JP2023038646A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a novel game machine.SOLUTION: A freeze pre-initiation rendering is executed in a first rendering period. A freeze in-execution rendering A is executed in a second rendering period after the first rendering period. In the first rendering period, a secondary figure number E1 (rendering symbol) is displayed in a liquid crystal display unit. In the second rendering period, the secondary figure number E1 including a reduction embodiment is not displayed in the liquid crystal display unit. However, a secondary figure background E2 is displayed. In the second rendering period, the secondary figure number E1 including the reduction embodiment is not displayed in the liquid crystal display unit, therefore an obstructive display of the in-execution of the freeze in-execution rendering A is removed, and a rendering effect of the freeze in-execution rendering A can be improved, and as a result, a novel game machine can be provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine for executing games.

In Patent Document 1, even during the freeze period, the variable display of the decorative pattern displayed in a reduced size on the upper left of the screen, the animation of the pending icon, the animation of the variable icon, and the display switching of the fourth pattern are frozen. A technology that has not been developed and is being continuously practiced is disclosed.

JP 2016-158840 A

In recent years, only game machines having similar game characteristics have been proposed, and novel game machines are desired. This point is the same for pachinko machines and slot machines.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel gaming machine.

The present invention employs the following solutions to solve the above problems. It should be noted that the following solutions and words in parentheses are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. Further, the present invention can be an invention that includes at least one of the invention-specifying matters shown in the following means for solving the problem. Furthermore, each of the matters specifying the invention shown in the following solutions can be converted into a higher-level concept by adding elements that limit the matters specifying the invention, or can be made into a higher-level concept by deleting elements that limit the matters specifying the invention. .

Solution 1: The gaming machine of this solution means is a gaming machine capable of executing a specific effect including a first effect and a second effect, wherein the first effect is executed in a first effect period, The second effect is executed in a second effect period after the first effect period, during the first effect period, effect patterns are displayed on a predetermined display device, and during the second effect period, The game machine is characterized in that the production pattern is not displayed on the predetermined display device, including a reduced form.

The gaming machine of this solving means has the following configuration.
(1) A gaming machine capable of executing a specific effect (freeze effect, advance notice effect, variable display effect, etc.) including a first effect (pre-freeze start effect) and a second effect (freeze execution effect A). .
(2) The first effect is executed during the first effect period.
(3) The second effect is executed in the second effect period after the first effect period.
(4) During the first effect period, the effect symbols are displayed on a predetermined display device (liquid crystal display). For example, if the predetermined display device is a gaming machine equipped with one liquid crystal display device, it can be the single liquid crystal display device. For example, all liquid crystal displays can be used.
(5) During the second effect period, the effect symbols are not displayed on the predetermined display device, including the reduced mode.

According to this solution means, during the second performance period, the performance pattern is not displayed on the predetermined display device, including the reduced mode, so that the obstructive display during the second performance is eliminated, and the performance effect of the second performance is achieved. As a result, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine.

Solution 2: In any one of the above-described solution means, the gaming machine of the present solution means is such that the specific effect includes a third effect, and the third effect is a third effect period after the second effect period. In the first effect period, the volume of the effect sound being notified is the first volume, and in the second effect period, the volume of the effect sound being notified is the second volume, and the volume of the effect sound being notified is the second volume. In the third effect period, the volume of the effect sound being notified is the third volume, the first volume is higher than the third volume, and the third volume is higher than the second volume. It is a gaming machine that

In this solution, the following configuration is added.
(6) The specific effect includes a third effect (freeze-in-execution effect B).
(7) The third effect is executed in the third effect period after the second effect period.
(8) In the first effect period, the volume of the effect sound being notified is the first volume.
(9) In the second effect period, the volume of the effect sound being notified is the second volume.
(10) In the third effect period, the volume of the effect sound being notified is the third volume.
(11) The first volume is greater than the third volume, and the third volume is greater than the second volume (first volume > third volume > second volume). Note that the second volume may be 0 (mute, no sound).

According to this solution means, since the second volume is the lowest volume, the effect sound of the second volume does not interfere with the second effect, and the effect of the image of the second effect can be improved. As a result, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine.

Solution 3: In any one of the above-described solution means, the gaming machine of the present solution means is such that the specific effect includes a third effect, and the third effect is a third effect period after the second effect period. In the first effect period, the type of effect sound being notified is the first type, and in the second effect period, the type of effect sound being notified is the second type, and the type of effect sound being notified is the second type. In the 3rd effect period, the type of the effect sound notified is the third type, the first type is more than the third type, and the third type is more than the second type. It is a gaming machine that

In this solution, the following configuration is added.
(12) The specific effect includes a third effect (freeze-in-execution effect B).
(13) The third effect is executed in the third effect period after the second effect period.
(14) In the first effect period, the type of effect sound being notified is the first type.
(15) In the second effect period, the type of effect sound being notified is the second type.
(16) In the third effect period, the type of effect sound being notified is the third type.
(17) The first type is more than the third type, and the third type is more than the second type (first type>third type>second type). Note that the second type may be 0 (none).

According to this solution means, since the number of the second types is the least, the production sound by the second type does not interfere with the second production, and the production effect by the image of the second production can be improved. As a result, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine.

Solution 4: In any one of the above-described solution means, the gaming machine of the present solution means is such that the specific effect includes a third effect and a fourth effect, and the third effect is the second effect period. The fourth effect is executed in a fourth effect period after the third effect period, and in the third effect period, an operation requesting an operation on a predetermined operation means A request effect can be executed, and the transition from the third effect period to the fourth effect period is conditioned on the operation of the predetermined operation means during the operation request effect, and the predetermined operation means. is operated, notification of the effect light, the effect sound, and the effect image is executed at the same time, and the start timing of the effect light and the start timing of the effect sound are synchronized. has a first time difference, a second time difference between the start timing of the effect sound and the start timing of the effect image, and a third time difference between the start timing of the effect image and the start timing of the effect light. The first time difference is shorter than the second time difference, and the first time difference is shorter than the third time difference.

In this solution, the following configuration is added.
(18) The specific effect includes a third effect (effect B during freeze execution) and a fourth effect (effect after freezing ends).
(19) The third effect is executed in the third effect period after the second effect period.
(20) The fourth effect is executed in the fourth effect period after the third effect period.
(21) During the third effect period, it is possible to execute an operation request effect requesting an operation of a predetermined operation means (push button).
(22) The transition from the third presentation period to the fourth presentation period is conditioned on the operation of a predetermined operation means during the operation request presentation.
(23) Triggered by the operation of a predetermined operating means, the notification of the effect light, the effect sound, and the effect image is executed at the same time.
(24) There is a first time difference between the start timing of the effect light and the start timing of the effect sound.
(25) There is a second time difference between the start timing of the effect sound and the start timing of the effect image.
(26) There is a third time difference between the start timing of the effect image and the start timing of the effect light.
(27) The first time difference is shorter than the second time difference, and the first time difference is shorter than the third time difference (first time difference < second time difference, first time difference < third time difference).

According to this solution means, since the first time difference is the shortest time difference, the effect light and the effect sound are output closest to each other, and the synergistic effect of the effect by the light and the sound can be improved. As a result, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine; FIG. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine. It is a front view showing a game board unit alone. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board unit. It is a block diagram showing various electronic devices installed in the pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure in a production|presentation control apparatus. 10 is a flowchart (1/2) showing an example of a procedure of CPU initialization processing; 10 is a flowchart (2/2) showing an example of a procedure of CPU initialization processing; 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure of timer interrupt processing; It is a continuous diagram showing an example of effect images corresponding to the variable display and the stop display of the special symbol. It is a continuous diagram showing the flow of the super ready-to-win effect that is executed during the variable display of the special symbol. It is a continuation diagram which shows the production example of freeze production (1/5). It is a continuation diagram which shows the production example of freeze production (2/5). It is a continuous diagram showing an example of a freeze effect (3/5). It is a continuation diagram which shows the production example of freeze production (4/5). It is a continuation diagram which shows the production example of freeze production (5/5). 4 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the effect light, the effect sound, and the effect image; It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of production|presentation control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of operation memory production|presentation management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of production|presentation design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of production|presentation design change pre-processing. It is a flow chart showing a configuration example of processing when the variable winning device is activated. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for advance notice selection processing;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as "pachinko machine") 1. As shown in FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. FIG.

The pachinko machine 1 uses game balls as game media. In the game in the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium having a game value, and the privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, the game ball acquired by the player. can be converted into a game value based on the number of Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

Here, in this specification, the left side as viewed from the player seated facing the pachinko machine 1 is defined as left, the right side as viewed from the player is defined as right, and the upper side as viewed from the player is defined as up. The lower side viewed from the player is referred to as the bottom, the near side viewed from the player is referred to as the front, and the far side viewed from the player is referred to as the rear.

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

The outer frame unit 2 is a structure in which wood and metal materials are combined in a vertically long rectangular shape. It is fixed using In the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used for the parts corresponding to the upper and lower short sides, and metal material is used for the parts corresponding to the left and right long sides.

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

A unified lock unit 9 is provided inside the right edge of the inner frame assembly 7 (left edge in FIG. 2) as viewed from the front in FIG. Correspondingly, locking devices (not shown) are also provided on the right side edges (rear sides) of the integrated door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, when the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame unit 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side locks the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly together with the lock. It disables the opening of 7.

A cylinder lock 6a with a keyhole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. As shown in FIG. For example, when the manager of the game arcade inserts the special key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 is actuated and the integrated door unit 4 can be opened together with the inner frame assembly 7. . When all of these are opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed on the front side.

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

The pachinko machine 1 also includes a game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4 . The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7 with the integrated door unit 4 opened to the front side, for example. The integrated door unit 4 has a vertically long circular window 4a formed in the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is mounted in the window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to match the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the rear side of the integrated door unit 4 via a fixture (not shown). A game area 8a (game area where game balls flow down, board surface) is formed on the front surface of the game board unit 8, and the game area 8a can be visually recognized by the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integral door unit 4 is closed, a space is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface to allow the game balls to flow down.

[Structure of ball plate]
The receiving tray unit 6 has a shape projecting from the integrated door unit 4 to the front side as a whole, and an upper tray 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. In the upper tray 6b, game balls lent to the player (rental balls) and game balls obtained by winning prizes (prize balls) can be stored. Further, the tray unit 6 is formed with a lower tray 6c below the upper tray 6b. In the lower tray 6c, the game balls put out while the upper tray 6b is full are stored. The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is a model connected to a card unit, and the game balls borrowed by the player are received from the payout device unit 172 on the back side separately from the prize balls. 6c) is paid out.

A lending operation unit 14 is provided on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged in the lending operation unit 14. - 特許庁When the player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.) inserted into a card unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined number of points (for example, 5 points) (For example, 125) game balls are rented. For this reason, a frequency display section (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the lending operation section 14, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium inserted in the card unit is displayed on this frequency display section. By operating the return button 12, the player can receive the return of the valuable medium with remaining points. Although the example of the model connected to the card unit is described in the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a model not connected to the card unit).

Further, on the upper surface of the receiving tray unit 6, an upper tray ball removing button 6d is installed in front of the upper tray 6b, and a lower tray ball removing lever 6e is provided in the center before the lower tray 6c. is installed. The player can cause the game balls stored in the upper tray 6b to flow down to the lower tray 6c by, for example, pressing the upper tray ball removal button 6d. In addition, the player can drop and discharge the game balls stored in the lower tray 6c by pushing the lower tray ball extraction lever 6e backward. The ejected game balls are received, for example, in a ball receiving box (not shown).

A handle unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the tray unit 6 . A player can operate the shooting control board set 174 by operating the handle unit 16 to shoot (hit) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball shooting device). The shot game ball rises from the lower edge of the game board unit 8 along the left edge, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (no reference numerals in the figure), etc. are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown game ball flows down the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmills. The configuration inside the game area 8a will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

[Composition of the front of the frame]
The integrated door unit 4 is provided with a left top lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 as components for presentation. Among them, the left top lens unit 47 incorporates a glass frame top lamp 46 and a left glass frame decoration lamp 48 , and the upper right illumination unit 49 incorporates a right glass frame decoration lamp 50 . In addition, left and right glass frame decoration lamps 52 are installed in the integral door unit 4 so as to be continuous below the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49. These glass frame decoration lamps 52 are It extends from the left and right edges of the integrated door unit 4 to the upper side of the tray unit 6 so as to wrap around. In the integrated door unit 4, the glass frame top lamp 46, the left and right glass frame decorative lamps 48, 50, 52, etc. are arranged so as to surround the glass unit.

The various lamps 46, 48, 50, 52 described above perform effects by, for example, light emission from built-in LEDs (lighting, blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, etc.). In the upper part of the integrated door unit 4, the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49 each incorporate an upper glass frame speaker 54, and the left and right glass frame decorative lamps 52 each incorporate an in-glass frame speaker 55. is built in. On the other hand, an inner frame speaker 56 is incorporated in the lower right position of the inner frame assembly 7 (the upper left position of the handle unit 16 as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1), and an outer frame speaker 56 is installed in the lower left position of the outer frame unit 2. 58 is incorporated. These speakers 54, 55, 56, and 58 output sound effects, BGM, voices, etc. (general sound) to execute production.

An operation unit 60 is installed in the center of the tray unit 6 so as to protrude from the upper tray 6b toward the upper front side. The operation unit 60 has a large push button 64 in its center and a handle lever 62 on the left side of the push button 64 . The operation unit 60 is capable of receiving operations in various scenes shown on the production. The player pulls the handle lever 62 toward the front side in one scene of the performance, and pushes the push button 64 in another scene. By operating the operation unit 60 in various modes, the player can switch the contents of the effect (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42), for example, while the symbols are changing, the big win is being confirmed, or the big win is being displayed. During the game, it is possible to generate some kind of effects (announcement effects, variable probability promotion effects, promotion effects during big roles, etc.).

A ring-shaped portion 65 is installed around the push button 64 so as to surround the push button 64 . Unlike the handle lever 62 and the push button 64, the ring-shaped part 65 is a member provided for decoration, and rotates counterclockwise in conjunction with the pull-in operation of the handle lever 62. As shown in FIG. In addition, the ring-shaped portion 65 has a plurality of cells that are separated at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. These cells cannot be operated by the player, but they are effectively used to inform the player of the operation method.

When the player is requested to perform some kind of operation, a reduced image representing the operation method of the operation unit 60 is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 . At this time, each cell of the ring-shaped portion 65 in the reduced image is expressed as if it were a lamp, in order to inform the player of the time during which the specified operation can be performed (effective operation time). be. More specifically, the ring-shaped portion 65 in the reduced image is represented as if all the cells are lit when it becomes operable, and the cells are turned off one by one as the remaining time decreases. When the remaining time runs out, all the cells are turned off. The actual ring-shaped portion 65 does not have a light source and does not turn on/off like the ring-shaped portion 65 shown in the reduced image displayed on the screen. By switching the lighting/lighting out of the portion 65 in this manner, the player can intuitively grasp the remaining time of the operation.

Further, the push button 64 is structured so as to protrude greatly upward when a predetermined trigger occurs during the progress of the game. When the push button 64 protrudes, it protrudes to a height approximately three times higher than normal. Push button 64 has a light source therein. The push button 64 normally emits light in one color (for example, blue) or in multiple colors, but when it is protruding, it can emit more colorful light to exhibit a strong presence. Such an operation of the push button 64 makes it possible for the player to recognize that the pressing operation of the button required in this scene is particularly important.

Although the handle lever 62 and the push button 64 are mounted on the same operation unit 60 in this embodiment, the handle lever 62 and the push button 64 may be provided as independent members.

In addition, a directional key 66 is provided on the upper surface of the tray unit 6 adjacent to the lending operation section 14 . The direction key 66 is composed of four key switches indicating the up, down, left, and right directions arranged in a cross shape, and the key switches for each direction can be independently pressed. The player can arbitrarily move the cursor or the like displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display by pressing the direction key 66 in various scenes of the effect. Although not shown in the drawings, near the rental operation unit 14, there are a volume control switch having an upper button for raising the volume and a lower button for lowering the volume, and an upper button for raising the brightness and a lower button for lowering the brightness. There is a brightness adjustment switch.

[Decoration unit]
A decoration unit 400 is attached to the front upper portion of the pachinko machine 1. - 特許庁The decoration unit 400 can be attached to and detached from the pachinko machine 1 by a predetermined attachment member (mechanical mechanism such as screws and hooks). Note that the decoration unit 400 may be one that cannot be removed from the pachinko machine 1 .
The decoration unit 400 (decoration) is a box-shaped member, and is composed of a transparent or translucent member that transmits light.

The decoration unit 400 includes a main body unit 410 arranged above and a front lamp unit 420 arranged below the main body unit 410 .

The main body unit 410 is a cubic member on which predetermined character information is displayed, and emits light when an LED (glass frame top lamp 46) arranged in the rear integrated door unit 4 emits light.

Also, the front lamp unit 420 is a member in which a hemispherical member is combined with a cylindrical member, and emits light when an LED (board lamp 53) arranged on the rear game board unit 8 emits light.

The cylindrical member is preferably colorless and transparent in order to improve the visibility of the upper ball passage 500, and the hemispherical member is preferably colored and transparent in order to improve the presentation effect.

