JP4647565B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is capable of performing a predetermined game using a game ball, and playing a game in the first winning portion provided in the gaming area, the second winning portion provided in the gaming area, and the first winning portion. First variable display means for starting variable display of the first identification information and deriving and displaying the display result when the first start condition of variable display is satisfied based on the winning of the medium, and a game in the second winning portion The second variable display means for starting the variable display of the second identification information and deriving and displaying the display result when the second start condition of the variable display is satisfied based on the winning of the medium, and the first variable display The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on the means or the second variable display means.

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of game balls are prizes (prize balls) ) Is paid to the player. Further, a variable display unit capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display result in the variable display unit, The state of the machine, more specifically, the state in which the gaming machine is controlled) is configured to give a predetermined game value to the player. The game value is the right that the state of the variable winning ball apparatus provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine becomes advantageous for a player who is easy to win, and the right for becoming advantageous for a player. In other words, or a condition for winning a prize ball is easily established.

  In a pachinko machine, a specific display mode (specific display) determined in advance as a display result of variable display of special symbols (identification information) started in the variable display unit based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening When the result is derived and displayed, a “big hit” occurs. Note that the derivation display is to stop and display a symbol (excluding stop before so-called re-variation). When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening (one of the winning areas) is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times), and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the 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. That is, winning is likely to occur in the big hit gaming state, and the player can acquire a large number of winning balls. An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. In addition, hereinafter, the opening period of each big prize opening is referred to as a round.

  In the variable display device, the symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol in the left, middle, and right symbols) are stopped and oscillated in a state in which they coincide with a specific display result for a predetermined time. There is a possibility that a big hit will occur before the final result is displayed due to scaling, deformation, or deformation, or when multiple symbols change synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the displayed symbol changes. An effect that is performed in a state in which the state continues (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. Then, when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display device is not a specific display result, it becomes “out of” and the variability display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  When a game ball wins a grand prize opening, a game ball as a prize is paid out to a player. Generally, the number of game balls to be paid out when a game ball wins a normal prize opening other than the big prize opening. However, there are more game balls to be paid out when a game ball is won at the big prize opening. Then, it becomes easy to receive a fraudulent act that attempts to obtain a game ball as a prize illegally by creating a situation in which a game ball has won a prize winning opening by using an unauthorized tool or the like. At this time, the game ball is not actually won in the big prize opening.

  Therefore, a game machine is proposed that is configured to notify an abnormality and stop the game if an abnormal winning is detected when a winning of a game ball to the big winning opening is detected when the big winning opening is closed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP-A-5-228243 (paragraphs 0147, 0151)

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Literature 1, when an abnormal winning at the big winning opening is detected, the launch of the gaming ball into the gaming area is prohibited. By prohibiting the launch of the game ball, it is impossible to continue the game, and it is possible to prevent the game store from being disadvantaged due to continued fraud. However, the winning of the game ball to the big prize opening when the big prize opening is closed is not limited to an illegal act. For example, although the output of the detection means is actually in an off state (a state in which no game ball is detected), noise is added to the output of the detection means for detecting the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening, and the detection means There is a case where the control means for inputting the output of the game determines that the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening is detected. In that case, when the technique described in Patent Document 1 is applied, the control means stops the game. In addition, the control means for controlling the opening of the big prize opening does not control to open the big prize opening, but the driving means for opening the big prize opening malfunctions due to noise or the like, and the big prize opening is opened. There is a possibility. In this case, since the control means determines that the big prize opening is not open, the control means stops the game when the game ball wins the big prize opening.

  However, if an abnormal winning to the big winning opening is detected due to factors other than fraudulent acts, the player may suffer a disadvantage. As an example, when reaching a reach state where the possibility of a big hit has continued, an abnormal winning to the big winning opening was detected due to noise, etc., even though there was no fraud. If the game is sometimes not possible, the player cannot know the display result of the variable display device. Actually, if the display result of the effect display device is a jackpot symbol, the game is shifted to the jackpot game state, but the player loses the opportunity to obtain a large number of prize balls.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can detect an illegal act related to a prize winning opening and can prevent a player from being given an unexpected disadvantage.

The gaming machine according to the present invention has a first winning portion (for example, the first start winning opening 13) provided in the gaming area and a second winning portion (the second starting winning opening 14) provided in the gaming area. And the first start condition of variable display based on the winning of the game medium in the first winning part (for example, the first reserved memory number is not 0 after the special symbol is finally stopped). First variable display means (for example, the first special symbol display 8a) for starting the variable display of the first identification information (for example, the first special symbol) and deriving and displaying the display result when established, and the second winning portion The second identification information when the second start condition of variable display (for example, after the final stop of the special symbol and the second reserved memory number is not 0) is established based on the winning of the game medium Start variable display (for example, 2nd special symbol) and derive the display result The second variable display means (for example, the second special symbol display 8b) to be displayed, and the specific display result (for example, the big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the first variable display means or the second variable display means advantageous specific game state for the player (e.g., jackpot gaming state) a gaming machine to shift to change, variable winning equipment in the open state of easily in a particular gaming state (e.g., the special variable winning ball device 20) When, the variable winning equipment in detecting means for outputting a detection signal upon detection of game media prize (e.g., count switch 23) and, the game control means for controlling the progress of a game (e.g., game control microcomputer 560) And an effect control means for controlling the effect device (for example, the effect display device 9) based on a command (for example, an effect control command) transmitted by the game control means. For example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the game control means determines whether to shift to the specific game state before derivation display of the display result. A part for executing the processes of steps S62 and S63 in the first special symbol process, and a part for executing processes corresponding to the processes of steps S62 and S63 in the first special symbol process). , Winning determination means for determining whether or not a detection signal from the detection means has been input (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S331 to S338, S351 to S356, and S361 in the game control microcomputer 560. In particular, counting. Steps S355 and S361 are performed using the switch input bit determination value. And an abnormality notification command transmission means for transmitting an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification based on the fact that the winning determination means inputs a detection signal in a gaming state other than the specific gaming state. (For example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the part that executes the processing of steps S585, S587 to S589) and the first variable display means, the second variable display means, and the variable winning device based on the data indicating the game progress state The state control means controls whether the first variable display means or the second variable display means controls the data indicating the game progress state to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value. When the value is a numerical value, the variable winning device is controlled to be openable, and the abnormality notification command transmitting means has predetermined data indicating the game progress state. Without executing the processing for instructing the execution of the abnormality notification when it is more numeric, presentation control means, based on the abnormality notification command abnormality notification command transmitting means transmits, to start the abnormality notification by effect device Thereafter, abnormality notification means that continues the abnormality notification even when the variable display control means performs variable display of the identification information in the variable display device (for example, in the production control microcomputer 100, steps S906 to S909, S845A, It characterized in that it comprises a portion) that performs the process of S845C.

Prize game medium payout control means game medium to the winning areas executes the control to pay out the prize game medium in response to the prize (e.g., in the gaming control microcomputer 560, step S362～S365, the process of S371~S382 And a prize game medium payout control means for prohibiting execution of control for paying out the prize game medium when the winning determination means determines that a detection signal is input in a game state other than the specific game state. It may be configured to include prohibition means (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S362 and S363 in the game control microcomputer 560).

  The abnormality notification means may be configured to continue the abnormality notification until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped (for example, the production control microcomputer 100 does not execute the control for deleting the abnormality notification screen).

  The game control means is a numerical value updating means for updating a predetermined numerical value (for example, a part for executing the processing of step S24 in the game control microcomputer 560) and a predetermined time (for example, a game at the first start winning award 13). Numerical value extraction means (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the first special symbol process processing) extracts a numerical value from the numerical value update means when a ball is won or when a game ball is won at the second start winning opening 14. The part that executes the process of step S113 in step 2. The part that executes the process corresponding to the process of step S113 in the first special symbol process process in the second special symbol process process) and the numerical value extracted by the numerical value extraction means Display result determining means for determining information that can specify the display result of variable display of identification information (for example, a game control manager) A part of the black computer 560 that executes the processes of steps S82 and S83 in the first special symbol process.The second special symbol process performs the processes corresponding to the steps S82 and S83 of the first special symbol process. And an initialization means for executing an initialization process for setting a numerical value to an initial value when power supply to the gaming machine is started (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 executes the process of step S12). And an initialization command transmission unit (for example, for game control) that transmits an initialization command (for example, an initialization designation command) indicating the execution of the initialization process when the initialization unit executes the initialization process. In the microcomputer 560, the portion that executes the process of step S13) Based on the initialization command transmitted from the initialization command transmission unit, the control unit is an initial indicating that the initialization process has been executed by the rendering device until a predetermined end condition (e.g., elapse of a predetermined period) is satisfied. Including an initialization notification means for performing initialization notification (for example, in the production control microcomputer 100, a portion for executing the processing of steps S631 to S632C), and when the initialization notification means is performing initialization notification, abnormality notification is performed. An abnormality notification prohibiting unit that prohibits the start of abnormality notification by the means (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S44, S45, S581 to S583 in the game control microcomputer 560) may be provided.

  An effect display device (for example, effect display device 9) that performs effect display is provided as the effect device, and the game control means that the variable display of the identification information is not executed by the first variable display means and the second variable display means. As a condition (for example, 0 after the first special symbol process flag and “N” in the process of step S313), the variable display of the identification information on the first variable display means or the second variable display means When the variable display of the identification information is started by the first variable display means or the second variable display means in accordance with the establishment of the start condition, the identification information of either the first variable display means or the second variable display means Variable display means identification command (for example, special symbol identification command (first symbol variation designation command and second symbol variation designation command)) that can identify whether variable display is started, and variable display time are identified Start command transmitting means for transmitting a variable display pattern command (for example, a variation pattern command) for display and a display result specifying command for specifying the display result (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the first special symbol process) A portion for executing the processing of steps S102, S103, S110 to S118 in the processing, including a portion for executing processing corresponding to the processing of steps S102, S103, S110 to S118 in the second special symbol process processing). Starts an effect corresponding to the variable display means specified by the variable display means specifying command on the effect device based on the command transmitted by the start command transmitting means (for example, the processing of steps S821, S823, S825, and S826) May be configured to run) .

In the invention according to claim 1, the game control means transmits an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification based on the fact that the winning determination means inputs the detection signal in a gaming state other than the specific gaming state. Including an abnormality notification command transmitting means, and a state control means for controlling the state of the first variable display means, the second variable display means and the variable winning device based on the data indicating the game progress state . Regardless of whether the 1 variable display means is controlled or the second variable display means is controlled, the variable winning device is controlled so that it can be opened when the data indicating the game progress state is a numerical value greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and an abnormality is notified. command transmission means, the data indicating the game progress state without executing the processing for instructing the execution of the abnormality notification when a numerical value of a predetermined value or more, the effect control means, abnormality notification frame On the basis of the abnormality notification command transmitted by the transmission means, after the abnormality notification is started by the effect device, the abnormality notification is continued even when the variable display control means is executing variable display of the identification information on the effect display device. Since the abnormality notification means is included, it is possible to notify that a winning abnormality has occurred, and to continue the game so that the player is not disadvantaged. Further, it can be determined whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred according to the gaming state, and the configuration for detecting an abnormal winning can be simplified.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the payout for prohibiting execution of the control for paying out the prize game ball when the prize game ball payout control means determines that the winning determination means has input the detection signal in a game state other than the specific game state. Since the control prohibiting means is included, when there is a possibility that the winning determination means has input a detection signal due to an illegal act, it is possible to prevent the game store from being disadvantaged by not paying out the winning ball based on the winning.

  In the invention described in claim 3, since the abnormality notification means is configured to continue the abnormality notification until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, it can be notified more reliably that a winning abnormality has occurred. .

  In the invention of claim 4, since the abnormality notification prohibiting means for prohibiting the start of the abnormality notification by the abnormality notification means is provided when the initialization notification means is performing the initialization notification, the initialization notification is a winning abnormality It is executed in preference to the notification, and it can be reliably recognized outside the gaming machine that the initial value is set to a numerical value for determining information that can specify the display result of the variable display of the identification information.

In the fifth aspect of the invention, the variable display means specifying command capable of specifying which of the first variable display means and the second variable display means the variable display of the identification information is started by the game control means, and the variable Since it includes a start command transmission means for transmitting a variable display pattern command for specifying the display time and a display result specifying command for specifying the display result to the effect control means, the variable display pattern command and the display result can be specified. The display result specifying command can be used in common for the variable display of the identification information on the first variable display means and the variable display of the identification information on the second variable display means, and the effect control means is the effect device and the variable display means. When starting the production corresponding to the variable display means specified by the specific command, it is possible not to increase the types of commands transmitted from the game control means. Kill.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (bullet ball gaming machine) 1 as seen from the front.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be opened and closed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) that can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate (not shown) to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts (games to be described later) attached to them. A structure including the board 6).

  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, there are provided a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3, and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball. 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. In addition, a game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6 in which a game ball that has been struck can flow down.

