JP4668314B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention includes a variable display device capable of variably displaying identification information, and after a predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied, variable information display is started based on the satisfaction of the variable display start condition. The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific display result.

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

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

  In a pachinko gaming machine, the fact that the display result of a variable display device that displays a special symbol (identification information) is a predetermined display result is usually referred to as “hit”. When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of 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. And the number of times of opening the special winning opening is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Further, when a predetermined condition (for example, winning in the V zone provided in the big prize opening) is not established at the time when the big prize opening is closed, the big hit gaming state is ended.

  In addition, 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 right symbol) continue for a predetermined time and stop, swing, There is a possibility that a big hit will occur before the final result is displayed due to the state of scaling or deformation, or multiple symbols changing synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol being switched An effect performed in a continuing state (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display. In the reach state, the interest of the game is enhanced by making the variation pattern different from the variation pattern in the normal state. Then, when the display result of the symbols variably displayed on the variable display device does not satisfy the condition for reaching the reach state, the state is “missed” and the variable display state is terminated. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  Some variable display means has a so-called notice function that notifies in advance that a reach mode or a jackpot mode is displayed. In addition, the number of stored conditions for satisfying the condition for starting the variation of the special symbol in the variable display device (for example, the number of times the winning to the start winning opening has occurred but the variation of the special symbol has not been performed yet) A notice effect may be performed using a start memory number display section for displaying (start winning memory). That is, for example, in a start memory number display section having four indicators corresponding to start start memory numbers, by making the display mode of any one display different from the display mode of other display units, Notice that there is a possibility that a big hit may occur due to fluctuations in special symbols according to the.

  Gaming machines with a notice function have an abundance of types of game effects and the interest of games has increased, but games that control the overall progress of the game including game effects on the game machines. The burden on the control means becomes heavy. On the other hand, simply performing the notice effect using the start memory number display section does not significantly increase the interest of the game even if the number of game effects increases.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can further enhance the interest related to the notice effect without increasing the burden of the game control means related to the control of the notice effect.

The gaming machine according to the present invention includes variable display means (for example, the variable display device 9) capable of variably displaying the identification information, and a predetermined variable display execution condition (for example, a start winning area provided in the game area). Is established, the variable information display is started based on the establishment of the variable display start condition (for example, the previous special symbol variable display and the end of the big hit gaming state). A gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) that is advantageous to the player when the display result of becomes a specific display result (for example, the left middle right design is the same design), Game control means (for example, CPU 56 etc.) for controlling the progress of the game, and effects related to variable display of identification information based on commands from the game control means (variable display corresponding to the fluctuation pattern) Effect control means (for example, display control CPU 101, effect control CPU 111, etc.) for controlling the effect means (for example, variable display device 9, lamp / LED, speaker 27). ) And numerical data update means (for example, game control means) used for determination relating to variable display and for updating numerical data (for example, the count value of a counter for generating a random number for jackpot determination) within a predetermined numerical range Steps S17, S22, and S24 are executed) , and the game control means extracts the numerical data from the numerical data update means when the variable display execution condition is satisfied, and the extracted numerical data is determined in a predetermined manner. Execution condition establishment determination means for determining whether or not the value matches (for example, executing steps S122 to S133 in the game control means) A command that can specify the number of pending storages, which is the number of times of variable display of identification information that has been established, but has not yet been started, and is determined by the execution condition determination means. Can be transmitted to the effect control means, and when the variable display execution condition is satisfied, the specific command is transmitted, and the gaming machine is based on the determination result specified by the specific command. A data table (for example, data stored for determining a mode of a notice effect to be executed from a plurality of types of effects before the variable display start condition is satisfied based on the determined execution condition of the variable display being satisfied) 27 and 16 the continuous announcement determination table shown in FIG. 28 102B1 (a), the (b), (c), (d) ~102B4 (a), (b), (c), (d)) A plurality corresponding to the determination result and distillate storage number coercive specified by a particular command, embodiments of the plurality of presentation effects, aspects of a particular effect (e.g. FIG. 27, FIG. 28 (A), continuous in (B) Preliminary notice C or D or E, continuous notice C1, C2 with 3 executions in FIG. 40 (A), continuous notice D2, D3 with 3 executions in FIG. 40 (B), continuous notice E with 4 executions E) wherein the performance control means may determine the aspects of the presence and announcement attraction execution of prediction effect based on the data of the specific commands and data table, the announcement attraction based on the pending store the number specified by the particular command Production determining means for determining the number of executions (steps S662 to S665 in the production control means, in particular, a part for executing S663, specifically, a table selected from a plurality of tables 102Bn corresponding to the number of reserved memories) The part that executes the process of determining the notice type and the number of executions according to the random number value using the) and the effect of executing the notice effect for the number of executions determined by the effect determining means in the effect mode determined by the effect determining means The data table includes a first data table (for example, a continuous notice determination table 102B4 (c), (d) shown in FIG. 28) in which the effect determining unit selects a specific effect mode at a predetermined ratio. ) and the first second low percentage to select a particular embodiment from the data table in the data table (e.g., the continuous announcement determination table shown in FIG. 28 102B4 (a), include, and (b)), presentation control means In addition, the data table is selected based on the number of reserved memories specified by the received specific command and the determination result, and the determination result specified by the specific command is predetermined. If it is a determination result indicating that the determination that it matches the determination value has been made, the data determination means includes a data selection means for selecting the first data table, and the effect determination means has a specific determination result specified by the specific command. In the case of the determination result, when the number of reserved memories specified by the specific command is large, it is determined that the notice effect is executed at a higher rate than when the number of reserved memories specified by the specific command is small. It is characterized by.
Another aspect of the gaming machine according to the present invention is provided with variable display means capable of variably displaying identification information. After a predetermined variable display execution condition is established, identification is performed based on establishment of a variable display start condition. A gaming machine that starts variable display of information, and that can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific display result. Based on the game control means to be controlled, the effect control means for controlling the effect means for executing the effect related to the variable display of the identification information based on the command from the game control means, and the determination relating to the variable display, a predetermined numerical value A numerical data updating means for updating the numerical data in a range, and the game control means extracts the numerical data from the numerical data updating means when the variable display execution condition is satisfied, and is extracted. Holds the number of variable display times of identification information that has been established, but has not yet started, including a determination unit when execution condition is satisfied that determines whether the numerical data matches a predetermined determination value The pending storage number command that can specify the storage number and the determination result command that can specify the determination result by the determination unit when the execution condition is established can be transmitted to the effect control unit as separate commands, and the execution condition of the variable display is When established, the pending storage number command and the determination result command are transmitted, and the gaming machine performs variable display based on the establishment of the determined variable display execution condition based on the determination result specified by the determination result command. A data table in which data for determining a mode of a notice effect to be executed from a plurality of modes of effect to be executed before the start condition is satisfied is determined by a determination result command. There are a plurality of determination results and the number of reserved memories specified by the reserved memory number command, and a plurality of effect modes include specific effect modes, and the effect control means includes a determination result command and a data table. Effect determining means for determining the presence / absence of execution of the notice effect and the form of the notice effect based on the data of the information, and determining the number of times the notice effect is executed based on the number of reserved memories specified by the reserved memory number command; An effect executing means for executing the notice effect for the number of executions determined by the effect determining means in the effect mode determined by the determining means, and the data table selects the specific effect mode at a predetermined ratio by the effect determining means. The production control means includes: a first data table to be selected; and a second data table having a lower ratio of selecting a specific mode than the first data table. In addition, the data table is selected based on the pending storage count specified by the received pending storage count command and the determination result specified by the determination result command, and the determination result specified by the determination result command is a predetermined determination value. If it is a determination result indicating that it is determined that it matches, the data determination means includes a data selection means for selecting the first data table, and the effect determination means determines that the determination result specified by the determination result command is a specific determination If it is a result, when the number of reserved memories specified by the reserved memory number command is large, the notice effect is executed at a higher rate than when the reserved memory number specified by the reserved memory number command is small. It is characterized by determining.

As described above, in the first and second aspects of the invention, the variable display start condition is established based on the establishment of the determined variable display execution condition based on the determination result specified by the specific command or the determination result command. previously a data table data is stored for determining the mode of announcement attraction from aspects of a plurality of production which is performed, a specific command or a determination result determined as specified in the command result and the particular command or hold memory to a plurality to correspond to the pending memory number specified by the number command, embodiments of the plurality of presentation include aspects of particular effect, effect control means, the data for a particular command or determination result commands and data table Based on this, the presence / absence of execution of the notice effect and the mode of the notice effect are determined, and the storage specified by the specific command or the reserved memory number command is performed. Effect determining means for determining the number of executions of the notice effect based on the number of retained memories, and effect execution means for executing the notice effect for the number of executions determined by the effect determining means in the effect mode determined by the effect determining means. The data table includes a first data table in which the effect determining means selects a specific effect mode at a predetermined rate, a second data table having a lower rate of selecting a specific mode than the first data table , The presentation control means further selects and specifies the data table based on the pending storage number specified by the received specific command or the pending storage number command and the determination result specified by the specific command or the determination result command. Judgment that indicates that the judgment result specified by the command or judgment result command matches the predetermined judgment value If the result is a result, including a data selection means for selecting the first data table, the effect determination means, if the determination result specified by the specific command or the determination result command is a specific determination result, Since it is determined that the notice effect is executed at a high rate when the number of reserved memories specified by the reserved memory number command is large, compared to when the reserved memory number specified by the specific command or the reserved memory number command is small , Without increasing the control burden of the game control means, it is possible to produce effects related to the variable display before the start of the variable display, and to improve the interest of the game.
In addition, by selecting a data table based on the specific command or determination result command and the number of reserved memories, and determining the mode of the notice effect from the selected data table, the variable display is related to the variable display before the start of the variable display. The types of notice productions that are executed as productions can be dramatically varied and varied, and expressive and interesting productions can be performed.
Further, when it is determined by the determination unit when the execution condition is satisfied that the predetermined determination value is met, the notice effect according to the specific effect mode is easily selected. Can improve the expectation of the person.

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

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

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

  Near the center of the game area 7, a variable display device (special variable display section) 9 including a plurality of variable display sections each variably displaying a symbol as identification information is provided. The variable display device 9 has, for example, three variable display portions (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. The variable display section may be a fixed area, but may move or change in size in the display area of the variable display device 9 while the game is in progress. In addition, the variable display device 9 is provided with four special symbol start memory display areas (start memory display areas) 18 for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the start winning opening 14, that is, the start winning memory number. Every time there is an effective start prize (start prize when the start prize memory number is less than 4), the start memory display area 18 is increased by 1 by changing the display color (for example, changing from blue display to red display). Each time the variable display of the variable display device 9 is started, the start memory display area 18 in which the display color is changed is reduced by one. That is, the display color is returned to the original state.

  In addition, since the symbol display area and the start memory display area 18 are provided separately, the start winning memory number can be displayed even during variable display. The start memory display area 18 may be provided in a part of the symbol display area. In this case, the display of the start winning memory number may be interrupted during variable display. In this embodiment, the start memory display area 18 is provided in the variable display device 9. However, the variable display device 9 is a display (special symbol start memory display) for displaying the start winning memory number. It may be provided separately.