[Composition of the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 includes a power control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a payout device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, a payout control board unit 176, and a back cover. A unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) that constitute the power system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. Electronic devices will be further described later with reference to other block diagrams (FIGS. 5 and 6).

The main control board unit 170 incorporates a main control device, and the performance display monitor 200 is connected to the main control device. The performance display monitor 200 is arranged in the main controller in a visible manner in the upper left area of the main control board unit 170 when the pachinko machine 1 is viewed from the back side, and has four 7-segment LEDs. Four 7-segment LEDs are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and each 7-segment LED consists of 7 segments that can display decimal Arabic numerals and a dot segment located in the lower right of the 7 segments. It is Performance display monitor 200 is visible through a transparent case covering main control board unit 170 .

The main controller is also provided with a RAM clear switch 304 and a keyhole 306 for setting keys. The RAM clear switch 304 is a switch used for clearing the RAM, that is, for initializing the RAM (RWM) provided in the main control device, and in this embodiment, it is also used as a switch for changing settings. be done. The setting key keyhole 306 is a keyhole for inserting a setting key required to change or refer to the game setting of the pachinko machine 1 .

The RAM clear switch 304 is depressible through a through hole formed in a transparent case covering the main control board unit 170 . Note that the RAM clear switch 304 may be arranged outside the transparent case. The setting key keyhole 306 is provided in a state in which the key cylinder passes through the transparent case (a state in which the transparent case surrounds the key cylinder). Therefore, the setting key can be inserted and rotated while the transparent case remains sealed.

The positions of the performance display monitor 200, the RAM clear switch 304, and the keyhole 306 for setting keys are merely examples, and can be arranged at arbitrary positions. Further, the performance display monitor 200, the RAM clear switch 304, and the setting key keyhole 306 may be arranged outside the main controller and connected to the main controller.

The dispensing device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference numerals). , can store game balls replenished from a replenishment path (not shown). The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are led to the prize ball case through an upper prize ball gutter (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game balls delivered from the payout device unit 172 toward the tray unit 6 on the front side.

The external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, hall computer, etc.). and various external information signals representing maintenance status etc. .

The power cord 164 secures the power supply (electric power) necessary for the pachinko machine 1 to operate, for example, by being connected to a power supply (for example, AC 24V) installed in an island facility of the game arcade. The ground wire 166 is also connected to a ground terminal installed in the island equipment to secure the grounding of the pachinko machine 1 .

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. The game board unit 8 has a game board 8b serving as a base, and a game area 8a is formed on the front side of the game board 8b. The game board 8b is made of, for example, a transparent resin board, and when the game board unit 8 is fixed to the inner frame assembly 7, the front surface of the game board 8b is parallel to the glass unit. On the front surface of the game board 8b, a game area 8a is formed inside a substantially circular launch rail (no reference numeral). The launch rail extends clockwise from the lower left corner position of the game board 8b to the upper right corner position of the game board 8b.

In the game area 8a, a relatively large production unit 40 is arranged at its central position, and the game area 8a is largely divided into a left part, a right part and a lower part centering on the production unit 40. - 特許庁The left part of the game area 8a is the first game area (left hitting area) used in the normal game state (low probability non-time reduction state), and the right part of the game area 8a is the special game state (jackpot game state , small hit game state, low probability time shortening state, high probability time shortening state, etc.) is used in the second game area (right hitting area, specific area). The left portion of the game area 8a is also used in the high-probability non-time reduction state (advantageous game state). In addition, in the game area 8a, around the production unit 40, there are a middle starting winning opening 26, a starting gate 20, normal winning openings 22, 24, a variable starting winning device 28, a first variable winning device 30, and a second variable winning device. 31 etc. are distributed and installed.

Among them, the middle start winning opening 26 is arranged in the center of the lower part of the game area 8a. The starting gate 20, the variable starting winning device 28, the second variable winning device 31 and the first variable winning device 30 are arranged in this order from the top on the right side of the game area 8a. Here, the first variable winning device 30 is arranged on the right side of the middle starting winning port 26 , and the second variable winning device 31 is arranged on the upper right of the first variable winning device 30 . Furthermore, the three normal winning openings 22 on the left side are arranged in the left part of the game area 8a, and the single normal winning opening 24 (predetermined winning opening) on the right side is arranged at the lower left of the first variable winning device 30. there is

A game ball thrown into the game area 8a enters a middle starting prize winning port 26 and normal winning prize ports 22 and 24 in the process of flowing down, passes through a starting gate 20, and is a variable starting prize winning device at the time of operation. 28, the first variable winning device 30 during the opening operation, and the second variable winning device 31 during the opening operation. Here, the game ball flowing down the left side area of the game area 8a may enter mainly the middle start winning opening 26 or the normal winning opening 22.例文帳に追加On the other hand, the game ball flowing down the right side area of the game area 8a mainly passes through the starting gate 20, enters the variable starting winning device 28 during operation, or enters the first variable winning device 30 during opening operation. There is a possibility that the ball will enter, the ball will enter the second variable prize winning device 31 during the opening operation, or the ball will enter the normal prize winning opening 24. - 特許庁The game ball that has passed through the starting gate 20 continues to flow down in the game area 8a, but there are a middle starting winning opening 26, normal winning openings 22, 24, a variable starting winning apparatus 28, a first variable winning apparatus 30, and a second variable winning opening. A game ball entered into the device 31 is recovered to the back side of the game board unit 8 through a through hole formed in a game board (a plywood material, a transparent board, etc. that constitute the game board unit 8).

Here, in the present embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 8a (board surface), when a game ball is entered into the middle start winning opening 26 or the normal winning opening 22, the left side area (left-handed hitting) in the game area 8a It is necessary to hit a game ball (perform a so-called "left hit") in the area).

On the other hand, when the game ball is entered into the variable start-up winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, or the normal winning opening 24, the area of the right side of the game area 8a (right-handed area ) (executing the so-called “right-handed hitting”).

In this embodiment, the variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied (when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined stop display time in a winning manner), and accordingly, the right start It is possible to enter the ball into the winning hole 28a (predetermined ball entry hole) (ordinary electric accessories). The variable start-up winning device 28 is provided with a tongue-type opening/closing member 28b. In the illustrated state, the opening/closing member 28b is in a position (retreat position) recessed from the board surface, making it impossible or difficult for the game ball to enter the right start winning hole 28a. On the other hand, when the opening/closing member 28b moves to the position (driving position) where the opening/closing member 28b protrudes forward from the board surface, the opening/closing member 28b receives the game ball flowing down from above and guides the game ball to the right start winning opening 28a (right It becomes possible or easier for the ball to enter the start winning opening 28a). The variable start-up winning device 28 may be a device that opens the right start-up prize opening by displacing the opening/closing member so as to fall forward with its lower edge portion as a hinge.

The first variable winning device 30, when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a big win or a small win), a predetermined first condition (for example, from the first round of the big win game) 5th round or 7th round to 10th round condition, condition that the small winning game is open) is satisfied, and it is possible to enter the first big winning hole 30b. (special electric accessory, first special entry event generating means).

The first variable winning device 30 is a device (so-called lower attacker) arranged on the right side of the middle start winning opening 26, and has, for example, one opening/closing member 30a. The first variable winning device 30 is of a type in which the opening/closing member 30a slides inside the board surface (sliding attacker). The opening/closing member 30a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using, for example, a solenoid (not shown). The opening/closing member 30a is in the closed position (closed state) in a state in which it protrudes from the board surface toward the player side. is impossible or difficult (the first big winning hole 30b is closed). Then, when the first variable prize winning device 30 operates, the opening/closing member 30a is pulled into the inside of the board to open the first big prize winning port 30b (open state). During this time, the first variable winning device 30 is in a state in which the inflow of game balls is not impossible (possible or easy), and the event of the ball entering the first big winning hole 30b can be generated.

The second variable winning device 31, like the first variable winning device 30, when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a jackpot mode), a predetermined second condition (for example condition that it is the 6th round of the jackpot game) is satisfied, enabling the ball to enter the second big winning hole 31b (specific winning hole) (special electric accessory, second special winning ball event generating means).

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

Further, inside the second variable winning device 31, a guiding passage 31c for guiding a game ball entering the second variable winning device 31 is arranged. The guiding path 31c extends downward from the second big prize winning opening 31b, turns left from there, extends downward to the left, and then extends downward again.

A second count switch 85 is arranged upstream of the guide passage 31c, and a variable probability region blade member 31d and a variable probability region hole 31e are arranged midstream of the guide passage 31c. A discharge port 31f (discharge area) is arranged downstream of the .

A game ball entering the second variable winning device 31 is first detected by the second count switch 85 as entering. Here, when the probability variable region solenoid for operating the probability variable region blade member 31d is ON, the probability variable region blade member 31d rises to guide the game ball to the probability variable region hole 31e. On the other hand, when the probability variable region solenoid for operating the probability variable region blade member 31d is OFF, the probability variable region blade member 31d does not rise, so the game ball passes through the upper part of the probability variable region blade member 31d, It is guided to the outlet 31f.

[Probable variable area (specific area)]
Further, a variable probability region (no reference numeral) is provided inside the variable probability region hole 31e. The variable probability area is an area through which the game ball cannot pass when the second variable winning device 31 is in a closed state, and the blade member 31d for the variable probability region operates when the second variable winning device 31 is in an open state. If it is, it is an area through which the game ball can pass.

There is a possibility that the variable probability area blade member 31d will operate during the big hit game. The operation pattern of the variable probability region blade member 31d opens the variable probability region for a short period of time (for example, 0.1 seconds) at the same time as the start of the round, and then closes the variable probability region for a long period of time after closing it for several seconds (about 2 to 3 seconds). Apply either a long open pattern that opens long (for example, about 20 seconds) or a short open pattern that only opens the probability variable area for a short period of time (for example, 0.1 seconds) at the start of the round. . Which operation pattern to operate the variable probability area blade member 31d can be selected according to the winning pattern. Specifically, a long open pattern for long opening the probability variable area is selected when the probability variable pattern is won, and a short open pattern for short opening the probability variable area is selected when the normal pattern is won.

In addition, the operation pattern of the probability variable region blade member 31d applies only the pattern in which the probability variable region blade member 31d opens long, and when the first variable winning device 30 opens short and the round ends, the probability variable region It is also possible to eliminate the opportunity for the blade member 31d to open for a long time. In addition, since the game ball does not reach the variable probability region blade member 31d in the short-term opening executed at the same time as the start of the round, it is difficult for the game ball to be guided to the probability variable region by this operation.

Then, when the game ball passes through the variable probability area during the big win game, the state is shifted from the low probability state to the high probability state after the big win game ends. At this time, the state may be shifted from the non-time-reduction state to the time-reduction state (high-probability time-reduction state). On the other hand, when the game ball does not pass through the variable probability area during the big win game, the state shifts to a low probability state after the big win game is over. At this time, the state may be shifted from the non-time-reduction state to the time-reduction state (low-probability time-reduction state).

A performance unit 40 is installed on the game board unit 8 from its central position to its right side. The effect unit 40 has an upper edge 40a that functions as a guide member for changing the direction of flow of the game ball, and has various decorative parts 40b and 40c inside. The decorative parts 40b and 40c enhance the decorativeness of the game board unit 8 by their three-dimensional shape, and can perform dramatic actions by emitting transmitted light from, for example, built-in light emitters (LEDs, etc.). . In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed inside the production unit 40, and various production images are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, including production patterns corresponding to special patterns. . Thus, the game board unit 8 impresses the player with the features of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface and the decorativeness of the effect unit 40. - 特許庁Further, when the game board 8b is a transparent resin board (for example, an acrylic board) as in the present embodiment, various decorations (including movable bodies and light-emitting bodies) are arranged not only on the front side but also behind the game board 8b. ) can add decorativeness.

In addition, inside the production unit 40, a drive source (for example, a motor, a solenoid, etc.) is attached together with a movable body 40f for production (for example, an ornament imitating a butterfly). The rendering movable body 40f can execute rendering involving the action of a tangible object, in addition to the rendering using an image by the liquid crystal display 42 and the rendering by the light emitting device. The effect using these movable bodies 40f can exert appealing power different from the effect using a two-dimensional image.

A ball guide passage 40d is formed on the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed on the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened diagonally upward to the left in the game area 8a, and when a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide passage 40d, it passes through the interior and rolls. It is released onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface, on which the game ball can freely roll in the horizontal direction. The game ball rolling on the rolling stage 40e eventually flows down into the lower game area 8a. A ball discharge path 40k is formed at the center position of the rolling stage 40e, and the game ball guided to the ball discharge path 40k from the rolling stage 40e easily flows into the medium start winning opening 26 directly below. .

In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8a, and game balls that do not enter (win a prize) in various winning ports are finally collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through the out port 32.例文帳に追加In addition, including the game ball entering the normal winning openings 22, 24, the middle starting winning opening 26, the right starting winning opening 28a, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device 31, is driven into the game area 8a. All the game balls that are caught are recovered to the back side of the game board unit 8.例文帳に追加The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and join the replenishment route of the island facility (not shown).

A rear lamp unit 430 is arranged above the game board unit 8 . The rear lamp unit 430 is arranged at a position overlapping the front lamp unit 420 .
An LED (not shown) is arranged in the rear lamp unit 430 as a board lamp, and when the LED is turned on, the front lamp unit 420 emits light.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing an enlarged part of the game board unit 8 (lower right position in the window 4a). The game board unit 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the lower right position in the window 4a, as well as a first special symbol display device 34, a second special symbol display device 35 and a A game state display device 38 is provided.

Among them, the normal design display device 33 alternately lights two lamps (LEDs), for example, to variably display the normal design, and stops displaying the normal design by lighting or extinguishing the lamp. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays the number of memories of 0 to 4 by a combination of extinguishing, lighting, and blinking of two lamps (LED), for example. For example, in the display mode in which both lamps are turned off, the stored number is displayed as 0, in the display mode in which one lamp is lit, the stored number is displayed as 1, and in the display mode where the same one lamp is blinked. The number of memories is displayed as 2, the number of memories is 3 in the display mode in which one lamp is blinking and the other lamp is lit, and the number of memories is 4 in the display mode in which both lamps are blinking. For example, to display an individual. Although two lamps (LED) are used here, four lamps (LED) may be used to form the normal symbol working memory lamp 33a. In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lamps that are lit.

Each time a game ball passes through the starting gate 20, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a changes to a display mode after increasing one by one in the sense of memorizing that the passage that triggers the operation lottery has occurred. (up to 4), and with the passing as a trigger, the display mode changes to the display mode after the decrease by 1 each time the variation of the normal pattern is started. In this embodiment, when the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball passes through the starting gate 20 in a state where the normal symbol can already start to fluctuate (at the time of stop display). However, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (up to 4) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passages in which the normal symbol variation has not yet started at that time.

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

In addition, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a are, for example, two lamps (LED) extinguished or lit, depending on the display mode composed of a combination of blinking, each 0 to 4 (memory number display means). For example, in the display mode in which both lamps are turned off, the stored number is displayed as 0, in the display mode in which one lamp is lit, the stored number is displayed as 1, and in the display mode where the same one lamp is blinked. The number of memories is displayed as 2, the number of memories is displayed as 3 in a display mode in which one lamp is blinking and the other lamp is lit, and the number of memories is displayed in a display mode in which both lamps are blinking. 4 are displayed, and so on.

The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is displayed after being increased by one in the sense of memorizing that the game ball has entered the middle start winning opening 26 each time the game ball enters the middle starting winning opening 26. It changes to a mode (up to 4), and changes to the display mode after decreasing one by one each time the variation of the special symbol is started with the entry ball as a trigger. In addition, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a increases by one in the sense that each time a game ball enters the variable starting prize winning device 28, the game ball enters the right starting prize opening 28a. (up to 4), and every time the special symbol starts to change with the entry ball as a trigger, it changes to the display mode after decreasing by one. In addition, in this embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the first special symbol is already in a state where the fluctuation can be started (at the time of stop display). The display mode does not change even if a game ball enters the ball. In addition, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball enters the variable start winning device 28 in a state where the second special symbol can already start to change (at the time of stop display). The display mode does not change even if the ball is thrown. That is, the number of memories (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a is the number of entering balls whose variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not yet started at that time. represents the number of times

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

These LED lamps mounted on the integrated display board 89 are divided into four different control areas (hereinafter referred to as "common") for the purpose of controlling switching between lighting and extinguishing. From another point of view, the integrated display board 89 has four commons, and each lamp belongs to one of the commons. In the present embodiment, a dynamic lighting method is adopted, and the lamps are driven in sequence on a common basis at intervals of an interrupt period (eg, 4 ms). Therefore, all the lamps mounted on the integrated display board 89 are not driven at the same time.

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

In addition, the main control unit 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. RWM) 76 or the like is integrated as an LSI. The main controller 70 is equipped with a random number circuit 75 , an interrupt controller (interrupt CTR) 192 , a parallel I/O port 79 , a timer circuit (PTC) 194 and a serial communication circuit (SCU) 196 . Among them, the random number circuit 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for judging a big hit in a special symbol lottery or normal symbol lottery. It is input to the main control CPU 72 . The interrupt controller 192 also receives interrupt requests (XINT interrupt, PTC interrupt, SCU interrupt) from the parallel I/O port 79, timer circuit 194, and serial communication circuit 196, and processes these interrupt requests. Control based on priority. In addition, the main control unit 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as a clock generation circuit (not shown) and a reset controller that monitors various states and generates a reset as necessary. implemented above. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or an inner layer portion). The I/O port of the main controller 70 may be of serial type.

