JP2019177130A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a winning device with enhanced interest by providing a ball entry device that can be operated by performance control means and a light guide plate capable of executing a light emitting performance on the winning device arranged on the game board.SOLUTION: A performance device includes an opening that game balls that have entered a winning portion of a winning device unit can enter, a movable piece for being displaced between a first position that makes it easy for the game balls to enter the opening and a second position that makes it difficult for the game balls to enter the opening, and a light guide plate member that is disposed in front of the opening and can execute a predetermined light emission performance. The performance control means, as a mode of a light emission performance using the light guide plate member, achieves a light emitting mode in which the opening is easily visible when the movable piece is in the first position and a light emission mode in which visibility of the opening is lowered when the movable piece is in the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 61

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko machine (also referred to as a “ball game machine”).

  This type of gaming machine performs an internal lottery process based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition, and when a big win is won, an image showing that it is a big win is displayed on the effect display device, and a big win game is performed . In JP-A-2016-168377, a flow path through which a right-handed game ball flows into a right game area of a game board, a big prize opening, and a means for opening and closing the big prize opening are integrated as a unit. A gaming machine equipped with an attacker unit has been proposed.

JP 2006-168377 A

  However, the conventional attacker unit is not sufficient to attract the attention of the player who is playing the game because it only has a big prize opening and a means for opening and closing the big prize opening. In order to solve such a problem, the present invention provides an entertaining property by providing a winning device arranged on the game board with a ball entry device that can be controlled by the effect control means and a light guide plate that can execute the light emission effect. The purpose is to provide a high prize-winning device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a winning device unit having a winning portion that triggers a predetermined winning ball when a gaming ball arranged at a predetermined position on the game board enters. An effect control means for controlling a predetermined effect device, wherein the effect device includes an opening into which the game ball that has entered the winning portion of the winning device unit can be entered, and an opening A movable piece disposed between a first position that facilitates entry of a game ball into the opening and a second position that facilitates entry of the game ball into the opening; A light guide plate member arranged in front and capable of executing a predetermined light emission effect, wherein the effect control means is a mode of the light emission effect using the light guide plate member when the movable piece is in the first position. The light emission mode that makes the opening easy to see, and the visibility of the opening when the movable piece is in the second position To achieve a light emission mode that reduces the, characterized in that.

  According to the present invention, a highly entertaining winning device is realized by providing a winning device arranged on the game board with a ball-entering device that can be controlled by the effect control means and a light guide plate that can execute a light-emitting effect. be able to.

It is the front of the pachinko machine. It is a right view of a pachinko machine. It is the perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front. It is the perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from back. It is the perspective view of the pachinko machine seen from the front in the state where the glass frame was opened from the front frame and the front frame was opened from the outer frame. It is the disassembled perspective view which decomposed | disassembled the pachinko machine into the glass frame, the game board, the front frame, and the outer frame, and was seen from the front. It is the disassembled perspective view which decomposed | disassembled the pachinko machine into the glass frame, the game board, the front frame, and the outer frame, and was seen from back. It is a front view of a game board. It is the perspective view which looked at the game board from the front right. It is a rear view of a game board. It is the perspective view which looked at the back of the game board from the left back. It is the perspective view which looked at the back of the game board from the right back. It is the disassembled perspective view which decomposed | disassembled the game board for every main structure and was seen from the front. It is the disassembled perspective view which decomposed | disassembled the game board for every main structure and was seen from back. It is a control block diagram which shows the electrical structural example of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the function of the main control board shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the function of the production | presentation control board shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a special symbol winning / losing lottery table. It is a figure which shows an example of the symbol table per special symbol. It is a figure which shows an example of a special symbol fluctuation | variation pattern table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main process by the main control side. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main process by the main control side following FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of main control side main processing following FIG. 22. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main control side timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main control side timer interruption process continuous in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a start port monitoring control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the starting port monitoring control process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol fluctuation | variation start monitoring control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol fluctuation | variation start monitoring process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol fluctuation | variation start monitoring process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol control general-purpose process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol change start process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol change process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol stop symbol display process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol stop symbol display process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol stop symbol display process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special electric accessory control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special electrically-driven accessory control process following FIG. FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an example of a special electric accessory control process following FIG. 39. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production control side main process. 43 is a flowchart illustrating an example of command analysis processing illustrated in FIG. 42. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production | presentation state transfer process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the change effect content determination process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the big hit effect content determination process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the big hit effect content determination process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a production control side timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an image control command transmission interruption process. It is the perspective view which looked at the attacker unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the front right front. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at the attacker unit from the front right front It is a perspective view of an attacker main body. It is a rear view of a base member. It is the perspective view which looked at the base member from the front right. It is a rear view of a front decoration. It is the perspective view which looked at the back of the front decoration from diagonally upper right. It is a perspective view of an attacker main body. It is the perspective view which looked at the slide attacker of the state where the big prize opening is closed from the right front diagonally upward. It is the perspective view which looked at the slide attacker in the state where the big prize opening is opened from the upper right diagonal. It is a disassembled perspective view of a slide attacker. It is the perspective view which looked at the slide attacker from diagonally lower right front. It is the perspective view which looked at the slide attacker in the state where the big prize opening is opened from the front right diagonally lower. FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the slide attacker of FIG. 62 as viewed from diagonally below the rear right. FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the slide attacker of FIG. 62 viewed from obliquely above the front right, omitting the slide movable piece. It is the perspective view which looked down at the slide attacker (FIG. 61) from upper direction. It is the perspective view which looked at the attacker unit from diagonally upper right. It is the perspective view which looked at the light-guide plate from diagonally upper right. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG.

(Description of the pachinko machine that is a prerequisite technology)
A pachinko machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1 is a front view of a pachinko machine, FIG. 2 is a right side view of the pachinko machine, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine viewed from the front, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine viewed from the rear, and FIG. The perspective view of the pachinko machine seen from the front with the glass frame opened from the outside and the front frame opened from the outer frame, FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the pachinko machine into a glass frame, game board, front frame, and outer frame 7 is an exploded perspective view seen from the front, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view seen from the rear.

  The pachinko machine 1 supports a frame-shaped outer frame 2 installed in the island facility of the game hall, a glass frame 3 that closes the front of the outer frame 2 so that it can be opened and closed, and supports the glass frame 3 so that it can be opened and closed. A front frame 4 that is attached to the front frame 4 so as to be openable and detachable, and a game board 5 that is removably attached to the front frame 4 and is visually recognized through the glass frame 3 and into which a game ball is driven. I have.

  The outer frame 2 has a rectangular shape that combines frames 2a and 2b extending left and right in the vertical direction and frames 2c and 2d extending vertically in the left and right, and includes hinge members 2e and 2f on the upper and lower left edges from the front. The front frame 4 and the glass frame 3 are supported by the hinge member so as to be openable / closable and detachable.

  A glass frame 3 is attached to the front side of the front frame 4 so as to be opened and closed laterally and detachably by hinge mechanisms 3a and 3b at the left edge portion. The glass frame 3 is held in a closed state by a glass plate covering the front surface of the glass frame 3 using the locking device 3c. A game board 5 is detachably mounted on the upper half of the front frame 4 located behind the glass frame 3 from the front side of the front frame 4, and is closed as described above. The game area 5a in front of the game board 5 is visible through the layer glass.

  The glass frame 3 includes a base unit 3e having a quadrangular through-hole 3d penetrating front and rear, a dish unit 3f for storing game balls below the front surface thereof, and a game ball stored in the dish unit 200 for playing the game board 5 And an area 3g for accommodating a handle 4a that can be operated by the player to be driven into the game area. On the front side of the glass frame 3, a frame lamp (LED lamp) 3h that emits light according to the progress of the game and a speaker 3i that outputs sound according to the progress of the game are provided. In the center of the front of the dish unit 3f, an effect button 3j that is pressed by the player is provided.

  The front frame 4 can be inserted into the frame of the outer frame 2, and the frame 4b that supports the outer periphery of the game board 5, the hinges of the outer frame 2 above and below the left side of the frame 4b, and the door frame 3 Hinges 4c and 4d, which are rotatably mounted, a ball launcher 4e which is attached to the lower part of the front surface of the frame body 4b and for injecting a game ball into the game area 5a of the game board 5, and a frame body 4b, which is attached to the right side surface of the front view, and includes a locking unit 4f for locking between the outer frame 2, the front frame 4, and the glass frame 3, and a substrate unit 4g attached to the lower part of the rear surface of the frame 4b. And a back cover 4h that covers the rear side of the game board 5 attached to the frame body 4b on the rear side of the frame body 4b. The board unit 4g accommodates a speaker unit, a power supply board, an interface control board, and a payout control board that controls payout of game balls.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a player rotates the game ball launching device 4a, the game ball is driven into the game area 5a of the game board 5 with a strength according to the angle. Then, when the game balls that have been thrown into the game area 5a are received in the winning opening (entrance ball opening), a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out according to the received winning opening. The player's interest can be enhanced by paying out the game balls.

(Description of game board)
Next, the game board 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 is a front view of the game board, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the game board viewed from the front right, FIG. 10 is a rear view of the game board, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the back of the game board viewed from the left rear, and FIG. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the game board as viewed from the front after disassembling the game board according to main components, and FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the game board as viewed from the rear. It is the disassembled perspective view seen from.

  The game board 5 has a game area 5a into which game balls are to be shot. The game board 5 is configured by combining a front unit 100 m, a back unit 200 m, a liquid crystal base 300 m, and a liquid crystal display device 70. The front unit 100m includes a front member 100a that defines the outer periphery of the game area 5a and has an outer shape that is substantially square when viewed from the front, and a plate-like member that is attached to the rear side of the front member 100a and defines the rear end of the game area 5a. And a plurality of obstacle nails are planted in a predetermined arrangement in the game area 5a on the front surface of the game panel 100b.

  The front member 100a includes a function display unit 100c in the lower right corner that makes it possible for the player to visually recognize the game status based on a control signal from the main control unit 100 (main control board that controls the entire game). The liquid crystal display device 70 is arranged at the center of the game area 5a and displays a predetermined effect image. A peripheral control unit (an effect control board that controls the overall effect) 200 is attached to the back surface of the liquid crystal display device 70. The liquid crystal base 300m is opened on the back unit 200m side, accommodates the back unit 200m, and the liquid crystal display device 70 is attached to the back of the liquid crystal base 300m.

  The gaming panel 100b is substantially the same as the front member 100a in outer periphery, and is made of a transparent flat panel plate. The gaming panel 100b is attached to the rear side of the front member 100a and further includes a holder to which the rear unit 200m is attached on the rear surface. The front member 100a is capable of receiving a plurality of general winning holes 66 that are always open so as to be able to receive game balls that have been struck into the game area 5a, and the general winning holes can receive game balls at different positions within the game area 5a. A first start port 61 that is always open, a gate 63 that is attached at a predetermined position in the game area 5a and detects the passage of a game ball (integrated with an attacker unit 500 described later), A second starting port 62 (integrated in an attacker unit 500 described later) that can receive a game ball according to a normal symbol lottery result that is selected by passing, and an acceptance of a game ball to the first starting port 61 In accordance with the result of the first special lottery drawn by the player or the second special lottery result drawn by the acceptance of the game ball to the second starting port, the winning prize port 64 (described later) can be received in any way Ata It comprises integrally formed) on mosquito unit 500. Note that the gate 63, the second starting port 62, and the big winning port 64 are not shown here because they are in the attacker unit 500.

  The second starting port is provided with an ordinary electric accessory composed of a movable piece and an ordinary electric accessory solenoid for driving the ordinary electric accessory to open and close. According to the energized state of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid, the ordinary electric accessory is in a closed state in which the game ball is less likely to enter the second starting port, and an open state in which the game ball is easier to enter than the closed state. Can be alternately changed. The second starting port has a configuration in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter unless the ordinary electric accessory is in an open state, whereas it is easy for a game ball to enter when the ordinary electric accessory is in an open state. The front member 100a includes a first out port 29 directly below the first start port 61 at the center in the left-right direction. The attacker unit 500 is in the lower right of the front member 100a. Although the attacker unit 500 will be described later, the attacker unit is a unit that mainly includes a movable piece as a special electric accessory 642 that opens and closes the special winning opening 64, and in which a plurality of parts are integrated. The attacker unit 500 also includes a production attacker as an operating accessory.

  The back unit 200m has an opening 200a for visually recognizing a rear liquid crystal display screen. The back unit 200m has a sensor for detecting a game ball received in the general winning port 66, the first start port 61, etc., a lock mechanism for detachably mounting the liquid crystal base 300m, and a passage for discharging the game ball. Prepare.

  The front member 100a has a substantially square outer shape when viewed from the front, has an inner shape that penetrates in a front-rear direction in a substantially circular shape, and defines the outer periphery of the game area 5a by the inner periphery of the inner shape. This front member 100a extends in an arc shape from the lower left end toward the left side from the center in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, passes through the center upper end in the left-right direction when viewed from the front and extends to the diagonally upper right portion, and extends to the upper right side. An inner rail 100d that is arranged substantially inside 100f along the front member 100a and extends in a circular arc from the center lower part in the left-right direction in front view to the upper left part in front view, and the game area 5a on the right side in front view of the lower end of the inner rail 100d And an out guiding path 100e that is formed at the lowest position and is inclined so as to become lower toward the rear.

  The gaming panel 100b includes a center ornament 22 that protrudes toward the front member 100a around an opening having the same shape as the opening of the front member 100a. When the gaming panel 100b is fixed to the front member 100a, the center ornament 22 is fitted into the opening so as to match the shape of the opening of the front member 100a, and is displayed around the opening 100h of the front unit 100m. The player can recognize the effect screen and the behavior of the effect device through the opening 100h. The center decoration 22 is a kind of decorative body and exhibits a decoration function that assists the screen of the effect display device 70 at the center of the game board 5. The center ornament 22 may be provided with a movable accessory (movable effect device) that performs an effect operation according to the progress of the game. The movable accessory is operated by a driving source such as a stepping motor or a solenoid. The center decoration 22 may be provided with a lamp that emits light according to the progress of the game.

  The main control unit 100 (see FIG. 7) is attached below the peripheral control unit 200 on the back surface of the liquid crystal display device 70. The main control unit 100 includes a main control board that controls game content and game ball payout, and a main control board box that houses the main control board. The main control unit 100 controls game contents, prize balls of game balls, and the like.

  The function display unit 100c controls the normal symbol by controlling the blinking of two LEDs based on the status indicator composed of one LED for displaying the gaming state and the normal symbol lottery result drawn by passing the game ball to the gate 63. After the variable display, the normal symbol display which displays these two LEDs in a lighting manner according to the normal symbol lottery result, and the start condition of the variable display among the normal symbol variation display related to the passing of the game ball with respect to the gate 63 The normal hold indicator composed of two LEDs for displaying the number of holds, which is the number of variable displays for which is not established, and the first lottery drawn by accepting a game ball to the first start port 61 (occurrence of start winning) Based on the result of the special lottery, the eight LEDs are blinked and controlled, and after the first special symbol is variably displayed, these eight LEDs are changed according to the result of the first special lottery. Of the first special symbol display that is displayed in the lighting mode and the variation display of the first special symbol related to the acceptance of the game ball to the first starting port 61, the variation display start condition is not yet established Based on the first special hold number indicator composed of two LEDs for displaying the number of hold, and the result of the second special lottery drawn by accepting a game ball to the second start opening (occurrence of start prize) A second special symbol display that displays the eight special LEDs in a lighting manner in accordance with the second special lottery result after the second special symbol is variably displayed by controlling the blinking of the eight LEDs, and the second start port A second special hold number indicator composed of two LEDs for displaying a hold number, which is the number of change displays for which a change display start condition has not yet been established, among the change displays of the second special symbol relating to the acceptance of game balls; First lottery result Comprises a second special lottery when the result such as "big hit", the round indicator consisting of four LED for displaying the number of repetitions of opening and closing patterns of the special winning opening (round number). The function display unit 100c can display the number of holds, symbols, and the like by appropriately turning on, turning off, and blinking the LEDs.

  The peripheral control unit 200 is attached to the rear surface of the liquid crystal display device 70, and controls an effect (light emission effect, sound effect, movable effect, etc.) to be presented to the player based on a control signal from the main control board. And an image control board for controlling image display and sound output according to game development. The liquid crystal display device 70 is located at the center of the game area 5a and is detachably attached to the rear surface of the substantially center of the liquid crystal base 300m that houses the back unit 200m. The liquid crystal display device 70 can be seen from the front through the frame of the frame-shaped center ornament 22 in a state where the game board 5 is assembled. The liquid crystal display device 70 is a full-color display device using a white LED as a backlight, and displays still images and moving images. In the present embodiment, the effect control board and the image control board are described as being divided into two boards. However, the functional configuration of the CPU of each board is not limited to the above, but may be changed as appropriate. It may be possible (for example, the sound control is performed by the CPU of the effect control board), or all the effects may be controlled by the CPU on one board.

  The liquid crystal display device 70 mainly displays an effect image including a decorative symbol that is displayed in a variable manner or stopped in conjunction with the first special symbol or the second special symbol, or a notice effect, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Hold display. Specifically, on the screen of the effect display device 70, a decorative symbol display unit for executing a decorative symbol change display or a notice effect display is executed, and the first special symbol hold is synchronized with the first special symbol hold lamp. There are provided a first special figure hold display unit for executing display, and a second special figure hold display unit for executing hold display of the second special symbol in synchronization with the second special figure hold lamp.

  The decorative symbol display section of the liquid crystal display screen is provided with three rows of display areas (left display area, middle display area, and right display area) serving as decorative display variable display areas on a predetermined effective line. The left symbol of the decorative symbol is displayed corresponding to the left display region, the middle symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the middle display region, and the right symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the right display region are stopped. In the special figure hold display section, in a normal display mode, when an operation hold ball with a special symbol is generated, a hold image with a white circle is displayed, whereas when the operation hold ball is digested, the corresponding hold image is lost. The These reserved images are displayed in a predetermined order, such as the type of action-holding balls of special symbols and the order of occurrence (incoming order), and a maximum of four can be displayed on each special-drawing display section. is there.

<Control structure of gaming machine>
FIG. 15 is a control block diagram illustrating an example of a control configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

<Main control board>
As shown in FIG. 15, the main control board 100 includes a main control CPU 101, a main control ROM 102, a main control RAM 103, an I / O port circuit 104, and the like. The main control CPU 101 controls the operation of the main control program and executes various arithmetic processes related to games. The main control ROM 102 stores the main control program and various data in a nonvolatile manner. The main control RAM 103 functions as a work area and a buffer memory used as a temporary storage area (temporary area). The I / O port circuit 104 inputs and outputs signals between peripheral devices such as the effect control substrate 200 and the payout control substrate 400 and each device under the control of the main control CPU 101.

  The main control CPU 101 reads out the main control program from the main control ROM 102 and executes each command on the main control RAM 102, thereby controlling a gaming operation according to each command of the main control program.

  In addition, although not shown, the main control board 100 includes a clock circuit, a WDT circuit, a CTC circuit, a random number generation circuit, and the like.

