JP2021164722A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To optimize display operation of display means in a game machine having the display means for displaying predetermined information calculated on the basis of a game record.SOLUTION: A game machine according to the present invention includes: control means for performing control processing related to a game; storage means capable of reading and writing information by the control means; storage information clearing means capable of executing clear processing for clearing the information of the storage means; display means for displaying predetermined information calculated on the basis of a game record; display control means for performing display control of the display means; interrupt processing starting means for starting interrupt processing for executing game-related processing at a predetermined interval; and abnormality detection means capable of detecting an abnormality related to the game machine. After the clearing processing is completed, the display control means executes the operation confirmation display of the display means for a predetermined time by the interrupt processing started by the interrupt processing starting means, and even if a predetermined abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means during the operation confirmation display, the display control means continues the operation confirmation display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a ball-and-ball gaming machine and a pachinko / pachislot machine, and more particularly to a technical field relating to a gaming machine provided with a display means for displaying predetermined information based on a gaming record.

For example, various gaming machines such as a ball game machine such as a pachinko gaming machine and a rotating body type gaming machine such as a slot machine are widely known.
Some gaming machines are provided with a display means for displaying predetermined information calculated based on the game performance.

The following Patent Document 1 can be mentioned as a related prior art.

Japanese Patent No. 5956529

Here, in a gaming machine provided with a display means for displaying predetermined information based on a game record as described above, the display means should be appropriately displayed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to optimize the display operation of the display means in a gaming machine provided with a display means for displaying predetermined information calculated based on the game performance. And.

The gaming machine according to the present invention can execute a control means for performing a control process related to a game, a storage means capable of reading and writing information by the control means, and a clear process for clearing the information of the storage means. Storage information clearing means, display means for displaying predetermined information calculated based on game results, display control means for performing display control of the display means, and interrupt processing for executing processing related to the game at predetermined intervals. The interrupt processing starting means for starting and an abnormality detecting means capable of detecting an abnormality related to a game machine are provided, and the display control means is started by the interrupt processing starting means after the clearing process is completed. The operation confirmation display of the display means is executed for a predetermined time by interrupt processing, and even if a predetermined abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means during the operation confirmation display, the operation confirmation display is continued. ..

As a result, the operation confirmation display is not performed during the execution of the clearing process for the display means for displaying the predetermined information calculated based on the game results. Further, after the operation confirmation display is started by the interrupt processing, even if a predetermined abnormality is detected, the operation confirmation display is continuously performed without being stopped.

According to the present invention, in a gaming machine provided with a display means for displaying predetermined information calculated based on a game record, it is possible to optimize the display operation of the display means.

It is a front side perspective view which shows the appearance of the gaming machine as the embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the game board of the game machine as an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the gaming machine as an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing about the example of the look-ahead notice production in an embodiment. It is a flowchart which showed the main process of the main control side of embodiment. It is a flowchart which showed the initial setting process in FIG. It is a flowchart which showed the power supply abnormality check process of embodiment. It is a figure which showed the correspondence relationship between each judgment condition in operation side at the time of transition to a setting change processing, a RAM clear processing, a setting confirmation processing, and a backup restoration processing, and a value of a W register. It is a flowchart which showed the process at the time of RAM clear in FIG. It is a flowchart which showed the main loop preprocessing in FIG. It is a flowchart which showed the main loop processing in FIG. It is a flowchart which showed the setting change process in FIG. It is a flowchart which showed the setting confirmation process in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the program which realizes the process at the time of startup in an embodiment. It is a figure which showed the example of the setting change processing program. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the setting confirmation processing program. It is explanatory drawing of the command transmission processing corresponding to the setting change processing in an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the command transmission processing at the time of RAM clear in an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the command transmission processing at the time of power-on again in an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the transmission processing of the command under setting confirmation in an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the transmission processing of the setting confirmation end command in an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the command transmission processing at the time of the backup restoration processing in an embodiment. It is the figure which showed typically the list of the command (effect control command) transmitted at the time of activation in embodiment. It is a flowchart which showed the timer interrupt processing of the main control side of embodiment. It is a flowchart which showed the power supply check / backup process in FIG. It is a flowchart which showed the setting abnormality check process in FIG. It is a flowchart which showed the special symbol management process in FIG. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a start port check process in FIG. 27. It is a flowchart which showed the special symbol change start processing in FIG. 27. It is a flowchart which showed the variation management process in FIG. It is a flowchart which showed the big hit random number determination process in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the jackpot random number determination method of embodiment. It is a flowchart which showed the variation pattern creation process in FIG. It is a figure which showed the example of the deviation variation pattern table of an embodiment. It is a figure which showed the example of the hit variation pattern table of an embodiment. It is a figure which showed other example of the hit variation pattern table of an embodiment. It is a figure which showed the example of the common variation pattern table at the time of setting error of an embodiment. It is a figure which showed other example of the common variation pattern table at the time of setting error of embodiment. It is a flowchart which showed the main processing of the main control side in the modification. It is explanatory drawing of the program for realizing the processing as a modification. It is explanatory drawing of the specific processing executed in "processing after setting change" in a modification.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in the following order with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<1. Structure of gaming machine>
<2. Control configuration of gaming machines>
[2-1. Main control unit]
(About the operation to change the set value)
(About performance display)
(Direction control command)
[2-2. Production control unit]
<3. Outline explanation of operation ＞
[3-1. Design fluctuation display game]
(Special symbol variation display game)
(Decorative pattern variation display game)
(Normal symbol fluctuation display game)
(About hold)
[3-2. Game state]
[3-3. About hit]
[3-4. About production]
(Direction mode)
(Notice production)
(Direction means)
<4. Main control processing>
[4-1. Main control side main processing]
(Initial setting process)
(Processing after initial setting)
(Main loop processing)
(Setting change processing)
(Setting confirmation process)
[4-3. First summary]
[4-4. About the startup processing program]
[4-5. Second summary]
[4-6. About sending commands at startup]
[4-7. Main control side timer interrupt processing]
(Power check / backup process)
(Error management and processing for game progress, etc.)
[4-8. Processing related to special symbol fluctuation display game]
(Special symbol management process)
(Special figure 1 Start port check process)
(Special symbol change start processing)
(Variation management process)
(Big hit random number judgment processing)
(Variable pattern lottery process)
[4-9. Third summary]
<5. Command-corresponding processing of the production control unit at startup>
<6. Modification example of command transmission at startup>
<7. Other variants>

<1. Structure of gaming machine>

The structure of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as the embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front side showing the appearance of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and FIG. 2 is a view showing the front side of the gaming board 3 of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as “game machine 1”) has a frame-shaped front frame 2 attached to the front surface of a wooden outer frame 4 so as to be openable and closable, and is attached to the back surface of the front frame 2. A game board 3 (see FIG. 2) is mounted in the mounted game board storage frame (not shown), and the game area 3a formed on the surface of the game board 3 faces the opening of the front frame 2. Have. A glass door 6 supporting transparent glass is provided on the front side of the game area 3a. Further, on the back side of the game board 3, various control boards (see FIG. 3) for controlling the game operation are arranged.

A key cylinder (not shown) for unlocking the door is provided on the front side of the glass door 6, and if a key is inserted into this key cylinder and operated on one side, the locked state of the glass door 6 with respect to the front frame 2 can be obtained. By operating the other side, the locked state of the front frame 2 with respect to the outer frame 4 can be released and the front frame 2 can be opened to the front side.

Below the glass door 6, a front operation panel 7 that is pivotally supported by a hinge (not shown) on the front frame 2 is arranged. The front operation panel 7 is provided with an upper tray unit 8, and the upper tray unit 8 is formed with an upper tray 9 for storing the discharged game balls.

Further, the upper saucer unit 8 has a ball removal button 14 for pulling out the game balls stored in the upper saucer 9 below the game machine 1, and payout of the game balls to the game ball lending device (not shown). A ball lending button 11 for requesting and a card return button 12 for requesting the return of the valuable value medium inserted in the game ball lending device are provided. Further, the upper saucer unit 8 is provided with an effect button 13 (operating means) configured to be operable by the player. The built-in lamp (button LED75) of the effect button 13 is lit during a predetermined input reception period to enable operation (input reception is possible), and a predetermined operation (press, repeated hit, long press, etc.) is performed while the built-in lamp is lit. It is possible to bring about a change in the production by doing.

Further, a launch operation handle 15 for operating the launch device 32 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the right end side of the front operation panel 7.

Further, on both sides of the upper part of the front frame 2 and on the upper side of the firing operation handle 15, speakers 46 that exert a sound effect (sound effect) by sound are provided. Further, a plurality of decorative lamps 45 (for example, LEDs for light effect by full-color LED) are provided at appropriate positions of the glass door 6 to exert a light effect by decorating light. A plurality of full-color LEDs (LEDs for light production) as the decorative lamp 45 are provided around the pachinko gaming machine, that is, around the periphery of the front frame of the glass door 6 in the circumferential direction.

The configuration of the game board 3 will be described with reference to FIG. On the illustrated game board 3, a ball guide rail 5 for guiding the launched game ball is annularly mounted as a board surface partition member, and a substantially circular region surrounded by the ball guide rail 5 is a game area 3a. The four corners are non-gaming areas.

In the substantially central portion of the game area 3a, for example, in three (left, middle, right) display areas (design variation display areas), a plurality of types of decorative symbols (for example, symbols, characters, symbols, etc.) are independently used. A liquid crystal display (LCD) 36 capable of variable display operation (variable display and stop display) of the left symbol (corresponding to the left display area), the middle symbol (corresponding to the middle display area), and the right symbol (corresponding to the right display area). It is provided. Under the control of the effect control unit 24, which will be described later, the liquid crystal display device 36 displays various effects as images in addition to the variable display operation of the decorative symbol.

Further, in the game area 3a, a center decoration 48 is provided so as to surround the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 36 in a long-winded manner. The center decoration 48 is provided along the front side of the game board 3 to protect the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 36 from the surrounding game balls, and the flow of the game balls depends on the launch strength or stroke length of the game balls. It works as a flow path distribution means that enables the road to be distributed to the left and right. In the present embodiment, the center decoration 48 is arranged substantially in the center of the game area 3a so that the flow paths of the game balls are formed on both upper sides (left side and right side) in the game area 3a due to the presence of the center decoration 48. ing. The game ball driven into the upper side of the game area 3a by the launching device 32 is distributed to the left and right on the upper side of the armor frame portion 48b, and has a left flow path 3b on the left side of the center decoration 48 and a right flow path 3c on the right side. Flow down either.

In addition, the non-gaming area near the upper right edge (upper right corner) of the game board 3 is a function display unit, and the 7-segment display (with dots) is started at the upper start port 34 (for the first special symbol) and the lower start. A special symbol display device 38a (first special symbol display means) and a special symbol display device 38b (second special symbol display means) configured side by side corresponding to the mouth 35 (for the second special symbol). Is provided. In the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, a special symbol variation display game is executed by the variation display operation of the "special symbol" represented by the 7-segment display. Then, in the liquid crystal display device 36 described above, the decorative symbol by the image is variablely displayed in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and is decorated with various notice effects (effect images). The symbol variation display games are being executed (details of these symbol variation display games will be described later).

Further, in the various function display units, a composite display device (LED display for holding composite display) 38c composed of a 7-segment display (with dots) is arranged next to the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b. There are five types of compound called compound: special symbols 1 and 2, display of the number of balls on hold for normal symbols, and status notification during the operation of the variable time shortening function (during time reduction) and during the high probability state (during high probability). This is because it is a hold / time saving / high-accuracy composite display device (hereinafter, simply referred to as “composite display device”) having a display function.

Further, the various function display units are provided with a normal symbol display device 39a (normal symbol display means) in which a plurality of (two in this embodiment) LEDs are arranged next to the composite display device 38c. In this ordinary symbol display device 39a, the ordinary symbol variation display game is executed by the variation display operation of the ordinary symbol represented by the two LEDs. For example, as a variable display operation, the normal symbol on the LED repeatedly turns on and off in a seesaw manner, and stops with either side lit, so that the success or failure of the normal symbol fluctuation display game can be determined. There is. Further, a round number display device 39b is provided in which three LEDs (first to third round display LEDs) are arranged adjacent to the normal symbol display device 39a. The round number display device 39b notifies the specified number of rounds (maximum number of rounds) related to the jackpot by combining the lighting and extinguishing states of the three LEDs.

Below the center decoration 48, an upper starting port 34 (first special symbol starting port: first starting means) and a lower starting port 35 (second special symbol starting port: second starting means) are provided. Ordinary variable winning devices 41 are provided above and below, and detection sensors 34a and 35a (upper start port sensor 34a, lower start port sensor 35a: see FIG. 3) are formed inside each of them to detect the passage of a game ball. ing.

The upper starting port 34, which is the first special symbol starting port, is the first special symbol in the special symbol display device 38a (hereinafter, the first special symbol is referred to as "special symbol 1", and in some cases, "special symbol 1". It is a winning opening related to the starting condition of the variable display operation (abbreviated as), and is configured as a winning rate fixed winning device having no starting opening opening / closing means (means for opening or expanding the starting opening). In the present embodiment, due to the action of the game ball falling direction changing member (for example, a game nail (not shown), a windmill 44, a center decoration 48, etc.) in the game area 3a, the left flow path 3b to the upper start port 34 The game ball that has flowed down the ball is easy to enter (win), whereas the game ball that has flowed down the right flow path 3c is difficult or impossible to enter.

The ordinary variable winning device 41 is configured as a winning rate variable winning device in which the winning rate of the game ball at the starting port can be changed by the starting port opening / closing means. In the present embodiment, as a starting port opening / closing means, a so-called "electric tulip" is provided with a pair of left and right movable wing pieces (movable members) 47 that allow the lower starting port 35, which is the second special symbol starting port, to be opened or expanded. It is configured as a "type" winning device.

The lower start port 35 of the ordinary variable winning device 41 is referred to as a second special symbol in the special symbol display device 38b (hereinafter, the second special symbol is referred to as "special symbol 2", and in some cases, abbreviated as "special symbol 2". ) Is a winning opening related to the starting condition of the variable display operation, and the winning area of the lower starting opening 35 is an open state (operated or not activated) that facilitates winning according to the operating state (operated or non-actuated) of the movable wing piece 47. It is converted into a closed state (difficult to win), which makes it more difficult to win or makes it impossible to win than the open state. In the present embodiment, when the movable wing piece 47 is inactive, it holds a closed state (a winning impossible state) that makes it impossible to win a prize in the lower starting port 35.

Further, on both sides of the normal variable winning device 41, three general winning openings 43 are arranged on the left side and one on the right side, for a total of four, and inside each of them, a general winning hole for detecting the passage of a game ball is provided. A mouth sensor 43a (see FIG. 3) is formed. Further, in the area of the game board, a movable body accessory (not shown) that exerts a visual effect is arranged at a position that does not interfere with the flow of the game ball.

Further, diagonally upward to the right of the normal variable winning device 41, that is, above the middle portion of the right flow path 3c, a normal symbol start port 37 (third start) composed of a passage gate (specific passage area) through which the game ball can pass. Means) are provided. The normal symbol start port 37 is a winning opening related to the fluctuation display operation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display device 39a, and inside the normal symbol start port sensor 37a (see FIG. 3), which detects a passing game ball. Is formed. In this embodiment, the normal symbol start port 37 is formed only on the right flow path 3c side, and is not formed on the left flow path 3b side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be formed only in the left flow path 3b, or may be formed in both flow paths, respectively.

In the middle of the route from the normal symbol start port 37 in the right flow path 3c to the normal variable winning device 41, the large winning opening 50 can be opened or expanded by the recessed open door 52b. A device 52 (special electric accessory) is provided, and a large winning opening sensor 52a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has entered the large winning opening 50 is formed inside the device 52 (special electric accessory).

Around the grand prize opening 50 is a bulging portion (decorative member) 55 that bulges from the surface of the game board 3, and the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55 forms a downstream guide portion of the right flow path 3c. There is. If the large winning opening 50 is closed by the open door 52b (the large winning opening is closed), the downstream guide portion of the right flow path 3c (by forming a surface continuous with the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55). It is designed to form a part of the upper side 55a). Further, in the downstream area of the right flow path 3c, in the area above the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55, to be exact, in the game area above the large winning opening 50, the flow path correction plate is substantially parallel to the flow direction of the game ball. The 51d is projected so as to move the flowing game ball toward the large winning opening 50.

The process of entering the game ball into the grand prize opening 50 is as follows.
The game ball that has passed through the floating area between the upper surface of the center decoration 48 and the ball guide rail 5 is placed on the top surface (upper side) 55a of the bulging portion 55 that protrudes from the game board 3 and functions as a guide for the game ball. It flows down along. Then, the game ball comes into contact with the right end of the flow path correction plate 51d protruding from the three surfaces of the game board, whereby the flow direction of the game ball is corrected to the direction (downward direction) of the large winning opening 50. At this time, if the large winning opening 50 is covered by the retractable open door 52b (the large winning opening is closed), the game balls roll on the large winning opening 50, and the game balls are further arranged in a predetermined arrangement (not shown). The game nail guides the player in the direction of the tulip-type normal variable winning device 41 (lower starting port 35). At this time, if the lower start opening 35 is in a winning state (starting opening open state), the game ball can win in the lower starting opening 35. On the other hand, if the open door 52b is retracted into the game board surface and the large winning opening 50 is open (the large winning opening 50 is open), the game ball is guided into the large winning opening 50.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the player aims at the launch position on the special variable winning device 52 side (when the gaming ball is aimed so as to pass through the right flow path 3c), the upper start port The game ball is difficult to be guided or is not guided to the 34 side. Therefore, in the "large winning opening closed state", it is difficult or impossible to win a prize in each of the starting ports 34 and 35 unless the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variable winning device 41 operates. The movable wing piece 47 operates in an opening / closing pattern that is more advantageous than the normal state when it is in a gaming state accompanied by a state with electric support, which will be described later.

In the case of the present embodiment, what kind of striking method the player should take to obtain an advantageous situation changes depending on the gaming state. Specifically, in the game state accompanied by the "state without electric support" described later, the "left-handed" aiming at the game ball to pass the left flow path 3b is considered to be advantageous, and the "electric support" described later is considered to be advantageous. In the game state accompanied by the "presence state", the "right-handed" aiming at the game ball so as to pass through the right flow path 3c is considered to be advantageous.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when there is a prize in a winning opening other than the normal symbol start opening 37 among various winning openings provided in the game area 3a, each winning opening is promised. The number of prize balls per winning ball (for example, 3 for the upper starting port 34 or the lower starting port 35, 13 for the large winning opening 50, and 10 for the general winning opening 43) is the game ball payout device 19 (FIG. 3). It is supposed to be paid out from (see). The game balls that do not win in each of the above winning openings are discharged from the gaming area 3a through the out opening 49.
Here, "winning" means a winning opening that does not have a structure in which the winning opening takes in the game ball inside, or the winning opening takes in the game ball inside, but a winning opening consisting of a passing gate (for example, a normal symbol start opening 37). If is, it means that the game ball passes through the gate, and when the game ball is actually detected by each winning detection switch formed for each winning opening, "winning" occurs in the winning opening. It is treated as if it had been done. The game ball related to this winning is also referred to as a "winning ball". If a game ball enters the winning opening, the game ball will be detected by the winning detection switch. Therefore, unless otherwise specified in the present specification, whether or not the game ball is detected by the winning detection switch. Regardless of this, it may be referred to as "winning" including the case where the game ball enters the winning opening.

<2. Control configuration of gaming machines>

A configuration (control configuration) for realizing game motion control of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.
The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a main control board (main control means) 20 (hereinafter referred to as “main control unit 20”) and a main control that collectively control control (game operation control) related to the overall game operation. The effect control board (effect control means) 24 (hereinafter referred to as "effect control unit 24") that receives the effect control command from the unit 20 and controls the execution control (appearance control) of the effect by the effect means, and the award. A payout control board (payout control means) 29 that controls payout of balls, and a power supply board (power supply control means (not shown)) that generates and supplies the power supply required for the gaming machine 1 from an external power source (not shown). , And are configured.
A liquid crystal display device 36 as an image display device is connected to the effect control unit 24. In FIG. 3, the power supply route to each part is omitted.

[2-1. Main control unit]

The main control unit 20 is equipped with a microcomputer incorporating a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 (main control CPU), and in addition to a control program that describes a game operation control procedure, various data necessary for game operation control are stored. It is equipped with a storage ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 (main control ROM) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 (main control RAM) that functions as a work area or buffer memory, and constitutes a microcomputer as a whole. ..
In this example, the CPU 201 is a Z80 microprocessor.

Although not shown, the main control unit 20 is used for a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) for realizing a periodic interrupt, a pulse output creation function (bit rate generator) for a fixed period, and a time measurement function, and a CPU 201. An interrupt controller circuit that exerts an interrupt enable / interrupt prohibit function such as a timer interrupt that gives an interrupt signal, and can output a system reset signal to reset the CPU 201 by detecting power on / off or power failure. Reset circuit, watchdog timer (WDT) circuit that monitors the operation abnormality of the control program, and out-of-area travel prohibition (IAT) circuit that monitors whether the program is correctly executed within the preset address range. , And a counter circuit for generating a certain range of random numbers in terms of hardware.

The counter circuit includes a random number generation circuit that generates a random number and a sampling circuit that samples a random number value from the random number generation circuit at a predetermined timing, and acts as a 16-bit counter as a whole. By sending an instruction to the sampling circuit according to the processing state, the CPU 201 acquires the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit as an internal lottery random number value (big hit determination random number (random number size: 65536)). , The random number value is used for the big hit lottery. It should be noted that the random number for the internal lottery is obtained by adding the soft random number value generated by appropriate software processing and the hard random number value in order to prevent the hitting and the like.

The main control unit 20 includes an upper start port sensor 34a for detecting a prize (ball winning) in the upper start port 34, a lower start port sensor 35a for detecting a prize in the lower start port 35, and a normal symbol start port 37. The normal symbol start port sensor 37a for detecting the passage of the above, the large winning opening sensor 52a for detecting the winning of the large winning opening 50, the general winning opening sensor 43a for detecting the winning of the general winning opening 43, and the out opening 49 An OUT monitoring switch 49a for detecting a game ball (out ball) discharged from the player is connected, and the main control unit 20 is capable of receiving detection signals output from these. Based on the detection signals from each sensor, the main control unit 20 can grasp which winning opening the game ball has entered.

Further, the main control unit 20 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 41c for controlling the opening and closing of the movable wing piece 47 of the lower starting port 35, and a large winning opening solenoid 52c for controlling the opening and closing of the opening door 52b of the large winning opening 50. Is connected, and the main control unit 20 can transmit control signals for controlling them.

Further, the special symbol display device 38a and the special symbol display device 38b are connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 is capable of transmitting a control signal for displaying and controlling the special symbols 1 and 2. .. Furthermore, a normal symbol display device 39a is connected to the main control unit 20, and it is possible to transmit a control signal for displaying and controlling the normal symbol.

Further, a composite display device 38c and a round number display device 39b are connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 displays and controls various information displayed on the composite display device 38c, such as control signals and rounds. It is possible to transmit a control signal for displaying and controlling a specified number of rounds by a big hit displayed on the number display device 39b.

Further, the external centralized terminal board 21 for the frame is connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 is predetermined to the hall computer HC provided outside the gaming machine via the external centralized terminal board 21 for the frame. It is possible to transmit game information (for example, jackpot information, prize ball number information, symbol change execution information, etc.).
The hall computer HC is an information processing device (computer device) for monitoring game information from the main control unit 20 and comprehensively managing the operating status of the pachinko hall game machine.

Furthermore, a payout control board (payout control unit) 29 is connected to the main control unit 20, and when it is necessary to pay out prize balls, a control command (number of prize balls) related to payout is given to the payout control board 29. It is possible to send a payout control command) that specifies.

The payout control board 29 is connected to a launch control board (launch control unit) 28 that controls the launch device 32 and a game ball payout device (game ball payout means) 19 that pays out game balls. The main roles of the payout control board 29 are reception of payout control commands from the main control unit 20, prize ball payout control of the game ball payout device 19 based on the payout control command, transmission of a status signal to the main control unit 20, and the like. Is.

The game ball payout device 19 is provided with a supply shortage detection sensor 19a for detecting a supply shortage of game balls and a ball counting sensor 19b for detecting a game ball (prize ball) to be paid out. It is possible to receive each detection signal of. Further, the game ball payout device 19 is provided with a payout motor 19c for driving a ball payout mechanism unit (not shown) for paying out the game ball, and the payout control board 29 controls the payout motor 19c. It is possible to transmit the control signal of.

Further, the payout control board 29 has a full detection sensor 60 (in the present embodiment, a detection sensor that detects the stored state of the game balls stored in the upper tray 9) and a full detection sensor 60 that detects the full state of the upper tray 9 with the game balls. , The front door open sensor 61 (in this embodiment, a detection sensor that detects at least the open state of the front frame 2) is connected.

The payout control board 29 can transmit various status signals to the main control unit 20 based on the detection signals from the fullness detection sensor 60, the front door opening sensor 61, the supply shortage detection sensor 19a, and the ball counting sensor 19b. It has become. This status signal includes a ball jam signal indicating a full state, a door opening signal indicating that at least the front frame 2 is open, a supply shortage signal indicating an insufficient supply of game balls from the game ball payout device 19, and a prize ball. A counting error signal indicating that the payout is insufficient or an abnormality has occurred in the ball counting sensor 19b, a payout completion signal indicating that the payout operation has been completed, and the like are included, and various status signals can be transmitted. Based on these status signals, the main control unit 20 determines the open state of the front frame 2 (door opening error), whether the payout operation of the game ball payout device 19 is normal (replenishment shortage error), and the upper tray 9. Monitor the full state (ball jam error), etc.

Furthermore, the launch control board 28 is connected to the payout control board 29, and it is possible to transmit a permission signal for permitting the launch to the launch control board 28. The launch control board 28 controls energization of the launch solenoid (not shown) provided in the launch device 32 based on the output of the permission signal from the payout control board 29, and operates the launch operation handle 15. The game ball launching operation is realized. Specifically, the player touches the handle by the fact that the launch permission signal is output from the payout control board 29 (launch permission signal ON state) and the touch sensor (not shown) provided on the launch operation handle 15. The firing operation of the game ball is permitted on condition that the presence is detected and the firing stop switch (not shown) provided on the firing operation handle 15 is not operated. Therefore, when the launch permission signal is not output (launch permission signal OFF state), the launch operation is not executed even if the launch operation handle 15 is operated, and the game ball is not launched. Further, the launch strength of the game ball can be changed according to the operation amount of the launch operation handle 15.
When the payout control board 29 detects the ball clogging error, the ball jamming signal is transmitted to the main control unit 20 and the output of the firing permission signal to the firing control board 28 is stopped (launch permission signal OFF), and the upper tray 9 is used. It is designed to stop the launching operation until the full state of is resolved.
Further, the payout control board 29 outputs a launch permission signal to the launch control board 28 on condition that the launch permission is instructed by the main control unit 20.

Here, the main control unit 20 is connected to the setting key switch 94 and the RAM clear switch 98, and is capable of receiving detection signals from these switches.

The RAM clear switch 98 is, for example, a push button type switch for instructing and inputting to initialize a predetermined area of the RAM 203.
The setting key switch 94 is a key switch for switching to the setting change mode (at the time of ON operation) by inserting the setting key possessed by the hall staff at the time of turning on the power and performing the ON / OFF operation. Here, the setting change mode is a mode in which the setting value Ve can be changed. The set value Ve is a value representing a stage regarding the probability of winning the gaming state that is advantageous to the player.

The RAM clear switch 98 is turned ON / OFF in response to the operation of the RAM clear button provided so as to be operable in the state where the front frame 2 is open. Further, the setting key switch 98 is provided with a key cylinder in which the above-mentioned setting key can be inserted and removed, and is turned on by rotating the setting key inserted in the key cylinder in the forward direction. It is turned off by being rotated in the opposite direction from the ON state. The key cylinder is provided so that the operation can be performed by inserting the setting key with the front frame 2 open. The key cylinder functions as an operator that can be operated by inserting the setting key.

In this example, the above RAM clear button is also used for the operation of changing the set value Ve. Specifically, the RAM clear button also functions as an operator for sequentially advancing the set value Ve.

The RAM clear switch 98 and the setting key switch 94 are provided at appropriate positions inside the gaming machine 1. For example, it is arranged on the main control board 20.

A setting / performance indicator 97 is connected to the main control unit 20.
The setting / performance display 97 is configured to include, for example, a 7-segment display, and functions as a display means capable of displaying a set value Ve and performance information (described later). The setting / performance indicator 97 is mounted at a position on the main control unit (main control board) 20 that is easy to see, for example.
The main control unit 20 is capable of transmitting a control signal for displaying the set value Ve and performance information to the setting / performance display 97.

Here, the set value Ve mainly defines the lottery probability (winning probability) of at least a big hit (a hit type in which the condition device described later is activated) for each stage (for example, 6 stages of settings 1 to 6). Therefore, the higher the set value Ve, the higher the winning probability (setting 1 is the lowest winning probability, and thereafter, the winning probability increases in ascending order of the set value), which is advantageous to the player. There is. In other words, the higher the set value Ve, the higher the so-called "machine discount (ball output rate, PAYOUT rate)", which is advantageous for the player.
In this way, the set value Ve is a value that defines the jackpot winning probability, machine discount, etc., and means a value related to the likelihood of a specific event such as a profit state acting on the player. In the present embodiment, the advantage related to the game is defined according to each set value Ve.

The set value Ve is set exclusively by the hall staff such as the hall clerk based on the sales strategy of the hall (game store). When there are a plurality of types of jackpots, it is possible to appropriately determine which jackpot winning probability is to be changed according to the set value Ve, and the target jackpot type. For example, if there are three types of jackpots 1-3, the higher the set value Ve, the higher the probability of winning all of the jackpots 1-3, or the jackpots 1-3. The total winning probability may be increased. In addition, the probability of winning some big hits may be increased. For example, only the winning probability of the jackpots 1 and 2 may be increased, and the winning probability of the jackpot 3 may be set to a constant winning probability with all the set values Ve.

(About the operation to change the set value)

In order to change the set value Ve, in this example, the setting key switch 94 is turned on (operated to the setting change mode side) while the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off and the front frame 2 is released. The power to the gaming machine 1 is turned on while the RAM clear button is pressed (the RAM clear switch 98 is ON). Then, the current set value Ve is displayed on the setting / performance display 97, and the mode shifts to the "setting change mode" in which the set value Ve (for example, 1 to 6) can be changed.

In this example, the determination as to whether or not to shift to the setting change mode is performed in the main control side main process described later (see step S104 in FIG. 5). When the above-mentioned operating conditions for shifting to the setting change mode are satisfied, the process for changing the setting is executed accordingly.

After the transition to the setting change mode, when the RAM clear button that functions as the setting value Ve change operator is turned on, the current display value of the setting / performance indicator 97 changes to "1 → 2 → 3 → 4 →". It can be switched to the circulation type in the range of 1 to 6 like "5 → 6 → 1 → 2 → 3 → ...". Then, when the desired set value Ve is reached, when the setting key switch 94 is turned off, the set value Ve is determined, and the information of the determined set value Ve is stored (stored) in a predetermined area of the RAM 203.
When the setting key switch 94 is turned off, the setting change mode is terminated and the display of the setting / performance indicator 97 is cleared.
When the setting change mode ends, the state shifts to the state where the game progress is allowed.

(About performance display)

The main control unit 20 is capable of transmitting a control signal for displaying predetermined performance information on the setting / performance display 97.
Performance information is information that pachinko halls and related agencies want to confirm, and typical examples are information on the presence or absence of illegal prize balls such as excess prize balls for game machine 1 and information on the original ball ejection performance of game machine 1. Is. Therefore, the performance information itself is information that is not directly related to the progress of the game when the player plays the game, unlike the advance notice effect.

Therefore, the setting / performance display 97 is inside the gaming machine 1, for example, the main control unit (main control board) 20, the payout control board 28, the launch control board 29, the relay board, and the effect control unit (effect control board (liquid crystal display)). (Including the control board)) 24, and the board case (protective cover that protects the board) are provided at positions where the display information can be visually recognized when the front frame 2 is opened.

Here, the following information can be specifically adopted as the performance information.

(1) The total number of payouts paid out by winning in the specific state (total number of prize balls in the specific state: α) is the total number of out balls discharged from the out port 49 in the specific state (out in the specific state). Information (specific ratio information) based on the value (α / β) divided by the number: β) can be adopted as the performance information.
The above "total number of payouts" is the total value of the game balls (prize balls) paid out when winning a prize in the winning openings (upper starting opening 34, lower starting opening 35, general winning opening 43, large winning opening 50). Is. In the case of the present embodiment, the upper starting port 34 or the lower starting port 35 is 3, the large winning opening 50 is 13, and the general winning opening 43 is 10.
In addition, which state is to be adopted as the specific state can be appropriately determined depending on what kind of state the performance information is to be grasped. In the case of the present embodiment, any of the normal state, the latent probability state, the time saving state, the probability variation state, and the jackpot game can be adopted. Further, a plurality of types of states may be measured. For example, it is a normal state and a probable change state, all game states except during a hit game, and the type to be measured can be appropriately determined.
Further, as the period in the specific state, a period in which the jackpot lottery probability is either a low probability state or a high probability state may be adopted.
Further, the total number of payouts may be one or a plurality of specific winning openings excluded from the measurement target (total number of payouts excluding specific winning openings). For example, among the winning openings, the one excluding the large winning opening 50 from the measurement target may be used as the total number of payouts.

(2) In addition, only any one of the total number of payouts, the total number of payouts excluding specific winning openings, and the total number of out balls may be measured, and the measurement result may be used as performance information.

