JP4885069B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a reel-type gaming machine for playing games by using a game medium such as a game ball or game medals.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine including a symbol display device that performs symbol variation stop display is known. This type of gaming machine generally includes a main control unit that controls the progress of the game and a sub-control unit that performs display control of the symbol display device, and the main control unit controls the sub-control unit. By transmitting a control signal instructing execution of the variation effect, the sub-control unit that has received the control signal executes the symbol variation effect on the symbol display device.

  And in recent gaming machines, not only the design variation effect, but also the aspect of the game effect such as the movable accessory effect, the sound effect, the light emission effect, etc., which are executed in association with this design change effect, have been diversified. In order to efficiently realize these game effects, a plurality of sub-control units are provided for one main control unit. As a connection form of each control unit in this case, a first sub-control unit that performs drive control of a movable accessory device, a sound output device (for example, a speaker), and a light emitting effect device (for example, an LED) in the main control unit And a second sub-control unit that performs display control of the symbol display device may be connected to the first sub-control unit (see Patent Document 1 below).

  As a kind of symbol variation effect in such a gaming machine, a so-called one-winning multiple variation effect in which the sub control unit performs a plurality of symbol variation stop displays based on an instruction to execute one symbol variation effect from the main control unit. (Continuous variation effect) is known (see Patent Documents 1 and 2 below).

In a gaming machine capable of executing this one-winning multiple variation effect, generally, a series of processing from the start to the end of a plurality of symbol variation stop displays corresponding to one symbol variation effect is displayed on the symbol display device. It is assumed that the sub-control unit that performs control bears. For example, as described above, when a plurality of sub-control units (first sub-control unit and second sub-control unit) are connected to one main control unit, execution of a continuous variation effect as a symbol variation effect Is transmitted from the main control unit to the first sub-control unit, the first sub-control unit that receives the control signal instructs the second sub-control unit to execute the continuous variation effect. The second sub-control unit that transmits the control signal and receives the control signal executes the symbol variation stop display a plurality of times, thereby realizing the continuous variation effect.
JP 2005-237536 A JP 2001-46634 A

  However, in the conventional gaming machine described above, when executing the continuous variation effect, the first sub-control unit requires the second sub-control unit to execute a control signal necessary for executing the continuous variation effect, for example, 1 Start / stop the second symbol variation, start / stop the second symbol variation, ... Control signal to start / stop the Nth symbol variation, or execute the notice effect for each symbol variation The control signal etc. which instruct | indicate all were transmitted at the time of the 1st symbol variation start. For this reason, since the 2nd sub control part which performs display control of the continuous variation production based on these control signals needs to memorize all the received control signals, in the 2nd sub control part There is a problem that the storage area increases. In addition, since the storage areas to be referred to differ depending on the order of symbol variation at the time of continuous variation production, there is a problem that the program for specifying the correspondence between the symbol variation order and each storage region is complicated. In particular, when the number of symbol fluctuations during a continuous fluctuation effect increases, these problems become significant, and the symbol effect process on the second sub-control unit side becomes more complicated.

  Moreover, since the 1st sub control part was producing | generating all the control signals required for execution of a continuous fluctuation effect at once, when a continuous fluctuation effect is performed, the control signal of a 1st sub control part Generation processing and transmission processing become complicated, and the number of storage areas for temporarily storing the generated control signals increases.

  As described above, in the conventional gaming machine described above, a continuous variation effect is realized by connecting a plurality of sub-control units to the main control unit. The result is increasing.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the processing burden on the first sub-control unit and the second sub-control unit when realizing a continuous variation effect.

In addition, the present invention prevents the number of storage areas in the first sub-control unit and the second sub-control unit from increasing regardless of the number of symbol variations in the continuous variation effect, and the first sub-control unit and the second sub-control unit. An object is to provide a gaming machine capable of simplifying a program for executing processing in a sub-control unit.

