JP4214096B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and more particularly, an effect means for executing a predetermined effect and a start detection means for detecting a game medium in a start area provided in a game area where the game medium flows down. When the game medium is detected by the start detection means, a start operation is performed in which the variable entrance that is opened and closed by the opening and closing member is changed from a first state that is disadvantageous to the player to a second state that is advantageous to the player. A variable winning device and specific detection means for detecting a game medium that has entered a specific area among a plurality of areas provided in the variable winning apparatus, and entered the variable advance when performing a starting operation. When the game medium is detected by the specific detection means, a round in which the variable entrance is controlled to the second state in a specific manner more advantageous to the player than the starting operation can be executed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. Together to generate a game state to a gaming machine that enables shift to the next round after the end of the round on the basis that has been detected by the variable entrance to enter the game media specific detection means during a round.

  When a game ball (pachinko ball), which is a game medium, wins at the start winning opening (starting chucker), the opening / closing member (so-called blade member) constituting the large winning opening is opened, and the game ball entering the large winning opening is variable. 2. Description of the Related Art Pachinko gaming machines are known in which a big hit (a specific gaming state) occurs when a V winning that jumps into a V zone (specific area) via a winning space in a winning device occurs. This type of gaming machine is sometimes referred to as a Hikoki type or the like. In the specific gaming state, the round in which the opening / closing member is continuously opened is continuously performed until a predetermined number of rounds (opening cycles) is reached.

  In addition, when a V prize is generated, an internal lottery is performed, and the number of rounds (such as the average number of continuations and the maximum number of continuations) may be determined according to the lottery result. Conventionally, a display based on such a lottery result and a display capable of specifying the maximum number of continuous times have been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, as a configuration for performing various displays, two types of devices, a special symbol variable display device and a decorative symbol variable display device, are provided, and the display result of the special symbol variable display device is displayed in a control circuit that performs game control. There has been proposed a technique for determining the display contents of a decorative symbol variable display device based on the predetermined determination result and transmitting a command to a sub-side display control board (for example, Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200252 JP-A-9-2014457

  In the above conventional technique, when display based on the internal lottery result is performed in the two variable display devices, all the display contents are determined in the main-side control circuit that performs game control, so a large number of random numbers are updated. The control circuit on the main side must execute processing, processing for determining display contents, and the like, and outputs a large number of commands every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms). This increases the control load on the control circuit on the main side that performs game control, and the data storage area is also compressed, so that variations in display contents are limited and it is difficult to perform various effects. There was a problem of becoming.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a gaming machine that can improve the interest of the game by increasing the variation of the production without increasing the control load in the microcomputer that performs the game control. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present application includes an effecting means (for example, the second display device 4B, speakers 8L and 8R, a game effect lamp 9 and the like) for executing a predetermined effect, and a game medium. Start detection means (for example, start ball detectors 41a to 41c) for detecting a game medium in a start area (for example, start winning ports 6a to 6c) provided in a game area in which (for example, a game ball) flows down, and the start detection When the game medium is detected by the means, the variable state entrance (for example, the big prize opening 31a, 31b) that is opened and closed by the opening / closing member (for example, the opening / closing member 30a, 30b) is in the first state (for example, the opening / closing member) that is disadvantageous for the player. The second state (for example, the opening and closing members 30a, 30b open the special winning openings 31a, 31b) from the advantageous state to the player from the state where 30a, 30b closes the special winning openings 31a, 31b) A variable winning device (for example, the variable winning device 5) that performs the starting operation and a specification for detecting a game medium that has entered a specific region (for example, the V winning port 35) among a plurality of regions provided in the variable winning device. A detection means (for example, a specific ball detector 40), and when the game medium that has entered the variable entrance is detected by the specific detection means during the start operation, the player is more likely than the start operation. And generating a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) that can execute a round for controlling the variable entrance to the second state in a more advantageous specific manner up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 15 times), Based on the fact that the game medium that has entered the variable entrance during the round is detected by the specific detection means, the next round after the end of the round. A gaming machine (for example, ROM 101, RAM 102, CPU 103) that is a gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) that can be executed and executes a game control process (for example, the game control process of step S15) for controlling the progress of the game. Including a basic circuit 100), a game control board (for example, main board 11) on which the game control microcomputer is mounted, and a control signal (for example, effect control) from the game control microcomputer mounted on the game control board. An effect control microcomputer (for example, effect control CPU 120, ROM 121, RAM 122, etc.) that performs effect control of the effect means based on the command), and an effect control board (for example, effect control board 12) on which the effect control microcomputer is mounted. From the game control board A relay board (for example, signal relay board 13) provided with relay means (for example, connectors 61B, 62A and transmission direction regulating circuits 13-1 to 13-n) for relaying a control signal output to the effect control board; Unlike the effect means, first display means (for example, the first display device 4A) that performs display control by the game control microcomputer, and second display that is included in the effect means and performs display control by the effect control microcomputer. Means (for example, the second display device 4B), and the game control microcomputer is a light-emitting body (for example, an LED capable of emitting light at four light emitting positions in the first display device 4A) provided in the first display means. Display control means (for example, the CPU 103 performs control for outputting a drive signal to the module) in steps S209, S243, and S24. , S 272, S 335, S 339, S 384, etc.) and when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when it is determined Yes in step S 101), numerical data updating means for updating numerical data (for example, Numeric data extraction means for extracting numerical data from the random number circuit 104 and the portion where the CPU 103 executes the random number update processing of step S13) (for example, the portion where the CPU 103 executes the processing of step S103), and the numerical data extraction means Based on the numerical data extracted by the above, the upper limit number of rounds (for example, the number of continuation rounds) is selected from a plurality of types of round executions (for example, “1”, “3”, “7”, “15”). Round number determination means for determining (for example, a portion where the CPU 103 executes the process of step S104) And when the specific gaming state occurs, the round number notifying control means for performing control for notifying the upper limit number of rounds determined by the round number determining means by the display of the first display means. (For example, the part where the CPU 103 executes the process of step S243) and the control signal transmitting means for transmitting the round number signal as the control signal indicating the upper limit number of rounds determined by the round number determining means (for example, the CPU 103 performs step) The effect control microcomputer is a plurality of types of effect display data indicating the display mode of effect display on the second display means, etc. Data that stores (eg, presentation display control data and image data) A predetermined effect display (for example, shown in FIGS. 8A to 8F) for notifying the upper limit number of rounds based on the storage means (for example, ROM 121 and CGROM 124) and the round number signal transmitted by the control signal transmitting means. Production A-1 and Production B-1 shown in FIGS. 8G to 8L, Production C-1 shown in FIGS. 8M to 8R, Production A shown in FIGS. 9A to 9F. -2, display effects such as effects B-2 shown in FIGS. 9G to 9L and effects C-2 shown in FIGS. 9M to 9R) are executed by the display of the second display means. Effect display control means (for example, a portion where the CPU 120 for effect control executes the processing of steps S161 to S164) that controls the effect display control means in the data storage means based on the round number signal Stored multiple types of effect display data Effect mode determining means for determining the display mode of the effect display on the second display means to be one of a plurality of display modes by selecting the shift (for example, the effect control CPU 120 starts the effect at the time of start winning in step S161) The process includes a part for executing the process of step S426.

  3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the round number determination means sets the upper limit number of rounds when a game medium is detected by the start detection means (for example, when it is determined Yes in step S101). The control signal transmitting means determines a specific winning detection control signal (for example, as a control signal indicating that the game medium that has entered the variable entrance is detected by the specific detecting means during the starting operation) (Specific area winning command) is further transmitted (for example, the part in which the CPU 103 executes the command control processing of step S16 after executing the processing of steps S308 and S324), and the round number notification control means plays the game by the specific detection means. When a medium is detected (when Yes is determined in steps S301 and S321) , Performing control so that the upper limit number of rounds can be specified by the display of the first display means, and the effect mode determination means is configured to determine the upper limit of rounds indicated by the round number signal transmitted by the control signal transmission means. By selecting one of a plurality of types of effect display data stored in the data storage means at different ratios depending on the number of times, the display mode of the effect display on the second display means is determined (for example, the effect control CPU 120). Is determined in step S426 with reference to the first effect determination table 131A set in step S422 or the second effect determination table 131B set in step S423), the effect display control means Display control in the second display means based on the effect display data selected by the effect mode determining means And when the specific winning detection signal transmitted by the control signal transmitting means is received (for example, when it is determined Yes in step S441), the upper limit number of rounds indicated by the round number signal is notified. To do.

  4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the effect display control means performs a control to execute a minority round notification effect that specifies the number of executions less than the upper limit number of rounds in an identifiable manner. For example, the effect control CPU 120 selects the display result with the selection probability shown in FIG. 34 in step S607 and executes the process of step S609), and the minority round notification effect executed by the minority round notification effect control means. When the number of executions notified in step S <b> 510 is reached (e.g., when a determination of Yes is made in step S <b> 510), continuous notification effect control is performed to execute a continuous notification effect for notifying that the round can be continued. Means (for example, a portion where the CPU 120 for effect control executes the process of step S512). No.

  In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to claim 4 of the present application includes an effect means (for example, the second display device 4B, speakers 8L and 8R, game effect lamp 9 and the like) for executing a predetermined effect, and a game medium. Start detection means (for example, start ball detectors 41a to 41c) for detecting a game medium in a start area (for example, start winning ports 6a to 6c) provided in a game area in which (for example, a game ball) flows down, and the start detection When the game medium is detected by the means, the variable state entrance (for example, the big prize opening 31a, 31b) that is opened and closed by the opening / closing member (for example, the opening / closing member 30a, 30b) is in the first state (for example, the opening / closing member) that is disadvantageous for the player. The second state (for example, the opening and closing members 30a, 30b open the special winning openings 31a, 31b) from the advantageous state to the player from the state where 30a, 30b closes the special winning openings 31a, 31b) A variable winning device (for example, the variable winning device 5) that performs the starting operation and a specification for detecting a game medium that has entered a specific region (for example, the V winning port 35) among a plurality of regions provided in the variable winning device. A detection means (for example, a specific ball detector 40), and when the game medium that has entered the variable entrance is detected by the specific detection means during the start operation, the player is more likely than the start operation. And generating a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) that can execute a round for controlling the variable entrance to the second state in a more advantageous specific manner up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 15 times), Based on the fact that the game medium that has entered the variable entrance during the round is detected by the specific detection means, the next round after the end of the round. A gaming machine (for example, ROM 101, RAM 102, CPU 103) that is a gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) that can be executed and executes a game control process (for example, the game control process of step S15) for controlling the progress of the game. Including a basic circuit 100), a game control board (for example, main board 11) on which the game control microcomputer is mounted, and a control signal (for example, effect control) from the game control microcomputer mounted on the game control board. An effect control microcomputer (for example, effect control CPU 120, ROM 121, RAM 122, etc.) that performs effect control of the effect means based on the command), and an effect control board (for example, effect control board 12) on which the effect control microcomputer is mounted. From the game control board A relay board (for example, signal relay board 13) provided with relay means (for example, connectors 61B, 62A and transmission direction regulating circuits 13-1 to 13-n) for relaying a control signal output to the effect control board; Unlike the effect means, first display means (for example, the first display device 4A) that performs display control by the game control microcomputer, and second display that is included in the effect means and performs display control by the effect control microcomputer. Means (for example, the second display device 4B), and the variable prize-winning device distributes the game medium that has entered the variable entrance into the specific area and a normal area different from the specific area (for example, a distribution member) 32), and the game control microcomputer outputs a drive signal to a light emitter provided in the first display means. By controlling the display control means (for example, the part where the CPU 103 executes the processing of steps S209, S243, S244, S272, S335, S339, and S384) and the state of the distribution means, the game medium is specified. A distribution control means (for example, CPU 103) that controls a high probability round that has a high probability of entering a region and a low probability round that has a low probability of entering a game medium into the specific region as compared to a high probability round. And the part that executes the processing of steps S262 to S267) and the distribution control means, the game medium that has entered the variable entrance is distributed to the specific area by the distribution means. The change timing at which the ratio of the first display means is increased is shown in the table of the first display means. Timing notification control means (for example, the part where the CPU 103 executes the process of step S335) and control signal transmission means (for example, the CPU 103) that transmits a timing instruction signal as a control signal indicating the change timing. And the like, the part that executes the command control process of step S16 after executing the process of step S334), and the presentation control microcomputer shows a plurality of types of presentations showing the display mode of the presentation display on the second display means Data storage means (for example, ROM 121, CGROM 124, etc.) for storing display data (for example, effect display control data and image data) and a predetermined effect for informing the change timing based on the timing instruction signal transmitted by the control signal transmitting means. Display (for example, FIG. 39 Effect display control means for performing control to execute effect X such as effect X shown in (A), effect Y shown in FIG. 39 (B), effect Z shown in FIG. 39 (C), and the like by the display of the second display means. (For example, a portion where the CPU 120 for effect control executes the processing of steps S505 to S508), and the effect display control means is a plurality of kinds of effects stored in the data storage means based on the timing instruction signal. By selecting one of the display data, the display mode determining means for determining the display mode of the effect display in the second display means to one of a plurality of display modes (for example, the CPU 120 for effect control performs the process of step S507. Part to be executed).

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a gaming machine according to claim 5 of the present application includes effect means (for example, display device 204B, speakers 8L and 8R, game effect lamp 9 and the like) for executing a predetermined effect, and a game medium (for example, A start detection means (for example, start ball detectors 41a to 41c) for detecting a game medium in a start area (for example, start winning ports 6a to 6c) provided in a game area where a game ball flows down, and the start detection means When a game medium is detected, a variable advance entrance (for example, big prize opening 231a, 231b) that is opened and closed by an opening / closing member (for example, opening / closing members 230a, 230b) is in a first state (for example, opening / closing member 230a, 230a, 230b) 230b is in the second state that is advantageous to the player from the state where the big prize opening 231a, 231b is closed (for example, the opening and closing members 230a, 230b are the big prize opening 231a. Entered a specific area (for example, V prize opening 235) out of a plurality of areas provided in the variable winning apparatus and a variable winning apparatus (for example, variable winning apparatus 205) that performs a starting operation to be performed) Specific detection means for detecting a game medium (for example, a specific ball detector 40), and when the game medium that has entered the variable entrance during the start operation is detected by the specific detection means, A specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) in which a round in which the variable entrance is controlled to the second state can be executed up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 15 times) in a specific manner more advantageous to the player than the starting operation ) And the game medium that has entered the variable entrance during the round is detected by the specific detection means. A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can transition to the next round after the game ends, and a game control microcomputer (for example, ROM 101, RAM 102, CPU 103, etc.) that executes a game control process for controlling the progress of the game. Including a basic circuit 100), a game control board (for example, main board 11) on which the game control microcomputer is mounted, and a control signal (for example, an effect control command) from the game control microcomputer mounted on the game control board. An effect control microcomputer (for example, effect control CPU 120, ROM 121, RAM 122, etc.), an effect control board (for example, effect control board 12) on which the effect control microcomputer is mounted, From the game control board to the production control board A relay board (for example, the signal relay board 13) provided with relay means (for example, the connectors 61B and 62A and the transmission direction regulating circuits 13-1 to 13-n) for relaying the control signal output to Unlike the first display means (for example, display device 204A) that performs display control by the game control microcomputer, and the second display means (for example, display device 204B) that is included in the effect means and performs display control by the effect control microcomputer. ), And the variable prize device is lower than a specific guide path (for example, ball paths 233a and 233b) for guiding the game medium that has entered the variable entrance to the specific area at a high rate. A game including a normal guiding path (for example, the side portions 234a and 234b of the lower winning space) for guiding the game medium to the specific area at a ratio And a distribution means (for example, a distribution member 232) for distributing the game medium that has entered the variable entrance to the specific guidance path and the normal guidance path. Control for outputting a drive signal to a light emitter (for example, an LED module constituting each segment of a 7-segment LED in the first display device 204A or an LED module constituting each dot of a dot matrix LED) provided in one display means Display control means to be performed (for example, a portion where the CPU 103 executes the processing of steps S209, S243, S244, S272, S335, S339, S384, etc.), and the game medium that has entered the variable entrance is the specific guiding path by the distribution means. And the game medium to be distributed to the normal taxiway The distribution notification control means (for example, the part where the CPU 103 executes the process of step S335) that performs control to notify the division mode in an identifiable manner by the display of the first display means, and the control signal indicating the game medium distribution mode Control signal transmission means for transmitting a distribution mode signal (for example, a part that executes the command control process of step S16 after executing the same process as step S334 in the pachinko gaming machine 201 shown in FIG. 47), and The effect control microcomputer includes data storage means (for example, ROM 121 and CGROM 124) for storing a plurality of types of effect display data (for example, effect display control data and image data) indicating the display mode of effect display in the second display means, Based on the distribution mode signal transmitted by the control signal transmitting means A predetermined effect display for notifying the game medium distribution mode (for example, the effect X shown in FIG. 39A, the effect Y shown in FIG. 39B, the effect Z shown in FIG. 39C, etc.) Including an effect display control means (for example, a part in which the effect control CPU 120 executes the same processing as step S507 in the pachinko gaming machine 201 shown in FIG. 47) that performs control executed by the display of the second display means, The display control means selects one of a plurality of types of effect display data stored in the data storage unit based on the distribution mode signal, thereby changing the display mode of the effect display on the second display means. Production mode determination means for determining one of the display modes (for example, the portion where the production control CPU 120 executes the process of step S507) is included.

  7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the game control board is provided with first signal direction regulating means (for example, an output buffer circuit 60) for blocking input of a signal from the relay board. Are provided with second signal direction restricting means (for example, diode D1 and resistor R1 in each of the transmission direction restricting circuits 13-1 to 13-n) for blocking the input of signals from the effect control board.

  In the gaming machine according to claim 7, the operation means (for example, the operation button 22) that can be operated by the player, and the operation signal output means (for example, the effect switch 20) that outputs an operation signal in accordance with the operation of the operation means. The presentation control board includes an external input means (for example, a switch signal input circuit 126) for inputting an operation signal output from the operation signal output means, and an operation signal from the operation signal output means to the external input means. The operation determination means (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the processing of step S408 and step S602) and the display mode of the effect display on the second display means are determined as the operation determination. Operation determination effect determination means (for example, effect control CP 120 executes the processing of steps S409 to S411, and then executes the processing of steps S421 to S426, and executes the processing of steps S601 to S609 and then executes the processing of steps S622 to S625). .

  The present invention has the following effects.

According to the configuration of the first aspect, the round number notification control means included in the game control microcomputer for controlling the progress of the game determines the number of round executions determined by the round number determination means by the display of the first display means. In the effect control microcomputer that performs the effect control of the effect means based on the control signal from the game control board while performing the control to notify in an identifiable manner, the effect mode determining means is the display mode of the effect display in the second display means Is determined as one of a plurality of display modes based on the round number instruction signal.
In this way, the control in the game control microcomputer that controls the progress of the game by determining a part of the effect by the display of the display means by the effect mode determining means included in the effect control microcomputer different from the game control microcomputer. The display control of the first and second display means can be performed without increasing the load, the variation of the effect display by the second display means can be increased, and the entertainment of the game can be improved by various effects.
In addition, the first display means can specify the number of round executions by controlling the round number notification control means included in the game control microcomputer, separately from the second display means for effect display based on the number of round executions. Therefore, the player can be prevented from erroneously recognizing the number of round executions.

In the gaming machine according to the second aspect, the round number determination means determines the number of rounds to be executed when the game medium is detected by the start detection means. Then, in the effect control means, the effect mode determining means has a plurality of kinds of effect displays stored in the data storage means at different ratios according to the number of rounds indicated by the round number instruction signal transmitted by the control signal transmitting means. By selecting any of the data, the display mode of the effect display on the second display means is determined. Further, the effect display control means notifies the number of executions of the round when the specific winning detection signal is received.
Thus, the number of round executions is determined when the game medium is detected by the start detection means, the round number instruction signal is transmitted to the effect control means, and the display of the effect display on the second display means is based on this round number instruction signal. Since the aspect can be determined, it is possible to execute the effect display corresponding to the determined number of executions of the round from the time of detection of the game medium by the start detection means.

In the gaming machine according to claim 3, by executing the minority round notification effect by the minority round notification effect control means, it is possible to specify the number of executions less than the number of executions of the round determined by the round number determination means. Informed. Thereafter, when the number of executions of the round notified by the minority round notification effect is reached, the continuous notification effect control means executes the continuous notification effect, thereby notifying that the round can be continued.
When a specific gaming state occurs, the player is discouraged by being notified of the number of executions of a small number of rounds in the minority round notification effect, but when the notified number of executions is reached, a continuous notification effect is performed. Since the fact that the round can be continued is further notified, the unexpectedness and expectation for the continued round are enhanced. Thereby, the interest of a game can be improved.