In the present embodiment, the total number of payouts in the normal state (number of payouts in the normal state) and the total number of out balls in the normal state (number of outs in the normal state) are measured in real time, and the number of payouts in the normal state is the number of outs in the normal state. The value obtained by multiplying the value divided by is multiplied by 100 (the value calculated by the number of payouts in normal time / the number of outs in normal time x 100) is displayed as performance information (hereinafter referred to as "normal time ratio information"). The displayed value at this time shall be a value rounded off to the first decimal place.
Therefore, each data of the normal payout number, the normal out number, and the normal time ratio information is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 203 (specific medium total prize ball number storage area, specific medium out number storage area, specific ratio information storage area), respectively. It is designed to be stored (memorized). However, instead of simply measuring permanently and displaying the performance information, when the total number of out balls reaches a predetermined specified number (for example, 60,000), the measurement is temporarily terminated. This specified number is not the total number of out balls in the normal state, but the total number of out balls during the total gaming state (including during the winning game) (hereinafter referred to as "total number of out balls"). The total number of out-states is also measured in real time and stored in the corresponding area (storage area for all-state outs) of the RAM 203. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the specific medium total prize ball number storage area, the specific medium out number storage area, the specific ratio information storage area, and the all state out number storage area are abbreviated as "measurement information storage area".

Then, the normal time ratio information at the end time is stored in a predetermined area (performance display storage area) of the RAM 203 (the current normal time ratio information is stored), and then the measurement information storage area (normal time payout number, normal time out number). And all state out number), and then start the measurement again (normal time payout number, normal time out number, normal time ratio information and all state out ball number measurement are started). Then, the setting / performance display 97 displays the previous normal time ratio information (measurement history information) and the normal time ratio information currently being measured. In addition to the previous information, the history of the previous two times or the previous time (three times before) may be displayed so that the information up to the previous time can be appropriately determined.

Here, in the case of this example, the set value Ve and the performance information are selectively displayed on the setting / performance display 97. Specifically, in this example, setting changes and setting confirmations are performed only at startup when the power is turned on, so settings are made according to the transition to the setting change mode or setting confirmation mode after startup when the power is turned on. The set value Ve is displayed on the performance display 97, and the performance information is displayed after the setting change and the setting confirmation are completed.
The configuration is not limited to displaying the set value Ve and the performance information on a common display, and it is also possible to display the set value Ve and the performance information on separate displays. In that case, the set value Ve and the performance information may be displayed in parallel.

(Direction control command)

The main control unit 20 is capable of transmitting various effect control commands including information on the special symbol variation display game, information on errors, and the like to the effect control unit 24 according to the processing state. However, in order to prevent fraud such as a goto action, the main control unit 20 only transmits a signal to the effect control unit 24, and the signal from the effect control unit 24 cannot be received. It has become.

Here, the effect control command defines a function by a 2-byte configuration consisting of a 1-byte length mode (MODE) and a 1-byte length event (EVENT), and in order to distinguish between MODE and EVENT, the effect control command of MODE Bit7 is ON, and Bit7 of EVENT is OFF. When this information is transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output corresponding to each of the mode (MODE) and the event (EVENT). That is, when there is a command to be transmitted, the CPU 201 (main control CPU) sets and outputs mode (MODE) information for transmitting the command to the effect control unit 24, and the first time after a predetermined time has elapsed from this setting. The strobe signal is transmitted. Further, the event (EVENT) information is set and output after a lapse of a predetermined time from the transmission of the strobe signal, and the second strobe signal is transmitted after the lapse of a predetermined time from this setting. The strobe signal is controlled in the active state by the CPU 201 for a predetermined period during which the CPU 241 (effect control CPU) can reliably receive the command.

[2-2. Production control unit]

The effect control unit 24 is equipped with a microprocessor having a CPU 241 (effect control CPU), a ROM 242 (effect control ROM) that stores the effect data required for the effect control process, and a RAM 243 (effect control ROM) that functions as a work area or a buffer memory. It is mainly composed of a microcomputer equipped with a production control RAM), and is also equipped with an acoustic control unit (sound source IC), RTC (Real Time Clock) function unit, counter circuit, interrupt controller circuit, reset circuit, WDT circuit, etc. And control the overall production operation.

The main roles of the effect control unit 24 are receiving the effect control command from the main control unit 20, determining the effect selection based on the effect control command, controlling the image display of the liquid crystal display device 36, controlling the sound of the speaker 46, and the decorative lamp. Light emission control of 45 and various LEDs (button LED75, other production LEDs (not shown)), operation control of movable objects, and the like.

Further, the effect control unit 24 includes a display control unit (not shown) that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 36. This display control unit is an image ROM that stores a VDP (Video Display Processor) that controls overall video output processing such as image development processing and image drawing, and image data (effect image data) that the VDP performs image development processing. The display control operation procedure of the VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily stores the image data developed by the VDP, the liquid crystal control CPU that outputs the control data necessary for the VDP to perform the display control, and the liquid crystal control CPU. It is mainly composed of a liquid crystal control ROM that stores the described program and various data necessary for display control thereof, and a liquid crystal control RAM that functions as a work area and a buffer memory.

Further, the effect control unit 24 is a light display control unit for the light display device 45a including the decorative lamp 45 and various LEDs in order to display various effects (light effect, sound effect, and movable body effect by the movable body accessory). A sound control unit for the sound generator 46a including the speaker 46, a drive control unit (motor drive circuit) for the movable body accessory motor 80c for operating the movable body accessory (not shown), and the like are provided.

Further, the effect control unit 24 is connected to a position detection sensor 82a that monitors the movement of the movable body accessory, and the effect control unit 24 is based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 82a and the current operation of the movable body accessory. The operation mode is controlled while monitoring the position (for example, the amount of movement from the origin position). Further, based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 82a, a malfunction in the operation of the movable body accessory is monitored, and if a malfunction occurs, this is detected as an error.

Further, the effect control unit 24 is connected to the switch of the effect button 13, that is, the operation detection switch of the effect button 13, so that the effect control unit 24 can receive the operation detection signal from the effect button 13.

Based on the effect control command sent from the main control unit 20, the effect control unit 24 selects (determines) the effect pattern from a plurality of types of effect patterns prepared in advance by lottery or uniquely, and is required. By controlling various production means at the timing, the desired production is produced. As a result, the display of the effect image by the liquid crystal display device 36 corresponding to the effect pattern, the reproduction of the sound from the speaker 46, the lighting and blinking drive of the decorative lamp 45 and the LED are realized, and various effect patterns (decorative pattern variation display operation and By developing the notice production etc. in chronological order, a "production scenario" in a broad sense is realized.

Here, regarding the effect control command, the effect control unit 24 (CPU241) generates an interrupt process based on the input of the above-mentioned strobe signal transmitted by the main control unit 20 (CPU201), and receives and analyzes the interrupt process. Specifically, the CPU 241 executes a control program for command reception interrupt processing based on the above-mentioned input of the strobe signal, acquires an effect control command in the interrupt processing realized by the control program, and analyzes the command contents. conduct.
At this time, when an interrupt occurs based on the input of the strobe signal, the CPU 241 performs the interrupt processing (timer interrupt processing that is periodically executed) based on another interrupt. The command reception interrupt processing is performed by interrupting to, and even if other interrupts occur at the same time, the command reception interrupt processing is preferentially performed.

<3. Outline explanation of operation ＞
[3-1. Design fluctuation display game]

Next, an outline of the gaming operation of the gaming machine 1 realized by the control configuration (FIG. 3) as described above will be described.
First, a symbol variation display game will be described.

(Special symbol variation display game)

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 20 receives a predetermined starting condition, specifically, the gaming ball enters (wins) the upper starting port 34 or the lower starting port 35. A "big hit lottery" is held by random number lottery. Based on the lottery result, the main control unit 20 variablely displays the special symbol 1 and the special symbol 2 on the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b to start the special symbol variation display game, and after a lapse of a predetermined time, specializes the result. Derived display is performed on the symbol display device, thereby ending the special symbol variation display game.

Here, in the present embodiment, the big hit lottery based on the winning of the upper starting port 34 and the big hit lottery based on the winning of the lower starting port 35 are performed separately and independently. Therefore, the jackpot lottery result for the upper starting port 34 is derived on the special symbol display device 38a side, and the jackpot lottery result for the lower starting port 35 is derived on the special symbol display device 38b side. Specifically, on the special symbol display device 38a side, on the condition that the game ball enters the upper start opening 34, the special symbol 1 is variablely displayed and the first special symbol variable display game is started. On the other hand, on the special symbol display device 38b side, the special symbol 2 is variablely displayed and the second special symbol variable display game is started on the condition that the game ball enters the lower start opening 35. ing. Then, when the special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 38a or the special symbol display device 38b is started, after a predetermined variation display time elapses, if the jackpot lottery result is a "big hit", a predetermined "big hit" In the mode, in other cases, in a predetermined "missing" mode, the special symbol being displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed, whereby the game result (big hit lottery result) is derived.

In the present specification, for convenience of explanation, the first special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 38a side is referred to as "special symbol variation display game 1", and the second special symbol on the special symbol display device 38b side is referred to as "special symbol variation display game 1". The variable display game is referred to as a "special symbol variable display game 2". Unless otherwise required, "special symbol 1" and "special symbol 2" are simply referred to as "special symbol" (sometimes abbreviated as "special symbol"), and "special symbol variation display game 1" and "special symbol". The "special symbol variation display game 2" is simply referred to as a "special symbol variation display game".

(Decorative pattern variation display game)

Further, when the above-mentioned special symbol variation display game is started, the decorative symbol (directing game symbol) is variablely displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36, and the decorative symbol variation display game is started. Along with that, various productions are developed. When the special symbol variation display game ends, the decorative symbol variation display game also ends, the special symbol display device reflects a predetermined special symbol indicating the jackpot lottery result, and the liquid crystal display device 36 reflects the jackpot lottery result. The decorative design is derived and displayed. That is, the result of the special symbol variation display game is reflected and displayed by the dramatic decorative symbol variation display game including the variation display operation of the decorative symbol.

Therefore, for example, when the result of the special symbol variation display game is "big hit" (when the jackpot lottery result is "big hit"), the decorative symbol variation display game develops an effect reflecting the result. Then, in the special symbol display device, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a display mode indicating a big hit (for example, the 7-segment is in the display state of "7"), the liquid crystal display device 36 displays "left", "middle", and "right". In each display area of "", the decorative symbols reflect the "big hit" (for example, in each of the "left", "middle", and "right" display areas, the three decorative symbols are "7", "7", and "7". "Display state) is displayed as a stop.

In the case of this "big hit", specifically, the special symbol variation display game ends, and the decorative symbol variation display game ends accordingly, and as a result, the symbol mode of the "big hit" is derived and displayed. After that, the large winning opening solenoid 52c of the special variable winning device 52 operates to open and close the opening door 52b in a predetermined pattern, whereby the large winning opening 50 is opened and closed, which is more advantageous to the player than in the normal gaming state. A special game state (big hit game) occurs. In this big hit game, the opening door 52b allows the opening time of the big winning opening to elapse until a predetermined time (maximum opening time: for example, 29.8 seconds) elapses, or the number of game balls won in the big winning opening (big winning opening). A predetermined number of winning balls to 50) (maximum number of winning balls: maximum number of winning balls allowed for a winning opening whose entrance is opened or expanded by one operation of the accessory: for example, 9) The "round game", in which the winning area is opened or expanded until the number of winnings is reached, and the big winning opening is closed when any of these conditions is met, is performed by a predetermined number of predetermined rounds (for example, a maximum of 16). Round) Repeated.

When the jackpot game starts, an opening effect for notifying that the jackpot has started is performed first, and after the opening effect is completed, the round game is performed a plurality of times up to a predetermined number of predetermined rounds. Then, after the end of the specified number of rounds, an ending effect is performed to notify that the jackpot is finished, and the jackpot game is finished by this.

Regarding the information necessary for executing the above-mentioned decorative symbol variation display game, first, the main control unit 20 first enters (wins) a game ball into the upper start port 34 or the lower start port 35, and specifically. , On the condition that the game ball is detected by the upper start opening sensor 34a or the lower start opening sensor 35a and the starting condition (starting condition related to the special symbol) is satisfied, a lottery is made as to whether it is a "big hit" or a "missing". "Winning lottery (winning type lottery)" and if it is a "big hit", the big hit type is drawn, and if it is "missing", the losing type is drawn. )'And a big hit lottery (if there is only one type of loss, the lottery may be omitted because it is not necessary to perform a type lottery for the loss), and based on the lottery result information, the variation pattern of the special symbol In addition, a special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "special stop symbol") to be finally stopped and displayed is determined according to the winning type.
Then, the main control unit 20 issues a "variation pattern designation command" including at least the variation pattern information of the special symbol (for example, information on the jackpot lottery result and the variation time of the special symbol) as the effect control command for specifying the processing state. It is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 side. As a result, the basic information required for the decorative symbol variation display game is sent to the effect control unit 24. In the present embodiment, a "decorative symbol designation command" including information on the special stop symbol (design lottery result information (information on the winning type)) is also transmitted to the effect control unit 24 in order to enrich the variation of the effect. It has become like.

The variation pattern information of the special symbol may include information for designating whether or not a specific advance notice effect (for example, "reach effect" or "pseudo-continuous effect" described later) is generated. In detail, the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol is roughly classified into a "hit fluctuation pattern" in the case of a hit and a "missing fluctuation pattern" in the case of a miss, depending on the result of the big hit lottery. These fluctuation patterns include, for example, a'reach fluctuation pattern'that specifies the occurrence of the reach effect described later, a'normal fluctuation pattern'that does not specify the occurrence of the reach effect, and the occurrence (overlap occurrence) of the pseudo continuous effect and the reach effect. A plurality of types of fluctuation patterns are included, such as a specified'pseudo-ream reach variation pattern', a'pseudo-ream normal variation pattern'that specifies the occurrence of a pseudo-ream effect, and does not specify the occurrence of a reach effect. In addition, in order to secure the production time of the reach effect and the pseudo-continuous effect, the variation pattern that specifies the reach effect and the pseudo-continuous effect is usually set to have a longer variation time than the normal variation pattern.

The effect control unit 24 is time-series during the decorative symbol variation display game based on the information included in the effect control commands (here, the variation pattern designation command and the decorative symbol designation command) sent from the main control unit 20. The content of the production to be developed (the production scenario such as the advance notice production) and the decorative design to be finally stopped and displayed (decorative stop design) are determined, and the decorative design is variablely displayed and decorated according to the time schedule based on the variable pattern of the special design. Run the symbol variation display game. As a result, the decorative symbol by the liquid crystal display device 36 is variablely displayed in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and the period of the special symbol variable display game and the decorative symbol variable display game are in progress. The period of is substantially the same time width. Further, the effect control unit 24 controls the liquid crystal display device 36, the light display device 45a, or the sound generator 46a, respectively, so as to correspond to the effect scenario, and develops various effects in the decorative symbol variation display game. As a result, image reproduction (image effect) on the liquid crystal display device 36, sound effect reproduction (sound effect), and lighting / blinking drive (light effect) of the decorative lamp 45, LED, and the like are realized.

In this way, the special symbol variation display game and the decorative symbol variation display game have an inseparable relationship, and what reflects the display result of the special symbol variation display game is expressed in the decorative symbol variation display game. , These two symbol variation display games may be regarded as equivalent symbol games. Unless otherwise specified in the present specification, the above two symbol variation display games may be simply referred to as "symbol variation display games".

(Normal symbol fluctuation display game)

Further, in the game machine 1, based on the fact that the game ball has passed (winning) through the normal symbol start port 37, the main control unit 20 performs a "auxiliary hit lottery" by a random number lottery. Based on this lottery result, the normal symbol represented by the LED is variablely displayed on the normal symbol display device 39a to start the normal symbol variable display game, and after a certain period of time, the result is a combination of lighting and non-lighting of the LED. It is designed to stop and display. For example, when the result of the normal symbol variation display game is "auxiliary hit", the display unit of the normal symbol display device 39a is in a specific lighting state (for example, all two LEDs 39 are in a lighting state, or "○" and "○" and ". Of the LEDs expressing "x", the LED on the "○" side is in the lit state) to stop and display.

In the case of this "auxiliary hit", the normal electric accessory solenoid 41c (see FIG. 3) is activated, whereby the movable wing piece 47 opens in an inverted "C" shape and the lower starting port 35 opens. Alternatively, the game ball is expanded to a state in which the game ball easily flows in (starting opening open state), and an auxiliary game state (hereinafter referred to as "solenoid open game") that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state occurs. In this general electric opening game, a game in which the opening time of the lower starting port 35 elapses for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) or the lower starting port 35 is won by the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variable winning device 41. Until the number of balls reaches a predetermined number (for example, 4), the winning area is opened or expanded, and when any of these conditions is satisfied, the lower starting port 35 is closed, and the like is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, maximum). (Twice) It is supposed to be repeated.

(About hold)

Here, in the present embodiment, during the special / decorative symbol variation display game, the normal symbol variation display game, the jackpot game, the normal electric opening game, etc., the upper start port 34, the lower start port 35, or the normal symbol start port 37 When a prize is generated, that is, when a detection signal is input from the upper start port sensor 34a, the lower start port sensor 35a, or the normal symbol start port sensor 37a, and the corresponding start condition (symbol game start condition) is satisfied. This is used as data related to the start right of the variable display game, and is stored up to the maximum number of reserved storages (for example, up to 4), which is a predetermined upper limit value, except for those related to the variable display. The pending data that is not used for this symbol variation display operation, or the game ball related to the reserved data, is also referred to as an "operation pending ball". In order to clarify the number of operation holding balls to the player, a dedicated holding display (not shown) provided at an appropriate position in the game machine 1 or a holding display provided as an icon image on the screen by the liquid crystal display device 36. Turn on the device.

Further, in the present embodiment, up to four operation holding balls related to the special symbol 1, the special symbol 2, and the ordinary symbol are reserved and stored in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 203, and are retained as the number of times the fluctuation of the special symbol or the ordinary symbol is confirmed. The maximum number of stored balls (maximum number of reserved balls) for each of the special symbol 1, the special symbol 2, and the normal symbol is not particularly limited. In addition, all or part of the maximum number of reserved memories of each symbol may be different, and the number can be appropriately determined according to the playability.

[3-2. Game state]

The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to be capable of generating a plurality of types of gaming states in addition to the above-mentioned jackpot, which is a special gaming state. In order to facilitate the understanding of the present embodiment, first, various gaming states will be described.

The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to execute and control at least four types of gaming states: a normal state, a time saving state, a latent probability state, and a probability variation state. These game states are distinguished by the presence or absence of a jackpot lottery probability state (low probability state, high probability state) and an electric chew support state (privilege game) (with electric support, without electric support).

The "electric chew support state" is a normal state in which the opening operation period of the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variable winning device 41 (at least one of the opening time of the movable wing piece 47 and the number of times of opening the movable wing piece 47) in the normal variable opening game is Refers to the "open extension state" that is more extended than. When the open extension state occurs, the open operation period of the movable wing piece 47 is extended from 0.2 seconds in the normal state (under the non-open extension state) to 1.7 seconds, and the number of times of opening and closing thereof is, for example, It is extended from 1 time in normal time to 2 to 3 times.
In the case of the present embodiment, under the electric chew support state, the lottery probability per auxiliary varies from a low probability (for example, 1/256) of a predetermined probability (normal probability) to a high probability (for example, 255/256) (usually). Along with the occurrence of the figure probability fluctuation state, the'normal symbol time reduction state'that shortens the average time (normal symbol fluctuation display operation time) required for one normal symbol fluctuation display game occurs (for example, from 10 seconds). It is shortened to 1 second). Therefore, when the electric chew support state occurs, the normal electric opening game frequently occurs, and the operating rate is improved (high base state) in which the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is improved as compared with the normal state. Hereinafter, the state under the electric chew support state is abbreviated as "with electric support", and the case where it is not is abbreviated as "without electric support".

In the present embodiment, the "normal state" means that the jackpot lottery probability is a low probability (for example, 1/399) of a predetermined probability (normal probability), and a gaming state without electric support (low probability + no electric support). To tell.

In the "time saving state", the jackpot lottery probability is as low as the normal state, but the average time required for one special symbol variation display game (special symbol variation display operation time) is higher than the normal state. It is a game state in which a'special symbol time reduction state'is generated and the electric chew support state is set. In other words, during the time saving state, it becomes "low probability + with electric support + special symbol time saving state".

The "latent probability state" is a "special symbol probability change state" in which the jackpot lottery probability fluctuates to a high probability (for example, 1 / 39.9) higher than the above low probability, and is a gaming state without electric support (high). Probability / no electric support).

The "probability change state" refers to a game state in which the jackpot lottery probability is as high as the latent probability state, but a special symbol time reduction state and an electric chew support state occur. In other words, during the probability change state, it becomes "high probability + with electric support + special symbol time saving state".

Regarding the game state, paying attention to the jackpot lottery probability, when the game state is "normal state" and "time saving state", at least the jackpot lottery probability becomes "low probability state", and the game state is "latent state" and "probability change". In the case of "state", at least the jackpot lottery probability is "high probability state". During the big hit, a big hit game in which the big winning opening is opened and closed occurs, but the big hit lottery probability and the presence / absence of the electric support are placed under the same low probability / no electric support game state as the above normal state.

[3-3. About hit]

Next, the "hit" in the gaming machine 1 will be described.
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a big hit lottery (winning lottery) is performed for a plurality of types of hits. In the case of this example, the hit type includes, for example, each jackpot belonging to the jackpot type, for example, "normal 4R", "normal 6R", "probability variation 6R", and "probability variation 10R".
The notation of "R" means the specified number of rounds (maximum number of rounds).

The jackpot type is a hit that triggers the operation of the condition device. Here, the "condition device" is a device whose operation is a condition necessary for the operation of the accessory continuous operation device for performing a round game, and a combination of specific special symbols is displayed or the game ball is displayed. A game that operates when a specific area in the winning opening is passed.

In the above probability variation state, when the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game ends a predetermined number of times (for example, 70 times: the specified number of STs) without winning the jackpot type, the high probability state is terminated and the probability shifts to a low probability. , So-called "number-cutting probability change machine (ST machine)", and when the specified number of ST times is completed, the game shifts to the normal state from the next game. However, it may be a type of "general probability change machine" that continues until the next big hit is won.
The number of executions of the special symbol variation display game may be the total number of executions of the special symbol variation display game 1 and the special symbol variation display game 2 (total number of fluctuations of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2). It may be the number of executions of either one (for example, the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game 2). Further, the number of times of the time saving state is not limited to 60 times or 100 times, and can be appropriately determined according to the playability. In addition, there is no particular limitation on what kind of hit is provided, and it can be appropriately determined.

Here, in this example, a plurality of types are provided for "missing" as well as the jackpot type. Specifically, there are three types of "Wrong Answer 1", "Wrong Answer 2", and "Wrong Answer 3".
As described above, when the result of the winning lottery is "missing", the lottery of the losing type is performed in the symbol lottery.

[3-4. About production]
(Direction mode)

Next, the effect mode (effect state) will be described. The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of types of effect modes for displaying an effect related to the gaming state, and is configured to be able to go back and forth between the effect modes. Specifically, a normal effect mode, a time-saving effect mode, a latent effect mode, and a probabilistic effect mode are provided corresponding to each of the normal state, the time-saving state, the latent state, and the probabilistic state. In each effect mode, the background display as the background of the variable display screen of the decorative pattern is displayed by different background effects so that the player can grasp what kind of game state he / she is currently staying in. It has become.

The effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) has a function unit (effect state transition control means) for transition control between a plurality of types of effect modes. The effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) is a specific effect control command sent from the main control unit 20 (CPU 201), specifically, an effect control command including game state information managed by the main control unit 20 side. Based on this, the current game state is grasped in a form that is consistent with the game state managed by the main control unit 20 side, and transition control is possible between a plurality of types of effect modes. Specific effect control commands as described above include, for example, a variation pattern designation command, a decorative symbol designation command, a game state designation command sent when a change occurs in the game state, and the like.

(Notice production)

Next, the advance notice production will be described. The effect control unit 24 is based on the content of the effect control command from the main control unit 20, specifically, at least the variation pattern information included in the variation pattern designation command, and variously related to the current effect mode and the jackpot lottery result. It is configured so that the appearance of the "notice effect" can be controlled. Such a notice effect suggests (notices) the degree of expectation (hereinafter referred to as "winning expectation") of whether or not a player has won the winning type, and serves as a "fanning effect" to fuel the player's sense of expectation of winning. work. Typical notice productions include "reach production", "pseudo-continuous production", and "look-ahead notice production". The effect control unit 24 functions as a notice effect control means capable of executing (appearing) and controlling these effects.

The "reach effect" refers to an effect mode with a reach state (variation display mode with a reach state: reach variation pattern), and specifically, the final game result is derived and displayed via the reach state. A mode of production. Reach effects include multiple types of reach effects associated with winning expectations. For example, there are cases where the expectation of winning is relatively higher than when a normal reach effect appears. Such a reach production is called a "super reach production". Many of these "super reach" have a relatively longer production time (variable time) than the normal reach in order to fuel the expectation of winning. In addition, normal reach and super reach include multiple types of reach effects. In this example, the super reach includes a plurality of types of reach effects of super reach 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the winning expectation of these super reach 1 to 4 is "super reach 1 <super reach 2 <super". It has a relationship of "reach 3 <super reach 4".

The "pseudo-continuous effect" refers to an effect mode accompanied by a pseudo continuous variation display state (pseudo-continuous variation) of the decorative symbol, and the "pseudo-continuous variation" is one of the decorative symbols in the decorative symbol variation display game. It refers to a variable display mode in which a display operation is repeated once or a plurality of times, such as temporarily setting a part or all of them in a temporarily stopped state and executing a re-variable display operation of a decorative symbol from the temporarily stopped state. In this respect, it is different from the "look-ahead notice effect (continuous notice effect)" described later, which is developed over a plurality of symbol variation display games. Basically, the occurrence rate (appearance rate) of such a "pseudo-ream" is determined so that the higher the number of pseudo-variations, the higher the expectation of winning. It is easy to select a production to fuel expectations such as reach.

The "look-ahead notice effect" is mainly for the hold display mode and the destination of the operation hold ball (undigested operation hold ball) that has not yet been used for the execution of the symbol change display game (special symbol change display operation). This is an effect mode in which the winning expectation level can be notified in advance before the operation holding ball is provided to the symbol variation display game by utilizing the background effect of the symbol variation display game executed in. In the symbol variation display game, in addition to the above-mentioned "reach effect", various effects such as so-called "SU (step-up) notice effect", "timer notice effect", "revival effect", and "premier notice effect" are performed. It occurs and the game content is getting excited.

Here, with reference to FIG. 4, the "pending change notice effect" as an example of the pre-reading notice effect will be described.
In the case of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the upper display area in the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36, a display area for displaying the decorative symbol variable display game (a variable display effect of the decorative symbol and a notice effect are displayed). In the lower display area of the screen, there is a hold display area 76 (hold display units a1 to d1) for displaying the number of operation-holding balls on the special symbol 1 side, and a special symbol. A hold display area 77 (hold display units a2 to d2) for displaying the number of operation hold balls on the second side is provided. Regarding the presence or absence of the operation holding ball, the fact is notified by a predetermined holding display mode. In FIG. 4, the presence or absence of the operation holding ball is in the lit state (with the operation holding ball: “○ (white circle)” in the figure) or in the off state (without the operation holding ball: the broken line circle in the figure). An example is shown in which information on the number of balls on hold is notified.

The display regarding the presence / absence of the operation hold ball (hold display) is sequentially displayed in the order of occurrence (winning order), and in each hold display area 76, 77, the leftmost operation hold ball is all the operations in the hold display. It is displayed as the earliest (that is, the oldest) activated holding ball on the time axis among the holding balls. Further, on the left side of the hold display areas 76 and 77, a changing display area 78 for showing the operation hold ball actually used in the special symbol change display game is provided. In the case of the present embodiment, the changing display area 78 is configured so that an image in which the icon of the game execution hold K currently used for the game is placed appears on the icon of the seat J. That is, when the variable display of the special symbol 1 or the special symbol 2 is started, the oldest icon (icon image) of the hold a1 or a2 displayed in the hold display areas 76 and 77 is the hold K during game execution. As an icon, the icon is moved onto the icon of the seat J in the changing display area 78, and the state is maintained for a predetermined display time.

When an operation-holding ball is generated, the main control unit 20 sends the look-ahead determination information related to the jackpot lottery result and the number of operation-holding balls at the time of the look-ahead judgment (the number of existing operation-holding balls including the operation-holding ball that occurred this time). A "hold addition command" for designating the above is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (see steps S1309 to S1312 in FIG. 28).
In the case of the present embodiment, the hold addition command is composed of 2 bytes, and the hold addition command makes it possible to specify the data on the upper byte side that can specify the number of operation hold balls at the time of the look-ahead determination and the look-ahead judgment information. It is composed of low-order byte side data.

Here, as understood from the above description, in the present embodiment, a look-ahead about the reserved ball is made based on the fact that a prize is generated in the upper starting port 34 or the lower starting port 35 and a new reserved ball is generated. As a determination, a big hit lottery is performed for the symbol variation display game related to the reserved ball. As will be described later, the main control unit 20 holds and stores information representing the result of the jackpot lottery performed as such a look-ahead determination in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 203.
The information of the jackpot lottery result obtained at the time of the look-ahead determination is used for selecting (lottery) the symbol variation pattern in the symbol variation display game, and can be paraphrased as "variation pattern selection information". Therefore, it can be said that the main control unit 20 performs the look-ahead determination and holds and stores the "variation pattern selection information" obtained as a result in a predetermined area of the RAM 203.

When the effect control unit 24 receives the above-mentioned hold addition command transmitted by the main control unit 20, the effect control unit 24 receives the "look-ahead advance notice effect" as a part of the display control process related to the above-mentioned hold display based on the look-ahead determination information included therein. Performs production control processing related to. Specifically, a "look-ahead notice lottery" is performed to draw a lottery as to whether or not the look-ahead notice effect can be executed, and if this is won, the look-ahead notice effect is displayed.
Regarding the look-ahead notice lottery, the method of the look-ahead notice lottery for the “holding change notice” in the present embodiment will be described later.

Here, the look-ahead determination information is specifically a jackpot lottery result (big hit lottery result at the start of fluctuation) executed when the operation holding ball is provided to the symbol variation display game in the main control unit 20. This is game information obtained by pre-reading and determining the fluctuation pattern at the start of fluctuation. That is, this information includes at least information that pre-reads the winning lottery result at the start of fluctuation (pre-reading winning information), and other information that pre-reads the symbol lottery result (pre-reading symbol information) and fluctuation at the start of fluctuation. Information for which the pattern is pre-read-determined (pre-reading fluctuation pattern information) can be included. What kind of information is included in the hold addition command to be sent to the effect control unit 24 can be appropriately determined according to the content to be notified by the pre-reading notice.
In this example, it is assumed that the hold addition command includes the look-ahead winning information, the look-ahead symbol information, and the look-ahead fluctuation pattern information.

It should be noted that the "look-ahead fluctuation pattern" obtained by the look-ahead determination when the operation-holding ball is generated must be the "variation pattern at the start of fluctuation" itself obtained when the operation-holding ball is actually subjected to the fluctuation display operation. There is no. For example, if the case where the fluctuation pattern at the start of the fluctuation is a fluctuation pattern that specifies "super reach 1" is typically described, in this case, the content specified by the look-ahead fluctuation pattern is called "super reach 1". It is possible to specify that it is not the type of reach production itself, but the "super reach type" that is the gist of the effect.

In the case of the present embodiment, when the look-ahead notice lottery is won, among the hold icons of the hold display units a1 to d1 and a2 to d2, the hold icon targeted for the look-ahead notice is, for example, a normal hold display. A "hold display change" that can change from white (normal hold display mode) to hold display (special hold display mode) with blue, green, red, and Danger patterns (or special colors and patterns such as rainbow colors) of the notice display. A look-ahead notice effect (also called "pending change notice") of "system" is performed.
FIG. 4 shows an example in which the hatched hold display unit b1 has changed to a special hold display. Here, the display of the hold icon in blue, green, red, and the Danger pattern means that the expectation of winning is high in this order, and in particular, the display of the hold icon of the Danger pattern has an extremely high expectation of winning a big hit. It is a premium hold icon to be displayed.

(Direction means)

Various effects in the game machine 1 are expressed by the effect means provided in the game machine 1. The directing means may be any stimulus transmitting means capable of exerting a directing effect by appealing to human perception such as sight, hearing, and touch, and is a light generating means such as a decorative lamp 45 or an LED device (light display device 45a: Light effect means), sound generator such as speaker 46 (sound generator 46a: sound effect means), effect display device (display means) such as liquid crystal display device 36, pressurizing device that transmits contact pressure to the operator's body, Typical examples are a wind pressure device that applies wind pressure to a player's body, and a movable body accessory that exerts a visual effect by its operation. Here, the effect display device is a display device that appeals to the eyes like the image display device, but differs from the image display device in that it includes a display device that does not depend on an image (for example, a 7-segment display). When referred to as an image display device, it mainly refers to a type that displays an effect by displaying an image, and a device that displays an effect by means other than an image, such as a 7-segment display, is included in the concept of the effect display device.

<4. Main control processing>

Subsequently, the processing performed by the main control unit 20 of the present embodiment will be described. The processing of the main control unit 20 is mainly a predetermined main processing (main control side main processing: FIG. 5) and a timer interrupt processing activated by a scheduled interrupt from the CTC (main control side timer interrupt processing: FIG. 24). And are included.

[4-1. Main control side main processing]

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main processing on the main control side.
The main processing on the main control side is started when a system reset occurs due to a system reset signal from the power supply board when recovering from a power failure or power failure, or when the control program runs out of control, the watchdog timer function ( WDT) may be exerted and the CPU 201 may be forcibly reset (WDT reset). In any case, when the main process is started, the main control unit 20 (CPU201) first executes the initial setting process necessary for starting the game operation, such as initializing the register values of each unit including the CPU201. (Step S101).

