JP2020032079A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To enhance observability of a game ball, in a game machine.SOLUTION: A game machine having control means capable of generating a special game state advantageous to a player when the result of the game is a special result includes: a game board in which a game area where a game ball can flow down is formed; and a plurality of light emitting members. The control means can control the brightness of the plurality of light emitting members, and can control the brightness of the light emitting member at a predetermined position to be lower out of the plurality of light emitting members in the period during which the game is not executed than the period during which the game is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 27

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with control means capable of generating a special gaming state advantageous to a player when a game has a special result.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a gaming machine that performs brightness control (light emission control) of a light emitting member when waiting for a customer or the like (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-161556 A

  However, in the conventional gaming machine, since the light emitting state of all the light emitting units is uniformly changed in the power saving control or the like, it is necessary to improve the visibility of the game ball by performing the brightness control in accordance with the game state. About, there was room for improvement.

  An object of the present invention is to improve the ease of observing gaming balls in a gaming machine.

  In a representative embodiment of the present invention, when a game has a special result, in a gaming machine having a control means capable of generating a special game state advantageous to a player, a game area in which a game ball can flow is formed. A game board, and a plurality of light-emitting members, wherein the control means is capable of controlling the brightness of the plurality of light-emitting members, and a period during which the game is not executed than a period during which the game is executed. Is more controllable so that the luminance of the light emitting member at a predetermined position among the plurality of light emitting members becomes lower.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a gaming machine, a gaming ball can be easily observed.

It is the perspective view which looked at the gaming machine from the front side. It is a front view of a game board. It is a front view of a game board when a plurality of light emitting members of a board decoration device emit light. It is the perspective view which looked at the upper part of the game area from the front side. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of a game control system of a game machine. It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an effect control system of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the first half part of main processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the latter half part of a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a special figure game process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a starting port switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a special figure starting port switch common process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a special figure usual process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a special figure 1 fluctuation | variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a special figure 2 change start process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a big hit flag 1 setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a big hit flag 2 setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a big hit determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a general purpose game process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of an ordinary process. It is a flowchart showing a main process of the effect control device. It is a flowchart which shows a reception command check process. It is a flowchart which shows a received command analysis process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating one-shot command processing. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol type command process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation system command process. It is a flowchart which shows a hall / player setting mode process. It is a flowchart which shows a customer waiting demonstration edit process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a power saving control process. It is a front view of the game board when the brightness control of a light emitting member is performed. It is an example of a screen transition diagram showing a display screen of the display device in a normal gaming state in a time series. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an example of timing of luminance control and the like. FIG. 30 is an example of a screen transition diagram showing the display screen of the display device in a time series when the brightness control and the like described in the timing chart of FIG. 29 are performed. It is a front view of the game board of the modification at the time of performing the brightness control of a light emitting member. It is a front view of the game board of the 2nd modification at the time of performing the brightness control of a light emitting member. 9 is a timing chart showing another example of the timing of brightness control and the like. 34 is an example of a screen transition diagram showing a display screen of the display device in a time series when the brightness control and the like described in the timing chart of FIG. 33 are performed. It is an example of the screen transition diagram which showed the display screen of the display device at the time of right-handed instruction in the time saving state in time series. It is a timing chart which shows an example of timing of brightness control etc. at the time of returning to a normal game state from a time saving state. 37 is a first half of an example of a screen transition diagram showing a display screen of the display device in a time series when the brightness control and the like described in the timing chart of FIG. 36 are performed. 37 is the latter half of an example of a screen transition diagram showing the display screen of the display device in chronological order when the brightness control and the like described in the timing chart of FIG. 36 are performed. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of timing of brightness control and the like when the number of suspensions of the first start storage is stored up to an upper limit number. FIG. 40 is a screen transition diagram showing a display screen of the display device in chronological order when the brightness control and the like described in the timing chart of FIG. 39 are performed. It is a front view of the game board when the brightness control of the light emitting member which illuminates the big winning opening of the special fluctuation winning device and the light emitting members around the light emitting member is performed. It is a front view of the game board when the brightness control of the light emitting member which illuminates the normal symbol starting gate and the light emitting members around the light emitting member is performed. It is a front view of the game board when the brightness control of the light emitting member which illuminates the 2nd starting winning opening of the normal fluctuation winning device, the light emitting member around the light emitting member, and the light emitting member which illuminates the starting winning opening is performed. . It is a front view of the game board when the brightness control of the light emitting member which illuminates the inflow port to the warp passage, and the light emitting member in the periphery of the light emitting member is performed.

(1st Embodiment)
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the front, rear, left and right in the description of the gaming machine refer to the direction as viewed from the player playing the game.

[Overall view of gaming machines]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a gaming machine.

  The gaming machine 10 includes an opening / closing frame which is attached to a frame 11 fixed to the island facility so as to be openable and closable via a hinge. The opening / closing frame includes a front frame 12 (main body frame) and a glass frame 15.

  A game board 30 (see FIG. 2) is provided on the front frame 12, and a glass frame 15 having a cover glass 14 that covers the front face of the game board 30 is attached. The cover glass 14 functions as a game viewing area in which a game area 32 (see FIG. 2) formed on the game board 30 can be viewed.

  The front frame 12 and the glass frame 15 can be individually opened. For example, the game area 32 of the game board 30 can be accessed by opening only the glass frame 15. In addition, by opening the front frame 12 in a state where the glass frame 15 is not opened, it is possible to access the game control device (main board) 100 (see FIG. 3) disposed on the back side of the game board 30 and the like. Can be.

  Various frame components are arranged on the edge of the glass frame 15 around the cover glass 14.

  Decorative devices 18a and 18b capable of emitting light in accordance with a game state are provided at the upper center and the left side of the glass frame 15. The decorating devices 18a and 18b each contain an illumination member such as an LED therein, and emit light according to a game state. The illumination members provided inside the decoration devices 18a and 18b constitute a part of the frame decoration device 18 (see FIG. 4).

  An upper speaker 19a is provided at each of the upper right corner and the upper left corner of the glass frame 15. Apart from the upper speakers 19a, two lower speakers 19b are provided below the gaming machine 10. The lower speakers 19b are provided in the lower left corner of the glass frame 15 and the lower right corner of the front frame 12. The upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b emit sound effects, alarm sounds, notification sounds, and the like.

  On the right side of the glass frame 15, a projecting effect unit 13 extending in the up-down direction of the gaming machine 10 and projecting forward (toward the player) is provided. The protruding effect unit 13 is an effect device that performs a light emitting effect or the like in accordance with the progress of the game. The lighting member arranged inside the projecting effect unit 13 also constitutes a part of the frame decoration device 18 (see FIG. 4).

  An upper plate unit having an upper plate 21 capable of storing game balls is attached to a lower portion of the glass frame 15. The upper plate 21 is formed in a box shape whose upper surface is open. The game balls stored in the upper plate 21 are supplied to a ball launching device (not shown) one by one.

  The upper plate unit further includes an effect operation device that accepts an input operation from the player, a ball rental operation device that accepts an input operation from the player, and a decoration device 22 that performs a luminous effect or the like according to the game state. .

  The effect operation device is an operation device in which the touch panel 25b is incorporated in the effect button 25, and is provided at the upper center of the upper plate unit so that the player can easily operate.

  When the player operates the effect operation device, it is possible to perform an effect in which the operation of the player is interposed in a special figure change display game (game) displayed on the display device 41 (see FIG. 2). For example, it is possible to select an effect pattern (effect mode), or to execute a notice effect in which a result of the variable display game (game) corresponding to the start memory is announced in advance. It should be noted that the variable display game includes a special figure variable display game, and if the variable display game is simply referred to as a variable figure display game, this specification refers to the special figure variable display game.

  Further, the effect pattern may be changed not only during the execution of the variable display game but also when the player operates the effect operation device during the non-execution.

  Note that the game state when the variable display game is executed includes a plurality of game states. The normal gaming state (normal state) is a gaming state in which no special gaming state has occurred. In addition, the special game state is, for example, a time-saving state as a specific game state, a state in which the occurrence probability of a special result (for example, a big hit) in a fluctuation display game is high (probable change state, probability change state), a big hit state (special game state ).

  Here, the probability change state (specific game state) continues until the next big hit occurs (loop type), continues until a predetermined number of variable display games is executed (number cut type, ST), and There is one that continues until a predetermined probability falling lottery is won (falling lottery type).

  Furthermore, whether or not to generate a probability change state may not necessarily be determined by the big hit symbol random number, but may be made to always generate a probability change state when a big hit occurs, or a prize winning device or the like having a specific area may be provided and specified. A probable change state may be generated when a game ball passes through the area.

  The ball rental operation device is an operation device operated when a player borrows a game ball, and is provided on the upper right side of the upper plate unit. The ball lending operation device includes a ball lending button 27, a return button 28, and a balance display unit 26. The ball lending button 27 is a button operated by a player when borrowing a game ball, and the return button 28 is used for discharging a prepaid card or the like from a card unit (not shown) arranged adjacent to the gaming machine 10. These buttons are operated by the player. The balance display section 26 is a display area where the balance of a prepaid card or the like is displayed.

  The decoration device 22 accommodates a lighting member such as an LED therein, and performs a lighting effect or the like according to a game state, and is provided on a front portion of the upper plate unit. The illumination member disposed inside the decoration device 22 constitutes a part of the frame decoration device 18 (see FIG. 4).

  An operation handle 24 for controlling the operation of a ball launching device (not shown) and a game ball can be stored below the glass frame 15 having the above-mentioned upper plate unit and the like and below the front frame 12. A lower plate 23 is provided.

  The operation handle 24 is located at the lower right of the front frame 12 and below the lower right speaker 19b. When the player rotates the operation handle 24, the ball shooting device shoots the game ball supplied from the upper plate 21 to the game area 32 of the game board 30. The shooting speed of the game ball fired from the ball shooting device is set so as to increase as the turning operation amount of the operation handle 24 increases. That is, the ball firing device can change the firing force, which is the force (speed) at which game balls are fired into the game area, in accordance with the operation of the operation handle 24 by the player, and play the game in various firing modes having different firing forces. Can fire a ball. The firing modes include left-handed (normal hit) in which a game ball flows down on the left side of the game area 32 and right-handed in which the game ball flows down on the right side of the game area 32.

  The lower plate 23 is arranged below the upper plate unit at a predetermined interval from the upper plate unit. The lower plate 23 has a ball hole 23a penetrating the bottom surface of the lower plate 23 in the vertical direction, and an opening / closing operation portion 23b for opening and closing the ball hole 23a. When the player operates the opening / closing operation section 23b to open the ball hole 23a, the game balls stored in the lower plate 23 can be discharged to the outside through the ball hole 23a.

(Game board)
Subsequently, the gaming board 30 of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2A. FIG. 2A is a front view of a gaming board 30 provided in the gaming machine 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the game board 30 includes a flat game board body 30a serving as a mounting base for various members. The game board main body 30a is made of wooden or synthetic resin, and a game area 32 surrounded by a guide rail 31 is provided on a front surface of the game board main body 30a. The gaming machine 10 is configured to play a game by firing a game ball from a ball firing device into a game area 32 surrounded by a guide rail 31. In the game area 32, a windmill, an obstruction nail, or the like is provided as a member for changing the flowing direction of the game ball, and the launched game ball flows down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction by these members.

  At a substantial center of the game area 32, a center case (front structure) 40 forming a window serving as a display area of the variable display game is attached. Behind the window formed in the center case 40, a display device 41 as an effect display device (variable display device) for variably displaying (variably displaying) a plurality of identification information is arranged. The display device 41 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is arranged so that display contents can be viewed from the front side of the game board 30 through the window of the center case 40. The display device 41 is not limited to a device having a liquid crystal display, but may be a device having a display such as an EL or CRT.

  A plurality of variable display areas are provided on the display screen (display section) of the display device 41, and identification information (special symbols) and a character that creates a variable display game are displayed in each variable display area. In addition, an image (big hit display, fanfare display, ending display, etc.) based on the progress of the game is displayed on the display screen.

  In addition, the center case 40 has an inflow port 40a into a warp passage 40e for guiding game balls flowing down the game area 32 to the inside of the center case 40, and a stage on which game balls passing through the warp passage 40e can roll. A portion 40b is provided. Since the stage portion 40b of the center case 40 is disposed above the starting winning opening 36 and the normal variable winning device 37, the game balls rolled on the stage portion 40b are transferred to the starting winning opening 36 or the normal variable winning device 37. It is easier to win.

  In the game area 32 on the right side of the center case 40, a normal symbol starting gate (ordinary symbol starting gate) 34 is provided. Inside the general-purpose starting gate 34, a gate switch (SW) 34a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball passing through the general-purpose starting gate 34 is provided. When a game ball driven into the game area 32 passes through the general-purpose starting gate 34, a general-purpose variation display game is executed.

  A general winning opening 35 is arranged in the lower left gaming area 32 of the center case 40, and a general winning opening 35 is also arranged in the lower right gaming area 32 of the center case 40. The winning of the game ball to the general winning opening 35 is detected by winning opening switches (SW) 35a to 35n (see FIG. 3) provided in the general winning opening 35.

  In the gaming area 32 below the center case 40, a start winning opening (first starting winning area) 36 for providing a start condition of the special figure change display game is provided, and immediately below the starting winning opening (second starting winning opening) (second start winning area). A normal variable winning device 37 having a starting winning region) is provided. The normal fluctuation winning device 37 is provided with a movable member (movable piece) 37b that converts the state in which the game ball easily flows by rotating in a direction in which the upper end side falls toward the near side. When the movable member 37b is in the closed state, game balls cannot enter the normal variable winning device 37. When the game ball wins the start winning opening 36 or the normal fluctuation winning device 37, a special figure fluctuation display game is executed as an auxiliary game.

  The movable member 37b is a so-called tongue-type ordinary electric accessory, and rotates via the general-purpose solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3) when the result of the general-purpose change display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode. Then, the game ball changes to an open state in which the game ball easily flows into the normal variable winning device 37 (an easy winning state advantageous to the player).

  The movable member 37b is controlled by a game control device 100 described later. The game control device 100 increases the frequency of occurrence of the easy-to-win state by shortening the fluctuation time of the general-floor variation display game or making the hit probability of the general-floor variation display game higher than normal, By making the occurrence time of the easy winning state longer than the easy winning state generated in the above, the time saving state (general power support state) is generated as the specific game state. Note that, also in the probable change state (except the latent probable change state), the time saving state (general power support state) occurs repeatedly.

  In the game area 32 at the lower right of the normal fluctuation winning device 37, an attacker type in which the big winning opening is opened by turning the upper end side in the direction of falling down by the big winning opening solenoid (39b) (see FIG. 3). A special variable winning device 39 having an opening / closing door 39c is provided. The special fluctuation winning device 39 converts the state of the special winning opening from a closed state (closed state unfavorable to the player) to an open state (special game state advantageous to the player) based on the result of the special figure fluctuation display game, and wins the special win. A predetermined game value (prize ball) is provided to the player by facilitating the flow of the game ball into the mouth. Note that a count switch 39a (see FIG. 3) is provided in the special winning opening as detecting means for detecting a game ball entering the special winning opening. In addition, a light emitting member 480e for illuminating the special winning opening is provided in or near the special winning opening.

  When a game ball wins a large winning opening of the general winning opening 35, the starting winning opening 36, the normal variable winning device 37, and the special variable winning device 39, the payout control device 200 (see FIG. 3) determines the type of the winning opening. Are discharged from the payout device to the upper plate 21 in accordance with the number of prize balls. Further, in the game area 32 below the normal variable prize device 37, an out port 30b for collecting game balls that have not won a prize port or the like is provided.

  In addition, a special figure change display game (a special figure 1 change display game, a special figure 2 change display game) and a normal figure change display game are executed outside the game area 32 and in the lower right corner of the game board main body 30a. A batch display device 50 is provided. The collective display device 50 includes display units 51 to 60 for displaying information such as the current game state.

  The collective display device 50 includes a first special figure change display unit 51 (special figure 1 display, lamp D1) and a second special figure change for a change display game, which is configured by a 7-segment type display (LED lamp) or the like. A display unit 52 (a special figure 2 display, a lamp D2), a variable display unit 53 for a general figure variable display game (a general figure display, lamps D10, D18), and the number of start (hold) storage of each variable display game It has a storage display unit for notification (special figure 1 reservation display 54, special figure 2 reservation display 55, general figure reservation display 56). The special figure 1 hold display 54 includes lamps D11 and D12. The special figure 2 hold display 55 includes lamps D13 and D14. The general-purpose display 56 is constituted by lamps D15 and D16.

  In addition, the collective display device 50 includes a first game state display unit 57 (first game state display, a lamp) for notifying that the player is right-handed (when right-handed) or left-handed (normally-handed). D8), a second gaming state display unit 58 (second gaming state indicator, lamp D9) which lights up when a time reduction state occurs and notifies the occurrence of the time reduction state, and the probability state of the big hit when the power of the gaming machine 10 is turned on is high. A third game state display section 59 (third game state indicator, probability state display section, lamp D17) for displaying the state, and the number of rounds at the time of a big hit (the number of times the special variable winning device 39 is opened and closed) are displayed. A round display section 60 (lamp D3-D7) is provided.

  In the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52, the variable display game is executed by the variable display in which the identification information (for example, the center segment) is repeatedly turned on and off (flashing). In addition, the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 are not limited to such a segment type display unit, and may be configured by an aggregate of a plurality of LEDs, or when performing a variable display. In addition, all of the LEDs provided as a display are all turned on and off (all LEDs are simultaneously blinking), cyclically turned on (turned on and off in a predetermined order every predetermined time from any one of the LEDs), or a plurality. The lighting may be performed by turning on / off (flashing) or cyclic lighting by a predetermined number of LEDs among the LEDs. Also in the ordinary figure display 53, the variable display game is executed by a variable display (flashing) in which the lamps D10 and D18 are repeatedly turned on and off. Also, the general figure display 53 can be appropriately configured similarly to the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52.

  Further, the lamp display device 80 provided on the upper part of the center case 40 includes a lamp display unit (LED) for performing a variable display (flashing) as a symbol (fourth special symbol) that repeats a light-on display and a light-off display, and It has a lamp display unit (LED) for informing the number of start (hold) storage of the variable display game. Note that the lamp display device 80 is controlled by an effect control device 300 (described later). The lamp display unit (LED) for informing the start (hold) storage number of each special figure change display game ends the display of the number of holds when a big hit occurs. Is included) is displayed.

  Next, the flow of the game in the gaming machine 10 and the details of the ordinary figure change display game and the special figure change display game will be described.

  In the gaming machine 10, a game is played by launching a game ball from a ball launching device (not shown) toward the game area 32. The launched game balls flow down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction by obstacle nails, windmills and the like arranged at various places in the game area 32, and the general-purpose starting gate 34, the general winning opening 35, the starting winning opening. 36, the player wins the normal fluctuation prize device 37 or the special fluctuation prize device 39, or flows into the out port 30b provided at the bottom of the game area 32, and is discharged from the game area 32. Then, when a game ball wins in the general winning opening 35, the starting winning opening 36, the normal variable winning device 37, or the special variable winning device 39, the number of prize balls according to the type of the winning opening that has been won via the payout device. It is discharged to the upper plate 21.

  The general-purpose starting gate 34 is provided with a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball passing through the general-purpose starting gate 34. When the game ball passes through the general-purpose starting gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a, and the general-purpose change display game is executed based on the determination result of the random number for collision determination extracted at this time.

  A state in which the general figure variable display game cannot be started, for example, when the general figure variable display game is already running and the general figure variable display game is not ended, or when the result of the general figure variable display game is When the variable prize device 37 is converted to the open state, when the game ball passes through the general-purpose starting gate 34, if the general-purpose starting storage number is less than the upper limit number, the storage number is added (+1).

  The hit figure starting memory stores a hit determination random value for determining a hit / fall of the hit picture variation display game, and when the hit determination random value matches the judgment value, the hit figure variation display is performed. The game results in a specific result mode (specific result).

  The general figure change display game is executed on the general figure display 53 provided in the collective display device 50. The general-purpose indicator 53 is constituted by an LED that indicates a hit in a lighting state as normal identification information (general figure) and indicates a deviation in a non-lighting state, and blinks the LED to change the normal identification information. The result is displayed by turning on or off the LED after a predetermined change display time has elapsed.

  If the ordinary figure random number value extracted at the time of passing through the ordinary figure start gate 34 is a hit value, the ordinary symbol displayed on the ordinary figure display 53 stops in the hit state and enters the hit state. At this time, when the general-purpose solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3) is driven, the movable member 37b is changed to the open state for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds), and the game ball is transferred to the normal fluctuation winning device 37. Winning is allowed.

  The winning of the game ball in the starting winning opening 36 and the winning in the normal variable winning device 37 are detected by the starting opening 1 switch 36a (see FIG. 3) and the starting opening 2 switch 37a (see FIG. 3). The game ball that has won the start winning port 36 is detected as the start winning ball of the special figure 1 variable display game, is stored up to a predetermined upper limit, and the game ball that has won the normal variable winning device 37 is the special figure 2. It is detected as a start winning ball of the variable display game, and is stored up to a predetermined upper limit number.

  At the time of detecting the winning prize ball of the special figure change display game, a big hit random number, a big hit symbol random number, each change pattern random number, and the like are extracted. These random numbers are stored in a special figure holding storage area (a part of the RAM) of the game control device 100 as a special figure starting prize memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, up to eight times). The stored number of the special figure start prize storage is displayed on the special figure 1 hold display 54 and the special figure 2 hold display 55 for informing the start prize number of the collective display device 50, and also on the display screen of the display device 41. Is displayed.

  The game control device 100 executes the special figure 1 change display game on the special figure 1 display 51 based on the winning in the start winning opening 36 or the first start memory. Further, the game control device 100 executes the special figure 2 variable display game on the special figure 2 display 52 based on the winning in the normal variable winning device 37 or the second start memory.

  The special figure 1 change display game (first special figure change display game) and the special figure 2 change display game (second special figure change display game) are identified by the identification information (the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52). This is performed by stopping and displaying a predetermined result mode after variably displaying the special symbols and special symbols. The display device 41 executes a decorative special figure variation display game in which a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, and the like) are varied and displayed in correspondence with each special figure variation display game.

  In the decorative special symbol change display game on the display device 41, the decorative special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-described numbers and the like is left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), and middle (third special symbol). ) Is started in this order (scroll display), the symbols that fluctuate after a predetermined time are sequentially stopped, and the result of the special figure fluctuating display game is displayed. Further, on the display device 41, various effect displays such as appearance of a character are performed to enhance interest. Further, in the decorative special figure variation display game, as another decorative special design (identification information), in the lamp display unit (LED) of the lamp display device 80, the fourth special design (flashing) is repeated by turning on and off the display. (Fourth symbol) fluctuates. After a predetermined time from the start, the variable display of the lamp display unit stops at "lighting" in the case of a loss, and "lights out" in the case of a big hit.

  Conversely, the variable display of the lamp display unit (LED) as the fourth special symbol (fourth symbol) can be configured to stop at "off" in the case of a loss and "illuminate" in the case of a big hit. . Further, a configuration is also possible in which a plurality of LEDs (fourth design LED) are provided as each lamp display unit, one of the plurality of LEDs is turned on in the case of a loss, and all of the plurality of LEDs are turned on in the case of a big hit. It is possible.

  When a game ball is awarded to the starting winning port 36 or the ordinary variable winning device 37 at a predetermined timing (when the random number value of the big hit at the time of the winning detection is the big hit value), the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 1 On the display 52 of FIG. 2, a specific result mode (special result mode) is derived from the display symbol as a result of the special figure change display game, and a big hit state (special game state) is set. Correspondingly, the display mode of the display device 41 is a special result mode (for example, a state in which numerals such as “7, 7, 7” are aligned).

  At this time, the special variable winning device 39 changes the large winning opening from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) by energizing the large winning opening solenoid (39b) (see FIG. 3). In other words, the special winning opening provided in the special variable winning device 39 is widely opened for a predetermined time or until a predetermined number of game balls are won, and during this time, a privilege is given that a player can acquire many game balls. You.

  The special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 may be configured as separate displays or the same display, but the special figure change display games are not executed at the same time. It is set as follows.

  As for the decoration special figure variable display game on the display device 41, the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game may be executed on different display devices or different display regions, or the same display may be performed. It may be executed in a device or a display area. In this case, the special figure variable display game corresponding to the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game is prevented from being simultaneously executed. Note that the special figure 2 variable display game is executed prior to the special figure 1 variable display game, and there is a start memory of the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game. When it becomes possible to execute the figure change display game, the special figure 2 change display game is executed.

  In the following description, when the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as a special figure variable display game.

  Also, although not particularly limited, the starting opening 1 switch 36a in the starting winning opening 36, the starting opening 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the winning opening switch 35a, the count switch (39a) ) Uses a non-contact type magnetic proximity sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a proximity switch) that includes a coil for magnetic detection and detects a game ball by using a phenomenon that a magnetic field changes when a metal approaches the coil. ing. In addition, a glass frame open detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 or the like of the gaming machine 10 or a front frame open detection switch 64 (body frame open detection switch) provided on the front frame (game frame) 12 or the like includes a machine. A microswitch having a typical contact can be used.

  FIG. 2B is a front view of the game board 30 when a plurality of light-emitting members 480 (for example, LEDs) of the board decoration device 46 are emitting light (light or blink).

  The light emitting member 480 of the board decoration device 46 is arranged, for example, on the game area 32 of the game board 30, the logo display section 40f, and the back side of the side effect unit 40d. The logo display section 40f is a member for displaying a logo on the model name, character, and the like of the gaming machine 10.

  The game area 32 and the logo display section 40f of the game board 30 are portions where the light emitting members 480 are arranged so that light of the light emitting members 480 emitted from the back side can be transmitted to the front side (player side). Is formed transparent (or translucent) by a synthetic resin, glass, or the like.

  The portion of the game area 32 where the light-emitting members 480 are arranged is not limited to the mode of being formed transparent, and may be an opening. When the game area 32 is opaque, each light emitting member 480 may be provided on the front surface of the game area 32.

  The light emitting members 480 (for example, four) of the logo display unit 40f can be provided so as to illuminate the logo or character on the front surface of the logo display unit 40f from the back side (inside) or from the front side (outside).

  The plurality of light emitting members 480 are distributed and arranged so that the game area 32 and the like are evenly illuminated. However, the light emitting members 480 may be provided in a main part that the player wants to pay attention to.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a light emitting member 480a can be provided between the obstacle nail 32b and the obstacle nail 32c. FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the upper portion of the game area 32 as viewed from the front side.