According to the configuration described in claim 4, the timing notification control means included in the game control microcomputer for controlling the progress of the game causes the game medium to be placed in a specific area by the sorting means in a low probability round by the display of the first display means. In the effect control microcomputer that performs the effect control of the effect means based on the control signal from the game control board while performing the control to notify the change timing at which the proportion to be distributed is increased, the effect mode determining means includes The display mode of the effect display in the two display means is determined as one of a plurality of types of display modes based on the timing instruction signal.
In this way, the control in the game control microcomputer that controls the progress of the game by determining a part of the effect by the display of the display means by the effect mode determining means included in the effect control microcomputer different from the game control microcomputer. The display control of the first and second display means can be performed without increasing the load, the variation of the effect display by the second display means can be increased, and the entertainment of the game can be improved by various effects.
In addition, the first display means notifies that the change timing can be specified by the control of the timing notification control means included in the game control microcomputer, separately from the second display means in which the effect display based on the change timing of the distribution means is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from erroneously recognizing the change timing of the distribution means.

According to the configuration of claim 5, the distribution notification control means included in the game control microcomputer for controlling the progress of the game is displayed on the first display means, and the game medium is assigned to the specific guidance path and the normal guidance path by the distribution means. In the effect control microcomputer for performing the effect control of the effect means based on the control signal from the game control board while performing control for notifying which of the game medium distribution modes can be specified, the effect mode determining means However, the display mode of the effect display in the second display means is determined as one of a plurality of types of effect modes based on the distribution mode signal.
In this way, the control in the game control microcomputer that controls the progress of the game by determining a part of the effect by the display of the display means by the effect mode determining means included in the effect control microcomputer different from the game control microcomputer. The display control of the first and second display means can be performed without increasing the load, the variation of the effect display by the second display means can be increased, and the entertainment of the game can be improved by various effects.
Further, in the first display means, the game medium distribution mode can be specified by the distribution notification control means included in the game control microcomputer, separately from the second display means in which the effect display based on the game medium distribution mode by the distribution means is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from erroneously recognizing the game medium distribution mode of whether the game medium is distributed to the specific guide path or the normal guide path by the distribution means.

  In the gaming machine according to the sixth aspect, the first signal direction regulating means is provided on the game control board, and the second signal direction regulating means is provided on the relay board. Thereby, it is possible to reliably prevent an illegal signal from being input from the outside to the game control board.

In the gaming machine according to claim 7, an operation for determining whether or not an operation signal is input to the external input means from the operation signal output means for outputting an operation signal in response to an operation of the operation means operable by the player Based on the determination result by the determination means, the operation determination effect determination means included in the effect control microcomputer different from the game control microcomputer can determine the display mode of the effect display on the second display means.
Thereby, without increasing the control load in the game control microcomputer that controls the progress of the game, it is possible to increase the variation of the effect display by the second display means and improve the interest of the game by various effects.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As a gaming machine in the present embodiment, a game ball as a game medium wins a start winning opening, so that a large winning opening as a variable entrance is opened (opened) for a predetermined time by an opening / closing member and picked up by the opening / closing member. Any gaming machine of the type in which when the game ball enters a predetermined area in the special winning opening, the open / close member repeatedly performs the open / close operation by hitting a big hit.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 that constitutes a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 that supports and fixes the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails.

  A variable winning device 5 is arranged at a substantially central position in the game area. Below the variable winning device 5, left, middle and right start winning ports 6a to 6c are arranged. Each of the left, middle and right start winning openings 6a to 6c incorporates start ball detectors 41a to 41c. When a game ball wins each start winning opening 6a to 6c, each game ball is detected by each start ball detector. Detected by 41a to 41c. When a game ball is detected by each of the starting ball detectors 41a to 41c, the large winning openings 31a and 31b as variable winning openings are provided by the opening and closing members 30a and 30b provided in the variable winning apparatus 5 shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. Is opened for a predetermined period.

  Here, when a game ball wins the left and right start winning ports 6a and 6c among the start winning ports 6a to 6c, the variable winning device 5 is opened once for a predetermined period (for example, 0.35 seconds), and the start winning port is obtained. When a game ball wins the center start winning port 6b among the ports 6a to 6c, the variable winning device 5 is opened twice every predetermined period (for example, 0.65 seconds). In this way, the opening operation performed by the variable winning device 5 in response to the detection of the game balls winning the respective start winning ports 6a to 6c by the respective start ball detectors 41a to 41c is referred to as a start operation.

  A pair of left and right opening / closing members (honey) 30a, 30b is pivotally fixed to the variable winning device 5 so as to be rotatable. The opening / closing members 30a and 30b are connected to the solenoids 50a and 50b (FIG. 3) via a link mechanism, and are in a vertical state in a normal state where the solenoids 50a and 50b are turned off, and when the solenoids 50a and 50b are turned on. It will be in an inclined state.

  When the opening / closing members 30a, 30b are inclined, the special winning openings 31a, 31b closed by the opening / closing members 30a, 30b are opened (opened). The game balls picked up by the opening / closing members 30a, 30b can enter the upper winning space in the variable winning device 5 through the opened special winning openings 31a, 31b. Winning ball detectors 42a and 42b are arranged in the vicinity of the big winning holes 31a and 31b, and detect game balls (winning balls) that have passed through the big winning holes 31a and 31b and entered the variable winning device 5. To do. In response to the detection of the game balls by the winning ball detectors 42a, 42b, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are paid out.

  Rolling plates 37a and 37b are provided below the big prize winning openings 31a and 31b. The rolling plates 37a and 37b have, for example, an inclination that descends from the near side (side near the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1) to the depth side (side near the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1), and the game ball rolls. It can roll on the moving plates 37a and 37b from the near side to the depth side. The game balls that have fallen from the rolling plates 37a and 37b to the lower winning space roll on the rolling plates 37d and 37e.

  In addition, a recess 37c in which a game ball can roll is formed between the rolling plates 37a and 37b, and a sorting member 32 that is shaped like a doll that can move back and forth is located deeper than the recess 37c. Is provided. The distribution member 32 is connected to the motor 51 (FIG. 3) through a link mechanism. When the sorting member 32 moves forward by driving the motor 51, a state in which the predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls is stored (retained) in the concave portion 37c is set. On the other hand, when the sorting member 32 is retracted to the depth side by the driving of the motor 51, a retreat state in which the game ball cannot be stored in the recess 37c is established. The game balls stored in the recesses 37c are released when the sorting member 32 moves back to the depth side and fall into the lower prize space.

  The lower winning space in the variable winning device 5 is provided with a V winning opening 35 serving as a specific area and a normal area 36 different from the specific area. Here, when the distribution member 32 is stored, the game balls that are stored in the recess 37c and then released in the retracted state are dropped from the rolling plates 37a and 37b without being stored in the recess 37c. The ball rolls on the ball path in the middle portion of the rolling plates 37d and 37e at a higher rate than the game balls, and enters the V winning opening 35. That is, the distribution member 32 distributes the game balls to the V winning opening 35 by storing the game balls in the recesses 37c and then releasing them, while preventing the game balls from being stored in the recesses 37c in the retracted state. The game balls are distributed to the normal area 36.

  The V winning opening 35 is provided with a specific ball detector 40 for detecting the entry of a game ball. When the variable winning device 5 is performing a starting operation, and in a period from when the starting operation is completed until the opening and closing members 30a and 30b are closed until a predetermined effective period (V winning effective period) elapses, When the game balls that have won 31a and 31b enter the V winning opening 35 (V winning) and the game balls are detected by the specific ball detector 40, the pachinko gaming machine 1 Gaming state). In this big hit game state, the round in which the open / close members 30a, 30b are inclined to open the big winning openings 31a, 31b in a specific manner more advantageous to the player than the starting operation of the variable winning device 5 or the normal state, Execution is possible up to the upper limit determined as the number of continuous rounds. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the number of continuous rounds is determined to be any one of “1”, “3”, “7”, and “15”. The game balls that have not won the V winning opening 35 are discharged from the variable winning device 5 via the normal area 36. The game ball discharged through the normal area 36 is detected by the discharged ball detector 44 (FIG. 3).

  In each round, the opening / closing members 30a, 30b open the big winning openings 31a, 31b until the predetermined number (for example, 18 times) is reached, or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls is the winning ball detector. The open / close members 30a, 30b repeat opening / closing of the special winning openings 31a, 31b until they are detected by 42a, 42b. When a game ball that has won a prize winning hole 31a, 31b during the round enters the V prize winning opening 35 and is detected by the specific ball detector 40, the process shifts to the next round, and during the round, the prize winning opening 31a, When the game ball that has won 31b does not enter the V winning opening 35 and is not detected by the specific ball detector 40, or when the number of rounds has reached the upper limit, the big hit gaming state ends.

  In addition, each round includes a high-probability round in which the probability that a game ball enters the V winning opening 35 is increased by changing the sorting member 32 to a retractable state after the sorting member 32 is in a storable state for a relatively long period, and the sorting member 32. By changing the state to the retreat state after making the state ready for storage for a relatively short period of time, it is controlled to one of the low-probability rounds in which the probability of entering the game ball into the V winning opening 35 becomes low. In the high probability round, since the number of game balls that are likely to enter the V prize opening 35 by being released after being stored in the recess 37c is increased compared to the low probability round, the specific ball detector 40 detects the game balls. The possibility of moving to the next round is higher compared to the low probability round.

  In the upper part of the variable winning device 5, for example, a first display device 4 </ b> A composed of a light emitter that can emit light in a plurality of kinds of light emission colors at four light emission positions is arranged. For example, the first display device 4A is formed by an LED module or the like as a light emitter that can emit light of red, blue, green, or the like at each light emission position, and the main substrate 11 (FIG. 3) is directed to each light emitter. By performing the control to output the drive signal, it is possible to notify the player or the like so that various information can be recognized by performing the switching operation of the light emission color and turning on and off.

  In the variable winning device 5, for example, a second display device 4 </ b> B composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like is provided on a vertical wall surface on the depth side of the sorting member 32. The second display device 4B performs various effect displays such as a round lottery effect that is performed when the big hit gaming state is generated, for example, by performing switching display of images under the control of the effect control board 12.

  Further, in the game area of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a plurality of general winning holes, a windmill that gives randomness to the flow of the hit ball, a number of obstacle nails, an out port for discharging the game ball, and the like are provided. Furthermore, in the gaming machine frame 3, sound output speakers 8L and 8R, a plurality of game effect lamps 9 for decoration and production, operation buttons 22 that can be operated by the player, and a game ball are launched into the game area. A hitting operation handle for operating a launch motor (not shown) in the ball launcher is disposed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration centering on the main board 11. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, various control boards such as a power supply board 10, a main board 11, an effect control board 12, and a payout control board 15 are mounted. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is supplied via the main board 11 from the signal board 13 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12 or the power board 10. For relaying detection signals from the power supply relay board 14 and the detectors 40, 41 a to 41 c, 42 a, 42 b, 44 for relaying the electric power to each part of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the main board 11 A switch relay board 21 and the like are also mounted.

  The power supply voltage output from the power supply board 10 is input to the power supply relay board 14 via the main board 11 and supplied from the power supply relay board 14 to each control board such as the effect control board 12 and the payout control board 15.

  The main board 11 is a control board on the main side, wiring for transmitting detection signals input from the various detectors 40, 41a to 41c, 42a, 42b, 44 via the switch relay board 21, solenoids 50a, 50b. Further, a wiring for transmitting a control signal to the motor 51, the first display device 4A, and the like are connected. Further, the main board 11 has a function of outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information as a control signal to the sub-side control boards such as the effect control board 12 and the payout control board 15.

  Here, the control signal output from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 is relayed by the signal relay board 13. FIG. 4A is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the signal relay board 13 together with the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. The main board 11 is provided with a connector 61 A corresponding to the signal relay board 13, and an output buffer circuit 60 is connected between the connector 61 A and the basic circuit 100. The output buffer circuit 60 can pass a signal only in the direction from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the signal relay board 13 and prevents the signal from being input from the signal relay board 13 to the main board 11. . Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the production control board 12 or the signal relay board 13 side to the main board 11 side.

  In the signal relay board 13, a transmission direction regulating circuit 13-1 having a circuit configuration as shown in FIG. 4B is provided for each wiring for transmitting a control signal output from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. ˜13-n are provided. Each of the transmission direction regulating circuits 13-1 to 13-n includes a diode D1 having an anode connected to the connector 61B corresponding to the main board 11 and a cathode connected to the connector 62A corresponding to the effect control board 12, and one end of the diode D1. And a resistor R1 having the other end connected to the ground (GND). With this configuration, each of the transmission direction restriction circuits 13-1 to 13-n prevents the signal input from the effect control board 12 to the signal relay board 13, and only in the direction from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. A signal can be passed. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the production control board 12 side to the main board 11 side. In order to prevent unauthorized input of signals to the main board, a one-way data transfer means that restricts only the signal output from the main board to the sub board between the main board and the sub board has already been proposed. (See, for example, JP-A-8-224339). However, since there is nothing that restricts signal input to the main board between the main board and the one-way data transfer means, it is possible to input illegal signals to the main board by modifying the one-way data transfer means. Was possible. In this embodiment, transmission direction regulating circuits 13-1 to 13-n are provided for each wiring for transmitting a control signal in the signal relay board 13, and the main board 11 is provided between the basic circuit 100 and the connector 61A. By providing the output buffer circuit 60, it is possible to more reliably prevent an illegal signal from being input to the main board 11 from the outside.

  The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the signal relay board 13 is an effect control command. In this embodiment, a start winning command, a starting operation end command, a specific area winning command, a round start command, a storage start command, a storage end command, a specific game state end command, and the like are prepared in advance as the effect control commands.

  The start winning command is an effect control command that is transmitted as a control signal instructing execution of the starting operation by the variable winning device 5 when a game ball is detected by any of the start ball detectors 41a to 41c. . Here, the start winning command includes data indicating the number of executions of the round determined as the number of continuous rounds when the game ball is detected by any of the start ball detectors 41a to 41c. The start operation end command is a predetermined valid period (V winning valid) without a game ball that has entered the variable winning device 5 after the starting operation by the variable winning device 5 is started being detected effectively by the specific ball detector 40. This is an effect control command transmitted as a control signal for instructing to end the starting operation by the variable winning device 5 when (period) elapses. The specific area winning command is such that when the game ball that has entered the variable winning device 5 after the start operation by the variable winning device 5 is detected by the specific ball detector 40, the game ball is detected by the specific ball detector. 40 is an effect control command transmitted as a control signal indicating that it is detected by 40. The round start command is an effect control command transmitted when a new round is started in the big hit gaming state. The storage start command is a change in which the proportion at which the game ball is distributed to the V winning opening 35 by the distribution member 32 is increased when the game ball that has entered the variable winning device 5 by the distribution member 32 in the low probability round can be stored. This is an effect control command transmitted as a control signal indicating timing. The storage end command is an effect control command transmitted when the game ball stored by the distribution member 32 is released. The specific gaming state end command is an effect control command transmitted when the big hit gaming state ends.

  The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the payout control board 15 is a payout control command. In this embodiment, as a payout control command, a start winning prize ball payout command, a big winning prize ball payout command, and the like are prepared in advance. The winning ball payout command at the time of starting winning is detected by any of the starting ball detectors 41a to 41c when the gaming ball flowing down the game area enters one of the left, middle and right starting winning ports 6a to 6c. Sometimes, the payout control command instructs to pay out a predetermined number (for example, 5) of game balls as prize balls. The prize ball payout command at the time of a grand prize is a predetermined prize number (when a game ball that has entered one of the left or right big prize openings 31a, 31b is detected by any of the prize ball detectors 42a, 42b). This is a payout control command for instructing payout of 10 game balls as prize balls.

  The main board 11 includes, for example, a basic circuit 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, a motor circuit 112, and the like. The basic circuit 100 is a one-chip microcomputer configured for game control for controlling the progress of a game, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing various programs and the like, and a RAM used as a work memory (Random Access Memory) 102, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 that performs control operations according to a program, a random number circuit 104 that generates random numbers independently of the CPU 103, and an I / O (Input / Output) port 105 are included. .

  The random number circuit 104 counts numerical data as various random values used for controlling the progress of the game. As a specific example, the CPU 103 sets a random number generation operation by the random number circuit 104 and updates numerical data regularly (or irregularly) according to a predetermined procedure, for example, a round number determining random number or round It is controlled so that numerical data used as a continuation probability setting random number can be counted. The random number for determining the number of rounds is, for example, the upper limit of the number of rounds that can be executed in the big hit gaming state, or the low probability round that has a low probability of moving to the next round compared to the high probability round that has a high probability of moving to the next round Is a random number used to determine the number of rounds until the end of one round as the number of continuation rounds. The random number for setting the round continuation probability is a high-probability round with a relatively high probability of transitioning to the next round when starting a new round in the jackpot game state, or the probability is relatively It is a random number used to determine whether to make a low low probability round.

  The ROM 101 stores a game control program and various data tables used for controlling the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 101 stores a plurality of determination tables and determination tables prepared for the CPU 103 to perform various determinations and determinations. For example, the determination table includes a continuation round number determination table 130 as shown in FIG. 5 in order to determine the upper limit number of rounds that can be executed in the big hit gaming state as the continuation round number. The continuation round number determination table 130 includes setting data that associates a value of a round number determination random number with a determination result indicating the number of continuation rounds.

  The RAM 102 may be a backup RAM partially or wholly backed up by a backup power source created on the power supply substrate 10. In this case, even if power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 102 are stored for a predetermined period. Further, the RAM 102 has a plurality of types of flags that are set or cleared according to the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and detection signals transmitted from various detectors via the switch relay board 21 and the switch circuit 110, respectively. A game control flag setting area for setting, a game control timer setting area for storing data indicating a plurality of types of timer values used for game control of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and a plurality of used for game control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 A game control counter setting area for storing data indicating the type of count value may be provided. Note that circuits used for flag setting, timers, and counters may be configured by a register circuit provided separately from the RAM 102.

  In the game control flag setting area, for example, a game control process flag, an open / close mode flag, a high probability distribution flag, and the like are provided. The game control process flag indicates which process should be selected and executed in a game control process process (FIG. 14) described later. The open / close mode flag indicates an operation mode in the starting operation by the variable winning device 5. As a specific example, in this embodiment, a game ball is detected by the starting ball detector 41a disposed at the left starting winning opening 6a or the starting ball detector 41c disposed at the right starting winning opening 6c. Thus, when the start operation for opening and closing the special winning openings 31a and 31b once is performed, the value of the open / close mode flag is set to “1”. On the other hand, when the starting ball detector 41b arranged at the center start winning opening 6b detects a game ball and performs a starting operation for opening and closing the large winning openings 31a and 31b twice, the value of the open / close mode flag is “ 2 ". The high probability distribution flag is set to an on state when the round executed in the big hit gaming state is a high probability round, and is cleared to an off state when the round is a low probability round.

  The game control timer setting area includes, for example, an area in which data indicating a timer value for realizing a function as a game control time timer is stored. The game control time timer is for measuring various predetermined operation times and elapsed times in order to control the game state in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the operation state of the variable winning device 5, and the like. For example, the game control time timer detects a game ball that has entered the V winning opening 35 from the timing at which the variable winning device 5 starts executing the starting operation as a valid winning ball (V winning ball) by the specific ball detector 40. Measure the elapsed time until the end of the waiting time.

  The game control counter setting area includes an area for storing data indicating a count value for realizing a function as a non-discharge counter, a round counter, a big prize counter, and the like, for example. The undischarged counter is the number of game balls that have not yet been discharged from the variable winning device 5 after entering the variable winning device 5 from the large winning openings 31a, 31b when the start operation by the variable winning device 5 is executed. Is for counting. The round counter is for counting up the number of rounds already started in the big hit gaming state by counting up by one each time the round is started in the big hit gaming state. The big prize counter is for counting the number of game balls that have entered the big prize ports 31a and 31b opened during one round in the big hit gaming state.

  In this embodiment, the display control of the first display device 4A is performed on the main substrate 11 side, for example, by the CPU 103 executing a predetermined processing program. For example, the CPU 103 performs control to output a driving signal to an LED or a liquid crystal element as a light emitter constituting the first display device 4A, and the light emission color of each light emitting element in the first display device 4A and the light emission / non-light emission. Set the combination to be switchable. Accordingly, in the first display device 4A, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the display mode is changed according to the number of executions of the round determined as the number of continuous rounds, thereby allowing a player or the like The number of continuation rounds can be notified in an identifiable manner. Further, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6E and 6F, depending on whether the game ball that has entered the variable winning device 5 by the distributing member 32 can be stored or is not being stored, By changing the display mode of the first display device 4A, the timing at which the sorting member 32 is in an advantageous state for the player can be notified in a identifiable manner.