(Initial setting process)

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the initial setting process of step S101.
In FIG. 6, when the above system reset or WDT reset occurs, the CPU 201 sets itself in the interrupt disabled state in step S201, and then sets the value of the stack pointer of the RAM 203 to the stack area as the stack pointer setting process in step S202. Executes the process to set according to the final address of. Then, in the following step S203, the RAM protection is invalidated, and the prohibited area in the out-of-designated area travel prohibition function of the RAM 203 is invalidated.

Next, in step S204, the CPU 201 executes a process for turning off the security signal, turning off the set value display, and turning off the firing permission signal. Here, the security signal is a signal output to the hall computer HC through the external centralized terminal board 21 for the frame, and functions as a signal for notifying the hall computer HC of a status such as a setting being changed. The setting value display OFF means turning off the display of the set value Ve on the setting / performance indicator 97.
The launch permission signal is a signal output from the payout control board 29 to the launch control board 28 as described above, and the CPU 201 gives an instruction to the payout control board 29 to turn off the launch permission signal.
Here, the security signal OFF and the set value display OFF are measures for turning on / off the power while the setting is being changed. That is, since the power may have been turned off while the set value Ve is being displayed in the setting change process, the set value display and the security signal are temporarily turned off.

In step S205 following step S204, the CPU 201 executes a power supply abnormality check process.
As shown in FIG. 7, in the power supply abnormality check process, the WDT timer is cleared (step S301), and it is determined whether or not the power supply abnormality signal is ON (step S302). The power supply abnormality signal is a signal output from the power supply board, indicates that the power supply abnormality signal OFF is at a normal level, and indicates that the power supply abnormality signal ON is not at a normal level (that is, is abnormal). If the power supply abnormality signal is ON, the CPU 201 returns to step S101 shown in FIG. 5 and restarts the main processing on the main control side from the beginning. That is, when an abnormality is found in the power supply, the main processing on the main control side is reset.
Then, if the power supply abnormality signal is not ON, no abnormality is found in the power supply, so that the CPU 201 finishes the power supply abnormality check process.

Returning to FIG. 6, the CPU 201 performs various setting processes at startup in step S206 in response to the completion of the power supply abnormality check process in step S205. In the setting process of step S206, for example, an interrupt mode setting process for setting a predetermined interrupt mode, an internal hard random number setting process for activating an internal hard random number circuit, and the like are executed.

In step S207 following step S206, the CPU 201 sets the startup waiting time of the sub control board (effect control unit 24). Then, the process of steps S208 to S210 waits for the set start-up waiting time to elapse. Specifically, the set start-up waiting time is subtracted by 1 (step S209), and if the start-up waiting time is not zero (step S210: ≠ 0), the process returns to step S208. By the standby process based on such an activation waiting time, the activation of the effect control unit 24 is completed.

In step S210, when the above-mentioned startup waiting time has elapsed (waiting time = 0), the CPU 201 proceeds to step S211 and transmits a standby screen display command to the effect control unit 24.
In response to this standby screen display command, the effect control unit 24 displays a predetermined screen display, such as a screen on which characters such as "Please Wait ..." are arranged, on the liquid crystal display device 36, which is determined at the time of startup. Let it run.

In response to the execution of the transmission process in step S211 the CPU 201 proceeds to step S212, and by the processes of step S212 and step S213, the payout control is performed while executing the power supply abnormality check process (S212: see FIG. 7). It waits for the power-on signal from the board 29 to be sent. This power-on signal is a signal that is output when the payout control board 29 starts up normally, and the CPU 201 waits until the payout control board 29 starts up normally. As a result, when the payout control board 29 is not functioning normally due to some trouble, the game operation is not started only by repeating the processes of steps S212 and S213. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being distrusted because the payout abnormality such as the prize ball not being paid out does not occur.
When the power-on signal is sent (step S213: ON), the CPU 201 ends the initial setting process in step S101.

(Processing after initial setting)

The CPU 201 proceeds to step S102 shown in FIG. 5 in response to the completion of the above initial setting process.
In step S102, the CPU 201 acquires the information of the input port n (that is, a predetermined input port) and copies it to the W register.
Here, the input port n is a 1-byte (8-bit) port, and in this example, the following signals are input. In addition, "b0" to "b7" shown below represent a bit position.

b0: Setting key (input signal from setting key switch 94)
b1: Out of supply detection signal b2: Counting error signal b3: Disconnection detection signal 1
b4: Disconnection detection signal 2
b5: Door open signal (detection signal of front door open sensor 61)
b6: RAM clear button (input signal from RAM clear switch 98)
b7: Power-on signal and payout communication confirmation signal

Here, regarding the setting key of b0, "0" means the setting key switch 94 = OFF, and "1" means the setting key switch 94 = ON. Regarding the door opening signal of b5, "0" means the door is closed (front frame 2 is closed), and "1" means the door is opened. Further, regarding the RAM clear button of b6, "0" means RAM clear switch 98 = OFF (button non-operation state), and "1" means RAM clear switch 98 = ON (button operation state).

In step S103 following step S102, the CPU 201 masks the value of the W register. Specifically, the values required for determining the migration of the setting change processing (S115), RAM clear processing (at least S117 and S118), setting confirmation processing (S109), and backup restoration processing (S111) described below. The process of masking the values other than the setting key (b0), the RAM clear button (b6), and the door opening signal (b5) is performed.
As can be understood from the above explanation, the transition condition to the setting change process is that at the time of startup, both the setting key and the RAM clear button are in the operating state with the front frame 2 open. ing.
Further, in this example, the transition condition to the RAM clear processing is that, in terms of operation, the setting key is in the non-operation state and the RAM clear button is in the operation state at the time of startup.
Further, the transition condition to the setting confirmation process is that, in terms of operation, the setting key is in the operating state and the RAM clear button is in the non-operating state when the front frame 2 is open.
Further, the transition condition to the backup restoration process is that, in terms of operation, both the setting key and the RAM clear button are in the non-operation state at the time of startup.

FIG. 8 shows the correspondence between each determination condition on the operation side in shifting to the setting change processing, the RAM clear processing, the setting confirmation processing, and the backup restoration processing, and the value of the W register.
FIG. 8 shows the order of setting change processing, RAM clear processing, setting confirmation processing, and transition determination to backup restoration processing.
As shown in the figure, the judgment conditions for the transition to the first setting change process are: setting key: ON (setting key switch 94: ON), door opening: ON (front door opening sensor 61: ON), RAM clear switch 98. : ON, and therefore the value of the W register is conditioned on the 0th bit: 1, the 5th bit: 1, and the 6th bit: 1.
In the second determination of transition to the RAM clear process, it is determined whether or not the determination condition is the RAM clear switch 98: ON and the value of the W register is the 6th bit: 1. Here, in this example, the transition determination to the RAM clear process is executed when the transition condition of the setting change process is not satisfied. Further, in the transition to the setting confirmation process and the backup restoration process, it is a condition that the RAM clear switch 98 is OFF. From these points, if the transition condition to the setting change processing is not satisfied and the RAM clear switch 98 is ON, it can be estimated that the transition operation to the RAM clear processing is being performed. Therefore, in this example, in the transition determination to the RAM clear processing as described above, in terms of operation, only whether or not the RAM clear switch 98 is ON (6th bit: 1 or not) is determined. It is supposed to be.

In the judgment of transition to the third setting confirmation process, the judgment conditions are set key: ON, door open: ON, RAM clear switch 98: OFF, and therefore the W register value is the 0th bit: 1st and 5th bits. The condition is: 1, 6th bit: 0.
Further, in the determination of transition to the fourth backup restoration process, the determination conditions are set key: OFF and RAM clear switch 98: OFF, and therefore, the W register values are 0th bit: 0 and 6th bit: 0. It is a condition.

Here, regarding the backup restoration process, as the transition condition for performing only the backup restoration process without going through the setting confirmation process, the setting key: OFF and the RAM clear switch 98: OFF are described on the operation side as described above. However, the condition for whether or not to simply shift to the state in which the backup restoration process is performed regardless of whether or not the setting confirmation process is executed is that the backup flag described later is ON (step S106). Refer to the judgment process of).

The explanation is returned to FIG.
The CPU 201 executes the setting change condition establishment determination process in step S104 in response to performing the mask process in step S103. Specifically, in order to determine whether or not to shift to the setting change mode, it is determined whether or not the masked value (3 bits) in step S103 is "111".
When the value after masking is "111" and an affirmative result that the setting change condition is satisfied is obtained, the CPU 201 executes the setting change process in step S115. That is, a process for newly setting the set value Ve is performed according to the operation of the RAM clear button or the setting key.
The details of the setting change process in step S115 will be described later.

Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, the detection signals by the setting key switch 94, the front door opening sensor 61, and the RAM clear switch 98, in other words, each detection used in determining the transition to the setting change mode. A signal is input to the same input port of the main control unit 20, and it is collectively determined whether or not the value of each input detection signal satisfies a predetermined condition.
As a result, the number of determination processes for the determination of transition to the setting change mode can be reduced as compared with the case of individually determining whether or not the value of each detection signal satisfies a predetermined condition.

In response to the execution of the setting change process in step S115, the CPU 201 executes the command transmission process at the time of RAM clear in step S116, executes the in-region RAM initialization process in the subsequent step S117, and then clears the RAM in step S118. Perform time processing.
The command transmission process in step S116 is a process of transmitting an effect control command (RAM clear command (BA02H) or the like) for notifying the effect control unit 24 that the RAM is to be cleared, and the details will be described later.
The initialization process of step S117 is a process of initializing (clearing) the value in the predetermined area (used area) including the work area in the RAM 203. However, in the initialization process of step S117, the storage area of the set value Ve in the work area is excluded from the initialization target.
In the RAM clearing process in step S118, as shown in FIG. 9, the RAM clear notification timer setting process (S401) is performed, and then a partial initial value setting process (S402) of the RAM is performed. The RAM clear notification timer is a process of setting the RAM clear notification time executed by the effect control unit 24 in response to the command transmitted in step S116, and in this example, 30 s is set. In the partial initial value setting process of step S402, for example, the initial value is set in a partial area excluding the work area of the RAM 203.
The CPU 201 proceeds to step S119 in response to executing the RAM clearing process in step S118.

The above-mentioned performance information is stored in an area outside the used area in the RAM 203, and therefore is not cleared by the RAM clearing process in steps S117 and S118.
The data to be cleared in the RAM clearing process is data in the RAM area (normal data storage area) such as various flags, timers, and counters required for normal game progress. These data include, for example, the following. That is, data related to the game state designation (a game state flag that specifies the current game state such as a normal state, a probability change state, a time saving state, and a latent state), and a flag that specifies whether or not a winning game is in progress (conditional device). Operation flag), various data related to the execution of the winning game (current number of rounds, maximum number of rounds, etc.), data related to the big hit lottery result (big hit judgment flag: winning lottery result information, special symbol judgment data: symbol lottery result information) , Hold data related to operation hold balls (number of operation hold balls, various random numbers used for big hit lottery, various random numbers used for auxiliary hit lottery, random numbers for fluctuation patterns), special symbol operation status, and game progress are managed. Timer (special symbol accessory operation timer), input / output data related to switches and sensors, various winning counters that count the number of winning balls in the winning opening, flags that specify the presence or absence of electric support status (open extension flag), electric power Electric support count counter that counts the remaining number of support, counter that counts the remaining number of high probability state (special figure probability variation counter, normal figure probability variation counter), various error flags (excluding RAM error flag), and payout related Data etc. In any case, when the RAM clear process is executed, all the data other than the specific data (set value Ve and performance information) are set to the initial state.

Here, when the setting change process is executed at the time of startup as described above, the process is advanced to step S116 and the RAM clear process (S117, S118) is executed.
In the setting change process, the set value Ve can be changed. When the set value Ve is changed, the stored values other than the set value Ve in the work area of the RAM 203 may be inconsistent with the changed set value Ve. Therefore, when the setting change process is performed, the area other than the set value Ve in the work area is cleared (initialized) by executing the RAM clear process.

Subsequently, in the previous step S104, if the value after masking by step S103 is not "111" and a negative result that the setting change condition is not satisfied is obtained, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S105 and the RAM is abnormal. Judge whether or not. Specifically, whether or not the set value Ve stored in the work area of the RAM 203 is a value outside the normal range (in this example, the set value Ve = 0 to 5 corresponding to the settings 1 to 6). At least determine.
Here, the set value Ve actually handled by the CPU 201 is, for example, a 1-byte value, and the values of 00H (0) to 05H (5) are set as the values corresponding to the settings 1 to 6. In addition, "H" means a hexadecimal number (hereinafter, the same applies). In the determination process of step S105, it is determined whether or not the set value Ve stored in the work area is a value in the range of 00H to 05H.

In step S105, when the set value Ve is a value outside the above normal range and it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, the CPU 201 proceeds to the process of waiting for the power re-on after step S112.
Specifically, in step S112, the CPU 201 gives an effect control command (setting) for instructing the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be notified to re-turn on the power and change the setting as a command transmission process when the power is turned on again. A process of transmitting a change waiting command) to the effect control unit 24 is performed. If a RAM abnormality is detected at startup, the mode is forcibly shifted to the setting change mode and the change (setting) of the set value Ve is accepted. Therefore, in step S112, the CPU 201 first notifies the effect control unit 24 side that the setting change mode is to be entered by the setting change waiting command.
In response to the setting change waiting command, the effect control unit 24 executes a screen display on the liquid crystal display device 36 to prompt the setting change operation, such as a screen including characters such as "Open the door and change the setting". Let me. At this time, the effect control unit 24 may perform control to display the corresponding light effect (for example, lighting of all LEDs in the light display device 45a) and the sound effect together with the screen display.

In step S113 following step S112, the CPU 201 sets the backup flag to 00H (that is, OFF), and then repeats the power supply abnormality check process (see FIG. 7) in step S114. The power abnormality check process in step S114 is repeated until the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned off, and when the power is turned on again, the processes after step S101 are executed again as the main process on the main control side. At this time, if the operation for shifting to the setting change mode is performed according to the above screen display or the like, the shift to the setting change mode is performed and the RAM abnormal state is resolved.

In step S105 described above, if it is determined that the set value Ve is not a value outside the normal range and is not a RAM abnormality, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S106 to determine whether the backup flag is in the ON state (in this example, the backup flag = 5AH). Is ON state) is determined.
In the gaming machine 1, when the power is cut off, the storage information of the RAM 203 is backed up by the power check / backup process (step S901, see FIG. 24) described later in the timer interrupt process on the main control side. If the backup process is properly performed when the power is cut off, the backup flag is turned on (see step S1010 in FIG. 25). Therefore, in step S106 described above, the backup flag is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the backup can be restored. Specifically, in step S106, it is determined whether or not the backup flag stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 203 is in the ON state (5AH).

If it is determined in step S106 that the backup flag is not ON, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S112 described above. As a result, when the backup restoration condition is not satisfied, the transition to the setting change mode is forcibly performed as in the case where the RAM abnormality described above is recognized.

Here, as described above, the determination process in step S106 corresponds to the process of determining whether or not to shift to the state in which the backup restoration process is performed regardless of whether or not the setting confirmation process is executed.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S106 that the backup flag is ON, the CPU 201 determines in step S107 whether or not the RAM clear condition (transition condition to the RAM clear process) is satisfied. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the 6th bit of the W register is "1".
When the value of the 6th bit of the W register is "1" and an affirmative result that the RAM clear condition is satisfied is obtained, the CPU 201 proceeds to the above-mentioned step S116. As a result, the RAM clearing process described above is executed.

Here, as can be seen by referring to the route from step S107 to S116 described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to clear the RAM without changing the setting. As a result, it is possible to deal with the case where it is desired to clear data other than the data related to the set value Ve, such as the payout-related data in the RAM 203.

Further, in step S107, if the value of the 6th bit of the W register is not "1" and a negative result that the RAM clear condition is not satisfied is obtained, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S108 to confirm the setting (setting confirmation condition). It is determined whether or not the transition condition to the setting confirmation process) is satisfied. That is, it is determined whether or not the value of the W register after masking in step S103 is "110".
When the value of the W register after masking is "110" and an affirmative result that the setting confirmation condition is satisfied is obtained, the CPU 201 executes the setting confirmation process in step S109 and proceeds to step S110. That is, the process shifts to the process for restoring the backup.
The details of the setting confirmation process in step S109 will be described again.

On the other hand, if the value of the W register after masking is not "110" and a negative result that the setting confirmation condition is not satisfied is obtained, the CPU 201 passes the setting confirmation process in step S109 and proceeds to step S110. ..

In step S110, the CPU 201 performs a process of transmitting a predetermined effect control command corresponding to the backup return to the effect control unit 24 as a command transmission process at the time of backup return. The command transmission process at the time of restoring the backup in step S110 will be described later.

In step S111 following step S110, the CPU 201 performs a backup restoration process.
The backup restoration process is a process of restoring the operation after the power is turned on and before the power is turned off, based on the stored contents of the RAM 203 backed up when the power is turned off. Specifically, the CPU 201 returns the stack pointer before the power is cut off, and performs a process for starting the game operation from the processing state when the power is cut off.

When the backup restoration process of step S111 is executed, or when the RAM clear processing of step S118 described above is executed (that is, when both the setting change process and the RAM clear process are executed, or when only the RAM clear process is executed). ), CPU 201 proceeds to step S119.

In step S119, the CPU 201 sets the CTC for periodically generating a timer interrupt at predetermined time intervals such as 4 ms.
By performing the setting process in step S119, the interrupt request signal to the interrupt controller is periodically output thereafter, and the timer interrupt process on the main control side is executed.

In the following step S120, the CPU 201 turns on the launch permission signal for the payout control board 29. In response to this, the payout control board 29 determines that the launch is permitted, outputs the permission signal to the launch control board 28, and allows the launching device 32 to launch the game ball. As a result, the game ball can be launched by the launch operation handle 15.
Here, the configuration in which the payout control board 29 receives the launch permission signal from the main control unit 20 and allows the launch operation, that is, the launch permission instruction information from the main control unit 20 is indirectly transmitted through the payout control board 29. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration in which a launch permission signal by the main control unit 20 is directly output to the launch control board 28 may be used. ..

In step S121 following step S120, the CPU 201 performs a process of transmitting an effect control command for instructing the start of the game to the effect control unit 24, and then proceeds to step S121 to perform the main loop pre-process shown in FIG. After executing, the main loop process of step S123 is executed.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the main loop preprocessing, first, in step S501, the values of all the registers are saved in a predetermined area such as the stack area of RAM 203, and then the operation confirmation flag is turned ON in step S502. In the subsequent step S503, the operation confirmation timer is set to a predetermined value (value corresponding to 5s in this example). Then, in step S504, the CPU 201 performs a process of returning the values of all the saved registers to the corresponding registers, and ends the main loop preprocessing of step S121.

(Main loop processing)

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main loop processing in step S123.
In the main loop process of FIG. 11, the CPU 201 sets itself in the interrupt disabled state in step S601, and executes the random number update process in the subsequent step S602. In this random number update process, various random numbers used in the special symbol variation display game and the normal symbol variation display game (random numbers related to the jackpot lottery circulating in a predetermined numerical range by the increment process (special symbol determination used for the symbol lottery). Random numbers used to change the initial value (start value) of random numbers related to the lottery for auxiliary hits (random numbers for auxiliary hit judgment used in the winning lottery for auxiliary hits) (initial value random numbers for special symbol judgment) , Initial value random number for auxiliary hit judgment) and random number for fluctuation pattern used for selection of fluctuation pattern are updated.

In the RAM 203 of the present embodiment, as various random number counters used for a symbol lottery related to a big hit lottery, an auxiliary hit lottery, a variable pattern lottery, etc., a random number counter for special symbol determination, a counter for generating an initial value, and a special symbol determination A random number counter for, a random number counter for determining auxiliary hits, a counter for generating initial values, a random number counter for determining auxiliary hits, a random number counter for fluctuation patterns, and the like are provided. These counters serve as random number generation means for generating random numbers by software. In the random number update process of step S302, the above-mentioned special symbol determination random number counter, the two initial value generation counters that generate the initial values of the auxiliary hit determination random number counter, the fluctuation pattern random number counter, and the like are updated, and the above various types are described. Generate soft random numbers. For example, assuming that the numerical range that can be taken as the random number counter for the fluctuation pattern is "0 to 238", a value is acquired from the count value storage area for generating the value of the random number for the fluctuation pattern of the RAM 203, and the acquired value is used. After adding "1", it is stored in the original count value storage area. At this time, if the result of adding "1" to the acquired value is "239", "0" is stored in the original random number counter storage area. Other random number counters for initial value generation are updated in the same way.

When the random number update process in step S602 is completed, the CPU 201 performs a process of saving the values of all the registers in step S603, and then performs a performance display monitor aggregation division process in step S604.
This performance display monitor aggregation division process is a process for calculating a value as the performance information described above (here, for example, a value as the “normal time ratio information” described above). As described above, the value of the normal time ratio information is calculated by using the total number of payouts and the total number of out balls, but the CPU 201 has a winning opening (upper start opening 34, Calculated based on the result of counting the number of game balls that won in the lower start opening 35, general winning opening 43, and large winning opening 50). For the total number of out balls, the number of game balls discharged from the out opening 49 is used. Obtained by counting.
The number of winning balls and the number of out balls are counted in the input management process (see step S904 in FIG. 24) described later in the timer interrupt process on the main control side. The CPU 201 calculates the value as the normal time ratio information in step S604 based on the count values of the count of the number of winning balls and the count of the number of out balls performed on the timer interrupt processing side in this way. As described above, the calculated value as the normal time ratio information is stored in the predetermined area (measurement information storage area) of the RAM 203.
The value of the normal time ratio information calculated in this way is displayed on the setting / performance indicator 97 by the performance display monitor display process (see step S916 of FIG. 24) described later in the main control side timer interrupt process.

In step S605 following step S604, the CPU 201 performs all register reset processing, sets itself in the interrupt enabled state in the following step S606, and then returns to step S601.

As described above, in the main loop processing of step S123, the processing of steps S601 to S606 is repeated in an infinite loop. The CPU 201 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S601 to S606 except during the timer interrupt process that is intermittently executed.

(Setting change processing)

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the setting change process in step S115.
In this setting change process, a process for setting the set value Ve based on the operation and an effect control command for notifying the fact that the setting is being changed or the newly set set value Ve are transmitted to the effect control unit 24. Processing and the like are performed.

In FIG. 12, the CPU 201 first executes a process of transmitting a setting changing command (BA5AH) to the effect control unit 24 in step S701.
In response to this setting changing command, the effect control unit 24 displays on the liquid crystal display device 36 a screen display for notifying that the setting is being changed, such as a screen on which characters such as "setting is being changed" are arranged. Processes are performed to execute the command or to output the corresponding sound from the speaker 46 while the setting is being changed. Further, at this time, the effect control unit 24 may light a predetermined LED (for example, all LEDs) in the above-mentioned light generating means (light display device 45a) according to a predetermined lighting pattern.
The details of the transmission processing of the command during the setting change in step S701 will be described again.

In the following step S702, the CPU 201 sets the backup flag to 00H (that is, in the OFF state), and then executes the input data creation process in step S703.
This input data creation process is executed by calling the same process in step S902 in the main control side timer interrupt process (FIG. 24). As will be described later, the input data created by the input data creation process includes the input data of the RAM clear switch 98 indicating the presence / absence of the progressive operation of the set value Ve and the setting key switch indicating the presence / absence of the setting change completion operation. Contains 94 input data.
As will be described later, the data created in the input data creation process in step S711 is used for the determination of the presence / absence of the progressive operation of the set value Ve (S712) and the determination of the presence / absence of the completion operation (S718). The significance of executing the input data creation process in step S703 prior to the input data creation process in step S711 will be described later.

In response to the execution of the creation process in step S703, the CPU 201 determines in step S704 whether or not the set value Ve is within the normal range (in this example, within the range of 0 (00H) to 5 (05H)). do. If the set value Ve is not within the normal range, the CPU 201 rewrites the set value Ve to "0" in step S705. The set value Ve to be rewritten here is not the set value Ve stored in the work area of the RAM 203, but the set value Ve of the register copied from the work area (the set value Ve set in the register for creating display data). ).

Here, in this example, since the setting change condition determination (S104) is executed prior to the RAM abnormality determination (S105), the setting value Ve of the RAM 203 is not within the normal range when the setting change mode is entered. Can occur. Therefore, the determination process of step S704 is performed, and when the set value Ve is an abnormal value, the set value Ve is rewritten to a predetermined value (“0” in this example). As a result, it is possible to prevent data indicating an abnormal setting value Ve from being generated as display data of the setting value Ve, which will be described later, and the setting value Ve displayed on the setting / performance indicator 97 when the setting is changed. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of display bugs (values outside the normal range are displayed incorrectly).

If the set value Ve is within the normal range in step S704, the CPU 201 passes step S705, executes a power supply abnormality check process (see FIG. 7) in step S706, and then performs a security signal in step S707. Execute output processing. Specifically, a process is performed so that a security signal is output to the hall computer HC through the external centralized terminal board 21 for the frame.

In step S708 following step S707, the CPU 201 sets the chattering prevention waiting time, and then waits until the set chattering prevention waiting time elapses by the processing of steps S709 and S710. That is, while reducing the chattering prevention waiting time by -1 in step S709, wait until the chattering prevention waiting time becomes "0" in step S710.

When the chattering prevention waiting time becomes "0" in step S710 and it is determined that the chattering prevention waiting time has elapsed, the CPU 201 executes the input data creation process in step S711, and the RAM clear switch 98 is turned on in the following step S712. Judge whether or not.
If the RAM clear switch 98 is not ON, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S717 to output the set value display data, that is, sets the display data indicating the value corresponding to the set value Ve currently stored in the register. The process of outputting to the performance display 97 is performed.
As can be understood from the processing flow so far, when the transition to the setting change mode is performed, RAM203 ( And the register), the set value Ve (“1” corresponding to “0” when it is determined in step S704 that the setting is abnormal) is displayed on the setting / performance indicator 97. That is, the display allows the hall staff and the like to confirm the current set value Ve.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S712 that the RAM clear switch 98 is ON, the CPU 201 determines in step S713 whether or not the RAM clear switch 98 is continuously ON. That is, in the input data creation process for the last two times including the input data creation process of step S711 executed most recently in step S713 (the input data creation process of step S703 is the target in the process of the first step S713). It is determined whether or not the input data of the obtained RAM clear switch 98 are both ON.
When it is determined that the RAM clear switch 98 is continuously ON, the CPU 201 does not execute the progressive process of the set value Ve (steps S714 to S715 described later), and proceeds to the display data output process of step S717.

Here, if the setting change process is started while the RAM clear button is pressed, the operator such as the hall staff is pressing the RAM clear button in order to shift to the setting change mode. However, on the gaming machine 1 side, the pressing of the RAM clear button may be detected as a progressive operation of the set value Ve. In that case, the set value Ve displayed immediately after the transition of the setting change process should be "1" (00H) when the setting value is abnormal (in the case of step S704: N), but is "2" (01H). ) Is erroneously displayed, and when the set value is normal (in the case of step S704: Y), the set value Ve immediately before the transition to the setting change mode is erroneously displayed as a value forwarded by one.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to prevent these erroneous displays, the input data creation process in step S703 and the continuous ON determination process in step S711 are provided. By these processes, even if the setting change process is started while the RAM clear button is pressed, when the RAM clear switch 98 is continuously ON, the progressive process of the set value Ve is not executed and the set value Ve is set. Since the display data is output, that is, the progressive processing of the set value Ve is not executed until the RAM clear switch 98 is once turned off and then turned on again, the above-mentioned erroneous display of the set value Ve is prevented. Can be planned.

In response to the determination in step S713 that the RAM clear switch 98 is not continuously ON, the CPU 201 increments the set value Ve by 1 (increments the register set value Ve by 1) in step S714, and then increments the set value Ve by 1 in step S715. It is determined whether or not Ve is a value in a specified range, specifically, whether or not it is within a range of "0 to 5" in this example. If the set value Ve is not within the specified range in step S715, the CPU 201 rewrites the set value Ve to "0" (00H) in step S716, and proceeds to the display data output process in step S717. As a result, the set value Ve can be changed to the value "00H" corresponding to the setting 1 according to the progressive operation performed in the state where the set value Ve corresponds to the setting 6 of "05H", and the set value Ve can be cyclically changed. Changes will be realized.
On the other hand, if the set value Ve is a value within the specified range, the CPU 201 passes step S716 and proceeds to the display data output process in step S717. That is, in this case, the set value Ve of the register is updated by the value obtained by incrementing the original set value Ve before the progressive operation by 1, and the value corresponding to the updated set value Ve is displayed on the setting / performance indicator 97. ..

In response to the execution of the display data output process in step S717, the CPU 201 determines in step S718 whether or not the setting key switch 94 is OFF.
If the setting key switch 94 is not OFF (that is, the setting completion operation is not performed), the CPU 201 returns to the power supply abnormality check process in step S706.
From this processing flow, the determination of the RAM clear switch 98 in step S712 and the determination of the setting key switch 94 in step S718 are executed each time after waiting for the elapse of the chattering prevention waiting time set in step S708.

On the other hand, if the setting key switch 94 is OFF, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S719 and stores the set value Ve in the set value work. That is, the set value Ve currently held in the register is stored in the storage area of the set value Ve in the work area of the RAM 203.

In the following step S720, the CPU 201 clears the setting value display data, then performs a process of turning off the security signal in step S721, and then executes a transmission process of the setting completion command (BA09H) in step S722. The setting change process in step S115 is completed.
The transmission process in step S722 is a process of transmitting an effect control command as a setting completion command to the effect control unit 24. This setting completion command is a command sent when the setting change operation is completed and the setting value Ve is confirmed, and is also used as a command indicating that the setting change is completed (the setting value Ve is confirmed). Will be done.
The process of transmitting the setting completion command in step S722 will be described again.

(Setting confirmation process)

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the setting confirmation process in step S109.
The setting confirmation process is a process for confirming and displaying the set value Ve being set.
In FIG. 13, the CPU 201 first executes a setting confirmation command transmission process in step S801. The details of the transmission process will be described again.

In response to executing the transmission process in step S801, the CPU 201 acquires the value of the set value work in step S802, then executes the power supply abnormality check process (see FIG. 7) in step S803, and then executes the setting key in step S804. It is determined whether or not the switch 94 is OFF (that is, whether or not the end instruction operation of the setting confirmation display is performed).
If the setting key switch 94 is not OFF, the CPU 201 executes the security signal output process in step S805, creates the set value display data in step S806, and outputs the set value display data in step S807. By doing so, the current set value Ve is displayed on the setting / performance display 97.
The CPU 201 returns to the power supply abnormality check process of step S803 in response to the execution of the output process of step S807. As a result, the display state of the current set value Ve is maintained until the setting key switch 94 is turned off.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S804 that the setting key switch 94 is OFF, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S808 to clear the set value display data, then executes the security signal OFF process in step S803, and then steps S810. The transmission process of the setting confirmation end command (E022H) of is executed, and the setting confirmation process of step S109 is completed.
The details of the transmission process in step S810 will be described again.

[4-3. First summary]

Here, from the above description, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following regarding the transition determination to the setting change processing, the RAM abnormality determination, the transition determination to the RAM clear processing, and the transition determination to the backup restoration processing. It can be said that it has such a configuration.

That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes and controls a control means (CPU201) for controlling the progress of the game operation and a storage means (RAM203) capable of reading / writing information by the control means. The means is a setting means (see the setting change process in step S115) for setting a setting value (the same Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of winning the gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation, and a memory. It is determined whether or not there is an abnormality determination means for performing an abnormality determination process (RAM abnormality determination process in step S105) of the stored information including the set value in the means and a shift instruction operation to the setting change mode which is a mode for accepting the change of the set value. It has a setting change transition determination means for performing a transition condition determination process (setting change condition establishment determination process in step S104).
Then, at the time of startup accompanying the power-on, the control means performs the transition condition determination process by the setting change transition determination means before the abnormality determination process by the abnormality determination means, and the transition instruction operation is performed by the transition condition determination process. When it is determined that it is not, the abnormality determination process is performed.

When the mode shifts to the setting change mode, the set value can be changed, so that the processing of clearing the stored information other than the set value in the storage means is performed in order to match with the changed set value. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the abnormality determination process before the transition condition determination process.
On the other hand, if the mode does not shift to the setting change mode, the backup restoration process based on the stored information of the storage means may be performed, so that the abnormality determination process should be performed.
By performing the transition condition determination process before the abnormality determination process as described above, when the transition instruction operation to the setting change mode is performed, the memory information abnormality determination process is uselessly prior to the transition condition determination process. This can be prevented and the processing load can be reduced.
In addition, since the abnormality determination processing is performed if the operation for instructing the transition to the setting change mode is not performed, it is possible to prevent the backup restoration processing from being performed when the stored information of the storage means is abnormal, and to prevent fraud. Can be planned.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load while preventing fraud.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a control means (CPU201) for controlling the progress of the game operation and a storage means (RAM203) capable of reading / writing information by the control means, and the control means is a game. A setting means (see the setting change process in step S115) for setting a setting value (the same Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of winning a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation, and a setting value in the storage means. Abnormality determination means for performing abnormality determination processing (RAM abnormality determination processing in step S105) of stored information including It has a setting change transition determination means for performing (setting change condition establishment determination process in step S104).
Then, at the time of startup accompanying the power-on, the control means performs the transition condition determination process by the setting change transition determination means before the abnormality determination process by the abnormality determination means, and the transition instruction operation is performed by the transition condition determination process. If it is determined that the problem has not occurred, an abnormality determination process is performed.
Further, the control means determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the set value in the storage means (determination process in step S704) when it is determined that the transition instruction operation has been performed by the transition condition determination process, and sets when an abnormality is found. It has a set value correction means for correcting the display value of the value (rewriting process in step S705).

