the next step S72 and subsequent steps after rewriting the comparison value for the high probability. Will be executed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S62 that the probability state schedule flag does not represent a schedule with a high probability but a schedule with a normal (low) probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 performs a step. S64 is skipped and the subsequent step S72 and subsequent steps are executed. Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to make a prior jackpot determination in consideration of subsequent changes in internal state (normal probability state → high probability state, high probability state → normal probability state) based on the previous determination result. .

  When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 12) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 13).

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a bonus game variable winning device. This is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of a management process (step S5000) and a small winning time variable winning device management process (step S6000). First, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

  Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects from the “jump table” the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S2000 to S6000). For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the special symbol game process as the return address in the stack pointer.

  Which process is selected as the next jump destination differs depending on the progress of the process performed so far (special symbol game management status). For example, if the special symbol has not yet started changing display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and the special symbol variation is in progress. If the process has been completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop displaying process (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified by the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, apart from such a selection method, a “process flag”, a “process selection flag”, or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects a process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU CALLs each process in a single way, and at the top step, the conditional branch (continuation / return) is performed by referring to the flag one by one. However, in the selection method of this embodiment, the main control is performed. There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

  Step S2000: In the special symbol variation pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation to prepare conditions for starting the variation display of the special symbol. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S3000: In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dot (0th to 7th) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED. However, the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a special symbol is stopped and displayed.

  Step S5000: The jackpot variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big-hit manner in the previous special symbol stop display process. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big hit mode, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state (a special gaming state advantageous to the player) occurs. During the big hit game, the jump destination is set in the big win time variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the big win variable winning device management process, the first big winning port solenoid 90 or the second big winning port solenoid 97 counts a certain time (for example, 29 seconds or 0.1 second or 10 game balls entered). The first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 are opened and closed in a predetermined pattern by being excited for a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, 16 times). During this time, the game balls are intensively awarded to the first variable prize winning device 30 and the second variable prize winning device 31, thereby giving the player an opportunity to collect a lot of prize balls (special game). Execution means). The opening and closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 in the case of a big hit is called “round”, and if the total number of continuous operations is 16 times, these are called “16 rounds”. Sometimes referred to generically.

  In the present embodiment, the first variable prize-winning device 30 is opened / closed from the first round to the fifth round, and the seventh round to the sixteenth round, and the second variable prize-winning equipment 31 is opened / closed from the sixth round. ing.

  Further, when the main control CPU 72 sets a big winning opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening / closing operations per round, opening time, etc.) in the big winning variable winning device management process, the first variable winning device 30 for one round is set. Alternatively, every time the opening / closing operation of the second variable winning device 31 is completed, the value of the round number counter is incremented by 1. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process (step S142 in FIG. 7). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (big player) only for that round.

  When the big hit game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduction state) based on the game state flag (probability variation function operation flag, time reduction function operation flag) ( High probability time shortening state transition means, advantageous game state transition means, special state transition means). In the “high probability state”, the probability variation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery becomes, for example, about ten times higher than usual (specific game state transition means, high probability state transition means, high probability state setting means). Further, in the “time reduction state”, the time reduction function is activated, the normal symbol operation lottery is highly probable, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended. The number of times of opening increases (so-called electric Chu support is performed). Note that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” may be transferred to only one of them in terms of control, or may be transferred in accordance with both of them.

  Step S6000: The small winning hour variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the small winning manner in the special symbol stop display process. For example, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small hit state, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the small hit gaming state occurs. During the small hit game, the jump destination is set in the small hit prize variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the small hit game, the first variable winning device 30 opens and closes a predetermined number of times (for example, twice) for a predetermined opening time (for example, 0.1 seconds), but the first big prize opening is almost generated. do not do.

[Multiple winning types]
In the present embodiment, the following winning types are provided as the plurality of winning types.
(1) “6 rounds probable big hit 1”
(2) “6 rounds probable big hit 2”
(3) "12 rounds probable big hit 1 (substantial 4 rounds)"
(4) "12 rounds probable big hit 2 (substantial 9 rounds)"
(5) “12 rounds of regular big hits (9 rounds in real)”
(6) “16 rounds probable big hit”
In the present embodiment, jackpots other than 6 rounds, 12 rounds, and 16 rounds may be provided.

  The winning type corresponds to the type of the first special symbol or the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed at the time of winning. For example, “6 round probability variation jackpot 1” corresponds to the jackpot of “6 round probability variation symbol 1”, and “6 round probability variation jackpot 2” corresponds to the jackpot of “6 round probability variation symbol 2”. Further, “12 round probability variation jackpot 1” corresponds to a jackpot of “12 round probability variation symbol 1”, and “12 round probability variation jackpot 2” corresponds to a jackpot of “12 round probability variation symbol 2”. Furthermore, “12 round normal jackpot” corresponds to the jackpot of “12 round normal symbol”, and “16 round probability jackpot” corresponds to the jackpot of “16 round probability jackpot”. Therefore, hereinafter, the “winning type” will be appropriately referred to as “winning symbol”.

[Opening pattern of variable winning device]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an opening operation pattern of the variable winning device. The contents of the special winning opening corresponding to each winning symbol and the opening of the probability variation area will be described.

[6 round probability variation 1]
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the “six-round probability variable symbol 1” mode during the special symbol stop display process, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game executing means). In this case, from the first round to the fifth round, the first big prize opening of the first variable prize winning device 30 is opened long (for example, 29.0 seconds open). Further, in the sixth round, the second big prize opening of the second variable prize winning device 31 is opened long (for example, 29.0 seconds open). For this reason, the big hit game of “6 rounds probable variation 1” substantially gives out 6 balls (prize balls) for the player to the player.

  Here, in the sixth round corresponding to “6 round probability variation 1”, the second grand prize opening is long open, so that the game ball may pass through the probability variation area. For this reason, if the game ball passes through the probability variation area arranged inside the second variable winning device 31 in the sixth round when it corresponds to “6 round probability variation symbol 1”, after the big hit game ends The “probability changing function” is activated, and a privilege for shifting to the “high probability state” is given to the player.

  In addition, if it falls under “6 rounds probable variation 1”, regardless of whether or not the probability variation region has passed, even if the “time reduction function” is inactive in the previous game, the big hit game ends. By operating the “time reduction function” later, the player is given a privilege to shift to the “time reduction state”.

[6 round probability variation 2]
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the “six-round probability variable symbol 2” mode in the special symbol stop display processing, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game executing means). In this case, from the first round to the fifth round, the first big prize opening of the first variable prize winning device 30 is opened long (for example, 29.0 seconds open). Further, in the sixth round, the second big prize opening of the second variable prize winning device 31 is opened long (for example, 29.0 seconds open). For this reason, the big hit game of “6 rounds probable variation 2” substantially gives the player 6 balls (prize balls) for 6 rounds.

  Here, in the sixth round in the case of “6 round probability variation 2”, the second grand prize winning opening is long open, so that the game ball may pass through the probability variation area. For this reason, if the game ball passes through the probability variation area arranged inside the second variable prize-winning device 31 in the sixth round when it corresponds to “6 round probability variation 2”, after the big hit game is over The “probability changing function” is activated, and a privilege for shifting to the “high probability state” is given to the player.

  Furthermore, if it falls under “6 round probability variation 2”, regardless of whether or not the probability variation area has passed, even if the “time reduction function” is inactive in the previous game, the big hit game ends. By operating the “time reduction function” later, the player is given a privilege to shift to the “time reduction state”. The difference between “6 round probability variation 1” and “6 round probability variation 2” is the difference in the number of times assigned (details will be described later).

[12 rounds probable design 1]
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “12 round probability variation symbol 1” in the special symbol stop display process, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game executing means). In this case, in the first round and the second round, the first big prize opening of the first variable prize-winning apparatus 30 is short-opened (for example, 0.1 second is opened). For this reason, in the first round and the second round in the case of “12 round probability variation 1”, the game ends without giving substantial play (prize balls) to the player. In the third to fifth rounds, the first big prize opening of the first variable prize winning device 30 is opened long (for example, 29.0 seconds are opened). Further, in the sixth round, the second big prize opening of the second variable prize winning device 31 is opened long (for example, 29.0 seconds open). Further, in the seventh to twelfth rounds, the first big prize opening of the first variable prize-winning device 30 is opened short (for example, opened for 0.1 seconds). For this reason, in the seventh to twelfth rounds corresponding to “12-round probability variation 1”, the game ends without giving a substantial ball (prize ball) to the player. For this reason, the big hit game of “12 rounds probable variation 1” substantially gives the player 4 balls (prize balls) for 4 rounds.

  Here, in the sixth round in the case of “12 round probability variation 1”, since the second big winning opening is long open, the game ball may pass through the probability variation area. For this reason, if the game ball passes through the probability variation area arranged inside the second variable prize-winning device 31 in the sixth round when it corresponds to “12 round probability variation 1”, after the big hit game is over The “probability changing function” is activated, and a privilege for shifting to the “high probability state” is given to the player.

  Furthermore, if the game falls under “12 round probability variation 1”, regardless of whether the probability variation area has passed or not, even if the “time reduction function” is inactive in the previous game, the big hit game ends. By operating the “time reduction function” later, the player is given a privilege to shift to the “time reduction state”.

[12 round probability variation 2]
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the “12-round probability variation symbol 2” mode in the special symbol stop display processing, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game executing means). In this case, from the first round to the fifth round, the first big prize opening of the first variable prize winning device 30 is opened long (for example, 29.0 seconds open). Further, in the sixth round, the second big prize opening of the second variable prize winning device 31 is opened long (for example, 29.0 seconds open). Furthermore, from the seventh round to the ninth round, the first big prize opening of the first variable prize winning device 30 is opened long (for example, 29.0 seconds open). Furthermore, from the 10th round to the 12th round, the first big prize opening of the first variable prize-winning device 30 is short-opened (for example, opened for 0.1 seconds). For this reason, in the 10th to 12th rounds corresponding to “12 rounds probable variation 2”, the game ends without giving substantial play (prize balls) to the player. For this reason, the jackpot game of “12 rounds probable variation 2” substantially gives the player 9 balls (prize balls) for 9 rounds.

  Here, in the sixth round corresponding to “12 rounds probable variation 2”, the second grand prize opening is long open, so the game ball may pass through the probable variation area. For this reason, if the game ball passes through the probability variation area arranged inside the second variable winning device 31 in the sixth round when it corresponds to “12 round probability variation 2”, after the big hit game is over The “probability changing function” is activated, and a privilege for shifting to the “high probability state” is given to the player.

  In addition, if the game falls under “12 round probability variation 2”, regardless of whether the probability variation area has passed or not, even if the “time reduction function” is inactive in the previous game, the big hit game ends. By operating the “time reduction function” later, the player is given a privilege to shift to the “time reduction state”.

[12 round normal design]
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the “12 round normal symbol” mode in the special symbol stop display processing, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game executing means). In this case, from the first round to the fifth round, the first big prize opening of the first variable prize winning device 30 is opened long (for example, 29.0 seconds open). In the sixth round, the second big prize opening of the second variable prize winning device 31 is short-opened (for example, opened for 0.1 seconds). Further, from the seventh round to the tenth round, the first big prize opening of the first variable prize winning device 30 is opened long (for example, 29.0 seconds open). Furthermore, in the 10th and 11th rounds, the first big prize opening of the first variable prize winning device 30 is short-opened (for example, 0.1 second is opened). For this reason, in the 10th and 11th rounds corresponding to the “12 round normal symbol”, the game ends without giving substantial play (prize balls) to the player. For this reason, the “12 round normal symbol” jackpot game substantially gives nine rounds of award (prize balls) to the player.

  Here, in the sixth round corresponding to the “12 round normal symbol”, the second grand prize winning opening is short-circuited, so it is difficult (impossible) for the game ball to pass through the probability variation area. For this reason, the “probability changing function” is not activated after the big hit game ends, and the player is not given the privilege of shifting to the “high probability state”.

  In addition, if it falls under the “12 round normal symbol”, even if the “time reduction function” is inactive in the previous game, the “time reduction function” can be activated after the big hit game ends. , A privilege to shift to the “time reduction state” is given to the player.

[16 rounds probable design]
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the “16-round probability variable symbol” mode in the special symbol stop display processing, an opportunity to shift from the normal state to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game executing means). In this case, from the first round to the fifth round, the first big prize opening of the first variable prize winning device 30 is opened long (for example, 29.0 seconds open). Further, in the sixth round, the second big prize opening of the second variable prize winning device 31 is opened long (for example, 29.0 seconds open). Furthermore, from the 7th round to the 16th round, the first big prize opening of the first variable prize winning device 30 is opened long (for example, 29.0 seconds open). For this reason, the big hit game of the “16 round probability variation pattern” substantially gives 16 rounds of play balls (prize balls) to the player.

  Here, in the sixth round in the case of the “16th round probability variation symbol”, the second grand prize winning opening is long open, so that the game ball may pass through the probability variation area. For this reason, if the game ball passes through the probability variation area arranged inside the second variable prize-winning device 31 in the sixth round when it corresponds to the “16-round probability variation symbol”, after the big hit game ends, The “probability changing function” is activated, and a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is given to the player.

  In addition, if the “16-round probability variation symbol” is applicable, even if the “time reduction function” is inactive in the previous game, regardless of whether or not the probability variation region has passed, By operating the “time reduction function”, a privilege to shift to the “time reduction state” is given to the player.

  Here, the first big prize opening of the first variable prize winning device 30 is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse when a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times = 10 game balls) is won in one round. Is done. Similarly, the second grand prize winning port of the second variable prize winning device 31 similarly does not wait for the longest opening time to elapse when a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times = 10 game balls) is won in one round. Closed.

  In any case, if the winning symbol falls under “any of the probable symbols other than the 12-round normal symbol” and the game ball passes the probability variation area during the big hit game, the internal state is set to “high probability” after the big hit game ends. A privilege for shifting to the “time reduction state” is given to the player. On the other hand, if the winning symbol corresponds to “12 round normal symbol”, it is difficult for the game ball to pass through the probability variation area during the big hit game, so the internal state shifts to the “low probability time shortened state” after the big hit game ends. To do. Even if the winning symbol corresponds to “any of the probable symbols other than the 12-round normal symbol”, if the game ball does not pass the probable area during the big hit game, the internal state will be “low probability time after the big hit game ends. Transition to "shortened state".

  In the operation pattern shown in this table, the interval time between rounds is a common “1.5 seconds”. The interval time between rounds is a waiting time set between rounds.

[Small hits]
Further, in the present embodiment, small wins are provided as winning types other than non-winning. When winning a small hit, a small hit game is performed separately from the big hit game, and the first variable winning device 30 is opened and closed (special game execution means). That is, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small hit state in the special symbol stop display process, the small hit game (the first variable winning device 30 is activated in the normal probability state or the high probability state). Game) to be executed. In such a small hit game, although the first variable winning device 30 opens and closes a predetermined number of times (for example, twice), there is hardly any winning in the first big winning opening. In addition, even if the small hit game ends, the “probability variation function” does not operate, and the “time reduction function” does not operate, so the “probability state” or “time reduction state” The privilege to be transferred is not granted (it is not a prerequisite for that). Also, even if you win a small hit in the “high probability state”, the “high probability state” will not end after the small hit game ends. The “time reduction state” does not end after the winning game ends (except when the upper limit is reached). In the present embodiment, the game specification for setting a small hit is used, but it may be a game specification for not setting a small hit.

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the first special symbol working memory number or the second special symbol working memory number remains (greater than 0). This confirmation can be made with reference to the value of the working memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. When the number of working memories of both the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes a demonstration setting process in step S2500.

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process (step S142 in FIG. 7). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. At the time of return, as described above, it returns to the end address (and so on).

  On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage area shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 preferentially reads out the lottery random numbers (big hit determination random number, big hit symbol random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76, which corresponds to the second special symbol. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections, the main control CPU 72 reads and erases (consumes) the random numbers in order from the first section, and then moves (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. ) The read random number is stored, for example, in another temporary storage area. When the random number corresponding to the second special symbol is not stored, the main control CPU 72 reads the random number corresponding to the first special symbol and stores it in the temporary storage area. Each random number stored in the temporary storage area is used for internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. As a result, in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially performed over the first special symbol. In addition, the program which reads a random number in the order memorize | stored simply may be sufficient, without providing the priority order according to such special symbols. Further, in this processing, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value from the working memory number counter (the one of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, which has been subjected to the random number shift) stored in the RAM 76, and subtracts it. The later value is set to “Number of working memories at start of change”. Thereby, the display mode of the number stored by the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S232 in FIG. 10). When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets a range of the big hit value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (lottery execution means). The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the normal probability state and the high probability state (when the probability variation function is activated). In the high probability state, the range of the jackpot value is expanded to about 10 times that of the normal probability state. The If the random value read at this time is included in the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400.

  When the big hit flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 next sets the range of the small hit value in the same big hit determination process, and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (lottery execution means). . The “small hit” here is other than non-winning (out of), but is different from “big hit”. In other words, “big hit” generates an opportunity (game milestone) to shift to a “high probability state” or “time reduction state”, but “small hit” does not generate such an opportunity. However, “small hit” is positioned as satisfying the condition for operating the first variable winning device 30 as in “big hit”. The range of the small hit value set at this time may be different between the normal probability state and the high probability state (when the probability variation function is activated), or may be the same. In any case, if the read random number value is included in the range of the small hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the small hit flag, and then proceeds to step S2400. As described above, in the present embodiment, as the hit range corresponding to other than the non-winning, the range of the big hit value and the small hit value is defined in advance in the program. Each of them may be written in the ROM 74, read out, and the big hit determination may be performed while comparing with the random value.

  Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set for the big hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2402.

  Step S2402: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set in the small hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the small hit flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2404. The main control CPU 72 may determine the big hit (for example, 01H is set) or the small hit (for example, 0AH is set) according to the value of the common hit flag without separately preparing the big hit flag and the small hit flag.

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of losing) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process (step S142 in FIG. 7).

  In this embodiment, since the 7-segment LED is used for the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, for example, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is always set to one segment (the center It is possible to fix the stop symbol number data to one value (for example, 64H) by keeping only the lighting display of the bar "-"). In this case, the storage capacity used in the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

  Step S2405: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern number at the time of deviation for the special symbol (fluctuation pattern selection means). The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the special symbol or to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. Since the variation time at the time of loss differs depending on whether or not it is in the “time reduction state”, in this process, the main control CPU 72 loads the gaming state flag and determines whether the current state is the “time reduction state”. Confirm whether or not. In the “time reduction state”, except for the case where reach fluctuation is basically performed, the fluctuation time at the time of disconnection is set to a shortened time (for example, about 2.0 seconds) (shortening fluctuation time determination means) ). In addition, even if not in the “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of losing is based on, for example, “the number of operating memories at the start of fluctuation display (0 to 3)” set in step S2200, except when the reach fluctuation is performed. (For example, the number of working memories at the start of variable display 0 to about 12.5 seconds, the number of operating memories at the start of variable display 1 to about 8 seconds, the number of operating memories at the start of variable display 2 to 5 → About 3 seconds, the number of working memories at the start of variable display is 3 → 2.5 seconds) Note that the symbol stop display time at the time of disconnection is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (at the time of disconnection) in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of disconnection in the stop symbol display timer.

  In the present embodiment, when the result of the internal lottery is a non-winning result, for example, a “reach effect” is generated and the control is performed so that the “reach effect” is not generated. It is said. The “variation pattern selection table at the time of loss” preliminarily defines variation patterns corresponding to a plurality of types of effects such as “non-reach effect” and “reach effect”. One of the fluctuation patterns is selected from the inside. The reach production includes various reach production such as normal reach production, long reach production, super reach production, and the like.