Further, the main controller 70 is provided with a setting change device 300 , a setting key switch 302 and a RAM clear switch 304 . The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) changes settings by operating the setting change device 300. FIG. The setting change device 300 is a device (setting change means) for switching settings (at least set values of a plurality of stages regarding the probability of winning a special symbol lottery), and is operated by operation of the RAM clear switch 304 or the like. Also, the setting means a combination of operation probabilities. Furthermore, the operating probability means the probability of displaying a combination of special symbols that will activate the conditional device (that will result in the execution of the jackpot game). The setting key switch 302 is an input device for inputting a signal (ON/OFF) indicating the rotation state of the setting key, which is essential for switching settings, as the setting key is rotated. Various methods can be adopted for the procedure for changing the setting, and for example, the following procedure can be used.

(1) First, the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned off.
(2) Next, open the door of the pachinko machine 1 with a special key (door key). Specifically, the dedicated key is inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 6a and rotated to the right to open the integrated door unit 4 together with the inner frame assembly 7. As shown in FIG.
(3) Since the setting key keyhole 306 for inserting the setting key and the RAM clear switch 304 are provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, the setting key is inserted into the setting key keyhole 306, and the setting is performed. Rotate the key to the right.
(4) Then, the pachinko machine 1 is turned on.

(5) As a result, a signal (ON) indicating that the setting key has been rotated to the change position is input by the setting key switch 302, and the setting can be changed based on this input signal. At this time, a safety lock is applied by a lock mechanism (not shown). Therefore, the setting key cannot be removed unless it is returned to its original position.

Here, when the setting key is rotated rightward and the power is turned on while turning on the RAM clear switch 304, the setting can be changed. On the other hand, when the power is turned on without turning on the RAM clear switch 304 while the setting key is rotated to the right, the setting can be referred to.

(6) By pressing the RAM clear switch 304 an arbitrary number of times in a state in which the setting can be changed, the setting can be changed to one of a plurality of steps provided in advance.
The set values can be displayed on, for example, a dedicated 7-segment LED, a game state display device 38 (special symbol display device, etc.), and a performance display monitor 200.

(7) In the case of a slot machine, when the desired setting is reached, lever ON processing is required. direction, turning on a setting change confirmation button (not shown), etc.), or the lever ON process may be omitted. In this embodiment, once the desired setting is reached, the setting key is rotated counterclockwise to return to its original position. By this operation, a signal (OFF) indicating that the setting key has been returned to its original position is input by the setting key switch 302, and the setting change is confirmed based on this input signal.

(8) When the setting change is confirmed, the setting key can be removed from the setting key keyhole 306 . In addition, when the setting value is displayed on the dedicated 7-segment LED, the gaming state display device 38, and the performance display monitor 200, the display disappears when the setting change is confirmed.
(9) Finally, the door of the pachinko machine 1 is closed. This completes the setting change. When the setting change is completed, a normal game is started.

When the setting is changed, the main control CPU72 stores the changed setting value in the setting value buffer of the RAM76. The setting value buffer can be a memory area to be backed up.

[Setting change status]
When the power is turned on with "setting key ON", "inner frame open state", and "RAM clear switch pressed state", after RAM is cleared, transition to the state during setting change (setting change state, setting change mode) do.

While the settings are being changed, no display is made on the main display (various lamps included in the game state display device 38), and no game balls can be shot or game balls can be won. Also, on the performance display monitor 200, the left two 7-segment LEDs (identification segments) display "rn." Is displayed. Also, when the RAM clear switch 304 is pressed, the set value changes in the range of 1-6. Then, when the "setting key is turned off", the setting is confirmed, and the segment of "-" is extinguished (not displayed) such as "blank (non-display) 1" for the display of the ratio segment.

In this state, if the "inner frame closed state" occurs (actually, if the closed state continues for 100 ms), the state during setting change is completed, and once the state is changed to the state before the power is turned off, , transitions to a playable state.

In this embodiment, the RAM clear switch 304 also serves as the setting change switch, but the RAM clear switch 304 may not be used as the setting change switch, and a setting change switch may be provided separately.

[Setting confirmation status]
On the other hand, when the power is turned on with "setting key ON", "inner frame open state", and "RAM clear switch not pressed", it shifts to the state of setting confirmation (setting confirmation state, setting confirmation mode). .

As in the setting change state, in the setting confirmation state, no display is made on the main display, and game balls cannot be shot or game balls can be won. Also, on the performance display monitor, "rn." Setting value is displayed. Note that while the setting is being checked, the setting value does not change even if the RAM clear switch 304 is pressed.

In this state, if the "setting key is turned off" and the "inner frame is closed" (actually, if the closed state continues for 100 ms), the state of confirming the setting ends and the power is turned off. After shifting to the previous state, it shifts to the playable state.

In this embodiment, setting confirmation cannot be performed in the playable state, but setting confirmation may be performed in the playable state.

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

Similarly, the game board unit 8 includes a first winning hole switch 86 for detecting the entry of a game ball into the normal winning hole 22 and a second winning hole switch for detecting the entry of a game ball into the normal winning hole 24. 81 are equipped. In addition, for the three normal winning openings 22 on the left side, the configuration using the common winning opening switch 86 is exemplified, but for example, three winning opening switches are installed, and the game ball for each normal winning opening 22 Incoming balls may be detected individually.

In any case, winning detection signals from these switches are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input/output driver (not shown). In addition, due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, in this embodiment, the gate switch 78, the first count switch 84, the second count switch 85, the first winning opening switch 86, the second winning opening switch 81, the variable area switch 95 Winning detection signals are transmitted via the panel relay terminal board 87, and the panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with wiring patterns, connection terminals, etc. for relaying respective winning detection signals.

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

A performance display monitor 200 is connected to the main controller 70 via a panel relay terminal board 87 . The performance display monitor 200 displays the number of winning balls paid out by entering each winning hole (starting winning hole, normal winning hole), the out number (out switch) indicating the number of game balls shot into the game area. is a monitor for displaying the base calculated by dividing by the number of game balls detected in . The base is calculated for each section set in advance using a region (non-use region) different from the use region used for control to progress the game, and the base of the current section and the base of the previous section are calculated. , are displayed alternately at intervals set in advance. The display operation of the performance display monitor 200 is controlled based on control signals from the main control CPU 72 . The main control CPU 72 outputs a control signal to the performance display monitor 200 according to the calculated state of the base, and controls the lighting state of each of the seven segments.

The game board unit 8 is formed with a merging passage for merging the game balls that have passed through all the winning openings and the out openings, and an out switch can be provided in this merging passage. The out switch detects a game ball passing through the confluence passage, and a detection signal is input to the main controller 70 each time a game ball is detected. Main controller 70 can count the number of out balls based on the detection signal input from the out switch. Since the game balls shot into the game area 8a are always discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the confluence passage, the out switch is the number of shot balls shot into the game area 8a, that is, the game area The number of discharges (the number of out balls) discharged from 8a can be counted.

Although the performance display monitor 200 is connected to the main controller 70 via the panel relay terminal board 87, it may be connected to the main controller 70 without the panel relay terminal board 87. , the performance display monitor 200 may be arranged as an internal configuration of the main controller 70 .

In addition, the game board unit 8 includes a variable start-up winning device 28, a first variable winning device 30, a second variable winning device 31, and a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 corresponding to the upstream of the variable probability region, and a first big winning opening. A solenoid 90, a second big winning opening solenoid 97 and a variable probability region solenoid 99 are provided. These solenoids 88, 90, 97, 99 are operated (excited) based on control signals from the main control CPU 72, and open and close the variable starting prize winning device 28, the first variable prize winning device 30 and the second variable prize winning device 31 ( operation) or move the variable probability area blade member 31d. Control signals for these solenoids 88 , 90 , 97 and 99 are also transmitted from the main control CPU 72 via the panel relay terminal plate 87 .

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

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

A payout motor 102 (for example, a stepping motor) and a payout device board 100 are installed in a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172. The payout device board 100 is provided with a drive circuit for the payout motor 102. there is The payout device board 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94), and pays out the indicated number of game balls from the prize ball case. let out The paid out game balls are sent to the receiving tray unit 6 through the payout channel in the channel unit 173 .

In addition, for example, a payout road ball disconnect switch 104 is installed at the upstream position of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed at the downstream position of the payout motor 102 . Each time the payout motor 102 is driven to actually pay out the prize balls, a count signal from the payout count switch 106 is input to the payout device board 100 . Also, when the ball runs out at the upstream position of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball break switch 104 is input to the payout device board 100 . The payout device board 100 transmits the input count signal and contact signal to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual number of payouts and the out-of-ball state based on the signal received from the payout device board 100 . A payout detection switch can be arranged near the payout counting switch 106 .

Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full tank switch 161, for example, inside the lower tray 6c (at the back when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The actually paid out prize balls (game balls) are discharged to the upper tray 6b through the channel unit 173, but when the upper tray 6b is filled with game balls, more game balls are paid out as described above. flows into the lower plate 6c. Furthermore, when the lower tray 6c is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is thereby turned on, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, the payout control CPU 94 temporarily suspends further prize ball motions even if a prize ball instruction command is received from the main control CPU 72, and stores the remaining number of prize balls that have not been paid out in the RAM 98.例文帳に追加The memory in the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is turned off, so even if a power failure (including a momentary power failure) occurs during the game, the remaining number of unpaid prize balls will not be lost. .

Also, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a shooting control board 108 and a shooting solenoid 110 are installed (ball shooting means). Also, a ball feed solenoid 111 is provided in the tray unit 6 . The firing control board 108, the firing solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the aforementioned firing control board set 174. Of these, the firing control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the firing solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Among them, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation to feed the game balls stored in the receiving tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined shooting position within the launcher case. Also, the shooting solenoid 110 hits the game ball sent to the shooting position, and continuously (intermittently) launches the game balls one by one toward the game area 8a as described above. In addition, the shooting interval of the game balls is, for example, an interval of about 0.6 seconds (within 100 balls per minute).

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

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

Further, the tray unit 6 incorporates a frequency display board 122 and a lending/returning switch board 123 . Of these, the frequency display board 122 is provided with an indicator (3-digit 7-segment LED) for the frequency display section. In addition, the lending and returning switch board 123 is mounted with switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the returning button 12, respectively. And it is transmitted from the return switch board 123 to the card unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120 . In addition, from the card unit, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted to the frequency display board 122 via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120 . A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display substrate 122 drives a display based on the frequency signal to numerically display the remaining frequency of the valuable medium. Further, when no valuable medium is inserted into the card unit or when the remaining points of the inserted valuable medium become 0, the display circuit of the point display board 122 drives the display to display a demo (valuable medium ) can also be displayed.

In addition, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a performance control device 124 (computer for controlling performance) as a control configuration. This performance control device 124 controls the performance accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1 . The production control device 124 is also equipped with a production control CPU 126, which is a central processing unit, on a circuit board (composite sub-control board, production control board, sub-control board). The effect control CPU 126 is configured as an LSI incorporating a semiconductor memory such as a RAM (RWM) 130 and eDRAM 131 together with a CPU core (not shown). The performance control device 124 is provided at a position covered by a back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. - 特許庁

In addition, the production control device 124 is equipped with various functional components necessary for realizing the production such as the VDP 152, the driver IC 132, the voice IC 134, and the like. Among them, the VDP 152 is a processor for drawing a rendering screen reproduced on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 . The driver IC 132 includes ICs for controlling devices such as the lamps 46 to 52, the board lamp 53, the movable body motor 57, and the like. Also, the audio IC 134 controls driving of the speakers 54 , 55 , 56 and 58 . The internal functional configuration of such effect control device 124 will be described later in detail with reference to the following diagram.

The production control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other, for example, via a communication harness (not shown). However, communication between them is performed only in one direction from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and communication in the opposite direction is not performed. The communication harness adopts a parallel format according to the bus width of commands for various effects (hereinafter referred to as "effect commands") transmitted from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124. Alternatively, a serial format may be adopted in accordance with the hardware configuration of each driver (I/O).

In this embodiment, a sub-connection board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and driving signals from the driver IC 132 and the audio IC 134 are transmitted via the sub-connection board 136 to various lamps 46 to 52, speakers 54, 55, 56 and 58. In addition to the handle lever 62, the button motor 63, the push button 64 and the directional key 66, the sub-connection board 136 is also connected to a volume control switch 67 and a brightness control switch 68. When the brightness adjustment switch 68 is operated, these operation information are notified to the production control device 124 through the sub-connection board 136 .

The button motor 63 is a stepping motor corresponding to the push button 64, and is driven by an unillustrated operation unit control device that controls the operation unit 60 (switching means). The operation unit control device drives the button motor 63 based on the drive signal transmitted from the effect control device 124, thereby setting the push button 64 to either the normal state (initial position) or the projected state (maximum movable position). switch (displace).

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

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

In addition, a power control unit 162 (power control means) is provided on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7 . This power supply control unit 162 incorporates a switching power supply circuit, and when it takes in external power (for example, AC 24V, etc.) from the island equipment through the power cord 164, it can generate necessary power (for example, DC +34V, +12V, etc.). The power generated by the power control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70 , the payout control device 92 , the performance control device 124 and the inverter board 158 . Further, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the card unit via the terminal board 120 for lending equipment such as game balls. Low-voltage power (for example, DC +5V) for logic is generated by a power supply IC (three-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Also, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded to the island facility through the ground wire 166 .

The external terminal board 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are sent from the external terminal board 160 to the outside via the payout control device 92. is output to The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72 ) and payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94 ) can output external information signals to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160 . Signals output from the external terminal board 160 are counted by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) of the game arcade. In addition, although the configuration via the payout control device 92 is taken as an example here, the configuration may be such that the external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 .

[Internal configuration of production control device]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal functional configuration of the effect control device 124. As shown in FIG.
As described above, the performance control device 124 has a role as a performance control processor that controls the performance as the game progresses. Therefore, the effect control device 124 is equipped with a control ROM 180 and a watchdog timer IC (WDTIC) 188 which are necessary for the effect control device 124 to function as a effect control processor in addition to the effect control CPU 126 . The control ROM 180 stores basic programs related to the control of effects. The effect control CPU 126 accesses the control ROM 180 via a CPU bus (not shown) and controls the effect by executing a program stored in the control ROM 180 . Watch dog timer IC188 is a timer that monitors whether the control executed by the effect control device 124 is normally performed (whether the process is completed within the assumed time), and is connected to the reset terminal of the effect control CPU126. there is When the signal (clear pulse) for clearing the monitoring timer of the watchdog timer IC 188 is not input within a predetermined time, the watchdog timer IC 188 outputs a signal (reset pulse) for resetting the effect control CPU 126. do. As a result, the production control device 124 is forcibly reset and activated.

In addition to these, the performance control device 124 has functions related to performance, such as an SRAM 182 that is a storage area for backup data, a crystal oscillator 181 that generates a clock signal of a predetermined frequency, and a real time clock (RTC) 184 that manages time. , a lithium battery 186 for supplying backup power to the SRAM 182 and the real-time clock 184, and peripheral ICs such as an input/output driver and a counter/timer circuit (not shown). The lithium battery 186 stores this power and charges itself while driving power is supplied from the power control unit 162 to the effect control device 124 . The SRAM 182 and the real-time clock 184 are connected to a lithium battery 186, and can be driven by the lithium battery 186 when the drive power supply from the power control unit 162 to the effect control device 124 is cut off. Therefore, even if the power supply from the power control unit 162 is cut off, the SRAM 182 and the real-time clock 184 continue to operate until the lithium battery 186 runs out of charge (for example, about one and a half months). The SRAM 182 can retain the stored information for a while even under power-off conditions.

It should be noted that the performance control program is configured to store in the SRAM 182 information on security, monitoring, defects, etc., which should not be easily erased. As a result, for example, when some trouble occurs in the performance control device 124, the pachinko machine 1 is recovered (or inspected in the installed state), and the information held in the SRAM 182 is analyzed to proceed with investigation of the cause of the trouble. becomes possible.

Normally, the control of the effect executed by the effect control CPU 126 according to the program stored in the control ROM 180 includes devices such as the liquid crystal display 42, various lamps 46 to 53, speakers 54, 55, 56, 58, etc. as described above. Control of production using is included. Broadly speaking, the flow of this effect control can be divided into two stages of "overall control (reproduction instruction)" and "individual control (reproduction control)". The effect control CPU 126 first receives the effect command transmitted from the main controller 70 and indirectly instructs each device to reproduce the effect corresponding to the content of the effect command (overall control). Next, the production control CPU 126 generates instruction data by converting the instruction content into a more specific expression suitable for each device, and each control device 134, 152, 198, 199 relays between the production control CPU 126 and each device. to (individual control). As a result, each control device 134, 152, 198, 199 controls each device based on the instruction data, and effect reproduction (screen display, sound output, lamp emission, movable body displacement) using each device in the pachinko machine 1 etc.) are realized.

In this way, the effect control CPU 126 has different functions depending on the stages of effect control, and these functions are realized by properly using the resources of the effect control CPU 126 . In FIG. 5, the internal resources of the production control CPU 126 are divided into several functional blocks such as the production control unit 210, the display control unit 220, the sound control unit 222, the lamp control unit 224, the motor control unit 226, and the input control unit 228. etc. In the following description, each functional block is treated as an operator of control processing.