  The light emitting member 480a provided between the obstruction nail 32b and the obstruction nail 32c is used to strike a game ball that has passed through the launch port 32d, which is an entrance to the game area 32, at the time of left strike (the target position at the time of left strike ( The target position and the depression position) are guidelines. By aiming at the light emitting member 480a at the target position, the player can prevent the shot game ball from flowing over the top 32a (maximum firing position) and flowing down to the right side of the game area 32, and the left side of the game area 32 The game ball can flow down stably.

  As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the top 32a is a wall located at the highest point of the game area 32, and functions as a watershed which serves as a boundary between whether the game ball flows down to the right or left side of the game area 32. I do.

  The light emitting member 480 provided in the side effect unit 40d, which is a movable accessory, among the plurality of light emitting members 480 functions as the accessory light emitting member 480b.

  The accessory light emitting member 480b can change its position with respect to the game area 32 in accordance with the operation of the side effect unit 40d. For example, it is arranged on the back side of the side effect unit 40d and on the back side of the above-described game area 32. Light can be emitted to the front side similarly to the light emitting member 480 disposed.

  Further, the light emitting member 480 includes, for example, a starting winning opening (first starting winning region) 36, a second starting winning opening (second starting winning region) of the normal fluctuation winning device 37, and a special fluctuation as important parts to be noticed by the player. The opening / closing door 39c of the winning device 39, a normal symbol starting gate (general symbol starting gate) 34, and an inlet 40a to the warp passage 40e may be provided.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a light emitting member 480c is provided in the starting winning opening 36, a light emitting member 480d is provided in the second starting winning opening, and a light emitting member 480e is provided in the opening / closing door 39c of the special variable winning device 39. Provided. Further, a light emitting member 480f is provided at the ordinary symbol starting gate 34, and a light emitting member 480g is provided at the inflow port 40a of the warp passage 40e. Note that a light emitting member 480 may be provided in the general winning opening 35.

[Game control device]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a game control system of the gaming machine 10. The gaming machine 10 includes a game control device 100 (main board). The game control device 100 is a main control device (main board) that controls the game in a comprehensive manner, and includes a game microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a game microcomputer). CPU section 110 having an input port, an input section 120 having an input port, an output section 130 having an output port and a driver, and a data bus 140 connecting the CPU section 110 with the input section 120 and the output section 130. Etc.

  The CPU unit 110 includes a game microcomputer (CPU) 111 called an amusement chip (IC) and an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator, and generates an operation clock of the CPU, a timer interrupt, and a clock used as a reference for a random number generation circuit. Oscillating circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 and the like. The game control device 100 and electronic components such as solenoids and motors driven by the game control device 100 are supplied with a DC voltage of a predetermined level such as DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V generated by the power supply device 400, so that they can operate. Is done.

  The power supply device 400 includes a normal power supply unit 410 including an ACDC converter that generates a DC voltage of 32 V DC from a 24 V AC power supply, and a DC-DC converter that generates a lower-level DC voltage such as 12 V DC and 5 V DC from a 32 V DC voltage. A backup power supply unit 420 for supplying a power supply voltage to a RAM inside the gaming microcomputer 111 when a power failure occurs, and a power failure monitoring circuit, and a power failure monitoring signal or a reset signal for notifying the game control device 100 of the occurrence or recovery of the power failure. And a control signal generation unit 430 that generates and outputs a control signal such as a control signal.

  In the present embodiment, the power supply device 400 is configured separately from the game control device 100, but the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are integrated on a separate board or with the game control device 100, You may comprise so that it may be provided on a board | substrate. Since the game board 30 and the game control device 100 are to be replaced when the model is changed, as in the embodiment, the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are provided on the power supply device 400 or a board different from the main board. With the provision, the cost can be reduced by excluding the replacement.

  The backup power supply unit 420 can be constituted by one large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power is supplied to the game microcomputer 111 (especially the built-in RAM) of the game control device 100, so that the data stored in the RAM is retained even during a power failure or after the power is cut off. The control signal generation unit 430 monitors the voltage of 32 V generated by the normal power supply unit 410, for example, detects the occurrence of a power failure when the voltage drops to 17 V or less, changes the power failure monitoring signal, and resets the reset signal after a predetermined time. Is output. Also, at the time of turning on the power or recovering from the power failure, the reset signal is output after a lapse of a predetermined time from that point.

  Further, the game control device 100 is provided with an initialization switch 112. When the initialization switch 112 is operated, an initialization switch signal is generated. Based on this, a process for forcibly initializing information stored in the RAM 111c in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200 is performed. Done. Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the game microcomputer 111. The reset signal is a kind of a forced interrupt signal, and resets the entire control system.

  The gaming microcomputer 111 includes a CPU (central processing unit: microprocessor) 111a, a read-only ROM (read only memory) 111b, and a RAM (random access memory) 111c that can be read and written at any time.

  The ROM 111b stores invariable information (programs, fixed data, various random number determination values, etc.) for game control in a nonvolatile manner, and the RAM 111c stores a work area of the CPU 111a and a storage area for various signals and random numbers during game control. Used as As the ROM 111b or the RAM 111c, an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM may be used.

  The ROM 111b stores, for example, a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern (variation mode) that defines the execution time of the special figure variation display game, the effect contents, the presence or absence of the occurrence of the reach state, and the like. The fluctuation pattern table is a table for the CPU 111a to determine the fluctuation pattern by referring to the fluctuation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 stored as the starting memory. In addition, the variation pattern table includes a variation variation pattern table selected when the result is incorrect, a large variation pattern table selected when the result is a large hit, and the like. Further, these pattern tables include tables for determining the latter half variation pattern which is the variation pattern after the reach state (the latter half variation group table, the latter half variation pattern selection table, etc.), and the variation before the reach state. A table for determining a first-half variation pattern that is a pattern (a first-half variation group table, a first-half variation pattern selection table, and the like) is included.

  Here, the reach (reach state) has a display device whose display state can be changed, the display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are predetermined. In the gaming machine 10 in which the gaming state becomes a gaming state (special gaming state) that is advantageous to the player when the special result mode is reached, a part of the plurality of display results has already been derived at a stage where the display result has not been displayed yet. It refers to a display state in which the displayed result satisfies the condition for the special result mode. In other words, the reach state deviates from the display condition of the special result mode even when the variable display control of the display device progresses to a stage before the display result is derived and displayed. No display mode. Then, for example, a state in which a variable display is performed by a plurality of variable display areas while maintaining a state in which the special result modes are aligned (so-called full rotation reach) is also included in the reach state. Further, the reach state is a display state at the time when the display control of the display device has progressed to a stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and is determined before the display result is derived and displayed. It means a display state in which at least a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display areas satisfy a condition for a special result mode.

  Therefore, for example, the decorative special figure change display game displayed on the display device corresponding to the special figure change display game changes a plurality of pieces of identification information in each of the left, middle, and right change display areas on the display device for a predetermined time. After displaying, if the variable display is stopped in the order of left, right, and middle to display the result mode, the left and right variable display areas satisfy the condition of the special result mode (for example, The state in which the variable display is stopped with the same identification information) is the reach state. In addition, when the variable display of all the variable display areas is temporarily stopped, a state in which any one of the left, middle, and right variable display areas meets the condition of the special result mode (for example, the same identification information (Excluding the special result mode) may be set as the reach state, and the remaining one variable display area may be variably displayed from the reach state.

  The reach state includes a plurality of reach effects, and as reach systems having different possibilities (different expected values) of deriving special result modes, normal reach (N reach) and special 1 reach (SP1 reach) , Special 2 reach (SP2 reach), special 3 reach (SP3 reach), and premium reach. Note that the expected value increases in the order of no reach <normal reach <special 1 reach <special 2 reach <special 3 reach <premier reach. The reach state is included in the variable display mode at least when the special result mode is derived in the special figure variable display game (when a big hit occurs). The reach state may be included in the variable display mode in the case where it is determined that the special result mode is not derived in the special figure variable display game (when the special result mode is lost). Therefore, the state in which the reach state has occurred is a state in which the jackpot is more likely to be a big hit than the case where the reach state does not occur.

  The CPU 111a executes a game control program in the ROM 111b to generate a control signal (command) for the payout control device 200 or the effect control device 300, or to generate and output a drive signal for a solenoid or a display device to output the game machine. 10 overall control. Although not shown, the gaming microcomputer 111 has a jackpot random number for determining the jackpot of the special figure change display game, a jackpot symbol random number for determining the big hit symbol, and a change pattern (various types) in the special figure change display game. A random number generation circuit for generating a variation pattern random number or the like for determining a variation display game in a variation display without reach or reach, and an oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the oscillation circuit 113. A clock generator that generates a timer interrupt signal of a predetermined cycle (for example, 4 msec (milliseconds)) for the CPU 111a and a clock for giving an update timing of the random number generation circuit based on the timer interrupt signal are provided.

  In addition, in the process related to the special figure variation display game, the CPU 111a acquires any one variation pattern table from the plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111b. Specifically, the CPU 111a determines the game result (big hit or miss) of the special figure change display game, the probability state (normal probability state or high probability state) of the special figure change display game as the current game state, For example, one of the plurality of variation pattern tables is selected and acquired from the plurality of variation pattern tables. Here, when executing the special figure change display game, the CPU 111a forms a change distribution information obtaining unit that obtains any one change pattern table from among a plurality of change pattern tables stored in the ROM 111b.

  The payout control device 200 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input interface, an output interface, and the like. The payout control device 200 drives the payout motor 91 of the payout unit in accordance with a prize ball payout command (command or data) from the game control device 100. Control for paying out. Further, the payout control device 200 drives the payout motor 91 of the payout unit based on a ball loan request signal from the card unit 600 to perform control for paying out the ball rental.

  The input unit 120 of the game control device 100 includes a radio wave sensor 62 (panel radio wave sensor) for detecting emission of radio waves to the gaming machine, a gate switch 34 a of the general-purpose starting gate 34, and a starting port 1 in the first starting winning port 36. The switch 36a, the starting port 2 switch 37a in the second starting winning port 37, the winning port switch 35a, and the special winning port switch 39a of the special variable winning device 39 are connected. The high level supplied from these switches is 11V and the low level. Is provided with an interface chip (proximity I / F) 121 which receives a negative logic signal such as 7V and converts it into a positive logic signal of 0V-5V.

  The proximity I / F 121 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, a voltage of 12 V is supplied to the proximity I / F 121 from the power supply device 400 in addition to a voltage of, for example, 5 V required for normal operation of the IC. Has become.

  The output of the proximity I / F 121 is supplied to the second input port 123 or the third input port 124 and is read into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. Among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121, the detection signals of the gate switch 34a, the starting port 1 switch 36a, the starting port 2 switch 37a, the winning port switch 35a, and the special winning port switch 39a are input to the third input port 124. .

  Further, among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121, a detection signal of the radio wave sensor 62 and an abnormality detection signal output when an abnormality of the sensor or the switch is detected are input to the second input port 123.

  In addition, the second input port 123 has a detection signal of a magnetic sensor switch 61 for fraud detection provided on the front frame 12 of the gaming machine 10 or the like, a signal from the setting change device 42, a detection signal of the panel radio wave sensor 62, A frame radio wave illegal signal and a payout busy signal output from the payout control device 200 are input. Note that a vibration sensor switch for detecting vibration may be provided in the gaming machine, and a detection signal may be input to the second input port 123. The frame radio wave illegal signal is a signal output based on detection of a radio wave by the frame radio sensor provided on the front frame 12 (main body frame), and the payout busy signal indicates whether the payout control device 200 can accept a command. It is a signal indicating whether or not it is.

  The gaming machine 10 has a setting change device 42 (setting change means) capable of changing settings related to game conditions, and the second input port 123 is connected to the setting change device 42 so that a signal from the setting change device 42 is output. Will be entered. For example, the setting change device 42 may be a setting change device normally provided in a slot machine, and may be a key switch, a button switch, a 7-segment display (LED lamp), or the like. The setting change device 42 is provided inside the gaming machine 10, and is provided, for example, at a position that cannot be operated unless the front frame 12 is opened (a position at which access is not possible). That is, a general player cannot access and operate the setting change device 42. The setting change device 42 may be provided on the game control device 100 (on the main board).

  The setting change device 42 can change settings related to game conditions such as a jackpot probability and a probable change rush rate. In the present embodiment, the settings relating to the game conditions include a setting 1, a setting 2, and a setting 3, where the setting 1 is the most unfavorable setting (low setting) and the setting 2 is an intermediate setting (intermediate setting). Yes, setting 3 is the most advantageous setting (high setting) for the player.

  The output of the proximity I / F 121 to the third input port 124 is also supplied from the game control device 100 to a not-shown test shooting device via the relay board 70. Further, the detection signals of the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are configured to be input to the third input port 124 and the gaming microcomputer 111.

  The data held by the third input port 124 is read out by the gaming microcomputer 111 decoding the address assigned to the third input port 124 to assert (change to an effective level) the enable signal CE2. be able to. The same applies to the second input port 123 and a first input port 122 described later.

  In addition, the input unit 120 receives a signal from a glass frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 or the like of the gaming machine 10, a signal from a front frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame 12 or the like, and a signal from the payout control device 200. A payout abnormality status signal indicating a payout abnormality to be output, a shot ball out switch signal indicating a shortage of game balls before payout, an overflow switch signal indicating an overflow, a touch switch signal based on an input from a touch switch provided on the operation handle 24. A first input port 122 is provided for taking in and supplying the data to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. The overflow switch signal is a signal that is output when it is detected that a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 23 (that is, when the game balls are full).

  Further, the input unit 120 is provided with a Schmitt buffer 125 for inputting a signal such as a power failure monitoring signal or a reset signal from the power supply device 400 to the gaming microcomputer 111 or the like. It has a function to remove noise from. The power failure monitoring signal from the power supply device 400 and the initialization switch signal from the initialization switch 112 are once input to the first input port 122 and are taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. That is, it is treated as a signal equivalent to the signal from the various switches described above. This is because there is a limit on the number of terminals provided on the gaming microcomputer 111 for receiving signals from outside.

  On the other hand, the reset signal RST from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt buffer 125 is directly input to a reset terminal provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 and is also supplied to each port of the output unit 130. In addition, the reset signal RST is output directly to the relay board 70 without passing through the output unit 130, thereby turning off the test test signal held in a port (not shown) of the relay board 70 for output to the test test apparatus. It is configured as follows.

  Further, the reset signal RST may be configured to be output to the trial test apparatus via the relay board 70. Note that the reset signal RST is not supplied to each of the ports 122, 123, and 124 of the input unit 120. Data set to each port of the output unit 130 by the gaming microcomputer 111 immediately before the reset signal RST is input needs to be reset in order to prevent malfunction of the system. However, each data of the input unit 120 immediately before the reset signal RST is input. This is because the data read by the gaming microcomputer 111 from the port is discarded by resetting the gaming microcomputer 111.

  The output unit 130 is provided with a Schmitt buffer 132 disposed on a communication path from the gaming microcomputer 111 to the effect control device 300 and a communication route from the gaming microcomputer 111 to the payout control device 200. Data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 and the payout control device 200 by serial communication. Note that the one-way communication is such that no signal can be input to the game control device 100 from the effect control device 300 side.

  Further, the output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and transmits data indicating the special symbol information of the variable display game to the test shooting test device of the accredited organization (not shown), a signal indicating the probability state of the big hit, and the like via the relay board 70. The output buffer 133 is configured to be mountable. The buffer 133 is a component that is not mounted on a game control device (main board) of a pachinko game machine as an actual machine (mass production sale product) installed in a game store. Note that a detection signal of a switch that does not need to be processed, such as a start-up switch, output from the proximity I / F 121 is supplied to the trial test apparatus via the relay board 70 without passing through the buffer 133.

  On the other hand, a detection signal that cannot be supplied to the test shooting test device as it is, such as the magnetic sensor switch 61 or the panel radio wave sensor 62, is once taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 and processed into other signals or information. The data signal is supplied from the data bus 140 to the trial test apparatus via the buffer 133 and the relay board 70 as an error signal indicating that the state cannot be controlled.

  The relay board 70 is provided with a port for taking in the signal output from the buffer 133 and supplying the signal to the test test apparatus, a connector for relaying and transmitting the signal line of the detection signal of the switch without passing through the buffer, and the like. I have. The chip enable signal CE output from the game microcomputer 111 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 70, and the signal of the port selectively controlled by the signal CE is supplied to the trial test apparatus.

  In addition, the output unit 130 outputs opening / closing data of a solenoid (a general-purpose solenoid) 37c connected to the data bus 140 for opening the normal variable winning device 37 and a solenoid (large winning opening solenoid) 39b for opening the special variable winning device 39. A second output port 134 for outputting is provided.

  The output unit 130 has a third output port 135 for outputting on / off data of a segment line to which the anode terminal of the LED is connected according to the content to be displayed on the collective display device 50. A fourth output port 136 for outputting on / off data of a digit line to which the cathode terminal of the LED is connected is provided.

  Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a fifth output port 137 for outputting information about the gaming machine 10 such as big hit information to the external information terminal 71. The external information terminal 71 is provided with a photorelay, and can be connected to, for example, an external device (such as an information collection terminal or a game hall internal management device (a hall computer)) installed in a game arcade. It can be supplied to the device. Further, a firing permission signal is also output from the fifth output port 137 to the payout control device 200 via the Schmitt buffer 132.

  Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a first driver (drive circuit) 138a, a second driver 138b, a third driver 138c, and a fourth driver 138d. The first driver (drive circuit) 138a generates and outputs a solenoid drive signal in response to an open / close data signal of the ordinary solenoid 37c and the special winning opening solenoid 39b output from the second output port 134. The second driver 138b outputs an on / off drive signal of the segment line on the current supply side of the collective display device 50 output from the third output port 135. The third driver 138c extracts a current in response to the on / off drive signal of the digit line on the current drawing side of the collective display device 50 output from the fourth output port 136. The fourth driver 138d outputs an external information signal to be supplied to an external device such as a management device from the fifth output port 137 to the external information terminal 71.

  32 V DC is supplied from the power supply device 400 as a power supply voltage to the first driver 138 a in order to drive a solenoid operated at 32 V. In addition, 12 V DC is supplied to the second driver 138 b that drives the segment lines of the collective display device 50. Since the third driver 138c for driving the digit line is for extracting a current via the digit line corresponding to the display data, the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V.

  The dynamic driving method is achieved by applying a current to the anode terminal of the LED via the segment line by the second driver 138b outputting 12V, and extracting the current from the cathode terminal via the digit line by the third driver 138c outputting the ground potential. The power supply voltage flows through the LEDs sequentially selected in the above, and the LEDs are turned on. The fourth driver 138d that outputs the external information signal to the external information terminal 71 is supplied with 12V DC in order to give a level of 12V to the external information signal. The buffer 133, the second output port 134, the first driver 138a, and the like may be provided on the output unit 130 of the game control device 100, that is, on the relay board 70 side instead of the main board.

  Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a photocoupler 139 for transmitting information such as an identification code and a program of each gaming machine to the external inspection device 500. The photocoupler 139 is configured to be communicable with each other so that the gaming microcomputer 111 can transmit and receive data to and from the inspection device 500 by serial communication. Since such data transmission / reception is performed using the serial communication terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 as in a general-purpose microprocessor, ports such as the input ports 122, 123, and 124 are not provided.

(Direction control device)
Next, the configuration of the effect control device 300 (sub-board) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an effect control system of the gaming machine 10.

  The effect control device 300 includes a main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 composed of an amusement chip (IC), like the game microcomputer 111, and a video display on the display device 41 in accordance with commands and data from the main control microcomputer 311. A video display processor (VDP) 312 as a graphic processor for performing image processing of the above, and a sound source LSI 314 for controlling sound output for reproducing various melodies and sound effects from the speaker 19 are provided.

  The main control microcomputer 311 stores a program ROM 321 including a PROM (programmable read only memory) storing programs to be executed by the CPU and various data, a RAM 322 for providing a work area, and retains stored contents even when power is not supplied during a power failure. A possible FeRAM 323 and an RTC (real-time clock) 338 serving as timekeeping means for generating information indicating the current date and time (year, month, day, day of the week, time, etc.) are connected. Note that a RAM for providing a work area is also provided inside the main control microcomputer 311.

  A WDT (watchdog timer) circuit 324 is connected to the main control microcomputer 311. The main control microcomputer 311 analyzes commands from the game microcomputer 111, determines the effect contents, instructs the VDP 312 on the contents of the output video, instructs the sound source LSI 314 to reproduce sound, turns on the decorative lamp, And processing such as drive control of the solenoid and control of the production time.

  The VDP 312 is provided with a RAM 312a for providing a work area and a scaler 312b for enlarging and reducing an image. The VDP 312 includes an image ROM 325 storing character images and video data, and an ultra-high-speed VRAM (video RAM) used to develop and process image data such as characters read from the image ROM 325. ) 326 are connected.

  Although not particularly limited, the main control microcomputer 311 and the VDP 312 are configured to transmit and receive data in a parallel manner. By transmitting and receiving data in a parallel manner, commands and data can be transmitted in a shorter time than in the case of serial transmission.

  From the VDP 312 to the main control microcomputer 311, a vertical synchronizing signal VSYNC for synchronizing the video of the display device 41 with the lighting of the decorative lamp provided on the glass frame 15 or the game board 30, and a synchronizing signal for giving data transmission timing STS is input. Note that the VDP 312 notifies the main control microcomputer 311 that it is in a state of waiting for reception of the interrupt signals INT0 to INT and commands and data from the main control microcomputer 311 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing to the VRAM. Signal WAIT and the like are also input.

  The effect control device 300 is provided with a signal conversion circuit 313 that generates a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 41 in the LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) method. The video data, the horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC, and the vertical synchronizing signal VSYNC are input from the VDP 312 to the signal conversion circuit 313. The video generated by the VDP 312 is transmitted to the display device 41 via the signal conversion circuit 313. Is displayed.

  A sound ROM 327 in which sound data is stored is connected to the sound source LSI 314. The main control microcomputer 311 and the tone generator LSI 314 are connected via an address / data bus 340. Further, an interrupt signal INT is input from the sound source LSI 314 to the main control microcomputer 311. The effect control device 300 includes an amplifier circuit 337 including an audio power amplifier for driving the upper speaker 19a provided on the glass frame 15 and the lower speaker 19b provided on the front frame 12, and the sound source LSI 314 The generated sound is output from the upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b via the amplifier circuit 337.

  The effect control device 300 is provided with an interface chip (command I / F) 331 for receiving a command transmitted from the game control device 100. The decoration special figure reservation number command, the decoration special figure command, the fluctuation command, the stop information command, and the like transmitted from the game control device 100 to the production control device 300 via the command I / F 331 are converted into a production control command signal (production command). As received. Since the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 operates at DC5V and the main control microcomputer 311 of the effect control device 300 operates at DC3.3V, the command I / F 331 has a signal level conversion function. I have.

  In addition, the effect control device 300 includes a board decoration LED control circuit 332 that drives and controls a board decoration device 46 having an LED (light emitting diode) provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40), and a glass frame 15. A frame decoration LED control circuit 333 that drives and controls a frame decoration device (for example, the frame decoration device 18 or the like) having the provided LED (light emitting diode), a board effect provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40). A board effect movable body control circuit 334 that drives and controls the device 44 (for example, a movable character or the like that enhances effect effects in cooperation with the effect display on the display device 41) is provided. Note that the board decoration device 46 may include the lamp display device 80 described above.

  These control circuits 332 to 334 for driving and controlling a lamp, a motor, a solenoid, and the like are connected to a main control microcomputer 311 via an address / data bus 340. Note that a frame effect movable body control circuit that drives and controls a frame effect device such as a motor provided on the glass frame 15 may be provided.

  Furthermore, the effect control device 300 includes an effect button switch 25a built in the effect button 25 provided on the glass frame 15, a touch panel 25b provided on the surface of the effect button 25, and a motor in the board effect device 44. A function of detecting the on / off state of the effect switch 47 (effect motor switch) for detecting the initial position and the like and inputting a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 311 and a volume control switch provided in the effect control device 300 A switch input circuit 336 for detecting the state of 335 and inputting a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 311 is provided.

  The normal power supply unit 410 of the power supply device 400 supplies a desired level of DC voltage to the effect control device 300 having the above-described configuration and the electronic components controlled thereby, and drives a motor and a solenoid. In addition to DC32V, a display device 41 including a liquid crystal panel, a DC12V for driving a motor and an LED, a DC5V for a power supply voltage of a command I / F 331, and a DC15V for driving a motor, an LED and a speaker are generated. It is configured to be.

  Further, when an LSI operating at a low voltage such as 3.3 V or 1.2 V is used as the main control microcomputer 311, a DC-DC for generating 3.3 V DC or 1.2 V DC based on 5 V DC is used. A DC converter is provided in effect control device 300. The DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply unit 410.

  The reset signal generated by the control signal generation unit 430 of the power supply device 400 is supplied to the main control microcomputer 311 to reset the device. In addition, control circuits 332 to 334 (IORESET) for driving and controlling a VDP 312 (VDPRESET signal), a sound source LSI 314, an amplifier circuit 337 (SNDRESET signal) for driving a speaker, a lamp, a motor, and the like are output from the main control microcomputer 311. Signal) to reset them. Further, a cooling FAN 45 for cooling various parts of the gaming machine 10 is connected to the effect control device 300, and the cooling FAN 45 is driven when the power of the effect control device 300 is turned on.

  Next, game control performed in these control circuits will be described. The CPU 111a of the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 extracts a random number value for judging a hit in a general figure based on the input of a detection signal of a game ball from a gate switch 34a provided in the general figure starting gate 34 and reads the ROM 111b. Is compared with the judgment value stored in the game, and it is judged whether or not the normal figure change display game is hit.

  Then, after the identification symbol is fluctuated and displayed for a predetermined time on the general symbol display 53, a general symbol fluctuating display game to be stopped and displayed is displayed. When the result of the general fluctuating display game is a hit, a special result mode is displayed on the general fluctuating display 53, and the general electric solenoid 37c is operated to move the movable member 37b of the normal fluctuating winning device 37 for a predetermined time (eg, , 0.3 seconds). That is, the game control device 100 forms a conversion control execution unit that performs conversion control of the conversion member (the movable member 37b). When the result of the general-floor variation display game is out of control, control is performed to display the result mode of the out-of-position on the general-purpose display 53.

  In addition, a start winning (starting memory) is stored based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the starting port 1 switch 36a provided in the starting winning port 36, and the big hit determination of the special figure 1 variable display game is stored based on the starting memory. A random number for use is extracted and compared with a determination value stored in the ROM 111b to determine whether the special figure 1 variable display game is hit or not.