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

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

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

  In this embodiment, the left and right lamps (the symbols can be visually recognized at the time of lighting) are alternately turned on, whereby the normal symbols are variably displayed, and the variable display continues for a predetermined time (for example, 29.2 seconds). If the left lamp is turned on at the end of the variable display, it is a win. Whether or not to win is determined by whether or not the value of the random number extracted when the game ball wins the gate 32 matches a predetermined hit determination value. When the display result of the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is a win, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time so that the game ball is likely to win. That is, the state of the variable winning ball device 15 changes from a disadvantageous state to a player's advantageous state when the normal symbol is a winning symbol.

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

  The gaming board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning holes 29, 30, 33, 39, and winning of the game balls to the winning holes 29, 30, 33 is detected by winning hole switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, respectively. The Around the left and right sides of the game area 7, there are provided decorative lamps 25 that are blinked and displayed during the game, and at the bottom there is an out mouth 26 that absorbs the hit ball that has not won. In addition, two speakers 27 that emit sound effects and sounds are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c are provided.

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the main board 31. 3 also shows a payout control board 37, a lamp control board 35, a sound control board 70, a launch control board 91, and a symbol control board 80. The main board 31 includes a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 32a, a start port switch 14a, a V winning switch 22, a count switch 23, winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, A switch circuit 58 for supplying signals from the tongue switch 48, the ball break switch 187, the prize ball count switch 301A and the clear switch 921 to the basic circuit 53, a solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15, and a solenoid for opening and closing the opening and closing plate 20. 21 and a solenoid circuit 59 for driving a solenoid 21A for switching a route in the special winning opening in accordance with a command from the basic circuit 53 is mounted.

  Although not shown in FIG. 3, the count switch short circuit signal is also transmitted to the basic circuit 53 via the switch circuit 58. Further, the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the V winning switch 22, the count switch 23, the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, the full switch 48, the ball running switch 187, the winning ball count switch 301A, etc. Also, what is called a sensor may be used. That is, the name of the game medium detection means is not limited as long as it is a game medium detection means (game ball detection means in this example) that can detect a game ball. What is called a switch may be what is called a sensor, that is, that the switch is an example of a game medium detecting unit, as in other embodiments.

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

  The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means (means for storing variation data) used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations according to the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and RAM 55 are built in the CPU 56. That is, the CPU 56 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 and the I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached or built-in. Since the CPU 56 executes control according to the program stored in the ROM 54, the CPU 56 executes (or performs processing) hereinafter, specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to the program. is there. The same applies to CPUs mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

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

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

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

  Since each control means controls the electrical components provided in the gaming machine, each control means is hereinafter referred to as an electrical component control means, and a board on which the electrical component control means is mounted may be referred to as an electrical component control board. . An electrical component is a component (such as a mechanical component or a circuit) provided in a gaming machine and operates electrically. As the electrical component control means, for example, a payout control means for controlling a ball payout device as an electrical component, a display control means for controlling a variable display device for effect as an electrical component, and a light emitter for effect control as an electrical component There are lamp control means for controlling (lamps and LEDs), and sound control means for controlling sound generation from an effect speaker as an electrical component. In addition, display control means, lamp control means, sound control means, and the like that control electric parts for production may be referred to as production control means.

  FIG. 4 shows the circuit configuration in the symbol control board 80. The LCD (liquid crystal display device) 82, the normal symbol display 10, which is an example of realization of the variable display device 9, and the output ports (ports 0 and 2) of the main substrate 31. It is a block diagram shown with 570,572 and output buffer circuit 620,62A. The output port (output port 2) 572 outputs 8-bit data, and the output port 570 outputs a 1-bit strobe signal (INT signal). In this embodiment, command data is transmitted by parallel communication (8-bit parallel in this example), but may be exchanged by serial communication.

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

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

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

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

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

  The configuration of the signal transmission / reception part of the lamp control command between the main board 31 and the lamp control board 35 and the structure of the signal transmission part of the sound control command between the main board 31 and the sound control board 70 have been described above. The signal transmission / reception part of the display control command between the main board 31 and the symbol control board 80 shown in FIG. Each lamp may be an LED or other types of light emitters. That is, a lamp or LED is an example of a light emitter, and may hereinafter be collectively referred to as a lamp / LED. Further, a variable display device decoration LED (center decoration LED) is installed at the upper part and the left and right parts of the variable display device 9, and a large prize opening interior decoration LED is installed inside the big prize opening, and on the right and left of the big prize opening. Is provided with a large winning opening left decoration LED and a large winning opening right decoration LED.

  A drive signal for driving the lamp / LED is created in the lamp control board 35. In addition, display control of the variable display device 9 for variably displaying the special symbol and the normal symbol display 10 for variably displaying the normal symbol is performed by display control means mounted on the symbol control board 80.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the game control means (CPU 56 and peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM) on the main board 31. When power is turned on to the gaming machine and the input level of the reset terminal becomes high level, the CPU 56 starts main processing after step S1. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

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

  The CPU 56 used in this embodiment also incorporates an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC). The CTC also includes two external clock / timer trigger inputs CLK / TRG2, 3 and two timer outputs ZC / TO0,1.

  The CPU 56 used in this embodiment is provided with the following three modes as maskable interrupt modes. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

  Interrupt mode 0: The built-in device that made the interrupt request sends an RST instruction (1 byte) or a CALL instruction (3 bytes) onto the internal data bus of the CPU. Therefore, the CPU 56 executes the instruction at the address corresponding to the RST instruction or the address specified by the CALL instruction. At reset, the CPU 56 automatically enters interrupt mode 0. Therefore, when setting to interrupt mode 1 or interrupt mode 2, it is necessary to perform a process for setting to interrupt mode 1 or interrupt mode 2 in the initial setting process.

  Interrupt mode 1: In this mode, when an interrupt is accepted, the mode always jumps to address 0038 (h).

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

  Therefore, when the interrupt mode 2 is set, it becomes possible to easily process an interrupt request from each built-in device, and it is possible to install an interrupt process at an arbitrary position in the program. . Further, unlike the interrupt mode 1, it is easy to prepare each interrupt process for each interrupt generation factor. As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 56 is set to the interrupt mode 2 in step S2 of the initial setting process.

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

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

  After confirming that there is a backup, the CPU 56 performs a data check (parity check in this example) in the backup RAM area (step S9). In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power 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 performs a game state restoration process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electric component control means such as the display control means to the state when the power supply is stopped (step S10). ). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) stored in the backup RAM area is set in the PC, and the address is restored.

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

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

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

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S11 to S14) is completed, the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) are repeatedly executed in the main process. When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. (Step S19). The display random number is a random number for determining a symbol displayed on the variable display device 9, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. . The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining an initial value of a count value such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit (a big hit determination random number generation counter). In a game control process described later, when the count value of the jackpot determination random number generation counter makes one round, an initial value is set in the counter.

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

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 performs the register saving process (step S20), and then executes the game control processes of steps S21 to S33 shown in FIG. In the game control process, the CPU 56 first inputs detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switch 24a through the switch circuit 58, and determines their state. (Switch processing: Step S21).

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

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

  In step S22 in the game control process shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 56 generates (1) a big hit determination random number, (3) a big hit symbol determination random number, and (6) a normal symbol determination random number. Counter is incremented (added by 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In order to enhance the game effect, random numbers related to ordinary symbols other than the random numbers (1) to (8) are also used.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 performs processing for setting a display control command related to the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and sending the display control command (special symbol command control processing: step S27). In addition, a display control command related to the normal symbol is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 55, and a process of sending the display control command is performed (normal symbol command control process: step S28).

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

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

  And CPU56 performs the memory | storage process which checks the increase / decrease in the number-of-start winning memory | storage number (step S31). In addition, a test terminal process, which is a process for outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be confirmed outside the gaming machine, is executed (step S32). Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a drive command is issued to the solenoid circuit 59 (step S33). The solenoid circuit 59 drives the solenoids 16, 21, and 21A in response to a drive command in order to open or close the variable winning ball device 15 or the opening / closing plate 20, or to switch the game ball passage in the special winning opening. To do. Thereafter, the contents of the register are restored (step S34), and the interrupt enabled state is set (step S35).

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

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

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Wait until the variable symbol variable display can be started. When the special symbol variable display can be started, the start winning memory number is confirmed. If the start winning memorization number is not 0, it is determined whether or not to win the game as a result of variable display of special symbols. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to step S301.

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

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S302): A variation pattern (variable display mode) of variable display of special symbols is determined according to a random 4 value. Also, a variable time timer is started. At this time, the left middle right final stop symbol and information for instructing the variation mode (variation pattern) are transmitted to the symbol control board 80. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S303.

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

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): Control is performed so that all symbols displayed on the variable display device 9 are stopped. Specifically, it is set to a state in which a display control command indicating special symbol stop is transmitted. If the stop symbol is a combination of jackpot symbols, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to step S305. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S300.

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

  Processing for opening a special prize opening (step S306): Control for sending a display control command for a round display for the special prize opening to the symbol control board 80, processing for confirming the establishment of the closing condition for the special prize opening, and the like. When the closing condition for the last big prize opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S307.

  Specific area valid time process (step S307): Monitors whether or not the V winning switch 22 has passed, and performs a process of confirming that the big hit gaming state continuation condition is satisfied. If the condition for continuing the big hit gaming state is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state is updated to shift to step S305. Further, when the big hit gaming state continuation condition is not satisfied within a predetermined effective time, or when all rounds are finished, the internal state is updated to shift to step S308.

  Big hit end processing (step S308): Control for causing the display control means to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S300.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern used in this embodiment. In FIG. 9, “EXT” indicates EXT data of the second byte in the display control command having a two-byte configuration. That is, each variation pattern of the special symbol and the display control command are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis. “Time” indicates the variation time of the special symbol (variable display period of identification information).

  The “normal fluctuation” is a fluctuation pattern that does not involve a reach mode. “Normal reach” is a fluctuation pattern that involves a reach mode, but the fluctuation result (stop symbol) does not cause a big hit. “Reach A” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”. Further, the difference in reach mode means that a change mode (speed, rotation direction, etc.), a character, or the like of a different mode appears in the reach change time. For example, in “normal”, the reach mode is realized by only one type of change mode, whereas in “reach A”, a reach mode including a plurality of change modes with different speeds and directions of change is realized.

  Further, “reach B” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach” and “reach A”. “Reach C” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”, “reach A”, and “reach B”. Note that “reach A”, “reach B”, and “reach C” may or may not be a big hit.

  In this embodiment, a shortened display pattern is further used. The shortened display pattern is a very short variation pattern in which the variation time of the left middle right symbol is 1.0 seconds, for example.