  In the switch circuit 110 shown in FIG. 3, the specific ball detector 40 disposed at the V winning port 35 in the variable winning device 5 and the start ball detection respectively disposed at the left, middle and right start winning ports 6a to 6c. The game balls discharged from the variable winning device 5 through the normal areas 36 and the winning ball detectors 42a and 42b arranged corresponding to the respective large winning openings 31a and 31b in the devices 41a to 41c and the variable winning device 5 Each detection signal is input via the switch relay board 21 from the discharged ball detector 44 that detects the above. The switch circuit 110 captures these detection signals and transmits them to the basic circuit 100. The solenoid circuit 111 drives each solenoid 50a, 50b in accordance with a command from the basic circuit 100. The motor circuit 112 drives the motor 51 in accordance with a command from the basic circuit 100.

  The effect control board 12 controls the display operation in the second display device 4B, the sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting operation and the extinguishing operation of the game effect lamp 9. For example, the effect control board 12 displays various effect displays by causing the second display device 4B to perform image switching display based on an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 via the signal relay board 13. Perform control to be executed. The effect control board 12 is connected to wiring for transmitting a detection signal from the effect switch 20, wiring for transmitting a control signal to the audio output circuit 25 and the lamp driver circuit 26, and the like. Here, the effect switch 20 outputs a detection signal that is turned on when the operation button 22 is operated by the player.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the effect control board 12. The effect control board 12 includes an effect control CPU 120, a ROM 121, a RAM 122, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 123, a CGROM (Character Generator ROM) 124, a VRAM (Video RAM) 125, and a switch signal input circuit 126. The audio data output circuit 127 and the ramp data output circuit 128 are provided.

  When receiving the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 via the signal relay board 13, the effect control CPU 120 reads control data for effect control from the ROM 121 while using a predetermined area of the RAM 122 as a work area. . Based on the control data read out in this way, the effect control CPU 120 controls the display of the second display device 4B by sending a drawing command to the VDP 123 or the like, or sends audio data from the audio data output circuit 127 to the audio output circuit 25. Sound output control is performed by outputting the lamp, or lamp lighting control is performed by outputting lamp data from the lamp data output circuit 128 to the lamp driver circuit 26.

  On the side of the effect control board 12, numerical data serving as various random numbers used for determining the contents of the effect by display on the second display device 4B are counted. As a specific example, the effect control CPU 120 executes a predetermined random number update process to update numerical data periodically (or irregularly) according to a predetermined procedure, for example, to determine an effect determination random number or a display result. Counts numerical data used as random numbers for business use. The effect determining random number is a random number used for determining the display mode of the effect display by the second display device 4B when the variable winning device 5 starts the starting operation.

  The ROM 121 is a semiconductor memory that stores various control programs executed by the effect control CPU 120, fixed parameters, and the like. For example, the ROM 121 stores a process table for determining image display timing, switching timing, image reading position (for example, an address of the CGROM 124, etc.) and the like in various rendering operations by the display of the second display device 4B. May be. For example, the ROM 121 has an effect A-1 as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8F, an effect B-1 as shown in FIGS. 8G to 8L, and FIGS. ) Production C-1 as shown in FIG. 9, Production A-2 as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9F, Production B-2 as shown in FIGS. 9G to 9L, FIG. 9. In order to perform display control of the second display device 4B corresponding to each of the effects C-2 as shown in (M) to (R), a plurality of types of effect display control data prepared in advance are stored.

  In this embodiment, in the period from the start of the starting operation by the variable winning device 5 to the occurrence of the big hit gaming state due to the game balls that have entered the big winning holes 31a and 31b having won the V winning opening 35, Effects A-1 as shown in FIGS. 8 (A) to 8 (F), Effects B-1 as shown in FIGS. 8 (G) to (L), and effects as shown in FIGS. 8 (M) to (R). C-1, or production A-2 as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9F, production B-2 as shown in FIGS. 9G to 9L, and FIGS. 9M to 9R. ) Can be selected and displayed on the second display device 4B.

  More specifically, a game ball that has entered one of the left, middle, and right start winning ports 6a to 6c when the start operation by the variable winning device 5 can be executed is one of the start ball detectors 41a to 41c. For example, an image notifying that the starting operation is started, such as “chance !!” as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9G, and 9M, is displayed on the second display. It is displayed on the device 4B. Thereafter, when the effect display control data indicating the effect A-1 is selected as the effect display control data indicating the display mode of the effect display by the second display device 4B, the start operation by the variable winning device 5 is performed and V An image as shown in FIG. 8B is displayed on the second display device 4B during the effective period in which the game ball that has entered the winning opening 35 is effectively detected by the specific ball detector 40. When the effect display control data indicating the effect B-1 is selected, an image as shown in FIG. 8H is displayed on the second display device 4B in the effective period, and the effect display control data indicating the effect C-1 is displayed. When selected, an image as shown in FIG. 8N is displayed on the second display device 4B in the effective period. When the effect display control data indicating the effect A-2 is selected, an image as shown in FIG. 9B is displayed on the second display device 4B in the effective period, and the effect display control indicating the effect B-2. When the data is selected, an image as shown in FIG. 9H is displayed on the second display device 4B in the effective period, and when the effect display control data indicating the effect C-2 is selected, the image is displayed in the effective period. An image as shown in 9 (N) is displayed on the second display device 4B. The game balls that have entered the large winning openings 31a and 31b opened by the start of the variable winning apparatus 5 do not enter the V winning opening 35 as the specific area, and all of the game balls start from the normal area 36. When the effective period has passed without the game balls being detected by the specific ball detector 40 by being discharged to the outside, the display state of the second display device 4B is initialized. The display of is terminated.

  On the other hand, a game ball that has entered the big prize opening 31a, 31b opened by the start operation by the variable prize winning device 5 enters the V prize opening 35 as a specific area and is detected by the specific ball detector 40. In some cases, for example, “V” as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 (C), (I), and (O), an image notifying that the game ball has won the V winning opening 35 is displayed on the second display device 4B. Is displayed. Thereafter, when the effect display control data indicating the effect A-1 is selected, as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E in the lottery effect period until the first round in the big hit gaming state is started. A correct image is displayed on the second display device 4B. When the effect display control data indicating the effect B-1 is selected, images as shown in FIGS. 8J and 8K are displayed on the second display device 4B in the lottery effect period, and the effect C-1 is displayed. When the effect display control data to be displayed is selected, images as shown in FIGS. 8P and 8Q are displayed on the second display device 4B in the lottery effect period.

  In addition, when the effect display control data indicating the effect A-2 is selected, an operation button is displayed to the player by causing the second display device 4B to display an image as shown in FIG. 9D during the lottery effect period. Notification information 60a prompting the operation 22 is presented. Then, for example, in response to the operation of the operation button 22, an image including the notification information 61a that makes it possible to specify the number of executions of the round as shown in FIG. 9E is displayed on the second display device 4B. When the effect display control data indicating the effect B-2 is selected, an image as shown in FIG. 9J is displayed on the second display device 4B in the lottery effect period, thereby allowing the player to operate the operation button 22. Notification information 60b that prompts the operation is presented. Then, for example, in response to the operation of the operation button 22, an image as shown in FIG. 9K is displayed on the second display device 4B. When the effect display control data indicating the effect C-2 is selected, an image as shown in FIG. 9 (P) is displayed on the second display device 4B in the lottery effect period, thereby allowing the player to operate the operation button 22. Notification information 60c that prompts an operation is presented. For example, in response to the operation of the operation button 22, an image as shown in FIG. 9Q is displayed on the second display device 4B.

  For example, when the number of continuation rounds is determined to be “15”, an image for notifying the number of round executions as shown in (F), (L), and (R) of FIGS. It can be displayed on the device 4B. When the production display control data indicating the production A-2, the production B-2, and the production C-2 is selected, the detection result of whether or not the operation button 22 has been operated and the operation of the operation button 22 are detected. Depending on the timing, etc., an image for informing the number of rounds different from the number of round executions determined as the number of continuous rounds may be displayed.

  In the ROM 121, for example, a first effect determination table 131A shown in FIG. 10A or a second effect shown in FIG. 10B as an effect determination table for determining a display mode in effect display by the second display device 4B. An effect determination table 131B is stored. The first effect determination table 131A is configured from setting data that associates the number of continuation rounds and the value of the effect determination random number with any of effect A-1, effect B-1, and effect C-1. The second effect determination table 131B includes setting data that associates the number of continuous rounds and the value of the effect determination random number with any of effect A-2, effect B-2, and effect C-2. When the start control operation by the variable winning device 5 is started, the effect control CPU 120 refers to either the first effect determination table 131A or the second effect determination table 131B, so that the start operation or the big hit gaming state occurs. The display mode of the second display device 4B in the round lottery effect performed when the game is performed is determined.

  Here, in the first effect determination table 131A, the assignment of the random number for effect determination to each of the effect A-1, the effect B-1, and the effect C-1 differs depending on the number of continuous rounds. Further, in the second effect determination table 131B, the assignment of the random number for effect determination to each of the effect A-2, the effect B-2, and the effect C-2 differs according to the number of continuous rounds. Therefore, the display mode of the second display device 4B during the start-up operation or in the round lottery effect varies depending on the number of round executions determined as the number of continuous rounds. For example, when referring to the first effect determination table 131A, when the number of continuation rounds is “1”, the display mode of the second display device 4B is determined as either effect A-1 or effect B-1. The production C-1 is not determined. On the other hand, when the number of continuous rounds is “7”, the display mode of the second display device 4B is determined to be either the effect B-1 or the effect C-1, while being determined to be the effect A-1. Never happen.

  In the RAM 122, a plurality of sets that are set or cleared according to the effect control command received from the main board 11 via the signal relay board 13, the detection signal from the effect switch 20, the display state in the second display device 4B, and the like. An effect control flag setting area for setting types of flags, an effect control timer setting area for storing data indicating a plurality of types of timer values used for display control of the second display device 4B, and the second display device 4B An effect control counter setting area for storing data indicating a plurality of types of count values used for display control may be provided. Note that circuits used for flag setting, timers, and counters may be configured by a register circuit provided separately from the RAM 122.

  In the effect control flag setting area, for example, an effect control process flag, a start winning flag, a starting operation end flag, a V winning flag, a round start flag, a storage start flag, a storage end flag, a jackpot end flag, an effect mode flag, a demo A display flag, a switch operation detection flag, an extra effect flag, and the like are provided. The effect control process flag indicates which process should be selected and executed in the effect control process (described later) (FIG. 26). The start winning flag is set to ON when a start winning command transmitted from the main board 11 is received. The start operation end flag is set to an on state when a start operation end command transmitted from the main board 11 is received. The V winning flag is set to ON when a specific area winning command transmitted from the main board 11 is received. The round start flag is set to an on state when a round start command transmitted from the main board 11 is received. The storage start flag is set to an on state when a storage start command is received from the main board 11. The storage end flag is set to an on state when a storage end command transmitted from the main board 11 is received. The big hit end flag is set to the on state when the specific game state end command is received from the main board 11.

  The effect mode flag can be switched between “0” and “1” in response to an operation of the operation button 22 when a predetermined demonstration screen is displayed on the second display device 4B. Will be updated. The demonstration display flag is set to an on state when a predetermined demonstration screen is displayed on the second display device 4B, and is cleared and turned off when the display of the demonstration screen ends. The switch operation detection flag is set to an on state when an operation of the operation button 22 is detected during an effect display informing the number of continuous rounds by displaying on the second display device 4B when a big hit gaming state occurs. The The extra effect flag is set to the on state when the notified round number is reached after notifying the number of rounds less than the continuous round number when the big hit gaming state occurs, so that the number of continuous rounds is set. An effect display for notifying in an identifiable manner is set to be executable.

  The effect control timer setting area includes, for example, an area in which data indicating a timer value for realizing a function as an effect time timer is stored. The effect time timer is for measuring various predetermined operation times and elapsed times in order to control the display state and the like in the second display device 4B.

  The effect counter setting area includes, for example, an area in which data indicating a count value for realizing a function as a remaining round counter or a notification round counter is stored. The remaining round counter is for counting the remaining number of rounds that can be executed in the big hit gaming state on the side of the effect control board 12. The notification round counter is for counting the remaining number of rounds that have not been executed yet among the number of executions of the rounds notified by the presentation operation by the display of the second display device 4B when the big hit gaming state occurs. is there.

  The VDP 123 has, for example, a display control function and a high-speed drawing function for displaying an image by the second display device 4B, and executes image processing in accordance with a drawing command from the effect control CPU 120. Further, it has a two-dimensional address space independent from the CPU 120 for effect control, and the VRAM 125 is mapped there. For example, the VDP 123 expands the image data read from the CGROM 124 in a predetermined area of the VRAM 125. Then, a video signal including an R (red), G (green), B (blue) signal, a synchronization signal, and the like is output to the second display device 4B. As an example, each of the R, G, and B signals is represented by 8 bits, and the second display device 4B combines 256 colors of R, G, and B according to the instruction from the VDP 125, and combines them with about 16.7 million colors. Multicolor display can be performed. The number of bits of the R, G, and B signals may be other than 8 bits, and the number of bits of the R, G, and B signals may be different from each other.

  The CGROM 124 is for storing various image data used for displaying an image on the second display device 4B. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the CGROM 124 stores a plurality of types of image data for each address that can be designated by a pointer value in a predetermined pointer (image pointer) used for image reading. The CGROM 124 may store in advance character image data frequently used among images displayed on the second display device 4B, specifically, a person, an animal, or a character, a figure, a symbol, or the like. . The VRAM 125 is a frame buffer memory in which image data is expanded by the VDP 123.

  The switch signal input circuit 126 inputs a detection signal output from the effect switch 20 to the effect control CPU 120 in response to the operation of the operation button 22 by a player or the like. The sound data output circuit 127 receives the control command from the effect control CPU 120 and outputs sound data to the sound output circuit 25. The audio output circuit 25 generates audio signals by performing digital / analog conversion on the audio data received from the audio data output circuit 127, for example, and supplies the audio signals to the speakers 8L and 8R to output the audio. The lamp data output circuit 128 receives the control command from the effect control CPU 120 and outputs lamp data to the lamp driver circuit 26. In the lamp driver circuit 26, for example, a lamp driving signal corresponding to the lamp data received from the lamp data output circuit 128 is generated and supplied to the game effect lamp 9 and the accessory decoration lamp 85 to switch on / off the lamp. .

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. In the main board 11, when the power supply voltage from the power supply board 10 is supplied, the basic circuit 100 is activated, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined game control main process. In this game control main process, the operation of each part of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is initialized and predetermined initial settings are performed. By executing such a game control main process, the CPU 103 is set to generate a timer interrupt periodically (for example, every 2 milliseconds).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game control interrupt process that is executed each time a timer interrupt occurs. In this example, when a timer interrupt occurs in the CPU 103, first, by executing a predetermined switch process, each detector 40, 41a-41c, 42a, 42b, 44 via the switch relay board 21 and the switch circuit 110 is performed. The state of the detection signal input from is determined (step S11). Subsequently, by executing predetermined error processing, abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed, and a warning can be generated if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S12). Thereafter, a random number update process (step S13) is performed in the basic circuit 100 mounted on the main board 11 to update numerical data indicating a random value counted by control by the random number circuit 104 or software. Note that when the random number circuit 104 can update the numerical data that becomes the random number value without a command from the CPU 103, the process of step S13 may not be executed.

  Following the random number update process, the CPU 103 executes a start winning process (step S14), and continues in response to a game ball winning in one of the left, middle and right start winning ports 6a, 6b, 6c. Performs processing to determine the number of rounds. Thereafter, the CPU 103 executes game control process processing (step S15). In the game control process, various processes are selected and executed in order to control the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a predetermined procedure. Subsequent to the game control process, a predetermined command control process is executed, and a control command is transmitted from the main board 11 to a sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12 or the like, and an operation control instruction in accordance with the game state is transmitted. Is performed (step S16). For example, the basic circuit 100 reads out the data stored in the output port buffer provided for each control board and sets it to the output port of the corresponding I / O 105 to send the control command to the sub-side control board. I do.

  Subsequently, the CPU 103 controls the excitation or demagnetization (on / off control) of the solenoids 50a and 50b via the solenoid circuit 111 by executing a predetermined solenoid output process (step S17). For example, a drive signal transmission command or the like stored in a solenoid drive signal transmission table or the like provided in the RAM 102 or the like is read and set to an output port in the I / O port 105 corresponding to the solenoid circuit 111. Further, the CPU 103 outputs a drive signal to the motor 51 via the motor circuit 112, and executes a motor control process for moving the sorting member 32 (step S18). Thereafter, the CPU 103 executes predetermined prize ball processing, for example, reads out the stored data of the command transmission table provided for the payout control board 15 in the basic circuit 100 and outputs it at the corresponding I / O port 105. A payout control command is sent to the payout control board 15 for instructing payout of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls (the number of prizes) corresponding to the winning of game balls at each prize opening, for example, by setting in a port. (Step S19).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the start winning process executed in step S14. In this start winning process, the CPU 103 first determines from the start ball detectors 41a to 41c whether the game ball has won any of the left, middle and right start winning ports 6a to 6c. It is determined by checking whether or not the detection signal input through the switch circuit 110 is in an ON state (step S101). When any of the detection signals from the starting ball detectors 41a to 41c is on (step S101; Yes), the opening / closing members 30a and 30b of the variable winning device 5 are driven by the solenoids 50a and 50b. It is determined whether or not a start operation for opening and closing the special winning openings 31a and 31b can be executed (step S102).

  For example, when the value of the game control process flag is “0”, the CPU 103 assumes that the start operation can be executed (step S102; Yes), for example, the random number circuit 104 or the random number update process in step S13 shown in FIG. Numerical data indicating the value of the random number for determining the number of rounds updated by the above is extracted (step S103). Based on the value of the random number for round number determination extracted at this time, the number of continuous rounds is determined by referring to the continuous round number determination table 130 shown in FIG. 5 (step S104). The number of continuous rounds determined in this way is saved by storing control data in a predetermined area provided in the RAM 102, for example.

  After the number of continuous rounds is determined in step S104, transmission is performed from either the start ball detector 41a arranged at the left start winning opening 6a or the start ball detector 41c arranged at the right start winning opening 6c. It is determined whether or not the detected signal is on (step S105). At this time, if the detection signal from any of the starting ball detectors 41a and 41c is in an on state (step S105; Yes), the value of the open / close mode flag provided in the game control flag setting area such as the RAM 102 is set. It is updated to “1” (step S106). On the other hand, when both the detection signals from the start ball detectors 41a and 41c are in the off state (step S105; No), the detection signal is transmitted from the start ball detector 41b arranged at the center start winning opening 6b. It is determined whether or not the detection signal is on (step S107). If the detection signal from the starting ball detector 41b is on (step S107; Yes), the value of the open / close mode flag is updated to “2” (step S108). On the other hand, when the detection signal from the starting ball detector 41b is in the off state (step S107; No), it is determined that an error has occurred in the determination of the detection signals from the starting ball detectors 41a to 41c, and a predetermined error flag is set. Is set (step S109). As a result, the error detection process corresponding to the error flag set to the on state is executed in the error process of step S12 shown in FIG.

  After updating the value of the open / close mode flag in step S106 or step S108, for example, predetermined control data is set in the command transmission table provided for the effect control board 12, and the start prize is given to the effect control board 12. Setting for transmitting the command is performed (step S110). For example, when it is determined in step S102 that the value of the game control process flag is “1” or more and the start operation by the variable winning device 5 cannot be executed (step S102; No), after the processing of step S110 is executed. For example, a setting for transmitting a start winning prize ball payout command to the payout control board 15 is performed such as setting predetermined control data in a command transmission table provided for the payout control board 15 (step S111). .

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the game control process executed in step S15 of FIG. In the game control process shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 103 executes the following processes of steps S120 to S125 corresponding to the value of the game control process flag updated according to the game state in the pachinko gaming machine 1. .

  When the value of the game control process flag is “0”, the CPU 103 executes “starting operation setting process” and checks the open / close mode flag (step S120). When the value of the game control process flag is “1”, the CPU 103 executes “starting operation process” to control the starting operation in the variable winning device 5 (step S121). When the value of the game control process flag is “2”, the CPU 103 executes the “specific game operation start waiting process”, and effects etc. performed by the second display device 4B etc. before the round in the big hit gaming state is started Is waited for (step S122).