  In addition, the start memory is stored based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the start port 2 switch 37a provided in the normal fluctuation winning device 37, and the random number value for the big hit determination of the special figure 2 fluctuation display game is stored based on the start memory. Is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111b to determine whether or not the special figure 2 variable display game has been hit.

  Then, the CPU 111 a of the game control device 100 outputs to the effect control device 300 a control signal (effect control command) including the determination result of the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game. Then, on the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52, the special figure change display game is displayed in which the identification symbol is fluctuated for a predetermined time and then stop-displayed. That is, the game control device 100 controls the progress of the variable display game based on the winning of the game ball flowing down the game region 32 into the start winning region (the first starting winning opening 36, the normal variable winning device 37). Make

  Further, the effect control device 300 displays a decorative special figure variation display game corresponding to the special figure variation display game on the display device 41 based on the control signal from the game control device 100. Further, the effect control device 300 performs a process of setting an effect state, outputting sounds from the speakers 19a and 19b, controlling light emission of various LEDs, and the like based on a control signal from the game control device 100. That is, the effect control device 300 forms an effect control unit that controls an effect relating to a game (such as a variable display game).

  Then, the CPU 111a of the game control device 100 displays the special result mode on the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52 and generates the special game state when the result of the special figure change display game is a hit. Let it. In the processing for generating the special game state, the CPU 111a controls the large winning opening solenoid 39b to open the opening / closing door 39c of the special variable winning device 39, for example, to allow the game balls to flow into the special winning opening. .

  Then, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins in the special winning opening, or a predetermined openable time (for example, 27 seconds or 0.05 seconds) elapses after the opening of the special winning opening. Opening the special winning opening until such condition is achieved is defined as one round (R), and this is continued (repeated) a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15, 11, or 2) (cycle game). I do. That is, the game control device 100 forms a special winning opening opening / closing control unit that performs control to open and close the special winning opening when the stop result mode is the special result mode. Further, when the result of the special figure change display game is out of control, control is performed to display the result mode of the out of control on the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52.

  Further, the game control device 100 can generate a high probability state as a game state after the end of the special game state, based on the result mode of the special figure change display game. The high probability state (probable change state) is a state in which the probability of a winning result in the special figure change display game is higher than the normal probability state. Further, even if the high probability state is established based on the result mode of the special figure 1 variable display game or the special figure 2 variable display game, the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game are not changed. Both are in a high probability state.

  Further, the game control device 100 can generate a time-saving state (specific game state) as the game state after the end of the special game state, based on the result mode of the special figure variable display game. In the time-saving state, control is performed so that the normal figure fluctuation display game and the normal fluctuation prize apparatus 37 are in the time reduction operation state, and the normal fluctuation prize apparatus 37 per unit time is more controlled than when the normal fluctuation prize apparatus 37 is in the normal operation state. The control is performed so that the opening time of the battery is substantially increased, so that the power transmission support state is set. In addition, even in the high probability state (normal probability change state) except the latent probability change state, the time reduction state is duplicated and the general power support is executed.

  For example, in the time-saving state, it is possible to perform a time-reduction variation in which the execution time (the general-purpose variation time) of the general-purpose variation display game is changed to a second variation display time shorter than the normal first variation display time (for example, 10,000 msec is 1000 msec). In the time reduction state, the execution time of the special figure change display game (special figure change time) is also shorter than usual, and the time reduction change of the special figure change display game is also executed.

  Further, in the time reduction state, it is possible to control the general stop time for displaying the result of the general change display game to be a second stop time (for example, 704 msec) shorter than the first stop time (for example, 1604 msec). It is.

  Further, in the time-saving state, when the normal-floating display game is hit and the normal-variation winning device 37 is opened, the opening time (normal-power opening time) is the first opening time (for example, 100 msec) in the normal state. It is possible to control so as to be longer than the second opening time (for example, 1352 msec).

  Further, in the time saving state, the number of times of opening the normal fluctuation winning device 37 (the number of times of opening the ordinary power) is larger than the first number of times of opening (for example, two times) for one hit result of the normal figure fluctuation display game. It is possible to set the second number of times of opening (for example, four times). Further, in the time reduction state, the probability of the winning result of the general-floor variation display game (general probability) can be set to a higher probability than the normal probability (low probability) in the normal operation state.

  In the time saving state, the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is set to the open state by changing any one or more of the general figure fluctuation time, the general figure stop time, the number of general power release times, the general power release time, and the general figure probability. Make the conversion time longer than usual. Thereby, in the time-saving state, it is easier to win the normal fluctuation winning device 37 than in the normal game state, and the number of executions of the special figure fluctuation display game per unit time can be increased compared to the normal game state. It is also possible to set a plurality of types of time saving states different from each other. Further, the setting may be made so that the movable member 37b is not opened in the normal operation state (the normal probability is 0). Further, when a hit occurs, one of the first opening mode and the second opening mode may be selected. In this case, the selection probabilities of the first release mode and the second release mode may be different. In addition, the high probability state and the time saving state can be generated independently of each other, both can be generated simultaneously, or only one of them can be generated.

[Control of game control device]
Hereinafter, control of a gaming machine that performs such a game will be described. First, the control executed by the game microcomputer (game microcomputer) 111 of the game control device 100 will be described. The control process by the gaming microcomputer 111 mainly includes a main process shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and a timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 9 performed at a predetermined time period (for example, 4 msec).

[Main processing (game control device)]
First, the main processing will be described. 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing a procedure of a main process by the game control device 100. The main process is started when the power is turned on. Note that, in the flowchart of the process executed by the game control device 100, the reference sign (number) of the step is represented as “A ****”.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when starting the main process, the game control device 100 first executes a process of prohibiting an interrupt (A1001). Further, a stack pointer setting process for setting a stack pointer which is a head address of an area for saving a value of a register or the like when an interrupt occurs is executed (A1002).

  Subsequently, register bank 0 is designated as the register bank to be used (A1003), and the upper address of the RAM top address is set in a predetermined register (A1004). For example, when the address of the RAM is in the range of 0000h to 01FFh, 00h is set as the upper address.

  Next, the game control device 100 outputs a firing prohibition signal and sets the firing permission signal to a prohibition state (A1005). The firing permission signal is set to a prohibition state when at least one of the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 outputs a firing prohibition signal, so that the firing of game balls is prohibited. Thereafter, the game control device 100 reads the state of the input port 1 (the first input port 122) (A1006).

  Further, the game control device 100 sets a power supply delay timer (A1007). By setting a predetermined initial value in the power supply delay timer, a program of a sub control unit (for example, the payout control device 200 or the production control device 300) that performs various controls in accordance with an instruction from the game control device 100 serving as a main control unit. A waiting time (for example, 3 seconds) for waiting until the device is normally started is set. As a result, when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 temporarily starts up and sends a command to the slave control device before the slave control device (for example, the payout control device 200 or the production control device 300) starts up. Can avoid dropping commands. That is, when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 delays the activation of the main control means (the game control device 100) and waits for the activation of the slave control devices (the payout control device 200, the effect control device 300, and the like). It forms a waiting means for setting a waiting time.

  The time of the power supply delay timer is measured by using a storage area (a RAM area or a register that is not a validity determination target) that is not a target of the validity determination (checksum calculation) of the RAM. Thus, when calculating the check data such as the checksum of the RAM area, it is not necessary to exclude a part of the RAM area, so that it is possible to prevent the control at power-on from becoming complicated.

  Note that the initialization switch signal is input to the first input port 122. By reading the state of the first input port 122 before the start of the standby time, the operation of the initialization switch 112 can be reliably performed. Can be detected. That is, if the state of the initialization switch 112 is read after the elapse of the standby time, the initialization switch 112 is operated after the elapse of the standby time, or the initialization switch 112 is operated from the power-on until the elapse of the standby time. You need to keep doing it. However, by reading the status before the start of the standby time, even if such a troublesome operation is not performed, the operation can be detected immediately after the power is turned on, and the initialization operation performed when the power is turned on can be detected. Can be prevented.

  When the power supply delay timer is set (A1007), the game control device 100 executes the measurement of the standby time and the process of monitoring the occurrence of a power failure during the standby time (A1008 to A1012).

  When the power failure monitoring process is started, the game control device 100 first sets the number of times (for example, two times) that the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 400 is read and checked via the port and the data bus (for example, two times) ( A1008), it is determined whether the power failure monitoring signal is on (A1009).

  When the power failure monitoring signal is on (the result of A1009 is “Y”), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the power failure monitoring signal remains on for the number of checks set in the process of step A1008. A determination is made (A1010). If the ON state of the power failure monitoring signal has not continued for the number of checks (result of A1010 is “N”), the process returns to step A1009 to determine whether the power failure monitoring signal is ON.

  Further, when the power failure monitoring signal has been on for the number of checks (the result of A1010 is “Y”), that is, when it is determined that a power failure has occurred, the game control device 100 Wait until the power is turned off. In this way, by determining that a power failure has occurred when the power failure monitoring signal is continuously received for a predetermined period of time, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of a power failure due to noise or the like, and appropriately cope with a failure at power-on. can do.

  That is, the game control device 100 forms a power failure monitoring unit that monitors the occurrence of a power failure during a predetermined standby time. Thus, it is possible to cope with a power failure that occurs during a period in which the activation of the game control device 100 serving as the main control unit is delayed, and it is possible to appropriately cope with a malfunction at the time of turning on the power. Note that access to the RAM is not permitted until the end of the standby time, and the storage contents at the time of the previous power-off are retained, so backup processing and the like are performed when a power failure occurs here. No need. Therefore, even if a power failure occurs during the standby time, there is no need to back up the RAM, and the control load can be reduced.

  On the other hand, when the power failure monitoring signal is not on (the result of A1009 is “N”), that is, when no power failure has occurred, the game control device 100 updates the power-on delay timer by −1 (A1011), It is determined whether the value of the timer is 0 (A1012). If the value of the timer is not 0 (result of A1012 is “N”), that is, if the standby time has not expired, the process returns to step A1008 for setting the number of checks for the power failure monitoring signal.

  When the value of the timer is 0 (result of A1012 is “Y”), that is, when the standby time is over, the game control device 100 reads / writes RWM (read / write) such as a RAM or an EEPROM. The access to the memory is permitted (A1013), and off data is output to all output ports (set to a state where there is no output) (A1014).

  Next, the game control device 100 sets a serial port (a port mounted in the game microcomputer 111 in advance and used for communication with the effect control device 300 and the payout control device 200 in this embodiment) (A1015). ).

  Subsequently, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the setting change device 42 is on, that is, whether or not the setting change device 42 is in a state where the setting can be changed (A1016). For example, when the key switch of the setting change device 42 is turned on due to insertion of a key or the like, it can be determined that the setting change device 42 is turned on.

  When the setting change device 42 is on (the result of A1016 is “Y”), the game control device 100 executes a setting change process for changing the setting (A1017). In the setting change process, each time the button switch of the setting change device 42 is pressed by the operator, the setting of the gaming machine 10 is changed and selected as setting 1 → setting 2 → setting 3 → setting 1. The setting may be changed by rotating the key to a predetermined position instead of operating the button switch. Then, the selected set values 1 to 3 are displayed on the 7-segment display of the setting change device 42. When the key switch of the setting change device 42 is turned off due to, for example, a key being removed, the setting (that is, the set value) is determined and stored in the setting information storage area in the RWM (storage means), and the setting change processing ends. I do. The seven-segment display of the setting change device 42 may be changed directly in conjunction with the operation of the button switch via an electric circuit, or may be changed via the game microcomputer 111.

  When the setting change device 42 is not on (the result of A1016 is “N”), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the initialization switch 112 has been turned on from the state of the first input port 122 previously read. (A1018). Here, it is determined whether or not to execute initialization for clearing the RAM area.

  When the initialization switch 112 is off (the result of A1018 is “N”), the game control device 100 determines whether the value of the power failure inspection area 1 in the RWM is normal power failure inspection area check data. A determination is made (A1019). If it is normal (result of A1019 is “Y”), it is determined whether or not the value of the power failure inspection area 2 in the RWM is normal power failure inspection area check data (A1020).

  Furthermore, if the value of the power failure inspection area 2 is normal (the result of A1020 is “Y”), the game control device 100 calculates a checksum of a predetermined area in the RWM (a validity determination unit). Is executed (A1021), and it is determined whether or not the calculated checksum matches the checksum when the power is turned off (A1022). If the checksums match (the result of A1022 is “Y”), the process shifts to the process of step A1023 in FIG. 5B, and the process in the case of normal recovery from the power failure is executed.

  When the processing of steps A1021 and A1022 is performed separately in the setting information storage area and the game information storage area in the RWM, only the area in which the mismatch is detected in later steps A1028-A1032 May be initialized (for the game information storage area) or set to the default setting (for the setting information storage area), or even if a mismatch is detected in one area, The area may be initialized (for the game information storage area) and set to the default setting (for the setting information storage area). For example, when an abnormality of the setting information storage area (checksum mismatch) is detected, it is determined in step A1031 that erroneous setting information is saved in the setting information storage area, and a predetermined setting is set as the default setting in the setting information storage area. (For example, setting 1) can be saved as an initial value. The game information storage area is an area for storing game information (for example, random numbers, information on a customer waiting demonstration, setting of an effect mode, and the like) relating to a game (variable display game, game).

  When the setting change process is performed (the result of A1016 is “Y”), when the initialization switch 112 is on (the result of A1018 is “Y”), the game control device 100 checks the power failure inspection area check data. 5B is not normal data (result of A1019 is “N” or result of A1020 is “N”), if the checksum is not normal (result of A1022 is “N”), FIG. 5B The process shifts to the process of step A1028 to execute an initialization process. That is, the setting change device 42 and the initialization switch 112 constitute an initialization operation unit that can be operated from the outside, and the game control device 100 transmits the data stored in the RAM based on the operation of the initialization operation unit. An initialization means for initializing is provided. When the setting is changed, the initialization after the setting change process is performed before determining whether the initialization switch 112 is turned on. Therefore, the initialization by the setting change and the switch 112 are turned on. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which initialization is not performed repeatedly.

  The game control device 100 saves an initial value at the time of restoration from power failure in an area to be initialized (A1023). The areas to be initialized are a power failure check area, a checksum area, and an area related to error monitoring. The setting information storage area is excluded from the area to be initialized. Note that the busy signal status area storing the state of the payout busy signal, which is a signal indicating whether or not the payout control device 200 is capable of accepting the command, is also cleared, indicating that the state of the payout busy signal has not been determined. The state is undefined. After that, the game control device 100 checks the area in the RWM in which the game state is stored to determine whether the game state is the high probability state (A1024).

  Here, when the gaming state is not the high-probability state (result of A1024 is “N”), the game control device 100 skips the processing of step A1025 and step A1026 and shifts to the processing of step A1027. When the gaming state is the high probability state (result of A1024 is “Y”), the ON information is saved in the high probability notification flag area (A1025), and for example, the high probability notification LED provided in the collective display device 50 The ON (lighting) data of the (error indicator) is saved in the segment area (A1026). Then, a power failure recovery command corresponding to the process number prepared for rationally executing the special figure game process described later is transmitted to the effect control board (effect control device 300) (A1027), and the process proceeds to step A1033. Execute the process.

  On the other hand, when performing the processing of step A1028 after the execution of steps A1018, A1019, A1020, and A1022, the game control device 100 sets the RAM access prohibited area to the access permission (A1028). Further, all the RAM areas (including the busy signal status area) except the setting information storage area are cleared to 0 (A1029), and the RAM access prohibited area is set to access prohibited (A1030). The processing in step A1029 constitutes initialization means for initializing (clearing) an area other than the setting information storage area in the storage means (RAM).

  Then, the game control device 100 saves the initial value at the time of RAM initialization in an area to be initialized (A1031). The area to be initialized here is, for example, a partial area of the game information storage area (an area related to the information on the customer waiting demonstration and an area related to the setting of the effect mode). Basically, the setting information storage area is not an area to be initialized, but if the checksum is not normal (result of A1022 is “N”), incorrect setting information is saved in the setting information storage area. Since there is a possibility that the setting has been made, prescribed setting information (for example, setting 1 which is a default setting) may be saved in the setting information storage area as an initial value. As described above, the checksum may be separately calculated for the setting information storage area and the game information storage area in the RWM, and when the checksum of either the setting information storage area or the game information storage area is not normal. In this case, the values and information may be saved only in the abnormal area, or the values and information may be saved in both areas. Furthermore, the game control device 100 transmits a command for initializing the RAM to the effect control board (effect control device 300) (A1032), and executes the process of step A1033.

  In addition, the command at the time of power failure recovery transmitted in the processing of step A1027 and the command at the time of RAM initialization transmitted in the processing of step A1032 include a model designation command indicating the type of the gaming machine, a hold of special figures 1 and 2, The command includes a decoration special figure 1 reservation number command indicating the number, a decoration special figure 2 reservation number command, and a probability information command indicating the probability state. Further, the command at the time of power failure recovery and the command at the time of RAM initialization include a setting information command indicating setting information (setting values, setting information) of the gaming machine 10 and a power recovery (turning on). Recovery screen command shown. In addition, a customer waiting demonstration command is included in the case where a customer is waiting when the power is turned off according to the state when the power is turned off or the power is turned on. Further, it includes an effect mode information command indicating the state of the effect mode depending on the model, and a time reduction information command indicating the number of remaining games in the time reduction state. Since the initialization of the RAM is performed when the power is restored (turned on), the command for initializing the RAM includes, in addition to the command for restoring the power failure, a RAM indicating that the RAM has been initialized (cleared). Also includes an initialization command. The game control device 100 only needs to transmit the setting information command to the effect control device 300 only once when the power is restored (turned on), and the effect control device 300 thereafter performs the effect control by referring to the setting information stored by itself. Do.

  The game control device 100 activates a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the game microcomputer 111 (clock generator) (A1033). The CTC circuit is provided in a clock generator in the game microcomputer 111. The clock generator divides the frequency of the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the oscillation circuit 113 and a timer interrupt signal of a predetermined cycle (for example, 4 milliseconds) to the CPU 111a based on the frequency-divided signal. And a CTC circuit that generates a signal CTC that triggers a random number update supplied to the random number generation circuit.

  After the execution of the CTC activation process in step A1033, the game control device 100 activates and sets the random number generation circuit (A1034). Specifically, the CPU 111a sets a code (designated value) for activating the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. Further, a bit transposition pattern of a hard random number (here, a jackpot random number) generated by hardware of the random number generation circuit is also set.

  The bit transposition pattern is a method of transposing the bit arrangement of the extracted random numbers (the arrangement before the upper bit transposition) in a predetermined order and storing the extracted random number as a different bit arrangement (the arrangement after the lower bit transposition). Is a pattern that determines

  In the present embodiment, by exchanging the bits of the random number according to the bit transposition pattern, the regularity of the random number can be broken and the confidentiality of the random number can be enhanced. The bit transposition pattern may be a fixed single pattern, or may be selected from a plurality of patterns prepared in advance. In addition, the user may be allowed to set arbitrarily.

  Thereafter, the game control device 100 extracts the value of a predetermined register (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at the time of power-on, and corresponding various initial value random numbers (random number for determining a big hit symbol (big hit symbol) A predetermined area of the RWM as an initial value (start value) of a random number 1, a big hit symbol random number 2), a random number for determining a hit of a common symbol (hit random number), a random number for determining a hit symbol of a normal symbol (hit symbol random number, etc.). (A1035), and permit the interrupt (A1036). The random number generation circuit in the CPU 111a used in the present embodiment is configured so that the initial value of the soft random number register changes every time the power is turned on. Therefore, this value is used as the initial value (start value) of various initial value random numbers. By doing so, it is possible to break the regularity of the random numbers generated by the software, making it difficult for the player to obtain unauthorized random numbers.

  Subsequently, the game control device 100 executes an initial value random number update process for updating values of various initial value random numbers and breaking the regularity of the random numbers (A1037). Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the jackpot random number, the jackpot symbol random number, and the hit random number are configured to be generated using random numbers generated in a random number generation circuit. However, the big hit random number is a so-called “high-speed counter” updated based on a clock having a speed equal to or higher than the operation clock of the CPU, and the big hit symbol random number and the hit random number are in the same cycle as the timer interrupt processing which is a processing unit of the program. This is a "low-speed counter" that is updated based on the CTC output (CTC (CTC2) different from CTC (CTC0) of the timer interrupt process).

  In addition, the so-called “initial value changing method” is adopted in which the start value is changed using the initial value random number (generated by software) each time the random number makes a round in the big hit symbol random number and the hit symbol random number. Each of the random numbers may be a counter-type update by +1 or 1, or may be a random-type update in which all values in the range appear randomly without duplication until one cycle. That is, the jackpot random number is a random number updated only by hardware, and the jackpot symbol random number and the hit random number are random numbers updated by hardware and software.

  After the initial value random number update processing in step A1037, the game control device 100 sets the number of times of reading and checking the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 400 via the port and the data bus (A1038), It is determined whether the signal is on (A1039). If the power failure monitoring signal is not on (result of A1039 is “N”), the process returns to the initial value random number updating process of step A1037. That is, when a power failure has not occurred, the initial value random number updating process and the check of the power failure monitoring signal (loop process) are repeatedly performed. By permitting an interrupt (A1036) before the initial value random number updating process (A1037), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number updating process, the interrupt process is executed with priority and the timer interrupt is initialized. By being made to wait by the value random number update processing, it is possible to prevent the interruption processing from being overwhelmed.

  Note that the initial value random number update processing in step A1037 includes a method of performing the initial value random number update processing also in the timer interrupt processing in addition to the main processing. In order to avoid the execution of the update process, when performing the initial value random number update process in the main process, it is necessary to prohibit the interrupt and then update it to release the interrupt. On the other hand, if the initial value random number update processing is not performed in the timer interrupt processing as in the present embodiment, and only in the main processing, the interrupt is released before the initial value random number update processing. However, there is an advantage that the main processing is simplified thereby.

  When the power failure monitoring signal is ON (result of A1039 is “Y”), the game control device 100 determines whether the ON state of the power failure monitoring signal continues for the number of checks set in the process of step A1038. A determination is made (A1040). If the ON state of the power failure monitoring signal has not been continued for the number of checks (result of A1040 is “N”), the process returns to step A1039 to determine whether the power failure monitoring signal is ON.

  If the power failure monitoring signal has been on for the number of checks ("A1040" is "Y"), that is, if it is determined that a power failure has occurred, the game control device 100 interrupts the game. Is prohibited (A1041), and off data is output to all output ports (A1042).

  Thereafter, the game control device 100 saves the power failure inspection area check data 1 in the power failure inspection area 1 (A1043), and saves the power failure inspection area check data 2 in the power failure inspection area 2 (A1044). Further, a checksum calculation process for calculating a checksum when the power of the RWM is cut off is executed (A1045), and the calculated checksum is saved (A1046). Finally, a process for prohibiting access to the RWM is executed (A1047), and the process waits until the power of the gaming machine is cut off.

  In this way, by saving the check data in the power failure inspection area and calculating the checksum at the time of power shutdown, it is possible to determine whether the information stored in the RWM before the power shutdown is correctly backed up. It can be determined at the time of re-input.

  From the above, the main control means (game control device 100) for controlling the game in general and the sub-control means (payout control device 200, effect control device 300, etc.) for performing various controls in accordance with instructions from the main control means ), The main control means delays the activation of the main control means and sets a predetermined standby time for waiting for the activation of the slave control apparatus when the power is turned on. 100) and a power failure monitoring means (game control device 100) for monitoring the occurrence of a power failure during the predetermined standby time.

  In addition, a power supply device 400 that supplies power to various devices is provided. The power supply device 400 is configured to output a power failure monitoring signal when detecting the occurrence of a power failure, and the power failure monitoring means (game control device 100) When the power failure monitoring signal is continuously received for a predetermined period, it is determined that a power failure has occurred.

  In addition, the main control unit (game control device 100) stores a RAM 111c that can store data, an initialization operation unit (initialization switch) that can be operated from the outside, and based on the operation of the initialization operation unit. And initialization means (game control device 100) for initializing the data stored in the RAM 111c, so that the operation state of the initialization means is read before the start of the standby time.

  Also, the main control means (game control device 100) permits access to the RAM 111c after the elapse of the standby time.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, the timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the timer interrupt process. The timer interrupt process is started when a periodic timer interrupt signal generated by a CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 111a. When a timer interrupt occurs in the gaming microcomputer 111, a timer interrupt process is started.

  When the timer interrupt processing is started, the game control device 100 first specifies the register bank 1 as a register bank to be used (A1301), and sets a higher address of the RAM top address in a predetermined register (A1302). Switching from register bank 0 used in the main processing to register bank 1 at the start of the timer interrupt processing is equivalent to saving the registers used in the main processing. When the timer interrupt process is started, the interrupt is automatically disabled.

  Next, the game control device 100 executes input processing for inputting signals from various sensors and switches and capturing signals, that is, reading the state of each input port (A1303). Further, based on the output data set in the various processes, an output process for performing drive control of an actuator such as a solenoid (large winning opening solenoid 39b) is executed (A1304). Note that when a signal of prohibition of firing is output in the process of step A1005 in the main process, a signal of firing permission is output by performing this output process, and the firing permission signal is set to a state where it can be set to a permission state. .

  Next, the game control device 100 executes a payout command transmission process of outputting the command set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the payout control device 200 (A1305), and furthermore, a random number update process 1 (A1306), Process 2 (A1307) is executed. After that, the start port 1 switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a, the gate switch 34a, the winning port switch 35a, the monitoring of whether there is a normal signal input from the special winning port switch 39a, and the monitoring of errors (front frame, A winning opening switch / status monitoring process is performed to check whether the glass frame is open (A1308).

  Further, a special figure game process for performing a process related to the special figure change display game is executed (A1309), and then a general figure game process for performing a process related to the general view change display game is executed (A1310).

  Next, the game control device 100 executes a segment LED editing process which is provided in the gaming machine 10 and drives a segment LED for displaying a special figure changing game and displaying various information related to the game so as to display desired contents. (A1311).

  Further, the game control device 100 executes a magnet illegal monitoring process of checking a detection signal from the magnetic sensor switch 61 to determine whether there is any abnormality (A1312). Further, a radio wave fraud monitoring process (board radio fraud monitoring process) for checking a detection signal from the radio wave sensor 62 of the gaming board to determine whether there is any abnormality is executed (A1313).