The present invention relates to a start control port, a main control unit that controls the progress of the game by determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start port, and a first control signal related to a game effect from the main control unit. a first sub-control unit for transmitting a second control signal for receiving and executing the game effects the, first executes said game effects based on the second control signal received from the first sub-control unit A gaming machine comprising: a second sub-control unit ; and a symbol display device connected to the second sub-control unit and displaying the symbols variably based on the result of the determination of success or failure , wherein the first sub-control unit is , based on the first control signal from the main control unit, directing the contents of the game effects is 1 or winning a single change effect change and stop display of the symbols is performed once, or the symbol Change and stop display are continuously executed more than once. And effect content specifying means for specifying whether the effect, the effect contents specified by the contents of rendering specifying means, in the case of the 1 winning continuously variable effect, a plurality of times corresponding to the 1 winning continuously variable effect said second control signal for executing the change and stop display of the symbols, the plurality of times of the control signal generating means for generating individually variation and every start of each stop display of symbols, said control signal generating means said second control signal generated by a includes a plurality of control signal transmission means for transmitting separately for the second sub-control unit variation and every start of each stop display of the symbols, the said Each time the second sub-control unit receives the second control signal from the control signal transmitting means, the symbol display device starts the variable display of the symbol .
In this case, when the production content specified by the production content specifying means is the 1-winning single variation production, the first sub-control unit determines the result of the success / failure determination in the first control signal. Is transmitted to the second sub-control unit as it is, and if the effect content specified by the effect content specifying means is the one-winning continuously variable effect, the success / failure of the first control signal is determined. It is preferable that the second control signal generated based on a command indicating the determination result is transmitted to the second sub-control unit.

According to the present invention, when the first control signal is transmitted from the main control unit to the first sub-control unit, the content of the effect of the game effect is specified in the first sub-control unit, and the content of the effect is one winning continuous variation effect. If it is, the plurality of times of the second control signal for executing the change and stop display of symbols 1 corresponding to the winning continuous variation effect is, for each of a plurality of times the start of each change and stop display of the symbols of Generated separately. For this reason, the control signal generation means of the first sub-control unit does not need to generate a plurality of second control signals at a time even when the content of the effect is a single winning continuously varying effect. As a result, there is no need to increase the number of storage areas (spaces) for temporarily storing the generated second control signal in the first sub-control unit or the control signal generation unit. The burden of the control signal generation process can be reduced.

Even when the content of the effect is a one-winning continuously variable effect, the generated second control signal is individually supplied to the second sub-control unit at each start of the plurality of symbol changes and stop displays. As a result, the transmission timing of each second control signal transmitted from the first sub-control unit is shifted. That is, a large amount of the second control signal is not transmitted from the control signal transmitting means to the second sub-control unit at a time. Thereby, the transmission processing burden of the second control signal in the control signal transmission means of the first sub-control unit can be reduced. Note that when the second control signal is transmitted from the control signal transmission means of the first sub-control unit to the second sub-control unit, a game effect is executed by the second sub-control unit.

  In addition, since a plurality of second control signals are not transmitted at a time from the first sub-control unit to the second sub-control unit, the second control signal is stored in the second sub-control unit. There is no need to increase the number of areas (spaces). In other words, the second sub-control unit need only set a single storage area. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a program for specifying the correspondence relationship between the order of game effects and each storage area from becoming complicated (realization of simplification of the program).

  In addition, “one winning continuous variation effect” means, for example, that each pseudo symbol (left pseudo symbol, central pseudo symbol, right pseudo symbol) is suspended and noticed by a single winning of a game ball at the start opening. A change stop means an effect executed a plurality of times.

According to the present invention, even when the number of game effects of one winning consecutive variation effect increases, the second sub-control unit configures a gaming effect corresponding to one second control signal as one winning consecutive variation effect. Since it only needs to be executed as an effect, the burden of the game effect process in the second sub-control unit can be reduced.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine that is an example of a ball game machine will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front portion of the pachinko machine (game machine) 10 that is a gaming machine according to the first embodiment mainly includes an outer frame 12, an inner frame 14, a front frame 16, An upper plate 18, a lower plate 20, a locking device 22, a firing handle 24 and the like are provided.

  The outer frame 12 is obtained by assembling and fixing a wooden plate-like body into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The inner frame 14 is entirely made of plastic, and is pivotally supported so as to be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 12. A locking device 22 is provided slightly below the center of the right end of the inner frame 14.

  The front frame 16 is a specific example of the front door of the present invention, occupies about 2/3 of the entire front portion of the pachinko machine 10, and is pivotally supported at the left end of the inner frame 14 so that it can be opened and closed. Has been. The front frame 16 is entirely made of plastic, and corresponds to the shape of the game area 28 (see FIG. 3) formed on the game board 26 so that the game board 26 (see FIG. 3) can be seen from the front. It has an opening 30 formed in a substantially circular shape. A glass plate 32 is attached to the back surface of the front frame 16 by a glass frame (not shown). Then, based on the player, the game area 28 formed on the game board 26 is positioned behind the glass plate 32. In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the glass plate 32 is attached to the back side of the front frame 16 has been described as an example. However, for example, the glass plate 32 may be attached to the front side of the front frame 16 with a glass frame. Further, instead of the glass plate 32, a transparent resin plate can be attached to the front frame 16.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the upper left side and upper right side of the front frame 16, a sound guide section for guiding the sound output from the main speaker (not shown) to the outside of the front frame 16. 34 are provided. Each sound guide section 34 includes a cylindrical sound guide section main body 36 and a plurality of slits 38 formed in the sound guide section main body 36.