  An effect display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is provided near the center of the game area 7. The display screen of the effect display device 9 includes an effect symbol display area 91 for performing variable display of the effect symbols synchronized with the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The effect display device 9 is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. When the first special symbol display 8a is executing variable display of the first special symbol, the effect control microcomputer causes the effect display device 9 to execute the effect display along with the variable display, and the second special symbol display 8a executes the second special display. When the variable display of the second special symbol is executed on the symbol display 8b, the effect display is executed by the effect display device in accordance with the variable display, so that it is possible to easily grasp the progress of the game.

  On the left side of the lower part of the game board 6, there is provided a first special symbol display (first variable display means) 8a that variably displays a first special symbol as identification information. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 8a is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. In other words, the first special symbol display 8a is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. On the lower right side of the game board 6, a second special symbol display (second variable display means) 8b for variably displaying the second special symbol as identification information is provided. The second special symbol display 8b is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the second special symbol display 8b is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9.

  The small display is formed in a square shape. In this embodiment, the type of the first special symbol and the type of the second special symbol are the same (for example, both 0 to 9), but the types may be different. Further, the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b may be configured to variably display numbers (or two-digit symbols) of, for example, 00 to 99, for example.

  The first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol, and the first special symbol indicator 8a and the second special symbol indicator 8b may be collectively referred to as a special symbol indicator.

  For the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first start condition or the second start condition, which is the variable display execution condition, is satisfied (for example, the hit ball is the first start winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening 14). And then start based on the fact that the variable display start condition (for example, the state where the special symbol variable display is not executed and the big hit game is not executed) is established. When the variable display time elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying a display result is to stop and display a symbol (an example of identification information) (excluding stop before so-called re-variation).

  In the vicinity of the first special symbol display 8a, during the variable display time of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 8a, the variable display of the first decorative symbol as a decorative (design) symbol is performed. A first decorative symbol display (first variable display) 9a is provided. In this embodiment, the first decorative symbol display 9a is composed of two LEDs. The first decorative symbol display 9a is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. Further, in the vicinity of the second special symbol display 8b, during the variable display time of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 8b, the variable display of the second decorative symbol as a symbol for decoration (production) is performed. A second decorative symbol display (second variable display section) 9b is provided. The second decorative symbol display 9b is composed of two LEDs. The second decorative symbol display 9b is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board.

  The first decorative symbol and the second decorative symbol may be collectively referred to as a decorative symbol, and the first decorative symbol display 9a and the second decorative symbol display 9b may be collectively referred to as a decorative symbol display. .

  The variation of the decorative pattern (variable display) is realized by continuing the state where the two LEDs are alternately lit. The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display of the first decorative symbol on the first decorative symbol display 9a are synchronized. The variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is synchronized with the variable display of the second decorative symbol on the second decorative symbol display 9b. Synchronous means that the variable display start time and end time are the same, and the variable display period is the same. In addition, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the LED on the side that recalls the big hit on the first decorative symbol display 9a remains lit. When the big-hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the LED on the side that recalls the big-hit on the second decorative symbol display 9b remains lit.

  A winning device having a first start winning port 13 is provided below the effect display device 9. The game ball won in the first start winning opening 13 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the first start opening switch 13a.

  A variable winning ball device 15 having a second starting winning port 14 through which a game ball can be won is provided below a winning device having a first starting winning port (first starting port) 13. The game ball that has won the second start winning opening (second start opening) 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start opening switch 14a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, the game ball can be awarded to the second starting winning port 14 (it is easier to start winning), which is advantageous for the player. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state, it is easier for the game ball to win the second start winning opening 14 than the first starting winning opening 13. In addition, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, the game ball does not win the second start winning opening 14. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the closed state, it may be configured that the winning is possible (that is, it is difficult for the gaming ball to win) although it is difficult to win a prize.

  The first start winning port 13 and the second start winning port 14 may be collectively referred to as a start winning port or a starting port.

  When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to be in the open state, the game ball heading for the variable winning ball device 15 is very likely to win the second start winning port 14. The first start winning opening 13 is provided directly under the effect display device 9, but the interval between the lower end of the effect display device 9 and the first start winning opening 13 is further reduced, or the first start winning opening is set. The nail arrangement around the first start winning opening 13 is made difficult to guide the game balls to the first starting winning opening 13 so that the winning rate of the second starting winning opening 14 is increased. It is also possible to make the direction higher than the winning rate of the first start winning opening 13.

  On the side of the first decorative symbol display 9a, the number of effective winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13, that is, the first reserved memory number (the reserved memory is also referred to as the start memory or the start prize memory) is displayed. A first special symbol storage memory display 18a comprising four displays is provided. The first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 each time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  On the side of the second decorative symbol display 9b is a second special symbol reserved memory display 18b comprising four indicators for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the second start winning opening 14, that is, the second reserved memory number. Is provided. The second special symbol storage memory display 18b increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 every time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the second special symbol display 8b is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  The effect display device 9 is for decoration (for effects) during the variable display time of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 8a and during the variable display time of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 8b. A variable display of the effect symbol as the symbol is performed. The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Synchronous means that the variable display start time and end time are the same, and the variable display period is the same. Further, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display device 9 reminds the jackpot The combination of is stopped and displayed.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 that opens and closes only the second starting winning opening 14 is provided. Any of the start winning ports 14 may be provided with a variable winning ball device that performs an opening / closing operation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a special variable winning ball device 20 is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 includes an opening / closing plate, and when the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, and the specific display result (big hit symbol) on the second special symbol display 8b. When the open / close plate is controlled to be open by the solenoid 21 in the specific game state (big hit game state) that occurs when the symbol is derived and displayed, the big winning opening serving as the winning area is opened. The game ball that has won the big winning opening is detected by the count switch 23.

  The game area 6 is also provided with winning ports (ordinary winning ports) 29, 30, 33, and 39 for paying out a predetermined number of premium game balls determined in advance based on winning of the game balls. The game balls won in the winning openings 29, 30, 33, 39 are detected by the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a.

  A normal symbol display 10 is provided at the lower right side of the game board 6. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “◯” and “x”) called normal symbols.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting the upper and lower lamps (the symbols can be visually recognized when turned on). For example, if the lower lamp is turned on at the end of the variable display, it is a hit. . 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 other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage 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. Further, in the probability variation state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit compared to the normal state is high, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 Opening time and opening times are increased. Further, in the short time state (the game state in which the variable symbol display time for special symbols is shortened), the opening time and the number of opening times of the variable winning ball device 15 may be increased.

  A decorative lamp 25 blinkingly displayed during the game is provided around the left and right of the game area 7 of the game board 6, and an out port 26 into which a hit ball that has not won a prize is taken in at the bottom. In addition, two speakers 27 that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. A top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c provided on the front frame are provided at the outer periphery upper portion, the outer periphery left portion, and the outer periphery right portion of the game area 7. In addition, a prize ball lamp 51 that is turned on when there is a remaining number of prize balls is provided in the vicinity of the left frame lamp 28b, and a ball break lamp 52 that is turned on when the supply ball is cut out is provided in the vicinity of the right frame lamp 28c. Is provided.

  In the gaming machine, a ball hitting device (not shown) that drives a driving motor in response to a player operating the hitting operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the driving motor to launch a gaming ball to the game area 7. ) Is provided. A game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through a ball striking rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and then descends the game area 7. When the game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a, if the variable display of the first special symbol can be started (for example, the variable display of the special symbol ends, 1), the first special symbol display 8a starts variable display (variation) of the first special symbol, and the first decorative symbol display 9a displays variable display of the first decorative symbol. The effect display device 9 starts variable display of effect symbols. In other words, the variable display of the first special symbol, the first decorative symbol, and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the first start winning opening 13. If the variable display of the first special symbol cannot be started, the first reserved memory number is increased by 1 on condition that the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  When the game ball enters the second start winning port 14 and is detected by the second start port switch 14a, if the variable display of the second special symbol can be started (for example, the special symbol variable display ends, 2), the second special symbol display 8b starts variable display (variation) of the second special symbol, and the second decorative symbol display 9b displays variable display of the second decorative symbol. The effect display device 9 starts variable display of effect symbols. In other words, the variable display of the second special symbol, the second decorative symbol, and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the second start winning opening 14. If the variable display of the second special symbol cannot be started, the second reserved memory number is increased by 1 on condition that the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. 2 also shows the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the CPU 56 and the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached.

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54, so that the game control microcomputer 560 (or CPU 56) executes (or performs processing) hereinafter. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power supply created on the power supply board. 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 capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). In particular, at least data corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means (the value of the special symbol process flag or the total pending storage number counter) and the data indicating the number of unpaid winning balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding 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 is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  A reset signal from the power supply board is input to the reset terminal of the game control microcomputer 560. A reset circuit for generating a reset signal supplied to the game control microcomputer 560 and the like is mounted on the power supply board. When the reset signal becomes high level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operable state, and when the reset signal becomes low level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operation stop state. Therefore, an allowable signal that allows the operation of the game control microcomputer 560 or the like is output during a period when the reset signal is at a high level, and a game control microcomputer is output when the reset signal is at a low level. An operation stop signal for stopping the operation of 560 or the like is output. Note that the reset circuit may be mounted on each electric component control board (a board on which a microcomputer for controlling the electric parts is mounted).

  Further, a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board has dropped below a predetermined value is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the power supply board monitors the voltage value of a predetermined voltage (for example, DC30V or DC5V) used in the gaming machine, and when the voltage value decreases to a predetermined value (the power supply voltage is reduced). A power supply monitoring circuit that outputs a power-off signal indicating that). In addition, a clear signal indicating that the clear switch for instructing to clear the contents of the RAM is operated is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560.

  Also, an input driver that provides the game control microcomputer 560 with detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a. The circuit 58 is also mounted on the main board 31. The main board also includes an output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a large winning opening in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560. 31. Further, a system reset circuit (not shown) for resetting the game control microcomputer 560 when the power is turned on, and an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state are sent to an external device such as a hall computer. An information output circuit (not shown) for outputting is also mounted on the main board 31.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. Display control is performed for the first decorative symbol display 9a and the second decorative symbol display 9b that receive and variably display the decorative symbol, and the effect display device 9 that variably displays the effect symbol.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer. Further, without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control.

  The effect control board 80 has an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101 and a RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture signal from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77 ( An effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103 in response to the effect control INT signal. Further, the effect control CPU 101 controls the display of the first decorative symbol display device 9a and the second decorative symbol display device 9b via the output port 106 based on the effect control command, and a VDP (video display processor) 109. The display control of the effect display device 9 is performed.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the effect display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 100 is mounted on the effect control board 80. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the production control microcomputer 100 and maps the VRAM therein. The VRAM is a buffer memory for expanding image data generated by the VDP. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the effect display device 9.

  The effect control CPU 101 reads necessary data from a character ROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The character ROM is for storing character image data displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols, etc. (including effect symbols) in advance. The effect control CPU 101 outputs the data read from the character ROM to the VDP 109. The VDP 109 executes display control based on the data input from the effect control CPU 101.

  The effect control command and the effect control INT signal are first input to the input driver 102 on the effect control board 80. The input driver 102 allows the signal input from the relay board 77 to pass only in the direction toward the inside of the effect control board 80 (does not pass the signal in the direction from the inside of the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). It is also a unidirectional circuit as a regulating means.

  As a signal direction regulating means, the signal inputted from the main board 31 is allowed to pass through the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 (the signal is not passed in the direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). The unidirectional circuit 74 is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 3 illustrates a diode. A unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal. Furthermore, since the effect control command and the effect control INT signal are output from the main board 31 via the output port 571 that is a unidirectional circuit, the signal going from the relay board 77 to the inside of the main board 31 is restricted. That is, the signal from the relay board 77 does not enter the inside of the main board 31 (the game control microcomputer 560 side). The output port 571 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG. Further, a signal driver circuit that is a unidirectional circuit may be further provided outside the output port 571 (on the relay board 77 side).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the lamp to the lamp driver board 35 via the output port 105. Further, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound number data to the audio output board 70 via the output port 104.

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the lamp is input to the lamp driver 352 via the input driver 351. The lamp driver 352 amplifies a signal for driving the lamp and supplies the amplified signal to each lamp provided on the frame side such as the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c. Further, it is supplied to a decorative lamp 25 provided on the frame side.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice or sound effect according to the sound number data, and outputs it 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 voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data showing the output form of the sound effect or sound in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, the changing period of the effect design).

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When power is supplied to the gaming machine and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the gaming control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) After executing a security check process, which is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, the main process 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, after initialization of the built-in device (such as CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) is performed (step S4), the RAM can be accessed. (Step S5). In interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This mode indicates an interrupt address.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal of the clear switch (for example, mounted on the power supply board) input via the input port (step S6). When the ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S10 to S15, including S44 and S45).

  If the clear switch is not in the on state, check whether 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 (Step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process.