  Thereafter, the game control device 100 executes an external information editing process of setting a signal to be output to various external devices in an output buffer (A1314). Thereafter, the timer interrupt processing ends. When the timer interrupt processing returns, the restoration of the interrupt disabled state and the restoration of the register bank specification are automatically performed. However, depending on the CPU used, the interruption is permitted after the external information editing processing. May be performed, or a process of returning the register bank designation to the register bank 0 may be performed.

[Special figure game processing]
Next, details of the special figure game process (A1309) in the timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure game process. In the special figure game processing, the input of the starting port 1 switch 36a and the input of the starting port 2 switch 37a are monitored, the entire process related to the special figure change display game is controlled, and the setting of the special figure display is performed.

  First, the game control device 100 executes a start-up switch monitoring process for monitoring winning of the start-up 1 switch 36a and the start-up 2 switch 37a (A2601). In the starting port switch monitoring process, when a game ball wins the starting winning port 36 and the ordinary variable winning apparatus 37 forming the second starting winning port, various random numbers (such as a big hit random number) are extracted, and a special figure fluctuation display based on the winning is performed. At the stage before the start of the game, a game result preliminary determination is performed in which the game result based on the winning is determined in advance. The details of the starting port switch monitoring process will be described later.

  Next, the game control device 100 executes a special winning opening switch monitoring process (A2602). In the special winning opening switch monitoring process, the detection of a game ball by the count switch 39a provided in the special variable winning device 39 is monitored. The details of the special winning opening switch monitoring process will be described later.

  Next, if the special figure game processing timer is not 0, the game control device 100 updates -1 (subtracts 1) (A2603). The special figure game processing timer is clocked for the interrupt cycle (4 msec) of the timer interrupt processing by updating −1. Note that the minimum value of the special figure game processing timer is set to 0. Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game processing timer is 0 (A2604). When the special figure game processing timer is not 0 (the result of A2604 is “N”), the flow shifts to the processing of Step A2619.

  If the special figure game processing timer is 0 (the result of A2604 is “Y”), that is, if the time is up or the time has already expired, the game control device 100 corresponds to the special figure game processing number. A special figure game sequence branch table referred to for branching to the processing is set in the register (A2605). Further, a branch destination address of the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is obtained using the special figure game sequence branch table (A2606). Subsequently, a subroutine call is performed using the special figure game processing number to execute a game branching process corresponding to the special figure game processing number (A2607).

  When the game processing number is “0” in step A2607, the game control device 100 monitors the start of the change of the special figure change display game, and sets the start of the change of the special figure change display game, the setting of the effect, and the like. The special figure ordinary processing for setting information necessary for performing the special figure fluctuation processing is executed (A2608). The details of the special figure ordinary processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If the game processing number is “1” in step A2607, the game control device 100 sets a special figure stop display time, sets information necessary for performing the special figure displaying process, and the like. The processing during the figure change is executed (A2609). For example, in the special figure changing process, necessary information such as a symbol stop command indicating the stop of the special symbol and a stop display time corresponding to the stop symbol pattern is set, and the process number “2” related to the special figure displaying process is set. Set and save to special map game processing number area.

  If the game processing number is “2” in step A2607, if the game result of the special figure variable display game is a big hit, the game control device 100 sets a fanfare command according to the type of the big hit, The special figure display process is performed to set the fanfare time according to the special winning opening opening pattern, and to set information necessary for performing the process during the fanfare / interval (A2610). For example, in the special figure display processing, if the result of the special figure change display game is a big hit, necessary information such as a fanfare command and a fanfare time is set, and a processing number “3” related to the fanfare / interval processing is set. Then save it in the special map game processing number area. If the result of the special figure change display game is not a big hit, the processing number “0” related to the special figure ordinary processing is set and saved in the special figure game processing number area.

  When the game processing number is “3” in Step A2607, the game control device 100 sets the opening time of the special winning opening, updates the number of times of opening, and updates the information necessary for performing the special winning opening process. A fanfare / interval processing for setting is performed (A2611). For example, in the processing of the fanfare / interval, necessary information such as the round command corresponding to the round of the round game to be executed and the opening time of the special winning opening is set, and the processing number “4” related to the special winning opening processing is set. Set and save to special map game processing number area.

  When the game processing number is “4” in step A2607, the game control device 100 sets an interval command if the big hit round is not the last round, and sets an ending command if it is the last round, A special winning opening process is performed to set information necessary for performing the special winning opening residual ball process (A2612). For example, in the special winning opening processing, necessary information such as an interval command and an ending command is set, a processing number “5” related to the special winning port remaining sphere processing is set, and saved in the special figure game processing number area.

  If the game processing number is “5” in step A2607, the game control device 100 sets a time for discharging the remaining ball in the special winning opening if the big hit round is the last round, A special winning port remaining ball processing for setting information necessary for performing the big hit end processing is executed (A2613). For example, in the processing during opening of the special winning opening, the interval time is saved in the special figure game processing timer area unless it is the last round, the processing number “3” relating to the fanfare / interim processing is set, and the special figure game processing number area is set. Save. If it is the last round, the ending time is saved in the special figure game processing timer area, the processing number “6” relating to the big hit end processing is set, and saved in the special figure game processing number area.

  If the game processing number is “6” in step A2607, the game control device 100 executes a jackpot ending process for setting information necessary for executing the special figure ordinary process (A2614). For example, in the big hit end processing, based on the probability change determination data corresponding to the stop symbol number (big hit symbol number) of the special figure change display game, the probability state after the big hit state ends and the general power support state after the big hit state ends ( Necessary information such as a time saving state is set, and a processing number “0” related to the special figure ordinary processing is set and saved in the special figure game processing number area. The probability variation determination data includes the probability state (high probability / low probability) after the end of the big hit state, and the number of continuous games (time reduction fluctuation times, the number of power support times) of the general power support state (time saving state) after the big hit state ends. ) Information is included.

  When the processing based on the special figure game processing number is completed, the game control device 100 prepares a special figure 1 fluctuation control table for controlling the fluctuation of the special figure 1 display 51 (A2615), and then prepares the special figure 1 display. A symbol variation control process according to 51 is executed (A2616). Then, after preparing a special figure 2 change control table for controlling the change of the special figure 2 display 52 (A2617), a symbol change control process related to the special figure 2 display 52 is executed (A2618).

[Start port switch monitoring processing]
Next, the details of the starting port switch monitoring processing (A2601) in the special figure game processing will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the start-up switch monitoring process.

  The game control device 100 first prepares a winning monitoring table for the starting winning opening 36 (starting opening 1) (A2701), executes a hard random number acquisition process (A2702), and determines whether or not there is a winning in the starting winning opening 36. Is determined (A2703). If there is no winning in the start winning port 36 (the result of A2703 is "N"), the processing after step A2709 is executed. On the other hand, when there is a prize in the start winning port 36 (A2703 is “Y”), it is determined whether or not the special figure time is being reduced (in the state of supporting the general electric power) (A2704).

  If the game control device 100 determines that it is not during the special figure time reduction (during the normal power support state) (the result of A2704 is “N”), the game control device 100 executes the processing after step A2707. On the other hand, when it is during special figure time reduction (during normal power support state) (result of A2704 is “Y”), a right-turn instruction notification command is prepared as an effect command (A2705), and effect command setting processing is executed (A2705) A2706). In the effect command setting process, the effect command is written in the serial transmission buffer, and the effect command is transmitted to the effect control device 300.

  That is, in the normal power support state (time saving state), a right-turn instruction notification command is prepared and the production command setting process is executed regardless of the probability state (high probability state / low probability state) of the variable display game. . In the case of the present embodiment, the left-handed player can easily win the starting winning port 36, and the normal variable winning device 37 does not win unless the player is right-handed. If the player does not hit the ball right, the game ball does not pass through the general-purpose starting gate 34. Therefore, in the power-generating support state (time saving state), right-handed driving is more advantageous than left-handed driving. In the case where the player has left-handed, the right-handing instruction notification command is transmitted to the effect control device 300, and the effect control device 300 executes a notification (warning) for instructing right-handing by the display device 41 or the like.

  Next, the game control device 100 prepares a table for setting information of suspension by the starting winning port 36 (starting port 1) (A2707), and then executes the special figure starting port switch common processing (A2708). Then, a winning monitoring table for the second starting winning port (normal variable winning device 37) is prepared (A2709), a hard random number acquiring process is executed (A2710), and it is determined whether or not there is a winning in the second starting winning port. A determination is made (A2711). When there is no winning in the second starting winning opening (the result of A2711 is “N”), the starting opening switch monitoring process ends.

  On the other hand, when there is a winning in the second starting winning opening (the result of A2711 is “Y”), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the normal electric accessory (normal variable winning device 37) is operating. That is, it is determined whether or not the normal variable winning device 37 is in an open state in which a game ball can be won (A2712). When the ordinary electric accessory is in operation (the result of A2712 is “Y”), the flow shifts to the process of Step A2714.

  On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory is not in operation (the result of A2712 is “N”), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the illegal operation of the ordinary power is occurring (A2713). If the number of unauthorized winnings in the normal variable winning device 37 is equal to or greater than the number of unauthorized occurrence determinations (for example, five), it is determined that unauthorized unauthorized access is occurring. In the normal variable winning device 37, a game ball cannot be won in the closed state, and a game ball can be won only in the open state. Therefore, when a game ball wins in the closed state, it means that some abnormality or injustice has occurred. In the case where such a game ball wins in the closed state, the number is counted as the number of illegal winnings. Then, when the counted number of illegal winnings is equal to or more than a predetermined fraud occurrence determination number (upper limit value), it is determined that fraud is occurring.

  When the illegal operation of the ordinary telephone is not occurring (the result of A2713 is “N”), the game control device 100 prepares a table for setting the information of the hold by the second starting winning port (normal variable winning device 37) (A2714). Then, the special figure start port switch common processing is executed (A2715), and the start port switch monitoring processing is ended. In addition, in A2713, when it is determined that a normal power fraud has occurred (the result of A2713 is “Y”), the start-up switch monitoring process ends. That is, the second start memory is not generated any more.

[Tokuzu start switch common processing]
Next, details of the special figure starting port switch common processing (A2708, A2715) in the starting port switch monitoring processing will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the special figure starting port switch common processing. The special drawing starting port switch common process is a process that is commonly performed for each input when there is an input from the starting port 1 switch 36a or the starting port 2 switch 37a.

  The game control device 100 first outputs information on the number of winnings to the monitored start-up switch among the start-up 1 switch 36a and the start-up 2 switch 37a to the management device outside the gaming machine 10. Is loaded (A2901), the loaded value is updated by +1 (A2902), and it is determined whether or not the output number overflows (A2903). If the number of outputs does not overflow (result of A2903 is "N"), the updated value is saved in the start port signal output frequency area of the RWM (A2904), and the flow shifts to the process of step A2905. On the other hand, if the number of outputs overflows (the result of A2903 is “Y”), the flow shifts to the processing of Step A2905. In the present embodiment, a value from “0” to “255” can be stored in the start port signal output count area. When the loaded value is "255", the updated value becomes "0" by +1 update, and it is determined that the output count overflows.

  Next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the number of to-be-updated special figure reservations (the number of start storages) corresponding to the monitored start port switch among the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is less than the upper limit value. Is determined (A2905). If the number of special figure reservations to be updated is not less than the upper limit value (the result of A2905 is “N”), the special figure starting port switch common processing ends. If the number of special figure reservations to be updated is less than the upper limit (result of A2905 is “Y”), the number of special figure reservations to be updated (special figure 1 reservation number or special figure 2 reservation number) is updated by +1. Then (A2906), the target opening opening winning flag is saved (A2907).

  Next, the game control device 100 calculates an address of a random number storage area corresponding to the starting port switch to be monitored and the number of special figure reservations (A2908), and stores the jackpot random number prepared in step A2805 in the RWM jackpot random number. It is saved in the area (A2909). Next, the jackpot symbol random number of the starting port switch to be monitored is extracted and prepared (A2910), and saved in the jackpot symbol random number storage area of the RWM (A2911).

  Next, the game control device 100 saves the variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 in the corresponding variation pattern random number storage area of the RWM (A2912), and executes a special figure reservation information determination process (A2913). In the special figure suspension information determination processing, a look-ahead stop symbol command corresponding to the stop symbol information based on the saved jackpot random number or the jackpot symbol random number, or a first-half variation number (number of variation before reach) based on the saved variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 And the prefetch variation pattern command corresponding to the second half variation number (the number of the variation after the reach) is set as an effect command. Then, a start port switch to be monitored and a decoration special figure hold number command corresponding to the special figure hold number are prepared as effect commands (A2914), and effect command setting processing (A2915) is executed to execute the special figure start port switch common. The process ends.

  Here, the game control device 100 (RAM 111c) extracts a predetermined random number based on the inflow of the game ball into the start winning prize port 36 or the start winning prize area of the normal variable winning device 37, and has the right to execute the variable display game. A start storage means for storing a predetermined number as an upper limit as start memory. In addition, the start storage means (game control device 100) stores various random numbers extracted based on the winning of the game ball to the first start winning opening (start winning opening 36) as a first start storage up to a predetermined number. Various random numbers extracted based on the winning of the game ball to the second starting winning port (normal fluctuation winning device 37) are stored as the second starting memory up to a predetermined number.

(Tokuzu usual processing)
Next, details of the special figure ordinary processing (A2608) in the special figure game processing will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure ordinary processing.

  First, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the special figure 2 suspension number (second startup storage number) is 0 (A3201). When the special figure 2 reservation number is 0 (result of A3201 is “Y”), it is determined whether the special figure 1 reservation number (first start storage number) is 0 or not (A3206). If the number of reserved special figure 1 is 0 (result of A3206 is “Y”), it is determined whether or not the customer waiting demonstration has been started (A3211), and if the customer waiting demonstration has not been started (A3211). Is “N”), a customer waiting demonstration flag is set in the customer waiting demonstration flag area (A3212).

  Subsequently, the game control device 100 prepares the customer waiting demonstration command as an effect command (A3213), performs an effect command setting process (A3214), and shifts to a process of step A3215. On the other hand, if the customer waiting demonstration has been started in step A3211 (result of A3211 is “Y”), “0” related to the special figure ordinary processing is set as the processing number (A3215), and the special figure game processing number is set. The process number is saved in the area (A3216), and the variable symbol determination flag area is cleared (A3217). Then, the flag during the fraud monitoring period is saved in the special winning opening fraud monitoring period flag area (A3218), and the special figure ordinary processing is ended.

  When the special figure 2 reservation number is not 0 (the result of A3201 is “N”), the game control device 100 executes the special figure 2 change start process (A3202), and displays the decoration figure corresponding to the special figure 2 reservation number. The figure reservation number command (decorative special figure 2 reservation number command) is prepared as an effect command (A3203), and effect command setting processing is executed (A3204). Then, a special figure changing process transition setting processing of the special figure 2 is executed (A3205), and the special figure ordinary processing ends.

  In addition, when the special figure 1 reservation number is not 0 (the result of A3206 is “N”), the game control device 100 executes a special figure 1 change start process (A3207), and displays the decoration figure corresponding to the special figure 1 reservation number. The figure reservation number command (decoration special figure 1 reservation number command) is prepared as an effect command (A3208), and effect command setting processing is executed (A3209). Then, a special figure changing process transition setting processing of the special figure 1 is executed (A3210), and the special figure ordinary processing ends.

  As described above, the check of the number of special figure 2 reservations is performed before the check of the number of special figure 1 reservations, so that if the number of special figure 2 reservations is not 0, the special figure 2 change start process (A3202) is executed. The Rukoto. That is, the special figure 2 variable display game is executed prior to the special figure 1 variable display game. That is, when the game control device 100 has the second start memory in the second start storage means (game control device 100), the game controller 100 changes the variable display game based on the second start memory to the variable display game based on the first start memory. The priority control means performs the priority control over the game.

[Special figure 1 fluctuation start processing]
Next, the details of the special figure 1 change start processing (A3207) in the special figure ordinary processing will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the special figure 1 change start process. The special figure 1 change start processing is a processing performed at the start of the special figure 1 change display game.

  The game control device 100 saves a special figure 1 change flag indicating the type of the special figure change display game to be executed (here, special figure 1) in the change symbol discrimination area (A3401). Subsequently, a big hit flag 1 setting process for setting information on the big hit flag 1 for determining whether or not the special figure 1 variable display game is a big hit is performed (A3402). The details of the big hit flag 1 setting process will be described later.

  Next, the game control device 100 executes a special figure 1 stop symbol setting process for setting a special figure 1 stop symbol (symbol information) relating to the special figure 1 variable display game (A3403). In the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process, a stop symbol number at the time of a miss or a big hit and a stop stop symbol pattern or a big hit stop symbol pattern corresponding to the stop symbol number are saved. Then, an ornament special figure command corresponding to the stop symbol pattern is prepared as an effect command, and effect command setting processing is executed. Also, round number information (upper limit of round) corresponding to the stop symbol number and probability variation determination data corresponding to the stop symbol number are acquired and saved.

  Further, the game control device 100 executes a special figure information setting process for setting special figure information which is a parameter for setting a fluctuation pattern (A3404).

  Subsequently, the game control device 100 prepares a special figure 1 fluctuation pattern setting information table which is a table in which various information regarding the setting of the fluctuation pattern of the special figure 1 fluctuation display game is set (A3405). ).

  Thereafter, the game control device 100 executes a variation pattern setting process for setting a variation pattern (variation pattern number) which is a variation mode in the special figure 1 variation display game (A3406). Next, the game control device 100 executes a change start information setting process for setting information on a change start of the special figure 1 change display game (A3407), and ends the special figure 1 change start processing. In the variation start information setting process, a variation time value corresponding to the variation pattern (variation pattern number) is acquired and saved in the special figure game processing timer area. Then, a variation command (MODE, ACTION) corresponding to the variation pattern number is prepared as an effect command, and effect command setting processing is performed. In the change start information setting process, the number of toll figures reserved for the special figure type (special figure 1 or special figure 2) of the special figure fluctuation display game to be started is updated by -1 (decreased by 1).

[Special figure 2 fluctuation start processing]
Next, the details of the special figure 2 change start processing (A3202) in the special figure ordinary processing will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the special figure 2 change start process. The special figure 2 change start processing is performed at the start of the special figure 2 change display game, and is the same as the processing in the special figure 1 change start processing shown in FIG. 11 except for the second start storage. Is what you do.

  First, the game control device 100 saves a special figure 2 fluctuation flag indicating the type of the special figure fluctuation display game to be executed (here, special figure 2) in the fluctuation symbol discrimination area (A3501). Subsequently, a big hit flag 2 setting process for setting information on the big hit flag 2 and big hit information for determining whether or not the special figure 2 variable display game is a big hit is executed (A3502).

  Next, the game control device 100 executes a special figure 2 stop symbol setting process related to the setting of the special figure 2 stop symbol (symbol information) relating to the special figure 2 variable display game (A3503). Further, special figure information setting processing for setting special figure information, which is a parameter for setting a fluctuation pattern, is executed (A3504). Subsequently, a special figure 2 fluctuation pattern setting information table is prepared, which is a table in which information for referring to various kinds of information regarding the setting of the fluctuation pattern of the special figure 2 fluctuation display game is prepared (A3505).

  Thereafter, the game control device 100 executes a fluctuation pattern setting process for setting a fluctuation pattern of the special figure 2 fluctuation display game (A3506). Lastly, a variation start information setting process for setting variation start information of the special figure 2 variation display game is executed (A3507), and the special figure 2 variation start process ends.

[Big hit flag 1 setting process]
Next, details of the big hit flag 1 setting process (A3402) in the special figure 1 change start process will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the big hit flag 1 setting process.

  First, the game control device 100 saves the deviation information in the big hit flag 1 area (A3601). Next, a big hit random number is loaded from the special figure 1 big hit random number storage area (for 1 hold number) of the RWM and prepared (A3602), and the special figure 1 big hit random number storage area (for 1 hold number) is cleared to 0. (A3603). The storage number 1 is an area for storing information (random numbers and the like) about the special figure start storage having the earliest digestion order (here, the first special figure 1). After that, a big hit determination process for determining whether or not the big hit is a big hit is performed according to whether or not the prepared big random number value matches the big hit determination value (A3604).

  When the determination result of the big hit determination process (A3604) is a big hit (the result of A3605 is “Y”), the game control device 100 overwrites the big hit information in the big hit flag 1 area where the missed information was saved in step A3601. Save (A3606) and end the big hit flag 1 setting process. On the other hand, if the result of the big hit determination process (A3605) is not a big hit (the result of A3605 is “N”), the big hit flag 1 setting process ends. As described above, in the present embodiment, the result of the special figure 1 variable display game is one of “big hit” and “missing”.

[Big hit flag 2 setting process]
Next, details of the big hit flag 2 setting process (A3502) in the special figure 2 change start process will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the big hit flag 2 setting process. In this processing, the same processing as the processing in the big hit flag 1 setting processing shown in FIG. 13 is performed for the second start storage.

  First, the game control device 100 saves the deviation information in the big hit flag 2 area (A3701). Next, a big hit random number is loaded from the special figure 2 big hit random number storage area (for reserved number 1) and prepared (A3702), and the special figure 2 big hit random number storage area (for reserved number 1) is cleared to 0. (A3703). Note that the reserved number 1 area is an area for storing information (random numbers and the like) about the special figure start storage having the earliest digestion order (here, the special figure 2 is the earliest). After that, a big hit determination process for determining whether or not a big hit is determined according to whether or not the prepared big random number value matches the big hit determination value is executed (A3704).

  When the determination result of the big hit determination process (A3704) is a big hit (the result of A3705 is “Y”), the game control device 100 overwrites the big hit information in the big hit flag 2 area where the loss information was saved in step A3701. Save (A3706) and end the big hit flag 2 setting process. On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot determination process (A3704) is not a jackpot (the result of A3705 is “N”), the jackpot flag 2 setting process ends while saving the deviation information to the jackpot flag 2. As described above, in the present embodiment, the result of the special figure 2 variable display game is one of “big hit” and “missing”.

[Big hit determination process]
Next, details of the big hit determination processing (A3605, A3704) in the big hit flag 1 setting processing, the big hit flag 2 setting processing, and the like will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the big hit determination process. The big hit determination process is a process common to the big hit determination process in other processes executed during the timer interrupt process, and is also executed in step A3004 of the special figure suspension information determination process and the like.

  First, the game control device 100 sets a lower limit determination value of the big hit determination value (A3801), and determines whether or not the value of the target big hit random number is less than the lower limit determination value (A3802). The big hit means that the big hit random number matches the big hit determination value. The jackpot determination value is a plurality of consecutive values, and when the jackpot random number is equal to or greater than a lower limit determination value that is a lower limit value of the jackpot determination value and is equal to or less than an upper limit determination value that is an upper limit value of the jackpot determination value. Is determined to be a big hit.

  When the value of the target big hit random number is less than the lower limit determination value (the result of A3802 is “Y”), the game control device 100 sets an outlier (other than the big hit) as the determination result (A3807) and ends the big hit determination processing. I do.

  In addition, when the value of the big hit random number is not less than the lower limit determination value (the result of A3802 is “N”), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the big hit occurrence probability is in the high probability state (probable change state). (A3803). If the state is in the high probability state (result of A3803 is “Y”), an upper limit determination value during high probability is set (A3804). On the other hand, if the state is not the high probability state (result of A3803 is “N”), the upper limit determination value during low probability is set (A3805).

  After setting the upper limit judgment value of the value of the big hit random number, the game control device 100 judges whether or not the value of the target big hit random number is larger than the upper limit judgment value (A3806). When the value of the big hit random number is larger than the upper limit judgment value (the result of A3806 is “Y”), the judgment result is set to be out (other than the big hit) (A3807). On the other hand, when the value of the big hit random number is not larger than the upper limit judgment value (the result of A3806 is “N”), a big hit is set as the judgment result (A3808). When the determination result is set, the big hit determination processing ends.

[Public figure game processing]
Next, the details of the general-purpose game process (A1310) in the timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the general-purpose game process. In the general-figure game process, the input of the gate switch 34a is monitored, the entire processing related to the general-figure variation display game is controlled, and the setting of the general-figure display is performed.

  The game control device 100 first executes a gate switch monitoring process of monitoring an input from the gate switch 34a (A7601).

  Subsequently, the game control device 100 executes a normal power winning switch monitoring process of monitoring an input from the starting port 2 switch 37a (A7602).

  Next, if the general-purpose game processing timer is not 0, the game control device 100 updates -1 (subtracts 1) (A7603). Note that the minimum value of the ordinary game processing timer is set to 0. Then, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the value of the general-purpose game processing timer has become 0 (A7604).

  When the value of the general-purpose game processing timer is 0 (the result of A7604 is “Y”), that is, when the time is up or has already expired, the game control device 100 A general-purpose game sequence branch table referred to for branching to the corresponding process is set in the register (A7605).

  Further, the game control device 100 acquires the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the general-purpose game process number based on the set general-purpose game sequence branch table (A7606). Then, a subroutine call based on the general-purpose game processing number is performed to execute a game branching process corresponding to the general-purpose game processing number (A7607).

  When the game processing number is “0” in step A7607, the game control device 100 monitors the start of the variation of the general-purpose variation display game, and sets the start of the variation of the general-purpose variation display game, the setting of the effect, and the like. A normal map ordinary process for setting information necessary for performing the normal diagram change process is executed (A7608). Details of the ordinary processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Also, when the game processing number is “1” in step A7607, the game control device 100 executes a general-floor change process for setting information necessary for performing the general-figure display process ( A7609). For example, in the normal figure changing process, in order to shift to the normal figure displaying process, the game processing number is set to “2” and saved in the general figure game processing number area. Save in the processing timer area.

  If the game processing number is “2” in step A7607, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the time reduction state is set if the result of the general-purpose variable display game is a hit. The general-figure display process is performed to set the opening time and the information necessary for performing the general-floor process (A7610). For example, in the normal figure display processing, when the result of the general figure change display game is a hit, the game processing number is set to “3” and the general figure game processing number area On the other hand, in the case of a loss, the game processing number is set to “0” and saved in the general-figure game processing number area in order to shift to the normal-figure normal processing.

  When the game processing number is “3” in step A7607, the game control device 100 performs continuation of the normal processing per ordinary map or setting of information necessary for performing ordinary electric remaining sphere processing. The middle processing per figure is executed (A7611). For example, in the normal drawing per game process, the game process number is set to "4" after the setting for opening the normal fluctuation winning device 37 a predetermined number of times is performed, and then the process proceeds to the normal power remaining ball process. Save to the general game processing number area.

  When the game processing number is “4” in step A7607, the game control device 100 executes a general electric remaining sphere process for setting information necessary for performing a general map end process (A7612). ). For example, in the normal game remaining sphere processing, in order to shift to the general figure end processing, a game processing number is set to “5” and saved in the general figure game processing number area, and the general figure ending time is set to the general figure ending time. Save in the processing timer area.

