JP4027959B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine in which a player plays a predetermined game and can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when a specific condition is established.

  As a gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Further, there is a configuration in which a predetermined game value is given to a player when a predetermined condition is satisfied when a game is being performed. The game value is, for example, the right that the state of the variable winning ball apparatus provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine is advantageous to a player who is easy to win, and the right to be advantageous to the player. In other words, or a condition for winning a prize ball is easily established.

  In pachinko machines, etc., there is a specific gaming state (big hit gaming state) in which a large number of prize balls may be given to the player as an advantageous state for the player. In this case, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a random number is generated, and when the random number value matches a predetermined jackpot determination value, it is determined to be “big hit”. The random value is generally obtained by extracting the count value of a counter that is periodically counted up and returns to the initial value when the count value exceeds the maximum value.

  Since the count value of the counter is periodically counted up, the timing for generating a random value that matches the jackpot determination value is detected when the count-up cycle or the cycle in which the counter count value makes one round is detected by some means. It will be recognized. Then, it is possible to frequently generate “hit” by playing a game aimed at the timing at which a random number value that matches the jackpot determination value is generated. In some cases, an illegal board is attached to a gaming machine in order to aim at a timing at which a random number value that matches the jackpot value is generated. Such a fraudulent board introduces a signal output to the outside from the circuit part that performs game control, detects the start timing of the circuit part that performs game control based on the signal, and the random value that matches the jackpot determination value is The timing of occurrence is detected. Then, the illegal board can send a predetermined signal to the circuit portion that controls the game at that timing, and illegally generate a “big hit”. As a result, there is a disadvantage in the game store where the gaming machine is installed.

  In order to prevent fraudulent acts due to fraudulent signals aiming at the generation of random numbers that cause “big hits”, when the count value reaches the maximum value, the count value is returned to a random value instead of returning to a specific value. It has been proposed to do so. If such counter control is performed, it is difficult to aim at generation of a random value that causes a “big hit” from the outside.

  As described above, measures are taken to prevent fraudulent acts caused by fraudulent signals aimed at generating random values that cause a specific gaming state. However, in the gaming machine, various random numbers are used in addition to the random number used for determining whether or not to enter a specific gaming state, and if the random number value matches a predetermined value, it will be in an advantageous state for the player. Although gaming machines are configured, sufficient measures are not taken against these random numbers.

  Therefore, the present invention makes it difficult to specify from the outside of the gaming machine the timing at which the numerical value matches a predetermined value for numerical values other than those used to determine whether or not to enter a specific gaming state. An object is to provide a gaming machine that can be used.

The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a special variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified, a normal variable display unit provided separately from the special variable display unit, and a display mode in the normal variable display unit Average variable winning device and provided with a variable display of the display mode is a specific display mode identification information in special variable display unit to make the transition to an advantageous state for the player under the condition that a predetermined display aspect predetermined A gaming machine capable of shifting to a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player at the time, and is provided with a game control means for controlling the progress of the game, and the game control means performs a predetermined process after performing the initial setting process. A main routine that repeatedly executes the process, and an interrupt routine that is started by interrupting the main routine in response to a timer interrupt that occurs every predetermined time during the execution of the main routine Comprising an execution means, execution means in the interrupt routine, the specific game state determination numerical updating process that updates specific game state determination numerical value within a predetermined range for determining whether a specific game state that , and ordinary variable display determination numerical updating process of updating common variable display determination numerical value for determining whether to display a predetermined display mode by ordinary variable display portion within a predetermined numerical range, at a predetermined time A specific game initial value change process for changing the initial value of the specific game state determination numerical value to the specific game initial value stored in the specific address of the RAM, and the specific game initial value stored in the specific address particular game and the initial value for the numerical updating, numeric for plain variable display initial value stored the initial value of the update of the common variable display determination number in a predetermined address of the RAM at a predetermined timing to update the numeric In the main routine, a game control process including a normal variable display initial value changing process to be changed and a normal variable display initial value updating process for updating a normal variable display initial value stored in a predetermined address is executed. As a predetermined process, a specific game initial value numerical value update process for updating a specific game initial value numerical value stored at a specific address and a normal variable display initial value numerical value stored at a predetermined address are updated . run the variable display initial value for numerical updating process prohibits the interruption by the timer interrupt before starting a specific numerical gaming initial value update processing and common variable display initial value for numerical updating process in the main routine, the specific and permits the interruption by the timer interrupt after the completion of the game initial value for numerical update process you and usually variable display initial value for numerical update processing.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the game machine is updated to a specific game initial value numerical value update process for updating the specific game initial value numerical value stored in the specific address and the predetermined address as a predetermined process even in the main routine. running and ordinary variable display initial value for the numerical updating process for updating the common variable display initial value for the number stored, the numerical value for a particular game initial value update processing and common variable display initial value for numerical updating process in the main routine Since it is configured to prohibit interruption by timer interruption before starting, even for numerical values other than the numerical value used to determine whether or not to enter the specific gaming state, the timing when the numerical value matches a predetermined value It is possible to make it difficult to specify from outside the gaming machine and to effectively prevent fraud.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the overall configuration of a first type pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing the front of the game board.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be opened and closed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided on the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) installed to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts attached to them (excluding a game board described later). Is a structure including

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, an extra ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball are provided. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. A game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6.

  Near the center of the game area 7, there is provided a variable display device (special variable display device) 9 including a plurality of variable display portions each variably displaying a symbol as identification information. The variable display device 9 has, for example, three variable display portions (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. A start winning opening 14 is provided below the variable display device 9. The winning ball that has entered the start winning opening 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the start opening switch 14a. A variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes is provided below the start winning opening 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16.

  A variable winning ball device 24 is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. The variable winning ball device 24 is provided with an open / close plate 20 that is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific gaming state (big hit state). The opening / closing plate 20 is a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. Of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6, the winning ball entering one (the V winning area as a specific area) is detected by the V winning switch 22, and the winning balls from the opening / closing board 20 are counted. It is detected by the switch 23. On the back of the game board 6, a solenoid 21A for switching the route in the special winning opening is also provided. Also, at the bottom of the variable display device 9, a special symbol start memory display (hereinafter referred to as a start memory display) 18 using four LEDs for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the start winning opening 14, that is, the start memory number. Is provided. Every time there is a valid start prize, the start memory display 18 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display of the variable display device 9 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  When a game ball wins the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, a predetermined random number value is extracted if the normal symbol start memory has not reached the upper limit. And if it is a state which can start the variable display in which a display state changes in the normal symbol display 10, the variable display of the display of the normal symbol display 10 will be started. If the normal symbol display 10 is not ready to start variable display whose display state changes, the value of the normal symbol start memory is incremented by one. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol start memory display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of normal symbol start memories is provided. Each time there is a prize at the gate 32, the normal symbol start memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one. The special symbol and the normal symbol can be variably displayed on one variable display device. In that case, the special variable display unit and the normal variable display unit are realized by one variable display device.

  In this embodiment, the left and right lamps (designs can be visually recognized when lit) are alternately lit to perform variable display, and the variable display continues for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds). If the left lamp is turned on at the end of the variable display, it is a win. Whether or not to win is determined by whether or not the value of the random number extracted when the game ball wins the gate 32 matches a predetermined hit determination value. When the display result of the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is a win, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time so that the game ball is likely to win. That is, the state of the variable winning ball device 15 changes from a disadvantageous state to a player's advantageous state when the normal symbol is a winning symbol.

  Further, in the probability variation state, the probability that the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and one or both of the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. It becomes even more advantageous. Further, in a predetermined state such as a probability change state, the variable display period (fluctuation time) in the normal symbol display 10 may be shortened, which may be more advantageous for the player.

  The gaming board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning holes 29, 30, 33, 39, and winning of the game balls to the winning holes 29, 30, 33 is detected by winning hole switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, respectively. The Decorative lamps 25 blinking during the game are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7, and an outlet 26 for absorbing a hit ball that has not won a prize is provided below. Two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c are provided. Further, a decoration LED is installed around each structure (such as a big prize opening) in the game area 7. The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decoration LED are examples of a decorative light emitter provided in the gaming machine.

  In this example, a prize ball lamp 51 that is turned on when there is a remaining number of prize balls is provided in the vicinity of the left frame lamp 28b, and a ball that is turned on in the vicinity of the top frame lamp 28a when the supply ball is cut. A cut lamp 52 is provided. Further, FIG. 1 also shows a card unit 50 that is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and enables lending of a ball by inserting a prepaid card.

  The card unit 50 includes a use indicator lamp 151 that indicates whether or not the card unit 50 is in a usable state, a connection table direction indicator 153 that indicates which side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 corresponds to the card unit 50, a card A card insertion indicator lamp 154 indicating that a card is inserted into the unit 50, a card insertion slot 155 into which a card as a recording medium is inserted, and a card reader / writer mechanism provided on the back surface of the card insertion slot 155 A card unit lock 156 is provided for releasing the card unit 50 when checking the card.

  The game balls launched from the hit ball launching device enter the game area 7 through the hit ball rail, and then descend the game area 7. When the hit ball enters the start winning opening 14 and is detected by the start opening switch 14a, the variable display device 9 starts variable display (variation) if the variable display of the symbol can be started. If the variable display of the symbol cannot be started, the start memory number is increased by one.

  The variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 9 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination of the special symbols at the time of the stop is a jackpot symbol (specific display mode), the game shifts to a jackpot gaming state. That is, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls wins. When the game ball wins the V winning area while the opening / closing plate 20 is opened and is detected by the V winning switch 22, a continuation right is generated and the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is allowed a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of 15 rounds).

  When the combination of special symbols in the variable display device 9 at the time of stopping is a combination of jackpot symbols (probability variation symbols) with probability fluctuations, the probability of the next jackpot increases. That is, it becomes a more advantageous state for the player in the probability variation state.

  In this embodiment, the variable winning ball apparatus 24 corresponds to a special variable winning apparatus that can be changed to a state advantageous to the player.

  Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine as seen from the back side.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the gaming machine, a game control board (main board) 31 on which a variable display control unit 49 including a symbol control board 80 for controlling the variable display device 9, a game control microcomputer, and the like are mounted. Is installed. In addition, a payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing ball payout control is mounted is installed. Further, various decoration LEDs provided on the game board 6, start memory display 18 and normal symbol start memory display 41, decoration lamp 25, top frame lamp 28a provided on the frame side, left frame lamp 28b, right A lamp control board 35 on which lamp control means for controlling lighting of the frame lamp 28c, the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball break lamp 52 is mounted, and a sound control board 70 on which sound control means for controlling sound generation from the speaker 27 are also mounted. Is provided. In addition, a power supply board 910 and a launch control board 91 on which a power supply circuit for generating DC30V, DC21V, DC12V, and DC5V is mounted are provided.

  On the back side of the gaming machine, a terminal board 160 provided with terminals for outputting various information to the outside of the gaming machine is installed above. The terminal board 160 has at least an output of a ball break terminal for external output by introducing the output of the ball break detection switch, an award ball terminal for outputting an award ball number signal and a ball lending number signal externally output. A ball lending terminal is provided. In addition, an information terminal board 34 having terminals for outputting various information from the main board 31 to the outside of the gaming machine is installed near the center.

  Further, backup data stored in storage content holding means (for example, variable data storage means that can hold the contents even when power supply is stopped, that is, a backup RAM) included in each board (main board 31 and payout control board 37). There is provided a switch board 190 on which a clear switch 921 is mounted as an operation means for clearing. The switch board 190 is provided with a clear switch 921 and a connector 922 connected to another board such as the main board 31.

  The game balls stored in the storage tank 38 pass through the guide rail and reach the ball payout device covered with the prize ball case 40A. A ball break switch 187 as a game medium break detection means is provided on the upper part of the ball payout device. When the ball break switch 187 detects a ball break, the dispensing operation of the ball dispensing device stops. The ball break switch 187 is a switch for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball in the game ball passage, but the ball break detection switch 167 for detecting the shortage of supply balls in the storage tank 38 is also an upstream portion (in the storage tank 38) of the guide rail. (Proximate part). When the ball break detection switch 167 detects the shortage of game balls, the game machine is replenished to the game machine from the supply mechanism provided on the gaming machine installation island.

  A large number of game balls as prizes based on winning a prize and a game ball based on a ball lending request are paid out to fill the hitting ball supply tray 3, and when the game balls are further paid out, the game balls are guided to the surplus ball receiving tray 4. When the game ball is further paid out, a full switch 48 (not shown in FIG. 3) is turned on. In this state, the rotation of the payout motor in the ball payout device stops, the operation of the ball payout device stops, and the drive of the launching device also stops.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the main board 31. 4 also shows a payout control board 37, a lamp control board 35, a sound control board 70, a launch control board 91, and a symbol control board 80. The main circuit board 31 includes a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 32a, a start port switch 14a, a V winning switch 22, a count switch 23, winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, A switch circuit 58 for supplying signals to the basic circuit 53, a solenoid 16 for opening / closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15, and a solenoid for opening / closing the opening / closing plate 20. 21 and a solenoid circuit 59 for driving a solenoid 21A for switching a route in the special winning opening in accordance with a command from the basic circuit 53 is mounted.

  Although not shown in FIG. 4, the count switch short circuit signal is also transmitted to the basic circuit 53 via the switch circuit 58. In addition, the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the V winning switch 22, the count switch 23, the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, the full switch 48, the ball break switch 187, the prize ball count switch 301A, etc. Also, what is called a sensor may be used. That is, the name of the game medium detection means (game ball detection means in this example) that can detect a game ball is not limited. What is referred to as a switch may be what is referred to as a sensor, that is, the switch is an example of a game medium detection unit, as in other embodiments.

  Further, according to the data given from the basic circuit 53, the jackpot information indicating the occurrence of the jackpot, the effective starting information indicating the number of starting winning balls used for starting the variable display of the symbols in the variable display device 9, the probability variation has occurred. An information output circuit 64 for outputting an information output signal such as probability variation information indicating the above to an external device such as a hall computer is mounted.

  The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means (means for storing variation data) used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations according to the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and RAM 55 are built in the CPU 56. That is, the CPU 56 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 and the I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached or built-in.

  Further, a part or all of the RAM (may be a CPU built-in RAM) 55 is a backup RAM that is backed up by a backup power source created in the power supply substrate 910. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is saved for a predetermined period.

  A ball hitting device for hitting and launching a game ball is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on the launch control board 91. Then, the driving force of the drive motor 94 is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. That is, the circuit on the firing control board 91 is controlled so that the hit ball is fired at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the operation knob 5.

  In this embodiment, the lamp control means mounted on the lamp control board 35 controls the display of the start memory display 18, the normal symbol start memory display 41 and the decoration lamp 25 provided on the game board. In addition, display control of the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, the prize ball lamp 51, and the ball-out lamp 52 provided on the frame side is performed. Each lamp may be an LED or other types of light emitters, and the LEDs used in this and other embodiments may be other types of light emitters. That is, a lamp or LED is an example of a light emitter. In addition, display control of the variable display device 9 for variably displaying the special symbol and the normal symbol display 10 for variably displaying the normal symbol is performed by display control means mounted on the symbol control board 80.

  FIG. 5 shows the circuit configuration in the symbol control board 80, LCD (liquid crystal display device) 82, which is one example of realization of the variable display device 9, the normal symbol display 10, and the output ports (ports 0 and 2) of the main board 31. It is a block diagram shown with 570,572 and output buffer circuit 620,62A. The output port (output port 2) 572 outputs 8-bit data, and the output port 570 outputs a 1-bit strobe signal (INT signal).

  The display control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in the control data ROM 102. When an INT signal is input from the main board 31 via the noise filter 107 and the input buffer circuit 105B, the display control CPU 101 performs display control via the input buffer circuit 105A. Receive commands. As the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B, for example, general-purpose ICs 74HC540 and 74HC14 can be used. If the display control CPU 101 does not have an I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B and the display control CPU 101.

