JP4768987B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

  In general, a game machine such as a pachinko machine is used for a winning / losing lottery with a built-in program by a starting winning of a ball to a starting winning port provided on the game board, and if a lottery results, A predetermined game value is given to the game. Moreover, the gaming machine is equipped with a device for performing various effects corresponding to the lottery results. For example, a gaming machine has a special symbol (also referred to as “this symbol”) for notifying the actual lottery result composed of a plurality of numbers, figures, etc. and an effect symbol (“demo symbol”) consisting of a video such as a character. Some game boards have a symbol display device such as a liquid crystal display. The reason for performing the display of the effect symbol and the display of the special symbol separately is that there are legal restrictions on the effect regarding the display for the special symbol used for the actual lottery result notification. This is because it does not display a hit / miss on the law but is an effect display screen for attracting a player, and thus is not subject to laws and regulations related to display imposed on special symbols. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the method of expressing the effect symbol is higher than that of the special symbol, and the gaming machine manufacturer can make the effect symbol display form rich in variety. In addition, the production symbol can also represent a variety of reach actions that cannot be expressed in a special symbol. In this way, by providing an effect design including an effect function separately from the special design, it is possible to perform an elaborate effect that does not get the player bored, and the game performance can be further enhanced. “Reach” refers to a combination of symbols (same symbols) where multiple symbol strings (usually three) are used, two symbol strings are stopped first, and the display result that has already been stopped is displayed. It is a display state that satisfies the condition (combination of jackpot symbol), and is an effect that makes expectation to stop the final stop symbol, and “reach action” is a series of effects at the time of reach.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of a front view of a conventional gaming machine 1800. In the figure, the gaming machine includes a gaming board 1801, a symbol display device 1802, a start winning opening 1803, a normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 1804, a normal symbol display device operation gate (right). 1805, an ordinary symbol display device 1806, an ordinary electric accessory (tulip) 1807, a special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) 1808, 1809, 1810, 1811, a variable winning ball device 1812, and the like. For convenience of explanation, not all the constituent members are shown.

  Examples of the symbol display device 1802 include a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display unit, a drum that variably displays by rotation of a motor, and the like. The symbol display device 1802 variably displays special symbols and effect symbols such as a plurality of numbers and figures.

  When a game ball launched by the player wins, the start winning opening 1803 detects the winning ball, performs a lottery lottery by a built-in program, and gives an opportunity for symbol change of the symbol display device 1802. The variation display of the special symbol and the effect symbol of the symbol display device 1802 is stopped after a predetermined variation time elapses, and the lottery result is notified and the effect is performed.

  The normal symbol display device operating gate (left) 1804 and the normal symbol display device operating gate (right) 1805 detect the passing ball when the game ball launched by the player passes, and the normal electric accessory 1807 (tulip) The opening lottery is performed, and the normal symbol display device 1806 gives an opportunity to change the normal symbol.

  The normal symbol display device 1806 variably displays the normal symbol displayed by a 7-segment LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and when a lottery to open the normal electric accessory (tulip) 1807 is won, the specific normal symbol is stopped. Display and inform the so-called small hits. The ordinary electric accessory (tulip) 1807 is opened when the normal symbol display device 1806 reports a small hit, and makes it easy to win the start winning opening 1803.

  The hold lamps 1808, 1809, 1810, and 1811 indicate the lottery result information of each ball won in the start winning opening 1803 during the change of the symbol for each ball in the RAM (Random Access Memory) built in the gaming machine. Lights in conjunction with storing in the holding memory (“holding ball”), and notifies the number of times that the symbol can be changed continuously. A winning ball to the start winning opening 1803 that is the target of the holding of the ball is referred to as a holding ball.

  In addition, when the game machine wins a big win as a result of the lottery, the special symbols on the symbol display device 1802 are preliminarily set to, for example, “1, 1, 1”, “2, 2, 2” to “9, 9, 9”. Stops at a specific combination of symbols that you have defined, and notifies you of a special prize (bonus). The special prize is a point at which the game is switched from a normal state to an advantageous state (a big hit operation or a big hit) that gives a predetermined game value such as paying out a large number of prize balls to the player. On the other hand, during the period of time until the special symbol starts to change and stops, the production symbol performs a variable operation with various productions, such as taking a reach action that is not allowed in the special symbol. . Further, as soon as the special prize notification by the special symbol is confirmed, the display of the effect symbol indicating the jackpot is confirmed. During the jackpot operation, the effect design produces an effect that pleases the player by displaying a moving image such as an animation. Both the special symbol and the effect symbol are displayed on the symbol display device 1802.

  Further, in FIG. 18, the variable winning ball apparatus 1812 is a variable winning ball apparatus 1812 in the subsequent jackpot operation when the special symbol stop symbol is a combination of specific symbols that are determined in advance, that is, when a special winning combination is obtained. The opening / closing member 1813 attached to the front surface is opened and closed.

  During the big hitting operation, the opening / closing member 1813 opens almost horizontally, and the big winning opening 1814 for receiving a winning game ball is opened, and a large number of winning game balls are received. When a game ball wins the grand prize opening 1814, the gaming machine pays out a large number of prize balls (outgoing balls, safe balls) corresponding to the number of winning balls. The opening of the grand prize winning opening 1814 is synchronized with an animation display or the like by the effect symbol during the jackpot operation until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or less) elapses or until a predetermined number of game balls win the big winning prize opening 1814. continue. This one opening is called a round (R). Further, the variable winning ball apparatus 1812 has a specific area 1815 called a V zone. If at least one game ball passes through the specific area 1815 while the big winning opening 1814 during the jackpot operation is opened, the game is given an opportunity to generate a right for the next round. In this way, the round continues from 1R → 2R →... And continues up to the maximum round (for example, 15 rounds). If there is no game ball passing through the specific area 1815 during the round, the jackpot operation is terminated without continuing until the maximum round.

  In addition, some conventional gaming machines have a special symbol variation time reduction switch, and when it is operated by a player, there is a model that forcibly stops (immediately stops) symbol variation. With this function, one symbol variation time can be shortened and the number of symbol variations per unit time can be increased. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, after the operation, it is possible to stop after the symbol variation has been shortened, rather than stop immediately by operating the special symbol variation time reduction switch. Some gaming machines have a special symbol variation time reduction switch 1816 which is an optical touch sensor attached to the game board 1801. An accessory installed on the game board 1801 (a collective term for a display device, a variable winning device, an ordinary electric accessory, etc.), a special symbol variation time reduction switch 1816, a nail, etc. are covered with a transparent glass plate. Thus, the game balls that have been launched from the space secured between the glass plate and the game board 1801 fall. While the symbol display device 1802 variably displays a special symbol or effect symbol, if the player holds his / her hand over the special symbol variation time reduction switch 1816 via the glass plate, the special symbol variation time reduction switch 1816 that detects this is turned ON. Thus, the change display of the special symbol and the effect symbol of the symbol display device 1802 can be immediately stopped or shortened and stopped.

  In addition, in recent gaming machines, each circuit board is divided into functions according to the functions of the gaming machine in order to easily detect and inspect the gaming function part (main control part) related to the gambling of the gaming machine. The parts are configured to operate by one-way control from a game function unit that controls game contents. Therefore, the control of the symbol display device is also realized by the main control unit mounted on the main control board sending various commands relating to symbol variation to the symbol display device. For example, Patent Document 1 includes a pseudo-symbol display unit (corresponding to a portion for displaying “effect design” in this specification) and a special symbol display unit (“special design” in this specification) in a symbol display device. A bullet ball game machine that displays a pseudo symbol on the pseudo symbol display unit according to a command from the main control unit based on the start winning, and further displays the special symbol on the special symbol display unit is disclosed. Has been. More specifically, Patent Document 1 describes the following (see paragraphs 0035, 0036, 0038, and 0040-0042).

  The main control unit 208 includes a counter group 210 including a counter 210a (a jackpot determination counter), a counter 210b (a winning symbol determination counter), and a counter 210c (an out symbol determination counter). The counter 210a repeatedly counts 250 numerical values from 0 to 249 in ascending order, and the counter 210b repeatedly counts 12 numerical values from 0 to 11 in ascending order. The counter 210c includes three sub-counters that each repeatedly count from 0 to 11. If the start winning signal S is received, the main control unit 208 reads the count values C1, C2, and C3 of the counters 210a, 210b, and 210c and uses them to execute a jackpot determination process or the like. That is, the main control unit 208 determines whether or not the counter value C1 of the counter 210a is a winning value. If the counter value C1 is not a winning value (in the case of losing), the main control unit 208 uses the count value C3 of the counter 210c as a command of the symbol display device 150. On the other hand, when the counter value C1 of the counter 210a is a winning value (a big winning), the winning symbol is determined based on the count value C2 of the counter 210b, and the CPU 180 of the symbol display device 150 is used as a command. Send to.