  When the game process number is “5” in step A7607, the game control device 100 executes a general-purpose hit end process for setting information necessary for performing the general-purpose ordinary process (A7608). (A7613). For example, in the per-chart end processing, the game processing number is set to “0” and saved in the per-chart game process number area in order to proceed to the perpetual map normal process.

  Thereafter, the game control device 100 prepares a general-figure variation control table for controlling the variation of the ordinary symbol by the general-figure display 53 (A7614). Thereafter, a symbol variation control process related to the control of the variation of the ordinary symbol by the ordinary symbol display 53 is executed (A7615), and the ordinary symbol game process is ended.

  On the other hand, when the value of the general-purpose game processing timer is not 0 (the result of A7604 is “N”), that is, when the time is not up, the game control device 100 executes the processing of step A7614 and thereafter.

(Normal map everyday processing)
Next, the details of the ordinary figure ordinary processing (A7608) in the ordinary figure game processing will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the routine of the ordinary processing.

  First, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the number of ordinary drawing reservations is 0 (A7901). If the number of ordinary figure reservations is 0 (result of A7901 is "Y"), ordinary figure ordinary processing shift setting processing 1 is executed (A7923), and ordinary figure ordinary processing ends. In the ordinary figure ordinary processing shift setting processing 1, in order to shift to the ordinary figure ordinary processing, “0” is set as the game processing number and saved in the ordinary figure game processing number area.

  In addition, when the number of ordinary figure reservations is not 0 (the result of A7901 is “N”), the game control device 100 loads a random number from the random number per ordinary figure storage area (for the number of reservations 1) of the RWM, and loads the RWM. The winning symbol random number is loaded from the ordinary symbol random number storage area (for 1 reserved number) (A7902). Then, the random number storage area per ordinary figure (for reserved number 1) and the symbol random number per ordinary figure storage area (for reserved number 1) are cleared to 0 (A7903). Furthermore, it is determined whether or not the probability of a winning result in the general-floor variation display game is higher than normal in the general-figure high probability state (in the high-probability state), that is, whether or not the time reduction state (general power support state). (A7904). In addition, the probability per figure in high probability is 250/251, and the probability per figure in low probability is 0/251.

  When the game is not in the high probability of the normal figure (the result of A7904 is “N”), the game control device 100 sets a low probability lower limit determination value (here, 251) that is the lower limit determination value in the low probability of the normal figure (A7905). If the figure is in the high figure high probability (result of A7904 is “Y”), a high probability lower limit determination value (here, 1) which is the lower limit determination value in the figure figure high probability is set (A7906), and in step A7907 Move on to processing.

  The game control device 100 determines whether or not the winning random number is equal to or more than an upper limit determination value (here, 251) (A7907). Note that the upper limit determination value here is common between the high probability of the general figure and the low probability of the general figure. If the hit random number is equal to or larger than the upper limit determination value (result of A7907 is “Y”), that is, if it is out of the range, the process shifts to the process of step A7909. If the hit random number is less than the upper limit determination value (result of A7907 is “N”), it is determined whether the hit random number is less than the lower limit determination value (A7908).

  When the hit random number is less than the lower limit determination value (the result of A7908 is “Y”), that is, when the hit is a hit, the game control device 100 saves the hit information in the hit flag area (A7909). Further, a stop symbol number is set as a stop symbol number (A7910), the stop symbol information is saved in a stop symbol information area (A7911), and the flow shifts to the process of step A7915.

  When the winning random number is not less than the lower limit determination value (the result of A7908 is “N”), that is, in the case of a winning, the gaming control device 100 saves the hit information in the hit flag area (A7912), and stores the hit symbol random number in the loaded hit symbol random number. The corresponding hit stop symbol number is set (A7913), and the hit stop symbol information corresponding to the hit stop symbol number is saved in the normal symbol stop symbol information area (A7914), and the process proceeds to step A7915. Note that there may be several types of hit stop symbols.

  Next, the game control device 100 saves the stop symbol number in the ordinary symbol stop symbol area (A7915), and saves the stop symbol number in the test signal output data area (A7916). Next, a general figure command corresponding to information related to the general figure change display game (particularly, information on hitting / losing of the general figure change display game) is prepared as an effect command (A7917), and an effect command setting process is executed. (A7918). Then, the random number storage area per ordinary figure is shifted (A7919), and the free area after the shift is cleared to 0 (A7920), and the number of ordinary figure reservations is updated by -1 (A7921).

  In other words, with the execution of the general-figure variation display game relating to the oldest general-family reservation number 1, the ranks of the general-family reservation numbers 2 to 4 that are on hold after the general-family reservation number 1 are moved up by one. By this processing, the value for the number of ordinary figure reservations 2 to the number of ordinary figure reservations 4 in the random number storage area per ordinary figure is moved from the number 1 for ordinary figure retention to the number 3 for ordinary figure retention in the random number storage area per ordinary figure. Will be done. Then, the value for the number 4 of ordinary figure reservation in the random number storage area per ordinary figure is cleared, and the number of ordinary figure reservation is decremented by one.

  Next, the game control device 100 executes a normal-figure-change processing transition setting processing (A7922), and ends the normal-figure normal processing. In the process for setting the shift to the normal figure changing process, in order to shift to the process during the normal figure change, “1” is set as the game processing number and saved in the general figure game process number area, and the general figure changing time is set to the normal figure changing time Save in the game processing timer area.

[Control of production control device]
Hereinafter, the control (process) executed by the effect control device 300 using the effect control program will be described.

[Main processing (effect controller)]
First, details of the main processing executed by the effect control device 300 will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a main process (main program) executed by the effect control device 300. The main process is executed by the main control microcomputer 311 (effect microcomputer) when the game machine 10 is powered on. Note that, in the flowchart of the process executed by the effect control device 300, the reference sign (number) of the step is represented as “B ****”.

  When the execution of the main process is started, effect controller 300 first prohibits an interrupt (B0001). Next, the CPU 311 and the VDP 312 are initialized (B0002, B0003), and interrupts are permitted (B0004). When the interruption is permitted, a command reception interruption process for receiving a command transmitted from the game control device 100 is enabled.

  Next, effect controller 300 permits generation of display data to be displayed on display device 41 or the like (B0005), and sets a random number seed used for random number generation (B0006). Then, the power-on initial value is saved in the area to be initialized (B0007).

  Subsequently, effect controller 300 clears a WDT (watch dock timer) (B0008). The WDT is activated by the above-described CPU initialization (B0002), and monitors whether the CPU 311 is operating normally. If the WDT is not cleared even after a certain period, the WDT times out and the CPU 311 is reset.

  Thereafter, effect control device 300 executes an RTC reading process for reading time information from RTC (real-time clock) 338 (B0009).

  In the RTC reading process, the time information may be read from the RTC 338 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every two hours), and it is not necessary to read the time information every time the process proceeds to step B0009. When the power to the effect control device 300 is turned on (that is, when the power to the gaming machine 10 is turned on), the configuration may be such that the RTC reading process is executed only once (the position of the RTC reading process is changed, for example, steps B0003 and B0004). May be performed in between). The effect control device 300 sets a time timer (time measuring means) for measuring the time in the timer area in the RAM, and reads the time information from the RTC 338 at a predetermined period or only once when the power is turned on. When the information is read, the time timer (time measuring means) may be adjusted to match the time of the RTC 338. Then, effect control device 300 may execute various processes using a time timer. By doing so, the number of times of reading the time from the RTC 338 can be reduced, and the load on the CPU 311 can be reduced.

  Next, the effect control device 300 detects an operation signal of the effect button 25 (signal of the effect button switch 25a or the touch panel 25b) by the player, and changes effect contents (setting) according to the detected signal. An effect button input process is executed (B0010). Subsequently, a hall / player setting mode process for receiving operations such as changing the brightness and volume of the LED and liquid crystal by a person in charge of a game arcade (game store) or a player is executed (B0011). In the hall / player setting mode process, the player can customize the effect according to the effect points described later.

  Next, the effect control device 300 performs an effect point control process of adding and clearing effect points (B0012). In the production point control process, the production points are added by performing a production or operation that is the target of production point addition, and at the end of a game, for example, at the end of a game so that the production points can be carried over to the next game. For example, information including information on effect points and the like is displayed on the display device 41 as a QR code (registered trademark). For example, the effect control device 300 can display the QR code (registered trademark) on the display device 41 in the hall / player setting mode process.

  Next, effect control device 300 executes a random number update process for updating a random number such as an effect random number (B0013), analyzes a received command received from game control device 100, and executes a corresponding received command check process. (B0014). The details of the received command check processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the effect control device 300 executes a customer waiting demo editing process of editing and controlling the content of the customer waiting demo displayed on the display device 41 (B0015), and changes the power saving state of the gaming machine 10 waiting for the customer. A power saving control process for controlling is executed (B0016).

  Next, the effect control device 300 updates various data in accordance with the content to be displayed on the display device (display means) such as the display device 41 or sets the drawing to be displayed on the display device 41 in the display frame buffer. An effect display editing process is performed (B0017). The drawing data set at this time can update the image on the display device 41 without any problem as long as the VDP 312 can complete drawing within a frame period of 1/30 second (about 33.3 msec). Then, the rendering preparation to the display frame buffer is completed, and the rendering command preparation end setting is executed (B0018).

  Subsequently, effect control device 300 determines whether or not it is frame switching timing (B0019). If it is not the frame switching timing (result of B0019 is “N”), the process of B0019 is repeated until the frame switching timing is reached. If it is the frame switching timing (the result of B0019 is “Y”), the display device 41 Instruct screen drawing (B0020). Since the frame period of the present embodiment is 1/30 second, the frame switching is performed, for example, when the periodic V blank (image update) is executed twice every 1/60 second (１ ／ of the frame period). . The interval may be further increased without updating the image in 1/60 second.

  Further, effect control device 300 executes a sound control process for controlling the sound output from speaker 19 (B0021).

  Further, the effect control device 300 executes a decoration control process for controlling the decoration device (the board decoration device 46, the frame decoration device 18) composed of an LED or the like (B0022). In the decoration control process, for example, brightness control (light emission control) of a decoration device such as an LED is executed.

  Further, the effect control device 300 executes a movable body control process for controlling an effect device (a board effect device 44) such as an electric accessory driven by a motor and a solenoid (B0023). In the movable body control processing, for example, an accessory operation effect for driving the motor is set.

  Then, after finishing the process of B0023 described above, effect control device 300 returns to the process of B0008. Thereafter, the processing from B0008 to B0023 is repeated.

[Receive command check processing]
Next, details of the received command check processing (B0014) in the above-described main processing (FIG. 18) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a received command check process executed by the effect control device 300.

  The effect control device 300 first loads the value of the command reception counter in the command reception counter area of the RAM as a command reception number in order to check the number of commands received from the game control device 100 (B1101). Then, it is determined whether the number of received commands is not 0 (B1102). When the number of received commands is 0, that is, when there is no command received from the game control device 100 (result of B1102 is “N”), there is no command to be analyzed, and thus the received command check processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the command reception number is not 0, that is, when the command is received from game control device 100 (result of B1102 is “Y”), effect control device 300 has a command reception counter in the command reception counter area. After subtracting the value by the number of received commands (B1103), the contents of the received command buffer in the RAM are copied to a command area for analysis (B1104). Here, since the received command buffer is a ring buffer, there is no problem if the number of received commands is subtracted before the contents in the buffer are copied to the command area. Even if a new command is received during copying, data is not overwritten.

  Then, effect control device 300 updates the command read index by +1 (adds 1) in the range of 0 to 31 (B1105). The reception command buffer is configured to store up to 32 received commands. The received commands are stored in the received command buffer in the order of the command read indexes 0 to 31. Here, the received commands are read out in the order of the indexes and copied to the command area for analysis. At the timing when the copying to the analysis command area is completed, the storage area of the reception command buffer corresponding to the read command read index is cleared.

  The effect control device 300 determines whether or not copying of the commands for the number of received commands loaded in the process of step B1101 has been completed (B1106), and if the copying has not been completed (the result of B1106 is "N )), And repeat the processing of steps B1104 to B1106.

  When the effect control device 300 receives the command transmitted from the game control device 100, the content of the received command is stored in the reception command buffer, and at the same time, the command reception counter value in the command reception counter area is added and updated. Although 32 commands can be stored in the reception command buffer, the analysis of the received command is performed separately in a command area for analysis. When the content of the received command is copied to the analysis command area, the reception command buffer and the command reception counter value are cleared. In this way, by always securing an empty area without directly analyzing the received command buffer, it is possible to prepare for a large amount of command reception.

  Subsequently, when the copy is completed (result of B1106 is "Y"), effect control device 300 loads the received command content in the analysis command area (B1107) and analyzes the received command to analyze the content. The processing is executed (B1108). The details of the received command analysis processing will be described later with reference to FIG. Also, the address of the command area for analysis is updated (B1109). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the analysis of the commands for the number of received commands loaded in the processing of step B1101 has been completed (B1110). If the analysis has not been completed (the result of B1110 is “N”), the process proceeds to step B1101. The processing from B1107 to B1110 is repeated. When the analysis is completed (the result of B1110 is “Y”), the received command check processing ends.

[Receive command analysis processing]
Next, details of the received command analysis processing (B1108) in the above-described received command check processing (FIG. 19) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the received command analysis process executed by the effect control device 300.

  First, effect control device 300 separates the upper byte of the received command into a MODE part and the lower byte into an ACTION part (ACT part) (B1201). The command transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 is composed of a MODE part (MODE command) and an ACTION part (ACTION command), and is normally transmitted continuously from the MODE part indicating the type of the command. You. Therefore, the higher order and lower order of the received command are configured in the order of the MODE section and the ACTION section.

  Next, effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE portion is within the normal range (B1202). That is, it is determined whether the value is a value that can be taken by the MODE part indicating the type of command (a value assigned as a command specification indicating the type). If the MODE part is within the normal range (result of B1202 is “Y”), it is similarly determined whether the ACTION part is within the normal range (B1203). That is, it is determined whether or not the value is a value that can be taken by the ACTION unit indicating the content of the command (specific production instruction or the like) (a value assigned as a command specification indicating the content). If the ACTION section is within the normal range (result of B1203 is “Y”), it is further determined whether the ACTION section for the MODE section is a correct combination (B1204). That is, it is determined whether or not the value of the ACTION section is a value that can be taken by the command of the type specified by the MODE section. If the combination is correct (result of B1204 is “Y”), command processing corresponding to the command system is executed in the processing after B1205.

  The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the value of the MODE section is within the range of the variation command (B1205). Note that the variation command is a command for instructing a variation pattern of a special decoration design, and includes, for example, a variation command (A3407). If the MODE section indicates a variable command (the result of B1205 is “Y”), the variable command processing is executed (B1206), and the received command analysis processing ends.

  If the MODE section does not represent a variable command (the result of B1205 is “N”), then the effect control device 300 determines whether the MODE section is within the range of the big hit command (B1207). The jackpot-related command is a command for instructing an operation (such as display of a fanfare screen or a round screen) related to an effect during a jackpot, for example, a fanfare command (A2610) for instructing a fanfare screen, or instructing a round screen. Round command (A2611), an interval command (A2612) for instructing an interval screen, an ending command (A2612) for instructing an ending screen, and the like. If the MODE section indicates a jackpot-related command (result of B1207 is “Y”), the jackpot-related command processing is executed (B1208), and the received command analysis processing ends.

  If the MODE section does not represent the jackpot-related command (result of B1207 is "N"), then the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE section is within the range of the symbol-related command (B1209). The symbol-related commands include, for example, decorative special figure commands (A3403, A3503) corresponding to the stop symbol pattern. If the MODE section indicates a symbol command (result of B1209 is “Y”), symbol command processing is executed (B1210), and the received command analysis processing ends.

  If the MODE section does not represent a symbolic command (result of B1209 is "N"), then the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE section falls within the range of a single-shot command (B1211). If the MODE section indicates a one-shot command (the result of B1211 is “Y”), one-shot command processing is executed (B1212), and the received command analysis processing ends.

  If the MODE section does not represent a single-shot command (the result of B1211 is "N"), then the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE section is in the range of the prefetching symbol command (B1213). . The look-ahead symbol commands include, for example, a look-ahead stop symbol command (A2913). If the MODE section indicates a pre-reading symbol-related command (result of B1213 is “Y”), a pre-reading symbol-related command process is executed (B1214), and the received command analyzing process ends.

  If the MODE part does not represent the prefetching symbol command (the result of B1213 is “N”), then the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE part is in the range of the prefetch variable command (B1215). ). The prefetch variation command includes, for example, a prefetch variation pattern command (A2913). If the MODE section indicates the prefetch variable command (the result of B1215 is “Y”), the prefetch variable command processing is executed (B1216), and the received command analysis processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the MODE unit does not represent the prefetch variable command (the result of B1215 is “N”), the effect control device 300 may have received an unexpected command (for example, a command used only during the test mode). Therefore, the received command analysis processing ends. Also, when the MODE part is not in the normal range (result of B1202 is “N”), when the ACTION part is not in the normal range (result of B1203 is “N”), or when the ACTION part for the MODE part is not a correct combination ( The result of B1204 is “N”), and the received command analysis processing ends.

[Single command processing]
Next, the details of the single command processing (B1212) in the above-described received command analysis processing (FIG. 20) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a single command processing executed by the effect control device 300.

  First, effect controller 300 determines whether or not the MODE section represents a model designation command indicating the type of gaming machine (B1301). If the MODE section indicates a model designation command (result of B1301 is “Y”), a model setting process for setting the type of the gaming machine (selected model information) is executed (B1302), and the single command processing is performed. finish.

  If the MODE unit does not represent the model designation command (result of B1301 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then initializes the RAM indicating that the RAM has been initialized (cleared). It is determined whether the command is represented (B1303). If the MODE section indicates a RAM initialization command (result of B1303 is “Y”), a RAM initialization setting process for notifying the RAM initialization is performed (B1304), and the single-shot system command process ends. I do.

  If the MODE unit does not represent a RAM initialization command (result of B1303 is “N”), then the production unit 300 displays a power failure recovery command indicating power failure recovery (power on). It is determined whether or not to perform (B1305). The power failure restoration command includes, for example, a restoration screen command. Since the initialization of the RAM is performed when the power is restored (turned on), the RAM initialization command includes a power failure restoration command in addition to the RAM initialization command. If the MODE section indicates a power failure recovery command (result of B1305 is “Y”), power failure recovery setting processing is executed (B1306), and the single-shot command processing is terminated.

  If the MODE unit does not represent the power failure restoration command (result of B1305 is "N"), then effect controller 300 determines whether or not the MODE unit represents a customer waiting demonstration command (B1307). . If the MODE section indicates a customer waiting demonstration command (result of B1307 is “Y”), a customer waiting demonstration setting process is executed (B1308), and the single command processing ends.

  If the MODE unit does not represent the customer waiting demonstration command (result of B1307 is "N"), then the mode control unit 300 transmits the decoration special figure 1 suspension number command (A3208 in FIG. 10). It is determined whether or not it is represented (B1309). Then, when the MODE part indicates the decoration special figure 1 reservation number command (the result of B1309 is “Y”), the special figure 1 reservation information setting processing is executed (B1310), and the single command processing ends.

  If the MODE unit does not represent the decoration special figure 1 reservation number command (result of B1309 is “N”), then the MODE unit transmits the decoration special figure 2 reservation number command (FIG. 10). A3203) is determined (B1311). Then, when the MODE part indicates the decoration special figure 2 reservation number command (result of B1311 is “Y”), the special figure 2 reservation information setting processing is executed (B1312), and the single command processing ends.

  If the MODE unit does not represent the decoration special figure 2 pending number command (the result of B1311 is “N”), then the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE unit represents the probability information command. (B1313). Then, when the MODE section indicates the probability information command (result of B1313 is “Y”), the probability information setting process is executed (B1314), and the single command processing ends.

  If the MODE unit does not represent a probability information command (result of B1313 is “N”), then the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE unit represents an error / illegal command (step B1313). B1315). The error / illegal command includes, for example, an error / illegal occurrence command, an error / illegal notification command, an error / illegal release command, and an error / illegal information termination command. If the MODE section indicates an error / illegal command (result of B1315 is “Y”), an error / illegal setting process for notifying or canceling the error or improper notification is executed (B1316). The one-shot command processing ends.

  If the MODE unit does not represent an error / illegal command (the result of B1315 is “N”), then the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE unit represents an effect mode switching command. A determination is made (B1317). Then, when the MODE section indicates a command for effect mode switching (result of B1317 is "Y"), effect mode switching setting processing is executed (B1318), and the single command processing ends.

  If the MODE unit does not represent an effect mode switching command (result of B1317 is “N”), then the effect unit 300 sets the general mode indicating information related to the ordinary map change display game. It is determined whether the figure command (A7917) is represented (B1319). Then, when the MODE part represents a general-purpose command (result of B1319 is “Y”), a general-purpose information setting process for setting information on a general-purpose variation display game is executed (B1320), and a single-shot type command process is performed. finish.

  If the MODE section does not represent a general-purpose command (result of B1319 is “N”), then the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE section represents a setting information command (A1027, A1032). (B1321). When the MODE section indicates the setting information command (result of B1321 is “Y”), the setting information (setting value) of the gaming machine 10 included in the setting information command is stored in the RAM (B1322), and the single-shot system is executed. Terminates command processing. Thereafter, the effect control device 300 can execute the effect control using the stored setting information.

  If the MODE unit does not represent a setting information command (result of B1321 is “N”), then the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE unit represents a symbol stop command (B1323). . Note that the symbol stop command includes, for example, a symbol stop command of special figure 1 and a symbol stop command of special figure 2. Then, when the MODE section indicates a symbol stop command (result of B1323 is “Y”), the effect control device 300 next determines whether or not the command of the MODE section is a normal command ( B1324).

  When the command of the MODE part is a normal command (result of B1324 is “Y”), effect control device 300 sets a stop mode of a corresponding special figure (B1325), and the game is performed after all symbols are stopped. The status flag is set to the normal status (B1326), and the single command processing ends. In the process of B1325, the fourth special symbol (fourth symbol) is stopped according to the symbol type (losing / big hit symbol) (FIG. 22) after the special-figure variable display game is performed (in the case of a missing, “lighting on”). , And in the case of a big hit, “turn off”). In the process of B1326, as an example, the game state flag is set to the normal state, but the flag of "change" or "big hit" is set as the game state flag depending on the timing at which this process is executed.

  On the other hand, when the MODE section does not represent a symbol stop command (result of B1323 is “N”), or when the command of the MODE section is not normal (result of B1324 is “N”), the effect control device 300 ends the one-shot command processing.

[Symbol command processing]
Next, details of the symbol command processing (B1210) in the above-described received command analysis processing (FIG. 20) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the symbol command processing executed by the effect control device 300.

  The effect control device 300 sets the special figure type corresponding to the MODE part of the received symbol command (decorative special figure 1 command or decorative special figure 2 command) (B1801). The special figure type is special figure 1 or special figure 2. Then, a symbol type corresponding to the combination of the MODE portion and the ACTION portion (ACT portion) of the symbol-related command is set and saved in a predetermined area such as a RAM (B1802). Here, since the distribution ratio of the symbols in the special figures 1 and 2 changes, the symbol type is set using a table for each MODE. In the present embodiment, the symbol type is a missing symbol, a 4R probability variable big hit symbol (4R-A1, symbol 1), a 4R normal big hit symbol (4R-A2, symbol 2), an 8R probability variable hit symbol (8R-A1, It corresponds to the symbol 3), the 8R ordinary big hit symbol (8R-A2, symbol 4), the 12R probability variable big hit symbol (12R-A1, symbol 5), and the 12R normal big hit symbol (12R-A2, symbol 6).

[Variable command processing]
Next, the details of the variable command processing (B1206) in the above-described received command analysis processing (FIG. 20) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the variable command processing executed by the effect control device 300.

  The production control device 300 determines whether or not the special figure type (special figure 1 or special figure 2) of the received variation command (variation command) is undetermined (B1901). If the special figure type is undetermined (result of B1901 is “Y”), the variable command processing ends. If the special figure type is not determined (the result of B1901 is “N”), the combination of the received variable command and the symbol command is checked (B1902), and whether the variable command and the symbol type are inconsistent is determined. Is determined (B1903). Here, the inconsistency is a contradiction in performing the effect, for example, when a symbol system command of a big hit symbol is received while a variable system command of a loss is received. If the variable command and the symbol type are inconsistent (result of B1903 is “Y”), the variable command processing ends.

  If the variation command and the symbol type are not inconsistent (result of B1903 is "N"), effect controller 300 determines the variation pattern type from the variation command (variation command) (B1904), and determines the effect during the variation. A variable effect setting process for setting a certain variable effect is executed (B1905). There are a plurality of effects for the same variable command. Subsequently, the special figure change is set in the game state flag indicating the game state (P machine state) (B1906), and if the number of prefetching effects such as continuous effects is not 0, -1 is updated (B1907).

[Hall / player setting mode processing]
Next, details of the hall / player setting mode process (B0011) in the above-described main process (FIG. 18) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a hall / player setting mode process executed by the effect control device 300.

  The hall / player setting mode process activates a hall setting mode in which a manager of a hall (game store) or the like can make various settings of the gaming machine 10 or a player setting mode in which a player can make various settings of the gaming machine 10. Can be done.

  The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the hall setting mode is being set (B2401). When a later-described hall setting mode flag is set, it can be determined that the hall setting mode is in progress. When the hall setting mode is being performed (result of B2401 is “Y”), the processing of B2406-B2417 is performed, and the director of the hall (game store) or the like operates the production button 25 (production button switch 25a, touch panel 25b). Various settings and various adjustments are made based on the operation.

  When not in the hall setting mode (result of B2401 is "N"), effect control device 300 determines whether or not the game is in the player setting mode (B2402). When a later-described player setting mode flag is set, it can be determined that the game is in the player setting mode. When the game is in the player setting mode (result of B2402 is “Y”), the processing of B2421 to B2426 is performed, and various settings and various adjustments are performed based on the operation of the effect button 25 by the player.

  When not in the player setting mode (result of B2402 is “N”), effect control device 300 determines whether or not the hall setting mode start condition is satisfied (B2403). For example, when the operation of the effect button 25 for entering the hall setting mode is detected as an operation signal in the effect button input process (B0010) while waiting for the customer, it can be determined that the hall setting mode start condition is satisfied. Note that “waiting for a customer” is, for example, a state in which an image for waiting for a customer (customer waiting demonstration) is displayed on the display device 41. If the hall setting mode start condition is not satisfied (the result of B2403 is “N”), the process of B2418 is executed.

