JP2020151182A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a highly amusing game machine.SOLUTION: A game machine is configured so as to achieve timing for supplying tokens in which a player can easily understand whether tokens can be supplied (whether tokens are flicked by a blocker) and to achieve timing for supplying tokens so as to progress a game as quickly as possible for timing for supplying tokens.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 51

Description

Regarding game machines.

In the rotating body type game machine (slot machine), one game is started when the game start instruction device (start lever) is operated after inserting a predetermined number of game medals, and a plurality of symbols are arranged on the outer circumference. As a result of rotating the rotating cylinders (reel) in a plurality of rows and stopping the rotating cylinders by making full use of the rotating cylinder stop device (stop button) for stopping the rotating operation, a predetermined symbol is displayed on the effective line. When combinations of the above (for example, winning combinations such as "777") are lined up, a special gaming state in which the player is in a higher profit state than in the normal gaming state (a gaming state in which the lottery probability of a small winning combination is higher than in the normal game state). ) Is generally the type that shifts to). Here, in the rotating cylinder type game machine, when an image or the like for directing to enhance the interest of the game is displayed on a display such as a liquid crystal in a form synchronized with the rotation operation and the stop operation of the reel. When operating the reel stop device, etc., it is configured to predict and enjoy the result of the game while comparing the design displayed on the reel with the image for production displayed on the display. There are many things that are done.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-181620 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-215803 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-171710 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-263138

It is desired to provide a game machine with a high degree of interest.

When a blocker inside the selector is the first mode, including a plurality of reels, a plurality of stop switches, a start switch, a medal insertion slot capable of inserting a game medal, and a selector through which a game medal can be inserted. Is configured so that medals passing inside the selector are not guided to the hopper, and if the blocker inside the selector is the second aspect, medals passing inside the selector can be guided to the hopper. When the operation of the start switch is detected, the operation of the start switch is accepted, a predetermined result is determined as an internal lottery result by the internal lottery means, and reel rotation control for all reels is started at a predetermined timing. Under such circumstances, when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot at the predetermined timing, the blocker is designed to be the first mode when the medal reaches the blocker, and the predetermined result is described above. In the game in which is determined, the operation of the predetermined stop switch, which is the final stop operation, is detected, so that the operation of the predetermined stop switch is accepted, and then the operation of the predetermined stop switch is not detected at a specific timing. Under the circumstances, when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot at the specific timing, the blocker when the medal reaches the blocker is designed to be in the second mode. Machine.

According to the game machine according to this aspect, it is possible to provide a game machine having a high degree of interest.

It is a front view of the presupposed pachinko gaming machine. It is a perspective view in the front direction in the state where the frame member of the pachinko gaming machine is opened. It is a perspective view in the rear direction in the state where the frame member of the pachinko gaming machine is opened. It is a perspective view which shows the game board attached to the premise pachinko game machine. It is a functional block diagram of a pachinko gaming machine that is premised. It is a figure which shows the transition of the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine which is assumed. It is a figure which shows the power-on processing of the main control board of a pachinko gaming machine which is a premise. It is a figure which shows the game stop state setting process during the power-on process. It is a figure which shows the interrupt processing of the main control board of a pachinko gaming machine which is a premise. It is a figure which shows the winning or failing lottery table of the pachinko gaming machine which is a premise. It is a figure which shows the winning symbol lottery table of the pachinko gaming machine which is premised. It is a figure which shows the fluctuation pattern lottery table in a low base state of a pachinko gaming machine which is a premise. It is a figure which shows the fluctuation pattern lottery table in a high base state of a pachinko gaming machine which is a premise. It is a figure which shows the special variation pattern lottery table which is referred to for a limited period of a pachinko gaming machine which is assumed. It is a figure which shows the power-on processing of the production control board of a pachinko gaming machine which is a premise. It is a figure which shows the interrupt processing of the production control board of a pachinko gaming machine which is a premise. It is a figure which showed the game effect of the symbol variation display (during the stop display of a decorative symbol) during a normal game (low probability / low base medium) of a pachinko gaming machine which is a premise. It is the figure which showed the game production of the situation which the reach production with high expectation which becomes the big hit of the pachinko game machine which is a premise is performed. It is the figure which showed the game production of the state which the big hit game is executed in the presupposed pachinko game machine. It is a figure which showed the game production during operation of the electric chew support function which is in the specific game state (high probability or low probability / high base) of a presupposed pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the outside perspective of the case of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the back surface of the front panel. It is a figure which shows the inner surface of a housing. It is a figure which shows the functional block. It is a flowchart which shows the program start processing. It is a flowchart which shows the power-off process. It is a flowchart which shows interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows the power-off restoration process. It is a flowchart which shows the game progress main. It is a flowchart which shows the setting change process. It is a flowchart which shows the advantageous section clear counter management processing. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the list of the symbol combination which can be displayed as the result of the winning combination lottery in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the list of the symbol combination which can be displayed as the result of the winning combination lottery in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the list of the symbol combination which can be displayed as the result of the winning combination lottery in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the list of the symbol combination which comprises the winning combination in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the list of the symbol combination which comprises the winning combination in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the list of the symbol combination which comprises the winning combination in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the placement number for each winning combination in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the RT transition diagram in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the determination of the L mode number in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the transmission of the light irradiated by the reel sheet and LED attached to the structure house lamp in the house lamp in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the comparison when the pattern area is provided in the reel sheet in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the scenario number in one advantageous section in 3rd Embodiment, the scenario selection ratio for each set value, and the production scenario corresponding to each scenario. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the list of the symbol combination which can be displayed as the result of the winning combination lottery in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the list of the symbol combination which comprises the winning combination in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the placement number for each winning combination in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the RT transition diagram in 4th Embodiment. It is a timing chart diagram which shows the end timing of the MB-A game in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the medal insertion timing and reel control in this example. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the reel unit and the upper screw of a reel unit in this example. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the opening of the rear surface of a reel unit in this example, and the screw of the upper part of a reel unit. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the opening of the rear surface of a reel unit, the central display board protection cover, and the upper screw of a reel unit in this example. It is a rear perspective view of the reel unit having the upper and lower openings of the reel unit in this example. It is a rear perspective view of the reel unit which has the whole opening of the reel unit in this example. FIG. 1 is an operation explanatory cross-sectional view 1 for explaining the operation principle of the effect input button in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory cross-sectional view 2 for explaining the operation principle of the effect input button in the fifth embodiment. It is the trouble explanatory drawing 1 of the effect input button in 5th Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a defect explanatory view 2 of the effect input button in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of measures for preventing a light source destruction failure of the effect input button in the fifth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the arrangement of the light source and the screw of the effect input button in 5th Embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of measures for preventing a light source destruction failure of the effect input button in the fifth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the mechanism which reduces the defect (eccentric movement) of the effect input button in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the irradiation range of the light source of the effect input button in 5th Embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of light source destruction caused by a defect in the effect input button pressing mechanism according to the fifth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the vibration transmission from the effect button of a pachinko machine in the sixth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the vibration transmission from the effect button of a pachinko machine in the sixth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the vibration transmission from the effect button of a pachinko machine in the sixth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the vibration transmission from the effect button of a pachinko machine in the sixth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the vibration transmission from the effect button of a pachinko machine in the sixth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the vibration transmission displacement from the effect button of the pachinko in the sixth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the vibration transmission from the effect button of the slot machine in 7th Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the vibration transmission from the effect button of the slot machine in 7th Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the vibration transmission from the effect button of the slot machine in 7th Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the vibration transmission from the effect button of the slot machine in 7th Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the vibration transmission from the effect button of the slot machine in 7th Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the vibration transmission displacement from the effect button of the slot machine in 7th Embodiment. It is a cross-sectional view (a) (b) which shows the sensor detection piece operation in 8th Embodiment, and the figure which shows the storage area of a RAM. It is a figure explaining the chattering when the high active determination in 8th Embodiment is adopted. It is a figure explaining the chattering when the low active determination in 8th Embodiment is adopted.

(Prerequisite technology)
Hereinafter, the pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “prerequisite technology”) as a premise of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As typical examples of pachinko gaming machines related to the prerequisite technology, the pachinko gaming machines are shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and the gaming board provided in the pachinko gaming machine is shown in FIG. 4. First, refer to these figures. The mechanical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine will be described. In the following description, for convenience, the directions indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2 will be referred to as front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction, respectively.

[Machine configuration of pachinko game machines]
First, the basic structure on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine P will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine P is configured in an outer rectangular shape, and is configured in a square shape in front of the opening of the outer frame P1 fixed in the game facility in a size matching the opening of the outer frame P1. The front frames P2 are attached to each other so that they can be opened and closed sideways and can be attached and detached by the upper and lower hinge mechanisms (upper hinge portion 10 and lower hinge portion 20) arranged on the front left edge portions of each other.

A game board P5 and a glass frame P3 are detachably set on the front frame P2. The glass frame P3 has a rectangular shape, and is assembled and held on the front surface side of the front frame P2 so as to be openable / closable and detachable by using upper and lower hinge mechanisms (upper hinge portion 10 and lower hinge portion 20). The game board P5 is detachably set on the front side of the front frame P2, and the game area P501 provided on the front side of the game board P5 is visible to the player through the glass P301 of the glass frame P3 which is closed and held. Has been done. Further, the front frame P2 and the glass frame P3 are formed according to the rotation direction by inserting a key into the keyhole of the locking portion P30 provided on the front right edge of the pachinko gaming machine P and rotating it in either the left-right direction. , The outer frame P1 and the front frame P2 are unlocked, or the front frame P2 and the glass frame P3 are unlocked. As a specific example, when the key is inserted into the keyhole of the locking portion P30 and rotated to the right, the outer frame P1 and the front frame P2 are unlocked, and the key is inserted into the keyhole of the locking portion P30 and rotated to the left. Then, the front frame P2 and the glass frame P3 are unlocked.

At the lower part of the glass frame P3, upper and lower ball plates P340 (upper ball plate P341 and lower ball plate P342) for storing game balls are provided. Further, the glass frame P3 is provided with an effect lamp P350 that emits light according to the development status of the game, and an upper speaker P370 capable of outputting sounds such as sound effects according to the development status of the game. An effect operating means P380 for performing a predetermined effect operation is attached to the lower center of the glass frame P3, and the effect operation means P380 possessed by this pachinko gaming machine shown as a prerequisite technology is a push input type button P381 and a tilt operation. The lever P382 is provided, and the button P381 enables the player to operate at all times, while the lever P382 is one of the movable objects (frame movable accessory P360) provided in the glass frame, and the operating means itself. Operation input is possible when is displaced upward (input permission state) (a plurality of operations are possible with the effect operation means of 1).

At the lower right of the front frame P2, a handle P204 for performing a firing operation of the game ball and adjusting the firing intensity is provided. A launching device unit P240 is further provided below the front frame P2, and although not shown, a ball feeding mechanism P241 (sometimes referred to as a ball feeding unit) that feeds game balls stored in the upper ball plate P341 one by one. ), Synchronize the operation of the launching device P242 having a launching mechanism (ball hammer driven by a rotary solenoid), the ball feeding mechanism P241, and the launching device P242 to launch the game ball sent out from the ball feeding mechanism toward the game area P501. A launch control board P243 or the like that is specifically controlled is provided.

As shown in FIG. 4, the game board P5 (game board unit) is configured based on a base material formed in a rectangular flat plate shape using a transparent synthetic resin or wood. Note that FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine P including the game board P5 as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the game board unit P5. FIG. 4 illustrates a state in which the production accessory P560 (also referred to as “movable production device”, “effect movable body”, “effect movable character”, etc.) provided in the game board unit is operating. On the front surface of the game board P5, an arc-shaped outer rail P502 arranged from the lower left to the upper right part, and a circle arranged from the vicinity of the center of the lower part of the game board to the inner side of the outer rail P502 from the lower left to the upper left part. It is provided with an arc-shaped inner rail P503 and a rail decoration P504 arranged between the end of the outer rail P502 in the upper right portion and the lower part of the board surface and formed in a curved shape that opens to the left, and the outer rail P502. A substantially circular game area P501 is formed inside the inner rail P503 and the rail decoration P504. The game area P501 includes a left side area P501L (left-handed area), which is a left side area of the center accessory P540, and a right side area of the center accessory, with reference to the center accessory P540 arranged at the center. It has a right side region P501R (right-handed region). Further, the outer rail and the inner rail form a guide passage for guiding the game ball launched by the launcher unit P240 to the game area P501.

In the game area P501, along with a large number of game nails P510 and windmills P511 (not shown), a first start winning opening P711 (first starting opening), a second starting winning opening P721 (second starting opening), a general winning opening P731, Various ball-entry devices (referred to as "winning devices" when prize balls are generated) such as a normal-figure operating port P741 (general-figure operating gate device) and a large winning opening P751 (attacker) are arranged. It should be noted that the number of large winning openings may be one, or a plurality of large winning openings may be provided. Further, in the present specification, due to the configuration of the ball entry device, the game ball is discharged after entering the ball entry device, and the game ball further flows down the game area P501 after entering the ball entry device (gate type). On the other hand, the fact that a game ball is detected by an internal detection switch is called "entry ball" or "winning (especially one in which a prize ball is generated)" and flows down to the downstream game area like a gate type entrance. In particular, there are cases where the items to be described are described separately from "passing". Further, the ball entry device may be referred to as a ball entry port, and the winning device may be referred to as a winning opening.

Further, in the lower right of the game area P501, a main control display device P50 whose lighting is controlled by a main control board described later, such as a first special symbol display device P51, a second special symbol display device P52, and a normal symbol display device P53. Are arranged intensively. A center accessory P540 is arranged substantially in the center of the game area P501, and the screen of the effect display device P80 is visibly provided through the opening of the center accessory P540. At the upper part of the center accessory P540 or the like, an effect accessory P560 (movable accessory device) that performs an effect operation according to the development status of the game is provided. At the lower end of the game area P501, an out port P790 through which a game ball that has flowed down without entering the winning opening of various ball entry devices can pass is provided. The game ball that has entered the winning opening of various winning devices or the game ball that has flowed into the out opening P790 flows down to the rear surface side of the game board P5 through a through hole (not shown) formed by penetrating the game board P5 back and forth. Then, it is collected in the collection flow path (gamed ball passage) at the lower part of the front frame P2 and passes through the out ball sensor P792 (launched ball number sensor) provided at the lower part of the front frame for detecting the total number of launched game balls. After that, it is discharged to the outside of the game machine.