Japanese Patent No. 2954859

  In the prior art including Patent Document 1, in the case of detachment, the main control unit determines the detachment symbol itself and transmits the detachment symbol as a command to the symbol display device. Therefore, the processing of the main control unit is complicated and its load is large. On the other hand, the main control board on which the main control unit is mounted is subject to legal inspection, and since the upper limit is imposed on the performance of the CPU that can be used in the main control unit, the processing content of the main control unit is simplified. It is desirable.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that simplifies the processing of the main control unit and reduces the processing load.

In order to achieve such an object, the gaming machine of the present invention performs a winning / losing lottery triggered by the start winning of the ball to the starting winning opening provided on the game board, and the lottery result is a win. In a gaming machine that gives a predetermined game value to a player, a special symbol display device that notifies the lottery result by a special symbol variation display, and an effect symbol display that performs an effect accompanying the notification by a variation symbol variation display A main control unit that controls the apparatus and the gaming machine as a whole, and a control signal related to the variable display of the special symbol from the CPU of the main control unit to the special symbol display device via the CPU of another control unit controls the variable display of the special symbol by transmitting without, a main control unit, in accordance with a command from the main control unit, and a sub control unit that performs predetermined control in accordance with a command from the sub-control unit, the Production design chart The apparatus, and a display control unit for controlling the variable display of the performance symbol, the main control unit, a first instruction that specifies the fluctuation mode of the performance symbols, and the variable display is stopped The second command for designating the display mode of the effect design at the time, when the lottery result is a win, to stop display the effect design in a specific combination, when the lottery result is out A second command that designates that the effect symbol is to be stopped and displayed in an arbitrary combination indicating a deviation is transmitted to the sub-control unit, and the sub-control unit receives the second command received as the predetermined control. However, when designating that the effect symbols are to be stopped and displayed in a specific combination, a third command is generated that designates that the effect symbols are to be stopped and displayed in the specific combination. in front When designating that the effect symbol is to be stopped and displayed, a third command designating that the effect symbol is to be stopped and displayed in an arbitrary combination is generated, and the generated third command is used as the display control. A fourth command for designating a display for notifying the occurrence of the reach fluctuation in the lottery and / or the production is generated, and the generated fourth command is transmitted to the display control unit. When the received third command specifies that the effect symbol is to be stopped and displayed in a specific combination, the display control unit displays the variation display so that the effect symbol is stopped in the specific combination. When controlling and specifying that the received third command stops and displays the effect symbol in any combination of detachment, a combination indicating detachment is determined, and the determined combination The performance symbols controls the variable display to stop, to control the display of the notice on the basis of a command of the fourth received, characterized in that.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the fourth command generated by the sub-control unit includes a command common to a plurality of variation modes and a command corresponding to a specific variation mode, which are the first command. It is characterized in that it may overlap depending on the command .

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the specific combination in the case where the lottery result in the second command is winning is a combination indicating non-probability fluctuation or per probability fluctuation.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which the processing of the main control unit is simplified, and further, in the case of detachment, it is possible to perform effects using various detachment symbols. . The reason is that, in the case of a big win, the main control unit determines the winning symbol, but in the case of losing, the main control unit does not determine the losing symbol, but a command that instructs to stop at the losing symbol. This is because the display control unit received from the main control unit via the sub-control unit comes off and determines the symbol independently.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the location which has the same function in each drawing.

(Device configuration)
FIG. 1 shows an example of a front view of a gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a gaming board 101 for installing a game machine character on the board, a special symbol display device 102, a production symbol display device 103, a first start winning opening 104, a normal symbol display device. The operation gate (left) 105, the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106, the normal symbol display device 107, the normal electric accessory (tulip) 108 which is also the second start winning port (hereinafter referred to as the second start winning port 108) ), A first variable winning ball device 109 having an upper winning hole, a second variable winning ball device 110 having a lower winning port, a gaming machine handle 111, a special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) 112. Mainly equipped with a normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) 113 and the like.

  The special symbol display device 102 includes, for example, a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) display, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix display device, etc., and variably displays special symbols such as a plurality of numbers and figures. To do. A special award (bonus) is given when the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 102 is a combination of a predetermined specific symbol. In this embodiment, the special symbol display device 102 is a two-digit 7-segment LED.

  The production symbol display device 103 includes, for example, a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT display, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix display device, a drum variably displayed by the rotation of a motor, and the like. Is displayed in a variable manner. This embodiment is a variable display device of a liquid crystal display. A display control unit (described later) for controlling the effect symbol display device 103 includes a CPU, a program ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM, an image processing LSI (hereinafter referred to as a VDP (Video Display Processor)), a character ROM, a video RAM, and the like. Have In the present embodiment, the effect symbol display device 103 includes a variable display device that can display an image such as a background and a plurality of symbols as a moving image. In the present embodiment, a gaming machine capable of displaying various effect symbols on the effect symbol display device 103 is assumed.

  The first start winning port 104 or the second start winning port 108 detects the winning by turning on the internal special symbol start switch when the game ball launched by the player wins, and the symbol of the special symbol display device 102 is detected. Give an opportunity to change. The variation display of the special symbol of the special symbol display device 102 and the effect symbol of the effect symbol display device 103 is stopped after a predetermined variation time elapses, and the lottery result is notified and the effect is performed.

  The normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 and the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106 pass when the game ball launched by the player passes and the normal symbol operation switch inside is turned ON. A sphere is detected, and a normal symbol change trigger of the normal symbol display device 107 is given.

  The normal symbol display device 107 variably displays a normal symbol with a 7-segment LED or the like. The second start winning port 108 is opened when the normal symbol display device 107 stops displaying (small hit) a specific normal symbol, and facilitates the winning in the second start winning port 108. The first start winning opening 104 is always open.

  When the first variable winning ball device 109 and the second variable winning ball device 110 are a combination of a specific symbol that is a predetermined stop symbol of the special symbol display device 102, that is, when a special symbol is obtained, In the subsequent jackpot operation, one of the opening / closing members 114 and 115 attached to the front surfaces of the first variable winning ball device 109 and the second variable winning ball device 110 performs the opening and closing operations. Which opening / closing member is opened depends on the lottery result of the built-in program.

  During the hitting operation, one of the opening / closing members 114 and 115 is opened almost horizontally, and the first variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110 that receives a winning game ball is opened, and a number of games are played. Accept a ball prize. When a game ball wins the first variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110, the large winning opening switch inside the first variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110 is turned ON. As a result, the gaming machine grasps the number of game balls to the first variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110, and the opportunity for paying out the winning balls (out balls, safe balls) associated with the winning game Is given. The opening of the first variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110 may be either when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls (a predetermined number of winning prize winning prizes) is the first. This is continued until the variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110 is won. This single opening is called a round. Since there is no V zone (specific area), there is no continuation condition based on the passage of the V zone. Once a big hit occurs, the next time (about 30 seconds) or the predetermined number (10) wins To the next round.

  As in the prior art, the first variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110 may have V zones (not shown) therein. When the V zone exists, the first variable winning ball is passed when at least one game ball passes through the specific area while the first variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110 that is operating the jackpot is opened. When the specific area switch inside the ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110 is turned ON, the gaming machine is given an opportunity to generate a right for the next round. In this way, the round continues from 1R → 2R →... And continues up to the maximum round (for example, 6 rounds or 15 rounds).

  The gaming machine handle 111 has a touch sensor on the surface and is provided with a stop button (stop firing) 116. The touch sensor detects that the player has gripped the gaming machine handle 111, and in this state the gaming machine When the variable resistor inside the gaming machine handle 111 detects that the handle 111 is rotated clockwise 117 or counterclockwise 118, the ball launching device is given an opportunity to continuously launch gaming balls. The player turns the gaming machine handle 111 clockwise 117 or counterclockwise 118 to adjust the launching route of the game ball launched onto the game board 101. Further, when the player presses the stop button 116, the launching of the game ball of the ball launcher is stopped.

  The special symbol operation memory indicator lamp 112 stores information on each ball that has won the first starting winning port 104 or the second starting winning port 108 during the change of the special symbol on each RAM on the main control unit described later. Lights in conjunction with storing in the hold memory for each sphere (hereinafter referred to as sphere hold), and notifies the number of times that the symbol (special symbol) can be varied continuously. The number of times may be displayed on the effect symbol display device 103. Also, a winning ball to the first starting winning opening 104 or the second starting winning opening 108 that is the target of the holding of the ball is referred to as a holding ball.

  The normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp 113 stores information on each sphere that has passed through the normal symbol operation gate (left) 105 or the normal symbol operation gate (right) 106 during the variation of the normal symbol in each RAM on the main control unit. Lights in conjunction with storing in the holding memory for each ball, and notifies the number of times that the symbol (ordinary symbol) can be continuously varied. The number of times may be displayed on the effect symbol display device 103.

  The objects, nails, and the like installed on the game board 101 are covered with a glass plate, and a game ball that has been launched from the space secured between the glass plate and the game board 101 falls.

  Note that the gaming machine 100 may include a special symbol variation time reduction switch (not shown) that is an optical touch sensor attached to the gaming board 101. When the special symbol change time reduction switch is present, the player hands the special symbol change time reduction switch through the glass plate while the special symbol display device 102 and the production symbol display device 103 are variably displaying the special symbol and the production symbol. The special symbol variation time shortening switch that detects this is turned on, and the variation display of the special symbol display device 102 and the effect symbol display device 103 can be immediately stopped or shortened and stopped.

  The gaming machine 100 also includes an effect changeover switch 120. By operating the effect changeover switch 120, the player can display a favorite effect screen on the effect symbol display device 103 and can control the operation of the effectable movable object.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a general gaming system including the gaming machine 100, the information display device 201, the hall computer 202, and the out-ball detection device 203.

  The information display device 201 is, for example, a display device installed at the top of the gaming machine 100, and notifies the player of the gaming state by a lamp, a screen, or the like in accordance with a signal from the gaming machine 100 and an instruction from the hall computer 202. To do. The information display device 201 may apply a well-known game hall information disclosure system. For example, as the display of the game status (game data disclosure), for example, the number of symbol rotations, the number of jackpots, the exit ball, the difference ball, the total number of games And the like, and further capable of collecting personal data of the player are known. As the information disclosure system, various products such as Heiwa no Yobidas (trademark) are well known, and therefore the description of the control circuit is omitted.

  The hall computer 202 collects operational status data from each gaming machine 100 and the like, collects output from each out ball detection device 203, and manages the operation of the game hall. Alternatively, the gaming state of each information display device 201 is notified. Since the hall computer 202 is a well-known hall computer used in a game hall, its control circuit configuration is omitted.

  The out ball detection device 203 is installed inside an island facility composed of a game machine installation facility and a game ball supply system, detects game balls discharged from the game machine through the game board surface, and outputs them to the hall computer 202. A ball detection signal is transmitted. Since the structure and control circuit configuration of the out-ball detecting device 203 are well known to those skilled in the art, description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the control unit 300 in the gaming machine 100. As shown in the figure, the control unit 300 is mainly composed of three control units: a main control unit 310, a sub control unit 340, and a display control unit 370. In order to prevent illegal acts and to restrict legal restrictions, each control unit is usually mounted on a separate board for each function, and is connected directly or indirectly so that communication is possible. The main control unit 310 transmits a command and controls the entire gaming machine according to a random number generated internally based on detection of a game ball by winning at the first start winning opening 104 or the second starting winning opening 108. I do. The main control unit 310 directly controls the special symbol display device 102. Here, “direct control” is a process of changing the special symbol by sending a control signal related to display driving directly from the special symbol display output port of the main control unit 310 to the special symbol display device 102. For example, a signal (command) from a CPU is directly sent without judgment by another CPU, or control is performed without a time delay (time lag) due to an interrupt or the like.

  The sub-control unit 340 transmits a command for controlling the display control unit 370 in accordance with a command transmitted from the main control unit 310, and controls blinking of lamps provided in the game area, etc., and a speaker of the gaming machine Control of the sound output from the player, and control of the movable object for performance such as character figures provided in the game area etc. by controlling the rotation of the motor. The display control unit 370 controls the effect symbol display device 103 such as a liquid crystal display device in accordance with a command transmitted from the sub control unit 340.

  Next, each configuration / function of the main control unit 310, the sub control unit 340, and the display control unit 370 will be described in detail.

(Configuration and function of main controller)
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the main control unit 310.

  The main control unit 310 includes a CPU 422, a ROM 420, a RAM 424, upper and lower prize winning solenoid output ports 428, a normal electric accessory solenoid output port 430, a special symbol display output port 432, a normal symbol display output port 434, and a special symbol. Operation memory indicator port 436, normal symbol operation memory indicator port 438, sub-control command output port (sends variation pattern command (first command), production symbol designation command (second command), etc.) 440 A payout control command output port 442, an external information output port 444, and an input port 426.

  The variation pattern command is a command for designating a mode of screen variation such as reach, miss, or special prize displayed on the effect symbol display device 103. The effect symbol designation command is a command for designating a stop symbol of an effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 103.

  The main control unit 310 receives various switches (a special symbol start switch 410, a normal symbol operation switch 412, a special prize opening switch 414, other switches 418, and a specific area switch 416 when mounted, via an input port 426. Data is input from the special symbol variation time reduction switch 119) and processed.

  The main control unit 310 is connected to the special symbol display device 102, the special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) 112, the normal symbol display device 103, the normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) via the output ports 428 to 438, 444. ) 113, directly control the upper and lower prize winning solenoid 446, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 448, and the external information output unit 454. On the other hand, the main control unit 310 controls the sub control unit 340 by transmitting a sub control command (variation pattern command, effect symbol designation command, etc.) to the sub control unit 340. Further, the main control unit 310 transmits a command to the payout control unit 450 to perform payout control of prize balls. Details of direct control of the special symbol display device 102 by the main control unit 310 and control of command transmission to the sub control unit 340 according to the present embodiment will be described later.

  Next, various switches input by the main control unit 310 via the input port, components of the main control unit 310, and control targets of the main control unit will be described in detail.

  The special symbol start switch 410 is turned on when a game ball that is launched by the player and wins the first start winning port 104 or the second start winning port 108 passes through this switch, and the special symbol display device detects the winning. An opportunity for 102 symbol variations is given.

  The normal symbol operation switch 412 is turned on when a game ball that has been launched by the player and passed through the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 and the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106 passes this switch. The normal symbol display device 107 is given an opportunity to change the normal symbol.

  The special winning opening switch 414 is turned on when a game ball that has won a prize in the first variable winning ball device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110 passes the switch in the subsequent jackpot operation when a special prize is won. The main control unit 310 detects a winning of a game ball.

  As other switches 418, games won in other winning ports other than the first starting winning port 104, the second starting winning port 108, the first variable winning ball device 109, and the second variable winning ball device 110. When the ball passes this switch, it is turned ON, and the main control unit 310 detects the winning of the game ball.

  In the case where the specific area switch 416 is mounted, the switch corresponds to a game ball that has passed through the specific area while the first variable winning ball apparatus 109 or the second variable winning ball apparatus 110 is opened. The main control unit 310 detects the right generation of the next round. When the special symbol variation time reduction switch 119 is installed, the switch forcibly stops the variation display of the special symbol display device 102 or the production symbol display device 103 immediately or forcibly stops. It is possible to make it.

  The CPU 422 is a circuit that controls the entire main control unit.

  The ROM 420 stores a program for the main control unit 310 for controlling the gaming machine. Specifically, the ROM 420 stores a game control program shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 11 that define the contents of the game control process performed by the CPU of the main control unit 310. The ROM 420 further stores values of various parameters for controlling the gaming machine, including a variation pattern command for instructing the sub-control unit 340 and an effect designating command.

  The RAM 424 temporarily stores input / output data for the main control unit 310, data for arithmetic processing, various counters including a random number counter related to the game, and a holding memory for storing information of each holding ball. Have.

  The special symbol display device 102 displays special symbols such as a plurality of numbers and figures. The normal symbol display device 107 displays normal symbols such as a plurality of numbers and figures. The special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) 112 notifies the number of times that the special symbol can be continuously changed. The normal symbol operation memory display lamp (holding lamp) 113 notifies the number of times that the normal symbol can be continuously changed.

  The upper and lower big prize opening solenoids 446 are one of the components inside the first variable winning ball apparatus 109 and the second variable winning ball apparatus 110. When a special prize is won, The opening / closing members 114 and 115 attached to the front surfaces of the variable winning ball device 109 and the second variable winning ball device 110 are selectively opened based on an instruction from the main control unit 310.

  The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 448 opens the ordinary electric accessory 108 based on an instruction from the main control unit 310 when the ordinary symbol display device 107 stops displaying the normal symbol of the small hit.

  The payout control unit 450 receives a payout control command from the main control unit 310 and receives a prize to the prize ball payout device 452 when the special symbol start switch 410, the big prize opening switch 414, the other switch 418, or the like is detected. Instructs to pay out the ball.

  The external information output unit 454 is a board for providing information from the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 to the outside (information display device 201, hall computer 202, etc.). The hall computer 202 and the information display device 201 are electrically connected to the gaming machine via the external information output unit 454 of the gaming machine. The CPU of the main control unit 310 outputs, via the external information output unit 454, a signal that indicates the stop of symbol variation, the big hit state, the probability variation state, and the like to the external device. Examples of the signal include a jackpot signal, a winning number signal, a start signal, a probability change signal, a time reduction signal, and a door opening signal.

(Configuration and function of sub-control unit)
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the sub-control unit 340.

  Similar to the main control unit 310, the sub control unit 340 includes a CPU 514, a RAM 512, a ROM 510, various input ports 516, and various output ports 518. In particular, the sub-control unit 340 receives a sub-control command (variation pattern command, effect symbol designation command) transmitted from the main control unit 310 and sends the variation pattern command (first command) to the display control unit 370. In addition, a liquid crystal display command (third command) is created in accordance with the effect designating command and transmitted to the display control unit 370. Further, the sub-control unit 340 performs blinking control of the lamp display device 520, generation control of the sound effect output from the sound effect generation device 522, control of the effect movable object 524, and the like. In this way, the sub-control unit 340 reduces the load on the main control unit 310 by specially performing control related to effects such as liquid crystal display, lamp lighting, generation of sound effects, and control of effectable movable objects.

  Further, when the sub-control unit 340 receives the variation pattern command (command ID (identification) value: “A0” H or “A1” H) and the production symbol designation command (command ID value: “B1” H), The notice designation command (command ID value: “95” H to “98” H) is internally generated and transmitted to the display control unit 370. The notice designation command is a command for designating a display for notifying the player of occurrence of a jackpot or reach. FIG. 12 shows an example of the relationship between the contents (command ID value and EVENT value) of the notice designation command and the display contents (forecast contents). The notice designation commands whose command ID values are “95” H, “96” H, and “97” H are commands that designate a notice effect that is performed when most of the variation patterns are selected. The notice designation command having a command ID value of “98” H is a command for designating a notice effect that is performed when a specific variation pattern (reach pattern) is selected. The reason why the command ID values are different is that the command ID values may overlap depending on the variation pattern command.

  The lamp display device 520 is a display device for lamps related to the game, and selectively turns on / off a plurality of lamps according to an instruction from the sub-control unit 340. The sound effect generator 522 generates sound related to the game. The effect movable object 524 is an effect character figure or the like provided in a game area whose rotation is controlled by a motor or the like.

  The sub control unit 340 receives an input from the effect changeover switch 120. By operating the effect changeover switch 120, the player can display a favorite effect screen on the effect symbol display device 103, and can control the operation of the effect movable object 524. In this way, the player can participate in the effect surface of the gaming machine by operating the effect changeover switch 120.

(Configuration and function of display control unit)
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the display control unit 370.

  In particular, the display control unit 370 receives the variation pattern command (first command) and the liquid crystal display command (third command) transmitted from the sub-control unit 340, and receives the variation pattern command and the liquid crystal display command. Accordingly, the effect symbol display device 103 has a function of changing or stopping the effect symbol, or receiving a notice designation command and displaying the notice in advance. In particular, when the content of the liquid crystal display command is an instruction to stop the effect symbol with a combination of deviations, the display control unit 370 causes the effect symbol display device 103 to perform the operation based on the content of the variation pattern command. The off symbol that is finally stopped (determined) is determined independently. A method of determining the off symbol by the display control unit 370 will be described later.

  In FIG. 6, the control circuit configuration of the display control unit 370 of this embodiment includes an input port 618 for receiving a variation pattern command and a liquid crystal display command, a CPU 620, a program ROM 610, a RAM 612, an image processing LSI (VDP) 622, a character. A ROM 616, a video RAM 614, and an output port 624 are included.

  The input port 618 receives the variation pattern command and the liquid crystal display command from the sub control unit 340 and passes them to the CPU 620.

  The CPU 620 performs image processing and image display control according to the program stored in the program ROM 610. The program ROM 610 stores a program for image processing executed by the CPU 620. Specifically, the program ROM 610 stores the image display control program shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 that defines the contents of the image display control performed by the CPU 620. ing. Further, the program ROM 620 stores VDP 622 control data to be mapped and written in the data register of the VDP 622, various parameter values for controlling image display, and the like.

  The RAM 612 temporarily stores input / output data for the CPU 620 and data for arithmetic processing, and functions as a work area and a buffer memory. The VDP 622 develops image data such as sprite / scroll for display on the effect symbol display device 103 in accordance with the symbol update instruction from the CPU 620 in the video RAM 614, and effects symbol display via the output port 624 in accordance with the output instruction from the CPU 620. Image data is output and displayed in the display area of the device 103. The effect symbol display device 103 is an LCD, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, or the like, and visually displays a video signal of an image output from the VDP 622.

  For display control, a color palette (hereinafter referred to as a palette) in which a plurality of specific color data are arranged and set is often used. This embodiment VDP 622 incorporates four palettes that define 256 colors, processes four layers, and performs image processing by associating one palette with each layer. The VDP 622 synthesizes image data set for each of the four layers in accordance with an output instruction from the CPU 620, and outputs and displays the synthesized image data on the effect symbol display device 103.

  Specifically, the VDP 622 converts the image data into color data based on the color data of the palette specified by the image data on the video RAM 614, and the color data is converted into analog RGB video signals as the effect symbol display device 103. Output to and display. The image data here includes an index (array number) for the palette.

  The VDP 622 of this embodiment has a specification that controls each of R, G, B, and I (intensity) per pixel with 8 bits of 3 bits and 4096 colors (= 8 × 8 × 8 × 8). Have the ability to handle Since the VDP 622 performs image processing by associating palettes capable of setting 256 colors with each of the four layers, each palette displays up to 1024 colors out of 4096 colors from 256 colors × 4 layers = 1024. Is possible.

  The character ROM 616 stores image data such as sprite / scroll that the VDP 622 that has received an instruction from the CPU 620 expands in the video RAM 614. Also, four pallet data to be set in the four pallets built in the VDP 622 are stored. The image data is compressed by run length encoding, predictive encoding, Huffman encoding, and other known compression techniques, and stored in the character ROM 616.

  In the video RAM 614, the image data to be output in the display area of the effect symbol display device 103 is developed and temporarily stored by the VDP 622. In this embodiment, the image data set for each of the four layers is temporarily stored in the video RAM 614, and the four layers of image data are combined by the screen buffer on the video RAM 614 to generate combined image data.

(Game control processing procedure by the main control unit)
Next, the main procedure of the game control process executed by the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 will be described.

  Processing related to the above-described operation of the gaming machine of this embodiment is performed according to the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. The processing procedure of FIG. 7 is a game control interrupt process performed by the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 reading and executing a game control program stored in the ROM 420. In this processing, two types of interrupt processing (interrupt processing for each first predetermined period of the game control system (for example, interrupt processing every 4 msec)), random number update and switch, which are started every cycle (for example, 4 msec and 2 msec) Interrupt processing (for example, interrupt processing every 2 msec) for each second predetermined period such as check is running in parallel. Note that it is possible to perform interrupt processing for each third predetermined period, interrupt processing for each fourth predetermined period, or the like so that the interrupt processing cycles do not overlap as necessary. In FIG. 7, when the gaming machine is turned on, the main control unit 310 clears the RAM 424 and performs initial setting (step 710), and then sends an initial command (for example, RAM clear) to the sub-control unit 340. Processing, initial symbol designation, initial state, etc.) are transmitted (step 712), and initial setting instructions relating to images, lamps, sounds, games, and the like are given. In addition, when power is cut off, power is restored.

  First, interrupt processing for each first predetermined period of the game control system will be described.

(Command output management process (step 714))
The main control unit 310 transmits, to the sub-control unit 340, a variation pattern command and an effect symbol designation command prepared in a special game management process (step 716) described later and prepared in the command storage area of the RAM 424. First, it is determined whether there is a command to be transmitted. If there is a command to be transmitted, the command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 340. If there is no command to be output, this processing ends as it is. As will be described later, when command transmission is performed, the command is next to “interrupt processing every first predetermined period” in which special symbol variation start processing in special game management processing (step 716) described later is performed. It is transmitted in the command output management process (step 714) in the “interrupt process for each first predetermined period” that is started. Therefore, the command related to the control of the effect symbol is transmitted by the command output management process after one interruption (after 4 msec in the present embodiment) during a predetermined period after the process of starting the variation of the special symbol is started. Become.

  In addition, when the process procedure which moves this command output management process to the next process of the special game management process (step 716) which will be described later is adopted, the command related to the control of the effect symbol starts the process of changing the special symbol. Then, during a predetermined period, it is transmitted by the command output management process in the same interrupt.

  The sub-control unit 340 that has received the variation pattern command and the effect symbol designation command transmits the variation pattern command and the liquid crystal display command to the display control unit 370. Upon receiving the variation pattern command and the liquid crystal command, the display control unit 370 performs variation control of the effect symbol of the effect symbol display device 103 for a predetermined change time, and then stops at the symbol designated by the effect symbol designation command.

Here, the contents of the effect designating command and the liquid crystal display command will be described using a table.
FIG. 8 is a table showing the contents of a command (effect designating command) transmitted from the main control unit to the sub-control unit and a command (liquid crystal display command) transmitted from the sub-control unit receiving the command to the display control unit. is there. In the table of FIG. 8, the command includes a “command ID” part (sometimes referred to as a “MODE” part) for identifying the transmitted command itself and grasping the gaming state, and the identified gaming state, It is a 2-byte command composed of two parts called “EVENT” part for identifying a specific type of control information.

  The “command ID” portion of the effect designating command is all “B1” H (hexadecimal number), and the “EVENT” portion is any one of 11 values “00” to “0A” H. . Further, the “command ID” portion of the liquid crystal display command is “B2” H or “B1” H, and the “EVENT” portion is any value from “00” to “09” H. As can be seen from FIG. 8, regarding the special effect symbols 0 to 9 at the time of determining the jackpot, the value of the “EVENT” portion of the effect symbol designating command and the value of the “EVENT” portion of the liquid crystal display command are the same. Therefore, for example, when the special effect symbol 7 is designated at the time of determining the jackpot, the main control unit transmits an effect symbol designation command of “B1” H + “07” H (command ID + EVENT) to the sub-control unit 340. The sub-control unit 340 that has received the effect designating command transmits a liquid crystal display command of “B2” H + “07” H (command ID + EVENT) to the display control unit 370. Upon receiving the liquid crystal display command, the display control unit 370 performs control to stop the effect symbol that is being variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 103 by a combination of “777”. That is, the command ID portion indicating the gaming state is changed and transmitted. On the other hand, regarding the special effect design 10 designation at the time of determination of detachment, the production design designation command is “B1” H + “0A” H, and the liquid crystal display command is “B1” H + “00” H. In this case, the display control unit 370 performs control to stop the effect symbols being variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 103 with a combination of deviations. That is, since the gaming state does not change, the value of the command ID portion is not changed, and is transmitted as it is with the same content.

  As can be seen from the table shown in FIG. 8, in the case of a jackpot, there are a plurality of types of effect designating commands in order to identify per non-probability fluctuation and per probability fluctuation. That is, there are a plurality of types of effect designating commands corresponding to the number of effect symbols displayed on the effect symbol display device 103. In the case of jackpot, it is sufficient to provide types corresponding to the number of game results (game states). For example, two types of commands per non-probability change and probability change are provided as effect designating commands. The display control of the effect symbol may be performed according to the designated command. On the other hand, in the case of losing, it is only necessary to have one game result (gaming state) of detachment, so the number of effect symbol designation commands corresponding to the game result (gaming state), that is, a single effect symbol designation command is sufficient. It can correspond to.

  The content of the variation pattern command (command ID + EVENT) is, for example, “A0” H or “A1” H + “37” H to “7B” H in the case of big hit, and “A0” H + in the case of deviation “01” H to “36” H.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the reason why the command output management process (step 714) is placed in the first half of the interrupt process for each first predetermined period is that the second predetermined period, which will be described later, has a high processing priority. Since each interrupt is likely to occur in the second half of the interrupt process for each first predetermined period, the command output management process (step 714) having a long processing time is performed in the second half of the interrupt process for each first predetermined period. If it is placed in the portion, there is a high possibility that it will be interrupted by an interrupt every second predetermined period in the middle of the process, and the command output management process (step 714) is likely to be aborted in the middle of the process. is there. Therefore, in order to avoid the problem as much as possible, the command output management process (step 714) is placed in the first half of the interrupt process for each first predetermined period, preferably in the first part of the interrupt process for each first predetermined period. Thus, the execution timing of the command output management process (step 714) and the interrupt timing for each second predetermined period are prevented from overlapping as much as possible.

(Special game management process (step 716))
The main control unit 310 performs control related to the game such as symbol variation and accessory control by special game management processing.

  The reach random number (reach type (reach type ()) read from the reach random number loop counter on the RAM 424 at the start of the change of the special symbol due to the reserved digest of the winning ball or the holding ball to the first starting winning port 104 or the second starting winning port 108 Random numbers for determining normal reach, long reach, etc.), design random numbers read from the design random number loop counter (random numbers for determining stop symbols), and the first start winning port 104 or the second starting winning port Based on the jackpot random number of the winning ball to 108 (random number for determining whether to win or miss) or the jackpot random number stored in the holding memory of the holding ball, the main control unit 310 changes the variation pattern command and the effect symbol. The designated command and special symbols (left) and special symbols (right) stop symbols, etc. To store that area. In). The system of the design symbol designation command has already been described in the command output management process (step 714).

  Further, during the big hit operation, the main control unit 310 instructs the upper and lower big prize opening operation solenoids 446 to open the first variable winning ball apparatus 109 or the second variable winning ball apparatus 110 for a predetermined time. For this purpose, the big winning opening opening data and the big winning opening closing data are stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424.

  Further, the main control unit 310 controls variation of the special symbol (left) and the special symbol (right) for a predetermined variation time via the special symbol display output port 432 and stores it in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. Stop at each of the special symbols (left) and special symbols (right). Each stop symbol is displayed on a special symbol display device 102 of 7 segments consisting of two digits.

  Thus, in step 716, the main control unit 310 does not control the special symbol by sending a special symbol designating command to another control unit, but displays the special symbol via the special symbol display output port 432. A display drive signal is transmitted to the apparatus 102 side, and the special symbol is directly controlled.

  The main control unit 310 starts a process of directly changing the special symbol to change it (for example, as a control related to the special game management process (step 716), a special symbol variation timer is set or the special symbol display device 102 is set. In the command output management process (step 714) of the interrupt process to be generated next (for example, after 4 msec), the change pattern command is sent to the sub-control unit 340. And an effect symbol designation command indicating the effect symbol corresponding to the special symbol. Here, the effect symbol variation time specified by the variation pattern command and the variation time set in the special symbol variation timer are set to the same value. The timing is synchronized with a predetermined time (for example, 4 msec), that is, with a time difference corresponding to the interrupt period of the game control system. That is, although depending on the processing speed of the sub-control unit 340, as shown in FIG. 9, the timing at which the effect symbol shifts from the stopped state to the variation state (variation start timing) is a special symbol (left special symbol and right special symbol). Lags behind the timing of transition from the stop state to the fluctuation state (for example, after 4 msec). Similarly, the timing at which the effect symbol shifts from the variation state to the stop state (stop timing) is delayed from the timing at which the special symbol shifts from the variation state to the stop state (for example, after 4 msec).

  In this way, the special symbol is the “main” symbol, and the direct symbol is “subordinate” (subordinate to the special symbol), since the special symbol is changed and fixed after the special symbol starts to change and the special symbol is confirmed. It becomes clear that it is a design for production).

  Here, the relationship between the special symbol and the effect symbol in the case of the big hit and the case of losing will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, when the jackpot random number is a jackpot, when the jackpot symbol random number (100 patterns of 0 to 99) acquired from the jackpot special symbol random number loop counter is “3”, the main control unit 310 “03” is displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display device 102. Then, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 8, the main control unit 310 creates an effect designating command (command ID value is “B1” H including the value “07” H corresponding to the special design “03” as an EVENT value). ) To the sub-control unit 340. Subsequently, the sub control unit 340 transmits a liquid crystal display command (command ID value is “B2” H) that similarly includes “07” H as an EVENT value to the display control unit 370. Receiving the command for liquid crystal display, the display control unit 370 stops the effect symbol that is being variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 103 by the combination of “777”. On the other hand, for example, when the jackpot random number is out, if the out symbol random number (21 types from 0 to 20) acquired from the out symbol special random number loop counter is “1”, the main controller 310 displays the special symbol display device 102. "-1 (hyphen 1)" is displayed as a special symbol. Then, the main control unit 310 outputs a special symbol “−1”, that is, an effect symbol designation command (command ID value “B1” H) including the value “0A” H corresponding to the disengaged state as the EVENT value. To 340. Subsequently, the sub control unit 340 transmits a liquid crystal display command (the command ID value is “B1” H and the EVENT value is “00” H) to the display control unit 370.

  The display control unit 370 that has received the liquid crystal display command determines the out symbol (the final stop symbol in the out mode) based on the variation pattern command received from the main control unit 310 via the sub control unit 340, and the symbol Press to stop display.

  Here, the determination process of the off symbol by the display control unit 370 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a main procedure of the determination process of the off symbol executed by the CPU 620 of the display control unit 370.

  In step 1300, the display control unit 370 receives a variation pattern command from the main control unit 310 via the sub control unit 340. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the contents of the variation pattern command. As can be seen from FIG. 15, the main control unit 310 provides the sub-control unit 340 with a command ID value “A0” H or “A1” H and a variation pattern including EVENT values “01” H to “7B” H. The sub-control unit 340 transmits the command to the display control unit 370.

  The display control unit 370 that has received the variation pattern command starts variation of the effect symbol over the effect symbol variation time specified by the variation pattern command. The display control unit 370 analyzes the variation pattern command and determines whether the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern command is a reach variation or a normal variation. The normal variation is a non-reach variation pattern that does not involve reach, and each symbol varies in a monotonically scrolling manner. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation pattern command table stored in the ROM 610 and referred to by the CPU 620. As can be seen from FIG. 16, in the variation pattern command, the command ID value is “A0” H or “A1” H, and the EVENT values are “01” H to “05” H, “06” H to “36”. H, “37” H to “7B” H are composed of three blocks. Fluctuation pattern commands whose EVENT values are “01” H to “05” H are assigned 1 to 5 as variation pattern numbers. In this case, the variation pattern is non-reach variation. Moreover, 6 to 54 are assigned as the variation pattern numbers to the variation pattern commands whose EVENT values are “06” H to “36” H. In this case, the variation pattern is used for various reach for notifying a deviation after reach variation. It is a fluctuation. Furthermore, 55 to 123 are assigned as variation pattern numbers to variation pattern commands whose EVENT values are “37” H to “7B” H. In this case, the variation pattern is a reach variation for notifying the jackpot after the reach variation. It is.

  In step 1310, the display control unit 370 receives a liquid crystal display command from the sub control unit 340. The contents of the liquid crystal display command have already been described with reference to FIG.

  In step 1312, the display control unit 370 analyzes the received liquid crystal display command and determines whether the jackpot designation or the off designation is specified. That is, the command ID value of the command for liquid crystal display is inspected, and when the command ID value is “B2” H, it is determined that the jackpot is specified, and when the command ID value is “B1” H, it is specified to be out. Judge. That is, control is performed based on the game state information indicated by the command ID. Then, if it is determined that the off-designation is specified, the process proceeds to step 1314. If it is determined that the jackpot is specified, the process proceeds to step 1410 in FIG.

The following is a flow of processing when it is determined in step 1312 that an outage is designated.
In the case of designation of detachment, in step 1314, the display control unit 370 performs a lottery process to determine whether the left symbol is an even symbol or an odd symbol. The probability of selecting an even symbol and the probability of selecting an odd symbol are arbitrary. For example, the probability that an even symbol is selected at a ratio of 2 to 1 may be set higher than the probability that an odd symbol is selected. If an even number symbol is selected as a result of the lottery, the process proceeds to step 1318. If an odd number symbol is selected, the process proceeds to step 1320.

  In step 1318, the display control unit 370 draws the left symbol from 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8, while in step 1320, the display symbol from 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 is selected. Lottery. Note that steps 1314 to 1320 may be omitted and controlled.

  In step 1322, the display control unit 370 analyzes the variation pattern command and determines whether the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern command is reach variation or normal variation. The normal variation is non-reach variation without reach, and each symbol is monotonically scrolled and fluctuated.

  If it is determined in step 1322 that the EVENT value of the variation pattern command is “06” H to “36” H (in the case of reach), the process proceeds to step 1324 where the EVENT value is “01” H to “05”. If “H” is determined (in the case of non-reach), the process proceeds to step 1338.

  In step 1324, the display control unit 370 sets the same symbol as the left symbol selected in step 1318 or step 1320 as the right symbol. That is, the same symbol as the previously determined symbol is set.

  In step 1326, the display control unit 370 analyzes the variation pattern command to determine whether the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern command is a normal reach variation or a super reach variation (also referred to as a special reach variation). . Here, the normal reach variation is, for example, the reach variation of a simple movement that does not change the size or stop position of the effect design to be displayed, while the super reach variation is the size of the effect design itself to be displayed, Reach fluctuation of complex movements, such as changing the position of the effect design to be displayed and interrupting display of other effect images accordingly, aiming to increase the expectation of jackpot for the player It is. Although not explicitly shown, the variation pattern commands of the variation pattern numbers 6 to 54 include those instructing the super reach variation. Therefore, when a variation pattern command instructing normal reach variation is received, the process proceeds to step 1328. When a variation pattern command instructing super reach variation is received, the process proceeds to step 1334.

  In step 1328, the display control unit 370 performs a lottery drawing of the middle symbols.

  In step 1330, the display control unit 370 determines whether or not the middle symbol drawn in step 1328 is the same as the left symbol drawn in step 1318 or step 1320. If the symbols are the same, the process proceeds to step 1332. .

  In step 1332, the display control unit 370 resets the symbol one symbol before or one symbol ahead of the selected middle symbol as the middle symbol. That is, in this step, when the same middle symbol as the left symbol is selected by chance in step 1328, a process of forcibly shifting the middle symbol by one is performed to avoid the jackpot display state.

  Returning to step 1322, the display control unit 370 proceeds to step 1338 in the case of normal fluctuation (non-reach), and in step 1338, the right symbol is drawn.

  In step 1340, the display control unit 370 determines whether or not the right symbol drawn in step 1338 is the same as the left symbol drawn in step 1318 or step 1320, and proceeds to step 1342 if they are the same.

  In step 1342, the display control unit 370 resets the symbol one symbol before the right symbol as the right symbol. That is, in this step, when the right symbol that is the same as the left symbol is selected by chance in step 1338, the right symbol is forcibly shifted by one in order to avoid the reach state. In the lottery, the reach state may be avoided by performing the lottery except for the symbols that are initially determined.

  In step 1344, the display control unit 370 draws a middle symbol (final stop symbol).

  Returning to step 1326, when it is determined that there is a super reach fluctuation in step 1326, the middle symbol ± 1 table (super reach final stop symbol forced control table) stored in the ROM 610 shown in FIG. Determine the design. That is, when it is determined that the change is a super reach change, ± 1 information is obtained from the middle symbol ± 1 table according to the change pattern number (see FIGS. 16 and 17) of the received change pattern command. In step 1336, in the case of +1, the symbol which has advanced one symbol variation from the right symbol (= left symbol) is set to the middle symbol (final stop symbol), and in the case of -1, from the right symbol (= left symbol). The symbol in front of one symbol is set to the middle symbol (final stop symbol). According to FIG. 17, for example, when the variation pattern number is 11, the symbol one symbol before the right symbol (= left symbol) is set to the middle symbol, and when the variation pattern number is 12, the right symbol (= = The symbol which has advanced one symbol variation from the left symbol) is set as the middle symbol. In the present embodiment, control is performed so as to shift one symbol, but control may be performed so as to shift two symbols.

  The above is the determination process of the off symbol by the display control unit 370 at the time of off.

  Note that the flow of processing in the case where it is determined in step 1312 that the jackpot is designated will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step 1410, the display control unit 370 checks the EVENT value of the liquid crystal display command, that is, the stop symbol at the time of jackpot, and if the symbol is an odd number (probability variation symbol), the process proceeds to step 1412 and the even number. In the case of (non-stochastic fluctuation symbol), the process proceeds to step 1414.

  In step 1412, the display control unit 370 analyzes the variation pattern command and determines whether or not the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern command has a re-lottery effect. When the command ID value of the variation pattern command is “A0” H, there is a re-lottery effect, and when it is “A1” H, there is no re-lottery effect. If there is no re-lottery effect, the process proceeds to step 1414. If there is a re-lottery effect, the process proceeds to step 1416. Here, the re-lottery effect is a control of temporarily displaying a non-probability variation symbol as a temporary stop symbol at the time of jackpot determination, and then displaying the stop symbol again as a temporary stop symbol, and then stopping and displaying the probability variation symbol as a definite stop symbol. That is, when a probability variation symbol is obtained, a probability variation state is generated after the jackpot control is finished. It should be noted that control is performed so that the probability variation state does not occur when the display result of the stop display again becomes a non-stochastic variation symbol. “Probability variation” is an abbreviation for probability variation control, and means a function that increases the jackpot probability.

  In step 1416, the display control unit 370 draws the left symbol from non-stochastic variation symbols such as 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and replaces the left symbol data with even symbol data. However, this is a tentative symbol for the above-described effect, and finally, a big hit is made by a combination of odd symbols designated by the EVENT value of the liquid crystal display command.

  In step 1414, the display control unit 370 sets the left symbol of the stop symbol (the even symbol combination or the odd symbol combination) designated by the EVENT value of the liquid crystal display command.

  In step 1418, the display control unit 370 sets the same symbol as the left symbol set in step 1414 as the right symbol. That is, the same effect symbol as the previously determined effect symbol is set.

  In step 1420, the display control unit 370 sets the same symbol as the left symbol set in step 1414 as a middle symbol (final stop symbol).

  The above is the flow of processing by the display control unit 370 at the time of big hit. As described above, at the time of jackpot, the symbol specified by the EVENT value of the liquid crystal display command becomes the jackpot symbol.

  The stop symbol at the time of jackpot or the stop symbol at the time of losing is determined by the above processing, but after that, the effect symbol that is changing on the effect symbol display device 103 when the effect symbol change time specified by the change pattern command has elapsed. Stop at the stop symbol.

  In summary, if the command for liquid crystal display specifies a jackpot (command ID value = B2H, EVENT value = 00H to 09H, see FIG. 8), it stops at the combination of symbols specified by the EVENT value. On the other hand, when the command for liquid crystal display designates detachment (command ID value = B1H, EVENT value = 00H, see FIG. 8), the display control unit 370 stops at the detachment symbol uniquely determined. .

(Normal game management processing (step 718))
At the start of normal symbol variation due to the passage of the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 (or normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106), the main control unit 310 is based on the small hit random number on the RAM 424. Prepares stop symbol data for normal symbols. This process is performed when it is determined that the normal symbol change is started while the main control unit 310 performs the normal game management process.

(External information processing (step 720))
In order to transmit game state information from the main control unit 310 to the outside of the gaming machine (mainly the hall computer 202 or the information display device 201) via the external information output unit 454, the main control unit 310 performs external information processing. Information to the outside.

(Solenoid control processing (step 721))
The main control unit 310 opens or closes the first variable winning ball device 109 and the second variable winning ball device 110 based on the big winning opening opening data and the big winning opening closing data stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. To instruct the upper and lower prize winning solenoids 446 to do so. In addition, the main control unit 310 instructs the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 448 to open or close the second start winning opening 108.

(Other random number update process (step 722))
In step 722 during the remaining time of the interrupt processing for the first predetermined period, the main control unit 310 updates random numbers other than the jackpot random number and the jackpot special symbol random number (reach random number, missed symbol random number, etc.).

  Next, interrupt processing for each second predetermined period will be described.

(Win lottery random number update process (step 730))
For example, the main control unit 310 increments (+1) the jackpot random number loop counter on the RAM 424 every cycle of 2 msec, thereby updating the bonus jackpot random number and the jackpot special symbol random number. At the same time, the main control unit 310 updates the small hit random number for the normal symbol by incrementing (+1) the small hit random number loop counter on the RAM 424. In the present embodiment, the loop counter means a counter that cyclically updates a value from 0 to a predetermined maximum value.

(Input processing (step 732))
When the main control unit 310 detects the winning ball to the first starting winning port 104 or the second starting winning port 108 with the special symbol start switch 410, the main control unit 310 reads the big hit random number from the big hit random number loop counter and stores it on the RAM 424. . When the special symbol start switch 410 detects that the ball has won the first start winning port 104 or the second start winning port 108 during the special symbol change, the main control unit 310 detects the big hit random number from the big hit random number loop counter. Then, the jackpot special symbol random number is read and stored in the holding memory of the holding ball on the RAM 424 (holding of the ball). Each time this step is repeatedly executed during the special symbol variation, the value of each big hit random number is continuously stored in the holding memory of the holding ball on the RAM 424 for a plurality of holding balls.

  Further, when the main control unit 310 detects the passage of the sphere of the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 (or the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106), the main control unit 310 calculates a small hit random number from the small hit random number loop counter. Read and store on RAM 424.

  Further, the main control unit 310 detects the winning at the first starting winning port 104 or the second starting winning port 108 by the special symbol starting switch 410, and the first variable winning ball at the time of the big hit operation by the big winning port switch 414. The winning detection to the device 109 or the second variable winning ball device 110, the first starting winning port 104, the second starting winning port 108, the first variable winning ball device 109, the second variable winning by the switch 418, etc. The result of winning detection to other winning ports other than the ball device 110 is stored on the RAM 424. In particular, when a winning is detected in the first variable winning ball device 109 and the second variable winning ball device 110, the main control unit 310 also increments (+1) the big winning counter on the RAM 424. The big prize counter is controlled so that it is not counted except during the big hit (in a normal state or the like).

  If the specific area switch 416 is mounted, the main control unit 310 sets a V flag on the RAM 424 when detecting a game ball that has passed through the specific area. Furthermore, when the special symbol variation time shortening switch 119 is mounted, the main control unit 310 sets a special symbol variation time shortening switch flag when it detects that the switch is turned ON.

(Prize ball payout management process (step 734))
In the input process (step 732), the special symbol start switch 410 stored in the RAM 424 detects the first start winning port 104 or the second start winning port 108, and the big winning operation by the big winning port switch 414 is performed. The first variable winning ball device 109, the first variable winning ball device 109, the second variable winning ball device 110, the second starting winning port 108 by the switch 418, the first variable winning ball device 109, For each result of winning detection to other winning ports other than the second variable winning ball device 110, the main control unit 310 displays the number of payout balls corresponding to each preset number of winning balls on the RAM 424. To remember.

  The main control unit 310 instructs the prize ball payout device 452 to pay out a prize ball by a command output based on the number of prize balls paid out stored in the RAM 424.

(Special game management process and normal game management process)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a series of processing contents including the special game management process (step 716) and the normal game management process (step 718) of FIG.

  In step 1110, the main control unit 310 checks the big hit flag, and if the big hit flag is ON, the big hit is being hit, so the big hit process (step 1134) is performed, and the process proceeds to step 1140. When the big hit flag is OFF and the special symbol change timer on the RAM 424 is 0, that is, neither big hit nor special symbol change, the big hit random number (the first start winning prize port 104 or the first start winning port 104 or the 2), whether the first winning prize opening 104 or the second starting winning prize 108 is stored in the RAM 424. If it is determined that the special symbol variation starts with the reservation of the winning ball or the holding ball, the process proceeds to step 1112.

  In step 1112, the main control unit 310 determines a special symbol variation special prize to be started based on the jackpot random number related to the special symbol variation stored in the RAM 424. When it is determined that the big hit random number does not match the value of the special prize, the special prize flag on the RAM 424 is turned OFF, and when it is determined that it matches the value of the special prize, the special prize flag is turned ON.

  Here, when the probability variation flag is ON (at the time of probability variation), the number of special prize values for determining a special prize is increased to increase the special prize probability. For example, “7” is set as the value of the special prize at the normal time (normal game state), but “3”, “7”, “11”, “15” as the value of the special prize at the time of the probability variation. , “82” is set. If the hour / middle flag is ON, the hour / hour variation counter on the RAM 424 is decremented (−1), and if the hour / hour variation counter is 0 as a result, the hour / middle flag is turned OFF.

  In step 1114, when the determination result in step 1112 is a special prize, the main control unit 310, like the jackpot random number, stores the jackpot special symbol random number loop counter (100 values from 0 to 99. 100 values shown in FIG. 10). From the above, a plurality of symbols to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 102 and the effect symbol display device 103 are determined. On the other hand, in the case of detachment, a plurality of symbols to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 102 are determined from outlier random numbers (21 values from 0 to 20; see FIG. 10) read from the outlier special symbol random number loop counter. To do. That is, the main control unit 310 suspends the special symbol combination to be stopped, the command ID value (“B1” H) of the effect symbol designation command, and the EVENT value (“00” H to “0A” H). ) And is stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424.

  In step 1116, the main control unit 310 determines a variation pattern of the effect symbol variation based on the determination of the special prize, the reach random number, and the symbol random number, and stores it in a predetermined area on the RAM 424.

  In step 1118, main controller 310 stores special symbol variation instruction data instructing special symbol variation in a predetermined area on RAM 424.

  When the information required for the special symbol variation is stored, in step 1120, the main control unit 310 determines the normal rendering time (seconds) in accordance with the rendering symbol variation uniquely determined from the command ID value of the variation pattern command. Then, a special symbol variation timer for monitoring the variation of the special symbol is set to a normal performance time (seconds). Note that the normal performance time (seconds) is unique to each command ID value of the variation pattern command, and the number of seconds differs for each EVENT value of the variation pattern command.

  When the special symbol variation time reduction switch 119 is installed, a special symbol variation time reduction switch timer for monitoring ON / OFF of the switch is set.

  Similarly, in step 1140, the main control unit 310 checks whether the small hit random number related to the normal symbol variation is stored in the RAM 424 as the processing target, and checks the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 or the normal symbol. If it is determined that the normal symbol variation start associated with the passage of the sphere of the display device operation gate (right) 106, the process proceeds to step 1142.

  In step 1142, the main control unit 310 determines a small hit for the normal symbol variation to be started based on the small hit random numbers related to the normal symbol variation stored in the RAM 424. When it is determined that the small hit random number does not match the small hit value, the small hit flag on the RAM 424 is turned OFF, and when it is determined that the small hit random value matches the small hit value, the small hit flag is turned ON.

  Here, when the probability variation flag is ON or the hour / medium flag is ON, the number of small hit values for determining the small hit is increased to increase the small hit probability.

  In step 1144, the main control unit 310 determines a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 107 from the small hit determination result. For example, the small hit determination is “small hit flag ON”, and the stop symbol data of the normal symbol uniquely determined from the small hit determination result is “7” H. The main control unit 310 stores the normal symbol stop symbol data in a predetermined area on the RAM 424.

  In step 1146, the main control unit 308 stores the normal symbol variation instruction data for instructing the normal symbol variation in a predetermined area on the RAM 424.

  When the information required for the normal symbol variation is stored, in step 1148, the main control unit 310 sets a normal symbol variation timer for monitoring the normal symbol variation to a predetermined value.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the main control unit 310 executes the special game management process (step 716) based on the information required for the special symbol variation stored in the predetermined area on the RAM 424 to perform the special symbol variation. Start (step 1118 in FIG. 11). Similarly, the main control unit 310 executes normal game management processing (step 718) based on the information required for normal symbol variation stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 and starts normal symbol variation (FIG. 11). Step 1146). After that (for example, after 4 msec or more), a command output management process (step 714) is executed, and a variation pattern command, an effect symbol designation command, etc. are transmitted to the sub-control unit 340. Subsequently, the sub-control unit 340 that receives the variation pattern command, the production symbol designation command, etc. transmits the variation pattern command, the liquid crystal display command, etc. to the display control unit 370.

  The process of FIG. 11 is called again from the process of FIG. 7 by the interrupt process. In steps 1110 and 1122, the main control unit 310 turns off the jackpot / medium flag and the symbol variation timer is not 0, that is, the jackpot is not a big jackpot. If it is determined that the change is in progress, the process proceeds to step 1124. In step 1124, the main control unit 310 subtracts the special symbol variation timer by the interrupt cycle T (for example, 4 msec). In step 1110 and step 1122, if the jackpot, special symbol variation start, or special symbol variation is not occurring, the main control unit 310 advances the process to step 1130.

  In step 1126, it is determined whether the special symbol variation timer is 0. If the special symbol variation timer is 0, in step 1128, the special symbol is displayed using the stop symbol stored in the predetermined area on the RAM 424 in step 1114. Stop.

  When the symbol change timer is 0, that is, when the symbol is not changing, the main control unit 310 checks the special prize flag (step 1130). If the special prize flag is ON, the main control unit 310 sets the big hit flag in step 1132. The information of the jackpot start command (command ID value is “90” H) is stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. This command is transmitted to the display control unit 370 via the sub control unit 340 in the command output management process (step 714) of FIG. This command is a command for displaying a big hit start screen on the effect symbol display device 103.

  Further, at step 1132, the main control unit 310 sets a round counter (counter for counting the number of rounds during the big hit operation) and a release timer (a timer for measuring the opening time of the big winning opening during one round) on the RAM 424 as predetermined. Set to the value, and the interval timer (the timer that measures the closing time of the big winning opening between rounds) is set to a predetermined value (several seconds), and the big winning counter (the game ball that won the big winning opening during one round) Set the counter (counting number) to 0. Specifically, the round counter is set to 15 rounds, the release timer is set to 30 seconds, and the process proceeds to step 1140.

  If the specific area switch 416 is mounted, the V flag (a flag that is turned on when the game ball passes through the specific area) is turned OFF.

  If it is determined in step 1126 that the symbol variation timer is not 0, main controller 310 advances the process to step 1140. Further, the main control unit 310 checks the special prize flag (step 1130), and if the special prize flag is OFF, the main control unit 310 advances the process to step 1140.

  When the main control unit 310 determines that the normal symbol variation timer is not 0, that is, the normal symbol variation is in progress (step 1140 → step 1150), the main control unit 310 subtracts the normal symbol variation timer by the interrupt cycle T (for example, 4 mec) (step 1140). 1152).

  When the normal symbol variation timer becomes 0, the main control unit 310 stores normal symbol stop instruction data for instructing the normal symbol variation stop in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 (step 1154 → step 1156).

  When the normal symbol variation timer is 0, that is, when the normal symbol is not varying, the main control unit 310 checks the small hit flag (step 1158), and when the small hit flag is ON, the main control unit 310 reads the normal electric accessory 108. Is stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 to instruct the ordinary electric accessory operating solenoid 448 to be released for a predetermined time (step 1160). When the probability variation flag is ON, the open state time of the ordinary electric accessory 108 is set longer than the normal time. This makes it easier for the ball to enter the second start winning opening 104 during probability change.

  The above is the contents of a series of processes that combine the special game management process (step 716) and the normal game management process (step 718).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the case of a big win, the main control unit determines the winning symbol, but in the case of losing, the main control unit does not determine the winning symbol but the out symbol. The display control unit that has received the command for instructing to stop at the main control unit via the sub-control unit comes off and determines the symbol independently.

  This embodiment is illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, modifications other than the present embodiment are possible. As long as the modification is within the scope of the technical idea indicated by the claims, the modification is within the technical scope of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows an example of the front general view of the game machine using this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the game system using this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the main control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the sub-control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the display control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the game control of the main control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the command in the game machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the time relationship of the fluctuation | variation stop of the special symbol and effect symbol in the gaming machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the design random number in a gaming machine of this invention, a special design, and an effect design. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of a special game management process and a normal game management process. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the content (command ID value and EVENT value) of the notice designation | designated command which a sub-control part produces | generates, and the display content (precise content). 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of a determination process of a missing symbol by the display control unit 370. 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of a determination process of a missing symbol by the display control unit 370. It is a figure which shows the example of a fluctuation pattern command. It is a figure which shows the example of a fluctuation pattern command table. It is a figure which shows the example of a middle symbol (+/- 1) table. It is a figure which shows an example of the front view of the conventional game machine.

Explanation of symbols

100 gaming machine 101 game board 102 special symbol display device 103 production symbol display device 104 first start winning opening 105 normal symbol display device operation gate (left)
106 Normal symbol display device operation gate (right)
107 Normal symbol display device 108 Normal electric accessory (tulip) (second starting prize opening)
109 First variable winning ball apparatus 110 having a top prize opening 110 Second variable winning ball apparatus 111 having a bottom prize opening 111 Game machine handle 112 Special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp)
113 Normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp (hold lamp)
120 Effect switch 201 Information display device 202 Hall computer 203 Out ball detection device 310 Main control unit 340 Sub control unit 370 Display control unit 422 CPU
420 ROM
424 RAM
428 Upper and lower grand prize opening solenoid output port 430 Normal electric accessory solenoid output port 432 Special symbol display output port 434 Normal symbol display output port 440 Sub-control command output port (production symbol designation command, variation pattern command, etc. Send)
Command output port 436 for payout control Special symbol operation memory indicator light port 438 Normal symbol operation memory indicator light port 444 External information output port 426 Input port 410 Special symbol start switch 412 Normal symbol operation switch 414 Special prize opening switch 416 Specific Area switch 119 Special symbol variation time shortening switch 418 Other switches 450 Dispensing control unit 452 Prize ball dispensing device 446 Upper and lower prize winning solenoid 448 Normal electric accessory solenoid 514 CPU
512 RAM
510 ROM
516 Various input ports 518 Various output ports 520 Lamp display device 522 Sound effect generator 524 Production movable object 618 Input port 620 CPU
610 Program ROM
612 RAM
622 LSI for Image Processing (VDP)
616 Character ROM
614 Video RAM
624 output port

Claims (3)

In the gaming machine which performs a lottery of winning / losing in response to the start winning of the ball at the starting winning opening provided in the game board, and gives a predetermined game value to the player when the lottery result is hit,
A special symbol display device for notifying the lottery result by a special symbol variation display;
An effect symbol display device that performs an effect accompanying the notification by a variable display of the effect symbol;
A main control unit for controlling the entire gaming machine, wherein a control signal related to the variable symbol display is transmitted from the CPU of the main control unit to the special symbol display device without passing through the CPU of another control unit. A main control unit for controlling the variation display of the special symbol by
A sub-control unit that performs predetermined control according to a command from the main control unit;
In accordance with a command from the sub-control unit, a display control unit that controls variation display of the effect symbol for the effect symbol display device ;
With
The main control unit
A first command designating a variation mode of the effect design; and
The second command for designating a display mode of the effect symbol when the variable display is stopped, and when the lottery result is a win, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific combination. A second command is sent to the sub-control unit to specify that the effect symbol is to be stopped and displayed in an arbitrary combination indicating a disengagement when
The sub-control unit
When the second command received as the predetermined control specifies that the effect symbols are to be stopped and displayed in a specific combination, the third command is to specify that the effect symbols are to be stopped and displayed in the specific combination. Is generated, and when designating that the effect symbols are to be stopped and displayed in any combination of outliers, a third command is generated to specify that the effect symbols are to be stopped and displayed in any combination of outliers. The generated third command is transmitted to the display control unit, and a fourth command for designating a display for notifying the occurrence of reach variation in the lottery and / or the effect is generated, and the generation is performed. Sent the fourth command to the display control unit,
The display control unit
When the received third command specifies that the effect symbol is to be stopped and displayed in a specific combination, the variable display is controlled so that the effect symbol is stopped in the specific combination,
In the case where the received third command specifies that the effect symbol is to be stopped and displayed in any outlier combination, the combination indicating the outage is determined, and the effect symbol is stopped in the determined combination. Controlling the variation display ;
Controlling the display of the notice based on the received fourth command;
A gaming machine characterized by that. The fourth command generated by the sub-control unit includes a command common to a plurality of variation modes and a command corresponding to a specific variation mode, and these may overlap according to the first command. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein there is a gaming machine.   3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the specific combination when the lottery result in the second command is a win is a combination indicating non-probability change or per probability change. 4.

Images