In this case as well, by performing the transition condition determination process before the abnormality determination process, when the transition instruction operation to the setting change mode is performed, the memory information abnormality determination process is uselessly prior to the transition condition determination process. This can be prevented and the processing load can be reduced.
In addition, since the abnormality determination processing is performed if the operation for instructing the transition to the setting change mode is not performed, it is possible to prevent the backup restoration processing from being performed when the stored information of the storage means is abnormal, and to prevent fraud. Can be planned.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load while preventing fraud.
In addition, by providing the above-mentioned set value correction means, it is possible to prevent a setting value display bug from occurring even if the transition condition determination process to the setting change mode is performed before the abnormality determination process. can.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a control means (CPU201) for controlling the progress of the game operation and a storage means (RAM203) capable of reading / writing information by the control means, and the control means is a game. A setting means (see the setting change process in step S115) for setting a setting value (the same Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of winning a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation, and a setting value in the storage means. Setting confirmation display processing (step) for displaying the current set value on the required display means based on the abnormality determination means for performing the abnormality determination process (RAM abnormality determination process in step S105) of the stored information including It has a setting confirmation display means for performing the setting confirmation process of S109) and a setting confirmation determination means for performing the setting confirmation condition determination process (setting confirmation condition establishment determination process of step S108) for determining the presence or absence of the setting value confirmation operation. ..
Then, the control means performs the abnormality determination process before the setting confirmation condition determination process at the time of activation when the power is turned on.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the confirmation display process of the set value from being performed in a state where the set value stored in the storage means is abnormal.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of display bugs in the setting confirmation display.
Further, in the case where the backup restoration process is executed after the setting confirmation display processing is executed as in the present embodiment, the backup restoration cannot be performed due to an abnormality in the storage information of the storage means after the confirmation of the set value is completed. Can be prevented.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a control means (CPU201) for controlling the progress of the game operation and a storage means (RAM203) capable of reading / writing information by the control means, and the control means is a game. A setting means (see the setting change process in step S115) for setting a setting value (the same Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of winning a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation, and a setting value in the storage means. Setting confirmation display processing (step) for displaying the current set value on the required display means based on the abnormality determination means for performing the abnormality determination process (RAM abnormality determination process in step S105) of the stored information including It has a setting confirmation display means for performing the setting confirmation process of S109) and a setting confirmation determination means for performing the setting confirmation condition determination process (setting confirmation condition establishment determination process of step S108) for determining the presence or absence of the setting value confirmation operation. ..
Then, the control means performs the abnormality determination process before the setting confirmation condition determination process at the time of startup accompanying the power-on, and the setting confirmation display means sets the settings stored in the storage means when displaying the set value. It does not determine whether the value is abnormal.

By performing the abnormality determination process prior to the setting confirmation condition determination process as described above, it is possible to prevent the setting value confirmation display process from being performed in a state where the set value stored in the storage means is abnormal.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of display bugs in the setting confirmation display.
Further, according to the above configuration, since the abnormality determination process is performed on the stored information (including the set value) of the storage means before the setting confirmation display process, the abnormality determination of the set value is performed when performing the setting confirmation display process. You don't have to do it. Therefore, by adopting the configuration in which the setting confirmation display means does not perform the abnormality determination of the set value as described above, it is possible to prevent the abnormality determination of the set value from being performed indiscriminately.
Therefore, the processing load can be reduced.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko game machine 1 includes a control means (CPU201) for controlling the progress of the game operation and a storage means (RAM203) capable of reading / writing information by the control means, and the control means is a game. A setting means (see the setting change process in step S115) for setting a setting value (the same Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of winning a game state advantageous to the player based on the operation, and a setting value in the storage means. Abnormality determination means for performing abnormality determination processing (RAM abnormality determination processing in step S105) including storage information, and storage information clear processing (at least RAM initialization in step S117) for clearing storage information excluding at least set values in the storage means. It has a clearing means for executing a process) in response to a predetermined clear instruction operation, and a clear condition determination means for performing a clear condition determination process (RAM clear condition establishment determination process in step S107) for determining the presence or absence of the clear instruction operation. ..
Then, the control means performs the abnormality determination process before the clear condition determination process at the time of activation when the power is turned on.

Since the set value is not cleared in the stored information clear process, if the clear condition determination process is executed before the abnormality determination process, the abnormal set value remains stored in the storage means. ..
By performing the abnormality determination process before the clear condition determination process, it is possible to prevent the game operation from being started with the abnormal set value stored.
Therefore, fraud prevention can be achieved.

Here, since the stored information clearing process is a process that does not clear the set value as described above, the stored information clearing process performed after the setting change process and the stored information clearing process performed in response to the clear instruction operation are common. It can be a process (process by a common program). That is, the program capacity can be reduced.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a control means (CPU201) for controlling the progress of the game operation and a storage means (RAM203) capable of reading / writing information by the control means, and the control means is a game. A setting means (see the setting change process in step S115) for setting a setting value (the same Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of winning a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation, and a setting value in the storage means. Abnormality determination means for performing abnormality determination processing (RAM abnormality determination processing in step S105) including the storage information, and whether or not the storage information of the storage means can be restored to the state before the power is cut off at the time of startup when the power is turned on. It has a backup return determination means for performing a determination backup return determination process (backup flag determination process in step S106).
Then, the control means performs the abnormality determination process before the backup restoration determination process.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the backup restoration process from being performed in a state where the abnormal set value is stored without determining whether or not the set value stored in the storage means is abnormal.
Therefore, fraud prevention can be achieved.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a door portion (front frame 2) that can be opened and closed, and operates a set value (Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of winning a gaming state that is advantageous to the player. A gaming machine set based on the above, the control means (CPU201) for controlling the progress of the game operation and the storage means (RAM203) for reading / writing information by the control means, each of which opens the door. A first operator and a second operator (a key cylinder and a RAM clear button provided corresponding to the setting key switch 94) provided so as to be operable by setting the state are provided, and the control means is a storage means. Clearing means for clearing the stored information in the above (steps S116 to S118), setting means for setting the set value based on the operation (setting change process in step S115), and required display means. Has a setting confirmation display means for performing a setting confirmation display process (setting confirmation process in step S109) for displaying the current set value.
Then, the control means determines the transition to the storage information clear processing not based on the open / closed state of the door portion, but based on the operation status of at least one of the first and second controls, and shifts to the setting process. The determination and the transition determination to the setting confirmation display process are performed based on the operation state of at least one of the first and second operators and the open / closed state of the door portion.

As a result, the processing related to the set value is executed based on the result of confirming the open / closed state of the door portion.
Therefore, fraud prevention can be achieved.

The conditions for shifting to the setting change process can also be set to open the door and turn on the setting key. In this case, in the determination of transition to the setting change process, it is possible to set the determination condition that the setting key switch 94 is ON at the same time as the door is opened. That is, the operation state of only one of the first and second controls can be used as the determination condition.
Further, the transition condition to the setting confirmation process at this time can be determined that both the setting key switch 98 and the RAM clear switch 98 are OFF and the door is open. In this case, if the door is open and the setting key switch 94 = ON, the setting change process is performed as described above. Therefore, if the setting change process is not performed, it can be estimated that the setting key switch 94 = OFF. Therefore, in the determination of transition to the setting confirmation process in this case, the determination condition can be that the door is open and the RAM clear switch 98 = OFF. That is, the operation state of only one of the first and second controls can be used as the determination condition.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a door portion (front frame 2) that can be opened and closed, and operates a set value (Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of winning a gaming state that is advantageous to the player. A gaming machine set based on the above, the control means (CPU201) for controlling the progress of the game operation and the storage means (RAM203) for reading / writing information by the control means, each of which opens the door. A first operator and a second operator (a key cylinder and a RAM clear button provided corresponding to the setting key switch 94) provided so as to be operable by setting the state are provided, and the control means is a storage means. A backup restoration means for performing a backup restoration process (backup restoration process in step S111) for restoring the gaming machine with the stored information before the power is cut off, and a setting process for setting a set value based on the operation (step S115). It has a setting means for performing the setting change processing) and a setting confirmation display means for performing the setting confirmation display processing (setting confirmation processing in step S109) for displaying the current setting value on the required display means.
Then, the control means performs the transition determination to the backup restoration process (backup flag determination process in step S106) without being based on the open / closed state of the door portion and the operation state of the first and second operators, and proceeds to the setting process. The transition determination and the transition determination to the setting confirmation display process are performed based on the operation state of at least one of the first and second operators and the open / closed state of the door portion.

As a result, the processing related to the set value is executed based on the result of confirming the open / closed state of the door portion.
Therefore, fraud prevention can be achieved.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the transition determination to the backup restoration process is performed on the condition that the stored information of the storage means is not abnormal (the RAM abnormality determination in step S105 is N).
As a result, it is possible to prevent the backup from being restored due to an abnormal setting value, and it is possible to enhance the fraud prevention effect.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a door portion (front frame 2) that can be opened and closed, and operates a set value (Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of winning a gaming state that is advantageous to the player. A gaming machine set based on the above, the control means (CPU201) for controlling the progress of the game operation and the storage means (RAM203) for reading / writing information by the control means, each of which opens the door. A first operator and a second operator (a key cylinder and a RAM clear button provided corresponding to the setting key switch 94) provided so as to be operable by setting the state are provided, and the control means is a storage means. It has a clearing means for performing the stored information clearing process (steps S116 to S118) for clearing the stored information in the above, and a setting means for performing a setting process (setting change process in step S115) for setting a set value based on the operation.
Then, the control means can execute the setting process when the door portion is in the open state and the first and second operators are in the operation state, while the door portion is in the closed state and the first and second operators are in the closed state. (Ii) When the operator is put into the operation state, the storage information clear processing is executed without performing the setting processing.

As a result, the change of the set value cannot be executed unless the door portion is opened, and when the door portion is closed, the stored information clear processing is performed.
Therefore, fraud prevention can be achieved.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a door portion (front frame 2) that can be opened and closed, and operates a set value (Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of winning a gaming state that is advantageous to the player. A gaming machine set based on the above, the control means (CPU201) for controlling the progress of the game operation and the storage means (RAM203) for reading / writing information by the control means, each of which opens the door. A first operator and a second operator (a key cylinder and a RAM clear button provided corresponding to the setting key switch 94) provided so as to be operable by setting the state are provided, and the control means is a storage means. Backup restoration means for performing backup restoration processing (backup restoration processing in step S111) for restoring the gaming machine with the stored information before the power is cut off, and setting confirmation for displaying the current setting value on the required display means. It has a setting confirmation display means for performing a display process (setting confirmation process in step S109).
Then, the control means can execute the setting confirmation display process by setting the door portion to the open state and setting only the first operator among the first and second operators to the operation state, while the door portion can execute the setting confirmation display process. When it is in the closed state and only the first operator among the first and second operators is in the operation state, the backup restoration process is executed without performing the setting confirmation display process.

As a result, the setting confirmation display process cannot be executed unless the door portion is opened, and when the door portion is closed, the backup restoration process is performed.
Therefore, fraud prevention can be achieved.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the transition determination to the backup restoration process is performed on the condition that the stored information of the storage means is not abnormal (the RAM abnormality determination in step S105 is N).
As a result, it is possible to prevent the backup from being restored due to an abnormal setting value, and it is possible to enhance the fraud prevention effect.

[4-4. About the startup processing program]

Next, a program that realizes the processing at startup described above will be described.
FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a storage mode of a program in the ROM 202 for each process executed in response to the startup. The program here is a program in assembly language.

In FIG. 14, each process executed corresponding to the startup is "initial setting process at power-on", "input port data acquisition process", "setting change condition determination process", "setting change process", "RAM clear process", and "RAM error". It is divided into "check processing", "power restart processing", "RAM clear condition judgment processing", "setting confirmation condition judgment processing", "setting confirmation processing", "backup restoration processing", and "setting processing after restoration".
The correspondence between these processes and the processes described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 13 is as follows.

"Initial setting process at power-on" = Initial setting process in step S101 "Input port data acquisition process" = Copy process in step S102 and mask process in step S103 "Setting change condition determination process" = Setting change condition establishment determination in step S104 Processing "Setting change processing" = Setting change processing in step S115 "RAM clear processing" = Processing from command transmission processing in step S116 to RAM clear processing in step S118 "RAM abnormality check processing" = RAM abnormality determination processing in step S105 , And the backup flag determination process in step S106 "Power cycle" = Process from the command transmission process in step S112 to the power error check process in step S114 "RAM clear condition determination process" = RAM clear condition establishment determination process in step S107 "Setting confirmation condition judgment processing" = Setting confirmation condition establishment judgment processing in step S108 "Setting confirmation processing" = Setting confirmation processing in step S109 "Backup restoration processing" = Command transmission processing in step S110 and backup restoration processing in step S111 "Restoration" Post-setting process ”= Process including step S119 (CTC setting process)

In the present embodiment, the programs for each of the above processes are stored in the order listed in each of the above processes from the start address (000H) of the ROM 202. That is, the program of "initial setting process at power-on" is stored at the head of ROM 202, and the program of "input port data acquisition process" continues (continuously) with respect to the program of "initial setting process at power-on". Then, the program of the "setting change condition determination process" is continuously stored for the program of the "input port data acquisition process", and the programs of each process are listed above. The data are stored in order from the beginning of the ROM 202.

As a result, at the time of startup accompanying the power-on, the CPU 201 processes the program from the start address of the ROM 202, and in the order shown in FIG. 5, first, from the initial setting process of step S101 to the setting change condition of step S104. Up to the establishment determination process is executed.

Here, in FIG. 14, a processing identifier “SYSTEM_xxx” (xxx is a numerical value) is defined for each processing program so that the processing can be identified. Further, in FIG. 14, the notation of "JR" in the program is a jump instruction, and the CPU 201 shifts to the processing indicated by the processing identifier shown below "JR" according to the description of "JR". Specifically, the program is read from the area in the ROM 202 in which the processing program indicated by the processing identifier is stored and executed. For example, according to the jump instruction described in the last line of the RAM clear process in the figure, the CPU 201 suspends the execution of the program in order from the head side of the ROM 202 and jumps to "SYSTEM_1200" instructed by the jump instruction. , Execute the jump destination program (that is, the program for setting processing after returning).
The program in which the jump instruction "JR" is described in this way suspends the execution of the program in order from the head side of the ROM 202, and instructs the program to transition the execution point of the program to the point according to the processing identifier. It becomes.

By such a jump instruction, the processes after the "setting change condition determination process" are executed in the order as described with reference to FIG. 5 according to the establishment / non-establishment of various conditions.
Specifically, in the "setting change condition determination process", the 8-bit after masking obtained in the immediately preceding "input port data acquisition process" is performed according to the descriptions of "CP W, 01100001B" and "JR NZ, SYSTEM_600" in the figure. If the value of is the same as "01100001", the transition of the program execution point by the jump instruction is not performed, and the program ("LD DE, 0BA5AH") on the first line in the "setting change process" is executed. That is, the setting change process is started.
On the other hand, if the 8-bit value after masking matches "01100001", the execution point of the program is changed by the jump instruction (transition to "SYSTEM_600"), and "RAM abnormality check processing" is executed.

In the "setting change process", according to the description of "CALLV_CMDOUT" in the figure, the data of the "BA5AH" command acquired by the description of "LD DE, 0BA5AH", that is, the command transmission for transmitting the data of the command during the setting change The process is called, and the command during the setting change is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. After that, the program of "M_SETTEI" is called according to the description of "CALL M_SETTEI", and the process described in the previous steps S802 to S810 is executed.
Here, for reference, an example of the program of "M_SETTEI" is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 14, when the execution of the “M_SETTEI” program is completed, that is, the “setting change process” is completed, the “RAM clear process” program is executed.
What should be noted here is that, in this example, the program of "RAM clear processing" is stored after the program of "setting change processing", so that the RAM clear processing (S116 to S118) is performed after the setting change processing (S115). The point is that the transition of the program execution point by the jump instruction is not required to execute.
As a result, when executing the RAM clear process after the setting change process, it is not necessary to describe a program (transition command program) for transitioning the program execution point, and the program capacity in the ROM 202 can be reduced.

In the program of "RAM clear processing", "JR SYSTEM_1200" is described in the last line, and the program execution point shifts to the program of "SYSTEM_1200" according to the completion of execution of "RAM clear processing". That is, as a result, the transition from step S118 to S119 described above is realized.

Subsequently, in the "RAM abnormality check processing" program, the set value Ve is a value outside the normal range (6 or more) according to the description of "CP (W_SETTEI), 6" and "JR NC, SYSTEM_700". In that case, the execution point of the program is changed by the jump instruction (transition to "SYSTEM_700"), and the "power cycle" is executed.
On the other hand, if the set value Ve is not a value outside the normal range, the process according to the description of "CP (W_BACKFLG), 05AH" and "JR Z, SYSTEM_800" is executed. Specifically, according to these descriptions, if the backup flag is not ON (05AH), the transition of the program execution point by the jump instruction is not performed, the "power cycle" is executed, and if the backup flag is ON, the jump instruction is performed. The execution point of the program is changed (transition to "SYSTEM_800"), and the "RAM clear condition judgment process" is executed.

In the program of "RAM clear condition judgment processing", depending on the description of "LD CF, W.6", the value of the 6th bit in the 8-bit value after masking described above is loaded, followed by "JR C, SYSTEM_500". According to the description of, if the loaded value is not "1", the transition of the program execution point by the jump instruction is not performed, and the "setting confirmation condition determination process" is performed.
On the other hand, when the loaded value is "1", the execution point of the program is changed by the jump instruction (transition to "SYSTEM_500"), and the "RAM clear process" is executed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when only the RAM clear processing is performed among the setting change processing and the RAM clear processing, the transition of the program execution point to the RAM clear processing is performed by the jump instruction.

In the "setting confirmation condition judgment process", according to the description of "CP W, 01100000B" and "JR NZ, SYSTEM_1100", if the 8-bit value after masking described above matches "01100000", the program is executed by the jump instruction. The point transition is not performed, and the "setting confirmation process" is performed.
On the other hand, if the 8-bit value after masking does not match "01100000", the execution point of the program is changed by the jump instruction (transition to "SYSTEM_1100"), and "backup restoration processing" is executed.

In the "setting confirmation process" program, when the execution of the process according to "CALLV_CMDOUT" in the last line is completed, the "backup restoration process" is started.
As described above, in the present embodiment, by storing the program of "backup restoration processing" after the program of "setting confirmation processing", the backup restoration processing (S111) is executed after the setting confirmation processing (S109 and S110). In order to do so, it is not necessary to change the program execution point by the jump instruction.
As a result, when executing the backup restoration process after the setting confirmation process, it is not necessary to describe the transition command program for transitioning the program execution point, and the program capacity in the ROM 202 can be reduced.

As a reference in FIG. 14, when the setting change processing is performed, the setting change processing is not performed and the RAM clear processing is performed, the setting confirmation processing is performed, and the backup restoration processing is performed without performing the setting confirmation processing. The transition of the program execution point is indicated by a numbered arrow in each of the cases where the program is executed and the case where the RAM abnormality is determined.

The programs of "RAM clear processing" and "setting confirmation processing" shown in FIG. 14 will be supplemented.
In the "RAM clear process", the "LD HL, D_MKCADR2" in the "SYSTEM_500" is the data to be used in the command transmission process called by the "CALLV_MKCADR" in the "SYSTEM_550" described below (command transmission at the time of RAM clear). Data indicating the "address table" (see FIG. 18) is loaded into the HL register.
In "CALLV_MKCADR" in "SYSTEM_550", a command transmission process is called, and in the command transmission process, various effect control commands corresponding to RAM clear are transmitted according to the data loaded in the HL register as described above.
The following "LD HL, W_SETTEI + 1" is the process of loading the next address value of the set value work (the storage area of the set value Ve in RAM 203) into the HL register, and "LD B, 256-3" is the B register. This is a process of designating the number of times to clear 0 (253 times).
Furthermore, the subsequent "CALLV_ZEROSET2" is the process of calling the 0 clear process, "LD HL, D_INISET" is the process of loading the start address of the initial value setting table into the HL register, and "CALLV_DTSET" is the process of calling the dataset process. ..
By such a series of programs, the processes of steps S116 (command transmission process at the time of RAM clear) to S118 (process at the time of RAM clear) described above are realized.

Subsequently, in the "setting confirmation process", the programs of "LD DE, 0E021H", "CALLV_CMDOUT", and "LD C, (W_SETTEI)" in "SYSTEM_1000" are the transmission processing of the command during setting confirmation in step S801 and the setting in step S802. It corresponds to the process of acquiring the value of the value work.
The program of "SYSTEM_1050" is a program for enabling the iterative processing of steps S803 to S807. Specifically, "CALLV_ VDDCHK" in "SYSTEM_1050" is a process for calling the power supply abnormality check process (see FIG. 7), and "IN A, (P_INPT1)" is a process for loading the information of the input port n into the A register, "IN A, (P_INPT1)". "AND A, 00000001B" is the process of ANDing the specified value "00000001") to the A register, and "JR Z, SYSTEM_1060" is when the Z flag = 1 (that is, when the value of the A register = 0: that is, the setting key. This is a process of transitioning to "SYSTEM_1060" when the switch 94 is OFF).
"LD A, 00000010B" is the process of loading the specified value "00000010" into the A register, and "OUT (P_GAIBU2), A" is the process of outputting the value of the A register to the external output terminal. This output process corresponds to the security signal output process in step S805.
"LD HL, D_7SEGDATA" is the process of loading the start address of the table in the HL register, "LD A, C" is the process of loading the value of the C register (that is, the set value Ve) in the A register, "LD W, ( HL + A) ”is a process of loading a table value based on the value of the A register (set value Ve) into the W register.
"LD A, 00010000B" is the process of loading the specified value "00010000" (specified value of LED common) in the A register, and "OUTW (P_LEDCMN), WA" is the setting / performance indicator 97 (LED) with the W register. This is a process for outputting the A register value (that is, the table value and the common specified value).
When the processing up to "OUTW (P_LEDCMN), WA" is completed, the execution point of the program is changed to "SYSTEM_1050" by "JR SYSTEM_1050".

The program of "SYSTEM_1060" corresponds to the case where the setting key switch 94 is turned off (when the setting confirmation completion operation is performed).
"XOR WA, WA" is a process to clear the WA register value, and "OUTW (P_LEDCMN), WA" outputs the WA register value (00000000) to the setting / performance indicator 97 (that is, the set value display). Data clearing) processing. "OUT (P_GAIBU2), A" is a process of outputting the A register value (00000000) to the external output terminal (that is, the security signal is OFF).
"INC E" is a process of incrementing the value of the E register by 1, which corresponds to a process of specifying the setting confirmation end command (0E22H) (see "LD DE, 0E021H" in "SYSTEM_1000"). "CALLV_CMDOUT" is a process of calling a command transmission process, whereby a setting confirmation end command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24.

Here, the program of the "setting confirmation process" can be changed as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 16, "LD W, (W_SETTEI)" in "SYSTEM_1000" is a process of loading the value of the set value work (set value Ve) in the W register, and "LD HL, D_7SEGDATA" is the process of loading the table in the HL register. This is the process of loading the value of the start address. "LD A, (HL + W)" is a process of loading the address value of the table based on the HL register (value of the start address of the table) and the W register (set value Ve) into the A register, and "OUT (""P_LED3),A" is a process of outputting the value of the A register to the setting / performance indicator 97. As a result, the current set value Ve is displayed on the setting / performance display 97.

"LD DE, 0E020H" to "CALLV _CMDOUT" are programs for sending commands during setting confirmation. Specifically, "LD DE, 0E020H" is a process of loading the specified command value "E020H" into the DE register, and "ADD E, W" is the value of the DE register (specified command value) and the W register of the E register. This is a process of loading an added value with a value (set value Ve). As a result, if the command data to be transmitted is the set value Ve = 00H (setting 1), it is "0E20H", if the set value Ve = 01H (setting 2), it is "0E21H", and the set value Ve = 02H (setting 3). If so, it changes like "0E22H". By providing a program based on this "ADD E, W", the current set value Ve is notified to the effect control unit 24 side by the command during setting confirmation.
The command data set by this "ADD E, W" is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 by the command transmission process called by "CALLV _CMDOUT". After that, the security signal output processing is performed by "OUT (P_GAIBU2), 00000010B".

Subsequently, in "SYSTEM_1050", the power supply abnormality check process is called by "CALLV _ VDDCHK", the information of the input port n is loaded into the A register by "IN A, (P_INPTn)", and then "AND A," The specified value "00000001" is ANDed to the value of the A register by "00000001B". "JRS F, SYSTEM_1050" jumps to "SYSTEM_1050" if JF (jump status flag) is "0" (when the above AND value is "1": that is, when the setting key switch 94 is ON). It is a command (jump command). As a result, the power supply abnormality check process is repeated until the setting confirmation completion operation is performed.

"OUT (P_LED3), A" following "JRS F, SYSTEM_1050" is a process to output the A register value ("00000000") to the setting / performance indicator 97, and is used to clear the setting value display data. "OUT (P_GAIBU2), A" is a process of outputting the value of the A register ("00000000") to the external output terminal, and corresponds to a security signal OFF process.
"LD E, 027H" is a process of loading the specified command value (= "027H") in the E register, and this corresponds to a process of setting the data ("E027H") of the setting confirmation end command. The command data set by "LD E, 027H" is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 by the command transmission process called by "CALLV _CMD OUT".
In the program shown in FIG. 14, it was assumed that the command data of the setting confirmation end command was "E022H", but in the case of the modified example shown in FIG. 16, the command data is "E027H" as described above. It is said that.

Even when the program shown in FIG. 16 is adopted, the current setting value Ve is displayed, the setting confirmation command is sent, and the setting key is used as the "setting confirmation process" as in the case of adopting the program shown in FIG. There is no change in that the setting value display data is cleared according to the OFF, the security signal is OFF, and the setting confirmation end command is transmitted.
Then, as can be seen in comparison with FIG. 14, when the program shown in FIG. 16 is adopted, it can be seen that the program capacity (data capacity) required for realizing such a "setting confirmation process" can be reduced.

[4-5. Second summary]

Here, it can be said that the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration for a processing program executed at startup.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a control means (CPU201) for controlling the progress of the game operation and a storage means (RAM203) capable of reading / writing information by the control means, which is advantageous for the player. A gaming machine capable of executing a setting process (setting change process in step S115) for setting a setting value indicating a stage regarding the probability of winning a state based on an operation, and at the time of startup when the power is turned on. As the processing programs to be executed, the first program for performing the setting processing (“setting change processing” in FIG. 14) and the second program for performing the storage information clearing process for clearing the stored information of the storage means (FIG. 14). "RAM clear processing") and a transition command program ("RAM clear condition determination processing" in FIG. 14) for transitioning the execution point of the program to the second program are stored.
Then, when the control means executes only the stored information clearing process among the setting process and the stored information clearing process, the control means shifts the execution point of the program to the second program by the transition command program and executes the process, while setting. When the stored information clearing process is executed after the processing is executed, the second program can be executed regardless of the transition command program after the first program is executed.

This eliminates the need to store a transition command program for transitioning the execution point of the program to the second program after the execution of the first program in order to enable the storage information clear processing after the setting process.
Therefore, the program capacity can be reduced.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a control means (CPU201) for controlling the progress of the game operation and a storage means (RAM203) capable of reading / writing information by the control means, which is advantageous for the player. It is a gaming machine that can set a setting value indicating the stage of the probability of winning the state based on the operation, and is currently used as a required display means as a processing program to be executed at startup when the power is turned on. The first program (“setting confirmation process” in FIG. 14) for performing the setting confirmation display process (setting confirmation process in step S109) for displaying the set value of the above, and the storage information before the power is cut off are stored in the storage means. A second program (“backup restoration process” in FIG. 14) for performing backup restoration processing (backup restoration processing in step S111) for restoring the gaming machine in the state, and a transition command for transitioning the execution point of the program to the second program. The program (“setting confirmation condition determination process” in FIG. 14) and the program are stored.
Then, when the control means executes only the backup restoration process out of the setting confirmation display processing and the backup restoration processing, the control means transfers the execution point of the program to the second program by the transition command program and executes the processing, while setting. When the backup restoration process is executed after the confirmation display process is executed, the second program can be executed regardless of the transition command program after the first program is executed.

This eliminates the need to store a transition command program for transitioning the execution point of the program to the second program after the execution of the first program in order to enable the backup restoration processing after the setting confirmation display processing.
Therefore, the program capacity can be reduced.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a control means (CPU201) for controlling the progress of the game operation and a storage means (RAM203) capable of reading / writing information by the control means, which is advantageous for the player. A gaming machine capable of executing a setting process (setting change process in step S115) for setting a setting value indicating a stage regarding the probability of winning a state based on an operation, and at the time of startup when the power is turned on. As the processing program to be executed, the first program for performing the setting processing (“setting change processing” in FIG. 14) and the storage information clearing process (steps S116 to S118) for clearing the stored information of the storage means are performed. The second program (“RAM clear process” in FIG. 14) and the third program (FIG. 14) for performing the setting confirmation display process (setting confirmation process in step S109) for displaying the current set value on the required display means. A fourth program (FIG. 14) for performing the "setting confirmation process") and the backup return process (backup return process in step S111) for returning the gaming machine in a state where the stored information before the power is cut off is stored in the storage means. "Backup restoration process") and is memorized.
Then, the first program and the second program can be continuously processed without the transition command for transitioning the execution point of the program, and the third program and the fourth program are continuously processed without the transition command. It is a program that can be processed.

This makes it possible to perform the storage information clear processing after the setting processing and the backup restoration processing after the setting confirmation display processing, respectively, and a transition command program for transitioning to the second program after the execution of the first program. , And it is not necessary to store the transition command program for transitioning to the fourth program after the execution of the third program.
Therefore, the program capacity can be reduced.

[4-6. About sending commands at startup]

Next, command transmission at startup when the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 23.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a command transmission process corresponding to the setting change process, FIG. 17A shows a command transmission process during setting change in step S701, and FIG. 17B shows a setting completion command transmission process in step S722. ..

In FIG. 17A, the CPU 201 performs a setting changing command data (BA5AH) acquisition process in step S01. As can be seen by referring to "LD DE, 0BA5AH" in the "setting change process" in FIG. 14, the process of this step S01 inputs the command data written directly to the program (data is directly specified by the program). It is a process to read and acquire.
Next, the CPU 201 executes the command transmission process in step S10, and finishes the command transmission process of the setting changing command in step S701.
As can be seen with reference to "CALLV M_SETTEI" in the "setting change process" in FIG. 14, the CPU 201 calls and executes the command transmission process in step S10. In this command transmission process, as shown in the figure, a process of transmitting command data to the effect control unit 24 is executed in step S11.

Subsequently, in the setting completion command transmission process (S722) shown in FIG. 17B, the CPU 201 performs the setting completion command data (BA09H) acquisition process in step S02 (see “LD DE, 0BA09H” in FIG. 15). , The command transmission process of step S10 is performed (see “CALLV M_SETTEI” in FIG. 15), and the setting completion command transmission process of step S722 is completed.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a command transmission process (step S116) at the time of clearing the RAM.
First, the CPU 201 performs the address table selection process in step S03. In the selection process in this case, the address table shown as "RAM clear command transmission address table" is selected in the figure. In the RAM clear command transmission address table, the address values of the RAM clear designation command creation table, the spec designation command creation table, and the customer waiting designation command creation table are stored together with the number of loops (“3”).

Next, the CPU 201 executes the command table selection process in step S20, and finishes the command transmission process at the time of clearing the RAM in step S116.
As shown in the figure, in the command table selection process in step S20, the number of loops is first set in step S21. That is, when the RAM is cleared, the number of loops specified in the command transmission address table is set. Next, in step S22, the command creation table is selected from the address table, the command data creation process in step S30 is executed, and then it is determined in step S23 whether or not the number of loops is "0", and the number of loops is ". If it is not "0", the command creation table selection process in step S22 is executed again.
By these processes, the RAM clear specification command creation table, the spec specification command creation table, and the customer waiting specification command creation table shown in the figure are sequentially selected, and for each selection, the command according to the contents of the selected command creation table. Data creation process is executed.

In the command data creation process of step S30, the command data selection process, that is, the command data selection based on the added value data and the command data stored in the selected command creation table is performed in step S31, and then the step. The command transmission process of S10 is executed.

By the above series of processing, the command data of the RAM clear command by "BA02H" in the first loop, and the spec command by "F611H" in the second loop (command to notify the spec of pachinko game machine 1). ), In the third loop, the command data of the customer waiting demo display command by "BA04H" is transmitted to the effect control unit 24.
In response to the above RAM clear command, the effect control unit 24 performs processing for performing screen display, light effect, and sound effect corresponding to the RAM clear.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a command transmission process (step S112) when the power is turned on again.
The CPU 201 performs the power re-turning command acquisition process in step S03, then performs the command transmission process in step S10, and ends the command transmission process in step S112.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a command transmission process (step S801) for which the setting is being confirmed.
The CPU 201 performs the command acquisition process during setting confirmation in step S04, then performs the command transmission process in step S10, and ends the command transmission process in step S801.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a setting confirmation end command transmission process (step S810).
The CPU 201 performs the setting confirmation end command acquisition process in step S05, then performs the command transmission process in step S10, and ends the command transmission process in step S810.

As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, the power supply reset command, the setting confirmation command, and the setting confirmation end command are described in the program in the same manner as the setting change command and the setting completion command described above. The command data is read out and transmitted to the effect control unit 24. In other words, these command data also correspond to the command data for which data is directly specified by the program.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a command transmission process (step S110) at the time of backup restoration process.
First, the CPU 201 performs the address table selection process in step S06. In the selection process in this case, the address table shown as "Common command transmission address table at backup restoration & setting confirmation" is selected in the figure. As shown in the figure, the address table contains the number of loops (“3”) and the address values of the power failure recovery designation command creation table, the special figure 1 hold number designation command creation table, and the special figure 2 hold number designation command creation table. It is stored.