  Then, the display control CPU 101 performs display control of the screen displayed on the LCD 82 in accordance with the received display control command. Specifically, a command corresponding to the display control command is given to the VDP 103. The VDP 103 reads out necessary data from the character ROM 86. The VDP 103 generates image data to be displayed on the LCD 82 according to the input data, and outputs R, G, B signals and a synchronization signal to the LCD 82.

  5 also shows a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillation circuit 85 for supplying an operation clock to the VDP 103, and a character ROM 86 for storing frequently used image data. The frequently used image data stored in the character ROM 86 is, for example, a person, animal, or an image made up of characters, figures, symbols, or the like displayed on the LCD 82.

  The input buffer circuits 105A and 105B can pass signals only in the direction from the main board 31 toward the symbol control board 80. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the symbol control board 80 side to the main board 31 side. That is, the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B constitute irreversible information input means together with the input ports. Even if the tampering is added to the circuit in the symbol control board 80, the signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the main board 31 side.

  For example, a three-terminal capacitor or a ferrite bead is used as the noise filter 107 that cuts off the high-frequency signal. However, even if noise is added between the substrates due to the presence of the noise filter 107, the influence is eliminated. . A noise filter may also be provided on the output side of the buffer circuits 620 and 62A of the main board 31.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing signal transmission / reception portions in the main board 31 and the lamp control board 35. In this embodiment, the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c provided on the outside of the game area 7, the lighting / extinction of the decoration lamp 25 provided on the game board, and a prize ball A lamp control command indicating lighting / extinguishing of the lamp 51 and the ball break lamp 52 is output from the main board 31 to the lamp control board 35. A lamp control command indicating the number of lighting of the start memory display 18 and the normal symbol start memory display 41 is also output from the main board 31 to the lamp control board 35.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the lamp control command related to the lamp control is output from the output ports (output ports 0 and 3) 570 and 573 of the I / O port unit 57 in the basic circuit 53. The output port (output port 3) 573 outputs 8-bit data, and the output port 570 outputs a 1-bit INT signal. In the lamp control board 35, a control command from the main board 31 is input to the lamp control CPU 351 via the input buffer circuits 355A and 355B. When the lamp control CPU 351 does not include an I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuits 355A and 355B and the lamp control CPU 351.

  In the lamp control board 35, the lamp control CPU 351 performs the ceiling frame lamp according to the lighting / extinguishing pattern of the ceiling frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decoration lamp 25 defined according to each control command. 28a, left frame lamp 28b, right frame lamp 28c, and decorative lamp 25 are turned on / off. The on / off signal is output to the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decoration lamp 25. The on / off pattern is stored in the built-in ROM or external ROM of the lamp control CPU 351.

  In the main board 31, the CPU 56 outputs a control command instructing lighting of the prize ball lamp 51 when there is an unpaid prize ball remaining in the stored contents of the RAM 55, and the upstream of the above-mentioned payout ball passage on the back of the game board. When the ball break switch 187 (see FIG. 3) installed in the player no longer detects a game ball, a control command for instructing lighting of the ball break lamp 52 is output. In the lamp control board 35, each control command is input to the lamp control CPU 351 via the input buffer circuits 355A and 355B. The lamp control CPU 351 turns on / off the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball-out lamp 52 in accordance with these control commands. The on / off pattern is stored in the built-in ROM or external ROM of the lamp control CPU 351.

  Further, the lamp control CPU 351 outputs a turn-on / off signal to the start memory display 18 and the normal symbol start memory display 41 in accordance with the control command.

  As the input buffer circuits 355A and 355B, for example, 74HC540 and 74HC14 which are general-purpose CMOS-ICs are used. The input buffer circuits 355A and 355B can pass signals only in the direction from the main board 31 toward the lamp control board 35. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the lamp control board 35 side to the main board 31 side. Even if unauthorized modification is added to the circuit in the lamp control board 35, the signal output by the unauthorized modification is not transmitted to the main board 31 side. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the input side of the input buffer circuits 355A and 355B.

  In the main board 31, buffer circuits 620 and 63A are provided outside the output ports 570 and 573. As the buffer circuits 620 and 63A, for example, general-purpose CMOS-ICs 74HC250 and 74HC14 are used. According to such a configuration, since a signal input from the outside to the inside of the main board 31 is blocked, a signal line that can give a signal from the lamp control board 70 to the main board 31 is further reliably eliminated. be able to. A noise filter may be provided on the output side of the buffer circuits 620 and 63A.

  Note that the ramp control command transmission timing transmitted from the game control means of the main board 31 is synchronized with the update period of the count value of the counter for generating each determination random number by the game control means (both executed every 2 ms). However, since the processing time of the lamp control CPU 351 is involved in the timing of turning on / off each lamp / LED, the count value of the counter for generating each determination random number It is not synchronized with the update cycle.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a sound control command signal transmission portion of the main board 31 and the sound control board 70. In this embodiment, a sound control command for instructing the sound output of the speaker 27 provided outside the game area 7 is output from the main board 31 to the sound control board 70 as the game progresses.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the sound control command is output from the output ports (output ports 0 and 4) 570 and 574 of the I / O port unit 57 in the basic circuit 53. The output port (output port 4) 574 outputs 8-bit data, and the output port 570 outputs a 1-bit INT signal. In the sound control board 70, each signal from the main board 31 is input to the sound control CPU 701 via the input buffer circuits 705A and 705B. When the sound control CPU 701 does not have an I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuits 705A and 705B and the sound control CPU 701.

  Then, for example, a voice synthesis circuit 702 using a digital signal processor generates voice and sound effects according to instructions from the sound control CPU 701 and outputs them to the volume switching circuit 703. The volume switching circuit 703 sets the output level of the sound control CPU 701 to a level corresponding to the set volume and outputs it to the volume amplification circuit 704. The volume amplification circuit 704 outputs the amplified sound signal to the speaker 27.

  As the input buffer circuits 705A and 705B, for example, 74HC540 and 74HC14, which are general-purpose CMOS-ICs, are used. The input buffer circuits 705A and 705B can pass signals only in the direction from the main board 31 toward the sound control board 70. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the sound control board 70 side to the main board 31 side. Therefore, even if unauthorized modification is added to the circuit in the sound control board 70, a signal output by the unauthorized modification is not transmitted to the main board 31 side. A noise filter may be provided on the input side of the input buffer circuits 705A and 705B.

  In the main board 31, buffer circuits 620 and 67A are provided outside the output ports 570 and 574. As the buffer circuits 620 and 67A, for example, general-purpose CMOS-ICs 74HC250 and 74HC14 are used. According to such a configuration, since a signal input from the outside to the inside of the main board 31 is blocked, a signal line that can give a signal to the main board 31 from the sound control board 70 is further reliably eliminated. be able to. A noise filter may be provided on the output side of the buffer circuits 620 and 67A.

  Note that the transmission timing of the sound control command transmitted from the game control means of the main board 31 is synchronized with the update period of the counter value for generating each determination random number by the game control means (both are executed every 2 ms). However, since the processing time of the sound control CPU 701 is involved in the timing of sound generation / sound stop from the speaker 27, the counter count for generating each determination random number is counted. It is not synchronized with the value update cycle.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the power supply substrate 910. The power supply board 910 is installed independently of the electric part control boards such as the main board 31, the symbol control board 80, the sound control board 70, the lamp control board 35, and the payout control board 37, and each electric part control board in the gaming machine and Generates voltage used by mechanical components. In this example, AC24V, VSL (DC + 30V), DC + 21V, DC + 12V, and DC + 5V are generated. Further, a capacitor 916 serving as a backup power source, that is, a memory holding means, is charged from a line of power source for driving DC + 5V, that is, an IC or the like on each substrate. Note that VSL is generated by rectifying and boosting AC24V with a rectifier element in the rectifier circuit 912. VSL is a solenoid driving power source.

  The transformer 911 converts AC voltage from the AC power source into 24V. The AC 24V voltage is output to the connector 915. The rectifier circuit 912 also generates a DC voltage of +30 V from AC 24 V and outputs it to the DC-DC converter 913 and the connector 915. The DC-DC converter 913 includes one or a plurality of converter ICs 922 (only one is shown in FIG. 8), generates + 21V, + 12V, and + 5V based on VSL and outputs the generated voltages to the connector 915. A relatively large capacitor 923 is connected to the input side of the converter IC 922. Accordingly, when the power supply to the gaming machine from the outside is stopped, the DC voltage such as + 30V, + 12V, + 5V, etc., decreases relatively slowly. The connector 915 is connected to, for example, a relay board, and power of a voltage necessary for each electric component control board and the mechanism component is supplied from the relay board.

  However, each connector reaching each electric component control board may be provided on the power supply board 910 to supply each voltage from the power supply board 910 to each board without going through the relay board. Further, although one connector 915 is representatively shown in FIG. 8, the connector is provided for each electrical component control board.

  The + 5V line from the DC-DC converter 913 branches to form a backup + 5V line. A large-capacitance capacitor 916 is connected between the backup + 5V line and the ground level. The capacitor 916 has a storage state with respect to the backup RAM of the electrical component control board when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped (a RAM that is backed up by power, that is, a backup storage unit that can be in a storage content holding state even when the power supply is stopped) It becomes a backup power supply that supplies power so that it can be maintained. Further, a backflow preventing diode 917 is inserted between the + 5V line and the backup + 5V line. In this embodiment, +5 V for backup is supplied to the main board 31 and the payout control board 37.

  The power supply board 910 is equipped with a power supply monitoring IC 902 as a power supply monitoring circuit. The power monitoring IC 902 detects the occurrence of power supply stoppage to the gaming machine by introducing the VSL voltage and monitoring the VSL voltage. Specifically, when the VSL voltage becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value (+22 V in this example), a power-off signal is output because power supply is stopped. The power supply voltage to be monitored is preferably higher than the power supply voltage (+5 V in this example) of the circuit element mounted on each electric component control board. In this example, VSL, which is a voltage immediately after being converted from AC to DC, is used. A power-off signal from the power monitoring IC 902 is supplied to the main board 31, the payout control board 37, and the like.

  The predetermined value for the power monitoring IC 902 to detect the stop of power supply is lower than the normal voltage, but is a voltage that allows the CPU on each electrical component control board to operate for a while. Further, the power monitoring IC 902 is configured to monitor a voltage that is higher than a voltage for driving a circuit element such as a CPU (+5 V in this example) and immediately after being converted from AC to DC. Therefore, the monitoring range can be expanded for the voltage required by the CPU. Therefore, more precise monitoring can be performed. Furthermore, when VSL (+ 30V) is used as the monitoring voltage, the voltage supplied to the various switches of the gaming machine is + 12V, so that it can be expected to prevent erroneous switch-on detection at the time of instantaneous power interruption. That is, when the voltage of the + 30V power supply is monitored, it is possible to detect a decrease in the level before + 12V created after the creation of + 30V starts to drop.

  When the voltage of the + 12V power supply decreases, the switch output becomes on. However, if the power supply voltage is monitored by monitoring the + 30V power supply voltage, which decreases faster than + 12V, and the power supply is stopped, the switch output is turned on. It is possible to enter a supply recovery waiting state and not detect the switch output.

  Further, since the power monitoring IC 902 is mounted on the power supply board 910 that is separate from the electrical component control board, a power-off signal can be supplied from the power monitoring circuit to the plurality of electrical component control boards. Even if there are any number of electrical component control boards that require a power-off signal, it is only necessary to provide one power supply monitoring means. Therefore, even if each electrical component control means in each electrical component control board performs recovery control described later. The cost of the gaming machine does not increase so much.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the detection signal (power cut-off signal) of the power monitoring IC 902 is sent to the respective electric component control boards (for example, the main board 31 and the payout control board 37) via the buffer circuits 918 and 919. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which one detection signal is transmitted to the relay board, and the same signal is distributed from the relay board to each electrical component control board. Further, a buffer circuit corresponding to the number of substrates that require a power-off signal may be provided. Further, regarding the power-off signal output to the main board 31 and the payout control board 37, the monitoring voltage of the power supply monitoring circuit that outputs the power-off signal may be different.

  The power-off signal from the power supply monitoring circuit (power supply monitoring means) on the power supply board 910 is connected to the non-maskable interrupt terminal (XNMI terminal) of the CPU 56 on the main board 31. Therefore, the CPU 56 can confirm the occurrence of the stop of power supply to the gaming machine by the non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

  While power is not supplied from the + 5V power source that is the driving power source of the CPU 56 or the like, at least a part of the RAM is backed up by the backup power source supplied from the power supply board, and the contents are preserved even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped Is done. When the + 5V power supply is restored, a reset signal is issued from the system reset circuit 65, and the CPU 56 returns to a normal operation state. At that time, since necessary data is stored in the backup RAM, it is possible to restore the gaming state at the time of occurrence of a power failure or the like at the time of recovery from the power failure or the like.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by game control means (CPU 56 and peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM) in the main board 31. When power is turned on to the gaming machine and the input level of the reset terminal becomes high level, the CPU 56 starts main processing after step S1. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). Then, the built-in device register is initialized (step S4). Further, after initialization (step S5) of CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits), the RAM is set in an accessible state (step S6).

  The CPU 56 used in this embodiment also incorporates an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC).

  In the CPU 56 used in this embodiment, three types of modes are prepared as maskable interrupt modes. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

  Of the three types of interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This mode indicates an interrupt address. That is, the interrupt address is an address indicated by 2 bytes in which the upper address is the value of the specific register and the lower address is the interrupt vector. Therefore, an interrupt process can be set at an arbitrary address (although it is skipped). Each built-in device has a function of sending an interrupt vector when making an interrupt request. In step S2 of the initial setting process, the CPU 56 is set to the interrupt mode 2.

  Next, the CPU 56 confirms the state of the output signal of the clear switch 921 input via the input port 1 only once (step S7). When the on-state is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S11 to S15). When the clear switch 921 is on (when pressed), a low-level clear switch signal is output.

  If the clear switch 921 is not in the on state, whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) has been performed when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped Confirm (step S8). In this embodiment, when power supply is stopped, a process for protecting data in the backup RAM area is performed. When such protection processing is performed, it is assumed that there is a backup. When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing.

  In this embodiment, whether or not there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process. In this example, for example, if “55H” is set in the backup flag area, it means that there is a backup (ON state), and if a value other than “55H” is set, it means that there is no backup (OFF state). .

  After confirming that there is a backup, the CPU 56 performs a data check of the backup RAM area (parity check in this example) (step S9). In the power supply stop process executed when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a checksum is calculated, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 performs a game state restoration process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electric component control means such as the display control means to the state when the power supply is stopped (step S10). ). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) stored in the backup RAM area is set in the PC, and the address is restored. In the game state restoration process, the PC is restored to the state before the power supply was stopped, and various data (for example, a counter for generating each random number) is stored in the backup RAM. If the power supply is restored within a predetermined time (a period in which data can be stored in the backup RAM) after the operation stops, for example, the count value of a counter for generating a determination random number, a display random number, and an initial value random number described later is The operation is continued from the state before the power supply is stopped.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S11). In addition, a predetermined work area (for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer, a special symbol process flag, a payout command storage pointer, a winning ball flag, a ball out flag, a payout A work area setting process for setting an initial value to a flag such as a stop flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state is performed (step S12). Further, a process of transmitting a payout permission state designation command for instructing that payout from the ball payout device 97 is possible to the payout control board 37 is performed (step S13). Further, a process of transmitting an initialization command for initializing other sub boards (lamp control board 35, sound control board 70, symbol control board 80) to each sub board is executed (step S14). As an initialization command, a command indicating the initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 9 (for the symbol control board 80) and a command for instructing the extinction of the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball-out lamp 52 (to the lamp control board 35) Etc).

  Then, a CTC register set in the CPU 56 is set so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every 2 ms (step S15). That is, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S11 to S15) is completed, the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) are repeatedly executed in the main process. When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. (Step S19). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt is prohibited. Therefore, a 2 ms timer interrupt described later is generated while the random number update process is being executed. A random number update process is executed in the process, and a contradiction in the count value is prevented.