  After confirming that the power supply stop process has been performed, the CPU 56 performs data check of the backup RAM area (step S8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in step S8, 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 outage or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 restores the game state restoration process (steps S41 to S43) for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Process). Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain. The part that should not be initialized is, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, time reduction flag, etc.), and the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer) ), A portion in which data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether the data in the backup RAM area is stored using both the backup flag and the check data. However, 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 game state restoration process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The RAM clear process initializes predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) to 0, but is initialized to an arbitrary value or a predetermined value. You may make it do. Alternatively, the entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) may be left as it is. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, an award ball flag, a ball runout flag, a payout stop, etc. An initial value is set to a flag such as a flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state.

  Further, the CPU 56 initializes a sub board (a board on which a microcomputer other than the main board 31 is mounted) (a command indicating that the game control microcomputer 560 has executed an initialization process). Is also transmitted to the sub-board (step S13). For example, when the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the initialization designation command, the effect display device 9 performs screen display for notifying that the control of the gaming machine has been performed, that is, initialization notification.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets an abnormality notification prohibition flag (step S44) and sets a value corresponding to the prohibition period value in the prohibition period timer (step S45). The prohibition period value is a value indicating a period during which an abnormal winning notification described later is prohibited. The abnormality notification prohibition flag is a flag indicating that notification of an abnormal winning is prohibited, and is maintained in the set state until the prohibition period timer times out. Therefore, the start of the abnormal winning notification is prohibited for a predetermined period after the initialization notification is started in the effect display device 9.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initially setting the random number circuit 503 (step S14). For example, the CPU 56 performs setting according to the random number circuit setting program to cause the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R.

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a register of the CTC built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, 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. Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern, 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. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is an initial count value such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to win a normal symbol (ordinary random number generation counter for normal symbol determination). It is a random number for determining the value. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls itself a game device such as an effect display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the gaming machine. In the process of sending a command signal to control other microcomputers, or the game machine control process), the count value of the random number for determination per normal symbol is one round (the random number for determination per normal symbol is taken). When the value is incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value), an initial value is set in the counter.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S35 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output, for example, when 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 storing necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals of the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 13a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a are input via the input driver circuit 58, and the state determination is performed (switch processing). : Step S21).

  Next, the CPU 56 includes a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b, a normal symbol display 10, a first special symbol hold storage display 18a, a second special symbol hold storage display 18b, and a normal symbol. A display control process for controlling the display of the on-hold storage display 41 is executed (step S22). For the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, and the normal symbol display 10, a drive signal is output to each display according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S33 and S34. Execute control.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process for notifying an abnormal winning when it detects that a game ball has won a prize at a time other than the regular time (step S23: abnormal winning notification process).

  Next, processing for updating the count value of each counter for generating random numbers for determination such as random numbers for determining jackpot symbols used for game control is performed (determination random number update processing: step S24). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (initial value random number update process, display random number update process: steps S25 and S26).

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1: Determine the detachment symbol (stop symbol) of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (for detachment symbol determination) (for detachment symbol determination)
(2) Random 2: Determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when generating a big hit (for determining the big hit symbol)
(3) Random 3: Determine the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (for variation pattern determination)
(4) Random 4: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on the normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(5) Random 5: Random 4 initial value is determined (for determining random 4 initial value)

  In step S24 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, the game control microcomputer 560 uses a counter for generating the jackpot symbol determining random number of (2) and the random number for determination of normal symbol of (4). Count up (add 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 make it use random numbers other than the random number of said (1)-(5). In this embodiment, the big hit determination random number is a random number generated by the hardware (random number circuit 503) built in the game control microcomputer 560, but the big hit determination random number is used as the big hit determination random number 560. Software random numbers generated based on the program may be used.

  In this embodiment, the random numbers (particularly random 1, 2, 3) shown in FIG. 6 are used for both the first special symbol variation and the second special symbol variation. The random number related to the fluctuation and the random number related to the fluctuation of the second special symbol may be separated.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a first special symbol process (step S27A). In the first special symbol process, the corresponding process is executed according to the first special symbol process flag for controlling the first special symbol display 8a and the big prize opening in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the first special symbol process flag according to the gaming state. Further, the second special symbol process is performed (step S27B). In the second special symbol process, corresponding processing is executed in accordance with a second special symbol process flag for controlling the second special symbol display 8b and the big prize opening in a predetermined order.

  Next, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S28). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes the corresponding process according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect control command control process: step S29).

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

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the start port switch 13a, the count switch 23, and the prize port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a (step S31). Specifically, the payout control mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to winning detection based on one of the start opening switch 13a, the count switch 23, and the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a being turned on. A payout control command (prize ball number signal) indicating the number of prize balls is output to the microcomputer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 relates to on / off of the solenoid in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. The contents are output to the output port (step S32: output process).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, if the variation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag set in the special symbol process is set, the CPU 56, for example, every 0.2 seconds passes. Then, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by one. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer, whereby the first special symbol display unit 8a and the second special symbol display unit 8b Variable display of the second special symbol is executed.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in the output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S34). For example, when the start flag for normal symbol fluctuation is set, the CPU 56 switches the display state (“◯” and “×”) for the normal symbol fluctuation speed every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set. With such a speed, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating “◯” and 0 indicating “x”) is switched every 0.2 seconds. In addition, the CPU 56 executes a normal symbol effect display on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S35), and the process ends.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes of steps S21 to S34 (excluding step S30) in the timer interrupt process. 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. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a table in which a jackpot determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The jackpot determination determination table includes a normal jackpot determination table (see FIG. 7A) used in a normal state (a gaming state that is not a probability change state) and a probability change jackpot determination table (FIG. 7B) used in a probability change state. See). The numerical values described in the left column of FIGS. 7A and 7B are jackpot determination values. The CPU 56 compares the random R value with the jackpot determination value, and determines that the jackpot value is determined to be a big hit if the random R value matches any one of the jackpot determination values. The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and uses the extracted value as a jackpot determination random number value. When the jackpot determination random number value matches the jackpot determination value shown in FIG. The jackpot (probability jackpot or normal jackpot) is determined for the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  The probability variation jackpot is a jackpot that shifts the gaming state after the jackpot game to a probability variation state in which there is a high probability of being determined to be a jackpot compared to the normal state. The normal big hit is a big hit that shifts the gaming state after the big hit game to a state that is not a probable change state. Note that the number of rounds in the case of a probable big hit and the normal big hit is larger than that in the case of a small hit and a sudden probable big hit, for example, 15 rounds.

  The 2R (2 rounds) big hit (small hit) is a big hit in which the number of times the big winning opening is opened in the big hit gaming state is allowed up to two times. When the small hit game ends, the game state does not shift to the probability change state. Suddenly probable jackpot is a jackpot where the number of times the big prize opening is allowed is 2 in the big hit gaming state, but the opening time of the big prize opening is extremely short, and the gaming state after the big hit game is shifted to the probable state It ’s a big hit. That is, in this embodiment, the number of rounds is the same between the sudden probability big hit and the small hit.

  In the big hit game of sudden probability change big hit, the number of rounds is smaller than in the case of normal big hit and probability variable big hit, and the allowance opening time for each round (for example, 29 seconds in the case of normal big hit and probability variable big hit) On the other hand, 0.5 seconds) is shorter than that of the normal big hit and the probable big hit, but only the number of lands may be reduced, or only the allowance opening allowance time may be shortened.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern (including variation time information) of a special symbol, a decorative symbol, and an effect symbol used in this embodiment. In FIG. 8, “EXT” indicates EXT data of the second byte in the effect control command having a two-byte structure. “Variation time” indicates the variation time of the special symbol (variable display period of identification information).

  “Normal fluctuation” is a fluctuation pattern without a reach mode. “Normal fluctuation / shortening” is a fluctuation pattern that does not involve a reach mode and has a fluctuation time shorter than “normal fluctuation”. “Normal reach” is a variation pattern that is accompanied by a reach mode, but the display result (stop symbol) does not become a big hit symbol. “Reach A” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”. When the reach mode is different, the change mode (speed, rotation direction, etc.), character image, etc. appear in the effect display device 9 during the reach change time (the period during which the reach effect is performed), or the effect display device 9 The background design is different. For example, in “normal reach”, a reach mode is realized by only one type of change mode, whereas in “reach A”, a reach mode including a plurality of change modes having different speeds and directions of change is realized. Further, “reach A / shortening” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “reach A”, but reach variation time is shorter than “reach A”. “Reach A / Extension” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “Reach A”, but the reach variation time is longer than “Reach A”.

  “Reach B” is a fluctuation pattern having a reach mode different from “Normal reach” and “Reach A”. Further, “reach B / shortening” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “reach B”, but the reach variation time is shorter than “reach B”. “Reach B / extension” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “reach B”, but reach variation time is longer than “reach B”. “Reach C” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”, “reach A”, and “reach B”. “Reach C / shortening” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “reach C”, but reach variation time is shorter than “reach C”.

  “Super reach A” is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from “normal reach”, “reach A”, “reach B”, and “reach C”. is there. “Super reach B” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”, “reach A”, “reach B”, “reach C” and “super reach A”. This is a variation pattern. “Reach A / Accuracy” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “Normal reach”, “Reach A”, “Reach B”, “Reach C”, “Super reach A” and “Super reach B”. It should be noted that the reach form of “reach A / accuracy” is a reach form similar to “reach A”.

  In this embodiment, in the case of a big hit, the game control microcomputer 560 is “reach A / shortening”, “reach A”, “reach B / shortening”, “reach B”, “reach C / shortening”. ", Reach C", "Super Reach A" or "Super Reach B". Further, in the case of a probable big hit, the game control microcomputer 560 is “reach A / extension”, “reach B / extension”, “reach C / shortening”, “reach C”, “super reach A” or “ Select "Super Reach B". In case of sudden big odds, select “Reach A / Random”.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the fluctuation pattern selected only in the case of the normal big hit, the fluctuation pattern selected only in the case of the probable big hit, and the normal big hit and the probability variable big hit can be selected. There are fluctuation patterns.

  In the short-time state, the fluctuation patterns of “normal fluctuation / shortening”, “reach A / shortening”, “reach B / shortening”, and “reach C / shortening” are selected. In the non-time-short state, other variation patterns are selected. However, the variation pattern of “reach A / accuracy” is used in both the short-time state and the non-short-time state.

  In this embodiment, when a big hit occurs and the big hit game ends, the gaming state becomes a short-time state thereafter until the execution of 100 special symbol changes (variable display) is completed. In addition, when variable display of a special symbol is started when variable display is finished, when it is decided to change to a probable change state when the special symbol variable display is started, the game state is changed into a probable change state when the big hit game is ended. To be migrated. If the gaming state at that time is a probability variation state, the probability variation state is continued.

  After the transition to the probability changing state, the state of the probability changing state is short and the state is short until the execution of the variation (variable display) of 100 special symbols is completed. In addition, in the non-probability change state after the big hit game is over, the game state is changed to the normal state (the game state that is not the probability change state and not the short-time state) when the execution of 100 special symbol changes (variable display) is completed. Transition.

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal line of an effect control command transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80. As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the effect control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77 using eight signal lines of the effect control signals CD0 to CD7. Further, between the main board 31 and the effect control board 80, a signal line of the effect control INT signal for transmitting the capture signal (effect control INT signal) is also wired.

  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 set to “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always set to “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. 10, 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 microcomputer 100 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 microcomputer 100, the effect control INT signal corresponds to a signal that triggers the capture of effect control command data.

  The effect control command is sent only once so that the effect control microcomputer 100 can recognize it. In this example, “recognizable” means that the level of the effect control INT signal changes, and that it is sent only once so as to be recognizable means that, for example, each of the first and second bytes of the effect control command data 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. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 11, commands 8001 (H) to 800 E (H) are variable patterns of decorative symbols and effect symbols that are variably displayed on the decorative symbol display and effect display device 9 in response to variable display of special symbols. Is an effect control command (variation pattern command) for designating. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the variation start. Therefore, when the production control microcomputer 100 receives any of the commands 8001 (H) to 800E (H), the decoration design display and the production display device 9 start variable display of the decoration design and the production design. Control.

  The commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit and the type of the big hit game. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display results of the decorative symbols and the effect symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H). It is called a command.

  Command 8D01 (H) is an effect control command (first symbol variation designation command) indicating that variable display (variation) of the first special symbol is started. Command 8D02 (H) is an effect control command (second symbol variation designation command) indicating that variable display (variation) of the second special symbol is started. The first symbol variation designation command and the second symbol variation designation command may be collectively referred to as a special symbol identification command.

  Command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display (fluctuation) of decorative symbols and effect symbols is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. When receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variable display (fluctuation) of the decorative symbol and the effect symbol and derives and displays the display result.

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization designation command: power-on designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the gaming control microcomputer 560 transmits a power failure recovery designation command if data is stored in the backup RAM, and if not, initialization designation is performed. Send a command.

  Command 9F00 (H) is an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  The commands A001 to A004 (H) are effect control commands for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). The jackpot start designation commands include jackpot start 1 designation to jackpot start designation 4 designation commands depending on the type of jackpot. The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  Command A301 (H) displays a jackpot end screen, that is, specifies the end of the jackpot game, and also designates an effect control command (special jackpot end 1 designation command: ending) that specifies that the jackpot has been a non-probable variation jackpot (usually a jackpot) 1 designation command). The command A302 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that it is a promising big hit (a jackpot end 2 designation command: an ending 2 designation command). is there.