  When the value of the game control process flag is “3”, the CPU 103 executes “round start processing” to perform processing for setting the operation of the variable winning device 5 and the like in the round (step S123). When the value of the game control process flag is “4”, the CPU 103 executes “in-round control processing”, and performs various processes relating to the operation of the variable winning device 5 during the round (step S124). When the value of the game control process flag is “5”, the CPU 103 executes “specific game end processing” to end the big hit gaming state (step S125).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the starting operation setting process executed in step S120 of FIG. When starting operation setting processing shown in FIG. 15 is started, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the value of the open / close mode flag is “0” (step S201). At this time, if the value of the open / close mode flag is “0” (step S201; Yes), it is determined that there is no new game ball winning in the start winning ports 6a to 6c, and the start operation setting process is finished as it is. To do.

  When the value of the open / close mode flag is other than “0” in step S201 (step S201; No), it is determined whether or not the value of the open / close mode flag is “1” (step S202). At this time, if the value of the open / close mode flag is “1” (step S201; Yes), for example, driving for driving the solenoids 50a and 50b to a solenoid driving signal transmission table or the like provided in advance corresponding to the solenoid circuit 111 or the like. After setting a signal transmission command or the like, the large winning openings 31a and 31b are opened once over a predetermined period (for example, 0.35 seconds) by the opening / closing members 30a and 30b provided in the variable winning device 5, and then closed. Setting for executing the starting operation is performed (step S203). The drive signal transmission command set at this time is output from the basic circuit 100 to the solenoid circuit 111, for example, by executing the solenoid output processing in step S17 shown in FIG.

  When it is determined in step S202 that the value of the open / close mode flag is not “1” (step S202; No), it is determined whether or not the value of the open / close mode flag is “2” (step S204). . At this time, if the value of the open / close mode flag is “2” (step S204; Yes), the open / close members 30a and 30b are used to set a predetermined drive signal transmission command in the solenoid drive signal transmission table, for example. A setting for executing a starting operation for opening the special winning openings 31a and 31b twice every predetermined period (for example, 0.65 seconds) is performed (step S205). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S204 that the value of the opening / closing mode flag is not “2” (step S204; No), it is determined that an error has occurred in the determination of the value of the opening / closing mode flag, and a predetermined error flag is set. The on state is set (step S206).

  After setting the operation of the open / close members 30a and 30b in step S203 or step S205, the value of the open / close mode flag is updated to “0” (step S207). Subsequently, a starting standby timer initial value is set in the game control time timer (step S208). Here, the starting standby timer initial value is the specific ball detector 40 in which the game ball that has entered the variable winning device 5 after performing the starting operation of opening the large winning openings 31a, 31b by the opening / closing members 30a, 30b. Is a timer initial value determined in advance as a timer value corresponding to the longest time until the valid period that is effectively detected by elapses. Thereafter, the CPU 103 performs setting for starting variable display for continuously changing the display state in the first display device 4A (step S209). For example, the CPU 103 continuously changes the display state by blinking an LED or a liquid crystal element constituting the first display device 4A or changing a light emission color according to a light emission pattern or blinking pattern prepared in advance. After executing the process of step S209, the value of the game control process flag is updated to “1” which is a value corresponding to the process during the starting operation (step S210).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the start-up operation process executed in step S121 of FIG. When the processing during the start operation shown in FIG. 16 is started, the CPU 103 first subtracts 1 from the timer value in the game control time timer (step S221). Then, it is determined whether or not the timer value in the game control time timer subtracted in step S221 is equal to or less than the starting operation end reference value (step S222). Here, the start operation end reference value is a timer corresponding to the time required for closing the special winning openings 31a, 31b after starting the starting operation for opening the special winning openings 31a, 31b by the opening / closing members 30a, 30b. The value is a predetermined timer reference value. When it is determined in step S222 that the timer value in the game control time timer is larger than the starting operation end reference value (step S222; No), a starting game ball detection process described later is executed (step S222). S223).

  If it is determined in step S222 that the timer value in the game control time timer is less than or equal to the starting operation end reference value (step S222; Yes), whether or not the timer value in the game control time timer is less than or equal to the discharge standby reference value It is determined whether or not (step S224). Here, the discharge standby reference value is set such that the game ball that has entered the variable prize-winning device 5 after the start operation for opening the big prize-winning holes 31a, 31b by the opening / closing members 30a, 30b is the V-winning hole 35 or the normal area 36 Is a predetermined timer reference value (for example, “0”) as a timer value corresponding to the longest time until it is discharged to the outside of the variable winning device 5 via. When it is determined in step S224 that the timer value in the game control time timer is equal to or less than the discharge standby reference value (step S224; Yes), it is determined that the game ball has not been properly discharged from within the variable winning device 5. Then, a predetermined error flag is set to the on state (step S225). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S224 that the timer value in the game control time timer is larger than the discharge standby reference value (step S224; No), a post-start-up game ball detection process described later is executed. (Step S226). Thus, until the game balls are completely discharged from the variable winning device 5, the value of the game control process flag is not updated to “0”, and the next starting operation is not executed. The

  When the error process of step S12 shown in FIG. 12 is executed after the predetermined error flag is set to the on state in step S225, for example, a predetermined error lamp is turned on or a warning sound is output. Then, a predetermined error notification operation is performed. At this time, when a game ball is detected by the specific ball detector 40 or the discharged ball detector, 1 is subtracted from the count value in the undischarged counter. Then, for example, a game ball that has entered the variable winning device 5 is naturally discharged to the outside of the variable winning device 5 through the V winning opening 35 and the normal area 36, so that the count value in the undischarged counter becomes “0”. When this happens, the operation state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be controlled to a predetermined restoration state (for example, a normal gaming state) by executing a predetermined automatic restoration process. Also, for example, when a pachinko hall clerk passes a game ball to the V prize opening 35 or the normal area 36, or when an instruction to reset an error is issued by operating a predetermined reset switch, a predetermined error canceling process is executed. For example, the error state may be canceled.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the start-time game ball detection process executed in step S223 shown in FIG. In the starting game ball detection process, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the detection signal from the specific ball detector 40 is in an ON state (step S301). At this time, if the detection signal from the specific ball detector 40 is in the on state (step S301; Yes), after subtracting 1 from the count value in the undischarged counter (step S302), the big hit determination flag is turned on. Set (step S303). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the count value in the undischarged counter is “0” (step S304).

  When it is determined in step S304 that the count value in the undischarged counter is “0” (step S304; Yes), it is determined whether or not the big hit determination flag is on (step S305). When the big hit determination flag is on (step S305; Yes), the big hit determination flag is cleared and turned off (step S306), and a specific game standby timer initial value is set in the game control time timer. (Step S307). Here, the initial value of the specific game standby timer is detected by the specific ball detector 40 after the game ball that has entered the big winning holes 31a and 31b after the start operation by the variable winning device 5 enters the V winning hole 35. As a timer value corresponding to the time required until a predetermined effect (round lottery effect) or the like performed before the first round in the big hit gaming state is started, a predetermined timer initial value is used. is there. After executing the process of step S307, the setting for transmitting the specific area winning command to the effect control board 12 is performed (step S308), and the value of the game control process flag is a value corresponding to the specific game operation start waiting process. Is updated to “2” (step S309). Further, when it is determined in step S304 that the count value in the undischarged counter is other than “0” (step S304; No), it is determined in step S305 that the big hit determination flag is off. If this happens (step S305; No), the start-up game ball detection process is terminated without executing the processes of steps S306 to S309.

  When the detection signal from the specific ball detector 40 is in the OFF state in step S301 (step S301; No), the detection signal from the winning ball detector 42a provided corresponding to the left large winning opening 31a is turned on. It is determined whether it is in a state (step S310). At this time, if the detection signal from the winning ball detector 42a is on (step S310; Yes), the count value in the undischarged counter is incremented by 1 (step S311), and then the payout control board 15 is checked. A setting for transmitting a prize ball payout command at the time of a grand prize is performed (step S312). When the detection signal from the winning ball detector 42a is in the OFF state in step S310 (step S310; No), the processing of step S311 and step S312 is skipped.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the winning ball detector 42b provided corresponding to the right large winning opening 31b is in an ON state (step S313). At this time, if the detection signal from the winning ball detector 42b is in the ON state (step S313; Yes), the count value in the undischarged counter is incremented by 1 (step S314), and then to the payout control board 15 A setting for transmitting a prize ball payout command at the time of a grand prize is performed (step S315). When the detection signal from the winning ball detector 42b is in the OFF state in step S313 (step S313; No), the processing of step S314 and step S315 is skipped. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the discharged ball detector 44 is in an on state (step S316). At this time, if the detection signal from the discharged ball detector 44 is in the ON state (step S316; Yes), the count value in the undischarged counter is decremented by 1 (step S317). After executing step S317, the process proceeds to step S304 described above, and the count value in the undischarged counter is checked.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the post-start-up game ball detection process executed in step S226 shown in FIG. In the game ball detection process after the starting operation, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the detection signal from the specific ball detector 40 is in an on state (step S321). At this time, if the detection signal from the specific ball detector 40 is in the on state (step S321; Yes), after subtracting 1 from the count value in the undischarged counter (step S322), the big hit determination flag is turned on. Set (step S380). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the count value in the undischarged counter is “0” (step S381). At this time, if it is determined that the count value in the undischarged counter is other than “0” (step S381; No), the game ball detection process after the start operation is ended.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S381 that the count value in the undischarged counter is “0” (step S381; Yes), it is determined whether or not the big hit determination flag is on (step S382). . When the big hit determination flag is on (step S382; Yes), the big hit determination flag is cleared and turned off (step S383), and the game control time is set in the same manner as in step S307 shown in FIG. A specific game standby timer initial value is set in the timer (step S323). After executing the process of step S323, the setting for transmitting the specific area winning command to the effect control board 12 is performed (step S324), and the value of the game control process flag is a value corresponding to the specific game operation start waiting process. Is updated to “2” (step S325).

  If it is determined in step S382 that the big hit determination flag is off (step S382; No), the variable display on the first display device 4A is terminated and a predetermined display state is set (step S384). . As a specific example, all four light emitters in the first display device 4A are made to emit red light so that the player can recognize that the specific ball detector 40 has not detected a game ball. I can do it. At this time, it is determined that all the game balls that have entered the special winning openings 31a and 31b during the starting operation are discharged from the variable winning device 5, and processing for setting the next starting operation to be executable is performed. That is, after the game control time timer is cleared and initialized (step S385), a setting for transmitting a start operation end command to the effect control board 12 is performed (step S386), and the value of the game control process flag is started. The value is updated to “0” corresponding to the operation setting process (step S387). Thus, after the start operation is performed, the next start operation is set to be executable when all the game balls are discharged from the variable winning device 5 without the game balls being detected by the specific ball detector 40. The

  Further, when the detection signal from the specific ball detector 40 is in the OFF state in step S321 (step S321; No), it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the discharge ball detector 44 is in the ON state ( Step S326). At this time, if the detection signal from the discharged ball detector 44 is in the ON state (step S326; Yes), the count value in the undischarged counter is decremented by 1 (step S327). After executing the process of step S327, the process proceeds to the process of step S381 described above, and the count value in the undischarged counter is checked. In this way, after the variable winning device 5 is started by the opening / closing members 30a and 30b to open the large winning ports 31a and 31b and the large winning ports 31a and 31b are closed, the variable winning device 5 In the period until all game balls are discharged, control is performed so that the detection of the game balls that have entered the big winning holes 31a, 31b is not performed by the winning ball detectors 42a, 42b. Can be prevented.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the specific game operation start waiting process executed in step S122 of FIG. When the specific game operation start waiting process shown in FIG. 19 is started, the CPU 103 first subtracts 1 from the timer value in the game control time timer (step S241). Then, it is determined whether or not the timer value in the game control time timer subtracted in step S241 is equal to or less than the specific game start reference value (step S242). At this time, if the timer value in the game control time timer is larger than the specific game start reference value (step S242; No), the display state on the first display device is displayed so that the number of continuous rounds can be specified. The display stopped in the mode is performed (step S243). That is, the CPU 103 displays the display state on the first display device 4A in any one of FIGS. 6A to 6D corresponding to the number of continuous rounds determined and saved in step S104 of FIG. By doing so, a display that allows the player or the like to specify the number of continuous rounds is performed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S242 that the timer value in the game control time timer is equal to or less than the specific game start reference value (step S242; Yes), the display state on the first display device 4A is initialized. After that (step S244), “0” is set as the initial count value in the round counter (step S245). Then, the value of the game control process flag is updated to “3”, which is a value corresponding to the round start process (step S246).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the round start process executed in step S123 of FIG. When the round start process shown in FIG. 20 is started, the CPU 103 first adds 1 to the count value in the round counter (step S261). Subsequently, for example, the numerical data indicating the value of the random number for round continuation probability setting updated by the random number circuit 104 or the random number update process of step S13 shown in FIG. 12 is extracted (step S262). Based on the round continuation probability setting random number extracted at this time, refer to a predetermined round continuation probability determination table, etc., and determine whether the next round is to be a high probability round or a low probability round Then, based on the determination result, it is determined whether the probability that the round will continue (the probability that it is possible to move from the next round to the next round) will be high or low (step S263). Here, the round continuation probability determination table only needs to be configured from setting data or the like that associates the value of the random number for setting the round continuation probability with the determination result of the high probability round or the low probability round. Also, depending on the number of continuation rounds, the count value in the round counter, etc., the value of the random number for setting the round continuation probability in the round continuation probability determination table so that the ratio of the high probability round and the ratio of the low probability round differ. Allocation may be set.

  When it is determined in step S263 that the probability of continuation of the round is a relatively low low probability (step S263; low probability), for example, a motor drive signal transmission table provided in advance corresponding to the motor circuit 112, for example. For example, the transmission member transmission command for driving the motor 51 is set to initialize the distribution member 32 in the low probability round (step S264), and the distribution member 32 provided in the variable winning device 5 is set. Retreat in the depth direction. At this time, the high probability distribution flag is cleared and turned off (step S265).

  Further, when it is determined in step S263 that the probability of continuing the round is a relatively high high probability (step S263; high probability), initial setting of the sorting member 32 in the high probability round is performed (step S266). ), The sorting member 32 provided in the variable winning device 5 is moved forward. At this time, the high probability distribution flag is set to the on state (step S267). After the process of step S265 or step S267 is executed, the opening / closing member 30a provided in the variable winning device 5 is set by setting a transmission signal transmission command for driving the solenoids 50a and 50b in the solenoid drive signal transmission table or the like. , 30b is set to execute an operation for opening the special winning openings 31a, 31b a predetermined number of times (for example, 18 times) in a specific manner more advantageous to the player than the starting operation (step S268). Subsequently, the round game timer initial value is set in the game control time timer (step S269). Here, the initial value of the round game timer corresponds to the longest time from when the opening / closing members 30a and 30b open the special winning openings 31a and 31b in one round to when the round ends. The timer value is a predetermined timer initial value.

  Thereafter, the CPU 103 sets “0” as the count initial value in the big prize counter (step S270), and performs setting for transmitting a round start command to the effect control board 12 (step S271). Further, the display state in the first display device 4A is, for example, the display mode shown in any one of FIGS. 6E and 6F corresponding to the setting of the distribution member 32. Is set (step S272). Then, the value of the game control process flag is updated to “4”, which is a value corresponding to the in-round control process (step S273).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the in-round control process executed in step S124 of FIG. When the in-round control process shown in FIG. 21 is started, the CPU 103 first subtracts 1 from the timer value in the game control time timer (step S281). Then, it is determined whether or not the timer value in the game control time timer subtracted in step S281 is equal to or smaller than the opening / closing end reference value (step S282). Here, the opening / closing end reference value is set to the special winning opening 31a after the operation of opening the special winning openings 31a, 31b by the opening / closing members 30a, 30b in a specific manner during one round is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 18 times). , 31b is a predetermined timer reference value as a timer value corresponding to the time required for closing. When it is determined in step S282 that the timer value in the game control time timer is larger than the open / close end reference value (step S282; No), the distribution member control process (step S283) described later and the open / close state are being opened. A game ball detection process (step S284) is executed.

  When it is determined in step S282 that the timer value in the game control time timer is equal to or smaller than the opening / closing end reference value (step S282; Yes), the timer value in the game control time timer is equal to the opening / closing end reference value. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S285). When the timer value in the game control time timer coincides with the open / close end reference value (step S285; Yes), a drive stop signal transmission command for stopping the drive of the solenoids 50a and 50b is sent to the solenoid drive signal transmission table or the like. For example, the setting for ending the opening / closing operation of the special winning openings 31a, 31b by the opening / closing members 30a, 30b is performed. When the timer value in the game control time timer is different from the opening / closing end reference value in step S285 (step S285; No), the process of step S286 is skipped.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the timer value in the game control time timer is equal to or less than a round end reference value (for example, “0”) (step S287). At this time, if the timer value in the game control time timer is equal to or less than the round end reference value (step S287; Yes), the value of the game control process flag is updated to “5” which is a value corresponding to the specific game end process. (Step S288). On the other hand, when the timer value in the game control time timer is larger than the round end reference value (step S287; No), it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the specific ball detector 40 is on ( Step S289). When the detection signal from the specific ball detector 40 is in the ON state (step S289; Yes), it is determined whether or not the count value in the round counter has reached the number of continuous rounds (step S290).

  When it is determined in step S290 that the count value in the round counter has not reached the number of continuous rounds (step S290; No), the value of the game control process flag is set to “3” corresponding to the round start process. By updating (step S291), processing for shifting to the next round is made executable. On the other hand, when the detection signal from the specific ball detector 40 is in the OFF state in step S289 (step S289; No), or when the count value in the round counter reaches the number of continuous rounds in step S290. (Step S290; Yes), the in-round control process is terminated without executing the process of Step S291.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the sorting member control process executed in step S283 shown in FIG. In this distribution member control process, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the high-probability distribution flag is on (step S331). At this time, if the high probability distribution flag is off (step S331; No), it is determined that the currently executed round is a low probability round, and the distribution member 32 is advantageous to the player at a predetermined timing in the round. A process for changing to a different state is executed. That is, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the timer value in the game control time timer is a predetermined storage start reference value (step S332), and when it is the storage start reference value (step S332; Yes), the motor A setting for starting storage of game balls that have entered the variable winning device 5 by the distribution member 32 is performed by setting a transmission signal of a drive signal for driving the motor 51 in a drive signal transmission table or the like (step S333). ). Moreover, while performing the setting which transmits the storage start command with respect to the production control board 12 (step S334), display control which makes the display state in the 1st display apparatus 4A the display mode shown in FIG.6 (E) is performed, and distribution is performed. A setting for storage start display for notifying that the member 32 has changed to a state advantageous to the player can be specified (step S335).

  When the high probability distribution flag is ON in step S331 (step S331; Yes), or when it is determined in step S332 that the timer value in the game control time timer is different from the storage start reference value (step S332). No), it is determined whether or not the timer value in the game control time timer is a predetermined storage end reference value (step S336). At this time, if the timer value in the game control time timer is the storage end reference value (step S336; Yes), the distribution is performed by setting a drive signal transmission command for driving the motor 51 in the motor drive signal transmission table or the like. Setting for ending the storage of game balls by the member 32 is performed (step S337). Moreover, while performing the setting which transmits the storage end command with respect to the production control board 12 (step S338), display control which makes the display state in the 1st display apparatus 4A the display mode shown to FIG. 6 (F) is performed, and distribution is performed. A setting for a storage end display for notifying that the storage of the game ball by the member 32 has ended is performed (step S339). When it is determined in step S336 that the timer value in the game control time timer is different from the storage end reference value (step S336; No), the process of steps S337 to S339 is skipped and the sorting member control process is performed. Terminate.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the open / closed game ball detection process executed in step S284 shown in FIG. In this open / close game ball detection process, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the detection signal from the specific ball detector 40 is in an ON state (step S351). At this time, if the detection signal from the specific ball detector 40 is on (step S351; Yes), it is determined whether or not the count value in the round counter matches the number of continuous rounds (step S352). . When the count value in the round counter is a value different from the number of continuous rounds (step S352; No), it is determined that transition to a new round is possible, and first, the solenoid 50a, Setting for stopping the opening / closing operation of the special winning openings 31a, 31b by the opening / closing members 30a, 30b is performed by setting a transmission command of a drive stop signal for stopping the driving of the 50b (step S353). Subsequently, the value of the game control process flag is updated to “3”, which is a value corresponding to the round start process (step S354).