  In this embodiment, the fluctuation patterns 1 to 14 are used at high probability (during probability change) and at low probability (non-probability change = normal state), but at high probability, the change patterns 1 to 14 are used. You may make it shorten each fluctuation time. Moreover, the variation pattern group used at the time of high probability (a plurality of variation patterns that can be used) may be separated from the variation pattern group used at the time of low probability.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a start port switch passing process (step S312) that is executed when a start winning is generated. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the start winning memorized number has reached 4 which is the maximum value (step S111). If the starting winning memory number has not reached 4, the starting winning memory number is increased by 1 (step S112), and random numbers such as jackpot determination random numbers are extracted and stored corresponding to the starting winning memory number value. Store in the area (special symbol determination buffer) (step S113). Note that extracting a random number means reading a count value from a counter for generating a random number and setting the read count value as a random value. In step S114, a timer for determining whether or not to shorten the variation time is set. Then, a winning effect setting process is executed (step S115).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a winning effect setting process. In the winning presentation process, the CPU 56 first sets a winning flag indicating that there has been a start winning (step S121). The winning flag is referred to in the storage process (step S31) executed after the special symbol process. Next, the CPU 56 extracts the random 1 from the counter for generating the random 1 (random number for determining the big hit) (step S122), and executes the big hit determining module. That is, the jackpot determination subroutine is called (step S123). When it is determined in the jackpot determination module that the jackpot is based on a random value of 1 (step S124), it is determined whether or not the probability jackpot is set (step S125).

  In this embodiment, there are twelve special symbols “0” to “11” in the middle left and right, respectively, and the special symbol display changes in order from “0” in the variable display device 9. Fluctuations are realized. Note that the display of the display symbols may change discontinuously during the change of the special symbols. In addition, when the final stop symbols (determined symbols) of the special symbols are aligned to the middle left and right, a big hit is obtained, and when the left and right are aligned, reach is achieved. In the case of a big hit, when the odd symbols are arranged, the game shifts to a high probability state after the big hit game ends. Further, when a big hit occurs in the high probability state or when a special symbol is changed a predetermined number of times, the high probability state ends and returns to the low probability state.

  Therefore, in step S124, the CPU 56 extracts a random number 3 (a jackpot symbol determining random number), determines a jackpot symbol based on the extracted random number, and determines that a probabilistic jackpot is achieved if the determination result is an anequality symbol. If it is determined that the probability variation big hit is not reached, data indicating a non-specific big hit winning designation command is set in the RAM 55 as a winning command (step S126). If it is determined that the probable big hit will be made, data indicating a specific big win winning designation command is set in the RAM 55 as a winning command (step S127).

  If it is determined in step S124 that the game is not a big hit, random 5 is extracted from the counter for generating random 5 (reach determination random number) (step S131), and the reach determination module is executed. That is, the reach determination subroutine is called (step S132). If the reach determination module determines that the reach is based on the random value of 5 (step S133), the data indicating the reach winning designation command is set in the RAM 55 as the winning command (step S134). If it is determined that the reach is not reached, data indicating a lost winning designation command is set in the RAM 55 as a winning command (step S135).

  Then, the data set as a winning command in the RAM 55 is stored in an area defined as a winning effect buffer in the RAM 55 (step S136). The data stored in the winning effect buffer is referred to in the storage process (step S31) executed after the special symbol process.

  FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a jackpot determination table used in the jackpot determination module. FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a reach determination table used in the reach determination module. As shown in FIG. 12A, in this embodiment, the big hit determination value is “3” at the time of low probability (non-probability change), and the big hit determination value is “3” at the time of high probability (when probability change). , “7”, “79”, “103”, “107”. As shown in FIG. 12B, the reach determination values are “0”, “1”, and “11” when the probability is low (non-probability change), and the reach determination value is “0” when the probability is high. , “1”, “9”, “11”, “12”. Accordingly, reach is more likely to occur at high probability than at low probability.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot determination module. In the big hit determination process, the CPU 56 first determines whether or not the state at that time is in a probabilistic change (step S141). If the probable change is in the middle, the high in the big hit determination table shown in FIG. It is decided to use the table at the time of probability (step S142). If the probability change is not in progress, it is determined to use the low probability table in the jackpot determination table (step S143).

  Then, it is determined whether there is a value that matches the extracted random 1 value in the jackpot determination table (steps S144 and S145), and if there is a matching value, the jackpot is determined (step S146). If there is no value to be determined, it is determined that no big hit is made (step S147).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the reach determination module. In the reach determination process, the CPU 56 first determines whether or not the state at that time is in the probability change state (step S151), and if it is in the probability change state, the high value in the reach determination table shown in FIG. It is decided to use the table at the time of probability (step S152). If the probability change is not in progress, it is decided to use the table at the low probability in the reach determination table (step S153).

  Then, it is determined whether or not there is a value that matches the extracted random value 5 in the reach determination table (steps S154 and S155), and if there is a matching value, the reach is determined (step S156). If there is no value, it is decided not to reach (step S157).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing special symbol normal processing (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 can start the special symbol change (for example, when the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300) (step S51), the start winning memory is stored. The value of the number is confirmed (step S52). Specifically, the count value of the start winning counter is confirmed. The case where the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300 is a case where the symbol is not changed in the variable display device 9 and the game is not a big hit game.

  If the starting winning memory number is not 0, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the starting winning memory number = 1 is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S53), and the starting winning memory number 1 is reduced by 1 and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S54). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the start winning memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in the storage area corresponding to the starting winning memory number = n−1.

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

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop symbol setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S61). When the big hit flag is set, the big hit symbol is determined according to the value of the big hit symbol random number (random 3) (random 3 read in step S53) (step S62). In this embodiment, each symbol of the symbol number set in the jackpot symbol table corresponding to the value of random 3 is determined as a jackpot symbol. In the jackpot symbol table, left, middle and right symbol numbers corresponding to a plurality of types of combinations of jackpot symbols are set. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S63).

  When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 executes a reach determination module (step S65). Here, the reach determination module determines whether or not to reach based on the random 3 value read from the storage area in step S53, that is, the value stored in the random value buffer (step S64). Further, the left and right symbols are determined according to the value of random 2-1, and the middle symbol is determined according to the value of random 2-2 (step S67). Here, if the determined middle symbol matches the left and right symbols, the symbol corresponding to the value obtained by adding 1 to the random number corresponding to the middle symbol is set as the stop symbol of the middle symbol so that it does not match the jackpot symbol. To do. Then, the process proceeds to step S63.

  If it is decided not to reach in step S66, a stop symbol in the case of a loss is decided (step S68). Specifically, the left symbol is determined according to the value read in step S53, that is, the extracted random 2-1 value, the middle symbol is determined according to the random 2-2 value, and the random 2-3 value is determined. The right design is determined according to. Here, when the left and right symbols match, the right symbol is shifted by one symbol so that it does not become reach. Then, the process proceeds to step S63. When the probability variation symbol is determined in step S62, a probability variation flag indicating that the game is shifted to the probability variation state after the big hit game is ended is set.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the storage process (step 31) in the 2 mS timer interrupt process. In the storage process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the count value of the start winning storage counter is the same as the count value of the previous start winning storage counter (step S161). If they are not the same, that is, if there is a change in the number of starting winning memories, the address of the command sending table for starting winning memory designation corresponding to the number of starting winning memories is set in the pointer (step S162), and a command set as a subroutine is set. Processing is executed (step S163). Then, the count value of the starting winning memory counter is set in the previous starting winning memory counter (step S164).

  A display control command is transmitted to the symbol control board 80 by executing the command set process. In this embodiment, each display control command that can be transmitted to the display control means is stored in a ROM command transmission table. In the command set process, the CPU 56 sets the display control command data stored at the address of the ROM 54 indicated by the pointer to the output port for outputting the display control command data, and indicates that the command is transmitted. A display control INT signal is output.

  If the winning flag is set (step S165), the address of the winning command transmission table corresponding to the data corresponding to the winning command stored in the winning buffer is set to the pointer (step S165). S166), a command set process which is a subroutine is executed (step S167).

  When the start winning memory number is changed by the above process, a display control command for designating the starting winning memory number is transmitted to the display control means mounted on the symbol control board 80 (steps S161 to S163). When the starting winning memory number increases, a display control command for specific big win winning designation, non-specific big hit winning designation, reach winning designation or losing winning designation is transmitted (steps S112 and S115 shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and steps S166 and S167 shown in FIG. 17). In this embodiment, when it is not a big win, a display control command for specifying a reach winning prize or a lost winning prize is transmitted, but when it is not a big hit, a display control command for specifying a lost winning prize is always transmitted. You may do it. Hereinafter, the display control command for specifying a special jackpot winning designation, a non-specific big winning prize designation, a reach winning designation, and an extra prize designation may be referred to as a winning determination result command or a determination result command.

  Note that the jackpot and reach (see steps S123 and S132) determined when the start winning is generated are conditions (execution conditions, not start conditions) for starting variable display in the variable display device 9. It is determined based on the establishment. When a condition (start condition) that can start variable display is satisfied in the variable display device 9, it is determined again whether or not to make a big hit and whether or not to reach a loss (see steps S56 and S65). Based on the determination result, an actual variable display result is derived (see steps S62, S67, and S68). However, the random number value used when the variable display start condition is satisfied is a value extracted and stored in the storage area when the variable display execution condition is satisfied. Therefore, the decision result of whether or not to make a probable big hit when the variable display start condition is met, whether to make a non-probable big hit or not, and the result of deciding whether or not to make the reach reach when the variable display execution condition is met It becomes the same as the decision result.

  This is because the process of step S113, which is a process of extracting predetermined numerical data used when the variable display start condition is satisfied, and the winning effect setting process corresponding to the determination when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied are 1. This is because it is completed within the timer interruption process of the first time and does not change during that time.

  In addition, the game control means transmits a start winning memory number designation command as a pending memory number command prior to the determination result command (the processing of steps S162 and S163 is performed prior to the processing of steps S166 and S167 in the storage processing). Execution). Therefore, the display control means uses the latest reserved memory number for continuous advance notice (hold advance notice: based on the result of lottery whether or not to be a big hit executed when a start winning occurs, In variable display, the number of start winning memories is the upper limit, that is, an effect that is continuously executed over a plurality of variable displays, and is a big hit, specifically a game that may be a big win. It is possible to make a determination regarding a notice effect for notifying the player using the effect means provided on the machine.

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the game control means to the display control means will be described. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing signal lines for display control commands transmitted from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80. As shown in FIG. 18, in this embodiment, the display control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80 through eight signal lines of display control signals D0 to D7. Further, a display control INT signal signal line for transmitting a strobe signal (display control INT signal) is also provided between the main board 31 and the symbol control board 80. Although an example of the display control command is shown in FIG. 18, control commands to other electrical component control boards are also transmitted through eight signal lines and one INT signal signal line.

  When the display control means of the symbol control board 80 receives the display control command described above from the game control means of the main board 31, the display state of the variable display device 9 and the normal symbol display 10 according to the contents shown in FIG. In addition, control commands other than the example shown in FIG. 20 are also transmitted from the game control means to the display control means. For example, a control command indicating the number of lighting of the normal symbol start memory display 41 and a more detailed display control command related to the big hit game are also transmitted from the game control means to the display control means.

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

  As shown in FIG. 19, the 8-bit display control command data of the display control command is output in synchronization with the display control INT signal. The display control means mounted on the symbol control board 80 detects that the display control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data fetch process by an interrupt process. Accordingly, when viewed from the display control means, the display control INT signal corresponds to a capture signal that triggers capture of display control command data.

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

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the display control command sent to the symbol control board 80. In the example shown in FIG. 20, commands 8000 (H) to 800E (H) are display control commands for designating a special symbol variation pattern in the variable display device 9 that variably displays the special symbol. Note that a command for specifying a variation pattern (a variation pattern command) also serves as a variation start instruction. Command 800E (H) is a command for designating a shortened display pattern.

