JP4468013B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention comprises variable display means capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can identify each, and starts variable display of a plurality of types of identification information based on establishment of a variable display start condition. The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific display result.

  As a gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Further, a variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information is provided, and configured to be able to be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display becomes a specific display result. There is.

  The specific game state means a state advantageous for a player who is given a predetermined game value. Specifically, the specific gaming state is, for example, a state in which the state of the variable winning ball apparatus is advantageous for a player who is easy to win a ball (a big hit gaming state), or a state in which a right to be advantageous for a player has occurred. A state in which a predetermined game value is given, such as a state where conditions for paying out premium game media are easily established.

  In the pachinko gaming machine, the display result of the variable display means for variably displaying the special symbol (identification information) (displaying the symbols visually recognized by the player among a plurality of types of symbols as time passes) A combination of specific display modes that have been defined (for example, a big hit symbol) is usually referred to as “big hit”. When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening (variable winning ball apparatus) is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state in which a hit ball is easy to win.

  And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Further, when a predetermined condition (for example, winning in the V zone provided in the big prize opening) is not established at the time when the big prize opening is closed, the big hit gaming state is ended.

  In addition, the symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) on the variable display means continue for a predetermined time and stop, swing, or expand in a state that matches the specific display result. The possibility of big hits continues before the final result is displayed due to a reduced or deformed state, or multiple symbols changing synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol changing. An effect performed in a state in which the player is in a state (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display. In the reach state, the interest of the game is enhanced by making the variation pattern different from the variation pattern in the normal state. And when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display means does not satisfy the condition for reaching the reach state, it becomes “displaced”, and the variable display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  In addition, in the reach production, when the production is performed, a reach production (called a super reach production) in which the final stop design of the special design becomes a big hit design with high probability or without exception, and the production is performed. There are cases where the final stop symbol of the special symbol becomes a jackpot symbol, but there are also normal reach effects that are often not the case. In many cases, a plurality of types of super reach production and normal reach production are determined.

  In a gaming machine, various effects may be added to increase the player's interest in reach effects. For example, there is a gaming machine configured such that a privilege that changes in amount (value) as the game progresses is determined, and a super reach effect is performed when the value of the privilege reaches a predetermined value (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ). In such a gaming machine, a privilege effect is displayed in which the value of the privilege is displayed or the value of the privilege is increased or decreased on the variable display means. The player improves the sense of expectation for the super reach effect by visually recognizing such a benefit effect and the value of the privilege.

JP 2002-143457 A (paragraphs 0084-0087, FIG. 8)

  However, in the method of controlling the privilege effect as described in Patent Document 1, the value of the privilege is simply controlled so as to increase toward a predetermined value that causes the super reach effect. It is. In other words, since the bonus effect is monotonous, it is difficult to maintain the player's strong interest in the super reach effect only with such an effect.

  Therefore, the present invention relates to a player's variable display effect mode in a gaming machine that uses a variable display effect mode that is used at a high rate as an effect mode of variable display of identification information when it is determined to be a specific display result. An object is to improve a sense of expectation and to maintain a strong interest in a player's variable display effect mode.

The gaming machine according to the present invention includes variable display means (for example, a variable display device 9) that can variably display a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols) that can identify each of them. Start variable display of multiple types of identification information based on the establishment of one or more pending memories after the final stop and jackpot game, and specify the display results of the variable display of the multiple types of identification information A gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player when a display result (for example, a big hit symbol) is obtained, and includes a game control means (for example, a CPU 56) that controls the progress of the game. Game control microcomputer) and display control means (for example, effect control) for controlling the display state of the variable display means in accordance with the display control command transmitted from the game control means A pre-determining means for determining the display result of the variable display of the identification information (for example, the display result with the jackpot symbol, the off symbol, the reach effect). (For example, the part that executes the processing of steps S62, S66, S67, and S64 based on the determination of step S56 in the game control means) and the first variable display effect mode (for example, super reach) based on the determination result by the prior determination means A) A variable display effect mode selecting means (for example, selecting one variable display effect mode from the variable display effect modes including the second variable display effect mode (for example, super reach B) different from the first variable display effect mode) A part for executing the variation pattern setting process in step S302 in the game control means); Display control command transmission means for transmitting information that can recognize the determination result of the previous determination means and the variable display effect mode selected by the variable display effect mode selection means by a display control command (for example, the special symbol of step S27 in the game control means) Display control command receiving means for receiving a display control command (for example, a part for executing the command analysis process in step S704 in the effect control means), and display control. Based on the display control command received by the command receiving means, the variable display control means for causing the variable display means to variably display the identification information (for example, the portion executing the effect control process in step S705 in the effect control means and the GCL 106). When, to count the number of predetermined award image displayed on the variable display means A privilege counter (for example, a privilege counter formed in the RAM 123), and a count notification means (for example, a portion for executing the process of step S884 in the effect control means and the GCL 106, in particular, a count notification means for notifying the count value of the privilege counter, in particular, Whether to increase, decrease or maintain the value of the privilege counter based on the count value of the privilege counter and the display control command received by the display control command receiving means. Notification of increase, decrease, or maintenance of the value of the benefit counter by the counter value update selection means in the variable display means in the counter value update selection means to be selected (for example, the part that executes the benefit effect selection process in step S801 in the effect control means) Notification effect means for performing the effect to be performed (for example, in the effect control means) The variable display effect mode selecting means includes a portion for executing the process of step S884 and the GCL 106), and the variable display effect mode selection means is compared with the case where the variable display of the identification information is performed based on the second variable display effect mode The determination data (for example, the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern) is displayed in the first variable display so that the specific display result is obtained with higher probability when the variable display of the identification information is performed based on the variable display effect mode. Data tables for determination assigned to the production mode and the second variable display production mode (for example, as shown in FIG. 15, 49 and 43 judgment values are assigned to each of the super reach A and B at the time of big hit. In the case of a non-big hit, a variable display effect mode is selected by using a variable pattern table in which one or three judgment values are assigned to each of the super reach A and B, and the counter Update selection means, when the variable display of the identification information is pre-determining means based on the first variable display representation embodiment determined to be a specific display results is performed until the value of the benefits the counter to a predetermined value (for example 5) A part that is selected to be increased (for example, a part corresponding to the random value 3 in the super reach A (non-probable big hit) table illustrated in FIG. )), And when the predetermining means determines that the display result is other than the specific display result and the variable display of the identification information based on the first variable display effect mode is performed, the predetermining means displays other than the specific display result. As a result, it is decided to decrease the value of the privilege counter at a higher rate than when variable display of identification information based on the second variable display effect mode is performed. (Refer to the table of super reach A (out)) in which the ratio of decreasing the privilege image is set higher than the table of super reach B (out) as exemplified in FIG. 21). In addition, although the super reach A and the super reach B were illustrated as an example of the 1st variable display production mode and the 2nd variable display production mode, respectively, the 1st variable display production mode and the 2nd variable display production mode have reached the reach production. It may not be accompanied.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the predetermining means decides to obtain the specific display result and the identification information is variably displayed based on the first variable display effect mode, the value of the privilege counter is increased to a predetermined value. Since the value of the privilege counter becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, that is, when viewed from the player, the specific display result is generated when the number of privilege images reaches the predetermined value. Production can be easily realized. Further, when the predetermining means decides to set the display result other than the specific display result and the variable display of the identification information based on the first variable display effect mode is performed, the predetermining means displays the display result other than the specific display result. Since it is configured to select to decrease the value of the privilege counter at a higher rate than when variable display of identification information based on the second variable display effect mode is performed, Even if a variable display effect mode that results in a specific display result with a probability occurs, the variable display effect mode is performed while giving anxiety that the number of privilege images will decrease, so the player is strongly conscious of the variable display effect mode Can be made.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example. However, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and can be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine.

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

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

  Near the center of the game area 7, there is provided a variable display device (special symbol display device) 9 as an image display means including a plurality of variable display portions each variably displaying a symbol as identification information. The variable display device 9 has, for example, three variable display portions (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. In addition, the variable display device 9 is provided with four special symbol start memory display areas (start memory display areas) 18 for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the start winning opening 14, that is, the start memory number. Each time there is a valid start prize, the display color changes (for example, changes from blue display to red display), and the start storage display area is increased by one. Each time the variable display of the variable display device 9 is started, the start memory number display area where the display color is changed is reduced by 1 (that is, the display color is returned to the original). In this example, since the symbol display area and the start memory display area are provided separately, the start memory number can be displayed even during variable display. The start memory display area may be provided in a part of the symbol display area. Further, the display of the start memory number may be interrupted during variable display. In this example, the start memory display area is provided in the variable display device 9. However, a display (special symbol start memory display) for displaying the start memory number may be provided separately from the variable display device 9. Good.