  Further, when the detection signal from the specific ball detector 40 is in an off state in step S351 (step S351; No), it is determined in step S352 that the count value of the round counter matches the number of continuous rounds. When the game is performed (step S352; Yes), it is determined that the transition to a new round is not performed, and the detection signal from the winning ball detector 42a provided corresponding to the left large winning opening 31a is turned on. It is determined whether it is in a state (step S355). At this time, if the detection signal from the winning ball detector 42a is in the on state (step S355; Yes), the count value in the big winning counter is incremented by one (step S356) and the big prize is given to the payout control board 15. A setting for transmitting the hourly ball payout command is performed (step S357). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the count value in the big prize counter added in step S356 matches a predetermined opening / closing stop reference value (eg, “10”) (step S358). When it is determined in step S358 that the count value in the big prize counter matches the open / close stop reference value (step S358; Yes), in the same manner as in step S353, the big prize opening by the open / close members 30a and 30b. Setting for stopping the opening / closing operation of 31a and 31b is performed (step S359).

  After executing the process of step S359, it is determined whether or not the count value in the round counter matches the number of continuous rounds (step S360). When the count value in the round counter matches the number of continuous rounds (step S360; Yes), the value of the game control process flag is updated to “5” that is a value corresponding to the specific game end process (step S361). ). As a result, the number of rounds executed in the big hit gaming state reaches the number of continuous rounds, and the number of game balls that have entered the big winning holes 31a and 31b during the round is a predetermined opening / closing stop reference value (for example, “10”). ), The big hit gaming state can be terminated at that time.

  When it is determined in step S355 that the detection signal from the winning ball detector 42a is in the OFF state (step S355; No), the count value in the big winning counter is the open / close stop reference value in step S358. When it is determined that the value is different (step S358; No), and when it is determined in step S360 that the count value in the round counter is different from the number of continuous rounds (step S360; No). ), It is determined whether or not the detection signal from the winning ball detector 42b provided corresponding to the right large winning opening 31b is in an ON state (step S362). At this time, if the detection signal from the winning ball detector 42b is in an off state (step S362; No), the open / closed gaming ball detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if the detection signal from the winning ball detector 42b is in the ON state (step S362; Yes), the count value in the big winning counter is incremented by 1 (step S363), and the payout control board 15 is checked. A setting is made to transmit a prize ball payout command at the time of a big prize (step S364). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the count value in the big prize counter added in step S363 matches a predetermined opening / closing stop reference value (step S365). When it is determined in step S365 that the count value in the big prize counter matches the open / close stop reference value (step S365; Yes), the open / close members 30a and 30b are used in the same manner as in steps S353 and S359. Settings are made to stop the opening / closing operation of the special winning openings 31a, 31b (step S366).

  After executing the processing of step S366, it is determined whether or not the count value in the round counter matches the number of continuous rounds (step S367). If the count value in the round counter matches the number of continuous rounds (step S367; Yes), the process proceeds to step S361, and the value of the game control process flag is a value corresponding to the specific game end process “5”. Update to "". If it is determined in step S365 that the count value in the big prize counter is different from the opening / closing stop reference value (step S365; No), the processing in steps S366 and S367 is skipped and the opening / closing is in progress. The game ball detection process ends.

  Next, processing in the effect control board 12 will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control main process executed by the effect control CPU 120 mounted on the effect control board 12. In the effect control board 12, when power supply from the power supply board 10 is started via the power relay board 14 and the main board 11, the effect control CPU 120 starts executing the effect control main process shown in FIG. In the effect control main process shown in FIG. 24, first, by a predetermined initialization process, the RAM 122 is cleared, various initial values are set, an interrupt register is initialized to determine the start interval of effect control, and the like (step S21).

  Thereafter, the effect control CPU 120 monitors a predetermined timer interrupt flag, and executes a loop process until the timer interrupt flag is set (step S22). In this loop process, a random number update process for updating numerical data indicating various random values counted on the side of the effect control board 12 may be executed. When a timer interrupt occurs in the effect control CPU 120, a predetermined timer interrupt process is executed to set the timer interrupt flag to the on state. It should be noted that the period at which the timer interrupt occurs in the effect control CPU 120 can be arbitrarily set according to various processes executed in the effect control CPU 120.

  In addition, the effect control CPU 120 generates an interrupt for receiving an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 via the signal relay board 13, separately from the timer interrupt. This interruption is an interruption that occurs when the effect control INT signal transmitted from the main board 11 is turned on. When an interruption occurs due to the turn-on of the effect control INT signal, the effect control CPU 120 automatically sets the interrupt prohibited state, but uses a CPU that does not automatically enter the interrupt prohibited state. Preferably issues an interrupt prohibition instruction (DI instruction).

  When the production control INT signal transmitted from the main board 11 is turned on, an interruption is generated in the production control CPU 120, whereby a predetermined command reception interrupt process is executed and read from a predetermined input port. The effect control command is stored in a predetermined reception command buffer. On the other hand, when the occurrence of a timer interrupt is confirmed in step S22 shown in FIG. 24 (step S22; Yes), a command analysis process (step S23) for analyzing the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11, After performing the effect control process (step S24) and the random number update process (step S25), the process returns to step S22.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the command analysis process executed in step S23 shown in FIG. In this command analysis process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not there is a received command by checking the contents of the received command buffer (step S131). At this time, when it is confirmed that there is a reception command because the effect control command is stored in the reception command buffer (step S131; Yes), the reception command is read (step S132), and the command is a start winning command. It is determined whether or not (step S133).

  If the received command read in step S132 is a start prize command (step S133; Yes), the number of continuous rounds indicated by the data included in the start prize command is saved in a predetermined area secured in the RAM 122 (step S134), the start winning flag provided in the effect control flag setting area is set to the on state (step S135). Thereafter, the process returns to step S131. On the other hand, when the received command read in step S132 is not a start winning command (step S133; No), it is determined whether or not the command is a start operation end command (step S136).

  If the received command read in step S132 is a start operation end command (step S136; Yes), the start operation end flag is set to an on state (step S137), and the process returns to step S131. On the other hand, when the received command read in step S132 is not the start operation end command (step S136; No), it is determined whether or not the command is a specific area winning command (step S138).

  If the received command read in step S132 is a specific area winning command (step S138; Yes), the V winning flag is set to ON (step S139), and the process returns to step S131. On the other hand, when the received command read in step S132 is not a specific area winning command (step S138; No), it is determined whether or not the command is a round start command (step S140).

  If the received command read in step S132 is a round start command (step S140; Yes), the number of execution rounds indicated by the data included in the round start command is saved in a predetermined area secured in the RAM 122 (step S140). S141), the round start flag is set to the on state (step S142). Thereafter, the process returns to step S131. On the other hand, when the received command read in step S132 is not a round start command (step S140; No), it is determined whether the command is a storage start command (step S143).

  If the received command read in step S132 is a storage start command (step S143; Yes), the storage start flag is set to ON (step S144), and the process returns to step S131. On the other hand, when the received command read in step S132 is not a storage start command (step S143; No), it is determined whether or not the command is a storage end command (step S145).

  If the received command read in step S132 is a storage end command (step S145; Yes), the storage end flag is set to ON (step S146), and the process returns to step S131. On the other hand, when the received command read in step S132 is not a storage end command (step S145; No), it is determined whether or not the command is a specific gaming state end command (step S147).

  If the received command read in step S132 is the specific gaming state end command (step S147; Yes), the big hit end flag is set to the on state (step S148), and the process returns to step S131. On the other hand, when the received command read in step S132 is another effect control command (step S147; No), a command reception flag corresponding to the effect control command received in the effect control flag setting area is set. (Step S149), the process returns to step S131. When all the received commands are read in this way (step S131; No), the command analysis process is terminated.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control process executed in step S24 shown in FIG. In the effect control process shown in FIG. 26, the effect control CPU 120 corresponds to the value of the effect control process flag updated in accordance with the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11, and the following steps S160 to S160. Each process of S167 is performed.

  When the value of the effect control process flag is “0”, the effect control CPU 120 executes “effect control normal processing” to check the start winning flag, update the value of the effect mode flag, and the like (step S160). When the value of the effect control process flag is “1”, the effect control CPU 120 executes the “starting winning effect starting process”, and when the starting operation is executed by the variable winning device 5, the second display device 4B The display mode of the effect display is determined (step S161). When the value of the production control process flag is “2”, the production control CPU 120 executes “during start prize production process”, and when the start operation by the variable prize winning device 5 is executed, the second display device 4B performs. Control for executing a predetermined effect display is performed (step S162).

  When the value of the effect control process flag is “3”, the effect control CPU 120 executes “lottery effect start processing” and notifies the number of continuous rounds on the second display device 4B when the big hit gaming state occurs. Settings for executing the effect display are performed (step S163). When the value of the effect control process flag is “4”, the effect control CPU 120 executes “lottery effect processing”, and performs control to execute effect display informing the number of continuous rounds on the second display device 4B. (Step S164). When the value of the effect control process flag is “5”, the effect control CPU 120 executes “round effect start processing” and sets the effect display on the second display device 4B at the start of each round in the big hit gaming state. (Step S165).

  When the value of the effect control process flag is “6”, the effect control CPU 120 executes “round effect processing”, and the second display device 4B performs a predetermined effect display during execution of each round in the big hit gaming state. Is executed (step S166). When the value of the effect control process flag is “7”, the effect control CPU 120 executes “hit end effect processing” and notifies the end of the big hit gaming state by the second display device 4B when the big hit gaming state ends. Control to execute display is performed (step S167).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control normal process executed in step S160 of FIG. When the effect control normal process shown in FIG. 27 is started, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the start winning flag is on (step S401). At this time, if the start winning flag is on (step S401; Yes), the start winning flag is cleared and turned off (step S402), and the value of the effect control process flag corresponds to the start winning time effect starting process. The updated value is updated to “1” (step S403).

  When it is determined in step S401 that the start winning flag is off (step S401; No), it is determined whether the demonstration display flag is on (step S404). Here, the demonstration display flag is set to an on state in step S407, which will be described later, and then cleared in step S413 to be turned off when a predetermined demonstration display period has elapsed. When the demonstration display flag is off (step S404; No), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time set in advance for starting a predetermined demonstration screen display has elapsed (step S405). At this time, if the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S405; No), the effect normal process is ended as it is.

  When it is determined in step S405 that the predetermined time has passed (step S405; Yes), the demonstration control CPU 120 starts a demonstration screen display by transmitting a predetermined drawing command to the VDP 123 or the like. Settings to be performed are performed (step S406). For example, after the CPU 120 for effect control sets the pointer value in the image pointer to the head address in the image data for displaying the demo screen, the instruction control CPU 120 sends to the VDP 123 a start command for the image data reading operation based on the image pointer value. As a result, the demonstration screen display in the second display device 4B is started. With such a demonstration screen display start setting, the second display device 4B displays a demonstration screen as shown in FIG. 28, for example, and can notify the player to operate the operation button 22. After the demonstration screen display start setting is performed in step S406, the demonstration screen display flag is set to ON (step S407).

  When it is determined in step S404 that the demonstration screen display flag is ON (step S404; Yes), after the process of step S407 is executed, the operation switch 22 is operated to detect from the effect switch 20. It is determined whether or not the signal is on (step S408). At this time, if the detection signal from the effect switch 20 is in the ON state (step S408; Yes), settings for switching the effect mode are performed. That is, it is determined whether the value of the effect mode flag is “0” or “1” (step S409). If the value of the effect mode flag is “0” (step S409; “0”). While it is updated to “1” (step S410), if it is “1” (step S409; “1”), it is updated to “0” (step S411).

  When it is determined in step S408 that the detection signal from the effect switch 20 is in the OFF state (step S408; No), after executing the process of step S410 or step S411, a predetermined demo display period is set. It is determined whether or not the processing has been completed (step S412). At this time, if the demonstration display period has ended (step S412; Yes), the demonstration display flag is cleared and turned off (step S413). Further, the effect control CPU 120 may send a predetermined control command to the VDP 123 to initialize the display on the second display device 4B. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S412 that the demonstration display period has not ended (step S412; No), the process of step S413 is skipped and the effect control normal process ends.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the start winning time effect starting process executed in step S161 of FIG. In the start winning time effect start process shown in FIG. 29, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether the value of the effect mode flag is “0” or “1” (step S421). At this time, if the value of the effect mode flag is “0”, the first effect determination table 131A shown in FIG. 10A is set as a table for determining the display mode in the effect display by the second display device 4B. (Step S422). On the other hand, if the value of the effect mode flag is “1”, the second effect determination table 131B shown in FIG. 10B is set (step S423).

  Thereafter, the number of continuous rounds saved in the process of step S134 shown in FIG. 25 is read (step S424), and numerical data indicating the value of the effect determining random number is extracted (step S425). Based on the number of continuous rounds and the random number for determining the effect obtained in this way, the effect display by the second display device 4B is made by referring to the first or second effect determining table 131A, 131B set in step S422 or step S423. The effect mode is determined (step S426). Thus, when the value of the effect mode flag is “0”, effects A-1 and FIG. 8 shown in FIGS. 8A to 8F are selected from the plural types of effect display control data stored in the ROM 121. Effect display control data indicating any one of effects B-1 shown in (G) to (L) and effects C-1 shown in FIGS. 8 (M) to (R) is selected, and effect display by the second display device 4B. Is displayed. When the value of the effect mode flag is “1”, effects A-2 and FIGS. 9A to 9F shown in FIGS. 9A to 9F are selected from the plurality of kinds of effect display control data stored in the ROM 121. Effect display control data indicating any one of effects B-2 shown in (G) to (L) and effects C-2 shown in FIGS. 9 (M) to (R) is selected, and the effect display by the second display device 4B is selected. A display mode is determined.

  Subsequently, the effect control CPU 120 reads effect display control data indicating the effect mode determined in step S426, and sets the image pointer value as the start address for the start effect (step S427). Here, the start address for start-up effects is specified individually by, for example, each of a plurality of types of effect display control data, and it is only required that the effect control CPU 120 can read the effect display control data. By setting the image pointer value in step S427, the VDP 123 starts reading the image data from the start address for the start effect in the CGROM 124, and displays the video signal generated from the read image data for the second display. By supplying the device 4B, the effect display by the second display device 4B in the effect mode determined in step S426 can be started. After the process of step S427 is executed, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to “2” which is a value corresponding to the start winning time effect process (step S428).

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the start-time winning effect processing executed in step S162 of FIG. In the start winning time effect processing shown in FIG. 30, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the V winning flag is on (step S441). At this time, if the V winning flag is ON (step S441; Yes), after clearing the V winning flag to turn it OFF (step S442), the image pointer value is set to the V winning notification address (step S442). S443). Here, the V winning notification address is individually specified by each of a plurality of types of effect display control data, for example, and the effect control CPU 120 may be specified by reading the effect display control data. By setting the image pointer value in step S443, the VDP 123 reads the image data from the V winning notification address in the CGROM 124, and supplies the video signal generated from the image data to the second display device 4B. The V winning opening 35 can be displayed with an image for notifying that the game ball has won. After executing the process of step S443, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to “3” which is a value corresponding to the lottery effect start process (step S444).

  If it is determined in step S441 that the V winning flag is OFF (step S441; No), it is determined whether the start operation end flag is ON (step S445). At this time, if the start operation end flag is on (step S445; Yes), the start operation end flag is cleared and turned off (step S446), and then the image pointer value is set to the start effect end address. (Step S447). As a result, the VDP 123 reads the image data from the start-time production end address in the CGROM 124, supplies the video signal generated from the image data to the second display device 4B, and the start-up operation by the variable winning device 5 is completed. An image for informing the effect can be displayed. After executing the process of step S447, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to “0” which is a value corresponding to the effect control normal process (step S448).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the lottery effect start process executed in step S163 of FIG. In the lottery effect start process shown in FIG. 31, the effect control CPU 120 first sets the lottery effect timer initial value in the effect time timer (step S461). Here, the lottery effect timer initial value is a timer initial value determined in advance as a timer value corresponding to the time required for the round lottery effect performed before the first round in the big hit gaming state is started. After the effect time timer is set in step S461, the number of continuous rounds saved in step S134 shown in FIG. 25 is read (step S462), and the number of continuous rounds is set in the round remaining number counter (step S463). ). Thereafter, the value of the image pointer is set to the leading address for the lottery effect (step S464). Here, for example, the start address for the lottery effect is individually specified by each of a plurality of types of effect display control data, and the effect control CPU 120 may be specified by reading the effect display control data. By setting the image pointer value in step S464, the VDP 123 starts reading the image data from the leading address for the lottery effect in the CGROM 124, and the video signal generated from the read image data is displayed on the second display device. By supplying to 4B, the round lottery effect in the effect mode determined in step S426 shown in FIG. 29 can be started. After executing the process of step S464, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to “4” which is a value corresponding to the lottery effect process (step S465).

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of the lottery effect process executed in step S164 of FIG. In the lottery effect processing shown in FIG. 32, the effect control CPU 120 first subtracts 1 from the timer value in the effect time timer (step S471). Then, it is determined whether or not the timer value in the effect time timer subtracted in step S471 is equal to or less than the lottery result output reference value (step S472). Here, the lottery result output reference value is a timer reference value determined in advance as a timer value corresponding to the timing at which the display result for notifying the number of executions of the round in the round lottery effect is displayed on the second display device 4B. . When it is determined in step S472 that the timer value in the effect time timer is larger than the lottery result output reference value (step S472; No), whether the value of the effect mode flag is “0” or “ It is determined whether it is 1 ″ (step S473). At this time, if the value of the effect mode flag is “1” (step S473; “1”), an effect switch operation detection process (step S474) described later is executed, while the value of the effect mode flag is “0”. If there is (step S473; "0"), the process of step S474 is skipped and the lottery effect process is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S472 that the timer value in the effect time timer is equal to or less than the lottery result output reference value (step S472; Yes), the timer value in the effect time timer further matches the lottery result output reference value. It is determined whether or not (step S475). At this time, if the timer value in the effect time timer matches the lottery result output reference value (step S475; Yes), a lottery result output process described later is executed (step S476). When it is determined in step S475 that the timer value in the effect time timer is different from the lottery result output reference value (step S475; No), after the lottery result output process is executed in step S476, the round starts. It is determined whether or not the flag is on (step S477).

  When it is determined in step S477 that the round start flag is on (step S477; Yes), the round start flag is cleared and turned off (step S478), and the effect time timer is cleared and initialized. (Step S479), 1 is subtracted from the count value in the remaining round counter (step S480). Subsequently, it is determined whether the value of the effect mode flag is “0” or “1” (step S481), and when it is “1” (step S481; “1”), the notification round The count value in the counter is decremented by 1 (step S482). When it is determined in step S481 that the value of the effect mode flag is “0” (step S481; “0”), after the process of step S482 is executed, the value of the effect control process flag is set. Is updated to “5” which is a value corresponding to the round effect start processing (step S483).

  Further, when it is determined in step S477 that the round start flag is off (step S477; No), it is determined whether or not the timer value in the effect time timer is equal to or less than the round start standby reference value (step S477). S484). Here, the round start standby reference value is a predetermined timer reference as a timer value corresponding to the longest time from the start of the round lottery effect until the start of the effect display corresponding to the first round in the big hit gaming state. Any value is acceptable. When it is determined in step S484 that the timer value in the effect time timer is equal to or less than the round start standby reference value (step S484; Yes), the round start command transmitted from the main board 11 may be appropriately received. It is determined that it has not been performed, and predetermined error processing is executed (step S485). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S484 that the timer value in the effect time timer is larger than the round start standby reference value (step S484; No), the process of step S485 is skipped and lottery is performed. The in-production process is terminated.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect switch operation detection process executed in step S474 shown in FIG. In this effect switch operation detection process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the switch operation detection flag is on (step S601). At this time, if the switch operation detection flag is off (step S601; No), it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the effect switch 20 is turned on by the operation of the operation button 22 (step S602). When the detection signal from the effect switch 20 is in the on state (step S602; Yes), the switch operation detection flag is set in the on state (step S603).

  Following the processing in step S603, the number of continuous rounds saved in the processing in step S134 shown in FIG. 25 is read (step S604), the timer value in the effect time timer is specified (step S605), and the display result determination random number is determined. Numerical data indicating the value is extracted (step S606). Based on the number of continuous rounds obtained in this way, the timer value in the effect time timer, and the display result determination random number, the number of notification rounds to be displayed as a display result indicating the round lottery result on the second display device 4B is determined (step) S607).

  For example, the ROM 121 stores in advance a display result determination table composed of setting data that associates the timer value in the effect time timer, the value of the display result determination random number, and the number of notification rounds for each number of continuous rounds. Yes. Here, as the number of round executions that can be selected as the number of notification rounds in this embodiment, notification information indicating the number of times “1”, “3”, “7”, and “15”, and the number of round executions. It is assumed that there is non-notification information that is not notified.