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

  Commands 91XX (H), 92XX (H), and 93XX (H) are display control commands for designating a left middle right stop symbol of a special symbol. A symbol number is set in “XX”. Command A000 (H) is a display control command for instructing stop of variable symbol special display. The command BXXX (H) is a display control command that is sent from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. The commands C000 (H) to EXXXX (H) are display control commands relating to the display state of the variable display device 9 that is not related to special symbol fluctuations and jackpot games.

  The command C3XX (H) is a determination result command that is transmitted when a start prize is generated. C300 (H) is a display control command for specifying a winning prize (outgoing prize specifying command), C301 (H) is a display control command for specifying a reach winning (reach prize specifying command), and C302 (H) is a non-specific big hit. This is a display control command for designation of winning (non-specific big hit winning designation command), and C303 (H) is a display control command for specifying special big win winning designation (specific big win winning designation command). The command D000 (H) is a display control command for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  The command E0XX (H) is a display control command indicating the number of start memory display areas 18 for changing the display color in the display area for displaying the start winning memory number in the variable display device 9. For example, the display control means changes the display color of the number of start memory display areas 18 designated by “XX (H)” in each start memory display area 18. That is, the command E0XX (H) is a command for instructing control of a display area provided for informing information on the number of reserved items. Note that the command related to the number of start memory display areas 18 for changing the display color may be configured to indicate increase / decrease in the number of areas for changing the display color. In this embodiment, since the upper limit value of the start winning memory is 4, “XX” is any one of 0-4.

  The command E400 (H) is a command transmitted when the high probability state is changed to the low probability state, and the command E401 (H) is transmitted when the low probability state is changed to the high probability state. It is a command.

  When the display control means of the symbol control board 80 receives the display control command described above from the game control means of the main board 31, the display state of the variable display device 9 and the normal symbol display 10 according to the contents shown in FIG. change.

  The lamp control command and the sound control command having the same form as the display control command are also transmitted to the lamp control unit and the sound control unit. The lamp control means changes the display state of the lamp / LED when receiving the lamp control command, and the sound control means performs control to change the sound output mode from the speaker 27 when receiving the sound control command.

  Moreover, the variable display start designation command indicating the start of variable display and the variable display mode designation command capable of specifying the variable display mode are realized by the display control command for specifying the variation pattern, and the identification information for specifying the display result of the identification information. The designation command is realized by a display control command for designating a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol, and a variable display end designation command for indicating the end of variable display is realized by a display control command for stopping a special symbol. In this embodiment, the display control command for specifying the variation pattern is also used as a variable display start specifying command for indicating the start of variable display and a variable display mode specifying command for specifying the variable display mode. The designation command and the variable display mode designation command that can specify the variable display mode may be separated.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the display control means is an effect executed using the variable display device 9 as the effect means before the variable display start condition based on the establishment of the variable display execution condition is satisfied. The control data ROM 102 is provided with a data table 102A in which a mode of effect for determining a type of a certain notice effect is stored. The display control means also has a table (continuous notice determination table) according to the number of reserved storages, which is the number of variable displays of identification information that has been executed, but has not yet been started, based on the received determination result command. 102Bn is selected and the aspect of the notice effect is determined.

  In the data table 102A, the production mode is stored for each of the plurality of tables 102Bn, and the production mode stored for each table 102Bn is at least partially different in the present embodiment. Further, such a notice effect can be performed in the form of a continuous notice executed continuously in a plurality of variable displays.

  The mode of the notice effect is determined by selecting the table 102Bn according to the number of reserved memories. In this embodiment, a reserved memory number command that can specify the number of reserved memories is transmitted to the display control means by the game control means.

  FIG. 21 shows a notice effect (execution effect) that is executed using the variable display device 9, the gaming state notification lamp / LED (in this embodiment, the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c) and the speaker 27. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the production | presentation for alert | reporting that it may become a big hit or may reach. As illustrated in FIGS. 21A to 21B, in this embodiment, the variable display device 9 performs two types of notice effects by displaying characters and the like appearing in the background (parts other than the symbol display area). It is possible. A notice A shown in FIG. 21A and a notice B shown in FIG. 21B are notice effects other than continuous notice.

  Also, four types of continuous notice effects as shown in FIGS. 21C to 21F can be performed. The continuous notice A shown in FIG. 21C is a notice effect by displaying characters and the like appearing in the background on the variable display device 9. The continuous notice B shown in FIG. 21D is a notice effect using the variable display device 9 and the speaker 27. The continuous notice C shown in FIG. 21E is a notice effect using the variable display device 9 and lamps / LEDs. The continuous notice D shown in FIG. 21 (F) is a notice effect using the variable display device 9, the lamp / LED, and the speaker 27.

  Note that the example of the notice effect shown in FIG. 21 is an example, and more kinds of notice effects may be performed. For example, in the continuous notices B and C, different production modes may be realized by changing the sound generation pattern, and in the continuous notices C and D, different production modes are obtained by changing the lamp / LED blinking pattern. It may be realized. Moreover, in continuous notice AD, you may implement | achieve a different production | presentation aspect by changing the kind of character. In addition, even when more types of continuous notice effects are performed, the display control means uniquely determines which display form is used based on the reception of the judgment result command and the control command for specifying the start winning memory number. To decide.

  The lamp control means mounted on the lamp control board 35 and the sound control means mounted on the sound control board 70 need to perform an effect synchronized with the display effect on the variable display device 9 in the effect of the continuous notice. Therefore, in this embodiment, the determination result command and the lamp control command and sound control command for specifying the start winning memory number are transmitted to the lamp control means and sound control means. The lamp control means and the sound control means can determine which presentation mode is to be used for continuous notice based on the reception of these control commands in the same manner as the display control means. That is, the lamp control means and the sound control means can perform a notice effect using the lamp / LED and the speaker 27 in synchronization with the display effect on the variable display device 9.

  Next, the operation of the display control means will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating main processing executed by the display control CPU 101. In the main process, an initialization process is first performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a 2 mS timer for determining the display control activation interval (step S701). After that, the display control CPU 101 shifts to a loop process for checking the timer interrupt flag (step S702). As shown in FIG. 23, when a timer interrupt occurs, the display control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag (step S711). If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the display control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following display control process.

  In this embodiment, the timer interrupt takes every 2 ms. That is, the display control process is started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the specific display control process is executed in the main process. However, the display control process may be executed in the timer interrupt process.

  In the display control process, the display control CPU 101 first analyzes the received display control command (command analysis execution process: step S704). Next, the display control CPU 101 performs display control process processing (step S705). In the display control process process, a process corresponding to the current control state is selected and executed from among the processes corresponding to the control state. And the process which updates a notice random number counter is performed (step S706). Thereafter, the process returns to the process of checking the timer interrupt flag in step S702.

  Next, display control command reception processing from the main board 31 will be described. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing a display control command received from the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer of a ring buffer format capable of storing six display control commands having a 2-byte configuration 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. It is not always necessary to use the ring buffer format. For example, three symbol designating command storage areas (2 × 3 = 6 byte command receiving buffer) and other command storing areas for designating other variation patterns ( (2 × 1 = 2-byte command reception buffer). Similarly, the sound control means and the lamp control means may have a buffer format other than the ring buffer format. In this case, the display control means, the sound control means, and the lamp control means are controlled based on the latest command stored in the storage area such as the variation pattern. Thereby, it is possible to quickly respond to an instruction from the main board 31.

  25 and 26 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis process (step S704). The display control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer. In the command analysis process, the display control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the display 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 reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the display control CPU 101 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by one.

  If the received display control command is the special symbol left designation display control command (91XX (H)) (step S613), the display control CPU 101 uses the left symbol in the RAM to store data indicating the left symbol indicated by "XX". Store in the symbol storage area (step S614). Further, if the display control command (92XX (H)) specified in the special symbol (step S616), the display control CPU 101 stores the data indicating the middle symbol indicated by "XX" in the intermediate symbol storage area in the RAM. Store (step S617). If the display control command (93XX (H)) designates the special symbol right (step S618), the display control CPU 101 stores the data indicating the right symbol indicated by "XX" in the right symbol storage area in the RAM. Store (step S619).

  If the received display control command is a display control command for designating a variation pattern (step S621), the display control CPU 101 stores the EXT data of the command in the variation pattern data storage area (step S622), and the variation pattern. A reception flag is set (step S623).

  If the received display control command is a display control command for designating the start prize memory number (step S631), the display control CPU 101 sets the start prize memory number in the start prize number storage area in the RAM to the number designated by the display control command. (Step S632). Further, the number of start memory display areas 18 whose display colors change in the variable display device 9 is updated (step S633). Further, the value of the random number counter is incremented by 1 (step S634). The random number counter is a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to execute continuous notice. In this embodiment, the count value of the random number counter takes a value in the range of 0 to 126, and when the count value reaches 127, the value is returned to 0.

  If the received display control command is a display control command for specifying a winning prize (step S635), the display control CPU 101 increments the value of the random number counter by 1 (step S636) and reads the count value of the random number counter. The random number is extracted by (Step S637), and the continuous notice is determined (Step S638). Even when the received display control command is a reach winning designation display control command (step S639), the value of the random number counter is incremented by 1 (step S64040), the random number is extracted (step S641), and the continuous notice determination is performed. This is performed (step S642).

  Also, when the received display control command is a non-specific big hit winning designation display control command (step S651), the value of the random number counter is incremented by 1 (step S652), and the random number is extracted (step S653). The notice is determined (step S654). Further, when the received display control command is a display control command for designating a special big win (Step S655), the value of the random number counter is incremented by 1 (Step S656), the random number is extracted (Step S657), and the continuous notice is given. Is determined (step S658).

  If the received command read in step S612 is another display control command, a flag corresponding to the received command is set (step S659).

  Next, the determination of continuous notice will be described. FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the relationship between the number of start winning memories and the number of continuous notice executions. 27 (A)-(a) to (d) show the relationship between the determination result command and the continuous notice mode when the starting winning memory number is 1, and FIGS. 27 (B)-(a) to (d) ) Shows the relationship between the determination result command and the continuous notice mode when the start winning memory number is 2, and FIGS. 27A to 27D show the case where the starting winning memory number is 3. FIG. 28 (B)-(a) to (d) show the relationship between the determination result command and the continuous notice mode when the start winning memory number is four. Show.

  As shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, in this embodiment, when the start winning memorized number is 1, when the display control command for specifying the extra prize or the display control command for specifying the reach prize is received, the continuous notice is given. Not started. However, when a non-specific jackpot-designated display control command or a specific jackpot-designated display control command is received, continuous notice can be started (see FIGS. 27A to 27C and 27D). Even when the start winning memorized number is 2, if the display control command for specifying the winning prize or the display control command for specifying the reach prize is received, the continuous notice is not started. However, when a non-specific jackpot-designated display control command or a specific jackpot-designated display control command is received, continuous notice may be started (see FIGS. 27B to 27C and 27D).

  When the start winning memory number is 3, the continuous advance notice can be started even when the display control command for specifying the winning prize or the display control command for specifying the reach prize is received (FIG. 28 (A)-(a), (See (b)). Even when the start winning memorized number is 4, even when a display control command for specifying a winning prize or a display control command for specifying a reach prize is received, continuous advance notice can be started (FIG. 28 (B)-(a), (See (b)).