  Below the variable display device 9, a variable winning ball device 15 is provided as a start winning port 14. The winning ball that has entered the start winning opening 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the start opening switch 14a. A variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes is provided below the start winning opening 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16.

  An open / close plate 20 that is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific gaming state (big hit state) is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. The opening / closing plate 20 is a means for opening and closing a large winning opening (variable winning ball apparatus). Of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6, the winning ball entering one (V winning area: special area) is detected by the V count switch 22, and the winning ball from the opening / closing board 20 is counted. 23. On the back of the game board 6, a solenoid 21A for switching the route in the special winning opening is also provided.

  When a game ball wins the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting the left and right lamps (a symbol can be visually recognized when the lamp is lit). For example, if the right lamp is lit when the variable display ends, it is a win. When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol start memory display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls entered into the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a prize at the gate 32, the normal symbol start memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning holes 29, 30, 33, 39, and winning of game balls to the winning holes 29, 30, 33, 39 is performed by winning hole switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, respectively. Detected. Each winning opening 29, 30, 33, 39 constitutes a winning area provided in the game board 6 as an area for accepting game media and allowing winning. The start winning opening 14 and the big winning opening also constitute a winning area that accepts game media and allows winning. Around the left and right of the game area 7, there are provided decorative lamps 25 blinking and displayed during the game, and at the lower part there is an outlet 26 for absorbing a game ball that has not won a prize. Two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c are provided. Further, a decoration LED is installed around each structure (such as a big prize opening) in the game area 7. The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decoration LED are examples of a decorative light emitter provided in the gaming machine.

  In this example, a prize ball LED 51 that is lit while paying out a prize ball is provided in the vicinity of the left frame lamp 28b, and a ball break LED 52 that is lit when the refill ball is cut is provided in the vicinity of the top frame lamp 28a. It has been. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with lamps and LEDs as light emitters in various places. Furthermore, a prepaid card unit that enables lending a ball by inserting a prepaid card may be installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 (not shown).

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

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

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

  In this embodiment, there are twelve special symbols “0” to “11” in the middle left and right, respectively, and the special symbol display changes in order from “0” in the variable display device 9. Fluctuations are realized. Note that the display of the display symbols may change discontinuously during the change of the special symbols. In addition, when the final stop symbols (determined symbols) of the special symbols are aligned to the middle left and right, a big hit is obtained, and when the left and right are aligned, reach is achieved.

  In the case of a big hit, when the odd symbols are arranged, the game shifts to a high probability state (probability change state) after the big hit game ends. The game control means ends the high probability state when a big hit occurs in the high probability state or when a special symbol is changed a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times). In the probability variation state, the probability that the result of the variation of the special symbol (the final stop symbol, also simply referred to as the stop symbol) becomes a big hit symbol is increased compared to the state that is not the probability variation state (low probability state). Hereinafter, this may be expressed as “a hit / displacement is determined with high probability in the probability variation state”. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the probability of a big hit symbol is increased 10 times in the probability variation state. Further, in the probability variation state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is higher than that in the low probability state. The possibility that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol may be the same as the probability in the low probability state. Further, in this embodiment, when the odd number symbols are arranged, the game is shifted to the probability variation state after the big hit game is finished. That is, the probability variation symbol is an odd symbol, but all the big hit symbols may be the probability variation symbols.

  When the probability variation state ends, the special symbol variation time shortening (shortening) state may be entered. In the short time state, the variation time (variable display period) of the special symbol is shortened compared to the case where the special time state is not. The short-time state continues until a predetermined number of special symbol changes or until a big hit occurs. In the short-time state, since the variation time of the special symbol is shortened, the frequency of the special symbol variation is increased (in other words, the digestion of the reserved memory is accelerated), and as a result, the big hit game is performed. The possibility increases. In addition, said each frequency | count is an illustration, Comprising: You may use another frequency | count.

  When the game ball wins the gate 32, the normal symbol display unit 10 is in a state where the normal symbol is variably displayed. Further, when the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the probability variation state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. That is, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 can be increased when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol or the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probabilistic symbol. Change to an advantageous state. Note that increasing the number of times of opening is a concept including changing from a closed state to an open state.

  FIG. 2 shows a circuit in a game control board (main board) 31 provided on a gaming machine (specifically, installed on the back of the gaming machine) on which a game control microcomputer or the like is mounted. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure. 2 also shows a payout control board 37, a lamp driver board 35, an audio output board 70, and an effect control board 80 that are mounted on the gaming machine. On the main board 31, a basic circuit (corresponding to a game control microcomputer: game control means) 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 32a, a start port switch 14a, a V winning switch 22, a count switch 23 , A switch circuit 58 for giving signals from the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a and the clear switch 921 to the basic circuit 53, a solenoid 16 for opening / closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15, a solenoid 21 for opening / closing the opening / closing plate 20, and a large A solenoid circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 21A for switching the path in the winning opening according to a command from the basic circuit 53 is mounted. The clear switch 921 is mounted on, for example, a power supply board installed in the gaming machine.

  Although not shown in FIG. 2, the count switch short circuit signal is also transmitted to the basic circuit 53 via the switch circuit 58. Further, the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the V winning switch 22, the count switch 23, the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, and other switches may be referred to as sensors. That is, the name of the game medium detection means is not limited as long as it is a game medium detection means (game ball detection means in this example) that can detect a game ball.

  Further, according to the data given from the basic circuit 53, the jackpot information indicating the occurrence of the jackpot, the effective starting information indicating the number of starting winning balls used for starting the variable display of the symbols in the variable display device 9, the probability variation has occurred. An information output circuit 64 is provided for outputting an information output signal such as probability variation information indicating an error to an external device such as a hall computer via an information terminal board installed on the back of the gaming machine. Furthermore, a system reset circuit 65 is provided that gives a reset signal to the CPU 56 when power supply is started.

  A basic circuit 53 realized by a game control microcomputer includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, and storage means used as a work memory (variable data storage means for storing variable data). RAM 55, CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with programs, and I / O port unit 57. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the CPU 56. That is, the CPU 56 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to have at least the RAM 55 built in, and the ROM 54 and the I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached or built in. Since the CPU 56 executes control according to the program stored in the ROM 54, the CPU 56 executes (or performs processing) hereinafter, specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to the program. is there. The same applies to CPUs mounted on boards other than the main board 31. The game control means is realized by a basic circuit 53 realized by a game control microcomputer, but is mainly realized by a CPU 56 that executes control according to a program in the game control microcomputer.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a nonvolatile storage means that is partially or entirely backed up by a backup power source. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the power supply of the backup power supply is disabled). In particular, at least data (special symbol process flag, etc.) corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means, and data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls are stored in the backup RAM. Note that the data according to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power supply is restored after a power failure or the like. . In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means realized by the effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board 80 is a display of the normal symbol hold memory display 41 and the decoration lamp 25 provided on the game board. While performing control, display control of the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball-out lamp 52 provided on the frame side is performed. Each lamp may be an LED or other types of light emitters. That is, a lamp or LED is an example of a light emitter, and may hereinafter be collectively referred to as a lamp / LED. Further, a variable display device decoration LED (center decoration LED) is installed at the upper part and the left and right parts of the variable display device 9, and a large prize opening interior decoration LED is installed inside the big prize opening, and on the right and left of the big prize opening. Is provided with a large winning opening left decoration LED and a large winning opening right decoration LED. The effect control means also controls those light emitters.

  A drive signal for driving the lamp / LED is generated in the lamp driver substrate 35. Further, the display control of the variable display device 9 that variably displays the special symbol and the normal symbol display 10 that variably displays the normal symbol is performed by effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a ROM (not shown), and the input driver 102 and the input port according to a strobe signal (effect control INT signal) from the main board 31. An effect control command is received via 103. The effect control CPU 101 causes the VDP (video display processor) 106 to perform display control of the variable display device 9 using the LCD based on the effect control command. The VDP 106 is sometimes called a GCL (Graphic Controller LSI). Further, the effect control CPU 101 performs display control of the normal symbol display 10 via the output port 104 and the lamp driving circuit 107. The effect control microcomputer includes an effect control CPU 101, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O port.

  Further, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound number data to the audio output board 70 via the output port 104 and the output driver 110. A bus (including an address bus, a data bus, and a control signal line such as a write / read signal) that is input / output to / from the effect control CPU 101 is extended to the lamp driver board 35 via the bus driver 105.

  In the lamp driver board 35, a bus that is input to and output from the effect control CPU 101 is connected to the output port 352 and the expansion port 353 via the bus receiver 351. A signal for driving each lamp output from the output port 352 is amplified by the lamp driver 354 and supplied to each lamp. A signal for driving each LED output from the output port 352 is amplified by the LED driving circuit 355 and supplied to each LED.