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

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

  Further, the main control CPU 101 executes a game ball payout operation in addition to the effect command output port for outputting the effect control command for executing the effect operation associated with the main control of the game to the effect control board 200. The payout command output port for outputting the payout command is provided, and further, the strobe signal output port used for outputting the strobe signal for timing the reception commands to be received by the target board is provided. . The main control CPU 101 includes various other output ports, and the strobe signal output port 101B actually exists as a port for outputting a plurality of data combined with other output data.

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

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

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

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

  The I / O port circuit 104 is provided between the main control CPU 101 and the effect control board connection connector 109 in the main control board 100. The main control CPU 101 and the effect control board connection connector 109 are connected by a strobe signal bus 112 constituted by strobe signal lines in addition to the data bus 111 constituted by eight data lines. The command data transmitted from the I / O port circuit 104 is received by the effect control board 200 via the effect control board connection connector 109 under the control of the main control CPU 101 as will be described later.

<Production control board>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, the effect control board 200 stores an effect control CPU 201 that executes various arithmetic processes related to game effects based on the effect control command from the main control board 100, an effect control program, various data, and the like. Between the effect control ROM 202, the effect control RAM 203 functioning as a work area and buffer memory as a temporary work area (temporary area), peripheral substrates such as the main control board 100 and the image control board 300, and each device And an I / O port circuit 204 for inputting and outputting signals.

  The effect control CPU 201 reads out the effect control program stored in the effect control ROM 202 and executes it on the effect control RAM 203, thereby controlling the effect operation accompanying the progress of the game according to the effect control program. In addition, although not shown in the drawing, the production control board 200 is reset when the production circuit CPU 201 malfunctions or runs out of control, a clock circuit that divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock. WDT circuit that returns to normal state, TPU circuit that outputs various signals based on system clock, interrupt controller that generates various interrupts such as timer interrupts based on signals from register settings and CTC circuit, etc., serial data input / output And a real-time clock circuit (hereinafter referred to as an “RTC circuit”) having a timekeeping function, and the like, are connected to each other via an internal bus.

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

  The effect control board 200 is electrically connected to a lamp connection board 91 on which a plurality of LED drivers are mounted, and receives a lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the lamp connection board 91 via a serial communication circuit. Send. In the present embodiment, the production control board 200 and the lamp connection board 91 employ clock-synchronized serial communication, and are transmitted by a signal line (clock line) different from the data line for lamp data transmission. In synchronization with the clock signal, the ramp control signal is transmitted bit by bit through the data line.

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

  Further, the effect control board 200 is electrically connected to a plurality of motor drivers 92, and a driving control signal (driving data) for driving an accessory is sent to the motor driver 92 via the I / O port circuit 204. Output. The motor driver 92 supplies a drive current to the stepping motor of each movable accessory by switching on / off the switch in the circuit based on the drive control signal for driving the accessory transmitted from the effect control board 200. Or shut off and move each movable accessory. The data transmission to the motor driver 92 employs a parallel communication method. In addition to this embodiment, as long as the driving source of the accessory has a driving source other than the stepping motor, the control signal is sent to the driver IC corresponding to the driving source instead of the motor driver 92. And control data is transmitted.

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

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

  Further, the image control board 300 generates VDP 302 that generates image data according to the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the image control CPU 301, and sound data according to the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the image control CPU 301. A sound source IC 303 to be generated is mounted. The VDP 302 is a so-called graphic processor, reads image data stored in an image ROM (not shown) in response to an instruction from the image control CPU 301, and performs image processing on the image data to the effect display device 70. Output. The VDP 302 is connected to a high-speed VRAM (not shown) used for developing / processing image data read from the image ROM. The sound source IC 303 reads sound data stored in a sound ROM (not shown) in response to an instruction from the image control CPU 301, and outputs the sound data generated by synthesizing the sound data to the speaker 11 via an amplifier. To do.

<Discharge control board>
The payout control board 400 includes a payout control CPU 401, a payout control ROM 402, and a payout control RAM 403. The payout control board 400 controls the game ball payout operation (prize ball action) by driving the prize ball payout unit 34 based on the payout control command from the main control board 100, while depending on the operation amount of the launch handle 12. The ball feeding mechanism 13 and the launching mechanism 14 are driven synchronously to control the launching operation of the game ball.

<Power supply board>
Although omitted in FIG. 15, the power supply board includes a normal power supply circuit, a backup power supply circuit, and a power-off monitoring circuit. The normal power supply circuit generates a normal power supply used by each control board based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply facility on the amusement island. The backup power supply circuit generates a backup power supply. The power-off monitoring circuit has a function of monitoring power-off due to a voltage drop.

  The power supply board generates and supplies a power supply voltage necessary for electronic / electrical components such as each control board and game equipment. A power switch for starting the power circuit is connected to the power board. When the power switch is turned on while the primary power is supplied from the power supply device on the amusement island, each power switch on the power board A predetermined power is supplied to the control board and the like.

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

<Example of basic operation of gaming machine>
In the gaming machine configured as described above, the game is started in a state where the game balls are stored in the upper ball tray 8. First, when the launch handle 12 is turned, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 8 are sent to the launch mechanism 14 one by one by the ball feed mechanism 13 provided on the back side of the glass frame 5. The launch mechanism 14 launches the game area 20A at a launch intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the launch handle 12.

  When a game ball rolling down in the game area 20A enters any of the general winning port 66, the first starting port 61, the second starting port 62, and the big winning port 64, this detection signal is input to the main control board 100. Is done. In the main control board 100, the main control CPU 101 transmits to the payout control board 400 a payout control command for instructing a prize ball operation corresponding to the type of the winning opening, and is stored by the control of the payout control board 400 that receives this. The game balls in the tank 31 are paid out to the upper ball tray 8 or the lower ball tray 9 by the prize ball payout unit 34.

  On the other hand, when the game ball enters the first start port 61 or the second start port 62, this detection signal is input to the main control board 100. In the main control board 100, the main control CPU 101 acquires a lottery random number value of a special symbol when detecting a ball entering the first start port 61 or the second start port 62, and the random number value is obtained up to a predetermined upper limit number. Temporarily store as a reserved ball of special symbols. When the predetermined variation start condition is satisfied, the main control CPU 101 then executes a special symbol success / failure determination and symbol determination for the lottery random number value related to the earliest holding ball, and also selects a variation pattern And the special symbol is variably displayed using the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 in a manner corresponding to the determination result. At the same time, the main control CPU 101 transmits an effect control command to the effect control board 200 to cause the image control board 300 to cause the effect display device 70 to execute the decorative symbol change display and the change effect display. The special symbol and decorative symbol variation display is stopped and displayed synchronously after the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern has elapsed. Here, there is a ball entering the first start port 61 and the second start port 62 to acquire various lottery random number values, and furthermore, the acquired random number values are held and the variation start condition is satisfied. When the special symbol game is performed by the special symbol display device, the process in which the special symbol game is executed as a result is referred to as “start condition”.

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

  In this embodiment, even if the game is shifted to any of 10R special game, 5R special game, and 2R special game, the number of times the special symbol fluctuates after the end of the special game is a predetermined end number (also referred to as “ST number”). The probability variation function (also referred to as “probability variation”) of the special symbol is activated over a period until the time reaches (i.e., also referred to as “ST period”). That is, in the present embodiment, the probability variation function of the special symbol is not continued until the next big hit, but is limited to the number of STs. Thus, when the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated, the probability of hitting the special symbol lottery shifts from the low probability state to the high probability state, so that the probability of reaching a new jackpot relatively early is increased.

  On the other hand, after the special game is over, the main control CPU 101 may activate a special symbol variation time shortening function (hereinafter also referred to as “short time”) in addition to or separately from the special symbol probability variation function. When the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the average variation time of special symbols (and decorative symbols) tends to be shorter than usual, and the number of special symbol lotteries per unit time improves, and the previous jackpot ends. It will be easier to win the next jackpot in a shorter period of time.

  Further, when the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the main control CPU 101 also activates a so-called electric chew support function (ordinary electric accessory support function). In the electric Chu support function, a function of a probability variation function of a normal symbol, a variation variation time shortening function of a normal symbol, and an open extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 622 are activated. When the normal symbol probability changing function is activated, the normal symbol winning probability is higher than the normal state. When the normal symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the normal symbol variation time is shortened, and the normal electric accessory 622 is opened in the normal gaming state (when the electric chew support function is not activated). (For example, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 622 is extended more than usual), it becomes a state where the game ball can easily enter the second start port 62 (also referred to as an “entry easy state”). When the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 622 is activated, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 622 becomes longer than the normal state. In this easy-to-enter state, the normal symbol variation time reduction function increases the possibility that the number of variations of the regular symbol per fixed time will increase compared to the normal state, and the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 622 is released. Since the time extension function is activated, the ease of entering the second start port 62 is also improved, and the possibility that the number of balls entering the second start port 62 is increased is increased. Therefore, the special symbol variation time shortening function and the electric chew support function are activated, so that the chance to obtain a prize ball by entering the second starting port 62 increases during that period. The game can be continued in a state in which it is difficult to reduce the number of balls compared to the normal game state.

<Examples of major functional configurations of gaming machines>
The outline of the gaming operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is as described above. Next, main functions of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the main control board 100 mounted on the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

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

  The ball entry judging means 110 includes detection signals from the first start port switch 161, the second start port switch 162, the operation gate switch 163, the big prize port switch 164, the general prize port switch 166, the out ball detection switch 167, and the like. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered each winning opening.

  The game lottery random number generation means 120 takes in the built-in random number generated by the random number generation circuit described above and adds a soft random number per special symbol described later to the random number per special symbol used for the lottery determination of the special symbol. Is generated. The game lottery random number generation means 120 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers by program processing of the main control CPU 101. These random number counters function as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software.

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

  These software random numbers are updated once every time timer interrupt processing occurs, and the initial value random number uses the remaining interrupt cycle time while timer interrupt processing is not being executed (during loop processing). And update.

  The hold control means 130 includes a special symbol hold control means 131 and a normal symbol hold control means 132. The special symbol hold control means 131 is a lottery random number value related to special symbol games, which is a random number value per special symbol, per special symbol, when the game ball enters the first start port 61 or the second start port 62. The design random number value and the special design variation pattern random value are acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation reserved ball information of the first special design or the second special design. The special symbol hold control means 131 stores main information so as to combine the action holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four) with the order of entering the holding balls. The information is temporarily stored in the first special symbol reservation storage area or the second special symbol reservation storage area of the means 180.

  In the first special symbol reserved storage area and the second special symbol reserved storage area, the reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area) and the reserved 2 storage area (2 A reserved storage area), a reserved 3 storage area (third reserved storage area), and a reserved 4 storage area (fourth reserved storage area). Each reserved storage area can store a random number per special symbol, a random number per special symbol, and a special symbol variation pattern random number as a set as the operating reserved ball information. The operation hold ball information is stored in the order of the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area, while the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage. Digested according to the so-called first-in first-out principle in the order of the regions. When the hold ball information in the hold 1 storage area is digested, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower numbered storage areas, respectively. Clear the contents of the storage area to zero.

  The special symbol hold control means 131 is a first special symbol hold ball number counter for counting the number of active reserved balls of the first special symbol, and a second special symbol hold for counting the number of active reserved balls of the second special symbol. It has a ball counter. The special symbol hold control means 131 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one special reserved action ball is acquired as an update process of the number of special reserved action balls. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

  When the special symbol hold control means 131 updates (adds or subtracts) the number of active reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect control command (“symbol storage number command And is temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This one command includes information on both the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the number of the operation reserved balls of the second special symbol. In principle, the action-holding balls of each special symbol are digested in the order in which they are entered, but in this embodiment, the variation display of the second special symbol is executed preferentially over the first special symbol. In order to adopt the so-called priority digestion, the operation related to the second special symbol game, regardless of the presence of the operation reserved ball related to the first special symbol game, while the operation reserved ball related to the second special symbol game exists. It is configured to preferentially digest the holding ball. Note that, under this priority digestion, if there is an action holding ball of the second special symbol, even if there is an action holding ball of the first special symbol, the action holding ball of the first special symbol is digested. Will be put on hold.

  The normal symbol hold control means 132 is a lottery random number value related to a normal symbol game, which is a random number value per normal symbol, per normal symbol, when a game ball rolling down the game area 20A passes through the operation gate 63. The design random number value and the normal design variation pattern random value are acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation reservation ball information of the normal design. The normal symbol hold control unit 132 stores the normal symbol hold storage area of the main information storage unit 180 so as to combine up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four) of the operation hold ball information of the normal symbol with the order of entering the hold balls. Memorize temporarily. The normal symbol hold control means 132 has a normal symbol hold ball number counter for counting the number of operation hold balls of the normal symbol. The normal symbol holding control means 132 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one normal reserved operating ball is acquired as an update processing of the number of holding balls of the normal normal symbol, and one operating reserved ball is digested. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

  The pre-determination means 135, when acquiring an operation reservation ball of a special symbol at a predetermined pre-determination timing, executes a pre-determination for pre-reading notice for the operation reservation ball. As an example of the pre-determination timing, (1) when waiting for hitting and when the operation holding ball of the first special symbol is acquired while the electric support function is not operating, (2) waiting for hitting and When the support holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired while the support function is operating, (3) when the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired during the big hit or the small hit, When you are satisfied. In addition, in main control board 100, even if it is a case where an operation reservation ball is acquired at any timing, prior judgment is performed and information is transmitted to presentation control board 200, and all about whether execution of pre-reading notice is possible in presentation control board 200 It is also possible to decide.

  Specifically, the pre-determining means 135 reads out the random number value corresponding to the currently acquired operation holding ball from the first special symbol holding storage area or the second special symbol holding storage area of the main information storage means 180, and determines whether or not Pre-determination (pre-determined / unpredictable), symbol lottery pre-determination (design pre-determination), and variation pattern lottery pre-determination (variation pattern pre-determination) are sequentially executed. The pre-determination table used in each pre-determination is omitted in the drawing, but corresponds to the total number of random numbers in the same way as the lottery tables (special symbol success / failure lottery table, special symbol per symbol table, variation pattern table) described later. The area is divided into a plurality of areas, and a lottery ID is assigned to each area (number of determination values). In addition, if the preliminary determination by the preliminary determination means 135 corresponds to the random number value used for the lottery when the fluctuation is actually started, the first special symbol reservation storage area or the second special symbol reservation storage area The data temporarily stored in the RAM or CPU register instead of the data stored in the memory may be determined in advance.

  As the lottery ID, a number indicating the result of the prior determination (also referred to as “preliminary determination number”) is set. Prior determination means 135 sequentially generates an effect control command (referred to as “preliminary determination command”) including information on a prior determination result (preliminary determination number), and stores this in a command storage area of main information storage means 180. . Note that, as in the present embodiment, not only the case where the prior determination result belongs to which random value range belongs (lottery ID) but also the use determination lottery table used when actually starting the change is used. The result of lottery in advance may be transmitted.

  The special symbol lottery processing unit 140 includes a special symbol success / failure determination unit 141, a special symbol stop symbol determination unit 142, and a special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143. The special symbol lottery processing means 140, when the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the random number value per special symbol stored in the first storage area (hold 1 storage area) of the special symbol hold storage area in the main information storage means 180 The special symbol random value per special symbol and the special symbol variation pattern random value are read out and stored in the special symbol success / failure determination region, special symbol determination region, and special symbol variation pattern determination region of the main information storage unit 180, respectively. Here, “the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied” means that, for example, when adopting the priority control of the second special symbol as in the present embodiment, (1) not being in big hit or small hit, (2) All conditions that both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for change, and (3) that the operation holding ball exists in at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Satisfying. If all of these conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the special symbol can be changed.

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

  FIG. 18 (A) is a diagram showing an example of a special symbol success / failure lottery table that is referred to in a normal state as a so-called low-probability state, and FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the special symbol success / failure lottery table.

  In this special symbol win / fail lottery table, random numbers per special symbol are associated with determination results of big hits, small hits and out of play. The winning probabilities for the big hit and the small hit are determined according to the random number ranges associated in this way. As can be seen from FIG. 18 (A) and FIG. 18 (B), in the special symbol game winning / losing lottery, the big hit only when the random value falls within the range of “0 to 163” in the normal state (low probability state). It becomes. On the other hand, in the probability variation state (high probability state), the range of jackpot is expanded, and not only when the random number value falls within the range of “0 to 219” but also when it falls within the range of “220 to 2185”. A big hit. That is, when the probability changing function of the special symbol is activated, the jackpot lottery probability changes from the low probability state (about 1/300) to the high probability state (about 1/30).

  Thus, although the range corresponding to the jackpot changes according to the gaming state, the winning probability of the jackpot is the same in the winning lottery of the first special symbol and the winning lottery of the second special symbol. Here, even if the random number value per special symbol does not correspond to the big hit range, if it falls within the predetermined range, it is a small hit. In this embodiment, it is configured so that there is a small win only for the winning lottery of the first special symbol, but for example, a small hit is prepared for the winning lottery of the second special symbol, The winning lottery may be configured such that the winning lottery has a higher probability than the winning lottery of the first special symbol, or the small lottery may be prepared only for the winning lottery of the second special symbol.

  The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol and the symbol group to which the stop symbol belongs based on the result of the first or second special symbol determination. To do. The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 is a symbol table per first special symbol which is referred to when determining the stop symbol and symbol group of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the result of the determination is a big hit. And a symbol table per second special symbol.

  In the first special symbol per symbol table, as shown in FIG. 19 (A), with respect to the symbol random number per special symbol, the contents of the stop symbol, symbol group, jackpot (the probability variation function of special symbol and the variation time reduction) The number of function operations and the operation pattern of the special winning opening 64 are associated with each other. The numerical value “100” in parentheses means the number of operations of the special symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening function, that is, the ST number. In this table, the stop symbols “1” to “8” of the first special symbol are classified into two types of symbol groups A and B according to the type of jackpot. In the present embodiment, the winning symbol table is not shown when the winning lottery is out of place and the game is a small hit, but when the lost or small hits are all in a single action, the winning symbol table should be used. If you want to change the fluctuation pattern or change the control mode of the special electric accessory, you should decide the design of the out-of-place and the small hits, The symbol may be determined using a hit symbol table even in the case of detachment or small hit.

  Specifically, symbols “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” include symbol group A (10R specified short time symbol), symbols “5” and “6” include symbol group B. (5R specified short-lived symbol) is associated with symbols “7” and “8”, respectively, with symbol group C (2R specific short-lived symbol). In the present embodiment, the “specific symbol” is a symbol that activates the probability variation function after the end of the special game, while the “normal symbol” is the probability variation function after the special game is terminated. The symbols are not actuated (the same applies to the second special symbol described later).

  Symbol groups A and B are specific symbols indicating so-called “probable hits” in which the gaming state after the end of the special game is shifted to a probable change state (high probability state). Special symbol probability variation function, variation time shortening function, and electric chew support function are provided only until the next big hit occurs within the number of STs. The For the symbol group A, the specified number of rounds in the special game is 10 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds. On the other hand, for the symbol group B, the specified number of rounds for the special game is 5 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  The symbol group C shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to the probability variation state (high probability state) of the special symbol, although the number of times and the opening time of the special winning opening 64 are different from the above “probability variation”. This is a specific symbol indicating a so-called “suddenly probable hit”, until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol ends without generating a big hit within the ST number, or until the next big hit occurs within the ST number. For a limited time, a special symbol probability variation function, a variation time shortening function, and an electric chew support function are provided. The specified number of rounds in the special game is two rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 1.8 seconds.