[Example of variation pattern selection table for loss]
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the deviation variation pattern selection table.
This selection table is a table to be used at the time of loss (when not winning) (fluctuation pattern defining means). In addition, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, “comparison value” and “variation pattern number” are stored as a set of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The “comparison value” includes, for example, eight different values “101”, “201”, “211”, “221”, “231”, “241”, “251”, “255 (FFH)”. “1” to “8” of “variation pattern number” are assigned to each “comparison value”.

  Fluctuation pattern numbers “1” to “5” correspond to fluctuation patterns that are out of reach without performing a reach effect, and fluctuation pattern numbers “6” to “8” are fluctuation patterns that are out of reach after reaching. It corresponds. Here, the fluctuation pattern number “8” can be a specific fluctuation pattern. The specific variation pattern is a variation pattern in which a reach effect (for example, a super reach effect or the like) indicating that the winning expectation level (the degree of possibility that the lottery result corresponds to the win) is high is selected. The variation pattern selection table may have different table contents depending on the number of working memories at the start of variation, the internal state (low probability state or high probability state, non-time shortened state or time shortened state), and the winning symbol (hereinafter, The same).

  Here, the length of the set fluctuation time is greatly different between the non-reach fluctuation pattern and the reach fluctuation pattern. That is, the “non-reach fluctuation pattern” basically corresponds to a short fluctuation time (for example, about 2.0 seconds to 13.0 seconds depending on the number of working memories), whereas the “reach fluctuation pattern” This corresponds to a long fluctuation time (for example, about 30 seconds to 150 seconds) more than twice as long.

  Then, the main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the obtained variation pattern determination random value with the “comparison value” in the variation pattern selection table, and if the random value is equal to or less than the comparison value, The corresponding variation pattern number is selected (variation pattern determining means). For example, if the variation pattern determination random value at that time is “190”, the main control CPU 72 determines that the random value exceeds the comparison value when compared with the first comparison value “101”. 201 "is compared with the random value. In this case, since the random value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects “2” as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[Refer to Fig. 17: Special symbol change pre-processing]
The above steps S2404 and S2405 are control procedures when the big hit determination result is out of place (in the case other than non-winning), but the determination result is a big hit (step S2400: Yes) or a small hit (step S2402: Yes) The main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of jackpot will be described.

  Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit stop symbol determination process (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the winning symbol (stop symbol number at the time of jackpot) for each special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol is defined in advance in the special symbol determination data table (winning type defining means). For this reason, the main control CPU 72 can determine the type of winning symbol based on the big hit symbol random number from the stored contents by referring to the big hit symbol stop selection table in the big hit symbol stop determination process.

[Winning pattern at the time of big hit]
In this embodiment, six types of winning symbols are prepared as the winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of the big hit. The six types are: “6 round probability variation 1”, “6 round probability variation 2”, “12 round probability variation 1”, “12 round probability variation 2”, “12 round normal symbol”, “16 round probability variation”. Is. Each winning symbol may further include a plurality of winning symbols. For example, “6 round probability variation 1”, “6 round probability variation 1a”, “6 round probability variation 1b”, “6 round probability variation 1c”, and so on.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the selection ratio of the winning symbol selected at the time of the big winning of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol is different. For this reason, the main control CPU 72 distinguishes the winning symbol to be selected depending on whether the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

[First Special Symbol Big Stop Stop Symbol Selection Table]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. When the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 refers to the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table (winning type defining means) to determine the type of the winning symbol.

  In the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the left column shows the distribution value by winning symbol, and each distribution value “40”, “10”, “50” is set to 100. Corresponds to the ratio of cases. In the second column from the left, “12 round probability variation 1 (substantial 4 rounds)”, “12 round probability variation 2 (substantial 9 rounds)”, “12 round normal symbol ( 9 rounds) ”is shown. That is, at the time of the big hit corresponding to the first special symbol, the ratio of “12 round probability variation 1 (substantially 4 rounds)” is 40/100 (= 40%), and “12 round probability variation 2 (substantial) The ratio of “9 rounds” selected is 10/100 (= 10%), and the ratio of “12 round normal big hit (substantial 9 rounds)” is 50/100 (= 50%). . The size of each distribution value corresponds to the selection ratio for each winning symbol using a jackpot symbol random number.

  In any case, if the current jackpot result corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and the selection ratio shown in the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table To select the winning symbol selectively. Further, in the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning as shown in the third column from the left. The stop symbol command is described by, for example, a combination of MODE value-EVENT value, and among these, the MODE value “B1H” of the upper byte is selected when the winning symbol of this time is the big hit of the first special symbol. Represents. Further, the EVENT values “01H”, “02H”, and “03H” in the lower byte represent the types of winning symbols corresponding to each other in the selection table. Therefore, for example, if the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol, and “12 round probability variable symbol 1” is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command at the time of winning is described as “B1H01H” Will be.

  As described above, when the selected symbol is selected from the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124, for example, in effect command transmission processing. Further, the main control CPU 72 determines a big hit stop symbol number for the first special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Probable number of changes]
In the second column from the right of the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the value of the probability variation number (ST number) given after the big hit game ends is shown.
In this embodiment, when the game ball passes through the probability variation area during the jackpot game and corresponds to “12 round probability variation symbol 1” or “12 round probability variation symbol 2”, the probability variation number is given 170 times.
On the other hand, in the case of “12 round normal symbol”, since it is difficult for the game ball to pass through the probability variation area during the big hit game, the probability variation number is not given. If the game ball does not pass through the probability variation area during the big hit game, although it corresponds to “12 round probability variation symbol 1” or “12 round probability variation symbol 2”, the probability variation number is not given.

[Time reduction]
In the right column of the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the value of the number of time reductions (limit number) given after the end of the big hit game is shown.
In the present embodiment, it corresponds to “12 round probability variation 1” or “12 round probability variation 2”, and when the game ball passes the probability variation area during the big hit game, the number of time reductions is given 170 times.
On the other hand, in the case of “12 round normal symbols”, the number of time reductions is given 100 times.
If the game ball does not pass through the probability variation area during the big hit game, although it corresponds to the “12 round probability variation symbol 1” or “12 round probability variation symbol 2”, the time reduction number is given 100 times.

[2nd special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. The main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol with reference to the second special symbol big-hit stop symbol selection table (winning type defining means) when the result of the big jackpot corresponds to the second special symbol.

  Also in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the left column shows the distribution value for each winning symbol, and each distribution value “60”, “20”, “20” has a denominator of 100. This corresponds to the ratio of Similarly, in the second column from the left, “16 round probability variation symbol”, “6 round probability variation symbol 1”, and “6 round probability variation symbol 2” corresponding to the distribution value are shown. That is, at the big hit corresponding to the second special symbol, the ratio of “16 round probability variation symbol” is 60/100 (= 60%), and the ratio of “6 round probability variation symbol 1” is selected. Is 20/100 (= 20%), and the ratio at which “6 round probability variation 2” is selected is 20/100 (= 20%).

  When the result of this big hit corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number, and selects the winning symbol with the selection ratio shown in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table To decide. Similarly, in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as the stop symbol command at the time of winning as shown in the third column from the left. Here too, the stop symbol command is described as a combination of the MODE value and the EVENT value. Among these, the MODE value “B2H” of the upper byte is selected when the winning symbol of this time is the big hit of the second special symbol. Represents that. Further, the EVENT values “01H”, “02H”, and “03H” in the lower byte represent the types of winning symbols corresponding to each other in the selection table. For this reason, for example, if the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the second special symbol, and “16 round probability variation symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command will be described as “B2H01H”. .

  As described above, when the selected symbol is selected from the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124, for example, in effect command transmission processing. Further, the main control CPU 72 determines a big hit stop symbol number for the second special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Probable number of changes]
The second column from the right of the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table shows the value of the probability variation number (ST number) given after the big hit game ends.
In the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the probability variation area during the big hit game, the probability variation number is 170 times when it corresponds to “16 round probability variation symbol”, “6 round probability variation symbol 1” or “6 round probability variation symbol 2”. Is granted. If the game ball does not pass the probability variation area during the big hit game, the probability variation number is not given, although it corresponds to “16 round probability variation symbol”, “6 round probability variation symbol 1” or “6 round probability variation symbol 2”. .

[Time reduction]
In the right column of the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the value of the number of time reductions (limit number) given after the end of the big hit game is shown.
In this embodiment, when the game ball passes through the probability variation area during the big hit game and corresponds to the “16 round probability variation symbol” or “6 round probability variation symbol 1”, the number of time reductions is given 170 times.
On the other hand, if it corresponds to “6 round probability variation 2” and the game ball passes the probability variation area during the big hit game, the number of time reductions is given 100 times.
If the game ball does not pass through the probability variation area during the big hit game, although it falls under “16 round probability variation symbol”, “6 round probability variation symbol 1” or “6 round probability variation symbol 2”, the number of time reductions is 100 times. Is granted.

[Refer to Fig. 17: Special symbol change pre-processing]
Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variation time in the variation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer. In general, in the case of big hit reach fluctuation, a fluctuation time longer than that at the time of loss is determined.

In the present embodiment, if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to a big hit, for example, a “reach production” is generated on the production to perform a big win. In the “big hit variation pattern selection table”, variation patterns corresponding to multiple types of “reach effects” are defined, and when a big hit is hit, one of the fluctuation patterns is selected. It will be.
Here, the reach production includes various reach productions such as a normal reach production, a long reach production, a super reach production, and the like. Also, when winning with the time shortening function activated, a variation pattern with a short variation time (a variation pattern without a reach effect) may be selected without selecting a variation pattern with a long variation time. Good.

[Example of big hit fluctuation pattern selection table]
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the big hit hour variation pattern selection table.
This selection table is a table used at the time of big hit (fluctuation pattern defining means). In addition, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, “comparison value” and “variation pattern number” are stored as a set of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The “comparison value” includes, for example, eight different values “101”, “201”, “211”, “221”, “231”, “241”, “251”, “255 (FFH)”. “61” to “68” of “variation pattern number” are assigned to each “comparison value”.

  The variation pattern numbers “61” to “68” all correspond to the variation pattern that is a hit when the reach effect is performed. Here, the fluctuation pattern number “61” can be a specific fluctuation pattern.

  The main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the obtained variation pattern determination random value with the “comparison value” in the variation pattern selection table, and if the random value is equal to or less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the comparison value. A variation pattern number is selected (variation pattern determination means). For example, if the variation pattern determination random value at that time is “190”, the main control CPU 72 determines that the random value exceeds the comparison value when compared with the first comparison value “101”. 201 "is compared with the random value. In this case, since the random value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects “62” as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[Refer to Fig. 17: Special symbol change pre-processing]
Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the value of the time shortening function activation flag (01H) as the game state flag regardless of the winning symbol type (hit stop symbol number) determined in the previous step S2410. ) Is set in the flag area of the RAM 76 (time shortening state transition means, time shortening function operating means, advantageous game state transition means, special state transition means).

  In the process of step S2414, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the big hit time stop symbol number. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of big hit) together with the stop symbol command (at the time of big hit). The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process.

Next, processing for small hits will be described.
Step S2407: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hit stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol at the time of small hit (stop symbol number at small hit) based on the big hit symbol random number. Similarly, the relationship between the big winning symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol at the time of small hitting is preliminarily defined in the special symbol selection table at small hitting (winning type defining means). In this embodiment, in order to reduce the load on the main control CPU 72, the winning symbol at the time of the small hit is determined using the big hit symbol random number, but a dedicated random number may be used separately.

[Winning pattern for small hits]
In the present embodiment, the winning symbol at the time of small hit is only one type of “one-time small hit symbol”. However, other types such as “twice open small hit symbol” and “three open small hit symbol” may be prepared. The “small hit” as a result of the internal lottery is not an opportunity for the subsequent state to change to a “high probability state” or a “time shortening state”, so “2 rounds (2 The “one-time opening small hit symbol” can be provided without being bound by the definition of “more than once opening”.

  Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200 (variation pattern selection means). ). Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined variation time value in the variation timer, and sets the stop display time value in the stop symbol display timer. In the present embodiment, the reach variation pattern can be selected in the case of a small hit, or a variation pattern equivalent to that in the normal variation can be selected.

  Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hitting and other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (small hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the stop symbol number at the time of small hit. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a small hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process.

  Step S2415: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (out of time / hit). At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination and returns to the special symbol game process.

[Figure 15: Special symbol change processing, special symbol stop display processing]
In the special symbol fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the fluctuation timer from the register to the timer counter, and then sets the value of the timer counter according to the passage of time (clock pulse count or interrupt counter value). Decrement. Then, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the timer counter and controls the special symbol variation display until the value becomes zero. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display in-progress process (step S4000) as the next jump destination.

  In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol stop display based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (steps S2404, S2407, and S2410 in FIG. 17). The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process. When the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag.

[Special symbol memory area shift processing]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol storage area shift process. When the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is larger than “0” in the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing (step S2100: Yes in FIG. 17), the main control CPU 72 Executes this special symbol storage area shift process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2210: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the oldest one of the existing working memories corresponds to the first special symbol. That is, when the storage area of the RAM 76 is accessed and the oldest working memory among them does not correspond to the first special symbol but corresponds to the second special symbol (No), the main control CPU 72 The process proceeds to step S2212.

  Step S2212: The main control CPU 72 designates the second special symbol as a special symbol for shifting the storage area. This designation is performed, for example, by setting “02H” as the target symbol designation value.

  Step S2214: On the other hand, if the oldest working memory corresponds to the first special symbol (Step S2210: Yes), the main control CPU 72 designates the first special symbol as the special symbol to be shifted in the storage area. . The designation in this case is performed, for example, by setting “01H” as the target symbol designation value.

  Step S2216: The main control CPU 72 shifts the random number storage area of the RAM 76 for the target special symbol designated in either step S2212 or step S2214. The details of the specific processing are as already described in the previous special symbol change pre-processing.

  Step S2218: Next, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the operation memory counter for the target special symbol. For example, if the target to shift the current storage area is the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 subtracts (-1) the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol.

  Step S2220: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets “the number of operation memories at the start of fluctuation” from the value of the operation memory counter after the subtraction. Here, for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the value of the operation memory counter may be added and the “number of operation memories at the start of change” may be set.

Step S2222: Further, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the special symbol to be shifted in the current storage area is the second special symbol.
Step S2224: When the target is the second special symbol (step S2222: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the working command when the number of working memories is reduced for the second special symbol. The effect command set here is also generated as a one-word-length command, but its structure is in contrast to the above-described “effect command when increasing the number of working memories”. That is, the production command at the time when the number of working memories decreases is lower than the value of lower bytes (for example, “00H” to “03H” that represents the number of working memories after reduction with respect to the preceding value (for example, “BCH”) of the upper bytes representing the command type )) And an additional value (for example, “10H”) meaning “decrease in the number of working memories accompanying consumption” is further added (logical sum) to the lower byte value. Therefore, for the lower byte, the second value becomes “1” by ORing the added value “10H”, and this value represents “the result (change information) due to the decrease in the number of working memories”. It will be a thing. In other words, if the lower byte of the command is “13H”, it means that the number of working memories up to the previous time “4” (command notation is “14H”) is reduced by one, so that the number of working memories this time is “3” (command The notation is “13H”). Similarly, if the lower byte is “12H” to “10H”, it means that the number of working memories “3” to “1” up to the previous time (command notation is “13H” to “11H”) is decreased by one respectively. This indicates that the current operation memory number is “2” to “0” (command notation is “12H” to “10H”). The preceding value “BCH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is a working memory number command for the second special symbol.

  Step S2226: If the current target is the first special symbol (Step S2222: No), the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for reducing the number of working memories regarding the first special symbol. The command in this case is the same as the above except that the preceding value is a value (for example, “BBH”) indicating that the previous value is the working memory number command for the first special symbol.

Step S2228: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output process. This process is for transmitting the production command for reducing the number of working memories set in the previous step S2224 or step S2226 to the production control device 124 (memory number notification means).
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 17).

[Special symbol stop display processing]
Next, FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol stop display process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S4100: The main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the stop symbol display timer (decrements by the interrupt period).

  Step S4200: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the stop display time has ended based on the value of the stop symbol display timer subtracted this time. Specifically, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is not 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has not yet ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process, and jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 15) and repeatedly executes the special symbol stop display process in the next interrupt cycle.

  On the other hand, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has ended (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4250.

  Step S4250: The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command and a stop display time end command. The symbol stop command and the stop display time end command are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process. In addition, the main control CPU 72 erases the symbol changing flag here. The “stop display time end command” is a command indicating that the stop display time of the special symbol has ended (elapsed).

  Step S4300: Here, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set. When the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4350.

[When winning]
Step S4350: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to “big winning variable winning device management process”. The main control CPU 72 executes processing for setting various functions to non-operation in this processing. Specifically, the probability variation function is deactivated and the time reduction function is deactivated. Thereby, before the special game (big player) is started, the state is shifted to the low probability non-time shortening state.

  Step S4400: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets “start of big role (during big hit game)” as an internal state flag for control. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the continuous operation number status according to the type of jackpot symbol. For example, when the type of jackpot symbol is “16 round probability variation symbol”, a value corresponding to “16 rounds” is set in the continuous operation count status. In addition, when the type of jackpot symbol is “12 round probability variation symbols 1 and 2” or “12 round normal symbol”, a value representing “12 rounds” is set in the continuous operation count status. Further, when the type of jackpot symbol is “6 round probability variation symbols 1 and 2”, a value representing “6 rounds” is set in the continuous operation count status. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command that represents a big hit. The state command representing the big hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process.

  Step S4500: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation number command. The continuous operation number command can be generated based on the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol number) determined in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 17). For example, when the type of jackpot symbol is “16 round probability variation symbol”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “16 rounds”. When the type of jackpot symbol is “12 round probability variation symbols 1 and 2” or “12 round normal symbol”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “12 rounds”. Further, when the type of jackpot symbol is “6 round probability variation symbols 1 and 2”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “6 rounds”. The generated continuous operation number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process.

  When the above procedure is completed at the time of the big hit, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[When not winning]
On the other hand, the following procedure is executed in cases other than the big hit.
That is, if the main control CPU 72 determines in step S4300 that the value of the big hit flag (01H) is not set (No), it next executes step S4600.

  Step S4600: The main control CPU 72 next checks whether or not the value of the small hit flag (01H) is set. If the value of the small hit flag (01H) is not set and is simply shifted (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4602.

  Step S4602: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol variation pre-processing address as the jump destination address of the jump table.

  Step S4605: On the other hand, if the value of the small hit flag (01H) is set (step S4600: Yes), the main control CPU 72 uses the address of the variable winning prize management device processing at the small hit as the jump destination address of the jump table. set.

  Step S4606: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets “small hit start (during small hit)” as an internal state flag for control. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command indicating that a small hit is being made. The state command indicating that a small hit is being sent to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process.

  Step S4610: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the number cut counter. In the “counting counter”, the counter values are set in the probability variation count area and the time reduction count area of the RAM 76 in the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state”. In the present embodiment, since the so-called frequency cut probability changing function is adopted, when shifting to the “high probability time reduction state”, the frequency cut counter relating to the high probability state is set to a predetermined numerical value (for example, 170 times), The turn-off counter for the time reduction state is set to a predetermined numerical value (for example, 170 times or 100 times). In addition, in the case of shifting to the “low probability time shortening state”, the number cut counter relating to the high probability state is not set, and the number cut counter relating to the time shortening state is set to a predetermined numerical value (for example, 100 times).