  In this embodiment, the lamps / LEDs provided in the gaming machine are controlled by effect control means including an effect CPU 101 mounted on the effect control board 80. Further, data for controlling the variable display device 9, the normal symbol display 10, the lamp / LED and the like are stored in the ROM. The effect CPU 101 controls the variable display device 9, the normal symbol display 10, the lamp / LED, and the like based on the data stored in the ROM. Then, the lamp / LED is driven via the output port 352 mounted on the lamp driver substrate 35 and each drive circuit. Therefore, when changing the model, if the production control board 80 is replaced with a new one, the model change can be realized without replacing the lamp driver board 35.

  The effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70 are independent boards, but are installed in a single box on the back of the gaming machine, for example. Further, the expansion port 353 is installed in consideration of the case where the number of lamps / LEDs and the like is increased when changing the model, but it may not be installed.

  In the audio output board 70, the sound number data from the effect control board 80 is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 by a digital signal processor, for example, via the input driver 702. The voice synthesis IC 703 reads data corresponding to the sound number data from the voice data ROM 704, generates voice and sound effects corresponding to the read data, and outputs them to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27.

  The data corresponding to the sound number data stored in the sound data ROM 704 is a collection of data indicating the sound effect or sound output mode in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, a special symbol fluctuation time). When the voice number IC 703 receives the sound number data, the voice synthesis IC 703 performs sound output control according to the corresponding data in the voice data ROM 704. The sound output control according to the corresponding data is continued until the next sound number data is input. When the next sound number data is input, the speech synthesis IC 703 performs sound output control according to the data in the sound data ROM 704 corresponding to the newly input sound number data.

  In this embodiment, the sound and sound effect output from the speaker 27 are controlled by the effect control means, but the effect control means outputs the sound number data to the sound output board 70. In the audio output board 70, the audio data ROM 704 stores a large number of data for realizing sounds and sound effects that may appear as the game progresses, and these data are associated with the sound number data. . Therefore, the production control means can realize sound output control only by outputting the sound number data. Note that the sound number data is, for example, 1-byte data and is transferred to the audio output board 70 via a serial signal line or a parallel signal line.

  In this embodiment, one effect control means executes display control of variable display, lighting control of lamps / LEDs (light emitters), and sound generation control from the speaker 27, that is, effect control. The means realizes display control means, light emitter control means, and sound control means. Therefore, the display effect by the variable display device 9, the effect using the lamp / LED, and the effect by sound can be easily synchronized. However, in order to lighten the burden on the effect control means, a light emitter control microcomputer and a sound control microcomputer are provided, which are game control means or effect control means (in this case, display control means). The light emitter may be controlled and the sound may be controlled according to the command.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of a portion related to image display control in the effect control board 80. In addition to the CPU 101 for effect control, the effect control board 80 is equipped with a ROM 122 for storing programs for effect control, various effect patterns such as symbol display, light emission, and sound output, and a RAM 123 used as a work memory. ing. The ROM 121 and the RAM 123 may be built in the effect control CPU 101.

  When executing the display control of the variable display device 9, the effect control CPU 101 gives an instruction according to the effect control command to the VDP (hereinafter referred to as GCL) 106. The GCL 106 reads necessary data from the CGROM 83 or the like. The CGROM 83 stores symbols (special symbols) and image data of frequently used characters. Therefore, the CGROM 83 is sometimes called a character ROM. The frequently used character stored in the CGROM 83 is, for example, an image made up of a person, an animal, a character, a figure, a symbol, or the like displayed on the variable display device 9. Note that the character includes a moving image (video) and a still image obtained by actual shooting.

  The GCL 106 generates image data to be displayed on the variable display device 9 according to the input data, and outputs R (red), G (green), B (blue) signals and a synchronization signal to the variable display device 9. The variable display device 9 performs, for example, screen display by a dot matrix method using a large number of pixels (pixels). In this embodiment, the R, G, and B signals are each represented by 8 bits. Therefore, according to the instruction from the GCL 106, the variable display device 9 can perform multi-color display of about 16.7 million colors with each of R, G, and B having 256 gradations. Note that 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 effect control board 80 is provided with various storage media such as an SDRAM (synchronous DRAM) 84 in addition to the CGROM 83. In addition, a frame buffer area is secured in the SDRAM 84. In addition, data relating to a display image such as character source data and palette data used for specifying or changing a display color is stored. The source data is image data and is expressed as source data in the sense of original image data. Further, an area used as a VRAM (video RAM) is also secured in the SDRAM 84.

  The GCL 106 includes various storage media such as a pallet data buffer 85 used for temporarily storing predetermined pallet data and a CG data buffer 86 used for temporarily storing predetermined CG data. In addition, a drawing control unit 91, a display signal control unit 87 for outputting a signal to the variable display device 9, and a moving image compression / decompression unit 89 that performs moving image compression processing and expansion processing are included. The display signal control unit 87 outputs the image data to a DAC (DA conversion circuit) 124. The DAC 124 outputs the image data from the display signal control unit 87 as an analog signal to the LCD serving as the variable display device 9. The drawing control unit 91 includes, for example, an attribute analysis unit, a VRAM address generation unit, a clipping unit, and a translucent luminance modulation unit. The attribute analysis unit analyzes parameters used when drawing the character. Information for designating an image drawing order, the number of colors, an enlargement / reduction ratio, a palette number, coordinates, and the like are set in the parameters. Note that the moving image compression / decompression unit 89 may be configured to be controlled by the GCL 106 or may be configured to be controlled by the effect control CPU 101.

  Inside the GCL 106, a CG bus and a VRAM bus are provided. A CG bus interface (CG bus I / F) 93 is installed between the CGROM 83 and the CG bus. The CPU I / F 92 is also connected to the CG bus, and the effect control CPU 101 can access the portion connected to the CG bus via the CPU I / F 92. Specifically, the effect control CPU 101 accesses the drawing control register 95 connected to the CG bus. The drawing control register 95 stores data such as instructions from the effect control CPU 101 to the drawing control unit 91. Therefore, the effect control CPU 101 writes an instruction for the GCL 106 in the drawing control register 95, and the GCL 106 receives the instruction from the effect control CPU 101 via the drawing control register 95. A VRAM I / F 94 is installed between the SDRAM 84 and the VRAM bus. Note that the moving picture decompression unit 89 can access the VRAM 84 via the VRAM bus and can access the drawing control register 95 via the CG bus.

  The GCL 106 reads the design and character source data from the CGROM 83 and stores them in the VRAM in response to the instruction from the CPU 101 for effect control. Further, the image data expanded in the VRAM is stored in a frame buffer that is an area secured in the SDRAM 84. The display signal control unit 87 outputs the image data stored in the frame buffer to the variable display device 9 via the DAC 124. “Expand to VRAM” means to write to VRAM, that is, to store in VRAM.

  In FIG. 3, the ROM 121, RAM 123, CGROM 83, and SDRAM 84 are not shown. In FIG. 4, the output port 104 is not shown.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the game control means (CPU 56 and peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM) on the main board 31. When the gaming machine is turned on and the input level of the reset terminal to which a reset signal is input becomes high, the CPU 56 performs a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid. After execution, the main processing after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). Then, the built-in device register is initialized (step S4). Further, after initialization (step S5) of CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits), the RAM is set in an accessible state (step S6). The interrupt mode 2 is an address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the game control microcomputer 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device. Is a mode indicating an interrupt address.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal of the clear switch 921 input via the input port only once (step S7). When the on-state is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S11 to S14).

  If the clear switch 921 is not in the on state, whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) has been performed when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped Confirm (step S8). If it is confirmed that such a protection process has not been performed, the CPU 56 executes an initialization process. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed by, for example, the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process. In this example, if “55H” is set in the backup flag area, it means that there is a backup (ON state), and if a value other than “55H” is set, it means that there is no backup (OFF state).

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

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 performs a game state restoration process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electric component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped (step S10). ). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) stored in the backup RAM area is set in the PC, and the address is restored.

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether or not the data in the backup RAM area is stored by using both the backup flag and the check data, but only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity for executing the state recovery process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S11). In addition, a predetermined work area (for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer, a special symbol process flag, a payout command storage pointer, a winning ball flag, a ball out flag, a payout A work area setting process for setting an initial value to a flag such as a stop flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state is performed (step S12). Further, a process of transmitting an initialization command for initializing the sub-boards (the payout control board 35 and the effect control board 80 in this embodiment) to each sub-board is executed (step S13). As the initialization command, there are a command indicating the initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 9 (for the effect control board 80), a command for instructing turning off the winning ball lamp 51 and the ball-out lamp 52, and the like.