  In the display result determination table, display result determination random numbers are assigned to the number of notification rounds equal to or less than the number of continuous rounds. The value of the display result determination random number assigned to the same number of notification rounds as the number of continuous rounds differs according to the timer value of the effect time timer. For example, in the timer value of the production time timer corresponding to 0 second to 2 seconds after the round lottery production is started, the timer value corresponding to 2 seconds to 4 seconds or the timer corresponding to 4 seconds to 5 seconds More random numbers than the value are assigned to the same number of notification rounds as the number of continuous rounds. In addition, in the timer value of the production time timer corresponding to 2 seconds to 4 seconds since the start of the round lottery production, many random values continue compared to the timer value corresponding to 4 seconds to 5 seconds. Allocation is made for the same number of notification rounds as the number of rounds. When the number of continuation rounds is “1”, only “1” can be selected as the number of notification rounds, so that all display result determination random numbers are “1” regardless of the timer value of the effect time timer. Is assigned to the determination result of the number of notification rounds indicating "." With such a setting in the display result determination table, for example, the number of notification rounds is determined to be “1”, “3”, “7”, or “15” with a selection probability as shown in FIG.

  For example, in the setting shown in FIG. 34, when the number of continuous rounds is “15”, the operation of the operation button 22 is detected during the elapsed time after starting the round lottery effect from 0 seconds to 2 seconds. In this case, the selection probability of “15” as the number of notification rounds is 3/5, the selection probability of “7” is 1/4, the selection probability of “3” is 1/10, and “1”. The selection probability is 1/20. Accordingly, when an operation of the operation button 22 is detected one second after the start of the round lottery effect, “15” is most likely to be selected as the number of notification rounds.

  After determining the number of notification rounds in step S607, the number of notification rounds is set in the notification round counter (step S608), and the image pointer value is set as an operation detection address (step S609). Accordingly, the VDP 123 reads the image data from the operation detection address in the CGROM 124, supplies the video signal generated from the image data to the second display device 4B, and detects the operation of the operation button 22 during the round lottery effect. It is possible to display an image corresponding to the event. When it is determined in step S601 that the switch operation detection flag is on (step S601; Yes), it is determined in step S602 that the detection signal from the effect switch 20 is in the off state. If it is (Step S602; No), the effect switch operation detection process is terminated as it is.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of the lottery result output process executed in step S476 shown in FIG. In this lottery result output process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether the value of the effect mode flag is “0” or “1” (step S621). At this time, if the value of the effect mode flag is “1” (step S621; “1”), it is determined whether or not the switch operation detection flag is on (step S622). When it is determined that the switch operation detection flag is on (step S622; Yes), the switch operation detection flag is cleared and turned off (step S623), and then the count value in the notification round counter is set. The display result corresponding to is determined as the display result in the round lottery effect (step S624). When it is determined in step S622 that the switch operation detection flag is off (step S622; No), a display result that does not notify the number of round executions is determined as a display result in the round lottery effect (step S625). ). Here, when the process of step S625 is executed, an arbitrary numerical value (natural number) smaller than the number of continuous rounds may be set as the count initial value in the notification round counter.

  When it is determined in step S621 that the value of the effect mode flag is “0” (step S621; “0”), the image pointer value is displayed after executing the processing of step S624 or step S625. The result output address is set (step S626). Here, when the value of the effect mode flag is “0”, an address corresponding to the number of continuation rounds is set in the image pointer value so that the number of executions of the round determined as the number of continuation rounds is notified as it is. May be. By setting the image pointer value in step S626, the VDP 123 reads the image data from the display result output address in the CGROM 124, and supplies the video signal generated from the image data to the second display device 4B. The image that is the display result in the round lottery effect can be displayed.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of the round effect start process executed in step S165 of FIG. In the round effect start process shown in FIG. 36, the effect control CPU 120 first sets a round effect timer initial value in the effect time timer (step S491). Here, the round effect timer initial value is a timer initial value determined in advance as a timer value corresponding to the longest time of effect display performed during one round in the big hit gaming state. After the effect time timer is set in step S491, the number of execution rounds saved in the process of step S141 shown in FIG. 25 is read (step S492), and the image pointer value is set as the head address for the round effect. (Step S493). Here, the start address for the round effect may be set in advance for each execution round number, for example. When the image pointer value is set in step S493, the VDP 123 starts reading the image data from the start address for the round effect in the CGROM 124, and the video signal generated from the read image data is displayed on the second display device. By supplying to 4B, the effect display in the round in the effect mode according to the number of execution rounds can be started. After executing the process of step S493, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to “6” which is a value corresponding to the process during the round effect (step S494).

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of the round production process executed in step S166 of FIG. When the round production process shown in FIG. 37 is started, the production control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the round start flag is on (step S501). At this time, if the round start flag is on (step S501; Yes), a round transition count process described later is executed (step S502).

  When it is determined in step S501 that the round start flag is off (step S501; No), after subtracting 1 from the timer value in the effect time timer (step S503), the timer value in the effect time timer after subtraction is It is determined whether or not the round effect end reference value has been reached (step S504). Here, the round effect end reference value is a timer reference value (for example, “0”) determined in advance as a timer value corresponding to the longest time of effect display performed during one round in the big hit gaming state. When it is determined in step S504 that the timer value in the effect time timer is larger than the round effect end reference value (step S504; No), it is determined whether or not the storage start flag is on. (Step S505). At this time, if the storage start flag is on (step S505; Yes), the storage start flag is cleared and turned off (step S506), and the image pointer value is used to notify the change timing according to the effect time timer value. (Step S507).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 38, a predetermined image pointer value corresponding to the timer value in the effect time timer is set. Thereby, the display mode of the effect display by the second display device 4B is changed to the notification information 63a composed of characters as shown in FIG. 39A according to the change timing of the distribution member 32 based on the timer value of the effect time timer. The effect X for displaying the included image, the effect Y including the notification information 63b composed of characters as shown in FIG. 39B, and the effect Z for displaying the character image 63c as shown in FIG. Set to either. By setting the image pointer value in step S507, the VDP 123 reads the image data from the change timing notification address in the CGROM 124, and supplies the video signal generated from the image data to the second display device 4B. It is possible to perform the effect display in the effect mode according to the change timing at which 32 changes to the storable state, which is an advantageous state for the player. After executing the processing of step S507, the storage effect flag is set to the on state (step S508), and the round effect processing is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S505 that the storage start flag is off (step S505; No), it is determined whether or not the storage effect flag is on (step S509). When it is determined that the storage effect flag is on (step S509; Yes), it is determined whether the storage end flag is on (step S517). At this time, if the storage end flag is on (step S517; Yes), the storage effect flag is cleared and turned off (step S518), and the storage end flag is cleared and turned off (step S519). ). Further, when it is determined in step S517 that the storage end flag is off, the process during the round effect is ended as it is, and while the game ball is being stored by the distribution member 32, the process of step S507 is performed. The setting by the process is maintained, and it can be identifiable that the sorting member 32 is in an advantageous state for the player.

  When it is determined in step S509 that the storage effect flag is off (step S509; No), after executing the process of step S519, it is determined whether or not the additional effect flag is on. (Step S510). Here, the extra effect flag is set to the ON state in the process of step S648 shown in FIG. When it is determined in step S510 that the additional effect flag is on (step S510; Yes), it is determined whether the effect time timer value is equal to or less than the additional effect start value (step S511). Here, the extra effect start value is preliminarily set as a timer value corresponding to the start timing of the extra effect informing that more rounds can be executed than the round informed during execution of the round in the big hit gaming state. This is a predetermined timer reference value. For example, the extra production start value is a timer such that the start timing of the extra production comes earlier than the timing of receiving the round start command for starting the next round after each round is started in the big hit gaming state. Is set to a value. In this case, the timer value in the effect time timer is equal to or less than the additional effect start value at a stage prior to receiving the round start command from the main board 11. When it is determined in step S511 that the timer value in the effect time timer is less than the added effect start value (step S511; Yes), the image pointer value is set to an address corresponding to the count value in the remaining round counter ( Step S512). The VDP 123 reads the image data from the address of the CGROM 124 set at this time, and supplies the video signal generated from the image data to the second display device 4B. The number of executions of the round determined as the number of continuation rounds is larger than the number of executions of, and an effect display for notifying that the round can be continued can be performed.

  After setting the image pointer value in step S512, it is determined whether or not the timer value in the effect time timer is added to the effect end value or less (step S513). Here, the extra effect end value is a timer reference value that is determined in advance as a timer value corresponding to the end timing of the extra effect. When it is determined in step S513 that the timer value in the effect time timer is equal to or less than the added effect end value (step S513; Yes), the added effect flag is cleared and turned off (step S514).

  When it is determined in step S510 that the additional effect flag is OFF (step S510; No), it is determined in step S511 that the timer value in the effect time timer is larger than the added effect start value. When is performed (step S511; No), the image pointer value is updated according to the timer value in the effect time timer (step S515). The VDP 123 reads the image data from the address of the CGROM 124 corresponding to the image pointer value updated at this time, and supplies the video signal generated from the image data to the second display device 4B, thereby producing an effect during the execution of the round. Display can be performed. Further, when it is determined in step S513 that the timer value in the effect time timer is larger than the added effect end value (step S513; No), after the process of step S514 is executed, step S515 is performed. What is necessary is just to complete | finish the process during round production, without performing the process of. When it is determined in step S504 that the effect time timer value is equal to or less than the round effect end reference value (step S504; Yes), a round end effect process described later is executed (step S516).

  In addition, when it is determined in step S505 that the storage start flag is on, the count value in the remaining round counter is “0” when the storage start flag is cleared and turned off in step S506. In other words, when the number of rounds executed in the big hit gaming state has reached the number of continuous rounds, the process proceeds to the process of step S515 without proceeding to the process of step S507, and the image pointer The value may be updated according to the timer value in the effect time timer. In this case, in the final round in which the number of rounds executed in the big hit gaming state reaches the number of continuous rounds, even if the sorting member 32 changes to a storable state that is advantageous to the player, the change timing is The effect display in the corresponding effect mode is not performed.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an example of the round transition count process executed in step S502 of FIG. In the round transition counting process, the effect control CPU 120 first clears the round start flag to turn it off (step S641), and clears and initializes the effect time timer (step S642). Subsequently, the count value in the remaining round counter is decremented by 1 (step S643), and it is determined whether the value of the effect mode flag is “0” or “1” (step S644). At this time, if the value of the effect mode flag is “1” (step S644; “1”), the count value in the notification round counter is decremented by 1 (step S645), and the subtracted count value in the notification round counter is “0”. Is determined (step S646).

  When it is determined in step S646 that the count value in the notification round counter is “0” (step S646; Yes), it is determined whether the count value in the remaining round counter is “0” or less. (Step S647). At this time, if the count value in the remaining round counter is greater than “0” (step S647; No), the extra effect flag is set to the on state (step S648). When it is determined in step S644 that the value of the effect mode flag is “0” (step S644; “0”), the count value in the notification round counter is a value other than “0” in step S646. When it is determined that there is a certain value (step S646; No), when it is determined in step S647 that the count value in the remaining round counter is “0” or less (step S647; Yes), and step S648. After executing the process, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to “5” which is a value corresponding to the round effect start process (step S649).

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing an example of the round-end effect process executed in step S516 of FIG. In the round end effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the timer value in the effect time timer matches the round effect end reference value (step S661). At this time, if the timer value in the effect time timer matches the round effect end reference value (step S661; Yes), the image pointer value is set to the round end notification address (step S662). As a result, the VDP 123 reads the image data from the round end notification address in the CGROM 124, and supplies the video signal generated from the image data to the second display device 4B. It is possible to perform an effect display informing that it is possible to specify that the round has been completed.

  If it is determined in step S661 that the timer value in the effect time timer is different from the round effect end reference value (step S661; No), it is determined whether or not the round start flag is on. Determination is made (step S663). At this time, if the round start flag is ON (step S663; Yes), the round transition counting process as shown in FIG. 40 is executed (step S664) as in the process of step S502 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S663 that the round start flag is off (step S663; No), it is determined whether or not the big hit end flag is on (step S665).

  When it is determined in step S665 that the big hit end flag is on (step S665; Yes), the production time timer is cleared and initialized (step S666), and then the value of the production control process flag is terminated. The value is updated to “7” corresponding to the effect process (step S667). When it is determined in step S665 that the big hit end flag is off (step S665; No), it is determined whether or not the timer value in the effect time timer is equal to or less than the round start standby reference value ( Step S668). Here, the round start standby reference value is a timer reference value that is set in advance as a timer value corresponding to the longest time that can be shifted to the next round after starting the effect display during the round. When it is determined in step S668 that the timer value in the effect time timer is equal to or less than the round start standby reference value (step S668; Yes), an appropriate effect display control command is sent from the main board 11 via the signal relay board 13. Is determined to have been received, and predetermined error processing is executed (step S669). On the other hand, when it is determined that the timer value in the effect time timer is larger than the round start standby reference value (step S668; No), the effect processing at the end of the round is ended without executing the process of step S669. To do.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above will be described based on a specific example. When the player operates a hitting operation handle provided at the lower right position of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a game ball is driven into the game area by the launch motor and descends within the game area. Then, when a game ball wins any of the left, middle and right start winning openings 6a to 6c, the start ball detectors 41a to 41c detect this. At this time, if the variable winning device 5 is not performing the starting operation and the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not in the big hit gaming state, the variable winning device 5 can execute the starting operation (step in FIG. 13). S102; Yes), numerical data indicating the value of the round number determination random number is extracted (step S103), and the continuous round number is determined by referring to the continuous round number determination table 130 as shown in FIG. S104). Further, when the game ball wins one of the left and right start winning ports 6a and 6c, the value of the open / close mode flag is set to “1” (step S106), while the game ball is set to the center start winning port 6b. When winning, the value of the open / close mode flag is set to “2” (step S108).

  When the game ball wins any of the left, middle and right start winning ports 6a to 6c in a state where the start operation can be executed in this way, a start winning command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. (Step S110). The effect control board 12 saves the number of continuous rounds indicated by the data included in the start winning command (step S134 in FIG. 25). Thereafter, the effect control CPU 120 mounted on the effect control board 12 uses the first effect determination table 131A shown in FIG. 10A when the value of the effect mode flag is “0”. While determining the display mode of the effect display (steps S421, S422, S424 to S426 in FIG. 29), when the value of the effect mode flag is “1”, the second effect determination table 131B shown in FIG. 10B is used. The display mode of the effect display by the second display device is determined (steps S421, S423 to S426). Here, the value of the effect mode flag can be switched in response to the operation of the effect switch 20 during the demonstration screen display as shown in FIG. 28 (steps S408 to S411 in FIG. 27). Thereby, on the effect control board 12, the display mode of the effect display on the second display device 4B is set as to whether or not the detection signal from the effect switch 20 is turned on, that is, the operation button 22 is operated by the player or the like. Can be determined based on whether or not.

  On the main board 11 side, when the game ball wins one of the left and right start winning ports 6a and 6c, the CPU 103 opens the big winning ports 31a and 31b with a predetermined period (for example, 0. Setting is performed once for 35 seconds) (step S203 in FIG. 15). On the other hand, when the game ball wins the center start winning opening 6b, the CPU 103 sets the large winning openings 31a, 31b twice by a predetermined period (for example, 0.65 seconds) by the opening / closing members 30a, 30b. This is performed (step S205). The game balls picked up by the opening / closing members 30a and 30b while opening the big winning openings 31a and 31b enter the winning space in the variable winning apparatus 5 through the big winning openings 31a and 31b, respectively. At this time, the game balls are detected by the winning ball detectors 42a and 42b, and the ball is paid out by the ball payout device 55 under the control of the payout control board 15 (steps S312 and S315 in FIG. 17).

  FIGS. 42A to 42H show the second display device 4B in the period from the time when the game ball that has entered the prize winning holes 31a and 31b enters the V prize winning opening 35 until the end of the big hit gaming state. An example of the display operation in is shown. In this display operation example, when the start operation is started when a game ball wins one of the start winning ports 6a to 6c, the display mode of the effect display by the second display device 4B is determined as the effect A-2. Has been. Further, the number of continuation rounds is determined to be “15” in response to the fact that the specific ball detector 40 has detected a game ball that has entered the special winning openings 31a and 31b during the starting operation.

  When a game ball that has entered the big prize opening 31a, 31b enters the V prize opening 35 and is detected by the specific ball detector 40 when the variable winning apparatus 5 is performing the starting operation, the main board 11 relays the signal. Settings for transmitting a specific area winning command to the effect control board 12 through the board 13 are performed (step S308 in FIG. 17 and step S324 in FIG. 18). On the side of the effect control board 12, the second display device 4B sets the image pointer value to an address for V winning notification in response to the fact that the effect control CPU 120 receives the specific area winning command. An image notifying that a game ball has won is displayed on the V winning opening 35 as shown in FIG. 42 (A) (step S443 in FIG. 30). Subsequently, by setting the image pointer value to the top address for the lottery effect, the second display device 4B starts the round lottery effect by the effect A-2 as shown in FIG. (Step S464 in FIG. 31). At this time, on the main board 11 side, in response to the number of continuous rounds being “15”, the CPU 103 changes the display state in the first display device 4A to the display mode shown in FIG. Control is performed to notify the number of continuous rounds in an identifiable manner (step S243 in FIG. 19).

  In the round lottery effect of the effect A-2 shown in FIG. 42 (B), the notification information 60a is displayed on the second display device 4B to notify the player to operate the operation button 22 and to execute the round. Notification information indicating the number of times is variably displayed. Thereafter, during a period in which the timer value in the effect time timer is larger than the lottery result output reference value (step S472 in FIG. 32; No), control for continuously executing the variable display of the notification information is performed, It is determined whether or not the detection signal from the effect switch 20 has been turned on (step S602 in FIG. 33).

  As a specific example, when an operation of the operation button 22 by a player or the like is detected one second after the start of the round lottery effect in the display mode of the effect A-2 (step S602; Yes), the number of continuous rounds Then, based on the numerical data indicating the timer value in the effect time timer and the display result determination random number, the number of rounds to be executed as the number of notification rounds is determined with the selection probability as shown in FIG. 34 (step S607). Here, when the operation number of the operation button 22 is detected one second after the start timing of the round lottery effect when the number of continuous rounds is “15”, there is a probability that the number of notification rounds is determined to be “15”. Highest at 3/5.

  When the notification round number is determined to be “15” in this way, at the timing when the timer value in the effect time timer matches the lottery result output reference value (step S475 in FIG. 32; Yes), the notification round in which the number of notification rounds is set. It is determined that a display result corresponding to the count value “15” of the counter is derived and displayed (step S624 in FIG. 35), and an image pointer value corresponding to the determination is set (step S626). Thus, in the second display device 4B, for example, after the notification information 61a as shown in FIG. 42C is derived and displayed, an image including the notification information 62a as shown in FIG. 42D is displayed. Thus, “15”, which is the number of executions of the round corresponding to the number of continuous rounds, is notified by the player or the like in an identifiable manner. At this time, since the first display device 4A is in the display state as shown in FIG. 6D, the first display device 4A can also specify that the number of continuous rounds is “15”. it can.

  Thereafter, when the round start flag is turned on in the effect control board 12 by transmitting a round start command from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the signal relay board 13 (step S477 in FIG. 32). Yes), the round lottery effect is ended, and settings for starting the effect display during the round are performed (round effect start process in FIG. 36).

  As another example, a case will be described in which an operation of the operation button 22 by a player or the like is detected 3 seconds after the round lottery effect in the display mode of the effect A-2 is started. In this case, first, as in FIGS. 42A and 42B, after the display as shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B is performed on the second display device 4B, the operation button 22 is displayed. When the operation is detected, the number of rounds to be executed as the notification round number is determined with the selection probability as shown in FIG. Here, when the operation number of the operation button 22 is detected 3 seconds after the start timing of the round lottery effect when the number of continuous rounds is “15”, there is a probability that the number of notification rounds is determined to be “7”. It is the highest at 2/5.

  Thus, when the number of notification rounds is determined to be “7”, a display result corresponding to “7” which is the count value of the notification round counter is derived at the timing when the timer value in the effect time timer matches the lottery result output reference value. A decision to display is made, and the corresponding image pointer value is set. Thereby, in the second display device 4B, for example, after the notification information 61d as shown in FIG. 43C is derived and displayed, an image including the notification information 62d as shown in FIG. 43D is displayed. Thus, “7”, which is the number of executions of the round less than the number of continuous rounds, is notified by the player or the like in an identifiable manner. At this time, since the first display device 4A is in the display state as shown in FIG. 6D, the first display device 4A may specify that the number of continuous rounds is “15”. Is possible.