  When the hall setting mode start condition is satisfied (result of B2403 is “Y”), effect controller 300 draws a screen (draws a hole setting screen) on display device 41 in the hall setting mode. Start setting is performed (B2404). Then, the flag in the hall setting mode is set (B2405).

  Next, the effect control device 300 adjusts the volume of the upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b based on the operation of the effect button 25 by the person in charge of the hall (B2406), the frame decoration device 18 and the board. Hall LED brightness adjustment processing (B2407) for adjusting the brightness (brightness) of the LEDs of the decoration device 46, liquid crystal brightness adjustment processing (B2408) for adjusting the brightness of the display unit (such as a liquid crystal display) of the display device 41, and power saving. A power saving setting process for setting (B2409) is executed. Next, effect control device 300 executes a logo color setting process of setting the issued color of the logo combination and the like (B2410).

  Subsequently, the effect control device 300 executes a setting process regarding the setting information in order to set a display method of the setting information (B2411). Here, whether or not to display the setting information is set, and a predetermined period for displaying the setting information is set. Based on the operation of the effect button 25 (the effect button switch 25a, the touch panel 25b), whether or not to display the setting information can be selected from the menu display of the display device 41, and whether or not to display the setting information can be set. By inputting a numerical value by operating the effect button 25, the predetermined period can be set, for example, to a period from 9:00 am to 9:30 before opening as described above. As described above, since the predetermined period during which the setting information can be checked can be set arbitrarily, it is possible to prevent the setting information from leaking to a third party who does not have the authority to know the setting information. The processing in step B2411 constitutes a first setting unit for setting a predetermined period for displaying the setting information and a second setting unit for setting whether to display the setting information.

  Then, it is determined whether or not a setting confirmation operation input has been made (B2412). When an operation signal due to the setting confirmation operation of the effect button 25 is detected in the effect button input process (B0010), it can be determined that there is a setting confirmation operation input. If there is no setting confirmation operation input (the result of B2412 is “N”), the hall / player setting mode process ends.

  When there is a setting confirmation operation input (result of B2412 is “Y”), effect control device 300 determines whether or not the settings are confirmed with the factory settings (B2413). When there is no operation of the effect button 25 other than the setting confirmation operation, it can be determined that the setting has been confirmed with the factory settings. If it is not determined by the factory settings (result of B2413 is “N”), the process proceeds to B2415. If it is determined by the factory default settings (result of B2413 is “Y”), a factory default setting process for performing various settings and various adjustments with the factory default settings is executed (B2414). The factory settings are default settings stored in a memory such as the ROM 321. Next, hole setting data (or hole adjustment data) such as the volume and various luminances determined in B2406 to B2410 and B2414 are written to a backup memory (for example, FeRAM 323) (B2415).

  Next, effect control device 300 performs screen drawing end setting for terminating screen drawing on display device 41 in the hall setting mode (B2416). Then, the flag in the hall setting mode is cleared (B2417).

  If the hall setting mode start condition is not satisfied (result of B2403 is "N"), effect controller 300 determines whether or not the player setting mode start condition is satisfied (B2418). During the customer waiting, for example, when the operation of the effect button 25 for entering the player setting mode is detected as an operation signal in the effect button input process (B0010), it can be determined that the player setting mode start condition has been satisfied. When the player setting mode start condition is not satisfied (the result of B2418 is “N”), the hall / player setting mode process ends.

  If the player setting mode start condition is satisfied (result of B2418 is “Y”), effect controller 300 performs screen drawing start setting for starting screen drawing on display device 41 in the player setting mode ( B2419). Then, a flag during the player setting mode is set (B2420).

  Next, the effect control device 300 adjusts the volume of the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b based on the operation of the effect button 25 by the player (B2421), and performs the frame decoration device 18 and the board decoration. A player LED brightness adjustment process (B2422) for adjusting the brightness (brightness) of the LED of the device 46 is executed.

  Next, the effect control device 300 executes an effect customizing process of customizing (individually setting) the effect based on the operation of the effect button 25 or the like by the player (B2423). Then, it is determined whether or not a setting confirmation operation input has been made (B2424). If there is no setting confirmation operation input (result of B2424 is “N”), the hall / player setting mode process ends. When the setting confirmation operation input is made (result of B2424 is "Y"), screen drawing end setting for ending screen drawing on the display device 41 in the player setting mode is performed (B2425). Then, the flag in the player setting mode is cleared (B2426). Note that the player setting data (or player adjustment data) such as the volume and brightness determined in B2421 to B2422 may not be written to the backup memory since it may disappear.

[Customer waiting demo editing process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 25, details of the customer waiting demo editing process (B0015) in the above-described main process (FIG. 18) will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a customer waiting demonstration editing process executed by the effect control device 300.

  The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the customer waiting demonstration is already being executed on the display device 41 (B2601). If the customer waiting demonstration is not being executed (the result of B2601 is “N”), it is determined whether a customer waiting demonstration command has been received (B2602). If the customer waiting demo command has not been received (the result of B2602 is “N”), the customer waiting demo editing process ends. When the customer waiting demonstration command is received (result of B2602 is “Y”), the customer waiting demonstration command reception flag is cleared (B2603).

  Next, effect control device 300 performs a setting process (B2604-B2607) for starting a customer waiting demonstration on display device 41. First, the customer waiting control table pointer designating the contents of the customer waiting control table is cleared to 0 (B2604), and a demo control timer (for example, 10 seconds) corresponding to the customer waiting control table pointer (here, 0) is set (B2605). ). Then, the symbol display A is set as the demo status (B2606). The demo status includes a symbol display A (which may be the same as the stop display mode of the last decorative special figure variation display game) executed for about 30 to 60 seconds from the start of the customer waiting demo, and a symbol display. There are a movie display executed for about 30 seconds from the end of A, B and C, and a symbol display B and C executed for about 110 or 120 seconds from the end of the movie display. As a customer waiting demonstration, basically, a symbol display and a movie display are alternately executed on the display device 41, but a modification such as changing the symbol display A to the symbol display B is also possible. Here, the display on the display device 41 that has changed from the stop display mode of the decorative special figure variation display game, such as a movie display, is called a customer waiting effect. The contents of the demo status may be set by further subdividing the decoration contents and BGM.

  Subsequently, effect control device 300 performs drawing setting of a symbol display screen corresponding to the selected model information on the selected model known from the model designation command or the like (B2607).

  On the other hand, when the customer waiting demonstration is already being executed (result of B2101 is “Y”), effect control device 300 determines whether or not the present time is the predetermined time (B2608). In the present embodiment, the predetermined time is the time at the end of the above-described predetermined period (for example, 9:30 am), but may be any time as long as the time from the end of the predetermined period to the time before opening. If the current time is the predetermined time (the result of B2608 is “Y”), the process shifts to the process of step B2604, and even if the customer waiting demonstration is already being executed, the customer waiting demonstration is again started from the beginning (initial state). A setting process (B2604-B2607) for starting is executed. The initial state of the customer waiting demonstration is a state where the customer waiting control table pointer = 0 (that is, the demo status = symbol display A (stop display mode)). Thus, at a predetermined time such as the end time of the predetermined period, the customer waiting demonstration (symbol display and movie display) can be started from the beginning on the display device 41, and the customer waiting demonstration between gaming machines can be arranged. .

  Next, effect control device 300 updates the demo control timer by −1 (B2609), and determines whether or not the demo control timer is 0 (B2610). If the demo control timer is 0 (result of B2610 is "Y"), the customer wait control table pointer is updated by +1 (B2611). If the demo control timer is not 0 (result of B2610 is "N"), the customer waits. The demo editing process ends.

  Next, effect control device 300 determines whether or not the customer waiting control table pointer is equal to or more than the upper limit value (B2612). When the customer waiting control table pointer is equal to or more than the upper limit value (result of B2612 is “Y”), a pointer value of a return position is set to the customer waiting control table pointer (B2613), and demo control corresponding to the customer waiting control table pointer is performed. The timer is set (B2614). If the customer waiting control table pointer is less than the upper limit value (result of B2612 is “N”), the demo control timer corresponding to the customer waiting control table pointer is set without performing the process of step B2613 (B2614). The demo control timer is, for example, 110 seconds if the demo status corresponding to the customer waiting control table pointer is the symbol display B, 120 seconds if the symbol display C is the symbol display, and 30 seconds if the demo status is the movie display.

  Thereafter, effect control device 300 sets a demo status corresponding to the customer waiting control table pointer (B2615), sets a decoration number corresponding to the customer waiting control table pointer (B2616), and corresponds to the customer waiting control table pointer. A voice number is set (B2617). At the start of the customer waiting demonstration, the decoration number and the voice number are not set to continue the decoration state and the voice state during the execution of the special figure variable display game for a while. After that, the drawing setting (movie display or symbol display) of the screen corresponding to the selected model information indicating the type of the gaming machine is performed (B2618), and the customer waiting demo editing process ends. In the above, it is also possible to omit step B2617 and set no voice number.

  In FIG. 25, when the user wants to stop or start the movie display during the customer waiting demo, the user operates the effect button 25 (detects the operation) to display the demo section (for example, symbol display B, C, movie). A process that can skip (omit) display) may be added.

(Power saving control processing)
Next, an example of a power saving control process (power saving control means) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the power saving control process (B0016) executed by the effect control device 300 in the main process (FIG. 18).

  First, effect controller 300 determines whether or not a customer waiting demonstration command (customer waiting demonstration start information) has been received (B2801). The customer waiting demonstration command is set in the special figure ordinary process (FIG. 10) when both the special figure 1 hold number and the special figure 2 hold number are 0, and is sent from the game control device 100 (B1307). . When a customer waiting demonstration command is received (result of B2801 is “Y”), a power saving timer is set, and a power saving flag indicating that gaming machine 10 is saving power is turned on (B2802). In addition, when the general-purpose game is being executed when the customer waiting demonstration command is received, the power-saving timer and the power-saving flag may be set when the general-purpose game ends. When the customer waiting demo command has not been received (result of B2801 is “N”), it is determined whether or not a fluctuating command (for example, fluctuating command) has been received (B2803).

  When receiving the variation command (result of B2803 is “Y”), effect control device 300 cancels the power saving state to start the decoration special figure variation display game (B2804). The brightness of the power saving target LED (light emitting unit) is changed to a value before power saving (for example, a normal value “high”). Also, the BGM (music) from the speaker is turned on, and the power saving flag indicating that the gaming machine 10 is saving power is turned off. Further, the power saving timer is cleared. In addition, even when the general-purpose command is received (the result of B1319 is “Y”), the power saving state is not released. Even if the general-purpose command is received, the effect related to the general-purpose change display game is not normally performed, so that no problem occurs even if the power-saving state is not canceled, and it is useful to maintain the power-saving state. That is, it is prevented that the power saving state is unnecessarily canceled.

  If the variation command has not been received (result of B2803 is “N”), effect control device 300 checks the power saving timer (B2805). Next, it is determined whether or not the power saving timer is at time t1 (that is, whether or not time t1 has elapsed after receiving the customer waiting demo command) (B2806). When the power saving timer is at time t1 (result of B2806 is “Y”), it is determined whether or not the brightness (brightness) of the power saving target LED is “high” (B2807). When the brightness of the power saving target LED is “high” (the result of B2807 is “Y”), the brightness of the power saving target LED is set to “medium” to reduce the light intensity to the power saving state (B2808). The power saving control process ends. If the brightness of the power saving target LED is not “high” (result of B2807 is “N”), the power saving control process is terminated. In the present embodiment, the time t1 is set as the display time (30 to 60 seconds) of the symbol display A displayed from the reception of the customer waiting demonstration command, and the power saving target LED is turned on from the start of the customer waiting effect (movie display). The light is dimmed to save power, but the time t1 can be set as appropriate.

  The effect control device 300 obtains a luminance command value (for example, a register value) of the power-saving target LED (light-emitting unit) from a register or a RAM of the main control microcomputer 311 and determines whether the LED luminance is “high” or “medium”. "Low" can be determined. In the present embodiment, the LED brightness (brightness command value) is set to three values of high, medium, and low, and is set to “high” in a normal state other than the power saving state, but is not limited thereto. For example, the brightness of the power saving target LED may be immediately reduced from “high” to “low” without passing through “medium”.

  When the power saving timer is not time t1 (result of B2806 is “N”), effect control device 300 determines whether or not the power saving timer is time t2 (that is, time t2 has elapsed after receiving the customer waiting demonstration command). (B2809). When the power saving timer is at time t2 (result of B2809 is "Y"), the upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b are placed in the power saving state, BGM such as various melodies are turned off (B2810), and the power saving control process ends. Note that the effect control device 300 controls the sound source LSI 314 to turn off the BGM reproduced from the upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b (that is, the volume of the upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b is set to zero). Here, the BGM is switched on and off, but for example, the volume of the BGM may be controlled.

  When the power saving timer is not time t2 (result of B2809 is "N"), effect control device 300 determines whether or not the power saving timer is time t3 (that is, time t3 has elapsed after receiving the customer waiting demonstration command). (B2811). When the power saving timer is at time t3 (result of B2811 is “Y”), it is determined whether or not the brightness of the power saving target LED is “medium” (B2812). When the brightness of the power saving target LED is “medium” (result of B2812 is “Y”), the brightness (luminance command value) of the power saving target LED is set to “low”, so that the light is dimmed or turned off. The power saving state is set (B2813), and the power saving control process ends. When the brightness of the power saving target LED is not “medium” (result of B2812 is “N”), the power saving control process is terminated.

  When the power saving timer is not time t3 (result of B2811 is “N”), effect control device 300 determines whether or not the power saving timer is time t4 (that is, time t4 has elapsed after receiving the customer waiting demonstration command). (B2814). When the power saving timer is at time t4 (result of B2814 is “Y”), the power saving timer is reset (B2815), and the power saving control process ends. On the other hand, when the power saving timer is not at the time t4 (the result of B2814 is “N”), the power saving control process is terminated.

  In the power saving control process of FIG. 26, after receiving the customer waiting demonstration command, the effect control device 300 changes the luminance (brightness) of the power saving target LED from “high” to “medium” or “low”. The power saving state is obtained by gradually decreasing the brightness (brightness) of the display unit 41a of the display device 41 from "high" to "medium" and "low" in response to this. It may be in a power saving state.

  As described above, when the variable display game is not being executed, the effect control device 300 receives the customer waiting demo command and dims or turns off the light, thereby changing the light emitting state of the power saving target LED to the power saving state. be able to.

[Game board when brightness control is performed]
Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the gaming board 30 when the luminance control (luminance adjustment, luminance limitation, light emission control) of the light emitting members 480a and 480r is performed will be described. FIG. 27 is a front view of the game board 30 when the brightness control of the light emitting members 480a and 480r is performed.

  On the game board 30, for example, at the time of left hitting, a decorative member 32e that makes a target position (a target position at the time of left hitting (a so-called bumping position)) at which a game ball passing through the firing port 32d lands is formed so as to emit light. Is done.

  The decorative member 32e is formed, for example, in the shape of an arrow pointing to a target position, and is formed so that the character “Aim” can be visually recognized. The decorative member 32e may be formed on the back side of the game board 30 so as to be visible from the front side of the game board 30 in the same manner as the light emitting member 480. Or as a picture (cell).

  Then, when the luminance control of the light emitting members 480a and 480r is performed by the effect control device 300, the luminance of the light emitting members 480a and 480r is lower (darker) than the other light emitting members 480. For example, the light-emitting member 480a is an LED arranged at a target position (bump position), and the light-emitting member 480r is a plurality of LEDs arranged within a circular area having a radius R from the target position (a solid circle in FIG. 27). (For example, four, excluding the light emitting member 480a).

  Thus, the predetermined area in which the luminance control is performed on the light emitting member may be a circular area having a radius R. The center of the circular area having the radius R is set at the midpoint between the obstacle nails 32b and 32c as target positions. The center of the radius R or the center of the circular region having the radius R is appropriately set so that the target position is included in the circular region and the periphery of the target position is relatively darker than other regions of the game region 32. It is possible. For example, when the center of the circular area is matched with the target position, the radius R may be the distance between the target position and the top 32a (the maximum firing position), the distance between the target position and the firing port 32d, and the target R. The distance between the position and the upper end of the game board 30 may be used. The center of the circular region having the radius R may be the tip of the arrow of the decorative member 32e. Further, the center of the circular region having the radius R is not set as the target position, but is set on the reference light emitting member 480a which is closest to the target position, and the luminance of the light emitting member 480r around the light emitting member 480a is reduced. Is also good.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 27, the light emitting member 480r also includes an accessory light emitting member 480b (LED at the head of the character) provided in the side effect unit 40d, which is a movable accessory in a circular region with a radius R. It is. Further, the leftmost LED among the four light emitting members 480 of the logo display portion 40f is also included in the circular region having the radius R, and the brightness is controlled as the light emitting member 480r. The luminance of the decorative member 32e is also controlled in accordance with the luminance control for lowering the luminance of the light emitting members 480a and 480r, so that the luminance is reduced. Since the area around the target position in the game area 32 becomes dark and the glare is reduced, the player can easily observe the members such as the nails 32b and 32c around the target position and the game ball, and the shooting position of the game ball ( It becomes easier to control the position at which the game ball actually hits).

  Note that the brightness of the light emitting member 480 disposed at a position overlapping the game area 32 from the firing port 32d to the top 32a may be reduced. Also in such a mode, the glare is reduced by darkening the game area 32 from the firing port 32d to the top 32a, so that the player can similarly easily observe the game ball, and the launch position of the game ball Control becomes easier.

  In addition, when the accessory light emitting member 480b of the side effect unit 40d goes out of the circular area having the radius R during the brightness control, the brightness of the accessory light emitting member 480b may be returned to the original brightness. (It may be bright), and the state where the luminance is low may be maintained. Also, when the accessory light emitting member 480b having a high luminance enters the circular region having the radius R during the luminance control, the accessory light emitting member 480b is controlled so that the luminance becomes low. Therefore, since there is no light emitting member 480 that emits light brightly in the circular region having the radius R during the brightness control, glare can be reduced.

[Screen transition diagram of the display screen of the display device in the normal gaming state]
FIG. 28 is an example of a screen transition diagram showing a display screen of the display device 41 in a time series in the normal gaming state.

  FIG. 28A shows the display screen of the display device 41 before the start of the variable display game (the special figure variable display game) when the gaming state is the normal gaming state.

  In the center of the display screen of the display device 41, a plurality of variable display areas 610 (left area 610a, right area 610b, middle area) in which large decorative special symbols (large symbols, decorative first symbols A to C) are enlarged and displayed. 610c) are arranged. The decorative first symbols A to C are stopped and displayed in the variable display area 610 with a symbol “123”. Specifically, a decorative first symbol A is displayed in a left region 610a of the plurality of variable display regions 610, a decorative first symbol B is displayed in a right region 610b, and a decorative first symbol C is displayed in a middle region 610c. You.

  In the upper right corner of the display screen of the display device 41, a variable display area 615 in which a small decorative special symbol (small symbol, decorative second symbol) is displayed is arranged. The decorative second symbol is stopped and displayed in the variable display area 615 with the same symbol as “123” as the decorative first symbols A to C.

  At the lower part of the display screen of the display device 41, a first hold display section 630a, a second hold display section 630b, and a hold digestion area 640 are arranged.

  The first hold display section 630a displays a hold display (start memory display) corresponding to the first start memory (special figure 1 start winning winning memory). For example, in the first hold display section 630a of FIG. 28A, three hold displays 633a, 633b, and 633c related to the variable display game before execution are displayed.

  The second hold display section 630b displays a hold display (start memory display) corresponding to the second start memory (special figure 2 start winning prize storage). For example, the second hold display unit 630b at the present time (FIG. 28A) does not have a hold display corresponding to the second start storage.

  In the suspension digestion area 640, a suspension display during fluctuation is displayed. On the first hold display section 630a and the second hold display section 630b, a start memory display corresponding to the start memory related to the variable display game before execution is displayed, while the hold digestion area 640 displays A start memory display (suspending display during fluctuation) corresponding to the start memory relating to the fluctuation display game is displayed. For example, at the present time (FIG. 28 (A)), the variable display game is not executed, and the suspended display is not displayed in the reserved digestion area 640.

  At the right end of the display screen of the display device 41, a special figure 1 reserved number display section 650 and a special figure 2 reserved number display section 660 are arranged. The number "3" indicating the number of special figure 1 reservations is displayed on the special figure 1 reservation number display section 650, and the number "0" indicating the number of special figure 2 reservations is displayed on the special figure 2 reservation number display section 660. I have.

  Then, when the variable display game is started, as shown in FIG. 28B, the decorative first symbols A to C in the variable display region 610 and the decorative second symbols in the variable display region 615 are displayed in the variable display “↓↓↓”. Is done.

  The hold displays 633b and 633c of the first hold display section 630a have been moved to the right display position of the hold display (hold shift). Furthermore, the hold display 633a located at the right end of the first hold display section 630a moves from the first hold display section 630a to the hold digestion area 640, and is displayed as the changing hold display 633a (hold shift).

  The number of the special figure 1 reservation number in the special figure 1 reservation number display section 650 is changed from “3” to “2”. The number indicating the number of special figure 2 reservations in the special figure 2 reservation number display section 660 is maintained at “0”.

  After that, when the running variable display game is stopped, the first decorations A to C in the variable display area 610 and the second decoration in the variable display area 615 are stopped and displayed, and the floating display in the reserved digestion area 640 is displayed. Is hidden (not shown).

[Timing chart of brightness control etc.]
Next, with reference to FIG. 29, the timing of the brightness control (light emission control, brightness adjustment, brightness limitation) and the like executed by the effect control device 300 will be described. FIG. 29 is a timing chart showing an example of timing of luminance control and the like.

  At the time (A) in FIG. 29, when the variable display game is being executed with the number of reservations (for example, special figure 1 number of reservations) being one, the variable display area 610 is displayed on the display screen of the display device 41 as described above. The first decorations A to C (large symbols) and the second decoration (small symbols) in the variable display area 615 are displayed in a variable manner. Time (A) is an arbitrary time when the variable display game is being executed.

  The effect control device 300 controls light emission (lighting or blinking) of the light emitting members and lighting members (for example, LEDs) of the board decoration device 46 and the frame decoration device 18 in accordance with the effect of the variable display game. The light emitting members 480a and 480r, which are LEDs around the recessed position (in the circular region having a radius R in FIG. 27), and the light emitting members 480 which are other LEDs (outside the circular region having a radius R in FIG. 27). Means that luminance control (light emission control) is performed in a high luminance state (normal luminance state). Note that, even when the light emitting members 480a, 480r, and the like are in a high-luminance state, the effect control device 300 temporarily lowers a part or all of the luminance in accordance with a special effect of the variable display game (for example, turning off the light). (Including).

  When the variable display game is stopped at the time (B) in FIG. 29, the first decorations A to C (large designs) in the variable display area 610 of the display screen of the display device 41 and the second decoration in the variable display area 615 are displayed. (Small symbol) is the stop display mode. The LEDs (light-emitting members 480a and 480r) around the recessed position (within the circular region with a radius R) and the other LEDs (the light-emitting members 480 outside the circular region with a radius R) are in a high-luminance state (normal state). The brightness control (light emission control) in the brightness state) is maintained.

  Subsequently, when the next variable display game is started at a time (C) after a lapse of a predetermined time T from the time (B), the decorative first symbols A to A of the variable display area 610 are displayed on the display screen of the display device 41. C (large symbol) and the decorative second symbol (small symbol) in the variable display area 615 are again variable displayed. The predetermined time T is a time from the stop of the variable display game to the start of the next variable display game (for example, 1 sec). When the next variable display game is started, the number of suspensions is reduced from 1 to 0. The brightness control of the LED around the depression position and the other LEDs in the high brightness state is continuously maintained.

  When the next variable display game is stopped at the time (D) in FIG. 29, the first decorations A to C (large designs) of the variable display area 610 of the display screen of the display device 41 and the decorations of the variable display area 615 are displayed. Two symbols (small symbols) are in the stop display mode. The LED around the depression position and the other LEDs remain at high brightness.

  Thereafter, at a time (E) at which the predetermined time T has elapsed without the occurrence of the start memory, the other LEDs remain at high brightness, while the LEDs around the depression position are controlled to have low brightness. In this way, the effect control device 300 determines that there is no start memory after the stop of the variable display game at the time of left-handing, that is, the number of reservations (the sum of the number of special figure 1 reservation and the number of special figure 2 reservation) is 0. As a condition, the brightness of the LED around the blurred position is reduced.

  For example, the effect control device 300 determines from the received decorative special figure 1 hold number command and decorative special figure 2 hold number command that the number of holds (the sum of the special figure 1 hold number and the special figure 2 hold number) is 0. You may decide. Then, if a predetermined time T has elapsed after setting the stop mode of the special figure in step B1325, if the number of holds is 0, the effect control device 300 determines the vicinity of the recessed position (a circular area having a radius R). The LED in (in) may be controlled to have low brightness (B0022). In addition, since the customer waiting demo command is transmitted from the game control device 100 when the number of holds is 0 after the variable display game ends (A3213 in FIG. 10), the production control device 300 receives the customer waiting demo command. If a predetermined time T has elapsed since then, the LEDs around the depression position (within a circular area having a radius R) may be controlled to have low luminance (B0022).

  It should be noted that the brightness control for the LEDs around the indentation position (circular region of radius R in FIG. 27) may be performed before the above-described power saving control (FIG. 26) is executed. Then, in the power saving control (FIG. 26), the brightness of the LED (almost all the light emitting members 480 including the outside of the circular region having the radius R in FIG. 27) to be saved is reduced. In addition, the brightness is reduced only for the LEDs around the blurred position.

  As described above, the periphery of the target position (bubble position) in the game area 32 is darkened and glare is reduced, so that the player observes members such as the obstacle nails 32b and 32c and the game ball around the target position. It will be easier. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for a player who wants to start the fluctuating display game as soon as the number of reserves is 0 to control the launch position of the game ball.

  Note that during the execution period of the next variable display game from the time (C) to the time (D) or during a predetermined time T from the time (D) to the time (E), the start memory is generated and the number of suspensions is reduced. When the number of LEDs becomes one, the luminance of the LEDs around the depression position may be maintained at a high luminance. In addition, when the start display memory is generated and the variable display game is started while the luminance of the LED around the depression position is controlled to be low, the effect control device 300 sets the LED around the depression position to be low. Can be increased again.