  Then, a CTC register set in the CPU 56 is set so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every 2 ms (step S14). That is, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S11 to S14) is completed, the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) are repeatedly executed in the main process. When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. (Step S19). The display random number is a random number for determining a symbol displayed on the variable display device 9, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. . The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining the initial value of the count value, such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit (a big hit determination random number generation counter). A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer controls itself a game display device such as a variable display device 9, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the game machine. In the process of transmitting a command signal for controlling to another microcomputer, or a game machine control process), when the count value of the big hit determination random number generation counter makes one round, the initial value is set in the counter Is done.

  Note that when the display random number update process is executed, the interrupt is prohibited. The display random number update process is also executed in the timer interrupt process described later, and thus conflicts with the process in the timer interrupt process. This is to avoid that. That is, if the timer interrupt is generated during the process of step S17 and the counter value for generating the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt process, the continuity of the count value is impaired. There is a case. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt is prohibited during the process of step S17.

  When the timer interruption occurs, the CPU 56 executes the game control process of steps S20 to S33 shown in FIG. In the game control process, the CPU 56 first executes a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal has been output (whether the power-off signal has been turned on) (step S20). The power-off signal is output when, for example, a voltage drop monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a drop in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switch 24a are input via the switch circuit 58, and the state determination thereof is performed (switch processing: step S21).

  Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a big hit determination random number used for game control is performed (step S22). The CPU 56 further performs processing for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and processing for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (steps S23 and S24).

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1: Decide whether or not to generate a big hit (for big hit judgment)
(2) Random 2-1 to 2-3 (Random 2): For determining the left middle right of the special symbol (special symbol left middle right)
(3) Random 3: Determines the combination of special symbols that generate a big hit (for determining big hit symbols)
(4) Random 4: Determine the variation pattern of the special symbol (for variation pattern determination)
(5) Random 5: Decide whether or not to reach when no big hit is generated (for reach determination)
(6) Random 6: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(7) Random 7: Determine initial value of random 1 (for determining random 1 initial value)
(8) Random 8: Determine initial value of random 6 (for determining random 6 initial value)

  In step S22 in the game control process shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 56 generates (1) big hit determination random number, (3) big hit symbol determination random number, and (6) normal symbol determination random number. Counter is incremented (added by 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may use random numbers other than the random number of said (1)-(8).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S25). In the special symbol process control, corresponding processing is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state. Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S26). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of setting an effect control command related to the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and sending the effect control command (special symbol command control process: step S27). Further, a process for sending an effect control command by setting an effect control command for the normal symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 is performed (normal symbol command control process: step S28).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29).

  In addition, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of the prize opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a (step S30). Specifically, a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls is output to the payout control board 37 in response to detection of winning based on any of the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a being turned on. The payout control CPU mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 according to a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls.

  And CPU56 performs the memory | storage process which checks the increase / decrease in a pending | holding memory | storage number (step S31). In addition, a test terminal process, which is a process for outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be confirmed outside the gaming machine, is executed (step S32). Further, an output process for outputting a drive command to the solenoid circuit 59 when a predetermined condition is satisfied is performed (step S33). In response to a drive command from the game control means, the solenoid circuit 59 drives the variable winning ball device 15 or the opening / closing plate 20 to open or close, or switches the gaming ball path in the big winning opening. Accordingly, the solenoids 16, 21, 21A are driven. Thereafter, the CPU 56 sets the control state to the interrupt permission state (step S34).

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

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process processing program executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 is a specific process of step S25 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process, the CPU 56 performs a variable shortening timer subtraction process (step S310) to detect that a game ball has won the start winning opening 14 provided in the game board 6. If the switch 14a is turned on, that is, if a start winning that causes the game ball to win the start winning opening 14 is generated (step S311), the start opening switch passing process (step S312) is performed, and then according to the internal state. Any one of steps S300 to S308 is performed. The variation shortening timer is a timer for setting the variation time when the variation time of the special symbol is shortened.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Waits until the variable symbol variable display can be started. When the special symbol variable display can be started, the number of reserved memories is confirmed. If the number of reserved memories is not 0, it is determined whether or not to win a jackpot as a result of variable symbol special display. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S301.

  Special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301): The stop symbol of the left middle right symbol after variable display of the special symbol is determined. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S302.

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S302): A variation pattern (variable display mode) of variable display of special symbols is determined according to a random 4 value. Also, a variable time timer is started. At this time, the left middle right final stop symbol and information for instructing the variation mode (variation pattern) are transmitted to the effect control board 80. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S303. Note that the variation pattern is the variation pattern of the special symbol during the variation period, specifically, the variation speed corresponding to the switching speed of the special symbol visually recognized, the variation direction of the special symbol, the display size of the special symbol, and the like. Although it is an aspect which consists of detailed aspects, such as those switching timings, CPU56 does not determine the detailed aspect itself, but determines the data for specifying the multiple types of predetermined variation pattern. The determined data is notified to the effect control means as a variation pattern command. The effect control means holds detailed data indicating the detailed mode of each of a plurality of types of variation patterns in the ROM, reads detailed data corresponding to the variation pattern notified by the variation pattern command from the ROM, and based on the read data. Display control.

  Special symbol variation processing (step S303): When a predetermined time (the time indicated by the variation time timer in step S302, that is, the variation time of the special symbol) has elapsed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is shifted to step S304. Update.

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): Control is performed so that all symbols displayed on the variable display device 9 are stopped. Specifically, an effect control command (definite command) indicating special symbol stop is transmitted to the effect control CPU 101. If the stop symbol is a big hit symbol, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to step S305. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S300.

  Big winning opening opening process (step S305): Control for opening the big winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening. Also, the process timer sets the execution time of the big prize opening opening process and sets the big hit flag. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S306.

  Processing for opening a special prize opening (step S306): A process for sending a production control command for displaying a big prize round to the production control board 80, a process for confirming the completion of the closing condition for the special prize opening, and the like are performed. When the closing condition for the last big prize opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S307.

  Specific area valid time process (step S307): The presence / absence of passing the V winning switch 22 is monitored, and a process of confirming that the big hit gaming state continuation condition is satisfied is performed. If the condition for continuing the big hit gaming state is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state is updated to shift to step S305. In addition, when the big hit gaming state continuation condition is not satisfied within a predetermined effective time, or when all rounds are finished, the internal state is updated to shift to step S308.

  Big hit end processing (step S308): Control for causing the effect control means to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Specifically, in the special symbol command control process, an effect that indicates whether or not the probability variation jackpot end display is performed (when the stop symbol is a probability variation symbol) or whether the non-probability variation big hit end display is performed (when the stop symbol is a non-probability variation symbol) Processing such as setting an internal flag so that a control command is transmitted is performed. Then, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S300.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern. The data shown in FIG. 9 is set in the ROM 54 as a variation pattern table (variable display period table).

  In this embodiment, the effect control command has a 2-byte structure, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always “0”. Note that such a command form is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used. And CPU56 will transmit the effect control command which shows the change pattern to the effect control board 80 (specifically CPU101 for effect control), if the change pattern used in the variable display of a special symbol is determined.

  In FIG. 9, “EXT” indicates the second byte of EXT data in the effect control command having a two-byte structure. In this embodiment, the “MODE” data in the first byte is “80 (H)” in any case for the effect control command indicating the variation pattern, that is, the variation pattern command. In FIG. 9, “time” indicates a variable time (variable display period) in seconds.

  “Normal fluctuation” is a fluctuation pattern without a reach effect. “Normal” is a variation pattern that accompanies a reach effect but the variation result (stop symbol) does not cause a big hit. “Long” is a variation pattern similar to “normal” but has a long variation time. “Full rotation” is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from “long” and “normal”, and includes a reach mode in which the left and right middle symbols change together. Note that different reach modes mean that different modes of change (speed, direction of rotation, etc.), characters, etc. appear in the reach change time (the time during which the reach effect is executed in the change time).

  “Super reach B” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “long”, “normal”, and “full rotation”. “Super reach A” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “long”, “normal”, “full rotation” and “super reach B”.

  “Hit” indicates that a big hit occurs after the end of the change of the symbol. “Super reach” is a variation pattern used when it is highly likely that the situation will be advantageous to the player. For example, the variation pattern is such that the variation ends in a state where the jackpot symbol is displayed with a high probability. In other words, it is a variation pattern with a high degree of jackpot reliability (probability of jackpot). The reliability will be described later with reference to FIG. In addition, as a type of “super reach”, a super reach that always ends in a state where a jackpot symbol is displayed may be included, but “super reach A” and “super reach B” shown in FIG. 9 may be included. In any case, it is assumed that the variation may end due to an outlier design.