Next, the CPU 201 executes the command table selection process in step S20.
In the command table selection process in this case, the power failure recovery designation command creation table, the special figure 1 hold number designation command creation table, and the special figure 2 hold shown in the figure according to the address table selected in step S06 by the processes of steps S21 to S23. The number-designated command creation table is sequentially selected, and for each selection, the command data creation process (S30) is executed according to the contents of the selected command creation table. In each of the special figure 1 and special figure 2 hold number designation command creation tables, the value of the hold number work of special figure 1 and special figure 2 (the storage area of the hold number in the work area of RAM 203) is determined as the added value data. Has been done.
In the command data creation process (S30) in this case, the command data of the power failure recovery display command by "BA03H" is obtained in the first loop, and in the second loop, "B0xxH" for notifying the number of pending special figures 1 is obtained. (X is a value indicating the number of holds), and in the third loop, the command data of "B1xxH" for notifying the number of holds in FIG. 2 is obtained.
In this case, by executing the command transmission process (S10) in step S30, the power failure recovery display command (BA03H) and the hold number designation command (B0xxH, B1xxH) are transmitted to the effect control unit 24.

In response to executing the command table selection process in step S20, the CPU 201 executes the command data creation process 2 in step S40.
In the command data creation process 2, the CPU 201 acquires the spec command (F611H) in step S41 and then performs the command transmission process in step S10. Next, the CPU 201 performs a state designation command (FAxxH to FDxxH: xx is a numerical value according to the state) in step S42, then performs a command transmission process in step S10, and ends the command data creation process 2 in step S40. .. The status specification command is a command for notifying the effect control unit 24 of the status of each predetermined item before the power is cut off. For example, the upper 1 byte (FA to FD) indicates the item type, and the lower 1 byte (xx) indicates the item type. Represents each type of state.

In response to the completion of the command data creation process 2 in step S40, the CPU 201 determines in step S07 whether or not it was in a non-variable state at the time of power failure, and if it was in a non-variable state, a customer waiting demo display command in step S08. After acquiring (BA04H), the command transmission process of step S10 is performed, and the command transmission process (S110) at the time of restoring the backup is completed.
On the other hand, if it is not in the non-variable state in step S07, the CPU 201 passes steps S08 and S10 and ends the command transmission process in step S110.

FIG. 23 schematically shows a list of commands (effect control commands) transmitted at startup in response to power-on.
In the figure, among the commands sent at startup, for commands other than the standby screen display command (BA01H) and game start command (BA77H), setting change processing, power re-on processing, backup restoration processing, RAM clear processing, The commands to be sent are shown separately for each setting confirmation process.
The hatched command means a command that is transmitted only in a state in which the setting change processing, the power supply re-on processing, the backup restoration processing, the RAM clear processing, and the setting confirmation processing are shifted to the processing.

These hatched commands (setting changing command, setting completion command, power cycle command, setting confirmation command, and setting confirmation end command) are directly specified by the program as understood from the explanations so far. Command.
That is, in the present embodiment, regarding each process at the time of startup (setting change process, power cycle process, backup recovery process, RAM clear process, setting confirmation process), the command transmitted only in the transition state to the process is , The data is specified directly by the program.

On the other hand, among the commands that are not hatched, that is, the commands that are commonly sent in multiple transition states, the commands shown in the thick frame in the figure (RAM clear command, power failure recovery display command, hold number specification command) As can be seen from the above explanation, data is specified by a table.

[4-7. Main control side timer interrupt processing]

The timer interrupt processing on the main control side will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 24.
The main control side timer interrupt process is started by an interrupt from the CTC at regular time intervals (about 4 ms), and is interrupted and executed during the execution of the main control side main process.

In FIG. 24, when a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 201 first executes the power supply check / backup process in step S901. In this power supply check / backup process, the power supply level supplied from the power supply board is mainly monitored, and if an abnormality such as a power failure occurs, the game can be restored without any trouble when the power is restored. A backup process or the like for storing predetermined game information at the time in the RAM 203 is performed.

(Power check / backup process)

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the power supply check / backup process in step S901.
In the power supply check / backup process, the CPU 201 reads the power supply abnormality signal output from the power supply board twice in step S1001, and determines whether or not both read values match in the subsequent step S1002. If both values do not match, the process returns to step S1001 and the power supply abnormality signal is read twice again.

If both values match in step S1002, the CPU 201 determines in step S1003 whether or not the power supply abnormality signal is at a normal level (the power supply abnormality signal is OFF = normal level, ON = not normal level).
If the power supply abnormality signal is at a normal level (step S1003: OFF), the CPU 201 turns off the backup flag in step S1004, clears the power supply abnormality confirmation counter in the following step S1005, and ends the power supply abnormality check process in step S901. That is, when it is confirmed that the power supply abnormality signal is at a normal level, the backup processing described below is not performed and the timer interrupt processing is continued.

On the other hand, when the power supply abnormality signal is not at the normal level in step S1003 (step S1003: ON), the CPU 201 increments the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter by 1 in step S1006, and then the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is changed in step S1007. It is determined whether or not it is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value (threshold value = natural number of 2 or more: for example, “2”).
If the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is not equal to or higher than the threshold value, the CPU 201 ends the power supply abnormality check process in step S901. That is, if a state in which the power supply abnormality signal is not at a normal level is detected but is not continuous detection, the backup process is not performed and the timer interrupt process is continued.

On the other hand, if the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the CPU 201 performs the backup process shown in steps S1008 to S1011.
Specifically, the CPU 201 first clears the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter (S1108), turns off the launch permission signal (S1009), and then turns on the backup flag (S1010).
Further, the CPU 201 transmits a power off command to the effect control unit 24 (S1011), and proceeds to the process in step S1012.

In step S1012, the CPU 201 performs a process of enabling RAM protection and invalidating the prohibited area.
The RAM protect is a rewrite prevention function for the RAM 203 due to a malfunction or erroneous operation. By enabling RAM protection, only data can be read from RAM 203, and data cannot be written.
Further, the prohibited area is an area corresponding to the designated area in the IAT (prohibition of traveling outside the designated area) function, and by setting the prohibited area to invalid, the IAT reset will not occur thereafter.

In step S1013 following step S1012, the CPU 201 clears the value of the output port, stops the timer interrupt processing in the subsequent step S1014, sets itself to the interrupt disabled state, and shifts to the infinite loop processing.
In this infinite loop, the CPU 201 is reset by the WDT, and shifts to the operation stop state due to the loss of the operating power supply.

The description returns to FIG.
In FIG. 24, when the power supply check / backup process in step S901 is completed, the CPU 201 executes the input data creation process in step S902. Specifically, input data is created from various sensors and switches based on input information (ON / OFF signal and rising state (ON edge, OFF edge)).
The input information here is, for example, from a winning detection switch such as an upper starting port sensor 34a, a lower starting port sensor 35a, a normal symbol starting port sensor 37a, a large winning port sensor 52a, a general winning port sensor 43a, and an OUT monitoring switch 49a. ON / OFF information of the output switch signal (winning detection information) and ON / OFF information of the switch signal output from the switch related to the setting operation of the set value Ve such as the setting key switch 94 and the RAM clear switch 98 (operation). Information), a status signal from the payout control board 29 (ON / OFF information of the front door opening sensor 61 and the fullness detection sensor 60), and the like. As a result, whether or not a game ball is detected at the out opening or each winning opening is monitored for each interrupt.

After completing the input data creation process in step S902, the CPU 201 executes a timer management process for managing the timer used for the game operation control in step S903. Here, the values of various timers used for controlling the game operation of the game machine 1 are updated (subtracted).

Next, the CPU 201 performs the input management process in step S904. In this input management process, the values of the winning counter, the OUT ball monitoring counter, and the like are updated based on the input data created in the input data creation process (S902). The "winning counter" is a counter provided for each winning opening and counting the number of winning game balls (number of winning balls). The OUT ball monitoring counter is a counter that counts game balls (out balls) discharged from the out port 49.
The input management process of step S904 functions as an input management means for managing input signals (detection signals) from various winning opening sensors.

In step S905 following step S904, the CPU 201 executes a setting abnormality check process.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the setting abnormality check process in step S905.
In FIG. 26, the CPU 201 confirms the set value error flag in step S1101. The set value error flag is a flag that is set (turned on) by the process of step S1103 described below when an abnormality of the set value Ve is recognized, and in this example, "5AH" means an ON state. ..

If the set value error flag is "5AH" (ON state) in step S1101, the CPU 201 ends the setting abnormality check process in step S905. That is, the fact that the set value error flag is determined to be ON in step S1101 means that the set value error command (command for instructing the effect control unit 24 to execute the set error notification) is already executed in step S1104 described later. Therefore, the setting error check process is completed without sending the setting value error flag again.

On the other hand, when it is confirmed in step S1101 that the set value error flag is not "5AH" (OFF), the CPU 201 has in step S1102 whether the set value Ve is within the normal range (within the range of 0 to 5). Judge whether or not. Specifically, the set value Ve stored in the work area of the RAM 203 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the value is in the range of "00H" to "05H".

If the set value Ve is within the normal range, the CPU 201 ends the setting abnormality check process in step S905.
If the set value Ve is not within the normal range, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S1103 to set the set value error flag (ON state), and in the following step S1104, a setting for indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the set value Ve. A value abnormality command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24, and the setting abnormality check process is completed.
Here, the set value error flag includes step S1308 (setting error determination at the time of winning) of FIG. 28, which will be described later, and step S1501 (setting error determination at the time of jackpot random number determination at the start of fluctuation) in FIG. It is used in step S1701 (determination of setting error when performing fluctuation pattern lottery at the start of fluctuation) in FIG. 33.

Here, in response to the above-mentioned set value abnormality command, the effect control unit 24 performs a process for notifying the data abnormality of the set value Ve. For example, the liquid crystal display device 36 is subjected to a process of displaying an image including a display such as "RAM is abnormal. Please call a staff member."
In the gaming machine 1, a setting error (setting value error) can be canceled by performing a setting change operation.

The description returns to FIG.
When the CPU 201 finishes the setting abnormality check process in step S905, the CPU 201 executes the error management process in step S906. In this error management process, the presence or absence of an error is monitored based on the input data related to various sensors and the status signal from the payout control board 29.
When an error occurs, the CPU 201 performs the error processing, and if the error type requires the transmission of an error command, the CPU 201 transmits the corresponding command to the effect control unit 24. When the effect control unit 24 receives this error command, it executes error notification according to the error type. Further, when the error being generated is resolved, the CPU 201 transmits an error canceling command to the effect control unit 24. When the effect control unit 24 receives this error release command, the executing error notification is terminated.

Next, in step S907, the CPU 201 executes a random number management process in the timer interrupt that periodically updates the random numbers related to each variation display game. Here, in order to make the count value of the random number counter random, the random number is updated (+1 is added for each interrupt) for the special symbol judgment random number and the auxiliary hit judgment random number, and every time the random number counter goes around. In addition, the process of changing the start value of the random number counter is performed. Since the internal lottery random number (big hit determination random number) is generated by the random number generation circuit, it is not updated here.

In step S908 following step S907, the CPU 201 executes the prize ball management process. In this prize ball management process, the above-mentioned winning counter is confirmed, and if there is a winning, a payout control command for specifying the number of prize balls is transmitted to the payout control board 29. When the payout control board 29 receives the payout control command, the payout control board 29 controls the game ball payout device 19 based on the prize ball number information included in the payout control command, and executes the payout operation for the designated number of prize balls.

Next, the CPU 201 executes the normal symbol management process in step S909. In this normal symbol management process, processing necessary for executing the normal symbol variation display game is performed. Here, whether or not a game ball is detected by the normal symbol start port sensor 37a is monitored, and if the game ball is detected, predetermined game information (random number for determining auxiliary hit, etc.) required for the auxiliary hit lottery is input. Acquire (random number acquisition process), and store the game information as hold data (operation hold ball related to a normal symbol) up to the maximum number of hold balls (hold storage process). Then, when the predetermined variation display start condition for the normal symbol is satisfied, a lottery for the auxiliary hit based on the operation holding ball is performed, the variation pattern of the normal symbol is selected based on the result of the lottery for the auxiliary hit, and the stop display mode of the normal symbol (normal). Stop symbol) is decided. Further, here, in order to operate the normal symbol in a variable display operation, the LED display data for the variable display is created if it is changing, and the LED display data for the stop display is created if it is not changing.

Further, the CPU 201 executes the ordinary electric accessory management process in step S910. In this ordinary electric accessory management process, the process necessary for executing the normal electric accessory management process is performed. Specifically, when the lottery result of the auxiliary hit lottery is a win, the solenoid control data setting process for the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 41c is performed. Based on the solenoid control data set here, an excitation signal is output to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 41c, whereby the opening / closing operation pattern of the movable wing piece 47 is controlled.

Next, the CPU 201 executes a special symbol management process in step S911. In this special symbol management process, a big hit lottery is mainly performed in the special symbol fluctuation display game, and based on the lottery result, the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol (look-ahead fluctuation pattern and the fluctuation pattern at the start of fluctuation) and the special stop symbol are performed. The processing required for the special symbol variation display game, such as the determination of, is executed.
The details of the special symbol management process in step S911 will be described again.

Next, the CPU 201 executes the special electric accessory management process in step S912. In this special electric accessory management process, setting processing necessary for executing and controlling the winning game is performed. Specifically, when the big hit lottery result is a big hit, the hit game (big hit game) corresponding to the hit type is executed and controlled.
Specifically, the solenoid control data is set for the large winning opening solenoid 52c, the number of rounds is counted (in the case of a big hit), the maximum number of winnings to the large winning opening 50 and the opening time are monitored. When the winning game is completed, the transition setting of the game state based on the game state at the time of winning and the winning type is performed.

Further, here, a plurality of effect control commands are transmitted according to the progress of the winning game. At the start of the jackpot, the start of the round game, the end of the round game, the end of the maximum number of rounds, etc., it is time to send the jackpot start command, round start command, round end command, jackpot winning command, and jackpot end command, respectively. Send according to. The jackpot start command includes the hit type information of this time, and is used when the effect control unit 24 side determines a series of hit effect scenarios developed during the hit game. In addition, the jackpot end command includes information on the current hit type and the game state at the time of winning, that is, information that can specify the game state after the hit game ends, and the effect control unit 24 side hits. It is used when determining the production mode after the game. Therefore, since this "big hit end command" can specify the game state after the end of the hit game, it plays a role as a game state designation command for designating the game state.

When the process for proceeding with the game up to step S912 is completed, the CPU 201 performs the external terminal management process in step S913. In this external terminal management process, the operating state information of the gaming machine 1 is output to an external device such as the hall computer HC or the island lamp through the external centralized terminal board 21 for the frame. The operation state information includes, for example, game information such as winning game occurrence information, symbol variation display game execution start information, winning number / winning ball number information, and error information.

Next, the CPU 201 executes the LED management process in step S914. In this LED management process, the output of control signals (dynamic lighting data) is controlled for LED indicators such as the normal symbol display device 39a, the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and the setting / performance indicator 97. The control signal based on the display data created by the normal symbol management process (step S909), the special symbol management process (step S911), etc. is output to the corresponding display device or display in this LED management process, and the display control is performed. Will be done. As a result, a series of variable display operations (variable display and stop display) of the special symbol on the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b and the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 39a are realized.

In step S915 following step S914, the CPU 201 saves the values of all the registers and then performs the performance display monitor display process in step S916. That is, it is a process for displaying the value as the above-mentioned normal time ratio information on the setting / performance display 97.
As mentioned earlier, in the case of this example, the value of the normal time ratio information is recalculated every time the number of out-balls in all states reaches a predetermined specified value, and the setting / performance indicator 97 is the current normal value. It is possible to display the time ratio information and the previous normal time ratio information (normal time ratio information whose calculation is completed at the latest recalculation timing). Therefore, in the display process of step S916 in this case, a process of displaying the values as the normal time ratio information of these two types on the setting / performance indicator 97 is performed.
The current value of the normal time ratio information is a value calculated in the process of step S604 in the above-mentioned main loop process (FIG. 11), and the value of the previous normal time ratio information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203. Then, the CPU 201 reads out the stored value and displays it on the setting / performance display 97.

Next, the CPU 201 restores the values of all the registers in step S917, clears the WDT count value in step S918, and ends the main control side timer interrupt process.

When the above timer interrupt processing is completed, the CPU 201 executes the main loop processing (S123) until the next timer interrupt is generated.

[4-8. Processing related to special symbol fluctuation display game]
(Special symbol management process)

Next, the processing of the main control unit 20 related to the special symbol variation display game will be described.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the special symbol management process (step S911) described above. As described above, the special symbol management process is executed as a part of the main control side timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 24, and is mainly used for the jackpot lottery and the lottery result in the special symbol variation display game. Based on the special symbol variation pattern (look-ahead variation pattern and variation pattern at the start of variation), the special stop symbol is determined.

In FIG. 27, the CPU 201 first performs the special symbol 1 start port check process for the special symbol 1 side (upper start port 34 side) in step S1201, and then performs the special symbol 2 side (lower start port 35 side) in the subsequent step S1202. Special figure 2 The start port check process is performed.
The details of these start port check processes will be described again with reference to FIG. 28.

After completing the start port check processing in steps S1201 and S1202, the CPU 201 determines the state of the condition device operation flag in step S1203. This "condition device operation flag" is a flag for designating whether or not the jackpot game is in progress, and when the flag is in the ON state (for example, 5AH), it indicates that the jackpot game is in progress. When the flag is in the OFF state (for example, 00H), it indicates that the jackpot game is not in progress.

When the condition device operation flag is in the OFF state (≠ 5AH), that is, when the jackpot game is not in progress, the CPU 201 proceeds to the special symbol operation status branching process in step S1204, and the special symbol operation status (00H to 03H) is set according to the special symbol operation status (00H to 03H). Processes related to the variable display operation are performed (steps S1205, S1206, S1207).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1203 that the big hit game is in progress (= 5AH), the CPU 201 proceeds to the special symbol display data update process of step S1208 as it is without performing the process related to the variation display operation of the special symbol in steps S1205-S1207. That is, when the big hit game is in progress, the variable display operation of the special symbol is not performed (the display state of the special symbol of the special symbol display device is maintained in the state of being confirmed and displayed after the big hit). The "special symbol operation status" is a status value indicating the behavior of the special symbol, and the status value is changed according to the processing state and stored in the special symbol operation status storage area of the RAM 203.

In the special symbol operation status branch processing in step S1204, depending on which of the status values "waiting (00H, 01H)", "changing (02H)", and "confirming (03H)" the special symbol operation status is. , Execute the corresponding processing respectively.

Specifically, the CPU 201 performs a special symbol change start process (step S1205) when the special symbol operation status is "waiting (00H, 01H)", and special when the special symbol operation status is "changing (02H)". The symbol changing process (step S1206) is executed, and when “confirming (03H)”, the special symbol confirmation time process (step S1207) is executed. Here, the above-mentioned "waiting" means that the behavior of the special symbol is in a waiting state for the next fluctuation, and the above-mentioned "changing" means that the behavior of the special symbol is fluctuating (variation display). The above-mentioned "confirming" means that the change of the special symbol is completed and the stop (confirmation) is being displayed (during the special symbol confirmation time).

In the special symbol changing process in step S1206, it is monitored whether or not the special symbol is changing, that is, whether or not the fluctuation time of the special symbol has elapsed, and if the fluctuation time has elapsed, an effect control command is issued. As a result, the process of transmitting the "fluctuation stop command" to the effect control unit 24, the confirmation display time (for example, 500 ms) is stored in the special symbol accessory operation timer, and the special symbol operation status is switched to "confirming (03H)". (Storing 03H in the special symbol operation status) Performs processing and the like. The above-mentioned "fluctuation stop command" is a command indicating that the variation of the special symbol has ended. By this variation stop command, the effect control unit 24 has terminated the special symbol variation display game after the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed. Grasp that (end) and stop and display the decorative design that is currently being displayed in a variable manner. As a result, the decorative symbol variation display game ends at the same time as the special symbol variation display game ends. Further, the above-mentioned "fixed display time" is a time (stop display time) for holding the stop display when the variable display of the special symbol is completed and the special symbol is stopped and displayed.

Further, in the special symbol confirmation time processing in step S1207, it is monitored whether or not the above-mentioned confirmed display time has elapsed, and if the confirmed display time has elapsed, it is considered that the current special symbol variation display game has ended. If the symbol operation status is switched to "standby (01H)" (01H is stored in the special symbol operation status) and the special symbol fluctuation display game is a big hit, the process required to start the jackpot game (big hit symbol stop). Various setting processing of time) is performed. In various setting processes when the jackpot symbol is stopped, various settings such as clearing the jackpot determination flag, turning on the condition device operation flag, and setting the game state to the same game state as the normal state as the process before shifting to the jackpot game. Perform processing.
Further, in the special symbol confirmation time processing in step S1207, when the game state is updated, a process of transmitting a "game state designation command" including the game state transition information to the effect control unit 24 is performed. The effect control unit 24 can grasp that the game state has changed by the game state designation command.

By the processing of steps S1205, S1206, and S1207 described above, a fluctuation display operation in which the fluctuation start and fluctuation stop of the special symbol are set as one set is realized.
The details of the special symbol variation start processing in step S1205 will be described again with reference to FIG. 29.

When any of the processes of steps S1205 to S1207 is completed, the CPU 201 executes the special symbol display data update process of step S1208. In this special symbol display data update process, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing, and if it is changing, 7-segment display data during the special symbol change is created, and the special symbol must be changing. For example, data for 7-segment display during special symbol stop display is created. The display data of the special symbol created here is output to the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b by the LED management process (step S914) of FIG. 24.

The CPU 201 finishes the special symbol management process in step S911 in response to the execution of the update process in step S1208, and proceeds to the special electric accessory management process in step S912 shown in FIG. 24.

(Special figure 1 Start port check process)

The special drawing 1 start port check process (step S1201) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 28.
This special figure 1 start port check process serves as a winning process executed based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition. In the special figure 1 start port check process in this example, a prize is generated at the upper start port 34 as a pre-start process (process at the time of winning on the special figure 1 side) for executing the special symbol variation display game 1 on the special figure 1 side. The processing of adding the number of operation-holding balls on the special figure 1 side, the storage processing of various random numbers (holding storage processing), the transmission processing of the holding addition command, and the like are executed.
The special figure 2 start port check process (step S1202) also plays a role as a winning process executed based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition, like the special figure 1 start port check process, and is on the special figure 2 side. As a pre-start process (process at the time of winning on the special figure 2 side) for executing the special symbol variation display game 2, the process of adding the number of pending balls on the special figure 2 side due to the occurrence of winning of the lower start port 35 Various random number storage processes, hold addition command transmission processes, and the like are executed. Therefore, the special figure 1 start port check process and the special figure 2 start port check process have substantially the same processing contents. In the following, the special figure 1 start port check process will be mainly described, and the details of the special figure 2 start port check process will be omitted in order to avoid duplicate description.

In FIG. 28, the CPU 201 first determines in step S1301 whether or not a prize (winning ball) to the upper start port 34 has been detected.
When the CPU 201 detects that the upper starting port 34 has won a prize, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S1302 to determine whether or not the number of operation holding balls of the special symbol 1 (hereinafter, referred to as "special figure 1 operation holding ball") is 4 or more. judge. That is, it is determined whether or not the number of operation holding balls in Special Figure 1 is equal to or greater than the maximum number of holding storage balls (here, the upper limit is 4). However, if the winning of the upper starting port 34 is not detected (step S1301: N), the special figure 1 starting port check process of step S1201 is completed without doing anything.

In step S1302, when the number of balls on hold in FIG. 1 is 4 or more, that is, when the winning of the upper starting port 34 is detected but the number of balls on hold in FIG. 1 is 4 or more, the CPU 201 goes to step S1311, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the number of balls held in the special figure 1 is not 4 or more (less than 4), 1 is added to the number of balls held in the special figure 1 (step S1303), and the process proceeds to step S1304.

In step S1304, the CPU 201 acquires various random numbers used in the special symbol variation display game 1 related to the special figure 1 operation holding ball generated this time. Specifically, the current values of the jackpot determination random number, the special symbol determination random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number are acquired from various random number counters, and the acquired random number values are stored in the hold storage area of the RAM 203. This hold storage area is an area for storing predetermined game information related to the symbol variation display game as an operation hold ball (hold data), and in this hold storage area, the above-mentioned various random number values as hold data are special. Until the symbol 1 is subjected to the variable display operation (until the special symbol variable display game 1 is executed), the start conditions are held and stored in the order of establishment (winning order). The reserved storage area is provided with a reserved storage area corresponding to the special symbol 1 side and the special symbol 2 side, that is, a special figure 1 reserved storage area and a special figure 2 reserved storage area. These hold storage areas are provided with hold 1 storage area to hold n storage area (n is the maximum number of hold storages: n = 4 in the present embodiment), and each of them can store hold data for the maximum number of hold storages. It has become.

In step S1305 following step S1304, the CPU 201 determines the look-ahead prohibition data (EVENT:) as the winning command data (data corresponding to the lower byte side (EVENT) of the hold addition command) for creating the hold addition command. "01H") is acquired.
Next, in step S1306, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the "special figure 1 look-ahead prohibition condition" is satisfied. The special figure 1 look-ahead prohibition condition is a condition for prohibiting the look-ahead determination for the special figure 1 operation holding ball.

When the special figure 1 look-ahead prohibition condition is satisfied, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S1311 without executing the look-ahead determination process (step S1309) related to the look-ahead determination. In this case, the hold addition command having the look-ahead prohibition data (EVENT: "01H") specifies the look-ahead prohibition, and the look-ahead determination for the special figure 1 operation hold ball of this time is prohibited, and as a result, the look-ahead notice is given. The production will not be executed either. In other words, it can be said that the read-ahead prohibition data specifies that the look-ahead determination process (step S1309) has not been executed.

In this example, the pre-reading determination of the special figures 1 and 2 is not performed regardless of the gaming state, but whether or not the pre-reading is prohibited is determined based on the current gaming state. The reason is as follows.
If you are in a game state with'with electric support', which is advantageous for right-handed hitting (time saving state, probability change state), winning a prize to the lower starting port 35 frequently occurs, but it is advantageous for left-handed hitting. In the game state with "no electric support" (normal state, latent state), the lower starting port 35 is hardly won and the upper starting port 34 is frequently won. In consideration of the above, the look-ahead judgment of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 is not performed in the dark clouds regardless of the game state, but the look-ahead judgment on the special figure 1 side is made when the time saving state or the probable change state of'with electric support'. Is prohibited and the look-ahead judgment on the special figure 2 side is allowed, and when the normal state or latent state of'no electric support'is reached, the look-ahead judgment on the special figure 2 side is prohibited and the look-ahead judgment on the special figure 1 side is made. Is tolerated.

In step S1306, if the special figure 1 read-ahead prohibition condition is not satisfied, the CPU 201 refers to the set value error flag (flag set in the setting abnormality check process in step S905) in step S1307, and causes a setting error in the following step S1308. Whether or not (whether or not the set value error flag is ON state: 5AH) is determined.
If there is a setting error, the CPU 201 assumes that an abnormality (setting value data abnormality) has occurred, and proceeds to step S1311 without executing the look-ahead determination process (step S1309). Details will be described later, but if an abnormality in the set value Ve is found in the processing at the time of winning, a hold addition command including read-ahead prohibition data (01H) is transmitted without causing a RAM error, and a start port check in step S1201 is performed. You will exit the process.

On the other hand, if there is no setting error, the CPU 201 executes the look-ahead determination process in step S1309. In this look-ahead determination process, the jackpot lottery result executed at the start of fluctuation is pre-read and determined. Therefore, a series of "pre-reading winning judgment" for pre-reading the winning lottery result, "pre-reading symbol judgment" for pre-reading the symbol lottery result, and "pre-reading fluctuation pattern judgment" for pre-reading the fluctuation pattern at the start of fluctuation. Processing is included.

Specifically, in step S1309, the CPU 201 first acquires the jackpot determination random number value stored in the RAM 203 (determination random number storage area), and the jackpot determination random number value and the "hit random number determination table" (not shown). Based on the above, a winning lottery (at least a pre-reading winning judgment that determines whether a big hit or a miss is made) is performed for the operation pending ball, and the result (referred to as "pre-reading winning result") is obtained.

In the present embodiment, the set value Ve is used for the winning determination (winning lottery), and a specific method of the winning determination as the present embodiment based on such a set value Ve will be described later. Since the winning determination is also performed in the processing at the start of the fluctuation of the special symbol (FIG. 29), the specific method of the winning determination will be described again at the time of explaining the processing at the start of the fluctuation.

Here, in the present embodiment, the pre-reading winning result is not stored in the RAM 203 while being captured in a predetermined general-purpose register built in the CPU 201. This is because the pre-reading winning / winning determination result is immediately used in the subsequent pre-reading symbol determination processing, and this data is not required and does not need to be stored in the RAM 203.

Further, in step S1309, the CPU 201 prepares a symbol table (not shown) according to the pre-reading winning result (at least whether it is a hit or a miss) and the special symbol type (special figures 1 and 2) as the process of determining the pre-reading symbol. Perform the symbol lottery used. Specifically, the CPU 201 performs a symbol lottery (lottery of the winning type) targeting the operation pending ball this time based on the special symbol determination random value acquired in the previous step S1304 and the symbol table, and the result (“Lottery of winning type) is performed. (Referred to as "look-ahead symbol result") is acquired. Judgment values (winning areas) for determining the symbol type are defined in the "symbol table" of the present embodiment, and are displayed as stop symbols depending on which determination value the special symbol determination random value belongs to. The type of special symbol to be used is determined.
If there are a plurality of types of deviations as in this example, a deviation type table for determining the types of deviations is provided. If there is only one type of loss, the loss symbol table is unnecessary.
Here, in this example, it is assumed that the missing symbol table for drawing the missing type is used in the symbol determination in response to the plurality of missing types of "missing 1", "missing 2", and "missing 3". do.
Further, in this example, as described above, there are at least four types of hits, "normal 4R", "normal 6R", "probability variation 6R", and "probability variation 10R", which are provided separately from the above-mentioned outlier symbol table. Based on the hit symbol table, among these four types of hit types, the type of special symbol corresponding to the hit type according to the random value for determining the special symbol is determined.

Here, for a part or all of the above-mentioned symbol table, a symbol table in which different symbol selection rates are set according to the set value Ve may be provided. For example, with respect to the jackpot symbol table, a table having a different selection rate for the jackpot type (for example, six types of jackpot symbol tables corresponding to the six settings) can be provided for each of the settings 1 to 6. For example, it is conceivable to determine the table contents so that the ball ejection performance becomes more advantageous to the player as the setting becomes higher. Of course, a jackpot symbol table common to each setting may be used. Further, the symbol table used in step S1309 is also used for the process at the start of fluctuation (FIG. 29).

The CPU 201 does not store the pre-reading symbol result in the RAM 203 while being captured in a predetermined general-purpose register built in the CPU 201, as in the case of the pre-reading winning / failing determination described above. This is because the look-ahead symbol result is immediately used in the subsequent look-ahead variation pattern determination, and this data is not required and does not need to be stored in the RAM 203.

After completing the pre-reading symbol determination, the CPU 201 executes the pre-reading variation pattern determination. In this look-ahead fluctuation pattern determination, any of the above-mentioned look-ahead symbol determination results (in this example, "normal 4R", "normal 6R", "probability variation 6R", "probability variation 10R", "missing 1", "missing 2", and "missing 3" is represented. ), The variation pattern table for selecting the variation pattern according to the look-ahead symbol determination result, and the variation pattern random number acquired in step S1304 are used to draw a variation pattern to determine the look-ahead variation pattern. That is, the fluctuation pattern (variation pattern at the start of fluctuation) executed when the current operation holding ball is subjected to the fluctuation display operation is pre-read and determined.

In this example, the fluctuation pattern table is also used in the fluctuation pattern lottery performed in the processing at the start of fluctuation (FIG. 29).
A specific example of the above-mentioned fluctuation pattern table and a lottery process of the fluctuation pattern using the table will be described again at the time of explaining the processing at the start of the fluctuation.

The look-ahead variation pattern determination result (winning command data (EVENT)) is immediately used in the hold addition command creation process in step S1310 described below, and this data is not required thereafter. Therefore, the CPU 201 finishes the process of step S1309 without storing the result of the look-ahead fluctuation pattern determination in the RAM 203 and taking it into the register.

In response to the execution of the look-ahead determination process in step S1309, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S1310 and creates data on the lower byte side of the hold addition command according to the look-ahead determination result. Specifically, data representing the type of look-ahead fluctuation pattern is created as winning command data (EVENT) on the lower byte side of the hold addition command.
Regarding the EVENT data, "01H" set in step S1305 is updated to a value corresponding to the look-ahead fluctuation pattern (value obtained in the look-ahead fluctuation pattern determination process) in this process.

When the creation process of step S1310 is completed, the CPU 201 creates data on the upper byte side of the hold addition command according to the number of operation hold balls in step S1311. That is, data representing the current number of pending balls and the above-mentioned look-ahead symbol result (special symbol type) is created as winning command data (MODE) on the upper byte side of the pending addition command.
Regarding the data of the MODE, for example, "B6H to B9H" are set according to one hold of the special figure 1 to four holds of the special figure 1, and one hold of the special figure 2 to the hold 4 of the special figure 2. "BAH-BEH" is set according to the number.

In response to the execution of the creation process of step S1311, the CPU 201 performs the transmission process of the hold addition command in step S1312. That is, a hold addition command including the winning command data created in steps S1310 and S1311 as EVENT and MODE, respectively, is created and transmitted to the effect control unit 24.

Here, if the read-ahead prohibition condition is met (Y in S1306) or if an abnormality in the set value Ve is found in the determination process of the previous step S1308, the CPU 201 performs the read-ahead prohibition data (lower byte = 01H) described above. Is kept as it is without updating, and a hold addition command with read-ahead prohibited data is sent.
Further, at the time of overflow (when a new prize is generated while the maximum number of pending storages has been reached), the pending addition command for which the overflow is specified is transmitted (see the processing route of Y in step S1302). ).

After being sent from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24, the hold addition command is used when the effect control unit 24 displays the "look-ahead notice effect" related to the operation hold ball this time. However, it is not particularly used in the special symbol variation start processing shown in FIG. 29. Therefore, the CPU 201 exits the special figure 1 start port check process in step S1301 and then performs the special figure 2 start port check process in step S1302 without storing the hold addition command in the RAM 203.

Here, as described above, in this example, even if an abnormality occurs in the data of the set value Ve at the time of winning (when the operation holding ball occurs), the holding addition command is transmitted, but this holding addition command is , Since it is a command with pre-reading prohibition data, even if the pre-reading advance notice effect based on the set value Ve or the pre-reading advance notice effect not based on the set value Ve is configured to be able to appear, the effect related to the pre-reading advance notice. Since the control itself is prohibited, the look-ahead notice due to the defect does not appear, and there is no disadvantage to the player, so that no particular problem occurs. If the look-ahead notice effect is not prohibited, even though the set value Ve is abnormal, if a high-expected hold display appears in the hold display system look-ahead notice effect, subsequent RAM error processing If the game progress is stopped due to (error processing caused by an abnormal setting value), the player's expectation of winning disappears at once, leading to a great distrust of the game machine. However, in the case of this example, as described above, the pre-reading notice itself is prohibited, so that such a problem does not occur and it is possible to prevent the player from feeling distrust.

(Special symbol change start processing)

Subsequently, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 29, a special symbol variation start process (step S1205), which is a process at the start of variation, will be described.
In FIG. 29, the CPU 201 first determines in step S1401 whether or not the number of balls on hold in special drawing 2 is zero, and if the number of balls on hold in special drawing 2 is not zero, proceeds to the process of step S1403, and this time. The processing (steps S1403 to S1412) at the start of the fluctuation is performed for the special figure 2 operation holding ball used for the fluctuation display.
On the other hand, when the number of balls held in the special figure 2 is zero, the CPU 201 determines in step S1402 whether or not the number of balls held in the special figure 1 is zero, and when the number of balls held in the special figure 1 is not zero, Proceeding to the process of step S1403, the process (steps S1403 to S1412) related to the start of fluctuation of the special symbol for the special figure 1 operation holding ball to be used for the current variation display is performed.
By the processing of the above steps S1401 and S1402, which of the special figure 1 operation holding ball and the special figure 2 operation holding ball is preferentially subjected to the variable display operation (which operation holding ball is preferentially digested). ) "Priority change order" is determined. In the present embodiment, when the operation holding ball is present in both the special figure 1 operation holding ball and the special figure 2 operation holding ball, the special figure 2 operation holding ball is preferentially digested. That is, the special symbol variation display game 2 is executed with priority over the special symbol variation display game 1. In addition, the configuration is not limited to the above-mentioned priority variation type, and the operation holding balls may be digested in the order in which the prizes are won.

When the number of operation-holding balls in both the special figure 2 operation-holding ball and the special figure 1 operation-holding ball is zero, the state is "no operation-holding ball". This "no operation hold ball" state is a case where a special symbol is waiting and there is no hold memory, and the effect control unit 24 is notified that this state has been entered and the liquid crystal display is displayed. The device 36 is switched and controlled to display a demo screen for waiting for customers (demo screen for waiting for customers). Therefore, when it becomes "no operation hold ball", the process proceeds to step S1413, and it is determined whether or not the special symbol operation status is "waiting (00H)" indicating the state of the above "no operation hold ball". ..

If the special symbol operation status is "waiting (01H)" in step S1413, the special symbol operation status is switched to "waiting (00H)" (00H is stored in the special symbol operation status). Then, as the effect control command, a "demo display command" for displaying the customer waiting demo screen is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S1415), and the special symbol variation start process of step S1205 is completed.
After that, if it is "waiting (00H)" when the determination process of step S1413 is executed, the special symbol variation start process is completed without transmitting the demo display command again. The reason for doing this is that if the demo display command is sent without any conditions when the number of pending balls is zero, the demo display command is repeatedly sent at a cycle of 4 ms while the number of reserved balls is zero. This is to prevent unnecessary transmission from occurring in consideration of the fact that the control burden increases unnecessarily.

If the effect control unit 24 does not receive any effect control command (for example, hold addition command) related to the symbol variation display game even after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the demo display command, the effect display operation is performed. Is not performed for a certain period of time (waiting for customers), and the demo screen for waiting for customers is displayed.

When the number of special figure 2 operation hold balls is not zero in step S1401 and when the number of special figure 1 operation hold balls is not zero in step S1402 (the special figure 2 operation hold ball number is zero while the special figure 1 operation hold ball is zero). In each of the cases (when the number is not zero), the CPU 201 performs processing (steps S1403 to S1412) related to the start of fluctuation of the special symbol for the operation holding ball used for the current fluctuation display.
Here, regarding the processes of steps S1403 to S1412 described below, if the determination in step S1401 is'NO', the process for the special figure 2 operation holding ball, and the determination in step S1402 above. If it is "NO", the processing is performed for the special symbol 1 operation holding ball, but since the processing method is the same, the operation on the special symbol 1 side is operated unless there is a special need to avoid duplicate description. The process will be described without distinguishing between the process targeting the hold ball and the process targeting the operation hold ball on the special symbol 2 side.

In step S1403, the CPU 201 subtracts 1 from the number of operation-holding balls (the number of operation-holding balls related to the special symbol side used for the current variation display operation-1), and in the following step S1404, the operation-holding ball number information after the subtraction is included. The "hold subtraction command" is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. By this hold subtraction command, the effect control unit 24 side grasps the remaining number of operation hold balls after the current number of operation hold balls is digested, and shifts the hold display currently being displayed.

Next, the CPU 201 sets the special symbol operation confirmation data in step S1405. This special symbol operation confirmation data is information for designating the special symbol type of the fluctuation start side this time. For example, if the special symbol 1 is the fluctuation start side, "00H (special symbol 1 fluctuation start designation)" is displayed. If the special symbol 2 is on the fluctuation start side, "01H (special symbol 2 fluctuation start designation)" is stored in a predetermined area (special symbol operation confirmation data storage area) of the RAM 203.

Next, the CPU 201 shifts the hold data stored in the hold storage area of the RAM 203 in step S1406, and clears the hold 4 storage area in the subsequent step S1407. In the processing of steps S1406 to S1407, the pending data (big hit determination random number, special symbol determination random number, and variation pattern) stored in the reserved storage area (reserved 1 storage area) corresponding to the reserved storage number n = 1 are used. (Random number) is read and stored in the determination random number storage area of RAM 203, and the hold storage area (hold 2 storage area, hold 3 storage area, hold 4 storage) corresponding to the hold n storage area (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored. The hold data stored in the area) is stored in the hold storage area corresponding to'n-1'(step S1406), the hold 4 storage area is cleared, and a free area is provided (step S1407). As a result, the start order of the special symbol variation display game coincides with the order of the number of operation-holding balls n (n = 1, 2, 3, 4), and the operation-holding balls acquired at the time of winning the start opening are stored in any hold. While it is specified whether it corresponds to the area, it becomes possible to hold and store a new operation holding ball.

Next, in step S1408, the CPU 201 performs a process of transmitting a variable number remaining designation command and a game state command. In step S1408, it is determined whether or not the "electric support count counter" that counts the remaining number of times with electric support is zero, and if there is a remaining time reduction number, the "variation" including the remaining time reduction number information. The "count remaining number designation command" is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. By this "variation number remaining number designation command", the effect control unit 24 side can execute the process of grasping the remaining time reduction number and notifying the remaining time reduction number information.
Further, in step S1408, a process of transmitting a game state command for designating the current game state to the effect control unit 24 is also performed.

Next, the CPU 201 executes the fluctuation management process in step S1409.
In this fluctuation management process, a jackpot lottery corresponding to the start of fluctuation, a symbol lottery for stopped symbols, and a lottery of fluctuation patterns are performed. Further, in the fluctuation management process, an abnormality determination of the set value Ve is performed, and when an abnormality is found in the data of the set value Ve, an effect control command (RAM abnormality command) for notifying the effect control unit 24 of the setting error. ) Is sent.
The details of the fluctuation management process in step S1409 will be described again with reference to FIGS. 30 to 38.

When the fluctuation management process in step S1409 is completed, the CPU 201 stores 5AH (ON state) in the special symbol N changing flag (N = 1, 2) that specifies that the fluctuation is being displayed in step S1410. The "special symbol N changing flag" is a flag indicating which of the special symbols 1 and 2 is being changed, and when the flag is in the ON state (= 5AH). Indicates that the target special symbol is changing, and when the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the target special symbol is stopped.
The special symbol 1 changing flag (N = 1) corresponds to the special symbol 1 side, and the special symbol 2 changing flag (N = 2) corresponds to the special symbol 2 side.

Next, in step S1411, the CPU 201 executes the command transmission process at the start of the fluctuation. In this command transmission process, in order to notify the effect control unit 24 of the content of the variation pattern selected in the variation management process in step S1409, the effect control command includes "variation" including variation pattern information capable of specifying the variation pattern content. A "pattern specification command" is created and transmitted to the effect control unit 24.
Further, in the command transmission process, a decorative symbol designation command is created based on the symbol lottery result in step S1409 and transmitted to the effect control unit 24. The decorative symbol specification command is composed of two bytes, a high-order byte (MODE) that specifies the special symbol type on the variable side and a low-order byte (EVENT) that specifies the winning type. Therefore, this decorative symbol designation command includes information on the special symbol type on the variable side and the winning type (symbol lottery result). Since this decorative symbol designation command includes information on the winning type, the effect control unit 24 mainly includes a combination of decorative symbols when forming a reach state (a symbol type having a reach symbol as a component) and It is used when deciding the combination of decorative symbols (decorative stop symbols) to be finally stopped and displayed, and the advance notice effect corresponding to the winning type in the symbol variation display game.

Then, in the following step S1412, the CPU 201 switches to the special symbol operation status "changing (02H)" (stores 02H in the special symbol operation status) as the setting process at the start of fluctuation, and determines the random number storage area for determination and the random number for the fluctuation pattern. Performs the process of clearing the storage area.

In response to the execution of the change start setting process in step S1412, the CPU 201 ends the special symbol change start process in step S1205. When the CPU 201 finishes the special symbol variation start process, it performs the special symbol display data update process (step S1208) of FIG. 27, whereby the variation display of the special symbol is started.

(Variation management process)

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the fluctuation management process of step S1409.
In FIG. 30, the CPU 201 first determines in step S1501 whether or not there is a setting error. That is, it is determined whether or not the set value error flag is in the ON state (5AH).

If it is determined in step S1501 that the setting error flag is OFF and not a setting error, the CPU 201 executes the jackpot random number determination process in step S1502 and then proceeds to the symbol lottery process in step S1503.
The jackpot random number determination process in step S1502 selects (determines) the jackpot / miss winning type by lottery based on the jackpot determination random number (internal lottery random number), the jackpot determination table, and the set value Ve.
The details of the jackpot random number determination process as the embodiment will be described again with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32.

If the CPU 201 determines in step S1501 that a setting error has occurred, the CPU 201 passes the jackpot random number determination process in step S1502 and proceeds to the symbol lottery process in step S1503.

Here, in the present embodiment, when a setting error occurs (when a determination result of Y is obtained in step S1501), the jackpot random number determination process is not performed unless the setting error is resolved.
As described above, the setting error can be cleared by performing the setting change operation. That is, when a setting error state occurs, the setting change operation is performed to cancel the setting error state, so that the state returns to the state in which the jackpot random number determination process is performed.
As described above, the setting value abnormality command for enabling the setting change operation is transmitted in the setting abnormality check process (FIG. 26).

In the symbol lottery process of step S1503, the CPU 201 performs a process of determining the hit / miss type (stop symbol type) based on at least the winning lottery result (big hit determination flag), the special symbol determination random number, and the symbol table. conduct. Then, the result (special symbol determination data) is stored in a predetermined area (special symbol determination data storage area) of the RAM 203. As a result, the winning type (win / miss type) related to this special symbol variation display game is determined.
As with the symbol lottery process at the time of pre-reading determination, the symbol lottery can be performed according to the set value Ve.

In step S1504 following step S1503, the CPU 201 is subjected to the current variation display operation as the variation pattern lottery process, based on at least the symbol lottery result (the above special symbol determination data), the random number for the variation pattern, and the variation pattern table. A process of determining the fluctuation pattern at the start of fluctuation for the operation-holding ball by lottery is performed.
Specifically, in the variation pattern lottery process in the present embodiment, the variation pattern lottery using the set value Ve and the number of operation hold balls (the number of operation hold balls obtained by subtracting the digested amount this time) is performed.
The details of the variable pattern lottery process in the present embodiment will be described again with reference to FIGS. 33 to 38.

In response to the execution of the variation pattern lottery process in step S1504, the CPU 201 ends the variation management process in step S1409. That is, after this, the process proceeds to step S1410 shown in FIG.

Here, as described above, in this example, the lottery results of the winning lottery and the symbol lottery at the start of the fluctuation are stored in the RAM 203. The reason is that these lottery results are the fluctuation management process of step S1409. This is data that is used not only in the special symbol management process (step S911: see FIGS. 24 and 27) to which the special electric accessory management process belongs, but also in the special electric accessory management process (step S912: see FIG. 24) later. Is.
This point is different from the process at the time of pre-reading determination in which the lottery result is not stored in the RAM 203.

Although the description by illustration is omitted, in the variation management process of step S1409, when the winning lottery result is a winning, as a setting process for shifting the gaming state, the gaming state after the winning game is specified. Perform the necessary setting processing (game state transition preparation processing).

(Big hit random number judgment processing)

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the jackpot random number determination process in step S1502, and FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of the jackpot random number determination method of the embodiment.
Prior to the detailed description of the jackpot random number determination process according to FIG. 31, the jackpot random number determination method adopted in the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 32.

First, as a premise, in the present embodiment, the jackpot determination random number can take 65536 values from 0 to 65535. In the jackpot random number determination in the present embodiment, the determination reference value TH is determined within the range of values that such a jackpot determination random number can take, and based on the result of comparing the magnitude relationship between the jackpot determination random number and the determination reference value TH. Judge big hit / miss. As an example, in this example, when the value of the random number for jackpot judgment is within the range of "0 to the judgment reference value TH", the jackpot judgment result is obtained, and in other cases, the deviation judgment result is obtained. There is.

In the present embodiment, the jackpot random number determination corresponds to a low probability time (normal state: hereinafter abbreviated as "low probability time") and a high probability time (probability change state: hereinafter abbreviated as "high probability time"). Two types of judgments corresponding to the above are performed. Therefore, as the determination reference value TH, two types are set: the determination reference value TH1 used for the determination at the time of low accuracy and the determination reference value TH2 used for the determination at the time of high accuracy.
As illustrated in FIG. 32, the judgment reference value TH2 at the time of high accuracy is larger than the judgment reference value TH1 at the time of low accuracy, so that the probability of winning a big hit is increased in the judgment at the time of high accuracy. ing.

Here, in the case of this example, since the jackpot random number determination is performed according to the set value Ve, a different value is set as the determination reference value TH according to the set value Ve. At this time, in this example, the judgment reference value TH for each set value Ve is not simply prepared, but is referred to as a basic single judgment reference value TH (hereinafter referred to as "basic judgment reference value THr"). , A method of setting a different judgment reference value TH for each set value Ve by preparing an offset value determined for each set value Ve and offsetting the basic judgment reference value THr by an offset value according to the set value Ve. To take.

As a specific example, in this example, the basic judgment reference value THr (hereinafter, the reference numerals are referred to as “THr1” and “THr2”, respectively) at low accuracy and high accuracy, and the offset value for each set value Ve are as follows. It is stipulated in.
-Basic judgment reference value THr1 = 00842
-Basic judgment reference value THr2 = 08249
・ Setting 1
Offset value at low accuracy = 000 (TH1 = 0842)
Offset value at high accuracy = 000 (TH2 = 08429)
・ Setting 2
Offset value at low probability = 001 (TH1 = 00843)
Offset value at high accuracy = 010 (TH2 = 08439)
・ Setting 3
Offset value at low probability = 002 (TH1 = 00844)
Offset value at high accuracy = 020 (TH2 = 08449)
・ Setting 4
Offset value at low probability = 003 (TH1 = 00845)
Offset value at high accuracy = 030 (TH2 = 08459)
・ Setting 5
Offset value at low probability = 004 (TH1 = 0846)
Offset value at high accuracy = 040 (TH2 = 08469)
・ Setting 6
Offset value at low probability = 005 (TH1 = 0847)
Offset value at high accuracy = 050 (TH2 = 08479)

Here, in the present embodiment, the basic determination reference values THr1 and THr2 are each 2 bytes of data, and the offset value is 1 byte of data.

In the above, an example in which the lower limit value for determining the jackpot in the jackpot random number determination is "0", that is, if the random number for determining the jackpot is within the range of "0" to "judgment reference value TH", the determination result of the jackpot is determined. Although the case of obtaining is illustrated, the determination lower limit value may be a numerical value larger than "0".

Based on the above premise, the jackpot random number determination process shown in FIG. 31 will be described.
In FIG. 31, the CPU 201 determines in step S1601 whether or not the big hit determination random number is less than the determination lower limit value. The judgment lower limit value is the judgment lower limit value of the big hit (the lower limit value of the numerical range in which the judgment result of the big hit can be obtained) as described above, and is "0" in this example.
If the random number for jackpot determination is less than the lower limit of determination, it is determined that the random number is out of order. Therefore, the processes of steps S1602 to S1606 described below pass, and the jackpot random number determination process of step S1504 is completed.
In addition, when the determination lower limit value = 0 as in this example, it is usually impossible for the big hit determination random number to take a value less than 0, so it is not essential to provide the process of step S1601. The process of step S1601 is effective when the determination lower limit value is set to a value larger than 0.

Here, when a judgment result of loss is obtained, such as when the random number is determined to be less than the lower limit of determination in step S1601, the jackpot determination flag is not a jackpot (= 5AH), specifically, a miss (= 00H). ), But in the jackpot random number determination process in step S1502, the process of updating the jackpot determination flag to 00H indicating that the flag is off is not performed.
In the gaming machine 1 of this example, the jackpot determination flag is updated to 00H in response to the case where the determination of loss is obtained, in response to the confirmation that the jackpot determination flag = 5AH. When the start, the CPU 201 clears the jackpot determination flag (= 00H) (see the description of the special symbol confirmation time processing in step S1207).
That is, since the jackpot determination flag = 00H is set at the start of the jackpot game in this way, the jackpot determination flag = 00H is set thereafter unless the jackpot determination flag = 5AH is updated in step S1606 shown in FIG. It is not necessary to update the jackpot determination flag = 00H according to the result of the deviation determination.

If the random number is not less than the lower limit of the determination in step S1601, the CPU 201 determines in step S1602 whether or not the probability is changing. This determination is made based on the result of referring to the game state flag described above.

If the probability change is not in progress (in the normal state), the CPU 201 adds an offset value according to the setting to the low probability basic determination reference value THr1 in step S1603. That is, as a result, the determination reference value TH1 corresponding to the current gaming state (normal state) and the set value Ve is calculated.
On the other hand, if the probability change is in progress, the CPU 201 adds an offset value according to the setting to the highly accurate basic determination reference value THr2 in step S1604. As a result, the determination reference value TH2 corresponding to the current gaming state (probability change state) and the set value Ve is calculated.

In response to the determination reference value TH1 calculated in step S1603 or the determination reference value TH2 in step S1604, the CPU 201 has a jackpot determination random number less than the determination reference value TH calculated in step S1605 (random number <judgment reference value TH). Judge whether or not.
If the random number <judgment reference value TH, the CPU 201 updates the jackpot judgment flag to 5AH in step S1606, finishes the jackpot random number determination process in step S1502, and if the random number <judgment reference value TH, passes step S1606. The jackpot random number determination process in step S1502 is completed.

In the above, an example of offsetting the upper limit value side of the jackpot determination by the offset value has been given, but of course it is also possible to offset the determination lower limit value side.

Further, in the above, an example in which a different offset value is set for each set value Ve is given, but a common offset value may be used among some set value Ves, and a part of the basic determination reference value THr is used. It is also possible to use different values between the set values Ve of. Even if a common offset value is used among some set values Ve, if different basic judgment reference values THr are set among some set values Ve, different judgment reference values are set for each set value Ve. It is possible to set TH.

As described above, in the jackpot random number determination of the present embodiment, the basic determination reference values (THr1, THr2) commonly set between different set values Ve and the basic determination set to different values between different set values Ve Judgment reference values (TH1, TH2) according to the set value Ve are calculated based on the offset value of the reference value, and the winning judgment is performed based on the calculated judgment reference value. At this time, the basic determination reference value is composed of 2-byte data, and the offset value is composed of 1-byte data.

With such a configuration, in order to realize the winning determination according to the set value Ve, it is not necessary to store different determination reference values for each set value Ve in the storage means (memory) of the gaming machine 1. That is, it is sufficient to store in the memory the basic determination reference value that is common among the different set values Ve and the offset value whose data capacity is smaller than the basic determination reference value.
Therefore, the memory capacity can be reduced.

(Variable pattern lottery process)

The variable pattern lottery process will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 38.
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern lottery process in step S1508.
First, in step S1701, the CPU 201 determines whether or not it is a setting error based on the setting error flag, and if it is not a setting error, determines whether or not it is a hit in step S1702. That is, based on the jackpot determination flag, it is determined whether or not the jackpot (= 5AH) is achieved.

If it is determined in step S1702 that it is not a hit (it is a loss), the CPU 201 selects the deviation variation pattern table in step S1703, and then proceeds to the variation pattern selection process in step S1706. That is, it is a process of selecting a fluctuation pattern based on a table and a random number for the fluctuation pattern.
On the other hand, if it is determined to be a hit in step S1702, the CPU 201 selects the hit variation pattern table in step S1704, and then proceeds to the variation pattern selection process in step S1706.

FIG. 34 shows an example of the out-of-order variation pattern table, and FIG. 35 shows an example of the hit variation pattern table.
First, as a premise, as the out-of-order fluctuation pattern table and the hit fluctuation pattern table, a fluctuation pattern table for special figure 1 and a fluctuation pattern table for special figure 2 are prepared, respectively.

In the deviation pattern lottery performed using the deviation variation pattern table shown in FIG. 34, the variation patterns (variation patterns that can be selected by the lottery) of the lottery candidates are "normal variation 4s", "normal variation 6s", and "normal variation". There are 9 types of "8s", "normal fluctuation 12s", "normal reach", "super reach 1", "super reach 2", "super reach 3", and "super reach 4".
Further, in the hit variation pattern lottery performed using the hit variation pattern table shown in FIG. 35, the variation patterns of the lottery candidates are "normal variation per", "super reach 1", "super reach 2", and "super reach 3". It is said to be 5 types of "Super Reach 4".
Regarding "normal fluctuation", the numerical value described together represents the fluctuation time, and "s" after the numerical value means "second".

Here, among the above 10 types of fluctuation patterns, in particular, "normal fluctuation 4s", "normal fluctuation 6s", "normal fluctuation 8s", and "normal fluctuation 12s" are fluctuation patterns corresponding to so-called "missing" that are not selected at the time of hitting. Belongs (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "off-the-shelf fluctuation pattern").

In the present embodiment, the variation pattern lottery at the time of loss is performed using a variation pattern table that is different for each loss type (disappearance 1, 2, 3) regardless of whether the special figures 1 and 2 are used (see FIG. 34).
Here, in the present embodiment, the selection rate (the rate at which the corresponding type is selected) by the symbol lottery is different for each of the "Wrong 1", "Wrong 2", and "Wrong 3" types, and "Wrong 1""Is the highest selection rate, and" Wrong Answer 2 "and" Wrong Answer 3 "have a lower selection rate than" Wrong Answer 1 ". Specifically, in this example, the selection rate of "Wrong Answer 1" is "190/200", and the selection rate of "Wrong Answer 2" and "Wrong Answer 3" is "5/200", respectively. In this case, if the jackpot determination result is "missing", in most cases, "missing 1" is selected as the losing type.

As the variable pattern lottery for the special figure 1, the variable pattern lottery when the outlier type is "outlier 1" is not a lottery according to the set value Ve, but a lottery according to the number of reserved balls. Therefore, among the fluctuation pattern tables for the special figure 1, the fluctuation pattern table used when the loss type is "outside 1" is common among the set values Ve, but is different for each number of reserved balls. Is prepared.

Note that FIG. 34 shows a table structure on the assumption that the range of the set value Ve is set to the range of the settings 1 to 3 for the convenience of illustration.
This point is the same for the hit variation pattern table shown in FIG. 35.

In the variation pattern lottery of the special figure 1 in the case of "outlier 1", the variation patterns of the lottery candidates are set to 5 types of "normal variation 4s", "normal variation 6s", "normal variation 8s", "normal variation 12s", and "normal reach". Therefore, in this example, the fluctuation pattern to be drawn is different depending on the number of reserved balls.
Specifically, when the number of reserved balls = 0, "normal fluctuation 12s" and "normal reach", when the number of reserved balls = 1, "normal fluctuation 8s" and "normal reach", and when the number of reserved balls = 2, "normal" The fluctuation patterns of "variation 6s" and "normal reach" are set as the fluctuation patterns of the lottery targets, respectively, and "normal fluctuation 4s" and "normal reach" are used when the number of reserved balls = 3.

Here, in the fluctuation pattern table, the numerical values stored for each fluctuation pattern of the lottery target are distributed with the winning probability on the premise that the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern can take 200 numerical values of 0 to 199. It represents a value (a value that represents distribution). For example, in the fluctuation pattern table for special figure 1, in the table of "out of line 1" and "number of reserved balls = 0", the stored value for "normal fluctuation 12s" = "160", and the stored value for "normal reach" = "40". However, this means that the winning probability of "normal fluctuation 12s" is "160/200" and the winning probability of "normal reach" is "40/200".
The above distribution value is shown as the storage value of the table for the sake of convenience of explanation, and the judgment reference value as used in the above-mentioned jackpot random number judgment is stored in the actual fluctuation pattern table. become. For example, in the case of the above table of "outside 1" and "number of reserved balls = 0", for example, "159" is stored as an actual stored value (judgment reference value), and in that case, the random number for the fluctuation pattern is 159 or less. If, "normal variation 12s" is selected, and if the random number for the variation pattern is larger than 159, "normal reach" is selected.

As can be seen by referring to the distribution value shown in FIG. 34, in the variation pattern lottery of the special figure 1 corresponding to the case of “outlier 1”, “normal variation” is more likely to be selected than “normal reach”. (I try to increase the appearance rate).
Further, in the fluctuation pattern lottery of the special figure 1 corresponding to the case of "outside 1", the normal fluctuation pattern having a shorter fluctuation time is selected as the number of reserved balls increases.

Subsequently, as the variation pattern lottery of Special Figure 1, the variation pattern lottery in each case where the loss type is "Wrong Answer 2" and "Wrong Answer 3" is a lottery according to the set value Ve, while the number of reserved balls is determined. It will not be a lottery. For this reason, the variation pattern table for special figure 1 used in each of "Wrong Answer 2" and "Wrong Answer 3" is common among the number of reserved balls, but a different table is prepared for each set value Ve. There is.

In the fluctuation pattern lottery of Special Figure 1 corresponding to the cases of "Wrong Answer 2" and "Wrong Answer 3", the fluctuation patterns of the lottery candidates are 4 of "Super Reach 1", "Super Reach 2", "Super Reach 3", and "Super Reach 4". It is said to be a seed.
In this example, with respect to the variation pattern lottery of the special figure 1 corresponding to the case of “out of place 3”, the variation pattern to be drawn differs depending on the set value Ve.
Specifically, in the variation pattern lottery of Special Figure 1, the variation patterns that are subject to the lottery for each combination of "Wrong Answer 2" and "Wrong Answer 3" and Settings 1 to 3 are as follows.
Setting 1 and "Wrong Answer 2" = Super Reach 1, 2, 3, 4
Setting 1 and "Out of 3" = Super Reach 1
Setting 2 and "Wrong Answer 2" = Super Reach 1, 2, 3, 4
Setting 2 and "Out of 3" = Super Reach 2, 3
Setting 3 and "Wrong Answer 2" = Super Reach 1, 2, 3, 4
Setting 3 and "Out of 3" = Super Reach 4

From the distribution values illustrated in the figure, in this example, as the fluctuation pattern lottery of Special Figure 1 corresponding to the case of "Wrong Answer 2", in the case of setting 1, it fluctuates in the order of Super Reach 4, 3, 2, 1. The pattern is easily selected, and in the case of setting 2 and setting 3, the variation pattern is easily selected in the order of super reach 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Further, in this example, regarding the fluctuation pattern lottery of the special figure 1 corresponding to the case of "out of place 3", the higher the setting (the larger the set value Ve), the higher the expectation of winning the super reach tends to be selected. I am trying to do it.

It should be noted that, as in the variation pattern lottery corresponding to the case of "Wrong Answer 2", the variation pattern table used for the lottery in which the variation patterns of the lottery candidates are three or more types has a plurality of values as judgment reference values ( The value represented by "the number of fluctuation patterns of lottery candidates-1") is stored. For example, in the table corresponding to the case of setting 1 and "wrong answer 2" in the figure, for example, the first value = 9, the second value = 49, and the third value = 99 are the judgment reference values, respectively. In that case, if the random number for the fluctuation pattern is less than or equal to the first value, "super reach 1" is set, and if it is larger than the first value and less than or equal to the second value, "super reach 2" is set. If it is larger than the value and equal to or less than the third value, "Super Reach 3" is selected, and if it is larger than the third value, "Super Reach 4" is selected.

Next, as the variation pattern lottery of the special figure 2, the variation pattern lottery when the loss type is "out of line 1" is different from the case of the special figure 1, and the variation pattern of the lottery candidate is only "normal variation 12s". There is. Therefore, in the variation pattern table for the special figure 2, "out of ball 1" and "number of reserved balls = 0", "out of line 1" and "number of reserved balls = 1", "out of line 1" and "number of reserved balls =" In each table used in the case of "2", "missing 1" and "number of reserved balls = 3", all the distribution values corresponding to "normal fluctuation 12s" are set to "200".
In this case, since the lottery results are the same even if the number of reserved balls is different, the variable pattern table can be a common table among the reserved balls.

Further, as the variation pattern lottery of the special figure 2, the variation pattern lottery when the loss type is "wrong 2" and "wrong 3" is a lottery according to the set value Ve as in the case of the special figure 1. The lottery will not be based on the number of balls on hold. Therefore, regarding the fluctuation pattern table for the special figure 2, the fluctuation pattern table used in each of the cases of "Wrong Answer 2" and "Wrong Answer 3" is common among the number of reserved balls, but differs depending on the set value Ve. A table is prepared.

In the fluctuation pattern lottery of Special Figure 2 corresponding to the cases of "Wrong Answer 2" and "Wrong Answer 3", there are two types of fluctuation patterns of lottery candidates, "normal fluctuation 12s" and "super reach 4", depending on the set value Ve. , Any of these "normal fluctuation 12s" and "super reach 4" fluctuation patterns is selected.
Specifically, in the variation pattern lottery of Special Figure 2 corresponding to the cases of "Wrong Answer 2" and "Wrong Answer 3" in this example, "Normal variation 12s" is always selected when either setting 1 or 2 is set, respectively. Then, in the case of setting 3, "Super Reach 4" is selected.

Subsequently, the hit variation pattern table shown in FIG. 35 will be described.
In the present embodiment, in the variation pattern lottery at the time of hitting, different tables are used for each hit type in both Special Figures 1 and 2.
In the present embodiment, the fluctuation pattern of the lottery target is set as follows for each winning type. That is, when the hit type is "normal 4R", the fluctuation patterns of the lottery targets are "normal fluctuation hit", "super reach 1", "super reach 2", "super reach 3", and "super reach 4" in both special figures 1 and 2. It is said that there are five types.
In addition, when the hit type is "normal 6R", in Special Figure 1, the fluctuation patterns of the lottery target are 5 of "normal fluctuation hit", "super reach 1", "super reach 2", "super reach 3", and "super reach 4". In Special Figure 2, there are four types, "Super Reach 1", "Super Reach 2", "Super Reach 3", and "Super Reach 4", excluding "normal fluctuation per".
Furthermore, when the hit type is "probability variation 6R" and "probability variation 10R", the fluctuation patterns of the lottery targets are "super reach 1", "super reach 2", "super reach 3", and "super reach 4" in both special figures 1 and 2. There are four types.

In the variation pattern lottery at the time of hit in the present embodiment, the variation pattern lottery according to the set value Ve is performed only for a specific hit type. Specifically, regarding the variation pattern lottery of Special Figure 1, the variation pattern lottery according to the set value Ve is performed only for the hit types of "normal 4R" and "probability variation 10R", and the variation pattern lottery of special figure 2 is "normal". A variable pattern lottery according to the set value Ve is performed only for the hit types of "4R", "probability variation 6R", and "probability variation 10R".

Regarding the fluctuation pattern lottery in the case of "normal 4R", the fluctuation pattern of the lottery target is different depending on the set value Ve in both of the special figures 1 and 2. Specifically, in the fluctuation pattern lottery corresponding to "normal 4R" in this example, 5 types of "normal fluctuation per" to "super reach 4" are selected for setting 1, and "super" is selected for setting 2 or setting 3. The four types of "reach 1" to "super reach 4" are used as fluctuation patterns for the lottery.
Regarding the fluctuation pattern lottery in the case of "normal R6", "probability variation 6R", and "probability variation 10R" which are hit types other than "normal 4R", in both Special Figures 1 and 2, the variation pattern to be drawn is set to the set value Ve. It is said to be immutable.