  On the other hand, if the result of the lottery is a small hit, the symbol determination by the random number per special symbol is omitted, and the symbol “9” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol. The symbol “9” is associated with the symbol group F (special electric operation symbol 1). In the case of small hits, the game state (probability variation function, variation time shortening function, electronic chew support function) and variation pattern selection state will not be triggered, and the game state will be maintained before and after the winning lottery. Is done. If the result of the lottery determination is out of place, the symbol “0” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol.

  On the other hand, in the above-mentioned second special symbol per symbol table, as shown in FIG. 19 (B), stop symbol, symbol group, jackpot content (special symbol probability variation function) And the number of times of operation of the variable time shortening function and the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642. In the second special symbol per symbol table, stop symbols “11” to “18” of the second special symbol are displayed. Depending on the type of jackpot, it is classified into two types of symbol groups D and E. Specifically, symbols “11”, “12”, “13”, and “14” include symbol group D ( 10R specific time short symbol) is associated with symbols “15”, “16”, “17”, and “18”, respectively, with symbol group E (5R specific short time symbol).

  Symbol groups D and E are specific symbols indicating so-called “probable hits” in which the gaming state after the end of a special game is shifted to a probable change state (high probability state). Special symbol probability variation function, variation time shortening function, and electric chew support function are given only until the end of the event without generating or until the next big hit within the ST number. sell. For the symbol group D, the specified number of rounds in the special game is 10 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds. For the symbol group E, the specified number of rounds for the special game is five, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery is a small hit, the symbol determination by the random number per special symbol is omitted, and the symbol “19” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol. The symbol “19” is associated with the symbol group G (special electric operation symbol 2). In the case of small hits, the game status (probability variation function, variation time shortening function, electric chew support function) and variation pattern selection state will not be triggered, and the winning results will be different before and after the lottery. It is determined whether the game condition end condition such as the probability variation function is not satisfied as in the case of the certain case, and when the end condition is not satisfied, the game state at the time of being determined as the small hit is maintained. If the result of the lottery determination is out of place, the symbol “0” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, three types of jackpot types are prepared: 10R jackpot (10R specific short symbol), 5R jackpot (5R specific short symbol) and 2R big jack (2R short symbol). Yes. Expected value for winning a prize ball in a special game (expected value for winning a prize ball) is in the order of 10R big hit> 5R big hit> 2R big hit. Therefore, in the following, 10R jackpot is also referred to as “high profit jackpot” with the highest expected value of winning ball, and 2R jackpot is also referred to as “low profit jackpot” with the lowest expected value of winning ball. In addition, even if the same number of execution rounds, when a long open round game (30 seconds) and a short open round game (1.8 seconds) are mixed, the big hit with many long open round games is “high” "Large profit".

  Specifically, special games that have a common number of execution rounds, such as unifying the number of execution rounds to 10 rounds, may include special games that change in a different manner of round games in a predetermined round, In that case, a special game of a type consisting only of a short opening round game with a relatively short opening time of the big winning opening 64 and a long opening time of the big winning opening 64 after a predetermined number of execution rounds. Special games of the type that switch to open round games may be included, and the latter constitutes “high profit jackpot”. Even if the number of execution rounds is the same, the substantial profit, that is, the expected value for winning a winning ball may be different depending on the difference in the big winning opening opening pattern.

  Here, as can be seen from the above description, when a big win is won in the first special symbol winning lottery, 10R big hit is selected with a probability of 50%, whereas the second special symbol is won or not. When a big hit is won by lottery, 10R big hit is selected with a probability of 75%. Thereby, it is more advantageous for the player in that it is more likely that more balls can be obtained when the game ball enters the second start port 62 than when the game ball enters the first start port 61. Note that the count number (regular count number) is the maximum number of game balls that can be entered into the big prize opening 64 in a round game.

  The special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 shown in FIG. 16 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the special symbol variation pattern random number value. Here, the special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 is a plurality of types of variation pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation pattern of special symbols, as illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B described later. Have The special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 selects one variation pattern table from among the plurality of types of variation pattern tables based on the current variation pattern selection state and the result of the lottery determination. The relationship between the variation pattern selection state and the variation pattern table will be described later. Each variation pattern table defines a plurality of types of variation patterns. In each figure, “selectivity” is shown for easy explanation, but in actuality, a decision value (random number value) for determining a variation pattern according to a special symbol variation pattern random value. The variation pattern is determined based on which determination value the variation pattern random value belongs to. As for the various variation patterns, the variation time is determined for each variation pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation. Is defined as In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, only a plurality of types of variation patterns will be described as an example. However, there are actually a larger number of variation patterns.

  FIG. 20A is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern table for big hits / small hits. The upper (A1) is a normal variation pattern table, the middle (A2) is a probability variation pattern table, and the lower (A3) is a special variation pattern table. In the present embodiment, the selected variation pattern is set to be different according to the variation pattern selection state or according to the jackpot type even in the same variation pattern selection state.

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

  In the probability variation pattern table (A2), when the big hit type is 10R big hit or 5R big hit, only the fluctuation pattern PX7 (super reach B) is selected. On the other hand, in the case of 2R big hit or small hit, either the fluctuation pattern PZ6 (normal reach B) or the fluctuation pattern PZ8 (super reach D) is selected. In the probability variation pattern table for big hits / small hits, non-reach variation patterns are not selected, and if a big hit or small hit is made in a special symbol probability variation state, only the reach variation pattern Can be selected.

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

  FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation pattern table for loss. The upper (B1) is a normal variation pattern table, the middle (B2) is a probability variation pattern table, and the lower (B3) is a special variation pattern table. In the present embodiment, the selected variation pattern is set to be different depending on the variation pattern selection state.

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

  In the above description, the variation pattern table for deviation is expressed by a single table in any case. However, when the result of the lottery decision is lost, the number of reserved balls for special symbols ( Different variation pattern tables may be selected depending on 0-4). That is, by using a variation pattern table according to the number of reserved balls for special symbols, the proportion of relatively short variation times is increased as the number of activated balls is increased, and the number of reserved operations is small. As a result, a relatively long variation time can be selected. Also, the variation pattern table can be divided according to the type of special symbol. For example, when the electric chew support function is in operation, it is easy to display the variation of the second special symbol, and as shown in FIG. 19, the big hit of the second special symbol is more advantageous. In this case, by setting the variation time of the first special symbol as a long time, it is possible to create a time for accumulating the hold of the second special symbol that is preferentially subjected to variation control.

  The special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 selects the variation pattern of the special symbol and then instructs the production control board 200 to start the variation of the decorative symbol. "Design designation command"), special design (design group) and effect control command (referred to as "design designation command") including information on the game state, effect command including information on the number of holds after the start of variation ("design storage" Number command ") and the like (hereinafter, these effect control commands are collectively referred to as" variation start command ") and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

  The normal symbol lottery processing unit 145 includes a normal symbol success / failure determination unit 146, a normal symbol stop symbol determination unit 147, and a normal symbol variation pattern determination unit 148. When the normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol lottery processing means 145 reads the random value per normal symbol and the normal symbol variation pattern random value stored in the first storage area in the normal symbol holding storage area, They are stored in the normal symbol success / failure determination area and the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180, respectively.

  The normal symbol success / failure determination unit 146 reads out a random value per normal symbol from the normal symbol success / failure determination region of the main information storage unit 180 and executes the determination of success / failure, and determines whether the determination result corresponds to hit or miss. To do. The result of this lottery determination is temporarily stored as a normal symbol determination flag in the main information storage unit 180, and after being used in the subsequent processing, it is cleared when the variation of the normal symbol is stopped. The normal symbol success / failure determination means 146 holds a normal symbol success / failure lottery table which is referred to during the success / failure lottery. In the normal state (low probability state), the normal symbol success / failure determination means 146 refers to the normal symbol success / failure lottery table with a probability of “160/283”, for example, while the normal symbol probability change state (high probability state). ), For example, by referring to the normal symbol success / failure lottery table with which the probability is “282/283”, the normal symbol success / failure lottery is executed.

  In the present embodiment, the normal symbol stop symbol determination means 147 refers to the symbol lottery table, selects a predetermined winning symbol when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a win, and predetermined when it is out of place. Select the off-point symbol. In addition, when it is desired to have a plurality of control patterns for the ordinary electric accessory, it may be designed to have a plurality of lottery results of the normal symbol drawing table. Moreover, even if the selected normal symbol is the same, the control pattern of the ordinary electric accessory can be made different depending on whether or not the game state is operating the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory.

  The normal symbol variation pattern determination unit 148 reads the normal symbol variation pattern random number value from the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180, and refers to the normal symbol variation pattern table to display the variation display of the normal symbol in the normal state. In, a relatively long variation time is selected (for example, seven types of “4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, and 10 seconds” are uniformly selected). On the other hand, a relatively short variation time (for example, “0.5 seconds”) is selected in the normal symbol time-short state (entrance easy state).

  The special game control means 150 relates to the start demonstration effect and the end demonstration effect that are displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the special game according to the determined type of the big hit, when the result of the lottery is a big hit. Determine the demonstration performance time. The special game control means 150 provides an effect control command (referred to as a “hit start demo command”) for instructing the execution control board 200 to execute the start demo effect, and an effect control command for instructing the execution of the end demo effect. (Referred to as “big hit end demo command”) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. Note that the jackpot start demo command also serves as an opportunity to determine the contents of a series of jackpot effects (start demo effect, round effect, end demo effect) developed during the special game on the effect control board 200 side. The demonstration performance time determined by the special game control means 150 is not limited to the present embodiment, but can be determined based on the gaming state when the big hit is made, in addition to the big hit type.

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

  The special game control means 150 determines the demonstration performance time related to the small hit start demonstration effect and the small hit end demonstration effect displayed on the effect display device 70 and the like during the small hit game when the result of the lottery is a small hit. . The special game control means 150 includes an effect control command (“small hit start demo command”) for instructing execution of a small hit start demonstration effect, and an effect control command (“small hit end demonstration) for instructing execution of a small hit end demo effect. Command ") is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

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

  On the other hand, the normal symbol display control means 157 variably displays the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 175 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the ordinary symbol, and displays the normal symbol after the variation display. The normal symbol display control means 157 has a normal symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the display of the normal symbol. The operating state of the normal symbol display device 175 is monitored based on the normal symbol game status of the main information storage means 180.

  When the result of the special symbol winning / losing lottery is a big win, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 124 as a special game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed. The object 642 is opened according to a predetermined operation pattern. In the special game, one opening / closing operation of the special electric accessory 642 is defined as one round game, and the round game is continuously executed for a specified number of rounds (10R, 5R, 2R in the present embodiment). The electric accessory control means 160 holds a special winning opening opening counter for storing the number of operations of the special electric accessory 642 (that is, the number of rounds being executed). Here, when the type of jackpot is a so-called 10R jackpot (symbol group A, D) or 5R jackpot (symbol group B, E), the big prize opening 64 is opened for about 30 seconds at the maximum in one round game. . On the other hand, when the big hit type is a so-called 2R big hit (symbol group C), the big winning opening 64 is opened for about 1.8 seconds at the maximum in one round game. Here, the closing condition for the special winning opening 64 in the special game (the condition for ending the round game) is the passage of a predetermined count number of game balls to be won or an openable period of a specified number of seconds.

  If the result of the special symbol winning / losing lottery is a small hit, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 124 as a small hit game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed. The electric accessory 642 is opened for a short period. The small hit game is a special game composed of one round game, and is distinguished from a big hit game of a special game composed of a plurality of round games. In particular, both the small hit game and the big hit game are special games in which it is easy to acquire a ball based on the operation of the special electric game 642. However, the special electric game 642 can be operated continuously. It is divided according to whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is operating.

  When the winning combination of the normal symbol is won, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 123 to open the ordinary electric accessory 622 for a predetermined opening time. Here, the electric accessory control means 160 opens the ordinary electric accessory 622 for a very short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, whereas it is normally electric in the easy to enter state (electric chew support state). The accessory 622 is opened for a relatively long time (for example, 4 seconds) compared to the normal state.

  The game state control means 169 determines the game state after the end of the special game based on the type of the symbol group related to the jackpot when the result of the lottery for special symbol is a big hit, and after the end of the special game Switch the gaming state of. In the following, among the functions related to the special symbol and normal symbol described above, the gaming state in which 1) the probability variation function of the special symbol, the variation time shortening function of the special symbol, and the electric support function are activated is referred to as “probability variation state”. 2) A gaming state in which only the special symbol variation time reduction function and the electric chew support function are operated is referred to as a “short-time state”, and 3) a gaming state in which only the special symbol probability variation function is activated is referred to as a “latency probability variation state”. 4) A state in which all functions are not activated is referred to as a “normal state”. Note that the “probability change state”, “time-short state”, and “latency probability change state” are all advantageous game states for the player as compared to the “normal state”.

  In the following, each game state is expressed by a combination of a special symbol game operation state (high probability / low probability) and a normal symbol game operation state (with electric chew support function activated / no electric chew support function activated). ) Probability state is “high probability / high base”, (2) Time-short state is “low probability / high base”, (3) Latency probability state is “high probability / low base”, (4) Normal state is “low probability” ("Base" refers to the number of awarded balls per number of fired balls, and during the operation of the electric chew support function, the possibility of winning a prize ball by the operation of an ordinary electric accessory) Is called “high base”). In the present embodiment, as an example, the gaming state after the end of the special game is the time until the number of changes in the special symbol reaches the predetermined end number (that is, the above ST number) from the end of the special game. (However, if the next big hit occurs within the number of STs, the probability change state ends with the change, and at the end of the big hit game, it corresponds again based on the big hit type and big hit symbol) Transition to gaming state). If a small hit is made during the ST period, the ST count is not reset to zero, and the ST count is continuously counted before and after the small hit occurs. In the present embodiment, the number of STs is set to 100 as an example, but may be set to other numbers. When the state changes to the probability variation state, the special symbol probability variation function, the special symbol variation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function operate simultaneously, and each function continues as long as the probability variation state continues.

  If the result of a special symbol winning / losing lottery is a big hit, regardless of whether the game state before the big hit is a normal state or a probable change state, the special state is in the normal state and after the special game, the ST number is As a limit, it becomes a certain change state. On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol winning / losing lottery is a small win, if the gaming state before the small hit is the normal state, the gaming state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also the normal state. If the game state before the small hit is a special symbol probable change state, the game state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also a special symbol probable state.

  The game state control means 169 determines the variation pattern selection state after the special game based on the type of the big win (type of the symbol groups A to E) when the result of the lottery is a big hit, and after the special game The change pattern selection state is switched. The variation pattern selection state is one of the conditions referred to when selecting the above variation pattern table. The switching timing of the variation pattern selection state is when the special game ends or when the end number of times of the variation pattern selection state has expired. In the present embodiment, there are three types of variation pattern selection states, such as “low probability normal variation state α”, “high probability reduced variation state β”, and “high probability special variation state γ”. Here, the low probability normal variation state α is a normal variation pattern table (A1 in FIG. 20A and B1 in FIG. 20B) selected when the gaming state is the normal state (low probability state). This is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference. The high probability shortening variation state β is a probability variation pattern table (A2 in FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B) selected when the game state is a certain symbol certain variation state (except for a limited period described later). This is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference to B2). The high probability special variation state γ is a state in which the game state is a probable variation state of a special symbol, and the number of symbol variation corresponding to a certain period immediately after the end of the special game (the maximum number (4) of active reserve balls of the second special symbol (Four times) Variation display period: referred to as “limited period”) Special variation pattern table (see A3 in FIG. 20 and B3 in FIG. 20B) that allows selection only. This is a state for determining a pattern. In this embodiment, regardless of which of the symbol groups A to D is selected, the variation pattern selection state is (1) immediately after the end of the special game, and the high probability special variation state γ only for a limited period of four symbol variation times. (2) After the limited period, and when the number of executions is within the ST number (100 times), stay in the high probability reduced variation state β. (3) After the ST number ends, As the number of executions, the low probability normal fluctuation state α stays after the 101st time. Of course, the period until the first hit occurs stays in the low probability normal fluctuation state α. The gaming state control unit 169 generates an effect control command (referred to as “gaming state designation command”) including the current gaming state information and the variation pattern selection state information, and stores this command in the main information storage unit 180. Store in the area. Further, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and a plurality of special variation states γ may be provided so that different special variation states can be referred to at different timings of one variation time reduction gaming state. (For example, a special variation state γ2 is provided in which the user stays in the special variation state γ1 four times after the big hit and then stays in the shortened variation state β 95 times and then stays in one special symbol game).

  The error monitoring control means 170 monitors the input information of the I / O port circuit 104 and inspects the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, the radio wave detection signal by the radio wave sensor, the door / frame opening signal, etc. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state. If it is in an error state, an effect control command (“error effect designation command”) including the error information is requested to indicate an error state effect to the effect control board 200. Although not shown in FIG. 15, the door opening switch is detection means for detecting whether or not the glass frame 5 is opened, and the frame opening switch is detection for detecting whether or not the front frame 2 is opened. The back set opening switch is a detecting means for detecting whether or not the back set board 30 is open. The magnetic sensor and the radio wave sensor are detection means for detecting fraud (so-called goto action).

  The main information storage means 180 stores random number value information acquired in special symbol games and normal symbol games, operation reserved ball information of special symbols and normal symbols, gaming states related to special symbol games and normal symbol games (probability change state, time reduction state, Information on easy entry), information on variation pattern selection status, result information on winning / failing lottery (big hit, small hit, off), information on stop and variation patterns on special symbols and regular symbols, information on special games (round) Number, release time, release mode (number of releases per round game), etc.), status information indicating the operating state of the special symbol display devices 171 and 172, status information indicating the operating state of the special electric accessory 642, effect control command It is configured to temporarily store information necessary for controlling the progress of the game, such as data information. And a predetermined storage area.

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

  The effect control board 200 can receive MODE data and EVENT data, triggered by receiving the strobe signal output in this way. The effect control command generated in each process is transmitted, as a rule, in accordance with the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180, for each interrupt period, MODE data and EVENT data, one command at a time.

  FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the function of the effect control board 200 in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The production control board 200 includes production lottery random number generation means 210, production control means 220, lamp production control means 230, accessory production control means 240, error production control means 250, production control information storage means 260, and command transmission / reception means 270. . The above-described units of the effect control board 200 are the effect control CPU 201, the effect control ROM 202, the effect control RAM 203, the hardware such as an electronic circuit, and the control program stored in the effect control ROM 202. Is a functional representation of what is configured by software such as

  The effect lottery random number generating means 210 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers (effect lottery random numbers) by program processing of the effect control CPU 201. These random number counters play a role as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. This software random number includes the prefetching notice lottery random number used for the lottery of whether or not the prefetching notice effect can be executed, the prefetching notice pattern random number used for selecting the prefetching notice pattern, the decoration design random number used for selecting the stop pattern of the decoration design, the decoration Fluctuation effect pattern random number used for selection of design variation effect pattern, notice effect pattern random number used for selection of notice effect pattern, jackpot effect pattern random number used for selection of jackpot effect pattern, whether or not to execute execution of recreational zone on hold The lotus random effect random lottery used for the lottery, the random lottery effect pattern random number used for selection of the lotus directing effect pattern for the reserved lotus directing are included. The update time of these random numbers is updated using the remaining time when the command analysis is not performed in the effect control side main process described later. In addition, although the name is given to the random number used for each lottery for convenience, you may have the random number used in common.

  The production control unit 220 includes a production mode control unit 221, a hold information display control unit 222, a look-ahead notice control unit 223, a decorative symbol determination unit 224, a variation production determination unit 225, a notice effect production determination unit 226, and a jackpot production determination unit 227. .

  The holding information display control means 222 includes a first reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated reserved balls of the first special symbol, and a second reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated reserved balls of the second special symbol. Have. When the holding information display control means 222 receives the symbol storage number command from the main control board 100, the first holding ball number counter and the second holding ball are based on the information of the operation holding ball number included in the symbol storage number command. Update the value of the number counter. Based on the values of the first reserved ball number counter and the second reserved ball number counter, the reserved information display control means 222 displays the number corresponding to the number of activated reserved balls of the first special symbol on the reserved display unit of the effect display device 70. And the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of active reserved balls of the second special symbol are controlled. In the normal display mode, when a special design actuating ball is generated, a white-colored hold image is displayed. The image can take any of “blue”, “green”, “red”, and “rainbow” as a special display mode (display color) from “white” of the normal display mode (display color). The above four special display modes are related to the reliability that the lottery result is a big hit (referred to as “big hit reliability”), and are “blue”, “green”, “red”, “rainbow” The jackpot reliability is set to be higher step by step. In the present embodiment, when the reserved image changes to “rainbow”, the big hit becomes deterministic in the pre-reading operation holding ball. Note that, in the hold change prefetch notice effect, the change in the display mode of the hold image may be expressed by a shape or a pattern instead of the display color.

  The prefetch notice control means 223 determines whether or not the prefetch notice can be executed by lottery when the advance determination command is received from the main control board 100. The pre-reading notice control means 223 distinguishes the information of the first special symbol pre-determined result and the information of the second special symbol pre-determined result, and enters each of up to the predetermined upper limit number (4) Temporarily stored in the prefetch information storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 so as to be combined with the order. This pre-read information storage area has the same configuration as the reserved storage area of the main control board 100, and in the order of entering the starting ports 61 and 62, the reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area), A hold 2 storage area (second hold storage area), a hold 3 storage area (third hold storage area), and a hold 4 storage area (fourth hold storage area) are provided. Each reserved storage area can store information on the result of prior determination, information on the design prior determination result, and information on the variation pattern prior determination result as a set.

  When the prefetching notice control means 223 determines whether or not the prefetching notice can be executed, the prefetching notice control means 223 makes a prefetching judgment (“prefetching judgment”) for the operation holding ball that is the target of the prefetching notice based on the prejudgment result by the main control board 100. (Also called). In the present embodiment, in addition to the above-described pending change prefetching notice, the prefetching notice is a so-called continuous notice that predicts the possibility of a big win or reach effect over a plurality of continuous variation displays of decorative symbols. Has production. When it is determined that the pre-reading notice effect (continuous notice effect) can be executed, information on the pre-determining command from the main control board 100 (result of pre-judgment) and information on the number-of-symbol-storing command (existing number of pending action balls) Analyzing, a pre-reading notice effect pattern over a plurality of continuous variable displays is determined by lottery for an operation hold ball (referred to as “trigger hold”) that triggers the generation of this pre-reading notice effect. Note that there are various types of prefetching notices, such as a pending change prefetching notice effect, a chance eye prefetching notice effect, and a background change prefetching notice effect. As another type of look-ahead, there is a holding-in-resort stage effect that suggests or notifies the possibility that there is an operation holding ball that will be a big hit when a change that is a big hit game or a big hit win is being executed.

  The presentation mode control means 221 controls the transition of the presentation mode so as to be consistent with the gaming state and the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side based on the gaming state designation command from the main control board 100. Execute. In the present embodiment, the normal effect mode α, the probability change effect mode β, and the special effect mode γ are included as the three effect modes, and the variation patterns of the special symbols instructed from the main control board 100 are the same. However, the variation effect pattern (detailed later) for specifying the specific contents of the symbol variation effect is set differently for each effect mode. The effect display device 70 displays an effect mode notification image corresponding to the effect mode that the user is currently staying in (in this embodiment, a background image that is the back display of the decorative symbol), and this background image is displayed for each effect mode. Accordingly, the player can recognize which of the effect modes he / she currently stays from the type of the background image.

  Each production mode will be outlined. First, the normal performance mode α is set when the low probability normal variation state α is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and “normal background” is displayed as the background image. . The probability variation effect mode β is set when the high probability reduction variation state β is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and “probability variation background” is displayed as the background image. The special effect mode γ is set when the high probability special variation state γ is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side. This special effect mode stays for a period of four times (limited period) immediately after the end of the special game, and when this limited period is exceeded, transition to the probability change effect mode β. When the on-hold consecutive resort production occurs during the special game, “special background” is displayed as the background image. On the other hand, when the on-hold consecutive resort effect does not occur during the special game, that is, when the continuous variation effect is not executed, the “probable change background” common to the probability change effect mode is displayed as the background image.

  The decorative design determining means 224 is configured to combine the final stop symbols of the decorative symbols (the left symbol, the middle symbol, the character symbol) based on information (variation pattern information, character production number information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100. The right design is determined by lottery. In the present embodiment, three symbol sequences including a plurality of types of decorative symbols are configured. This decorative design is formed by, for example, an identification element made up of numbers or letters. In the present embodiment, a total of 10 types such as numbers “1” to “9” and characters “S” are set as identification elements. Each decoration symbol is displayed in the order of “1” → “2” → “3” →... → “8” → “9” → “S” in the order of the left, right, middle and right display areas. Each is displayed cyclically in the display area.

  The decoration symbol determination means 224 holds a plurality of types of stop symbol pattern tables that are referred to when a combination of stop symbols of decoration symbols (also referred to as “stop symbol pattern”) is determined by lottery. As the plural types of tables, there are a stop symbol pattern table for big hits, a stop symbol pattern table for small hits, a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach, a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach. The stop symbol of the decorative symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols, and includes a “stop symbol indicating a big hit (big hit symbol)” and a “stop symbol indicating a loss (missing symbol)”. The big hit symbol indicating the specific big hit (probable big hit) is a combination of stop modes (for example, “7 · 7 · 7”) in which three symbols having the same odd number are arranged. The big hit symbol indicating the normal big hit (non-probable big hit) is a combination of stop modes (for example, “2.2-2.2”) in which three symbols with the same even number are arranged. The off symbol is a combination of stop modes (for example, “1 · 3 · 8”) in which at least one of the three symbols is a symbol having a number different from the other numbers. Here, of the out-of-order symbols, the out-of-reach symbol is a combination of stop modes in which only the middle symbol is shifted back and forth by several frames in a state where the left symbol and the right symbol are coincident (for example, “3.1,3”) Become. In the case of a “stop symbol indicating a small hit (small hit symbol)” or a 2R big hit symbol even if it is a big hit symbol, for example, a combination of predetermined stop modes such as “3, 5, 7” is used. There is a case. In the present embodiment, “S · S · S” is provided as a special jackpot symbol for definite notification of the reserved resort. When it is determined to execute the on-hold consecutive villa production, the decorative design determination means 224, when the consecutive villa production pattern PA2 is selected, is a normal jackpot design (such as “3.3.3”). Is replaced with a special jackpot symbol ("S, S, S").

  Based on the information (variation pattern information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100, the variation effect determining means 225 defines the variation process (effect process) from the variation start to the stop in the variation display of the decorative symbol. Determine the production pattern. In the present embodiment, the design variation effect (reach effect) performed after the reach display includes a reach effect with a simple effect content (normal reach effect) and a reach effect (super reach effect) where the effect content develops in the middle. It is. The variation effect determining means 225 holds a plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation effect pattern, and a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol is selected from the plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables. ) Is selected. In the variation effect pattern table, the variation effect pattern random value and the variation effect pattern are associated with each other according to the result of the variation pattern lottery of the special symbol (that is, the reach type). Here, a basic pattern (for example, “normal reach A”, “super reach A”, etc.) of the symbol variation is determined as the variation pattern on the main control board 100 side, whereas the variation control pattern on the effect control substrate 200 side Based on the basic pattern, a detailed pattern of design variation (for example, “normal reach A1, A2, A3...”, “Super reach A1, A2, A3. In this way, the variation display pattern of the decorative design defines a variation display mode of the decorative design, that is, a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the start of variation of the decorative design to the end of the variation. The timing for generating the notice effect at the stage is also defined as a time schedule. Note that the stop order for stopping the decorative symbols is determined in advance for each variation effect pattern, and in principle, in this embodiment, the decorative symbols are stopped in the order of left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol. However, if it is a variation effect pattern with a short variation time, the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol are stopped almost simultaneously, and if it is a specific variation effect pattern, the left symbol → middle symbol → right symbol It can also be stopped. At this time, if it is not the stopping order of the above principle (left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol), the big hit expectation degree tends to be relatively high.

  The notice effect determining means 226 determines the notice effect pattern that defines the content of the notice effect that is executed at each stage of the decorative symbol change process according to the scenario of the change effect pattern described above. The notice effect pattern includes an effect pattern that displays an image or animation of a specific character temporarily or stepwise, an effect pattern that outputs a specific sound, an effect pattern that operates a movable accessory, and the like. The notice effect is executed in parallel with the change display of the decorative symbol, and suggests in advance that the jackpot reliability that the symbol change stops in the jackpot mode is high. The notice effect includes a notice effect that is executed before the reach state occurs (including when the reach occurs) in the process of changing the decorative symbol, and a notice effect that is executed after the reach state occurs. Each of the announcement effects has different jackpot reliability. Basically, the announcement effect displayed after the occurrence of the reach has a relatively higher reliability of the announcement effect displayed after the occurrence of the reach. It is high. The notice effect determining means 226 maintains a notice effect pattern table to be referred to when selecting the notice effect pattern for each type of the notice effect, and according to the type of the notice effect generated according to the scenario of the variable effect pattern. Select the notice effect pattern table. The notice effect determining means 226 refers to the notice effect pattern table selected above and, based on the notice effect pattern random number value obtained from the effect lottery random number generating means 210, draws a lot of kinds of notice effect patterns. Choose one. In addition, as a kind of specific notice effect pattern, a comment notice effect pattern, a background notice effect pattern, an SU (step-up) notice effect pattern, a group notice effect pattern, a cut-in notice effect pattern, an accessory movable notice effect pattern, Etc. are prepared. This notice effect is basically performed by executing one or a plurality of notice effects in accordance with the decorative display variation display on the effect display device 70. For this reason, even in the case of decorative display variation display using the same variation production pattern, various production modes can be generated by combining with one or more notice productions.

  The jackpot effect determining means 227 determines the contents of the jackpot effect (a jackpot effect pattern) for notifying that the special game is being played. The big hit effect includes a start demonstration effect for notifying the start of a special game, a round effect for notifying that a round game is in progress, and an end demonstration effect for notifying the end of a special game. When the jackpot effect determining means 227 receives the jackpot start demonstration command from the main control board 100, the jackpot effect pattern (start demo effect pattern, round effect) based on the information of the jackpot type stored in the effect control information storage means 260, etc. Pattern, end demo performance pattern). In this jackpot production pattern, a jackpot start demonstration production time, a round production time (production time according to the opening pattern of the big prize opening 64) and a jackpot end demonstration production time are set according to the type of jackpot. A series of production contents are set along the time axis. The jackpot effect determining means 227 executes the start demonstration effect in response to the reception of the jackpot start demonstration command from the main control board 100 according to the jackpot effect pattern, and performs each round effect in response to the reception of the round effect designation command. Executed, and the end demo production is executed when the jackpot end demo command is received.

  Here, in the normal jackpot start demonstration production, for example, the letters “start the jackpot” are displayed on the screen to announce the start of the special game. In the normal round effect, for example, the number of currently executed rounds and the number of winning prize balls on the screen are displayed, and various images (animation images and the like) that excite the special game are displayed. In a normal jackpot end demonstration production, for example, the letters “End of jackpot” are displayed on the screen to notify the end of the special game.

  As described above, the effect supervising means 220 is an image control command related to images and sounds based on the determined effect contents (prefetch effect pattern, consecutive resort effect pattern, variation effect pattern, notice effect pattern, stop symbol pattern, jackpot effect pattern, etc.). Is generated and stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260.

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

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

  The error effect control means 250 is configured to determine an error effect pattern when an error effect designation command is received from the main control board 100 and to notify the gaming machine that an error state has occurred according to the error effect pattern. Yes.

  The effect control information storage means 260 is configured to temporarily store decorative symbol information, variable effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, control command information, and the like. A predetermined storage area is provided. For example, in the command storage area, an effect control command buffer for storing an effect control command from the main control board 100, an image control command buffer for storing an image control command to the image control board 300, and an image control board 300 Includes an ACK command buffer for storing ACK commands. Each command buffer is composed of a ring buffer, and can store a predetermined number of effect control commands, image control commands, and ACK commands.

  The command transmission / reception means 270 is configured to receive the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100 when receiving the strobe signal output together with the effect control command and store the effect control command in the effect control command buffer. ing. Specifically, the command transmission / reception means 270 performs the reception control process of the effect control command in response to the interrupt generated when the strobe signal from the main control board 100 is input. The effect control command is acquired. Details of the reception control process of the effect control command will be described later. In addition, when the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the strobe signal, the command transmission / reception means 270 executes the reception interrupt process of the effect control command with priority over the other interrupt processes.

  The command transmission / reception means 270 is stored in the effect control information storage means 260 in order to instruct the execution of the effect contents (variation effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, decorative symbol information, etc.) set by the effect control means 220. For example, the image control command is transmitted to the image control board 300 using a serial communication method. In principle, the image control command is transmitted every predetermined period (500 μs in the present embodiment) according to the order set in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260.

  As a result, the image control board 300 analyzes various image control commands transmitted from the effect control board 200 and causes the effect display device 70 to variably display the effect image including the decorative design according to the scenario of the change effect pattern. The notice effect is displayed at each stage of the change display process so as to be superimposed on the design change effect. Furthermore, the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the ACK command transmitted from the image control board 300 and stores this ACK command in the ACK command buffer.

<Processing on the main control board>
FIG. 21 to FIG. 42 are flowcharts showing an example of operation processing procedures in the main control board 100. The operation processing on the main control board 100 side mainly includes main control side main processing and main control side timer interrupt processing.

<Main control side main processing>
21, 22, and 23 are flowcharts illustrating an example of main control-side main processing that is executed in the main control board 100. In the main process on the main control side, the main control program is started after a security check of the main control CPU 101 is performed by reset at power-on, and the process is executed by the main control program. In the following description, the subject of each process may be omitted as appropriate.

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

  Next, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch is turned on (step S5). When the RAM clear switch is turned on, all areas of the main control RAM 103 are cleared to zero in step S9 described later. On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is not turned on, the value of the power-off information flag is read and the power-off is normal. It is determined whether or not the information is stored (step S6).

  Here, when the information indicating that the power is off normally is stored, a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area of the main control RAM 103 (step S7). It is determined whether or not this checksum is 0, that is, whether or not the checksum is normal (step S8). Note that the power-on checksum calculated here includes the complement of the checksum calculated in the power-off process described later, so if it is backed up normally, the power-on checksum Sam becomes “0”. In this way, it is determined when the power is turned on whether the information stored in the main control RAM 103 before the power is turned off is correctly backed up. If the checksum is normal, the process proceeds to step S12 to be described later in order to return to the state before the power interruption. On the other hand, if the checksum is abnormal, the entire area of the main control RAM 103 is cleared to zero (step S9). Next, initialization data at power-on is set in the main control RAM 103 (step S10). Next, in order to initialize the effect display device 70 and the effect lamps 10 and 25, an effect control command (“effect initial command”) is requested to the effect control board 200 (step S11).

  Next, in the power-off recovery setting process, the power-on normal information setting, the various error initial settings, and the communication initial setting with the payout control board 400 are sequentially executed in the main control RAM 103 (step S12). Here, as the setting of the power-on normal information, in order to save the fact that the power was turned on correctly, to store the power-on normal data in the power-off information flag and to initialize the information of the power-off occurrence, Turn off the power-off confirmation flag. Next, a data transfer source address, a data transfer destination address, and a transfer byte number are set, and data corresponding to the transfer byte number is transferred (step S13). The value of the special symbol game status at the time of power-off is read, and the power-off recovery process related to the special symbol game is executed (step S14).

  Next, a transmission request for an effect control command (“power-off recovery command”) at the time of power-off recovery between the main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 is made (step S15). The power-off recovery command includes information related to the inspection of the communication line, the special symbol operating state, the probability variation count, the time reduction count, the easy-to-enter state count, the variation pattern selection status, and the error status. It should be noted that the command requests for untransmitted before the power is turned off are cleared. Next, in the symbol memory number command request process, the information on the number of reserved balls in the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the power is turned off is read, and an effect control command including the information on the number of reserved balls is requested ( Step S16).

  Next, a return setting is made to return the ordinary electric accessory 622 to a state before the power is turned off (for example, the second start port 62 is opened) (step S17). Further, a return setting is made to return the special electric accessory 642 to a state before the power is cut off (for example, the special winning opening 64 is opened) (step S18). Next, the value of the special symbol mode flag is read, and the operation state of the probability variation function of the special symbol when the power is turned off is set (step S19). The special symbol mode flag is a flag for setting the operation probability (high probability or low probability) of the special symbol game. Next, in order to start a timer interrupt, a predetermined count value is set as an initial setting of the CTC circuit, and a timer interrupt is generated every 4 ms (step S20). Next, interrupt prohibition is set to prohibit generation of timer interrupt processing (step S21). As a preparation for restarting the watchdog timer, clear word 1 (“55H”) is set (step S22).

  Next, in order to determine the occurrence of a power interruption, the value of the power interruption confirmation flag is read to determine whether or not a power interruption has occurred (step S23). If the power is not cut off, initial value random number update processing is executed (step S24). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value determined for each random number, it is returned to the minimum value “0”.

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

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

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

<Main control timer interrupt processing>
Next, the relationship between the drawings for explaining the main control timer interrupt process will be described. First, FIGS. 24 and 25 are flowcharts showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the main control board 100, respectively. 26 and 27 are flowcharts showing details of the start port monitoring control process shown in FIG. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start monitoring control process shown in FIG. 25, and FIGS. 29 and 30 are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol variation start monitoring process shown in FIG. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control process shown in FIG. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control general-purpose process shown in FIG. 33 to 37 are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol variation start process, the special symbol variation process, and the special symbol stop symbol display process shown in FIG. 32, respectively. 38 to 40 are flowcharts showing details of the special electric accessory control process shown in FIG.

  First, the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 24 is executed by interrupting the main process on the main control side when a timer interrupt is generated in response to a clock pulse every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms) from the CTC circuit described above. The Note that the terms “condition device” and “substantial operation device continuous operation device” used hereinafter mean a conceptual control device. The “condition device” is activated when a big hit is generated in a special symbol game, and the “actual accessory continuous actuating device” is capable of operating the “special electric accessory” a plurality of times in succession.