[Screen transition diagram of the display screen of the display device in the normal gaming state]
FIG. 30 is an example of a screen transition diagram showing the display screen of the display device 41 in chronological order when the brightness control and the like described in the timing chart of FIG. 29 are performed.

  In FIG. 30, the brightness state of the light emitting members 480a and 480r around the indentation position (within a circular area having a radius R) is also shown as "bright" or "dark" at the upper left of the display screen of the display device 41. Is shown. “Bright” is a state of high luminance, and “Dark” is a state of low luminance. As described above, for example, the light-emitting member 480a is an LED arranged at the recessed position (target position, target position at the time of left-handing), and the light-emitting member 480r is a circular area (circle, FIG. 27 (solid line 27) are a plurality of LEDs (for example, four, excluding the light emitting member 480a).

  FIG. 30 (A) is a display screen of the display device 41 when the variable display game is being executed at the time (A) in FIG. 29. The decorative first symbols A to C in the variable display area 610 and the decorative second symbols in the variable display area 615 are displayed in a variable form of “↓↓↓”, and the reserved display area 640 displays a pending change display 633 a.

  One hold display 633 is displayed on the first hold display section 630a. The state of luminance of the light emitting members 480a and 480r is "bright" (high luminance state).

  FIG. 30B is a display screen of the display device 41 when the variable display game is stopped at the time B in FIG. For example, the decoration first symbols A to C and the decoration second symbol are stopped and displayed as a symbol “123”. The pending display during change of the reserved digestion area 640 is not displayed.

  FIG. 30C is a display screen of the display device 41 when the next variable display game is started at time (C) in FIG. 29. The suspension display 633 of the first suspension display unit 630a is displayed as the suspended display 633 during the shift of the suspension digestion area 640 after the suspension shift. Also, the number indicating the special figure 1 reservation number in the special figure 1 reservation number display section 650 changes from “1” to “0”.

  FIG. 30D is a display screen of the display device 41 when the next variable display game is stopped at the time (D) in FIG. 29. For example, the decoration first symbols A to C and the decoration second symbol are stopped and displayed as a symbol “431”. The light emitting members 480a and 480r are “bright” (high brightness state) from FIG. 30 (A) to FIG. 30 (D).

  FIG. 30 (E) is a display screen of the display device 41 when a predetermined time T has elapsed from the time (D) in FIG. 29 without occurrence of start memory and the time (E) has been reached. The display screen of the display device 41 maintains the same display as that in FIG. On the other hand, the state of the luminance of the light emitting members 480a and 480r that has been “bright” (high luminance state) shifts to “dark” (low luminance state). Accordingly, the periphery of the target position (bump position) in the game area 32 is darkened and the glare is reduced, so that the player can easily observe the members such as the obstacle nails 32b and 32c and the game ball around the target position. . Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for a player who wants to start the fluctuating display game as soon as the number of reserves is 0 to control the launch position of the game ball.

[Gaming board of modified example when brightness control is performed]
Next, with reference to FIG. 31, a description will be given of a game board 30 of a modified example when the brightness control (luminance adjustment, brightness limitation, light emission control) of the light emitting members 480a, 480r, 480r1 is performed. FIG. 31 is a front view of the game board 30 of the modification when the brightness control of the light emitting members 480a, 480r, 480r1 is performed. In the following drawings, a description of the same configuration as that of the game board 30 in FIG. 27 will be appropriately omitted.

  In the game board 30 of the modified example of FIG. 31, the light emitting members 480a and 480r for which the control for lowering the luminance is performed are arranged as in FIG. 27, and the light emitting member 480r1 for which the control for lowering the luminance is performed emits light. It is arranged outside the member 480r.

  For example, the light-emitting member 480a is an LED arranged at a target position (bump position, target position when left-handed), and the light-emitting member 480r is arranged in a circular area (inner circle) having a radius R from the target position. (Eg, four, excluding the light emitting member 480a). 27, the radius R is set to, for example, the distance between the target position and the top 32a (the maximum firing position), and the center of the circular region having the radius R is the midpoint between the obstacle nail 32b and the obstacle nail 32c (the target nail). Position).

  Further, the light emitting member 480r1 has an annular area having an inner radius R and an outer radius R2 (between an inner circle and an outer circle), which is obtained by removing the circular area having the radius R from the circular area having the radius R2. A plurality of LEDs (for example, seven LEDs) are arranged in an annular region (ring-shaped region, donut-shaped region) having a radial width D (= R2-R). The radius R2 is set to, for example, the distance between the target position and the firing port 32d. The center of the circular region having the radius R2 is set at the same position as the center of the circular region having the radius R.

  As shown in FIG. 31, for example, as shown in FIG. 31, the light emitting member 480r1 has an accessory light emitting member 480b (LED of a character's face portion) provided in the side effect unit 40d which is a movable accessory in an annular region having a width D in the radial direction. ), And the second LED from the left end of the logo display section 40f, and the brightness is controlled.

  The brightness (medium brightness) of the light emitting member 480r1 is controlled to be brighter than the brightness (low brightness) of the light emitting members 480a and 480r in the circular region of the radius R, and the light emission outside the circular region of the radius R2. Control is performed so as to be lower than the luminance (high luminance, normal luminance) of the member 480. As described above, the effect control device 300 adjusts the luminance of the light emitting member 480 of the game board 30 stepwise (three steps) according to the distance from the light emitting member 480a as a reference.

  Accordingly, the periphery of the target position (bump position) in the game area 32 gradually becomes darker and the glare is reduced, so that the player can easily observe the surrounding members such as the nails 32b and 32c and the game ball. . In addition, since the light and shade are divided in stages, it is easier for the player to understand the target position and to see how far away from the target position the game ball is launched, so the launch of the game ball It is easy to control the position (the position where the game ball actually hits).

  The effect control device 300 may adjust the luminance of the light emitting member 480 of the game board 30 in four or more steps according to the distance from the light emitting member 480a serving as a reference. (Gradation).

  In addition, the effect control device 300 controls the brightness of the light emitting members and the lighting members (for example, LEDs, etc.) of the frame decoration device 18 (not shown) in the circular region having the radius R2 in addition to the light emitting members 480 of the board decoration member 46. Can be. For example, the frame decoration device 18 can be disposed above the game board 30 in a circular area having a radius R2 in FIG. 31 or can be disposed forward as a movable accessory. Then, the brightness of the LEDs and the like of the frame decoration device 18 located in the annular area having the width D or the circular area having the radius R can be controlled to the middle brightness or the low brightness.

  In this way, the brightness of the LED and the like of the frame decoration device 18 is controlled together with the light emitting member 480 of the board decoration member 46, so that the glare around the target position (bubble position) is further reduced. It becomes easy to observe the members such as the obstacle nails 32b and 32c and the game ball, and to easily control the launch position of the game ball. In addition, since the annular region having the width D where the brightness control becomes the middle brightness is wider than the radius R where the brightness becomes low, the LED or the like of the frame decoration device 18 is easily included in the range. Therefore, glare around the target position (blur position) can be reduced over a wider range.

[Gaming board of second modified example when brightness control is performed]
Next, with reference to FIG. 32, a description will be given of a game board 30 of a second modified example when the luminance control (luminance adjustment, luminance limitation, light emission control) of the light emitting members 480a, 480r2 is performed. FIG. 32 is a front view of the game board 30 of the second modified example when the brightness control of the light emitting members 480a and 480r2 is performed.

  In the game board 30 of the second modified example of FIG. 32, the area in which the effect control device 300 controls the brightness is different from the game board 30 described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 31.

  The light-emitting member 480a whose brightness is controlled is an LED arranged at a target position (bump position, target position when left-handed). The light emitting member 480r2 includes a plurality of LEDs (for example, 11 light emitting members 480a arranged in a region (a band-shaped region) at a distance R (radius R) from a line (dashed line) connecting the top 32a to the emission port 32d. Excluding). The distance R (radius R) is set to the distance between the target position and the top 32a (the maximum firing position) as in FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 32, both ends of the band-shaped region are rounded with a curvature of 1 / R (the radius of curvature is R).

  As shown in FIG. 32, the light emitting member 480r2 includes three accessory light emitting members 480b (LEDs for the head, face, and side of the character) provided in the side effect unit 40d that is a movable accessory in the belt-shaped area. Also, two LEDs on the left side of the logo display section 40f are included, and the brightness control is performed.

  Therefore, in the game area 32, the entire area from the top 32a, which is the maximum landing position of the game ball at the time of the left hit, to the vicinity of the launch port 32d, which is the shortest impact position, that is, the entire area that the player can aim at at the time of left hit And darkness is reduced. Therefore, the player can always easily observe the game ball hitting in the game area 32 at the time of left hit, and thus can easily control the launch position of the game ball.

  The effect control device 300 may adjust the luminance of the light-emitting members 480a and 480r2 in the band-shaped region stepwise (for example, three steps) or steplessly. The range of the band-shaped region, for example, the position of the broken line in FIG. 32 and the distance R (radius R) can be changed as appropriate.

  In addition, as described above, the effect control device 300 can appropriately control the brightness of the LED and the like of the frame decoration device 18 (not shown) in the band-shaped region, in addition to the light emitting member 480 of the board decoration member 46.

[Another example of timing chart of luminance control etc.]
Next, with reference to FIG. 33, another example of the timing of the luminance control and the like executed by the effect control device 300 will be described. FIG. 33 is a timing chart showing another example of the timing of the luminance control and the like. The following timing chart illustrates an example of timing of luminance control and the like using a game board having the same configuration as the game board 30 in FIG. The description of the same configuration as the timing chart of FIG. 29 will be omitted as appropriate.

  At the time (A) in FIG. 33, when the variable display game is executed with the number of holdings being one, the display screen of the display device 41 displays first decorations A to C (large designs) and second decorations. (Small symbol) is displayed in a variable manner.

  Further, the light emitting members 480a and 480r, which are LEDs around the recessed position (in the circular region with a radius R in FIG. 27), and the other light emitting members (outside the circular region with a radius R in FIG. 27). The luminance of the member 480 is controlled in a high luminance state (normal luminance state).

  When the variable display game is stopped at the time (B) in FIG. 33, the first decorations A to C and the second decoration are in a stop display mode on the display screen of the display device 41. The LEDs (light-emitting members 480a and 480r) around the recessed position (within the circular region with the radius R) and the other LEDs (the light-emitting members 480 outside the circular region with the radius R) have high luminance. Control is maintained.

  Subsequently, when the next variable display game is started at a time (C) after a lapse of a predetermined time T1 from the time (B), the first decorations A to C and the second decorations are displayed on the display screen of the display device 41. The symbol and the symbol are changed and displayed again. The predetermined time T1 is a time from the stop of the variable display game to the start of the next variable display game (for example, 1 sec (second)). The number of reservations is reduced from one to zero. The LED around the depression position and the other LEDs remain at high brightness.

  When the next variable display game is stopped at the time (D) in FIG. 33, the first decorations A to C and the second decoration are in a stop display mode on the display screen of the display device 41. The LED around the depression position and the other LEDs continue to have high brightness.

  Thereafter, at the time (E) at which the predetermined time T2 has elapsed without occurrence of the start memory, the other LEDs remain at high brightness, while the LEDs around the depression position are controlled to have low brightness. The predetermined time T2 is, for example, a time from when the variable display game is stopped in a state where the number of holds is 0, until the player setting (B2421 to B2423) such as volume adjustment, brightness adjustment, and effect customization can be performed. (For example, 3 to 5 seconds).

  In this way, the effect control device 300 lowers the brightness of the LEDs around the depression position on the condition that a predetermined time T2 has elapsed after the variable display game was stopped and the number of holds was 0 when the player hit left. Since the surroundings of the target position (bubble position) in the game area 32 become dark and glare is reduced, the player can easily observe members such as the obstacle nails 32b and 32c and the game ball around the target position. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for a player who wants to start the fluctuating display game as soon as the number of reserves is 0 to control the launch position of the game ball. Further, after a lapse of a predetermined time T2 longer than the predetermined time T1 (for example, 1 sec), the brightness of the LEDs around the depression position decreases, so that the player is more likely to be immersed in the lingering sound of the latest variable display game. .

  The predetermined time T2 is not limited to the time until the player setting can be performed, but may be set to the time until another setting, operation, or the like can be performed, and is not related to the setting. It may be set individually as an independent time (for example, 10 to 15 seconds).

  Further, at a time (F) when a predetermined time T3 has elapsed without starting memory being generated after the fluctuation display game was stopped at the time (D), the effect control device 300 displays a customer waiting effect (for example, a movie display of a customer waiting demonstration). ) Is started (B0015). The predetermined time T3 is, for example, a time from when the variable display game is stopped in a state where the number of holds is 0 to when a customer waiting effect is started (for example, 30 to 60 seconds). At time (F), the display screen of the display device 41 becomes a customer waiting demonstration screen (for example, movie display).

  Further, when the customer waiting effect starts, the effect control device 300 also lowers the brightness of the LEDs other than those around the bump position by the power saving control process (B0016). In this case, in order to prevent the gaming machine 10 from being momentarily darkened, the brightness of the LEDs other than the vicinity of the bump position is gradually reduced from the high brightness to the middle brightness to the low brightness (see the power saving control in FIG. 26). Example of processing). Note that the start of the brightness reduction of the other LEDs in the power saving control process may be delayed from the start of the customer waiting effect (F).

  Note that the LEDs around the depression position are controlled to have low luminance at the time (E) at which the predetermined time T2 has elapsed from the time (D), but the predetermined time T3 has elapsed as shown by the broken line in FIG. At the same time as the start of the customer waiting effect at the time (F), the low brightness may be controlled together with the other LEDs.

[Screen transition diagram of the display screen of the display device in the normal gaming state]
FIG. 34 is an example of a screen transition diagram showing the display screen of the display device 41 in chronological order when the brightness control and the like described in the timing chart of FIG. 33 are performed. Similarly to FIG. 30, in the upper left of the display screen of the display device 41, the brightness states of the light emitting members 480a and 480r around the recessed position (within a circular area having a radius R) are illustrated as “bright” and “dark”. Have been. In the following screen transition diagrams, description will be made by appropriately omitting the contents overlapping with FIG.

  FIGS. 34 (A) to 34 (D) are display screens of the display device 41 from time (A) to time (D) in FIG. 33, and are the same as FIGS. 30 (A) to 30 (D). Screen transition to.

  FIG. 34E shows the display screen of the display device 41 when the predetermined time T2 has elapsed from the time D in FIG. The display screen of the display device 41 maintains the same display as that in FIG. On the other hand, the state of the luminance of the light emitting members 480a and 480r that has been “bright” (high luminance state) shifts to “dark” (low luminance state). Therefore, since the periphery of the target position (bubble position) in the game area 32 becomes dark and the glare is reduced, the number of reserves is 0, and the player who wants to start the fluctuating display game quickly receives the firing position of the game ball. Can be easily controlled. Further, after a lapse of a predetermined time T2 longer than the predetermined time T1 (for example, 1 sec), the brightness of the LED around the depression position decreases, so that the player is more likely to be immersed in the latest variable display game.

  FIG. 34 (F) is a display screen of the display device 41 when the predetermined time T3 has elapsed from the time (D) in FIG. 33 without the start memory being generated and the time (F) has been reached. When a customer waiting effect (movie display or the like) is started on the display screen of the display device 41, a mode display 645 “displaying a customer waiting demonstration” indicating that the customer waiting effect is being displayed is displayed on the display screen. You.

  Note that the effect control device 300 performs power saving control processing in response to the start of the customer waiting effect (B0016), lowers the brightness of the LEDs other than the vicinity of the bumping position, and reduces the brightness of the display screen of the display device 41. May be lowered.

  Further, as described above, the LEDs around the sunken position are set to “dark” (low brightness state) in accordance with the start of the customer waiting demonstration at the time (F) at which the predetermined time T3 has elapsed as indicated by the broken line in FIG. The display may be controlled, and the display screen of the display screen 41 at that time can be changed from FIG. 34 (D) to FIG. 34 (F) as indicated by an arrow.

[Screen transition diagram of the display screen of the display device when right-handed is instructed in the time reduction state]
FIG. 35 is an example of a screen transition diagram showing, in chronological order, the display screen of the display device 41 when a right-handed operation is instructed in the time-saving state (specific gaming state, ordinary power support state).

  As shown in FIG. 35 (A), on the display screen of the display device 41 before the variable display game is performed, the decorative first symbols A to C in the variable display area 610 and the decorative second symbols in the variable display area 615 are: For example, it is stopped and displayed with the symbol "123".

  The first hold display section 630a displays two hold displays 633e and 633f corresponding to the first start memory, and the second hold display section 630b displays four hold displays 633a and 633b corresponding to the second start memory. , 633c and 633d are displayed. Also, a number "2" indicating the number of special figure 1 reservations is displayed on the special figure 1 reservation number display section 650, and a number "4" indicating the special figure 2 reservation number is displayed on the special figure 2 reservation number display section 660. Have been.

  On the display screen of the display device 41, a right-handed instruction display 657 is displayed in the upper right part, and a remaining game number display 658 is displayed in the upper part. The right-stroke instruction display 657 displays characters of “right-stroke” (character display) and a graphic of an arrow “⇒” (graphic display) collectively. In the remaining game number display 658, the number of remaining games in the time reduction state (the number of remaining variable display games) is displayed, for example, “70 remaining”. The number of games in the time reduction state (the number of variable display games) is, for example, 100.

  In the time-saving state, it is advantageous to fire a game ball in the right area in order to win or pass the game ball to the ordinary prize device 37 or the general-purpose starting gate 34 existing in the right area of the game area 32. For this reason, it is recommended (instruction, guidance) that the player shoots the game ball in the right area by the right-handing instruction display 657 of the hitting information. In addition, the effect control device 300 can be used in a game state (a game state advantageous to the player) in which it is recommended to fire a game ball in the right area such as a probability change state (specific game state) or a big hit state (special game state). Similarly, a right-handed instruction display 657 can be performed.

  FIG. 35B is a display screen of the display device 41 when the variable display game is started based on the second start memory.

  When the variable display game is started, as shown in FIG. 35 (B), the decorative first symbols A to C and the decorative second symbols are displayed in a floating display “↓↓↓”, and the hold display of the second hold display section 630b. 633b, 633c, and 633d move to the display position of the hold display on the left (hold shift). Further, the hold display 633a located at the left end of the second hold display section 630b moves from the second hold display section 630b to the hold digestion area 640, and is displayed as the changing hold 633a (hold shift).

  The display of the number indicating the special figure 2 reservation number in the special figure 2 reservation number display section 660 is changed from “4” to “3”. The number indicating the number of special figure 1 reservations in the special figure 1 reservation number display section 650 keeps displaying “2”. As described above, the variable display game based on the second start memory is performed in preference to the variable display game based on the first start memory (second start memory priority). Note that the variable display game may be performed in the order in which the start memories are generated (first-start memory priority).

[Timing chart of luminance control etc. when returning from the time saving state to the normal gaming state]
Next, with reference to FIG. 36, a description will be given of the timing of the brightness control and the like when returning from the time-saving state to the normal game state as a second example of the timing of the brightness control and the like executed by the effect control device 300. FIG. 36 is a timing chart showing an example of timing of brightness control and the like when returning from the time saving state to the normal game state.

  At the time (A) in FIG. 36, when the variable display game is executed with the special figure 2 reserved number being four, the display screen of the display device 41 displays the decorative first symbols A to C (large) as described above. Symbol) and a decorative second symbol (small symbol) are variably displayed. Time (A) is the time when the number of remaining games in the time reduction state is 0 and the last variable display game in the time reduction state is being executed. The effect control device 300 can grasp the number of remaining games in the time saving state by receiving the time saving number information command.

  In addition, the number of reserved special figure 1 is 0, and the LEDs (light emitting members 480a and 480r) and the other LEDs (light emitting members 480 outside the circular region of the radius R) in the vicinity of the recessed position are in a high brightness state (normally). Brightness control).

  When the variable display game is stopped at the time (B) in FIG. 36, the decorative first symbols A to C and the decorative second symbols on the display screen of the display device 41 are in a stopped display mode. The brightness control in the high brightness state is maintained between the LED around the depression position and the other LEDs.

  Subsequently, when the first variable display game in the normal gaming state is started at a time (C) after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the time (B), the decoration first symbols A to C on the display screen of the display device 41 are displayed. The decorative second symbol is variably displayed. The predetermined time T1 is a time from the stop of the variable display game to the start of the next variable display game (for example, 1 sec). The number of Tokuzu 2 reservations is reduced from four to three.

  In addition, time (C) in FIG. 36 is the time at which the time-saving state (specific game state, ordinary power support state), which is a game state in which the player makes a right-handed game (a game state advantageous to the player), ends. The game state changes to a gaming state in which a left hit is performed (normal gaming state).

  Here, when the gaming state in which the player hits left is set, the effect control device 300 controls the brightness of the LEDs around the depression position to a low brightness state. Other LEDs remain bright.

  As described above, when the game state changes from right-handed to left-handed, the periphery of the target position (bump position) in the game area 32 becomes darker and the glare is reduced. When starting, it becomes easy to observe the surrounding members such as the nails 32b and 32c and the game ball, and it becomes easy to control the launch position of the game ball.

  Thereafter, a first start memory is generated each time a game ball wins in the start winning port 36 (first start winning area) in the left-handed gaming state, and the number of reserved special figure 1 is reduced from 0 to 1, 2 And increase.

  When the first variable display game in the normal gaming state is stopped at the time (D) in FIG. 36, the decorative first symbols A to C and the decorative second symbols on the display screen of the display device 41 are in a stopped display mode.

  Thereafter, similarly, when the second variable display game in the normal gaming state is started at a time (E) after a lapse of a predetermined time T1 from the time (D), the special figure 2 suspension number is reduced from three to two. Then, the decoration first symbols A to C and the decoration second symbols are variably displayed on the display screen of the display device 41. When the second variable display game in the normal gaming state is stopped at the time (F) in FIG. 36, the first decorations A to C and the second decoration are stopped and displayed on the display screen of the display device 41. Become. As the first start memory is generated during the execution of the variable display game, the number of reserved special figure 1 is increased from two to three and four.

  Time (G) in FIG. 36 is a time at which the third variable display game in the normal gaming state is started after a lapse of a predetermined time T1 from time (F). The time (I) is the time at which the fourth variable display game is started after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the time (H) at which the third variable display game was stopped. Every time the variable display game is started, the special figure 2 reservation number decreases from 2 to 1 at time (G) and decreases from 1 to 0 at time (I).

  Time (J) in FIG. 36 is the time at which the fourth variable display game in the normal gaming state started at time (I) is stopped. When the fourth variable display game after switching to the normal game state at time (J) is stopped, the effect control device 300 returns the LEDs around the bump position to the high luminance state (normal luminance). Brightness control. Note that the effect control device 300 returns the LEDs around the bump position to a high-luminance state (normal luminance) at the timing when the variable display game based on the first start memory at time (K) described later is started. May be controlled.

  In this way, the effect control device 300 increases the brightness of the LEDs around the bump position when the variable display game ends n rotations (for example, four rotations) after switching from the right strike mode to the left strike mode. Therefore, the player can easily control the launch position of the game ball after switching from the right-hand mode to the left-hand mode until the variable display game ends n rotations, and performs a normal effect after the n rotations are completed. It can be enjoyed and the interest of the game can be improved.

  The number of rotations is not limited to four, and may be set as appropriate. Further, the effect control device 300 may temporarily lower the LEDs around the depression position until the special figure 2 reservation number is exhausted (until the number of special figure 2 becomes zero).

  Thereafter, at time (K) in FIG. 36 after a lapse of a predetermined time T1 from time (J), when the variable display game is performed based on the first start memory, the number of special figure 1 reservations is reduced from four to three. Decrease. The LED around the depression position and the other LEDs are in a state of high brightness. Then, at time (L), the variable display game based on the first start memory is stopped. Hereinafter, the variable display game is performed based on the first start memory.

[Screen transition diagram of the display screen of the display device when returning from the time saving state to the normal game state]
Next, a screen transition diagram of the display screen of the display device 41 when returning from the time saving state to the normal game state will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38. FIG. 37 is a first half of an example of a screen transition diagram showing a time-series display screen of the display device 41 when the brightness control and the like described in the timing chart of FIG. 36 are being performed. FIG. 38 is the latter half of an example of the screen transition diagram.

  FIG. 37A is a display screen of the display device 41 when the last variable display game in the time saving state at time (A) in FIG. 36 is being executed. On the display screen of the display device 41, a right-handed instruction display 657 is displayed in the upper right part, and the remaining game number display 658 is displayed as "LAST" in the upper part.

  The decorative first symbols A to C in the variable display area 610 and the decorative second symbols in the variable display area 615 are displayed in a variable display “↓↓↓”. Four hold displays 633a, 633b, 633c, and 633d are displayed in the second hold display section 630b, and a pending change is displayed in the hold digestion area 640. Also, the number indicating the number of special figure 1 reservations in the special figure 1 reservation number display section 650 is “0”, and the number indicating the number of special figure 2 reservations in the special figure 2 reservation number display section 660 is “4”. No hold display is displayed on the first hold display section 630a. The state of the luminance of the light emitting members 480a and 480r (LEDs around the recessed position) is "bright" (high luminance state).

  FIG. 37B is a display screen of the display device 41 when the variable display game is stopped at the time B in FIG. For example, the decoration first symbols A to C and the decoration second symbol are stopped and displayed as a symbol “123”.

  FIG. 37 (C) is a display screen of the display device 41 when the first variable display game in the normal gaming state is started at the time (C) in FIG. 36. At the time (C), the time-saving state in which the right-handed gaming state is completed and the gaming state is changed to the left-handed normal gaming state, the left-handed instruction display 659 is displayed on the display screen of the display device 41. Is displayed. The left-handed instruction display 659 is a display for instructing a right-handed player to perform left-handed, and is enlarged (highlighted) on a layer (layer) in front of the variable display area 610 for a predetermined period. When the player is performing left-handed driving, the display may be small on a part of the display screen or may not be displayed.

  Further, when the state changes to the normal game state, the state of the luminance of the light emitting members 480a and 480r changes to “dark” (state of low luminance). Therefore, when the player makes a left-handed hit, the area around the target position (bubble position) in the game area 32 becomes darker and the glare is reduced, so that the members such as the obstacle nails 32b and 32c around the target position can be used. It becomes easier to observe the game ball and to control the launch position of the game ball.

  The hold displays 633a, 633b, 633c, and 633d of the second hold display section 630b are respectively shifted to the hold state, and the number of the special figure 2 hold number in the special figure 2 hold number display section 660 decreases from "4" to "3". I do. Thereafter, each time the variable display game is executed a plurality of times and the second start memory is consumed until the second start memory is exhausted, the hold display of the second hold display unit 630b is shifted to the hold state, and the special figure 2 hold number The number indicating the special figure 2 reservation number on the display unit 660 decreases by one.