In the present embodiment, in the variation pattern lottery at the time of hitting the special figure 1, the variation pattern lottery according to the set value Ve is performed only in the case of "normal 4R" and "probability variation 10R". Therefore, in the hit variation pattern table of FIG. 1, different tables are prepared for each set value Ve as the variation pattern table used in the cases of these "normal 4R" and "probability variation 10R".
As can be seen with reference to FIG. 35, in this example, in the fluctuation pattern table of FIG. 1, in each of the “normal 4R” and “probability variation 10R” tables, the distribution value for “super reach 4” is set as the set value Ve increases. It's getting bigger. As a result, at the time of hitting each of "normal 4R" and "probability variation 10R", the higher the current setting, the easier it is to select the variation pattern having the highest expected winning value as the variation pattern of Special Figure 1.

Further, in this example, in the variation pattern lottery at the time of hitting in the special figure 2, the variation pattern lottery according to the set value Ve is performed for the "probability variation 6R" as well as the "normal 4R" and the "probability variation 10R". Therefore, in the hit variation pattern table of the special figure 2, a different table is prepared for each set value Ve as the variation pattern table used in the case of "normal 4R", "probability variation 6R", and "probability variation 10R". In this example, in the fluctuation pattern table of FIG. 2, in all of these "normal 4R", "probability variation 6R", and "probability variation 10R" tables, the distribution value for "super reach 4" is increased as the set value Ve increases. ..

Here, as can be seen by referring to the distribution value in the figure, in this example, the distribution value for "Super Reach 4" is the largest in each table regardless of the hit type or the set value Ve. That is, in this example, in the fluctuation pattern lottery when it is determined to be a big hit, the fluctuation pattern with the highest expectation of winning is most likely to be selected.

The description returns to FIG.
In the selection process of step S1706 described above, the fluctuation pattern is selected based on the deviation or hit fluctuation pattern table as described above.
Specifically, when the deviation variation pattern table is selected corresponding to the case where it is determined that the deviation occurs in step S1702, the CPU 201 selects a table according to the deviation type, the number of reserved balls, and the set value Ve from the variation pattern table. Then, the fluctuation pattern is selected based on the selected table and the random number for the fluctuation pattern. Further, when the hit variation pattern table is selected corresponding to the case where it is determined to be a hit in step S1702, the CPU 201 selects a table according to the hit type and the set value Ve from the corresponding variation pattern table, and selects the table. The fluctuation pattern is selected based on the table and the random number for the fluctuation pattern. At this time, it goes without saying that the tables for special figure 1 and special figure 2 are selected and separated according to which of special figures 1 and 2 is the symbol to be processed.
As can be understood from the above explanation, in each of the hit / miss fluctuation pattern tables, one or more judgment reference values corresponding to the fluctuation patterns of the lottery targets (number of fluctuation patterns of lottery candidates-1) are defined. In the selection process of step S1706, the variation pattern is selected based on the result of comparing the magnitude relationship between the determination reference value stored in the table selected as described above and the value of the random number for the variation pattern.

In the above, the variation pattern table for selecting the variation pattern has been divided into tables for each set value Ve, but a common table may be used among some set value Ves.
FIG. 36 shows an example thereof.
Here, a modified example of the hit variation pattern table is shown on the premise that the set value Ve can take 6 values corresponding to the settings 1 to 6.
In the example of FIG. 36, a table corresponding to "normal 4R" and "probability variation 10R" for special figure 1 and a table corresponding to "normal 4R", "probability variation 6R", and "probability variation 10R" for special figure 2 are set respectively. An example in which the table is divided into groups 1 to 3 and sets 4 to 6 is shown.
As in the example of FIG. 36, in performing the variation pattern lottery according to the set value Ve, the table is not limited to being individually divided for each set value Ve, and is common among some set value Ve. Table may be used.

Next, processing when a setting error is detected during the variable pattern lottery will be described.
If it is determined in step S1701 of FIG. 33 that a setting error has occurred, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S1705, selects a common variation pattern table at the time of a setting error, and executes the selection process of step S1706.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram of a common fluctuation pattern table at the time of setting error.
In the present embodiment, in the fluctuation pattern lottery at the time of setting error performed using the common fluctuation pattern table at the time of setting error, the deviation fluctuation pattern is forcibly selected regardless of whether the special figures 1 and 2 are hit / miss. To do so. That is, in this example, any of the outlier variation patterns of "normal variation 4s", "normal variation 6s", "normal variation 8s", and "normal variation 12s" is forcibly selected.

In the variation pattern lottery at the time of setting error in this example, a different variation pattern is selected according to the number of reserved balls for the special figure 1 side, and a specific variation pattern is selected for the special figure 2 side regardless of the number of reserved balls. Only, specifically, only "normal variation 12s" is selected.
On the special figure 1 side, a normal fluctuation pattern having a longer fluctuation time is selected as the number of reserved balls increases.

Also in FIG. 37, for convenience of explanation, as the table structure, a structure in which the distribution values corresponding to the case where the random number for the variable pattern lottery can take a value of 0 to 199 is stored is shown, but the actual table structure is a reserved ball. As a table for each number (0 to 3), a structure in which at least a judgment reference value is associated with a fluctuation pattern of lottery candidates is adopted.
As for the special figure 2, if the specific fluctuation pattern is selected regardless of the number of reserved balls as in this example, there is no need to divide the table for each number of reserved balls (0 to 3). Needless to say.

In FIG. 33, in the selection process of step S1706, when the common variation pattern table at the time of setting error is selected in step S1705, the variation pattern is selected based on the table and the random number for the variation pattern. Specifically, in this example, a table corresponding to the current number of reserved balls in the common fluctuation pattern table at the time of setting error is selected, and the magnitude relationship between the judgment reference value stored in the selected table and the random number for the fluctuation pattern is determined. Select a variation pattern based on the result of the comparison.

The CPU 201 finishes the variation pattern lottery process of step S1508 in response to the execution of the selection process of step S1706. With the end of the lottery process of step S1508, the variation management process of step S1409 shown in FIG. 30 is completed, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1410 (flag ON process during variation) shown in FIG. 29.
As described above, in the command transmission process of step S1411 following step S1410, a "variation pattern designation command" representing the lottery result of the fluctuation pattern and a "decorative symbol designation command" representing the symbol lottery result are transmitted to the effect control unit 24. NS.
On the effect control unit 24 side, based on these commands, a combination of decorative symbols when forming a reach state (a symbol type having a reach symbol as a component) and a decorative symbol that is finally stopped and displayed (decorative stop symbol). The combination of the above is determined, and a lottery for the advance notice effect corresponding to the winning type is performed in the symbol variation display game.

Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, if a setting error is recognized at the start of fluctuation of the special figure, the detached fluctuation pattern (normal fluctuation) is forcibly selected. At this time, the decorative symbol is selected. If the intense heat fluctuation is selected as the side fluctuation, the player is confused. Therefore, in this example, a fluctuation pattern having a short fluctuation time such as a normal fluctuation of 4 s to a normal fluctuation of 12 s is selected as described above. There is.
Further, in the present embodiment, the effect control unit 24 side is also devised so as not to perform the advance notice effect when a setting error occurs. Specifically, when the effect control unit 24 receives the set value abnormality command (see step S1104 in FIG. 26) for notifying the setting error from the main control unit 20, the effect control unit 24 is prevented from performing the lottery for the advance notice effect. NS.

Here, in the present embodiment, when a setting error is found based on the above setting value abnormality command, the effect control unit 24 sends a message such as "RAM is abnormal. Please call a staff member" to the liquid crystal display device 36. Notify the occurrence of an abnormality, such as displaying an image containing. The notification is not limited to notification by image display using the liquid crystal display device 36, for example, notification by sound or LED lighting (and / or blinking), or a set of a plurality of types of production means such as image, sound, and LED. It can also be a combined notification.

In the above, regarding the common fluctuation pattern table at the time of setting error on the special figure 1, the normal fluctuation pattern having a longer fluctuation time is selected as the number of reserved balls increases, but this is an example, for example, the reserved balls. It is also possible to select a normal fluctuation pattern having a longer fluctuation time as the number decreases.
Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 38, the same fluctuation pattern can be selected for each number of reserved balls as in the case of the special figure 2. In the example of FIG. 38, the case where "normal variation 12s" is commonly selected for each number of reserved balls is shown.
As described above, in the common fluctuation pattern table at the time of setting error, the relationship between the number of reserved balls and the selected fluctuation pattern can be considered in various ways and is not limited to a specific relationship.
As for the special figure 2 side, the fluctuation pattern selected depending on the number of reserved balls may be different as in the special figure 1 side.

[4-9. Third summary]

From the above description, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.

That is, the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment includes display means (special symbol display devices 38a, 38b, etc.) capable of variablely displaying symbols, and control means (main control unit 20) for controlling the progress of the gaming operation. The control means includes a setting means (setting change process in step S115) for setting a setting value (the same Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of winning the gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation, and a predetermined condition. Judgment means (big hit random number determination processing in step S1502) for determining whether or not to shift to a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the set value set by the setting means according to the establishment of With respect to the symbol to be displayed, a selection means (design lottery process in step S1503 and variation pattern lottery process in step S1504) for selecting a variation pattern and a symbol type to be stopped and displayed after the variation from a plurality of candidates, and a variation display of the symbol. If an abnormality is found in the set value at the time of starting, the winning result of the loss is forcibly obtained without executing the winning judgment by the judging means, and the fluctuation pattern and the symbol type are selected by the selection means to change. It has a setting abnormality handling processing means for starting display (see the route of steps S1501 → S1503 in FIG. 30).

By passing the winning judgment when there is an error in the set value, it is possible to prevent unnecessary winning judgment from being performed and reduce the processing load.
On the other hand, by performing the fluctuation pattern determination and the symbol determination, the special symbol and the decorative symbol can be displayed in a variable manner even when an error of the set value occurs.

According to the above configuration, the special symbol will be displayed in a variable manner when a setting error occurs. At this time, it is conceivable that the decorative symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 will not be varied at a predetermined stop. .. Alternatively, the present invention is not limited to this, and the decorative symbol at the time of a setting error may be varied and displayed according to a predetermined deviation variation pattern.

Further, in the above configuration, when an abnormality is found in the set value Ve when starting the variable display of the symbol, the effect control unit 24 executes the display of the decorative symbol as described above, and also displays the liquid crystal display device 36 or the like. The effect means (notification means) is made to execute a notification operation suggesting an abnormality of the set value Ve (for example, as described above, an image including a message such as "RAM is abnormal, please call a staff member" is displayed).
As a result, it is possible to prevent the game operation from being performed using the set value that may be illegally rewritten, and it is possible to improve the fairness of the game.

If an abnormality is found in the set value Ve when starting the variation display of the symbol, not only the winning determination by the determination means but also the variation pattern and the symbol type selection by the selection means should not be executed. Is also possible.

Further, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has a determination means (big hit random number determination process in step S1502) that determines whether or not to shift to a gaming state advantageous to the player based on the random number and the determination reference value. The determination means includes a setting means (setting change processing in step S115) for setting a setting value (the same Ve) indicating a stage regarding the probability of winning the gaming state advantageous to the player based on the operation. , Judgment according to the set value based on the basic judgment reference value (THr) commonly set between different set values and the offset value for the basic judgment reference value set differently between different set values. A reference value (TH) is calculated, a winning determination is made based on the calculated determination reference value, and the basic determination reference value is composed of 2-byte data and the offset value is composed of 1-byte data.

As a result, it is not necessary to store different determination reference values for each set value in the storage means (memory) of the gaming machine in order to realize the winning determination according to the set value. That is, it is sufficient to store in the memory a basic determination reference value that is common among different set values and an offset value whose data capacity is smaller than that of the basic determination reference value.
Therefore, the memory capacity can be reduced.

Furthermore, it can be said that the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following configuration.
That is, the game machine 1 of the embodiment has a symbol display means (special symbol display devices 38a, 38b, etc.) capable of variablely displaying a symbol, and information for selecting a variable pattern of the symbol acquired based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition. A hold storage means (RAM 203) that can store (information on the jackpot lottery result obtained at the time of pre-reading determination) for a predetermined upper limit number of holds, information for selecting a variation pattern stored in the hold storage means, and a variation pattern of a symbol. About the variation pattern selection means for selecting the variation pattern (variation pattern lottery process in step S1504) based on the variation pattern table for drawing the lottery, and the probability of winning the gaming state advantageous to the player. A setting means (setting change processing in step S115) for setting a setting value representing the stage of the above is provided, and the fluctuation pattern selection means selects a fluctuation pattern based on the current number of holds. It is possible to execute the process and the specific variation pattern selection process that selects the variation pattern without based on the current number of holds. The normal variation pattern selection process is a variation pattern table common to the set values (FIG. 34, special feature). While the fluctuation pattern can be selected from the table corresponding to "outside 1" for FIG. 1), the specific fluctuation pattern selection process differs depending on the set value ("normal 4R" and "normal 4R" in FIG. 35). The fluctuation pattern can be selected from the table etc. corresponding to "Probability variation 10R").

This eliminates the need to prepare a fluctuation pattern table for each combination of the number of holds and the set value when it is desired to make the appearance rate of the symbol variation pattern different according to the number of holds and the set value.
Therefore, the memory capacity can be reduced.

<5. Command-corresponding processing of the production control unit at startup>

As described above, the main control unit 20 (CPU201) issues various commands (setting changing command, setting change completion command, RAM clear command, etc.) according to the establishment of transition conditions for various processes at startup when the power is turned on. It is transmitted to the effect control unit 24.

At this time, in response to receiving the setting changing command, the effect control unit 24 displays a screen for notifying that the setting is being changed, such as a screen on which characters such as "setting is being changed" are arranged. Is executed by the liquid crystal display device 36, or a process is performed so that the corresponding sound output is performed from the speaker 46 while the setting is being changed. Further, at this time, the effect control unit 24 may light a predetermined LED (for example, all LEDs) in the above-mentioned light generating means (light display device 45a) according to a predetermined lighting pattern.
In this way, the effect control unit 24 performs an effect (setting change notification effect) for notifying the user of the gaming machine 1 such as the hall staff that the setting is being changed in response to the reception of the setting changing command. Control to achieve this.

Further, when the setting completion command is received, the effect control unit 24 ends the notification effect during the setting change being executed. At this time, after the setting key switch 94 is turned off, the front frame 2 is simply opened. Therefore, after the notification effect during the setting change is completed, the door opening error notification is switched to. However, instead of executing the door opening error notification immediately after the setting change notification effect is completed, the setting change operation is completed, that is, a new setting value Ve is selected and determined (the same setting value Ve is hit). It can be said that it is preferable to notify (including changing). Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the effect control unit 24 receives the set value command, the setting completion notification effect for notifying the end of the setting change operation may be displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). Since this setting completion notification effect notifies the end of the setting change operation, the effect (notification) mode is different from the door opening error notification and the setting change notification effect. For example, the effect LEDs of the decorative lamp 45 are all turned on in blue, the change end sound is output from the speaker 16, and the effect image of "setting change end" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. The setting changing notification effect and the setting completion notification effect may be any effect using at least one of the light effect, the sound effect, and the image display effect.

Further, the effect control unit 24 controls so that a screen display for notifying the RAM clear, a light effect, and a sound effect (RAM clear notification effect) are performed in response to receiving the RAM clear command.

Here, in the present embodiment, the case where the setting change mode shift instruction operation is performed and the setting change process (S115) and the RAM clear process (S116 to S117) are performed, and the case where the shift instruction operation to the setting change mode is performed. The RAM clear command is transmitted depending on the case where the setting change process is not executed and only the RAM clear process is performed because the transition instruction operation to the RAM clear process is performed without performing the RAM clear process (see FIG. 5 and the like).
That is, the RAM clear notification effect is commonly performed depending on whether only the RAM clear process is performed out of the setting change process and the RAM clear process and the case where both the setting change process and the RAM clear process are executed. ..

<6. Modification example of command transmission at startup>

Here, the RAM clear notification effect is not limited to appearing in both the case where only the RAM clear process is performed and the case where the setting change process and the RAM clear process are performed as described above.
For example, the RAM clear notification effect is displayed only when only the RAM clear process is performed, and when the setting change process and the RAM clear process are performed, the RAM clear notification effect is not displayed and the setting completion notification effect is displayed. Can be revealed.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the main processing on the main control side to be executed in that case.
The difference from the case of FIG. 5 above is that the process proceeds to step S117 (intraregional RAM initialization process) instead of step S116 in response to the execution of the setting change process in step S115.

As described in FIGS. 12 and 17B above, in the setting change process in step S115, a setting completion command is transmitted (S722). On the other hand, the RAM clear command is transmitted depending on the command transmission process at the time of RAM clear in step S116 (see FIG. 18).
When the setting change process and the RAM clear process are performed due to the change of the transition destination process after the execution of step S115 as described above, the RAM clear command is not transmitted and the setting completion command is transmitted. That is, the setting completion notification effect can be displayed without displaying the RAM clear notification effect.
On the other hand, when only the RAM clear process is executed, the RAM clear command is transmitted instead of the setting completion command. That is, the RAM clear effect can be displayed only when only the RAM clear process is executed.

Since the RAM clear processing is performed when the setting change processing is performed, it is not necessary to dare to notify that the RAM clear processing has been performed when the setting change processing is performed.
When both the setting change process and the RAM clear process are notified, the user of the gaming machine 1 may feel annoyed, and the occurrence of such annoyance can be prevented.
Further, it is possible to make the user of the gaming machine 1 reliably distinguish between the case where the RAM clear processing is performed without the setting change processing and the case where both the setting change processing and the RAM clear processing are performed.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram of a program for realizing the processing as a modification as described above.
In the ROM 202 in this case, as shown in the figure, the program as the "post-setting change processing" is stored between the storage area of the program as the "setting change processing" and the storage area of the program as the "RAM clear processing". ..

In this "setting change post-processing" program, "LD HL, D_MKCADR2A" and "JR SYSTEM_550" are described as shown in the figure.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram of a specific process executed in the “post-setting change process”.
As shown in the figure, in the "post-setting change processing", the CPU 201 executes the address table selection process in step S09, and then the command table selection process in the command transmission process (S116) at the time of RAM clear shown in FIG. Proceed to (S20).

Here, in the address table selection process in step S09, the “command transmission address table at the time of change setting” shown in FIG. 41 is selected by the “LD HL, D_MKCADR2A” described in FIG. 40 (loaded into the HL register). The address table is referenced according to the value).
As shown in the figure, the value of the number of loops (2) is stored in the "command transmission address table at the time of change setting", and the address values of the "spec specification command creation table" and "customer waiting specification command creation table" are stored. Has been done. Since these "spec specification command creation table" and "customer waiting specification command creation table" have already been described in FIG. 18, duplicate explanations will be avoided.

Depending on the command table selection process (S20) of FIG. 18 executed after the address table selection process in step S09, a spec command (F611H) and a customer wait are performed based on the number of loops and the command creation table specified in the address table selection process. A demo display command (BA04H) is transmitted to the effect control unit 24.
As described in FIG. 18 above, when the setting change process is not performed and the RAM clear process is performed, the RAM clear command is issued together with these spec commands and the customer waiting demo display command by the same command table selection process (S20). Will be sent.

As described above, in this example, the command table selection process (and command creation process / command transmission process) is performed depending on whether the setting change process is executed or the setting change process is not executed and only the RAM clear process is executed. It is possible to send different commands while sharing the same.

As a result, in order to enable the transmission of different commands depending on whether the setting change process is executed or the setting change process is not executed and only the RAM clear process is executed, a program for command transmission is provided for each of these cases. It is not necessary to describe (store) separately, and the program capacity can be reduced.

<7. Other variants>

In the description so far, a pachinko gaming machine using a gaming ball as a gaming medium has been exemplified, but the pachinko gaming machine is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve the object of the present invention. For example, a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium having a shape other than a spherical shape as the gaming medium, a rotating gaming machine, or the like may be used.

If the performance display monitor (setting / performance display 97) is not executed for setting change processing or setting confirmation processing, the operation confirmation display (example: all 7) for a predetermined time (example: 5 seconds) when the power is turned on. The seg LED may be turned on and off alternately). In addition, it is desirable to configure the performance display monitor not to display the operation confirmation during the setting change mode, setting confirmation mode, RAM clear processing, and backup restoration processing, and after each processing is completed, it is desirable. It is desirable to display the operation check. Therefore, by configuring the processing for operation confirmation display to be executed in interrupt processing (for example, performance display monitor display processing: step S916 in FIG. 24), the setting change mode, setting confirmation mode, and RAM clear processing are being performed. It is desirable to configure so that the operation confirmation display is not displayed when interrupt processing such as backup restoration processing is not yet permitted.
In addition, even if a game ball enters the winning opening or the out opening while the operation confirmation display is being performed, the counting process for counting the number of entering balls may be executed. desirable. Further, the counting process for calculating the value of the performance information (for example, the base value) may be executed as well as the counting process. This makes it possible to accurately count the value of the performance information even if the game ball enters during the operation confirmation display. In addition, even if the counting process and the counting process are executed, if the performance information value display process is not executed during the operation check display, the display will suddenly switch to the performance information display during the operation check display. Does not cause any problems.
The operation confirmation display is executed for a predetermined time (example: 5 seconds) when the power is turned on, but when the power is cut off during the execution of the operation confirmation display and the power is turned on again, the specified time (example: 5 seconds) is executed again. Example: It is desirable to configure the operation confirmation display for 5 seconds). In this way, the operation confirmation display is displayed for a predetermined time each time the power is turned on, and even if the power is cut off during the operation confirmation display, the operation confirmation display is displayed for the remaining unexecuted time when the power is turned on next time. It is desirable to configure it so as not to cause a phenomenon that causes the above.

Further, in the above, the set value Ve and the performance information are displayed by a common display means (setting / performance indicator 97: hereinafter referred to as “predetermined display means”), but in this case, the set value Ve display means. The display area of the predetermined display means may be different depending on whether it is used as a display means for performance information or as a display means for performance information. For example, when the predetermined display means includes a 4-digit 7-segment LED, all the 4-digit 7-segment LEDs are used when used for displaying performance information, and the 4-digit 7-segment LED is used when used for displaying the set value Ve. Of the seg LEDs, for example, only one digit of the 7-segment LED may be used. In this case, the unused 7-segment LED may be hidden (non-lit), or a predetermined display such as "---" or "000" may be displayed.

Further, in the above, the display control of the performance information by the setting / performance display 97 is performed in the timer interrupt process, and the display control of the performance information is executed after the setting change process and the setting confirmation process performed at the time of startup, that is, , The case where the operation check and the performance information of the setting / performance indicator 97 are not performed during the setting change or the setting check is illustrated.
However, the performance information display control can be configured to be performed in parallel with the setting change process and the setting confirmation process. In that case, the operation check (all blinking) of the setting / performance indicator 97 is performed when the power is turned on. It starts (when the setting / performance indicator 97 has the performance information and the display area of the set value Ve individually as described above), but even if the operation check ends during the setting change or setting check. , The performance information may not be displayed until the setting change and setting confirmation are completed.

Further, the gaming machine of the present invention can be configured so that a small hit game can be executed. In that case, the configuration may be such that both the big hit probability and the small hit probability change for each setting. At this time, if the range of the big hit judgment value and the range of the small hit judgment value are kept constant and the range of the big hit judgment value is expanded / reduced for each setting, the range of the small hit judgment value is reduced / reduced accordingly. It may be configured to expand.

In addition, since it is basically impossible to perform the setting change operation and the setting change completion operation with the door (front frame 2) closed, the door is still open when the setting change operation is completed. Since there is a high possibility, the notification may not be executed for opening the door during the setting change period. In this case, when the door is closed once and then the door is opened again, the notification regarding the opening of the door may be executed. In addition, if the door is closed during the setting change period even though the setting change has not been completed yet, the prescribed notifications ("setting change has not been completed", "door is closed" It may be configured to execute "etc.").

Further, the inspection mode for inspecting the input of the operation means such as the effect button 13 may be configured to be executable. In this case, the inspection mode may be executed even during the setting change period, the setting change completion, the setting confirmation period, and the like. Further, the inspection mode may not be executed until the customer waiting demonstration is in progress (the inspection mode is entered at the start of the customer waiting demonstration).

Further, in the above, as the copy process of step S102 shown in FIG. 5, the W register is used as the register for acquiring the data of the input port n (P_INPTn), but another register may be used. Specifically, the A register may be used instead of the W register. Further, when the A register is used in the subsequent processing, the information once input to the A register may be copied to the W register, and the W register may be used in the subsequent processing.

Further, in FIG. 16, an example of notifying the effect control unit 24 side of the current set value Ve by a command during setting confirmation is given, but such notification of the set value Ve is not limited to the case of performing the setting confirmation process. , The same can be performed when performing the setting change process, and by sending it as a setting changing command that takes a different value according to the current setting value data, the setting value at that time is sent to the effect control unit 24 side. You may let me know. In addition, during the setting change process, each time a setting change operation is performed, a command corresponding to the changed setting value is transmitted so that the effect control unit 24 is notified of the temporary setting value at that time. May be good. Further, the same processing may be performed when the setting is completed. In this way, in the process when the power is turned on, commands may be transmitted to the effect control unit 24 at a plurality of timings, but at all or some of the timings, commands to which information corresponding to the set value is added are transmitted. By transmitting, the effect control unit 24 may be notified of the set value at that time. In addition, the command for teaching the changed value each time the setting value change process is executed during the setting change is different from the command for teaching the confirmed setting value when the setting value is actually confirmed. It is desirable to keep it as a command. As a result, the effect control unit 24 side can clearly discriminate between the changed value and the fixed value of the set value. Further, it is desirable that the command for teaching the confirmed value is transmitted at the timing when the setting change process is confirmed, but it is not limited to that timing, and various types at the start / end of the setting confirmation process and during the game. It may be configured to transmit at the timing. Further, for the purpose of displaying the current set value on the liquid crystal or the like during the setting confirmation, it is desirable that the command transmitted to the effect control unit 24 side is different from the command for notifying the final value.

Further, when the effect control unit 24 receives the game start command (BA77H), the effect control unit 24 can also execute an initial operation (initialization operation) of the movable body such as the movable body accessory motor 80c (see FIG. 3). At this time, for example, the following configuration can be considered.
By providing an initial operation command creation table for selecting a command to execute the initial operation (initialization operation) in the command transmission address table, the initial operation command can be set by table selection in the same way as other commands. It may be configured to transmit to the effect control board. This makes it possible to send the initial operation command at different timings when the setting is changed and when the RAM is cleared, when the setting is confirmed, and when the backup is restored.

Further, in the above, an example of outputting a security signal from the external terminal during the setting change is given (see FIG. 12), but when the RAM clear is executed after the setting change is completed, the security signal is output again. You may do so. Further, during the setting change, the security signal processing is executed in the processing at the time of turning on the power, and when the security signal is output after that, the signal output processing is executed by the external terminal management processing (S913) of the timer interrupt. You may try to do it. Further, the security signal to be output during the setting change does not stop the output when the setting change process is completed, and then continues or stops the output by the external terminal management process (S913) of the timer interrupt process. It may be configured to be. Further, the same configuration may be made not only during the setting change but also during the setting confirmation.

At the end of the setting change process, it was decided to send a setting completion command (BA09H) to the effect control unit 24, but when the effect control unit 24 receives the command, the lamp, sound, liquid crystal display, movable body, etc. Can be driven to notify that the setting change is completed. For example, a movable body on the board side / frame side, a movable operating means, or the like may be operated in a predetermined manner to notify that the setting change has been completed (the setting change has been performed). Further, when the setting confirmation end command (E022H) is received, the lamp, the sound, the liquid crystal display, the movable body, or the like may be driven in the same manner to perform the notification.

Further, in the above, the operation check (operation check display) of the performance display monitor has been described, but the timing of checking the operation is not limited to a specific timing. For example, after the processing at the time of turning on the power is completed, the operation check of the performance display monitor may be continued until the first symbol starts to fluctuate. Further, when the first symbol change starts, the operation check may be completed at that point. Further, the operation check may be terminated not only by the symbol change but also by other events such as when the ball entering the out port is detected. Further, if an error related to the gaming machine is detected even during the operation check, the operation check may be terminated. For example, when a magnetic error, a radio wave error, a vibration error, a random number update error of a random number used for lottery, a RAM abnormality related to a set value, etc. are detected, the game is stopped (it is not always necessary to stop it). , The operation check may be completed. On the other hand, even if an error is detected during the operation check, the operation check may be continuously executed. For example, when a door opening, a movable body error, a ball replenishment error, a lower plate full tank error, or the like is detected, the game may not be stopped and the operation check may not be completed. Further, not limited to these errors, even if the former error is detected, the operation check may not be completed.

It is desirable to count the base value even while checking the operation of the performance display monitor. In this case, even if there is a change or update in the display content of the base value during the operation check, the change or update is assumed to continue the operation check until the preset operation check time ends. It is desirable not to display the contents. Further, the operation check is not necessarily limited to this, and changes and updates may be displayed after the operation check is completed.

While checking the operation of the performance display monitor, the initial operation (initial operation) of the board-side movable body or the frame-side movable body may be executed. Further, it is desirable to configure so that the initial operation is completed by the time the operation check is completed, but at least the initial operation is configured to be completed only for either the board-side movable body or the frame-side movable body. You may. Further, it may be configured to execute the initial operation after the operation check is completed. In this case, the initial operation is completed after the operation check is completed, but it may be configured as such.
While checking the operation of the performance display monitor, at least one of the lamp, sound, and liquid crystal display on the front side of the gaming machine may be used to notify that the operation is being checked. As a result, the hall employees and the like can confirm from the front side of the gaming machine that the performance display monitor is being checked for operation.

Even while the operation of the performance display monitor is being confirmed, it may be configured so that the variable display of the special symbol or the normal symbol can be started.
When the performance display monitor and the 7-segment for displaying the set value are separately provided, the set value may be displayed while checking the operation of the performance display monitor. Further, in order to avoid complexity due to duplication of a plurality of display contents, the operation check and the display of the set value may be configured not to be displayed at the same timing. Further, at least during the period during which the setting is being confirmed and the setting is being changed, the operation confirmation of the performance display monitor may not be executed. In addition, the operation check may be executed during the period of setting confirmation and setting change, but if the setting is still being checked or the setting is being changed when the operation check is completed, the base value is used. Is not displayed, and it is desirable to hide or display it in another display mode. Then, it is desirable to execute the display related to the base value after the processing of setting confirmation or setting change is completed.
In addition, although it was decided to display the base value on the performance display monitor, the information to be displayed is not limited to this, and the accessory ratio (game ball / electric chew and large prize paid out by winning a prize in the electric chew and the large winning opening). In addition to the winning opening, the starting winning opening and other game balls paid out by winning the winning opening) may be displayed. As a result, it is possible to display the percentage of the total payout game balls paid out by the accessory such as the electric chew or the big winning opening on the performance display monitor. Further, when displaying on the performance display monitor, both the base value and the accessory ratio may be switched and displayed by a predetermined timing or button operation, or only the accessory ratio may be displayed. .. Further, a monitor for displaying the base value and a monitor for displaying the accessory ratio may be provided separately.

When the setting completion command or the setting confirmation completion command is sent, the waiting time until the next process may be set may be set. As a result, for example, when a display means such as "setting change is completed" is displayed, a customer waiting demo display command is transmitted from the main control unit 20, and the customer waiting demo screen is immediately displayed. It is possible to provide a sufficient display time without switching. Further, even if no waiting time is provided, the display means may be configured to switch to the customer waiting demo screen while leaving a display such as "setting change completed". In addition, if a waiting time is provided, the performance display monitor display (operation check) should not be started and should be hidden while a display such as "setting change is completed" is being performed. To. It is also desirable that the initialization of the movable body is not executed during this period, but is executed after the waiting time has elapsed. In addition, a display such as "Please close the door" may be displayed to instruct the player to prepare for the start of the game. Further, after detecting the closing of the door, the initialization of the movable body may be executed. As a result, there is no risk of initializing the movable body under a very unstable state in which the opening / closing operation of the door may be performed, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a defect.
Further, when the waiting time is set, the operation check of the performance display monitor may not be executed during the waiting time. As a result, when the base value display and the set value display are shared by the performance display monitor, it is possible to display the fixed set value during the waiting time. Further, the operation check may be executed even during the waiting time. In this case, if the base value display and the set value display are used together in the performance display monitor, the set value is not displayed and the display mode during operation check is displayed. It is possible to finish the operation check. Further, when the performance display monitor is not also used, the set value may be displayed in the 7-segment for the set value during the waiting time, and the performance display monitor may be configured to execute the operation check. Further, there is a concern that the number of displayed objects will increase and the complexity will increase due to the display at the same timing, and the operation check may not be executed at least during the waiting time.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, in the RAM clear processing, the start address of the initial value setting data table is loaded into the HL register (LD HL, D_INISET), and the data set processing is called (CALLV_DTSET). Although it was decided to set the initial value for the data of the part, specifically, the initial value can be set for the following data. The initial value of 30s is set in the timer for the notification performed in response to the RAM clear and / or the setting change. As a result, after the power-on process, timer management for clearing the RAM and / or performing notification according to the setting change can be executed. Further, an initial value may be set for the fluctuation / stop information of the special symbol to be displayed on the game information display means managed by the main control unit 20. Here, for example, it is desirable to set the loss stop information as the initial value, so that the information related to the special symbol by the game information display means after clearing the RAM and / or changing the setting can always be set in the same display mode. It will be possible. Further, the initial value may be other than the loss stop information, and a specific value that is not displayed during the game may be set, or a value indicating non-lighting may be set. .. Further, it is desirable to perform the same processing not only for the change / stop information of the special symbol but also for the change / stop information of the normal symbol. As a result, it is possible to always keep the information about the normal symbol by the game information display means after clearing the RAM and / or changing the setting in the same display mode. By setting some data in this way, the same display mode can be obtained when only the RAM clear processing is performed and when both the RAM clear processing and the setting change processing are performed. Therefore, when the hall side changes the setting, it is possible not to leave a trace thereof, and it is possible to make it difficult for the player to discriminate. Further, the operation ON flag and the initial value of the operation time 5s may be set in the work area for managing the flag and the timer for checking the operation of the performance display monitor. Here, since it is desirable to provide the work that manages the flags and timers in the RAM outside the area (outside the used area), when accessing each work at this timing, after calling the program outside the area by the CALL instruction, these The initial value of the work may be set. In addition, when each work is provided in the RAM in the area, it is not necessary to refer to the initial value set for each work (do not rewrite or update) in the processing related to the performance display monitor to be executed later. ), The operation check of the performance display monitor may be executed.