First, at the stage of the overall control, the effect control section 210 in the effect control CPU 126 is the subject of operation. In addition, at the stage of individual control, the display control unit 220, the sound control unit 222, the lamp control unit 224, the motor control unit 226 or the input control unit 228 in the effect control CPU 126 according to the device to be controlled is the main operating body. becomes. In addition, it is good also as a structure which the production|presentation control part 210 controls each control device 134,152,198,199 grade|etc., directly.

The performance control device 124 functions as a performance control processor in the stage of overall control, and functions as a performance reproduction processor in the stage of individual control. Therefore, the effect control device 124 further includes a circuit board (effect display control board) on which the VDP 152 is mounted, a CGROM (image/audio ROM) 190, an audio IC 134 for controlling various devices used for reproducing the effect, An LED driver 198, an SMC (serial control controller) 199 and a driver IC 132 are provided.

The CGROM 190 stores drawing materials (moving image data) that make up the effect screen and audio materials (audio data) that are output along with the progress of the effect in a state of being compressed by a predetermined compression algorithm. The CGROM 190 is connected to the VDP 152 and the audio IC 134 via a CG bus (not shown).

The VDP 152 is a processor dedicated to drawing effect images, and is integrated with the effect control CPU 126 into one chip. Also, the VDP 152 incorporates a VRAM 156 and a drawing material decoder 157 . Of these, the VRAM 156 is mainly used for decompressing the drawing material, and the drawing material decoder 157 is used for decompressing (decoding) the compressed drawing material. The VDP 152 first analyzes the instruction content transmitted from the display control unit 220 , reads necessary drawing materials from the CGROM 190 via the CG bus, and transfers them to the VRAM 156 . Then, the read drawing material is decoded by the drawing material decoder 157, the effect image is drawn on the VRAM 156, and the effect image is developed in the frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time). By individually driving each pixel (full-color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the buffered image data, the effect screen is reproduced.

The sound IC 134 is a sound generator that generates sounds such as sound effects and BGM that are reproduced during execution of the production, and is integrated with the production control CPU 126 into one chip, similar to the VDP 152 . The audio IC 134 is connected to an amplifier (not shown), an external DRAM, and a CG bus. The audio IC 134 also incorporates an audio material decoder 135 that decompresses (decodes) compressed audio materials. The voice IC 134 first analyzes the instruction content sent from the voice control unit 222, and reads necessary voice material from the CGROM 190 via the CG bus. Then, the read voice material is decoded using the voice material decoder 135 on the external DRAM. Stereo 2ch or monaural 2ch audio reproduction (with a larger number of channels is also possible). Also, the audio IC 134 adjusts the output volume of each speaker 54, 55, 56, 58 based on the contact signal input when the volume adjustment switch 67 is operated.

The LED driver 198 controls lighting patterns and luminance patterns of various lamps 46 to 53 provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 . The LED driver 198 employs an addressing synchronous serial scheme. The LED driver 198 first controls the lighting pattern and the brightness pattern based on the contents of the instruction sent from the lamp control section 224 , and transfers drive data according to this to the driver IC 132 . The LED driver 198 also adjusts the brightness of various lamps (LEDs) based on operation information input when the brightness adjustment switch 68 is operated.

The SMC 199 controls the drive pattern of a movable body motor 57 that serves as a drive source for the production movable bodies 40 f and the like provided inside the production unit 40 . The SMC 199 is also integrated with the effect control CPU 126 into one chip. The SMC 199 employs a clock synchronous serial method. The SMC 199 first generates a drive pattern based on the instruction content sent from the motor control section 226 and transfers it to the driver IC 132 . Here, the SMC 199 is used only for generating motor drive patterns, but since the SMC 199 can generate not only motor driving patterns but also lamp lighting patterns and luminance patterns, the SMC 199 is used instead of the LED driver 198 described above. However, it is also possible for the SMC 199 to generate both lamp and motor data patterns.

The driver IC 132 controls the drive voltage applied to the lamps and motors based on the drive data transferred from the LED driver 198 and SMC 199 . The driver IC 132 includes switching elements such as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) ICs and MOSFETs (not shown), and switches (or duty-switches) the drive voltage applied to the various lamps 46 to 53 and the movable body motor 57. By managing the operation, it is possible to realize the effect reproduction using the lamp and the movable body. In addition to the glass-frame top lamp 46 and the glass-frame decoration lamps 48, 50, and 52, the various lamps include light sources built into each part of the operation unit 60 and decoration/production lamps installed in the game board unit 8. board surface lamp 53 and the like are included. The board lamp 53 corresponds to an LED built into the effect unit 40, or an LED built into the variable starting winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, and the like. Also, although an example in which the glass-framed decorative lamp 52 is connected to the sub-connection board 136 is given here, the saucer decorative board is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the glass-framed decorative lamp 52 is connected to the saucer electric decoration board. It may be configured to be connected to the driver IC 132 via.

In addition, the driver IC 132 provides operation information input when an operation member (operation means) such as the handle lever 62, the push button 64, the direction key 66, the volume adjustment switch 67, the brightness adjustment switch 68, etc. is operated by the player. is notified to the effect control unit 210 via the input control unit 228 . The effect control unit 210 constructs the effect based on the content of the notified operation information.
The above is an example of the configuration relating to the control of the pachinko machine 1 .

Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main controller 70 will be described.

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

7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of a procedure for CPU initialization processing. Each procedure of the processing performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described below.

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

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

Step S104: The main control CPU 72 saves the RAM clear signal (input signal from the RAM clear switch 304). More specifically, the value of the input port to which the RAM clear signal is input is obtained twice consecutively, and the logical sum of these values is saved as the input port value.

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

Step S108: Next, the main control CPU72 permits access to the work area of the RAM76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value of the work area is reset (00H). As a result, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted thereafter.

Step S110: The main control CPU 72 refers to the RAM clear signal by checking the specific bit of the input port value saved in the previous step S104, and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch 304 has been operated (switched ON). do. If the RAM clear switch 304 has not been operated (No), then step S112 is executed.

Step S112: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether the backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup was successfully completed in the process executed at the time of the previous power shutdown and the backup validity determination flag (for example, "A5H") is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S114. Note that the processing executed when the power is turned off will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S114: The main control CPU72 performs a sum check on the backup information in the RAM76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sum-checks all areas of the work area of the RAM 76 (user work area including use-prohibited area and stack area) except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the sum check result is normal (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S116.

Step S116: The main control CPU72 clears the contents stored in the partial area of the RAM76. The partial area of the RAM 76 is a continuous work area within a predetermined range based on the address of the backup validity determination flag to be cleared when the power is restored. By clearing the stored contents of this area for each address (in bytes) and retaining valid backup information as it is, the main control CPU 72 can restore the state at the time of power shutdown. (memory restoring means).

Step S118: The main control CPU 72 provides an effect command (command to be sent to the effect control device 124) and a payout command (to be sent to the payout control device 92) indicating that the main control CPU 72 has recovered from the power shutdown and started. command).

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 304 was operated when the power was turned on (step S110: Yes), if the backup validity determination flag was not set (step S112: No), or if the backup information was not normal. If so (step S114: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S120.

Step S120: The main control CPU72 clears the storage contents of the RAM76 other than the prohibited area. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, the contents thereof are erased.
Step S122: The main control CPU72 also initializes the RAM76.

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

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

Step S128: The main control CPU 72 executes effect control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 first outputs the effect command set in step S118 (power return designation) or the effect command set in step S124 (RAM clear designation) to the effect command buffer. The main control CPU 72 further sets various other production commands necessary for production control, and outputs these to the production command buffer. At this time, the main control CPU 72 sets different values for these effect commands when the power is restored and when the RAM is cleared.

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

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

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

Step S132: The main control CPU 72 resets (turns OFF) the specific bit of the output port and clears the firing enable signal (specific output information clearing means). The launch enable signal is included in the target of backup when the power is cut off. Therefore, when the power of the main control device 70 (pachinko machine 1) is restored, the main control CPU 72 executes the flow at the time of power restoration in the CPU initialization process, and restores the main control device 70 to the power-off state based on the backup information. (step S116), and as part of this process, the firing permission signal is also returned to the state at the time of power shutdown.

The fire enable signal is set to a specific bit (eg bit 0) in a specific output port buffer (eg the buffer for output port 3) stored in RAM 76 . However, the address of the target output port buffer is located outside the continuous area cleared in step S116 in the address space of the RAM 76. FIG. For this reason, if, as part of the processing of step S116, it is attempted to clear the value of the specific bit at the specific address where the firing enable signal is set in addition to the area to be cleared, then after specifying the specific address, , out of the 8-bit data stored at that address, only a specific bit of data is cleared while the remaining 7-bit data is maintained. The process of clearing the area becomes very inefficient. For this reason, the main control CPU 72 does not clear the firing permission signal in the previous step S116, treats it in the same way as other data to be backed up, and returns it to the state at the time of power shutdown.

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

Therefore, in the present embodiment, regardless of whether the start-up is due to power restoration or the start-up specified to clear the RAM, the main control CPU 72 explicitly clears the firing permission signal once before transitioning to the main loop ( reset to OFF). After that, when the main control CPU 72 confirms that a payout command permission signal has been input from the payout control device 92 to the main control device 70, and then transmits a payout command to the payout control device 92, It adopts control to set the launch permission signal to ON. By performing such control, even if the game is started (restarted) by the processing of the main loop, unless the communication between the main control device 70 and the payout control device 92 is established, the shooting of game balls is not permitted. , it is possible to avoid the illegal shooting of the game ball when the illegality as described above is committed.

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

After executing the above procedure in the CPU initialization process, the main control CPU 72 transitions to the main loop (steps S136 to S146 described below). As long as the power supply from the power control unit 162 is maintained, the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the main loop from beginning to end.

Steps S136, S138: The main control CPU 72 prohibits interrupts and then executes initial value update random number update processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) the initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers (for example, jackpot design random numbers, reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) except for the jackpot determination random numbers (hardware random numbers) and the hit determination random numbers corresponding to normal symbols (hardware random numbers) is generated programmatically. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another timer interrupt process (step S212 in FIG. 9). ) is changed. The initial value update random number is used to randomly change this initial value, and in step S138, the initial value update random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S138 is executed after the interrupt is prohibited in step S136 is that the same processing is executed in another timer interrupt processing (step S210 in FIG. 9). ) is to prevent In the present embodiment, the jackpot determination random number and the winning determination random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number circuit 75, and the update cycle thereof is faster (eg, several microseconds) than the timer interrupt cycle (eg, several milliseconds). Therefore, there is no need to update the initial values of the jackpot determined random numbers and the winning determined random numbers. Note that timer interrupt processing will be described later using another drawing.

Step S140: The main control CPU 72 executes received command management processing. In this process, the data received from the payout control device 92 is analyzed, and the process according to the result is performed. If the received command is a payout start designation command, the main control CPU 72 outputs a payout start confirmation designation command to the payout command buffer. If it is out of range, output the payout error designation command to the production command buffer, and set the payout radio wave error flag according to the situation.

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

Steps S144, S146: The main control CPU 72 permits interrupts and executes random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this process are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to determination of winning types (hit types) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when an interrupt request occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes various interrupt processes.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example procedure of timer interrupt processing. The main control CPU 72 executes timer interrupt processing (PTC interrupt processing) every predetermined time (for example, several ms) based on an interrupt request (PTC interrupt) output from the timer circuit 194 . Each procedure of timer interrupt processing will be described below.

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

Step S202: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits interruption. By permitting an interrupt here, it becomes possible for another interrupt to occur while the steps after the next step of the timer interrupt processing are being executed. In this way, multiple interrupts are permitted in timer interrupt processing. The interrupt controller 192 executes the acceptance of interrupt request signals, priority control of multiple interrupts, and the like. Interrupt management by the interrupt controller 192 will be described later.

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

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

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

Step S210: The main control CPU 72 also executes the initial value update random number update process here. The contents of the processing are the same as those described in the process of CPU initialization processing (step S138 in FIG. 8).

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

Step S214: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous port input process (step S206), the gate switch 78, the middle start prize opening switch 80, the right start prize opening switch 82, the first count switch 84, and the second count switch 85 , the first winning opening switch 86, the second winning opening switch 81, based on the detection signals from the probability variable area switch 95, determine the event that occurred during the game, according to the respective occurred events, normal symbol memory update processing. , 1st special symbol memory update process, 2nd special symbol memory update process, 1st big winning mouth count process, 2nd big winning mouth count process, 1st winning mouth count process, 2nd winning mouth count process, definite variable area passage Execute time processing, etc.

In the normal symbol memory updating process, when the normal symbol working memory number is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), a random number per normal symbol is acquired and stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76, and the normal symbol working memory number is set to 1. This is the process of increasing the number of

In the first special symbol memory update process, when the number of first special symbol working memories is less than the upper limit number (for example, four), the jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol and the jackpot symbol corresponding to the first special symbol A process of acquiring a random number, a reach determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol, and a variation pattern determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol, storing them in the random number storage area of the RAM 76, and increasing the first special symbol working memory number by one. is. In addition, in the first special symbol memory update process, based on the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot pattern random number of the first special symbol, the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance (before the start of fluctuation), and the content of the effect is determined by that ( It is possible to execute the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, which generates a variation pattern first determination command by so-called "prefetching". When the first special symbol working memory number is increased by one, a working memory number increase performance command corresponding to the first special symbol is generated and transmitted to the performance control device 124 .

In the second special symbol memory update process, when the second special symbol working memory number is less than the upper limit number (for example, four), the jackpot decision random number corresponding to the second special symbol and the jackpot symbol corresponding to the second special symbol A process of acquiring a random number, a reach determination random number corresponding to the second special symbol, and a variation pattern determination random number corresponding to the second special symbol, storing them in the random number storage area of the RAM 76, and increasing the second special symbol working memory number by one. is. In addition, in the second special symbol memory update process, the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance (before the start of fluctuation) based on the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot pattern random number of the second special symbol, and the content of the effect is determined by that ( It is possible to execute the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, which generates a variation pattern first determination command by so-called "prefetching". When the second special symbol working memory number is increased by one, a working memory number increasing performance command corresponding to the second special symbol is generated and transmitted to the performance control device 124 .

The first big winning hole counting process, the second big winning hole counting process, the first winning hole counting process, and the second winning hole counting process are the counting processes for the respective winning holes.

Probability variation area passage time processing is a process of setting the value of the probability variation function operation flag (01H) in the flag area of the RAM76 as a game state flag. This probability variation function operation flag is reset when the special symbol varies a predetermined number of times without obtaining a winning result after the end of the jackpot game. Also, in the probability variable region passage time process, it is possible to generate a probability variable region passage command.

In this embodiment, when the winning detection signal (ON) is input from the middle start winning opening switch 80 or the right starting winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol respectively It is determined that an event that serves as a trigger (lottery trigger) has occurred. Also, when the passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers the lottery corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. When determining that any event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes processing according to each occurrence event.

Step S215: The main control CPU 72 executes setting change processing (setting related processing). In this processing, processing associated with changing and confirming setting values is executed. In addition, if it is not in the setting change state or setting confirmation state, that is, if it is in the game possible state, the main control CPU 72 skips this step (without executing the setting change process), and instead calculates the base. and display on the performance display monitor 200 can be executed. The main control CPU 72 determines the number of winning balls paid out by entering each winning opening (starting winning opening, normal winning opening, big winning opening) as an out number indicating the number of game balls fired into the game area. The base can be calculated by dividing by (the number of game balls detected by the out switch).

Also, when the setting change process (setting-related process) is executed in this step, the main control CPU 72 generates a setting-related end designation command. Here, the "setting-related end specifying command" is an effect command for notifying that the processing related to setting change or confirmation has ended. can be included. The generated setting-related end designation command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process (step S142 in FIG. 8) executed within the main loop.

Step S216, step S218: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process. These processes are for specifically advancing the game in the pachinko machine 1 . Among these, in the special symbol game process (step S216), the main control CPU72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, displays the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol. It determines variable display and stop display by the device 35, and controls the operation of the first variable prize winning device 30 and the second variable prize winning device 31 according to the display result.

The special symbol game processing includes a subroutine (program module ) group.

In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next from the "jump table". For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the address of the jump destination, and sets the end of the special symbol game process in the stack pointer as the address of the return destination.

Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far (special symbol game management status). For example, if the special symbols have not yet started variable display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation pre-processing as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation processing as the next jump destination, and if the special symbol variation processing is completed (special symbol game management status : 02H), and the processing during special symbol stop display is selected as the next jump destination.