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

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

  Next, an input process is executed (step S55). In this input process, information of switches other than the RAM clear switch is read as various switches connected to the main control board 100. That is, the first start opening switch 161, the second start opening switch 162, the operation gate switch 163, the big prize opening switch 164, and the out ball detection switch 167, and a door opening switch, a frame opening switch, and a back set opening switch (not shown). After reading input information such as a magnetic sensor and a radio wave sensor and determining their state, the detection information is stored.

  Next, various random number update processes are executed (step S56). In these various random number update processes, the normal symbol variation pattern random number and the special symbol variation pattern random number that do not use the initial value random number are updated. For the normal symbol variation pattern random number, 1 is added to the numerical value of the random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value. On the other hand, for the special symbol variation pattern random number, a predetermined value (for example, 3511) is subtracted from the previous random number. When the subtraction result is less than 0, a predetermined value (for example, 50000) is added to the subtraction result.

  Next, initial value update type random number update processing is executed (step S57). In this initial value update type random number update process, the random number per ordinary symbol, the soft random number per special symbol, and the symbol random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value. When the counter value has made one round (when the initial value is set), the initial value random number corresponding to the random value of the counter that has made one round at that timing is set as a new initial value. To do.

  Next, initial value random number update processing is executed (step S58). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the predetermined maximum value for each random number, the value is returned to “0” which is the minimum value.

  Next, a timer subtraction process is executed (step S59). In this timer subtraction process, the values of various timers used for game operation control of the gaming machine are subtracted and updated. The various timers include a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the special symbol display devices 171 and 172, a timer for controlling the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642, , Timers used for various controls such as ordinary symbols and ordinary electric accessories.

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

  Next, a winning monitoring process is executed (step S61). In this winning monitoring process, the first starting port switch 161, the second starting port switch 162, the operation gate switch 163, the big winning port switch 164, the general winning port switch 166, and the out ball in the input process (step S55) described above. Based on the detection information of the detection switch 167, a switch inspection of the game ball is performed. As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed each switch, the effect control including information indicating that the game ball has passed each switch Requests to send a command.

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

  Next, normal symbol operation gate monitoring processing is executed (step S63). In this normal symbol operation gate monitoring process, the passage of the game ball to the operation gate 63 is monitored, and when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the operation gate 63, a random number related to the normal symbol lottery is acquired as the operation holding ball information. In addition to updating the number of suspended balls for a maximum of 4 balls, random numbers related to normal symbol lottery are stored.

  Next, normal symbol control processing is executed (step S64). In this normal symbol control process, since a series of processes related to the normal symbol display device 175 or the ordinary electric accessory 622 is executed, the normal symbol changing process and the normal symbol stop symbol display are being performed according to the value of the normal symbol game status. The process, the process during the normal electric accessory operation, the process during the normal electric accessory operation end demonstration, etc. are executed. In the normal symbol changing process, the display pattern number data of the normal symbol is created (updated) so that the normal symbol is variably displayed or fixedly displayed.

  Next, normal symbol variation start monitoring processing is executed (step S65). In this normal symbol variation start monitoring process, when the normal symbol operation state is monitored and it is determined that the normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol operation holding number of balls is digested by one, and the normal symbol variation is monitored. Determination of success / failure, determination of design, determination of variation pattern, setting of variation time, and the like are performed in order.

  Next, the start port monitoring control process is executed (step S66). In this start port monitoring control process, when the game ball is monitored to enter the first start port 61 and the second start port 62 and it is detected that the game ball has entered, The command request of the command including information necessary for the effect control board 200 such as update, random number storage related to special symbol lottery, pre-determination for pre-reading notice, symbol storage number, and the like is sequentially performed.

  Next, a special symbol control process is executed (step S67). In this special symbol control process, as a series of processes related to the special symbol display devices 171 and 172, for example, according to the value of the special symbol game status, for example, a special symbol variation start process described later (see step S420 of FIG. 32 described later). The special symbol changing process (see step S430 in FIG. 32 to be described later) and the special symbol stop symbol displaying process (see step S440 in FIG. 32 to be described later) are executed.

  Next, a special electric accessory control process is executed (step S68). In this process, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” or “small hit”, the operation start and end of operation of the special electric accessory 642 is set as the operation processing related to the special electric accessory 642, Update of the opening time and the number of times of opening the winning opening 64, the operation start setting of the probability variation function, the operation start setting of the variation time shortening function, the setting of the variation pattern selection state, etc. are executed in order.

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

  Next, a special symbol variation start monitoring control process is executed (step S70). In this special symbol variation start monitoring control process, when there is an operation holding ball of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the number of the holding balls is digested, and the command request for the number of stored symbols, whether the special symbol is successful or not is determined. The determination of the special symbol, the determination of the probability variation function, the determination of the time shortening function, the setting of the operation pattern of the special electric accessory, the setting of the demonstration performance time, etc. are performed in order.

  Next, an abnormality detection process is executed (step S71). In this abnormality detection process, the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, the radio wave detection signal by the radio sensor, the door / frame opening signal, etc. are inspected in order based on the input information in the input process (step S55) described above. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state. If it is in an error state, an effect control command (“error effect designation command”) including the error information is generated to request the effect control board 200 to display an error.

  Next, an incoming ball passage time abnormality detection process is executed (step S72). In this ball passing time abnormality detection process, when the ON signal of the winning detection switch is continuously detected for a predetermined time or longer, the ball passing time abnormality is set and an effect control command (“error”) including the error information is set. A request for a production designation command ") and a request for outputting a security signal for output to an external terminal are made.

  Next, a game state display process is executed (step S73). In this game state display process, display data such as the number of times that the special electric accessory 642 is continuously operated (the number of specified rounds), the number of reserved symbols for normal symbols and special symbols is created. Display data for displaying the information on the error state detected in the abnormality detection process described above on the status indicator lamp of the main control board 100 is created.

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

  Next, LED output processing is executed (step S75). In this LED output process, the above-described special symbol control process (step S85) is performed in order to display a special symbol and a normal symbol, display the number of reserved balls, the number of times that the special electric accessory is operated continuously, an error, and the like. The display data created by the abnormality detection process (step S89), the game state display process (step S73), etc. are stored in the special symbol display devices 171 and 172, the normal symbol display device 175, the special symbol hold lamps 173 and 174, In addition to outputting to the general map holding lamp 176 and the status indicator lamp of the main control board 100, the display in these various display devices is initialized.

  Next, a firing control signal output process is executed (step S76). In this firing control signal output process, when a communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or a disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality is not detected, a launch permission signal is output to the payout control board 400 to launch the game ball. On the other hand, when an abnormality in communication with the payout control board 400 or an abnormality in the short circuit power supply is detected, a discharge prohibition signal is output to the payout control board 400 to prohibit the launch of the game ball.

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

  Next, solenoid output processing is executed (step S78). In this solenoid output process, in order to operate the ordinary electric accessory 622 and the special electric accessory 642, each control signal acquired in the normal symbol control process (step S82) and the special electric accessory control process (step S86) is used. An excitation signal is output to the electric accessory solenoids 123 and 124.

  Next, an effect control command transmission process is executed (step S79). In this effect control command transmission process, the effect control command stored in the ring buffer designated by the pointer from the effect control commands stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 as described above is converted into the MODE data and Each EVENT data is read out and transmitted to the effect control board 200 as will be described later.

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

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

  If the main control board 100 detects a power-off (a decrease in supply voltage based on a predetermined threshold) during the main control-side main process or interrupt process, a non-maskable interrupt is generated and the power-off confirmation flag is turned on. To do. After returning to the original process, the above power-off process (steps S26 to S32) is executed.

<Special design game processing>
Next, a series of processes related to the special symbol game in the main control timer interrupt process will be described. The processing related to the special symbol game includes the above-described start port monitoring control processing (step S84), special symbol control processing (step S85), special electric accessory control processing (step S86), and special symbol variation start monitoring control processing (step S88) is applicable.

<Start-up port monitoring control processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 26, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first start port 61 (step S201). If it is detected that a game ball has entered the first start port 61, it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit of 4 (step S202).

  When the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol is less than 4, a random number value per special symbol, a random number value per special symbol, a random value value for a special symbol variation pattern, Are stored in the first special symbol holding storage area (holding n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the order of entry (step S203). As the update of the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol, 1 is added to the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter (step S204), and the winning check of the first start port 61 is finished.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the second start port 62 (step S205). When the game ball is detected to enter the second start port 62, it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls of the second special symbol is less than the upper limit of 4 (step S206). If the number of reserved balls in the second special symbol is less than 4, a random number value per special symbol, a random symbol value per special symbol, and a special symbol variation pattern random value are acquired as the lottery random number value related to the second special symbol game. Then, each random number value is stored in the second special symbol holding storage area (holding n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the order of entry (step S207). As the update of the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol, 1 is added to the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter (step S208), and the winning check at the second start port 62 is completed.

  Next, whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been updated, that is, the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is added in step S204 or step S208. It is determined whether or not (step S209). When there is an update of the number of the operation reserved balls (step S209), a symbol storage number command including information on the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is generated, and this is stored in the main information storage unit 180. In the command storage area (step S210).

  Next, the state of the gaming machine is confirmed, and it is determined whether it is a prior determination timing (step S211). When it is a prior determination timing (step S211), the random number value per special symbol is read from the random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and a prior determination is made (step S212). A pass / fail pre-determination command including the information of the pre-determination result (pre-determined / pre-determined number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S213).

  The symbol random number value per special symbol is read from the symbol random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and symbol preliminary determination is performed (step S214). A symbol pre-determination command including information on the pre-determination result (symbol pre-determination number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S215). Further, the special symbol variation pattern random number value is read from the variation pattern random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and the variation pattern prior determination is performed (step S216). A variation pattern advance determination command including information on the advance determination result (variation pattern advance determination number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S217).

<Special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control processing>
In the special symbol variation start monitoring control process (step S88) shown in FIG. 28, the special symbol described later is applied to the special symbol side satisfying the variation start condition among the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The fluctuation start monitoring process (step S310) is executed. When both the first special symbol and the second special symbol satisfy the variation start condition, as described above, the process on the second special symbol side is preferentially executed as an example.

  First, it is determined whether a big hit or a small hit is being made (step S301). Next, whether both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for change, that is, whether the first special symbol game status and the second special symbol game status are both “00H (waiting for change)” It is determined whether or not (step S302).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol is “0” (step S303). If the number of reserved balls is not “0”, the variation start condition of the second special symbol is After setting the address of the second special symbol variation start monitoring table (addresses of various tables and RAM storage area addresses used in the subsequent processing) (step S304), the second special symbol side The special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process (step S310) is shifted to. In other words, in the present embodiment, when there is an operation holding ball of the second special symbol, the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is preferentially digested regardless of the presence or absence of the operation holding ball of the first special symbol. Is done. Details of this special symbol variation start monitoring process will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30 described later.

  On the other hand, when the number of operation reserved balls of the second special symbol is “0”, it is determined whether or not the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is “0” (step S305). Here, if the number of reserved balls is not “0”, it is considered that the first special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, and the address of the first special symbol variation start monitoring table (various tables used in the subsequent processes). And the address of the RAM storage area) (step S306), the process proceeds to the special symbol variation start monitoring process (step S310) on the first special symbol side.

  If neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol variation start condition is satisfied (steps S301, S302, S305), the execution of the special symbol variation start monitoring process (step S310) is omitted.

<Special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process>
In the special symbol variation start monitoring process (step S310), referring to the first special symbol variation start monitoring table or the second special symbol variation start monitoring table set in step S304 or step S306 described above, The process on the special symbol side is executed. In addition, since the processing content is almost the same between the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, it is the first special symbol side processing or the second special symbol side processing, unless otherwise specified. A description will be given collectively without distinguishing whether there is.

  First, as shown in FIG. 29, 1 is subtracted from the number of reserved balls on the special symbol side that is the target of the current variation start (step S311). A symbol memory number command including information on the number of suspended balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after the subtraction is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (step S312). Next, by accessing the special symbol holding storage area on the side of the special symbol subject to the start of fluctuation this time, a random value per special symbol stored in the first reserved storage area (holding 1 storage area), per special symbol The design random number value and the special symbol variation pattern random value are read in order, and these random number values are obtained as a special symbol success / failure determination process (step S320), a symbol determination process (step S330), and a variation pattern selection process (described later in FIG. 33). For use in step S423), it is transferred to the special symbol success / failure determination area, special symbol determination area, and special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180 (step S313). As the update of the hold storage area, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area to the hold 4 storage area is sequentially shifted from the hold 1 storage area to the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is cleared to zero (step S314). .

  Next, special symbol success / failure determination processing is executed (step S320). In the special symbol success / failure determination process, first, a special symbol success / failure lottery table is acquired. At this time, if the gaming state is a special symbol probability changing state, a high-probability lottery table is obtained, and if the gaming state is a normal state, a low-probability lottery table is obtained. Next, a random value per special symbol is read from the special symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage unit 180. With reference to the special symbol success / failure lottery table, the special symbol's success / failure determination is executed based on the random number per special symbol. Values corresponding to the determination result (big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, loss data “00H”) are stored as special symbol determination flags in the main information storage unit 180.

  Next, a symbol determination process is executed (step S330). In the symbol determination process, a special symbol stop symbol, a symbol group type, and a character effect number (variable added symbol information) are determined according to the result of the determination. The stop symbol of the special symbol determined this time, the type of symbol group, and the character effect number are stored in the symbol storage area of the main information storage means 180. Note that the character effect number includes the determined symbol group type (seven patterns of symbol groups A to G) and the operating state of the probability variation function of the special symbol and the normal symbol (special symbol probability change on / special symbol probability change off). Any one of 28 patterns in total is determined based on a combination of (4 patterns of normal symbol probability variation ON / normal symbol probability variation OFF). If the result of the determination is wrong, the character effect number “0” is determined.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a small hit (step S341), and whether or not the determination result is a big hit (step S342). If the determination result is a small hit, the process proceeds to step S346. If the determination result is out of order, the process proceeds to step S349.

  On the other hand, if the result of the determination is a big hit, whether or not to activate the probability changing function of the special symbol as a gaming state after the special game based on the type of symbol group (big hit type) determined in step S330. Is determined (step S343). That is, when the type of symbol group (big hit type) indicates a specific symbol, it is decided to provide the probability variation function, and the probability variation operation data (ST number) is stored in the probability variation counter of the main information storage unit 180. ) When “64H” is stored, if the type of symbol group indicates a normal symbol, it is determined that the probability variation function is not provided, and probability variation non-operation data “00H” is stored in the probability variation counter. (Step S344). This determination result is stored in the probability variation determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

  Based on the symbol group type (big jackpot type) determined in step S330, the number of times the variable time reduction function is activated is determined as the gaming state after the special game (step S345), and the number of times the electric chew support function is activated (Step S346). The determination results (operation time information of the fluctuation time shortening function (hereinafter referred to as “variation time reduction number information”) and operation number information of the electric chew support function (hereinafter referred to as “entrance easy state number information”)) Corresponding information is stored in the short time count storage area and the easy entry state count storage area of the corresponding main information storage means 180.

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

  Next, based on the type of symbol group determined in step S330 and the current game state, a variation pattern selection state after the end of the special game is set (step S348). In the above description, the special variation state is exemplified according to the big hit symbol, but even in the case of the small hit, the change pattern selection state can be changed to a special one in step S348. Also good. Next, returning to the flow, based on the type of symbol group determined in step S330, a special game demo performance time (a hit start demo time and a hit end demo time) is set (step S349). Next, the special symbol success / failure determination area and the special symbol determination area of the main information storage unit 180 used in the above-described special symbol success / failure determination processing (step S320) and symbol determination processing (step S330) are cleared (step S351). The special symbol game status on the special symbol side to be changed this time is changed from “00H (standby)” to “01H (change start)” (step S351).

<Special symbol control processing>
Next, the special symbol control process (step S85) shown in FIG. 31 will be described. First, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is inactive, that is, whether or not the special electric accessory game status is “00H (waiting for winning)” (step S401). Next, when the special electric accessory 642 is not operating (step S401), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol game status is “00H (standby)” (step S402).

  When the second special symbol game status is not “00H (standby)”, the second special symbol control table (addresses of various tables and RAM storage used in the subsequent processing) is executed in order to execute processing related to the second special symbol. Area address) is set (step S403), and the process proceeds to the special symbol control general-purpose process (step S410). On the other hand, when the second special symbol game status is “00H (standby)”, the first special symbol control table (addresses of various tables used in the subsequent processes) is executed in order to execute the processing related to the first special symbol. And the address of the RAM storage area) (step S404), and the process proceeds to the special symbol control general-purpose process (step S410).

  In the special symbol control general-purpose process described below, the first special symbol control table or the second special symbol control table set in step S403 or step S404 described above is used, and the special symbol subject to the current variation is used. The process on the symbol side will be executed, but the processing method is the same on the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, so is it the process on the first special symbol side unless otherwise specified? A description will be given collectively without distinguishing whether the processing is on the second special symbol side. Details of this special symbol control general-purpose process will be described later.

<Special symbol control general-purpose processing>
In the special symbol control general-purpose processing (step S410) shown in FIG. 32, branch processing (step S411 to step S411) for shifting to processing according to the special symbol game status values ("01H", "02H", "03H"). S414) is executed. First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status on the special symbol side subject to the current variation is not 0 (step S411). If the special symbol game status is not “00H” (step S411), it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is “01H (change start)” (step S412). When the special symbol game status is “01H”, the process proceeds to a special symbol variation start process (step S420). Details of the special symbol variation start processing will be described with reference to FIG. 33 described later. On the other hand, if the special symbol game status is not “01H” in step S412, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is “02H (being changed)” (step S413). When the special symbol game status is “02H”, the process proceeds to the special symbol changing process (step S430). Details of this special symbol variation processing will be described with reference to FIG. If the special symbol game status is not “02H” in step S413, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is “03H (stopped symbol display)” (step S414). When the special symbol game status is “03H”, the process proceeds to a special symbol stop symbol display process (step S440). Details of the special symbol stop symbol display processing will be described with reference to FIG.

<Special symbol variation start processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 33, a special symbol variation pattern table is acquired based on the result of winning / failing lottery, the winning symbol, the number of holds, the special symbol type, the variation pattern selection state, and the like (step S421). Next, the special symbol variation pattern random value is read from the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S422). With reference to the special symbol variation pattern table, one of a plurality of types of variation patterns is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random value (step S423).

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

  Next, the contents of the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 used for determining the variation pattern are cleared (step S427). The special symbol game status changes from “01H (change start)” to “02H (change change)” (step S428).

<Special symbol change processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 34, a special symbol display pattern number switching process is executed in order to perform a special symbol variation display (step S431). In this display pattern number switching process, the display pattern number data of the special symbol is updated every predetermined switching time. This display pattern number data is output to the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 in the LED output process (step S76) so that the special symbol is variably displayed or fixedly displayed. In the special symbol display device that is variably displayed at each switching time, a specific display portion blinks, or individual LEDs on the display portion are sequentially turned on to display that the state is changing.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has reached “0 (timeout)”, that is, whether or not the special symbol variation time has ended (step S432). When the variation time of the special symbol is ended, a special symbol stop symbol to be fixedly displayed on the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 is set (step S433). Next, a variation stop command for instructing the effect control board 200 to confirm the display of the decoration symbol is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S434).