  Command D001 (H) is an effect control command (abnormal winning designation command) for instructing notification of abnormal winning.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the effect display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 11, the display state of the lamp is changed, or the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, the variable pattern command and the display result specifying command are displayed as variable display of identification information and second variable display (second decorative symbol display) on the first variable display (first decorative symbol display 9a). Game control when the production control microcomputer 100 can control the first variable display unit and the second variable display unit in common with the variable display of the identification information in the device 9b). It is possible to prevent an increase in the types of commands transmitted from the production microcomputer 560 to the production control microcomputer 100. In addition, when controlling the effect parts such as the effect display device 9 that produces effects in accordance with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits to the effect control microcomputer 100. It is possible to avoid increasing the types of commands that are executed.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the transmission timing of the effect control command. As shown in FIG. 12, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a variation pattern command, a special symbol specifying command, and a display result specifying command at the start of variation. When the variable display time has elapsed, a symbol confirmation designation command is transmitted.

  Before transmitting the variation pattern command, a background designation command for designating a background image in the effect display device 9 according to the gaming state (for example, normal state / short time state / probability variation state) may be transmitted. Further, an effect control command indicating the number of reserved memories may be transmitted following the display result specifying command.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a program of the first special symbol process (step S27A) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. In the first special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a and the special winning opening is executed in the first special symbol process.

  The program of the second special symbol process (step S26B) is configured in the same manner as the first special symbol process. That is, in the following description, if “first” is read as “second” and “second” is read as “first”, the second special symbol process will be described.

  In the first special symbol process, if the first start port switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning port 13 is turned on, that is, the first start winning is generated. Then, the first start port switch passing process is executed (steps S311 and S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed on condition that the second special symbol is not changing, not being a big hit game, and not being a big hit game (step S313). Whether the second special symbol is not fluctuating, not being a big hit game, and not being a small hit game is determined by, for example, the value of the second special symbol process flag.

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

  First special symbol normal process (step S300): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 560 is in a state where variable display of the first special symbol can be started, the game control microcomputer 560 checks the first reserved memory number (first start winning memory number). The first reserved memory number can be confirmed by the count value of the first reserved memory number counter. If the first reserved storage number is not 0, it is determined whether or not to make a big hit. Then, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) corresponding to step S301.

  First variation pattern setting process (step S301): This process is executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 1. The stop symbol after the variable display of the first special symbol is determined. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of variable display until the display result is derived and displayed (stopped display)) Decide to be time. Also, a first variation time timer that measures the variation time of the first special symbol is started. Then, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

  First display result specifying command transmission process (step S302): This process is executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 2. Control for transmitting a display result specifying command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to step S303.

  First special symbol changing process (step S303): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the first variation pattern setting process elapses (the first variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the value of the first variation time timer becomes 0), the internal state (first 1 special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S304 (4 in this example).

  First special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 4. The variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is stopped and the stop symbol is derived and displayed. In addition, control for transmitting a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed. When the big hit flag is set and the small hit flag is not set, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If the big hit flag is not set, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300. The effect control microcomputer 100 receives the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 and controls the first ornament symbol display unit 9a to stop the first ornament symbol, and also displays the effect. The device 9 is controlled so that the effect symbol is stopped.

  First big winning opening opening pre-processing (step S305): This is executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 5. In the first grand prize opening pre-processing, control for opening the special prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. In addition, the execution time of the special winning opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (6 in this example) corresponding to step S306. The first big winning opening opening pre-processing is executed for each round. However, when starting the first round, the first big winning opening opening pre-processing is also a process of starting a big hit game.

  First big prize opening opening process (step S306): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 6. A control for transmitting an effect control command for round display during the big hit gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 100, a process for confirming the completion of the closing condition of the big prize opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S305 (5 in this example). When all the rounds have been completed, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S307 (7 in this example).

  First big hit end process (step S307): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 7. Control for causing the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended is performed. Further, a process for setting a flag (for example, a probability variation flag) indicating a gaming state is performed. Then, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  First small hit pre-release process (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 8. In the first small hit pre-opening process, control is performed to open the big winning opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. In addition, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S309 (9 in this example). The first small hit pre-opening process is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the first small hit pre-opening process is a process for starting the small hit game.

  First small hit release process (step S309): This process is executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 9. A control for transmitting an effect control command for a round display during the small hit gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 100, a process for confirming that the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S308 (8 in this example). When all rounds are completed, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S310 (in this example, 10 (decimal number)).

  First small hit end processing (step S310): executed when the value of the first special symbol process flag is 10. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the small hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state (first special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the first start port switch passing process in step S312. In the first start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the first reserved memory number is 4 which is the upper limit value (step S211). If the first pending storage number is 4, the process ends.

  If the first reserved memory number is not 4, the value of the first reserved memory number counter indicating the first reserved memory number is incremented by 1 (step S212). In addition, the CPU 56 extracts software random numbers (counter values for generating big hit symbol determination random numbers, etc.) and random R (big hit determination random numbers), and uses them as the extracted random number values as the first reserved memory number. Processing for storing in the storage area in the first reserved storage buffer corresponding to the value of the counter is executed (step S213). In step S213, the CPU 56 extracts random values 1 to 3 (see FIG. 6) as software random numbers, and reads the count value of the random number circuit 503 to extract random R. In the first reserved storage buffer, the same number of storage areas as the upper limit value of the first reserved storage number are secured. Further, a counter for generating a jackpot symbol determining random number and the like and a first reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55. “Formed in RAM” means an area in the RAM.

  16 and 17 are flowcharts illustrating the first special symbol normal process (step S300) in the first special symbol process. In the first special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the first reserved storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the first reserved memory number counter is confirmed. If the first reserved memory number is 0, the process is terminated.

  If the first reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = 1 in the first reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55, and the random number buffer of the RAM 55 Store in the area (step S52). Then, the value of the first reserved memory number is decreased by 1 (the count value of the first reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1), and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S53). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55 is expressed as the first reserved memory number = n−. 1 is stored in the storage area corresponding to 1. Therefore, the order in which the random number values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the respective first reserved memory numbers are extracted always coincides with the order of the first reserved memory number = 1, 2, 3, 4. It is like that.

  Then, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area (step S61), and executes a jackpot determination module (step S62). The big hit judgment module compares the big hit judgment value (see Fig. 7) determined in advance with the big hit judgment random number, and if they match, the big hit (normal big hit, probability variation big hit or sudden probability variation big hit) or small hit This is a program for executing the process to be determined.

  Note that, when the gaming state is in the probability variation state, the CPU 56 uses the jackpot determination value in the table in which the jackpot determination value as shown in FIG. 7B is set, and the gaming state is in the normal state (non-probability variation state). Is, the jackpot determination value in the table in which the jackpot determination value as shown in FIG. 7A is set is used. If it is determined to be a big hit (step S63), the process proceeds to step S81. Note that deciding whether or not to make a big hit means deciding whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state, but deciding whether or not to make the stop symbol in the first special symbol display 8a to be a big win symbol. It is also to do.

  If it is decided not to win, the CPU 56 reads out the design symbol random number from the random number buffer area (step S64), and determines the stop symbol based on the design symbol random number (step S65). In this case, an off symbol (for example, any of even symbols) is determined.

  Further, when the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state is set (step S66), the value of the time reduction counter indicating the number of times the special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state is decremented by 1 (step S67). When the value of the time reduction counter becomes 0, a time reduction end flag is set in order to shift the gaming state to the non-time reduction state when the variable display ends (steps S68 and S69). Then, the process proceeds to step S90.

  In step S81, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag. Then, the big hit symbol determining random number is read from the random number buffer area (step S82), and the big hit symbol (for example, one of the odd symbols) as the stop symbol is determined based on the big hit symbol determining random number (step S83). Here, the stop symbol is determined without distinguishing between the probable big hit and the normal big hit.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a probability variation jackpot flag if it is determined to be a probability variation jackpot (steps S84 and S85). If it is determined that the sudden probability change big hit is suddenly set, the sudden probability change big hit flag is set (steps S86 and S87). If it is determined to be a small hit, a small hit flag is set (steps S88 and S89). Then, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S90). When the probability variation big hit flag or the sudden probability variation big hit flag is set, the gaming state is shifted to the probability changing state when the big hit game is finished.

  In this embodiment, whether or not to make a big hit and the type of jackpot are determined based on the big hit determination random number (see FIG. 7), but the big hit is determined based on the big hit determination random number. When it is decided whether to win or not, when a predetermined big hit symbol (predetermined probable big hit symbol or suddenly probable big hit symbol) is determined based on the random number for determining the big hit symbol You may make it control to a probability change state.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the first variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the first special symbol process. In the first variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 reads the variation pattern determination random number from the random number buffer area (step S100). Then, the variation pattern is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number (step S101).

  Here, when the gaming state is a non-time saving state and it is determined to be out of play, “normal variation” or “normal reach” is selected (see FIG. 8). If the gaming state is a non-time-saving state and it is determined to be a big hit, “reach A”, “reach A / extension”, “reach B”, “reach B / extension”, “reach C” ”,“ Super Reach A ”,“ Super Reach B ”or“ Reach A · Accuracy ”(see FIG. 8). When it is determined to be a promising big hit out of the big hits, “reach A / extension”, “reach B / extension”, “reach C”, “super reach A” or “super reach B” is selected. In addition, when it is determined that the sudden probability change is a big hit, “reach A / accuracy” is selected. If it is determined to be a big hit (including the case where it is determined to be a small hit) among the big hits (including the case where it is determined to be a small hit), “ Select Reach A, Reach B, Reach C, or Super Reach A.

  When the game state is the short time state and it is determined to be out of play, “normal variation / shortening” is selected (see FIG. 8). If the gaming state is a short-time state and it has been decided to win the game, select “Reach A / Shorten”, “Reach B / Short”, “Reach C / Short” or “Reach A / Success” Select (see FIG. 8). When it is determined to be a promising big hit out of the big hits, “reach C / shortening” is selected. When it is decided to suddenly change the probability big hit, select “reach A / accuracy”. When it is determined that the big hit is usually a big hit (including the case where it is decided to be a small hit), “reach A / shortening”, “reach B / shortening” or “reach C”・ Select “Short”.

  In order to facilitate the selection as described above, a variation pattern table is used according to the game state (whether or not it is a short-time state) and the determination result of whether or not to make a big hit (rejected and big hit types, respectively) . The variation pattern table is stored in the ROM 54, but is prepared according to the gaming state and the determination result as to whether or not to win. In each variation pattern table, data indicating a variation pattern that can be selected and a numerical value corresponding to the data are set. Then, the CPU 56 selects a variation pattern table according to the gaming state and the determination result as to whether or not to win, and corresponds to a numerical value that matches the value of the variation pattern determination random number in the selected variation pattern table. Select a variation pattern. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 560 selects the variation pattern depending on whether or not the jackpot has already been determined and whether or not the probability variation jackpot is set.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a variation pattern command (see FIG. 11) corresponding to the variation pattern selected in step S101 to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S102). Specifically, when the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the address of the command transmission table (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) corresponding to the effect control command is used as a pointer. set. And the address of the command transmission table according to an effect control command is set to a pointer, and an effect control command is transmitted in an effect control command control process (step S29).

  Further, control is performed to transmit a first symbol variation designation command indicating the variation of the first special symbol (step S103). Then, the variation of the special symbol is started (step S104). For example, a start flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 is set. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S105). Then, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first display result specifying command transmission process (step S302) (step S106).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the first display result specifying command transmission process (step S302). In the first display result specifying command transmission process, the CPU 56 performs any one of the effect control commands (display result 1 designation to display result 5 designation) according to the determined type of jackpot (including the jackpot) (FIG. 11). Control to send a reference). Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag (which is also set when the small hit is determined) is set (step S110). If not set, control is performed to transmit a display result 1 designation command (step S111). When the big hit flag is set, when the probability variation big hit flag is set, control is performed to transmit the display result 4 designation command (steps S112 and S113). When the sudden probability big hit flag is set, control for transmitting a display result 5 designation command is performed (steps S114 and S115). When the small hit flag is set, control for transmitting a display result 3 designation command is performed (steps S116 and S117). When none of the probability variation big hit flag, sudden probability variation big hit flag, and small hit flag is set, control is performed to transmit a display result 2 designation command (step S118). Then, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S119).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the first special symbol changing process (step S303) in the first special symbol process. In the first special symbol variation processing, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the first variation time timer (step S121), and when the first variation time timer times out (step S122), the value of the first special symbol process flag is set to the first special symbol process flag. It is updated to a value corresponding to the symbol stop process (step S304) (step S123). If the first variable time timer has not timed out, the process is terminated as it is.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the first special symbol stop process (step S304) in the first special symbol process. In the first special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 sets an end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process of step S33 to end the variation of the special symbol, and derives and displays the stop symbol on the first special symbol display 8a. Control is performed (step S131). Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for production control is performed (step S132). When the big hit flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S146 (step S133).