The first start winning device P710 is provided as a starting winning device corresponding to the first special symbol game. The first start winning device P710 is provided with a first starting winning opening P711 in which a game ball can be entered. The entry of the game ball into the first start winning opening P711 is an opportunity to acquire a random number used for the lottery related to the first special symbol, and is based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning opening P711. The lottery for the first special symbol is executed immediately after entering the ball or after the holding period has elapsed.

The second start winning device P720 is provided as a starting winning device corresponding to the second special symbol game. The second start winning device P720 is in a state where it is easy to enter the second start winning opening P721 where a game ball can enter and the second starting winning opening P721 when a normal symbol lottery, which will be described later, is won. An ordinary electric accessory P770, which is a movable body to be switched, is provided. The entry of the game ball into the second start winning opening P721 is a trigger for a random number used in the lottery related to the second special symbol, and is based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning opening P721. The lottery for the second special symbol is executed immediately after the ball enters or after the holding period has elapsed. The second start winning device P721 is in an open state in which the game ball can enter the second start winning opening P721 or is easily entered by the action of the ordinary electric accessory P770, and the game ball enters the second starting winning opening P721. It changes to a closed state where it is impossible or difficult to enter the ball. That is, the second start winning device P720 has a structure in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening unless it is displaced to the open state, and the predetermined opportunity described later (the opportunity to win the ordinary symbol lottery). When it is in the open state, the ease of entering the game ball increases. It should be noted that the structure of the ordinary electric accessory P770 is known to have various aspects, and the structure may not change the ease of entering the ball by opening the movable body P771, and thus the "open state" and "closed state". "Is described as" easy entry state (easy entry mode) "and" difficult entry state (difficult entry mode) ", respectively.

The general winning device P730 has a left general winning device P730L arranged in the left-handed area P501L and a right-side general winning device P730R arranged in the right-handed area P501R. In the pachinko gaming machine P in the present premise technology, the left general winning device P730L is configured with three general winning openings P731La to P731Lc as one unit, while the right general winning device P730R is the large winning device P750 described later. It is configured as part. The entry of a game ball into the general winning opening P731 is an opportunity for the prize ball to be paid out, as with other winning devices. It should be noted that the number and position of the general winning openings P731 of the pachinko gaming machine, which are the premise, are merely examples, and may be configured so as to be arranged only in the right-handed region P501R.

The normal figure operation gate device P740 (normal figure operation port) is provided as a start ball entrance corresponding to a normal symbol game. The normal drawing operating gate device P740 is provided with an operating gate P741 through which a game ball can pass, and the entering game ball is configured to be able to flow further downstream of the game area of the game board. The passage of the game ball through the operating gate P741 triggers a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to open the second starting winning device P720, that is, whether or not to operate the normal electric accessory P770. .. As a modified example, it is also possible to configure the general winning opening P731 to have a function that triggers a normal symbol lottery. In this case, in addition to the function of executing the normal symbol lottery, a prize ball It is also possible to provide a function for generating the above as one winning device (normal drawing operation winning opening).

The large winning device P750 is configured to have a large winning opening P751 (special electric accessory P755) that opens and closes when the lottery result of the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery is a big hit or a small hit. It is sometimes called an "attacker (device)" or the like. The large winning device P750 is in an open state in which the game ball can enter the large winning opening P751 or is easy to enter (for example, a state in which the special electric accessory is activated P755) and the game ball cannot enter the large winning opening P751. Alternatively, the ball changes to a closed state in which it is difficult to enter the ball (for example, the special electric accessory P755 is inactive). In the big hit game, a plurality of round games (unit games) accompanied by an opening / closing operation of the big winning opening P751 are performed. Even when the special electric accessory P755 is in operation, the movable body P756 constituting the large winning opening P751 becomes a closed mode in which it is difficult to enter the ball due to a series of operation patterns (also referred to as "open pattern"). Has.

Further, depending on the specifications (specs) of the game machine, the large prize device P750 is called a specific area P760 (called "V zone" or "V area") through which a game ball can pass, and depending on the function, "probability fluctuation function operation". Areas ”,“ continuation areas ”, etc.) may be provided. The functions related to this "specific area" are (a) to activate the probability fluctuation function (described later) after the big hit game triggered by passing through the specific area during the big hit game, and (b) to pass through the specific area during the small hit game. Activating the accessory continuous operation device (flag for continuously operating the special electric accessory) and granting the right to execute the jackpot game, (c) Specified in a specific round during the jackpot game Examples include deterministic or non-execution of subsequent rounds based on whether or not the region has been passed. An opening / closing member P761 (valve member), which is a structure for changing the ease of passage, may be provided in the "specific region", and the flow path can be distributed by the action of the opening / closing member P761. It may be configured to pass through the specific region P760 or other non-specific regions. Further, during the big hit game or the small hit game, the passage of the game ball in the specific area P761 may have a valid period and an invalid period.

In the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, the large winning device P750 is provided in the right side region P501R (right-handed region) in the gaming region P501. Therefore, in the big hit game or the small hit game, when the game ball is launched toward the game area P501, the ball is easily hit into the big winning opening P751 by hitting the right area P501R, so-called right-handed hit. It has become.

Next, the basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine P, which is a prerequisite, will be described. On the back side of the front frame, a back set unit P4 having a front-rear communication window for attaching the game board unit P5 is attached to the center. A storage tank P401 for storing a large number of game balls supplied from the game facility side, a gutter member P402 for flowing down the game balls from the storage tank P401, and a game ball guided by the gutter member are paid to the back set unit P4. The prize ball payout unit P410, the back passage member P403, and the like, which allow the game ball paid out from the prize ball payout unit P410 to flow down to the upper ball plate P341 or the lower ball plate P342, are provided. Further, on the game ball flow path from the storage tank P401 to the ball plate P340, a ball pulling mechanism (ball pulling operation lever P405, a valve member that forms a flow path for removing the game ball from the flow path in conjunction with the operation lever). P406) is provided.

On the back side of the game board P5, there is a main control board P40 that comprehensively controls the game progress of the pachinko game machine P, and a production control board that controls the overall production according to the game progress accompanying the control of the main control board P40. P41, an image control board P42 that controls image display according to game development, and the like are attached. In the pachinko gaming machine P of the present premise technology, the effect control board P41 and the image control board P42 form an effect display unit in an assembled state integrated with the effect display device P80 (liquid crystal display device). On the other hand, on the back side of the back set unit P4, there is a payout control board P43 that controls the payout of game balls, and a power supply that receives power from the game facility side and supplies power to various control boards and electric / electronic components. A board P44 (not shown) or the like is attached. In order to prevent unauthorized modification, these control boards are housed in a transparent resin board case having a caulking structure and a sealing seal structure at a predetermined position on the back surface of the game board P5 or the back surface of the back set unit P4. It is arranged in each. These control boards and the electrical and electronic components of each part of the pachinko gaming machine are connected to each other via a harness (connector cable) so that the pachinko gaming machine P can proceed with the game and execute the production. ..

[Function block]
FIG. 5 shows a functional block of a pachinko gaming machine as a premise.

The pachinko gaming machine includes a power supply board P44 that generates a power source to be used in the game machine based on an AC power supply supplied from the outside of the game machine, and a main control board P40 (main control CPU) that controls the basic operation of the game and the progress of the game. ), The payout control board P43 (payout control CPU) as a frame control device for controlling the payout of prize balls and the launch of game balls, and the effect control board P41 for controlling the effect operation and processing. It is composed of various forms. The arrows shown in the figure indicate the relationship between transmission and reception above by function with a solid line arrow, and the relationship between electrical connections with a broken line arrow.

By operating the power switch P47 provided on the board, the power supply board P44 can be attached to the main control board P40, the effect control board P41, the payout control board P43, and various gaming devices electrically connected to them. On the other hand, the electric power required for operation is generated and supplied. Although the details will be described later, since the power-on operation of the power switch P47 is a switch operation that triggers the start of processing of information related to the setting of the game machine, the power switch is covered with an open / close cover to prevent unauthorized operation. It is protected in a state of being.

The main control board P40 includes a first starting winning opening P711 (special drawing 1 starting opening switch P712), a second starting winning opening P721 (special drawing 2 starting opening switch P722), a large winning opening P751 (special drawing 2 starting opening switch P752), Detection switches related to the progress of various games such as the normal drawing operation port P741 (general drawing operation port switch P742), other detection switches general winning opening P731 (left side general winning opening, right side general winning opening), and out opening P790. It is connected to switches and sensors used for management and fraud monitoring of various games such as setting key switch P49, vibration detection sensor P72, and magnet sensor P73. The main control board receives information related to the occurrence of various gaming states from these switches, determines the control content related to the progress of the game, and is composed of solenoids and the like, and is large at the time of a big hit or a small hit. The special electric accessory driving means P70 driven to expand the winning opening P751 and the ordinary electric accessory P770 driven to make the ordinary electric accessory P770 easy to enter when the ordinary symbol lottery is won. Information related to the driving mode is output to the gaming device such as the driving means P71.

The sensor or the like connected to the main control board P40 is connected to a terminal called an input port on the main control board to notify the main control board P40 of the presence or absence of various gaming states based on sensor detection as information, and special electric power is provided. The accessory driving means P70, the ordinary electric accessory driving means P71, and other launching permission signals for the launching device P242 are received from terminals called output ports to control each device and device.

Further, the main control board P40 includes special symbol display devices P51 and P52 that display variations of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, a round indicator P54 that notifies the type (number of rounds) of a big hit or a small hit, and a game state. Main control display device P50 that displays various displays such as the status indicator light P55 that notifies the game, and performance display device P59 that displays the performance of the game machine (for example, the base value during normal game, that is, the ratio of the number of prize balls to the total number of shots). And so on. Regarding the "base value", there are various other accounting methods such as data that excludes winnings such as the starting winning opening P711, etc., but if necessary in the present invention, a separate explanation will be given and it is assumed. Details are omitted in the explanation of the pachinko machine.

In addition to the above, the main control board P40 is configured to be electrically connectable to a device outside the game machine by means of an external information output terminal P77, a test terminal P78, or the like, and transmits and receives various control signals to and from each device. Further, the main control board P40 is also electrically connected to the effect control board P41 and the payout control board P43, which are other control boards in the game machine.

The payout control board P43 controls the payout of prize balls by the payout device P410 based on the prize ball payout transmitted from the main control board P40, a signal indicating the control state of the main control board, and the like, and the handle P204 by the player. In response to the operation of, the launching device unit P240 controls the launching of the game ball. The payout device P410 includes a payout motor P411 and a ball counting sensor P412 as an example, and is configured to be able to pay out game balls one by one by rotating the payout motor P411. The launching device (launching device unit) P240 moves the game balls staying in the ball plate P340 (upper ball plate P341) one by one to a launchable position by the ball feed unit P241, and then turns the hammer into a game ball. It is configured to fire a game ball by hitting it. The payout control board P43 is provided with a ram clear switch P48 mainly used for initializing the game machine and canceling an error generated during the game, and is used for connecting the payout control board P43 and the main control board P40. The operation information of the ram clear switch P48 is input to the main control board via the harness or connector used.

The effect control board P41 includes an effect display device P80, a drive source and a position detection sensor (for example, a drive motor, an initial position detection sensor, and an effect position detection sensor) of the effect movable accessory P560, and a speaker P83 (upper speaker P370, lower speaker). 141), effect input device unit P380 (for example, effect button P381 which is effect operation means P81, effect lever P382, cross key P383, etc.), effect lamp P82 ("decorative lamp", "board lamp (P550)", "frame lamp (P350)". ) ”) Is electrically connected, and various control signals are transmitted and received between them. Further, the effect control board P42 and the effect display device P80 are connected via an image control board P42 (VDP) that controls the display of the effect display device P80 (for example, a device that displays an image such as a liquid crystal display device). It may be something to do. Further, in the pachinko gaming machine which is the premise of this invention, the speaker P83 is configured to be controlled by the effect control board P41, but the speaker P83 is provided by separately providing a voice control board equipped with an IC for voice control and the like. It may be configured to control.

Data transmission / reception between the main control board P40 and the effect control board P41 is performed in one direction so as to be one direction from the main control board P40 to the effect control board P41. Since the unidirectionality of data transmission from the main control board P40 to the effect control board P41 is maintained, data cannot be transmitted from the configuration included in the effect control board P41 to the configuration included in the main control board P40. , I can't request data transmission. Therefore, the effect control board P41 cannot refer to the information generated by the main control board P40 unless the information is transmitted. In the pachinko gaming machine P, which is the premise of the present invention, data is transmitted and received bidirectionally between the main control board P40 and the payout control board P43. However, as in the case of between the main control board P40 and the effect control board P41, the data may be transmitted and received in one direction from the main control board P40 to the payout control board P43.

[Basic game progress]
Next, the basic game progress and game method in the pachinko gaming machine P as the prerequisite technology configured as described above will be described for each game state. The "game state" is roughly divided into a "normal game state" and a "special game state" in which it is easier to acquire a game ball than in the normal game state. The "normal game state" is a state in which the player aims to acquire the right to shift to the "special game state", and even in the normal game state, the game state in which the player has a different degree of advantage in acquiring the right to shift to the special game state. A plurality of normal game states are provided, and among a plurality of normal game states, it is more advantageous for the player than a state in which the player can easily acquire the right to shift to the special game state (normal game state (low probability / low base state)). State) is expressed as "specific game state". The "special game state" corresponds to the so-called "big hit game" and "small hit game". The special electric accessory driving means P70 is driven by the main control board P40, and the big winning opening P751 is opened to acquire the game ball. Means a state in which is easy.

[Normal game state (low probability / low base state)]
First, the game method and the progress of the game in the normal game state will be described. The normal gaming state described here is a description of the "normal gaming state (low probability / low base state)" (see FIG. 6) excluding the specific gaming state, and is generally in a situation where the player starts the game. The game state will be described, and the game method in the specific game state, the progress of the game, and the meanings of the terms “low (high) probability” and “low (high) base” will be described later.

As a method of gaming in the normal gaming state (low probability / low base state), the player first operates the handle P204 to launch the gaming ball toward the gaming area P501 provided on the gaming board P5. In the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, in the normal gaming state (low probability / low base state), the player fires the operation amount of the handle P204 toward the left region P501L (left-handed region) of the gaming region. Operate as if to play a game.

When the game ball is launched into the left side area P501L of the game area by the player, the launched game ball flows down the game area P501, and the game nail P510 (also referred to as “obstacle nail” or “navel”) (also referred to as “obstacle nail” or “navel”) or , While displacing the flow direction by the windmill P511, to the first starting winning opening P711 or the general winning opening P731L of the left general winning device, which is arranged at a position substantially below the center in the game area P501 of the game board called "navel" or the like. Either the ball is entered (winning) or the ball is not entered in any of the winning openings, and the ball is entered into the out opening P790 as a gamed game ball. When a ball is entered into the first starting winning opening P711 or the general winning opening P731, the main control board P40 causes the payout control board P43 to make the prize balls of the number of prize balls determined for each winning opening (control command). ) Is output, and the player acquires a new game ball by paying out the prize ball.

Here, the special figure 1 start port switch P712 is arranged inside the first start winning opening P711, and as a game state (game result) that can occur when the player fires a game ball into the left side area P501L in the game area. , When the ball is entered into the first starting winning opening P711, the game ball detection information of the special drawing 1 starting opening switch P712 is input to the main control board P40.

When the main control board P40 receives the input of the game ball detection information of the special figure 1 start port switch P712, the main control board P40 pays out the game balls of a predetermined number of prize balls and draws a lottery related to the control of the first special symbol. Get the random value to do. The random number value is acquired by acquiring the random number value generated by the random number generation circuit on the electric circuit based on the detection of the game ball (hard latch), or by the control device of the main control board P40 by processing on the software. Techniques such as executing the process of acquiring the random number value from the previous random number generation circuit when confirming the detection information of the game ball, or acquiring the random number value updated by software (soft latch) Yes, it may be used properly according to the random number value to be acquired, or it may be used in combination. In addition, when the ball is entered into the general prize opening, the random number related to the special symbol is not acquired, and only the prize ball is paid out.

The lottery related to the control of the first special symbol is a "special symbol lottery", and the "special symbol lottery" includes a "win / fail lottery", a "winning symbol lottery", and a "variable pattern lottery". The "win / fail lottery" is a process of determining whether the lottery result using the acquired random value is "big hit" or "missing" (depending on the specifications of the game machine, the lottery result includes "small hit". ). The "winning symbol lottery" (sometimes simply referred to as "symbol lottery") is a process of determining the display pattern of the stop display symbol indicating the winning / failing lottery result in the special symbol display device P51 (P52) in the main control display device P50. Yes, for one lottery result (big hit, small hit), one symbol can be determined from a plurality of stop display symbols, and "big hit" and "small hit" are determined according to the stop display symbol determined here. It is possible to make the execution mode of the special game in the above different. The "variable pattern lottery" is a process of determining at what timing the stop display symbol indicating the result of the winning / failing lottery is to be displayed on the special symbol display device P51 (P52), and the special symbol is displayed on the special symbol display device P51 (P52). It determines the time during which the variable display indicating that the lottery has been executed is made (referred to as "variable display time" or "variable pattern"). It is common to use different random numbers for the "win / fail lottery", "winning symbol lottery", and "variable pattern lottery", and "win / fail lottery random numbers", "symbol random numbers", and "variable patterns", respectively. It is called a "random number". The lottery related to the control of the second special symbol performed based on the detection of the game ball of the special figure 2 start port switch P722 is also the same “special symbol lottery”. A description of the "special symbol lottery" will be described later.

Returning to the explanation of the game method in the normal game state (low probability / low base state), in the normal game state (low probability / low base state), the player fires a game ball into the left area P501L of the game area. Then, a game ball is inserted into the first start winning opening P711, a lottery related to the first special symbol (special symbol lottery) is executed, and a special symbol indicating "big hit" ("small hit") is shown on the special symbol display device. By displaying the stop display symbol of, a game aiming at acquiring the right to execute a special game is performed.

It should be noted that, in the process of the player receiving the special symbol lottery, the fact that the special symbol is variablely displayed according to the time determined by the variable pattern lottery is described above, but in the pachinko gaming machine P, which is a premise, If a new start winning opening (1st starting winning opening P711, 2nd starting winning opening P721) receives a ball during this special symbol variation display period, a predetermined number of special symbol lottery is executed. It has a hold function that temporarily stores the random value corresponding to the right. In the pachinko gaming machine P, which is a premise, it is possible to hold a maximum of four special symbol lottery as a hold function corresponding to the special symbol lottery based on the winning of the first starting winning opening P711. The hold function can be set for each special symbol, and in the pachinko gaming machine P of this prerequisite technology, in addition to the hold of the first special symbol, the hold function of the special symbol lottery for the second special symbol is also held up to four times. It is possible to reserve the random value used for the special symbol lottery.

As described above, in the normal game state (low probability / low base state), the player fires a game ball into the left side area P501L of the game area to execute a special symbol lottery related to the first special symbol. Then, in the special symbol lottery, when the lottery result of the special gaming state such as "big hit" or "small hit" is won and the right to shift to the special gaming state is acquired, it is displayed on the special symbol display device. , The gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine P shifts to the special gaming state.

[Special game state]
Subsequently, the game method and the progress of the game in the special game state will be described. There are "big hit (game)" and "small hit (game)" in the special game state, and the special electric accessory P755 operates in both cases, that is, the special electric accessory driving means P70 from the main control board P40. A drive signal is output to the player, and the big winning opening P751 is in a state where it is easy to enter the ball. The difference is that the "big hit" continuously operates the special electric accessory P755 a plurality of times. The major difference is that the "small hit" is completed by the operation of the special electric accessory once, while it is based on the operation of the operating device. As another difference, in the operation of the special electric accessory (big hit) based on the operation of the accessory continuous operation device, it is possible to make the operation mode of the special electric accessory P755 more advantageous to the player. Specifically, the total opening time of the large winning opening P751 in the operating state (big hit) of the accessory continuous operating device is allowed up to 30 seconds, while the total opening of the large winning opening P751 in the small hit is allowed. There is a point that the time is limited to 1.8 seconds. In the following description of the game method and the progress of the game in the special game state, a jackpot will be used as an example.

The game progress of the special game in the pachinko game machine P, which is the prerequisite technology, is called "special game start demo" (in the case of a big hit, "big hit start demo", "role continuous operation start demo", etc., in chronological order. In the case of a hit, there is a production period called "small hit start demo") to notify the player that various special games have been acquired, and one time called "round (game)" (also called "unit game"). The operation period of the special electric accessory P755 and the "special game end demo" (referred to as "big hit end demo" and "combination operation end demo" in the case of a big hit, and "small hit end demo" in the case of a small hit. ), Which is mainly composed of a game result (number of acquired game balls, etc.) during a special game and a period for notifying the type of the normal game state (including the specific game state) of the transition destination.

Next, the method of the game during each of the above-mentioned special games will be described. First, during the "special game start demo" period, in the pachinko gaming machine P of the prerequisite technology, the large winning opening P751 is arranged in the right area P501R (right-handed area) of the game area, and the normal game state (low probability / low). Even if the game ball is launched into the left side area P501L similar to the base state), the large winning opening P751 can hardly be expected to enter, so before the round game in which the large winning opening P751 becomes easy to enter in the special game starts. In addition, a right-handed notification effect that urges the player to launch a game ball into the right-hand area P501R (right-handed area) of the game area is produced. The display device P80, the speaker (lower speaker P141, upper speaker P370), and the effect lamp. It is executed using P82. The player adjusts the operation amount of the handle P204 to increase the firing intensity of the game ball according to the right-handed notification effect, and changes the firing position so that the game ball flows down to the right area P501R (right-handed area) of the game area. (Perform right-handed).

In the "round (game)" period, in the pachinko gaming machine P of the prerequisite technology, the large winning opening P751 is in an easy-to-enter state due to the drive signal output from the main control board P40 to the special electric accessory driving means P70. A production that congratulates the player on having a big hit (small hit) according to the execution period of the special game due to difficulty in entering the ball, or a normal game state that shifts after the special game is completed is more advantageous for the player. Perform an effect such as an effect that suggests whether or not the game will be in a gaming state. The player launches the game ball into the right area P501R (right-handed area) of the game area in order to enter the game ball into the large winning opening P751 and obtain a large number of game balls.

During one "round (game)" period, the opening pattern (operation mode of the special electric accessory) of the big winning opening determined based on the type of big hit (small hit) is completed (opening time elapses). Alternatively, it ends when a predetermined "specified number" (sometimes expressed as "count", "C", etc.) of game balls enters. Then, according to the type of special game state being executed (type of big hit or small hit), when all the round games to be executed are completed, the state shifts to the state of "special game end demo".

Subsequently, during the "special game end demo" period, the pachinko game machine P, which is a prerequisite technology, has the number of game balls acquired during the period of this special game state and multiple times continuously performed during the specific game period described later. The effect of notifying the total number of acquired game balls acquired in the special game state (acquired without shifting to the normal game state (low probability / low base state)), or the normal game that shifts after the special game state. Notification of the type of state and notification related to the game method in the game state of the transition destination (such as the above-mentioned right-handed notification effect) are executed. The player operates the steering wheel in preparation for the game according to the type of the normal game state of the transition destination from the effect being executed.

In many pachinko gaming machines P that are premised,, with some exceptions, when a jackpot game as a special gaming state is executed, a special gaming state for a player called a "specific gaming state" as a normal gaming state. It is a game that allows you to enjoy the so-called "renso", in which the right to shift to is easily acquired, and the specific game state and the special game state are continuously repeated.

[Specific game state]
Subsequently, the "specific game state" will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the specific gaming state is roughly divided into three specific gaming states. Then, there are a "probability state" and a "base state" as elements that separate these types, and a specific game state is configured by combining them.

(Probability state)
The "probability state" is a probability fluctuation function based on the operating state of the "probability fluctuation function" (also referred to as "probability change"), which is a function of changing the probability that the lottery result will be a "big hit" in the winning or losing lottery in the special symbol lottery. When the winning / failing lottery in the special symbol lottery becomes a "big hit" with a higher probability than when is operating and not operating, it is expressed as "high probability (state)"("probability change state", "probability fluctuation state"). There is also), and the state in which the probability fluctuation function is not operating is expressed as "low probability (state)". The "high probability (state)" is a gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state (low probability / low base state) in that the probability of winning a big hit for one special symbol lottery is high.

(Base state)
The "base state" is a state related to the "base", that is, "the ratio (expected value) of the game balls obtained as a prize ball when a predetermined number of game balls are fired", and is generally an ordinary electric accessory. The state in which the operation of P770 is easier (advantageous) than the normal gaming state (low probability / low base state) is called "high base (state)" (also referred to as "electric chew support (electric support) state"). .. Depending on the specifications of the game machine, even if the "electric chew support function" is not activated, the recommended firing position of the game ball is switched, so that "a prize ball is obtained when a predetermined number of game balls are fired." If the "ratio of game balls to be played" increases, it may be expressed as "high base state". "High base (state)" is special while suppressing the consumption of game balls by increasing the number of game balls paid out as prize balls (easily paid out) in the period until the special game state is acquired. It is a gaming state that is advantageous for the player in that it is possible to aim for the acquisition of the gaming state.

The "electric chew support function" is a state in which the operation of the ordinary electric accessory P770 is easier than in the normal gaming state (low probability / low base state), but mainly includes a combination of three functions (at least one). ). The three functions that make up the "electric chew support function" are "normal symbol probability change", "normal symbol time reduction", and "opening extension (of ordinary electric accessory)". "Ordinary symbol probability change" refers to a state in which there is a high probability that an ordinary electric accessory will be operated in the "ordinary symbol lottery". The "ordinary symbol time reduction" refers to a state in which the time from executing the ordinary symbol lottery to displaying the result of the ordinary symbol lottery is shortened in the ordinary symbol display means P53 in the main control display device P50. "Extension of opening of ordinary electric accessory" means that the ordinary electric accessory is easily inserted into the winning opening related to the ordinary electric accessory P770 for the type of winning in the ordinary symbol lottery. It refers to changing to operate, and as an example, it corresponds to extending and lengthening the total time for making the ordinary electric accessory in a state where it is easy to enter the ball.

In the "ordinary symbol lottery", the above-mentioned special symbol lottery is a lottery related to the operation of the special electric accessory P755, whereas the ordinary symbol lottery is a lottery related to the operation of the ordinary electric accessory P770, and the lottery It differs in that the execution trigger is the entry of a game ball into the normal drawing operation gate device P740, but it is almost the same in that the winning / failing, the design, and the fluctuation pattern are determined by lottery and that the holding function is provided. When expressing the winning / failing, the symbol, and the lottery of the fluctuation pattern related to the ordinary symbol lottery, "Public drawing" (or "Public drawing" (or "Public drawing" (or "Floating pattern lottery"" It is expressed by adding "ordinary pattern") to the beginning.

"Probability state" and "base state" have been described as elements for distinguishing the types of "specific game state", but "time saving state" ("variation time shortening state") is another element that constitutes the specific game state. , The "variation time reduction function" is activated). In general, the "time saving state" refers to a state in which the fluctuation display time (variation pattern) of a special symbol is shortened and the number of executions of the special symbol lottery per unit time is increased, which is more for the player. It is in an advantageous state in that many special symbol lottery can be received per unit time. The "time saving state" (variable time shortening state) is often controlled at the same time as the above-mentioned "high probability state" and "electric chew support state", and it is rare that a specific gaming state is configured by itself.

[Specific game state 1: Low probability / high base state]
Returning to the explanation relating to the "specific game state", first, the progress of the game and the game method in the specific game state 1 (low probability / high base state) shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

The transition to the specific game state 1 (low probability / high base state) is performed by the game state transition shown in (1), (8), and (12) of FIG. The game state transition conditions of (1), (8), and (12) in FIG. 6 are (a) to acquire a big hit game in each state, and (b) to elapse the predetermined number of games (* (8). ) Only) and so on. Although not shown, there is a case where the specific game state 1 shifts to the specific game state 1 again via the jackpot game. On the other hand, when the condition for ending the special gaming state is satisfied, the transition is as shown in (2), (7), and (11) of FIG. The game state transition conditions of (2), (7), and (11) are (c) to acquire a type of jackpot game that shifts to each game state in the specific game state 1, (d). It is possible that the predetermined number of games has passed (* (2) only). The "number of games" refers to, for example, the "number of times the special symbol lottery is executed".

When the state shifts to the specific game state 1 (low probability / high base state), both the above-mentioned "electric chew support function" and "variation time shortening function" are activated in the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P. In the arrangement configuration of each winning device on the game board P5 of the pachinko gaming machine P, which is a premise, the right side area P501R (right-handed area) of the game area, the normal drawing operating gate device P740, and the second start winning prize related to the ordinary electric accessory. The mouth P721 is arranged, and the player can easily receive the normal symbol lottery and the special symbol lottery by performing "right-handed" to launch the game ball into the right-hand region P501R (right-handed region) of the game area. Further, the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P is controlled to the above-mentioned "time saving state" in the specific gaming state 1 (low probability / high base state).

Explaining the progress of the game in more detail, when the specific game state 1 (low probability / high base state) is reached, the player fires a game ball into the right area P501R (right-handed area) of the game area, and the general drawing The first procedure is to enter (pass) the ball into the operating gate device P740, and by entering (passing) the ball into the operating gate device P740, the main control board P40 receives a normal symbol lottery. Since the normal symbol lottery in the specific game state 1 (low probability / high base state) is won with a high probability (about 1/1) due to the operation of the normal figure probability change function, one game ball is sent to the normal figure operation gate device P740. When the ball enters (passes), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory P770 occurs once. When the ordinary electric accessory P770 is activated, the second start winning opening P721, which triggers the special symbol lottery related to the second special symbol, becomes easy to enter in the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, and the player continues the second second. As a procedure, a game ball is launched toward the second starting winning opening P721. When a game ball enters the second start winning opening P721, detection information is input to the main control board P40, a special symbol lottery related to the second special symbol is executed, and the right to execute the special game (big hit, small hit). The lottery related to the acquisition of is executed.

The specific game state 1 (low probability / high base state) is predetermined by the game state transition condition (for example, the type of jackpot executed if the jackpot is executed) that causes the transition to the state. It ends when the number of games (the number of times a special symbol lottery is received) elapses or a new big hit game is acquired (note that there is a case where the state is restored again after the big hit game). In the case of acquisition of small hit games, it is often assumed that the specific game state does not end, but depending on the specifications of the game machine, acquisition of small hit games (or acquisition of multiple small hit games, specific types of It may be designed to end with the acquisition of a small hit game). When the specific game state 1 (low probability / high base state) ends depending on the number of games played, the state shifts to the normal game state (low probability / low base state).

[Specific game state 2: High probability / High base state]
Next, the progress of the game and the game method in the specific game state 2 (high probability / high base state) shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

The transition to the specific game state 2 (high probability / high base state) is performed by the game state transition shown in (3), (7), and (9) of FIG. The game state transition conditions of (3), (7), and (9) in FIG. 6 are (a) to acquire a big hit game in each state. Although not shown, there is a case where the specific game state 2 shifts to the specific game state 2 again via the jackpot game. On the other hand, when the condition for ending the special gaming state is satisfied, the transition is as shown in (4), (8), and (10) of FIG. The game state transition conditions of (4), (8), and (10) include (a) acquiring a type of jackpot game that shifts to each game state in the specific game state 2, (c). It is mentioned that the predetermined number of games has passed.

After shifting to the specific game state 2 (high probability / high base state), in the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, the "probability fluctuation function" was further activated for the specific game state 1 (low probability / high base state). It differs in that it has a "high probability (state)". The progress of the game and the method of the game in the specific game state 2 are the same as those in the specific game state 1, and the difference is that the player can win the big hit earlier than the high probability of winning the big hit in the special symbol lottery. To do.

The specific game state 2 (high probability / high base state) is predetermined by the game state transition condition (for example, the type of jackpot executed if the jackpot is executed) that causes the transition to the state. It ends when the number of games (the number of times a special symbol lottery is received) elapses or a new big hit game is acquired (note that there is a case where the state is restored again after the big hit game). In general, the specific game state 2 does not end in the case of acquiring a small hit game. When the specific game state 2 (high probability / high base state) ends depending on the number of games, the normal game state (low probability / low base state), the specific game state 1 (low probability / high base state), and the specific game state Shift to 3 (high probability / low base state).

[Specific game state 3: High probability / low base state]
Subsequently, the progress of the game and the game method in the specific game state 3 (high probability / low base state) shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

The transition to the specific game state 3 (high probability / low base state) is performed by the game state transition shown in (5), (10), and (11) of FIG. The game state transition conditions of (5), (10), and (11) in FIG. 6 are (a) to acquire a big hit game in each state, and (b) to elapse the predetermined number of games (* (10). ) Only) and so on. Although not shown, there is a case where the specific game state 3 shifts to the specific game state 3 again via the jackpot game. On the other hand, when the condition for ending the special gaming state is satisfied, the transition is as shown in (6), (9), and (12) of FIG. The game state transition conditions of (6), (9), and (12) include (c) acquiring a type of jackpot game that shifts to each game state in the specific game state 3, (d). It is mentioned that the predetermined number of games has passed (* (6) only).

When shifting to the specific game state 3 (high probability / low base state), in the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, the "probability fluctuation function" is activated and becomes the "high probability (state)", and the specific game state 1 and the specific game Unlike the state 2, the "electric chew support function" and the "variation time shortening function" are not operating. In the arrangement configuration of each winning device on the game board P5 of the pachinko gaming machine P, which is a premise, the normal drawing operating gate device P740 and the second start winning prize related to the ordinary electric accessory are placed in the right area P501 (right-handed area) of the game area. Although the mouth P721 is arranged, it is assumed that in the specific game state 3 (high probability / low base state), the player performs a "right hit" to shoot a game ball into the right area P501R (right hit area) of the game area. However, the probability of winning in a normal symbol lottery is low, and there is no advantage in hitting right.

Therefore, the player advances the game by "left-handed" in which the game ball is launched into the left side area P501L (left-handed area) of the game area, and since it is in a high probability state, the probability of winning a big hit in the special symbol lottery is high. The game method and game progress are the same as in the normal game state (low probability / low base state), except that the jackpot game can be acquired at an early stage because it is high.

The specific game state 3 (high probability / low base state) is predetermined by the game state transition condition (for example, the type of jackpot executed if the jackpot is executed) that causes the transition to the state. It ends when the number of games (the number of times a special symbol lottery is received) elapses or a new big hit game is acquired (note that there is a case where the state is restored again after the big hit game). In general, the specific game state 3 does not end in the case of acquiring a small hit game. When the specific game state 3 (high probability / low base state) ends depending on the number of games played, the state shifts to the normal game state (low probability / low base state).

Note that the specific gaming state 3 (high probability / low base state) is different from the board layout configuration of FIG. 6 described as the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, and the normal electric accessory P770 is located in the right side region P501R (right-handed region). Arrangement of winning devices on the game board, such as arranging a third start winning opening of a type that does not have, and activating the "time saving state" so that many special symbol lottery can be received in a short time. In addition, depending on the control of the time saving state, "right-handed" may be the recommended gaming state.

As described above, in the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, the game progresses according to a plurality of gaming states, but it is not always necessary to provide all the gaming states described above. Therefore, among the game machine specifications composed of a combination of a plurality of gaming states, the game machine specifications (sometimes referred to as "specs") that can be adopted by the presupposed pachinko game machine P are illustrated below.

Regarding typical game machine specifications ("specs"), as an example of the types of game machine specifications related to the operation of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol lottery, "(until next time) probability change", "ST (number of times cut probability change)" , "V probability change (also called" ball probability "," attack round system ")", "latent probability change" can be adopted. The difference in the game machine specifications due to the difference in the probability fluctuation function may be expressed as "this game machine is a" XX machine (example: ST machine) "". Further, in a game machine having no probability fluctuation function, by passing through a specific area P760 inside the big winning opening P751 during the small hit game, the accessory continuous operation device is subsequently operated (that is, the game shifts to the big hit game). There is also a game machine specification called "small hit V".

[Probability change (until next time)]
First of all, "probability change (until next time)" will be explained. "Probability change until next time" is generally defined as "specific game state 2 (specific game state 2), which is the most advantageous game state among the above-mentioned specific game states among a plurality of specific game states provided in the pachinko gaming machine P. The game machine specifications for the "pachinko game machine" that will continue until the next big hit game right is acquired (high probability / high base state) are shown. In other words, the game machine of "probability change until next time" is configured so that the specific game state 2 (high probability / high base state) continues until the right of the next big hit game is acquired, and it does not end depending on the number of symbol fluctuations. Has been done.

Depending on the type of jackpot, it may be controlled to the specific game state 1 (low probability / high base state) or the specific game state 3 (high probability / low base state). In addition, in the "pachinko gaming machine that continues until the specific game state 3 (high probability / low base state) acquires the right to the next big hit game", the probability fluctuation function continues until the next big hit. Although it is sometimes called "probability change until the next time", the base state is "low base state", and the same game as the normal game state (low probability / low base state) may be required for the electric chew support function. Since it is a probability change until the next time when the electric chew support function is not operating in this way, it is expressed separately as "latent probability change".

[ST (Probability change)]
Next, "ST (probability of cutting the number of times)" will be described. "ST" is an abbreviation for "Special Time", and in general, "specific game state 2 (high probability / high base state) is performed by a predetermined number of special symbol lottery (predetermined number of times). The game machine specifications for "Pachinko game machines that will continue until the right of the jackpot game is acquired" are shown.

Depending on the type of jackpot, it may be controlled to the specific game state 1 (low probability / high base state) or the specific game state 3 (high probability / low base state). In addition, as in the case of "probability change until next time" described above, the game state is set to the specific game state 3 (high probability / low base state) until a predetermined number of special symbol lottery is performed or the right to the jackpot game is acquired. It is also possible to configure the case to have a state called "latent probability change (latent ST)" in the case of being controlled.

Further, even in the case of "ST (probability change of number of times)", the period in which the game state is controlled by ST is set to "until the lottery of the special symbol lottery is performed 10,000 times". If it is a game machine specification that can be said to guarantee a big hit until the next time, it may be expressed as "probability change until the next time".

As mentioned above, "probability change until next time" and "ST (probability change by number of times)" distinguish "probability change state" as a game machine specification in that the end of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol lottery is different. Is. On the other hand, as described below, regarding whether or not the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol lottery is activated in the specific game state, that is, the start of execution of the probability fluctuation function, as in the "V probability change (" ball probability "" attack round system ")". The game machine specifications (“specs”) may be expressed by requiring special conditions.

[V probability change]
Next, a game machine specification called "V probability variation" will be described. The "V probability change" is referred to as a "specific area P750"("Vzone","Varea", etc.) provided in the large winning opening P751 during the jackpot game before the gaming state shifts to the specific gaming state. When the passage of a gaming ball (“V winning”) is detected under predetermined conditions (such as during the execution of a specific jackpot round), the probability fluctuation function is activated after the jackpot game. The gaming machine specifications of the pachinko gaming machine that controls the transition to the specific gaming state (specific gaming state 1 or specific gaming state 3) are shown. Regarding the "specific area" used for the "V probability variation", it may be particularly referred to as a "probability fluctuation function operating area".

As described above, "V probability variation" is a game machine specification indicating that whether or not the probability fluctuation function is activated depends on the game result during the big hit game (depends on whether or not the game ball passes through the specific area P760). There is a "V probability change (V-loop)" depending on whether the activated probability fluctuation function ends with the same control as the "probability change until the next time" or the same control as the "ST". An expression indicating a game machine specification different from "" and "V-ST" is used.

In the pachinko gaming machine P that adopts "V probability variation" as the game machine specification, if the V prize is not won during the big hit game, the probability fluctuation function does not operate after the big hit game, and the normal game state or the specific game It is controlled to state 1 (low probability / high base state). In addition, it is possible to switch whether or not the game state in which the probability variation function operates after the big hit game is switched between the case where the V prize is won and the case where the V prize is not won, and at the same time, the operation mode of the electric chew support function can be changed. As an example, in the "V probability change (V-loop)" machine, if V is won, the probability fluctuation function and the electric chew support function will continue until the next big hit, and if V is not won, the probability fluctuation function will be activated. However, the electric chew support function can also be limited to 100 special symbol lottery.

[Small hit V]
Next, a game machine specification (spec) called "small hit V" will be described as a game machine specification that can provide a gaming state advantageous to the player regarding the acquisition of a big hit without having a probability fluctuation function.

The "small hit V" is a "specific area" provided inside the large winning opening P751 during the small hit game (during the operation of the special electric accessory) that is executed when the result of the special symbol lottery is a small hit. When passing through "P760" (sometimes referred to as "V zone", "V area", etc.), the accessory continuous operating device is operated following the small hit game, that is, the game machine specification for starting the big hit game. is there. In other words, by passing the specific area P760 during the small hit, the big hit game can be obtained without obtaining the result of the big hit as a result of the special symbol lottery.

"Small hit V" is a special electric accessory that is not operating the accessory continuous activator due to the playability of "1 type (pachinko)" that operates the accessory continuous actuator and the special electric accessory as a result of the special symbol lottery. It is a specification that operates the accessory continuous operation device when passing through the specific area P760 during operation (while the large winning opening P751 is open), and while it may be expressed as "Type 1 small hit V", the conventional pachinko game Since it has a playability close to that of the so-called "type 2 pachinko" gaming machine, it is sometimes referred to as a "type 1 and type 2 mixer".

Generally, a pachinko machine that adopts "small hit V" as a game machine specification does not have a probability change function (probability change function), and the degree of advantage is changed depending on the presence or absence of an electric chew support function. That is, it becomes a change trigger of a special symbol (for example, winning a small hit at 1/2) that makes it easy to win a small hit at the winning opening related to the ordinary electric accessory P770, which makes it easy to win when the electric chew support function is activated. By configuring it with a starting winning opening, it is easy to win a small hit under the situation where the electric chew support function is operating, and it is possible to aim for a big hit with a V winning during a small hit game. By doing so, it is a game playability that increases the possibility of obtaining a big hit by a small hit, instead of increasing the random value range that becomes a big hit as in the probability variation function.

[Other game machine specifications (specs)]
The game machine specifications described above are typical, and some other characteristic game machine specifications are known. Therefore, they will be briefly described below.

(limiter)
The "limiter" is a case where a specific game state in which the probability fluctuation function or the electric chew support function is activated is repeatedly performed with the execution of the jackpot game in between (so-called "ream villa" state), and is predetermined. When the number of repetitions (number of consecutive villas) is reached, even if the jackpot game that the probability fluctuation function and the electric chew support function should originally operate is executed, the probability fluctuation function or the electric chew support function It is a function that limits the operation. As a limiter function, the function that limits the "probability fluctuation function" based on the number of consecutive times is called the "probability change limiter", and the function that limits the "electric chew support function" based on the number of consecutive times is called the "time saving limiter (electric sapoli limiter)". Call. A game machine having a limiter function is called a "limiter machine".

(Fall)
"Fall" is a game machine that executes a "fall lottery" that determines whether or not to terminate the probability fluctuation function each time a special symbol lottery is performed during the period when the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol lottery is operating. The specifications are shown. In the situation where the electric chew support function is operating together with the probability fluctuation function, if the fall lottery is won, the operation of the electric chew support function ends at the end of the probability fluctuation function, or only the probability fluctuation function ends. The operation of the Shiden Chu support function may continue.

It should be noted that a plurality of the above-mentioned game machine specifications can be combined. For example, when "ST" and "fall" are combined, when the specific game state 2 (high probability / high base state) is set, ( Specific game state 2 (high) when either 1) winning the fall lottery, (2) performing a predetermined number of special symbol lottery, or (3) acquiring the right to the jackpot game is satisfied. Probability / high base state) will end (shift to another game state).

Next, the control of the main control board P40 that controls the progress of the game in the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P will be described. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine P which is the premise to be described in the present embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine which adopts "ST (probability of cutting the number of times)" as the above-mentioned gaming machine specifications (specs) will be described. .. In the description of the embodiment, the notation of "P-s OO" indicating the processing step in the figure will be described as "step OO" in the text.

[Power-on processing of main control board (main loop processing of main control board)]
The main control board P40 of the pachinko gaming machine P, which is a premise, first executes the power-on processing (step 1000) when the power of the pachinko gaming machine P is turned on. Here, the details of the power-on process will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

When the power-on process is started on the main control board P40 of the pachinko gaming machine P, which is a prerequisite, initial settings related to the operation of the CPU, which is an arithmetic unit provided on the main control board P40, are performed (step 1002). The initial setting is to appropriately set the setting necessary for the subsequent operation of the CPU, and the details thereof will be omitted.

When the CPU initial setting is completed, the input port confirmation process (step 1004) and the power off information confirmation / checksum process (step 1006) are subsequently executed, and the game stop state setting process (step 1008) is received in response to these processing contents. ) Is performed.

More specifically, the input port confirmation process (step 1004) is a "set value" for changing the degree of advantage of the special symbol lottery of the pachinko gaming machine P (particularly, the operation probability of the accessory continuous operation device, that is, the jackpot probability). The flag of whether or not it is in the state of performing "setting change processing" that can change "", and the flag of whether or not it is in the state of performing "setting confirmation processing" for confirming the "setting value" This is a process for generating information for determining whether or not to establish (whether or not to turn on) in the game stop state setting process that is performed later. In the presupposed pachinko game machine P, the frame opening switch P131 (a switch that detects that the front frame is open with respect to the outer frame, and may be referred to as a door opening switch, a door opening sensor, or a frame opening sensor. ), The detection status of whether the ram clear switch P48 is being operated by the player, and the detection status of whether the setting key switch P49 is being rotated are generated as 1-byte data.

In the subsequent power off information confirmation / checksum process (step 1006), when the power was turned off last time, the pachinko gaming machine P normally turned off the power, and the control data related to the game state when the power cut occurred was normally performed. It is a process of confirming whether the data is normally saved and stored in the storage area of the CPU of the main control board P40. If the data is not normal, the game is played as an error in the game stop state setting process (step 1008) described later. It is a process to set (turn on) a flag to stop.

In the "game stop state setting process" (step 1008), after the process in the power-on process is completed and the process shifts to the main loop process to start the game, a flag is set to prevent the player from actually playing the game. Based on the processing results of the input port confirmation process (step 1004) and the power off information confirmation / checksum process (step 1006), the "setting change state", "setting confirmation state", and "unrecoverable" This is a process of setting a flag to shift to one of the "error states" of the game progress disallowed state. The details of the "game stop state setting process" are shown in FIG. 8, and the description will be given based on the description in FIG.

In the game stop state setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the frame is open based on the 1-byte data generated in the input port confirmation process (step 1004) (step 1100). If the front frame P2 of the pachinko gaming machine P is open to the outer frame P1 when the power is turned on (YES in step 1100), the specific bit of the 1-byte data is "1". Therefore, the processing of the following step 1102 is omitted. On the other hand, if the frame is not open when the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on, it is assumed that some of the essential operations for executing the setting change process are not satisfied, and the input port confirmation process (step 1004) generated 1 The operation information of the setting key switch is calculated from the byte data so as to be off data. Although not shown, in both cases where YES is set in step 1102 and NO is set, the bit in the 1-byte data whose frame is open is also calculated to be off data.

In the following step 1104, it is determined whether or not the 1-byte data generated in the input port confirmation process (step 1004) is information that can be determined as "there is a setting change operation". In the premise pachinko gaming machine P, the situation where it is judged that "there is a setting change operation" is (1) the frame release switch P131 is on (the frame is open when the power is turned on), and (2) the setting key switch P49 is on. It requires three states: (it is being rotated) and (3) the ram clear switch P48 is on. As described above, the information of the frame opening switch P131 is set to off in the 1-byte data, and it is determined in this step whether or not both (2) and (3) are satisfied. For example, when two specific bit data are "1", it is determined that there is a setting change operation (note that the active data indicating that the two switches are on does not necessarily have to be "1", and either one is used. One data may be "0"). Then, when it is determined that the setting change operation has been performed, that is, when it is determined to be YES in step 1104, the data indicating "setting change in progress" is stored as the game stop state flag, and the game stop state setting process is terminated ( Step 1106, step 1118). On the other hand, if NO is determined in step 1104, the process proceeds to the subsequent step 1108. If the set value information stored in the ram (RAM = Random Access Memory) of the main control board P40 is abnormal data (when the operation is to return from the unrecoverable error state), it is set as the initial setting value. The data corresponding to the set value "1" is set in the area for storing the set value (step 1118).

Next, in step 1108, it is determined that a game stop error has occurred. A game stop error is an error that requires ram clearing and setting (changing) processing when the game cannot proceed, such as a checksum error (ram error) or a setting value error. Refers to. The determination in step 1108 determines whether or not to set the game stopped state based on the processing result of the power off information confirmation / checksum processing (step 1006) and the error information stored in the previous power off processing. .. If it is determined that an error state should be set (if YES is determined in step 1108), the game stop state flag is set to "unrecoverable error state" and the game stop state setting process is terminated (step 1110, step 1118). If it is determined that no error has occurred, the process proceeds to the subsequent step 1112.

In the following step 1112, it is determined whether or not the ram clear switch P48 is operated. In the game stop state setting process, as a state when proceeding to the relevant step
(A) When the operation to shift to the setting confirmation state is being performed, in other words, in the judgment of "there is a setting change operation", (1) the frame opening switch P131 is on (the frame is being opened when the power is turned on). , (2) When the setting key switch P49 is on, is satisfied, and (3) The ram clear switch P48 is on, is not satisfied.
(B) When the ram clear operation for clearing the data is performed, in other words, (2) the setting key switch P49 is on is not satisfied, and (3) the ram clear switch P48 is on. When satisfied
(C) When the power is turned on without any operations such as "setting change operation", "setting confirmation operation", and "ram clear operation" being performed.
It is one of the situations. Then, in these states, the 1-byte data generated in the input port confirmation process (step 1004) has (a) bit data indicating on / off of the setting key switch P49 is "1 (on data)", and (b) ram clear switch. The bit data indicating on / off of the operation detection state of P48 is "1 (on data)", and (c) the 1-byte data is all off data (for example, all bits "0").

Then, it is determined in step 1112 whether or not the ram clear switch P48 has been operated, and if there is a ram clear operation (when it is determined to be YES in step 1112), the pachinko gaming machine enters the game-enabled state after ram clearing. In order to make the transition, a process of clearing the game stop state flag is performed (step 1114). On the other hand, except in the situation where the ram clear operation is performed, the current 1-byte data is set as it is, and at this time, when the operation to shift the game stop state flag to the "setting confirmation state" is performed (in step 1112). (When determining NO), the bit data indicating the operation status of the setting key switch P49 is "1", and the 1-byte data indicating the game stop status flag is stored as data indicating "setting is being confirmed" ( Step 1118). Further, when there is neither a ram clear operation nor a transition operation to the setting confirmation state, the 1-byte data generated in the input port confirmation process (step 1004) is originally data indicating that there is no game stop as a game stop state flag. It is set as information without game stop.

If a value indicating some kind of stop state is stored for the game stop state flag set in the "game stop state setting process" (step 1008), it is the main game allowed state in the power-on process (step 1000). In the interrupt process (step 2000), which is the main body of the game progress control executed after the transition to the loop (step 1028 to step 1036), the value indicating the stopped state is referred to, and the game progress described as "basic game progress". However, these controls will be described later in the description of interrupt processing.

Returning to the description of the power-on process of FIG. 7, the subsequent process will be described. When the game stop state setting process (step 1008) is completed, it is determined whether or not the ram clear operation has been performed (step 1010). The ram clear operation is that the ram clear switch P48 is operated when the power of the pachinko gaming machine P is turned on. This process is executed regardless of whether the setting key switch P49 is off or on. When it is determined in step 1010 that there is a ram clearing operation, a predetermined storage area is initialized from the ram storage area of the main control board P40.

In the subsequent processes from steps 1014 to 1020, a process of setting an effect control command (effect command) for causing the effect control board P41 to recognize the state of the game machine from the main control board P40 when the power is turned on is performed. More specifically, in step 1014, a process of clearing the effect control command that was not transmitted when the power was cut off last time (when the power was cut off) is performed from the storage area. Then, when the information regarding the current gaming state of the main control board P40 returned after the power is turned on in step 1016 is generated as an effect control command and it is determined in step 1018 that the game is not in the game stopped state, the generated return in step 1020 is performed. The effect control command indicating the game state is set in the area for storing the transmission data of the effect control command.

When the processing related to the setting of the effect control command at the time of turning on the power is completed, the necessary data (drive signal) for returning the large winning port P751 (special electric accessory P755) and the ordinary electric accessory P770 to the state before the power failure occurred. ) Is output from the output port to the special electric accessory driving means P70 and the ordinary electric accessory driving means P71. (Step 1022)

Then, when the processing up to step 1022 in the power-on processing is completed, the CPU of the main control board P40 is subjected to a process of setting the generation interval of the interrupt processing time (step 1024). In the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, the interval for executing the interrupt processing (FIG. 9, step 2000) described later is set to 4 ms (milliseconds). When this process is completed, the process shifts to a circular process called a main loop in which the player can play, and the execution of the circular process in the main loop is repeated until a power failure occurs.

(Main loop)
As shown in FIG. 7, the processing of the main loop of the main control board is performed by first performing a process of prohibiting the occurrence of interrupt processing in step 1026, and enabling interrupt processing in step 1036 until the processing of the main loop is completed. (Up to) Restrict the execution of interrupt processing.

When interrupts are disabled, in the following step 1028, the occurrence of a runaway CPU of the main control board P40 called a watchdog timer (a situation in which processing loops and stops proceeding, etc.) is to be monitored. Clear (initialize) the area that stores the timekeeping information.

Then, in step 1030, it is determined whether the power supply is cut off (for example, whether the power supply cutoff signal sent from the power supply board P44 is input to the input port of the CPU of the main control board P40). If the power is cut off, the current gaming state is stored, the power cut information and the check sum information are stored, and the processing of the main control board P40 as the CPU is stopped (step 1032). ) Is executed. If the power is not cut off, the process proceeds to the next step.

In step 1034, a process of updating the random number used for the special symbol lottery and the random number value used for the normal symbol lottery is performed. It should be noted that some of these random number value updates are updated in the interrupt process described later, and this is a process for preventing the random number update cycle from becoming constant due to the random number being updated only in the interrupt process. If there is a process that is executed irregularly in the interrupt process, it is possible to prevent the random number update cycle from becoming constant by adopting a method such as updating the random number value according to the process. Therefore, it is not essential to provide a random number update process in the main loop.

Step 1036 is the final process in the main loop, and performs a process for permitting interrupts. Immediately after that, the process returns to the interrupt disable of step 1026, which is the first process in the main loop. However, when the process of step 1036 for enabling interrupts is performed, the interrupt execution cycle (4 ms has elapsed since the previous interrupt process occurred). If the CPU of the main control board P40 has an input indicating the above-mentioned state, the interrupt processing described later will be executed.

[Interrupt processing]
Subsequently, interrupt processing (also referred to as “timer interrupt processing”) performed by the CPU of the main control board P40 will be described with reference to FIG. In the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, most of the progress of the game is controlled by interrupt processing (step 2000), and the sub-module program provided that can be changed according to the gaming machine specifications (specs) is generally constant. It is configured to read and control in the order of. The processing related to these submodules will be briefly described below.

(Watchdog timer clear)
At the beginning of the interrupt process, a watchdog timer clear process is provided. This process is the same as the watchdog timer clear process in the main loop process (FIG. 7, steps 1026 to 1036) executed by the CPU of the main control board P40 described above. (Step 2002)

(Input port confirmation process)
The input port confirmation process confirms the information input to the input port of the CPU of the main control board P40, so that it is possible to identify whether or not there is input information as information necessary for determination in the subsequent processing. This is the process to generate. (Step 2004)

The information input to the input port includes an input signal indicating the operation status of the ram clear switch P48 and the setting key switch P49, an input signal indicating the operation status (touch / absence) of the handle P204, and other input signals related to artificial operations. , Special figure 1 Input signal indicating the game result by detecting the game ball such as the start port switch P712 and the big prize opening switch P752, the magnetic sensor P73, the door opening sensor P131, the vibration detection sensor P72, etc. are provided for fraud monitoring. There is an input signal that indicates the detection status of the sensor.

In the input port confirmation process, the input signals of these input ports are read three times in 10 μs (microseconds), and the data that becomes the same data (same bit) in all reads is called the input data (“level data”) in this interrupt. ), Stored in the ram of the main control board P40. For the part of the data read three times that is not the same data in all the readings, the data confirmed in the previous interrupt processing (interrupt processing 4 ms ago) will be adopted as level data, that is, the interrupt this time. If the data cannot be read normally in, the data stored in the previous interrupt will not be updated.

Then, when the input data (level data) in the interrupt this time is confirmed, a comparison operation with the input data in the previous interrupt is performed to generate "rising data" (data that identifies the bit whose input data has changed from off to on). The data that identifies the switch that was switched to the on input by the interrupt this time is stored.

(Random number update process)
Random number update processing is performed by software among various random numbers such as winning / failing random numbers, symbol random numbers, and variable pattern random numbers related to the special symbol lottery, and normal symbol lottery normal symbol winning / failing random numbers, normal symbol random numbers, and normal symbol fluctuation pattern random numbers. This is a process of updating a so-called soft random number, which is a random number value to be updated (step 2006). In the presupposed pachinko game machine P, the random numbers used for the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery are those that are updated in the update cycle on the circuit by the random number generation circuit and those that are updated in the soft cycle. By combining them, it is configured to maintain the randomness of various random numbers at the time of random number acquisition.

In the random number update process, as described above, the soft random number is updated, but the update method is as follows.
(A) A random number is updated by incrementing (+1) or decrementing (-1), and when the upper limit (or lower limit) of the random number range is exceeded, the lower limit value (or upper limit value) is set.
(B) Subtract (or add) an arbitrary prime number to a random number, and add (or subtract) the value of the random number range +1 (or random number range -1) when the random number range is exceeded.
(C) Repeat incrementing (or decrementing) from the random number set as the initial value, and when the update of one cycle is completed, set the separately updated "initial value random number" as a new initial value and perform the same update. Things that repeat (also called initial value update type random numbers),
Various update methods such as can be exemplified. The update method is not limited to the one illustrated in this embodiment, and any method may be adopted as long as the random number can be maintained.

(Setting control processing)
The setting control process is performed when the game stop flag set in the power-on process (see FIG. 7) in the CPU of the main control board P40 is "setting is being changed" or "setting is being confirmed". (Step 2008)

In the setting control process, it is determined whether or not the bit data indicating that the setting key is being operated for the data stored as the game stop flag during the power-on process is on-data, and it is not on-data, that is, the pachinko game machine. If the setting key is not turned on when the power is turned on, this process is exited.

On the other hand, if the bit data indicating that the setting key is being operated during the game stop flag is on-data, the current interrupt is used to determine whether to end "setting changing" and "setting checking". After referring to the input information of the setting key switch P49 in the process (generated by the input port confirmation process described above) and clearing the game stop flag when the setting key switch P49 is turned off to enable the game, An effect control command for returning (or starting) an effect is set on the effect control board according to whether the return is from the "setting change state" or the "setting confirmation state".

Further, in the power-on process (see FIG. 7), when the game stop flag is "setting is being changed", the role of the "setting change switch" in this interrupt timing is played during the period until the setting key switch P49 is turned off. Check the operating status of the ram clear switch P48 (the switch operated to change the set value). When the game stop flag is "setting is being changed", when the rising data related to the operation of the setting change switch P48 is generated in this interrupt, the "setting value" is set to the next in the predetermined change order. Change the data so that it becomes the set value. For example, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine P having setting value data such that the setting is switched from 1 to 6 in order, each time there is rising data based on the operation of the setting change switch (ram clear switch P48), the setting is set in this setting control process. The process of increasing the value by "1" (when the set value before the operation is 6, it is changed to 1 as the next value) is performed.

In the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, by providing processing in the setting change state and setting confirmation state during interrupt processing (see FIG. 9), the operation of the setting key switch and the setting change switch is monitored in the interrupt processing cycle. , A program for periodic monitoring during power-on processing (see FIG. 7) in which display data can be output to the display device by LED output processing, which will be described later, and interrupt processing has not been set separately. Can be omitted. It should be noted that, during the power-on process, it may be configured to monitor switches related to setting changes and setting confirmations, control display devices, and update set values.

(Game stop monitoring process)
In the game stop monitoring process, whether or not the game is stopped by reading the data of the game stop flag generated during the power-on process (see FIG. 7) executed by the CPU of the main control board when the pachinko game machine is turned on. It is a process to confirm whether or not. (Step 2010)

In the game stop monitoring process, when some game stop information (game stop flag) is stored in the read game stop flag data, for example, the game stop flag data is not 0 and any bit is "1". If it is, it is determined that the game is stopped (a state in which the game is stopped), and it is considered that the game is stopped, and a part of the processing during the interrupt processing (“timer subtraction processing (step 2014)” in FIG. 9 to “special electric motor” (Up to the accessory control process (step 2028)) ”is omitted.

In the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, as a state in which the game needs to be stopped, that is, a state in which the player cannot play the game, "setting is being changed", "setting is being confirmed", and "unrecoverable error" A state such as "occurring" can be exemplified.

(Timer subtraction processing)
The timer subtraction process is a process of updating the timer data used for managing the time related to the progress of the game (step 2014).

As an example of the timer data update process, management of the fluctuation display time set when the fluctuation display of the special symbol is started, and the operating time of the special electric accessory P755 during the big hit game (opening time of the big winning opening P751). ), Timer data update processing triggered by the progress of the game, timekeeping processing for error determination such as detecting ball clogging, LED lighting pattern in the main control display device P50 such as special symbol display devices P51 and P52. Examples thereof include a process for measuring the switching time for switching the data, a process for measuring the period for outputting information from the external information output terminal P77 or the like to an external device (hall computer, etc.), and the like.

The timer data updated by the timer update process is divided into the storage area (ram storage area) of the main control board P40 for each type of timer data such as "1-byte timer" and "2-byte timer", and is continuous. Each is stored in the storage area.

In the timer update process, processes such as "1-byte timer update process" and "2-byte timer update process" are performed on the storage area that stores the individual types of timer data, and the time values of various timers are updated. I do. The timer update process performs a process of decrementing (-1) the timer data stored in the storage area. If the stored timer data is already "0", it is processed so that it becomes "0" even after processing (if it becomes a negative value, it is set to "0", or If it is "0", do not decrement, etc.).

In the presupposed Pachinko game machine P, the cycle of one interrupt is 4 ms, so in the case of 1-byte timer data, only the management target that ends in a maximum of 255 updates (about 1 second) is controlled. It is possible, but if there is no game information managed only within 1 second (when there is little), it is also possible to configure it with only 2-byte timer data and not have 1-byte timer update processing. Is. Further, when it is necessary to manage the time value that cannot be managed even by the 2-byte timer, it may be configured to have timer data that can manage a longer time than a "3-byte timer".

(Validity period setting process)
The validity period setting process is a period for controlling the winning opening (mainly the winning opening related to the large winning opening P751 and the ordinary electric accessory P770) that can be changed to the easy entry mode or the difficult entry mode. It is a process of setting the valid period in the valid extension period and setting the invalid period for the other period (when the winning opening is in a difficult-to-enter mode and other than the valid extension period). (Step 2016)

In the presupposed pachinko gaming machine, the winning of the large winning opening P751 as the large winning device and the second starting winning opening P721, which is the second starting winning device P720 equipped with the ordinary electric accessory P770, is set as the valid period. It becomes a process to do.

In addition, during the valid extension period, in order to treat the game ball entered at the timing immediately before the large winning opening P751 or the ordinary electric accessory P770 shifts to the difficult-to-enter mode as an effective winning, the large winning opening P750 (special electric accessory) Since it is treated as an effective period even after the control period for executing the opening control for the electric accessory such as P755) and the ordinary electric accessory P770 has elapsed, a certain period of time appropriately set according to the structure of the electric accessory is set. It is a control period.

Further, depending on the game machine specifications, when the specific area P760 (V area) is provided, the effective extension period for the passage of the game ball with respect to the specific area P760 may also be set. In such a case, in this process, The validity period of a specific area is also set.

(Prize winning monitoring process)
The winning monitoring process determines whether or not the winning is valid based on the winning of the game ball for various winning openings (large winning opening P751, starting opening P711, P721, general winning opening P731) in the pachinko gaming machine, and the prize is awarded. This is a process of generating information that triggers the process of generating the right to draw a special symbol for a ball or a ball entering the starting port (occurrence of hold). (Step 2018)

The processing contents are as follows: (a) Detecting the presence or absence of winning for each winning opening in a predetermined order based on the data generated in the input port confirmation processing (step 2004) (b) The winning opening having a valid period In that case, it is judged whether or not the prize is won during the valid period, and when a valid prize is generated for each winning opening, (c) A directing control command indicating the winning information for each winning opening to be transmitted to the effect control board P41. Settings, (d) Update the counter value (called "winning counter") for storing the number of occurrences of operation triggers based on winning for each winning opening (in other words, among the actions based on the detection of various winning openings (Updates the counter value that stores the number of unprocessed operations in).

In the winning monitoring process, not only the winning of various winning openings, but also the out ball detection switch P792 provided for counting the out balls, the operation opening switch P742 that triggers the ordinary symbol lottery, and the game machine. Depending on the specifications, it is also determined whether the game ball enters or passes through the specific area P760 (V area), and the operation of the game machine (for example, the operation of the game machine (for example, the occurrence of a prize ball or the trigger of a special symbol lottery) In this process, the presence or absence of detection of the game ball required for the process of transmitting the information indicating that the operation port switch P742 and the specific area P760 have been passed to the effect control board P41 is performed.

(Operating port monitoring process)
The operation port monitoring process is a process related to the occurrence of hold related to the normal symbol lottery when the rising data of the normal figure operation port switch P742 is generated from the data generated in the input port confirmation process (step 2004). Do. (Step 2020)

More specifically, when the normal figure operation port switch P742 is detected, the number of holds related to the normal symbol lottery is confirmed, and if the number of holds is less than the upper limit, a random number is stored as a new hold. Since it is possible, after incrementing (+1) the data in the storage area that stores the number of holds to increase the number of holds information by one, the random numbers of the normal figure hit / miss, the normal figure symbol random numbers, and the normal figure fluctuation pattern random numbers are randomized. Obtain from the generation circuit, or obtain the current corresponding soft random number and store it as a hold.

(Normal symbol control processing)
The normal symbol control process performs a process related to the normal symbol lottery, the variable display of the normal symbol, and the operation of the normal electric accessory P770 (step 2022). These processes shift to different sub-module processes depending on which is the data indicating the control state of the normal symbol or the normal electric accessory, which is called the normal symbol status, and perform the control according to the state. The status of the normal symbol is "0: Waiting for the normal symbol", "1: Normal symbol is changing", "2: Normal symbol is stopped and displayed", "3: Normal electric accessory is operating", "4: Normal" There is a "Demonstration of the end of the electric accessory", and processing is performed according to each state.

<< Normal symbol change start monitoring control processing >>
The normal symbol change start monitoring control process is a submodule process called from the normal symbol control process when the normal symbol status is "0: waiting for the normal symbol".

In the normal symbol change start monitoring control process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the number of holds related to the normal symbol lottery is "0". If it is "0", the right to change the normal symbol has not been generated, and the normal symbol control process is exited. On the other hand, if the number of holdings related to the normal symbol lottery is not "0", it means that the right to change the normal symbol has been generated, and it is judged that the condition for starting the change of the normal symbol is satisfied, and the change of the normal symbol is changed. Execute the process related to the start.

When it is judged that the fluctuation of the normal symbol is started, the hold number information is decremented by -1 from the area for storing the hold number information related to the normal symbol lottery, and then the normal symbol hit / miss random number, the normal symbol symbol random number, and the normal symbol fluctuation pattern random number are obtained. Call and perform the normal figure success / failure lottery, the normal figure pattern lottery, and the normal figure fluctuation pattern lottery, store the lottery result in the storage area of the main control board, clear the random number information used this time, and store the hold number information. The process of shifting is performed so that the processes are processed in the memorized order, and the normal symbol status is updated to "1: Normal symbol changing". Regarding the normal symbol lottery, different lottery tables are used depending on the operating status of the above-mentioned "base state" (normal symbol probability fluctuation function, normal symbol fluctuation time shortening function), and it is easy to win in the high base state. , Ordinary symbols tend to have a short variation display time.

《Processing during normal symbol change》
The normal symbol changing process is a submodule process called from the normal symbol control process when the normal symbol status is “1: Normal symbol changing”.

In the normal symbol fluctuation processing, a timer (normal) that manages the fluctuation display of the normal symbol until the fluctuation display time of the normal symbol according to the fluctuation pattern of the normal symbol determined during the normal symbol fluctuation start monitoring control processing elapses, that is, This is a process of causing the normal symbol display device P53 to execute the fluctuation display of the normal symbol until the symbol variation display timer) becomes 0 in the timer update process.

More specifically, when the normal symbol variation display timer is not 0, the normal symbol display switching counter whose maximum value is "5" is updated every time this process is executed, and the normal symbol display switching counter is set to "5". At the timing of "5", a process of storing information regarding the next light emission pattern is performed in a storage area for storing data for designating the light emission pattern of the LED constituting the normal symbol display device P53. The normal map display switching counter is reset to the initial value "0" at the timing when the maximum value "5" is reached. That is, in the variation display of the normal symbol, the lighting pattern of the normal symbol display device P53 is switched at intervals of 5 interrupts (4 ms × 5 = 20 ms). The switching interval can be set as appropriate. For example, if the maximum value of the normal figure display switching counter is 25, the display pattern of the normal symbol display device P53 is switched at intervals of once every 25 interrupts (once every 100 ms). Be done.

When the fluctuation display time of the normal symbol ends, that is, when the normal symbol fluctuation display timer is "0", in this process, the display pattern of the stop display symbol of the normal symbol determined by the normal symbol lottery is the main control display device. Data for designating the LED lighting pattern indicating the stop display mode is stored in the storage area for storing the LED lighting pattern of the normal symbol display device P53 so that the stop display is displayed on the normal symbol display device P53 on P50. Then, the symbol fixing time (time for displaying the stop display symbol) of the normal symbol is stored in the normal symbol stop display timer, and the normal symbol status is updated to "2: Normal symbol stop display".

《Processing during normal symbol stop display》
The normal symbol stop display processing is a submodule process called from the normal symbol control process when the normal symbol status is "2: Normal symbol stop display".

In the normal symbol stop display processing, it is confirmed whether the value of the normal symbol stop display timer for which the symbol fixed time is set at the end of the normal symbol change processing is "0", and at the timing when it becomes "0". Then, the process of setting for moving to the next game operation is performed.

When the normal symbol stop display timer becomes "0" and the result of this normal symbol lottery is "hit", it depends on the winning symbol and the operating state of the base state (extension function of the normal electric accessory). , Call the operation pattern of the normal electric accessory P770, set the operation pattern, clear the winning counter related to the ordinary electric accessory P770, and set the normal symbol status to "3: Normal electric accessory is operating". Update to.

On the other hand, when the normal symbol stop display timer becomes "0" and the result of this normal symbol lottery is "missing", the process of updating the normal symbol status to "0: waiting for normal symbol". I do.

《Processing during normal electric accessory operation》
The normal electric accessory operating process is a submodule process called from the normal symbol control process when the normal symbol status is "3: Normal electric accessory operating".

In the process during operation of the normal electric accessory, the opening operation (change to the easy entry mode) and the closing operation of the ordinary electric accessory are performed based on the operation pattern of the ordinary electric accessory P770 set in the process during the normal symbol stop display. While controlling (change to a difficult-to-enter mode), it monitors the establishment of the operation end condition of the ordinary electric accessory. The operation of the ordinary electric accessory P770 ends when (a) a specified number of ordinary electric accessory prizes set as the end condition of the ordinary electric accessory occur, and (b) the operation of the preset operation pattern ends. This is the case (when the open operation period of the normal electric accessory has expired).

When the operation end condition of the ordinary electric accessory is satisfied, the extension period of a fixed time determined in advance corresponding to the structure of the ordinary electric accessory P770 is clocked in the timer area for storing the effective extension period of the ordinary electric accessory. Set the time. Then, the time value related to the operation end demonstration of the ordinary electric accessory is set in the ordinary electric accessory operation end demo timer, and the ordinary symbol status is set to "4: During the ordinary electric accessory end demonstration".

《Demonstration process for ending normal electric accessory operation》
The normal electric accessory operation end demo process is a submodule process called from the normal symbol control process when the normal symbol status is "4: Normal electric accessory end demo".

In the normal electric accessory operation end demo process, the normal electric accessory operation end demo timer set in the normal electric accessory operation end demo timer waits until it becomes "0", and the normal electric accessory operation end demo timer becomes "0". When it becomes, the process of updating the normal symbol status to "0: Waiting for normal symbol" is performed.

(Starting port monitoring process)
In the start port monitoring process, when the start-up data of the special figure 1 start port switch P712 and the special figure 2 start port switch P722 are generated from the data generated in the input port confirmation process (step 2004), a special symbol lottery is performed. Performs processing related to the occurrence of hold related to. (Step 2024)

More specifically, when the special figure 1 start port switch P712 and the special figure 2 start port switch P722 are detected, the number of holds related to the special symbol lottery is confirmed, and the number of holds does not reach the upper limit. Can store a random number as a new hold, so after incrementing (+1) the data in the storage area that stores the hold number and increasing the hold number information by 1, the hit / fail random number, the symbol random number, and the fluctuation pattern The random number is acquired from the random number generation circuit, or the current corresponding soft random number is acquired and stored as a hold.

In the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, there are two types of special symbols, the first special symbol (sometimes referred to as special figure 1) and the second special symbol (sometimes referred to as special figure 2). Since the symbols are provided, the data of the corresponding special symbol hold number and start port switch are called for each of the start ports provided on the game board P5, the hold number is added for each start port, and random numbers are acquired. Is processed.

Further, when the starting port to be processed is composed of the starting port (electric chew) related to the ordinary electric accessory, the starting port winning prize related to the ordinary electric accessory P770 is effective in the above-mentioned validity period setting process. After determining whether or not it was performed within the period, if it is valid, the above-mentioned processing is performed.

When storing the hit / fail random number, the symbol random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number, the acquired random number information is used in advance using the advance notice judgment value table, and the fluctuation content when the fluctuation based on the various reserved random numbers is executed is in advance. Information that can be inferred is generated and notified to the effect control board P41 as an effect control command (referred to as "preliminary determination command", "preliminary determination information", and "look-ahead determination command"). The pre-judgment command is generated for each of the hit / fail random number, the symbol random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number, and when transmitted to the effect control board P41, it is used for the lottery related to the execution of the "look-ahead effect" described later on the effect control board P41. Will be done.

(Special symbol control processing)
The special symbol control process (step 2026) includes status information for managing a special symbol called special symbol status (also referred to as "special symbol status") and special electric accessory status (also referred to as "special electric game status"). Depending on the state information for managing the operating state of the special electric accessory called, any of the special symbol change start management (special symbol change start monitoring control process), special symbol change process, and special symbol stop symbol display process. Execute the process.

The special symbol status includes "0: Waiting for special symbol change", "1: Special symbol change", "2: Lost symbol stop display", "3: Big hit symbol stop display", "4: Small hit" It has a state of "design stop display", and the status of the special electric accessory includes "0: waiting for a hit", "1: the special electric accessory is operating", "2: the big winning opening is closed", and "3". : Big hit end demonstration is in progress ”,“ 4: Small hit special electric power is in operation ”,“ 5: Small hit is closed ”,“ 6: Small hit end demonstration is in progress ”. Depending on the specifications of the game machine, it may not have a small hit, and in that case, it does not have the status data related to the small hit. Control based on these statuses will be described later.

When there are a plurality of special symbols, the special symbol control process is performed based on a predetermined order (priority). In a predetermined order, the process of preferentially controlling the second special symbol is performed, and in a situation where both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are held, the change of the second special symbol comes first. The game machine specifications that are processed so that they are started (the second special symbol changes preferentially) are called "second special symbol (special figure 2) priority digestion control", and the pachinko gaming machine P is implemented as a premise. In the description of the form, the processing related to this type will be described by way of example.

In the special symbol control process, first, the second special symbol is controlled. When the control of the second special symbol is started, the information of the special symbol status of the first special symbol and the information of the special electric accessory status is first referred to. In the case of data indicating that the special electric accessory status is during a big hit game or a small hit game (when the special electric accessory status is other than "0: waiting for a hit"), the first special symbol is changing and the first If the special symbol status of the special symbol is other than "0: Waiting for special symbol change", the process is completed without performing the process.

When the control of the second special symbol is executed, the process of updating the timer value of the control related to the second special symbol is executed. The timer is updated by the process of decrementing (-1) the data in the storage area for storing the timer, and when the decremented result is a negative value, "0" is set. Then, when the timer update is completed, the submodule process described later is called and executed based on the special symbol status corresponding to the special symbol 2. Although the timer subtraction process is also performed during the interrupt process, the timer updated by the timer subtraction process does not include the timer data updated by the special symbol control process, and the special symbol control process does not include the timer data. It manages timer data for control related to special symbols.

<< Special symbol change start monitoring control processing >>
The special symbol change start monitoring control process is a sub-module process that shifts when the special symbol status is "0: waiting for special symbol change".

In the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control process, it is confirmed whether or not there is a hold of the special symbol being processed as a target, the process is completed if there is no hold, and the subsequent process is executed if there is a hold. Subsequent processing is a special symbol lottery performed when the fluctuation is started. In the special symbol lottery, first, the data stored as the set value is read out and inspected, and it is determined whether or not the set value information is appropriate. If the set value is appropriate, the lottery table is appropriately selected with reference to the data in the area storing each flag indicating the game state, etc., the winning / losing lottery, the symbol lottery, and the variable pattern lottery are executed, and the lottery result is obtained. After being stored in the storage area, the special symbol status is updated to "1: Special symbol changing". In addition, the content determined by the special symbol lottery is transmitted to the effect control board P41 as an effect control command (win / fail command, symbol command, variation pattern command), and the content of the variation effect executed according to the variation display of the special symbol. It is used as information for the determination process (lottery process) of. The details of the special symbol lottery will be described later.

《Processing during special symbol change》
The special symbol changing process is a sub-module process that shifts when the special symbol status is “1: special symbol changing”.

In the special symbol changing process, the timer that manages the fluctuation display time of the special symbol is monitored until the fluctuation time of the special symbol determined by the fluctuation pattern lottery elapses, and every interrupt is performed until the remaining fluctuation time becomes "0". The special symbol display device (second special symbol display device P52 (when controlling special symbol 1)) is used to display the fluctuation display of the special symbol every 25 interrupts by the updated special symbol display switching timer (maximum value "24"). Performs the lighting display pattern switching process of the first special symbol display device P51)).

When the remaining variation display time of the special symbol becomes "0", it indicates that the variation display of the special symbol has been executed once for the external device (data counter, hall computer, etc.) connected to the pachinko gaming machine P. Setting of information for outputting an external signal, stop display of special symbols Process of setting fixed time of symbols for fixed display, stop display showing stop display symbols determined as a result of winning / fail lottery, symbol lottery Lighting pattern data for displaying a symbol on the special symbol display device P52 (P51) is set. Then, the special symbol status is set to one of "2: out of place symbol stop display", "3: big hit symbol stop display", and "4: small hit symbol stop display" according to the result of the winning / losing lottery.

《Processing while displaying special symbol off symbol stop》
The processing during display of the special symbol off symbol is a process of shifting when the special symbol status is "2: Out of design stop display".

In the special symbol off symbol stop display processing, it is confirmed whether the value of the timer that manages the symbol fixed time set in the special symbol changing processing is "0", and if it becomes "0", it is processed. The special symbol status of the special symbol is updated to "0: Waiting for special symbol change", and the number of remaining games in the game status (probability fluctuation function, electric chew support function, fluctuation time shortening function) related to the special symbol lottery is increased. It is updated and confirmed regarding the establishment of the end condition, and when the game state transition condition is satisfied, control (flag off, etc.) related to the transition of the game state is performed.

《Processing during special symbol jackpot symbol stop display》
The special symbol jackpot symbol stop display processing is a process of shifting when the special symbol status is "3: jackpot symbol stop display".

In the special symbol jackpot symbol stop display processing, it is confirmed whether the value of the timer that manages the symbol fixed time set in the special symbol changing processing is "0", and if it becomes "0", it is processed. The special symbol status of the special symbol is updated to "0: Waiting for special symbol change", and the status of the special electric accessory is updated to "2: The big winning opening is closed". Further, in order to end the game state (probability fluctuation function, electric chew support function, fluctuation time shortening function) related to the special symbol lottery, a process of clearing the remaining number of times information storage area and the operation flag storage area is executed. Then, in order to execute the jackpot game according to the jackpot symbol, the information of various storage areas used as data during the previous jackpot game is initialized from the jackpot symbol information, and the special electric accessory P755 is controlled during the jackpot game. Set the content data.

In the special symbol jackpot symbol stop display processing, a process of transmitting an effect control command for executing the effect of the jackpot game (big hit start demo effect) to the effect control board P41 is further executed. Further, in accordance with these processes, a right-handed indicator light P56 (a right-handed game in which a game ball is launched aiming at the right side of the game area), which is one of the components of the main control display device P50, is recommended. Lighting pattern data for lighting the LED) that is sometimes lit is also set.

《Processing during special symbol small hit symbol stop display》
The special symbol small hit symbol stop display processing is a process of shifting when the special symbol status is “4: Small hit symbol stop display being displayed”.

Similar to the special symbol big hit symbol stop display processing, the special symbol small hit symbol stop display processing is to set the data related to the operation of the special electric accessory P755 and turn on the right-handed indicator light P56 at the end of the symbol fixing time. Perform the relevant setting process. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine P of this prerequisite technology, when the small hit game is executed (small hit symbol stop display), unlike when the big hit symbol is stopped, the game state (high probability state or high probability state) related to the special symbol lottery There is no process to end the high base state), and the game state is determined based on the judgment result of whether or not the end condition is satisfied for each game state, as in the process of the process of processing the special symbol off symbol stop display. Control. In addition, the status of the special electric accessory will be updated to "5: Small hit closed" in accordance with these processes. Depending on the game machine specifications, as a modification, the specifications are designed to have a process of forcibly ending the game state (high probability state or high base state) when the small hit game is executed, as in the case of stopping the big hit symbol. It is also possible.

When any of the above sub-module processes is selectively executed, the process of the first special symbol is performed following the process of the second special symbol. Regarding the processing of the first special symbol, only the information to be referred to is different from the processing of the second special symbol (for example, regarding whether or not the fluctuation can be started, the special symbol status of the second special symbol is not the status of the special symbol of the first special symbol. The explanation is omitted because almost the same process is repeated only by (judging by referring to).

《Ordered entry control, parallel control》
Further, in the above-mentioned explanation of the special symbol control process, the description is based on the process related to the "second special symbol priority digestion control", but there are cases where a gaming machine specification different from that of the pachinko gaming machine, which is the premise of the present invention, is adopted. It is also possible to proceed with the special symbol control process by different processes. The typical ones will be briefly described below.

The "ball entry order digestion control" is a game machine specification in which the hold information corresponding to each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is processed one by one in the order in which they are generated. While the fluctuation of one symbol is not performed, the fluctuation display of the other is not performed, and in a certain game state, both the reserved balls corresponding to the first special symbol and the reserved balls corresponding to the second special symbol are generated. It is a specification that is often adopted when it is expected.

"Parallel control (parallel digestion)" is different from the above-mentioned "second special symbol priority digestion control" and "injection order digestion", and simultaneously displays fluctuations of both the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It is a type of game machine specification that can be used. Since two symbols can be digested at the same time, it is possible to increase the number of special symbol lottery per unit time. In addition, when the special electric accessory P755 operates with the stop display of the special symbol of 1 (when the big hit and the small hit are executed), the other symbol is forcibly removed and the symbol is stopped or the variable display is displayed. Specifications that suspend the subtraction of the remaining time are appropriately adopted. As an example, if one special symbol is a big hit, the other special symbol is forcibly stopped and displayed as a miss, or if one special symbol is a big hit or a small hit, the other It is possible to adopt a specification that temporarily suspends the variable display of special symbols.

(Special electric accessory control process)
In the special electric accessory control process, the sub-module process related to the operation of the special electric accessory P755 is executed according to the data content (value) of the special electric accessory status (sometimes referred to as the special electric game status), and the special electric accessory control process is performed. It is a process of managing the operation of an object (step 2028). In other words, when the big hit game or the small hit game is executed, each state in the big hit game and the small hit game state is controlled, and the opening and closing of the big winning opening P751 is controlled.

As mentioned above, the status of the special electric accessory includes "0: waiting for a hit", "1: the special electric accessory is operating", "2: the big winning opening is closed", and "3: the big hit end demonstration". , "4: Small hit special electric operation is in operation", "5: Small hit is closed", and "6: Small hit end demonstration is in progress".

Of these special electric accessory statuses, when the status is "0: waiting for a hit", it means that the player's game has not yet acquired the right to execute the big hit game or the small hit game. , The special electric accessory control process ends without any process.