  In addition, if the names of the parts other than “hit” match, the reach effect that is executed when it is not decided to stop and display the big win symbol on the variable display device, and the big hit symbol is stopped on the variable display device. The reach effect that is executed when it is determined to be displayed is the same as the effect method during the variable display, except that the stop symbol is a loss symbol or a jackpot symbol. For example, “super reach A” and “per super reach A” have the same production method during variable display, and the player cannot distinguish between them until the symbol is finally stopped. In this embodiment, even if the variation pattern has the same reach mode, different variation pattern commands correspond to whether the big hit or not, but the same reach mode is used regardless of the big hit / loss. The variation pattern possessed may be associated with one variation pattern command.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a privilege effect. Here, in the variable display device 9, an example in which a bonus effect is performed by performing a display effect in which a thing like an apple falls from above on a thing that is moved and displayed in the horizontal direction. Show. Further, in FIG. 10, a downward arrow indicates that a special symbol has been changed. In (A), a privilege image (in this example, an image of an apple-like image displayed in a container-like object in the present example; hereinafter simply referred to as a privilege) during variable display of a special symbol is “0”. A display effect example in the case of increasing to “1” is shown. (B) shows an example of a display effect when the privilege increases from “0” to “2” during variable display of the special symbol. (C) shows an example of a display effect when the privilege is reduced from “3” to “2” during variable display of the special symbol. When the number decreases, the display effect is such that the device is broken and something like an apple spills out of the device.

  (D) shows an example of a display effect when a privilege is maintained during special symbol variable display. (E) shows a display effect example in the case where the privilege exceeds a specified value (in this example, “5”) during the variable display of the special symbol. In each screen, the specified value and the value of the privilege counter at that time are also displayed.

  (F) shows a display effect example in which at the start of the big hit game, the fact is notified and the benefit is notified. (G) shows a display effect example in the case where the bonus increases from “0” to “1” during the big hit game. “Xx” indicates the number of rounds in the jackpot game. In this embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the display as shown in (G) is performed in the first round. (H) shows a display effect example in the case where the bonus is increased in order to notify the fact that the jackpot game has ended and to notify that the probability change state has been reached.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of execution timing of a bonus effect when a bonus effect is performed during variable display of a special symbol (see FIGS. 10A to 10E). In the example shown in FIG. 11, as shown in FIG. 11A, the increase effect (see FIGS. 10A, 10 </ b> B, and 10 </ b> E) in which the bonus increases is executed within a predetermined time from the start of the change. Is done. Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, a maintenance effect (see FIG. 10D) in which the privilege does not increase or decrease is also executed within a predetermined time from the start of the change. Then, as shown in FIG. 11 (C), the reduction effect (see FIG. 10 (C)) in which the bonus is reduced is performed for a predetermined time from the end of the fluctuation after the maintenance effect is executed within the predetermined time from the start of the fluctuation. Begun before. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the sum of the period of the bonus maintenance effect and the period of the bonus reduction effect shown in FIG. 11C is the bonus increase effect shown in FIGS. It is the same as the period and the period of bonus reduction production. Moreover, the timing shown in FIG. 11 is an example, and it is not indispensable to execute the privilege effect in such a period.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 is in a state where the variation of the special symbol can be started (for example, when the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300) (step S51), The value of (the number of reserved storage) is confirmed (step S52). Specifically, the count value of the start winning storage counter is confirmed. The case where the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300 is a case where the symbol is not changed in the variable display device 9 and is not in the big hit game.

  If the reserved memory number is not 0, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = 1 is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S53), and the value of the reserved memory number is set. 1 is decreased (the value of the start winning memory counter is decreased by 1), and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S54). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) is stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n−1. . Therefore, the order in which the random number values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the number of reserved memories is extracted always matches the order of the number of reserved memories = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. It is like that. That is, in this example, every time the variable display start condition is satisfied, the CPU 56 executes a process of shifting the contents of each storage area.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads the jackpot determination random number from the random number storage buffer (step S55), and executes the jackpot determination module (step S56). When it is determined to be a big hit (step S57), the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag (step S58). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S59).

  FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a jackpot determination table used in the jackpot determination module. FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reach determination table used in the reach determination module. As shown in FIG. 13A, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination value is one of “3” at the time of low probability (non-probability change), and the jackpot determination value at the time of high probability (when probability change) is 10 pieces. As shown in FIG. 13B, the reach determination values are “0”, “1”, and “11” when the probability is low (non-probability change), and the reach determination value is “0” when the probability is high. , “1”, “9”, “11”, “12”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 13B, in the probability variation state, the probability of reaching is higher than that in the non-probability variation state. Conversely, in the probability variation state, the probability of reaching as compared with the non-probability variation state. It may be lowered.

  In the jackpot determination module in step S56, it is determined whether or not the jackpot determination random number among the random number values stored in the storage area matches any of the jackpot determination values shown in FIG. If they match, it is determined to be a big hit.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop symbol setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S61). When the big hit flag is set, the big hit symbol is determined according to the value of the big hit symbol random number (random 3) (random 3 read in step S53) (step S62). In this embodiment, each symbol of the symbol number set in the jackpot symbol table corresponding to the value of random 3 is determined as a jackpot symbol. In the jackpot symbol table, left, middle and right symbol numbers corresponding to a plurality of types of jackpot symbols are set. Then, the special effect prohibition flag formed in the RAM is reset (step S63), and the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S68).

  If the big hit flag is not set, the reach determination module is executed (step S64). In the reach determination module, whether or not to reach is determined based on the value of random 3 read from the storage area in step S53, that is, the value stored in the random value buffer. Specifically, if the value of random 3 matches one of the reach determination values shown in FIG. If it is determined to be reach (step S65), the left and right symbols are determined according to the value read at step S53, that is, the random 2-1 value, and the middle symbol is determined according to the random 2-2 value (step S66). . Here, when the determined middle symbol matches the left and right symbols, the symbol corresponding to the value obtained by adding 1 to the random number value corresponding to the middle symbol is set as the stop symbol of the middle symbol so as not to match the jackpot symbol To do. In this way, the reach symbol having the left and right symbols is determined as a result of the variation of the special symbol (stop symbol). Then, the process proceeds to step S68.

  When it is determined not to reach in step S65, a stop symbol in the case of a loss is determined (step S67). Specifically, the left symbol is determined according to the value read in step S53, that is, the extracted random 2-1 value, the middle symbol is determined according to the random 2-2 value, and the random 2-3 value is determined. The right design is determined according to. Here, when the left and right symbols match, the right symbol is shifted by one symbol so that it does not become reach. As a result of the change of the special symbol (stop symbol), the symbol that is not reached is determined. Then, the process proceeds to step S68. When the probability variation symbol is determined in step S62, a probability variation flag indicating that the game is shifted to the probability variation state after the big hit game is ended is set.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern table used in the variation pattern setting process (step S302). In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 selects the normal variation (see FIG. 9) as the variation pattern of the special symbol when the result of variation of the special symbol is not a reach symbol, but the variation of the special symbol is selected. When the result of the above is used as a reach symbol or a jackpot symbol, the variation pattern is calculated using the jackpot variation pattern table illustrated in FIG. 15A or the reach variation pattern table illustrated in FIG. decide. In the big hit time variation pattern table and the reach variation pattern table, 150 numerical values from 0 to 149 are set in association with the variation pattern. The CPU 56 uses the variation pattern that matches the value of the random 4 (variation pattern determination random number) extracted in step S53 in the big hit variation pattern table or the reach variation pattern table as a variation pattern used for variation of the special symbol. select.

  When the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 15 is used, the super reach A and the super reach B can be selected regardless of whether the result of the special symbol variation is a big hit symbol or not. If not, it is selected at a very low rate. In addition, the super reach A and the super reach B have higher reliability.

  Here, the reliability will be described with reference to FIG. The reliability is a probability of being a big hit, and is determined for each variation pattern. In the example shown in FIG. 15, for example, focusing on super reach B, the number of determination values assigned to super reach B at the time of big hit is 43. On the other hand, the number of determination values allocated to the super reach B at the time of non-big hit is 3. Therefore, when the effect of super reach B is performed, the probability of winning a big hit (that is, reliability) is 43 / (43 + 3) = 43/46. In this way, the reliability of each variation pattern is (number of judgment values assigned at the time of big hit) / ((number of judgment values assigned at the time of big hit) + (the number of judgment values assigned at the time of non-big hit) Number)). In the example shown in FIG. 15, the super-reach A has the highest reliability, ie 49 / (49 + 1) = 49/50.