  Next, “125”, which is data corresponding to 500 ms, is stored as a fixed display time in the special symbol game timer (step S435). Note that the “determined display time” is a time for definitely stopping and displaying the stopped symbol when the special symbol is suspended. The special symbol game status transitions from “02H (changed)” to “03H (stopped symbol display)” (step S436).

<Special symbol stop symbol display processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 35, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has reached “0 (timeout)”, that is, whether or not the fixed display time of the special symbol (stop symbol) has ended (step S441). ). Here, when the fixed display time of the special symbol is over, the special symbol game status is changed from “03H (stopped symbol display)” to “00H (standby)” (step S442).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the hit determination data stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180 is jackpot data “55H” (step S443). When the hit / fail judgment data is jackpot data, the special symbol probability variation function is deactivated (step S444), the special symbol variation time reduction function is deactivated (step S445), and the electric chew support function is deactivated (step S446). , In order.

  Next, as the start demo setting process for the special game, the start demo display time is set, and an effect control command (big hit start demo command) for instructing start of the start demo effect is generated (step S447). Next, the number of executions of the variation pattern selection state (variation pattern selection state number counter) is cleared to zero (step S448). The special electric accessory game status is changed from “00H (waiting for winning)” to “01H (special game)” (step S449). “00H” is set in order to clear the contents of the determination flag (step S450).

  On the other hand, if the determination data is not big hit data (step S443), it is determined whether the special symbol probability variation function is in operation (step S451). As shown in FIG. 36, when the probability variation function of the special symbol is in operation (step S451), the probability variation counter of the main information storage unit 180 is set to 1 as the digest of the variation number of the special symbol this time. Subtraction is performed (step S452). Next, it is determined whether or not the probability variation counter is zero (step S453). When the probability variation counter is zero, the operation of the special symbol probability variation function is stopped (step S454). On the other hand, if the probability variation counter after subtraction is not zero, step S454 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S455.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time reduction function is in operation (step S455). When the special symbol variation time shortening function is in operation, the time-count counter of the main information storage unit 180 is decremented by 1 as the digest of the current special symbol variation count (step S456). Next, it is determined whether or not the time reduction counter is zero (step S457). If the time-count counter is zero, it is determined that the end time of the special symbol time-short state has been reached, and the operation of the special symbol variation time reduction function is stopped (step S458). On the other hand, if the time-count counter after subtraction is not zero, step S458 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S459.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the electric chew support function is in operation (step S459). When the electric chew support function is in operation, 1 is subtracted from the easy-to-enter state counter of the main information storage unit 180 as the digest of the number of changes of the special symbol this time (step S460). Next, it is determined whether or not the easy entry state number counter is zero (step S461). When the easy entry state number counter is zero, the operation of the electric chew support function is stopped assuming that the number of easy entry states has been reached (step S462). On the other hand, if the number of easy-to-enter counters after the subtraction is not zero, step S462 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S463.

  Next, 1 is subtracted from the variation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage means 180 (step S463). The variation pattern selection state is updated (step S464). Specifically, referring to the variation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage means 180, it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the current variation pattern selection state has reached a preset end number. If it has reached, the state is switched to the next specified variation pattern selection state. On the other hand, if the end count has not been reached, the current variation pattern selection state is maintained.

  Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the current game state information and the variation pattern selection state information updated in steps S451 to S464 described above is generated, and this is used as a command of the main information storage unit 180. Store in the storage area (step S465). On the side of the production control board 200, the production mode is set and updated based on the information of the game state designation command.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the small hit data “33H” is stored in the special symbol determination flag (step S466). When the small hit data is stored, the start demo display time is set as the small hit game start demo setting process, and an effect control command (small hit start demo command) for instructing start of the start demo effect is generated. (Step S467). Next, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “00H (waiting for winning)” to “02H (small winning game)” (step S468). “00H” is set to clear the contents of the determination flag (step S469).

  On the other hand, when the small symbol data “33H” is not stored in the special symbol determination flag, that is, when the shift data “00H” is stored in the special symbol determination flag, execution of steps S467 to S469 is omitted. Note that when the special symbol determination flag is outlier data, the process of clearing the contents of the flag is not performed because “00H” is originally stored as outlier data.

<Special electric accessory control processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 38, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory game status is “01H (special game: big hit)” (step S501). When the special electric accessory game status is “01H”, the special game process is executed in the subsequent processes. In this special game process, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is operating (step S502). If the special electric accessory 642 is not operating, it is determined whether or not it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 642 (step S503). The operation start time of the special electric accessory 642 is a timing at which the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started in each round game.

  If it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 642, an effect control command (round effect designation command) is generated to start the round effect, and is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S504). ). On the side of the effect control board 200, a round effect corresponding to each round game in the special game is executed based on information of the round effect designation command (information such as the current number of rounds). The operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started (step S505), and the processing of steps S506 to S510 is executed as the processing during the operation of the special electric accessory 642.

  As a process during the operation of the special electric accessory 642, it is determined whether or not a maximum number of game balls have entered the big prize opening 64 (step S 506), and the operation time (opening time) of the special electric accessory 642. ) Is determined (step S507). At this time, when the maximum number of game balls has entered the grand prize opening 64 or when the operation time of the special electric accessory 642 has elapsed, the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is stopped (step S508). It is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642 has reached a predetermined number of rounds (step S509). When the number of continuous operations has not reached the specified number of rounds, 1 is added to the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642 (step S510).

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

  Next, the probability variation number information set in step S344 is stored in the probability variation number counter (step S512). The variable time reduction number information set in step S345 is stored in the time reduction number counter (step S513). The easy entry state number information set in step S346 is stored in the easy entry state number counter (step S514).

  Next, referring to the contents of the probability variation determination flag set in step S343, it is determined whether or not the probability variation number information stored in the probability variation counter is probability variation function data (“64H”). (Step S515). When the probability variation number information is probability variation function data, the operation of the special symbol probability variation function is started (step S516). On the other hand, when the probability variation number information is not probability variation function data (when step S515 is NO), the execution of step S516 is omitted.

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

  Next, it is determined whether or not the easy entry state number information stored in the easy entry state number counter is electric Chu support function operation data (data other than “00H”) (step S519). If it is the electric chew support function operation data, the operation of the electric chew support function is started (steps S520 to S522). That is, the operation start of the normal symbol probability variation function (step S520), the operation start of the normal symbol variation time shortening function (step S521), and the operation start of the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 622 (step S522) are sequentially performed. Execute. On the other hand, if it is not the electric Chu support function operation data, the execution of steps S520 to S522 is omitted.

  Next, the variation pattern selection state determined in step S347 is switched (step S523). Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the game state information after the special game and the variation pattern selection state information set in steps S512 to S523 described above is generated, and this is generated as the main information storage unit 180. In the command storage area (step S524). On the effect control board 200 side, the effect mode after the special game is set based on the information of the game state designation command. The special electric accessory game status is changed from “01H (special game)” to “00H (waiting for winning)” (step S525).

  On the other hand, when the special electric accessory game status is not “01H” (step S501), the process proceeds to step S530, and whether or not the special electric accessory game status is “02H (special game: small hit game)”. Is determined (step S530). When the special electric accessory game status is “02H”, the small hit game processing is executed in the subsequent processing.

  In the small hit game process, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is operating (step S531). When the special electric accessory 642 is not operating, the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started (step S532). On the other hand, when the special electric accessory 642 is operating, the execution of step S532 is omitted.

  Next, as a process during the operation of the special electric accessory 642, it is determined whether or not a maximum number of game balls have entered the big prize opening 64 (step S <b> 533), and the operation time of the special electric accessory 642. It is determined whether (opening time) has elapsed (step S534). At this time, when the maximum number of game balls has entered the grand prize opening 64 or when the operation time of the special electric accessory 642 has elapsed, the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is stopped (step S535).

  Next, as an end demo setting process for the small hit game, an end demo display time is set, and an effect control command (small hit end demo command) for instructing the start of the end demo effect is generated (step S536). Next, the variation pattern selection state determined in step S347 is switched (step S537). Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the variation pattern selection state information after the special game set in step S537 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. (Step S538). This gaming state designation command is used on the side of the production control board 200, for example, for determination of the transition trigger of the production mode and identification of the production mode of the transition destination. The special electric accessory game status is changed from “01H (special game)” to “00H (waiting for winning)” (step S539).

<Processing on the production control board side>
Next, a processing procedure on the effect control board 200 side will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the production control program is mainly the subject, but the subject is appropriately omitted. The processing on the side of the effect control board 200 includes a reset start process (including an effect control side main process) that is executed when the effect control CPU 201 is reset, such as after power is turned on, and an effect control side timer interrupt that is activated at regular intervals. Processing, reception control processing of an effect control command that is executed when a strobe signal is received from the main control board 100, and activation of a predetermined generation time specified in the time schedule of the variable effect pattern Lamp effect interrupt processing, and image control command transmission interrupt processing activated at regular intervals.

  Each interrupt process (exception process) is set with a priority level indicating a priority when a plurality of interrupt processes occur simultaneously. In the present embodiment, “reset start processing by power reset (FIG. 41): top priority”, “reset start processing by various abnormal times (FIG. 41): top priority” → “production control command reception interrupt processing (FIG. 49) ): Level 7 ”→“ Reset start processing by WDT (during runaway detection) (FIG. 41): Level 3 ”→“ Image control command transmission interrupt processing (FIG. 42): Level 2 ”→“ Production control side timer interrupt processing ” (FIG. 48): The priority levels are ranked in the order of “level 1” and the like. Note that the “reset start processing at the time of various abnormalities” is, for example, when the production control CPU 201 executes an illegal command, or when the production control CPU 201 tries to access in an unauthorized area or an unauthorized method, DMA (Direct Memory Access) Starts up when an error occurs during transfer. In the present embodiment, the above-described plural types of interrupt processing are exemplified, but actually other interrupt processing also exists.

  In the effect control side main process, the process is basically performed after setting all interrupts disabled or interrupts other than the effect control command reception interrupt. Then, when the production control side main process is in the interrupt-permitted state, the main process is interrupted and each interrupt process is executed. In each interrupt process, when there is a request for another interrupt process during execution of the interrupt process (a multiple interrupt occurs), if the interrupt process has a higher priority level than the interrupt process being executed, in principle On the other hand, while the interrupt request is permitted, the interrupt request is prohibited when the interrupt process has a lower priority level or the same priority level as the interrupt process being executed. That is, each interrupt process is advanced in a state where other interrupts having the same priority level or a lower priority level are prohibited. Each interrupt process returns to the effect control side main process with all interrupts enabled. The priority order (priority level) of such interrupt factors is defined by the register settings of the interrupt controller described above.

<Reset start processing>
FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the reset start process of the effect control board 200. In this reset start process, it is started by any one of reset caused by power-on, reset caused by various abnormal times, and reset caused by WDT (during runaway detection), and after the security control of the effect control CPU 201 is performed. Then, the program starts and the processing after step S801 is started.

  First, as an initial setting required when the power is turned on, a head address is set as an initial value of the stack area in the stack pointer (step S801). All interrupt processing is prohibited until various initial settings are completed (step S802).

  Next, as basic settings related to hardware, an initial value is set in a built-in register provided in the effect control CPU 201, and the I / O port circuit 204 is initialized (step S803). Further, the memory area in the effect control RAM 203 is initialized (step S804). Here, an initial value is set for a variable with an initial value, and initialization by zero clear is performed for a variable without an initial value. The effect control CPU 201 appropriately develops the control program stored in the effect control ROM 202 in the effect control RAM 203.

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

  Next, effect control side main processing is executed (step S809). Details of the effect control side main process will be described with reference to FIG. Note that when the process proceeds to the production control side main process in step S809 described above, it is not normally possible to return to the reset start process. However, due to the occurrence of a program bug, the process has returned to the reset start process. In this case, the mode is changed to the low power consumption mode (sleep mode) in which the power consumption is reduced as compared with the normal operation.

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

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

  Next, a device initialization operation is executed (step S813). This initialization operation is an operation mode that is executed only once when the power of the gaming machine is turned on (at the start of resetting). It is executed for the purpose of confirming the position information. At the end of the initialization operation, the movable accessory returns to a preset initial position (reference position).

  Next, in order to restart the watchdog timer, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S814). At this time, when the effect control CPU 201 is executing the effect program normally, a predetermined clear word is written in the WDT clear register of the effect control CPU 201 within a preset time-out time, so that the watchdog timer Is cleared and restarted. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Next, an input port check process is executed (step S815). In this input port check process, the I / O port circuit 204 (input port) is read every time an interrupt occurs in the port input / output process (step S1112) in the effect control side timer interrupt process (see FIG. 48) described later. If the input port states are all “1” as a result of monitoring and monitoring a plurality of times (for example, four times), the signal level is changed to “1 (H level)”, and the input port states are all “0”. In this case, the signal level is changed to “0 (L level)”, and the signal level is not changed when the state of the input port is other than that (the input signal is determined thereby).

  Next, an error effect management process is executed (step S816). In this error effect management process, error effects by various devices are started based on the error effect pattern set in the subsequent command analysis process (step S820). Further, in the error presentation management process, an initial value (error presentation time) is set in the error management timer to manage the progress of the error presentation. This error management timer is subtracted and updated at a cycle of 16 ms in the error management timer update process (step S1120) of the production control side timer interrupt process. If the error management timer times out, the error presentation is terminated.

  Next, the effect button monitoring control process is executed (step S817). In this effect button monitoring control process, when a button notice effect is incorporated during symbol variation, the input state of the effect button 15 within the operation effective time is monitored, and a plurality of preset buttons are set in accordance with the button notice effect. The content of the production according to the input state of the production button 15 is determined from the types of production content. The button input operation itself by the player is monitored in a port input process (step S1112) in an effect control side timer interrupt process to be described later. In the effect button monitoring control process, a flag regarded as a button valid operation, an effect switching It is determined whether or not a flag is established, and the execution control of the effect based on the button press is performed.

  Next, a notice lottery management process is executed (step S818). In this notice lottery management process, the notice effect pattern that defines the content of the notice effect that occurs at each stage of the decorative symbol variation process in accordance with the scenario of the variation effect pattern selected in the subsequent command analysis process (step S820). (Notice effect number) is determined by lottery. The notice effect number determined here is temporarily stored in the notice effect number storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. An image control command for designating the notice effect number on the image control board 300 side is generated and set in the image control command buffer of the effect control information storage means 260. At this time, when an accessory announcement effect pattern (an accessory announcement effect number) is selected as the announcement effect pattern, an accessory request is generated, and in the subsequent device management process (step S819), the movable accessory is obtained. Drive patterns are specified. In the present embodiment, not all of the multiple types of notice effects (notice effect patterns) that occur within one variation of the decorative pattern are drawn in one main loop process, but the main loop process efficiency. In order to improve the performance, a lottery is performed across a plurality of main loop processes, divided for each generation time of the notice effect (for example, the fluctuation start stage, reach generation stage, fluctuation stop stage, and effective operation of the production button 15). It has become. At that time, for the notice effect that occurs at the start of the decorative symbol change stage, it is necessary to synchronize with the start of the decorative symbol change start (send the image control command immediately). Execute.

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

  Next, command analysis processing (step S820) is executed. In this command analysis process, it is monitored whether or not an effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. If an effect control command is stored, this effect control command is read and this An effect control process corresponding to the type of the effect control command is executed. Details of the command analysis processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  It is determined whether or not analysis (hereinafter referred to as “command analysis”) is performed on the effect control command during the loop processing of the effect main processing of the current cycle (step S821). If command analysis is being executed, the process returns to step S814, and steps S814 to S821 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when the command analysis is not executed, the effect lottery random number update process is executed (step S822). In this effect lottery random number update process, effect lottery random numbers such as a pre-reading notice lottery random number, a decorative design random number, a variable effect pattern random number, and a notice effect random number are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value.

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

  First, it is determined whether or not a gaming state designation command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S831). When the game state designation command is stored, the process proceeds to the effect state transition process (step S832). In the effect state transition process, a process for changing the effect mode is executed based on the variation pattern selection state information included in the game state designation command. Details of the effect state transition processing will be described with reference to FIG. 44 described later.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a hold related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S833). Here, the hold related commands include a symbol memory number command and a prior determination command. When the hold related command is stored, the process proceeds to the hold information management process (step S834). In the hold information management process, the symbol storage number command or the advance determination command is read from the effect control information storage means 260, the prefetch determination is executed based on the information of the advance determination result, and the hold display unit (see FIG. A process for updating the display number and display mode (display color, etc.) of the reserved images displayed on the display unit (not shown) is executed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a symbol variation related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S835). Here, the symbol variation related commands include a variation start command and a variation stop command. When the symbol variation related command is stored, the routine proceeds to variation effect content determination processing (step S836). In this variation effect content determination process, if the received symbol variation related command is a variation start command, a process for starting the symbol variation effect is executed, and if the received symbol variation related command is a variation stop command. Performs a process for ending the symbol variation effect being executed. Details of this variation effect content determination process will be described with reference to FIG.

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

  Next, it is determined whether or not a small hit effect related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S839). Here, the small hit effect-related commands include a small hit start demonstration effect command and a small hit end demonstration effect command. When the small hit effect related command is stored, the process proceeds to the small hit effect content determination process (step S840). In the small hit effect content determination process, processing for executing the small hit start demonstration effect and the small hit end demo effect is executed.

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

  If no effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 in steps S831, S833, S835, S837, S839, and S841, the command analysis process is terminated. Since the loop process (steps S814 to S822) of the effect control side main process is synchronized with the image display cycle (1 frame = 16 ms) of the image control CPU 301, the command analysis process of step S821 and the effect lottery of step S822 are performed. The random number update process is repeatedly executed, and if it exceeds 16 ms, the process returns to step S814.

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

  First, the contents of the game state designation command from the main control board 100 are analyzed, and information regarding the variation pattern selection state included in the contents of this command is acquired (step S901). Next, based on the information regarding the variation pattern selection state acquired in step S901, it is determined whether or not a trigger for transition to the production mode has been reached (step S902). When the timing for transition to the effect mode has arrived, the transition setting to the predetermined effect mode is performed in step S903 and subsequent steps. As a trigger for transition to the production mode, in principle, it is linked to the probability variation function after the end of the special game, the variation time shortening function, the operation of the electric chew support function, and the transition pattern selection state transition trigger. For example, at the end of the special game or when the number of times of termination of the variation pattern selection state has expired. Note that the final number of times of variation pattern selection state is the number of times related to the number of variations of the special symbol.

  First, it is determined whether or not the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side is the low probability normal variation state α (step S903). When the transition destination is the low probability normal variation state α, the normal rendering mode Mα is set as the transition destination of the rendering mode (step S904). When the normal effect mode Mα is entered, the normal background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S905). In the normal effect mode Mα, a normal background image representing, for example, “wilderness” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation. On the other hand, when the transition destination is not the low probability normal variation state α (step S903), it is determined whether or not the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state is the high probability short variation state β (step S906). When the transition destination is the high probability short variation state β, the probability variation rendering mode Mβ is set as the transition destination of the rendering mode (step S907). When the mode changes to the probability change effect mode A, the probability change background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S908). In the probability variation effect mode Mβ, for example, a probability variation background image representing “castle” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation.