  Step S4620: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the loaded counter value is zero. At this time, if the count cut counter value is already 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, when the count cut counter value is not 0 (No), after generating the count cut counter value command, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4630.

Step S4630: The main control CPU 72 decrements (subtracts 1) the count-down counter value.
Step S4640: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the subtraction result is not zero. As a result of the subtraction, when the value of the number cut counter is not 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, if the value of the number cut counter becomes 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4650.

  Step S4650: Here, the main control CPU 72 resets a flag at the time of turning off the number of times function. In the present embodiment, in the case of shifting to the “high probability time shortening state” corresponding to “any one of the probability variation symbols other than the 6 round probability variation symbol 2”, the count-off counter regarding the high probability state and the time shortening state is a predetermined numerical value. Since it is set (for example, 170 times), it is the probability variation function activation flag and the time reduction function activation flag that are reset.

  Further, in the case of shifting to the “high probability time shortening state” corresponding to the 6-round probability variable pattern 2, the number cut counter relating to the high probability state is set to a predetermined numerical value (for example, 170 times), Is set to a predetermined numerical value (for example, 100 times). For this reason, the time reduction function operation flag is reset when the 100th change is completed, and the probability change function operation flag is reset when the 170th change is completed (advantageous game state transition means). , Special state transition means).

  Furthermore, when shifting to the “low probability time shortening state”, the count-off counter for the time shortening state is set to a predetermined numerical value (for example, 100 times), so only the time shortening function operation flag is reset. is there. Thereby, the time shortening state and the high probability state are ended through the special symbol stop display. When the above procedure is completed, the process returns to the special symbol game process.

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S232 in FIG. 10) executed in the timer interrupt process. The display output management process includes a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a state display setting process (step S1220), an operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a continuous operation number display setting. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S1240).

  Among these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), and the operation memory display setting process (step S1230) are the first special symbol display device 34, the second, as already described. Generate and output drive signals to be applied to the LEDs of the special symbol display device 35, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a. It is processing to do.

  The state display setting process (step S1220) and the continuous operation number display setting process (step S1240) are processes for generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the gaming state display device 38. First, in the state display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the probability variation state display lamp 38d and the short time state display lamp 38e, respectively, according to the value of the probability variation function activation flag or the time reduction function activation flag. For example, if the value (01H) is set in the probability variation function operation flag when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the probability variation state display lamp 38d. The probability variation state display lamp 38d continues to be lit until the jackpot game related to the special symbol is started or until the probability variation function is turned off after the special symbol variation display has been performed a predetermined number of times. The display can be switched (off). On the other hand, if the value (01H) is set in the time reduction function operation flag, the main control CPU 72 turns on the lighting signal for the LED corresponding to the time reduction state display lamp 38e regardless of whether or not the power is turned on. Is output. Further, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the launch position designation lamp 38f in accordance with the special game management status. For example, when the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 is activated due to the big hit game or the small hit game, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the launch position designation lamp 38f. . If the value (01H) is set in the time reduction function operation flag, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the launch position designation lamp 38f in addition to the time reduction state display lamp 38e. . Note that the launch position designation lamp 38f is turned on from the start of the big hit game until the end of the "time reduced state" when the game is shifted to the "time reduced state" through the big hit game, and is not turned on when the "time reduced state" ends ( OFF).

  The main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the big hit type display lamps 38a, 38b, and 38c in the continuous operation number display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal for any of the big hit type display lamps 38a, 38b, 38c based on the value of the continuous operation number status. At this time, one of the display lamps 38a, 38b, and 38c corresponding to the jackpot symbol designated by the value of the continuous operation count status is the target of outputting the lighting signal. For example, if the value of the continuous operation number status designates “16 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38 c representing “16 rounds (16R)”. Further, if the value of the continuous operation number status specifies “12 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38b representing “12 rounds (12R)”. Further, if the value of the continuous operation number status specifies “6 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38 a representing “6 rounds (6R)”.

[Variable winning device management process for big hits]
Next, details of the big win variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the big win variable winning device management process. The jackpot variable winning device management process includes a jackpot gaming process selection process (step S5100), a jackpot big winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a jackpot big winning opening / closing operation process (step S5300), and a big hit big This is a configuration including a subroutine group of a winning opening closing process (step S5400) and a big hit end process (step S5500).

  Step S5100: In the big hit game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S5200 to S5500). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the process to be executed next from the jump table as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the big win variable winning device management process in the stack pointer as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the operation (opening / closing operation) of the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 has not been started yet, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit time big winning opening opening pattern setting process as the next jump destination. (Step S5200) is selected. On the other hand, if the big hit special prize opening pattern setting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the big hit special prize opening / closing operation processing (step S5300) as the next jump destination, and the big hit special prize opening / closing operation is performed. If the operation process has been completed, the big hit special prize closing process (step S5400) is selected as the next jump destination. When the big hit big prize opening / closing operation process and the big hit big prize opening closing process are repeatedly executed over the set number of continuous operations (number of rounds), the main control CPU 72 performs the big hit end process ( Step S5500) is selected. Hereinafter, each process will be described in more detail.

[Big prize opening pattern setting process for big hits]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a big winning opening opening pattern setting process. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 is opened / closed and the time of each opening at the time of a big hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 executes a design-specific release pattern selection process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the winning pattern opening pattern (number of times of opening for each round and the time of each opening), the interval time between rounds, and the number of counts in one round (maximum) according to the current winning symbol. The number of wins) and the operation pattern of the probability changing area solenoid 99 are selected. The winning pattern opening pattern for each winning symbol, the operation pattern of the probability changing area solenoid 99, and the interval time between rounds are as described in the operation pattern of the variable winning device during the big hit shown in FIG. Note that the number of counts in one round (maximum number of winnings) is basically about 10, but winnings rarely occur during the opening for an extremely short time (about 0.1 seconds) (impossible). But not very difficult).

  Step S5206: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds in the current jackpot game based on the winning symbol selected in the big jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 17). Specifically, if “16 round probability variation symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to sixteen. Further, if “12 round probability variation 1 or 2” or “12 round normal symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to twelve. Further, if “6 round probability variation symbols 1 and 2” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to six. The number of execution rounds set here is stored in, for example, a buffer area of the RAM 76 using a corresponding value on the program.

  Step S5208: Next, the main control CPU 72 counts the big hit opening timer and the probability change area timer (the probability change area release time) based on the big winning opening opening pattern and the operation pattern of the probability change area solenoid 99 set in the previous step S5204. Timer). The timer value set here is the opening time of the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 or the opening time of the probability changing area. If a time of about 20.0 to 29.0 seconds is set as the value of the big hit release timer and the probability change area timer, the release time is set to enter the big prize opening or the probability change during one release. This is a sufficient time (for example, a time when 10 or more game balls are fired by the firing control board set 174, preferably 6 seconds or more) when the region passes easily. On the other hand, if 0.1 seconds is set as the value of the big hit release timer and the probability change area timer, the release time is not incapable of entering the big prize opening or passing through the probability change area during one release. In both cases, it is a short time that hardly occurs (becomes difficult) (for example, a time shorter than 1 second, preferably a time shorter than a game ball firing interval by the launch control board set 174).

  Step S5210: Then, the main control CPU 72 temporarily sets the big hit interval timer and the probability variation region interval timer (probability variation region temporarily based on the large winning opening opening pattern and the operation pattern of the probability variation region solenoid 99 set in the previous step S5204. Set the timer to count the waiting time for closing. The timer value set here is a waiting time between rounds of big hit or a temporary closing time of the probability variation area.

  Step S5212: When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big win big prize opening / closing operation process and returns to the big win variable winning device management process (FIG. 25).

[Big prize opening and closing operation processing at big hit]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the big winning prize opening / closing operation process at the big hit. This process is for controlling the opening / closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 at the time of big hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5301: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the big prize winning interval timer is counting down. Specifically, it is possible to confirm whether or not the big prize opening interval timer is counting down by checking whether or not the big prize opening interval timer set in the following step S5314 is already operating. it can.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the big prize winning interval timer is counting down (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S5314. On the other hand, if it is not possible to confirm that the big prize opening interval timer is counting down (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5302.

  Step S5302: The main control CPU 72 opens the first big prize opening or the second big prize opening. Specifically, a drive signal to be applied to the first big prize opening solenoid 90 or the second big prize opening solenoid 97 is output based on the operation pattern of the variable winning device during the big hit shown in FIG. Thereby, the 1st variable winning device 30 or the 2nd variable winning device 31 operates, and it shifts from a closed state to an open state.

  Step S5303: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an open timer countdown process. In this process, the countdown of the release timer set in the previous big hit big prize opening release pattern setting process (step S5208 in FIG. 26) is executed.

  Step S5303a: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the probability variation area interval timer is counting down. Specifically, it can be confirmed whether or not the probability variation area interval timer is counting down by confirming whether or not the probability variation area interval timer set in the following step S5314 is already operating.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the probability variation area interval timer is counting down (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S5314. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the probability variation area interval timer is counting down (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5304.

  Step S5304: The main control CPU 72 executes probability variation area release processing. Specifically, based on the operation pattern of the variable winning device with a big hit shown in FIG. 16, a drive signal to be applied to the probability variation region solenoid 99 is output. As a result, the probability variation region blade member 31d is opened, and the game ball can be guided to the probability variation region disposed inside the second variable winning device 31.

  Step S5305: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a probability variation area timer countdown process. In this process, the countdown of the probability variation area timer set in the previous big hit big opening opening pattern setting process (step S5208 in FIG. 26) is executed.

  Step S5306: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the big winning opening opening time has ended. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the release timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the release timer is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5307a. Execute.

  Step S5307a: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the probability variation area release time has expired. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the probability change area timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the release timer is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5308. Run.

  On the other hand, when the value of the probability variation area timer is 0 or less (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5307b.

  Step S5307b: Probability change area closing processing is executed. Specifically, a process of stopping the output of the drive signal applied to the probability variation region solenoid 99 is executed. As a result, the probability variation region blade member 31d is closed, and the game ball cannot be guided to the probability variation region disposed inside the second variable winning device 31.

  Step S5308: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this process, the number of game balls won in the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 (the first large winning port or the second large winning port being opened) within the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the first count switch 84 or the second count switch 85 within the opening time.

  Step S5310: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (10). This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of winning balls) allowed per opening (one round of big hit). If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the big win time variable winning device management process. Then, when the big win variable winning device management process is executed next, since the jump destination is set to the big win big prize opening / closing operation process at the present stage, the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the procedure from step S5301 to step S5310. To do.

  If it is determined in step S5306 that the special winning opening opening time has ended (Yes), or if it is confirmed in step S5310 that the count has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5312. .

  Step S5312: The main control CPU 72 closes the first big prize opening or the second big prize opening. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the first big prize opening solenoid 90 or the second big prize opening solenoid 97 is stopped. Thereby, the 1st variable winning device 30 or the 2nd variable winning device 31 shifts from an open state to a closed state.

  Step S5313: The main control CPU 72 executes a probability variation region closing process. Specifically, a process of stopping the output of the drive signal applied to the probability variation region solenoid 99 is executed. As a result, the probability variation region blade member 31d is closed, and the game ball cannot be guided to the probability variation region disposed inside the second variable winning device 31.

  Step S5314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an interval timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the big winning opening interval timer and the probability changing area interval timer set in the big winning big winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5210 in FIG. 26).

  Step S5315: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the big winning opening interval time has ended. Specifically, it is checked whether or not the value of the big prize opening interval timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the big prize opening interval timer is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control is performed. The CPU 72 returns to the end address of the variable winning device management process (FIG. 25) for the big hit. Then, when the jackpot big winning opening / closing operation processing is executed in the next call, the process jumps from the top step S5301 and immediately executes step S5314. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the value of the big prize winning interval timer after the countdown process has become 0 or less (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S5318.

  Step S5318: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the opening number counter. Note that the value of the number-of-releases counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example.

  Step S5320: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the number set within the current round. Here, “the number of times set in the current round” is determined, for example, “the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 is opened a plurality of times within one round of big hit” This is to cope with the open pattern. In the present embodiment, such an open pattern is not adopted, and the “number of times set in the current round” is set once for each round. Accordingly, in each round during the big hit game, since the counter value reaches the set number of times by one opening / closing operation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5322.

  On the other hand, when a pattern that repeats a plurality of opening / closing operations within one round is adopted, the counter value has not yet reached the set number of times at the end of one opening (No). In this case, when the main control CPU 72 returns to the jackpot variable winning device management process, the jump destination is set to the jackpot big prize opening / closing operation process at the present stage, so the procedure from step S5301 to step S5320 is repeatedly executed. To do. As a result, the increment of the number-of-releases counter proceeds in step S5318, and when the counter value reaches the set number of times (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5322.

  Step S5322: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning big prize opening closing process, and returns to the big win variable winning device management process. Then, when the big win time variable winning device management process is executed, the main control CPU 72 next executes a big hit time big winning opening closing process.

[Closing the big prize at the big hit]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for the big winning prize closing closing process. This big winning time big winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 or terminating the operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5402: The main control CPU 72 increments the round number counter. Thereby, for example, the value of the round number counter is “1” at the stage where the first round ends and the second round is reached.

  Step S5404: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the incremented round number counter value has reached the set number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value (1 to 15) of the round number counter after increment, and if the value is less than the set number of execution rounds (1 to 15 after 1 subtraction) (No) Next, step S5405 is executed.

  Step S5405: The main control CPU 72 generates a round number command from the current round number counter value. This command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process. The effect control device 124 can confirm the current number of rounds based on the received round number command.

  Step S5406: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the big hit big prize opening / closing operation process.

  Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the big win time variable winning device management process.

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes the big hit variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 in the big hit game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 25), the big jump time big prize opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination. Execute. Then, after the big hit big prize opening / closing operation process is executed, the big hit special prize opening closing process is executed, and the main control CPU 72 executes the big hit special prize opening closing process again, and repeatedly executes steps S5402 to S5408. To do. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 is continuously executed until the actual round number reaches the set execution round number (9 times or 16 times).

  When the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (step S5404: YES), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5410.

  Step S5410, Step S5412: In this case, when the main control CPU 72 resets the round number counter (= 0), it sets the next jump destination to the big hit end processing.

  Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the big win time variable winning device management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the jackpot variable winning device management process, the jackpot end process is selected this time.

[End processing at jackpot]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the big hit end processing. This big-hit end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 at the time of the big hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S5501: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit end time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value for the jackpot end time timer, and then counts down the timer as time elapses (each time this module is called).

  Step S5502: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the big hit end time has elapsed. Specifically, if the value of the big hit end time timer is not yet 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the big hit end time has not elapsed (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the big win variable winning device management process (FIG. 25).

  Thereafter, when the value of the big hit time end timer becomes 0 with the passage of time, the main control CPU 72 determines that the big hit time end time has passed (Yes), and executes step S5503 and subsequent steps.

  Step S5503, Step S5504: The main control CPU 72 resets the big hit flag (00H). As a result, the big hit gaming state ends on the control processing of the main control CPU 72. In addition, the main control CPU 72 deletes “big hit” from the internal state flag and declares the end of the major role as the internal state in the control processing. The main control CPU 72 resets the value of the continuous operation number status.

  Step S5506: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set. This flag is set in the previous switch input event process (step S28 in FIG. 11).

  Step S5508: When the value of the probability variation function operation flag is set (step S5506: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the probability variation number (for example, 170 times). The set value of the probability variation number is stored in the probability variation counter area of the RAM 76, for example, and becomes a count-down counter value. The probability variation number set here is the upper limit number of times that the variation of the special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in a high probability state in the subsequent games. In the present embodiment, since a substantial upper limit is set for the high probability state, the winning result may not be obtained in the high probability state, and the state may return to the low probability state (so-called frequency cut probability change). If the value of the probability variation function activation flag is not set (step S5506: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5508.

  Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the time reduction function operation flag (01H) is set. This flag is set in the big hit other setting process (step S2414 in FIG. 17) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5512: If the value of the time reduction function activation flag is set (step S5510: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the number of time reductions (for example, 100 times or 170 times). Here, which number of time reductions is set depends on the value of the probability variation function activation flag. That is, if the value of the probability variation function operation flag is set, the main control CPU 72 sets 170 times as the number of time reductions (high probability time shortening state transition means, advantageous game state transition means), and the value of the probability variation function operation flag. If is not set, 100 is set as the number of time savings (low probability time shortening state transition means, advantageous game state transition means). However, even if the value of the probability variation function activation flag is set, the main control CPU 72 sets 100 times as the number of time reductions when the winning symbol corresponds to the 6-round probability variation symbol 2 (advantageous game) State transition means, special state transition means). The set value of the short time count is stored in the short time count area of the RAM 76. The number of time reductions set here is the upper limit number of times for shortening the variation time of the special symbol in subsequent games. If the value of the time shortening function activation flag is not set (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5512.

  Step S5514: Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a state designation command based on various flags. Specifically, a state designation command representing “normal” is generated as the gaming state when the big hit flag is reset or the big game ends. In addition, if the probability variation function activation flag is set, a state designation command indicating “high probability” is generated as the internal state, and if the time reduction function activation flag is set, the internal state is “time reduction in progress”. Is generated. These state designation commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process.

  Step S5516: After the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the big hit time big winning opening releasing pattern setting process.

  Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 15) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol change pre-process. When the above procedure is finished, the main control CPU 72 returns to the big win variable winning device management process.

[Variable winning device management process for small hits]
Next, details of the small winning time variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the small winning hour variable winning device management process. The small winning time prize winning device management process includes a small winning game process selection process (step S6100), a small winning time big prize opening opening pattern setting process (step S6200), and a small hitting big prize opening opening / closing operation process (step S6300). The sub-group includes a subroutine group of a small winning big prize opening closing process (step S6400) and a small winning end process (step S6500).

  Step S6100: In the small hit game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects a jump destination of a process to be executed next (any one of steps S6200 to S6500). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the process to be executed next from the jump table as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the small winning hour variable winning device management process in the stack pointer as the return address. . Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the operation (opening / closing operation) of the first variable winning device 30 has not started yet, the main control CPU 72 selects the small winning big opening opening pattern setting process (step S6200) as the next jump destination. To do. On the other hand, if the small winning big winning opening opening pattern setting processing has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the small winning big winning opening opening / closing operation processing (step S6300) as the next jump destination, If the winning opening / closing operation processing has been completed, the small winning big winning opening closing process (step S6400) is selected as the next jump destination. When the small hitting big winning opening opening / closing operation process and the small hitting big winning opening closing process are repeatedly executed over the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 performs the small hitting end process (step) as the next jump destination. S6500) is selected. Hereinafter, each process will be described in more detail.

[Big winning opening opening pattern setting process for small hits]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the small winning big opening opening pattern setting process. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times that the first variable prize-winning device 30 is opened and closed at the time of a small hit and the time for each opening. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S6212: The main control CPU 72 sets a “small hit opening pattern”. In the case of the present embodiment, for the “small hit opening pattern”, for example, an opening pattern of “0.1 second opening” is set for the first time and the second time. Since “small hit” has no concept of “round”, “open pattern” is also expressed as “first open” and “second open”.

  Step S6214: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of times of opening of the big prize opening to, for example, two based on the big winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S6212. The number of releases set here is stored in a buffer area of the RAM 76, for example.

  Step S6216: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a small hitting release timer. The timer value set here is the opening time per operation when the first variable winning device 30 is operated. In this embodiment, 0.1 seconds is set as the value of the small hit release timer, and during such an open time, there is almost no winning in the big prize opening during one opening (it is difficult ) For a short time (for example, a time shorter than 1 second, preferably a time shorter than a game ball firing interval by the launching device unit).

  Step S6218: The main control CPU 72 sets a small hitting interval timer. The timer value set here is a waiting time for each time when the first variable prize-winning apparatus 30 is opened and closed a plurality of times at the time of a small hit, and this timer value is set to about 2 seconds, for example.

  Step S6220: When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the small winning big prize opening / closing operation processing, and returns to the small winning variable winning device management process (FIG. 30). The main control CPU 72 then executes a small winning big prize opening / closing operation process (step S6300).

[Large winning opening and closing operation processing for small hits]
FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a small winning big prize opening / closing operation process. This process is for controlling the opening / closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 at the time of a small hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S6301: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the interval timer is counting down. Specifically, it can be confirmed whether or not the interval timer is counting down by confirming whether or not the interval timer set in the following step S6314 is already operating.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the interval timer is counting down (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes Step S6314. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the interval timer is counting down (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S6302.

  Step S6302: The main control CPU 72 opens the first big prize opening. Specifically, a drive signal applied to the first grand prize winning solenoid 90 is output. Thereby, the 1st variable prize-winning apparatus 30 operate | moves and it transfers to an open state from a closed state.

  Step S6304: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an open timer countdown process. In this process, the countdown of the opening timer set in the previous small hitting big opening opening pattern setting process (step S6216 in FIG. 31) is executed.

  Step S6306: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the opening time has expired. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the release timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the release timer is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6308. Execute.

  Step S6308: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this process, the number of game balls won in the first variable prize-winning device 30 (first big prize opening being opened) within the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the first count switch 84 within the opening time.

  Step S6310: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (10). This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of winning balls) allowed per opening (one opening at the time of a small hit). If the count number has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the small hitting time variable winning device management process (FIG. 30). Then, when the bonus game variable winning device management process is executed next, since the jump destination is set to the bonus game opening / closing operation process at the bonus game at this stage, the main control CPU 72 performs the procedure from step S6301 to step S6310. Run repeatedly.

  If it is determined in step S6306 that the opening time has expired (Yes), or if it is confirmed in step S6310 that the count has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S6312. Here, since the value of the release timer is set for a short time, the main control CPU 72 normally performs step opening before confirming that the count number has reached the predetermined number in step S6310. In most cases, it is determined in S6306 that the opening time has expired.

  Step S6312: The main control CPU 72 closes the first big prize opening. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the first grand prize winning solenoid 90 is stopped. Thereby, the 1st variable prize-winning apparatus 30 returns from an open state to a closed state.

  Step S6314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an interval timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the interval timer set in the small winning big prize opening opening pattern setting process (step S6218 in FIG. 31).

  Step S6315: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the interval time has ended. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the interval timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the interval timer is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 can change the small hit time. Return to the end address of the winning device management process (FIG. 30). Then, when the small winning big prize opening / closing operation process is executed in the next call, the process jumps from the top step S6301 and immediately executes step S6314. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the value of the interval timer after the countdown process has become 0 or less (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S6316.

  Step S6316: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the small winning big winning opening closing process, and returns to the small winning variable winning device management process. Next, when the small winning hour variable winning device management process is executed, the main control CPU 72 next executes a small hitting big prize opening closing process.

[Closed big prize opening closing process]
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the small winning big prize opening closing process. The small winning big winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the first variable winning device 30 or terminating the operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S6412: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the opening number counter.

  Step S6414: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the set number of times of release. The number of times of opening is set in the previous big opening opening pattern setting process (step S6214 in FIG. 31). If the value of the opening number counter has not yet reached the set opening number (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S6416.

Step S6416: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big hit prize opening / closing operation process.
Step S6430: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the small hitting time variable winning device management process (FIG. 30).

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 performs a small winning game big opening / closing operation process as a next jump destination in the small winning game process selection process (step S6100 in FIG. 30). Execute. After executing the small winning big prize opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 again executes the small winning big prize opening closing process until the actual number of times of opening reaches the set number of opening times (two times). The opening / closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 is repeatedly executed.

  When the actual number of times of opening at the time of the small hit reaches the set number of times of opening (step S6414: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6418.

  Step S6418, Step S6420: In this case, when the main control CPU 72 resets the release number counter (= 0), it sets the next jump destination to the small hit end processing.

  Step S6430: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the small hitting time variable winning device management process (FIG. 30). As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the small hitting end process is selected this time.

[End processing for small hits]
FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the small hit end processing. This small hitting end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the first variable winning device 30 at the small hitting. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S6502: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hitting end time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value for the small hitting end time timer, and then counts down the timer as time elapses (each time this module is called).

  Step S6504: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the small hitting end time has elapsed. Specifically, if the value of the small hitting end time timer is not yet 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the small hitting end time has not elapsed (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the small winning time variable winning device management process (FIG. 30).

  Thereafter, when the value of the small hitting end time timer becomes 0 with the passage of time, the main control CPU 72 determines that the small hitting end time has elapsed (Yes), and executes step S6506 and subsequent steps.

  Step S6506, Step S6508: The main control CPU 72 resets the value of the small hit flag (00H), deletes “meeting small hit” from the internal state flag, and ends the small hit game. It should be noted that in the case of a small hit, the internal condition device does not operate in particular, so such a procedure is merely for the purpose of erasing the flag.

  Step S6510: After the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the small winning big opening opening pattern setting process.

  Step S6512: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 15) in the special symbol game process as the special symbol variation pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the small winning time variable winning device management process.

[Game Flow (Part 1)]
FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the game flow developed when the “12 round normal symbol” or “12 round probability variation symbols 1 and 2” are met in the normal mode.
When a game is started with the pachinko machine 1, the game is started from [F1] normal mode. In the “normal mode”, the winning probability of the special symbol is “low probability state”, and the winning probability of the normal symbol is “low probability state”. In this way, since the [F1] normal mode is in the “low probability non-time shortened state”, the first special symbol starts to change and the game is started by entering the game ball into the middle start winning opening 26. Progress.

  [F1] In normal mode, when [F2] “12 round normal symbol” jackpot is won, [F3] 12 round jackpot game (battle bonus) is executed, [F4] defeated in the battle of the big role [F5] Transition to the coast mode.

  [F5] The coast mode is a low probability time shortening state. [F5] In the coast mode, when the winning result is not obtained, [F6] When the special symbol fluctuates 100 times, [F1] shifts to the normal mode.

  [F1] In normal mode, when [F7] “12 round probabilistic symbols 1, 2” is won, [F3] 12 round big win (battle bonus) is executed, [F8] win.

  [F9] When the game ball passes the probability variation area in the sixth round of the 12 round big hit game (when V is won), [F10] an effect indicating that a V win has occurred is performed, and [F11] fireworks Move to rush.

  [F11] The fireworks rush is in a high probability time shortened state. [F11] If the result of winning is not obtained in the fireworks rush and [F12] special symbols fluctuate 170 times, [F1] shifts to the normal mode.

  On the other hand, if the game ball does not pass through the probability variation area in the sixth round of the big hit game (if it does not win V), although it corresponds to [F13] “12 round probability variation 1 and 2,” [F10] V An effect indicating that no winning has occurred is executed, and the mode shifts to [F5] coast mode.

[Game Flow (Part 2)]
FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining a game flow developed when the fireworks rush or the coast mode corresponds to “16 round probability variation symbol” or “6 round probability variation symbol 1, 2”.
[G5] 16-round jackpot game (special bonus) is executed when [G1] “16-round probability variable symbol” is won in [F5] coast mode or [F11] fireworks rush.

  [G3] When the game ball passes through the probability variation area in the sixth round of the 16-round big hit game (when winning V), [G4] an effect indicating that the V win has occurred is executed, and the big hit game ends. Later, [F11] Fireworks Rush is entered.

  On the other hand, if [G5] 16-round probability variation symbol, but the game ball does not pass the probability variation area in the sixth round of the jackpot game (when V does not win), [G6] V winning does not occur The effect which shows that is performed, and after the big hit game is over, [F5] shifts to the coast mode.

  [G5] 6 round round big hit game (normal bonus effect) is executed when [G10] “6 round probability variation symbols 1 and 2” is won in [F5] coast mode or [F11] fireworks rush.

  [G12] When the game ball passes through the probability variation area in the sixth round of the six round jackpot game (when winning V), [G13] an effect indicating that a V winning has occurred is executed, and the jackpot game ends. Later, [F11] Fireworks Rush is entered.

  On the other hand, if [G14] corresponds to “6 round probability variation 1 and 2”, but the game ball does not pass the probability variation area in the sixth round of the big hit game (when V is not won), [G15] V An effect indicating that no winning has occurred is executed, and then [F5] shifts to the coast mode. Although not shown in particular, it corresponds to “6 round probability variation 2”, and when 100 fluctuations have passed since the transition to the fireworks rush, the mode is shifted to the normal mode, but internally, a high probability non-time shortening state is entered. ing.

  Note that the above game flow shows an example of a typical game flow, and does not cover all of the game flow.

[Example of production image]
Next, the effect image actually displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 in the pachinko machine 1 will be described with some examples. As described above, when the big hit internal lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the variation display by the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed. (Design display means). However, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol itself are lit and blinking display by 7-segment LED, the appealing power is not good. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, a variable display effect using the effect symbol is performed.

  The effect designs include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (see FIG. 1). ). Each effect design is a design of a picture card with a character attached together with the numbers “1” to “9”, for example. Here, the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol all constitute a symbol row in which the numbers are arranged in descending order of “9” to “1”. Such a symbol sequence is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in the left region, middle region, and right region on the screen.

  FIG. 37 is a continuous diagram showing an example of the effect image corresponding to the change display and stop display of the special symbol. Note that, here, an example of a change display effect and a stop display effect (result display effect) performed using the effect symbol is shown for the variation of the special symbol at the time of non-winning (losing). This variable display effect is performed between the start of the variable display of the special symbol (here, the first special symbol, but may be the second special symbol) and the stop display (including the fixed stop). It corresponds to a series of productions. Further, the stop display effect is an effect that represents that the special symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the internal lottery at that time is a combination of the effect symbols. Here, before explaining the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the change display effect and stop display effect for each change employed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Before change display]
37 (A): For example, in the state before the first special symbol starts changing (the state in which the demonstration effect is not being performed), a row of three effect symbols is displayed large on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. ing. At this time, in accordance with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect symbol is also stopped.

[Memory display effect]
Further, in the pre-change display area X1 at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, markers (represented by reference numerals M1 and M2 in the figure) indicating the number of working memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed. ing. Each of the markers M1 and M2 represents the number of operating memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (the number of displays of the first special symbol operating memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operating memory lamp 35a). The number of displays increases or decreases in conjunction with the change in the number of operating memories during the game.

  In addition, for the markers M1 and M2, in order to facilitate visual discrimination, the marker M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed, for example, as a circle (◯), and the marker M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is, for example, a heart It is displayed with the shape. In the example shown in the figure, all four markers M1 are lit and displayed, indicating that the number of working memories of the first special symbol is four, and all the markers M2 are not displayed (shown by broken lines). This indicates that the number of working memories of the second special symbol is 0 (memory display effect).

  Further, during the variation display of the effect symbols, for example, the fourth symbol (reference numerals Z1 and Z2 are attached in the diagram) is displayed at the upper right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are “fourth effect symbols” that follow the left, middle, and right effect symbols, and are displayed variably in synchronism with the variability display of the effect symbols. Note that the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are simple marks (for example, “□” figure) with colors, and for example, changing the display color can express a variable display. The fourth symbol Z1 corresponds to the first special symbol, and the fourth symbol Z2 corresponds to the second special symbol.

  Further, the fourth symbols Z1, Z2 are stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the dislocation. This is to objectively clarify that the stop display effect is correctly performed and the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is “6 rounds big hit”, “12 rounds big hit”, or “16 rounds big hit” instead of “out”, the corresponding modes (for example, blue display color and red display color) Etc.), the fourth symbols Z1, Z2 are stopped and displayed.

[Variable display production start]
37 (B): For example, in synchronization with the start of the change of the first special symbol, the change display effect is started by the scroll change of the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (the symbol effect). Execution means). In other words, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol, the display of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol is scrolled (flowed) in the vertical direction on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 so as to change the display. Production begins. The markers M1 and M2 are displayed in the pre-fluctuation display area X1 of the band-like portion in the lower part of the liquid crystal display 42 before the start of change, but are displayed in the lower left part of the liquid crystal display 42 after the start of change. The display moves to the changing display area X2 based on the pedestal image, and continues to be displayed until the change of the special symbol (effect symbol) is stopped and displayed (stored image display maintenance effect). In the figure, the effect symbol variation display is simply indicated by a downward arrow. Also, during the variable display, each effect symbol is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), and at this time, an image (background image) that is the background of the effect symbol is displayed on the display screen in an easily visible state. Has been.

  The background image in this case represents, for example, a landscape in which a female character wearing a yukata is sitting on a chaise lounge and relaxing as if the evening is cool. Such a background image expresses that the stay mode in the production is, for example, “normal mode”. In the present embodiment, the “normal mode” corresponds to a normal state in which the time reduction function is inactive and the probability variation function is inactive. In addition to this, various modes are provided for effects, and background images with different landscapes and scenes are prepared for each mode (status display effect execution means). The difference between these modes may correspond to an internal “time reduction state” or a “high probability state”. Although not specifically illustrated here, a mode in which a notice effect is performed by displaying an image of a character, an item, or the like on the display screen, for example, may be used.

  Further, during the variation display of the effect symbols, the fourth symbol Z1 is variably displayed at the upper right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth symbol Z1 expresses the variation display by changing its display color.

[Left design stop]
In FIG. 37 (C): For example, when a certain amount of time (about half of the fluctuation time) has elapsed, the left effect design first stops changing. In this example, the effect design representing the number “8” is stopped at the left position of the screen. Here, illustration of the background image is omitted (the same applies to the following).

[Example of production when the number of working memories decreases]
Here, as shown in (B) of FIG. 37, since the number of working memories of the first special symbol decreases by one as the fluctuation starts, the number of markers M1 displayed is linked accordingly. It is reduced by one. For example, if there are four working memories so far, only the oldest (oldest) memory number display in the marker M1 is moved to the changing display area X2, and the effects consumed by the internal lottery are combined. Done. Thereby, it is possible to tell the player that the working memory number has been consumed for the first special symbol even in the production.

  In the example of (C) in FIG. 37, since the marker M1 at the head in the storage order moves to the changing display area X2, the display in the display area X1 before change becomes three. There is an effect in which the three markers M1 remaining on the screen are shifted in one direction (here, leftward) by one. As a result, the front-rear relationship of the change in the number of working memories is accurately expressed in the production, and the fact that the working memory is consumed and reduced by one for the player or that the working memory is consumed and the special symbol Can be taught intuitively and intelligibly.

[Right production symbol stop]
In FIG. 37 (D): Following the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol thereafter stops changing. In this example, the effect design representing the number “3” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state does not occur at this point, it is almost clear on the appearance that the current fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. Here, reach fluctuations due to slip patterns and the like are excluded. “Slip pattern” means, for example, that once the design symbol representing the number “7” stops, the design symbol slips by one symbol and the design symbol representing the number “8” stops, thereby developing reach It is to do. Alternatively, once the design symbol representing the number “9” stops, the design symbol that represents the number “8” stops as the design sequence slips by one symbol in the opposite direction. is there. In addition, for example, when an effect symbol representing a completely different number such as “5” is temporarily stopped and then a character appears on the screen and the right effect symbol sequence is changed again, the number “8” is represented. There is also a pattern in which the production design stops and develops to reach.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 37 (E): The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. If the result of the current internal lottery is non-winning and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (out-of-game) manner, the staging display effect is also performed in a non-winning (out-of-game) manner. Is called. That is, in the illustrated example, the effect symbol representing the number “1” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. In this case, the combination of the effect symbols is “8”-“1”-“3”. Since this is a gap, it is expressed in the production that the current variation corresponds to the normal “out of range”. At this time, the fourth symbol Z1 is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the dislocation.

  Further, when the stop display effect is performed, the marker M1 that has been moved to the changing display area X2 and has been continuously displayed is also hidden. Therefore, it can be intuitively and easily instructed to the player that “the variation of the special symbol has ended”.

  The above is an example of the change display effect and the stop display effect (during non-winning) performed using the effect symbol for each change. Through such an effect, the player can have a sense of expectation for winning, and finally the result of the internal lottery can be clearly taught in the effect.

  Moreover, although the example mentioned above is a thing at the time of non-winning, after a reach effect is performed during a variable display effect at the time of a big hit (winning), an effect design is stopped and displayed in the form of a big win in the stop display effect. At this time, the stop display mode of the effect symbol basically corresponds to the winning symbol (stop display mode of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35) selected internally by the main control CPU 72. Selected.

[Production example at the time of big hit]
FIG. 38 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of reach production (super reach production) executed at the time of big hit (winning). Here, in addition to the reach effect, a variable display effect, a stop display effect, and a notice effect are included. In addition, an example of the notice effect (the notice effect before the occurrence of reach, the notice effect after the occurrence of reach) executed during the variable display effect will be described.

  The following reach effects are, for example, after the first special symbol display device 34 performs a variation display based on the variation pattern at the time of the big hit, and then the first special symbol has a big hit (for example, “Self”, “Yo” of the 7-segment LED) , “Mouth”, “巳”, “F”, “E”, “L”, “Γ”, etc.), and so on (reach effect execution means). In addition, in FIG. 38, each production | presentation symbol is simplified and shown only as the number. Further, the markers M1 and M2, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2, the pre-change display area X1 and the display area X2 during change are not shown (the same applies to the following drawings). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the flow of production.

[Variable display effects]
In FIG. 38 (A): For example, the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are arranged in the vertical direction (for example, from the top) on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol. The variable display effect is started by scrolling down.

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
FIG. 38 (B): Next, in a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, the first stage pre-reach notice effect using the character's picture image (picture card) is performed. This pre-reach pre-announcement effect is a pre-announcement effect in which the change of the mode progresses step by step from the first step to a plurality of steps (for example, the second to fifth steps) according to a predetermined order. The pattern image used in the pre-reach notice effect is located in front of the effect pattern that is displayed on the screen in a variable manner, for example, so as to appear suddenly from the left edge of the screen (other appearance modes) May be.) Note that the “pre-reach notice” means that a reach or a big hit is announced before any effect symbol is stopped and displayed. By executing such a “pre-reach announcement effect”, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “it may develop into a reach = the possibility of a big hit increases” is obtained.

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
In FIG. 38 (C): after the first stage of the pre-reach notice effect is executed, the change of the pre-reach notice effect proceeds to the second stage. Here, an effect using a character pattern image different from the previous is performed as a pre-reaching notice effect at the second stage. Specifically, another pattern image additionally appears from the right end of the screen, and is displayed so as to overlap the front of the previously displayed pattern image. The picture image displayed at this time is larger in size than the picture image displayed previously. Then, a voice output effect is also performed in which the character represented by the picture image emits a dialogue (for example, “Become Reach”).

  Such a pre-reach notice effect (second stage) using the second pattern image is one step ahead of the pre-reach notice effect (first stage) performed in FIG. 38 (B). It is a development type. In general, it may be expressed as “step-up notice” or the like, referring to the “pre-reach notice notice effect” that develops in this way. Here, an example is given in which the second-stage pattern image appears in the pre-reach notice effect, but the third-stage, fourth-stage, and fifth-stage pattern images appear and appear one after another. There may be. Further, for example, the size may be enlarged each time the third, fourth, and fifth-stage pattern images appear and appear one after another. Even at this stage, the variation display of the effect symbols is continued. In any case, it is possible to indicate to the player that there is a high possibility (expectation) that this change will be a big hit by making the change in the aspect of the pre-reach notice effect to more stages. (For example, the maximum expectation is suggested when progressing to the fifth stage).