  As described above, the variation pattern of the variation of the special symbol (variable display) and the left middle right stop symbol are determined. The effect control command indicating the determination result is obtained by the special symbol command control process in step S27. Is transmitted to the effect control board 80.

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the game control means to the effect control means will be described. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing signal lines of an effect control command transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101). As shown in FIG. 16, in this embodiment, the effect control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 through the eight signal lines of the effect control signals D0 to D7. An effect control INT signal signal line for transmitting a strobe signal (effect control INT signal) is also wired between the main board 31 and the effect control board 80. FIG. 16 shows an example of the effect control command. However, the control command to other electrical component control boards (payout control means in this embodiment) is also composed of eight signal lines and one signal. It is transmitted by the signal line of the INT signal.

  In this embodiment, the effect control command has a 2-byte structure, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always “0”. Note that such a command form is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the 8-bit effect control command data of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interrupt process. Therefore, when viewed from the effect control means, the effect control INT signal corresponds to a capture signal that triggers the capture of the effect control command data.

  The production control command is sent only once so that the production control means can recognize it. In this example, “recognizable” means that the level of the production control INT signal changes, and that it is sent only once so as to be recognizable means that, for example, the first byte and the second byte of the production control command data respectively. Accordingly, the production control INT signal is output in a pulse shape (rectangular wave shape) only once. The effect control INT signal may have a polarity opposite to that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command sent to the effect control board 80. In the example shown in FIG. 18, commands 8000 (H) to 800A (H) are effect control commands for designating a special symbol variation pattern in the variable display device 9 for variably displaying the special symbol. Each effect control command corresponds to each variation pattern shown in FIG. Note that a command for specifying a variation pattern (variation pattern command) also serves as a variation start instruction. The effect control command corresponds to a display control command for instructing display control, and also functions as a light emitter control command and sound control command for instructing light emitter control and sound control.

  The command 88XX (H) (X = any value of 4 bits) is an effect control command related to a normal symbol variation pattern. Command 89XX (H) is an effect control command for designating a stop symbol of a normal symbol. Command 8A00 (H) is an effect control command for instructing stop of variable display of normal symbols.

  Commands 91XX (H), 92XX (H), and 93XX (H) are effect control commands for designating a left middle right stop symbol of a special symbol. A symbol number is set in “XX”. Command A000 (H) is an effect control command for instructing stop of variable symbol special display. The command BXXX (H) is an effect control command that is sent from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. Command B500 (H) is sent when the big hit game executed when the big hit is generated with the non-probable variation symbol, and the command B501 (H) is the big hit executed when the big hit is generated with the probability variation symbol. Sent when the game is over. The commands C000 (H) to EXXXX (H) are effect control commands relating to the display state of the variable display device 9 that are not related to special symbol variations and jackpot games.

  Command D000 (H) is an effect control command for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  The command E0XX (H) is an effect control command indicating the number of displays in the reserved storage display area 18 for displaying the number of reserved memories in the variable display device 9, that is, an effect control command designating the reserved memory.

  The command E400 (H) is a command that is transmitted when the probability variation state changes to the non-probability variation state.

  When the effect control means (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) of the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control means of the main board 31, the variable display device 9 according to the contents shown in FIG. In addition, the display state of the normal symbol display 10 is changed, the display state of the lamp / LED is changed, and the sound number data is output to the sound output board 70 if necessary. In addition, control commands other than the example shown in FIG. 18 are also transmitted from the game control means to the effect control means. For example, a control command indicating the display state of the winning ball lamp 51 or the ball-out lamp 52 and the number of lighting of the normal symbol hold memory display 41, or a more detailed presentation control command related to the big hit game is also sent from the game control means to the presentation control means. Sent to.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the CPU 101 for effect control. In the main process, first, an initialization process is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, initializing a timer for determining the start interval of effect control, and the like (step S701). Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 shifts to a loop process for checking the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.

  In this embodiment, as an example, a timer interrupt takes every 2 ms. That is, the effect control process is activated every 2 ms. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the specific effect control process is executed in the main process, but the effect control process may be executed in the timer interrupt process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis execution process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S705). In the effect control process, a process corresponding to the current control state is selected and executed from among the processes corresponding to the control state. And the process which updates the random number counter regarding privilege production is performed (step S706). Thereafter, the process returns to the process of checking the timer interrupt flag in step S702. In this embodiment, there are a random number counter for generating a bonus effect selection random number and a random number counter for generating a bonus effect bonus selection random number as random number counters related to the bonus effect.

  An INT signal for effect control from the main board 31 is input to the interrupt terminal of the CPU 101 for effect control. For example, when the INT signal from the main board 31 is turned on, the production control CPU 101 is interrupted. Then, the effect control CPU 101 executes an effect control command reception process in the interrupt process. In the effect control command reception process, the effect control CPU 101 stores, for example, the received effect control command data in a predetermined buffer (RAM).

  FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are explanatory diagrams illustrating a bonus effect pattern table for determining a bonus effect pattern (a bonus effect type, specifically, a bonus increase / decrease value). The privilege effect pattern table is set in the ROM 122. In addition, each table corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol exists in the privilege effect pattern table. And in each table, corresponding to each of the numerical values of 0 to 5, privilege production patterns are set according to the number of privileges (corresponding to the value of the privilege counter) at that time. 20 and 21, “+ n” indicates a privilege effect that increases n privilege. “−n” indicates a privilege effect that reduces the privilege by n. “Maintenance” indicates a privilege effect for maintaining the privilege. “-” Indicates that such a situation (the number of benefits = 5) does not exist.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, any one of steps S800 to S806 is performed according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not an effect control command (variation pattern command) capable of specifying the fluctuation time is received by the command reception interrupt process. For example, it is confirmed whether or not a flag (variation pattern reception flag) indicating that a variation pattern command has been received is set. The variation pattern reception flag is set when it is confirmed by command analysis processing that a variation pattern designation effect control command has been received. When it is confirmed that the effect control command designating the variation pattern has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to step S801.

  Benefit effect selection process (step S801): Whether or not to perform a benefit effect is determined, and the type of privilege effect effect (a pattern of privilege effect) to be performed is determined. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to step S802.

  All symbol variation start processing (step S802): The variation of the left middle right symbol in the variable display unit 9 is started. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value according to step S803.

  Symbol variation processing (step S803): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed, etc.) constituting the variation pattern, and monitors the end of the variation time. In addition, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to step S804.

  All symbol stop setting process (step S804): When an effect control command (special symbol stop effect control command: confirmation command) is received at the end of the variation time, the symbol variation is stopped and stopped. Control to display a symbol (definite symbol) is performed. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to step S805.

  Big hit display process (step S805): After the end of the fluctuation time, the control of the probability variable big hit display or the normal big hit display is performed. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value according to step S806.

  Process during jackpot game (step S806): Control during jackpot game is performed. For example, when an effect control command for display before opening the big winning opening or display when opening the big winning opening is received, display control of the number of rounds is performed. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value according to step S800.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data set for each variation pattern. The process data is composed of data obtained by collecting a plurality of combinations of process timer set values and presentation control execution data. The effect control execution data includes display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and audio data. In the display control execution data, data indicating the display state of the variable display device 9 during the change of the special symbol is set. For example, the display control execution data 1 is set with data indicating the display state of the variable display device 9 at the start of variable display. In the lamp control execution data, data indicating the lamp / LED display state during the change of the special symbol is set. For example, in the lamp control execution data 1, data indicating the lamp / LED display state at the start of variable display is set. In the audio data, data indicating the sound generation state of the speaker 27 during the change of the special symbol is set. For example, the audio data 1 is set with data indicating a sound generation state at the start of variable display. Then, during the change of the special symbol, the timing for switching the display state (for example, the timing for switching the symbol variation speed, the timing for the appearance of a new character in the variable display device 9, the timing for switching the lamp / LED from the lit state to the unlit state. ) Arrives, the effect control means controls the display state of the variable display device 9 and the lamp / LED according to the next effect control execution data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, audio data) in the process data. The audio data is output to the audio output board 70. In the process timer set value, a time corresponding to the switching timing is set.

  The process data shown in FIG. 23 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. Further, process data is prepared for each variation pattern.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the variation pattern reception flag is set (step S871). If it is set, the flag is reset (step S872). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the privilege effect selection process (step S801) (step S873).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a privilege effect selection process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the privilege effect selection process, the effect control CPU 101 first extracts a random number (a privilege effect selection random number) (step S811). That is, the value of the random number counter is read, and the read value is set as the random number value. In this example, it is assumed that the range of the bonus effect selection random number is a range from 0 to 5.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a table corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol variation to be executed from the privilege effect pattern table (step S812). Then, the increase / decrease value (privilege effect pattern) corresponding to the count value of the privilege counter is read from the row associated with the numerical value matching the random value in the selected table (step S813). The effect control CPU 101 stores the read increase / decrease value in the register or RAM 123 (step S814) and updates (adds, subtracts or maintains) the value of the privilege counter with the increase / decrease value (step S815). The privilege counter is formed in the RAM 123, and is set to 0 at the start of power supply. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to all symbol variation start processing (step S816).