  The display random number is a random number for determining a symbol or the like displayed on the variable display device 9, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. is there. The initial value random number update process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is the initial value of the count value (a value exceeding the maximum value is returned) such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit (a random number generation counter for big hit determination). Is a random number for determining the value.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 performs the register saving process (step S20), and then executes the game control processes of steps S21 to S32 shown in FIG. In the game control process, the CPU 56 first inputs detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a through the switch circuit 58. These state determinations are performed (switch processing: step S21).

  Next, various abnormality diagnosis processes are performed by the self-diagnosis function provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error process: step S22).

  Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a big hit determination random number used for game control is performed (step S23). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number and the initial value random number (steps S24 and S25).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S26). In the special symbol process control, corresponding processing is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state. Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs processing for setting a display control command related to the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and transmitting the display control command (special symbol command control processing: step S28). Further, a process for transmitting a display control command by setting a display control command related to the normal symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 is performed (normal symbol command control process: step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall computer, for example (step S30).

  Further, the CPU 56 issues a drive command to the solenoid circuit 59 when a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S31). The solenoid circuit 59 drives the solenoids 16, 21, and 21A in response to a drive command in order to open or close the variable winning ball device 15 or the opening / closing plate 20, or to switch the game ball passage in the special winning opening. To do.

  Then, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals from the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a (step S32). Specifically, a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls is output to the payout control board 37 in response to winning detection based on the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a being turned on. The payout control CPU 371 mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 according to a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls. Thereafter, the contents of the register are restored (step S33), and the interrupt permission state is set (step S34).

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process processing program executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process shown in FIG. 11 is a specific process of step S26 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process, the CPU 56 performs the fluctuation shortening timer subtraction process (step S310) and the start port switch passage confirmation process (step S311), and then according to the internal state (in this example, the special symbol process flag). Then, any one of steps S300 to S309 is performed.

  The variation shortening timer subtraction process is a process of subtracting the number of variation shortening timers corresponding to the maximum number that can be stored in the start memory (the memory that the start port switch 14a is turned on). In a special symbol jackpot determination process (step S301), which will be described later, for example, when the value of the fluctuation shortening timer is 0 and the low probability state (normal state), the starting memory number is the maximum value of the starting memory, and the probability variation. In the state, if the number of starting memories is “2” or more, it is determined to use a pattern with a shortened variation time as a symbol variation pattern. The start port switch passage confirmation process is a process for acquiring and storing predetermined random numbers when the start port switch 14a is turned on.

  In steps S300 to S309, the following processing is performed.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): The starting memory number is confirmed. If the starting memory number is not 0, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S301.

  Special symbol jackpot determination process (step S301): The contents of a buffer or the like for storing various random numbers stored when a start win is received are shifted. As a result of the shift, it is determined whether or not to make a big hit based on the contents of the pushed-out buffer. Specifically, when the value of the random number for jackpot determination, which is one of the contents of the buffer, matches a predetermined value (the jackpot determination value), it is determined to be a jackpot. Note that the maximum number of buffers that can be stored for start winnings is prepared. Further, the content of the buffer pushed out by the shift is the content corresponding to the start winning that occurred most recently. If it is decided to win, the big hit flag is set. Further, the number of rounds in the jackpot game is determined based on the value of the round number random number which is one of the contents of the buffer. Thereafter, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S302.

  Stop symbol setting process (step S302): The stop symbol of the left / right middle symbol which is the display result on the variable display device 9 is determined. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S303.

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S303): A pattern variation display pattern on the variable display device 9, that is, a variation pattern (variable display pattern) is determined. Then, a control command for notifying the determined variation pattern, stop symbol and the like is output to the symbol control board 80 and the like. Thereafter, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S304.

  Special symbol variation processing (step S304): It is confirmed whether or not the variation time determined according to the variation pattern has elapsed. If it has elapsed, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S305.

  Special symbol stop process (step S305): Control is performed to send a display control command to stop the special symbol to the symbol control board 80. Further, the display control means mounted on the symbol control board 80 is controlled to send a display control command for informing the number of rounds using the variable display device 9. Thereafter, if it is determined to be a big hit, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S306. Otherwise, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S300.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S306): Control for opening the large winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and flag are initialized, and the solenoid 54 is driven to open the special winning opening. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S307.

  Processing for opening a special winning opening (step S307): A process for confirming the closing condition of the special winning opening is performed. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S308.

  Specific area valid time process (step S308): The presence / absence of passing of the V winning switch 22 is monitored, and the process of confirming that the big hit gaming state continuation condition is satisfied is performed. If the condition for continuation of the big hit gaming state is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S307. Further, when the big hit gaming state continuation condition is not satisfied within the predetermined effective time, or when all rounds are finished, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S309.

  Big hit end processing (step S309): Control is performed to cause the lamp control means or the like to display to notify the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S300.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passage confirmation process (step S311). When the hit ball wins the start winning opening 14 provided in the game board, the start opening switch 14a is turned on. When determining that the start port switch 14a is turned on via the switch circuit 58 (step S41), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the start memory number has reached the upper limit value (4 in this example) (step S42). If the starting memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the starting memory number is increased by 1 (step S43), the jackpot determining random number, the losing symbol determining random number, the jackpot symbol determining random number, the variation pattern determining random number and the round number determining Extract a random value. Then, they are stored in a random value storage area corresponding to the value of the starting memory number (step S44). When the starting memory number has reached the upper limit value, the process for increasing the starting memory number is not performed.

  When the start memory number is increased by 1, a lamp control command for increasing the display number of the start memory display 18 (the number of lit LEDs) by 1 is transmitted to the lamp control board 35.

  In the special symbol process of step S25, the CPU 56 checks the value of the start memory number as shown in FIG. 13 (step S51). If the starting memory number is not 0, the value stored in the random number storage area corresponding to the starting memory; 1 (first starting memory) is read (step S52), and the value of the starting memory number is decreased by 1, And the value of each random value storage area is shifted (step S53). That is, each value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the start memory; n (n = 2,..., 4) is stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the start memory: n−1. Note that the contents of the random number storage area corresponding to the start memory number at that time are cleared. For example, when the start memory number is 4, the contents of the special symbol random number storage area corresponding to the start memory; 4 are cleared.

  When the start memory number is decreased by 1, a lamp control command for reducing the display number of the start memory display 18 by 1 is transmitted to the lamp control board 35.

  Then, the CPU 56 determines the winning / losing based on the value read in step S52, that is, the value of the extracted jackpot determination random number (special symbol determination random number) (step S54). Here, the jackpot determination random number takes a value in the range of 0 to 316. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, in the normal state, for example, when the value is “3”, it is determined as “big hit”, and when it is any other value, it is determined as “loss”. Further, in the high probability state (probability variation state), for example, when the value is any of “3”, “7”, “79”, “103”, “107”, it is determined as “big hit”, otherwise If it is the value of, it is determined as “out of”.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1: Decide whether or not to generate a big hit (for big hit judgment)
(2) Random 2-1-2-3: For left and right middle detachment symbol determination (special symbol left and right middle)
(3) Random 3: Determines the combination of special symbols that generate a big hit (for determining big hit symbols)
(4) Random 4: Determines the variation pattern of the special symbol in the variable display device 9 (for variation pattern determination)
(5) Random 5: Decide whether or not to generate a hit based on the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 10 (for normal symbol per unit determination)
(6) Random 6: Determine the number of rounds in the jackpot game (for determining the number of rounds)
(7) Random 7: Determine initial value of random 1 (for determining random 1 initial value)
(8) Random 8: Determine initial value of random 5 (for determining random 5 initial value)
(9) Random 9: Determine initial value of random 6 (for determining random 6 initial value)

  In step S23 in the game control process shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 56 determines (1) a big hit determination random number, (3) a big hit symbol determination random number, (5) a normal symbol determination random number and ( The counter for generating the round number determining random number in 6) is incremented (added by 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In order to enhance the game effect, random numbers related to ordinary symbols other than the random numbers (1) to (9) are also used. Further, the range that each random number value shown in FIG. 15 can take is an example, and other ranges can be used.

  In step S54 shown in FIG. 13, when it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot symbol according to the value of the jackpot symbol random number (random 3) (step S55). For example, each symbol of the symbol number set in the jackpot symbol table corresponding to the value of random 3 is determined as a jackpot symbol. In the jackpot symbol table, left and right symbol numbers corresponding to combinations of a plurality of types of jackpot symbols are set. Further, a random number for determining a variation pattern (random 4) is extracted, and a variation pattern of the symbol is determined based on the random 4 value (step S56). Further, a random number for determining the number of rounds (random 6) is extracted, and the number of rounds is determined based on the value of random 6 (step S65).

  When it is determined that there is a loss, the CPU 56 determines a stop symbol when it is not a big hit. In this embodiment, the left symbol is determined according to the value read in step S52, that is, the extracted random 2-1 value (step S57). Further, the medium symbol is determined according to the value of random 2-2 (step S58). Then, the right symbol is determined according to the random 2-3 value (step S59). Here, if the determined middle symbol matches the left and right symbols, the symbol corresponding to the value obtained by adding 1 to the random number corresponding to the middle symbol is set as the stop symbol of the middle symbol so that it does not match the jackpot symbol. To do.

  Further, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not it has been decided to reach (whether or not the left and right stop symbols are aligned) (step S60). A random number (random 4) value is extracted, and a symbol variation pattern is determined based on random 4 (step S61).

  If it is not decided to reach, it is confirmed whether or not it is in the probability variation state (step S62). If it is in the probability variation state, the variation pattern is determined to be the off-time variation variation pattern (step S63). If it is not the probability variation state, the variation pattern is determined to be the normal variation pattern at the time of detachment (step S64). In addition, the fluctuation pattern shortened at the time of detachment is a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation period is shorter than the normal fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the left and right symbols is 4.0 seconds, for example.

  As described above, it is determined whether the pattern variation mode based on the start winning is the reach mode or the off mode, and the combination of the respective stop symbols is determined. That is, as a symbol variation mode, whether or not a reach effect is performed is determined and a combination of stop symbols is determined. In addition, when it is determined to be a big hit, the number of rounds in the big hit game is also determined.

  The process shown in FIG. 13 corresponds to the process when the processes of steps S301 to S303 in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 11 are collectively shown. In this embodiment, a big hit occurs when the left and right middle symbols are aligned. Reach when only left and right symbols are available.

  16 and 17 are flowcharts showing an example of the determination random number update process (step S23) executed in the game control process shown in FIG. In the determination random number update process, the CPU 56 increments the value of the counter for generating random 1 (big hit determination random number) by 1 (step S101). When the value of the counter for generating random 1 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S102), the count value is returned to 0 (step S103). In this embodiment, (maximum value + 1) is 317. A value read from a counter (random 1 counter) for generating random 1 at a predetermined timing is the extracted random 1 (big hit determination random number). Similarly, the value read from the counter for generating other random 2 etc. is the extracted random 2 etc. Hereinafter, a counter for generating random n (n: 1, 2,...) May be referred to as a random n counter.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the counter for generating the random 1 matches the value stored in the initial value buffer for random 1 as an initial value (step S104). If they do not match, the count value remains unchanged. If they match, random 7 (random 1 initial value determination random number) is extracted (step S105). That is, the count value of the counter for generating random 7 is input. Then, the extracted value is stored as an initial value in the initial value buffer for random 1 (step S106), and the extracted value is set in a counter for generating random 1 (step S107). Therefore, at this time, the initial value of the counter for generating random 1 is changed. When a game machine is turned on, “0” is generally stored as an initial value in a counter for generating random 1 and an initial value buffer for random 1, but a random 1 value is stored in a backup RAM. If it has been set, the stored value is restored when the power is turned on. A random 1 initial value buffer is also formed in the backup RAM. When the power supply is restored, the game control means continues to update the numerical values based on the numerical values held in the fluctuation data storage means.

  Next, the value of the counter for generating random 3 (big hit symbol determination random number) is incremented by 1 (step S108). When the value of the counter for generating random 3 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S109), the count value is returned to 0 (step S110). In this embodiment, (maximum value + 1) is 12.

  Also, the counter value for generating random 5 (normal random number for determination per symbol) is incremented by 1 (step S121). When the value of the counter for generating random 5 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S122), the count value is returned to 3 (step S123). In this embodiment, (maximum value + 1) is 14.

  Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the counter value for generating the random 5 matches the value stored in the random 5 initial value buffer as the initial value (step S124). If they do not match, the count value remains unchanged. If they match, random 8 (random 5 initial value determination random number) is extracted (step S125). That is, the count value of the counter for generating random 8 is input. Then, the extracted value is stored as an initial value in the initial value buffer for random 5 (step S126), and the extracted value is set in a counter for generating random 5 (step S127). Therefore, at this time, the initial value of the counter for generating random 5 is changed. When the game machine is turned on, “3” is set as an initial value to the counter for generating random 5, but if the value of random 5 is stored in the backup RAM, the power is turned on. Sometimes restored to saved value. A random 5 initial value buffer is also formed in the backup RAM. When the power supply is restored, the game control means continues to update the numerical values based on the numerical values held in the fluctuation data storage means.

  Further, the counter value for generating random 6 (round number determination random number) is incremented by 1 (step S111). When the value of the counter for generating random 6 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S112), the count value is returned to 0 (step S113). In this embodiment, (maximum value + 1) is 19.

  Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the counter for generating the random 6 matches the value stored in the random 6 initial value buffer as the initial value (step S114). If they do not match, the count value remains unchanged. If they match, random 9 (random 6 initial value determination random number) is extracted (step S115). That is, the count value of the counter for generating random 9 is input. Then, the extracted value is stored as an initial value in the initial value buffer for random 6 (step S116), and the extracted value is set in a counter for generating random 6 (step S117). Therefore, at this time, the initial value of the counter for generating random 6 is changed. When the game machine is turned on, “0” is set as an initial value in the counter for generating random 6, but if the value of random 6 is stored in the backup RAM, the power is turned on. Sometimes restored to saved value. A random 6 initial value buffer is also formed in the backup RAM. When the power supply is restored, the game control means continues to update the numerical values based on the numerical values held in the fluctuation data storage means.

  FIG. 18 is executed once in the game control process shown in FIG. 10 (step S25), and the remaining surplus time in the main process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart showing an example of an initial value random number update process (step S18) that is repeatedly executed at a time until the occurrence of the error.

  In the initial value random number update process, the CPU 56 increments the value of the counter for generating random 7 (random 1 initial value determining random number) (step S131). When the value of the counter for generating random 7 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S132), the count value is returned to 0 (step S133). Note that (maximum value + 1) is 317 as in the case of random 1.

  Further, the counter value for generating random 8 (random 5 initial value determining random number) is incremented by 1 (step S134). When the value of the counter for generating the random 8 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S135), the count value is returned to 3 (step S136). Note that (maximum value + 1) is 14 as in the case of random 5.

  Further, the counter value for generating random 9 (random 6 initial value determining random number) is incremented by 1 (step S137). If the value of the counter for generating random 9 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S138), the count value is returned to 0 (step S139). Note that (maximum value + 1) is 19 as in the case of random 6.

  FIG. 19 is executed once in the game control process shown in FIG. 10 (step S24), and is repeatedly executed in the surplus interruption time in the main process shown in FIG. 9 (step S17). It is a flowchart which shows an example of an update process.

  In the display random number update process, the CPU 56 increments the value of the counter for generating random 4 (variation pattern determining random number) (step S151). When the value of the counter for generating random 4 is 251 or more (step S152), the count value of the counter for generating random 4 is decreased by 251 (step S153).

  In this embodiment, the maximum value of random 4 is 250, but the count value of the counter for generating random 4 is increased by 3. Therefore, when the value starts from 0, it is 249. It becomes 252 after becoming. Then, when 251 is decreased, the value becomes 1. When the value starts from 1, it becomes 253 after it becomes 250. Then, when 251 is reduced, the value becomes 2. When the value starts from 2, it becomes 251 after becoming 248. Then, when 251 is decreased, the value becomes 0. That is, the initial value of the random 4 value (the value after the value is returned beyond the maximum value) is also somewhat random.