Further, a method for making it difficult to determine whether or not the setting change process has been performed in the same manner will be described below. First, when the backup is restored (hereinafter, the backup restoration includes the case where the setting confirmation process is performed), the backup is restored in the state before the power failure. Therefore, for example, the game information display means before the power failure indicates. If the information of the special symbol is in the hit stop mode, it will be restored in the hit stop mode even after the backup is restored. Here, when the setting change process is executed, after the RAM clear process, as the information of the special symbol indicated by the game information display means, a value indicating a loss stop mode, a value indicating non-lighting, or other specific value If (display mode not used during the game) is set, there is a contradiction with the display mode of the special symbol at the time of backup restoration, and this causes backup restoration (that is, non-setting change) or setting change processing is performed. It will be determined by the player. This applies not only to the information of the special symbol indicated by the game information display means, but also to the information of the ordinary symbol. Therefore, when the backup is restored, the information on whether or not the special symbol is changing (for example, the special symbol status used in step S1204 may be used) is confirmed, and if it is determined that the special symbol is not changing, the game is played. The display mode of the special symbol indicated by the information display means may be set to a value indicating a loss stop mode, a value indicating non-lighting, or another specific value (a display mode not used during the game). By doing so, even if the information of the special symbol indicated by the game information display means is a display mode indicating a hit when the backup is restored, a value indicating a loss stop mode, a value indicating non-lighting, or other specific value Since it is possible to rewrite the display mode so that it is not used during the game, it can be configured so as not to cause a contradiction with the setting change process.
Here, it was decided to confirm the information on whether or not the special symbol is changing (for example, the special symbol status used in S1204 may be used) if the special symbol is changing. This is because the information of the special symbol being changed is rewritten as a loss, and if the change is a change of a hit, a contradiction that the hit is displayed in a lost mode occurs. .. Such a contradiction cannot be said to meet the standards that can be provided to the market as a gaming machine, and is an event that should never occur. Therefore, the configuration is as described above. In this way, when the backup is restored, if a specific condition (during non-variation, waiting for a customer, etc.) is satisfied by referring to the information of the special symbol, the information of the special symbol of the game information display means may be rewritten. Often, the same information is displayed on the game information display means when the backup is restored when a specific condition (state before power failure is not changing, waiting for customers, etc.) is satisfied, and when the RAM is cleared or the setting is changed. It can be specified as a display mode of a special symbol, and it becomes possible to make it difficult to determine whether or not the setting change process has been performed. Further, the same configuration may be made by referring not only to the information of the special symbol but also to whether or not the customer is in the waiting state, which can occur only during the non-variation of the special symbol. Further, it is desirable that not only the special symbol but also the normal symbol indicated by the game information display means has the same configuration. As a result, it is possible to configure the normal symbol as well as the special symbol so that there is no contradiction in the display mode when the backup is restored and when the setting is changed. Further, in order to determine whether or not the special symbol is changing, the normal symbol status may be used for the normal symbol as well as the special symbol status is used. Here, since the normal symbol status plays the same role as the special symbol status, the explanation is omitted. In this way, by referring to the information used during the game and realizing it, it is not necessary to newly set a flag, so that it is possible to solve the above-mentioned problems without increasing the data capacity. Further, the above-mentioned contents are related to the game information display means controlled by the main control unit 20, but are information to be displayed on the display means controlled by the effect control unit 24, such as a decorative symbol display, a mini symbol display, or the like. It is desirable that these pieces of information, such as the display related to the symbol, have the same display mode when the backup is restored and when the RAM is cleared and / or the setting is changed.
As another method, a work for storing the display data of the special symbol of the game information display means or a work for storing the display data of the normal symbol is provided in the RAM area where the RAM clear process is not performed during the RAM clear process. You may do so. By doing so, the display mode of the special symbol or the normal symbol of the game information display means can be restored to the state before the power failure in any case when the backup is restored, when the RAM is cleared, and / or when the setting is changed. .. As a result, in any case, since the display mode depends on the state before the power failure, the display mode after the restoration is not constant, and it is possible to make it difficult to determine whether or not the setting change process has been performed. It becomes.

Further, the information on which the setting change processing or the setting confirmation processing has been performed may be displayed as a history display. Here, when displaying, it is desirable to display by the display means controlled by the effect control unit 24 side. As the display, for example, the date and time when the setting change process or the setting confirmation process is performed may be displayed. Further, as a result of the setting change process, the set value may be displayed together. Further, the set value confirmed as the setting confirmation process may be displayed together. In addition, a certain set value may indicate how long the game has been played. Specifically, the date and time and time from the setting of a certain setting value to the next change may be displayed. Further, the date and time and time from when the power is turned on until the game is played according to a certain set value and then the power is turned off may be displayed. Further, when the set value is an abnormal value, the date and time when the set value is determined to be an abnormal value may be displayed. Further, the date and time from the determination of the abnormal value to the setting of the normal set value may be displayed. In addition, originally, the set value is not changed during the game, or the set value does not change from the normal value to the abnormal value, but when the set value is changed even during the game due to noise or goto action. May store the date and time and display it as a history display. Further, the number of times the RAM clear processing and the backup restoration processing have been performed and the date and time information may be similarly displayed. Further, it is desirable that the history display is displayed by the display means while the setting confirmation process is being performed or the setting change process is being performed. Further, if a predetermined operation input is made while the setting confirmation process or the setting change process is being performed, the display means may be configured to display the history. Further, even during the game, if there is a predetermined operation input, the display means may be configured to display the history.

Here, an SRAM (Static RAM) may be provided on the effect control unit 24 side, and the history display information may be stored in the SRAM. The effect control unit 24 reads the SRAM information and saves it in the internal work when the power is turned on. Then, at a predetermined timing described later, a process of storing the information of the internal work in the SRAM is performed. Basically, the history display information is stored in the SRAM, but when the history display information is updated, the value of the internal work is updated. By updating the value of the internal work at the time of updating in this way, it is not necessary to access the SRAM every time the update is performed, the access frequency can be reduced, and the processing speed can be increased. Further, as the timing for storing the updated internal work information in the SRAM, the elapsed time stored in the internal work is referred to, and when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the history display information data is stored in the SRAM. You may try to remember it. In addition, the value of the internal work is set to SRAM at the timing when the setting confirmation command, the setting confirmation end command, the setting change command, the setting completion command, etc., which are transmitted from the main control unit 20 side to the effect control unit 24 side, are transmitted. You may try to memorize it in. Here, since the setting confirmation command, the setting confirmation end command, the setting change command, and the setting completion command are transmitted, new history display information will be added at that time, so a new history display is first performed. It is desirable to perform the process of storing the information in the SRAM after storing the information in the internal work. Further, at this time, the backup data may be stored in the backup area of the SRAM (hereinafter, the area for storing the history display information of the SRAM is set as the main area, and the backup data is stored. Use the area as the backup area). Further, a sum value may be calculated for the information of the internal work and stored in the SRAM in the same manner. As a result, for example, when the history display information stored in the SRAM is read into the internal work at the timing when the power of the effect control unit 24 is turned on or the timing of displaying the history display information, the sum of the read internal work is read. By comparing the value with the stored sum value, it is possible to determine whether or not the history display information is normal. Here, if the history display information read into the internal work is not normal, the history display information stored for backup from the SRAM may be read into the internal work. Also, at this time, the sum value of the read internal work and the sum value stored for backup may be compared to determine whether or not the data is normal. Then, when it is determined that the history display information for backup is also not normal, the initialization data may be written to the SRAM after initializing the information of the internal work. Also, the initialization data is written to the backup area of the SRAM. On the other hand, when it is determined that the history display information for backup is normal, the information of the internal work is written to the main area of the SRAM. As a result, the history display information stored in the main area determined to be abnormal can be rewritten to the normal one.
Specifically, the following information may be stored in the main area and the backup area in which the history display information of the SRAM is stored.
That is, the checksum storage area (2 bytes), the latest history position information storage area (2 bytes), the elapsed time storage area (4 bytes), and the history 50 storage area (300 bytes).
Here, the checksum value is stored in the checksum storage area. In the latest history position information storage area, position information for storing the latest history display is stored. For example, when up to 30 histories are currently stored, the history information to be stored next is the 31st, so the position information to be stored as the information of the 31st history is stored. Here, when the maximum number of history information to be stored is 50, when a new history is stored after the 50 history, the information in the first history is overwritten. , The latest history position information storage area is information indicating the first history. The history information is stored in the history 50 storage area, and as described above, the setting confirmation process, the information of the setting value at that time, the date and time, and the setting determined as the setting change process are stored. The value information, the date and time, and the information indicating the continuous setting time from the setting value to the next change are stored.

Further, while the history display information is being displayed, the history display information may be switched by using the cross key or the PUSH button on the front side of the gaming machine. Specifically, when the screen displayed first is the first page, the latest history information is set as the first page, and the history information up to the tenth page is displayed in a form retroactive to the past. Then, by operating the left and right keys of the cross key, the page is switched to the second page, and then the history information from the 11th to the 20th is displayed. This can be switched up to the 5th page, and up to a total of 50 histories can be displayed. Therefore, at the timing when the page switching operation is performed, only the history information that needs to be displayed on the next page to be displayed is transmitted to the liquid crystal control CPU or the display means by a command. It becomes. Further, the display of the first page of the history display information may be started when the PUSH button is operated.
Further, if the PUSH button is operated while displaying the history display information on any of the first to fifth pages, the display of the history display information may be terminated. Further, if the setting confirmation process or the setting change process is being performed only once, the history display information can be switched between display and non-display as many times as necessary by operating the PUSH button.
Further, as the history display information, information indicating that specific error information has occurred may also be displayed.
In addition, it is desirable to hide the performance display monitor that displays the base value while the history display information is being displayed. It is also desirable not to check the operation of the performance display monitor while the history display information is being displayed. Further, the volume / light amount adjustment may be effective even while the history display information is being displayed. At this time, although the adjustment is effective, it is desirable not to display the adjustment content on the display means.
Further, the contents and state of the performance display monitor may be displayed on the liquid crystal display, and in that case, it is desirable to display the contents and the state at a position that does not overlap with the history display information. Further, the volume / light amount may be configured to be non-adjustable. In this case, there is no risk that the history display information and the display overlap, and the degree of freedom in designing the screen configuration is increased.

Further, it is desirable not to execute at least the initialization operation of the movable body on the board side during the display of the history display information. As a result, it is possible to prevent the movable body on the board side from moving to the front side of the display means and hindering the visibility of the display screen. Further, the movable body on the frame side may also be prevented from executing the initialization operation in the same manner. However, the movable body on the frame side may be initialized if there is no possibility of obstructing the display screen. In this case, for example, the initializing operation of the vibrating means mounted on the operating means, the air ejecting means from which the air is ejected, or the like may also be performed. As a result, the initialization operation of the movable body on the frame side can be completed first, so that after the history display information is completed, that is, after the setting confirmation process and the setting change process are completed, the movable body on the board side It is efficient because you only have to initialize it. Further, the present invention is not limited to this, and the initialization operation may be performed for all the movable bodies after the history display information is completed.

Further, when the set value is changed while the harness connecting the main control unit 20 and the effect control unit 24 is disconnected, the main control unit 20 processes based on the changed set value. On the other hand, since the effect control unit 24 cannot know the information, it cannot be stored and displayed as the history display information. Therefore, by changing the set value with the harness disconnected, turning off the power once, and then turning on the power with the harness reconnected, the setting can be changed without leaving any evidence that the set value has been changed. You can do it. In order to prevent this, when the power is turned on, the main control unit 20 transmits the set value information to the effect control unit 24, and the effect control unit 24 transmits the stored set value information and the main control unit 20. If there is a contradiction by comparing with the information of the set value, an error notification may be performed using a lamp, a speaker, a liquid crystal display, or the like.
Further, in this case, the effect control unit 24 side may be set to the game stop state, and even if a command related to the game is transmitted from the main control unit 20, the processing based on the command is not performed. You may. Further, when the effect control unit 24 receives various commands transmitted when executing the setting change process or the RAM clear process, the main control unit 20 side is said to have performed the setting change process normally again. Judgment, memorize the newly determined setting value, and interrupt / cancel error notification (contradiction occurrence ⇒ error notification ⇒ power off ⇒ setting changing (non-error notification) ⇒ setting change completed (non-error notification)) You may try to do it. Further, when the power is turned on for the first time, there is no information on the set value on the effect control unit 24 side. Therefore, in such a case, when the information on the set value is transmitted from the main control unit 20. , It is desirable to configure so that error notification is not performed.

Here, in the above, an example in which the notification that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed is notified by the notification means (frame / panel lamp) controlled by the effect control unit 24 side, the speaker 46, the liquid crystal display device 36, or the like. As mentioned above, the notification may be performed by a panel lamp or a setting / performance display 97 controlled by the main control unit 20 side. Here, the board lamps controlled by the main control unit 20 are game information display means (special symbol display devices 38a, 38b and ordinary symbol display devices) provided on the game board 3 so that they can be visually recognized from the front of the game machine. 39a etc.) and so on.

The game information display means has a substrate provided with a plurality of (for example, 32, etc.) LEDs, and the plurality of LEDs are assigned to a plurality of types of light emitting display means, one or a plurality of the LEDs. Then, this game information display means receives signals directly from the main control unit 20 for various matters related to the symbol lottery determined on the main control unit 20 side, without going through the effect control unit 24, and has a plurality of types of the contents. It is designed to be notified by the light emitting display means of. In the description so far, special symbol display devices 38a and 38b and ordinary symbol display devices 39a have been exemplified as a plurality of types of light emitting display means possessed by the game information display means, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the normal game state is not limited to this. A high-probability display means for notifying whether or not a high-probability state has a high probability of becoming a big hit, an open extension state in which the opening time of the movable wing piece 47 is longer than in the normal gaming state, and / or a fluctuation time of a special symbol or a normal symbol. It is configured to include at least one of an open extension / time saving display means for notifying a time saving state, a right-handed display means capable of notifying right-handed information, and a round number displaying means for notifying the round number information of a jackpot game. You may. Further, when the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b are provided to enable variable display of the two special symbols, the first special reserved quantity display means, the second special reserved quantity display means, and the like are included. May be good.

Then, during the setting change and / or the setting confirmation, the LED constituting the game information display means is made to emit light in a predetermined light emitting mode, thereby notifying that the setting is being changed and / or the setting is being confirmed. You may. In this case, the light emitting mode of the game information display means may be one in which all of the LEDs are turned on, blinking, or the like, or a part of the above-mentioned plurality of types of light emitting display means may be turned on, blinking, or the like. At this time, it may be possible to identify whether the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed by changing the light emission mode between the setting being changed and the setting being confirmed, and conversely, the setting being being changed and the setting being being confirmed. By making the light emission mode the same in the above, it may not be possible to distinguish whether the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed.

In addition, the game cannot be played while the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed (specifically, the firing operation is impossible, the winning to the starting winning opening is invalid, or the processing related to the symbol change is not executed. In short, the timer interrupt processing for performing these processes as a program of the main control unit 20 has not yet been started), and the original light emission display is also displayed for each light emission display means of the game information display means. I can't do it. Therefore, no matter what mode of light emission the game information display means is used to notify the fact during the setting change and / or the setting confirmation, the hall officials mistakenly recognize that the notification is related to the symbol variation. Although it is unlikely that the game information will be displayed, more effective notification can be made by causing the game information display means to emit light as follows during setting change and / or setting confirmation.

That is, when notifying that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed by turning on / off / blinking all of the light emitting display means of the game information display means, the light emitting mode is visually confirmed by many LEDs. It can be made easier. In addition, when notifying only by a specific single light emitting display means, it becomes impossible to notify when the light emitting part of the light emitting display means is out of order, but when notifying using all the light emitting display means. Don't worry about that.

In addition, when notifying that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed by turning on / off / blinking or the like of any one of the plurality of types of light emitting display means of the game information display means, The program capacity for light emission control can be reduced as compared with the case where notification is performed using all the light emission display means. Further, in that case, when the light emitting display means is composed of a single light emitting unit (LED), the visibility is lower than that of the case where the light emitting display means is composed of a plurality of light emitting units, but the light is turned on from the main control unit 20. The program capacity for transmitting the control signal indicating / off / blinking can be further reduced.

In addition, when at least two or more of the plurality of types of light emitting display means of the game information display means are combined to turn on / off / blink, etc. to notify that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed, the current setting is being confirmed. It is possible to make it easier to recognize that the situation is not during the game but during the setting change or setting confirmation. For example, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine in which the special figure 2 is displayed in a variable manner in preference to the special figure 1, the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 do not change at the same time during the game, so the setting is being changed. By simultaneously turning on the light emitting display means corresponding to the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 during the setting confirmation, it is possible to easily recognize that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed. Of course, the other two or more light emitting display means may be used to notify that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed in a light emitting mode that cannot occur during the game.

In addition, at least one light emitting display means of the game information display means may be turned on / off / blinking in a light emitting mode that is impossible during the game to notify that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed. .. For example, when the round number display means for notifying the round number information of the jackpot game does not display in a blinking state during the game, the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed by blinking the round number display means. You may notify that.

Here, lighting / extinguishing / blinking and the like have been described as the light emitting mode of the light emitting display means of the game information display means, but the lighting and blinking in this case refer to those visually recognized as such. That is, when the game information display means is controlled by the dynamic lighting method, the blinking state is actually high speed even in the lighting state, but this is the lighting state. The blinking state refers to a case where the lighting state (high-speed blinking) and the extinguishing state (lighting off) are visually repeated at predetermined intervals.

Further, when controlling the light emitting display means of the game information display means during the game, the dynamic lighting method is used, and when controlling the light emitting display means of the game information display means during the setting change or the setting confirmation, the static lighting method is used. May be good. For example, since it is permitted to generate a timer interrupt process of 4 ms during the game, any light emitting unit of the light emitting display means of the game information display means is lit for each interrupt by using the process repeated every 4 ms. It is possible to switch the common data that determines whether to send the data related to, which makes it easy to perform dynamic lighting control that repeatedly turns on / off at predetermined intervals for each interrupt, while changing settings or checking settings. The inside is before the game is ready, and during this period, the occurrence of 4ms timer interrupt processing is not yet permitted, so if you try to execute the same processing, it is necessary to realize it. The program capacity becomes large. In that respect, if the control of the game information display means is a static lighting method during setting change or setting confirmation, data related to lighting is transmitted to any of the light emitting units of the game information display means. It is possible to reduce the program capacity overwhelmingly as compared with the case of dynamic lighting control. In this way, the lighting control method of the game information display means may be different between during the game, during the setting change, and / or during the setting confirmation.

Further, the game information display means may be provided with a light emitting display means for notifying that the setting is being changed and / or the setting is being confirmed, separately from the light emitting display means used during the game. In this case, a light emitting display means for notifying that the setting is being changed and a light emitting display means for notifying that the setting is being confirmed may be provided separately. When one type of light emitting display means (one or more light emitting units) notifies that the setting is being changed and the setting is being confirmed, the setting is being changed by changing the light emitting mode between the setting being changed and the setting being confirmed. It may be possible to identify whether the setting is being confirmed or the setting is being confirmed. Conversely, by making the light emission mode the same between the setting being changed and the setting being confirmed, it is possible to identify whether the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed. You may not be able to do it.

In addition, when the game information display means is provided with a light emission display means for notifying that the setting is being changed and a light emission display means for notifying that the setting is being confirmed, in addition to the light emission display means used during the game. It is desirable to arrange them so as to be adjacent to each other, but they may be arranged so as to sandwich another light emitting display means.

Further, regarding the notification during the setting change and the setting confirmation, it is possible to distinguish between the two depending on whether or not ". (Dot)" is added to the display information of the setting / performance indicator 97.
In addition, when there are a plurality of 7-segment displays constituting the setting / performance display 97, among the 7-segment displays, the 7-segment display that is not used for displaying the set value is used to determine these. It may be possible to notify that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed by setting the light emission mode of (lighting / extinguishing / blinking, etc.).

Further, since the performance information display means is always operated to display the base value during the game, basically, the control that the off state is continued for a predetermined time is not performed during the game. Therefore, in a state where the game is not in progress, such as when the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed, by intentionally continuing the off state, it is possible to recognize that the current state is not in the game, thereby changing the setting or confirming the setting. It is possible to notify that it is inside. In this way, in consideration of the original display mode of the performance information display means, it is possible to notify that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed by intentionally turning off the light instead of the lighting state. Even if a display that displays the set value and a display that displays the performance information are provided separately, it is possible to notify that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed based on the same idea. ..

Further, when the display unit displaying the set value notifies that the setting is being changed and / or the setting is being confirmed, the notification mode may be different between the setting being changed and the setting being confirmed. As each notification mode in this case, any combination of the above-mentioned light emission modes may be used, and at least the notification modes may be different. Further, the above-mentioned idea for notifying that the setting is being changed and / or the setting is being confirmed can also be applied to the case where the above-mentioned game information display means is light-emitting controlled.

Here, the merits of notifying the game information display means (panel lamp) and the setting / performance indicator 97 that the main control unit 20 side controls that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed will be described below.
If it is notified that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed only by the lamp / speaker / liquid crystal display means controlled by the effect control unit 24 side, a signal connecting the main control board and the effect control board is performed by a goto action. If the line is cut, it will not be possible to notify that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed. For example, it is possible to easily change the setting or confirm the setting without being known to the people involved in the hall. Will be possible. On the other hand, in addition to (or instead of) the lamp / speaker / liquid crystal display means controlled by the effect control unit 24 side, the game information display means (panel lamp) and the setting / performance display 97 controlled by the main control unit 20 side are used. By notifying that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed, the game information display means and the setting / performance display are displayed even if the signal line connecting the main control board and the effect control board is disconnected. Since the notification is performed by the vessel 97, it becomes possible for the person concerned with the hall to notice the goto act.

In addition, the game information display means that can be visually recognized from the front side of the game machine and the setting / performance display 97 that can be visually recognized from the rear side of the game machine are used to notify that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed. Then, it is possible to confirm the state of changing the setting or confirming the setting from both the front side and the rear side of the gaming machine.

Further, the game information display means controlled by the main control unit 20 side without notifying the lamp / speaker / liquid crystal display means (effect means) controlled by the effect control unit 24 side that the setting is being changed or the setting is being confirmed. Although it may be configured to be notified by the setting / performance display 97, the lamp / speaker / liquid crystal display means controlled by the effect control unit 24 side and the game information display means and settings controlled by the main control unit 20 side. -For example, the distinctiveness is further improved by configuring so as to notify both with the performance display 97.

Further, although the game information display means is exemplified as a board lamp for notifying that the setting is being changed and / or the setting is being confirmed, any light emitting means may be used as long as it is controlled by the main control unit 20 side. For example, it may be provided on either the board side or the frame side.

Further, when a part of a plurality of 7-segment display units constituting the setting / performance display 97 is used as a set value display means (hereinafter referred to as "set value display means"), it is used as the set value display means. As described above, it is also possible to use static lighting control (first display control) and dynamic lighting control (second display control) when used as a performance display means after the start of the game. However, if the 7-segment display unit constituting the setting / performance display 97 has specifications assuming only dynamic lighting control, there is a possibility that a problem may occur by performing static lighting control.

For example, as the absolute maximum rating of 7 segments for the setting / performance indicator 97, the maximum value of the forward current is 15 mA / seg (static), and the maximum value of the peak forward current is 60 mA / seg (duty1 / 5 pluse width 1 ms). ) (Dynamic), if only the base value is displayed, only the dynamic lighting control needs to be considered, so the maximum value of the peak forward current is 60 mA / seg (duty1 / 5 pluse width 1 ms). ) Can be set, but when static lighting control is performed when using it as a setting display means, the maximum value of the peak forward current is 60 mA / seg (duty1 / 5 pluse width 1 ms). ) And the current value must not exceed 15mA / seg, which is the maximum value of the forward current. Here, if the current value does not exceed 15 mA / seg, the brightness at the time of one lighting when performing the dynamic lighting control will decrease, and the lighting display when displaying the base value will flicker. There is a risk that it will end up.

Therefore, for example, the maximum value of the peak forward current does not exceed 60 mA / seg (duty1 / 5 pluse width 1 ms), and the current value is set to a range exceeding the maximum value of the forward current of 15 mA / seg. It is possible to configure the lighting display during lighting control so that flicker is unlikely to occur. In this case, since the current value is set in the range exceeding the maximum value of the forward current of 15 mA / seg, only the lighting data is simply transmitted when the static lighting control is performed during the setting change or the setting confirmation. If the lighting control is performed so as to repeat the above, the maximum value of the forward current is naturally exceeded, but the lighting data and the extinguishing data are alternately transmitted at predetermined intervals (the lighting data is continuously transmitted for a predetermined time). By repeating sending the extinguished data continuously for a predetermined time after sending), the maximum value can be increased even though the current value is set in the range exceeding the maximum value of 15 mA / seg of the forward current. It is possible to control the lighting so that it does not exceed the limit. In this way, pseudo dynamic lighting control using static lighting control may be realized. That is, at the time of dynamic lighting control when displaying the base value, by switching the common data for designating the 7-segment to be turned on, the lighting is controlled so as to repeat lighting / extinguishing, while when displaying the set value, the setting value is displayed. Similarly, if the common data is switched, the control program is increased by that amount. Therefore, the common data is not switched, and the control is performed so that the lighting data and the lighting data are alternately transmitted at predetermined intervals. In this case, since it is only necessary to switch the data to be transmitted at predetermined intervals, it is possible to realize the lighting control with far fewer programs than switching the common data. As described above, by devising the control method, it is possible to realize both static lighting control and dynamic lighting control so as not to exceed the absolute maximum rating of 7-segment display.

In addition, instead of performing such lighting control, the maximum value of the forward current is 60 mA / seg (static), and the maximum value of the peak forward current is 60 mA / seg (duty1 / 5 pluse width 1 ms) (dynamic). It is also conceivable to use a high quality 7-segment display as specified. In this case, since the absolute maximum rating value is superior to the above-mentioned 7-segment display, the unit price of parts naturally increases. If high-quality 7-segments are used for all of the plurality of 7-segments for displaying the base value (specifically, the four 7-segment display units 214a to 214d), the cost will be high. Therefore, of the 7-segments for displaying a plurality of base values (7-segment display units 214a to 214d), the 7-segment display (7-segment display unit 214a) for displaying the set value has an excellent absolute maximum rating value of the 7-segment display. , And for the other 7-segments for displaying the base value (7-segment display units 214b to 214d), the 7-segments having a low absolute maximum rating value may be used. As a result, the cost can be suppressed to the minimum necessary, and the program capacity can be reduced because it is not necessary to perform pseudo dynamic lighting control using static lighting control during setting change or setting confirmation. can.

For the 7-segment display that displays the set value, it was decided to use the 7-segment display, which has an excellent absolute maximum rating, but the maximum value of the peak forward current and the maximum value of the forward current are the same or higher. It suffices to use 7-segment which is an approximate value less than that. In addition, among the other specified as the absolute maximum rating of the 7-segment for base value display, the maximum value of the forward current of the 7-segment for setting value display is at least compared with the maximum value of the forward current. You may try to use the one that is set to a large value. In addition, among those specified as the absolute maximum rating of the 7-segment for base value display other than the set value display, the peak forward direction of the 7-segment for setting value display is compared with at least the maximum value of the peak forward current. It is preferable to use the one in which the maximum value of the current is set to an approximate value of the same value or more / less than that. In this way, the 7-segment display for set value is superior to the 7-segment display for base value in the absolute maximum rating of the forward current, and the absolute maximum rating of the peak forward current is the same. By using the one that is set to an approximate value of more than or less than that, the static lighting control during setting change or setting confirmation and the dynamic lighting control in the base value display during the game are common 7-segment. Even if it has to be done using, it can be easily realized. Of course, high-spec 7-segments may be used for all of the plurality of 7-segments for displaying the base value (including the 7-segments for setting display).

Further, in the above, when it is determined that the RAM is abnormal, the game is stopped, but at this time, the security signal may be output via the external terminal. Further, the type of the security signal output at this time may be the same as the security signal transmitted at the time of setting change or setting confirmation, or may be configured to transmit a different security signal. ..
Further, at this time, the error display may be performed in the 7-segment for displaying the set value (which may also be used as the 7-segment for displaying the base value). Regarding the error display, lighting data may be transmitted to obtain a predetermined lighting mode, or lighting data and blinking data may be alternately transmitted at predetermined intervals to obtain a predetermined blinking mode. Further, the error display may be performed by using the 7-segment for displaying the set value, and the 7-segment for displaying the base value may be turned off. Further, it may be configured to display an error by using both the 7-segment for displaying the set value and the 7-segment for displaying the base value.

Further, when displaying the set value, it is possible to acquire a lighting pattern corresponding to the current set value from the setting display data table and display it as the set value.
At this time, the lighting data for error display may be configured to output the lighting data without using the setting display data table. This is because when the RAM is abnormal, the value of the set value work is an abnormal value, and it is difficult to acquire an arbitrary value from the setting display data table based on the value of the set value work. Therefore, when a RAM is abnormal, it is desirable to configure so that the value is directly specified and output instead of the table selection method. In addition, this makes it possible to reduce the program capacity because a program for selecting data from the table is not required.

In addition, the security signal is output when the RAM clear processing is executed, and in that case, the security signal output during the setting change and the security signal output when the RAM clear processing is executed are common. It may be a signal. In the embodiment, the security signal is output during the setting change, and the output of the security signal is stopped when the setting change process is completed. However, the output is output without stopping the output of the security signal. It may be configured to maintain and stop the output of the security signal after the RAM clearing process is completed. Further, in this case, the timing for stopping the output of the security signal is not limited to after the end of the RAM clear processing, but may be a predetermined timing after the end of the RAM clear notification or during the RAM clear notification. Further, since it is sufficient that the security signal is output for a predetermined time, when the RAM clear processing is performed after the setting change processing is completed, the security signal being output is output for at least a predetermined time (example: 50 ms). Further, it may be configured to be maintained, and then the output of the security signal may be stopped when a predetermined time elapses. As a result, it is possible to guarantee the output of a security signal of at least 50 ms or more when executing the setting change + RAM clear.

Further, when the setting change processing is completed, the output of the security signal is temporarily stopped, and then when the RAM clear processing is executed, the security signal may be output again for a predetermined time (example: 50 ms). good.

Further, in the above, the setting value information is not cleared when the RAM is cleared, but some other information may not be cleared. For example, stop symbol information, error information, fluctuation pattern switching information, and the like can be mentioned.
Here, by not clearing the information of the stop symbol, it is not possible to guess from the stop symbol whether the setting change + RAM clear was executed or the backup was restored. By checking, it is possible to make it difficult to determine whether or not the setting has been changed.
Further, by not clearing a part or all of the error information, it is possible to continue to perform error notification or the like for the predetermined error information generated before the power failure even after the power failure.
In addition, by not clearing the fluctuation pattern switching information (eg, switching from the fluctuation pattern selection table A to the fluctuation pattern selection table B if it fluctuates 50 times during a high probability), the symbol changes a predetermined number of times after the setting change + RAM clear (example: switching from the fluctuation pattern selection table A to the fluctuation pattern selection table B). (50 rotations) is executed, the variable pattern selection table A is switched to the variable pattern selection table B. Therefore, for example, by executing the variable game a predetermined number of times in the hall in the morning, it can be determined whether or not the setting has been changed. It becomes possible to discriminate. In this way, it may be configured to enhance the interest of the game by intentionally configuring it so that the setting can be easily determined.
As described above, for various works set in the RAM area, the work that is cleared by the RAM clear processing and the work that is not cleared by the RAM clear processing are considered for playability and security. It may be configured to be used properly as needed. The above description is merely an example, and other works not described as an example may be configured so as not to clear the RAM in consideration of improvement in playability.

All the embodiments described so far may be configured in any combination, and the contents described in each embodiment are not limited to the individual embodiments.

1 Pachinko game machine 20 Main control board (main control unit)
201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
24 Production control board (Production control unit)
241 CPU
242 ROM
243 RAM
36 Liquid crystal display 38a, 38b Special design display device 45 Decorative lamp 45a Light display device 46 Speaker 46a Sound generator 61 Front door open sensor 94 Setting key switch 97 Setting / performance display 98 RAM clear switch

Claims (1)

Control means for performing control processing related to the game,
A storage means capable of reading and writing information by the control means, and a storage means.
A storage information clearing means capable of executing a clearing process for clearing the information of the storage means, and a storage information clearing means.
A display means for displaying predetermined information calculated based on the game results, and
A display control means that controls the display of the display means,
An interrupt processing start means for starting interrupt processing for executing processing related to a game at predetermined intervals, and
Equipped with anomaly detection means that can detect anomalies related to gaming machines,
The display control means
After the clearing process is completed, the operation confirmation display of the display means is executed for a predetermined time by the interrupt process started by the interrupt process start means.
A gaming machine that continues the operation confirmation display even when a predetermined abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means during the operation confirmation display.

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