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 38 (D): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and then the variable display of the left effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “5” is stopped at the left position of the screen.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 38 (E): Subsequently to the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “5” is stopped at the right position of the screen, so that a reach state of “5”-“being changed”-“5” has occurred. On the screen, an image that emphasizes one line that is in a reach state is also displayed. In addition, an effect of outputting a voice such as “Reach!” Is performed.

  After the reach state occurs, the reach production at the time of winning is executed (however, at this point in time, the winning result has not yet been expressed). In the reach effect, only the effect symbol corresponding to the tempered number (here, “5”) is displayed on the screen, and the others are not displayed. At this time, the effect symbols may be displayed in a reduced state at the four corners of the screen.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
In FIG. 38, (F): After a reach state has occurred, for example, an image representing a “heart” figure forms a group, and a post-reach notice effect (first time) is performed that passes diagonally on the screen. . In this case, the image of the “heart group” is suddenly displayed on the screen so that the visual appeal to the player can be enhanced. By executing such a notice presentation effect after the visually lively reach notice occurrence, an effect of giving the player a greater expectation can be obtained.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 38 (G): Following the notice effect after the first reach, for example, images representing the numbers “2” to “6” are displayed in a three-dimensional sequence on the screen. There is an effect in which numerical images are erased from the screen in the order of “2”, “3”, “4”. Such an effect is also performed for the purpose of suggesting (impliciting) or reminding the player that the number “5” is left as it is without being erased. If the number “4” is erased and “5” remains in front of the screen, it means “big hit”, and if the number “5” is also erased, it means “out of place”. In the case of a loss, for example, the number “6” is displayed on the screen after the number “5” is deleted. Therefore, during this time, as the images are erased in order of the numbers “2”, “3”, and “4”, the player's tension and expectation also increase. Then, if the production progresses with the number “4” actually being erased on the screen and the number “5” remaining on the screen, the possibility of a “hit” increases, so the player feels nervous. Also increases at a stretch.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 38 (H): When the reach production is approaching the end of the game, the content that the character image suddenly appears on the screen as if it was split into a large image and the character emits some dialogue (or silently) (The content may be that of smiling). At this time, for example, the content of the reach effect is a development that “if the number“ 5 ”remains without being erased, the possibility of a big hit of“ 5 ”-“ 5 ”-“ 5 ”increases” as it is ”. Therefore, by causing a character image to appear large at this timing, it is possible to obtain an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “may be a big hit”.

  As another reach effect different from the above, for example, there is a development that “numbers“ 2 ”to“ 4 ”are erased, and if the number“ 5 ”is left unerased at the end, it is a big hit” ”. When the image of the character appears at such timing, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “the big hit may finally be near” can be obtained.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 38 (I): Then, the last medium effect symbol stops. In this example, the effect symbol representing “5” is stopped and displayed at the center of the screen, so that it is possible to convey to the player that the game is a big hit.

  In FIG. 38 (J): For example, a stop display effect as an effect symbol is performed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. The stop display effect of the effect symbol is performed, for example, in a state where the left, middle and right effect symbols are restored to their initial sizes. By performing such a stop display effect, the player can be informed that the final winning type has been confirmed on the effect. In other words, by performing an unclear stop display effect on the effect, it can be made undisclosed to the player as to which winning symbol is won.

  If the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, the first special symbol that is the subject of change this time is stopped and displayed as a missing symbol, so that the effect symbol is similarly stopped and displayed in a shifted manner. In this case, by displaying the numbers “4” and “6” other than “5” in the center of the screen, unfortunately, an effect is provided informing that the current change did not result in a big hit. Such an effect is executed as an “out of reach reach effect”.

[Examples of directing during a big role in case of “12 rounds of normal symbols”]
FIG. 39 to FIG. 42 are continuous diagrams partially showing an example of the effect of the big role production in the case of “12 round normal symbol” or “12 round probability variation symbol 2”.

  In this embodiment, when it corresponds to “12 round normal symbol”, the effect that the ally character is defeated by the enemy character is executed in the big role effect, and when it corresponds to “12 round probability variation symbol 2”, An effect in which the teammate character wins the enemy character is executed. Hereinafter, the flow of production will be described in order.

[Round 1]
In FIG. 39 (A): When the first round of the big hit game is started, for example, character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND1” is displayed on the screen, and the battle effect of the big game is started. In the example shown in the figure, a ghost image of an umbrella that is an enemy character is displayed on the left side of the screen, an image of a female character that is an ally character is displayed on the right side of the screen, and an image of a character “VS” is displayed in the center of the screen. Is displayed. Thereby, it can be taught to the player that a battle effect will be started.

  In addition, an effect symbol corresponding to the current winning symbol (here, “5” effect symbol) is displayed at the lower right corner of the screen. Thus, by continuously displaying the winning symbol (so-called “remaining eye”) even during the big hit game, it is possible to continuously instruct the player of the information “winning with the five effect symbols”.

[2nd round]
In FIG. 39 (B): When the second round of the big hit game is started, the battle effect in the big role is specifically advanced. In the example shown in the figure, an effect is given in which the ghost of the umbrella moves from the left side to the right side. Then, there is an effect in which the female character runs away with the surprise of the umbrella and disappears to the right side of the screen.

[3rd round]
In FIG. 39 (C): When the third round of the big hit game is started, the battle effect in the big role is specifically advanced. In the example shown in the figure, a female character takes out a round fan (weapon), and an effect in which a flame (aura) appears from the round fan is performed.

[Round 4]
In FIG. 39 (D): In the fourth round of the jackpot game, the ghost of the umbrella gives out a special technique that makes the long tongue pop out of the mouth, and the female character greets the special technique with a fan. If the ghost of the umbrella wins in this state, it means that it was a big hit with “12 round normal symbol”, and if the female character wins, it means that it was a big hit with “12 round probability variation 2” ing.

[5th round (at the time of 12th round normal symbol winning)]
In FIG. 40 (E): In the case of winning with “12 round normal symbol”, the defeat effect is executed in the fifth round. Specifically, the ghost of the umbrella is displayed large together with the characters “defeated...”, And the female character is displayed small (a teammate character defeat effect).

[6th round (12 rounds when normal symbol wins)]
In FIG. 40 (F): In the case of winning with “12 round normal symbol”, a re-challenge promotion effect is executed in the sixth round. Specifically, an effect is produced in which a female character utters a line such as “Next is not defeated!”. As a result, the player can be motivated to aim for the big hit again. Note that the re-challenge promotion effect similar to the sixth round is executed in the seventh to twelfth rounds of the big hit game.

  In addition, in the sixth round when winning with “12 round normal symbol”, the second variable winning device 31 is opened, but since the opening time is set to be extremely short, the game ball passes through the probability variation area. There is no.

[At the end of a major role]
In FIG. 40 (G): At the timing when the big hit game in the “12 round normal symbol” ends (during the end process), the big end effect of the content teaching the internal state to be transferred thereafter is executed. In the example shown in the figure, text information “Coast mode entry!” Is displayed on the screen. By executing such a big game end effect, the player can be instructed to shift to the “low probability time shortened state” coast mode as a privilege after the big hit game ends.

[5th round (12-round probability variation 2 wins)]
In FIG. 41 (H): On the other hand, in the case of winning in “12 round probability variation 2”, a victory effect is executed in the fifth round. Specifically, the female character is displayed large together with the characters “Victory!”, And the ghost of the umbrella is displayed small (friendly character victory effect).

[6th round (12 wins when winning 2)
In FIG. 41, (I): In the case of winning in “12 round probability variation 2”, the fireworks rush challenge effect is executed in the sixth round. If this challenge is successful, you will enter a fireworks rush that is in a “high probability time reduction state”. Specifically, an effect is produced in which the hermit character utters a dialogue such as “Aim for V Attacker!”. Thereby, the game nature of aiming at the second variable winning device 31 can be transmitted to the player. In addition, in the sixth round in the case of winning in “12 rounds probable variation 2”, the second variable prize-winning device 31 is opened long, so that it is possible to obtain a profit by playing as in the previous rounds. Furthermore, in the 6th round when “12 rounds probable variation symbol 2” is won, the probable variation region solenoid 99 operates to open the probabilistic region for a long time. Therefore, when a game ball enters the second variable winning device 31. The game ball is guided by the probability variation region blade member 31d and passes through the probability variation region.

  In FIG. 41 (J): When the player continues to make a right strike, when the game ball enters the second variable winning device 31 and passes through the probability variation area, the panda character raises the V mark. Is executed. In the seventh to twelfth rounds of the big hit game, the same blessing effect as the sixth round is executed.

[At the end of a major role]
In FIG. 41 (K): At the timing when the big hit game is ended (during the end process), the big end effect of the content teaching the internal state to be transferred thereafter is executed. In the example shown in the figure, character information “Fireworks rush rush!” Is displayed on the screen. By executing such a big game end effect, the player can be instructed to shift to the fireworks rush in the “high probability time shortened state” as a privilege after the big hit game ends.

  The above is an example of the performance when the game ball passes the probability variation area safely corresponding to “12 round probability variation symbol 2”, but the game ball is also likely variation region even if it corresponds to “12 round probability variation symbol 2”. If it does not pass through, it will be the following production example.

[5th round (12-round probability variation 2 wins)]
In FIG. 42 (L): In the case of winning with “12-round probability variation 2”, a victory effect is executed in the fifth round. Specifically, the female character is displayed large together with the characters “Victory!”, And the ghost of the umbrella is displayed small (friendly character victory effect).

[6th round (12 wins when winning 2)
In FIG. 42, (M): In the case of winning in “12th round probability variation 2”, the fireworks rush challenge effect is executed in the sixth round. If this challenge is successful, you will enter a fireworks rush that is in a “high probability time reduction state”. Specifically, an effect is produced in which the hermit character utters a dialogue such as “Aim for V Attacker!”. Thereby, the game nature of aiming at the second variable winning device 31 can be transmitted to the player. In addition, in the sixth round in the case of winning in “12 rounds probable variation 2”, the second variable prize-winning device 31 is opened long, so that it is possible to obtain a profit by playing as in the previous rounds. Further, in the sixth round when winning the “12 round probability variation symbol 2”, the probability variation region solenoid 99 operates to open the probability variation region long, so when a game ball enters the second variable prize winning device 31, The game ball is guided by the probability variation region blade member 31d and passes through the probability variation region.

  However, here, it is assumed that no game balls have entered the second variable winning device 31 by the end of the sixth round for some reason (not hitting right, clogged with balls, etc.). In this case, the game ball does not pass through the probability variation area.

  In FIG. 42, (N): In this case, a failure effect is produced in which the panda character utters the line “sorry”. In addition, the failure effect is continued in the seventh to twelfth rounds of the big hit game.

[At the end of a major role]
In FIG. 42, (O): At the timing when the big hit game in “12 round probability variation 2” ends (during the end process), the big end effect of the content teaching the internal state to be transferred thereafter is executed. In the example shown in the figure, text information “Coast mode entry!” Is displayed on the screen. By executing such a big game end effect, the player can be instructed to shift to the “low probability time shortened state” coast mode as a privilege after the big hit game ends.

  Here, although the example of the effect when it corresponds to “12 round probability variation symbol 1” is not particularly illustrated, the battle effect is performed and the victory effect is performed similarly to the case corresponding to “12 round probability variation symbol 2”. An effect other than the battle effect may be executed. Even in the case of “12 round probability variation 2”, since the second variable winning device 31 is long open in the sixth round, when the game ball passes through the probability variation area, it enters the fireworks rush. In addition, in “12 round probability variation 2”, it is possible to obtain substantially 4 rounds.

[Examples of fireworks rush production]
FIG. 43 is a continuous diagram showing an example of the effect of fireworks rush. This fireworks rush is a mode that is shifted to after a big hit game when a winning ball is won by “any one of the probable symbols other than the 12 round normal symbols” and the game ball passes through the probability change area during the big hit game. Fireworks rush is a state with high probability time reduction. Hereinafter, the flow of production will be described in order.

  In FIG. 43 (A): For example, by performing the first variation display after the end of the big hit game, the variation display of the effect symbol is performed in the state of “fireworks rush”. The background image of the fireworks rush is a background image that expresses "a scene where fireworks are launched in the night sky" and "a female character watching fireworks" in order to deeply impress the player with the motif of fireworks It has become. Further, the fourth symbol Z2 is variably displayed in the upper right part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42.

  In FIG. 43 (B): Since the first change (when not winning) after the end of the big hit game, all effect symbols are stopped and displayed ("3"-"1"-"7 "). Further, the fourth symbol Z2 is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner (for example, white display color).

  In FIG. 43 (C): When the next fluctuation is started, the second fluctuation display is performed after the end of the big hit game. In the fireworks rush (high probability time shortened state), the variable start winning device 28 is frequently operated. Therefore, as long as the player continues to make a right stroke, the effect symbol accompanying the variable display of the second special symbol is displayed. Fluctuation display is often performed. In addition, if a winning result is obtained in the fireworks rush, a reach effect is executed and it is a big hit.

  In the fireworks rush, similarly to the normal mode, the pre-change display area X1 and the display area X2 during change may be displayed to display the marker M1 and the marker M2. This also applies to the following coast modes.

[Director-in-chief production (normal bonus production)]
FIG. 44 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of a big-game effect performed during a big hit game when the “6 round probability variation symbol 1” or “6 round probability variation symbol 2” is met.

[1 round]
44 (A): When the first round of the jackpot game is started, the big-game effect of the content corresponding to the progress of the game, “Big hit” is executed. In the role-playing effect, for example, character information corresponding to the number of rounds “ROUND1” is displayed on the screen. In addition, at the lower right corner position of the screen, an effect symbol corresponding to the current winning symbol (here, two effect symbols) is displayed. In this way, by continuously displaying the winning symbol (so-called “remaining eye”) even during the big hit game, it is possible to continuously instruct the player of the information “winning with the two effect symbols”. In addition, characters “normal bonus” are displayed in the lower area of the display screen, and images related to festivals such as fan fans and drums are displayed around the screen.

[6 rounds]
44B: In the case of winning with “6 round probability variation 1” or “6 round probability variation 2”, the fireworks rush challenge effect is executed in the sixth round. If this challenge production is successful, you will enter the fireworks rush, which is a state of high probability reduction. Specifically, an effect is produced in which a female character utters a line such as “Aim for V Attacker”. Thereby, the game nature of aiming at the second variable winning device 31 can be transmitted to the player. In addition, in the sixth round when winning with “6 round probability variation 1” or “6 round probability variation 2”, the second variable winning device 31 will be released long, so the profits from the game will be the same as the previous rounds. Is obtained. Further, in the sixth round when “6 round probability variation symbol 1” or “6 round probability variation symbol 2” is selected, the probability variation region solenoid 99 operates so as to open the probability variation region for a long time. When a game ball enters, the game ball is guided by the probability variation region blade member 31d and passes through the probability variation region.

  In FIG. 44 (C): When the player continues to make a right strike and the game ball enters the second variable winning device 31 and passes through the probability variation area, a V mark is displayed on the upper right of the display screen. Blessing production is performed.

[At the end of a major role]
In FIG. 44 (D): At the timing when the big hit game is ended, the big end ending effect of the contents teaching the internal state to be transferred thereafter is executed. In the example shown in the figure, character information “Fireworks rush rush!” Is displayed on the screen. By executing such a big game end effect, the player can be instructed to shift to the fireworks rush in the “high probability time shortened state” as a privilege after the big hit game ends.

[Director-in-chief production (special bonus production)]
FIG. 45 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of the big-game effect performed during the big hit game when the “16-round probability variation symbol” is met.

[1 round]
In FIG. 45 (A): When the first round of the big hit game is started, the big role effect of the content corresponding to the progress status of the game is being executed. In the role-playing effect, for example, character information corresponding to the number of rounds “ROUND1” is displayed on the screen. In addition, an effect symbol corresponding to the current winning symbol (here, seven effect symbols) is displayed at the lower right corner position of the screen. Thus, by continuously displaying the winning symbol (so-called “remaining eye”) even during the big hit game, it is possible to continuously instruct the player of the information “winning with the seven effect symbols”. In addition, a character “special bonus” is displayed in the lower area of the display screen, and an image of a female character performing a peace sign across a horse is displayed around the screen.

[6 rounds]
In FIG. 45 (B): In the case of winning with “16th round probability variation symbol”, the fireworks rush challenge effect is executed in the sixth round. If this challenge production is successful, you will enter the fireworks rush, which is a state of high probability reduction. Specifically, an effect is produced in which the hermit character utters a dialogue such as “Aim for V Attacker!”. Thereby, the game nature of aiming at the second variable winning device 31 can be transmitted to the player. In addition, in the sixth round when winning with the “16-round probability variation symbol”, the second variable winning device 31 is released long, so that the profit from the game can be obtained as in the previous rounds. Further, in the sixth round when the 16-round probability variation symbol is won, the probability variation region solenoid 99 operates so as to open the probability variation region long, so that when the game ball enters the second variable winning device 31, It is guided by the probability variation region blade member 31d and passes through the probability variation region.

  In FIG. 45 (C): When the player continues to make a right strike and the game ball enters the second variable winning device 31 and passes through the probability variation area, a V mark is placed beside the jumped female character. The displayed blessing effect is executed.

[16 rounds]
In FIG. 45 (D): After that, when the big hit game has proceeded smoothly and the final 16 rounds are reached, the character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND16” is displayed on the screen, and the big hit game is being played. A unique effect image is displayed. In addition, an effect symbol (7 effect symbols) as a “left eye” is continuously displayed at the lower right corner position of the screen.

[At the end of a major role]
In FIG. 45 (E): At the timing when the big hit game is finished, the big end effect of the content teaching the internal state to be transferred thereafter is executed. In the example shown in the figure, character information “Fireworks rush rush!” Is displayed on the screen. By executing such a big game end effect, the player can be instructed to shift to the fireworks rush in the “high probability time shortened state” as a privilege after the big hit game ends.

[Example of coast mode production]
FIG. 46 is a continuous diagram showing an example of the coast mode effect. This coast mode is a jackpot game when the game ball does not pass through the probability variation area after the jackpot game when it corresponds to the “12 round normal symbol” or during the jackpot game that corresponds to any probability variation symbol This mode is shifted to after the end of. The coast mode is a “low probability time reduction state”. Hereinafter, the flow of production will be described in order.

  In FIG. 46 (A): For example, after the big hit game in “12 round normal symbol” is finished, the first variation display is performed, so that the variation display of the effect symbol is performed in the “coast mode” state. Yes. The background image of the coast mode is a background image with motifs of images such as “sand beach”, “sea”, and “mountain” in order to express the healing impression that is the concept of the coast mode. Further, the fourth symbol Z2 is variably displayed at the upper right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42.

  In FIG. 46 (B): Since the current change (during non-winning) has ended, all the effect symbols are stopped and displayed ("1"-"1"-"5"). Further, the fourth symbol Z2 is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner (for example, white display color).

  (C) in FIG. 46: The next fluctuation is started. This coast mode ends when the special symbol changes 100 times without obtaining a winning result. When the coast mode ends, the mode shifts to the normal mode with a low probability non-time reduction state. If a winning result is obtained in the coast mode, a reach effect is executed and a big hit is achieved.

  Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described. The above-described variable display effect, reach effect, notice effect, memorized display effect, and big role effect are all controlled through control processing executed in the effect control device 124.

[Control processing in production control device]
The effect control device 124 executes the program stored in the control ROM 180 as described above, whereby the liquid crystal display 42, the lamps 46 to 53, the speakers 54, 55, and 56 (hereinafter simply referred to as “speakers”). And control the production using a playback device such as a motor. The flow of this production control can be broadly divided into two stages of “overall control (reproduction instruction)” and “individual control (reproduction control)”.

  For example, the effect control CPU 126 first receives an effect command (hereinafter referred to as “effect command”) transmitted from the main control device 70, and performs an effect corresponding to the content of the effect command for each playback device. Instructing playback indirectly (overall control). Next, the effect control CPU 126 generates instruction data in which the instruction content is converted into a more specific expression suitable for each playback device, and relays between the effect control CPU 126 and each playback device (hereinafter “relay”). (Referred to as “device”) (individual control).

  Here, the relay device is specifically a VDP 152 that relays between the effect control CPU 126 and the liquid crystal display 42, an audio IC 134 that relays between the effect control CPU 126 and the speakers 54, 55, 56, and effect control. It refers to an LED driver that relays between the CPU 126 and the lamps 46 to 53, an SMC (serial control controller) that relays between the effect control CPU 126 and various motors, and the like. Each relay device controls each playback device based on the instruction data transmitted from the effect control CPU 126, so that each device in the pachinko machine 1 can perform effect playback (screen display, audio output, lamp emission, movable body displacement, etc.) ) Is realized.

  In this way, the effect control CPU 126 uses different resources depending on the stage of effect control (overall control, individual control) and exhibits different functions. Therefore, for convenience of explanation, in the following explanation, the operation subject when the effect control CPU 126 functions at the stage of overall control (reproduction instruction) is expressed as “effect control unit 126”, and the effect control CPU 126 is individually An operation subject in the case of functioning at the control (reproduction control) stage is expressed as a “reproduction control unit 126”.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect control process executed by the effect control unit 126. This effect control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The effect control unit 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, several tens μs to several ms cycle) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

  The effect control process includes command reception process (step S400), working memory effect management process (step S401), effect symbol management process (step S402), display output process (step S404), lamp driving process (step S406), and sound output. This includes a subroutine group of processing (step S408), effect random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

  Step S400: In the command reception process, the effect control unit 126 receives an effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. The effect control unit 126 analyzes the received effect commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 according to type. The effect commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a special figure destination determination effect command, a (special symbol) effect command when the operating memory number increases, a (special symbol) effect command when the operating memory number decreases, and a start opening prize sound. Control command, demonstration effect command, lottery result command, variation pattern command, variation start command, stop symbol command, symbol stop command, state designation command, number of rounds command, error notification command, jackpot end effect command, turn-off counter value command , Variation pattern destination determination command, stop display time end command, probability variation area passing command, prize ball content command, and the like.

  Step S401: In the action memory effect management process, the effect control unit 126 controls the execution of the memory display effect and the pre-reading notice effect using the markers M1 and M2. The contents of the working memory effect management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control unit 126 controls the contents of the variable display effect and the stop display effect using the effect symbol, or when the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 is opened or closed. Control the production content. In this process, the effect control unit 126 selects effect patterns of various notice effects (notice effect before reach occurrence, notice effect after reach occurrence, etc.). The contents of the effect symbol management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S404: In the display output process, the production control unit 126 first gives the reproduction control unit 126 the content of the production (for example, the number of working memories of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, working memory production pattern number, pre-reading notice). A control table for designating an effect pattern number, a change effect pattern number, a change notice effect number, a background pattern number, etc.) is set. In response to this, the reproduction control unit 126 gives a specific drawing instruction to the VDP 152 based on the contents of the set control table, and controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42.

  Step S406: In the lamp driving process, the effect control unit 126 first sets a control table for instructing the reproduction control unit 126 on the contents of the effect. In response to this, the reproduction control unit 126 relays the LED driver based on the contents of the set control table, outputs a specific drive signal to the driver IC 132, and drives the lamps 46 to 53 (turns on or off, Blinking, brightness gradation change, etc.).

  Step S408: In the next audio output process, the effect control unit 126 first instructs the reproduction control unit 126 on the effect contents (for example, the effect pattern number). In response to this, the playback control unit 126 specifically designates the output contents (music number, volume, etc. for each track) to the audio IC 134 based on the instruction, and sounds (sound effects, BGM, etc.) according to the production contents. ) Is output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56. The contents of the audio output process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S410: In the effect random number update process, the effect control unit 126 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The effect random number includes, for example, a random number used for selecting a notice and a random number used for a normal background change lottery.

  Step S412: In other processing, for example, the effect control unit 126 first sets a control table for instructing the reproduction control unit 126 on the contents of the effect. In response to this, the reproduction control unit 126 instructs the SMC on specific control contents based on the contents of the set control table. Further, the SMC creates an operation pattern of the movable body 40f based on an instruction from the reproduction control unit 126, and outputs a control signal corresponding to the operation pattern to the driver IC 132 to drive the movable body 40f. The movable body 40f operates using the movable body motor 57 as a drive source, and produces an effect in synchronism with the display of an image by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently.

  Through the above-described effect control process, the effect control unit 126 can comprehensively control the effect contents in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the contents of the action memory effect management process executed in the effect control process will be described.

[Working memory production management process]
FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the working memory effect management process. Hereinafter, the contents will be described along a procedure example.

  Step S700: First, the effect control unit 126 confirms whether or not an effect command for increasing the number of working memories has been received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control unit 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the effect command at the time when the number of working memories increases is stored. When it is confirmed that the production command at the time of increasing the number of working memories is stored (step S700: Yes), the production control unit 126 executes step S702. If it is not possible to confirm that the effect command at the time of increasing the number of operating memories is stored (step S700: No), the effect control unit 126 does not execute step S702.

  Step S702: The effect control unit 126 executes an effect selection process when the number of working memories increases. In this process, the effect control unit 126 selects an effect for displaying the markers M1 and M2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  Step S704: The effect control unit 126 confirms whether or not the effect command at the time when the number of working memories decreases is received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control unit 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the effect command when the number of working memories is reduced is stored. When it is confirmed that the production command when the number of working memories decreases is saved (step S704: Yes), the production control unit 126 executes step S706. If it is not possible to confirm that the effect command at the time when the number of working memories decreases is stored (step S704: No), the effect control unit 126 does not execute step S706.

Step S706: The effect control unit 126 executes an effect selection process when the number of working memories decreases. In this process, the effect control unit 126 changes the marker corresponding to the lottery element consumed by the internal lottery and the effect of sliding the markers M1, M2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol from the pre-change display area X1. An effect to be moved to the middle display area X2 is selected. The storage marker moved to the changing display area X2 selects an effect to be deleted when the change ends.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 47).

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the effect symbol management process. The effect symbol management process includes an execution selection process (step S500), an effect symbol change pre-process (step S502), an effect symbol change process (step S504), an effect symbol stop display process (step S506), and a variable winning device operation. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described along each process.

  Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control unit 126 selects a jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control unit 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the “jump table” as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the situation has not yet started the variation display effect, the effect control unit 126 selects the effect symbol variation pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the pre-change process of the effect symbol has already been completed, the effect control unit 126 selects the process during effect symbol change (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the process until the effect symbol change is completed, As the next jump destination, the effect symbol stop display processing (step S506) is selected. The variable winning device operating process (step S508) is performed when the big winning variable variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 15) is selected by the main control CPU 72 or the small winning variable variable winning device management process (FIG. 15). When the middle step S6000) is selected, it is selected as a jump destination. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

  Step S502: In the effect symbol variation pre-processing, the effect control unit 126 performs an operation of preparing conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect symbol. In this process, the production control unit 126 selects the content of the reach production according to various conditions (the lottery result, the winning type, the variation pattern, etc.), or the production pattern for the notice production (other than the pre-reading notice production pattern). Select a pre-reach notice pattern, a reach notice pattern, etc.). In addition, the production control unit 126 also performs demonstration production control when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S504: In the effect symbol variation processing, the effect control unit 126 generates control information instructing the reproduction control unit 126 as necessary. For example, when performing an effect using the effect switching button 45 while performing a variable display effect using an effect design, the effect control unit 126 monitors whether or not the player has operated the effect button, and according to the result. The control information of the production content (button production) is instructed to the reproduction control unit 126.

  Step S506: In the effect symbol stop display processing, the effect control unit 126 controls the contents of the stop display effect using the effect symbols and moving images in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control unit 126 instructs the reproduction control unit 126 to end the variable display effect and execute the stop display effect. Receiving this, the reproduction control unit 126 ends the variable display effect that has been actually executed within the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the stop display effect. Thereby, the stop display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the special symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be effectively taught (disclosure, notification, notification, etc.) to the player (design effect execution). means). In addition, at the time of a small hit, the stop display effect can be executed in a manner similar to or close to the loss.

  Step S508: In the variable winning device operation process, the effect control unit 126 controls the contents of the effect during the small hit or the big hit (special game effect executing means). In this process, the effect control unit 126 selects the contents of the prominent effect according to various conditions (for example, the winning type). For example, in the case of 16 round big hits, the effect control unit 126 selects a 16-round big effect pattern as the effect contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 and instructs the reproduction control unit 126 to select this. As a result, the image of the prominent effect is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the effect contents change as the round progresses.

[Preliminary design change processing]
FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the effect symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S600: The effect control unit 126 confirms whether or not a demonstration effect command is received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control unit 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the demonstration effect command is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the demonstration effect command is stored (Yes), the effect control unit 126 executes step S602.

  Step S602: The effect control unit 126 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the effect control unit 126 selects a demo effect pattern. The demonstration effect pattern defines the contents of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 126 returns to the last address of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control unit 126 returns to the effect control process as it is, and in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 47) and lamp driving process (step S406 in FIG. 47), the contents of the demonstration effect are displayed based on the demo effect pattern. Control.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S600 that the demonstration effect command is not saved (No), the effect control unit 126 next executes step S604.

  Step S604: The effect control unit 126 confirms whether or not the current variation is out of place (non-winning). Specifically, the effect control unit 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not a lottery result command at the time of non-winning is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is stored (Yes), the effect control unit 126 executes step S612. Conversely, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is not saved (No), the effect control unit 126 executes step S606. Note that whether or not the current variation is off can be confirmed based on a variation pattern command or a stop symbol command in addition to the lottery result command. In other words, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to the outlier normal variation or outlier reach variation, it can be determined that the current variation is outlier. Alternatively, if the current stop symbol command specifies a non-winning symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is out of sync.

  Step S606: If the lottery result command is other than non-winning (out of step) (step S604: No), the effect control unit 126 confirms whether or not the current fluctuation is a big hit. Specifically, the effect control unit 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the lottery result command at the time of the big hit is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of big hit is stored (Yes), the effect control unit 126 executes step S610. On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of big hit is not stored (No), since only the lottery result command at the time of small hit is left, in this case, the effect control unit 126 executes step S608. . Whether or not the current variation is a big hit can also be confirmed based on a variation pattern command or a stop symbol command. That is, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to the big hit variation, it can be determined that the current variation is a big hit. If the current stop symbol command corresponds to the jackpot symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is a jackpot.

  Step S608: The effect control unit 126 executes a small hit hour variation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control unit 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, “C0H00H” to “D0H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. The effect pattern number is prepared in advance corresponding to the variation pattern command, and the effect control unit 126 refers to an effect pattern selection table (not shown) and selects the effect pattern number corresponding to the change pattern command at that time. Can do. The production pattern numbers may be prepared in pairs with the variation pattern commands, or a plurality of production pattern numbers may be prepared for one variation pattern command.

  When an effect pattern number is selected, the effect control unit 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and an effect symbol change schedule (change time, reach type and reach occurrence timing) corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time, The mode of the stop display is determined. Note that the types of effect symbols determined here correspond to the “combination of symbols at the time of a small hit”.

  The above procedure corresponds to the case of “small hit”, but when it corresponds to the big hit, the effect control unit 126 confirms that it is “big hit” in step S606 (Yes). In this case, the effect control unit 126 executes step S610.

  Step S610: The effect control unit 126 executes a big hit hour variation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control unit 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, “E0H00H” to “F0H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. In the big hit time effect pattern selection processing, the processing may be further branched for each big hit time stop symbol.

  In the case of non-winning, the following procedure is executed. That is, when the effect control unit 126 confirms that there is a shift in step S604 (Yes), next, step S612 is executed.

  Step S612: The effect control unit 126 executes a variation effect pattern selection process at the time of deviation. In this process, the effect control unit 126 determines the effect pattern number at the time of deviation based on the variation pattern commands (for example, “A0H00H” to “A6H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. The effect pattern numbers at the time of losing are classified into “ordinary deviation fluctuation”, “short-time deviation fluctuation”, “outlier reach fluctuation”, and the like, and a fine reach fluctuation pattern is defined in “outlier reach fluctuation”. It should be noted that which effect pattern number is selected by the effect control unit 126 is determined by the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control CPU 72.

  When the effect pattern number at the time of losing is selected, the effect control unit 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the effect symbol change schedule corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time (change time, presence / absence of reach, reach occurrence) In this case, reach type and reach occurrence timing) and a stop display mode (for example, “7”-“2”-“4”, etc.) are determined.

  When any one of the above steps S608, S610, and S612 is executed, the effect control unit 126 next executes step S614.

  Step S614: The effect control unit 126 executes a notice selection process (notice effect executing means). In this process, the effect control unit 126 selects the content of the notice effect to be executed during the current variable display effect by lottery. The content of the notice effect is determined based on, for example, the result of internal lottery (winning or non-winning) and the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time reduction state). The notice effect is for notifying the player of the possibility that a reach state will occur during the variable display effect, or for notifying that there is a possibility that it will eventually be a big hit. Therefore, the selection ratio of the notice effect is set to be low at the time of non-winning, but the selection ratio of the notice effect is set to be relatively high to increase the player's expectation at the time of winning.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (tail address). As a result, in the subsequent effect symbol variation processing (step S504 in FIG. 49), the variation display effect and the stop display effect are executed based on the actually selected variation effect pattern (effect execution means), and various A notice effect is executed based on the notice effect pattern.

[Processing when the variable winning device is activated]
FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of processing when the variable prize apparatus is activated. The variable winning device operation process is a subroutine of execution selection processing (step S902), variable winning device operation pre-processing (step S904), variable winning device operation in-process (step S906), and variable winning device operation post-processing (step S908). This is a configuration including a (program module) group. Here, first, the basic flow of the variable winning device operating process will be described along each process.

  Step S902: In the execution selection process, the effect control unit 126 selects a jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S904 to S908) from the “jump table”. For example, the effect control unit 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the variable winning device operating process in the stack pointer as the return destination address.

  Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the situation has not yet started the variable winning device operation pre-processing, the effect control unit 126 selects the variable winning device operation pre-processing (step S904) as the next jump destination. Also, if the variable winning device operating pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control unit 126 selects the variable winning device operating process (step S906) as the next jump destination. Further, if the variable winning device operating process has been completed, the effect control unit 126 selects the variable winning device operating post-process (step S908) as the next jump destination.

  Step S904: In the variable winning device pre-operation process, the effect control unit 126 executes a process of selecting the content of the effect to be executed during the big hit game or the small hit game. For example, in the case of winning with “12 round normal symbol”, a process of selecting an effect in which the ally character is defeated by the enemy character is executed. Further, in the case of winning with “12 round probability variation symbols 1 and 2”, a process of selecting an effect in which the teammate character wins the enemy character is executed. Further, in the case of winning with “6 round probability variation symbols 1 and 2”, a process of selecting a normal bonus effect is executed. Furthermore, in the case of winning with “16-round probability variation symbol”, processing for selecting a special bonus effect is executed.

  Step S906: In the variable winning device operating process, the effect control unit 126 generates control information instructing the reproduction control unit 126 as necessary. For example, when performing an effect using the effect switching button 45 during execution of the jackpot effect, the effect control unit 126 monitors whether or not the player has operated the effect button, and the contents of the effect (button effect) according to the result. Control information is instructed to the reproduction control unit 126. Further, in this variable winning device operating process, when a probability variation area passing command is received during the big hit game, an effect indicating that a V winning has occurred (an effect shown in (J) in FIG. 41) is selected. While executing the process, if the probability variation area passing command is not received during the big hit game, the process of selecting the effect (the effect shown in (N) in FIG. 42) indicating that no V winning has occurred. Execute.

Step S908: In the variable winning device post-operation processing, the effect control unit 126 executes an effect of transmitting the transition destination mode to the player during the end time of the variable winning device. For example, the effect control unit 126 performs a coast mode rush effect or a fireworks rush rush effect depending on whether or not the winning symbol or the probability variation area passes. Specifically, when a probability variation area passing command is received during the big hit game, a process of selecting an effect (effect shown in (K) in FIG. 41) indicating that the fireworks rush is entered is executed. When the probability variation area passing command is not received during the game, processing for selecting an effect (effect shown in FIG. 40 (G), etc.) indicating the entry into the coast mode is executed.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (FIG. 49).

[Audio output processing]
FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the audio output process. The audio output process is a process for controlling the audio (more specifically, the content specified for the audio IC 134) that the reproduction control unit 126 reproduces based on an instruction from the effect control unit 126. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S1100: The reproduction control unit 126 executes an audio control data analysis process. In this process, the reproduction control unit 126 reads out the audio control data corresponding to the instruction from the effect control unit 126 from the control ROM 180, expands the audio control data in the audio control buffer in the RAM 130, or stores the audio control data in the audio control buffer. Update the department. The outline of the voice control buffer and the specific contents of the voice control data analysis process will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S1102: The reproduction control unit 126 executes a volume adjustment process (volume adjustment means). In this process, the reproduction control unit 126 adjusts the volume of each track by multiplying the volume adjustment data developed in a plurality of volume adjustment buffers that form part of the audio control buffer.

  Step S1104: The reproduction control unit 126 performs other adjustment processing. In this process, the playback control unit 126 adjusts settings other than the volume of each track based on the data developed in other areas of the audio control buffer excluding the volume adjustment buffer. The reproduction control unit 126 adjusts, for example, a sound reproduction method (loop reproduction, one-time reproduction, etc.), a reproduction position (address in music data), and the like.

  Step S1106: The playback control unit 126 executes track update processing to update the track information of the audio IC 134. More specifically, the playback control unit 126 performs playback at that time based on the contents of the audio control buffer expanded in step S1100 and the contents of the volume adjustment buffer adjusted in steps S1102 and S1104. For each track in the audio IC 134, the music number, volume, etc. of the individual audio data constituting the audio to be specified are designated. As a result, audio composed of the individual audio data is output from the speaker.

  Here, the track is a data area (track buffer) used when designating individual audio data constituting a plurality of sounds output simultaneously from the speaker, and is provided in the RAM 135 built in the audio IC 134. It has been. For example, when a sound composed of eight kinds of sound data is output from a speaker, the sound data is designated for each of the eight tracks.

[Internal structure of production control device]
FIG. 53 is a block diagram showing only the configuration related to audio output control out of the functional configuration inside the effect control device 124.

  As described above, the production control device 124 receives the production command transmitted from the main control device 70 as the game progresses, and controls the production based on the contents of the production command, the operation status of the operation means, and the like. Programs and control data relating to the control of effects are stored in the control ROM 180 (control information storage means). The effect control CPU 126 controls the effect by accessing the control ROM 180 via a CPU bus (not shown) and executing a program stored in the control ROM 180.