  Next, +1 is added to the counter value for generating random 2-1 (the left random symbol for random design determination) (step S154). When the value of the counter for generating random 2-1 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S155), the count value is returned to 0 (step S156). In this embodiment, (maximum value + 1) is 12.

  When the value of the counter for generating random 2-1 is equal to or greater than (maximum value +1) and the value is returned to 0, that is, when a carry occurs, random 2-2 (middle off symbol) The counter value for generating (decision random number) is incremented by 1 (step S157). When the value of the counter for generating random 2-2 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S158), the count value is returned to 0 (step S159). In this embodiment, (maximum value + 1) is 12.

  When the value of the counter for generating random 2-3 becomes (maximum value + 1) or more and the value is returned to 0, that is, when a carry occurs, random 2-3 (the right off-set symbol) The counter value for generating (decision random number) is incremented by 1 (step S160). When the value of the counter for generating random 2-3 is (maximum value + 1) or more (step S161), the count value is returned to 0 (step S162). In this embodiment, (maximum value + 1) is 12.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a counter value for generating random 1 (a big hit determination random number) that is changed by the determination random number update process illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. In this example, the first value of random 1 is 0. Since “0” is initially stored as an initial value, the count value advances to “316”, and when the count value is incremented by 1 and returns to 0 (steps S101, S102, S103), the process of step S104 is performed. It is detected that the count value matches the initial value. Then, random 7 (random 1 initial value determination random number) is extracted in the process of step S105. This time point is indicated by A in FIG.

  Here, it is assumed that the count value of the counter for generating the random 7 at that time is “19”. Then, “19” is extracted as random 7 and the value is stored (step S106), and the value is set in the counter for generating random 1. Therefore, from this time point, the counter for generating random 1 advances from the initial value “19”.

  When the value of the counter for generating random 1 advances to “19”, it is detected in step S104 that the count value matches the initial value. Then, random 7 is extracted by the process of step S105. This time point is indicated by B in FIG. Assume that the count value of the counter for generating random 7 at that time is “195”. Then, “195” is extracted as random 7 and the value is stored (step S106), and the value is set in the counter for generating random 1. Therefore, from this point, the counter for generating random 1 advances from the initial value “195”.

  When the value of the counter for generating random 1 advances to “195”, it is detected in step S104 that the count value matches the initial value. Then, random 7 is extracted by the process of step S105. This time point is indicated by C in FIG. It is assumed that the count value of the counter for generating the random 7 at that time is “n”. Then, “n” is extracted as the random number 7, the value is stored (step S106), and the value is set in the counter for generating the random number 1. Therefore, from this point, the counter for generating random 1 advances from the initial value “n”. In FIG. 20, an asterisk (☆) indicates a position where the count value is “3 (big hit determination value at low probability)”.

  As described above, every time the value of the counter for generating random 1 makes one round (317 counts), a new initial value is set as the count value, and thereafter the counter advances from that value. A counter (counter for generating random 7) for determining an initial value of a counter for generating random 1 (a jackpot determination counter) is a surplus time of game control processing executed by the CPU 56 (game control processing The time is counted up until the next 2 ms timer interrupt occurs). The extra time varies depending on the progress of the game, and is a random period. As a result, since the generated random 7 value is also a random value, the initial value of the jackpot determination counter also changes randomly.

  That is, every time the value of the big hit determination counter makes one round, the counter starts to increment from a random initial value. Then, even if the illegal board is connected to the main board 31 and the big hit determination count value update timing is recognized based on the signal output from the main board 31, the timing at which the big hit determination count value becomes the big hit determination value is set. It becomes difficult to send an illegal start winning signal to the main board 31 in order. This is because, according to this embodiment, as shown by the star in FIG. 20, the timing at which the big hit determination count value becomes the big hit determination value has no regularity and is random.

  In this embodiment, the initial value of the round number determination random number is further controlled to be random. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a counter value for generating random 6 (round number determination random number) that changes by the determination random number update process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. In this example, the initial value of random 6 is 0. Since “0” is initially stored as an initial value, the count value advances to “18”, and when the count value is incremented by 1 and returns to 0 (steps S111, S112, S113), the process of step S114 is performed. It is detected that the count value matches the initial value. Then, random 9 (random 6 initial value determination random number) is extracted in the process of step S115. This time point is indicated by A in FIG.

  Here, it is assumed that the count value of the counter for generating the random 6 at that time is “3”. Then, “3” is extracted as random 9 and the value is stored (step S116), and the value is set in a counter for generating random 6. Therefore, from this point, the counter for generating the random number 6 advances from the initial value “3”.

  When the value of the counter for generating the random 6 advances to “3”, it is detected in step S114 that the count value matches the initial value. Then, random 9 is extracted by the process of step S115. This time point is indicated by B in FIG. Assume that the count value of the counter for generating the random 9 at that time is “11”. Then, “11” is extracted as random 9, the value is stored (step S116), and the value is set in the counter for generating random 6. Therefore, from this point, the counter for generating random 6 advances from the initial value “11”.

  When the value of the counter for generating the random 6 advances to “11”, it is detected that the count value matches the initial value in the process of step S114. Then, random 9 is extracted by the process of step S115. This time point is indicated by C in FIG. Assume that the count value of the counter for generating random 9 at that time is “k”. Then, “k” is extracted as random 9 and the value is stored (step S116), and the value is set in the counter for generating random 6. Therefore, from this time point, the counter for generating random 6 advances from the initial value “k”. In FIG. 21, an asterisk (☆) indicates a position where the count value is “11 (determined value corresponding to the maximum number of rounds)”.

  As described above, every time the value of the counter for generating random 6 makes one round (19 counts), a new initial value is set as the count value, and thereafter the counter advances from that value. The counter (counter for generating random 9) for determining the initial value of the counter for generating random 6 (round number determining counter) is the surplus time of the game control processing executed by the CPU in the game control means It is counted up (time from the end of the game control process until the next 2 ms timer interrupt is generated). The extra time varies depending on the progress of the game, and is a random period. As a result, since the generated random 9 value also becomes a random value, the initial value of the round number determination counter also changes randomly.

  That is, every time the value of the counter for determining the number of rounds makes one round, the counter starts to increment from the random initial value. Then, even if the illegal board is connected to the main board and the round value determination count value update timing is recognized based on the signal output from the main board, the determination corresponding to the round number with a large round number determination count value It is difficult to send an illegal signal (such as a start winning signal) to the main board 31 aiming at the timing when the value is reached. According to this embodiment, as indicated by an asterisk in FIG. 21, the timing at which the round number determination count value matches the determination value corresponding to the large round number is not regular and random. It is.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a round number determining random number and a round number determining determination value. In the example shown in FIG. 22, when the state of the gaming machine is in a low probability state, the extracted random number for determining the number of rounds is 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 If they match, the round number is determined to be 12, and if the round number determination random number values match 1, 5, 9, 13, and 17, the round number is determined to be 14, and the round number determination random number When the values match 3, 7, 11, and 15, the number of rounds is determined to be 16. In addition, the state of the gaming machine is in a high probability state when the extracted random number for determining the number of rounds matches 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 When the number of rounds is determined to be 14 and the values of the round number determination random numbers match 1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 15, and 17, the number of rounds is determined to be 16.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of round number notification. In this example, after the symbol that is a big hit is displayed on the variable display device 9, the variable display device 9 displays a screen indicating the number of rounds determined by the game control means.

  In the above example, the number of rounds in the big hit game is determined based on the value of the random number for determining the number of rounds, but the number of rounds may be determined according to the stop symbol of the special symbol. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of such a round number determination method. When the number of rounds is determined according to the stop symbol of the special symbol, the round number determining random number is not used, and the big hit symbol determining random number also serves as a random number for determining the round number.

  Further, in the above example, the determination result of the number of rounds is displayed on the variable display device 9, but the variable display device 9 performs a display effect so that the player can recognize that the number of rounds is derived. After that, the result of determining the number of rounds may be displayed. Further, when the number of rounds is determined according to the stop symbol of the special symbol, when the maximum number of rounds (in this example, 16 rounds) is determined, the symbol corresponding to the maximum number of rounds is temporarily stopped and displayed. It is also possible to perform variable display (revariation) of the symbols again so that the symbols corresponding to the maximum number of rounds are finally stopped and displayed.

  FIG. 25A is a flowchart showing the normal symbol process (step S27) executed in the game control process shown in FIG. In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes one of the processes shown in steps S72 to S76 according to the value of the normal symbol process flag after executing the gate switch process in step S71.

  In the gate switch process, it is detected that the gate switch 32a is turned on based on the passing of the ball 32, which is a condition for starting the normal symbol variation. If the gate switch 32a is on, it is checked whether or not the normal symbol start memory has reached the maximum value (in this example, “4”), and if not, the value of the normal symbol start memory is incremented by one. The LED of the normal symbol start memory display 41 is turned on according to the value of the normal symbol start memory. And CPU56 extracts the value of the random number for determination per random symbol (random 5), and memorize | stores the value. The normal symbol start memory is formed in the backup RAM.

  In the normal symbol variation waiting process in step S72, the CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag if the value of the normal symbol start storage is other than zero. If the value of the normal symbol start memory is 0, nothing is done.

  FIG. 25 (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the random numbers for normal symbol determination (random 7) and the hit / miss in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25B, the hit value is any of 3 to 12 when the probability is high, and is 3, 5 or 7 when the probability is low. If the value of the random number for determination per normal symbol matches with the winning value, it is determined as winning. It should be noted that the high probability of a normal symbol coincides with, for example, the probability change.

  In the normal symbol determination process (step S73), the CPU 56 reads the value stored in the random number storage area corresponding to the normal symbol start memory number = 1, decreases the value of the normal symbol start memory by 1, and Shift the value in the random value storage area. Then, the hit / miss is determined based on the value read from the random value storage area, that is, the value of the extracted random number for normal symbol determination. In other words, the hit / loss is determined based on the relationship shown in FIG. Then, the stop symbol of the normal symbol is determined based on a predetermined random number or the like. For example, if the normal symbol is a number from 0 to 9, if the winning symbol is “3” or “7”, the winning symbol is determined to be “3” or “7”. In the case of deviation, a value other than “3” and “7” is determined. When the winning is determined, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is released after the variable display of the normal symbol is finished.

  The opening pattern of the variable winning ball device 15 is, for example, a pattern in which the variable winning ball device 15 opens only once for 0.2 seconds at a low probability. Further, when the probability is high, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for 1.15 seconds and then opened again for 1.15 seconds after a closing period of 4.4 seconds. The variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to open and close according to an opening pattern. In this embodiment, the variable winning ball device 15 as an ordinary electric accessory is also used as an electric accessory for opening and closing the start winning opening 14.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the value of the counter for generating random 5 (ordinary design random number per symbol) that is changed by the determination random number update process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. In this example, the initial value of random 5 is 3. In addition, since “3” is initially set as an initial value, the count value advances to “13”, and when it is incremented by 1 and returns to 3 (steps S121, S122, and S123), the process of step S124 is performed. It is detected that the count value matches the initial value. Then, random 8 (random 5 initial value determination random number) is extracted in the process of step S125. This time point is indicated by A in FIG.

  Here, it is assumed that the count value of the counter for generating the random 8 at that time is “11”. Then, “11” is extracted as random 8 and the value is stored (step S126), and the value is set in the counter for generating random 5. Therefore, from this time point, the counter for generating the random number 5 advances from the initial value “11”.

  When the value of the counter for generating random 5 advances to “11”, it is detected in step S124 that the count value matches the initial value. Then, random 8 is extracted by the process of step S125. This time point is indicated by B in FIG. Assume that the count value of the counter for generating random 8 at that time is “8”. Then, “8” is extracted as random 8 and the value is stored (step S126), and the value is set in the counter for generating random 5. Therefore, from this point, the counter for generating random 5 advances from the initial value “8”.

  When the value of the counter for generating random 5 advances to “8”, it is detected in step S124 that the count value matches the initial value. Then, random 8 is extracted by the process of step S125. This time point is indicated by C in FIG. Assume that the count value of the counter for generating random 8 at that time is “m”. Then, “m” is extracted as random 8, the value is stored (step S126), and the value is set in the counter for generating random 5. Therefore, from this point, the counter for generating random 5 advances from the initial value “m”. In FIG. 26, an asterisk (☆) indicates a position where the count value is “5 (one of hit determination values)”.

  As described above, every time the value of the counter for generating random 5 makes one round (11 counts), a new initial value is set as the count value, and thereafter the counter advances from that value. A counter (counter for generating random 8) for determining an initial value of a counter for generating random 5 (ordinary symbol determination counter) is a surplus time for game control processing executed by the CPU 56 (game control). The time is counted up after the processing is completed until the next 2 ms timer interrupt is generated). The extra time varies depending on the progress of the game, and is a random period. As a result, the generated random 8 value also becomes a random value, so that the initial value of the normal symbol determination counter also changes randomly.

  That is, every time the value of the counter for normal symbol determination makes one round, the counter starts to increment from the random initial value. Then, even if the illegal board is connected to the main board 31 and the normal symbol per-determination count value update timing is recognized based on the signal output from the main board 31, the normal symbol per-determination count value is the hit determination value. It is difficult to send an illegal signal (such as a detection signal of the gate 32a) to the main board 31 at the timing of the above. This is because, according to this embodiment, as indicated by the asterisk in FIG. 26, the timing at which the count value for normal symbol determination becomes the hit determination value has no regularity and is random.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a player plays a predetermined game and can be controlled to a big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state advantageous to the player according to the establishment of a specific condition. , A predetermined round (in this embodiment, from the opening of one big prize opening to the closing) is continued based on the establishment of the continuation condition by winning the game ball in the V winning area as the specific area It is possible to continue until the number of times (in this embodiment, 16 times) is reached, and the upper limit for updating the determination numerical value used for determining the upper limit number of rounds in the big hit gaming state within a predetermined numerical range Numerical value updating means for determination for the number of times (in this embodiment, a counter for generating random 6), and numerical value updating means for determination for the upper limit number of times based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition An upper limit number determining means for extracting a numerical value and determining the upper limit number of rounds in the big hit gaming state based on the extracted numerical value and a predetermined determination value (in this embodiment, a determination value for determining the number of rounds); In addition, a gaming machine that controls the timing at which the numerical value updated by the numerical value updating means for determination for the upper limit number coincides with a predetermined determination value is realized. In this embodiment, the upper limit number determining means is realized by the CPU 56 and a program executed by the CPU 56. In particular, the process of step S65 corresponds to the program.

  Further, in this embodiment, an example of determining the upper limit number of rounds by a random 6 lottery is illustrated, but the internal structure of the special variable winning device is changed by a predetermined lottery (for example, comparison between a random number and a determination value). It is also possible to determine whether or not to make the change, or change timing (for example, change round). In this case, for example, a movable member is provided in the big winning opening (variable winning ball apparatus 24) so that the game ball can be easily changed to a state where it is difficult to win in a V winning area as a specific area. Can be realized. The timing for changing the internal structure may be generated during the big hit gaming state as the specific gaming state, or may be generated after the big hit gaming state is ended.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the above embodiment, the first type pachinko gaming machine is taken as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a second type pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 27 is a front view showing the game board 201. In FIG. 27, on the surface of the game board 201, a guide rail 202 for guiding the launched game ball is installed in a substantially circular shape, and a region partitioned by the guide rail 202 forms a game region 203. . A variable winning ball apparatus 220 is arranged in the approximate center of the game area 203. Below the variable winning ball apparatus 220, left, middle, and right start winning ports 204a to 204c each having a start ball detector 205a to 205c (start detection means) are arranged. When a game ball wins the start winning opening 204a to 204c, the game ball is detected by the start ball detectors 205a to 205c. In response to the detection, the variable winning ball device 220 is opened for a predetermined period. That is, the start winning ports 204a to 204c correspond to the start area provided in the game area. The start winning opening 204b is in a state where a game ball can be won when the variable winning ball device 15 is opened.

  In the game area 203, a gate 32 having a built-in gate switch 32a is provided, and a normal symbol display 10 is provided in an upper portion of the variable winning ball apparatus 220. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a normal symbol consisting of numbers 0 to 9, for example. Further, in the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol start memory display 41 composed of four LEDs is provided. When a game ball wins the gate 32, variable display is started if variable display is possible on the normal symbol display 10, and normal symbol start memory (stored in the backup RAM) if variable display is not possible. ) Does not reach 4, the normal symbol start memory is incremented by 1, and the LED that is lit in the normal symbol start memory display 41 is incremented by one.

  When the display result of the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 (stop symbol), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. That is, the game ball can enter the start winning opening 204b.

  Next, the variable winning ball apparatus 220 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 28, in the variable winning ball apparatus 220, when winning is made to the left and right starting winning holes 204a and 204c among the starting winning holes 204a to 204c, the variable winning ball apparatus 220 is opened once, and the start winning prize is obtained. When a winning is made at the center start winning opening 204b among the openings 204a to 204c, the variable winning ball apparatus 220 is opened twice. The state in which the variable winning ball apparatus 220 performs the opening operation in response to the winning detection of the starting ball detectors 205a to 205c in this way is referred to as a starting operation state. In addition to the configuration described above, the game area 203 includes windmills 206a and 206b incorporating windmill lamps 207a and 207b, windmills 208a and 208b, side lamp decorations 209a and 209b incorporating side lamps 210a and 210b, and an outlet. 211 etc. are provided.

  An attachment board 221 for attaching the variable winning ball apparatus 220 to the surface of the game board 201 is provided, and an upper prize space 222 is formed in the attachment board 221. In the upper prize space 222, a pair of left and right open / close pieces 223a and 223b are rotatably provided. The opening / closing pieces 223a and 223b are connected to the solenoids 224a and 224b via link mechanisms, respectively, and rotate in a direction to open the upper prize winning space 222 when the solenoids 224a and 224b are turned on. When the solenoids 224a and 224b are turned off, the upper winning space 222 is rotated in the closing direction.

  A pair of left and right winning ball detectors 225 a and 225 b for detecting a game ball won in the upper winning space 222 are provided on the bottom wall portion of the upper winning space 222. The winning balls detected by the winning ball detectors 225a and 225b pass through the winning ball detectors 225a and 225b, and then pass through the ball passages 226a and 226b formed on the left and right sides of the mounting substrate 221. 227a and 227b are sent to the lower winning space 230.

  The configuration of the variable winning ball apparatus 220 shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 is an example, and the internal structure has a plurality of states (game balls are won in specific areas provided in the variable winning ball apparatus 220). Any variable winning ball apparatus can be used as long as the variable winning ball apparatus 220 can be changed to a state of the variable winning ball apparatus 220 that is easy and a state of the variable winning ball apparatus 220 that is difficult to win.

  In addition, on the rear wall in the upper winning space 222, a winning number display 228 for displaying the number of winning balls detected by the winning ball detectors 225a and 225b and a continuation number indicator for displaying the number of continuations of the round in a specific gaming state. 229 is provided. As will be described later, the winning number display 228 and the continuous number display 229 also display symbols as identification information corresponding to the maximum number of continuous rounds and the probability state at a predetermined time. That is, the winning number display unit 228 and the continuous number display unit 229 also serve as a variable display device for displaying identification information. Of course, the variable display device for displaying the identification information may be provided separately from the winning number display 228 and the continuous number display 229.

  In the lower winning space 230, a lower rolling plate 231 that rolls the winning balls fed from the ball discharge ports 227a and 227b rearward, and an opening 232 formed at the downstream end of the lower rolling plate 231; An opening / closing plate 234 that opens and closes the opening 232, a rotating drum 236 that rotates at a position above the opening / closing plate 234, and an upper rolling plate 240 disposed at the rear of the upper end of the rotating drum 236 are provided. A solenoid 235 is connected to the opening / closing plate 234 and moves forward in a direction in which the opening 232 is closed when the solenoid 235 is turned on. Further, when the solenoid 235 is turned off, the solenoid 235 moves backward in a direction to open the opening 232.

  A motor 238 is also connected to the rotating drum 236 via the connecting gears 237 a to 237 c, and always rotates in one direction at a constant speed according to the driving of the motor 238. However, the motor 238 can also rotate in the reverse direction.

  In addition, permanent magnets 239a to 239c are installed on the circumferential surface of the rotating drum 236 at three positions in the horizontal row of left, middle, and right. Accordingly, when the opening 232 is closed by the opening / closing plate 234, the rotating drum 236 attracts the game ball stopped on the opening plate 234 by the magnetic force of the permanent magnets 239a to 239c, and the attracted game ball is accompanied with the rotation operation. It feeds into the upper rolling plate 240.

  On the rear side of the upper rolling plate 240, inclined portions 240a and 240b that are inclined downward in the left-right direction with respect to the center are formed, and on the downstream side (both left and right sides) of the inclined portions 240a and 240b, inclined portions 240a, Ball paths 241a and 241b are formed in which the game balls that have rolled 240b are again fed onto the lower rolling plate 31. The inclined portions 240a and 240b are slightly inclined downward toward the rear side. In addition, a specific receiving port 242 as a specific region is provided at the rear center of the upper rolling plate 240, and a pair of left and right movable members 243a and 243b are provided in front of the specific receiving port 242.

  Rotating shafts 244a and 244b are integrally attached to the movable members 243a and 243b, respectively, and interlocking portions 246a and 246b of a connecting member 246 connected to a solenoid 245 are integrally formed at the rear ends of the rotating shafts 244a and 244b. Is attached. The connecting member 246 converts the advance / retreat operation of the plunger 245a constituting the solenoid 245 into the rotation operation of the rotation shafts 244a, 244b (movable members 243a, 243b). When the solenoid 245 is turned on, the movable members 243a and 243b rotate in a direction that blocks the front of the specific receiving port 242. In addition, when the solenoid 245 is turned off, the solenoid 245 rotates in a direction to release the blocking in front of the specific receiving port 242.

  A plurality of decorative LED indicators 247 are provided on the outer periphery of the specific receiving port 242. Further, a specific ball detector 248 is provided inside the specific receiving port 242 as specific detecting means for detecting a winning ball that has entered the specific receiving port 242. On the downstream side of the specific ball detector 248, a ball passage (not shown) for discharging the detected ball through a position below the opening / closing plate 234 is formed. In the following description, the fact that a game ball has won the specific receiving port 242 and has been detected by the specific ball detector 248 is also referred to as V winning.

  In the configuration described above, the movable members 243a and 243b are maintained at positions that do not block the front of the specific receiving port 242 (retracted to the upper part), so that the variable winning ball apparatus 220 receives a game ball in a specific area. It becomes difficult. In addition, it is possible to make it difficult for a game ball to win a specific area by opening the opening 232 by the opening / closing plate 234.

  FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the game control board (main board) 31 installed on the back surface of the gaming machine. 30 also shows a payout control board 37, a lamp control board 35, a sound control board 70, a launch control board 91, and a symbol control board (hereinafter also referred to as a display control board) 80. The main circuit board 31 includes a basic circuit 53 for controlling a pachinko machine according to a program, and detection signals from a specific ball detector 248, start ball detectors 205a to 205c, winning ball detectors 225a and 225b, and a clear switch 921. A switch circuit 58 to be supplied to the circuit 53 is mounted.

  The main board 31 includes a solenoid circuit 59 that drives the solenoids 224a, 224b, 235, and 245 in accordance with commands from the basic circuit 53, and a motor circuit 60 that drives the motor 238 in accordance with commands from the basic circuit 53. ing. In addition, an information output circuit 64 for outputting an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot to an external device such as a hall computer in accordance with data given from the basic circuit 53 is mounted.

  The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means (means for storing variation data) used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations according to the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and RAM 55 are built in the CPU 56. That is, the CPU 56 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 and the I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached or built-in.

  Further, a part or all of the RAM (may be a CPU built-in RAM) 55 is a backup RAM that is backed up by a backup power source created in the power supply substrate 910. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is saved for a predetermined period.

  In this embodiment, the lamp control means mounted on the lamp control board 35 controls various light emitting members such as the side lamps 210a and 210b, the windmill lamps 207a and 207b, the LED display 247, and other frame decoration lamps. A signal is output to control operations of various light emitting members in a predetermined manner. In addition, display control of the winning number display 228, the continuous number display 229, and the normal symbol display 10 is performed by display control means mounted on the display control board 80. The sound control means mounted on the sound control board 70 controls the speaker 27. The ball payout device 97 for paying out game balls as prizes is controlled by payout control means mounted on the payout control board 37. The lamp control means and the sound control means may be mounted on one board. Further, the display control means, the lamp control means, and the sound control means may be mounted on one substrate.

  Further, as in the case of the first embodiment, a power supply board 910 on which a backup power supply is mounted is also installed on the back of the gaming machine.

  FIG. 31 shows the circuit configuration in the display control board 80. The normal symbol display 10, the winning number display 228 and the continuous number display 229, the output ports (ports 0 and 2) 570 and 572 of the main board 51, and the output buffer. It is a block diagram shown with circuits 620 and 62A. The output port (output port 2) 572 outputs 8-bit data, and the output port 570 outputs a 1-bit strobe signal (INT signal).

  The display control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in the control data ROM 102. When an INT signal is input from the main board 51 via the noise filter 107 and the input buffer circuit 105B, the display control CPU 101 performs display control via the input buffer circuit 105A. Receive commands. As the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B, for example, general-purpose ICs 74HC540 and 74HC14 can be used. If the display control CPU 101 does not have an I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B and the display control CPU 101. Then, the display control CPU 101 performs display control of the normal symbol display 10, the winning number display 228, and the continuous number display 229 in accordance with the received display control command.

  Next, the operation control of the variable winning ball apparatus 220 by the game control means will be described. When the starting operation state occurs, the solenoids 224a and 224b are turned on for a predetermined time, and the open / close pieces 223a and 223b are opened. When the game ball wins in the upper winning space 222 during the opening operation, the winning ball is sent to the lower winning space 230 through the winning ball detectors 225a and 225b. Further, the opening / closing plate 234 moves in a direction to close the opening 232 until a predetermined time elapses after the winning ball detectors 225a and 225b detect the winning ball by the ON control of the solenoid 235 by the game control means. When the game ball sent into the lower prize space 230 is attracted to any one of the permanent magnets 239a to 239c of the rotary drum 236 within the closing time of the opening 232, the upper ball rolls with the rotation of the rotary drum 236. It is fed into the plate 240.

  At this time, when the game ball stopped on the opening / closing plate 234 is attracted to the left and right permanent magnets 239a and 239c, the game ball is sent to the ball passages 241a and 241b with a probability of 100%. At this time, the opening / closing plate 234 has moved in a direction to open the opening 232 by the off control of the solenoid 235 by the game control means. Then, the balls sent to the ball passages 241a and 241b pass through the lower rolling plate 231 and fall through the opening 232 and are discharged. On the other hand, when the game ball stopped on the opening / closing plate 234 is attracted to the central permanent magnet 239b, the game ball is sent to the specific receiving port 242 with a fairly high probability (not 100%). Then, the game balls (game balls that have won the V prize) sent to the specific receiving port 242 pass through the specific ball detector 248 and are discharged. At this time, the specific game state is generated based on the passage of the game ball in the specific ball detector 248 (detection of the game ball by the specific ball detector 248).

  In the specific gaming state, the game control means controls the solenoid 235 to be turned on / off, whereby the opening / closing pieces 223a and 223b repeat the opening operation for a predetermined time 18 times (18 opening / closing cycles). If ten winning balls are detected by the winning ball detectors 225a and 225b before the opening / closing cycle ends 18 times, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing pieces 223a and 223b is ended at that time. Further, during the open / close cycle of the open / close pieces 223a, 223b, the solenoids 235, 245 are always turned on, so that the open / close plate 234 always closes the opening 232, and the movable members 243a, 243b are always open except for the final cycle. The front of the specific receiving port 242 is blocked (the winning to the specific receiving port 242 becomes impossible).

  Therefore, the game ball that has won the variable winning ball device 220 during the open / close cycle does not fall through the opening 232 until the end of the open / close cycle. Therefore, when the game ball stopped on the opening / closing plate 234 is attracted by the left and right permanent magnets 239a, 239c, the game ball is sent to the lower rolling plate 231 through the ball passages 241a, 241b and is opened / closed again. Stopped on the plate 234. On the other hand, when the game ball stopped on the opening / closing plate 234 is attracted to the central permanent magnet 239b, the winning ball is received by the movable members 243a and 243b in front of the specific receiving port 242.

  Thereafter, with the end of the opening / closing cycle (after the opening / closing cycle, waiting for a sufficient time for all the winning game balls to be detected by the winning ball detectors 225a, 225b), or in the final opening / closing cycle When the solenoids 235 and 245 are turned off, the opening / closing plate 234 opens the opening 232, and the movable members 243a and 243b release the blocking in front of the specific receiving port 242. Accordingly, the winning ball received by the movable members 243a and 243b rolls straight back on the upper rolling plate 240 and enters the specific receiving port 242. Then, the game ball that has entered the specific receiving port 242 (the game ball that has won V) passes through the specific ball detector 248, thereby establishing the right to continue 18 open / close cycles. When the right to continue is established, the opening and closing pieces 223a and 223b are opened again after a predetermined interval time has elapsed. That is, the next round is started. That is, in this embodiment, one round is composed of 18 open / close cycles, and the continuation right is given when a game ball wins a specific entrance 242 as a specific area in each round (18 open / close cycles) except the final round. Is established.

  Up to 15 rounds (15 rounds) are allowed. In such a specific gaming state, the continuation number display 229 displays the continuation number (round number) of the open / close pieces 223a and 223b, and the winning number display unit 228 displays the winning number for each round.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. Game control means (CPU 56 and peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM) on the main board 31 is the same as the process shown in FIG. 9 when the game machine is powered on and the input level of the reset terminal becomes high. The main process starts.

  When the timer interrupt occurs after the execution of the initialization process (steps S11 to S15) in the main process is completed, the CPU 56 performs the register saving process (step S80) shown in FIG. The game control process of steps S81 to S92 is executed. In the game control process, the CPU 56 first inputs detection signals of the switches of the specific ball detector 248, the starting ball detectors 205a to 205c, and the winning ball detectors 225a and 225b via the switch circuit 58, and the state thereof. A determination is made (switch processing: step S81).

  Next, various abnormality diagnosis processing is performed by a self-diagnosis function provided in the pachinko gaming machine, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error processing: step S82).

  Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a hit determination random number used for game control is performed (step S83). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number and the initial value random number (steps S84 and S85).

  In this embodiment, as the random numbers for determination, a random number for determination per ordinary symbol, a random number for determining the maximum number of consecutive rounds in the big hit game (round number determination random number), and a variable prize after the end of the specific game state There is a random number (state determination random number) for determining whether or not the internal structure of the ball device 20 is easy to win V. There is a random number for determining the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 as the display random number, and the initial value of the random number for determining the normal symbol, the round number determining random number, and the state determining random number are determined as the initial value random number. There is a random number to do.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs process processing (step S86). In the process control, corresponding processing is selected and executed according to a process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S87). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state. The normal symbol process can be executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 25).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of setting the display control command in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and transmitting the display control command (command control process: step S88). Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information and start information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S89).

  Further, the CPU 56 issues a drive command to the solenoid circuit 59 when a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S90). Further, a signal for instructing driving of the motor 38 is given to the motor circuit 60 (step S91).

  Then, the CPU 56 executes prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the winning ball detectors 225a, 225b, etc. (step S92). Specifically, a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control board 37 in response to winning detection based on the winning ball detectors 225a, 225b being turned on. The payout control CPU 371 mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 according to a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls. Thereafter, the contents of the register are restored (step S93), and the interrupt permission state is set (step S94).

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process processing program executed by the CPU 56. The process process shown in FIG. 33 is a specific process of step S86 in the flowchart of FIG.

  In the process processing, the CPU 56 performs any one of steps S500 to S508 according to the internal state (in this example, the process flag). In steps S500 to S508, the following processing is performed.

  Normal processing (step S500): It is confirmed whether or not the starting ball detectors 205a to 205c have detected a game ball. If there is detection by the starting ball detectors 205a to 205c, the value of the process flag is set so that the process proceeds to step S501. To change.

  Start-up operation processing (step S501): Control is performed for opening the variable winning ball apparatus 220 for a predetermined period and a predetermined number of times, and a specific ball effective period is set (setting by software). Then, when the opening period of the variable winning ball device 220 elapses, a process for closing the variable winning ball device 220 is performed, and then the value of the process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S502.

  Specific game state determination process (step S502): It is confirmed whether or not there is a V prize during the specific ball valid period. If there is a V-winning, as the occurrence of the big win, after the specific ball valid period has elapsed, the maximum number of consecutive rounds in the big hit game (specific game state) and the probability state regarding the game state after the big hit game are drawn, step S503 Change the value of the process flag to shift to. If there is no V prize, the value of the process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S500.

  Pre-round start process (step S503): A command for instructing the start of a round is transmitted to the display control board 80 and the lamp control board 35. Thereafter, the value of the process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S504.

  In-round processing (step S504): It is monitored whether the open / close cycle has ended 18 times or whether ten winning balls are detected by the winning ball detectors 225a and 225b. When the open / close cycle ends 18 times or when 10 winning balls are detected by the winning ball detectors 225a and 225b before the open / close cycle ends 18 times, the process flag is shifted to step S505. Change the value of.

  V-winning confirmation process (step S505): If the maximum number of consecutive rounds has not been reached, it is confirmed whether or not there is a V-winning. If there is a V-winning, the value of the process flag is changed so that the process proceeds to step S503. If there is no V prize, the value of the process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S506. Even when the maximum number of continuous rounds has been reached, the value of the process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S506.

  Note that in the final round (the round that matches the maximum number of consecutive rounds), the game control means changes the internal structure of the variable winning ball apparatus 220. For example, by maintaining the movable members 243a and 243b at a position that does not block the front of the specific receiving port 242 (with the upper part retracted), the variable winning ball device 220 is placed in a state where it is difficult for the game ball to win a specific area. To do. Further, the game control means ignores even if a game ball wins a specific area in the final round. That is, in the final round, a state is set in which a game ball is not won in a specific area by software.

  Specific gaming state end process (step S506): A command for instructing the end of the specific gaming state is transmitted to the display control board 80 and the lamp control board 35. Further, control for notifying the probability state determined in step S502 is performed. Specifically, the change in symbols in the variable display devices 228 and 229 for informing the probability state to the display control board 80 (in this example, the numbers “1” to “9” are variably displayed. A display control command for instructing a stop symbol and a display control command for instructing a stop symbol. Thereafter, the value of the process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S507.

  Symbol variation processing (step S507): When the variation period of symbol variation elapses, the value of the process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S508.

  Symbol stop processing (step S508): A display control command for instructing stop of symbol variation is transmitted to the display control board 80. In addition, an internal flag (a high probability variation flag or a medium probability variation flag, which will be described later) relating to the probability state is set. Thereafter, the value of the process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S500.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 5: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 10 (for determination of hitting the normal symbol)
(2) Random 6: Determine the maximum number of consecutive rounds in the jackpot game (for determining the number of rounds)
(3) Random 8: Determine initial value of random 5 (for determining random 5 initial value)
(4) Random 9: Determine initial value of random 6 (for determining random 6 initial value)
(5) Random 10: Determine the gaming state after the big hit game (for state determination)
(6) Random 11: Determine an initial value of random 10 (for determining an initial value of random 10)

  In step S83 in the game control process shown in FIG. 32, the CPU 56 generates (1) the normal random number for the symbol, (2) the round number determining random number, and (5) the state determining random number. Counter is incremented (added by 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In order to enhance the game effect, random numbers related to ordinary symbols other than the random numbers (1) to (6) above are also used. Also, the range that each random number value shown in FIG. 34 can take is an example, and other ranges can be used.

  FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the round number determination random number (random 5) and the determination value for determining the maximum number of continuous rounds. As shown in FIG. 35, in this embodiment, the maximum number of continuous rounds is determined as one of 8 to 15 rounds. That is, when the extracted random 5 value matches the value shown in the right column of FIG. 35, the maximum number of continuous rounds shown in the left column is determined.

  The determined maximum continuation round number is displayed on the winning number display 228 and the continuation number display 229, for example, before the big hit game is started. In this case, only the determination result may be displayed, but the determination result may be displayed after performing effects such as variable display of symbols. Also, before starting the jackpot game, the number less than the determined maximum continuation round number is displayed, the number increased before the start of each round is displayed, than the last round corresponding to the maximum continuation round The maximum number of consecutive rounds may be displayed before the start of the previous round. When such a display is performed, the number of gradually increasing numbers is notified to the player, so that the player's sense of expectation can be increased with the round digestion.

  FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the value of the extracted random 10 (random number for state determination) and the probability state. The high probability state is a state in which V winning is easier than the medium probability state after the big hit game is finished. The medium probability state is a state in which V winning is easier than the low probability state after the big hit game is finished.

  In step S502 described above, the game control means extracts random 10, and based on the extracted value and the relationship shown in FIG. 36, that is, the extracted value and the determination value (0 to 0) described in the left column of FIG. 11) and the game state after the big hit game is determined. The determination result is notified to the player using the variable display devices 228 and 229 after the big hit game is over. The notification symbol shown in FIG. 36 is a symbol for notifying the determination result of the gaming state after the end of the big hit game. In this case, only the determination result may be displayed, but in this embodiment, the determination result is displayed after performing effects such as variable display of symbols.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of the determination random number update process (step S83) executed in the game control process shown in FIG. In the determination random number update process, the CPU 56 increments the value of the counter for generating random 5 (normal determination random number per symbol) by 1 (step S201). When the value of the counter for generating random 5 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S202), the count value is returned to 3 (step S203). In this embodiment, (maximum value + 1) is 14.

  It is confirmed whether or not the value of the counter for generating random 5 matches the value stored in the initial value buffer for random 5 as an initial value (step S204). If they do not match, the count value remains unchanged. If they match, random 8 (random 5 initial value determination random number) is extracted (step S205). That is, the count value of the counter for generating random 8 is input. Then, the extracted value is stored as an initial value in the initial value buffer for random 5 (step S206), and the extracted value is set in a counter for generating random 5 (step S207). Therefore, at this time, the initial value of the counter for generating random 5 is changed. When the power is turned on to the gaming machine, “3” is generally stored in the random initial value buffer as an initial value, but when the random number 5 is stored in the backup RAM, it is stored when the power is turned on. Returned to value. A random 5 initial value buffer is also formed in the backup RAM. When the power supply is restored, the game control means continues to update the numerical values based on the numerical values held in the fluctuation data storage means.

  Also, the counter value for generating random 6 (round number determination random number) is incremented by 1 (step S211). When the value of the counter for generating the random 6 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S212), the count value is returned to 0 (step S213). In this embodiment, (maximum value + 1) is 19.

  Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the counter for generating the random 6 matches the value stored in the random 6 initial value buffer as the initial value (step S214). If they do not match, the count value remains unchanged. If they match, random 9 (random 6 initial value determination random number) is extracted (step S215). That is, the count value of the counter for generating random 9 is input. The extracted value is stored as an initial value in the initial value buffer for random 6 (step S216), and the extracted value is set in a counter for generating random 6 (step S217). Therefore, at this time, the initial value of the counter for generating random 6 is changed. When the game machine is turned on, “0” is set as an initial value in the counter for generating random 6, but if the value of random 6 is stored in the backup RAM, the power is turned on. Sometimes restored to saved value. A random 6 initial value buffer is also formed in the backup RAM.

  Further, the counter value for generating random 10 (random number for state determination) is incremented by 1 (step S221). When the value of the counter for generating the random 10 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S222), the count value is returned to 0 (step S223). In this embodiment, (maximum value + 1) is 12.

  Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the counter for generating the random 10 matches the value stored in the initial value buffer for random 10 as the initial value (step S224). If they do not match, the count value remains unchanged. If they match, random 11 (random 10 initial value determination random number) is extracted (step S225). That is, the count value of the counter for generating the random 11 is input. Then, the extracted value is stored as an initial value in the initial value buffer for random 10 (step S226), and the extracted value is set in a counter for generating random 10 (step S227). Therefore, at this time, the initial value of the counter for generating random 10 is changed. When the game machine is turned on, “0” is set as an initial value in the counter for generating random 10, but if the random number 10 is stored in the backup RAM, the power is turned on. Sometimes restored to saved value. A random 10 initial value buffer is also formed in the backup RAM. When the power supply is restored, the game control means continues to update the numerical values based on the numerical values held in the fluctuation data storage means.

  FIG. 39 is executed once in the game control process shown in FIG. 32 (step S85), and the interrupt surplus time in the main process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart showing an example of an initial value random number update process (step S18) that is repeatedly executed at a time until the occurrence of the error.

  In the initial value random number update process, the CPU 56 increments the value of the counter for generating random 8 (random 5 initial value determination random number) (step S231). When the value of the counter for generating random 8 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S232), the count value is returned to 3 (step S233). Note that (maximum value + 1) is 14 as in the case of random 5.

  Further, the CPU 56 increments the value of the counter for generating random 9 (random 6 initial value determination random number) (step S234). When the value of the counter for generating random 9 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S235), the count value is returned to 0 (step S236). Note that (maximum value + 1) is 19 as in the case of random 6.

  Then, the CPU 56 increments the value of the counter for generating random 11 (random 10 initial value determination random number) (step S237). When the value of the counter for generating the random 11 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S238), the count value is returned to 0 (step S239). Note that (maximum value + 1) is 12 as in the case of random 10.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an example of step S508 (design stop processing) in the process processing. In the symbol stop processing (processing for stopping the effect due to symbol variation for notifying the game state after the end of the big hit game), the CPU 56 transmits a confirmation command indicating the symbol variation stop to the display control board 80. Is performed (step S581). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the state is already in a probabilistic state (high probability state, medium probability state, or low probability state) (step S582). If it is in the probability variation state, the high probability variation flag, the medium probability flag, and the low probability flag are reset (step S583). Then, the process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the normal process (step S500) (step S586), and the symbol stop end process is ended.

  If it is not the probability variation state, it is confirmed whether or not the stop symbol displayed on the variable display devices 228 and 229 is a highly accurate variation symbol (in this example, “1”, “3” or “7”, see FIG. 36) (step 36). S584). If it is a highly probable symbol, a highly probable flag is set (step S585). Then, the process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the normal process (step S500) (step S586), and the symbol stop end process is ended.

  If the stop symbol is a medium probability variation symbol (step S587), a medium probability variation flag is set (step S587). Then, the process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the normal process (step S500) (step S586), and the symbol stop end process is ended.

  If the stop symbol is a low-probability symbol (a symbol that is neither a high-probability variation nor a medium-probability variation symbol), a low-probability variation flag is set (step S589). Then, the process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the normal process (step S500) (step S586), and the symbol stop end process is ended.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the state determining means (specifically, realized by software) which is a part of the game control means has a high probability based on a predetermined random number (random 10). It is determined whether it is a state, a medium probability state, or a low probability state. Then, after the specific game state is ended, the game control means actually sets the high probability state, the medium probability state, or the low probability state based on the determination result of the state determination means. Each state is realized by changing the internal structure of the variable winning ball apparatus 220. The high probability state is a state in which the high probability variation flag is set, the medium probability state is a state in which the medium probability variation flag is set, and the low probability state is a state in which the low probability variation flag is set. It is.

  Then, when a specific gaming state occurs next, the probability variation state (high probability state, medium probability state, or low probability state) ends.

  In this embodiment, after the specific gaming state has ended, the variable display devices 228 and 229 are notified by the variation of symbols. However, the probability state setting based on the determination by the state determining means is the setting of the specific gaming state. Although performed after the end, the notification regarding the probability state may be performed before the specific gaming state.

  FIG. 41 is a timing chart for explaining a change in the state of the variable winning ball device 220 (change in internal structure) in accordance with the set state of the high probability variation flag, the medium probability variation flag, and the low probability variation flag. As shown in FIG. 41A, in the low probability state, the variable winning ball device 220 (specifically, the open / close pieces 223a and 223b) is predetermined by the solenoids 224a and 224b in accordance with the detection of the game ball by the starting ball detector. It opens for a period, and the opening 235 is closed for a predetermined period by the solenoid 235. Further, the movable members 243a and 243b are maintained at positions where the front of the specific receiving port 242 is not blocked (retracted to the upper part). Accordingly, since the game ball is not received by the movable members 243a and 243b in front of the specific receiving port 242, it is relatively difficult for the game ball to win the specific receiving port 242. That is, it is relatively difficult to win a V prize.

  As shown in FIG. 41 (B), in the medium probability state, the variable winning ball device 220 (specifically, the open / close pieces 223a and 223b) is predetermined by the solenoids 224a and 224b in response to the detection of the game ball by the start ball detector. It opens for a period, and the opening 235 is closed for a predetermined period by the solenoid 235. However, the predetermined period in the closed state is longer than that in the low probability state. In the closed state of the opening 32, the game ball stopped on the opening plate 34 is attracted by the magnetic force of the permanent magnets 239 a to 239 c in the rotary drum 236 and sent to the upper rolling plate 240 as the rotary drum 236 rotates. Therefore, it will be in a state where V winning can be made. Since the predetermined period in the closed state is longer than that in the low-probability state, the medium-probability state becomes a state where it is easier to win V than the low-probability state. Further, the movable members 243a and 243b are moved to a position where the front of the specific receiving port 242 is blocked by the solenoid 245 (moved downward from above), and the state is maintained for a predetermined period. Therefore, there is a period in which the game ball is received by the movable members 243a and 243b in front of the specific receiving port 242, and this also makes the medium probability state easier to win V than the low probability state.

  As shown in FIG. 41 (C), in the high probability state, the variable winning ball device 220 (specifically, the open / close pieces 223a and 223b) is predetermined by the solenoids 224a and 224b in response to the detection of the game ball by the start ball detector. While opening for a period, the opening 235 is closed by a solenoid 235 for a predetermined period. The predetermined period in the closed state is longer than that in the medium probability state. Therefore, the high probability state becomes a state where it is easier to win V than the medium probability state. Further, the movable members 243a and 243b are maintained at positions where the front of the specific receiving port 242 is blocked by the solenoid 245. Therefore, also from this, the high probability state becomes a state where it is easier to win V than the medium probability state.

  The variable winning ball apparatus 220 may be opened a plurality of times in response to detection by the starting ball detector, but FIG. 41 illustrates a case where the variable winning ball device 220 is opened only once. In addition, the low probability state is a state in which it is harder to win V than the normal state that is not the probability variation state (high probability state, medium probability state, or low probability state), and the normal state is less likely to win V than the medium probability variation state. The low probability state may be the same as the normal state.

  In this embodiment, as described above, in the round corresponding to the maximum number of consecutive rounds in the jackpot gaming state (round determined based on random 6), it is difficult for the variable winning ball device 220 to win V. Set to In this case, the movable member 243a, 243b is maintained in a position where the front of the specific receiving port 242 is not blocked (retracted to the upper part), so that it is difficult to make a V prize. In the round corresponding to the number, not only the movable members 243a and 243b are controlled, but also the opening 232 is controlled as shown in FIG. May be.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the counter count for generating the random number for determining normal symbols (random 5), the random number for determining the round number (random 6), and the random number for determining the state (random 10) is determined. When the value makes one round, the initial value random number is extracted, and the initial value of the counter for generating random 5, random 6 and random 10 is changed based on the value of the initial value random number. Since the initial value of the counter for generating random 5, random 6 and random 10 becomes random, even if a signal output from the main board 31 can be observed by means such as mounting an illegal board on a gaming machine Based on the signal, the timing at which a random 5 value corresponding to the normal symbol hit determination value is generated, the timing at which a random 6 value is generated according to the largest maximum number of consecutive rounds, and a high probability state after the jackpot game ends. It is difficult to detect the timing at which a random value of 10 corresponding to the number of occurrences is generated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a player plays a predetermined game, and a predetermined number of rounds advantageous to the player when a specific condition is satisfied (in this embodiment, the game is configured with 18 opening / closing cycles. To the specified gaming state, and in the specified gaming state, the upper limit of the predetermined round is set based on the establishment of the continuation condition when the game ball wins the specified entrance 242 as the specified area. The number of times (15 in this embodiment) can be continuously repeated, and the upper limit for updating the determination numerical value used for determination of the upper limit number of rounds in a specific gaming state within a predetermined numerical range. A numerical value updating means for determination for the number of times (in this embodiment, a counter for generating random 6) and a number for determination for the upper limit number of times based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition The number of updating means is extracted, and the upper limit number of times for determining the upper limit number of rounds in the big hit gaming state is determined based on the extracted number and a predetermined determination value (in this embodiment, a determination value for determining the number of rounds) And a gaming machine that controls the timing at which the numerical value updated by the numerical value updating means for determination for the upper limit number coincides with a predetermined determination value to be indefinite. As a result, the timing at which the numerical value used to determine the number of rounds in the specific gaming state for controlling the special variable prize-winning device to the first state (a state advantageous to the player) matches a predetermined value from the outside of the gaming machine. It can be difficult to identify. In this embodiment, the upper limit number determining means is realized by the CPU 56 and a program executed by the CPU 56. In particular, the processing in step S502 corresponds to the program.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In each of the above embodiments, the first type pachinko gaming machine or the second type pachinko gaming machine is taken as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a third type pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 42 is a front view of the gaming board 501 of the third type pachinko gaming machine as seen from the front. The game board 501 is detachably attached to the main body of the pachinko gaming machine.

  The game ball launched from the hitting ball launching device passes between the outer rail 501 and the inner rail 502 and enters the game area 507, and then descends the game area 507. When the game ball passes through the gate 511 and is detected by the gate switch 511a, variable display on the normal symbol display 510 is started. In this embodiment, the normal symbol display 510 is made up of two lamps each having a symbol (in this example, ◯ and X) drawn thereon, and the two lamps are alternately lit to perform variable display. . Then, when the variable display is completed in a state where the ○ lamp is stopped, it is a win.

  When winning, the ordinary electric accessory 550 is activated and the specific winning opening 532 is opened. The game ball in which the game ball has won the specific winning port 532 is detected by the specific winning port switch 532a and enters the sorting member 535. Thereafter, when the special device operation determination symbol gate 541 in the guide unit 540 passes, the determination symbol starts variable display in the variable display device 512. The special device operation determination symbol gate 541 is provided with a symbol gate switch 541a as an operation detection means for detecting a game ball that has passed through the special device operation determination symbol gate 541. In addition, during the variation of the determination symbol in the variable display device 512, the game ball is stored in the recess of the guide member 542 below the special device operation determination symbol gate 541.

  In the game area 507, the game balls won in the normal winning holes 513, 514, 515, 516 are detected by the winning hole switches 513a, 514a, 515a, 516a, respectively. When a game ball is detected by the winning port switch 513a, 514a, 515a, 516a and the specific winning port switch 532a, a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out as a prize.

  If the variable display result (stop symbol) of the determination symbol in the variable display device 512 is a hit symbol, a hit occurs, and the game ball stored in the recess of the guide member 542 is guided to the special device operation region 544 by the guide device. The Then, a right is generated when detected by the sensor 544a provided in the special device operation area 544, and when a game ball wins a start opening (an example of the start area) in the start winning apparatus 520 in the right generation state, the game The ball is detected by the start port switch 520a. Then, the special winning state is opened and the game state shifts to a specific gaming state (big hit gaming state) where the game ball is easy to win. When the variable display result (stop symbol) of the determination symbol in the variable display device 512 is an off symbol, the game ball stopped in the recess of the guiding member 542 is guided to the normal area 543. The start winning device 520 is provided with a rotating body 521, and a variable prize having an opening / closing plate 551 for opening a large winning opening forming a special electric accessory is provided below the rotating body 521 in the start winning device 520. A ball device 555 is provided. When the game ball is rotated by the rotating body 521 and detected by the start port switch 520a, the start port is won. Further, when the opening / closing plate 551 is in the open state, the big prize opening is opened.

  In each open period (each round), when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And as long as the rights continue, the big prize opening is opened again. The right continues until a predetermined number (8 or 16 in this embodiment) of game balls wins at the start opening. However, if an operation for generating the right again (winning a game ball in the special device operation area) is performed during the continuation of the right, the right is extinguished and the specific gaming state ends. An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses.

  In addition, the game ball that has won the big winning opening in the specific gaming state is detected by the count switch 551a. When a game ball is detected by the count switch 551a, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as a prize. When the number of game balls detected by the count switch 551a reaches a predetermined number, the special winning opening is closed.

  Also in this embodiment, a power supply board having a game control board (main board), a payout control board, a lamp control board, a sound control board, a launch control board, a symbol control board, a backup power supply, etc. Is installed. As in the first and second embodiments, game control means realized by peripheral circuits such as the CPU 56, ROM 54, and RAM 55 are mounted on the main board, and the game control means controls the progress of the game. Further, the normal symbol and the determination symbol may be variably displayed on one variable display device. Further, in this embodiment, the variable winning ball device 555 corresponds to a special variable winning device that can be changed to a state advantageous to the player.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. The game control means (peripheral circuits such as CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.) on the main board is the same as the process shown in FIG. 9 when power is turned on to the gaming machine and the input level of the reset terminal becomes high. Start the main process.

  When a timer interrupt occurs after completion of the initialization process (steps S11 to S15) in the main process, the game control means performs the register saving process (step S310) shown in FIG. The game control process of steps S331 to S342 shown in FIG. In the game control process, the game control means first inputs detection signals of switches such as winning a prize opening switches 513a, 514a, 515a, 516a, specific winning a prize opening switch 532a, count switch 551a, etc., and performs their state determination (switches). Process: Step S331).

  Next, various abnormality diagnosis processing is performed by a self-diagnosis function provided in the pachinko gaming machine, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error processing: step S332).

  Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each random number for determination used for game control is performed (step S333). The game control means further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number and the initial value random number (steps S334 and S335). In this embodiment, the display random number includes a random number for determining the stop symbol of the determination symbol in the variable display device 512.

  In addition, as a random number for determination, a random number for determination per normal symbol, a random number for determining the number of rounds of a particular gaming state (random number for determining the number of rounds), and a random number for determining hit / off by the determination symbol (determination Random number for determination per symbol). As the initial value random number, there are a random number for determining a random number for determining per ordinary symbol, a random number for determining the number of rounds, and an initial value of the random number for determining per determined symbol.

  Further, the game control means performs process processing (step S336). In the process control, corresponding processing is selected and executed according to a process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S337). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display device 510 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state. The normal symbol process can be executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 25).

  Next, the game control means performs a process of setting the display control command in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and transmitting the display control command (command control process: step S338). Furthermore, the game control means performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information and start information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S339).

  In addition, the game control means outputs a drive command to the solenoid when a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S340). Further, a signal instructing driving of each motor is given to each motor (step S341).

  Then, the game control means executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the prize opening switches 513a, 514a, 515a, 516a, the count switch 551a, and the like (step S342). Specifically, a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control board in response to winning detection based on the fact that the winning opening switches 513a, 514a, 515a, 516a, the count switch 551a, etc. are turned on. The payout control CPU mounted on the payout control board drives the ball payout device in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls. Thereafter, the contents of the register are restored (step S343), and the interrupt permission state is set (step S344).

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 5: Decide whether or not to generate a hit based on the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 510 (for normal symbol per unit determination)
(2) Random 6: Determines the number of rounds to be continued when a right occurs (for round number determination)
(3) Random 8: Determine initial value of random 5 (for determining random 5 initial value)
(4) Random 9: Determine initial value of random 6 (for determining random 6 initial value)
(5) Random 12: Determine the hit based on the judgment symbol (for judgment per judgment symbol)
(6) Random 13: Determine an initial value of random 12 (for determining an initial value of random 12)

  In step S333 in the game control process shown in FIG. 43, the game control means determines (1) a random number for determining a normal symbol, (2) a random number for determining the number of rounds, and (5) determining a per determined symbol. The counter for generating a random number for use is incremented (added by 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In order to enhance the game effect, random numbers related to ordinary symbols other than the random numbers (1) to (6) above are also used. Also, the range that each random number value shown in FIG. 44 can take is an example, and other ranges can be used.

  FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a determination design random number (random 12) and a hit determination value. As shown in FIG. 45, in this embodiment, when the extracted random value 12 matches 3, 5, or 7, it is determined that the winning pattern is determined by the determination symbol. The CPU 56 determines whether or not the random 12 value matches the hit determination value in the process process (step S336). That is, in the process processing, for example, when the design gate switch 541a detects a game ball that has passed through the special device operation determination design gate 541, the CPU 56 extracts a random value of 12, and the extracted value is one of the hit determination values. If they match, the display result of the variable display device 512, that is, the stop determination symbol is determined to be the winning symbol.

  FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between a round number determination random number (random 6) and a determination value for determining the number of round continuations. As shown in FIG. 46, in this embodiment, when the extracted random 6 value matches 0, 10 or 18, the round continuation number is determined to be 8 and the extracted random 6 value is 0, 10 When the values other than 18 and 18 are matched, the number of round continuations is determined to be 16.

  If the round continuation count is determined to be 8, the right continues until 8 game balls are won at the start opening. If the number of round continuations is determined to be 16, the right continues until 16 game balls are won at the start opening. That is, the right is extinguished when eight or sixteen game balls win at the starting port, and the specific gaming state ends. It also disappears when an operation for generating the right again (winning a game ball in the special device operation area) is performed during the continuation of the right. The round (opening the big prize opening) is repeated until the rights expire. Further, the symbols variably displayed on the variable display device 512 are set to 0 to 9, for example, when the stop symbol is “77”, the round continuation count is set to 16, and when the other stop symbols are hit, the round is continued. The number of round continuations may be specified by the winning symbol so that the number of times is 8. Furthermore, you may make it alert | report the round continuation number by a stop symbol like "16" (16 rounds are shown) and "08" (8 rounds are shown).

  47 and 48 are flowcharts showing an example of the determination random number update process (step S333) executed in the game control process shown in FIG. In the determination random number update process, the game control means increments the value of the counter for generating random 5 (normal determination random number per symbol) by 1 (step S301). When the value of the counter for generating random 5 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S302), the count value is returned to 3 (step S303). In this embodiment, (maximum value + 1) is 14.

  Then, the game control means checks whether or not the value of the counter for generating random 5 matches the value stored in the random 5 initial value buffer as the initial value (step S304). If they do not match, the count value remains unchanged. If they match, random 8 (random 5 initial value determination random number) is extracted (step S305). That is, the count value of the counter for generating random 8 is input. Then, the extracted value is stored as an initial value in the initial value buffer for random 5 (step S306), and the extracted value is set in a counter for generating random 5 (step S307). Therefore, at this time, the initial value of the counter for generating random 5 is changed. When the game machine is turned on, “3” is set as an initial value to the counter for generating random 5, but if the value of random 5 is stored in the backup RAM, the power is turned on. Sometimes restored to saved value. A random 5 initial value buffer is also formed in the backup RAM.

  Further, the game control means increments the value of the counter for generating random 6 (round number determining random number) (step S311). If the value of the counter for generating random 6 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S312), the count value is returned to 0 (step S313). In this embodiment, (maximum value + 1) is 19.

  Then, the game control means checks whether or not the value of the counter for generating the random 6 matches the value stored in the initial value buffer for random 6 as the initial value (step S314). If they do not match, the count value remains unchanged. If they match, random 9 (random 6 initial value determination random number) is extracted (step S315). That is, the count value of the counter for generating random 9 is input. The extracted value is saved as an initial value in the initial value buffer for random 6 (step S316), and the extracted value is set in a counter for generating random 6 (step S317). Therefore, at this time, the initial value of the counter for generating random 6 is changed. When the game machine is turned on, “0” is set as an initial value in the counter for generating random 6, but if the value of random 6 is stored in the backup RAM, the power is turned on. Sometimes restored to saved value. A random 6 initial value buffer is also formed in the backup RAM. When the power supply is restored, the game control means continues to update the numerical values based on the numerical values held in the fluctuation data storage means.

  Further, the game control means increments the value of the counter for generating random 12 (random number for determination per determination symbol) by 1 (step S321). When the value of the counter for generating the random 12 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S322), the count value is returned to 0 (step S323). In this embodiment, (maximum value + 1) is 19.

  Then, the game control means checks whether or not the value of the counter for generating the random 12 matches the value stored in the random 12 initial value buffer as the initial value (step S324). If they do not match, the count value remains unchanged. If they match, random 13 (random 12 initial value determination random number) is extracted (step S325). That is, the count value of the counter for generating random 13 is input. Then, the extracted value is stored in the initial value buffer for random 12 as an initial value (step S326), and the extracted value is set in a counter for generating random 12 (step S327). Therefore, at this time, the initial value of the counter for generating random 12 is changed. When the game machine is turned on, “0” is set as an initial value in the counter for generating random 12, but if the random number 12 is stored in the backup RAM, the power is turned on. Sometimes restored to saved value. An initial value buffer for random 12 is also formed in the backup RAM. When the power supply is restored, the game control means continues to update the numerical values based on the numerical values held in the fluctuation data storage means.

  FIG. 49 is executed once in the game control process shown in FIG. 43 (step S335) and the remaining interrupt time in the main process shown in FIG. 9 (after the game control process ends, the next 2ms timer It is a flowchart showing an example of an initial value random number update process (step S18) that is repeatedly executed at a time until the occurrence of the error. In the initial value random number update processing, the game control means increments the value of the counter for generating random 8 (random 5 initial value determination random number) (step S351). When the value of the counter for generating the random 8 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S352), the count value is returned to 3 (step S353). Note that (maximum value + 1) is 14 as in the case of random 5.

  Further, the game control means increments the value of the counter for generating random 9 (random 6 initial value determination random number) (step S354). When the value of the counter for generating random 9 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S355), the count value is returned to 0 (step S356). Note that (maximum value + 1) is 19 as in the case of random 6.

  Then, the game control means increments the value of the counter for generating random 13 (random 12 initial value determining random number) (step S357). When the value of the counter for generating the random 13 is equal to or greater than (maximum value + 1) (step S358), the count value is returned to 0 (step S359). Note that (maximum value + 1) is 19 as in the case of random 12.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a player plays a predetermined game, and a predetermined number of rounds (this embodiment is advantageous to the player when a specific condition is satisfied (in this embodiment, a right is generated)). Then, one round can be controlled to a specific gaming state consisting of opening and closing of the opening / closing plate 551 of the variable winning ball apparatus 555, and in the specific gaming state, the continuation condition is satisfied (in this embodiment, It is possible to continue a predetermined round repeatedly until the upper limit number of times (8 or 16 times in this embodiment) is reached, and used to determine the upper limit number of rounds in a specific gaming state. A determination numerical value update means for updating the upper limit number of times within a predetermined numerical value range (a counter for generating random 6 in this embodiment), The numerical value of the determination numerical value updating means for the upper limit number is extracted based on the satisfaction of the condition, and the jackpot game is based on the extracted numerical value and a predetermined determination value (the determination value for determining the number of rounds in this embodiment) A maximum number of times determination means for determining the maximum number of continuations of a round in a state, and controlling the timing at which the numerical value updated by the numerical value updating means for determination for the maximum number of times matches a predetermined determination value to be indefinite The machine is realized. In this embodiment, the upper limit number determining means is realized by the CPU 56 and a program executed by the CPU 56.

  Also in this embodiment, by executing the processing shown in FIG. 47 and FIG. 49, the random 5 initial for determining whether or not the symbol that is normally stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 510 is the winning symbol is determined. The value is random. In addition, the initial value of random 6 for determining whether the number of rounds to be continued is a smaller value (8 in this example) or a larger value (16 in this example) is also random. Furthermore, the initial value of the random 12 for determining whether or not to win based on the determination symbol is also random.