  When the jackpot flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a jackpot start designation command (step S135). Specifically, when the probability variation big hit flag is set, a big hit start 3 designation command is transmitted, and when the probability variation big hit flag is suddenly set, a big hit start 4 designation command is transmitted. If it is set, a jackpot start 2 designation command is transmitted. Otherwise, a jackpot start 1 designation command is transmitted.

  Also, a value corresponding to the big hit display time (time for notifying that the big hit has occurred, for example, in the effect display device 9) is set in the big hit display time timer (step S136). If the small hit flag is set, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first small hit pre-release process (step S308) (steps S137 and S138). If the small hit flag is not set, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first big winning opening release pre-processing (step S305) (step S139). The case where the small hit flag is not set is a case where the normal big hit, the probability variation big hit or the sudden probability variation big hit is determined.

  In step S146, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction end flag is set. If the time saving end flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S149. If the time reduction end flag is set, the time reduction end flag is reset (step S147), and the time reduction flag indicating that the gaming state is the time reduction state is reset (step S148). Then, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S149).

  Note that the time reduction end flag is set in step S69 in the first special symbol normal process. In addition, the gaming state shifts to a non-time saving state by resetting the time saving flag. At this stage, if the gaming state is a probability variation state, the gaming state becomes a probability variation state of a non-short-time state. On the other hand, if it is in the non-probable change state, it shifts to a normal state (a state that is not in the probabilistic change state and is not in the time-short state).

  In the first big winning opening opening pre-processing, when the big hit display time timer is set, the CPU 56 performs control for opening the big winning opening when the big winning display time timer times out, and the big winning opening opening time. The timer is set to a value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 29 seconds for normal big hits and probable big hits, 0.5 seconds for sudden big odds), and the value of the first special symbol process flag is set to the first value. The value is updated to a value corresponding to the special winning opening open process (step S306). The case where the big hit display time timer is set is the case before the start of the first round. When the interval timer (timer for determining the interval time between rounds) is set, when the interval timer times out, control is performed to open the big prize opening and the opening time ( For example, a value corresponding to 29 seconds is set for a normal jackpot and a probable big hit, and 0.5 seconds is set for a sudden probable big hit, and the value of the first special symbol process flag is being opened. The value is updated to a value corresponding to the process (step S306).

  In the first grand prize opening opening process, the CPU 56 ends the final round when the big prize opening time timer times out or the number of winning balls to the big prize opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). If not, the control for closing the special winning opening is performed, the value corresponding to the interval time is set in the interval timer, and the value of the first special symbol process flag is set to the first special winning opening opening pre-processing (step S305). ) To a value corresponding to. When the final round ends, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first big hit end process (step S307).

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the first big hit end process (step S307) in the first special symbol process. In the first jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S150). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S154. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S151), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S152). Here, if the probability variation jackpot flag or the sudden probability variation bonus flag is set, a jackpot end 2 designation command is transmitted, and if the probability variation jackpot flag or the sudden probability variation bonus flag is not set, the jackpot end 1 designation is specified. Send a command. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is performed on the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S153), and the processing is ended.

  In step S154, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step S155). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the time reduction flag is set to shift the gaming state to the time reduction state (step S156), and 100 is set in the time reduction counter (step S157).

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the probability variation big hit flag or the sudden probability variation big flag is set (step S158). If the probability variation big hit flag or the sudden probability variation big flag is set, the set flag (the probability variation big hit flag or the sudden probability variation big flag) is reset (step S159). The probability variation flag is set and the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state (step S161). If the gaming state at that time is a probability variation state, the probability variation flag has already been set. Then, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S162).

  In the first small hit pre-opening process in step S308, the same process as the first big prize opening pre-opening process (step S305) is performed. However, instead of updating the value of the first special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the first big prize opening opening process, the value is updated to a value corresponding to the first small hit opening process. In the first small hit opening process in step S309, the same process as the first big prize opening opening process (step S306) is performed. However, if it is not the final round, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first small hit release pre-processing (step S308), and if it is the final round (second round), the first The value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first small hit end process (step S310).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the first small hitting end process (step S310) in the first special symbol process. In the first small hitting end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hitting end display timer is set (step S170). If the small hitting end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S174. When the big hit end display timer is not set, the big hit flag and the small hit flag are reset (steps S171A and S171B), and control for transmitting the big hit end 1 designation command is performed (step S172). Then, the small hit end display timer sets a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the small hit end display is performed in the effect display device 9 (small hit end display time) in the small hit end display timer ( Step S173), the process is terminated.

  In step S174, 1 is subtracted from the value of the small hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the small hit end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the small hit end display time has elapsed (step S175). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the value of the first special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S176).

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of bit assignment of input ports related to a switch for detecting a game ball in the game control microcomputer. As shown in FIG. 24, the bits 0 to 7 of the input port 0 include the count switch 23, the gate switch 32a, the winning port switches 33a, 39a, 29a, 30a, the second starting port switch 14a, and the first starting port, respectively. A detection signal of the switch 13a is input. The input port 0 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG.

  Next, payout control commands (payout control signals) transmitted and received between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 will be described. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the payout control signal output from the game control microcomputer 560 to the payout control microcomputer.

  The prize ball REQ signal is a signal that is in an output state (= ON state) when a prize ball number command is transmitted (that is, a trigger signal for a prize ball payout request). The award ball number signal is a signal (prize ball number command) output for designating the number of game balls (0 to 15) for which a payout request is made.

  FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing signal lines and the like used for transmission / reception of each control signal shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 26, the prize ball REQ signal and the 4-bit prize ball number signal are output by the game control microcomputer 560 via the output circuit 67 and to the payout control microcomputer 370 via the input circuit 373A. Entered. The output circuit 67 is installed on the main board 31 outside the I / O port portion 57 shown in FIG. 2 (not shown in FIG. 2). Further, on the payout control board 37, an output circuit 67 is provided in the preceding stage of the input port in the payout control microcomputer.

  FIG. 27 is a timing chart showing an example of how to output the payout control signal. As shown in FIG. 27, the winning detection switch (the count switch 23, the winning port switches 33a, 39a, 29a, 30a, the second starting port switch 14a, and the first starting port switch 13a) has detected the winning of the game ball. Based on this, the game control microcomputer 560 turns on the prize ball REQ signal and turns the output state of the prize ball number signal into a state corresponding to the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with winning. Specifically, when the gaming control microcomputer 560 detects that a game ball has won a winning area provided in the gaming machine based on a detection signal from the winning detection switch, the gaming control microcomputer 560 calculates a predetermined number of winning balls. It is added to the content of the total number of winning balls stored in the backup RAM. When the content of the total winning ball number storage buffer becomes a non-zero value, the winning ball REQ signal is turned on, and the output state of the winning ball number signal is set in accordance with the number of winning balls to be paid out according to winning. Put it in a state.

  In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the second start port switch 14a and the first start port switch 13a, four prize balls are paid out, and any of the winning port switches 33a, 39a, 29a, 30a is paid. When a game ball is detected, 7 prize balls are paid out. When a game ball is detected by the count switch 23, 15 prize balls are paid out. Further, as described above, since the prize ball number signal is composed of 4 bits, among the prize ball number signals of 00 (H) to 0F (H) expressed in 8 bits, the lower 4 bits are The signal is transmitted from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37 by the award ball number signal. Hereinafter, it may be expressed as “00 (H) to 0F (H) prize ball number signal”, but in reality, the prize ball number signal is represented by 8 bits. This corresponds to the lower 4 bits of 0F (H).

  Further, in this embodiment, the prize ball number signal is transmitted by unidirectional communication in which the signal is transmitted only from the main board 31 toward the payout control board 37, but by bidirectional communication, A prize ball number signal may be transmitted from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37. When performing two-way communication, for example, the payout control microcomputer transmits an ACK signal (response signal) to the game control microcomputer 560 in response to reception of the prize ball REQ signal, or receives a prize ball number signal. An ACK signal indicating that the game has been performed is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560.

  Next, the switch process (step S21) in the main process will be described. In this embodiment, when the ON state of the detection signal of each switch related to winning detection or gate passage continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the switch is certainly turned on. Specifically, the switch process is activated every 2 ms, but if the switch is detected to be turned on in both the switch process activated at the present time and the switch process activated 2 ms ago, the switch process is surely performed. Determined to be on.

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing each 1-byte buffer formed in the RAM 55 used in the switching process. The port buffer before two times is a buffer in which the switch on / off determination result of the previous time (assumed to be 4 ms before) is stored. The previous port buffer is a buffer in which the switch on / off determination result of the previous time (2 ms before) is stored. The switch-on buffer is a buffer in which 1 is set in the corresponding bit of the switch when switch-on is detected, and 0 is set in the corresponding bit of the switch when the switch-off is detected. The previous data is a buffer area that is temporarily used when the switch process is executed. The previous-time port buffer, the previous port buffer, the switch-on buffer, and the previous data are formed in the RAM 55. Further, the bit arrangement of the port buffer, the previous port buffer, and the switch-on buffer two times in advance corresponds to the bit arrangement of the input port 0. That is, information corresponding to each of the switch detection signals assigned to bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 24 is set in bits 0 to 7 of the port buffer, the previous port buffer, and the switch on buffer two times before.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the switch processing in step S21 in the game control processing. In the switch process, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the content of the previous port buffer to the previous data (step S331). Further, the exclusive OR of the contents of the port buffer and the previous data is taken twice before (step S332). Then, the result of the exclusive OR operation is set as the previous data (step S333). At this stage, in the previous data, the bit having a different value among the 8 bits of the port buffer and the 8 bits of the previous port buffer is “1”. In addition, the contents of the previous port buffer are set in the port buffer two times before (step S334).

  Then, input port 0 data is input (step S335), and the input data is set in the previous port buffer (step S336). The processes in steps S334 and S336 correspond to a preparation process when the switch process is executed next time (after 2 ms).

  Next, the CPU 56 calculates the logical product of the data input from the input port 0 and the previous data (step S337). At this stage, in the previous data, a bit having a different value among the 8 bits of the previous port buffer and the 8 bits of the previous port buffer is “1”. That is, among the detection signals of the eight switches, the bit corresponding to the detection signal changed from the state before 2 ms from the state before 4 ms (from “0” to “1” or from “1” to “0”). Is “1”. Therefore, when the logical product of the previous data and the data input from the input port 0 is taken in step S337, the bit that is “1” in the data input from the input port 0 and 2 ms before The bit whose state has changed from the state 4 ms before becomes “1”. That is, as a result of the logical product operation, the bit corresponding to the detection signal in which the current state is the on state and has been detected to have changed from the off state to the on state during the previous switch processing (2 ms before) is “ 1 ”. In other words, the bit corresponding to the detection signal that has changed from the off state to the on state and then detected the on state twice in succession is “1”. Note that “continuously twice” means “both the switch process executed at a certain time and the switch process executed 2 ms after the switch process”.

  The CPU 56 stores the result of the logical product operation in the switch-on buffer (step S338). In the switch-on buffer, after changing from the off state to the on state, the bit corresponding to the detection signal in which the on state is detected twice consecutively is “1”. Therefore, the CPU 56 can confirm that the switch detection signal corresponding to the bit that is “1” in the switch-on buffer is surely turned on. Note that “definitely” means that the ON state has been detected twice in succession, that is, it can be considered that the ON state has continued for 4 ms, so it is determined that the ON state of the detection signal is not due to noise or the like. It can be done.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the prize ball processing in step S31. In the prize ball process, the game control microcomputer 560 executes a prize ball number addition process (step S341) and a prize ball control process (step S342).

  In the winning ball number adding process, a winning ball number table shown in FIG. 31 is used. The prize ball number table is set in the ROM 54. The number of processes (in this example, “7”) is set at the start address of the winning ball number table, and the switch input bit determination for each switch of the winning opening from which the winning ball is to be paid out by winning from the next address. The value and the number of winning balls are sequentially set corresponding to each switch of the winning opening. The switch input bit determination value is a value corresponding to the bit to which the detection signal of each switch at the input port 0 is input (see FIG. 24).

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the prize ball number adding process in step S341. In the winning ball number adding process, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the start address of the winning ball number table as a pointer (step S351). Then, the data at the address pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the number of processes) is loaded (step S352). Next, the switch-on buffer is loaded into the register (step S353).

  Then, the pointer value is incremented by 1 (step S354), and the logical product of the contents of the switch-on buffer and the prize ball number table data pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the switch input bit determination value) is calculated (step S355). . Further, the value of the pointer is increased by 1 (step S356).

  If the calculation result in step S355 is not 0, that is, if the detection signal of the switch to be inspected is on, the process proceeds to step S362 (step S361). If the calculation result in step S355 is 0, that is, if the detection signal of the switch to be inspected is not on, the number of processes is reduced by 1 (step S359). If the number is not 0, the process returns to step S354 (step S360). In step S361, when it is confirmed that the calculation result in step S355 is 0, that is, the detection signal of the switch to be inspected is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step S359.