  When the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state is not the high probability short variation state β (step S906), it is determined whether or not the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state is the high probability special variation state γ (step S909). ). If the transition destination is the high probability special variation state γ, the special effect mode Mγ is set as the transition destination of the effect mode (step S910). Next, it is determined whether or not the special continuous effect flag in the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S911). The special continuous effect flag is a flag that is turned on when the special continuous effect is executed. When the special continuous effect flag is on, a special background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S912). In the special effect mode Mγ, a special background image representing, for example, “starry sky” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation. On the other hand, if the special continuous effect flag is OFF, the probability change background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S913). In the special effect mode Mγ, on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation, for example, a probability change background image representing “castle” (substantially the same background image as in the probability change effect mode Mβ) is displayed. Next, an image control command for instructing display of the effect content (background image) determined in the process is generated and stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S921). In addition, as a change in the effect mode, there is a change determined on the effect control board 200 side that is not based on the gaming state of the main control board 100. For example, when the normal gaming state (low probability / low base) is continuously performed a predetermined number of times on the main control board 100 side, or when a prefetch lottery for executing a special effect mode is won, The timer value for measuring the elapsed time or the case where it is determined that the RTC circuit has reached a predetermined time and the special effect is executed.

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

  First, it is determined whether or not a change start command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S931). When a variation start command is stored, the contents of this variation start command (variation pattern designation command, variation additional symbol information designation command, character effect number designation command) are analyzed, and the result of the lottery determination included in the content of this command Information indicating a symbol group, a variation pattern (variation time), a gaming state, and the like is acquired (step S932). This acquired information is stored in the variation effect content determination area of the effect control information storage means 260.

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

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

  Next, as the update of the prefetch information storage area of the production control information storage means 260, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area to the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower hold storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is changed. Zero clear is performed (step S935).

  Based on the effect information acquired in steps S933 to S935, an image control command (variable effect start command) required to start the decoration symbol change is generated, and this image control command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260. Setting is made (step S939).

  On the other hand, when the change start command is not stored (step S931), it is determined whether or not the change stop command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S940). When the variable stop command is stored (step S940), the content of the variable stop command is analyzed, and the symbol stop information included in the content of this command is acquired (step S941). An image control command (variation effect stop command) required to stop the decoration symbol variation is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S942).

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

  First, it is determined whether or not the start demonstration command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S1001). If the start demo command is stored, the contents of the start demo command are analyzed, and information indicating the jackpot type included in the contents of the command is acquired (step S1002). This acquired information is stored in the jackpot effect content determination area of the effect control information storage means 260. Next, the consecutive resort count counter for counting the consecutive resort count is updated (step S1003). Specifically, if the current big hit is a big hit in the normal state (referred to as “first win”), “1” is set in the extended game counter, and if it is a extended game, the extended game counter is set to “ 1 ”is added.

  Next, a jackpot effect pattern selection process for determining the contents of the jackpot effect pattern (start demo effect pattern, round effect pattern, end demo effect pattern) is executed (step S1004). In this jackpot effect pattern selection process, a jackpot effect pattern table (not shown) is acquired, and a jackpot effect pattern random number value is acquired from the effect lottery random number generating means 210, and one of the big hit effect pattern patterns is selected from among a plurality of types of jackpot effect patterns. The production pattern is determined by lottery. The jackpot effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the jackpot effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. The jackpot effect pattern number includes, for example, a start demonstration pattern number, a round effect pattern number, and an end demonstration pattern number.

  Next, an on-hold consecutive resort production determination process is executed (step S1005). In this on-hold consecutive villa production determination process, if there is a hold that becomes a big hit in the game state (especially the probable game state) after the big hit, within the hold that exists when the big hit game is executed, In addition to determining whether or not the villa effect can be executed, if it is determined to execute the on-hold consecutive villa effect, the special continuous effect flag is turned on, and the extended villa effect pattern is selected.

  Next, a big hit effect replacement process is executed (step S1006). In this jackpot effect replacement process, when the on-hold consecutive villa effect (special continuous effect) is executed, the normal start demo effect pattern and the normal end demo effect pattern are changed to the special start demo effect pattern and the special end demo effect pattern. Replace. In the present embodiment, the target of the pre-reading determination in the on-hold consecutive resort production is present at the start time of the special game (at the end of the change) when the preceding operation holding ball is a big hit. It is a subsequent working hold ball. For this reason, even if the operation holding ball generated during the special game is a specific hold, the on-hold consecutive resort production determination process (step S1005) and the replacement process (step S1006) are not executed, but during the special game. When a specific hold occurs, the on-hold consecutive resort production determination process and the replacement process may be executed even during the special game, and the jackpot effect data set at the start of the special game may be replaced.

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

  Next, it is determined whether or not a round effect designation command is stored in the effect control information storage means 260 (step S1011). When the round effect designation command is stored (step S1007), the content of the round effect designation command is analyzed, and information indicating the number of rounds included in the content of this command and the number of winnings to the big prize opening 64 is obtained. Obtain (step S1012). This acquired information is stored in the jackpot effect content determination area of the effect control information storage means 260. Next, based on the information acquired in step S1012, the round number counter of the effect control information storage unit 260 is updated (step S1013), and the big prize counter of the effect control information storage unit 260 is updated (step S1014). . In the present embodiment, “14” prize balls are paid out each time a game ball enters the big prize opening 64. Therefore, by multiplying the number of prizes awarded to the big prize opening 64 by “14”. The number of winning prize balls is calculated.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pseudo count flag of the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S1015). The pseudo count flag is a flag that is turned on when executing a pseudo count effect in which the number of rounds and the number of winning prize balls in the previous special game are added to the number of rounds and the number of winning prize balls in the subsequent special game. It is. If the pseudo count flag is on, that is, if a round effect (pseudo count effect) is to be executed later, a round number pseudo addition process is executed (step S1016). In this round number pseudo addition process, the number of round games executed in the previous special game (round number: 10R) is added to the number of round games executed (round times: 1R to 10R) stored in the round number counter. to add. Thereby, in the special continuous effect, the first round game in the later special game is notified as the eleventh round game.

  Next, the winning prize number pseudo-addition process is executed (step S1017). In this winning prize number pseudo-addition process, the number of prizes received at the big prize opening in the previous special game is added to the number of prizes stored in the big prize number counter. Thereby, in the special continuous performance, the number of prize balls acquired in the later special game is notified as the total number of prize balls obtained in the previous special game and the later special game.

  The round effect pattern number temporarily stored in the jackpot effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 in the above steps S1004 and S1006, along with the values of the round number counter and the big prize counter, are rounded in the effect control information storage means 260. Transfer to the effect storage area and set the start of the round effect (step S1018).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the end demonstration command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S1021). When the end demo command is stored, the content of the end demo command is analyzed, and information included in the content of this command is acquired (step S1022). This acquired information is stored in the jackpot effect content determination area of the effect control information storage means 260. Next, it is determined whether or not the special continuous effect flag in the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S1023), and it is determined whether or not to execute the on-hold extended game effect. When the special continuous performance flag is on, the value of the round number counter (number of rounds) and the value of the big prize number counter (large number of winnings) are temporarily stored in the previous jackpot storage area of the production control information storage means 260. Store (step S1024). This is because if the current big hit corresponds to the previous big hit in the special continuous performance, the final round number and the big winning number in the previous big win are pseudo-addition processing (steps S1016, S1017) This is because the information is stored as the record information of the previous special game. For this reason, in the pseudo addition processing in steps S1016 and S1017, the numerical values (the number of rounds and the number of winning prizes) stored in the previous jackpot storage area are added. Next, the round number counter and the big prize number counter in the effect control information storage means 260 are cleared (steps S1025 and S1026).

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

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

<Production control side timer interrupt processing>
FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control side timer interrupt process. This timer interrupt process is started by a clock pulse at regular intervals, and is executed so as to interrupt the above-described effect control side main process.

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

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

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

  Next, an effect timer update process is executed (step S1114). In this effect timer update process, the values of various effect timers used for effect operation control are subtracted and updated every interrupt cycle (for example, 1 ms). The effect timer includes a timer for managing the variation time of the decorative design, a timer for managing the timing of occurrence of the notice effect, and the like. A time schedule in the variable effect pattern is managed by this effect timer, and time management such as the driving timing of the movable accessory and the lighting timing of the effect lamps 10 and 25 is performed on the time axis. The effect timer is also used in the device control data output process (step S1113) and the lamp data update process (step S1118) in the effect control timer interrupt process.

  Next, a button control timer update process is executed (step S1115). The value of the effective time management timer for managing the effective operation time of the effect button 15 is updated by subtracting the interrupt period (1 ms in the present embodiment). The operation valid time is a time for which the operation input of the effect button 15 is valid.

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

  Next, lamp data update processing is executed (step S1118). In this lamp data update process, lamp data for a predetermined time is read and set from the lamp pattern data specified in the device management process (step S819) described above. The lamp data set in this process is data indicating lighting control for 16 ms, which is the minimum unit for switching control of the effect lamps 10 and 25. When the lamp data is set, the lamp data is automatically output from the output port (serial port) to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer. The ramp data output process is configured as a serial communication interrupt process, and is realized by sequentially writing the ramp data to the transmission buffer of the serial communication circuit. The serial communication circuit serially converts the ramp data of the transmission buffer in units of 1 byte, and outputs the converted data to the lamp connection board 91 bit by bit in a manner synchronized with the serial clock. This process is repeated until the transmission buffer becomes empty, whereby all the ramp data (all bytes) stored in the transmission buffer are output. Therefore, in this lamp data update process, the lamp data is switched every frame time (16 ms) according to the lamp pattern, and the lamp data is output to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer. The ramp data update process is a process executed when the task counter value reaches a predetermined value (a value indicating the lamp control task) in the task control counter update process (step S1117) described above (that is, at a cycle of 16 ms). Process to be executed).

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

  Next, error management timer processing is executed (step S1120). In this error management timer process, the value of the error effect timer for managing the error effect time set in the error effect management process (step S817) described above is subtracted and updated. This error management timer process is a process executed when the task counter value becomes a predetermined value (a value indicating an error management task) in the task control counter update process (step S1117) described above. After all interrupts are permitted and the contents of the saved register are restored, the production control side timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the original process before the occurrence of the interrupt.

<Image control command transmission interrupt processing>
FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image control command transmission interrupt process. This image control command transmission interrupt process occurs at predetermined intervals (500 μs).

  In this image control command transmission interrupt process, first, the image control command buffer of the effect control information storage means 260 is checked (step S1131). Next, the read pointer is acquired in the image control command buffer (step S1132), and it is determined whether or not the image control command is stored in the image control command buffer (step S1133). Whether or not the image control command is stored can be confirmed by, for example, a read pointer and a write pointer. If the read pointer and the write pointer match, the image control command is not stored. If an image control command is stored (step S1133), the image control command is read from the area pointed to by the read pointer (step S1134). The read image control command is set in an output buffer of a serial communication circuit (not shown) designated as an output destination (step S1135). As a result, the image control command is serially transmitted from the serial port to the image control board 300. Next, the command data (the command data stored in step S1135 described above) is cleared (step S1136). Next, the read pointer is incremented by 1 (step S1137). The transmission interruption process of the image command is ended, and the process returns to the original process before the interruption.

(Description of the pachinko machine of this embodiment)
As a more preferred embodiment, the gaming machine according to the present invention adopts a gaming property different from that of the pachinko machine described in the prerequisite technology. More specifically, a device that simultaneously and simultaneously changes the first special symbol and the second special symbol (so-called parallel machine) is employed.

  Furthermore, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the type that is easy to win “small hit” in the lottery based on the second special symbol (the probability of winning a small hit is set to about 1 / 1.5 to 1/3). Stuff). Here, the “small hit” is a gaming state in which the big winning opening 64 is opened for a predetermined time, for example, 1.3 seconds, and a plurality of game balls can easily enter the big winning opening 64 during this time. .

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is designed to be relatively easy to enter the starting port, which is a trigger for changing the second special symbol, in any gaming state. In other words, even if a normal electric accessory is attached to the starting port that is a variation trigger of the general second special symbol, in a state where the variable time reduction function and the electric chew support function are not activated, It is configured so that an ordinary electric accessory can be operated easily. More specifically, the probability of hitting a normal symbol is almost the same regardless of whether the electric chew support function is activated or not. The number range on the winning / failing lottery table is designed to be different by 1). Furthermore, the variation time of the second special symbol is shortened so that a prize ball payout based on “small hit” occurs more frequently within a unit time than in other gaming states in a specific gaming state, Each time the big winning opening 64 is opened, one or two game balls are inserted into the big winning opening 64, and the gameability (so-called small hit rush) is aimed at gaining a big hit while increasing the game balls. .

  The specific gaming state described above will be described more specifically. (1) Probability change state “high probability / high base”, (2) Time-short state “low probability / high base”, (3) Latency probability change state “high probability / low base” , (4) The normal state “low probability / low base”, and (4) the normal state “low probability / low base” in three states, the second special symbol variation time reduction function is activated, It will be in the state where the winning of the small hits according to the variation of the second special symbol occurs frequently. In particular, (3) the latent probability change state “high probability / low base” corresponds to “specific gaming state (small hit rush state)”, and the electric chew support function is not activated in this gaming state (low base state) Therefore, the operation pattern of the ordinary electric accessory is different from (1) the probability variation state “high probability / high base” and (2) the short-time state “low probability / high base”. It is configured so that the game ball is easily directed toward the game. (1) In the probability variation state “high probability / high base” and (2) the short time state “low probability / high base”, the “special hit” of the second special symbol Even at the time of winning, it is configured so that a large number of game balls are entered by extending the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory, so that the possibility of entering the big winning opening 64 due to small hits is reduced and the game balls are It is configured so as not to increase.

  In order to make it difficult to generate a winning ball in the “small hit” win of the second special symbol in the normal gaming state, (4) In the normal state “low probability / low base”, the variation time of the second special symbol is reduced. By making the variation time longer without shortening, the number of winnings per unit time is reduced, and in the effect display device 70, the effect corresponding to the variable display of the second special symbol is not executed or the visibility is lowered. The lottery result is notified, and it is configured so that the winning ball is not easily obtained by making it difficult to recognize by winning the “small hit”.

  Next, the attacker unit 500 employed in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described. The attacker unit 500 has a winning part (a big winning opening, a general winning opening, a start port of a second special symbol related to a normal electric accessory) that triggers the generation of a predetermined number of winning balls when a game ball enters. , A winning device unit including an operating gate. 50 is a perspective view of the attacker unit 500 viewed from the front right front, and FIG. 51 is an exploded perspective view of the attacker unit 500 viewed from the front right front.

  From the game board side, the attacker unit 500 is attached to the attacker main body 5100, the base member 5200 to which the attacker main body 5100 is fixed, the front surface of the base member 5200, and the game ball between the front surface of the base member 5200 on the rear surface. The front decoration 5300 constituting the flow path and the light guide plate 5400 attached to the lower half of the front decoration 5300 from the front are integrally combined. Reference numeral 5500 denotes a decoration means applied to the outer surface of the front ornament 5300, and is attached to a lower half including a seal (sheet-like decorative member) 5502 attached to the upper half of the front ornament 5300 and the light guide plate 5400. And a seal 5504.

  As shown in FIG. 52, the attacker main body 5100 has a configuration in which a slide attacker 5120 (large winning opening 64) and a production attacker 5110 are assembled together. The slide attacker 5120 travels back and forth between the first position where it is difficult for a game ball to enter the big prize opening 64 and the second position where it is easy to enter the ball (opening and closing the big prize opening). ), A movable piece 5122 (slider) as a special electric accessory, and drive means (special electric accessory solenoid 124) for reciprocating the movable piece 5122.

  The production attacker 5110 rotates to the front side, and reciprocates (opens and closes the opening 5113) between a position where the game ball is difficult to enter and a position where it is easy to enter the opening 5113 on the front surface of the main body 5114. (Movable accessory) 5112 and driving means in the main body 5114 for driving the rotating piece 5112 are provided. Although the production attacker 5100 is called “attacker”, it is one of the production devices because it is controlled by the production control board 200.

  The attacker main body 5100 includes a gate 63 (operation gate switch 163) at the top, a movable piece 5132 (ordinary electric accessory) that opens and closes the second start port immediately below the gate 63, and a downstream of the movable piece 5132. 2 start port 62 (second start port switch 162), and further includes a game ball flow path 5140 that has passed through the general winning port and a general winning port switch 166 ahead.

  Although detailed illustrations such as the arrangement of nails are omitted, in the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when a game ball is launched in the right side area of the game board on which the attacker unit 500 is arranged (so-called right-handed execution) , The proportion of game balls passing through the gate 63 is designed to exceed 97 out of 100 balls, most of the game balls hit right are designed to flow down toward the slide movable piece 5132, and the electric chew support function is In the activated state (high base game state), 80 to 90% of the game balls enter the normal electric accessory. Therefore, the winning opening (second starting opening) related to the ordinary electric accessory is set to one ball so that the number of game balls does not increase by entering the winning opening related to the ordinary electric accessory. Designed. It should be noted that, during the above-mentioned specific gaming state or during a big hit game, the electric chew support function is not activated (low base gaming state), so the frequency of entering a normal electric accessory is a high base gaming state. Therefore, it is possible to flow more game balls (for example, about half) than the high base game state toward the big prize opening 64.

  FIG. 53 is a rear view of the base member 5200, and FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the unit in which the attacker main body 5100 is assembled to the base member 5200, as viewed from the right front of the base member 5200. The base member 5200 is a transparent resin panel, and is combined with an opening 5202 for projecting the gate 63 to the front side and a flow path on the back of the front decoration 5300, and a game ball that has not entered the gate 63 is used as an out ball. An out port 5204 for receiving, an opening 5206 for projecting the slide movable piece 5132 of the ordinary electric accessory to the front side, an opening 5208 for projecting the second start port switch 162 to the front side, and a game ball passing through the out port 5204 An opening 5210 for guiding to the flow path 5136 of the attacker main body 5100, an opening 5212 for guiding the game ball that has passed through the second starting port 62 to the flow path 5136 of the attacker main body 5100, and a flow path on the back of the front decoration 5300 are combined. A notch 5222 that constitutes a general winning opening and guides the game ball to the flow path 5140 of the attacker main body 5100; An opening 5220 that guides the game ball that has passed through the general prize opening switch 166 of the main body 5100 to the front decoration 5300, an opening 5214 that the slide attacker projects to the front side, and a game ball that has not entered the production attacker 5110 Out hole 5218 (however, the game ball discharged from the out port 5128 is a safe ball that triggers the winning of the winning ball, and serves as the winning ball discharge port).

  FIG. 55 is a rear view of the front ornament 5300, and FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the rear face of the front ornament as seen obliquely from the upper right. The front ornament 5300 is made of a transparent resin having substantially the same contour as the base member 5200. When the front ornament 5300 is fixed to the surface of the base member 5200, the front ornament 5300 is a flow that induces a game ball between the base member 5200 and the front member 5200. Convex grooves forming the path are provided. Further, even if the front decoration 5300 is fixed to the surface of the base member 5200, the front ornament 5300 has a concave portion 5312 for accommodating the slide attacker 5120 protruding from the base member 5200 and a concave portion 5314 for accommodating the rotating piece 5112 that the effect attacker 5110 rotates. I have.