Then, when the status of the special electric accessory is other than "0: waiting for a hit", one of the respective processes described later is executed according to the status.

《Processing during operation of special electric accessory》
The special electric accessory operating process is a process executed when the special electric accessory status is "1: special electric accessory operating" or "4: small hit special electric function operating". This process is a process in which a so-called round game (unit game) is executed in the special game (a state in which the large winning opening P751 can be controlled to be opened).

In the process during operation of the special electric accessory, first, a process of determining whether or not the end condition of the round game (unit game) is satisfied is performed. The conditions for ending the round game are (a) a specified number of prizes (also called "count") according to the activated special electric accessory, or (b) the operation pattern of the special electric accessory to be executed. It is determined that the opening time (opening pattern) set as is completed when either of them is satisfied. If these conditions are not satisfied, the special electric accessory control process in the current interrupt process is terminated without performing the subsequent process. The operation pattern (opening pattern) of the special electric accessory P755 includes a pattern for opening and closing the large winning opening P751 multiple times, and when these patterns are executed, one round. While the timer used to determine (a) during the game is set to "0" multiple times, after confirming whether or not there is the next operation data during one round game, the condition (c) " When it is determined that there is no next operation pattern data in this unit game, it is determined that the above (a) is satisfied.

On the other hand, when either (a) or (b) of the above conditions for ending the round game is satisfied, the closing time of the large winning opening is stored in the closing time management timer of the special electric accessory as a subsequent process. , Increment the status of the special electric accessory to "2: The big prize opening is closed". Then, command data for notifying that the round game is completed is set as an effect control command to the effect control board P41, and the process ends.

《Processing while closing the big prize opening》
The processing during closing of the large winning opening is a processing executed when the status of the special electric accessory is "2: closing of the large winning opening" or "5: closing of the small hit". This process is a process in which the special game is controlled in the "between rounds" between the so-called round games and the round games, and before the start of the first round at the start of the big hit game or the small hit game. When the state is controlled by the "big hit start demo (period)" and "small hit start demo (period)", or after the round game of the final round is completed, the process during the hit end demo described later is executed. This is a process related to the state of being controlled during the waiting period until the result.

In the processing during closing of the large winning opening, first, it is determined whether or not the closing time of the large winning opening set in the processing during operation of the special electric accessory has elapsed, and the closing time management timer is not "0", that is, the closing time. If has not passed, the special electric accessory control process in the interrupt this time is terminated.

When the closing time of the big winning opening has passed, was the operation (round game) of the special electric accessory P755 that was completed first was the final round game in this hit game (big hit game, small hit game)? Whether or not it is determined, and different processing is executed at the end of the final round game and at the end of the round game other than the final round (or at the time of the winning start demo). To determine whether or not it was the final round game, the cumulative number of operations of the special electric accessory P755 that was activated during this hit game is the maximum number of operations data of the special electric accessory P755 that was activated during this hit game. It is judged based on whether or not it exceeds, and the cumulative data of the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory P755 is "0" at the time of the hit start demonstration.

In the process of closing the big winning opening, if it is judged that the final round game is over, the execution pattern of the winning end demo according to the type of hit (the type of special symbol that started the big hit or small hit). Read and set (mainly hit end demo time data). Then, the special electric accessory status is incremented to "3: Big hit end demo in progress" or "6: Small hit end demo in progress", and an effect command for executing the end demo effect is set on the effect control board P41. Demonstration. Further, in order to set the valid extension period of the large winning opening P751, the time value data determined as the valid extension period is stored in the timer that manages the valid extension period of the large winning opening P751 and ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined at the end of the game other than the final round game (or at the time of the winning start demonstration) in the processing during the closing of the large winning opening, the next round game is in what round as the effect control command for the effect control board P41. Information that makes it possible to identify the presence (N round start demo command * N is an integer) and the recommended firing position during the hit game (in the assumed pachinko machine, the right area P501R (right-handed area) of the game board) Send information (right-handed command) to instruct.

Then, the status of the special electric accessory is decremented and updated to "1: Special electric accessory is operating" or "4: Small hit special electric is operating", and the number of winning balls to the large winning opening P751 during the round game Initialize the data in the data area for counting. Then, the time value related to the first opening (or closing immediately after the start of the round game) of the large winning opening P751 during the round game is set, and the operation pattern data of the large winning opening P751 (special electric accessory P755) in the round game is set. Then, the data in the storage area regarding the cumulative number of operations of the special electric accessory P755 is incremented.

(Prize ball control processing)
The prize ball control process is a process for giving a game ball as a prize ball to a player in response to a prize of a game ball for a prize opening arranged on the game board P5. The processing content is configured to execute the following three submodule processing. (Step 2030)

<< Payout data reception monitoring process >>
The payout data reception monitoring process is a process of confirming the presence or absence of a control command related to the execution of the prize ball payout transmitted from the payout control board P43 to the main control board P40, and receiving (memorizing) the transmitted command. .. The main control board P0 stores the information transmitted from the payout control board P43 in two registers (storage areas). The register 1 is called a status register and stores information for determining whether or not there is information transmitted from the payout control board P43 and whether or not the transmitted information is normally transmitted. Has been done. The other register is called a data register, and stores information on control contents related to payout control transmitted from the payout control board P43. If the status register is not abnormal, the data in the data register is stored as payout control information. Store in the area.

《Payout command request processing》
In the payout command request process, the winning counter data for each winning opening that stores the winning number data of various winning openings stored in the winning monitoring process (step 2018) is confirmed, and the presence or absence of unpaid winnings is confirmed. The confirmation process is confirmed in a predetermined order for each winning opening, and when it is determined that the data of the winning counter is not "0" for one winning opening, the number of winning balls of the corresponding winning opening is determined. , Performs a process of transmitting a control command for executing the payout of the game ball to the payout control board P43. By this process, even if the winning counter data for the plurality of winning openings is not "0", the payout control command transmitted to the payout control board P43 with one interrupt is limited to one.

<< Payout command control processing >>
In the payout command control process, it is checked whether or not the payout control board P43 has normally received information on the number of payouts, and it is determined whether the command is normally received in this process or a communication error occurs due to some abnormality. It will be. Until the command reception status is confirmed in the payout command control process (whether the reception is completed normally or an error is determined), the next payout control command transmission in the payout command request process is the payout command request process. And is suspended by the flag data that is set to be on / off in the issue command control process.

(Abnormality detection processing)
The abnormality detection process is a process for confirming the presence or absence of an abnormality from the information of the sensor provided for fraud detection in the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P. (Step 2032)

More specifically, regarding the input of sensors such as the vibration sensor P72, the magnetic sensor P73, the radio wave detection sensor P74, and the frame opening sensor P131, an abnormality occurs based on the input information generated in the input port confirmation process (step 2004). It is a process to judge whether or not the situation is occurring. In addition to various sensors, harnesses for electrical connection have been removed, and short circuits on wiring are also detected.

Then, when abnormal data exists for any of the judgment information, a command for notifying the error information is set as an effect control command for the effect control board P41 after storing the error data by turning on the corresponding error flag. To do.

(Sensor detection judgment processing)
In the sensor detection judgment process, the period during which the sensor or switch is continuously detected is determined from the sensor or switch detection data (level data) generated in the input port confirmation process (step 2004), and the process is performed. This is the process of establishing the flag. (Step 2034)

In the sensor detection judgment process, when the level data of the detection data information of the target sensor or switch is on, the data for counting the continuous on input period of the corresponding switch is incremented and updated, and various processes are executed. It is determined whether or not the start condition is satisfied, and if the condition is satisfied, the process corresponding to the switch to be monitored is executed. When the switch to be monitored is no longer on-data, the data counting the continuous input period is initialized (updated to "0").

For example, when the winning opening detection switch provided in the winning opening continuously detects that the switch is in the ON state, it is determined that a ball clogging has occurred, and the error state is controlled to produce an effect. As a control command, a process of setting command information for causing an error notification to the effect control board P41, and a generation and output request of signal data for notifying an external device (hall computer or the like) of an error are performed.

The switch to be detected in this process includes a touch sensor switch provided on the handle P204 and a switch for fraud detection, in order to determine whether it is due to human operation or electrical noise. It also targets sensors that require on-data input for a certain period of time.

(Game status display processing)
The game status display process is a process of generating lighting data for displaying information on the progress of the game on the main control display device P50. Although the name is display processing, the output of the display content to the main control display device P50 is performed not by this processing but by the LED output processing described later. (Step 2036)

In the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, as an example, an error indicator light (status indicator light P55) indicating an error state, and a special symbol hold indicator light (special figure 1 hold indicator light) that displays the number of holds related to the special symbol lottery. P61, special figure 2 hold indicator light P62), normal symbol hold indicator light P63 that displays the number of holds related to the normal symbol lottery, etc. Lighting data (lighting pattern) is generated and used as data output by LED output processing. Store.

In the game status display process, when a blinking display is required for the LED indicator lamp whose lighting is controlled, the display switching counter for the corresponding LED is updated and the lighting pattern switching process is performed by comparing the counter value and the threshold value. Will be done. For example, in the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, the number of holdings of the special symbol lottery can be held up to four, but the special symbol holding indicator light is configured by two LED indicators (special figure 1 holding indicator light P61). , Special figure 2 Hold indicator light P62 is equipped with two LEDs each), so if there are three or more holds, at least one LED will display a blinking display instead of a continuous lighting display. It is a specification to do.

(Output port output processing)
The output port output process is a process of setting to transmit a signal related to the game operation to the electric accessory which is an operation device on the game board P5 connected to the main control board P40, the payout control board P43, and the like. (Step 2038)

More specifically, when the operation pattern of the normal electric accessory or the special electric accessory is set during the normal symbol control process or the special electric accessory control process, the process during the output port output process causes the ordinary electric accessory. Signal data for opening (or closing) each electric accessory is output to the accessory driving means P71 and the special electric accessory driving means P72 (solenoid in the presupposed pachinko gaming machine).

Further, a control signal (launch permission signal) for permitting or prohibiting the launch of the game ball based on the handle operation of the player is generated and output to the payout control board P43 by the output port output process. The output content of the launch permission signal is set according to the communication status with the payout control board P43 and the occurrence status of an error requiring game stop.

(Direction control command transmission processing)
The effect control command transmission process is a process of outputting an effect control command to the effect control board P41, and in the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P, the effect control command is sent to the effect control board P41 only in the effect control command transmission process. It is a specification to be transmitted (step 2040). Regarding the setting of the effect control command to be transmitted, it is set (set) in a predetermined storage area as an untransmitted effect control command during other processing.

The pachinko gaming machine P, which is a premise, uses a storage area called a ring buffer that circularly refers to a storage destination as an area for storing untransmitted effect control commands. In the storage area called the ring buffer, in the next processing called "write pointer" and "read pointer", which are updated by each process of writing (set) the effect control command and reading (transmitting) the effect control command. The specifications are such that the writing and reading of the effect control command are executed using the information for calculating the address of the storage area for writing the command and the address of the storage area for reading the command.

Further, in the pachinko gaming machine P, which is a premise, the structure of the effect control command is composed of two data, MODE data indicating the type of the command and EVENT data indicating the content of the command.

We will return to the explanation of the specific processing contents of the effect control command transmission processing and explain it. In the effect control command transmission process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the above-mentioned write pointer and read pointer information match, and if they match, it is determined that there is no effect control command to be transmitted, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the data of the write pointer and the read pointer do not match, it is determined that there is an effect control command to be transmitted, and the process proceeds to the next process.

When it is determined that there is an effect control command to be transmitted, MODE data and EVENT data are called from the address of the storage area of the main control board P40 calculated from the read pointer data, and each is temporarily stored in the register in the CPU of the main control board P40. After storing and clearing the effect control command in the read destination ring buffer, the value of the read pointer is updated to the value used in the next processing.

As the effect control command, the MODE data and the EVENT data stored in the register of the main control board P40 are sequentially transmitted to the effect control board P41. First, the MODE data is set in the effect command output port, which is an output port for transmitting the effect control command to the effect control board P41, and the strobe signal for causing the effect control board P41 to perform the reading operation is output. The main control board P40 subsequently outputs EVENT data, but after performing a process with a waiting time of 26 μs in order to secure a sufficient period for the effect control board P41 to receive the MODE data, the MODE data. As in the case of transmission, the EVENT data is set to the output port and the strobe signal is output. When the effect control board P41 confirms the strobe signal, it generates an effect control command reception interrupt and receives the effect control command transmitted from the main control board P40.

(External information output processing)
In the external information output processing, information on the game status and security information such as the occurrence of an error are output as signals from the external information output terminal 77 to the external device (data counter or hall computer) connected to the presupposed pachinko gaming machine P. This is the process to be performed (step 2042). The signal output from the external information output terminal 77 is output based on the data set in the output port of the main control board P40, and when a signal output trigger occurs, a pulse signal that is on potential for a certain period is transmitted. Some of them continue to output the on-potential until the condition that the signal output ends is satisfied.

In the external information output process, first, a signal related to the game state is generated. In order to make it possible to identify the type of specific gaming state as a signal related to the gaming state, the pachinko gaming machine P, which is a prerequisite, has the operating state (probability state) of the probability fluctuation function and the operating state (base state) of the electric chew support function. With reference to the corresponding information and the information indicating that the special game is in progress (big hit or small hit), if the game state is controlled, the external output data is transmitted so that the corresponding data is transmitted. Update. In addition to the ones exemplified here, depending on the specifications of the game machine, an output signal is generated based on the information indicating the presence / absence of the fluctuation time shortening function and the information indicating that the case is a specific type of jackpot. There may be cases.

Further, as the output signal output by the external information output processing, not only the signal related to the game state but also the information based on the occurrence of the predetermined game result is output. For example, a signal (also referred to as a "fixed symbol signal") transmitted each time a special symbol variation display is executed and a stop display is displayed, or a start port switch (special figure 1 start port switch P712, special figure 2 start port switch). Every time a game ball is detected in various winning openings such as 722) and the large winning opening switch P752, or the number of winning balls paid out based on the winning balls in various winning openings reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). Every time, data is set in the external output data, and there is a signal transmitted to an external device. These signals are mainly composed of pulse signals, and one signal is transmitted as a pulse signal in which an on-potential of 128 ms continues. However, when a plurality of game results are continuously generated, one signal is transmitted. After the output of the pulse signal is completed, the off-potential output for a certain period is inserted,

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