  Thereafter, when the round start flag is turned on in the effect control board 12, the round lottery effect is ended, and settings for starting the effect display during the round are performed. In each round executed in the big hit gaming state, a round effect address determined for each execution round number indicated by the data included in the round start command transmitted from the main board 11 is set as the image pointer value. Thus (step S493 in FIG. 36), the number of rounds performed after the occurrence of the big hit gaming state can be notified in an identifiable manner. For example, in the first round performed in the big hit gaming state, an image as shown in FIG. 43 (E) is displayed on the second display device 4B, so that the first round can be identified. Is done.

  Thus, when the round performed in the big hit gaming state continues while sequentially shifting to the next round, and when shifting to the seventh round, the count value in the notification round counter becomes “0” (FIG. 40). Step S646; Yes), the count value in the remaining round counter is “8”, which is larger than “0” (Step S647; No). Therefore, by setting the additional effect flag to the on state (step S648), during the seventh round, the image pointer value is set at a predetermined timing when the timer value in the effect time timer is equal to or less than the additional effect start reference value. An address corresponding to the count value “8” in the remaining number counter is set (step S512 in FIG. 37). Thus, in the second display device 4B, when starting the seventh round, the image shown in FIG. 43 (F) informs that the seventh round is identifiable, while starting from a predetermined timing. By displaying an image including the notification information 64a as shown in FIG. 43G, it is possible to notify that the round can be further continued. Further, by displaying an image as shown in FIG. 43G, the player can also recognize that the number of continuous rounds is “15”. Subsequently, when the 15th round is reached by continuing further rounds, for example, by displaying an image as shown in FIG. 43 (H) on the second display device 4B, the 15th round It is notified that there is a specific.

  In addition, when the operation of the operation button 22 is not detected in the period from the start of the round lottery effect in the display mode of the effect A-2 until the timer value in the effect time timer matches the lottery result output reference value ( In step S622; No), it is determined that non-notification information that does not notify the number of round executions is derived and displayed as a display result in the round lottery effect (step S625), and the corresponding image pointer value is set. In this case, in the second display device 4B, first, as shown in FIGS. 42A and 42B and FIGS. 43A and 43B, the display as shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B is performed. After being performed, non-notification information 61e as shown in FIG. 44 (C) is derived and displayed. Here, when the non-notification information 61e is derived and displayed, the notification information indicating the number of round executions is not notified at the timing when the timer value in the effect time timer matches the predetermined notification information replacement reference value. The non-notification information 61e may be derived and displayed, or it may be variably displayed together with the notification information indicating the number of round executions from the beginning of the round lottery effect, including non-notification information 61e that does not notify the number of round executions. The non-notification information 61e may be derived and displayed at the timing when the timer value in the timer matches the lottery result output reference value. Subsequently, an image including the non-notification information 62e as shown in FIG. 44D is displayed so that the number of continuous rounds cannot be specified in the effect display by the second display device 4B. On the other hand, since the first display device 4A has a display state as shown in FIG. 6D, the player has a continuous round count of “15” from the display state of the first display device 4A. It is possible to specify that there is.

  Thereafter, when the round start flag is turned on in the effect control board 12, the round lottery effect is ended, and settings for starting the effect display during the round are performed. In each round, an image corresponding to the image pointer value set corresponding to the number of execution rounds is displayed on the second display device 4B, so that it is possible to specify the number of rounds performed after the big hit gaming state has occurred. Can be notified. For example, in the first round performed in the big hit gaming state, an image as shown in FIG. 44 (E) is displayed on the second display device 4B, so that it is possible to specify that it is the first round. Is done.

  Here, when it is determined that non-notification information that does not notify the number of executions of a round is a display result in the round lottery effect, an arbitrary numerical value (natural number) smaller than the number of continuous rounds is used as the initial count value in the notification round counter. ) Is set. For example, assume that “7” is set as the count initial value in the notification round counter when the number of continuous rounds is “15”. In this case, the round performed in the big hit gaming state continues while sequentially shifting to the next round, and when the count shifts to the seventh round, the count value in the notification round counter becomes “0”, The count value in the remaining round counter is “8”, which is larger than “0”. Therefore, by setting the additional effect flag to the on state, the image pointer value is set to the remaining number counter at a predetermined timing when the timer value in the effect time timer is equal to or less than the additional effect start reference value during the seventh round. Set to the address corresponding to the count value. As a result, in the second display device 4B, when starting the seventh round, the image shown in FIG. 44 (F) informs that the seventh round is identifiable, while starting from a predetermined timing. By displaying the image including the notification information 64b as shown in FIG. 44 (G), the player can recognize that the number of continuous rounds is “15”. Further, by displaying an image as shown in FIG. 44G, it is possible to notify that the round can be continued further. Thereafter, when the 15th round is reached by continuing further rounds, for example, by displaying an image as shown in FIG. 44 (H) on the second display device 4B, the 15th round It is notified that there is a specific.

  Thus, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present invention, the CPU 103 mounted on the main board 11 performs display control of the first display device 4A in step S209 of FIG. 15, step S243 of FIG. Thus, it is possible to perform control for notifying the number of continuous rounds determined in step S104 of FIG. 13 in an identifiable manner. On the other hand, the CPU 120 for effect control mounted on the effect control board 12 can determine the effect mode in effect display by the second display device 4B based on the number of continuous rounds in step S426 of FIG. In this way, in the microcomputer mounted on the main board 11, a part of the effect by the display of the display device is determined on the side of the effect control board 12, which is a sub-side control board different from the main board 11. The display control of the first and second display devices 4A and 4B can be performed without increasing the control load, and the variation of the effect display by the second display device 4B is increased to improve the game entertainment by various effects. Can be made. Also, since the first display device 4A notifies the continuation round number separately from the second display device 4B, the player can erroneously recognize the execution number of the round determined as the continuation round number. Can be prevented.

  Further, the CPU 103 determines the number of continuous rounds in step S104 when the detection signal from any of the start ball detectors 41a to 41c is turned on in step S101 of the start winning process shown in FIG. Then, the determined number of continuous rounds can be notified to the effect control board 12 side by the start winning command for which transmission setting is performed in step S110. On the other hand, after the detection signal from the specific ball detector 40 is turned on in step S301 of FIG. 17 or step S321 of FIG. 18, the CPU 103 turns on the first display device 4A in step S243 of FIG. Control is performed so that the number of continuous rounds can be specified by display. Further, the effect control CPU 120 selects the effect control data stored in the ROM 121 in step S426 of FIG. 29 based on the number of continuous rounds indicated by the data included in the start winning command transmitted from the main board 11. Thus, the effect mode in the effect display by the second display device 4B is determined. Thus, before the big hit gaming state occurs in the pachinko gaming machine 1, at the timing when the game ball is detected by any of the start ball detectors 41a to 41c, the number of continuous rounds and the second display device 4B Since the display mode of the effect display can be determined, the effect display corresponding to the determined number of continuous rounds is executed from the start of the start operation by the variable winning device 5 to improve the interest of the game Can do.

  As shown in FIG. 34, the CPU 120 for effect control is based on the number of continuation rounds or the timer value in the effect time timer at the timing when the operation button 22 is operated during the round lottery effect in step S607 of FIG. By determining the number of notification rounds based on the selection probability, it is possible to determine the number of executions of rounds smaller than the number of continuous rounds as the number of notification rounds. In step S624 in FIG. 35, the display result corresponding to the count value set in the notification round counter as the notification round number is determined as the display result in the round lottery effect, and the number of executions of the round less than the number of continuous rounds is determined. The information can be notified in a identifiable manner by the display of the two display device 4B. Thereafter, when the count value of the notification round counter reaches “0” in step S646 in FIG. 40, the round can be further continued in the effect display during the round by executing the process in step S512 shown in FIG. A player or the like can be notified of the fact. Due to the notification in the round lottery effect, the player is discouraged by recognizing that the number of executions of a small number of rounds is determined as the number of continuous rounds as the upper limit number of rounds when the big hit gaming state occurs, Recognizing that the round can be continued when the number of rounds has been reached increases the unexpectedness and expectation of the round being continued, so it is possible to improve the interest of the game .

  In addition, a signal relay board 13 that relays a control signal output from the main board 11 to the presentation control board 12 is provided between the main board 11 and the presentation control board 12. Transmission direction regulation circuits 13-1 to 13-n each including a diode D1 and a resistor R1 are provided. In addition, the main board 11 is provided with an output buffer circuit 60 that blocks signal input from the signal relay board 13 to the main board 11. Thereby, an illegal signal input from the outside to the main board 11 can be prevented more reliably than in the past.

  When the effect control CPU 120 determines in step S408 in FIG. 27 that an on-state detection signal is input from the effect switch 20 to the switch signal input circuit 126, the value of the effect mode flag is set to “0” and “1”. Switch with. In the start winning time effect start process shown in FIG. 29, the second and second effect determination tables 131A and 131B set in step S422 or step S423 are referred to according to the value of the effect mode flag, so that the second The display mode of the effect display by the display device 4B is determined. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the first and second effect determination tables 131A and 131B differ in the types of effects determined as the display mode of the second display device 4B. With such a setting, the display mode of the effect display by the second display device 4B can be determined as a different display mode depending on whether or not the operation button 22 has been operated. Without increasing, the variation of the effect display by the second display device 4B can be increased, and the entertainment of the game can be improved by various effects.

  Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present invention, a distribution member 32 is provided for distributing the game balls that have entered the variable winning device 5 to the V winning opening 35 and the normal area 36, and the CPU 103 is turned off in the low probability round. If the timer value in the game control time timer is the storage start reference value when it is determined that the high probability distribution flag is OFF in step S331 in FIG. 22, the distribution member 32 stores the game balls. A state in which the distribution member 32 is advantageous to the player is performed by performing display control to set the display state in the first display device 4A to the display state shown in FIG. It is possible to notify the timing of changing to the storable state so as to be specified. On the other hand, when the storage start flag is turned on in step S505 of FIG. 37 when the storage start command is transmitted from the main board 11, the effect control CPU 120 displays the image pointer value for the change timing notification. For example, any one of effects X to Z as shown in FIGS. 39A to 39C can be executed as an effect display by the second display device 4B. In this way, in the microcomputer mounted on the main board 11, a part of the effect by the display of the display device is determined on the side of the effect control board 12, which is a sub-side control board different from the main board 11. The display control of the first and second display devices 4A and 4B can be performed without increasing the control load, and the variation of the effect display by the second display device 4B is increased to improve the game entertainment by various effects. Can be made. Further, in the first display device 4A, separately from the second display device 4B, since the timing at which the distribution member 32 changes to a state advantageous to the player is identifiable, the player can change the distribution member 32. It is possible to prevent erroneous recognition of timing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, in the signal relay board 13, transmission direction restriction circuits 13-1 to 13-n as shown in FIG. 4B are provided for each wiring that transmits a control signal output from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. Although described as being provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and the output buffer circuit 60 is provided on the main board 11, while the signal relay board 13 is provided with transmission direction regulating circuits 13-1 to 13- formed of a diode D1 or the like. n may not be provided.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the production control board 12 includes the audio data output circuit 127 and the lamp data output circuit 128, and under the control of the production control board 12, the audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R and the game effect In the above description, the lamp 9 and the accessory decoration lamp 85 are switched on / off. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 45, a sound control board 18 and a lamp control board 19 on which a microcomputer is mounted are provided separately from the effect control board 12. There may be. In this case, the audio control board 18 controls the audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R based on the audio control command transmitted as the control signal from the main board 11 via the signal relay board 13, while the lamp control board 19 is Based on the lamp control command transmitted as a control signal from the main board 11 via the signal relay board 13, the game effect lamp 9 and the accessory decoration lamp 85 are turned on / off. The sound control board 18 and the lamp control board 19 receive the supply of the power supply voltage generated by the power supply board 10 and via the main board 11 from the power supply relay board 14, similarly to the effect control board 12 and the payout control board 15. You can do that.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 46, the sound control board 18 and the lamp control board 19 on which a microcomputer separate from the effect control board 12 is mounted perform various controls in response to control signals from the effect control board 12. You may do it. That is, the sound control board 18 controls the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R based on the sound control command transmitted as a control signal from the effect control board 12, while the lamp control board 19 is controlled from the effect control board 12. On / off control of the game effect lamp 9 and the accessory decoration lamp 85 may be performed based on the lamp control command transmitted as a signal. Also in this case, the sound control board 18 and the lamp control board 19 are supplied with the power supply voltage generated by the power supply board 10 and passed through the main board 11 in the same manner as the effect control board 12 and the payout control board 15. It may be received from the relay substrate 14.

  In the above embodiment, when a game ball is detected by any of the start ball detectors 41a to 41c, the upper limit number of rounds that can be executed in the big win game state in step S104 of the start winning process shown in FIG. It was described as determining the number of continuous rounds. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of continuous rounds may be determined when a big hit gaming state occurs. For example, when it is determined in step S301 in FIG. 17 or step S321 in FIG. 18 that the detection signal from the specific ball detector 40 is in an on state, processing such as step S103 and step S104 in FIG. May be performed to determine the number of continuation rounds. In this case, by including data indicating the number of continuation rounds in the specific area winning command, the number of continuation rounds can be specified on the side of the effect control board 12, and is specified, for example, in the lottery effect start process shown in FIG. The display mode in the round lottery effect by the second display device 4B may be determined according to the number of continuous rounds. Thus, even when the number of continuous rounds is determined when the big hit gaming state occurs, when the game ball is detected by any of the starting ball detectors 41a to 41c, the main board 11 performs the effect control board. In response to the start winning command being sent to 12, the start display operation by the variable winning device 5 is started, and a predetermined effect display may be performed by the display of the second display device 4B. Then, when the effect control CPU 120 specifies the number of continuous rounds based on the data included in the specific area winning command, for example, the image displayed on the second display device 4B is replaced to cope with the number of continuous rounds. An effect display may be performed.

  Further, the game content in the pachinko gaming machine can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the pachinko gaming machine 201 shown in FIG. 47, a variable winning device 205 is arranged at substantially the center position of the game area, and below the variable winning device 5 is the same as the left, middle and right in the above embodiment. Are arranged, and a special variable winning ball apparatus 238 is provided below the central starting winning opening 6b. FIG. 48 is an enlarged view of the variable winning device 205 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 201.

  The variable winning device 205 has a pair of left and right opening / closing members (honey) 230a and 230b pivotally supported. The open / close members 230a and 230b are connected to the solenoids 50a and 50b shown in FIG. 3 via a link mechanism, and open and close the prize winning openings 231a and 231b in the same manner as the open / close members 30a and 30b in the above embodiment. Rolling plates 237a and 237b are provided below the big prize winning openings 231a and 231b. The rolling plates 237a and 237b have, for example, an inclination descending toward the center of the winning space, and the game ball can roll on the rolling plates 237a and 237b toward the center of the winning space. . A sorting member 232 that can move up and down is provided between the rolling plates 237a and 237b.

  The distribution member 232 is connected to the motor 51 shown in FIG. 3 via a link mechanism, and when the motor 51 is driven, the distribution member 232 retreats upward and does not store (accommodates) game balls, and moves downward. It is possible to switch between a storable state in which a part (for example, nine) of game balls that have rolled on the rolling plates 237a and 237b are received and stored (accommodated). Here, when the distribution member 232 is maintained in the retracted state, the game balls that have rolled on the rolling plates 237a and 237b are not stored by the distribution member 232, and the side portion 234a of the lower winning space as a normal guiding path is stored. 234b is dropped. On the other hand, when the distribution member 232 moves upward after the storable state and changes to the retracted state, the game balls stored by the allocating member 232 are released from the distribution member 232 and used as a specific guide path. The ball passes through a predetermined ball passage and is fed into the lower prize space from the ball outlets 233a and 233b. A V winning opening 235 is provided at a position directly below the ball outlets 233a and 233b, and the game balls discharged from the ball outlets 233a and 233b fall on the side portions 234a and 234b of the lower winning space. It is guided to the V prize opening 235 at a higher rate than the game ball. Further, the lower prize space is provided with a normal area 236 different from the V prize opening 235, and game balls that have not entered the V prize opening 235 are discharged from the variable prize winning device 205 via the normal area 236. Is done. The game balls discharged through the normal area 236 are detected by the discharged ball detector 44 shown in FIG.

  In this pachinko gaming machine 201, the variable winning device 205 performs the same starting operation as the variable winning device 5 in the above embodiment. The pachinko gaming machine 201 receives a big hit when the game ball that has entered the winning prize opening 231a, 231b opened by the start operation enters the V winning opening 235 and is detected by the specific ball detector 40. It becomes a gaming state. Here, the big hit gaming state generated in the pachinko gaming machine 201 is a specific gaming state that is more advantageous for the player than the starting operation by the variable winning device 205 by opening the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball device 238. I just need it. For example, the opening / closing plate of the special variable winning ball apparatus 238 is normally closed, and when a big hit gaming state is reached, the winning area is a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls. It is set to be in a state of being opened until it is generated, and it becomes an opening cycle for receiving a game ball falling in the game area during the opening. And you may make it determine the frequency | count that this opening cycle is repeated similarly to the frequency | count of a continuous round in the said embodiment. The game ball that has won the special variable winning ball device 238 may be detected by a predetermined detection unit, and a predetermined number of winning balls may be paid out in response to detection of the winning ball.

  When the variable winning device 205 included in the pachinko gaming machine 201 starts the starting operation, for example, numerical data indicating the value of the distribution mode determination random number is extracted and the distribution mode determination table is referred to. The state of the distribution member 232 may be determined. Here, the distribution mode determination table includes a value of the distribution mode determination random number and a determination result of whether the distribution member 232 is maintained in the retracted state or changed from the storageable state to the retracted state during the starting operation. Any configuration data may be used as long as the configuration data is associated. Then, when it is determined that the distribution member 232 is in a storageable state when the variable winning device 205 starts the starting operation, the main board 11 changes to the effect control board 12 in the same manner as step S334 in FIG. In response, a storage start command is transmitted. In the effect control board 12, in response to receiving the storage start command, the effect control CPU 120 sets the image pointer value, for example, in the same manner as in step S507 in FIG. The game ball is distributed to the ball path as the specific guide path by the distribution member 232, and an effect is given to notify that the game ball is guided to the V winning opening 235. At this time, on the main substrate 11 side, the CPU 103 controls the display state of the first display device 4A, so that the display mode as shown in FIG. Thus, control is performed so that it can be specified that game balls are distributed to the specific taxiway and guided to the V prize opening 235.

  Thereby, a part of the effect by the display on the display device is determined on the side of the effect control board 12 which is a sub-side control board different from the main board 11, so that the control in the microcomputer mounted on the main board 11 is performed. The display control of the first and second display devices 4A and 4B can be performed without increasing the load, and the variation of the effect display by the second display device 4B can be increased to improve the game entertainment by various effects. be able to. Further, in the first display device 4A, separately from the second display device 4B, the distribution mode of the game balls by the distribution member 232 can be identifiable so that the player can distribute the game balls by the distribution member 232 It is possible to prevent the mode from being recognized by mistake.

  Further, when the game ball wins one of the start winning ports 6a to 6c and the start operation by the variable winning device 205 is started, the distribution mode of the game ball by the distribution member 232 is determined, and in the above embodiment You may include the data which show the distribution mode of the game ball determined to the start winning command. Thereby, when the starting operation by the variable winning device 205 is started, the distribution mode of the game balls by the distribution member 232 can be notified to the effect control board 12 side, and the distribution determined on the main board 11 side The effect display according to the distribution mode of the game balls by the member 232 can be executed in the period when the start operation by the variable winning device 205 is performed, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first display device 4A has been described as being configured by the LED module as a light emitter that can emit light in a plurality of types of light emission colors at four light emission positions, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may be a first display device 204A composed of 7-segment LEDs as shown in FIG. 47, a display device composed of dot matrix LEDs, or the like. Here, for example, the first display device 204A is composed of a two-digit 7-segment LED, and one of a plurality of combinations of display modes can be selected according to the number of round executions determined as the number of continuous rounds. It may be displayed in a display mode that is difficult for a player or the like to recognize. That is, in the display device in which display control is performed on the main board 11, any of a plurality of display modes can be selected for the same determination result, and control for executing display of the selected display mode is performed. The determination result may be difficult for the player to recognize. Thereby, the player's interest in the effect display by the display device in which the display control is performed on the effect control board 12 can be increased, and the impression of the effect display can be enhanced to improve the interest of the game.