  The 16 tables shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 (FIGS. 27 (A)-(a), (b), (c), (d), FIGS. 27 (B)-(a), (b), (c) ), (D), FIG. 28 (A)-(a), (b), (c), (d), FIG. 28 (B)-(a), (b), (c), (d)) In the control data ROM 102, the data indicating the information shown in (2), (b), (c), (d) to 102B4 (a), (b), (c) , (D).

  Further, when the display control command for specifying the reach winning is received, in addition to the continuous notice using the variable display device 9 (continuous notice A), the continuous notice using the variable display device 9 and the speaker 27 or lamp / LED. (Continuous notice B, C) can be executed. Further, when a display control command for non-specific big hit winning designation and specific big hit winning designation is received, continuous notice (continuous notice D, continuous notice E) using the variable display device 9, the speaker 27 and the lamp / LED is executed. Is possible.

  In this embodiment, when the result of variable display of special symbols on the variable display device (stop symbol) is out of place, the continuous notice effect does not appear. In other words, the game control means makes a determination related to the variation pattern when the start winning occurs, so the variation pattern of the symbol used when the result of the variable display is out of place actually starts the variation of the symbol. The display control means does not select the continuous notice effect when the result of the variable display is out of accordance with the determination result of the game control means. That is, the continuous notice effect appears when it is determined at the time of starting winning that the result of variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device is a big hit or a reach (a reach that does not become a big hit). Further, as illustrated in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the variation pattern used in the case of a big hit is also used in the case of a reach (a reach that does not become a big hit). That is, when it is determined that a big hit is not made when a start win occurs, a specific variation pattern (normal reach, reach A, reach B, reach C in the example shown in FIG. 9) that occurs even when a big win is determined. When it is done, it is possible to execute a continuous notice effect.

  The continuous notice determination table 102B1 (a), (b), (c), (d) to 102B4 (a), (b), (c), (d) includes data indicating the number of executions and the type of continuous notice. Is set, the display control means uses the determination result command and the continuous notice determination table 102B1 (a), (b), (c), (d) to 102B4 (a), (b), (c), The continuous notice mode (the number of executions and the type of continuous notice) can be selected based on the content of (d). In addition, the contents of the respective continuous notice determination tables 102B1 (a), (b), (c), (d) to 102B4 (a), (b), (c), (d) are at least partially (non- Since the specific jackpot designation portion and the specific jackpot designation portion) are different, different presentations can be performed using presentation means such as the variable display device 9 according to the difference in the number of start winning memories.

  In addition, in the continuous notice determination table 102B1 (a), (b), (c), (d) to 102B4 (a), (b), (c), (d), a specific winning designation (for example, a probable change big hit designation) ) Determination result command or non-specific winning designation (for example, non-probability variable big prize winning designation) determination result command is included. In this example, continuous notice D or continuous notice E corresponds to this. Therefore, the player can strongly expect that a big hit will occur in the future (in the variable display of a special symbol several times later) due to the appearance of the continuous notice D or the continuous notice E, further enhancing the interest of the game. Can be made.

  In addition, if the determination result command is a non-specific prize designation control command or a specific prize designation control command, the ratio of the continuous notice D or the continuous notice E selected is particularly high compared to the case where other judgment result commands are received. It will be lost. That is, when the determination result command indicates that the display result on the variable display device 9 is a specific display result, the probability that a specific continuous notice mode is selected is higher than when the determination result command is not. It has become.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a specific winning designation determination result command is received, there is a higher probability that a continuous notice will appear than when a non-specific winning designation determination result command is received. You may comprise so that a continuous notice may be performed only when the determination result command of a prize designation | designated is received.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a continuous notice determination process executed in steps S638, S642, S654, and S658. In the continuous notice determination process, the display control CPU 101 first determines whether or not the continuous notice is being executed (step S661). Whether or not it is being executed can be determined by a continuous advance notice executing flag which is an internal flag set during execution. If the continuous notice is not being executed, the continuous notice determination table 102Bn is selected (step S662). The continuous notice determination table 102Bn is one of a plurality of tables 102Bn in the data table 102A provided in the control data ROM 102, and is a table in which information shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 is set. is there. In this embodiment, the display control CPU 101 uses the continuous notice determination tables 102B1 (a), (b), (c), (d) to 102B4 (a), (b), (c), (d). Among them, the table corresponding to the start winning memory number indicated by the display control command for specifying the starting winning memory number received immediately before is selected.
In addition, when the variable display of the special symbol by the shortening variation is executed, the display control means does not perform the notice effect.

  Then, the display control CPU 101 checks whether or not the same continuous notice determination value as the extracted random number value is set in the continuous notice determination table 102Bn (step S663). The corresponding continuous notice type and number of executions are extracted from the continuous notice determination table 102Bn. If the number of executions is not 0 (step S664), the type of continuous notice is stored in the notice type buffer in the RAM, the number of executions is stored in the execution number buffer in the RAM (step S665), and the continuous notice lottery flag is set. (Step S666).

  By the above processing, the random number counter advances every time it receives a display control command for specifying the start winning memory number designation, outlier winning designation, reach winning designation, non-specific big hit winning designation, specific big hit winning designation, When a display control command for specifying a reach winning designation, a non-specific big hit winning designation, or a specific big hit winning designation is received, a lottery is executed as to whether or not to perform a continuous advance notice. When it is determined to perform the continuous notice, the type of the continuous notice is determined, and a predetermined number of executions is determined according to the number of start winning memories at that time. Which display means is used for continuous notice and which effect is used for continuous notice depends on whether the display control means receives the determination result command and the display control command for specifying the start prize memory number. It will be decided independently.

  Also, for example, in the continuous notices B and C, different production modes are realized by changing the sound generation pattern, and in the continuous notices C and D, different production modes are realized by changing the lamp / LED blinking pattern. In the continuous notice determination table 102Bn based on the information shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, even when more types of continuous notice effects are performed by changing the character types in the continuous notices A to D, If the distribution of a large number of production modes is set, the display control means determines which of the production means is used for the continuous notice and which of the production forms is used for the continuous notice. This can be uniquely determined based on the reception of the display control command designating the start winning memory number.

  Note that the lamp control means mounted on the lamp control board 35 and the sound control means mounted on the sound control board 70 are similar to the display control means in that a determination result command and a start control memory number designation lamp control command and On the basis of the reception of the sound control command, it is uniquely determined whether continuous notice is to be performed and which presentation mode is to be used for continuous notice. In this embodiment, since a control command similar to the display control command is transmitted to the lamp control unit and the sound control unit, the lamp control unit and the sound control unit perform effect control in synchronization with the control of the display control unit. It can be performed.

As will be described later, when the variable display device 9 performs variable display of a special symbol after the non-zero execution count has been determined, the display control CPU 101 notifies in advance during the variable symbol display period of the special symbol corresponding to the execution count. Control the production (continuous notice).
It should be noted that when the start prize memory number designation display control command can be received prior to the determination result command and the start prize memory number is 0, the continuous advance notice is not performed, so the start advance prize is entered in the continuous advance notice determination table 102Bn. Data when the storage number is 0 is not set.

  Also, in this embodiment, the display control means is independent of the gaming state of the gaming machine, for example, whether it is in a probability variation state (high probability state) or a non-probability variation state (low probability state). Since one continuous notice determination table corresponding to the number of starting winning prizes is referenced, the probability of appearance of the effect of continuous notice is the same even if the gaming state is different. However, for example, each continuous notice determination table corresponding to the start winning memory number for the probability variation state and each continuous notice determination table corresponding to the start prize memory number for the non-probability variation state are provided. You may comprise the data of a continuous notice determination table so that the probability that an aspect may appear appears. Further, even if there is no need to separate each continuous notice determination table according to the start winning memory number for the probability variation state and each continuous notice determination table according to the start prize memory number for the non-probability variation state, By expanding the range of numerical values (numerical values to be compared with random number values) to be selected, it is possible to increase the probability that the aspect of the effect of continuous notice appears in the probability variation state. The display control means can recognize the gaming state by the display control command of E4XX (H) (see FIG. 20).

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the display control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the display control process, any one of steps S800 to S806 is performed according to the value of the display 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 display control command (variation pattern command) capable of specifying the fluctuation time has been received by the command reception interrupt process. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not a flag (variation pattern reception flag) indicating that the variation pattern command has been received is set. The variation pattern reception flag is set when it is confirmed by command analysis processing that a variation pattern designation display control command has been received (step S623).

  Preliminary selection process (step S801): It is determined whether or not a preliminary announcement effect is to be performed and the type of preliminary announcement effect to be performed.

  All symbol variation start processing (step S802): Control is performed so that the variation of the left middle right symbol is started.

  Symbol variation processing (step S803): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern, and monitors the end of the variation time. In addition, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed.

  All symbol stop waiting setting process (step S804): If the display control command (special symbol stop display control command) for instructing all symbols stop is received at the end of the variation time, the symbol variation is stopped and the stop symbol ( Control to display the fixed symbol).

  Big hit display process (step S805): After the end of the fluctuation time, the control of the probability change big hit display or the normal big hit display is performed.

  Processing during jackpot game (step S806): Control during jackpot game is performed. For example, when a display control command for display before opening the big winning opening or display when opening the big winning opening is received, display control of the number of rounds is performed.

  FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data set for each variation pattern table. The process data is composed of data obtained by collecting a plurality of combinations of process timer setting values and display control execution data. Each display control execution data describes each variation mode constituting the variation pattern. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the change mode. The display control CPU 101 refers to the process data and performs control to display the symbols in a varying manner set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value.

  The process data shown in FIG. 31 is stored in the ROM of the symbol control board 80. Process data is prepared for each variation pattern. Moreover, it is prepared according to the kind of notice effect. For example, the process data when the notice effect of the notice A is executed with the variation pattern 10 is prepared separately from the process data when the notice effect of the notice B is executed with the change pattern 10. Therefore, the display control CPU 101 selects process data to be used according to the variation pattern and the type of the notice effect.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the display control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the display control CPU 101 checks whether or not the variation pattern reception flag is set (step S871). If it is set, the flag is reset (step S872). Then, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the notice selection process (step S801) (step S873).

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a notice selection process (step S801) in the display control process shown in FIG. In the advance notice selection process, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the continuous advance notice is being executed (step S811). If not being executed, it is confirmed whether or not the continuous notice lottery flag has been set (step S812). If the continuous notice lottery flag has been set, that is, if it has been decided to perform the continuous notice, the continuous notice lottery flag is reset (step S813), and the contents of the execution number buffer are set in the execution number counter. (Step S814). Then, a continuous notice execution flag is set (step S815).

  Also, a notice start time determination timer corresponding to the decided notice effect is started (step S816). Then, the display control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to all symbol variation start processing (step S802) (step S817). The notice start time determination timer is a timer for determining the timing for starting the notice effect after the change of the symbol is started in the variable display device 9.

  If it is confirmed in step S811 that the continuous notice is being executed, the display control CPU 101 decrements the execution number counter by 1 (step S821), and if the execution number counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S816 (step S822). When the execution number counter reaches 0, it means that the continuous notice for the determined number of executions has already been completed. In that case, the process proceeds to step S823.