In the special symbol variation preprocessing, the main control CPU 72 performs the work of preparing the conditions for starting the variation display of the special symbols. Specifically, the main control CPU72 decreases the working memory number of the first special symbol or the second special symbol to be changed by 1, and the first special symbol or the second special symbol stored in the random number storage area of the RAM76. Read out random numbers for lottery of special symbols (random number for determining big hit, random number for big hit pattern), execute big hit judgment processing (internal lottery) and small hit judgment processing based on internal state, stop pattern at big hit, stop at small hit Determine the pattern, the stop pattern at the time of loss, etc., and based on the reach judgment random number, the fluctuation pattern determination random number, the fluctuation pattern at the time of the big hit (variation time at the time of the big hit), the fluctuation pattern at the time of the small hit (variation time at the time of the small win) ), the process of determining the variation pattern (variation time at the time of failure), etc. at the time of failure is executed. The main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command, a variation pattern command, a variation start command, a stop pattern command, a confirmation command, a state designation command, an effect command when the number of working memories is reduced, etc. based on the determined content, and the effect control device 124 Send to As the working memory number reduction production command, when the working memory number of the first special symbol is reduced by one, the working memory number reduction production command corresponding to the first special design is generated, and the second special design production command is generated. When the number of working memories is decreased by one, a performance command at the time of increasing the number of working memories corresponding to the second special symbol is generated. It should be noted that the variation pattern may be a variation pattern for executing a pseudo continuous effect (for example, pseudo 1 variation to pseudo 4 variation).

In the special symbol fluctuation process, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1-byte data) is output to each segment and dot (numbers 0 to 7) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, and thereby the variable display of the special symbols is performed.

In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 drives and controls the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 . In this case as well, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, so that the special symbol is stopped and displayed.

The variable winning device management process at the time of the big hit is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of the big win in the previous special symbol stop display process. When the special symbol is stop-displayed in a jackpot mode, an opportunity is generated to shift from the previous normal state to a jackpot game state (advantageous special game state for the player). In the jackpot time variable winning device management process, the first big winning opening solenoid 90 or the second big winning opening solenoid 97 waits for a certain period of time (for example, 29 seconds or 0.1 seconds or until 10 game balls are counted). ), it is excited for a preset number of continuous operations (for example, 10 times), whereby the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 open and close in a predetermined pattern. During this time, the game balls are focused on the first variable prize winning device 30 and the second variable prize winning device 31, thereby giving the player an opportunity to collectively win many prize balls (special game means of execution). The opening and closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 at the time of a big hit is called "round", and if the number of consecutive operations is 10 times in total, these are called "10 rounds". may be collectively referred to.

Then, when the jackpot game ends, the main control CPU72 changes the state after the jackpot game (high probability state, time reduction state) based on the game state flag (probability variation function operation flag, time reduction function operation flag) ( high-probability time reduction state transition means, advantageous game state transition means, special state transition means). In the "high-probability state", the probability variation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery is, for example, about 10 times higher than normal (specified game state transition means, high-probability state transition means, high-probability state setting means). In addition, in the "time shortening state", the time shortening function is activated, the probability of the operation lottery of the normal symbols is high, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is shortened, and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended. The number of opening times increases (so-called electric chewing support is performed). Regarding the "high-probability state" and the "shortened-time state", the control may shift to only one of them, or may shift to both of them.

The variable winning device management process at the time of the small hit is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of the small hit in the previous special symbol stop display process. For example, when the special symbols are stopped and displayed in a small winning mode, an opportunity is generated to shift from the previous normal state to a small winning game state. In the small winning game, although the first variable winning device 30 opens and closes only a predetermined number of times (for example, 2 times) in a predetermined opening time (for example, 0.1 second), winning to the first big winning port hardly occurs. do not.

In addition, in the normal symbol game process (step S218), the main control CPU72 determines the variable display or stop display by the normal symbol display device 33, or controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. . For example, the main control CPU72 stores the random number (determined random number per normal symbol) acquired with the passage of the start gate 20 in the previous switch input event process (step S204), and in this normal symbol game process A random number value is read out from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery executing means). When the random number falls within the winning range, the normal symbols are variably displayed by the normal symbol display device 33, and the normal symbols are stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning manner. It is excited to operate the variable starting prize winning device 28 (movable piece operating means). On the other hand, if the random number is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs stop display of normal symbols in a manner of deviation after the variable display.

Step S220: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes state management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether there is an abnormality in the frequency of winning (a state in which the number of balls entering the middle start winning opening 26 and the normal winning openings 22 and 24 is abnormally high) or a base abnormality (the number of balls collected to the back side of the game board unit 8). The number of game balls, that is, the total number of winning balls to each winning opening 22, 24, 26, 28a, 30b, 31b is greater than the number of game balls driven into the game area 8a). A check is made to see if a high state has occurred. When an abnormal state is detected, the main control CPU 72 outputs a security signal to the hall computer of the game hall, and transmits a predetermined effect control command to the effect control device 124, so that an abnormality has occurred. to notify.

Step S222: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning opening switch process. In this process, when each input port ON detection flag stored based on the winning detection signal input from the various switches 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86 in the previous port input process (step S206) is ON, Each target prize ball control counter is incremented by 1 and updated.

Step S224: The main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. Although the detailed flow is not shown, in this process, the main control CPU 72 first checks whether the payout command buffer is empty (whether the payout command to be transmitted is set), and confirms whether it is not empty (the payout command is is set), the various payout commands output to the payout command buffer are transmitted to the payout control device 92 . For example, a payout command indicating the startup mode at power-on is set during the CPU initialization process (steps S118 and S124 in FIG. 7) and output to the payout command buffer (step S126 in FIG. 7). However, a payout command indicating this activation mode is sent here. On the other hand, when the payout command buffer is empty, the process proceeds to instruct the payout of prize balls. The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the prize ball control counter is not 0, and if the prize ball control counter is not 0, the payout control device 92 issues a prize ball-specified payout command that indicates the number of prize balls corresponding to this counter. Send to More specifically, a prize ball-designated payout command corresponding to each prize ball control counter updated in the previous step S222 is transmitted here. The payout command is transmitted when the payout command permission signal is input from the payout control device 92 to the main controller 70 and the number of payout commands set in the transmission data register (transmission FIFO) is a predetermined number. less than (more specifically, if the payout command set in the transmission FIFO in step S224 executed before the previous time has been transmitted, or is currently being transmitted and there is space in the transmission FIFO ) only.

In addition, especially in step S224 when the power is turned on, when the payout command set in the course of the CPU initialization process is normally transmitted, the main control CPU 72 turns on the firing permission signal with this as a trigger. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 clears the payout command buffer output when the power is turned on, and turns on the firing permission signal by setting the specific bit of the output port (specific output information setting means). As a result, the shooting of the game ball is permitted after confirming the normal operation after the power is turned on, and this shooting permission signal is sent to the shooting control board 108 via the payout control device 92, so that the game ball can be shot. state.

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

[Regarding the number of prize balls and the number of winning game balls]
The number of prize balls for the start opening of the first special symbol and the number of prize balls for the start opening of the second special symbol are each set to a prescribed number of one or more. Also, the number of winning balls may be different between the starting opening of the first special symbol and the starting opening of the second special symbol. In addition, the minimum number of prize balls is set based on the winning probability of special symbols and the expected value of the total number of game balls acquired (average number of balls obtained in a series of periods from the first hit to the end of the time reduction state). You may Furthermore, the probability of winning a special pattern, the expected value of the total number of game balls acquired, the number of times the large winning opening is opened, the opening time of the large winning opening, the maximum number of winnings of the large winning opening, and the number of winning balls of the large winning opening are specified. When the conditions are satisfied, a big win may be set in which the number of game balls acquired by one big win is less than 1/4 of the maximum number of acquired game balls.

Step S226: The main control CPU 72 executes firing position designation processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets the firing position designation flag to the previous firing position designation flag and then clears the firing position designation flag. On top of that, the main control CPU 72 turns on the firing position specification flag if the variable winning device is in operation or the time reduction function is in operation, and if the firing position specification flag and the previous firing position specification flag match If not, generate a firing position specification command. The generated firing position designation command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process (step S142 in FIG. 8) executed within the main loop.

Step S227: The main control CPU 72 executes security management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not an illegal winning has occurred or whether an excessive winning has occurred based on the input state (ON/OFF) of various winning detection signals. make a judgment. In addition, the main control CPU 72 monitors fraud based on input signals from magnetic detection sensors, vibration detection sensors, radio wave detection sensors, and the like (not shown). Then, when determining that such an error has occurred, the main control CPU 72 generates an error command. It should be noted that the main control CPU 72 can execute a handling process corresponding to the error. The countermeasure processing includes, for example, processing to rewrite the bit of the winning detection signal due to fraudulent winning from ON to OFF, processing to generate a warning sound, processing to stop the game, and the like. When detecting an error, the main control CPU 72 transmits an error command corresponding to various errors to the production control device. The error may include not only an error such as illegality but also the state of the gaming machine (state such as setting change).

Step S228: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs external information signals (e.g. winning ball information, door opening information, number of pattern confirmation information, jackpot information, start opening information, etc.) to the hall computer of the game hall through the external terminal board 160. Store in the request buffer.

In this embodiment, among various external information signals, for example, "jackpot 1" to "jackpot 5" are output as jackpot information to the outside, so that an external electronic device (data display (external information signal output means). That is, by dividing the jackpot information into a plurality of "jackpots 1" to "jackpots 5" and outputting them, the types of jackpots (types of winnings) can be tabulated and managed by a hall computer (not shown) from these combinations. Occurrence of small hits that are not classified as "big hits" even if they recognize changes in the probability state (low probability state or high probability state) or the shortened state of symbol fluctuation time (hit that does not operate the conditional device) even if it is not winning. can be aggregated and managed. Also, based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each machine is currently jackpotting. Alternatively, it is possible to recognize whether or not the current symbol variation time is shortened for each machine. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls in detail the respective output states (set of ON or OFF) of "jackpot 1" to "jackpot 5".

Step S230: The main control CPU 72 also executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 has its own internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, launch position specification, during jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation). Generate test signals and store them in port output request buffers. With this test signal, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main control device 70, for example.

Step S232: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 includes the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol. Processing necessary for managing lighting states of the operation memory lamp 35a, the game state display device 38, etc. is performed. Concretely, in the aspect which corresponds to the fluctuation display and stop display of the design which is decided in previous special design game processing (step S216) and normal design game processing (step S218), working memory number display, game state display and the like A drive signal for lighting each lamp is stored as byte data in the port output request buffer for each common.

The byte data stored in the port output request buffer for each common is sequentially stored in the output port by one common in the dynamic port output processing (step S204) each time the timer interrupt processing occurs. output. For example, in the next timer interrupt processing, the byte data stored for common 1 is output from the port, and in the next timer interrupt processing, the byte data stored for common 2 is output from the port. , and so on, the byte data stored in the port output request buffer for each common is processed one by one. As a result, each lamp constituting a predetermined display mode (variation display of symbols, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.) is sequentially driven in units of commons, and lighting is controlled by a dynamic lighting method. will be

Step S234: The main control CPU 72 also executes solenoid output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs each drive signal for the normal electric accessory solenoid 88, the first big winning opening solenoid 90, the second big winning opening solenoid 97, and the probability variable area solenoid 99 stored in the port output request buffer. , test signals, etc. are stored in the port output request buffer.

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

Step S238: The control CPU 72 restores the values of the HL, DE, BC, and AF registers saved in step S200 to each register, terminates the timer interrupt processing, and enters the main loop of the CPU initialization processing (FIG. 8). return.

[Example of production image]
Next, several examples of effect images actually displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 in the pachinko machine 1 will be described. As described above, when the jackpot internal lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the variation display by the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed. (symbol display means). However, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol themselves are lighting/blinking display by the 7-segment LED, they lack visual appeal. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, a variable display performance using performance symbols is performed.

The production pattern includes, for example, left production pattern, middle production pattern, and right production pattern, and these are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (see FIG. 1). ). Each of the production patterns is designed as a picture card with characters attached thereto, for example, along with the numbers "1" to "9". Here, the left effect pattern, the middle effect pattern, and the right effect pattern all form a pattern row in which numbers "9" to "1" are arranged in descending order. Such a pattern row is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in the left area, the middle area, and the right area on the screen.

FIG. 10 is a series of diagrams showing examples of effect images corresponding to variable display and stop display of special symbols. It should be noted that here, regarding the variation of the special symbols at the time of non-winning (lost), an example of a variable display effect and a stop display effect (result display effect) performed using the effect symbols is shown. This variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects performed between the start of the variable display and the stop display of the special symbol (here, the first special symbol, but may be the second special symbol). do. In addition, the stop display effect is a effect showing that the special symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the internal lottery at that time as a combination of effect symbols. Here, before describing the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the variable display effect and the stop display effect for each variation adopted in the present embodiment will be described first.

[Before change display]
(A) in FIG. 10: For example, in the state before the first special symbol starts to fluctuate (the state in which the demo effect is not being performed), a row of three effect symbols is largely displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. ing. At this time, along with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect symbol is also stopped and displayed.

[Memory display effect]
In addition, in the pre-variation display area X1 at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, markers representing the number of working memories of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (reference signs M1 and M2 are attached in the figure) are displayed. ing. The numbers of these markers M1 and M2 displayed represent the working memory numbers of the first special design and the second special design (the number of displays of the first special design working memory lamps 34a and the second special design working memory lamps 35a). The displayed number increases or decreases in conjunction with the change in the number of working memories during the game.

In order to facilitate visual discrimination, the marker M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed, for example, as a circle (o), and the marker M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is displayed, for example, as a heart. is displayed in the form of In the illustrated example, all four markers M1 are illuminated to indicate that the working memory number of the first special symbol is four, and all the markers M2 are hidden (indicated by broken lines). indicates that the working memory number of the second special symbol is 0 (memory display effect).

Further, during the variable display of the performance symbols, for example, a fourth symbol (reference symbols Z1 and Z2 are attached in the figure) is displayed on the upper right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 . The fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are "fourth effect symbols" following the left, middle and right effect symbols, and are variably displayed in synchronism with the variable display of the effect symbols. The fourth patterns Z1 and Z2 are simply colored marks (for example, a figure of "□"), and by changing the display color, for example, a variable display can be expressed. The fourth design Z1 corresponds to the first special design, and the fourth design Z2 corresponds to the second special design.

Further, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the loss. This is for objectively clarifying that the stop display effect is performed correctly and that the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is actually "6 rounds big win", "8 rounds big win", or "10 rounds big win" instead of "lose", the mode corresponding to them (for example, blue display color or red display color etc.), the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are stopped and displayed.

[Variation display effect start]
(B) in FIG. 10: For example, in synchronism with the start of variation of the first special symbol, three symbol rows scroll and fluctuate on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 to start the variable display effect (symbol effect means of execution). That is, in synchronism with the start of the variation of the first special symbol, the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are vertically scrolled (flowed) within the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 42 so as to be variably displayed. The performance begins. Also, the markers M1 and M2 are displayed in the pre-change display area X1 of the belt-like portion in the lower portion of the liquid crystal display 42 before the start of the change, but are displayed in the lower left portion of the liquid crystal display 42 after the start of the change. It moves to the display area X2 during fluctuation by the pedestal image being displayed, and continues to be displayed until the fluctuation of the special pattern (effect pattern) is stopped and displayed (stored image display maintenance effect). In addition, in the figure, the variable display of the production pattern is simply indicated by a downward arrow. In addition, during the variable display, individual production patterns are displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), so that the background image (background image) of the production pattern is displayed in a state that is easy to see on the display screen. It is

The background image in this case is, for example, a scene in which a female character dressed in a yukata is sitting on a bench and relaxing as if enjoying the cool evening breeze. Such a background image expresses that the stay mode in presentation is, for example, the "normal mode". In this embodiment, the "normal mode" corresponds to a normal state in which the time reduction function is inactive and the probability variation function is also inactive. In addition, various modes are provided for effects, and background images with different landscapes and scenes are prepared for each mode (state display effect execution means). The difference between these modes corresponds to an internal "time reduction state" or to a "high probability state". Although not particularly illustrated here, after that, for example, an image of a character, an item, or the like may be displayed on the display screen to perform the notice effect.

In addition, during the variable display of the production patterns, the fourth pattern Z1 is displayed in a variable manner on the upper right of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth pattern Z1 expresses the variable display by changing the display color.

[Left pattern stop]
(C) in FIG. 10: For example, when a certain amount of time (approximately half of the variation time) has passed, the left effect symbol first stops varying. In this example, it indicates that the effect symbol representing the number "8" has stopped on the left side of the screen. Note that illustration of the background image is omitted here (same hereafter).

[Example of production when the number of working memories is reduced]
Here, as shown in FIG. 10(B), the number of working memories of the first special symbol decreases by one with the start of fluctuation, and accordingly, the number of displayed markers M1 increases. has been reduced by one. For example, assuming that the number of working memories has been four so far, only one of the earliest (oldest) memory number display in the marker M1 is moved to the changing display area X2, and the effects consumed by the internal lottery are combined. done. As a result, it is possible to teach the player that the number of working memories has been consumed with respect to the first special symbol.

Then, in the example of (C) in FIG. 10, since the marker M1 that was at the top in the order of storage moves to the changing display region X2, the remaining three markers are displayed in the pre-change display region X1. An effect is produced in which the three remaining markers M1 on the screen are shifted one by one in one direction (to the left in this case). As a result, the before-and-after relationship of the change in the number of working memories is accurately expressed on the production, and the player is told that "the working memory is consumed and one is reduced" or "the working memory is consumed and the special symbol is used." is fluctuating" can be intuitively and easily understood.

[Right production pattern stop]
(D) in FIG. 10: Following the left performance design, the right performance design stops changing thereafter. In this example, it indicates that the effect symbol representing the number "3" has stopped at the middle position of the screen. At this point, it has already been determined that the reach state will not occur, so it is almost clear visually that this fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. It should be noted that reach fluctuations due to slip patterns and the like are excluded here. The "sliding pattern" is, for example, once the production pattern representing the number "7" stops, then the pattern row slides by one pattern and the production pattern representing the number "8" stops, thereby developing into a reach. It is to do. Alternatively, after the production pattern representing the number "9" stops, the pattern row slides in the opposite direction by one pattern, and the production pattern representing the number "8" stops, thereby developing into a reach. be. In addition, for example, after a performance symbol representing a completely different number such as "5" stops temporarily, a character appears on the screen and the right performance symbol row is changed again, representing the number "8". There is also a pattern that the production pattern stops and develops into reach.

[Stop display effect]
(E) in FIG. 10: Synchronizing with the stop display of the first special symbol, the last medium effect symbol is stopped. If the result of the internal lottery this time is non-winning and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (losing) mode, the effect symbols are similarly stopped and displayed in a non-winning (losing) mode. will be That is, in the example shown in the drawing, it indicates that the effect symbol representing the number "1" has stopped at the middle position of the screen, and in this case, the effect symbol combination is "8"-"1"-"3". Since it is a deviation, it is expressed in the production that this change corresponds to a normal "loss". At this time, the fourth symbol Z1 is stop-displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the loss.

Further, when the stop display effect is performed, the marker M1 that has been moved to the changing display area X2 and continued to be displayed is also hidden. Therefore, it is possible to intuitively and easily teach the player that "variation of the special symbols has ended".

The above is an example of the variable display effect and the stop display effect (at the time of non-winning) performed using the effect symbol for each variation. Through such an effect, it is possible to make the player feel a sense of anticipation for winning, and to clearly teach the result of the internal lottery in the effect.

In addition, the above example is for the non-winning time, but when the big win (winning) is made, after the ready-to-win performance is executed during the variable display performance, the performance pattern is stop-displayed in the stop display performance in the manner of the big win. At this time, the stop display mode of the production pattern is basically made to correspond to the winning pattern selected internally by the main control CPU 72 (the stop display mode of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35). selected by

[Example of production at the time of a big hit]
Next, an example of an effect at the time of a big hit (winning) will be described.
FIG. 11 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of the super ready-to-win effect executed during variable display of special symbols. The super ready-to-win effect is a ready-to-reach effect that is executed along with a variable display in which a medium variable time (for example, 50 to 100 seconds) is selected.

Here, the flow of the super ready-to-win effect executed at the time of the big hit will be explained, but the super ready-to-win effect is executed not only at the time of the big win but also at the time of losing, albeit at a low rate. Also, here, in addition to the ready-to-win effect, a variable display effect, a stop display effect, and an advance notice effect are included. In addition, an example of the advance notice effect (before reach generation notice effect, after reach reach generation notice effect) executed during the variable display effect will be described.

In the following ready-to-win effect, for example, after the first special symbol display device 34 performs a variation display according to the variation pattern at the time of the big hit, the first special symbol is a big hit mode (for example, 7 segment LED "self", "yo" , “口”, “巳”, “F”, “E”, “L”, “Γ”, etc.) are executed (ready-to-win effect executing means). In addition, in FIG. 11, each production pattern is simplified to only numbers. Illustrations of the markers M1 and M2, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2, the pre-change display area X1, and the change-in-progress display area X2 are omitted (the same applies to the following drawings). The flow of production will be described below.

[Variation display effect]
In FIG. 11 (A): For example, substantially synchronizing with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol, the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are displayed vertically on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (for example, from the top). The variable display effect is started by scrolling downward.

[Advance notice before the occurrence of reach (1st stage)]
(B) in FIG. 11: Next, at a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, the first-stage ready-to-win advance notice effect using a character pattern image (face card) is performed. This advance notice effect before the occurrence of ready-to-win is a notice effect in which changes in mode progress step by step from the first stage to a plurality of stages (for example, the second to fifth stages) in accordance with a predetermined order. The pattern image used in the advance notice effect before the occurrence of the reach is positioned in front of the effect pattern that is displayed in a variable manner on the screen, for example, it is displayed so as to suddenly appear from the left end of the screen (other appearance modes may be fine.). In addition, the "notice before occurrence of reach" means that the possibility of reach or the possibility of big hit is announced before any of the effect symbols are stopped and displayed. By executing such a "pre-notice effect before occurrence of ready-to-win", it is possible to obtain the effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that "the game may develop into a ready-to-win = the possibility of a big win increases".

[Notice production before reaching (second stage)]
(C) in FIG. 11: After the first stage of the advance notice effect before the occurrence of the ready-to-win situation is executed, the change in the form of the notice effect before the occurrence of the ready-to-win situation progresses to the second stage. Here, as the second-stage pre-notice production before the occurrence of reach, a production using a picture image of a character different from the previous one is performed. Specifically, another pattern image additionally appears from the right end of the screen, and is displayed overlapping the front of the previously displayed pattern image. Moreover, the pattern image displayed at this time is larger in size than the pattern image previously displayed. In addition, the character represented by the pattern image utters a line (for example, "I'm going to be a reach", etc.).

The advance notice effect before the occurrence of reach (second stage) using such a second pattern image is a step further from the notice effect before occurrence of reach (first stage) performed in (B) of FIG. It is an advanced type. The aspect of the "pre-notice effect before the occurrence of reach" that develops in this way is generally referred to as "step-up notice" or the like. Here is an example in which the 2nd stage pattern image appears in the advance notice effect before the occurrence of reach, but in the production mode in which the 3rd, 4th, and 5th stage pattern images appear one after another and are displayed There may be. Further, for example, the size may be increased each time the third, fourth, and fifth stage pattern images appear one after another and are displayed. It should be noted that the variable display of the production pattern is continued even at this stage. In any case, it is possible to suggest to the player that there is a high possibility (expectation) of a big win with this change by allowing the change in the form of the advance notice effect before the occurrence of the ready-to-win to proceed to more stages. (For example, progress to level 5 suggests maximum expectations, etc.).

[Stop the left direction pattern]
(D) in FIG. 11: The middle stage of the variable display effect is approaching, and the variable display of the left effect symbol is eventually stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number "5" is stopped on the left side of the screen.

[Occurrence of reach state]
(E) in FIG. 11: Following the left effect symbol, for example, the variable display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this time point, since the effect symbol representing the number "5" is stopped on the right side of the screen, the ready-to-win state of "5"-"fluctuation"-"5" has occurred. An image that emphasizes one line in the reach state is also displayed on the screen. At the same time, an effect of outputting a voice such as "Reach!" is performed.

After the ready-to-win state occurs, the ready-to-win effect at the time of winning is executed (however, the winning result has not yet been displayed at this time). In the ready-to-win effect, only the effect pattern corresponding to the tened number (here, "5") is displayed on the screen, and the others are not displayed. In addition, at this time, the production patterns may be displayed in a reduced state at the four corners of the screen.

[Notice production after reach occurrence (1st time)]
(F) in FIG. 11: A short time after the ready-to-win state occurs, for example, a group of images representing, for example, a heart figure passes diagonally across the screen. In this case, the images of the hearts are suddenly displayed on the screen as if they are flowing, so that the visual appeal to the player can be enhanced. By executing such a visually lively advance notice effect after occurrence of the advance notice, it is possible to obtain the effect of making the player feel a greater sense of expectation.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 11 (G): After the occurrence of the first reach, following the notice effect, for example, an image representing the numbers "2" to "6" is displayed in a three-dimensional row on the screen, and the row is displayed. An effect is performed in which the number images are erased from the screen in the order of '2', '3', '4', and so on from the top (front). Such an effect is also performed for the purpose of suggesting (implicit) or reminding the player that if the number "5" remains without being erased to the end, it is a "jackpot". Also, when the number "4" is erased and "5" remains in front of the screen, it means "big hit", and when the number "5" is also erased, it means "loss". In the case of a miss, for example, the number "6" is displayed on the screen after the number "5" is erased. Therefore, during this period, as the images are erased in order of numbers "2", "3", and "4", the player's sense of tension and expectation increases. When the performance progresses with the number "4" actually erased on the screen and the number "5" remaining on the screen, the possibility of a "jackpot" increases, and the player's tension increases. also increases rapidly.

[Notice production after reaching (2nd time)]
(H) in FIG. 11: When the reach performance is nearing its end, a character image is suddenly displayed on the screen as if it were a close-up shot, and the character utters some kind of dialogue (or silently). After the occurrence of reach (which may be the content of smiling), the advance notice effect (second time) is performed. At this point, for example, the content of the ready-to-win effect is such that "if the number '5' remains without being erased, the possibility of a '5'-'5'-'5' big hit increases". Therefore, by making a large image of the character appear at this timing, it is possible to obtain the effect of giving the player a sense of anticipation that "it might be a big hit."

As a reach effect different from the above, for example, there is a development that ``if the numbers ``2'' to ``4'' are erased and the number ``5'' remains without being erased at the end, it will be a big hit''. When the image of the character appears at such timing, it is possible to obtain the effect of giving the player a sense of anticipation that "the big win may finally be coming".

[Stop display effect]
(I) in FIG. 11: Then, the last medium effect symbol is stopped. In this example, by stop-displaying the effect symbol representing "5" in the center of the screen, it is possible to inform the player of the big win.

(J) in FIG. 11: Then, for example, in approximately synchronism with the stop display of the first special symbol, a stop display performance as a performance symbol is performed. The stop display effect of the production pattern is performed, for example, in a state where the left, middle and right production patterns are restored to their initial sizes. By performing such a stop display effect, it is possible to teach the player that the final winning type has been determined on the effect. Conversely, by performing an unclear stop display effect on the effect, it is possible to keep the player from being informed of which of the winning symbols has won the prize.

If the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, the first special pattern to be varied this time is stop-displayed as a losing pattern, so that the performance pattern is similarly stop-displayed in a mode of losing. In this case, by displaying numbers ``4'' and ``6'' other than ``5'' in the center of the screen, an effect is performed to notify that unfortunately this variation did not result in a big hit. In addition, such an effect is executed as a "missing reach effect".

[Freeze effect]
12 to 16 are continuous diagrams showing examples of freeze effects. The freeze effect is an effect executed during execution of the variable display effect. The freeze effect is a variable display effect or an effect that makes it appear as if the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 freezes and does not move.
(A) in FIG. 12: In the illustrated example, the performance symbols composed of three symbol rows are variably displayed. Here, it is assumed that the working memory number of the first special symbol is two. In this case, two markers M1 are lit and displayed, and the display of the first digit reservation Y1 is 2. On the other hand, it is assumed that the working memory number of the second special symbol is zero. In this case, the marker M2 is extinguished and the display of the second digit reserved Y2 is 0. 10 and 11, the first digit reservation Y1 and the second digit reservation Y2 are also displayed, but are not shown.
Also, at the present time, the first special symbol is in the process of changing. Therefore, the marker M1 is displayed in the changing display area X2, and the fourth symbol Z1 is in a changing state. Furthermore, at the present time, it is in the process of the pseudo 3 variation of the pseudo continuous effect. Therefore, as the pseudo run number image GC, information of "x3" indicating that the pseudo 3 is being changed is displayed.

[Left production design stop]
In FIG. 12 (B): After a while from the start of the pseudo 3 of the pseudo continuous effect, on the left side of the screen, a sub figure number E1 (example: number 7) and a sub figure background E2 (example: corresponding to number 7) The left production pattern composed of a female character) stops. As the sub-figure numbers E1, there are "1" to "9", and as the sub-figure background E2, there are nine female characters corresponding to "1" to "9". .

[Right production pattern stop]
In FIG. 12 (C): Following the left production pattern, on the right side of the screen, there is a subfigure number E1 (example: number 7) and a subfigure background E2 (example: female character corresponding to number 7). The right production pattern stops.

[Occurrence of reach state]
By stopping the right effect symbol, a reach state of "7"-"fluctuating"-"7" in a horizontal line (on one line) is generated on the screen. On the screen, a ready-to-reach image E3 emphasizing one line in the ready-to-reach state is also displayed, and an effect of outputting a voice saying "reach!" is executed.

[Production before the start of freeze (first production)]
(D) in FIG. 13: From this point on, the pre-freeze effect is started. A button image E4 imitating a push button is displayed in the center of the screen.
The pre-freeze start production is the first production, is executed in the first production period, the production sound is executed at the first volume (example: 90 db), and the type of the production sound is the first type (example: BGM sound, It is executed in 3) of the sound during reach and the sound during fluctuation. It is assumed that button sounds are not included in this effect sound (the same applies hereinafter).
Also, here, the button sound A2 is output. The button sound A2 is a sound when the button image E4 appears. The volume of the button sound A2 is, for example, 94 db. Each sound is output from speakers 54, 55, 56, 58 and the like.
During the first rendering period, the liquid crystal display 42 displays the subfigure number E1.

(E) in FIG. 13: The pre-freeze start effect is continuously executed. Here, a press-promoting image E5 for prompting pressing of the button is displayed above the button image E4. Further, in the button image E4, the meter indicating the effective time of button depression is displayed with a reduced value.
Also, here, a button sound B2 is output. The button sound B2 is the sound when the button image E4 stays. The volume of the button sound B2 is, for example, 92 db.

(F) in FIG. 13: The pre-freeze start effect is continuously executed. Here, it is assumed that the player presses the push button 64 . In this case, a button disappearance image E6 indicating that the push button 64 has been pressed is displayed.
Also, here, the button sound C2 is output. The button sound C2 is the sound when the button disappearing image E6 is displayed. The volume of the button sound C2 is, for example, 0 to 10 db.

[Freeze running production A (second production)]
(G) in FIG. 14: From this point on, the effect A during execution of freeze is started. Here, an effect is being executed in which the entire screen is blacked out.
The effect A during freeze execution is the second effect, is executed in the second effect period, the effect sound is executed at the second volume (example: 80 db), and the type of effect sound is the second type (example: BGM sound ).
During the second rendering period, the subfigure number E1 is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, including the reduced mode. However, the subfigure background E2 is displayed.

(H) in FIG. 14: During execution of freeze effect A is continuously executed. Here, an effect is executed in which the entire screen is whited out.

In FIG. 14, (I): During execution of freeze effect A is continuously executed. Specifically, an effect is executed as if the variable display effect was frozen and stopped moving.
Also, here, the button sound C2 is output. The button sound C2 is the sound when the button disappearing image E6 is displayed. The volume of the button sound C2 is, for example, 0 to 10 db. Note that the button sound C2 here may be a sound continuing from (F) in FIG.

In FIG. 15, (J): During freeze execution effect A is continuously executed. Specifically, an effect is continuously executed as if the variable display effect was frozen and stopped moving.

[Freeze running production B (third production)]
(K) in FIG. 15: From this point on, the effect B during freeze execution is started. A button image E4 imitating a push button is displayed in the center of the screen (button effect, operation request effect).
The effect B during freeze execution is the third effect, is executed in the third effect period, the effect sound is executed at the third volume (example: 85 db), and the type of effect sound is the third type (example: BGM sound , two of the sounds in reach).
Also, here, the button sound A1 is output. The button sound A1 is a sound when the button image E4 appears. The volume of the button sound A1 is, for example, 94 db. Note that the volume of the button sound A1 may be 104 db.

In FIG. 15, (L): During execution of freeze effect B is continuously executed. Here, a press-promoting image E5 for prompting pressing of the button is displayed above the button image E4. Further, in the button image E4, the meter indicating the effective time of button depression is displayed with a reduced value.
Also, here, the button sound B1 is output. The button sound B1 is the sound when the button image E4 stays. The volume of the button sound B1 is, for example, 92 db. Note that the volume of the button sound B1 may be 100 db.

[Production after the end of the freeze (4th production)]
(M) in FIG. 16: Here, it is assumed that the player presses the push button 64 . Then, the effect is started after the freeze ends. In this case, a button disappearance image E6 indicating that the push button 64 has been pressed is displayed.
The effect after freezing is the fourth effect, which is executed in the fourth effect period, the effect sound is executed at the fourth volume (eg, 80 to 90 db), and the type of the effect sound is the fourth type (eg, BGM). sound, sound during reach, and sound during fluctuation).
Also, here, the button sound C1 is output. The button sound C1 is the sound when the button disappearing image E6 is displayed. The volume of the button sound C1 is, for example, 96 db. Note that the volume of the button sound C1 may be 102 db.

(N) in FIG. 16: The effect is continuously executed after the freeze ends. Here, a ready-to-win development effect that develops into a battle ready-to-win effect is being executed.

(O) in FIG. 16: The effect is continuously executed after the freeze ends. Here, as the announcement effect, a group announcement effect in which many animal characters cross is executed.
After that, the ready-to-win effect progresses, and a big hit or lose effect is executed.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the effect light, the effect sound, and the effect image.
This timing chart shows the situation of (M) in FIG. The effect light indicates the light emitted by surrounding LEDs (for example, the board lamp 53) when the push button 64 is pressed. The effect sound indicates the button sound C2 that is output when the push button 64 is pressed. The effect image shows a button disappearing image E6 that is displayed when the push button 64 is pressed.

[Time t0]
At time t0, the effect light is OFF, the effect sound is OFF, and the effect image is OFF. Assume that the push button 64 is pressed between time t0 and time t1.

[Time t1]
At time t1, the effect light is turned ON, the effect sound remains OFF, and the effect image remains OFF.

[Time t2]
At time t2, the effect light is ON, the effect sound is ON, and the effect image remains OFF.

[Time t3]
At time t3, the effect light is ON, the effect sound is ON, and the effect image is ON.

The time from time t1 to time t2 is T1, the time from time t2 to time t3 is T2, and the time from time t1 to time t3 is T3. The length of time relationship is T1<T2<T3.

Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the above effects will be described. Each effect mentioned above is controlled through the following control processes.

[Production control processing]
The effect control device 124 has a function as a effect control processor and a function as a effect reproduction processor as described above, and realizes these two functions by allocating different resources of the effect control CPU 126 to each. . The effect control CPU 126 as a effect control processor receives the effect command transmitted from the main control device 70 and sets various control tables for instructing the reproduction of the effect according to the content of the command. In addition, the effect control CPU 126 as the effect reproduction processor analyzes the control table set by the effect control processor, and based on the contents, gives more specific instructions to each device to operate each device (liquid crystal display screen display by device 42, sound output by speakers 54, 55, 56, 58, light emission by various lamps 46 to 52, board surface lamp 53, etc., displacement of various movable bodies by movable body motor 57, etc.) Realize the performance playback in

Therefore, for convenience of explanation, in the following description, the subject of action when the effect control CPU 126 functions as the effect control processor is expressed as the "effect control unit 210", and the effect control CPU 126 functions as the effect display processor. Depending on the content, the main body of operation in each case is appropriately expressed as the “display control unit 220,” the “audio control unit 222,” the “lamp control unit 224,” or the “motor control unit 226.”

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a procedure example of the effect control process executed by the effect control CPU 126. As shown in FIG. This effect control process is executed in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from reset start (main) process (not shown), for example. The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, a cycle of several tens of μs to several ms) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

Effect control processing includes command reception processing (step S400), error effect management processing (step S400a), operating memory effect management processing (step S401), effect pattern management processing (step S402), display output processing (step S404), input It includes a subroutine group of control processing (step S405), lamp driving processing (step S406), sound driving processing (step S408), effect random number update processing (step S410) and other processing (step S412). The basic flow of the effect control process will be described below along with each process.

Step S400: In the command reception process, the effect control unit 210 receives the effect command transmitted from the main control CPU72. In addition, the effect control section 210 analyzes the received effect commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 by type. The effect commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a lottery result command, a variation pattern command, a variation start command, a stop pattern command, a confirmation command, a state designation command, various error commands, a variation pattern destination determination command, There are a probability variable area passing command, a prize content command, a setting-related end designation command, an effect command when the number of working memories increases, an effect command when the number of working memories decreases, and the like.

Step S400a: In the error effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting an effect pattern for executing an error effect based on various error commands (error effect execution means).

Step S401: In the operation storage performance management process, the performance control unit 210 performs storage display performance, display control of the markers M1 and M2, the first number reservation Y1, and the second number reservation Y2. In this process, the execution of the pre-reading announcement effect using the markers M1, M2, etc. may be controlled. The contents of the operation memory effect management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control unit 210 controls the contents of the variable display effect and the stop display effect using the effect symbol, and when the first variable prize winning device 30 or the second variable prize winning device 31 is opened and closed. (effect execution means). Also, in this process, the effect control unit 210 selects an effect pattern of various advance notice effects (pre-notice effect before occurrence of reach, notice effect after occurrence of reach, etc.). The contents of the effect symbol management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

Step S404: In the display output process, first, the effect control unit 210 sends the display control unit 220 to the effect contents (for example, the number of working memories of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the working memory effect pattern number, the pre-reading notice Effect pattern number, variable effect pattern number, variable notice effect number, background pattern number, relevant pending deletion, etc.) and set a control table. In response to this, the display control unit 220 gives specific drawing instructions to the VDP 152 based on the set message and the contents of the control table, and controls the display operation of the liquid crystal display 42 .

Step S405: In the input control process, first, the production control unit 210 synchronizes with the scene where the player's operation is requested as the production progresses, and instructs the input control unit 228 that any operation member is operated by the player. Instructs to detect whether or not the device is operated in a specified manner. More specifically, the effect control section 210 sets one of the input control tables predefined in the control ROM 180 . In response to this, the input control unit 228 analyzes the contents of the set input control table, and based on this, sets a period during which it is possible to accept operations on any of the operation members. Also, it detects whether or not an operation (an operation requested to the player) matching the mode specified by the effect control unit 210 is performed, outputs the detection result, and returns it to the effect control unit 210 .

Step S<b>406 : In the lamp driving process, the effect control section 210 first sets a control table for instructing the content of the effect to the lamp control section 224 . In response to this, the lamp control unit 224 relays the LED driver 198 based on the contents of the set control table, outputs a specific drive signal to the driver IC 132, and outputs various lamps 46 to 52, board surface lamp 53, A light source or the like built in each part of the operation unit 60 is driven (turned on or off, blinked, changed in luminance gradation, etc.).

Step S<b>408 : In the sound driving process, the effect control section 210 first sets a control table for instructing the content of the effect to the sound control section 222 . In response to this, the sound control unit 222 instructs the sound IC 134 to output specific contents based on the contents of the set control table, and the sound ( sound effects, BGM, etc.).

Step S410: In effect random number update processing, the effect control section 210 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. FIG. The effect random number includes, for example, a random number used for advance notice selection, a random number used for a normal background change lottery (effect lottery), and the like.

Step S412: In other processes, for example, the effect control unit 210 first sets a control table for instructing the motor control unit 226 on the content of the effect. In response to this, the motor control unit 226 instructs the SMC 199 on specific control contents based on the contents of the set control table. Further, the SMC 199 creates an operation pattern for the movable body 40f based on instructions from the motor control section 226, outputs a control signal corresponding to this pattern to the driver IC, and drives the movable body 40f. The movable body 40f operates using the movable body motor 57 as a drive source, and performs effects in synchronism with the image display by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently.

Through the above-described effect control processing, the effect control section 210 can comprehensively control the effect contents in the pachinko machine 1 .

[Working memory presentation management processing]
FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the operation storage effect management process.
In the working memory performance management process, the first special symbol and the second special symbol displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 are interlocked with the increase or decrease in the number of lottery elements stored in the main controller 70 (number of working memories). This is the process of updating the displays of the markers M1 and M2, the first digit reserved Y1, and the second digit reserved Y2 corresponding to . An example procedure will be described below.

Step S700: First, the production control unit 210 confirms whether or not the production command for increasing the number of working memories is received from the main control CPU72. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the effect command at the time of increasing the number of working memories is saved. When it is confirmed that the production command for increasing the number of working memories is saved (step S700: Yes), the production control unit 210 executes step S702. In addition, when it cannot confirm that the production|presentation command at the time of an increase in working memory number is preserve|saved (step S700: No), the production|presentation control part 210 does not perform step S702.

Step S702: The effect control unit 210 executes the effect selection process when the number of working memories is increased. In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects the effect of displaying the markers M1 and M2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, or selects the first number corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol. An effect for increasing the number information of the reservation Y1 and the second number reservation Y2 is selected.

Step S704: The effect control unit 210 confirms whether or not the effect command at the time of reduction of the number of working memories is received from the main control CPU72. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130, and confirms whether or not the effect command when the number of working memories is reduced is saved. When it is confirmed that the production command is saved when the number of working memories is reduced (step S704: Yes), the production control unit 210 executes step S706. In addition, when it cannot confirm that the production|presentation command is preserve|saved at the time of the working memory number reduction|decrease (step S704: No), the production|presentation control part 210 does not perform step S706.

Step S706: The effect control unit 210 executes the effect selection process when the number of working memories is reduced. In this process, the effect control unit 210 produces an effect of sliding the markers M1 and M2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and changes the marker corresponding to the lottery element consumed by the internal lottery from the pre-variation display area X1. A performance of moving to the medium display area X2 is selected, or a performance of decreasing the number information of the first number reservation Y1 and the second number reservation Y2 corresponding to the first special pattern and the second special pattern is selected. It should be noted that the storage marker moved to the display area X2 during fluctuation selects an effect to be erased at the end of fluctuation.
After completing the above procedure, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 18).

[Production pattern management process]
FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of production symbol management processing. Effect symbol management processing includes execution selection processing (step S500), effect symbol change pre-process (step S502), effect symbol change process (step S504), effect symbol stop display process (step S506), and when the variable winning device is in operation. This configuration includes a group of subroutines for processing (step S508). The basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described below along with each process.

Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control unit 210 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control unit 210 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the "jump table" as the return destination address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the variable display effect has not yet started, the effect control unit 210 selects the effect symbol change pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect symbol change pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control unit 210 selects the effect symbol change process (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the effect symbol change process is completed, As the next jump destination, the effect symbol stop display process (step S506) is selected. In addition, when the variable winning device is activated (step S508), it is selected as a jump destination when a big win game or a small win game is being executed. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

Step S502: In the effect symbol variation preprocessing, the effect control unit 210 performs the work of adjusting the conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect symbol (including the fourth symbol). In addition, in this process, the effect control unit 210 selects the contents of the reach effect according to various conditions (lottery result, winning type, variation pattern, etc.) Pre-reach warning pattern, post-reach warning pattern, etc.). In addition, the effect control section 210 also controls a demonstration effect when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. The specific contents of the processing will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S504: In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control unit 210 generates control information to instruct the display control unit 220 as necessary. For example, when a performance using the operation unit 60 is performed during execution of a variable display performance using performance symbols, the input control unit 228 monitors whether or not the operation unit 60 is operated by the player, and responds to the result. The display control unit 220 is instructed to control information on the content of effects (operation opportunity effects, repeated hit effects, linked operation effects, etc.).

Step S506: In the effect symbol stop display processing, the effect control unit 210 controls the contents of the stop display effect using the effect symbol (including the fourth symbol) and the moving image in a mode according to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control unit 210 instructs the display control unit 220 to end the variable display effect and execute the stop display effect. In response to this, the display control unit 220 terminates the variable display effect that has been actually executed in the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 via the VDP 152, and executes the stop display effect. As a result, the stop display effect is executed substantially in synchronism with the stop display of the special symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be instructed (disclosure, notification, notification, etc.) to the player (execution of the symbol effect). means). It should be noted that, at the time of the small hit, the stop display effect can be executed in a manner similar to or similar to the loss.

Step S508: In the process when the variable winning device is activated, the effect control unit 210 controls the contents of the effect during the small hit or the big hit (special game effect executing means). In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects the contents of the effect during the big role according to various conditions (for example, winning type).

[Production pattern change pre-processing]
FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the effect symbol variation pre-processing. An example procedure will be described below.

Step S600: The production control unit 210 confirms whether or not a demonstration production command has been received from the main control CPU72. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not a command for demonstration effect is saved. As a result, when it is confirmed that the demonstration effect command is saved (Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes step S602.

Step S602: The effect control unit 210 executes demonstration selection processing. In this process, the effect control section 210 selects a demonstration effect pattern. The demonstration effect pattern defines the contents of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

After completing the above procedure, the effect control unit 210 returns to the address at the end of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect control process as it is, and in the following display output process (step S404 in FIG. 18) and lamp driving process (step S406 in FIG. 18), the content of the demonstration effect is changed based on the demonstration effect pattern. Control.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S600 that the demonstration effect command is not saved (No), the effect control unit 210 next executes step S604.

Step S604: The effect control unit 210 confirms whether or not the change of this time is lost (non-winning). Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is saved (Yes), the effect control section 210 executes step S612. Conversely, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is not stored (No), the effect control unit 210 executes step S606. It should be noted that it is also possible to confirm whether or not this time's variation is lost based on a variation pattern command or a stop symbol command in addition to the lottery result command. That is, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to the lost normal variation or the lost reach variation, it can be determined that the current variation is a loss. Alternatively, if the current stop symbol command designates a non-winning symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is a loss.

Step S606: If the lottery result command is other than non-winning (lost) (step S604: No), then the effect control section 210 confirms whether or not this change is a big hit. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the lottery result command at the time of the big win is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of the big hit is saved (Yes), the effect control section 210 executes step S610. Conversely, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of the big hit is not stored (No), only the lottery result command at the time of the small win remains, so in this case, the effect control unit 210 executes step S608. . It should be noted that it is also possible to confirm whether or not the current variation is a big hit based on the variation pattern command or the stop symbol command. That is, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to the big hit variation, it can be determined that the current variation is the big hit. Also, if the current stop symbol command corresponds to a big win symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is a big win.

Step S608: The production control unit 210 executes a small hit fluctuation production pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control unit 210 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, "C0H00H" to "D0H7FH") received from the main control CPU72. The production pattern number is prepared in advance corresponding to the variation pattern command, and the production control unit 210 refers to a production pattern selection table (not shown) to select the production pattern number corresponding to the variation pattern command at that time. can be done. Incidentally, the effect pattern number may be prepared in pairs with the variation pattern command, or a plurality of numbers may be prepared for one variation pattern command.

Also, when the production pattern number is selected, the production control unit 210 refers to a production table (not shown), and the fluctuation schedule of the production pattern corresponding to the fluctuation production pattern number at that time (variation time, reach type and reach generation timing), Determines the mode of stop display, etc. It should be noted that all the types of performance symbols determined here correspond to the "combination of symbols at the time of a small win".

The above procedure is for the case of a "minor hit", but if it corresponds to a big hit, the effect control unit 210 confirms that it is a "big hit" in step S606 (Yes). In this case, the effect control section 210 executes step S610.

Step S610: The effect control section 210 executes a variation effect pattern selection process at the time of a big hit. In this process, the effect control unit 210 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, "E0H00H" to "F0H7FH") received from the main control CPU72. In the big-hit effect pattern selection process, the process may be branched according to the big-hit stop symbol.

In addition, in the case of non-winning, the following procedure is executed. That is, when the production control unit 210 confirms that there is a deviation in step S604 (Yes), then step S612 is executed.

Step S612: The production control unit 210 executes a variation production pattern selection process when losing. In this process, the effect control unit 210 determines the effect pattern number at the time of failure based on the variation pattern command (for example, "A0H00H" to "A6H7FH") received from the main control CPU72. The effect pattern number at the time of losing is classified into "normal loss fluctuation", "short time loss fluctuation", "loss reach fluctuation", etc. Further, a detailed reach fluctuation pattern is specified for "loss reach fluctuation". It should be noted that which effect pattern number the effect control unit 210 selects is determined by the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control CPU 72 .

When the performance pattern number at the time of loss is selected, the performance control unit 210 refers to a performance table (not shown) and determines the variation schedule of the performance pattern corresponding to the variable performance pattern number at that time (variation time, presence or absence of reach occurrence, reach occurrence If so, determine the type of reach and the timing of occurrence of reach), and the mode of stop display (eg, "7"-"2"-"4", etc.).

After executing any one of the above steps S608, S610, and S612, the effect control unit 210 next executes step S614. In steps S608, S610, and S612, the effect control unit 210 also determines the variation pattern of the fourth symbol corresponding to the loss, the big hit, and the small hit.

Step S614: The effect control unit 210 executes the notice selection process (prediction effect executing means). In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects by lottery the details of the advance notice effect to be executed during the current variable display effect. The content of the notice effect is determined based on, for example, the result of internal lottery (winning or not winning) and the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time reduction state). The advance notice effect notifies the player of the possibility of occurrence of a ready-to-win state during the variable display effect, or of the possibility of a big win in the end. Therefore, the selection ratio of the announcement effect is set low when the game is not won, but the selection ratio of the announcement effect is set relatively high when the game is won in order to raise the player's expectation.

Step S616: The effect control unit 210 executes mode effect management processing. In this process, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting a background image according to the stay mode. For example, when the stay mode is the "normal mode (low-probability non-reduced time state)", the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting a background image of a female character sitting on a couch. Moreover, when the stay mode is the “fireworks mode (high-probability time reduction state)”, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting a background image with fireworks as a motif. Furthermore, when the stay mode is the "coast mode (low-probability time reduction state)", the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting a background image with a coast motif. In addition, when the stay mode is the "high probability non-reduced time state", the effect control unit 210 may select a background image corresponding to the normal mode, or may select a background image different from the normal mode. good.

After completing the above procedure, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect symbol management process (end address). As a result, in the subsequent production pattern fluctuation process (step S504 in FIG. 20), the variable display production and the stop display production are executed based on the actually selected fluctuation production pattern (production execution means), various A notice performance is executed based on the notice performance pattern.

[Processing when variable winning device is activated]
FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing a configuration example of processing when the variable winning device is activated. The variable winning device activation processing is a subroutine of execution selection processing (step S902), variable winning device activation pre-processing (step S904), variable winning device activation processing (step S906), and variable winning device activation post-processing (step S908). It is a configuration including a (program module) group. Here, first, the basic flow of the process when the variable winning device is activated will be described along with each process.

Step S902: In the execution selection process, the effect control unit 210 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S904 to S908) from the "jump table". For example, the effect control unit 210 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the variable winning device activation process to the stack pointer as the return destination address.

Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the variable winning device pre-operation processing has not yet started, the effect control unit 210 selects the variable winning device pre-operation processing (step S904) as the next jump destination. Also, if the variable winning device activation pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control unit 210 selects the variable winning device in-operation processing (step S906) as the next jump destination. Furthermore, if the processing during variable winning device operation is completed, the effect control unit 210 selects the variable winning device operation post-processing (step S908) as the next jump destination.