  The effect control CPU 126 includes a RAM 130. The RAM 130 is a temporary area used for production control. In the audio output control, in the process of preparing in advance for updating information of each track in the audio IC 134 (designating information related to audio data) in a timely manner. Various audio control buffers are developed based on the audio control data stored in the control ROM 180. The audio control buffer includes, for example, a music designating buffer for managing the music number of each track, a volume adjusting buffer used for adjusting the volume of each track, and the like.

  Further, there are a plurality of types of volume adjusting buffers, and each buffer is developed for each application. For example, in the first volume adjustment buffer, volume adjustment data between tracks is managed, and in the second volume adjustment buffer, priority is given to normal effects as in the case where a system error occurs. Volume adjustment data is managed. The effect control CPU 126 adjusts the volume of each track by multiplying the volume adjustment data developed in one or a plurality of volume adjustment buffers according to the situation at that time. The outline of the volume adjustment performed between the tracks and the specific processing contents will be described later in detail with reference to another drawing.

  The sound IC 134 is a sound generator that generates sound output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56 (sound output control means). The audio IC 134 has a RAM 135 built therein. The RAM 135 is a temporary area used for audio output control, and is used for designating a song number or volume related to audio data for each track, superimposing audio data designated for each track, or the like. It is done. In the present embodiment, 40 tracks are prepared in the RAM 135, and the audio IC 134 can output audio synthesized by superimposing up to 40 types of audio data to the speaker.

  The audio IC 134 is connected to a CGROM (image / audio ROM) 190, an external DRAM, and the like via a CG bus (not shown). The CGROM 190 stores an enormous number of audio data (BGM, sound effects, lines, etc.) compressed by a predetermined compression algorithm. When the information on each track is updated, the audio IC 134 first reads the music data designated for each track from the CGROM 190. Since the music data is compressed at this time, the audio IC 134 next decompresses the read music data by applying it to the audio decoder 140. Then, the audio IC 134 superimposes and synthesizes the music data, and outputs the synthesized audio to the speakers 54, 55, and 56 via the output driver 141. In addition, the audio IC 134 adjusts the output volume of the speakers 54, 55, and 56 in accordance with an operation performed on the volume adjustment switch. In addition to the speakers 54, 55, and 56, speakers may be connected to the audio IC 134 (the number of speakers connected is not limited to this).

[Number of buffers required for volume adjustment between tracks]
FIG. 54 is a diagram illustrating an example of data instructing volume adjustment between tracks.

  In the production process, various audio data that make up sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and dialogue are output from each speaker in a superimposed state. It needs to stand out from the voice. For example, consider a case in which a dialogue sound “Chance!” Is output by a character in response to a notice effect that is interrupted and executed during the change display of the effect symbol. In this case, in order to ensure that the line sound is delivered to the player's ear, it is necessary to make the line sound easy to hear by a method such as outputting a large line sound and simultaneously making other sounds smaller than the previous time. It is necessary to adjust the volume. In this case, in order to prioritize the dialogue sound and lower the other volume, the track to which the dialogue sound is specified becomes the volume adjustment source, and each track to which the other sound is specified becomes the volume adjustment destination. . This is an example of volume adjustment focused on one track until it gets tired, and in the same way, other tracks can also be sources of volume adjustment, so the data for instructing volume adjustment between tracks is used for volume adjustment. When expanding to a buffer, a certain number of buffers must be secured.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 54, track 1 is the source of volume adjustment, and “changes the volume of track 2 to 50%”, “changes the volume of track 3 to 70%”, “changes the volume of track 4”. When instructing "change to 30%", "change volume of track 5 to 60%", "change volume of track 37 to 40%", "change volume of track 38 to 10%" In the field, six pieces of volume adjustment data having the track 1 as an operation source are written.

  Also, the track 2 is the source of volume adjustment, and instructs “change the volume of the track 3 to 60%”, “change the volume of the track 4 to 80%”, and “change the volume of the track 5 to 90%”. In this case, three pieces of volume adjustment data whose operation source is the track 2 are written in the volume adjustment buffer.

  Also, track 3 is the source of volume adjustment, “change the volume of track 4 to 10%”, “change the volume of track 5 to 30%”, “change the volume of track 37 to 50%”, “track In the case of instructing “change the volume of 38 to 20%” and “change the volume of track 39 to 40%”, five volume adjustment data based on the track 3 are written in the volume adjustment buffer.

  In addition, when the track 37 is the source of volume adjustment, and instructing “change the volume of the track 2 to 30%”, one volume adjustment data with the track 37 as the source of operation is written in the volume adjustment buffer. .

  Further, when the track 39 is the source of volume adjustment, and instructing “change the volume of the track 4 to 50%” and “change the volume of the track 5 to 60%”, the track 39 is stored in the volume adjustment buffer. Two pieces of volume adjustment data as an action source are written.

  Then, when the track 40 is the source of volume adjustment, and instructing “change the volume of the track 3 to 40%”, one volume adjustment data with the track 40 as the source of operation is written in the volume adjustment buffer. .

  Note that volume adjustment data for instructing volume adjustment between tracks at a specific time point is stored in the control ROM 180 as part of the audio control data. In the production process, the reproduction control unit 126 (production control CPU 126) once expands each read volume adjustment data in the volume adjustment buffer, and then multiplies the volume adjustment data with each track as the operation destination. Adjust the volume of each track. As a result, the sound designated for each track is superimposed and output from each speaker at an appropriate volume.

FIG. 55 is a diagram showing the number of buffers required for volume adjustment between tracks.
Assuming that all tracks act as the source of operation and volume adjustment is instructed to all other tracks except for one's own track, the total number of volume adjustment data to be written to the volume adjustment buffer (for that reason The number of buffers required) is the product of the total number of tracks “40” and the number of all other tracks “40-1” excluding its own track, that is, “1560”. In the actual control, the volume control in two directions (for example, the volume adjustment that mutually competes such that the track 1 adjusts the volume of the track 1 at the same time that the track 1 adjusts the volume of the track 2). Although not performed, since it is theoretically possible, the number including that case is shown here.

  In this way, assuming the worst case, when the number of tracks is 40, it is calculated that “1560” buffers must be secured in advance for volume adjustment performed between the tracks. However, it is difficult to realistically think that such various volume adjustments are made at the same time. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 54, the number of volume adjustment data written in the volume adjustment buffer (the number of used buffers) is affected by tracks 1, 2, 3, 37, 39, and 40, respectively. The sum (6 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 2 + 1) of the number of original volume adjustment data, that is, “18”. As a result of analysis based on various actual performances, it was found that if “300” buffers are secured in advance, it is possible to sufficiently control the volume adjustment between tracks.

  Nevertheless, if the number of buffers adapted to the worst case is secured, many unused buffers are generated. Since the area of the RAM 130 is limited and is also used in the control of effects other than sound, it is desirable that the RAM 130 be used effectively without waste.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, 300 buffers are secured for volume adjustment that can be practically performed between tracks, and volume adjustment between tracks can be realized within the range of the number of buffers. The volume adjustment buffer is devised in terms of usage.

[Usage of volume adjustment buffer]
FIG. 56 is a schematic diagram showing how the volume adjusting buffer is used in the present embodiment.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the number of buffers (300) to be reserved for volume adjustment between tracks is greatly compressed compared to the number (1560) assumed in the worst case. ing. Therefore, for example, the volume adjustment data between specific tracks is fixed, such as writing the volume adjustment data with the track 1 as the operation source and the track 2 as the operation source into the buffer at the head of the volume adjustment buffer. It is impossible to write to a buffer (in a specific position), and an empty buffer in an unspecified position in the volume adjustment buffer must be searched and used each time.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a head index indicating the position of the buffer written most forward in the volume adjustment buffer among the volume adjustment data having each track as an operation source is attached to the volume adjustment buffer. It is managed. In addition, when the playback control unit 126 refers to the volume adjustment buffer and continuously processes the volume adjustment data based on a specific track, where is the position of the buffer where the volume adjustment data is written next? In addition to the volume adjustment data, each buffer stores link destination information (an index indicating the position of the buffer where volume adjustment data based on the same track is written next) is stored in each buffer so that it can be identified. ing. By managing and using the volume adjustment buffer in this way, the playback control unit 126 adjusts the volume using the specific track as the source of action based on the head index and the link destination information after the volume adjustment buffer is expanded. You can follow the buffer where data is written one after another.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 54 and FIG. 55 described above, six volume adjustment data with the track 1 as the operating source are written when the volume adjustment buffer is expanded. At this time, the first volume adjustment data is written. Is managed as the head index of the track 1 buffer.

  Therefore, when updating the volume adjustment data whose operation source is track 1 after the expansion of the volume adjustment buffer, the reproduction control unit 126 uses the head index as a clue, and first refers to the buffer at the position of the head index. The buffer at that position stores the position of the buffer in which the second volume adjustment data is written as link destination information together with the first volume adjustment data. Therefore, the playback control unit 126 refers to the buffer in which the second volume adjustment data is written next based on the link destination information. In this way, if the buffer in which the volume adjustment data having the track 1 as the operation source is written is traced one after another, and the buffer in which the sixth volume adjustment data is written is referred to, the link destination is shown here. As information, a value corresponding to “End” indicating that the target data does not exist is stored. As a result, the reproduction control unit 126 determines that there is no volume adjustment data with the track 1 as the source of action at the subsequent positions, and ends the processing for the track 1.

  As described above, the reproduction control unit 126 can refer to the buffer at a specific position in the volume adjustment buffer based on the head index of each track buffer. Based on the link destination information stored in the referenced buffer, it is possible to follow the buffer in which the volume adjustment data having the same track as the operation source is written one after another. Further, the reproduction control unit 126 determines that there is no more volume adjustment data with the track as an action source based on the fact that the link destination information stored in the referenced buffer is a value corresponding to “End”. Judgment can be made. A specific usage example of the volume adjustment buffer will be described in detail later with reference to another drawing.

[Voice control data analysis processing]
FIG. 57 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the voice control data analysis processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S1300: The reproduction control unit 126 executes a voice control data reading process. In this process, the reproduction control unit 126 reads out audio control data corresponding to the instruction from the effect control unit 126 from the control ROM 180.

  Step S1302: The playback control unit 126 checks whether it is time to create a scene. Here, a scene is a scene that is organized under one theme that lasts for a certain amount of time (for example, several tens of seconds). For example, while the same BGM is flowing while the scene is in progress, Other sounds such as sound effects and character voices are added as needed depending on the situation. When the scene is switched, the output audio changes drastically, and accordingly, the track information of the audio IC 134 is updated as a whole. Therefore, the audio control buffer is greatly rewritten at the timing of creating a scene. On the other hand, if it is not time to create a scene (if it is time to change a part of the scene), rewriting the volume control buffer only rewrites audio that has been partially added or deleted. Become.

  The reproduction control unit 126 can confirm whether it is the timing for creating a scene from the contents of the audio control data read in the previous step S1300. When it is time to create a scene (step S1302: Yes), the playback control unit 126 executes step S1304. On the other hand, when it is not time to create a scene (step S1302: No), that is, when it is time to change a part of the scene, the playback control unit 126 executes step S1308.

  Step S1304: The reproduction control unit 126 executes an audio control buffer clear process. In this process, the playback control unit 126 clears unnecessary data in the audio control buffer in preparation for scene creation.

  Step S1306: The playback control unit 126 executes an audio control buffer expansion process. In this process, the reproduction control unit 126 expands the audio control data read in step S1300 in the audio control buffer. The specific contents of the voice control buffer expansion process will be described later in detail with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S1308: The reproduction control unit 126 executes an audio control buffer update process. In this process, the reproduction control unit 126 updates the audio control buffer based on the audio control data read in step S1300. The specific contents of the voice control buffer update process will be described later in detail with reference to another flowchart.

  When the above procedure is completed, the playback control unit 126 returns to the caller's voice output process (FIG. 52).

[Audio control buffer expansion processing]
FIG. 58 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the voice control buffer expansion processing.
The voice control buffer expansion process is a process for re-expanding a voice control buffer composed of various buffers (for example, a volume adjustment buffer, a music specification buffer, etc.) used for voice output control. It is called when it corresponds to the timing of creating a scene in the process (step S1306 in FIG. 57). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S1400: The reproduction control unit 126 executes a volume adjustment buffer reset process. In this process, the playback control unit 126 resets the volume adjustment buffer to the initial state in preparation for scene creation. The specific contents of the volume adjustment buffer reset processing will be described later in detail with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S1402: The reproduction control unit 126 confirms whether or not there is an unprocessed track, that is, whether or not there is an unprocessed track among the audio control data read from the control ROM 180. When there is an unprocessed track (step S1402: Yes), the reproduction control unit 126 executes step S1404. On the other hand, when there is no unprocessed track (step S1402: No), that is, when the audio control data for all the tracks has been processed, the reproduction control unit 126 performs the audio control data analysis process of the caller (FIG. 57). Return to).

  Step S1404: The reproduction control unit 126 refers to the audio control data for one unprocessed track, and acquires the track number. The audio control data for one track includes a music number associated with the audio data designated for the track, volume adjustment data based on the track, and the like.

  Step S1406: The playback control unit 126 stores the song number associated with the audio data designated for the track in the song designation buffer corresponding to the track number acquired in the previous step S1404.

  Step S1408: The reproduction control unit 126 executes a volume adjustment buffer development process. In this process, the reproduction control unit 126 expands the volume adjustment data having each track as an action source in the volume adjustment buffer. The specific contents of the volume adjustment buffer expansion processing will be described later in detail with reference to another flowchart.

  In this way, the reproduction control unit 126 repeatedly executes the processes in steps S1402 to S1408 until all the audio control data is processed, and when all the audio control data is processed, Return to processing.

[Volume adjustment buffer reset processing]
FIG. 59 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the volume adjustment buffer reset processing.
The volume adjustment buffer reset process is a process for resetting each buffer in the volume adjustment buffer to an initial state, that is, a state in which no volume adjustment data is written (to make an empty buffer) in preparation for scene creation. Called at the beginning of the control buffer development process (step S1400 in FIG. 58). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S1500: The reproduction control unit 126 executes a head index reset process. In this process, the reproduction control unit 126 resets the head index of each track buffer (track 1 buffer to track 40 buffer) to a value “−1” indicating that the target data does not exist, and also uses an empty buffer. Is reset to a value “1” indicating the head position in the volume adjustment buffer.

  Step S1502: The reproduction control unit 126 stores “1” in the reset position index. Here, the reset position index manages the rearmost position among the buffers that have been reset in the process of sequentially resetting each buffer in the volume adjustment buffer from the beginning toward the end (end). Is.

  Step S1504: The playback control unit 126 checks whether or not the reset position is the end of the volume adjustment buffer, that is, whether or not the reset position index indicates the end position of the volume adjustment buffer. For example, when the number of buffers in the volume adjustment buffer is 300 (buffer 1 to buffer 300), the playback control unit 126 determines whether or not the reset position index matches the value “300” indicating the end position. Confirm.

  As a result of the confirmation, if the reset position is not the end of the volume adjustment buffer (step S1504: No), the playback control unit 126 executes step S1506. On the other hand, when the reset position is the end of the volume adjustment buffer (step S1504: Yes), the reproduction control unit 126 executes step S1510.

  Step S1506: The reproduction control unit 126 stores a value obtained by adding 1 to the current reset position index as link destination information in the reset position buffer (here, the reset position index itself is not updated), and this buffer Clear the volume adjustment data (action destination track information) written in Here, even if the volume adjustment data is not cleared, clearing the volume adjustment data may be omitted because there is no influence on the subsequent processing as long as the link destination information is appropriately updated.

  Step S1508: The reproduction control unit 126 increments (updates by adding 1) the reset position index.

  In this way, the playback control unit 126 resets all buffers from the beginning (buffer 1) to the end (buffer 300) of the volume adjustment buffer until the reset position reaches the end of the volume adjustment buffer. Until the process is completed, the processes in steps S1504 to S1508 are repeated. When the reset position reaches the end of the volume adjustment buffer, step S1510 is finally executed.

  Step S1510: The playback control unit 126 indicates that there is no target data (no link destination) as link destination information for the buffer at the reset position, that is, the end buffer (buffer 300) in the volume adjustment buffer. The value “−1” is stored.

  When the above procedure is completed, the reproduction control unit 126 returns to the caller voice control buffer expansion process (FIG. 58).

[Volume adjustment buffer expansion processing]
FIG. 60 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of volume adjustment buffer development processing.
The volume adjustment buffer expansion process is a process for expanding volume adjustment data based on each track included in the audio control data for creating a certain scene in the volume adjustment buffer (temporary storage means). This is called in the course of the voice control buffer expansion process (step S1408 in FIG. 58). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S1600: The reproduction control unit 126 determines whether there is unprocessed volume adjustment data, that is, among the volume adjustment data based on a specific track included in the audio control data, the reproduction control unit 126 has not yet stored in the volume adjustment buffer. Check if there are any unexpanded items left. When there is unprocessed volume adjustment data (step S1600: Yes), the playback control unit 126 executes step S1602. On the other hand, when there is no unprocessed volume adjustment data (step S1600: No), that is, when all the volume adjustment data having a specific track as the source of operation have been developed in the volume adjustment buffer, the playback control unit 126 Executes step S1612.

  Step S1602: The reproduction control unit 126 acquires the next (unprocessed) volume adjustment data.

  Step S1604: The reproduction control unit 126 confirms whether or not the head index of the target track buffer (the specific track buffer to be processed) is “−1”. For example, when processing volume adjustment data with “track 1” as the operation source, the playback control unit 126 determines whether or not the head index of “track 1 buffer” is “−1”. Confirm. The head index of the target track buffer being “−1” indicates that the volume adjustment data having the track as the source of action is not yet written in the volume adjustment buffer.

  As a result of the confirmation, when the head index of the target track buffer is “−1” (step S1604: Yes), the reproduction control unit 126 executes step S1606. On the other hand, when the head index of the target track buffer is not “−1” (step S1604: No), the reproduction control unit 126 executes step S1608.

  Step S1606: The playback control unit 126 stores the value of the head index of the current empty buffer in the head index of the target track buffer. For example, if volume adjustment data having “track 1” as the operation source is processed and the leading index of the empty buffer at that time is “1”, the value is used as the leading index of “track 1 buffer”. “1” is stored. If the volume adjustment data with “Track 2” as the source of processing is processed and the leading index of the empty buffer at that time is “7”, the value is set as the leading index of the “Track 2 buffer”. “7” is stored.

  Step S1608: The playback control unit 126 stores the destination track information at the head of the empty buffer. Here, the destination track information is information based on the volume adjustment data, and specifically corresponds to the number and volume of the track as the destination, that is, the track whose volume is to be adjusted. For example, when the volume adjustment data has the content “change the volume of track 2 to 50%” (track 1), track number “track 2” and volume “50%” are stored as the destination track information. Is done.

  Step S1610: The playback control unit 126 increments the head index of the empty buffer.

  In this way, the reproduction control unit 126 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S1600 to S1610 until all the volume adjustment data having a specific track as an operation source have been expanded in the volume adjustment buffer. When all the volume adjustment data has been developed in the volume adjustment buffer, step S1612 is finally executed.

  Step S1612: The reproduction control unit 126 has a value “−” indicating that there is no target data (no link destination) as link destination information for the buffer processed immediately before, that is, the buffer that processed the last volume adjustment data. 1 "is stored.

  When the above procedure is completed, the reproduction control unit 126 returns to the caller voice control buffer expansion process (FIG. 58).