  In step S812, when it is confirmed that the continuous notice lottery flag has not been set, a notice effect by notice A or notice B is performed. Alternatively, the notice effect is not performed. Specifically, a random number value is extracted from the notice random number counter (step S825), and if notice is given based on the random number value, if notice is given, notice effect is performed in either of notice A or notice B. Is determined (step S826). For example, a table in which determination values corresponding to each of no notification / notification A / notification B are set in a ROM, and a notification is made if a notification is made or not by comparing a random value and a determination value. If so, it is determined which of the notice A and the notice B the notice effect is to be performed. When it is decided to perform the notice effect of the notice A or the notice B (step S827), the process proceeds to step S816.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing all symbol variation start processing (step S802) in the display control process. In the all symbol variation start process, the display control CPU 101 first selects process data to be used (step S881). Then, a process timer corresponding to the display control execution data 1 is started (step S882). Further, the LCD control is performed based on the display control execution data 1 in the process data (step S883). For example, a signal corresponding to the content of the display control execution data 1 is given to the variable display device 9 using an LCD. Note that a ROM address may be set in the display control execution data, and more detailed control data may be stored in an area starting from the address, and LCD control may be performed according to the control data.

  Thereafter, a variation time timer (a timer corresponding to the variation time of the special symbol) is started (step S884), and the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the symbol variation processing (step S885).

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a process during symbol variation (step S803) in the display control process. In the symbol variation processing, the display control CPU 101 checks whether or not the notice start time determination timer has timed out (step S831). If time-out has occurred, the VDP 103 is controlled so that display based on the previously determined notice effect is performed (step S832). Here, the notice effect may be executed using a pattern table for executing the notice effect (data in which a plurality of combinations of timer setting values and control execution tables are collected), but is set for each variation pattern table. The process data may be further subdivided and set according to the type of the notice effect, and the process data corresponding to the variation pattern to be realized and the notice effect to be executed may be used. When process data corresponding to a variation pattern and a notice effect is used, display control of the notice effect is executed in accordance with the contents of the process data together with variable display of symbols.

  Further, when the process timer times out (step S833), the display control CPU 101 switches the display control execution data (step S834). That is, in the process data, the next set process timer is started, and the VDP 103 is controlled according to the contents of the display control execution data set next. Therefore, the VDP 103 controls the display state of the variable display device 9 according to the contents of the display control execution table.

  If the variable time timer has timed out (step S835), a monitoring timer for monitoring the reception of the special symbol stop display control command is started (step S836), and the value of the display control process flag is waited for all symbol stops. A value corresponding to the process is set (step S837).

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the all symbol stop waiting process (step S804) in the display control process. In the all symbol stop waiting process, the display control CPU 101 checks whether or not a display control command (special symbol stop display control command) instructing all symbol stops is received (step S841). If a display control command for instructing stop of all symbols has been received, control is performed to stop the symbols with the stored stop symbol (step S842).

  When the jackpot symbol is displayed in step S842, the display control CPU 101 sets the value of the display control process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S805) (step S844). Then, the value of the execution number counter indicating the number of executions of the continuous notice is cleared (step S846), and the continuous notice execution flag is reset (step S847). As a result, even if the continuous notice for the number of executions of the continuous notice is not completed, the control of the continuous notice ends at this point. When the big hit symbol is not displayed in step S842 (when the missing symbol is displayed), the display control CPU 101 sets the value of the display control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800). (Step S844).

  If the display control command for designating all symbols to be stopped has not been received, it is confirmed whether or not the monitoring timer has timed out (step S848). If the timeout has occurred, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred, and control is performed to display an error screen on the variable display device 9 (step S849). Then, control goes to a step S843.

  As described above, the game control means mounted on the main board 31 is in a state where a new variable display can be started when a start winning occurs (when a variable display execution condition is satisfied). At the timing (when the variable display start condition is satisfied), whether or not to make a big hit (determination related to the determination result of the identification information) In any timing, one jackpot determination module and reach determination module are used. One jackpot determination table and reach determination table are used. Therefore, even if it is configured to perform the continuous notice, the program capacity in the game control means does not increase compared to the case where the continuous notice is not performed. That is, the contents of game effects can be enriched without increasing the program capacity in the game control means.

  Also, control performed on the side of the game control means that is essentially the main control means, such as selective determination of reach display mode switching, control for switching the reach display mode, and sound generation control when switching the reach display mode Is executed on the side of the display control means which is the sub-control means, so that in the game control means, the control program amount and the configuration of the control circuit can be simplified. As a result, decisions such as jackpots and establishment fluctuations can be made, so that even if a fraudulent act is performed on a program executed by the game control means that is the subject of the fraudulent act, it becomes easier to find such a fraudulent act , It is possible to facilitate the inspection work at the time of finding such an illegal act. Furthermore, even if a fraudulent act is made in the control circuit of the game control means, it is possible to easily find such a fraudulent act, and it is possible to facilitate the inspection work when finding such a fraudulent act .

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the above embodiment, the display control means, the lamp control means, and the sound control means are independent, but they may be integrated into one effect control means. FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing a configuration example in the case where one effect control unit is provided. In this embodiment, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80A is a normal symbol start memory display 41, a decoration lamp 25, etc. provided on the game board based on the effect control command from the game control means. Display control and display control of the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball-out lamp 52 provided on the frame side. The effect control command is a control command similar to the display control command in each of the above embodiments.

  A drive signal for driving the lamp / LED is created in the lamp driver substrate 35A. In addition, when a movable member as a production means is installed in the gaming machine, a drive signal for driving the production drive means 61 such as a motor or a solenoid for driving the movable member is also supplied to the lamp driver board 35A. Created in.

In addition, the display control of the variable display device 9 for variably displaying the special symbol and the normal symbol display 10 for variably displaying the normal symbol is also executed by the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80A based on the effect control command. To do.
FIG. 38 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the effect control board 80A, the lamp driver board 35A, and the audio output board 70A. In the effect control board 80A, the effect control CPU 111 operates in accordance with a program stored in a ROM (not shown), and the input driver 112 and the input port according to the strobe signal (effect control INT signal) from the main board 31. An effect control command is received via 113. The effect control CPU 111 performs display control of the variable display device 9 using the LCD via the output port 114 and the LCD drive circuit 116, and the normal symbol display 10 via the output port 114 and the lamp drive circuit 117. Display control.

  Further, the effect control CPU 111 outputs the sound number data to the audio output board 70A via the output port 114 and the output driver 120. A bus (including an address bus, a data bus, and a control signal line such as a write / read signal) input / output to / from the effect control CPU 111 is extended to the lamp driver board 35A via the bus driver 115.

  In the lamp driver board 35 </ b> A, a bus that is input to and output from the effect control CPU 111 is connected to the output port 352 and the expansion port 353 via the bus receiver 351. A signal for driving each lamp output from the output port 352 is amplified by the lamp driver 354 and supplied to each lamp. A signal for driving each LED output from the output port 352 is amplified by the LED driving circuit 355 and supplied to each LED. A signal for driving the effect driving means 61 is amplified by the drive circuit 356 and supplied to each lamp.

  In this embodiment, lamps / LEDs and effect driving means provided in the gaming machine are controlled by effect control means including effect CPU 111 mounted on effect control board 80A. Further, data for controlling the variable display device 9, the normal symbol display 10, the lamp / LED and the like are stored in the ROM. The effect CPU 111 controls the variable display device 9, the normal symbol display 10, the lamp / LED, and the like based on the data stored in the ROM. Then, the lamp / LED and the effect driving means are driven via the output port 352 and each drive circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35A. Therefore, when changing the model, if the production control board 80A is replaced with a new one, the model change can be realized without replacing the lamp driver board 35A.

  The effect control board 80A, the lamp driver board 35A, and the audio output board 70A are independent boards, and are installed in a single box on the back of the gaming machine, for example. Further, the expansion port 353 is installed in consideration of the case where the number of lamps / LEDs and the like is increased when changing the model, but it may not be installed. The drive circuit 356 may not be provided when there are no movable members for production, but when changing the model, considering the case where the movable member for production is installed, the movable for production is provided. It is preferably provided even when no member is present.

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

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

  In this embodiment, the sound and sound output from the speaker 27 are controlled by the effect control means including the effect control CPU 111, but the effect control means outputs the sound number data to the sound output board 70A. . In the audio output board 70A, the audio data ROM 704 stores a large number of data for realizing sounds and sound effects that can appear as the game progresses, and these data are associated with the sound number data. . Therefore, the production control means can realize sound output control only by outputting the sound number data. Note that the sound number data is, for example, 1-byte data, and is transferred to the audio output board 70A via a serial signal line or a parallel signal line.

  In such a configuration, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80A corresponds to a combination of all of the display control means, the lamp control means, and the sound control means in the first embodiment.

  Then, as in the case of the first embodiment, the determination result command and the start prize are determined as to which presentation means the presentation control means uses to give a continuous notice and which presentation aspect uses the continuous notice. It is uniquely determined based on the reception of the control command specifying the memory number.

Embodiment 3
In the first and second embodiments, the display control means and other effect control means recognize the start winning memory number by receiving the start winning memory number designation control command from the game control means. The start winning memorized number may be recognized by this method. For example, the game control means transmits a control command for specifying a variation pattern when a variable display start condition in the variable display device 9 is satisfied, and then sends a control command indicating a stop symbol (determined symbol) of the left middle right special symbol. When the variable display end condition (for example, the end of the variable display period) is satisfied, a special symbol stop control command (confirmation command) is transmitted. However, the effect control means transmits when the start prize is generated. Counts up (+1) when a determination result command is received, and has a counter that counts down (-1) when variable display based on reception of a control command specifying a variation pattern is started or when a confirmation command is received. Then, the start winning memorized number may be recognized by the count value of the counter.

  In that case, a part of RAM provided on the symbol control board 80 (Embodiment 1) or the effect control board 80A (Embodiment 2) or in order to prepare for a case where the power supply is temporarily cut off due to a power failure or the like. The whole is a backup RAM backed up by a backup power source created in the power supply substrate 910. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the backup RAM is saved for a predetermined period. Then, a counter for recognizing the start winning memory number is formed in the backup RAM area as a reserved memory number memory area. According to such a configuration, when the power supply is restored within a predetermined period, the production control means controls the continuous notice from the state when the power supply is stopped, based on the contents of the reserved memory number storage area. You can continue.

  Also in the main board 31, the RAM 55 is backed up by a backup power source. Therefore, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the contents are stored for a predetermined period. That is, in the game control means, the start winning memory number formed in the RAM 55 is also stored for a predetermined period. Further, the game control means of the main board 31 executes a game state restoration process when the power supply is restored within a predetermined period (see FIG. 5). Therefore, even if the RAM in the symbol control board 80 (Embodiment 1) or the effect control board 80A (Embodiment 2) is not backed up, the game control means can start the game stored in the game state restoration process. If the control command for designating the start winning memory number according to the winning memory number is transmitted to the effect control means, the effect control means continues the control relating to the continuous notice from the state when the power supply is stopped. be able to.

Embodiment 4
When the continuous notice determination table corresponding to the tables shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 is used, even if the number of start winning memories is different, the effect of continuous notice may be performed in the same effect form. For example, in the tables shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, “continuous notice B / one execution count” and “continuous notice C / one execution count” exist in common. However, if the number of starting winning prizes is different, the effect mode of continuous notice that may appear may be completely different. Here, the production mode is defined including the number of executions. In other words, even if the type of continuous notice is the same, it is assumed that the performance mode is different if the number of executions is different.