Step S904: In the variable winning device activation pre-processing, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting the content of the effect to be executed during the big hit game or the small hit game.

Step S906: In the process during operation of the variable winning device, the effect control section 210 generates control information for instructing the display control section 220 as necessary. For example, when an effect using the operation unit 60 is performed during execution of a big hit effect, the input control unit 228 detects whether or not the operation unit 60 is operated by the player, and the effect content (operation opportunity effect) according to the result , consecutive hit effect, linked operation effect, etc.) is instructed to the display control unit 220 . Further, in this process during operation of the variable winning device, when the probability variable region passing command is received during the big win game, the processing of selecting the effect indicating that the V winning has occurred is executed, while the probability variable region is executed during the big win game. When the pass command is not received, a process of selecting an effect indicating that the V winning has not occurred is executed.

Step S908: In the variable winning device activation post-processing, the effect control section 210 executes the effect of transmitting the destination mode to the player during the end time of the variable winning device. For example, the effect control unit 210 executes a coast mode entry effect or a firework rush rush effect depending on whether or not there is a winning symbol or passage through a variable probability area. Specifically, when the probability variable region passing command is received during the jackpot game, the process of selecting the performance indicating entering into the fireworks rush is executed, and the probability variable region passing command is not received during the jackpot game. In this case, a process of selecting an effect indicating entry into the coast mode is executed.
After completing the above processing, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect symbol management process (FIG. 20).

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the advance notice selection process.
Step S910: The effect control unit 210 executes a process of confirming whether or not the condition for executing the freeze effect is satisfied.
The execution condition of the freeze effect can be a condition that is met when at least one of the following conditions (preferably all of the conditions) is met.
(1) A variation pattern having a variation time longer than a predetermined time is selected.
(2) Winning a predetermined effect execution lottery.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the conditions for executing the freeze effect are satisfied (Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes step S911. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the freeze effect execution condition is satisfied (No), the effect control unit 210 executes step S912.

Step S911: The effect control unit 210 executes freeze effect selection processing. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 executes the process of selecting the effect pattern of the freeze effect shown in FIGS. 12 to 16 and the description thereof. Then, based on the selected effect pan, the image of the freeze effect is controlled in the display output process, and the light and sound are controlled in the lamp drive process and the sound drive process.

Step S911: The effect control unit 210 executes other notice effect selection processing. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting an advance notice effect other than the freeze effect. The notice effects other than the freeze effect include, for example, a step-up effect, a pseudo-continuous effect, an illumination array effect, a pseudo illumination array effect, a power failure effect, a dialogue effect, a group effect, and a cut-in effect. When the pseudo-continuous effect is executed, the effect symbol is simulated once or a plurality of times during one variation of the special symbol, and the pseudo consecutive number image GC corresponding to the number of times of the pseudo variation is displayed. Select a production pattern.
After completing the above processing, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect symbol management process (FIG. 22).

[First technical feature]
As described above, the gaming machine of this embodiment has the following first technical feature.
(1) Effect before freeze start (first effect, (D) to (F) in FIG. 13) and effect A during freeze execution (second effect, (G) to (J) in FIG. 14) is a gaming machine capable of executing a freeze effect (specific effect) including .
(2) The pre-freeze start effect is executed in the first effect period.
(3) Freeze-in-execution effect A is executed in the second effect period after the first effect period.
(4) During the first effect period, the liquid crystal display 42 displays the sub-figure number E1 (effect pattern).
(5) During the second rendering period, the subfigure number E1 is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, including the reduced mode. However, the subfigure background E2 is displayed.

According to the above (1) to (5), during the second effect period, the subfigure number E1 is not displayed on the liquid crystal display device 42, including the reduced mode, so the display during execution of the freezing effect A is disturbing. is eliminated, the performance effect of the performance A during freeze execution can be improved, and as a result, a novel game machine can be provided. In addition, during the second presentation period, the sub-figure number E1 is not displayed, but the sub-figure background E2 is displayed, so that the contents of the presentation are frozen as much as possible, while avoiding misunderstanding that the sub-figure number E1 has stopped. be able to.

(6) The freeze effect includes a freeze-in-execution effect B (third effect, (K) and (L) in FIG. 15).
(7) Freeze-in-execution effect B is executed in the third effect period after the second effect period.
(8) In the first effect period, the volume of the effect sound being notified is the first volume (eg, 90 db).
(9) In the second effect period, the volume of the effect sound being notified is the second volume (eg, 80 db).
(10) In the third effect period, the volume of the effect sound being notified is the third volume (eg, 85db).
(11) The first volume is greater than the third volume, and the third volume is greater than the second volume (first volume > third volume > second volume). Note that the second volume may be 0 db (muted, silent).

According to the above (6) to (11), since the second volume is the lowest volume, the effect sound due to the second volume does not interfere with the freezing effect A, and the image of the freezing effect A It is possible to improve the presentation effect by, and as a result, it is possible to provide a novel game machine.

(12) The freeze effect includes a freeze-in-execution effect B (third effect, (K) and (L) in FIG. 15).
(13) Freeze-in-execution effect B is executed in the third effect period after the second effect period.
(14) In the first effect period, the types of effect sounds being notified are the first type (three).
(15) In the second effect period, the type of effect sound being notified is the second type (one).
(16) In the third effect period, the type of effect sound being notified is the third type (two).
(17) The first type is more than the third type, and the third type is more than the second type (first type>third type>second type). Note that the second type may be 0 (none).

According to the above (12) to (17), since the second type is the least number of types, the effect sound by the second type does not interfere with the effect A during freeze execution, and the image of effect A during freeze execution It is possible to improve the presentation effect by, and as a result, it is possible to provide a novel game machine.

(18) Freeze effect includes effect B during freeze execution (third effect, (K) and (L) in FIG. 15) and effect after freezing (fourth effect, (M) to (O) in FIG. 16). ,including.
(19) Freeze-in-execution effect B is executed in the third effect period after the second effect period.
(20) The post-freeze effect is executed in the fourth effect period after the third effect period.
(21) During the third effect period, a button effect (operation request effect) can be executed.
(22) The transition from the third presentation period to the fourth presentation period is conditioned on the push button 64 being pressed (predetermined operation means being operated).
(23) When the push button 64 is pressed, the effect light, the effect sound, and the effect image are notified at the same time.
(24) There is a first time difference T1 between the start timing of the effect light and the start timing of the effect sound.
(25) There is a second time difference T2 between the start timing of the effect sound and the start timing of the effect image.
(26) There is a third time difference T3 between the start timing of the effect image and the start timing of the effect light.
(27) The first time difference T1 is shorter than the second time difference T2, and the first time difference T1 is shorter than the third time difference T3 (first time difference T1<second time difference T2, first time difference T1 <Third time difference T3; FIG. 17).

According to (18) to (27) above, since the first time difference T1 is the shortest time difference, the effect light and the effect sound are output closest to each other, and the effect of light and sound is synergistic. The effect can be improved, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

In FIG. 17, an example was described in which the effects of the effect light, the effect sound, and the effect image are started in the order of "effect light"→"effect sound"→"effect image". The order shown in 17 is not limited. Any one of the following six patterns including the order shown in FIG. 17 can be adopted as the order in which each effect is executed.
(a) “Effect light” → “effect sound” → “effect image”
(b) “Effect light” → “effect image” → “effect sound”
(c) “Effect sound” → “effect light” → “effect image”
(d) “Effect sound” → “effect image” → “effect light”
(e) “Effect image” → “effect light” → “effect sound”
(f) “Effect image” → “effect sound” → “effect light”

In any one of the above cases (a) to (f), the first time difference T1 is shorter than the second time difference T2, and the first time difference T1 is shorter than the third time difference T3 (first It is preferable to satisfy the relationship of time difference T1<second time difference T2, first time difference T1<third time difference T3). In any of the above cases (a) to (f), only the relationship of "first time difference T1<second time difference T2" or "first time difference T1<third time difference T3" It is also possible to satisfy only the relationship

[Second technical feature]
The gaming machine of this embodiment has a second technical feature described below.
(1) It is a game machine with a button effect having a button image and a button sound.
(2) Button effects include a first button effect ((K) in FIG. 15 to (M) in FIG. 16) and a second button effect ((D) in FIG. 13 to (I) in FIG. 14). .
(3) The first button effect consists of a first display initial period ((K) in FIG. 15), a first display middle period ((L) in FIG. 15), and a first display end period ((M )).
(4) In the first display initial period, a button sound A1 indicating that the button image has appeared is output (94db).
(5) During the first middle display period, a button sound B1 indicating a period until the button image exits is output (92 db).
(6) During the first display end period, a button sound C1 indicating that the button image has exited is output (96db).
(7) The button sound C1 is louder than the button sound A1, and the button sound A1 is louder than the button sound B1 (button sound C1>button sound A1>button sound B1).

According to the above (1) to (7), the button sound C1 is the loudest sound. can also give a certain amount of impact, and as a result, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine.

[Third technical feature]
The gaming machine of this embodiment has a third technical feature described below.
(1) It is a game machine with a button effect having a button image and a button sound.
(2) Button effects include a first button effect ((K) in FIG. 15 to (M) in FIG. 16) and a second button effect ((D) in FIG. 13 to (I) in FIG. 14). .
(3) The first button effect consists of a first display initial period ((K) in FIG. 15), a first display middle period ((L) in FIG. 15), and a first display end period ((M )).
(4) In the first display initial period, a button sound A1 indicating that the button image has appeared is output (104db).
(5) During the first middle display period, a button sound B1 indicating a period until the button image exits is output (100 db).
(6) During the first display end period, a button sound C1 indicating that the button image has exited is output (102db).
(7) Button sound A1 is louder than button sound C1, and button sound C1 is louder than button sound B1 (button sound A1>button sound C1>button sound B1).

According to the above (1) to (7), the button sound A1 is the loudest sound. A large impact can be given again, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

[Fourth technical feature]
The gaming machine of this embodiment has the following fourth technical feature.
[Exemplary Problems of the Fourth Technical Feature]
In pachinko and slots, there are various types of effects such as step-up effects, pseudo-continuous effects, illumination array effects, pseudo illumination array effects, electrical interruption effects, freeze effects, etc., as effects that increase the expectation of a big win. The fourth technical feature aims to express an effective freeze effect, for example, when the freeze effect is executed.

[Specific configuration of the fourth technical feature]
(1) A gaming machine capable of executing a freeze effect (specific effect).
(2) The freeze effect starts when the button is operated while the button image is being displayed for the first time, and ends when the button is operated while the button image is being displayed for the second time.
(3) There is a first period (eg (D) to (F) in FIG. 13) before the freeze effect is executed.
(4) In the first period, the subfigure number E1 (eg, "7"), the subfigure background E2 (eg, female character), the reach image E3, the markers M1 and M2 (hold ball images), and the 1 digit pending Y1 (holding number image), 2nd digit pending Y2 (holding number image), 4th symbols Z1, Z2 (example: “display during fluctuation / display during stop”), pseudo consecutive number image GC ( Example: "x3") and the first button image E4 are displayed.
(5) In the first period, a button sound A2 indicating that the display of the first button image E4 has started, and a button indicating that the display of the first button image E4 is changing (eg, changing the meter) Sound B2 is notified.
(6) There is a second period (eg, (G) in FIG. 14 to (J) in FIG. 15) which is an initial stage after the freeze effect is executed.
(7) In the second period, the subfigure number E1 (eg, "7") is not displayed, including the reduced mode.
(8) In the second period, the sub-figure background E2 (eg, female character) is a still image and monochrome (black and white).
(9) In the second period, the reach image E3 and the pseudo-running image GC (eg, "x3") are still images and monochrome.
(10) In the second period, the markers M1 and M2 (holding ball image), the first number holding Y1 (holding number image), the second number holding Y2 (holding number image), and the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are moving images. and color.
(11) In the second period, the button disappearing image E6 (post-operation button image) indicating that the button has been operated during the display of the button image for the first time is displayed ((I) in FIG. 14). The button sound C2 corresponding to the post-operation button image is not notified (no sound) or substantially not notified.
(12) There is a third period (eg, (K) and (L) in FIG. 15) during the freeze effect.
(13) In the third period, the second button image E4 is displayed.
(14) In the third period, the button sound A1 indicating that the second button image E4 has started to be displayed, or the button sound indicating that the display of the second button image is changing (eg, the meter changes) B1 is reported.
(15) There is a fourth period (eg, (M) in FIG. 16 to (O) in FIG. 16) after the freeze effect.
(16) In the fourth period, a subfigure number E1 (eg "7") is displayed (eg FIG. 16).
(17) In the fourth period, a button disappearing image E6 (post-operation button image) indicating that the button has been operated during the display of the button image for the second time is displayed ((M) in FIG. 16), and the button A button sound C1 corresponding to the disappearing image E6 (post-operation button image) is also notified.

[Exemplary effects of the fourth technical feature]
Since the above (7) is adopted, the display that disturbs during the freeze effect is eliminated, so that the feeling of freezing in the freeze effect can be enhanced.
Since the above (5) and (11) are performed, it is possible to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling that the button sound C2 based on the button operation is notified even though the image expression of the freeze effect has started. As a result, it is possible to increase the feeling of freezing in the scene where the freeze effect is started.
Since the above (14) and (17) are performed, it is possible to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling that the button sound C1 based on the button operation is not notified even though the image expression of the freeze effect is finished. As a result, it is possible to enhance the feeling of unfreezing in the scene where the freeze effect has ended.

The present invention can be modified in various ways without being limited to the above-described embodiment. The mode of presentation and various numerical values given in one embodiment are merely examples, and are not limited to the contents described above.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a gaming machine having a variable probability region has been described, but the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine that does not have a variable probability region. It is also possible to apply the present invention to a so-called simultaneous turning machine.

Although the specific effect has been described as an example of a freeze effect, it may be another notice effect or a variable display effect.
A display other than the liquid crystal display 42 may be installed to display the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2, the first number reserved Y1, and the second number reserved Y2.

The effect pattern may be a sub-figure number and a sub-figure background. The effect pattern may be only sub-figure numbers. The effect pattern may be only the sub-picture background. The subfigure numerals are not limited to numerals, and may be characters, graphics, or the like. The production pattern is a pattern that is displayed based on the control of the production control device.

In the above-described embodiment, during the first effect period, the sub-figure number E1 (effect pattern) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and during the second effect period, the sub-figure number E1 is reduced on the liquid crystal display 42. Although the description has been made with an example in which it is not displayed including the mode (the sub-graphic background E2 is displayed), the display mode of the effect pattern is not limited to this.
For example, during the first rendering period, the liquid crystal display 42 displays the sub-figure number E1 (rendering pattern) and the sub-graphic background E2 (rendering pattern), and during the second rendering period, the liquid crystal display 42 displays the sub A display mode in which the figure number E1 (effect pattern) and the sub-graphic background E2 (effect pattern) are not displayed may be adopted, including a reduction mode.
Further, during the first rendering period, the sub-graphic background E2 (rendering pattern) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and during the second rendering period, the sub-graphic background E2 including the reduced mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. It may be a display mode in which it is not displayed (the subfigure number E1 is displayed).

The images given in other production examples are merely examples, and can be appropriately modified. Also, the structure, board configuration, and specific numerical values of the pachinko machine 1, including those shown in the drawings, are preferred examples, and these can be modified as appropriate.

[Slot machines (pachislot machines, slot machines, pachislot machines)]
In the above-described embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to a pachinko machine that uses game balls has been described. The present invention may be applied to a slot machine in which rotating reels are stopped by a stop operation using a stop button, and prizes can be generated depending on the type of symbols or combination of symbols when the reels are stopped.

The slot machine includes a variable display section (e.g., reels) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (e.g., symbols) that are each identifiable, and after variably displaying the variable display section, This is a gaming machine (for example, a slot machine) that derives a display result by stopping the variable display and can generate a prize according to the display result.

In addition, a slot machine includes a lever-shaped start switch, a button-shaped stop switch, and a plurality of rotations that start rotation based on the operation of the start switch and stop rotation based on the operation of the stop switch by the player. A winning combination that determines whether or not a predetermined winning combination is won based on the operation of a start switch in a state in which a sufficient number of medals or game balls as game media are inserted to start a game. A lottery is drawn and a plurality of rotating reels are rotated, and based on the operation of the stop switch, the rotating reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is stopped, and predetermined symbol positions of the stopped rotating reels are connected. Based on the combination of the symbols displayed on the activated line, a winning judgment is made as to whether or not the winning combination won by the winning combination lottery is won, and based on the result of the winning judgment, the player is provided with a game medium, This is a gaming machine that provides benefits such as replay, accessories, and accessory continuous actuating devices.

1 pachinko machine 8 game board unit 8a game area 16 handle unit 20 starting gate 28 variable starting winning device 33 normal symbol display device 33a normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 first special symbol display device 35 second special symbol display device 34a first special Symbol operation memory lamp 35a Second special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game state display device 42 Liquid crystal display device 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
76 RAM
124 effect control device 126 effect control CPU
130 RAM
210 production control unit

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of executing a specific effect including a first effect and a second effect,
The first production is executed in a first production period,
The second effect is executed in a second effect period after the first effect period,
In the first production period, the production pattern is displayed on a predetermined display device,
A game machine characterized in that, during the second performance period, the performance symbols including the reduced mode are not displayed on the predetermined display device.

Images