  Further, inside the variable winning device 5, a specific guiding path for guiding the game ball that has entered the variable winning device 5 to the V winning opening 35 and a normal guiding path that is different from the V winning opening 35 are provided. Depending on which of the big prize opening 31a and the big prize opening 31b has entered, the ratio of entering the specific taxiway may be different from the ratio of entering the normal taxiway. As a specific example, a game ball that has entered the special winning opening 31a enters the specific taxiway with a probability of 1/10, and enters the normal taxiway with a probability of 9/10. On the other hand, the game ball that has entered the special winning opening 31b enters the specific taxiway with a probability of 2/7, and enters the normal taxiway with a probability of 5/7. Then, as an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, a left big prize command indicating that a game ball has entered the big prize opening 31a and a game ball has entered the big prize opening 31b. A right grand prize command indicating that is provided.

  In such a configuration, the CPU 103 mounted on the main board 11 determines that the detection signal from the left winning ball detector 42a is in the on state in step S310 of FIG. 17 or step S355 of FIG. At this time, a setting is made to transmit a left big prize command to the effect control board 12. At this time, display control is also performed in which the display state of the first display device 4A is set to a predetermined first big prize display mode. Also, when it is determined in step S313 of FIG. 17 or step S362 of FIG. 23 that the detection signal from the right winning ball detector 42b is in the on state, the right big winning command is sent to the effect control board 12. Set to send. At this time, display control is also performed in which the display state of the first display device 4A is changed to the second grand prize display mode different from the first grand prize display mode.

  The effect control board 12 sets the image pointer value to a different address in the CGROM 124 according to whether the effect control CPU 120 has received the left grand prize command or the right big prize command, and thereby the second display device. The display mode of the effect display by 4B depends on whether a game ball has entered a large winning opening with a high rate of entering a specific taxiway or whether a gaming ball has entered a large winning port with a low rate of entering a specific taxiway Different display modes. Thereby, in the first display device 4A, it is possible to notify the ratio of the game balls that have entered the variable winning device 5 so as to be specified, while in the second display device 4B, the variable winning device 5 can be notified. It is possible to display effects with different display modes depending on the proportion of the game balls that have entered the specific taxiway, and without increasing the control load on the microcomputer mounted on the main board 11. The display control of the display devices 4A and 4B is enabled, and the variation of the effect display by the second display device 4B can be increased to improve the interest of the game.

  In the above embodiment, when the timer value in the game control time timer coincides with the storage start reference value in step S332 of FIG. 22, the setting of starting the storage of game balls by the distribution member 32 is performed in step S333. It has been described that the transmission start command transmission setting is performed in step S334 to notify the effect control board 12 of the timing at which the state of the distribution member 32 changes. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the transmission start command transmission setting is performed at a timing that is a predetermined time before the timing at which the timer value in the game control time timer becomes the storage start reference value. It may be. In this case, when the production control CPU 120 receives the storage start command, for example, how many seconds before the timing at which the state of the distribution member 32 changes, the production control such as performing the production display that allows the timing to be specified is performed. The type may be determined, and the display mode in the effect display by the second display device 4B may be determined. Thus, when the effect control CPU 120 determines the type of effect such as the start timing of the effect display, the degree of advantage for the player differs depending on the start timing of the effect display. That is, if the timing at which the state of the sorting member 32 changes can be specified from an early stage, it is possible for the player to aim at the timing and win the game balls while aiming at the big winning holes 31a, 31b. If the timing is notified so that the timing can be specified immediately before the timing at which the state of the distribution member 32 changes, it is difficult for the player to predict the timing at which the game ball is driven toward the big winning openings 31a, 31b. Thereby, without increasing the control load on the main board 11, the variation of the effect display by the second display device 4B is increased, and the entertainment of the game is improved by various effects that change the degree of advantage for the player. Can do.

  In the above embodiment, when it is determined in step S505 in FIG. 37 that the storage start flag is on, the processing in step S507 is executed to obtain the image pointer value as shown in FIG. After setting based on the correspondence with the timer value in the effect time timer, the setting of the image pointer value is maintained until it is determined in step S517 that the storage end flag is ON. For this reason, after the images as shown in FIGS. 39A to 39C are displayed on the second display device 4B in accordance with the change timing at which the distribution member 32 has changed to an advantageous state for the player, the distribution member The display mode on the second display device 4B does not change during a period until the state advantageous to the player ends by releasing the game balls stored by the player 32 or the like. On the other hand, after the distribution member 32 changes to a state advantageous to the player, it is possible to change the display mode of the second display device 4B during the period until the state ends, You may make it vary according to the change timing to which the distribution member 32 changed to the state advantageous to a player.

  For example, when it is determined in step S509 in FIG. 37 that the storage effect flag is on, and in step S517, it is determined that the storage end flag is off, the same processing as step S507 is performed. Is executed, the image pointer value may be set to an address corresponding to the timer value in the effect time timer in accordance with the correspondence as shown in FIG. With such a setting, when the timer value in the effect time timer at the change timing of the distribution member 32 is equal to or greater than “10001”, in the period in which the distribution member 32 is in an advantageous state for the player, The effect display in which the display mode changes in the order of effect Z (see FIG. 39C), effect Y (see FIG. 39B), effect X (see FIG. 39A) is performed on the 2 display device 4B. It will be. On the other hand, when the timer value in the effect time timer at the change timing of the distribution member 32 is “5001” or more and “10000” or less, the period in which the distribution member 32 is in an advantageous state for the player. In the second display device 4B, an effect display in which the display mode changes in the order of the effect Y and the effect X is performed. Further, when the timer value in the effect time timer at the change timing of the distribution member 32 is “5000” or less, the second display device 4B is in a period in which the distribution member 32 is in an advantageous state for the player. Only the effect display in the display mode of the effect X is performed, and the display mode does not change. Thus, the display mode of the effect display performed by the display of the second display device 4B during the period in which the distribution member 32 is in an advantageous state for the player has been changed to a state in which the distribution member 32 is advantageous for the player. By changing in different change modes according to the change timing, it is possible to increase the variation of the effect display by the second display device 4B, and to improve the game entertainment by various effects.

  In the above embodiment, it has been described that the upper limit number of rounds that can be executed in the jackpot gaming state is determined as the number of continuation rounds, but is not limited to this. You may determine the number of rounds until it complete | finishes once as a continuation round number of times. Here, the high probability round has a high probability of moving to the next round, while the low probability round has a low probability of moving to the next round. This is the degree of execution of the round determined as the number of continuous rounds. In this case, even when the count value in the round counter is larger than the number of continuous rounds in step S290 of FIG. 21 or step S352 of FIG. 23, a predetermined upper limit number (for example, “15”). If it is smaller, the process may proceed to step S291 or step S353. Further, instead of the processing of step S262 and step S263 in FIG. 20, it is determined whether or not the count value of the round counter is equal to or greater than the number of continuous rounds. When the number of rounds has not been reached, the process may proceed to step S266.

  In the above embodiment, the first and second effect determination tables 131A and 131B as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B are stored in the ROM 121, and the first effect determination table 131A is referred to by referring to the first effect determination table 131A. The display mode of the second display device 4B is determined by selecting one of the effects A-1, the effect B-1 and the effect C-1 and referring to the second effect determination table 131B. It demonstrated as determining to any of A-2, production B-2, and production C-2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display mode of the second display device 4B is the effects A-1, effect A-2, effect B-1, and effect B at different rates depending on the number of continuous rounds. -2, the display C-1 and the display C-2 may be any configuration that can be determined as any one of the different display modes. For example, the display mode of the second display device 4B can be determined by one table. There may be.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to detection of a winning ball, but encloses a game ball and gives a score in response to detection of the winning ball It can also be applied to an enclosed game machine. Further, the present invention can also be applied to a game machine that simulates the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 or the pachinko gaming machine 201. The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to a form distributed and provided to a computer device or the like by a detachable recording medium, but preinstalled in a storage device such as a computer device in advance You may take the form distributed by keeping it. Furthermore, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

  The game execution mode is not only executed by attaching a detachable recording medium, but can also be executed by temporarily storing a program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. It is also possible to execute directly using hardware resources on the other device side on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game can be executed by exchanging data with other computer devices or the like via a network.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of a variable winning apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the system structural example centering on the main board | substrate mounted in the pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a signal relay board | substrate and a transmission direction control circuit. It is a figure which shows an example of the continuation round frequency determination table. It is a figure for demonstrating the display state in a 1st display apparatus. It is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect display by a 2nd display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of an effect display by a 2nd display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of an effect determination table. It is a figure which illustrates the storage state of the image data in CGROM. It is a flowchart which shows a game control interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows game control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a starting operation | movement setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a process during start-up operation. It is a flowchart which shows a game ball detection process at the time of starting. It is a flowchart which shows the game ball detection process after starting operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows a specific game operation start waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a round start time process. It is a flowchart which shows a control process during a round. It is a flowchart which shows a distribution member control process. It is a flowchart which shows a game ball detection process during opening and closing. It is a flowchart which shows production control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows production control normal processing. It is a figure which shows a specific example of a demonstration screen display. It is a flowchart which shows an effect start process at the time of a start winning prize. It is a flowchart which shows the process during production at the time of start winning. It is a flowchart which shows a lottery production start process. It is a flowchart which shows the process during lottery production. It is a flowchart which shows an effect switch operation detection process. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection probability of the number of alerting | reporting rounds. It is a flowchart which shows a lottery result output process. It is a flowchart which shows a round production start process. It is a flowchart which shows the process during round production. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting for determining the production | presentation at the time of a storage start. It is a figure which shows the example effect display at the time of storage start. It is a flowchart which shows a count process at the time of a round transfer. It is a flowchart which shows the production process at the time of completion | finish of a round. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display operation in a 2nd display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display operation in a 2nd display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the display operation in a 2nd display apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the system structural example centering on the main board | substrate in a modification. It is a block diagram which shows the system structural example centering on the main board | substrate in a modification. It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in the modification. It is a figure which shows the structure of the variable prize-winning apparatus in a modification.

Explanation of symbols

1,201… Pachinko machine (game machine)
2… Game board (gauge board)
3 ... Frame for gaming machines (underframe)
4A, 4B, 204A, 204B ... Display devices 5, 205 ... Variable winning devices 6a-6c ... Start winning ports 8L, 8R ... Speakers 9 ... Game effect lamps 10 ... Power supply board 11 ... Main board 12 ... Production control board 13 ... Signal Relay board 13-1 to 13-n ... Transmission direction regulating circuit 14 ... Power supply relay board 15 ... Discharge control board 18 ... Audio control board 19 ... Lamp control board 20 ... Production switch 21 ... Switch relay board 22 ... Operation button 25 ... Voice Output circuit 26 ... Lamp driver circuits 30a, 30b, 230a, 230b ... Opening and closing members 31a, 31b, 231a, 231b ... Grand prize opening 32, 232 ... Distribution member 35, 235 ... V prize opening (specific area)
36, 236 ... Normal regions 37a, 37b, 37d, 37e, 237a, 237b ... Rolling plate 40 ... Specific ball detectors 41a-41c ... Starting ball detectors 42a, 42b ... Winning ball detector 44 ... Discharged ball detector 50a 50b ... Solenoid 51 ... Motor 100 ... Basic circuit 101, 121 ... ROM
102, 122 ... RAM
103 ... CPU
104 ... random number circuit 105 ... I / O
110 ... Switch circuit 111 ... Solenoid circuit 112 ... Motor circuit 120 ... Production control CPU
123 ... VDP
124 ... CGROM
125 ... VRAM
126 ... Switch signal input circuit 127 ... Audio data output circuit 128 ... Ramp data output circuit 130 ... Continuous round number determination table 131A, 131B ... Production determination table 233a, 233b ... Ball passage 238 ... Special variable winning ball apparatus

Claims (7)

An effect means for executing a predetermined effect, a start detection means for detecting a game medium in a start area provided in a game area where the game medium flows down, and an opening / closing member when the start detection means detects the game medium A variable winning device that performs a starting operation from a first state that is disadvantageous to the player to a second state that is advantageous to the player, and a plurality of areas provided in the variable winning device. Specific detection means for detecting a game medium that has entered the specific area, and when the specific detection means detects a game medium that has entered the variable entrance when performing the starting operation, the start A specific gaming state is generated in which a round in which the variable entrance is controlled to the second state can be executed up to a predetermined upper limit number in a specific manner that is more advantageous to the player than the action. , A gaming machine that enables shift to the next round after the end of the round on the basis of the game medium which enters the said variable entrance during the round is detected by the particular detection means,
A game control microcomputer for executing a game control process for controlling the progress of the game;
A game control board equipped with the game control microcomputer;
An effect control microcomputer that performs effect control of the effect means based on a control signal from the game control microcomputer mounted on the game control board;
A production control board equipped with the production control microcomputer;
A relay board provided with relay means for relaying a control signal output from the game control board to the effect control board;
Unlike the effect means, first display means for performing display control by the game control microcomputer;
A second display means included in the effect means for performing display control by the effect control microcomputer;
The game control microcomputer is:
Display control means for performing control to output a drive signal to a light emitter provided in the first display means;
Numerical data extraction means for extracting numerical data from numerical data update means for updating numerical data when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
Based on the numerical data extracted by the numerical data extraction means, the round number determination means for determining the upper limit number of rounds from the number of executions of a plurality of types of rounds;
Round number notification control means for performing control to notify the upper limit number of rounds determined by the round number determination means by the display of the first display means when the specific gaming state occurs;
Control signal transmission means for transmitting a round number signal as a control signal indicating the upper limit number of rounds determined by the round number determination means,
The production control microcomputer is:
Data storage means for storing a plurality of types of effect display data indicating a display mode of effect display in the second display means;
Production display control means for performing control to execute a predetermined production display for notifying the upper limit number of rounds based on the round number signal transmitted by the control signal transmission means by the display of the second display means,
The effect display control means selects one of a plurality of kinds of effect display data stored in the data storage means on the basis of the round number signal, thereby providing a plurality of effect display display modes on the second display means. Including an effect mode determining means for determining one of the types of display modes,
A gaming machine characterized by that. The round number determination means determines the upper limit number of rounds when a game medium is detected by the start detection means,
The control signal transmission means further transmits a specific winning detection signal as a control signal indicating that the game medium that has entered the variable advance entrance when the start operation is performed is detected by the specific detection means,
The round number notification control means performs control for notifying the upper limit number of rounds by the display of the first display means when a game medium is detected by the specific detection means,
The effect mode determining means is any one of a plurality of types of effect display data stored in the data storage means at different ratios according to the upper limit number of rounds indicated by the round number signal transmitted by the control signal transmitting means. By determining the display mode of the effect display in the second display means,
The effect display control means performs display control in the second display means based on the effect display data selected by the effect mode determination means, and receives the specific winning detection signal transmitted by the control signal transmitting means. Informing the upper limit number of rounds indicated by the round number signal,
The gaming machine according to claim 1. The effect display control means includes:
A minority round notification effect control means for performing a control to execute a minority round notification effect that informs the number of executions less than the upper limit number of times of the round; and
When the number of executions notified in the minority round notification effect executed by the minority round notification effect control means is reached, the continuous notification effect for performing the control for executing the continuous notification effect for notifying that the round can be continued is performed. Control means,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. An effect means for executing a predetermined effect, a start detection means for detecting a game medium in a start area provided in a game area where the game medium flows down, and an opening / closing member when the start detection means detects the game medium A variable winning device that performs a starting operation from a first state that is disadvantageous to the player to a second state that is advantageous to the player, and a plurality of areas provided in the variable winning device. Specific detection means for detecting a game medium that has entered the specific area, and when the specific detection means detects a game medium that has entered the variable entrance when performing the starting operation, the start A specific gaming state is generated in which a round in which the variable entrance is controlled to the second state can be executed up to a predetermined upper limit number in a specific manner that is more advantageous to the player than the action. , A gaming machine that enables shift to the next round after the end of the round on the basis of the game medium which enters the said variable entrance during the round is detected by the particular detection means,
A game control microcomputer for executing a game control process for controlling the progress of the game;
A game control board equipped with the game control microcomputer;
An effect control microcomputer that performs effect control of the effect means based on a control signal from the game control microcomputer mounted on the game control board;
A production control board equipped with the production control microcomputer;
A relay board provided with relay means for relaying a control signal output from the game control board to the effect control board;
Unlike the effect means, first display means for performing display control by the game control microcomputer;
A second display means included in the effect means for performing display control by the effect control microcomputer;
The variable winning device includes a distribution unit that distributes the game medium that has entered the variable entrance into the specific area and a normal area different from the specific area,
The game control microcomputer is:
Display control means for performing control to output a drive signal to a light emitter provided in the first display means;
By controlling the state of the distribution means, a high probability round with a high probability of entering a game medium into the specific area, and a low probability round with a low probability of entering a game medium into the specific area compared to a high probability round Distribution control means for controlling to any one of the rounds including,
When the distribution control means is controlled to the low probability round, the change timing at which the ratio that the game medium that has entered the variable entrance is distributed to the specific area by the distribution means is increased. Timing notification control means for performing control to notify in an identifiable manner by display;
Control signal transmission means for transmitting a timing instruction signal as a control signal indicating the change timing,
The production control microcomputer is:
Data storage means for storing a plurality of types of effect display data indicating a display mode of effect display in the second display means;
Effect display control means for performing control to execute a predetermined effect display for notifying the change timing based on the timing instruction signal transmitted by the control signal transmitting means by the display of the second display means,
The effect display control means selects a plurality of effect display display modes on the second display means by selecting one of a plurality of kinds of effect display data stored in the data storage means based on the timing instruction signal. Including an effect mode determining means for determining one of the types of display modes,
A gaming machine characterized by that. An effect means for executing a predetermined effect, a start detection means for detecting a game medium in a start area provided in a game area where the game medium flows down, and an opening / closing member when the start detection means detects the game medium A variable winning device that performs a starting operation from a first state that is disadvantageous to the player to a second state that is advantageous to the player, and a plurality of areas provided in the variable winning device. Specific detection means for detecting a game medium that has entered the specific area, and when the specific detection means detects a game medium that has entered the variable entrance when performing the starting operation, the start A specific gaming state is generated in which a round in which the variable entrance is controlled to the second state can be executed up to a predetermined upper limit number in a specific manner that is more advantageous to the player than the action. , A gaming machine that enables shift to the next round after the end of the round on the basis of the game medium which enters the said variable entrance during the round is detected by the particular detection means,
A game control microcomputer for executing a game control process for controlling the progress of the game;
A game control board equipped with the game control microcomputer;
An effect control microcomputer that performs effect control of the effect means based on a control signal from the game control microcomputer mounted on the game control board;
A production control board equipped with the production control microcomputer;
A relay board provided with relay means for relaying a control signal output from the game control board to the effect control board;
Unlike the effect means, first display means for performing display control by the game control microcomputer;
A second display means included in the effect means for performing display control by the effect control microcomputer;
The variable winning device is:
A game that includes a specific guide path that guides the game medium that has entered the variable advance entrance to the specific area at a high rate, and a normal guide path that guides the game medium to the specific area at a low rate compared to the specific guide path. A medium guidance path;
Distribution means for distributing the game medium that has entered the variable entrance to the specific taxiway and the normal taxiway;
The game control microcomputer is:
Display control means for performing control to output a drive signal to a light emitter provided in the first display means;
Control that informs the display of the first display means of the game medium distribution mode as to whether the game medium that has entered the variable entrance is distributed to the specific guidance path or the normal guidance path by the distribution means A distribution notification control means for performing
Control signal transmission means for transmitting a distribution mode signal as a control signal indicating the game medium distribution mode,
The production control microcomputer is:
Data storage means for storing a plurality of types of effect display data indicating a display mode of effect display in the second display means;
Effect display control means for performing control to execute a predetermined effect display for notifying the game medium distribution mode based on the distribution mode signal transmitted by the control signal transmission unit by display of the second display unit;
The effect display control means selects a plurality of effect display display modes in the second display means by selecting one of a plurality of types of effect display data stored in the data storage means based on the distribution mode signal. Including an effect mode determining means for determining one of the types of display modes,
A gaming machine characterized by that. The game control board is provided with a first signal direction regulating means for blocking the input of a signal from the relay board,
The relay board is provided with second signal direction restricting means for blocking input of a signal from the effect control board,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Operation means that can be operated by the player;
An operation signal output means for outputting an operation signal in response to an operation of the operation means,
The production control board is:
External input means for inputting an operation signal output from the operation signal output means;
Operation determining means for determining whether or not an operation signal is input from the operation signal output means to the external input means;
Operation determination effect determining means for determining a display mode of the effect display in the second display means based on a determination result as to whether or not the operation means has been operated by the operation determining means,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that:

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