  In step S362, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the switch input bit determination value used in the process of step S355 is a count switch input bit determination value. That is, it is confirmed whether or not it is confirmed in step S361 that the count switch 23 is turned on (whether or not the switch to be inspected is the count switch 23). If the switch input bit determination value is the count switch input bit determination value, the process proceeds to step S363. If the switch input bit is not the count switch input bit determination value, the prize ball number table data pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the prize ball number) is set as the prize ball addition value (step S364), and the prize ball addition value is set. Is added to the content of the 16-bit total award ball number storage buffer formed in the RAM 55 (step S365). If a carry occurs as a result of the addition, the content of the total number of winning balls storage buffer is set to 65535 (= FFFF (H)) (steps S357 and S358).

  In step S363, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the first special symbol process flag is 5 or more and whether or not the value of the second special symbol process flag is 5 or more. That the value of the first special symbol process flag is 5 or more means that the processing after the first big prize opening opening pre-processing of step S305 is executed in the first special symbol process. That is, it means that a big hit game or a small hit game is being played. Here, during the big hit game, it is a period from the start of the big hit display to the end of the big hit end processing. Further, during the small hit game, it is a period from the start of the small hit display until the end of the small hit end process. In other words, the value of the first special symbol process flag being 5 or more is a state where there is a possibility that control for opening the big prize opening may be performed when the game control is normally executed. Indicates. Further, the value of the second special symbol process flag being 5 or more means that in the second special symbol process, a process corresponding to the pre-opening process for the first big prize opening in step S305 in the first special symbol process ( This means that the subsequent processing is being executed. That is, in the second special symbol process, it means that a big hit game or a small hit game is being played. Therefore, the value of the second special symbol process flag being 5 or more is also a state where there is a possibility that the control of opening the big prize opening may be performed when the game control is normally executed. Indicates.

  If the value of the first special symbol process flag or the second special symbol process flag is 5 or more, the CPU 56 proceeds to step S364. That is, control for adding the prize ball addition value to the total prize ball number storage buffer is executed based on the count switch 23 being turned on. However, if the value of the first special symbol process flag is less than 5 and the value of the second special symbol process flag is less than 5, the control for adding the prize ball addition value to the total prize ball number storage buffer is executed. Without proceeding to step S359.

  When the value of the first special symbol process flag is less than 5 and the value of the second special symbol process flag is less than 5, the big win game and the small hit game are not executed, and the control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Is not executed. When it is detected that the count switch 23 is turned on in such a state, it means that an abnormal prize has occurred at the big prize opening or that the detection signal from the count switch 23 has a noise over a long period (over 4 ms). Means that you got on. Therefore, if it is detected that the count switch 23 is turned on in a state where the value of the first special symbol process flag is less than 5 and the value of the second special symbol process flag is less than 5, the total prize is awarded. Control to add the prize ball addition value to the ball number storage buffer is not executed. That is, the prize ball payout based on the fact that the count switch 23 is turned on is not executed.

  Here, the CPU 56 determines whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on the values of the special symbol process flags (the first special symbol process flag and the second special symbol process flag). When it is detected that the count switch 23 is turned on when the mouth is not opened, the prize ball payout based on the count switch 23 being turned on may not be executed. However, when configured to determine whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on the value of the special symbol process flag as in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on one data. As a result, the determination process is simplified. Since the big winning opening is opened or closed over a plurality of rounds, it is determined whether or not the abnormal winning has occurred by judging whether or not the actual winning opening is controlled. To be complicated.

  In addition, since there is a certain distance between the entrance of the big prize opening and the position where the count switch 23 is installed, it is determined whether or not the control for actually opening the big prize opening is performed, and whether or not an abnormal prize has occurred. In determining whether or not, it is necessary to consider a game ball that may have won a prize winning slot immediately before closing after performing a control for closing the prize winning opening. That is, it is necessary to consider the time for the game ball to flow from the entrance of the big prize opening to the position where the count switch 23 is installed. In other words, it is necessary to start the determination as to whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred after a certain period of time has passed since the control for actually closing the special winning opening is performed. This also complicates the processing.

  However, as in this embodiment, when it is configured to determine whether or not an abnormal winning to the big winning opening has occurred after the big winning end processing or the small winning end processing is completed, It is not necessary to consider the time for the game ball to flow between the entrance of the mouth and the position where the count switch 23 is installed. This is because the game ball that has won the big winning opening immediately before closing has reached the installation position of the count switch 23 during the processing period of the big hit end processing or the small hit end processing after the big winning opening is closed. In this embodiment, during the processing period of the big hit end process or the small hit end process, that is, during the period when the big hit end display or the small hit end display is made on the effect display device 9, It is set longer than the time required to reach the installation position of the count switch 23.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the prize ball control process in step S342. In the winning ball control process, the CPU 56 confirms the contents of the total winning ball number storage buffer (step S371). If the value is 0, the process ends. If it is not 0, it is confirmed whether or not the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is smaller than the prize ball command maximum value (“15” in this example) (step S372). If the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is equal to or greater than the prize ball command maximum value, the prize ball command maximum value is set in the prize ball number buffer (step S373). If the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is smaller than the prize ball command maximum value, the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is set in the prize ball number buffer (step S374). Then, the contents of the prize ball number buffer are set in the output port for outputting the prize ball number signal (step S375). Further, “1” is set to the bit of the prize ball REQ signal of the output port for outputting the prize ball REQ signal (step S376).

  A prize ball REQ signal is output by the processing of step S376. That is, the prize ball REQ signal is turned on. In addition, a prize ball number signal is output by the process of step S375 (see FIG. 27). In this embodiment, the maximum prize ball command value is “15”. Therefore, a prize ball number signal designating the maximum number of payouts of “15” is transmitted to the payout control board 37.

  When the winning ball number signal is transmitted, the game control microcomputer 560 subtracts the contents of the winning ball number buffer (the winning ball payout number commanded to the payout control means) from the contents of the total winning ball number storage buffer (step S377). ).

  Next, the CPU 56 sets an on period of the prize ball REQ signal. Specifically, an initial value is set in the wait counter (step S378). Then, the value of the wait counter is decremented by 1 until the value of the wait counter becomes 0 (steps S379 and S380). When the value of the wait counter reaches 0, the on period is terminated.

  That is, “0” is set to the bit of the prize ball REQ signal of the output port for outputting the prize ball REQ signal (step S381), and 00 (H) is set to the output port for outputting the prize ball number signal. (Step S382).

  When the payout control microcomputer mounted on the payout control board 37 receives the prize ball number signal, it drives the payout device 97 so that the number of game balls specified by the prize ball number signal is paid out.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the abnormal winning notification process in step S23. In the abnormal winning notification process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the abnormal notification prohibition flag is set (step S581). The abnormality notification prohibition flag is set in a main process executed when power supply to the gaming machine is started (see step S44 in FIG. 4). When the abnormality notification prohibition flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S585. If the abnormality notification prohibition flag is set, the value of the prohibition period timer set in step S45 is decremented by 1 (step S582). When the value of the prohibition period timer becomes 0, that is, when the prohibition period timer times out, the abnormality notification prohibition flag is reset (steps S583 and S584).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the first special symbol process flag is 5 or more and whether or not the value of the second special symbol process flag is 5 or more (step S585). The state where the value of the first special symbol process flag or the second special symbol process flag is 5 or more is a state where a big hit game or a small hit game is being played. In such a state, there is a possibility that a game ball will win the big winning opening, so it is not confirmed that an abnormal winning has occurred in the big winning opening. That is, if the value of the first special symbol process flag or the second special symbol process flag is 5 or more, the abnormal winning notification process is terminated.

  If the value of the first special symbol process flag is less than 5 and the value of the second special symbol process flag is less than 5 (a state where neither big hit game nor small hit game is played), the CPU 56 switches on The contents of the buffer are loaded into the register (step S586). Then, the logical product of the content of the loaded switch-on buffer and the count switch input bit determination value (02 (H), see FIG. 31) is calculated (step S587). When the content of the switch-on buffer is 02 (H), that is, when the count switch 23 is on, the logical product operation result is 02 (H). When the count switch 23 is not turned on, the operation result of the logical product is 0 (00 (H)).

  If the result of the logical product is not 0, it is determined that an abnormal winning at the special winning opening has occurred, and control is performed to transmit an abnormal winning notification designation command to the effect control board 80 (steps S588 and S589).

  When the count switch 23 is turned on in a state where neither a big hit game nor a small hit game is performed by the above processing, an abnormal winning notification designation command is transmitted. In addition, the process of steps S581 to S583 prohibits the start of abnormality notification when the effect control microcomputer 100 is performing initialization notification. The production control microcomputer 100 continues to execute the initialization notification until the period corresponding to the prohibition period has elapsed since the start of the initialization notification.

Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described.
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 2 ms) (step S701). .

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring 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 effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and executes a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes effect control process processing (step S705A). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed. In addition, a random number update process for updating a counter value of a counter for generating a predetermined random number (for example, a random number for determining a stop symbol) is executed (step S706). Further, the first decorative symbol display control process is performed (step S705B). In the first decorative symbol display control process, display control of the first decorative symbol display 9a is executed. Further, a second decorative symbol display control process is performed (step S705C). In the second decorative symbol display control process, display control of the second decorative symbol display 9b is executed. Further, a notification control process for performing notification using an effect device such as the effect display device 9 is executed (step S707). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer in the form of a ring buffer capable of storing six 2-byte effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIG. 11) is the effect control command stored in the buffer area.

  37 and 38 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis process (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the contents of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the received command is stored in the command receiving buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the received command from the command receiving buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +2 (step S613). The reason for +2 is that 2 bytes (1 command) are read at a time.

  If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S614), the effect control CPU 101 stores the variation pattern command in a variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S615). Then, a variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S616).

  If the received effect control command is a display result specifying command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 stores the display result specifying command in a display result specifying command storage area formed in the RAM (step S618). . Then, a display result specifying command reception flag is set (step S619).

  If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a confirmed command reception flag (step S622).

  If the received effect control command is one of the jackpot start 1-4 designation commands (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets the jackpot start 1-4 designation command reception flag (step S624).

  If the received effect control command is the first symbol variation designation command (step S625), the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S626). If the received effect control command is the second symbol variation designation command (step S627), the second symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S628).

  If the received effect control command is a power-on specification command (initialization specification command) (step S631), the effect control CPU 101 displays an initial screen on the effect display device 9 indicating that the initialization process has been executed. Control is performed (step S632A). The initial screen includes an initial display of predetermined production symbols. Also, an initial notification flag is set (step S632B), and a value corresponding to the initial notification period value is set in the period timer (step S632C). The initial notification period is a period in which initialization notification is performed in response to reception of an initialization designation command. The effect control CPU 101 ends the initialization notification when the initial notification period elapses. The initial notification period is the same as the prohibition period set by the game control microcomputer 560 in step S45. Therefore, the abnormality notification designation command is not received when the initialization notification is performed.

  If the received effect control command is a power failure recovery designation command (step S633), a predetermined power failure recovery screen (screen for displaying information notifying the player that the gaming state is continuing) is displayed. Display control is performed (step S634).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 1 designation command (step S641), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag (step S642). If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 2 designation command (step S643), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag (step S644).

  If the received effect control command is an abnormal prize notification designation command (step S645), the effect control CPU 101 sets an abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag (step S646).

  If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S647). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705A) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S806 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 a variation pattern command has been received from the game control microcomputer 560. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If the change pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change start process (step S801).

  Production symbol variation start processing (step S801): Control is performed so that the variation of the ornament symbol (first ornament symbol or second ornament symbol) and the effect symbol is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802).

  Production symbol variation processing (step S802): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803).

  Production symbol variation stop processing (step S803): Based on the reception of the production control command (design determination designation command) for instructing all symbols to be stopped, the decorative symbol (first decorative symbol or second decorative symbol) and the production symbol Control is performed to stop the fluctuation and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Big hit display process (step S804): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 9 of the occurrence of the big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S805).

  Big hit game processing (step S805): Control during big hit game is performed. For example, when a special winning opening opening designation command or a special winning opening open designation command is received, display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit end process (step S806).

  Big hit end processing (step S806): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 40 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 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  41 and 42 are flowcharts showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 reads the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S820). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S821). When the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set, the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is reset (step S822), and the first ornament symbol variation indicating that the variation of the first ornament symbol is started. A request flag is set (step S823). Then, for example, a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds is set in the decorative symbol switching timer for determining the switching timing of the lighting LED (step S825). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S816.

  If the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is not set, the second symbol variation designation command reception flag should be set. Therefore, the effect control CPU 101 resets the second symbol variation designation command reception flag (step S825), and sets a second symbol variation request flag indicating that the variation of the second symbol variation is started (step S826). . Then, for example, a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds is set in the decorative symbol switching timer for determining the switching timing of the lighting LED (step S827). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S816.