  In addition, in the table according to the variation pattern of the variation of the special symbol to be executed from now on by the production control command indicating the stop symbol of the left middle right transmitted together with the effect control command indicating the variation pattern, It is possible to determine whether the table at the time of loss, the table at the time of non-probable change big hit, or the table at the time of probability change big hit is used.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing all symbol variation start processing (step S802) in the effect control process. In the all symbol variation start processing, the production control CPU 101 first selects process data (also referred to as a variation pattern table) to be used (step S881). Then, using the effect control data set at the beginning of the process data, the special symbol variation control and the associated lamp / LED and sound control are started (step S882). Specifically, a process timer corresponding to the process timer set value is started, and control based on display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1 and audio data 1 in the process data is started. That is, LCD control is performed based on the display control execution data 1. For example, a signal corresponding to the content of the display control execution data 1 is given to the variable display device 9 using an LCD. Note that a ROM address may be set in the display control execution data, and more detailed control data may be stored in an area starting from the address, and LCD control may be performed according to the control data. Further, lamp / LED control is performed based on the lamp control execution data 1 in the process data. For example, a signal corresponding to the content of the lamp control execution data 1 is given to each lamp / LED. Note that the ROM address is set in the lamp control execution data, and more detailed control data is stored in an area starting from the address, and the lamp / LED control is performed according to the control data. Good. Further, audio data 1 indicating the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70. In the voice output board 70, the voice synthesis IC 703 reads data corresponding to the sound number data from the voice data ROM 704, generates voice and sound effects corresponding to the read data, and outputs them to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the voice synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 707 to the speaker 27.

  In this embodiment, a privilege effect can be executed in the variation of a special symbol that accompanies a reach effect. Therefore, when the normal variation or the shortened variation is notified from the game control means as the variation pattern of the special symbol, the process of step S884 which is a process for starting the bonus effect is skipped and the process proceeds to step S885. (Step S883).

  And when the variation pattern with reach production is notified as the variation pattern of the special symbol, the privilege production according to the increase / decrease value stored in step S814 is started, and the value of the privilege counter is displayed on the GCL 106. An instruction is given (step S884).

  For example, assuming that CGROM 83 stores image data of a screen corresponding to the type of privilege effect, the increase / decrease value stored in step S814 and the count value of the privilege counter (however, before being updated in the process of step S815) Instructs to read out the screen data of the bonus effect according to the value) from the CGROM 83 and write it into the VRAM. Taking the case shown in FIG. 10 (A) as an example, the CGROM 83 displays the movement of the screen during the period in which the special effects corresponding to the increase / decrease value (+1) and the special counter value (0) are performed (the special symbol A plurality of pieces of image data (for a plurality of screens) for realizing the display area are stored. The effect control CPU 101 instructs to write the image data for the plurality of screens in the VRAM. In the display control process to be described later, the effect control CPU 101 displays image data transferred from the VRAM to the frame buffer (storage area for image data output to the variable display device 9) as time passes. The GCL 106 is instructed to switch among the image data. As a result, for example, a display effect is realized in which a container such as that shown in FIG. 10A moves within the screen. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 10, for example, the value of the privilege counter such as “1/5” is displayed.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 starts a variation time timer (a timer corresponding to the variation time of the special symbol) (step S885). Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the process during symbol variation (step S886).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a process during symbol variation (step S803) in the effect control process. In the process during symbol variation, when the process timer times out (step S831), the effect control CPU 101 switches the effect control execution data in the process data (step S832). That is, in the process data, the next set process timer is started, and LCD control is performed based on the next set display control execution data. Further, lamp / LED control is performed based on the lamp control execution data set next in the process data. Further, audio data 1 indicating the next set sound number data in the process data is output to the audio output board 70.

  If the variable time timer has timed out (step S833), a monitoring timer for monitoring the reception of the special symbol stop effect control command is started (step S834), and the value of the effect control process flag is awaited for all symbol stops. A value corresponding to the process is set (step S835). If the effect control CPU 101 receives the effect control command for stopping the special symbol, the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the all symbol stop process even if the variable time timer has not timed out.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the display control process. In this embodiment, 33.3. By changing the display screen of the variable display device 9 every time ms elapses, display effects and fluctuations in special symbols are realized. The display control process is executed, for example, by the GCL 106 in response to a V blank interrupt that occurs every 33.3 ms. In the display control process, the effect control CPU 101 instructs the GCL 106 to write the screen to be displayed next, that is, the image data of the next frame from the VRAM to the frame buffer (step S721). At this time, the address of the VRAM in which the image data is stored is also instructed to the GCL 106. In the period during which the privilege effect is performed (see FIG. 11), the effect control CPU 101 instructs the address where the image data of the screen for realizing the privilege effect is stored. In the display control process, the effect control CPU 101 also outputs an instruction to output image data from the frame buffer to the variable display device 9 side to the GCL 106, but these processes are omitted in FIG.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing all symbol stop processing (step S804) in the effect control process. In the all symbol stop process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not an effect control command (special symbol stop effect control command) for instructing stop of all symbols has been received (step S841). If an effect control command for instructing stop of all symbols has been received, control is performed to stop the symbol at the stored stop symbol (design by the effect control command specifying the stop symbol received at the start of variation) (step S842). ).

  When the big hit symbol is displayed in step S842, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S805) (steps S843 and S845). Further, the GCL 106 performs processing for clearing the value of the privilege counter to 0 and displaying the screen (see FIG. 10F) for notifying that the privilege has become 0 on the variable display device 9. (Steps S846 and S847). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S844.

  When the big hit symbol is not displayed in step S842, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S844).

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process in step S805. In the jackpot display process, the effect control CPU 101 performs a process of displaying a screen for notifying the jackpot using the GCL 106 (corresponding to “big hit !!” in FIG. 10F) (step S851). If the GCL 106 receives an instruction to display a screen for notifying that the privilege has become 0 by the processing in step S847, the GCL 106 not only displays “big hit !!” but also the privilege becomes 0. The display effect which shows that is also performed.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 extracts a bonus effect selection random number during the big hit (assuming any value between 0 and 3 here) (step S852). The extracted random number value and the determination value (here, 0 and 1) are compared, and if they match, it is decided to perform the bonus effect during the big hit game. If it decides to perform a privilege effect, it will instruct | indicate to GCL106 for performing the effect which a privilege increases from 0 to 1 (step S853, S854). In response to the instruction, the GCL 106 performs display control for realizing a screen as shown in FIG. 10G during the big hit game. Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S806) (step S855). In addition, you may make it always perform the display effect which shows increasing a privilege, and the value to increase may be 2 or more.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the big hit game processing. In the big hit game processing, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the big hit gaming state has ended (step S861). Whether or not the big hit game state has ended can be confirmed by an effect control command from the game control means (an effect control command for non-specific big hit end display or specific big hit end display shown in FIG. 18). When the big hit gaming state is ended, when the probability change state is entered (when the special big hit end display effect control command is received), the GCL 106 is provided with an effect (in this case, 1 to 2). To give an effect to increase (steps S862, S863). In addition,

  In addition, a process for displaying a screen for notifying the end of the big hit (corresponding to “end of big hit” in FIG. 10H) using the GCL 106 is performed (step S864). In response to the instruction, the GCL 106 performs display control for realizing a screen as shown in FIG. At that time, if the GCL 106 is instructed to perform an effect in which the bonus is increased by the process of step S863, the bonus as shown in FIG. A display indicating that this is to be performed is also performed. If no instruction to perform an effect that increases the privilege is received, only “End of jackpot” is displayed.

  By controlling the effect control CPU 101 and the GCL 106 as described above, the value of the privilege counter is increased, decreased or maintained during the variable display of the special symbol, and the variable counter 9 increases, decreases or maintains the value of the privilege counter. An effect to notify is executed. Further, by using the table shown in FIG. 21, when variable display based on the super reach B is performed, the value of the privilege counter is increased at a higher rate than when variable display of identification information based on other reach is performed. A decreasing production is selected.

  In addition, by using the table shown in FIG. 21, when the stop symbol is an outlier symbol and variable display based on a high reliability (here, this reliability is P) variation pattern is performed, the stop symbol is An effect that the value of the privilege counter is reduced at a higher rate than when variable display based on a variation pattern with a reliability level lower than the reliability level P is selected. When the stop symbol is an outlier symbol and variable display based on the variation pattern of the reliability P is performed, the variable symbol display based on the variation pattern of the reliability symbol lower than the reliability P is performed. An effect with a large amount of decrease in the value of the privilege counter is selected at a higher rate than when it is played.