  37 (D) to 37 (F) show the display screens of the display device 41 corresponding to the time (D) to the time (F) in FIG. FIG. 38 (G) to FIG. 38 (J) are display screens of the display device 41 corresponding to time (G) to time (J) in FIG. 36. The decoration first symbols A to C and the decoration second symbols are, for example, stopped and displayed as "431" in the first variable display game after the transition to the normal game state (FIG. 37D). Thereafter, the decoration first symbols A to C and the decoration second symbol are stopped and displayed as “512” in the second variation display game (FIG. 37 (F)), for example, and “723” in the third variation display game. Is stopped (FIG. 37 (H)), and "154" is stopped and displayed in the fourth variation display game (FIG. 37 (J)).

  When the first start memory is generated, a hold display corresponding to the first start memory is displayed as the hold displays 633e and 633f and the hold displays 633g and 633h on the first hold display unit 630a. In FIG. 37 (D) and FIG. 37 (F), the occurrence of the hold display is emphasized by the display of an effect (effect) “new”. An effect that appears while the display rotates) may be displayed, and the effect or the like may be hidden. The state of the luminance of the light emitting members 480a and 480r when the first start memory reaches the upper limit (maximum, for example, four) is “dark” (low luminance) in FIGS. 37 (F) to 38 (I). State), but may be “bright” (high-brightness state).

  In FIG. 38 (J), when the fourth fluctuation display game in the normal game state is stopped, the suspension during the fluctuation of the suspension digestion area 640 is exhausted and is not displayed, and the second start memory is completely eliminated. In addition, the effect control device 300 changes the luminance state of the light emitting members 480a and 480r to “bright” (high) when the variable display game ends n rotations (for example, 4 rotations) after switching from the right strike mode to the left strike mode. Brightness state).

  After that, FIG. 38 (K) is a display screen of the display device 41 when the variable display game is performed based on the first start memory at the time (K) of FIG. 36, and FIG. 38 (L) is FIG. It is a display screen when the variable display game is stopped at time (L). The hold displays 633e, 633f, 633g, and 633h of the first hold display section 630a are respectively shifted to hold, and the number indicating the number of special figure 1 reservations in the special figure 1 hold display section 650 decreases from "4" to "3". . The decoration first symbols A to C and the decoration second symbols are stopped and displayed as, for example, "143" after the variable display "↓↓↓".

Thereafter, the variable display game is executed in response to the first start memory generated or generated, and the display modes of the decoration first symbols A to C and the decoration second symbol, the hold display of the first hold display section 630a, and the like. The number indicating the special figure 1 reservation number in the FIG. 1 reservation number display section 650 changes.

[Timing chart of luminance control and the like when the first start memory is stored up to the upper limit number]
Next, with reference to FIG. 39, as a third different example of the timing of the brightness control and the like executed by the effect control device 300, the timing of the brightness control and the like when the first start memory is stored up to the upper limit number will be described. . FIG. 39 is a timing chart showing an example of the timing of the brightness control and the like when the number of suspensions of the first start storage (the number of suspensions in the special figure 1) is stored to the upper limit number (for example, four).

  At time (A) in FIG. 39, when the variable display game being executed is stopped with the number of special figure 1 reservations (the number of reservations) being four, the display screen of the display device 41 displays the decoration first symbol A To C (large design) and the second decorative design (small design) are in the stop display mode. Time (A) is the time when the running variable display game is stopped with the number of holdings being four. The brightness of the LEDs (light emitting members 480a and 480r) around the recessed position and the other LEDs (light emitting members 480 outside the circular region having the radius R) are controlled in a high brightness state (normal brightness state).

  At time (B) in FIG. 39, when the number of holds is reduced from four to three and the next variable display game is started, the first decorations A to C and the second decorations on the display screen of the display device 41 are displayed. The symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

  When the variable display game being executed is stopped at time (C) in FIG. 39 with the number of holds being three, the first decorations A to C and the second decoration on the display screen of the display device 41 are displayed. Becomes a stop display mode.

  At time (D) in FIG. 39, when the number of holds is reduced from three to two and the next variable display game is started, the first decorations A to C and the first decorations A to C on the display screen of the display device 41 are displayed. The two symbols are variably displayed. Further, the brightness of the LEDs around the depression position is controlled to a low brightness state. Therefore, when the number of reservations is reduced to two, the periphery of the target position (bubble position) in the game area 32 becomes dark and glare is reduced. This makes it easier for the player to observe the members such as the obstacle nails 32b and 32c and the game ball around the target position. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for a player who wants to hold the starting memory to control the firing position of the game ball.

  Thereafter, at time (E) in FIG. 39, the start memory is generated, and even if the number of reservations increases from two to three, the brightness of the LEDs around the depression position remains low.

  At time (F) in FIG. 39, start-up memory is further generated, and when the number of holdings increases from three to the upper limit of four, the brightness of the LED around the recessed position becomes high (normal brightness). Controlled. Therefore, the player can recognize that the start memory (reservation) has accumulated to the upper limit by brightening the vicinity of the bump position, so that when the number of reservations is four, the consumption of the game balls is suppressed, that is, so-called stoppage. It becomes easier to hit, and the interest of the game can be improved. Thereafter, as the number of reservations is reduced to two, the luminance of the LED around the depression position is again limited.

  Note that the effect control device 300 does not limit the brightness of the LEDs around the protruding position (brightness control to a low-brightness state) when the number of suspensions is reduced from four to two. From three to three, from four to one, from three to two, etc. (that is, when the number of holds decreases to a predetermined value). You may. Further, the effect control device 300 is not limited to the mode in which the limitation release (the brightness control to the high brightness state) of the LEDs around the depression position is performed when the number of holdings is reduced from two to four. The processing may be performed when the number is changed from two to three (that is, when the number of reservations increases to a predetermined value).

[Screen transition diagram of the display screen of the display device when the first start memory is stored up to the upper limit number]
Next, a screen transition diagram of the display screen of the display device 41 when the first start storage is stored up to the upper limit number will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 40 is an example of a screen transition diagram showing the display screen of the display device 41 in chronological order when the brightness control and the like described in the timing chart of FIG. 39 are performed.

  FIG. 40A shows the display screen of the display device 41 when the running variable display game is stopped at the time (A) in FIG. 39 and the number of special figure 1 reservations (the number of reservations) is four. It is. On the display screen of the display device 41, the decorative first symbols A to C in the variable display area 610 and the decorative second symbols in the variable display area 615 are stopped and displayed at, for example, a symbol of “123”.

  The first hold display section 630a displays four hold displays 633a, 633b, 633c, and 633d. The pending reservation is not displayed in the pending digestion area 640, and the reserved display is not displayed in the second reserved display section 630b. The number indicating the special figure 1 reservation number in the special figure 1 reservation number display section 650 is “4”, and the number indicating the special figure 2 reservation number in the special figure 2 reservation number display section 660 is “0”. The brightness state of the light emitting members 480a and 480r (LEDs around the recessed position) is "bright" (high brightness state).

  FIG. 40 (B) is a display screen of the display device 41 when the number of holds is reduced from four to three at the time (B) in FIG. 39 and the next variable display game is started. The decorative first symbols A to C in the variable display area 610 and the decorative second symbols in the variable display area 615 are displayed in a variable display “↓↓↓”, and the four reserved displays 633a, 633b, 633c in the first reserved display section 630a are displayed. 633d is pending shifted. When the hold display 633a is shifted to the hold state, the hold display 633a is displayed as the hold during the change of the hold digestion area 640. The number indicating the special figure 1 reservation number in the special figure 1 reservation number display section 650 is “3”.

  FIG. 40 (C) is a display screen of the display device 41 when the variable display game is stopped at the time (C) in FIG. 39. The decoration first symbols A to C and the decoration second symbol are stopped and displayed with, for example, a symbol “431”. The suspension during the change of the suspension digestion area 40 is hidden.

  FIG. 40 (D) is a display screen of the display device 41 when the number of holds is reduced from three to two at time (D) in FIG. 39 and the next variable display game is started. The decoration first symbols A to C and the decoration second symbol are displayed in a floating manner “↓↓↓”, and the three holding displays 633b, 633c, and 633d of the first holding display section 630a are shifted to the hold. When the hold display 633b is shifted to the hold state, the hold display 633b is displayed as the hold during the change of the hold digestion area 640. The number indicating the special figure 1 reservation number in the special figure 1 reservation number display section 650 is “2”.

  In addition, the luminance state of the light emitting members 480a and 480r (LEDs around the depression position) is controlled to be "dark" (low luminance state). As described above, when the number of reservations is reduced to two, the periphery of the target position (bubble position) in the game area 32 becomes dark and glare is reduced. A player who wants to easily observe the members such as the obstacle nails 32b and 32c and the game ball around the target position can be easily observed. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for a player who wants to hold the starting memory to control the firing position of the game ball.

  FIG. 40E shows the display screen of the display device 41 when the start memory is generated at time (E) in FIG. 39 and the number of suspensions increases from two to three. With the increase in the number of reservations, a new reservation display 633e is displayed on the first reservation display section 630a, and the number indicating the number of special figure 1 reservations in the special figure 1 reservation number display section 650 becomes "3". The state of luminance of the light emitting members 480a and 480r is maintained at "dark" (a state of low luminance).

  FIG. 40 (F) is a display screen of the display device 41 when the starting memory is further generated at the time (F) in FIG. 39 and the number of suspensions is increased from three to the upper limit of four. With the increase in the number of reservations, a new reservation display 633f is displayed on the first reservation display section 630a, and the number indicating the number of special figure 1 reservations in the special figure 1 reservation number display section 650 becomes "4".

  Further, when the number of reservations increases from three to four, which is the upper limit, the luminance of the light emitting members 480a and 480r is controlled to be “bright” (high luminance state). Therefore, the player can recognize that the start memory (reservation) has accumulated to the upper limit by brightening the vicinity of the bump position, so that when the number of reservations is four, the consumption of the game balls is suppressed, that is, so-called stoppage. It becomes easier to hit, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[Game board when brightness control of the light emitting member etc. that illuminates the big winning opening]
Note that the effect control device 300 is not limited to the light emitting members 480a, 480r, etc. around the target position (bubble position, target position at the time of left hit), for example, as shown in FIG. 41 to FIG. Of these, the brightness control can be performed by LEDs or the like around various areas of interest to the player.

  FIG. 41 is a front view of the gaming board 30 when the luminance control of the light emitting member 480e that illuminates the special winning opening of the special fluctuation winning device 39 and the light emitting member 480r3 around the light emitting member 480e is performed.

  The light-emitting member 480e that illuminates the special winning opening is, for example, an LED disposed in or near the special winning opening. Further, the light-emitting member 480e may be provided on the opening / closing door 39c that opens the special winning opening.

  A light emitting member 480r3 around the light emitting member 480e is a plurality of LEDs (for example, four, excluding the light emitting member 480e) arranged in a circular area (a circle shown in FIG. 41) having a radius R from the center of the winning opening. is there. For example, the center of the circular region having a radius R is set to the center of the special winning opening, and the radius R is set to the distance from the center of the special winning opening to the lower end of the gaming board 30.

  The effect control device 300 can lower the luminance of the light emitting member 480e illuminating the special winning opening and the light emitting members 480r3 in the vicinity thereof during a round game in which the special winning opening is opened in the big hit state (special game state). Therefore, the area around the special winning opening is darkened and the glare is reduced, so that the player can easily observe the game balls prize in the special winning opening, so that the player can easily immerse in the special feeling during the round game. It can improve the interest of the people.

  When the light emitting member 480e is installed on the opening and closing door 39c of the special winning opening, the light from the light emitting member 480e hardly reaches the front (the player side) by opening the opening and closing door 39c. Can be obtained.

[A game board when the brightness control of the light emitting member etc. that illuminates the normal symbol start gate]
FIG. 42 is a front view of the game board 30 when the brightness control of the light emitting member 480f that illuminates the normal symbol starting gate 34 (the normal figure starting gate) and the light emitting member 480r4 around the light emitting member 480f are performed. .

  The light-emitting member 480f that illuminates the normal symbol start gate 34 is, for example, an LED that is disposed at a position overlapping the normal symbol start gate 34 and visible from the front (from the player side).

  The light-emitting member 480r4 around the light-emitting member 480f has a plurality of LEDs (for example, two, excluding the light-emitting member 480f) arranged in a circular area (circle shown in FIG. 42) having a radius R from the center of the symbol start gate 34. ). For example, the center of the circular region having a radius R is set to the center of the normal symbol starting gate 34, and the radius R is set to the distance from the center of the normal symbol starting gate 34 to the lower end (vertical lower edge) of the lower game area 32. Is done.

  The effect control device 300 can reduce the brightness of the light emitting member 480f that illuminates the normal symbol starting gate 34 and the light emitting members 480r4 around the light emitting member 480f when the ordinary power support such as the time saving state (specific game state) is performed. Therefore, the area around the normal symbol starting gate 34 becomes darker and the glare is reduced, so that the player can easily observe the game balls passing through the ordinary symbol starting gate 34 and can play a game advantageous to the player. It becomes easy to feel, and the interest of the game can be improved.

[Game board when brightness control of the light emitting member etc. that illuminates the second start winning opening]
FIG. 43 shows a light emitting member 480d for illuminating the second starting winning opening (second starting winning area) of the ordinary variable winning device 37, a light emitting member 480r5 around the light emitting member 480d, and a light emitting member 480c for illuminating the starting winning opening 36. It is a front view of the game board 30 when the brightness control is performed.

  The light-emitting member 480d that illuminates the second start winning opening is, for example, an LED arranged at a position overlapping the second starting winning opening and visible from the front (the player side). Further, the light emitting member 480d may be installed on the movable member 37b of the second winning opening.

  The light emitting member 480r5 around the light emitting member 480d has a plurality of LEDs (for example, five, excluding the light emitting member 480d) arranged in a circular area (circle shown in FIG. 43) having a radius R from the center of the second starting winning opening. ). For example, the center of the circular region having the radius R is set to the center of the second starting winning opening, and the radius R is set to the distance from the center of the second starting winning opening to the upper stage 40b.

  The light emitting member 480c that illuminates the starting winning opening 36 is, for example, an LED that is installed at a position overlapping the starting winning opening 36 and visible from the front.

  The effect control device 300 reduces the brightness of the light emitting member 480d illuminating the second starting winning opening and the light emitting members 480r5 and 480c around the light emitting member 480d when the normal power support such as the time saving state (specific game state) is performed. be able to. Therefore, the area around the second starting winning opening becomes darker and the glare is reduced, so that the player can easily observe the game ball winning the second starting winning opening, and can play a game advantageous to the player. It becomes easy to feel, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  The effect control device 300 controls the normal symbol start gate 34 as well as the brightness of the light emitting member 480d of the second start winning opening when the normal power support such as the time saving state (specific game state) is performed. The luminance of the light emitting member 480f to be illuminated and the light emitting member 480r4 around the light emitting member 480f may also be lowered. According to such an aspect, the player can easily observe the game ball passing through the normal symbol start gate 34 together with the game ball winning the second start winning opening, thereby further improving the interest of the game in the specific game state. Can be done.

  When the light emitting member 480d is installed on the movable member 37b of the second winning opening, the light from the light emitting member 480d hardly reaches the front (player side) by rotating the movable member 37b to open. Therefore, a similar effect can be obtained.

[Game board when brightness control of the light emitting member etc. that illuminates the inflow port to the warp passage]
FIG. 44 is a front view of the game board 30 when the luminance control of the light emitting member 480g that illuminates the inlet 40a to the warp passage 40e and the light emitting members 480r6 around the light emitting member 480g are performed.

  The light-emitting member 480g that illuminates the inflow port 40a to the warp passage 40e is, for example, an LED that is arranged at a position overlapping the inflow port 40a and visible from the front (from the player side).

  The light emitting member 480r6 around the light emitting member 480g includes a plurality of LEDs (for example, four light emitting members arranged in a circular region (a circle shown in FIG. 44) having a radius R from the center of the inlet 40a into the warp passage 40e). 480 g). For example, the center of the circular region having a radius R is set to the center of the inlet 40a to the warp passage 40e, and the radius R is set to the distance from the center of the inlet 40a to the left end of the gaming board 30 on the left. . Also, as shown in FIG. 44, the light emitting member 480r6 includes an accessory light emitting member 480b (LED on the torso portion of the character) provided in the side effect unit 40d, which is a movable accessory in a circular region with a radius R. included.

  The effect control device 300 can reduce the brightness of the light emitting member 480g that illuminates the inflow port 40a to the warp passage 40e and the light emitting members 480r6 around the light emitting member 480r6 when the player hits the left (normal game state). Therefore, the periphery of the inflow port 40a becomes darker and glare is reduced, so that the player can easily observe the game ball passing through the inflow port 40a, control the game ball easily, and improve the interest of the game. be able to.

  It is to be noted that the effect control device 300 may be arranged around the area of interest of the player (for example, the stage section 40b or the like) other than the target position (the position of the squatting position, the target position at the time of left hitting) and the positions illustrated in FIGS. LED may be provided, and the brightness of the LED may be appropriately controlled according to the game state.

[Operation and Effect of First Embodiment]
The gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment is a control means (game control device 100) capable of generating a special gaming state advantageous to a player when a game (variable display game, special figure variable display game) has a special result. Is provided. The gaming machine 10 includes a game board 30 in which a game area 32 in which a game ball can flow down is formed, and a plurality of light emitting members 480. The control means (effect control device 300) can control the brightness of the plurality of light emitting members 480, and the period during which the game is not being executed is shorter than the period during which the game is being executed. Control can be performed so that the luminance of the light emitting members 480a and 480r at predetermined positions (a target position, a depression position, a target position at the time of left hitting, etc.) is reduced.

  According to such a gaming machine 10, during a period in which a game (variable display game, special variable display game) is not being executed, a predetermined position (a target position, a prone position, a target position when left-handed, etc.) in the game area 32 is set. ) Is darker and the glare is reduced, so that players who want to play the game can easily observe the surrounding members and game balls and control the launch position of the game balls, improving the interest of the game Can be done.

  In the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the control means (game control device 100, effect control device 300) includes identification information (identification design, decoration special design, decoration first design A to C (large design), this special design. , A variable display game (special figure variable display game) for variably displaying the decoration second symbol (small symbol) can be executed as a game, and start memory (first start memory, second start) is provided as the execution right of the variable display game. (Starting storage means) (game control device 100) capable of storing up to a predetermined number (for example, 4 each). If the start display is not stored when the variable display game has a stop result (stop display mode), the control unit (the effect control device 300) determines the predetermined position (the target position, the bump position, the target position when left-handed). And the like) of the light emitting members 480a and 480r.

  According to such a gaming machine 10, when there is no start memory, the periphery of a predetermined position (a target position, a depression position, a target position when left-handed, etc.) in the game area 32 becomes dark, and glare is reduced. Therefore, a player who wants to generate a starting memory and start a variable display game (game) can easily observe peripheral members and game balls, and can easily control the launch position of the game balls, thereby improving the interest of the game. be able to.

  In the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the control means (game control device 100, effect control device 300) includes identification information (identification design, decoration special design, decoration first design A to C (large design), this special design. , A variable display game (special figure variable display game) for variably displaying the decoration second symbol (small symbol) can be executed as a game, and start memory (first start memory, second start) is provided as the execution right of the variable display game. (Starting storage means) (game control device 100) capable of storing up to a predetermined number (for example, 4 each). The control means (effect control means 300), when the start memory is not generated for a predetermined period (predetermined time T2) after the variable display game has a stop result (stop display mode), a predetermined position (target position, swing position). Of the light emitting members 480a and 480r at the right position, the target position at the time of left hit, etc.).

  According to such a gaming machine 10, the periphery of a predetermined position (a target position, a squat position, a target position at the time of a left hit, etc.) in the gaming area 32 is darkened and glare is reduced. It becomes easy to observe members and game balls around a predetermined position. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for a player who wants to start the variable display game to control the launch position of the game ball easily. Further, after a predetermined period (for example, a predetermined time T2) has elapsed, the periphery of a predetermined position (a target position, a depression position, a target position when left-handed) becomes dark, so that the player is immersed in the lingering sound of the latest variable display game. It becomes easier and the interest of the game can be improved.

  In the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the control means (the game control device 100, the effect control device 300) stores the start memory for a predetermined period (the predetermined time T3) after the variable display game has a stop result (stop display mode). If not, the brightness of the light emitting members 480a and 480r at predetermined positions (a target position, a depression position, a target position at the time of left hitting, etc.) is reduced, and a customer waiting effect (for example, a movie display of a customer waiting demonstration) To start.

  According to such a gaming machine 10, the periphery of a predetermined position (a target position, a squat position, a target position at the time of a left hit, etc.) in the gaming area 32 is darkened and glare is reduced. It becomes easy to observe the members and the game balls around the predetermined position, and it is easy to control the launch position of the game balls. After a lapse of a predetermined period (predetermined time T3), the periphery of a predetermined position (a target position, a squat position, a target position when left-handed, etc.) is started in accordance with the start of a customer waiting effect (for example, a movie display of a customer waiting demonstration). Is darkened, so that it is possible to perform brightness control without discomfort according to the customer waiting effect.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the technical idea, and it is apparent that these are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. It is. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the effect control device 300 reduces the luminance of the light emitting members 480a, 480r, and the like by performing the luminance control in response to a change in the game state, the change of the start memory, and the like. Before lowering the brightness, the area to be aimed at by the player may be emphasized by emitting light (flashing) with high brightness, and then the brightness may be lowered. At this time, the entire light emitting member 480 of the game board 30 is temporarily set to low brightness or extinguished, and spot light emission is performed so that only the area desired by the player is illuminated with a spot to be emphasized. You may.

  In addition, the effect control device 300 emphasizes the area that the player wants to aim at by lowering the overall luminance of the game board 30 and constantly emitting light while increasing the luminance of only the area that the player wants to aim at. (Always highlight light emission). At that time, the effect control device 300 changes the light emitting mode of the light emitting member 480 of the entire game board 30 to, for example, a light emitting mode (light collecting mode) in which light is gathered in an area that the player wants to aim at. Alternatively, an area to be aimed by the player (an area to be aimed at) may be indicated. In the condensed light emission mode, for example, the brightness (light emission intensity) of the light emitting members 480 of the entire game board 30 is set stepwise or steplessly around a region desired to be aimed by the player, and is changed in order. (Gradation light emission, cyclic light emission). The setting of the luminance (light emission intensity) may include turning off the light.

  On the other hand, the effect control device 300 changes the light emitting mode of the light emitting member 480 of the entire game board 30 to, for example, a light emitting mode (diffuse light emitting mode) in which light is diffused (diverged) from an area that the player wants to aim at. Alternatively, an area to be aimed by the player (an area to be aimed at) may be indicated.

  Further, under a certain condition such as when an input of a touch switch provided on the operation handle 24 is detected (the handle touch is on), the effect control device 300 reduces the brightness of the light emitting members 480a, 480r and the like. The present invention is not limited to the mode, and may be a mode in which no light is emitted so that glare around the predetermined position can be further reduced (light-off mode).

  In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the present invention is applied to the gaming machine 10 classified as a gaming machine (a first-type gaming machine) that executes a variable display game in which identification information is displayed in a variable manner. The present invention may be applied to a second-type gaming machine called a thing, or a first-type / second-type mixed-type gaming machine having both functions of the first-type gaming machine and the second-type gaming machine.

  Here, the second-type gaming machine called a wing mono has a movable prize device provided on a game board, and the movable prize device opens an entrance of a game ball by operation of a movable piece (a so-called wing). A game can be generated in which a game ball that has entered the movable winning device from the entrance is guided to a V winning opening or a loss opening provided in the movable winning device. When a game ball winning in the variable winning device enters a specific area (V zone) (winning, passing), a big hit (special result) is generated, and the state shifts to a big hit gaming state (special game state) advantageous to the player. I do. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the losing mouth, several prize balls are generated. In the case where the present invention is applied to a second-type gaming machine or a first-type second-type mixed-type gaming machine, information relating to a variable prize device or an accessory related to the V zone is displayed on a display screen of the display device 41 or the like. Can be displayed.

  And the effect control device 300 of the second-type gaming machine does not execute the game than the period in which the game in which the game ball is guided to the V winning opening or the loss opening provided in the movable winning device is executed. During the period, the control is performed such that the luminance of the light emitting members 480a, 480r, etc., at predetermined positions (for example, the movable winning device, the specific area (V zone), the target position, the retracted position) among the plurality of light emitting members 480 becomes lower. be able to. Accordingly, the periphery of a predetermined position (for example, a movable winning device, a specific region (V zone), a target position, and a squat position) in the game area 32 during a period in which the game is not executed is darkened and glare is reduced. Similarly, it becomes easier to observe the game ball, and the interest of the game can be improved.

10 gaming machine 12 front frame (game frame)
25 production button 25c production button LED
30 gaming board 32 gaming area 36 first start winning area (first start winning area)
37 Ordinary variable winning device (2nd starting winning area)
39 Special variable prize winning device 40 Center case 41 Display device 42 Setting change device 44 Board production device 46 Board decoration device 50 Batch display device (LED)
80 Lamp display device 80a, 80b 4th design LED
100 game control device (main board)
200 payout control device 300 production control device (sub-board)
480 Light emitting member

Claims (4)

In a gaming machine having a control means capable of generating a special gaming state advantageous to a player when the game has a special result,
A game board on which a game area in which a game ball can flow is formed,
And a plurality of light emitting members,
The control means includes:
It is possible to control the brightness of the plurality of light emitting members,
It is possible to control the luminance of the light emitting member at a predetermined position among the plurality of light emitting members to be lower during a period in which the game is not executed than in a period in which the game is executed. Gaming machine. The control means includes:
A variable display game that displays identification information in a variable manner can be executed as the game,
A start storage unit capable of storing a start memory as an execution right of the variable display game up to a predetermined number,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein, when the start result is not stored when the variable display game is stopped, the brightness of the light emitting member at the predetermined position is reduced. The control means includes:
A variable display game that displays identification information in a variable manner can be executed as the game,
A start storage unit capable of storing a start memory as an execution right of the variable display game up to a predetermined number,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the brightness of the light emitting member at the predetermined position is reduced when the starting memory has not been generated for a predetermined period after the stop result of the variable display game. The control means reduces the brightness of the light emitting member at the predetermined position and starts a customer waiting effect when the start memory is not generated for the predetermined period after the stop result of the variable display game. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein: