JP4714706B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine configured with a computer circuit, and more particularly to a gaming machine in which a large number of performance operations are executed randomly without omission by optimal control.

  A ball and ball game machine such as a pachinko machine has a symbol start port provided on the game board, a symbol display unit for displaying a series of symbol variation modes such as stopping a plurality of display symbols after varying a predetermined time, and an opening / closing plate It is configured with a grand prize opening that opens and closes. When the detection switch provided at the symbol start port detects the passing of the game ball, the game ball is in a winning state and the symbol display unit changes the display symbol for a predetermined time. Thereafter, when the symbol stops in a predetermined manner such as 7-7-7, a big hit state is established, and the big winning opening is repeatedly opened to generate a profit state advantageous to the player.

  However, whether or not to enter the big hit state is actually determined in advance by random number lottery based on the random number value when the game ball passes through the symbol starting port or the like. When the symbols change in the symbol display section, the player is excited by a reach effect or a notice effect. Here, the reach effect is an effect that enhances the player's expectation by displaying the situation where the big hit state is reached in one step on the symbol display unit. Further, the notice effect is an effect in which the success / failure state is indefinitely notified by a character or the like that suddenly appears in the middle of the symbol effect in association with the reach effect or the like. Usually, the notice effect is executed on the liquid crystal display in the same manner as the reach effect.

  By the way, when the production type of the notice effect or the reach effect is increased, the product life may be exhausted without executing the notice effect prepared in advance. In particular, the product life of this type of game is often about three months, so if you do not take an appropriate configuration, there are not a few premium notices that will not be executed at all as a result of the same effects being repeated. It can happen.

Here, for example, the invention of Patent Document 1 exists as an invention that can execute all the prepared game operations without a sense of incongruity. In the invention of Patent Document 1, N effect selection tables are prepared that define the appearance probability of N-1 types of performance operations excluding one of the N types of performance operations so that the same game effects do not continue. (FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1). Then, using the effect selection table that does not include the previous effect operation, the current effect operation is determined. Further, in the method described in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 of Patent Document 1, the appearance order is determined in advance by random lottery so that the same game effects do not continue.
JP 2001-327658 A

  However, the method described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is completely unrealistic when the types of game effects are greatly increased.

  That is, in the former method described in FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1, N selection effects tables that define the appearance probabilities are required for N-1 types of effects, and as a whole, (N-1) There is a problem that × N ROM areas are consumed and the occupied area cannot be ignored. Further, when the production type is increased, there is almost no problem in the first place, such as duplication of production operations.

  On the other hand, the latter method described in FIG. 10 of Patent Document 1 in which the order of appearance of the effect operations is shuffled also has a problem that an excessive burden is imposed on the CPU when the types of game effects are greatly increased. is there. In the first place, considering that there are many other processes that are more important than the notice effect, the shuffle lottery process that places an excessive burden on the CPU is difficult to implement in practice.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and is a gaming machine that can execute a large number of gaming operations without a sense of incongruity without unnecessarily consuming memory and without giving an excessive control burden to the CPU. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 determines whether or not to generate a profit state advantageous to the player by a lottery determination resulting from the occurrence of a predetermined winning state related to the operation of the player. A main control unit that comprehensively controls gaming operations including the winning / failing lottery, and a sub-control that controls various performance operations based on control commands received from the main control unit The sub-control unit or the main control unit stores various types of effect tables that define effect operations for deterministically or indefinitely notifying the result of the success / failure lottery. on the other hand, one is used read the rewritable memory, the said effect table, the specific data specifying the effect operation, and a determination numerical data defining the selection criteria the effect operation is selected corresponding The determination numerical data are stored in ascending order in the search direction and stored, and random number acquisition means for acquiring a random value used for the selection process of the rendering operation, the acquired random number value and the determination numerical data are while compared by searching the effect table of the memory to the search direction, and selecting means for selecting an effect operation of specific data for specifying corresponding to the determined numerical data predetermined comparison result is obtained, corresponding to the selected effect operation the determination numerical data of the memory, and rewriting means Ru rewritten to a smaller number than the lower limit value of the random number value, is provided for.

  The gaming machine is not particularly limited as long as it has a configuration that generates a profitable state advantageous to the player by a lottery decision, but preferably a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine or a spinning machine such as a slot machine. Is selected.

As a method of claim 1 , in the configuration of FIG. 7A, in addition to the case where the search process (ST52) is executed in the order of TBL address → TBL + N−1 address, for example, in the configuration of FIG. A case where search processing (ST52) is executed in the order of -1 address to TBL address is exemplified.

As a method of claim 2 , in the configuration of FIG. 7B, in addition to the case where search processing (ST52 ′) is performed in the order of TBL address → TBL + N−1 address, for example, in the configuration of FIG. The case where search processing (ST52 ′) is executed in the order of TBL + N−1 address → TBL address is exemplified.

  In addition, when all the contents of the effect table in the memory are rewritten, it is preferable that another effect table is read and used in the same area of the memory. Here, the order of reading the effect table may be regular or irregular, but should preferably be irregularly read.

  It is preferable to provide a count variable for counting the number of times the contents of the effect table in the memory are rewritten, and when the count result reaches a predetermined value, another effect table is read into the same area of the memory and used. . By using the count variable, another effect table can be read before all the effects are executed.

  According to the present invention described above, it is possible to realize a gaming machine that can execute a large number of gaming operations without a sense of incongruity without consuming memory unnecessarily and without giving an excessive control burden to the CPU.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on a ball game machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment. The illustrated pachinko machine includes a rectangular frame-shaped wooden outer frame 1 that is detachably attached to an island structure, and a front frame 3 that is pivotally mounted via a hinge 2 fixed to the outer frame 1. It is configured. A game board 5 is detachably attached to the front frame 3 from the back side, and a glass door (open / close door) 6 and a front plate 7 are pivotally attached to the front side so as to be openable and closable.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front plate 7 is provided with an upper plate 8 for storing game balls for launch, and a lower plate for storing game balls overflowing or extracted from the upper plate 8 at the lower part of the front frame 4. 9 and a firing handle 10 are provided. The launch handle 10 is linked to the launch motor M2 (FIG. 3), and a game ball is launched by a striking rod that operates according to the rotation angle of the launch handle 10.

  A chance button 11 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper plate 8. The chance button 11 is provided at a position where it can be operated with the left hand of the player, and the player can operate the chance button 11 without releasing the right hand from the firing handle 10. The chance button 11 does not function normally, but when the game state becomes the button chance state, the built-in lamp is turned on and can be operated. The button chance state is a game state provided as necessary.

  On the right side of the upper plate 8, an operation panel 12 for ball lending operation with respect to the card-type ball lending machine is provided, a frequency display unit for displaying the remaining amount of the card with a three-digit number, and a ball of game balls for a predetermined amount A ball lending switch for instructing lending and a return switch for instructing to return the card at the end of the game are provided.

  A key hole HO for opening the gaming machine is provided on the right side of the upper plate 8. Then, the glass door 6 is configured to be opened from the front frame 3 when the unlocking key is inserted into the keyhole HO and slightly rotated clockwise. Further, when the unlocking key inserted into the keyhole HO is rotated counterclockwise, the front frame 3 is released from the outer frame 1. In the opened state of the front frame 3, the game board 5 and the control boards 20 to 26 are integrally opened with the front frame 3.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 5 is provided with a guide rail 13 formed of a metal outer rail and an inner rail in an annular shape, and a liquid crystal color display DISP is provided at the approximate center of the game area 5a inside. Has been placed. In addition, at a suitable place in the game area 5a, a symbol starting port 15, a big winning port 16, a plurality of normal winning ports 17 (four on the right and left sides of the big winning port 16), and a gate 18 serving as two passing ports are arranged. Has been. Each of these winning openings 15 to 18 has a detection switch inside, and can detect the passage of a game ball.

  The liquid crystal display DISP is a device that variably displays a specific symbol related to a big hit state and displays a background image and various characters in an animated manner. This liquid crystal display DISP has special symbol display portions Da to Dc in the center portion and a normal symbol display portion 19 in the upper right portion. The special symbol display portions Da to Dc execute a reach effect that expects a big hit state to be invited, and the special symbol display portions Da to Dc and the surroundings execute a notice effect that informs the result of the determination uncertainly. The

  The normal symbol display unit 19 displays a normal symbol. When a game ball that has passed through the gate 18 is detected, the displayed normal symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time and is extracted at the time when the game ball passes through the gate 18. The stop symbol determined by the random number for lottery is displayed and stopped.

  The symbol start port 15 is configured to be opened and closed by an electric tulip having a pair of left and right opening and closing claws 15a, for example, and when the stop symbol after fluctuation of the normal symbol display unit 19 displays a winning symbol, the symbol is opened The claw 15a is opened for a predetermined time. When a game ball wins the symbol start port 15, the display symbols of the special symbol display portions Da to Dc change for a predetermined time and are determined based on the lottery result corresponding to the winning timing of the game ball to the symbol start port 15. Stop at the stop symbol.

  The big winning opening 16 is controlled to open and close by, for example, an opening / closing plate 16a that can be opened forward. When the stop symbol after the symbol change of the special symbol display portions Da to Dc is a big hit symbol such as “777”, the “big hit” Is started, and the opening / closing plate 16a is opened. A winning area 16 b is provided inside the big winning opening 16.

  After the opening / closing plate 16a of the big prize opening 16 is opened, the opening / closing plate 16a is closed when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins. In such an operation, the special game is continued up to 15 times, for example, and is controlled in a state advantageous to the player. In addition, when the stop symbol after the change of the special symbol display parts Da to Dc is a specific symbol among the special symbols, there is a privilege that the game after the end of the special game becomes a high probability state (probability variation state). Is granted. Usually, the big hit by this specific design is called “probable big hit”.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an overall circuit configuration of the pachinko machine 1 that realizes the above-described operations. Broken lines in the figure mainly indicate DC voltage lines.

  As shown in FIG. 3, this pachinko machine 1 receives AC 24V, outputs various DC voltages, and outputs a power reset signal when the power is turned on, and a main control board 21 that comprehensively controls gaming operations. An effect control board 22 that executes a lamp effect and a sound effect based on a control command CMD received from the main control board 21, an effect interface board 23 that transmits a signal received from the effect control board 22 to each part, and an effect interface A liquid crystal control board 24 that drives the liquid crystal display DISP based on the control command CMD ′ received from the board 23 and a payout motor M1 based on the control command CMD ″ received from the main control board 21 to pay out the game ball. Focusing on a payout control board 25 and a launch control board 26 that fires a game ball in response to a player's operation. It has been made.

  Here, on the main control board 21, the effect control board 22, the liquid crystal control board 24, and the payout control board 25, for example, computer circuits each including a one-chip microcomputer are mounted. Therefore, the functions mounted on the main control board 21, the production control board 22, the liquid crystal control board 24, and the payout control board 25 and the operations realized by the circuits are functionally named. Unit 21, effect control unit 22, liquid crystal control unit 24, and payout control unit 25. All or part of the effect control unit 22, the liquid crystal control unit 24, and the payout control unit 25 are sub-control units.

  The main control board 21 is connected to each game component of the game board 5 via the game board relay board 27. And while receiving the switch signal of the detection switch built in each winning opening 16-18 on a game board, solenoids, such as an electric tulip, are driven. Note that the switch signal from the symbol start port 15 is received directly by the main control unit 21 without going through the game board relay board 27.

  The main control unit 21 transmits a control command CMD ″ to the payout control unit 25 in one direction, while the payout control unit 25 receives a prize ball count signal indicating a payout operation of a game ball and an abnormality in the payout operation. The status signal CON is received, and the status signal CON includes, for example, an out-of-supply signal, an insufficient payout error signal, and a lower plate full signal.

  The effect control unit 22 is connected to the main control unit 21 in one direction via the command relay board 28. Specifically, an 8-bit parallel signal line that receives the control command CMD and a 1-bit strobe signal line that receives the interrupt signal STB are connected to the main control unit 21.

  Then, in the effect control unit 22, when the variation pattern command CMD is acquired from among the control commands CMD, the effect lottery is subsequently performed, and the effect outline specified by the acquired variation pattern command is further specified. Then, according to the determined specific game content, the lamp production by blinking the LED group or the like and the voice production preparation operation by the speaker are performed, and the liquid crystal control unit 24 is adapted to the production operation by the lamp or the speaker. The control command CMD ′ relating to the design effect to be output is output.

  Corresponding to the configuration of the effect control board 22 described above, the effect interface board 23 is configured to receive 8-bit command data CMD ′ and a 1-bit interrupt signal STB ′ from the effect control board 22. These data CMD 'and STB' are output to the liquid crystal control board 24 as they are. In addition, the effect interface board 23 receives a control signal for driving the lamp output from the effect control unit 22 and a sound signal for sound effect, and outputs them to the LED group and the speaker, so that appropriate lamp effects and sound effects are obtained. And running.

  By the way, the operation of the main control unit 21 is realized by having a main process (not shown) activated by power-on and a timer interrupt process activated by interrupting the main process every predetermined time. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 21, and the overall game control operation in the main control unit 21 is almost realized by this timer interrupt process.

  When a timer interrupt occurs, the contents of each register are saved in the stack area (ST10), and then random number generation processing is performed first (ST11). The random number generation processing includes update processing of the winning counter RG and the big hit counter CT used in the lottery operation in the normal symbol processing ST19 and the special symbol processing ST24.

  When such random number generation processing (ST11) ends, timer subtraction processing is performed for the timer that manages the time of each gaming operation (ST12). The timer to be subtracted here is mainly used for managing the opening time of the electric tulip and the special winning opening and other game effect times.

  Subsequently, ON / OFF signals of various switches including the winning detection switch of the symbol start opening 15 and the big winning opening 16 are inputted, and the ON / OFF signals are stored in the work area (ST13). Based on the stored information, for example, when there is a winning at the symbol start opening and the information can be held, necessary information based on detection such as a command for displaying the hold is transmitted. If an unreasonable ON signal is detected, an illegal winning command is transmitted (ST14). The illegal winning command is transmitted, for example, when an ON signal is obtained from the detection switch of the special winning opening 16 even though the special game is not being performed.

  Next, error management processing is performed (ST15). The error management process is a determination as to whether or not an abnormality has occurred inside the device, such as whether or not the supply of game balls has stopped or the game balls are clogged. Next, after creating a control command for the payout control board (ST16), the control command generated in each of the above processes is transmitted to the corresponding sub-control board (ST17).

  Next, normal symbol processing is performed on the condition that the current operation mode is not the hit mode (ST19). The normal symbol processing means determination as to whether or not to operate an ordinary electric accessory such as an electric tulip. Specifically, when it is determined that the game ball is passing the gate based on the switch input result in step ST13, the winning counter RG updated in the random number generation process (ST11) is compared with the winning winning value. Done. If the comparison result is a winning state, the operation mode is changed to the winning operation mode. Also, if it is hit, processing for the operation of the ordinary electric accessory such as an electric tulip is performed (ST21).

  Subsequently, a necessary control command is transmitted to the corresponding sub-control board (ST22), and special symbol processing is performed on the condition that the current operation mode is not a big hit (ST24). The special symbol process is a determination as to whether or not to operate a special electric accessory such as the special prize opening 16. Specifically, when it is determined from the switch input result of step ST13 that the game ball has passed the symbol start port, the big hit counter CT updated in the random number generation process (ST11) is used as the big win winning value Hit. In contrast to. Then, if the comparison result is a winning state, the operation mode is changed to the big hit mode. If it is a big hit, a process for operating a special electric accessory such as a big prize opening is performed (ST26).

  Thereafter, the control command generated in each of the above processes is transmitted to the corresponding sub control board. For example, when the special symbol process (ST24) is executed, a control command (variation pattern command) CMD for specifying an effect operation corresponding to the lottery result is transmitted to the effect control unit 32. On the other hand, the effect control unit 32 executes effect lottery processing based on the transmitted control command, determines detailed effect contents including the notice effect, and executes sound effects and lamp effects based on the determined contents. At the same time, a control command CMD ′ for specifying the determined content is transmitted to the liquid crystal control unit 34. Therefore, with the transmission of the control command CMD ', the symbol change operation is started in the liquid crystal display DISP.

  When the transmission process (ST27) of the control command that defines the effect operation as described above is completed, the register saved in the process of step ST10 is restored (ST28), and the interrupt process is completed. As a result, the routine returns from the interrupt processing routine to the infinite loop processing (not shown) of the main processing.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation content of the effect control unit 22. The operation of the effect control unit 22 is mainly performed by a CPU that is defined by a control command CMD from the main control unit 21 and is capable of batch processing 16-bit data.

  As shown in the figure, the operation of the effect control unit 22 includes a main process (a) started after power-on, a reception interrupt process (b) started by a strobe signal STB, and a first timer interrupt started every 4 mS. (C) and a second timer interrupt (d) for LED effect activated every 2 mS.

  In the reception interrupt process, the control command CMD received from the main control unit 21 is stored in the reception buffer area, and the process ends (see FIG. 5B). In the first timer interrupt process, the timer flag FG is set every 4 ms and the process ends (see FIG. 5C). On the other hand, in the second timer interrupt process, the LED lighting operation is advanced every 2 mS and the process ends (see FIG. 5D).

  In the main process of FIG. 5A, after initial setting of each part of the one-chip microcomputer (ST31), the random numbers used for the effect lottery are continuously updated in an infinite loop (ST32 to ST33). When a control command is received during such an infinite loop process, a reception interrupt (FIG. 5B) is activated, and a first timer interrupt process (FIG. 5C) is activated every 4 ms. Thus, the timer flag FG is set to 1.

  When it is confirmed in the main process that the timer flag FG is set to 1, the process proceeds to the process of step ST34 after resetting the timer flag FG. In step ST34, the reception buffer area is checked, and it is determined whether or not a new control command is stored by the reception interrupt process. If a new control command is confirmed, an effect start process corresponding to the type of the control command is executed (ST35).

  The control commands received by the effect control unit 22 include (a) error notification and other notification control commands, and (b) an outline of various effect operations resulting from winning at the symbol start opening. Includes variation pattern commands and symbol designating commands. Therefore, the presentation start process (ST35) includes not only the presentation start process based on the variation pattern command but also the interpretation process of the notification control command and the notification process.

  After the process of step ST35, the effect scenario progress process is executed through other processes (ST36). The effect scenario progression process (ST36) is a process of advancing the effect started in the effect etc. start process in step ST35. For example, for the symbol effect on the liquid crystal display, a control command (stop symbol command) is prepared that specifies a stop symbol at the end of symbol variation based on the symbol designation command. Also included is a process for preparing a control command (deterministic command) for deterministically ending symbol variation. The prepared control command is only stored in the transmission buffer BUF, and is not transmitted at this timing.

  In addition, in the production scenario proceeding process (ST36), the lighting state of the lamp is advanced with the lapse of time from the production start. After such processing of step ST36, the voice command from the CPU for the sound reproduction LSI provided in the effect control unit 22 is also updated as appropriate (ST37), and an audio signal corresponding to the elapsed time is sent to the effect control unit 22. The sound is output from the speaker via the provided digital amplifier.

  Thereafter, after passing through other processes, a command transmission process is finally executed (ST38). In this embodiment, the control commands stored in the transmission buffer BUF are finally transmitted to the liquid crystal control unit 24 at a time during steps ST32 to ST38 in which the main process is completed.

  FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing a method for determining a notice effect in particular in the effect starting process (ST35). This notice effect determination process is a process for determining the specific notice contents when it is decided to execute the notice effect by effect lottery.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of M sort tables LOT1 to LOTM of the same type are stored in the ROM in correspondence with the notice effect determination process, and any one of them is copied and used after the TBL address of the RAM. (See FIG. 6 (c)). In each of the distribution tables LOT1 to LOTM, a large number of variations (for example, 50) of notice effects are specified by their numbers (= notice command numbers) and assignment values X that define the selection rate of the effects. (See FIG. 7A). Both ROM and RAM use 16-bit length data as a unit. The upper 8 bits of each address are the notice command number, and the lower 8 bits are the sorting value X.

  The distribution value X means a breakpoint in the numerical range (1 to MAX) of the notice determination random number RND. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the distribution value X starts from the minimum value (= 20) that is equal to or higher than the lower limit value (= 1) of the random number RND and ends with the upper limit value MAX (= 100) of the random number RND. Are stored in order in the distribution table LOT. Then, from the TBL address to the TBL + N-1 address, the notice determination random number RND is compared with the lower 8 bit data of the TBL + i address in order, and the command number stored at the address where [TBL + i] ≧ RND is first obtained. Is selected. For example, if the notice determination random number RND is 30, the command number c is selected from the upper 8-bit data at address TBL + 1 where 35> RND.

  By the way, in this specification, the symbol [TBL + i] means the stored contents of the lower 8 bits of the address TBL + i. In the initial processing after the power is turned on, any one of the ROM distribution tables LOT1 to LOTM is copied and stored at addresses TBL to TBL + N−1 of the RAM. In this initial state, the notice effect stored at address TBL + i is selected when the random value RND is within the range of [TBL + i−1] +1 to [TBL + i] (see parentheses in FIG. 7A). See writing).

  However, if the effect at address TBL + i is selected, the data at that address is rewritten to 00H (ST57), and thereafter, there is a probability that the notice effect stored at address TBL + i + 1 at the higher address is selected. If the random value RND is in the range of [TBL + i−1] +1 to [TBL + i + 1], the notice effect stored at address TBL + i + 1 is selected.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the allocation rate (selection rate) determined based on the difference ([TBL + i] − [TBL + i−1]) from the allocation value ([TBL + i−1]) on the lower address side is essentially Means the possibility that the notice effect is selected first, and does not mean the appearance rate of the notice effect. The selection rate of the notice effect in the initial state is ([TBL + i] − [TBL + i−1]) / MAX, but if an effect on the lower side of the address is selected, then the address disappeared due to the selection. The selection rate increases by the selection rate of the lower-order effects, and the selection rate becomes ([TBL + i] − [TBL + i−2]) / MAX.

  Based on the above, the flowchart of FIG. First, the notice determination random number RND is acquired in the general-purpose register ER of the CPU (ST50). In this embodiment, the notice determination random number RND is an 8-bit integer value within the numerical range of the lower limit value 1 to the upper limit value MAX, and is updated in the process of step ST32 (FIG. 5).

  Next, after initializing the variable i to zero (ST51), the value of the general-purpose register ER is compared with the lower 8-bit data at address TBL + i (ST52). If ER> [TBL + i], the variable i is incremented by 1 and the same process is repeated unless the variable i matches the maximum value N (ST52 to ST54).

  As described above, in the lower 8 bits of addresses TBL to TBL + N−1, the distribution value X is stored from the minimum value toward the upper limit value MAX. Therefore, if steps ST52 to ST54 are repeated, ER ≦ [TBL + i] is eventually obtained. In this case, the notice effect command is specified from the upper 8 bits (= notice command number) of the selected address TBL + i. (ST56).

  Then, 00H is stored in the selected address TBL + i. The numerical value to be stored is not particularly limited to 00H as long as it is smaller than the lower limit value (= 1) of the notice determination random number RND. For example, if a negative numerical value is expressed by two's complement, the stored numerical value may be any of 10000000B to 11111111B. Note that B means a binary number and H means a hexadecimal number.

  In this way, in this embodiment, for the notice effect once selected, a value (= 00H) smaller than the lower limit value of the notice decision random number RND is stored in the corresponding address (TBL + i address), so the notice after that In the effect determination process, the notice effect is not selected. Therefore, no matter how much the variation of the notice effect is increased or the selection rate of the special effect, also called the premium effect, is set to be small, it will always be executed and the product life will be Even if is extremely short, it is possible to reliably suppress a situation in which the premium effect ends without being executed.

  By the way, if the notice effect is determined by repeating the process of step ST56, all N effects are selected, and the contents of addresses TBL to TBL + N−1 are all 00H. In such a case, after the processes of steps ST52 to ST54 are repeated in a state of ER> [TBL + i], the value of the variable i matches the total number N of effects.

  Therefore, in such a case, the distribution tables LOT1 to LOTM are selected again and the process proceeds to step ST51. As a result, the current announcement effect is determined based on the new distribution table LOT. Since the new distribution table has a different distribution rate from the previous distribution table, the notice effect appears with a new tendency.

  The selection of a new distribution table LOT in step ST55 may be performed through lottery processing, but may be used cyclically in the order of storage areas in the ROM. That is, even if the sorting tables LOT1 to LOTM are not selected at random, the notice effect can appear with a sufficiently random tendency due to the randomness of the notice determination random number RND and the abundance of prepared notice effects. It is. In this embodiment, (a) a production with a high distribution rate is likely to be selected first, and (b) a production arranged on the higher address side of the selected production is selected more than before. Although there is a tendency that the possibility increases, the regularity of the appearance tendency of the notice effect can be surely eliminated by devising the arrangement position of the notice effect in each of the sorting tables LOT1 to LOTM.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as confirmed from the simple flowchart of FIG. 6A, the control burden on the CPU can be greatly reduced. Further, according to the present embodiment, the memory consumption is small, the number of ROM consumption areas is N × M, and the number of RAM consumption areas is only N. Even if a variable area (address i) is added, only N + 1 storage areas consume RAM. In the present embodiment, the same notice effect may be continued only at the switching time of the distribution table TBL after N notice effects. And since the probability that the same effect will continue at the time of switching is 1 / N, the probability that the effect will continue is 1 / N ² as a whole. It is not harmful at all. In this respect, as in the invention of Patent Document 1, it is not reasonable to consume (N−1) × N storage areas only for the purpose of preventing the same effects from continuing.

  Further, as described above, in this embodiment, the selection rate of each notice effect changes in a complicated manner with the progress of the game. For example, the selection rate of the notice effect at the address TBL + i is ([TBL + i] − [TBL + i−1]) / MAX in the initial state, but when the effect on the lower address side is selected, ([TBL + i] -[TBL + i-2]) / MAX. On the other hand, in this embodiment, all effects are always executed only once. As a result, the generation order of the notice effects is controlled at random, but an extra control burden is imposed on the CPU. In addition, there is an advantage that the order in which the notice effects are generated can be made extremely irregular.

  In this regard, as in the invention of Patent Document 1, in the configuration in which N notice effects are shuffled and drawn, the memory consumption of the ROM can be reduced, but the processing load on the CPU is too large and cannot be actually realized. For example, in the configuration in which the processing of steps ST32 to ST38 must be finished within 4 ms as in the present embodiment, and a reception interrupt or 2 ms interrupt is applied in the meantime, the remaining remaining time is very small. It is impossible to shuffle lots of N notice effects using the remaining time.

  As described above, the notice effect determination process has been described based on the first embodiment, but it is needless to say that the data structure of the distribution table LOT may be changed as shown in FIG. In the distribution table of FIG. 7B, the distribution value starts from the maximum value (= 80) that is equal to or less than the upper limit value (= 100) of the random number value RND and ends with the lower limit value MIN (= 1) of the random value RND. Are stored in order in the distribution table LOT. In this case, the processes in steps ST52 and ST57 are changed to steps ST52 'and ST57', respectively (see FIG. 6B). In other words, for the previously selected notice effect, the upper limit value of the notice decision random number RND is stored as a larger numerical value (= 07FH) (ST57 '), thereby eliminating the subsequent selection.

  In the first embodiment of the notice effect determination process described above, in order to suppress the RAM consumption and simplify the processing contents to the limit, and to execute all the notice effects without fail, After all the notice effects are executed, the distribution table LOT is changed (ST55). However, in the method of the first embodiment, there is a problem that the effect content to be started next can be easily predicted at the final stage of N times.

  Therefore, although the adverse effect of increasing the variable CNT to be used occurs, it is also preferable to change the distribution table LOT after N ′ number of notice effects less than N are finished. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing such a notice effect determination process of the second embodiment. Note that the data structure shown in FIG. 7A is employed as the distribution table LOT.

  Also in this case, an address where the value of the obtained notice determination random number RND is RND ≦ [TBL + i] is detected (ST62), and 00H is stored in the detected address (ST65). Then, the number of executions of the notice effect determination process is counted by the variable CNT (ST66), and after the N ′ number of notice effect determination processes are finished, the distribution table LOT is changed (ST68), and the variable CNT is set to an initial value. N '(ST69).

  According to this embodiment, at the final stage of all N times, the disadvantage of the first embodiment that the content of the effect to be started next can be easily predicted. The advantage that the control burden on the CPU can be greatly reduced and the advantage that the memory consumption is small are the same as in the first embodiment.

  By the way, in the case of the first embodiment, although the notice determination random number RND is used, the appearance probabilities of all N notice effects are the same, and the appearance order is only random. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the notice effect determination process of the third embodiment that can arbitrarily change the appearance probability of the notice effect.

  In this embodiment, only the command number is stored in the distribution tables LOT1 to LOTM, and no distribution value is stored. In correspondence with the appearance probability of the notice effect, a large number of command numbers of the notice effect having a high appearance probability are stored, and only one command number of the notice effect having a low appearance probability is stored. In addition, the appearance probability of each notice effect is made different for each of the distribution tables LOT1 to LOTM. Therefore, all the TO command numbers, which are larger than the notice effect type N, are stored in each distribution table LOT.

  The arbitrarily selected distribution table LOT is used by being expanded from the TBL address of the RAM to the TBL + TO-1 address at an appropriate timing. When the notice effect is selected, 0FFH that is not used as a command number is stored in the address corresponding to the notice effect.

  Based on the above, the flowchart of FIG. 9 will be described. First, a preliminary announcement determination random number RND is acquired (ST70), and data at address TBL + RND is determined (ST71). The notice determination random number RND is an integer value of 0 ≦ RND <TO.

  In the determination in step ST71, [TBL + RND] = 0FFH means that the effect has already been selected. Therefore, in such a case, the determination in step ST71 is repeated while the value of RND is cyclically increased in the positive direction (ST71 '). That is, in this case, the random number RND circulates in the positive direction within a numerical range of 0 to TO-1 with the numerical value acquired in step ST70 as an initial value.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST71 that [TBL + RND] ≠ 0FFH, the data of the address TBL + RND is acquired and the current notice effect is determined (ST72). Then, 0FFH is stored in the address (ST73).

  Thereafter, the number of processes is counted by the counter variable CNT (ST74). When the predetermined number of processes is completed, a new distribution table LOT is copied to the RAM and the counter variable CNT is initialized (ST76 to ST77). Here, if the counter variable CNT is initially set to the same TO as the number of areas in the distribution table LO, all the scheduled notice effects are executed, but in the final stage, the processes of steps ST70 to ST71 are performed many times. Will be repeated. Therefore, in practice, it is preferable to set the initial value N ′ to less than half of TO in consideration of the processing load of the CPU.

  On the other hand, in order to execute all the notice calculations, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the value of the obtained notice decision random number RND may be corrected based on the value of the counter CNT. The correction calculation is appropriate. For example, the generation range of the notice determination random number RND may be substantially narrowed by the remaining number of effects by the calculation of RND ← [RND / TO × CNT] (ST81). In the above equation, [RND / TO × CNT] means a Gaussian operation that rounds down the decimal point of the operation result to an integer.

  Next, a notice effect is determined based on the random number value RND corrected in step ST81 (ST82). Then, all data on the higher address side than the selected address (TBL + RND) is shifted to the lower address side by one (ST83). By providing such processing, an extra burden is not imposed on the CPU even in the final stage when all scheduled notice effects are executed. Note that the counter variable CNT is initially set to the number of areas TO of the distribution table LO.

  Although the embodiment has been specifically described above, it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention in which the allocation table is copied to the RAM area and used dynamically. .