  For example, a continuous notice determination table corresponding to the tables shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 is used in order to completely change the effect of the continuous notice that may appear when the number of start winning memories is different. Therefore, in this embodiment, data corresponding to the contents shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 is set in the continuous notice determination tables 102B1 to 102B4 stored in the control data ROM 102. There is no production aspect that exists in common among the four tables of FIGS. 39 (A), (B), and 40 (A), (B). For example, “continuous notice B1 / execution count once” appears only in the continuous notice determination table 102B1 of FIG. Therefore, if the tables are different between the continuous notice determination tables 102B1 to 102B4, the selected aspect of the continuous notice is completely different.

  In the embodiment, the continuous notices B1 to B4 are a series of notices having a common theme, and are a group of effects that are prepared as effects in which a part of the expression or details are different, and the other continuous notices C and D. The same applies to.

  When such a continuous notice determination table 102B1 to 102B4 is used, a completely different notice of continuous notice appears if the number of start winning memories is different, so that the player's expectation can be further improved. Here, since it is assumed that the effect is different if the number of executions is different even if the type of continuous notice is the same, even if the number of start winning memories is different, the number of executions is different but the same contents are continuously noticed (continuous notice A, B, C, or D) may appear, but the contents of the production may be completely different if the number of start winning memories is different.

  In the fourth embodiment, the continuous notice determination tables 102B1 to 102B4 are the same according to the number of start winning memories for each case of specific big win winning designation, non-specific big hit winning designation, reach winning designation or off prize winning designation. In the case of the start winning memory number, it is configured as the same table, but this is specified in the same manner as in the above-described first embodiment, the specified big win winning designation, the non-specific big hit winning designation, the reach winning designation, or the extra winning designation. In each case, a separate table may be prepared for each start winning memory number.

Further, as a continuous notice mode, for example, when a notice is given based on a result of determination at the time of winning a prize that has been won as a third memory, a continuous notice with a story characteristic that is completed in three variations may be executed. Is possible. To that end, the table 102B3 of the data table 102A corresponding to the number of memories 3 is out of the mode selected when the result of the determination at the time of winning the win is the continuous notice mode of the story that is completed in three variations. It is stored separately for the mode selected at times.
Similarly, a table 102Bn is selected based on a stored number command by determining a plurality of types of effects that can be completed by a predetermined number of variable displays and stored in the table 102Bn for each stored number. An effect can be selected from the table 102Bn according to the result command. For example, for a jackpot and losing of a story that is completed when it is rendered four times, for jackpot and losing that is completed when it is rendered three times. By doing so, it is possible to produce effects for three memories and effects for four, and it is possible to provide highly interesting effects.

  FIG. 41 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 41, in the game control means 31A, the numerical data update means 31d updates the determination data and the display data. The execution condition establishment time determination means 31a determines a determination result related to variable display that is determined when the variable display start condition is satisfied when the variable display execution condition is satisfied (when a start prize is generated). In addition, the gaming state determination unit 31b determines whether to control at least the specific gaming state when the variable display start condition is satisfied. Then, the determination result command transmission unit 31c generates a determination result command that can specify the determination result by the determination unit when the execution condition is established, and the production control unit before the variable display start condition is established based on the establishment of the variable display execution condition. Transmit to 80B. The effect control means 80B controls the variable display device 9, the lamp / LED and the speaker 27 as effect means. The effect control means 80B is provided with a data table 102A in which an effect mode for determining the type of the notice effect is stored, and the data table 102A has a plurality of tables 102Bn in which different types of the notice effect are stored. . The plurality of tables 102Bn include a first data table for selecting the specific performance mode at a predetermined ratio, and a second data table having a lower ratio for selecting the specific mode than the first data table, The first data table is selected from the plurality of data tables if the determination result command is a predetermined command indicating that the determination that the execution condition is satisfied matches the predetermined determination value. Control.

  As described above, the effect control means is based on the result determined by the game control means at the time of starting winning (whether or not the jackpot is generated based on the random number value extracted at the time of starting winning) or not. Then, it is determined whether or not to execute a continuous notice (hold notice), and if it is to be executed, the number of executions is determined. In addition, during the execution of the continuous notice, the notice effect in the form of notice A and notice B is not performed (because the process proceeds from step S811 to S821). If a big hit occurs, the continuous notice ends even if the continuous notice for the number of executions is not completed (see step S847).

  For example, it is assumed that when the design of the variable display device 9 is changed, an effect control command indicating that the start winning memorized number is “4” and an effect control command designating a big win winning are received. To do. Then, in the determination of whether or not to perform the continuous notice, it is determined that the continuous notice is given and the number of executions is four. In addition, it is assumed that the determination results corresponding to the start winning memories 1, 2, and 3 are not big hits. In this case, after the current symbol variation is completed, a big hit occurs as a result of the fourth symbol variation. In addition, after the currently performed symbol variation is completed, the continuous notice effect is executed when the first to fourth symbol variations are performed. As a result of the fourth symbol variation, a big hit occurs. That is, it is possible to give a predetermined notification (that is, a notice effect) to the player during the symbol change of the previous times that the jackpot will be generated as a result of the fourth symbol change.

  As illustrated in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, when it is determined that a big hit is made when the start winning is generated, it is determined that the continuous notice is performed with a higher probability than in the case where the big win is not made, And there are many executions. Therefore, the reliability of the continuous notice (the rate at which the big hit is actually generated when the continuous notice is executed) is high, and the player can strongly expect the occurrence of the big hit by the occurrence of the continuous notice.

  In the first embodiment, the display control means also performs display control of the number of start winning memories, and the game control means includes a display control command for specifying a winning prize, a display control command for specifying a reach winning prize, and a display control command for specifying a jackpot winning prize. Separately from the above, before the display control commands are transmitted, the display control commands for designating the start winning memory number are transmitted. In the fourth embodiment, the display control command for designating the number of winning winning prizes is transmitted separately from the display control command for designating the variation pattern effect. However, the display control command for designating the number of start winning memories may be used in combination with the display control command for designating an out-of-place prize, the display control command for designating a reach prize, and the display control command for designating a big win prize. Further, the display control command for designating the start winning memory number and the display control command for designating the variation pattern effect may be used together. That is, the pending storage number command may be configured to include information that can specify the determination result by the determination unit when the execution condition is satisfied and the change pattern effect designation. For example, 4 bits of 8-bit EXT data in the display control command of E5XX (H) are assigned to the extra prize designation, reach prize designation and jackpot prize designation, and the other four bits are assigned to the start prize memory number designation.

In each of the above embodiments, the jackpot determination random number is generated as numerical data that is updated in a predetermined numerical range by the numerical data updating means included in the game control means being used for determination relating to variable display. For example, the count value of the counter for exercising, and the execution condition establishment determination means included in the game control means illustrated the jackpot determination value or the reach determination value as the predetermined determination value to be compared with the extracted numerical data. The numerical data updated within the predetermined numerical range and the predetermined determination value may be other numerical data and determination values as long as they are used for determination relating to variable display.
Further, after the determination result of the plurality of tables provided in the effect control means, that is, the determination means when the execution condition is satisfied, matches the predetermined determination value, the variable information of the identification information corresponding to the determination is displayed. An effect for notifying that the determination result matches a predetermined determination value (for example, big hit or reach) before the variable display of the identification information based on the establishment of the execution condition is actually started. As a plurality of data tables in which a plurality of modes (corresponding to jackpot notice and reach notice) are stored, 16 continuous notice determination tables 102B1 (a), (b), (c), ( d) to 102B4 (a), (b), (c), (d) and those shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 are exemplified, but the plurality of data tables are not limited thereto. In the examples shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the continuous notice determination tables 102B1 (a), (b), (c), (d) to 102B4 (a), (b), (c), (d ) 16 data tables, and each data table is set with a plurality of data indicating the mode of presentation (mode and number of continuous notices). Some aspects are different.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the game control means sets the variable information display mode of the identification information as a specific variable display mode when the variable display start condition is satisfied (in the above embodiments, the left and right symbols are aligned). It is determined whether or not the variable display mode of the identification information is the reach mode as the specific variable display mode when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied. The mode is not limited to the reach mode. Other variable display modes may be used as long as they are variable display modes that can be distinguished from the other variable display modes that can appear. For example, a variable display mode may be employed in which the left middle right symbol is temporarily stopped at a specific symbol such as a so-called chance eye, and the left middle right symbol is fixed (final stop) after the variable display is resumed.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the effect control means executes the continuous notice effect based on the winning determination result command. However, the effect is not limited to the continuous notice effect, and other effects may be executed. For example, the overall display from the start of variable display to display of the display result on the variable display device 9, the effect during the big hit game (for example, the effect during the big hit game develops a story, lottery is performed in the effect control means Then, during the big hit game, the contents of the story are determined by lottery from a plurality of stories), and various effects such as an effect of selecting probability change or time saving may be executed.

  Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the continuous notice and the notice effects A and B are displayed by the character, but the notice effect may be in any form, for example, a slip effect (slow fluctuation state) In order to perform the notice effect by changing the variation mode of the special symbol, such as an effect that fluctuates at a high speed for several symbols) and a return effect (an effect that fluctuates backward after passing the stop position of the symbol) Also good. Moreover, you may make it perform a notice effect by changing a background.

  In the above embodiment, the maximum number of start winning memories is four, but other numbers may be used.

  In the embodiment described above, the determination process (step S115 to step S119) in the winning confirmation process (see FIG. 12) is started when there is a winning at the start winning opening. If the variable display is not started without a plurality of winnings, the determination process may be started on the condition that there are a plurality of winnings. In addition, winning is permitted only during a period in which a predetermined variable winning device (for example, the second type variable winning ball device) is in an advantageous state (for example, a period from when the opening operation is performed until the predetermined period elapses). In such a case, the determination process may be started on condition that a game ball has won during the period.

  In each of the above embodiments, the “specific game state” means a state that is advantageous for a player who is given a predetermined game value. Specifically, in the “specific game state”, for example, a state where the state of the variable winning ball apparatus is advantageous for a player who is easy to win a hit (a big hit gaming state), and a right to be advantageous for the player is generated. A state in which a predetermined game value is given, such as a state in which a condition for paying out a prize game medium is easily established.

  In each of the above embodiments, the “special game state” means a state advantageous to a player who is likely to make a big hit. Specifically, the “special game state” includes, for example, a probability variation state in which the probability that a special symbol is a big hit symbol is a high probability state, a short time state in which the number of fluctuations of a normal symbol per unit time is increased, a variable winning ball This is a high probability state in which the probability of a big hit such as an open extended state in which the opening period and the number of opening times of the device 15 are increased is increased. In the short-time state, since the number of opening of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is increased, the number of winnings per unit time is increased, and the variable display number of special symbols per unit time is increased. It can be said that has been raised. Similarly, in the open extended state, since the opening period and the number of opening of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 are increased, the number of winnings per unit time is increased, and the number of special symbols variable display times per unit time is increased. Therefore, it can be said that the probability of being a big hit is increased.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the variable display device 9 is configured such that a continuous notice can appear even when a variation (variable display) of a special symbol is executed by any variation pattern excluding a shortened variation. However, it is also possible to configure so that the continuous notice is not performed when a special symbol change is executed by a change pattern (normal change in the example shown in FIG. 9) that is not used at the time of the big hit.

  Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of each of the above embodiments has a predetermined game value given to the player when the special symbol stop symbol variably displayed on the variable display device 9 based on the start winning combination is a combination of the predetermined symbols. The first type pachinko gaming machine that can be granted, the second type pachinko that can be given a predetermined game value to the player if there is a winning in a predetermined area of the electric game that is released based on the start winning A third-class pachinko machine where a predetermined right is generated or continued when there is a prize for a predetermined electric combination that is released when a stop symbol of a symbol that is variably displayed based on a starting prize is a combination of a predetermined pattern The present invention can be applied even to a gaming machine.

  In addition, in each embodiment shown above, the characteristic structure of the gaming machine as shown in the following (1) to (9) is also shown.

(1) At least a part of the data stored in the data table may be configured to be different for each of the plurality of data tables. According to such a configuration, different notice effects can be provided for each number of memories, and the notice effects can be made novel and impressive. “Different” is a concept including both a completely different case and a partially different case.

(2) When the execution control condition determination means determines that the execution control condition is met with a predetermined determination value, the production control means executes variable display in which it is determined that it matches the predetermined determination value. An effect for informing before the start condition of the variable display based on the establishment of the condition may be executed over a plurality of variable displays. According to such a configuration, it is possible to produce a variety of effects that are executed as effects related to the variable display before the start of variable display, and the effects are executed over a plurality of variable displays, so that the player Becomes easier to recognize.

(3) The game control means transmits a reserved memory number command (for example, a display control command for designating the starting entrance memory number) that can specify the reserved memory number, and the effect control means stores the reserved memory based on the reserved memory number command. It may be configured to identify the number. According to such a configuration, for example, even if there is a single missed hold memory number command, the hold memory number can be grasped by the next hold memory number command, so there is a discrepancy in the recognition of the hold memory number with the game control means. Even if it occurs, the correction is made promptly.

(4) The game control means has a function of transmitting a start command indicating the start of variable display to the effect control means based on the establishment of the variable display start condition. Is stored on the basis of the reception of the determination result command transmitted from the game control means, and the value of the storage number of storage area is added based on the reception of the start command. It may be configured to subtract a numerical value and specify the reserved storage number based on the numerical value. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible for the effect control means to autonomously determine the number of reserved memories even if data transmission relating to the reserved memory number is not performed to the effect control means, and the control of the game control means The production control means can determine the number of reserved memories without increasing the burden. In addition, when applying the present invention to the design specifications of an existing gaming machine, it is not necessary to newly send a command for specifying the number of reserved memories, and it can be easily applied by partial design change. Become.

(5) The determination by the determination unit when the execution condition is satisfied may be configured to include determination (for example, steps S123 and S124) as to whether or not the display result of the identification information is a specific display result. According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute an effect depending on whether or not a specific display result is displayed, and it is possible to improve the player's expectation.

(6) Whether the reach variable display is executed as the content of variable display of the identification information is determined by the determination unit when the execution condition is satisfied when it is determined that the display result of the identification information is not a specific display result. (For example, step S132, S133) may be included. According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute an effect even when a specific display result is not obtained, and it is possible to improve the player's expectation.

(7) A special display result (for example, a probable variation symbol) and a non-special display result (for example, a non-probable variation symbol) are included as the specific display result. It is possible to control to a special game state (for example, a probable change state) that is likely to be a specific display result, and the determination by the execution condition establishment determination means includes a determination of whether or not the display result of the identification information is a special display result. It may be configured. According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform an effect depending on whether or not a special display result is obtained, and it is possible to further improve the player's expectation.

(8) A special display result and a non-special display result are included as specific display results, and when a special display result is displayed as the display result, control is performed to a special game state that tends to be a specific display result after the end of the specific game state. The data table can be selected from a plurality of specific data tables that are selected only in a state other than the special gaming state (for example, the continuous notice determination tables 102B1 (a), (b), (c), 102B2 (shown in FIGS. 27 and 28)). a), (b), (c), 102B3 (a), (b), (c), 102B4 (a), (b), (c)) are different from the data stored in the specific data table A plurality of special data tables (for example, continuous notice determination tables 102B1- (d), 102B2- (d) shown in FIGS. 27 and 28), which are selected only when the data is stored and in the special gaming state, 2B3- (d), 102B4- (d)), and the table selection means performs selection control of the data table from the special data table if it is in the special gaming state (for example, steps S662 to S665 in the effect control means, particularly S663). To execute a plurality of continuous notice determination tables 102B1 (a)-(d), 102B2 (a)-(d), 102B3 (a)-(d), 102B4 (a)-(d ) To determine the notice type and the number of executions according to the random value using the continuous notice determination tables 102B1- (d), 102B2- (d), 102B3- (d), 102B4- (d) selected from Execute). According to such a configuration, the determination rate of the production varies depending on whether or not it is in the special gaming state, and the determination rate of the production is attached according to the gaming state, thereby preventing a decrease in interest in the production. be able to.

(9) The game control means extracts the numerical data from the numerical data update means when the variable display execution condition is satisfied, stores it in a predetermined storage area, and stores the numerical data stored in the storage area when the variable display start condition is satisfied , And a game state determination unit (for example, a part for executing steps S55 to S57 in the game control unit) for determining whether or not the read numerical data matches a predetermined determination value. A program module used for determining whether or not numerical data matches a predetermined determination value and a program module used by the determination unit when execution condition is satisfied to determine whether or not the numerical data matches a predetermined determination value May be configured as a common module. According to such a configuration, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent an increase in the program capacity of the game control means even if the numerical data is determined when the execution condition is satisfied.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a front view which shows the front surface of the game board in the state which removed the glass door frame. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a symbol control board. It is a 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 a flowchart which shows special symbol process processing It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows winning effect production setting processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a big hit determination table and a reach determination table. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit determination module. It is a flowchart which shows a reach determination module. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop symbol setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a memory | storage process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the command form of a control command. 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 a display control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a notice effect. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU for display control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure 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 explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between the number of starting winning prize memory | storages, and the frequency | count of execution of a continuous notice. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between the number of starting winning prize memory | storages, and the frequency | count of execution of a continuous notice. It is a flowchart which shows the determination process of a continuous notice. It is a flowchart which shows a display control process process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of 1 structure of process data. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a notice selection process. It is a flowchart which shows all the symbol variation start processes. It is a flowchart which shows the process during symbol fluctuation. It is a flowchart which shows all the symbol stop waiting processes. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example at the time of the one production | presentation control means in Embodiment 2 being provided. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example in a second embodiment. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the number of start winning prizes stored and the number of executions of continuous notice in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the number of start winning prizes stored and the number of executions of continuous notice in the fourth embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the outline | summary of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine 9 Variable display device 31 Main board 35 Lamp control board 56 CPU
70 Sound control board 80 Design control board 101 Display control CPU

Claims (2)

A variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information is provided, and after a predetermined variable display execution condition is established, the variable information is displayed on the basis of the establishment of the variable display start condition. A game machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display of
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
An effect control means for controlling an effect means for executing an effect related to variable display of identification information based on a command from the game control means,
Used to determine involving variable display, and a numerical data updating means for updating the numerical data in a predetermined range,
The game control means includes
During the establishment of the variable display of the execution condition, the extracting numerical data from the numerical data updating means, the extracted numerical data includes an execution condition establishment time determining means for determining whether matches the predetermined reference value ,
A command that can specify the number of pending storages, which is the number of variable displays of identification information that has been executed, but has not yet been started, and that can specify the determination result by the determination means when the execution condition is satisfied Can be transmitted to the effect control means, and when the variable display execution condition is satisfied, the specific command is transmitted,
The gaming machine has a plurality of modes of a notice effect that are executed before the start condition of the variable display based on the establishment of the execution condition of the determined variable display based on the determination result specified by the specific command . the data table data is stored for determining the mode of presentation, a plurality corresponding to the number of determination results and pending store specified by the specifying command,
The aspect of the plurality of effects includes a specific effect aspect,
The production control means includes
And determines a mode of presence and the prediction effect of execution of the prediction effect based on the data of said particular commands the data table, the number of executions of the prediction effect based on the pending store the number specified by the specific command and the effect determination means for determining,
Effect execution means for executing the notice effect over the number of executions determined by the effect determination means in the aspect of the effect determined by the effect determination means,
The data table includes a first data table in which the effect determination unit selects the mode of the particular effect at a predetermined rate, the rate is lower second selecting said first data table from the specific embodiments includes a data table, the,
The presentation control means further selects the data table based on the number of pending storages specified by the received specific command and the determination result, and the determination result specified by the specific command is the predetermined determination value. If it is a determination result indicating that the determination of matching is made, it includes data selection means for selecting the first data table,
In the case where the determination result specified by the specific command is a specific determination result, the effect determining means has a reserved memory specified by the specific command when the number of reserved memories specified by the specific command is large. A gaming machine characterized in that it determines to execute the notice effect at a higher rate than when the number is small . A variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information is provided, and after a predetermined variable display execution condition is established, the variable information is displayed on the basis of the establishment of the variable display start condition. A game machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display of
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
An effect control means for controlling an effect means for executing an effect related to variable display of identification information based on a command from the game control means,
Numeric data updating means used for determination relating to variable display, and updating numeric data within a predetermined numeric range,
The game control means includes
When the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied, the numerical data is extracted from the numerical data update means, and the execution condition satisfaction determination means for determining whether or not the extracted numerical data matches a predetermined determination value,
A pending memory number command that can specify the number of pending storages, which is the number of times of variable display of identification information that has been established but the variable display execution condition has been established, and a determination result by the execution condition satisfaction determination means can be identified A determination result command can be transmitted as a separate command to the effect control means, and when the variable display execution condition is satisfied, the pending storage number command and the determination result command are transmitted,
The gaming machine has a plurality of modes of announcement effects that are executed before the start condition of the variable display based on the establishment of the execution condition of the determined variable display based on the determination result specified by the determination result command. A plurality of data tables in which data for determining from the aspect of the production is stored corresponding to the determination result specified by the determination result command and the number of reserved memories specified by the reserved memory number command,
The aspect of the plurality of effects includes a specific effect aspect,
The production control means includes
Based on the determination result command and the data in the data table, the presence / absence of execution of the notice effect and the mode of the notice effect are determined, and the notice effect based on the number of reserved memories specified by the reserved memory number command. Production determination means for determining the number of executions,
Effect execution means for executing the notice effect over the number of executions determined by the effect determination means in the aspect of the effect determined by the effect determination means,
The data table includes a first data table in which the effect determining means selects the specific effect mode at a predetermined rate, and a second rate in which the specific mode is selected lower than the first data table. A data table,
The effect control means further selects the data table based on the received stored number specified by the received stored memory number command and the determination result specified by the determination result command, and specified by the determination result command. If the determination result is a determination result indicating that the determination that the determination result matches the predetermined determination value has been performed, the data selection means for selecting the first data table,
In the case where the determination result specified by the determination result command is a specific determination result, the effect determination means uses the reserved memory number command when the reserved memory number specified by the reserved memory number command is large. It is decided to execute the notice effect at a higher rate than when the specified number of reserved memories is small
A gaming machine characterized by that.

Images