[Audio control buffer update processing]
FIG. 61 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the voice control buffer update process.
The audio control buffer update process is a process for updating only a part of the audio control buffer in which the audio control data is expanded, and corresponds to the timing for changing a part of the scene in the process of the audio control data analysis process. Called (step S1308 in FIG. 57). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S1700: The reproduction control unit 126 checks whether or not there is an unprocessed track, that is, whether or not there is a track that has not been processed among the audio control data read from the control ROM 180. When there is an unprocessed track (step S1700: Yes), the reproduction control unit 126 executes step S1702. On the other hand, when there is no unprocessed track (step S1700: No), that is, when the audio control data for all the tracks has been processed, the reproduction control unit 126 performs the audio control data analysis process of the caller (FIG. 57). Return to).

  Step S1702: The playback control unit 126 refers to the audio control data for one unprocessed track, and acquires the track number.

  Step S1704: The reproduction control unit 126 confirms whether or not the audio control data referred to in the previous step S1702 is the content for stopping the audio output of the target track. If the content is to stop the audio output of the target track (step S1704: YES), the playback control unit 126 executes step S1706. On the other hand, if it is not the content to stop the audio output of the target track (step S1704: No), that is, the content to add the target track (start the audio output of the target track), the playback control unit 126 performs the step S1710 is executed.

  Step S1706: The playback control unit 126 clears the music designating buffer corresponding to the track number acquired in step S1702.

  Step S1708: The reproduction control unit 126 executes a volume adjustment buffer partial deletion process. In this process, the playback control unit 126 resets the buffer in which the volume adjustment data whose target is the target track (the specific track to be processed) is written among the already developed volume adjustment buffers. I do. The specific contents of the volume adjustment buffer partial deletion processing will be described later in detail with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S1710: The reproduction control unit 126 stores the song number associated with the audio data designated for the track in the song designation buffer corresponding to the track number acquired in step S1702.

  Step S1712: The reproduction control unit 126 executes a volume adjustment buffer partial addition process. In this process, the playback control unit 126 adds volume adjustment data using the target track (a specific track to be processed) as an action source to the already developed volume adjustment buffer. The specific contents of the volume adjustment buffer partial addition processing will be described later in detail with reference to another flowchart.

  In this way, the reproduction control unit 126 repeatedly executes the processes in steps S1700 to S1712 until all the audio control data has been processed, and when all the audio control data has been processed, Return to processing.

[Volume adjustment buffer part deletion processing]
FIG. 62 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the volume adjustment buffer partial deletion processing.
The volume adjustment buffer partial deletion process resets the volume adjustment buffer that has already been developed and the volume adjustment data written to the track that stops audio output in the middle of the scene to the initial state. In addition, this is a process for updating the head index of the track buffer and the head index of the empty buffer to the latest state (temporary storage means), and is called in the course of the audio control buffer update process (step S1708 in FIG. 61). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S1800: The playback control unit 126 follows the target track buffer based on the head index of the target track buffer and the link destination information of each buffer, and clears the destination track information written in each buffer. At this time, the link destination information written in each buffer is maintained without being cleared.

  Step S1802: The reproduction control unit 126 determines whether or not the head of the target track buffer is ahead of the head of the empty buffer, more specifically, whether or not the head index of the target track buffer is smaller than the head index of the empty buffer. Confirm whether or not. When the head of the target track buffer is ahead of the head of the empty buffer (step S1802: Yes), the reproduction control unit 126 executes step S1804. On the other hand, when the head of the target track buffer is not ahead of the head of the empty buffer (step S1802: No), the reproduction control unit 126 executes step S1808.

  Step S1804: The reproduction control unit 126 updates the end of the target track buffer, that is, the link destination information of the buffer located most rearward among the target track buffers, to the current free buffer start index. For example, when the target track is “track 2”, the buffer located most rearward among the buffers for track 2 is “buffer 9”, and the leading index of the empty buffer at that time is “19” , The link destination information of “buffer 9” is updated to “19”.

  Step S1806: The reproduction control unit 126 updates the leading index of the empty buffer with the leading index of the target track buffer. For example, when the target track is “Track 2” and the head index of the track 2 buffer is “7”, the head index of the empty buffer is updated to “7”.

  Step S1808: The reproduction control unit 126 searches for the nearest empty buffer ahead of the head of the target track buffer.

  Step S1810: The reproduction control unit 126 uses the link destination information of the buffer located at the end of the target track buffer, that is, the buffer located most rearward among the target track buffers, to the link destination of the empty buffer hit in the search performed in the previous step S1808. Update to information. For example, the target track is “track 5”, and the buffer located at the rearmost among the track 5 buffers is “buffer 50”, and an empty buffer hit in the search, that is, the head of the track 5 buffer (for example, “buffer 5”). 48 "), if the latest free buffer ahead of" 48 "is" buffer 40 "and the link destination information of buffer 40 is" 60 ", the link destination information of" buffer 50 "is updated to" 60 ". .

  Step S1812: The reproduction control unit 126 updates the link destination information of the empty buffer that has been hit by the search performed in step S1808 to the head index of the target track buffer. For example, if the target track is “Track 5”, the top index of the track 5 buffer is “48”, and the free buffer hit in the search is “Buffer 40”, the link destination of “Buffer 40” The information is updated to “48”.

  Step S1814: The reproduction control unit 126 updates the head index of the target track buffer to a value “−1” indicating that the target data does not exist.

  When the above procedure is completed, the playback control unit 126 returns to the caller voice control buffer update process (FIG. 61).

[Volume adjustment buffer part addition processing]
FIG. 63 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the volume adjustment buffer partial addition processing.
The volume adjustment buffer partial addition processing adds volume adjustment data based on a track that starts audio output from the middle of the scene to the volume adjustment buffer that has already been developed, and the track buffer. Is updated in the latest state (temporary storage means) and is called during the process of updating the audio control buffer (step S1712 in FIG. 61). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S1900: The reproduction control unit 126 determines whether there is unprocessed volume adjustment data, that is, among the volume adjustment data based on a specific track included in the audio control data, the reproduction control unit 126 has not yet stored in the volume adjustment buffer. Check if there are any items that have not been added. When there is unprocessed volume adjustment data (step S1900: Yes), the playback control unit 126 executes step S1902. On the other hand, when there is no unprocessed volume adjustment data (step S1900: No), that is, when all the volume adjustment data based on a specific track have been added to the volume adjustment buffer, the playback control unit 126. Executes step S1912.

  Step S1902: The playback control unit 126 acquires the next (unprocessed) volume adjustment data.

  Step S1904: The playback control unit 126 checks whether or not the head index of the target track buffer (the specific track buffer to be processed) is “−1”. For example, when processing volume adjustment data with “track 4” as the operation source, the reproduction control unit 126 determines whether or not the head index of “track 4 buffer” is “−1”. Confirm. As a result, when the head index of the target track buffer is “−1” (step S1904: Yes), the reproduction control unit 126 executes step S1906. On the other hand, when the head index of the target track buffer is not “−1” (step S1904: No), the reproduction control unit 126 executes step S1908.

  Step S1906: The playback control unit 126 updates the head index of the target track buffer to the head index of the current empty buffer. For example, when the target track is “track 4” and the leading index of the empty buffer at that time is “7”, the leading index of “track 4 buffer” is updated to “7”.

  Step S1908: The playback control unit 126 stores the destination track information at the head of the empty buffer. For example, when the volume adjustment data has the content “change the volume of the track 11 to 50%” (track 4), the track number “track 11” and the volume “50%” are stored as the destination track information. Is done.

  Step S1910: The playback control unit 126 updates the head index of the empty buffer to the link destination information of the buffer processed immediately before, that is, the buffer storing the destination track information in the previous step S1908. For example, when the link destination information of the buffer processed immediately before is “8”, the head index of the empty buffer is updated to “8”.

  In this way, the reproduction control unit 126 repeatedly executes the processing of steps S1900 to S1910 described above until all the volume adjustment data having a specific track as an operation source have been added to the volume adjustment buffer. When all the volume adjustment data has been added to the volume adjustment buffer, step S1912 is finally executed.

  Step S1912: The reproduction control unit 126 has a value “−” indicating that there is no target data (no link destination) as link destination information for the buffer processed immediately before, that is, the buffer that processed the last volume adjustment data. 1 "is stored.

  When the above procedure is completed, the playback control unit 126 returns to the caller voice control buffer update process (FIG. 61).

[Volume adjustment buffer immediately after reset]
FIG. 64 is a diagram showing a state of the volume adjustment buffer immediately after being reset by the volume adjustment buffer reset process (FIG. 59).

  FIG. 64A shows the state of the volume adjustment buffer immediately after reset. As described above, in the present embodiment, 300 buffers, buffer 1 (buffer index “1”) to buffer 300 (buffer index “300”), are secured in the volume adjustment buffer. Since the volume adjustment buffer is reset, all the operation destination track information (track number and volume) of each buffer is cleared.

  The link destination information of each buffer is, for example, the link destination information of “buffer 1” is “2”, the link destination information of “buffer 2” is “3”, and the link destination information of “buffer 3” Is updated to the index value of the buffer located immediately after each buffer. However, since “buffer 300”, which is the end of the volume adjustment buffer, has no link destination buffer, the link destination information of “buffer 300” has a value “−1” indicating that there is no link destination. Has been updated.

  FIG. 64B shows the state of the leading index of each track buffer (track 1 buffer to buffer 40 buffer) and the leading index of the empty buffer that are reset along with the resetting of the volume adjustment buffer. Since the volume adjustment buffer has been reset, all the operation destination track information whose operation source is each of the tracks 1 to 40 has been cleared, and there is no target data in any of the head indexes of each track buffer. This value has been reset to “−1”. In addition, since the 300 buffers reserved in the volume adjustment buffer are all free because the volume adjustment buffer is reset, the leading index of the empty buffer is set to the top in the volume adjustment buffer. The value is updated to “1” indicating the buffer located.

[Volume adjustment buffer usage example 1]
FIG. 65 is a diagram showing a state of the volume adjustment buffer at the first time point of the scene A as a first usage example of the volume adjustment buffer.

  The state of the volume adjustment buffer shown in this figure corresponds to the creation timing of the scene A in the process of the audio control data analysis process (step S1302: Yes in FIG. 57), and the audio control buffer development process (FIG. 58). ) Is executed, and all the volume adjustment data are in a state immediately after the expansion of the volume adjustment buffer. In addition, the volume adjustment data developed in the volume adjustment buffer here matches the volume adjustment data shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 54, the first sound control data of scene A includes six volume adjustment data whose operation source is track 1, and three volume adjustment data whose operation source is track 2. 5 volume adjustment data with track 3 as the operation source are included, 1 volume adjustment data with track 37 as the operation source is included, and volume adjustment data with track 39 as the operation source Two pieces of data are included, one piece of volume adjustment data whose origin is the track 40 is included, and a total of 18 pieces of volume adjustment data are included. By executing the volume adjustment buffer development processing (FIG. 60) in order from the smallest track number of the operation source, each volume adjustment data is written to each buffer as operation destination track information, and at the end of each track buffer. “−1” is stored in the link destination information. Further, the head index of each track index and the head index of the empty buffer are updated in accordance with the latest state of the volume adjustment buffer.

  Specifically, first, the destination track information of the buffers 1 to 6 is stored based on the six volume adjustment data whose source is the track 1. Accordingly, “1” is stored in the head index of the track 1 buffer, and “−1” is stored in the link destination information of the buffer 6. Since the head of the empty buffer at the stage when this processing is completed is the buffer 7, the head index of the empty buffer is updated to “7”.

  Next, the operation destination track information of the buffers 7 to 9 is stored based on the three volume adjustment data whose operation source is the track 2. Accordingly, “7” is stored in the head index of the track 2 buffer, and “−1” is stored in the link destination information of the buffer 9. Since the head of the empty buffer at the stage of finishing this processing is the buffer 10, the head index of the empty buffer is updated to “10”.

  In the same manner, the volume adjustment data with the tracks 3, 37, 39, and 40 acting are processed and expanded in the volume adjustment buffer, and all the volume adjustment data (18) are expanded. Then, the operation destination track information is stored in the buffers 1 to 18, and the buffer 19 and later are in an empty buffer state. Therefore, at this stage, the leading index of the empty buffer is updated to “19”. Also, since the tracks 4 to 36 and 38 for which no volume adjustment data for which they act are not present are not subjected to volume adjustment buffer expansion processing, the top indexes of these track buffers are reset. It remains the value “−1” immediately after being set.

[Volume adjustment buffer usage example 2]
FIG. 66 is a diagram showing the state of the volume adjustment buffer at the time when 100 frames have elapsed from the start of the scene A, as a second usage example of the volume adjustment buffer.

  The state of the volume adjustment buffer shown in this figure corresponds to the timing of changing a part of the scene A in the process of the audio control data analysis process (step S1302: No in FIG. 57), and further the audio control buffer. When this corresponds to the case of stopping the audio output of the target track in the course of the update process (step S1704 in FIG. 61: Yes), this is the state immediately after executing the volume adjustment buffer partial deletion process (FIG. 62). . The information of the cell surrounded by the thick line and shaded is changed from the state of the volume adjustment buffer at the first time point of the scene A shown in FIG.

  The audio control data describes the content of stopping the audio output of track 2 after 100 frames have elapsed from the start of scene A. Based on this audio control data, the working track information written in the buffers 7 to 9 corresponding to the track 2 buffer at this time is cleared. Accordingly, the head index of the track 2 buffer is updated to a value “−1” indicating that the target data does not exist. In addition, since the buffers 7 to 9 are all empty buffers, these three buffers are incorporated into the empty buffers. Specifically, the leading index of the empty buffer is updated to “7”, and the link destination information of the buffer 9 is updated to the value “19” of the leading index of the empty buffer before the update.

[Usage example 3 of the volume adjustment buffer]
FIG. 67 is a diagram showing a state of the volume adjusting buffer at the time immediately after the effect switching button 45 is pressed by the player after 100 frames have elapsed from the start of the scene A, as a third example of using the volume adjusting buffer. It is.

  The state of the volume adjustment buffer shown in this figure corresponds to the timing of changing a part of the scene A in the process of the audio control data analysis process (step S1302: No in FIG. 57), and further the audio control buffer. If the target track is added in the course of the update process (step S1704 in FIG. 61: No), this is the state immediately after the volume adjustment buffer partial addition process (FIG. 63) is executed. The information of the cell surrounded by the thick line and shaded is changed from the state of the volume adjustment buffer at the time when 100 frames have elapsed from the beginning of the scene A shown in FIG.

  The audio control data describes the content of adding the track 4 and starting the audio output when the effect switch button 45 is pressed 100 frames after the start of the scene A. Further, the sound control data includes four volume adjustment data whose origin is the track 4. Specifically, “change the volume of the track 11 to 50%”, “change the volume of the track 12 to 50%”, “change the volume of the track 13 to 50%”, “change the volume of the track 14 to 50%” The volume adjustment data is “change”. Based on these four volume adjustment data, the destination track information is sequentially stored in the four free buffers from the top, that is, the buffers 7 to 9 and 19. Although the buffer 9 and the buffer 19 are located apart from each other, “19” is stored in the link destination information of the buffer 13, so that the reproduction control unit 126 can easily follow the position of the next empty buffer. it can.

  In addition, when the information having the track 4 as the operation source is stored in the buffers 7 to 9 and 19, the head index of the track 4 buffer is updated to “7”. Since the head of the empty buffer at the stage where this processing is completed is the buffer 20, the head index of the empty buffer is updated to “20”.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, there are the following effects.
(1) According to the present embodiment, the number of buffers to be secured for volume adjustment between tracks is assumed to be 1560 (= 40 × 39) assuming the worst case in the case of 40 tracks. Can be compressed down to 300, whereas Therefore, the area of the RAM 130 that can be freed by compressing the number of buffers can be used for other effect control, and as a result, various effects can be executed.

(2) According to the present embodiment, each buffer in the volume adjustment buffer stores link destination information indicating the position of the buffer to which the buffer is linked, and is the frontmost empty. Since the position of the buffer (first index of the empty buffer) is managed, when each volume adjustment data is stored in the empty buffer, the buffer link starting from the empty buffer at the forefront in the volume adjustment buffer is the starting point. By storing the previous information in a buffer that has been traced one after another, the volume adjustment buffer can be packed from the front and used. Therefore, the limited area of the RAM 130 can be used effectively without waste.

(3) According to the present embodiment, since the foremost position in the volume adjustment buffer in which the volume adjustment data (action destination track information) having each track as the operation source is stored is managed, When processing volume adjustment data as an action source, a buffer to be processed first can be easily accessed.

(4) According to this embodiment, link destination information is stored together with volume adjustment data (action destination track information) in each buffer in the volume adjustment buffer, and the buffer at the position indicated by the link destination information is stored in the buffer. Since the volume adjustment data whose action source is the same track as the volume adjustment data is stored, when processing the volume adjustment data whose action source is a specific track, based on the link destination information of the referenced buffer The next buffer to be referenced can be referenced. Therefore, it is possible to successively follow the buffer in which the volume adjustment data whose operation source is a specific track is stored.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications. The aspect of appearance and various numerical values given in the embodiment are merely examples, and are not limited to the above-described contents.

  In the embodiment described above, “300” buffers in the volume adjustment buffer are secured for volume adjustment performed between tracks, but the number of buffers is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to determine the number of buffers required for actual control based on the contents of effects that can be executed by the pachinko machine 1, and to reduce the number of buffers accordingly. Alternatively, in consideration of the fact that the volume is not adjusted in both directions in actual control, the worst case is assumed to be the number of buffers, that is, the product of the total number of tracks and the number of tracks obtained by subtracting 1 from the total number of tracks. From “1560 (= 40 × 39)”, the number obtained by excluding duplicate combinations due to the difference in order, that is, “780 (= 1560/2)” obtained by dividing the number of worst cases by 2 may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the volume adjustment data (action destination track information) and the link destination information are stored in each buffer in the volume adjustment buffer. However, the link destination information is not stored in each buffer. In addition, it may be managed in a separate area from each buffer.

  In the embodiment described above, “−1” is used as a value indicating that the target data does not exist in the management of the volume adjustment buffer, but the present invention is not limited to this. Since the value indicating that the target data does not exist is used as the head index or link destination information, it may be a value that can be distinguished (not confused) from the index of each buffer.

  The images given in other production examples are merely examples, and these can be appropriately modified. Further, the structure, board surface configuration, specific numerical values and the like of the pachinko machine 1 are preferable examples including those shown in the drawings, and it goes without saying that these can be appropriately modified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board unit 8a Game area 20 Start gate 26 Medium start prize opening 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 1st special symbol display device 35 2nd special symbol display device 34a 1st special symbol operation memory Lamp 35a Second special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game state display device 42 Liquid crystal display 45 Effect switching button 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
80 Medium start winning opening switch 124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU (production control unit, reproduction control unit)
152 VDP
156 VRAM

Claims (2)

A sound output control means that has a predetermined number of tracks that can specify sound information related to the sound to be output, and outputs a plurality of sounds superimposed on the basis of the sound information specified for each track;
Control information storage means in which control information relating to sound output control is stored in advance;
When any one of the tracks regarding sound output control includes an instruction to adjust the output volume of the sound information with respect to each of the other tracks, the control information includes each track and another within the predetermined number. Temporary storage means for temporarily storing instructions based on the control information in the storage areas using storage areas that are partitioned in a number smaller than the total number of combinations that allow duplication due to differences in order with the tracks;
A gaming machine comprising: volume adjusting means for adjusting the output volume of the sound information designated for each track based on an instruction temporarily stored in each storage area. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The temporary storage means is
In addition to an instruction based on the control information, a game machine characterized by temporarily storing link information indicating that each storage area is associated with any one of the other storage areas.