  The front decoration 5300 includes a flow path 5302 through which game balls that have not entered the gate 63 and have passed through the out port 5204 flow down. An R-shaped rib 5304 for guiding the game ball to the opening 5210 of the base member 5200 exists at the end of the flow path 5302. The game ball guided from the opening 5210 to the back surface of the base main body 5200 reaches the flow path 5136 of the attacker main body 5100 and is sent out from the opening 5138 to the rear of the game board. Reference numeral 5306 of the front decoration 5300 is a flow path for entering the ball when the slide movable piece 5132 is opened and flowing down the game ball that will pass through the second start port switch 162, and R at the end thereof The game ball is guided from the rib 5308 to the opening 5212 of the base member 5200. The game ball is sent from the opening 5212 to the flow path 5136 of the attacker main body 5100.

  The front decoration 5300 includes a general winning opening 5310 in the vicinity of the upper portion of the slide attacker 5120. When the game ball enters the general winning opening 5310, the game ball is guided to the rear side flow path of the attacker main body 5100 through the notch 5222 of the base member 5200 by the R-shaped rib 5311. The game ball rolls upward along the slide attacker 5120 to the right side of the attacker main body 5100 along the slightly downward parallel flow path 5140, flows down toward the general prize opening switch 166, passes through this, The rib 5144 is guided to the flow path on the back side of the front decoration 5300 (reduced to the front side of the attacker main body).

  The game ball that has entered the general winning opening 5310 is then guided to the flow path 5320 via the R-shaped rib 5315 at the start end of the flow path 5320 of the front decoration 5300. The flow path 5320 is slightly downward below the slide attacker 5120 and is substantially parallel from the left side of the front decoration 5300 to the inside thereof. Is released from a drop opening 5322 at a substantially central position below to a recess 5314 provided below (5360).

  The front decoration 5300 is provided with a drop opening 5326 that is adjacent to the drop opening 5322 and drops a game ball that has entered the slide attacker 5120 into the recess 5314, and the other end of the drop opening 5326 faces the big winning opening switch of the slide attacker 5120. , A short direct flow path 5324 is provided. The game ball sent out of the slide attacker from the big prize opening switch is discharged from the drop opening 5326 through the short straight channel 5324 (5361).

  These two drop openings end above the rotating piece 5112 of the production attacker 5110. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 57, when the turning piece 5112 is turned to open the front opening 5113 of the production attacker main body, the game balls are respectively received from the two drop openings joined on the turning piece. It is discharged and picked up by the rotating piece 5112 and guided into the production attacker main body.

  The movable accessory driving means (solenoid) for driving the turning piece 5112 of the effect attacker is driven by a driver IC controlled by the effect control board 200. When the special control state is won by internal lottery of the main control board 100, the effect control board 200 receives an effect command based on the win command from the main control board 200. The effect control board 200 determines the opening pattern of the rotation piece 5112 based on the effect command and drives the rotation piece 5112 so that the game ball that has passed through the two drop openings described above enters the effect attacker. To get. According to this production, not only the game balls won in the grand prize opening, but also the game balls won in the general prize opening are given to the player as if they had won the additional attacker (direction attack) again. Since it can be provided, game balls are not paid out from entering the production attacker, but the player can be given a cumulative winning sensation to increase the player's attention to the big prize opening. In other words, opening and closing control is performed at a timing different from the progress of the game managed by the main control board on the effect control board using a game ball that has entered a predetermined winning opening (general winning opening, large winning opening, etc.). A highly entertaining winning effect can be realized with a conventional main control board.

  The effect control board 200 may change the opening rate of the turning piece 5112 of the effect attacker according to the type of the special game state. For example, in a special gaming state that is an advantageous gaming state in which more balls can be expected (probability variation big hit by the second special symbol), it does not synchronize with the opening and closing of the slide movable piece 5122 and ends after the round starts Until then, the effect control board 200 keeps the turning piece 5112 of the effect attacker open for a long time (for example, 30 second open, 2 second closed pattern repeated).

  Since the turning piece 5112 of the effect attacker is controlled by the effect control board 200, unlike the slide movable piece 5122 controlled by the main control board 100, it is based on the management of the game defined in the rules regarding the design of the gaming machine. No restrictions on opening time or opening timing. Therefore, during the big hit game, it is possible to continue to maintain the open state regardless of the round change managed by the main control board 100. Further, after the big hit game, the big hit and the small hit are continuously performed. , And the opening of the rotating piece 5112 is maintained even after one or more special games (big hit, small hit) are finished and until the big winning opening 64 is opened again. It is good also as composition to do. More specifically, one command or a combination of a plurality of commands (for example, start of rounds) that can specify the opening mode of the big winning opening 64 transmitted from the main control board at the time of the big hit game or the small hit game is executed. Command, small-hit start demo command, big-hit start demo command, big-hit symbol information, small-hit symbol information, etc.), the operation pattern of the rotating piece 5112 is determined, and the operation pattern drive pattern previously determined is completed. If a command that triggers a new release action is received at a stage where it has not been performed, a special game is continuously executed by starting a new action pattern without completing the previous action pattern. In some cases, the opening operation state is seamless without including the closing period (including a state in which intermittent opening and closing is performed by a series of operations). It can be continued.

  On the other hand, for example, in a big hit with a low advantage, such as a big hit by the first special symbol, the turning piece 5112 of the production attacker is opened and closed in synchronization with the opening and closing of the slide movable piece 5122. You may make it distinguish from the advantageous production | presentation state which continues opening | release for a long time. Whether or not to perform an effect using an effect attacker during the big hit game based on whether or not the game will shift to the above-mentioned specific game state after the big hit, not limited to the degree of advantage of the big hit game itself. You may make it switch.

  In addition, even in the above-mentioned specific gaming state (small hit rush state) that is not a big hit but is an advantageous gaming state and can be expected to have more balls, the turning piece 5112 of the production attacker is kept open for a long time. Good. In this case, after the probability variation big hit by the second special symbol is started, the production control board 200 maintains the rotation piece 5112 of the production attacker for a long time at least until the small hit rush state is completed. In the small hit rush state, the slide movable piece 5122 is frequently opened for a short time, and a large number of game balls are opened 5113 by continuously opening the turning piece 5112 of the production attacker for this duration. Therefore, the player can be provided with an interest more than opening the slide movable piece 5122 for a long time.

  On the other hand, in a normal special game state where, for example, several rounds cannot be expected, the production control board 200 performs this production because the production by the production attacker 5200 is less effective regardless of the presence or absence of the electric chew support. It does not have to be done.

  The effect control board 200 detects the number of game balls that have entered the turning piece 5112 in the opening state of the effect attacker, the timing of entering the ball, etc. with a sensor, It may be reflected on the screen or lamp effect. For example, in order to control the opening / closing timing of the rotation piece 5112, the effect control board 200 does not close the rotation piece 5112 until the number of game balls won in the special winning opening 64 is counted by the sensor.

  In addition, when the special game is continuously executed and the opening state of the rotating piece 5112 is for a predetermined long time, the effect control board 200 is provided with the rotating piece 5112 to prevent the wear of the solenoid. It may be closed forcibly for a time (for example, forcibly closing for about 1 to 2 minutes when operated continuously for 1 hour). Further, a plurality of production attackers may exist. By doing so, it is possible to eliminate a state in which at least one rotating piece 5112 is forcibly closed for a predetermined time.

  Next, the slide attacker 5120 will be described. 58 is a perspective view of the slide attacker in a state in which the grand prize winning opening 64 is closed as viewed obliquely from the upper right, and FIG. 60 is an exploded perspective view of the slide attacker, and FIG. 61 is an illustration of the case 6000 omitted, and the slide attacker in a state in which the grand prize winning opening 64 is closed is tilted to the lower right front. 62 is a perspective view of the slide attacker in a state where the case 6000 is omitted and the grand prize winning opening 64 is opened, as seen obliquely from the lower right front, and FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the slide attacker shown in FIG. 62 viewed from diagonally below the rear right. FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the slide attacker shown in FIG. 62 viewed from diagonally above the front right with the slide movable piece 5122 omitted. is there.

  The slide attacker 5120 includes a case 6000, a solenoid (special electric accessory driving source) 6010 accommodated in the case, and a slide movable piece that opens and closes the grand prize opening 64 by advancing and retreating over the big prize opening 64 by the solenoid ( Special electric component) 5122 and conversion means for converting the reciprocating motion of the drive shaft 6012 of the solenoid 6010 into the advancing and retreating movement of the slide movable piece 5122.

  The conversion means includes a crank member 6002 and clamps 6055 that engage with the head 6014 of the solenoid 6010 and the crank member 6002 respectively. The crank member 6002 includes a boss 6024, a short arm 6027 on one end side of the boss 60, and a long arm 6022 on the other end side of the boss 60 and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the short arm 6027. The short arm 6027 of the crank member 6002 is formed in a hook shape composed of two engagement pieces 6028 and 6030.

  The clamp 6055 includes a recess 6057 and the head 6014 is inserted into the recess 6057. The head 6014 is fixed to a solenoid drive shaft 6012, and a coil spring 6012 is interposed between the head portion 6014 and the front end surface 6011. The clamp 6055 includes a rectangular piece 6016 protruding toward the crank member 6002, and the end of the rectangular piece 6016 on the crank member 6002 faces the two engaging pieces 6028 and 6030.

  An end of the long arm 6022 of the crank member 6002 has an elliptical opening 6020, and a small protrusion 6040 that protrudes toward the solenoid 6010 from a position near the end of the center of the slide movable piece 5122 is engaged with this opening. Has been. When the solenoid 6010 moves the head portion 6014 toward the solenoid 6010 against the elasticity of the coil spring 6013, the clamp 6055 is driven by the head portion 6014. At this time, the end of the rectangular piece 6016 of the clamp 6055 is the crank member 6022. The crank member 6022 is rotated clockwise around the boss 6024 as viewed from above.

  At this time, a small protrusion 6040 that protrudes from the bottom surface of the slide movable piece 5122 and engages with the elliptical opening 6020 is guided to the crank member 6002, and the slide movable piece 5122 moves backward to open the large winning opening 64 of the case base 6000. Move in the direction. When the driving of the solenoid 6010 is stopped, the head portion 6014 moves away from the solenoid 6010 due to the stress of the coil spring 6012. At this time, the crank member 6022 is rotated counterclockwise about the boss 6024 while the end of the rectangular piece 6016 is engaged with the engagement piece 6028 of the crank member 6022. The small protrusion 6040 that engages with the elliptical opening 6020 is guided by the crank member 6002, and the slide movable piece 5122 is moved in the forward direction that closes the large winning opening 64 of the case base 6000.

  FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the slide attacker (FIG. 61) in a state where the slide movable piece 5122 is omitted and the special winning opening 64 is closed as viewed from above. In this state, the end surface 6029 on the boss portion 6024 side of the upper end portion of the rectangular piece 6016 of the clamp 6055 abuts on the tip end 6027 of the engaging piece 6028 of the crank member 6022, and the crank member 6022 is stopped. When a force is applied to the slide movable piece 5122 in this state to push backward so as to open the big prize opening 64, the small protrusion 6040 on the back surface of the slide movable piece 5122 passes through the elliptical opening 6020 of the crank member 6022. Thus, the crank member 6022 is rotated clockwise about the boss portion 6024. However, the front end 6027 of the engagement piece 6028 of the crank member 6022 is abutted against the upper end side end face 6029 of the clamp rectangular piece 6016 (locking means) that is locked together with the head part 6014 when the solenoid 6010 is not driven. Therefore, the rotation of the crank member 6022 is prevented. As a result, the slide movable piece 5122 is prevented from moving in the direction of opening the special winning opening 64. This means that the special winning opening is not illegally opened.

  The game ball that has entered the big prize opening 64 passes through the big prize opening switch 6006 and then flows down the flow path 5324 on the back of the front decoration 5300 to produce from the opening end 5326 as shown in FIGS. It is sent to the attacker 5110 side. The game ball that could not flow down the front decoration 5300 by the movable piece 5132 rolls to the flow path 5350 and moves to the area 5351 outside the front decoration 5300, rolls in this area, enters the front decoration 5300, and slides. It reaches the slide movable piece 5122 of the attacker unit 5322. In a state where the slide movable piece 5122 closes the special winning opening 64, the game ball rolls on the slide movable piece 5122, further proceeds through the flow path 5352, exits the open end 5354, and is discharged from the out port 29.

  Note that the tip 5123 of the slide movable piece 5122 has a tapered shape that gradually separates from the back of the front ornament 5300 as it goes downstream in the rolling direction of the game ball. It is difficult for a game ball to be held between 5123 and the back of the front decoration 5300. Furthermore, since the tip 5123 of the slide movable piece 5122 is formed in an acute angle shape, it is further difficult to hold the game ball.

  FIG. 66 is a perspective view of the attacker unit 500 in which the front decoration 5300 is fixed to the base member 5200 as viewed from the upper right diagonally. FIG. 67 is a perspective view of the light guide plate 5400 as viewed obliquely from the upper right. The front decoration 5300 includes a recess 7014 having substantially the same shape as the light guide plate 5400 for fitting the light guide plate 5400 in the lower half region of the front face. The light guide plate 5400 can be detachably attached to the recess 7014 from the front side. FIG. 50 shows a configuration in which the light guide plate 5400 is attached from the front side of the front decoration 5300. Reference numeral 5504 denotes a sticker attached to the light guide plate 5400. Reference numeral 5505 denotes a pattern attached to the seal. Since the light guide plate 5400, the base member 5200, and the front decoration 5300 are transparent, the region with the pattern becomes non-transparent.

  Since the light guide plate 5400 can be detachably attached to the front surface of the attacker unit, there is no need to disassemble the attacker unit and remove the light guide plate. It is easy to change the production motif and replace the stickers.

  The production using the light guide plate 5400 reinforces or supports the production by the production attacker 5110. In the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment, in the special game and the specific game state, when the special winning opening 64 (slide attacker 5120) is opened and closed and for a predetermined period after the closing, the operation control board 200 determines the operation pattern. When the turning piece 5112 of the effect attacker is operated, in synchronization with this, the light emitting effect in the light effect area of the light guide plate 5400 is ended or reduced, so that the game ball enters the turning piece 5112 of the effect attacker. The visibility of the sphere is improved. The light-emitting effect is, for example, a character or a pattern that suggests that the production attacker 5110 is not operating and suggests the presence of the production attacker. It is difficult for the player to visually recognize the production attacker, It may be such that characters can be erased and the player can confirm the production attacker to meet the player's expectations. In addition, as described above, when a situation occurs in which the solenoid of the production attacker is continuously driven and reaches a predetermined continuous operation period, the period in which the solenoid is forcibly turned off to prevent wear of the solenoid. Is configured so as not to execute the light emission effect (light extinction or light reduction of the light guide plate) even in a situation where the state where the rotating piece 5112 is opened in accordance with the opening / closing operation of the original slide attacker 5120 is reached. Yes.

  67 denotes a light effect area of the light guide plate. The light effect area is formed in a range that does not prevent the player from visually recognizing the flow of the game ball to the slide attacker 5120. For example, it is an area below the area where the slide winning attacker winning sensor 5123 (FIG. 60) is provided.

  68 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. The light guide plate 5400 is attached to the concave portion 7014 of the front decoration 5300 from the front. The concave portion 7014 of the front ornament 5300 is formed in a shape that can receive the back surface of the light guide plate 5400 with almost no gap when the light guide plate 5400 is mounted. Both ends of the receiving surface of the front decoration 5300 are cut into a rectangular shape, and when the light guide plate is mounted on the receiving surface, the side edges 5481 (see FIG. 67) at both ends in the width direction of the light guide plate are rectangular cutouts. It is curved and formed so as to be able to face the region of the base member 5200 at the tip of the notch via 7010 and 7012. In this region of the base member 5200, LED substrates 7000 and 7002 in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged in a row are mounted along the both ends of the light guide plate 5400 (see FIG. 54).

  The left LED board 7000 is arranged along the line-of-sight direction, that is, the light irradiation direction from the LED is the width direction of the light guide plate, while the right LED board 7002 intersects the line-of-sight direction. In this direction, the light is radiated from the LED in the thickness direction of the light guide plate. The reason for not orienting the right LED board 7002 in the line-of-sight direction is that the degree of freedom of the shape of the right end surface of the attacker unit is regulated by the shape of the game board (especially the outer rail 100f), and the right LED board in the line-of-sight direction. This is because the LED substrate must be inclined and attached with respect to the vertical direction when it is intended to be oriented. At that time, if the side surface of the light guide plate is inclined in accordance with this, the light emitted from the LEDs does not advance uniformly in the width direction in the light guide plate. Therefore, the right LED substrate 7002 is disposed so as to face the front surface of the base member 5200 in the line-of-sight direction, while the right end surface 5482 of the light guide plate is bent so as to face the right LED substrate 7002, thereby being irradiated from the LED. The light travels uniformly in the width direction of the light guide plate within the light guide plate. Since the right LED board 7002 faces the front, the right LED board 7002 is visually recognized by the player through the light guide plate 5400, and the design is impaired. Therefore, the seal 5504 attached to the light guide plate 5440 is provided with a pattern 5505 (design portion) in consideration of design properties while hiding the LED substrate 7002 (see FIG. 50). The region other than the design portion of the seal 5504 is a transparent light-transmitting portion, and does not hinder the visibility of the production attacker 5110.

  The front surface of the light guide plate 5400 mounted in the recess 7014 of the front decoration 5300 and the upper half of the front decoration 5300 are designed to be flush with each other. Therefore, a level difference or height difference can be obtained by simply sticking the seal 5502 to the upper half of the front ornament 5300 and sticking the seal 5504 to the lower half of the front ornament 5300 including the light guide plate 5400 attached to the recess 7014. A homogeneous design surface that is not possible can be realized.

  Further, according to the assembly of the design part of the above-described production unit (game board front unit, in particular, the attacker unit), even the production unit incorporating a plurality of devices is directed toward the recessed portion that can be seen from the outside. Because it is easy to attach a production member (light guide plate) and a sheet-like member (design seal) with a design attached in front of it, the assembly process can be simplified and the design can be changed between multiple products. The common part specification by

500: Attacker unit, 5100: Attacker unit main body, 5200: Base member, 5300: Front decoration, 5400: Light guide plate.

Claims (1)

A winning device unit having a winning portion that triggers the generation of a predetermined prize ball by entering a game ball placed at a predetermined position on the game board;
Effect control means for controlling a predetermined effect device;
A gaming machine comprising
The stage device is
An opening through which a game ball that has entered the winning portion of the winning device unit can be inserted;
A movable position that is provided at the opening and is displaced between a first position that facilitates entry of a game ball into the opening and a second position that makes entry of the game ball into the opening difficult. With a piece,
A light guide plate member disposed in front of the opening and capable of performing a predetermined light emission effect;
With
The production control means includes
As an aspect of the light emitting effect using the light guide plate member, a light emitting aspect in which the opening is easily visible when the movable piece is in the first position, and a state of the opening when the movable piece is in the second position. Realizing a light emitting mode that reduces visibility,
A gaming machine characterized by that.

Images