  For example, a backup power supply can be provided in the production control unit, and the storage contents of the RAM can be retained even after the power is shut off. In this case, even if the premium production has a low probability, it is always executed. become. The premium effect is, for example, an effect that exists only in any one of M distribution tables and has an extremely low selection rate. In the configuration of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the premium effect is arranged at the lowest address (TBL address), and the distribution value is set to the random number lower limit value (= 1) or the random number upper limit value (= 100). good. In this case, the selection rate becomes the lowest value (1 / MAX), and the selection rate does not increase with the progress of the game operation.

  Note that the configuration for retaining the storage contents of the RAM is not limited to the backup power supply, and a non-volatile flash memory or the like may be used. Further, the notice effect determination process is not necessarily executed in the effect control unit, and may be executed in the main control unit, for example. Usually, the main control unit is provided with a backup power source, so that the intermediate process stored in the RAM can be easily held.

  In addition, the embodiment mainly describes the notice effect, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the present example can be applied to selection of various variation patterns such as a reach effect and a jackpot effect.

  It should be noted that whether or not the control described in the present embodiment is performed by the player's operation or even if it is performed may be selected. For example, the distribution table rewriting process (ST57, ST64, etc.) relating to the selected effect may be skipped based on the will of the player. Further, it may be considered that the player selects the value of N ′ in the process of step ST69 of FIG. 8 in a plurality of stages.

  Moreover, you may make it alert | report the log | history of the production already performed. In this case, since the existence of a premium effect that has not yet appeared becomes clear, it can be a motivation for the player to start the game in order to make the premium effect appear.

It is a perspective view of the pachinko machine of an example. It is a front view which shows the game board of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a main control part. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of an effect control part. It is a flowchart of the 1st Example explaining the determination process of a notice effect. It is drawing explaining the structure of a distribution table. It is a flowchart of the 2nd Example explaining the determination process of notice effect. It is a flowchart of the 3rd Example explaining the determination process of notice effect. It is a flowchart of 4th Example explaining the determination process of notification effect.

Explanation of symbols

21 Main control unit 22 Production control unit LOT Production table (distribution table)
ST51 to ST56 Selection means ST57 Rewriting means

Claims (4)

A gaming machine that determines whether or not to generate a profit state advantageous to a player by a lottery determination due to the occurrence of a predetermined winning state related to the operation of the player,
A main control unit that comprehensively controls gaming operations including the winning / losing lottery, and a sub-control unit that controls various performance operations based on control commands received from the main control unit,
In the sub-control unit or the main control unit, there are stored various types of production tables that define production operations for deterministically or indefinitely informing the result of the success / failure lottery, one of which can be rewritten. Read into memory and used,
In the effect table, the specific data for specifying the effect operation corresponds to the determination numerical value data for defining the selection condition for selecting the effect operation, and the determination numerical value data is arranged and stored in ascending order in the search direction. And
Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random value used for the selection process of the production operation;
An effect operation in which the specific data corresponding to the determination numerical data that obtains a predetermined comparison result is specified by searching the effect table in the memory in the search direction while comparing the obtained random number value with the determination numerical data. A selection means to select;
And rewriting means for determining numerical data of the memory corresponding to the selected effect operation, Ru rewritten to a smaller number than the lower limit value of the random number,
A gaming machine characterized by that. A gaming machine that determines whether or not to generate a profit state advantageous to a player by a lottery determination due to the occurrence of a predetermined winning state related to the operation of the player,
A main control unit that comprehensively controls gaming operations including the winning / losing lottery, and a sub-control unit that controls various performance operations based on control commands received from the main control unit,
In the sub-control unit or the main control unit, there are stored various types of production tables that define production operations for deterministically or indefinitely informing the result of the success / failure lottery, one of which can be rewritten. Read into memory and used,
In the effect table, the specific data for specifying the effect operation corresponds to the determination numerical data defining the selection condition for selecting the effect operation, and the determination numerical data are stored in the search direction in descending order. And
Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random value used for the selection process of the production operation;
An effect operation in which the specific data corresponding to the determination numerical data that obtains a predetermined comparison result is specified by searching the effect table in the memory in the search direction while comparing the obtained random number value with the determination numerical data. A selection means to select;
And rewriting means for determining numerical data of the memory corresponding to the selected effect operation, Ru rewritten to a number greater than the upper limit value of the random number,
A gaming machine characterized by that. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when all the determination numerical value data in the memory is rewritten, another effect table is read and used in the same area of the memory. The count variable for counting the determination numerical number of times the data is rewritten in the memory is provided, when the count result reaches a predetermined value, according to one or another effect table is used is read in the same area of the memory Game machines.

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