  In step S816, the effect control CPU 101 reads data indicating the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area. Next, it is confirmed whether or not the display result specifying command reception flag is set (step S817). If the display result specifying command reception flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S830. When the display result specifying command reception flag is set, the display result (stop) of the decorative symbol and the effect symbol according to the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command) The symbol is determined (step S818). The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the display result of the determined decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display result storage area, and stores data indicating the stop symbol of the determined decorative symbol in the effect symbol display result storage area.

  FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 43, when the received display result specifying command indicates a normal jackpot (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses the stop design as a stop symbol. A combination of effect symbols in which the left middle right symbol is an even number of symbols (a stop symbol reminiscent of occurrence of a big jackpot) is determined. When the received display result specifying command indicates a probable big hit (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 4 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses the left middle right symbol as an odd symbol as an odd symbol. The combination of the production symbols arranged at (stop symbol that reminds the occurrence of a probable big hit) is determined. When the received display result specifying command indicates a small hit or suddenly probable big hit (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 3 specifying command or a display result 5 specifying command), the presentation control CPU 101 A combination of “135” (a stop symbol reminiscent of occurrence of a small hit or suddenly probable big hit) is determined as the left middle right production symbol as the stop symbol. And in the case of detachment (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 1 designation command), a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols with left and right aligned is determined. It should be noted that the combination of left, middle and right effect symbols derived and displayed on the effect display device 9 is the “stop symbol” of the effect symbol.

  The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining the stop symbol, and uses the stop symbol determination table in which the data indicating the combination of effect symbols and numerical values are associated with each other to generate the stop symbol of the effect symbol. decide. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating the combination of effect symbols corresponding to the numerical value matching the extracted random number.

  As for the effect symbols, a stop symbol that recalls a big hit is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol reminiscent of a probable big hit is called a probable big hit symbol, and a stop symbol reminiscent of a normal big hit is called a normal big hit symbol. A stop symbol that suddenly recalls a probable big hit is called a sudden probable big hit symbol, and a stop symbol that recalls a small hit is called a small hit symbol. And a stop symbol that reminds of a loss is called a loss symbol.

  Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the LED on the side that recalls the big hit on the first decorative symbol display 9a remains lit at the end of the change. When the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the LED on the side that recalls the big hit on the second decorative symbol display 9b remains lit at the end of the change.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 resets the display result specifying command reception flag (step S819). Next, a process table corresponding to the variation pattern is selected (step S833). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S834).

  FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 in accordance with the data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. In the display control execution data, data indicating each variation aspect constituting the variation aspect during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbols is described. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and performs control to display the effect design in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value.

  The process table shown in FIG. 44 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern.

  Then, the production control CPU 101 sets the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1) on condition that the abnormality notification flag indicating that the abnormal winning notification is being performed is not set. In accordance with the sound number data 1), the control of the effect device (the effect display device 9 as the effect component, the various lamps as the effect component, and the speaker 27 as the effect component) is executed (steps S835A and S835B). For example, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image according to the variation pattern on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform on / off control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to output sound from the speaker 27.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 performs control so that the effect symbol is variably displayed by the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command on a one-to-one basis. The variation pattern to be used may be selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to.

  When the abnormality notification flag is set, the rendering device is controlled according to the contents of the process data 1 excluding the sound number data 1 (steps S835A and S835C). In other words, when the abnormality notification flag is set, when a new variable display of the production symbol is started, a sound production according to the variable display is not executed, but an abnormal prize is notified. The corresponding sound output is continued.

  In addition, when performing the process of step S835C, the effect control CPU 101 does not simply output a command based on the display control execution data 1 to the VDP 109, but also outputs a command for performing “superimposed display” to the VDP 109. That is, control is performed so that the display at that time (notification of abnormal winning is made) on the effect display device 9 and the display effect image of the variable display of the effect symbol are displayed on the effect display device 9 at the same time. . That is, when the abnormality notification flag is set, when a new variable display of the effect symbol is started, not only the display effect corresponding to the variable display is executed, but an abnormal winning notification is made. The notification according to is continued.

  Then, a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command is set in the variation time timer (step S836), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802). (Step S837).

  In step S830, it is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command that can be used for both a normal big hit and a probable big hit is received. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the variation pattern commands of “reach C / shortening”, “reach C”, and “super reach A” are usually used for both big hits and probable big hits. This is a variable pattern command. Therefore, the CPU 101 for effect control receives the variation pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit when the data indicating those fluctuation pattern commands is stored in the fluctuation pattern command storage area. It is determined that When it is determined that the variation control command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit is received, the production control CPU 101 determines the stop symbol of the production symbol as the normal big hit symbol (step S832). . In addition, when it is determined that a variation pattern command other than the variation pattern command that can be used for both a normal big hit and a probable big hit is received, the stop symbol is a combination of effect symbols according to the received variation pattern. (Step S831). In this embodiment, a variation pattern command other than the variation pattern command that can be used for both a normal jackpot and a probable variation jackpot is used at the time of losing or is used according to the type of jackpot ( (See FIG. 8). Therefore, when the variation control command 101 other than the variation pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit is received, the effect control CPU 101 determines the deviation based on the received variation pattern command. Whether or not a big hit (including a small hit) is determined, and if it is determined to be a big hit, the type of the big hit can be specified.

  As described above, the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the variation pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit, and when the display result specifying command cannot be received, Since the display result (stop symbol) is determined to be a normal jackpot symbol, it is possible to make the player recognize whether or not a specific gaming state occurs even if the display result specifying command cannot be received. In addition, by including information that can specify the display result of the effect symbol in the variation pattern command, the effect control microcomputer 100 can display the display result specifying command without using a command other than the variation pattern command and the display result specifying command. Since the display result of the effect symbol can be determined even if it cannot be received, the types of commands transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560 do not increase, and as a result, the control burden on the game control microcomputer 560 does not increase.

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation in-process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S841) and subtracts 1 from the value of the variation time timer (step S842). When the process timer times out (step S843), the process data is switched. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S844). Further, on the condition that the abnormality informing flag is not set, the control state for the rendering device is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S845A). , S845B).

  When the abnormality notification flag is set, control of the effect device is executed according to the contents of process data i (i is any one of 2 to n) (however, excluding sound number data i) (step S845A). , S845C). Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag is set, a sound effect according to the variable display of the effect symbol is not executed, but the sound output according to the notification of the abnormal winning is continued.

  In addition, when the process of step S845C is performed, the CPU 101 for effect control does not simply output a command based on the display control execution data i to the VDP 109, but also outputs a command for performing “superimposed display” to the VDP 109. . Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag is set, not only the display effect according to the variable display of the effect symbol is executed, but also the notification according to the notification of the abnormal winning is continued.

  If the variation time timer has timed out (step S846), the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) (step S848). Even if the variable time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received is set (step S847), the process proceeds to step S848. Even if the variation time timer has not timed out, if the symbol confirmation designation command is received, the process shifts to control to stop variation.For example, a variation pattern command indicating a long variation time due to noise between substrates is received. Even in such a case, it is possible to end the variation of the effect symbol when the regular variation time has elapsed (when the variation of the special symbol ends).

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the confirmed command reception flag is set (step S851). If the confirmed command reception flag is set, the confirmed command reception flag is reset. Then (step S852), control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol is performed according to the data (data indicating the stop symbol) stored in the effect symbol display result storage area (step S853A). In addition, a decorative symbol variation end flag is set (step S853B). When the decorative symbol variation end flag is set, the variation in the decorative symbol display that is fluctuating (variably displayed) between the first decorative symbol display 9a and the second decorative symbol display 9b is stopped, and the big hit / loss The lighting of the LED on the side corresponding to is maintained. Then, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is determined to be a big hit (step S854). Whether or not it is determined to be a big hit is confirmed by, for example, a display result specifying command stored in the display result specifying command storage area. In this embodiment, it can be confirmed whether or not it is determined to be a big hit based on the determined stop symbol.

  When it is determined to be a big hit, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S804) (step S855).

  If it is determined not to win, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the time reduction state flag is set (step S856). The short time state flag is set when the gaming state is a short time state (see step S886 described later). If the time reduction state flag is set, the value of the time reduction variation counter is incremented by 1 (step S857).

  Then, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the value of the time-varying variation number counter is 100 (step S858). If the value of the hour / short fluctuation counter is 100, the hour / short state flag is reset (step S859). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S860).

  In this embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variation (variable display) of the decorative symbol and the effect symbol on the condition that the symbol confirmation designation command is received (see steps S851 and S853). However, when the variation time timer based on the received variation pattern command times out, the variation of the decorative symbol and the effect symbol may be controlled to end without receiving the symbol determination designation command. In this case, the game control microcomputer 560 may not transmit the symbol confirmation designation command for designating the end of variable display.

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (step S804) in the effect control process. In the jackpot display process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the jackpot start 1-4 designation command reception flag indicating that any of the jackpot start 1-4 designation commands has been received is set (step S871). If any one of the big hit start 1 to 4 designation command reception flags is set, control is performed to display a game start screen corresponding to the set flag on the effect display device 9 (step S872). Further, the set flag (one of the big hit start 1-4 designation command reception flags) is reset (step S873). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S805) (step S874).

  In step S872, if the big hit start 2 designation command is received, the production control CPU 101 performs a control to display a screen for informing the start of the small hit game on the production display device 9. Further, when the big hit start 4 designation command is received, control is performed to display a screen for informing the start of the sudden probability change big hit game on the effect display device 9. When the jackpot start 1 designation command or the jackpot start 3 designation command is received, a screen for informing the start of the jackpot game (a screen for informing the start of the jackpot game and a notice of the start of the sudden probability change jackpot game) Control is performed to display on the effect display device 9.

  FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process (step S806) in the effect control process. In the jackpot end process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the jackpot end effect timer is set (step S880). If the big hit end effect timer is set, the process proceeds to step S885. If the jackpot end effect timer is not set, a jackpot end designation command reception flag (a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag or a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag) indicating that the jackpot termination designation command has been received is set. It is confirmed whether or not there is (step S881). When the jackpot end designation command reception flag is set, the jackpot end designation command reception flag is reset (step S882), and a value corresponding to the jackpot end display time is set in the jackpot end presentation timer (step S883). Then, the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a jackpot end screen (screen for notifying the end of the jackpot game) (step S884). Specifically, an instruction to display the big hit end screen is given to the VDP 109.

  In this embodiment, even if the type of jackpot is different, the same jackpot end screen is displayed on the effect display device 9. For example, the big hit end display and the small hit end display are the same. However, the small hit end display (including the small hit end display) may be divided according to the type of the big hit.

  In step S885, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end effect timer. Then, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end effect timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end effect time has elapsed (step S886). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the time reduction state flag is set (step S887), and the time reduction number counter is set to 0 (step S888). If the jackpot end 1 designation command is received, the probability variation state flag is reset (steps S889 and S891). When the jackpot end 1 designation command has not been received (when the jackpot end 2 designation command has been received), the probability variation state flag is set (steps S889, S890). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S892).

  The probability change state flag and the time-short state flag are used, for example, when the effect control CPU 101 notifies the probability change state and the time-short state by a background or a decorative light emitter (lamp / LED) in the effect display device 9.

  FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the first decorative symbol display control process of step S705B in the effect control main process shown in FIG. In the first decorative symbol display control process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the first decorative symbol changing flag is set (step S781). If the first decorative symbol variation flag is set, the process proceeds to step S785. If the first decorative symbol variation flag is not set, it is confirmed whether or not the first decorative symbol variation request flag is set (step S782). If the first decorative symbol variation request flag is set, the first decorative symbol variation request flag is reset (step S783), and the first decorative symbol variation flag is set (step S784).

  In step S785, it is confirmed whether or not the decorative symbol variation end flag is set. The decorative symbol variation end flag is set in step S853B (see FIG. 46). If the decorative symbol variation end flag is set, the decorative symbol variation end flag is reset (step S786), and the display result is displayed on the first decorative symbol display unit 9a according to the data stored in the decorative symbol display result storage area. Is displayed (step S791), and the first decorative symbol variation flag is reset (step S792).

  If the decorative symbol change end flag is not set, the value of the decorative symbol switching timer is decremented by 1 (step S787). If the value of the decorative symbol switching timer is 0 (step S788), that is, if it is the lighting LED switching timing, the LED to be lit on the first decorative symbol display 9a is switched (step S789), and the decorative symbol is switched. For example, a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds is reset in the switching timer (step S790).

  By the control as described above, the LEDs that are turned on in the first decorative symbol display 9a are switched every 0.5 seconds, for example, and variable display of the first decorative symbol is realized.

  The program for the second decorative symbol display control process (step S705C) is configured in the same manner as the first decorative symbol display control process. That is, in the above description of the first decorative symbol display control process, if “first” is read as “second”, the second decorative symbol display control process will be described.

  FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a notification screen displayed on the effect display device 9. FIG. 50A shows an example of an initial screen displayed on the effect display device 9 by the effect control CPU 101 in response to reception of the initialization designation command. FIG. 50 (B) shows an example of a power failure recovery screen that the effect control CPU 101 displays on the effect display device 9 in response to reception of the power failure recovery designation command. FIG. 50C shows an example of an abnormality notification screen displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the reception of the abnormal prize notification designation command by the effect control CPU 101, and the change of the effect symbol is started. Also, it is shown that the display of the abnormality notification screen is continued (see the right side of FIG. 50C).

  FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing the notification control process in step S707. In the notification control process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the initial notification flag is set (step S901). The initial notification flag is set when an initialization designation command is received from the game control microcomputer 560 (see step S632B in FIG. 38). If the initial notification flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S906. If the initial notification flag is set, the value of the period timer set in step S632C is decremented by 1 (step S902). Then, when the value of the period timer becomes 0, that is, when the initial notification period has elapsed, the initial notification flag is reset (steps S903 and S904).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a command for deleting the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen in the effect display device 9 to the VDP 109 (step S905). The VDP 109 erases the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen from the effect display device 9 according to the command.

  In step S906, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not an abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag indicating that an abnormal winning notification designation command has been received is set. If not set, the process is terminated. If the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is set, the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is reset (step S907), and the effect display device 9 has an abnormality with respect to the screen displayed at that time. A command to superimpose and display the notification screen is output to the VDP 109 (step S908). In response to the command, the VDP 109 superimposes and displays an abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 (see FIG. 50C).

  Furthermore, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output in response to the abnormal winning notification to the sound output board 70 (step S909). The voice synthesis IC 703 mounted on the voice output board 70 reads data corresponding to the input sound data from the voice data ROM 704 and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 27 side according to the read data. Therefore, sound output (output of abnormal notification sound) corresponding to the notification of abnormal winning is performed thereafter. Then, the production control CPU 101 sets an abnormality notification flag indicating that abnormality notification is being performed (step S910).

  FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the situation of the display effect on the effect display device 9 and the sound effect by the speaker 27. FIG. 52A shows an example in which the effect display device 9 is performing variable display of effect symbols. FIG. 52 (B) shows an example in which initialization notification is performed in the effect display device 9.

  FIG. 52C shows an example in which abnormality notification is performed in the effect display device 9 and an abnormality notification sound is output by the speaker 27. When receiving the abnormal prize notification designation command from the game control microcomputer 560, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs control to display an abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and outputs the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27. I do. Further, even when the variable display of the effect symbol is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. Moreover, even if the variable display of the effect symbol is finished, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. The production control microcomputer 100 does not execute the control for deleting the abnormality notification screen and the control for stopping the output of the abnormality notification sound, so that the display of the abnormality notification screen on the production display device 9 and the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are not performed. The output continues until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. However, the production control microcomputer 100 stops displaying the abnormality notification screen and outputting the abnormality notification sound when a predetermined time has elapsed after the display of the abnormality notification screen and the output of the abnormality notification sound have started. You may control. In this embodiment, the abnormality notification is performed by the effect display device 9 and the speaker 27. However, the abnormality notification may be performed using a lamp / LED. In that case, when receiving the abnormal winning notification designation command, the production control microcomputer 100 controls the lamp / LED to blink in a manner different from that in the normal state (when no abnormal winning has occurred). . In addition, even when the abnormality notification is performed using the lamp / LED, the abnormality notification using the lamp / LED is continued even if the variable display of the effect symbol is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command. .

  Further, in this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 does not detect an abnormal prize and does not detect an abnormal prize for a predetermined period after the power supply to the game machine is started (a period during which the initialization notification is executed). The abnormal winning notification designating command is not transmitted from the microcomputer 560. However, the game control microcomputer 560 always detects an abnormal winning when the value of the special symbol process flag is less than a predetermined value (5 in this embodiment), so that the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the game control. If an abnormal winning notification designation command is received during a predetermined period after the power supply to the machine is started, the abnormal winning notification may not be performed. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits an abnormal winning notification designation command when detecting that an abnormal winning has occurred, regardless of whether or not the initialization notification is being executed, so that the effect control microcomputer Even if the computer 100 receives the abnormal prize notification designation command during the period in which the initialization notification is being executed, the initialization notification is given priority over the abnormality notification by continuing the initialization notification without performing the abnormality notification process. You may make it make it. In that case, if an abnormal winning notification designation command is received during the period in which the initialization notification is being executed, the abnormality notification may be performed when the period in which the initialization notification is being executed ends.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the initialization notification is given priority over the abnormality notification, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the initialization notification becomes difficult to recognize. That is, the initialization notification is performed prominently. The game control microcomputer 560 transmits an initialization designation command when a user reset for starting execution of a program from the start address (for example, address 0000) occurs even when power supply to the game machine is started. As a cause of the occurrence of the user reset, for example, when the watchdog timer is configured to be used, there is a case where the watchdog timer has timed out due to an illegal action that hinders the smooth progress of the program. Such fraudulent acts are configured to be controlled in a probabilistic state, particularly when a predetermined jackpot symbol (predetermined probability variation jackpot symbol or sudden probability variation jackpot symbol) is determined based on a random number for determining the jackpot symbol. It is likely to occur when it is. In other words, the game control microcomputer 560 is initialized and a counter for generating a jackpot symbol determination random number is initialized, and it is easy to receive an illegal act that makes it easy to grasp the count value of the counter. By making the initialization notice conspicuous as in this embodiment, it is possible to easily grasp from the outside of the gaming machine that the gaming control microcomputer 560 has been initialized. Is easily recognized.

  In the above embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 ends the initialization notification when a predetermined period has elapsed (see steps S901 to S905), but ends the initialization notification at another timing. May be. For example, the initialization notification is terminated when the variable display of the effect symbol is started for the first time after the initialization notification is started, or the abnormal winning notification designation command is received before the variable display of the effect symbol is started. Sometimes the initialization notification may be terminated. Alternatively, the initialization notification may be terminated when the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received or when the first effect control command other than the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received after the initialization notification is started. That is, it is preferable that the initialization notification is continued for a period sufficient for the game shop clerk or the like to recognize the initialization notification.

  Further, in this embodiment, the effect control means receives the variation pattern command, but when the display result specifying command cannot be received, the variation pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit. If it is determined that a change pattern command other than the change pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit is received is determined. Since the stop symbol is determined as a combination of effect symbols corresponding to the received variation pattern, the effect display device 9 can notify that a big hit will occur even if the display result specifying command cannot be received due to noise or the like. Furthermore, immediately after receiving the variation pattern command, when it is determined that an effect control command other than the display result specifying command has been received, the above control based on the received variation pattern command may be performed. That is, the effect control means determines that the regular command has not been received (for example, the display result specifying command cannot be received) or determines that the non-normal command has been received (for example, the display result following the variation pattern command). When an effect control command other than the specific command is received), it is preferable to execute effect control (for example, determine a stop symbol of the effect symbol) based on the received regular command. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a player from being disadvantaged due to non-reception of a regular command or reception of a non-regular command.

  The same control may be performed for other effect control commands. For example, when a jackpot start specifying command that can specify the start of a specific gaming state is received, if it does not match the display result specifying command that has already been received (for example, the display result 2 specifying command indicating a normal jackpot is the display result specifying When it is stored in the command storage area, when the jackpot start 3 designation command indicating the probability variation jackpot is received, the production control based on the jackpot start designation command (for example, the effect device notifies the probability variation jackpot) ) Or when receiving a jackpot end designation command that can identify the end of a specific gaming state, if it does not match the already received jackpot start designation command (for example, a jackpot start 1 designation command indicating a normal jackpot) After receiving a jackpot end designation 2 command indicating a probabilistic jackpot) Effect control (e.g., the background of the effect display device 9 on the background corresponding to the probability variation state) based on the de to run. In the case of such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the control of the effect control means from being confused as much as possible with the control of the game control means.

  In the above embodiment, the production control board 80, the audio output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as the boards on which the circuit for controlling the production apparatus is mounted. You may mount on one board | substrate. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the effect display device 9 and the like is mounted and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (lamps, LEDs, speakers 27, etc.) are mounted. You may make it provide two board | substrates with two production | presentation control boards.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100. However, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits another command (for example, FIG. 3). The sound output board 70 and the lamp driver board 35 shown in FIG. 5 or the sound / lamp board having the function of the circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and the function of the circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). A control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 on the effect control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through another board, or the sound output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board are equipped with control means such as a microcomputer, and the control means receives the command. In response to this, control related to sound control and lamp control is executed, and the received command is changed as it is or, for example, to a simplified command to control the effect display device 9. You may make it transmit to. Even in that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the display control in accordance with the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 560 in the above-described embodiment. Display control can be performed in accordance with commands received from the board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  The present invention is applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on a variable display device.

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 an example of circuit configuration 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 flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a big hit determination value. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern. 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 explanatory drawing which shows an example of the transmission timing of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st start port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st display result specific command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st small hit | end process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bit allocation example of the input port in the microcomputer for game control. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the payout control signal. It is a block diagram which shows the signal line etc. which are used for transmission / reception of a payout control signal. It is a timing diagram which shows an example of how to output a payout control signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the buffer used by switch processing. It is a flowchart which shows a switch process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a prize ball number table. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball number addition process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball control process. It is a flowchart which shows an abnormal winning notification process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit display process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st decoration symbol display control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the alerting | reporting screen displayed on an effect display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows alerting | reporting control processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the condition of the display effect in a variable display apparatus, and the sound effect by a speaker.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display 8b 1st special symbol display 9 Production display device 13 1st start winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 9a 1st decorative symbol display 9b 2nd decorative symbol display 20 Variable Winning ball equipment 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
109 VDP

Claims (5)

It is possible to play a predetermined game using a game medium, and a game medium is provided in the first prize section provided in the game area, the second prize section provided in the game area, and the first prize section. First variable display means for starting the variable display of the first identification information and deriving and displaying the display result when the first variable display start condition is established based on the winning, and the second winning portion in the game medium The second variable display means for starting the variable display of the second identification information and deriving and displaying the display result when the second start condition of the variable display is satisfied based on the winning of the first variable display Or a gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on the second variable display means,
A variable winning equipment can be changed to an open state at the specific game state,
A detecting means for outputting a detection signal upon detection of game media prize to the variable winning equipment,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Based on the command transmitted by the game control means, the effect control means for controlling the effect device,
The game control means includes
Prior determination means for determining whether to shift to the specific gaming state before derivation display of the display result;
Winning determination means for determining whether or not the detection signal from the detection means is input;
An abnormality notification command transmitting means for transmitting an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification based on the fact that the winning determination means inputs the detection signal in a gaming state other than the specific gaming state ;
State control means for controlling the state of the first variable display means and the second variable display means and the variable winning device based on data indicating a game progress state ;
The state control means is configured to control the variable winning device when the data indicating the game progress state is a numerical value equal to or greater than a predetermined value, regardless of whether the first variable display means or the second variable display means is controlled. Is controlled so that it can be opened,
The abnormality notification command transmission means does not execute processing for instructing execution of abnormality notification when the data indicating the game progress state is a numerical value equal to or greater than a predetermined value,
The production control means includes
Based on the abnormality notification command transmitted by the abnormality notification command transmission means, after the abnormality notification is started by the effect device, the variable display control means is executing variable display of identification information in the variable display device gaming machine characterized in that it also includes an abnormality informing means for continuing the abnormality notification. Comprising a prize game medium payout control means game medium to the winning areas executes the control to pay out the prize game medium in response to the prize,
The prize game medium payout control means includes payout control prohibiting means for prohibiting execution of control for paying out a prize game medium when the winning determination means determines that a detection signal is input in a gaming state other than the specific gaming state. The gaming machine according to 1. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the abnormality notification means continues the abnormality notification until power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. The game control means
Numerical value updating means for updating a predetermined numerical value;
Numerical value extracting means for extracting a numerical value from the numerical value updating means at a predetermined time;
Display result determining means for determining information capable of specifying a display result of variable display of identification information in the first variable display means and the second variable display means based on the numerical value extracted by the numerical value extracting means;
An initialization means for executing an initialization process for setting the numerical value to an initial value when power supply to the gaming machine is started;
An initialization command transmitting means for transmitting an initialization command indicating execution of the initialization process when the initialization means executes the initialization process;
The effect control means performs initialization notification indicating that the initialization process has been executed by the effect device until a predetermined end condition is satisfied, based on the initialization command transmitted by the initialization command transmission means. Including initialization notification means,
The game according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising abnormality notification prohibiting means for prohibiting the start of abnormality notification by the abnormality notification means when the initialization notification means is performing initialization notification. Machine. An effect display device for effect display is provided as an effect device,
The game control means, on the condition that the variable display of the identification information is not executed by the first variable display means and the second variable display means, the identification information of the first variable display means or the second variable display means When the variable display of the identification information is started by the first variable display means or the second variable display means in accordance with the establishment of the variable display start condition, the first variable display means and the second variable display means A variable display means specifying command capable of specifying which of the identification information variable display is started, a variable display pattern command for specifying the variable display time, and a display result specifying command for specifying the display result are transmitted. Including a start command transmission means to
Performance control means, based on commands the start command transmitting means transmits, in effect device, among of claims 1 to 4 for starting the effect corresponding to the variable display means which is specified by the variable display means specific command A gaming machine according to any one of the above.

Images