  As a result, the timing at which the value of random 5 matches the hit determination value is random with no regularity. In addition, the timing at which the value of random 6 matches the determination value for making the number of round continuations larger is random with no regularity. Furthermore, the timing at which the random 12 value matches the hit determination value is random with no regularity. That is, even if a signal output from the main board 31, for example, can be observed by means such as mounting an illegal board on the gaming machine, random values of 5, 6, and 12 are advantageous to the player based on the signal. It becomes difficult to send an illegal signal to the main board aiming at a timing that causes a state.

  In this embodiment, when the display result of the normal symbol display device 510 is a winning symbol, the ordinary electric accessory 550 is activated and the specific winning opening 532 is opened. Further, the game ball that the game ball has won in the specific winning port 532 is detected by the specific winning port switch 532a and enters the sorting member 535. Thereafter, when the special device operation determination symbol gate 541 in the guide unit 540 passes, the determination symbol starts variable display in the variable display device 512. Further, if the variable display result (stop symbol) of the determination symbol on the variable display device 512 is a hit symbol, a hit occurs, and the game ball stored at the detection position of the operation determination symbol gate 541 is activated by the guidance device. Guided to the area. And when it is detected by a sensor provided in the special device operating area, a right is generated. Then, with the generation of the right, the number of round continuations is determined to be 8 or 16.

  Therefore, when the display result of the normal symbol display device 510 is a winning symbol, a right generation state can occur. Therefore, the cheating person wants to generate more hit symbols as the display result of the normal symbol display device 510 and tries to perform the cheating so that the stop symbol of the normal symbol display device 510 becomes the hit symbol. However, in this embodiment, such illegal acts can be effectively prevented.

  In addition, the cheating person wants to generate more winning symbols as the display result of the variable display device 512 that variably displays the determination symbol, and performs an illegal act so that the stop symbol of the variable display device 512 is the winning symbol. In this embodiment, such illegal acts can be effectively prevented.

  Further, when the determination symbol is stopped at a symbol corresponding to 16 round continuations, a maximum of 16 round continuations can be expected. An attempt is made to cheat such that the number of rounds continues 16 times. In this embodiment, such cheating can be effectively prevented.

  Even in this embodiment, if a RAM backed up by a backup power source is provided and the counter value for generating random numbers and the count value of the counter for determining the initial value are stored in the backup RAM, A counter for generating a random number based on the data stored in the backup RAM if the power supply is restored within a predetermined time (backup power backup possible time) after the power supply to the machine is stopped The count value of the counter for determining the initial value can be restored to the state before the power supply is stopped.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the second type pachinko gaming machine of the second embodiment, the winning number display 228 and the continuous number display 229 using a dot display are illustrated (see FIG. 28), but they may be replaced with a liquid crystal display. Further, the winning number display 228 and the continuous number display 229 are controlled by the display control means mounted on the display control board 80 in the second embodiment, but the lamp control means mounted on the lamp control board 35. (The lamp control CPU 351 or the like) may be controlled.

  FIG. 50 shows a control example of each electric component control means in the second type pachinko gaming machine in which the liquid crystal display device 250 is provided, and the liquid crystal display device 250 and the like are controlled by the lamp control means mounted on the lamp control board 35. FIG.

  Unlike the case of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 30, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 50, the normal symbol display 10 and the liquid crystal display device 250 are mounted on the lamp control board 35. It is controlled by the control means. The lamp control means controls the normal symbol display 10, the liquid crystal display device 250, and other light emitters according to the lamp control command from the game control means mounted on the main board 31.

  Since the liquid crystal display device 250 is provided in place of the winning number display 228 and the continuous number display 229 in the second embodiment, what is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 250 is the same as in the second embodiment. is there. However, in the second embodiment, the display control means performs display control of the winning number display 228, the continuous number display 229, etc. according to the display control command from the game control means, whereas in this embodiment, Since the lamp control means controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 250 and the like, each display control command used in the second embodiment (for indicating the display state of the winning number display 228, the continuous number display 229, etc.) is displayed. Instead of the command, a lamp control command for instructing the display state of the liquid crystal display device 250 or the like is transmitted from the main board 31 to the lamp control board 35.

  In addition, the liquid crystal display device 250 can display various game effects in addition to notifications regarding jackpot games, notifications regarding the maximum number of consecutive rounds, notifications regarding the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game, and the like. For example, the lamp control means performs an effect display that is not related to the number of winnings, the number of times of continuation, the maximum number of continuation rounds, the game state after the big hit game, etc., in synchronization with the effects of lighting, turning off and blinking of other light emitters. be able to. As the effect display in the liquid crystal display device 250, for example, an effect display in which a character or the like operates can be performed. In this way, the liquid crystal display device 250 provides an effect display that is not related to the number of wins, the number of continuations, the maximum number of continuation rounds, the gaming state after the end of the big hit game, etc. Can be made.

  As described above, in each of the above embodiments, in a gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state, a random number for determining the number of rounds in the specific gaming state or the upper limit of the number of rounds, Counter for generating random numbers for determining state changes (deciding rounds that change the internal structure, determining whether to change the internal structure, determining which state to change if changing, etc.) Since the initial value is changed randomly, it becomes difficult to illegally aim to generate a state advantageous to the player, and illegal acts can be effectively prevented.

  In the above embodiment, when the count value makes one round, the initial value of the counter is changed based on the initial value random number. However, when the count value makes multiple rounds, the counter value is changed based on the initial value random number. The initial value may be changed. In that case, the number of laps of the count value whose initial value is to be changed may be made variable, or the number of laps may be made random using a random number or the like.

  In each of the above embodiments, the hit determination value (concept including a determination value with the maximum number of rounds) is constant, but may be changed. For example, using a random number for switching the hit determination value, the random value is extracted at a predetermined timing, and the hit determination value is switched based on the extracted random number value. In this case, the determination value switching timing may be indefinite. For example, the winning determination value may be switched every time there is a game ball winning at a winning opening (for example, winning holes 29, 30, 33, 39 in the first embodiment).

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the counter for generating the initial value determination random number is counted up by software, but may be counted up based on a clock signal created by hardware. . In that case, the randomness of the initial value is further improved by significantly increasing the frequency of the clock signal with respect to the counter update period by software.

  In each of the above embodiments, the extraction timing of a random value (for example, random 6) for determining whether or not to win is constant (for example, the gate switch 32a in the first embodiment). At the time of detection), the timing may be shifted. As an amount of shifting the timing, for example, a change amount of the resistance value based on a temperature change can be used.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case has been described in which the initial value of the random number for determining the stop symbol of the normal symbol or the determination symbol for the variable display is changed at random. However, the big hit or the hit based on the normal symbol occurs. In a gaming machine capable of changing the probability of determining whether to change the probability, it is determined using a random number based on the count value of the counter that periodically counts up and returns to the initial value when the count value makes one round In such a configuration, the initial value of such a counter may be changed randomly.

  In addition, in a gaming machine having a time shortening function that shortens the variation time (variable display period) of special symbols and ordinary symbols, whether or not to shorten the variation time is counted up periodically and the count value is 1. When it is configured to use a random number based on the count value of the counter that returns to the initial value when it circulates, the initial value of such a counter may be changed randomly.

  In addition, it is determined by using a random number based on the count value of the counter that periodically counts up and returns to the initial value when the count value goes around once, as a stop symbol among multiple types of normal symbols. In such a case, the initial value of such a counter may be changed randomly. In addition, the count value of the counter that returns to the initial value when the count value is counted up once and periodically counts up which of the two types of special symbols or regular symbols is the stop symbol. In the case where the determination is made using a random number based on, the initial value of such a counter may be changed randomly.

  In the first embodiment (Embodiment 1), whether or not to reach is determined according to the determined combination of stop symbols, but whether or not to reach is periodically counted. When the counter value is determined using a random number based on the count value of the counter that returns to the initial value when the count value makes one round, the initial value of such a counter may be changed randomly. In addition, when it is decided to reach, the reach symbol (a set of left and right symbols) is periodically counted and determined using a random number based on the counter value that returns to the initial value when the count value makes one round. In such a case, the initial value of such a counter may be changed randomly. Then, the initial value of the counter for generating the off-set symbol determining random number or the variation pattern determining random number as shown in the first embodiment may be changed randomly.

  In addition, in gaming machines capable of giving a notice, which is a presentation mode that gives a notice to the player that a reach or a big hit is likely to occur, the count value is periodically counted to determine whether or not to give a notice. If the counter is determined using a random number based on the count value of the counter that returns to the initial value after one round, the initial value of such a counter may be changed randomly.

  In addition to the display device that variably displays special symbols, normal symbols, and judgment symbols, if a display device that displays a lucky number used for services at amusement stores is provided, whether to display the lucky number or not. When it is configured to use a random number based on the count value of the counter that periodically counts up and returns to the initial value when the count value makes one round, the initial value of such a counter is changed randomly. It may be.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, a type that takes a game ball into the gaming machine as an example of a winning opening is illustrated, but the winning opening is not limited to such a type and is configured so that a gaming ball passes. Other types such as things can be used. In addition, the gate through which the game ball passes is exemplified as a condition for starting the variable display start of the symbols in each variable display device, but the game ball is taken into the gaming machine as a condition for starting the variable display start of the symbols Other configurations such as types can be used.

  In each of the above embodiments, the variable display of numbers and symbols is exemplified as the variable display (variation) of identification information in each variable display device as a change in display state. However, the variable display is variably displayed in each variable display device. The identification information may be what is called a pattern in addition to what is called a number or a pattern. That is, any identification information may be used as long as each can be visually distinguished.

  As described above, in a gaming machine that can change to a state advantageous to the player when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a numerical value (for example, a display mode predetermined by a normal variable display device) within a predetermined numerical range. Is used to determine whether or not to display a value, or used to determine whether or not to display a special display mode on the variable determination display device, and other random numbers used in gaming machines A numerical value updating means for updating the count value of the counter) and the numerical value of the numerical value updating means are extracted based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition, and when the extracted numerical value matches a predetermined determination value, a predetermined determination (normal) Determination of the display result in the variable display device as a predetermined display mode, determination of the display result in the determination variable display device as a predetermined display mode, Determining means for determining a stop symbol, etc.), and controlling so that the timing at which the numerical value updated by the numerical value updating means coincides with a predetermined judgment value is indefinite. The timing changing means for controlling so that the timing may be controlled by using an external signal such as a clock signal by hardware may be controlled. For example, the count value used as the initial value of the numerical value updating means may be updated using a high-speed clock signal.

  Further, in a gaming machine that can change to a state advantageous to the player when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a numerical value updating means for updating a numerical value within a predetermined numerical range, and a numerical value updating means based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition And the timing at which the numerical value updated by the numerical value updating means coincides with the predetermined determination value becomes indefinite. When the configuration including the timing changing means for controlling is used, the timing changing means may control the timing to be indefinite using a disturbance such as a temperature change. As the disturbance, for example, a change amount of the resistance value based on a temperature change can be used. That is, if the numerical value corresponding to the amount of change in resistance value is set as the initial value of the numerical value updating means at a predetermined timing, the initial value of the numerical value updating means is randomly changed.

  Further, in a gaming machine capable of changing to a state advantageous to the player when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a numerical value updating means for updating the numerical value within a predetermined numerical range, and a numerical value updating means based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition And determining means for making a predetermined determination when the extracted numerical value matches a predetermined determination value, and updating the numerical value within a predetermined range and updating the determination value at a predetermined timing A configuration provided with determination value changing means can also be adopted. By updating the determination value, the timing at which the numerical value of the numerical value updating means matches the determination value can be made indefinite. For example, in a gaming machine having a variable display device 9 that variably displays a special symbol, a jackpot determination value that is compared with a random number for determining whether or not a stop symbol displayed on the variable display device 9 is a jackpot symbol Is changed at a predetermined timing. The jackpot determination value after the change is determined, for example, by generating another random number. Note that the timing at which the numerical value of the numerical value updating means matches the determination value can be made indefinite by changing the determination value, as is the case with the hit determination value for the normal symbol and the hit determination value for the determination symbol.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a front view which shows the front surface of the game board in the state which removed the glass door frame. It is the rear view which looked at the gaming machine from the back. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a symbol control board. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a lamp control board. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a sound control board. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a power supply board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage confirmation process. It is a flowchart which shows the process which determines the stop symbol of variable display, and the process which determines a reach kind. It is a flowchart which shows the process which determines whether it is a big hit. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a random number. It is a flowchart which shows the random number update process for determination. It is a flowchart which shows the random number update process for determination. It is a flowchart which shows the random number update process for initial values. It is a flowchart which shows the random number update process for a display. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the value of the counter for producing | generating random 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the value of the counter for producing | generating the random 6. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between the random number for round number determination, and a determination value. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a round number alert | report. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a round number determination system. (A) is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol process, and (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the random number for a determination, and winning / losing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the value of the counter for producing | generating random 5. FIG. It is a front view which shows the front surface of the game board of the gaming machine of the second embodiment. It is a front view which shows the structure of a variable winning ball apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a variable winning ball apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a display control board. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a process process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between the random number for round number determination, and the determination value for determining the maximum continuation round number. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between the value of the random number for state determination, and a probability state. It is a flowchart which shows the random number update process for determination. It is a flowchart which shows the random number update process for determination. It is a flowchart which shows the random number update process for initial values. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the symbol stop process in a process process. It is a timing diagram for demonstrating the change of the internal structure of a variable winning ball apparatus. It is a front view which shows the front surface of the game board of the gaming machine of the third embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between the random number for determination per determination symbol, and a hit determination value. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between the random number for round number determination, and the determination value for determining the round continuation frequency. It is a flowchart which shows the random number update process for determination. It is a flowchart which shows the random number update process for determination. It is a flowchart which shows the random number update process for initial values. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a control example of an electrical component control unit according to the fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine 9 Variable display device 10 Normal symbol display device 15 Variable winning ball device 24 Variable winning ball device 31 Main board 35 Lamp control board 56 CPU
70 sound control board 80 design control board (display control board)
220 Variable winning ball device 351 CPU for lamp control
510 Normal symbol display device 550 Normal electric accessory 555 Variable winning ball device 701 Sound control CPU

Claims (1)

A special variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information capable of identifying each, a normal variable display unit provided separately from the special variable display unit, and a display mode in the normal variable display unit are predetermined. and a common variable winning device which changes to an advantageous state for the player under the condition that a predetermined display mode, when the variable display of the display mode of the identifying information in the special variable display unit becomes specific display mode A gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game,
After performing the initial setting process, the game control means interrupts the main routine in response to a main routine that repeatedly executes a predetermined process and a timer interrupt that occurs every predetermined time during the execution of the main routine. An execution means for executing an interrupt routine to be started;
The execution means includes
In the interrupt routine, a specific gaming state determination numerical value update process for updating a specific gaming state determination numerical value for determining whether or not to enter the specific gaming state within a predetermined range, and the normal variable display unit and ordinary variable display determination numerical updating process for updating the common variable display determination numerical value for determining whether to display the predetermined display mode within a predetermined range, for the specific game state determined at a predetermined time A specific game initial value changing process for changing an initial value for updating a numerical value to a numerical value for a specific game initial value stored at a specific address in the RAM, and a specific game initial value numerical value stored at the specific address is updated. and numerical updating for a particular game initial value, variable ordinary variable display initial value for the number stored the initial value of the update of the common variable display determination number in a predetermined address of the RAM at a predetermined timing Normally the variable display initial value change process, and executes the game control process that includes a common variable display initial value for the numerical updating process for updating the numerical value for plain variable display initial value stored in the predetermined address,
Also in the main routine, as the predetermined processing, the specific game initial value numerical value update process for updating the specific game initial value numerical value stored in the specific address and the normal variable display initial value stored in the predetermined address are performed. Execute the numerical value update process for normal variable display initial value to update the numerical value for value,
The prohibited interruption by timer interrupt, numerical for specific gaming initial value updating process Contact and ordinary variable before starting a particular gaming initial value numeric updating process and common variable display initial value for numerical updating process in the main routine A gaming machine characterized by permitting an interruption by the timer interruption after completion of a numerical value updating process for a display initial value.

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