  Specific examples are shown below. As already explained, the super reach A and the super reach B have higher reliability. As shown in FIG. 21, comparing the table at the time of super-reach A detachment with the table at the time of detachment of super-reach B, the table of super-reach A with higher reliability has more privilege effects that reduce the benefits. Assigned. In addition, the amount of bonus reduction in the bonus production that reduces the bonus is also larger for the Super Reach A table. Therefore, when the stop symbol is an out symbol and variable display based on the super reach A is performed, the benefit counter is at a higher rate than when the stop symbol is an out symbol and variable display based on the super reach B is performed. An effect that decreases the value of is selected. In addition, an effect with a large decrease in the value of the privilege counter is selected at a high rate.

  Further, as described in the table for Super Reach A in FIG. 21, when the jackpot symbol of the non-probable variable symbol is a non-probable variable jackpot that is stopped and displayed, the value of the privilege counter is 3 or before the variable display starts. If it is 4, the value of the privilege counter is always the prescribed value of 5 during variable display. Therefore, it can be shown to the player that Super Reach A (which is always a big hit in this embodiment) occurs when the value of the privilege counter reaches the specified value. In this embodiment, when the value of the privilege counter is 0 to 2 before the variable display is started, the value of the privilege counter may not reach the specified value during the variable display. Also in the case of 0 to 2, control may be performed so that the value of the privilege counter reaches a specified value during variable display.

  Further, as described in the tables of FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, when the jackpot symbol of the probability variation symbol is a probability variation jackpot that is displayed in a stopped state, the value of the privilege counter may exceed the specified value during variable display. . Then, from the viewpoint of the player, it feels as if a certain change state has occurred due to the value of the privilege counter exceeding the specified value. In the case of a promising big hit, the benefit counter value may not exceed the specified value during variable display, but if the probable big hit, the bonus counter value must be controlled to exceed the specified value. Also good.

  FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a big hit end notification screen in the second embodiment described below. The above embodiment will be referred to as a first embodiment. In 1st Embodiment, the production | presentation which the value of a privilege counter increases was performed on the alerting | reporting screen of jackpot end (refer FIG.10 (H)). Therefore, the player can recognize that the probability change state has been entered without particularly notifying the player of the occurrence of the probability change.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 32, for example, the fact that the probability change state has been reached is notified on the notification screen of the big hit end. Further, for example, in the case where the variable display is finished when the variable display is performed 10 times as the number of times of continuous change in the probability change state, the variable display of the 8th to 10th times is more than the variable display of 7 times from the first time to the seventh time. In addition, the selection rate of executing the bonus effect that increases the bonus is increased.

  That is, as illustrated in FIG. 33, in the remaining three variable displays, the bonus effect pattern so that the selection rate for executing the bonus effect that increases the bonus is higher than in the previous variable display. Set the table. Note that the probability variation state ends when a big hit occurs even before 10 variable displays are performed. Moreover, although the case of normal reach and long reach is illustrated in FIG. 33, with respect to the other types of reach, the remaining three variable display increases the benefits compared to the previous variable display. The privilege effect pattern table is set so that the selection rate of executing the privilege effect to be performed is increased. The number of times shown here (10 times and 3 times) is an example, and other numbers may be used.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the big hit game processing executed by the presentation control CPU 101 according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, when the production control CPU 101 confirms that it is a probable big hit (step S862A), the GCL 106 is used to display a screen for informing the end of the probable big hit as shown in FIG. (Step S862B). If it is not the probability variation big hit, for example, a screen display for informing the end of the non-probability big hit, which is a screen obtained by excluding the display of “probability variation start” from the screen shown in FIG. 32, is performed (step S862B).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the production control means is controlled to the probability variation state, and then the specific number of times (seven times from the first time to the seventh time in this example) which is smaller than the number of times the probability variation is continued. Increases the value of the benefit counter at a higher rate than when variable display of identification information is performed a specific number of times from when variable display of special symbol is performed until when variable display of special symbol is performed for the number of times of continuity change Select the production to be performed.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, when the result of variable display becomes a big hit symbol, the case where the privilege is increased to a predetermined value (5 in the above example) is shown. That is, when the production control CPU 101 receives a display control command for designating a big hit symbol as a stop symbol when the variation pattern is Super Reach A, it selects the table of super reach A (non-probable big hit) shown in FIG. The privilege can be increased to a predetermined value of 5. It is good also as a structure which increases a privilege to a predetermined value, when the result of a variable display turns into a display result with reach production. In this case, in the privilege effect pattern table corresponding to the variation pattern having the reach effect, data that increases the privilege to a predetermined value may be set. For example, when the current privilege is 0, “+5”, when the current privilege is 1, “+4”, when the current privilege is 2, “+3”, the current privilege If the number is three, a privilege effect pattern table in which “+2” is set, and if the current privilege is four, “+1” is set. Then, when the CPU 101 for effect control receives from the CPU 56 a change pattern command that designates a display result accompanied by a reach effect, the benefit control CPU 101 may determine to increase the benefit to a predetermined value using the benefit effect pattern table. .

  The present invention is applied to increase the variation of effects executed in a variable display device or the like in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine provided with variable display means capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can each be identified. can do.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a portion related to image display control in the effect control board. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between a fluctuation pattern command and a fluctuation pattern. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of privilege production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of execution timing of privilege production. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol normal process in a special symbol process process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a big hit determination table and a reach determination table. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop symbol setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a fluctuation pattern table. FIG. 38E illustrates an effect control command signal line. It is a timing diagram showing the relationship between an 8-bit control signal and an INT signal constituting a control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU for production control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows a privilege production pattern table. It is explanatory drawing which shows a privilege production pattern table. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of 1 structure of process data. It is a flowchart which shows a variation pattern command command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a privilege production | presentation selection process. It is a flowchart which shows all the symbol variation start processes. It is a flowchart which shows the process during symbol fluctuation. It is a flowchart which shows a display control process. It is a flowchart which shows all the symbol stop processes. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit display process. It is a flowchart which shows processing during a big hit game. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the alerting | reporting screen of jackpot end. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of a privilege production pattern table. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of a process during a big hit game.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine 9 Variable display 31 Main board 56 CPU
80 Production control board 83 CGROM
84 SDRAM (VRAM, frame buffer)
101 CPU for effect control
106 GCL (VDP)

Claims (1)

A variable display means capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can identify each of the plurality of types of identification information is started, and variable display of the plurality of types of identification information is started based on establishment of a variable display start condition. A game machine that can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display of
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Display control means for controlling the display state of the variable display means according to the display control command transmitted from the game control means,
The game control means includes
Pre-determining means for determining a display result of variable display of identification information;
One variable display effect mode is selected from among the variable display effect modes including the first variable display effect mode and the second variable display effect mode different from the first variable display effect mode based on the determination result by the prior determination means. Variable display effect mode selection means to perform,
Display control command transmitting means for transmitting, by the display control command, information capable of recognizing the determination result of the prior determination means and the variable display effect aspect selected by the variable display effect aspect selection means,
The display control means includes
Display control command receiving means for receiving the display control command;
Variable display control means for causing the variable display means to perform variable display of identification information based on the display control command received by the display control command receiving means;
A privilege counter that counts the number of predetermined privilege images displayed on the variable display means;
Count notification means for notifying the count value of the privilege counter in an identifiable manner;
Counter value update selection means for selecting whether to increase, decrease or maintain the value of the benefit counter based on the count value of the privilege counter and the display control command received by the display control command receiving means;
Notification effecting means for performing an effect of notifying increase, decrease or maintenance of the value of the privilege counter by the counter value update selection means in the variable display means,
The variable display effect mode selecting means displays the variable information of the identification information based on the first variable display effect mode as compared with the case where the variable display of the identification information is performed based on the second variable display effect mode. A determination data table in which determination data is allocated to the first variable display effect mode and the second variable display effect mode is used so that the specific display result is obtained with higher probability when performed. To select the variable display effect mode,
The counter value update selection means includes:
When the prior determination means determines that the specific display result is to be used and variable display of identification information based on the first variable display effect mode is performed , the value of the privilege counter is increased to a predetermined value. Selected,
When the prior determination means determines that the display result is other than the specific display result and the variable display of the identification information based on the first variable display effect mode is performed, the prior determination means performs the specific display result. It is decided that the value of the privilege counter should be decreased at a higher rate than when the identification information is variably displayed based on the second variable display effect mode by determining that the display result is other than A featured gaming machine.

Images