  Further, an upper plate portion 18 is provided below the front frame 16. The upper plate 18 is provided with a production button 40 and a ball lending operation unit 155.

  A lower dish portion 20 is provided below the upper dish portion 18. A launching handle 24 for launching a game ball is provided on the lower right side of the lower plate part 20. The firing handle 24 is provided with a firing lever 44 and a firing stop button 46, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, sub-speakers 48 for outputting predetermined sound effects are provided on the lower left and right sides of the lower plate part 20.

  The inner frame 14 has an opening (not shown) that matches the shape of the game area 28 (see FIG. 3). A game board 26 (see FIG. 3) is attached to the inner side surface of the inner frame 14. Thereby, the player can visually recognize the game area 28 of the game board 26 through the opening of the inner frame 14 and the opening 30 of the front frame 16.

  Furthermore, a ball lending device (ball lending unit) 154 is provided on the left side of the front surface of the pachinko machine 10. In this embodiment, a CR unit is applied as the ball lending device 154. The ball lending device 154 is formed with a card insertion slot 157 for inserting a prepaid card. In addition, the structure which provided the cash unit as the ball lending apparatus 154 may be sufficient. In this cash unit, instead of the card insertion slot 157, a cash insertion slot (not shown) for inserting cash is formed.

  The ball lending operation unit 155 is provided with a ball lending switch 156 for requesting ball lending and a return switch 158 for requesting the return of the prepaid card inserted into the card insertion slot 157, respectively. .

  For example, when a prepaid card is inserted into the card insertion slot 157 of the ball lending device 154, the stored information of the prepaid card is read by a card reader / writer inside the ball lending device 154. When the remaining frequency of the prepaid card is “0”, the prepaid card is automatically returned from the card insertion slot 157. On the other hand, when the remaining frequency of the prepaid card is not “0”, when the ball lending switch 156 is pressed, the remaining frequency of the prepaid card is subtracted by the card reader / writer and the stored information of the prepaid card is rewritten. A number of game balls (rental balls) corresponding to the number of times played are guided to the upper plate 18. At this time, for example, when the remaining frequency of the prepaid card is subtracted to “0”, the prepaid card is automatically returned from the card insertion slot 157.

  In the configuration using a cash unit as the ball lending device 154, cash is counted by a cash counter inside the ball lending device when cash is inserted into the cash slot of the ball lending device. If the ball lending switch is pressed after the amount of money reaches the predetermined amount, the amount of money is reduced by the cash counter, and a number of game balls (rental balls) corresponding to the reduced amount are placed on the upper plate. Guided to section 18.

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 26 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 26 is held by the inner frame 14, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board (not shown). In the game board 26, a substantially circular game area 28 is formed by an outer rail 50 and an inner rail 52 provided on the surface of the game board 26. Inside the game area 28, a central device 54, a start port 56B, a warp entrance 58, a number of obstacle nails 60, a windmill 63, and the like are disposed.

  The central device 54 is disposed substantially at the center of the game area 28 and includes an effect symbol display device 62, a center accessory 64, and a lamp device 66.

  The effect symbol display device 62 is display-controlled based on control signals from a main control board 102 (see FIG. 4) and a sub-control board 106 (see FIG. 4) described later, and has a substantially rectangular video screen. ing. A pseudo special symbol (pseudo symbol) which is a pseudo symbol of the special symbol is displayed on the video screen. Specifically, a pseudo special symbol display area is formed on the video screen of the effect symbol display device 62 to display one or a plurality of pseudo special symbols while changing them one after another in a predetermined direction and then to stop display. Yes. That is, a left pseudo special symbol display area that displays a left pseudo special symbol (left pseudo symbol), a central pseudo special symbol display region that displays a central pseudo special symbol (central pseudo symbol), and a right pseudo special symbol (right pseudo symbol) The right pseudo special symbol display area for displaying is formed side by side along the arrangement direction that is substantially in a horizontal row (not shown). In each pseudo special symbol display area, a symbol variation direction is set in a direction (vertical direction) substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of these display areas, and a plurality of pseudo special symbols are sequentially displayed in that direction.

  The effect symbol display device 62 causes the above-mentioned pseudo special symbols displayed in the display area of the video screen to change and stop display when the game ball enters the start opening 56B. For example, when the pseudo special symbol is “7, 7, 7” with the same three-digit symbols and stopped and displayed (determined display), the large winning device 84 described later arranged in the variable winning device 80 described later is large. The winning opening 86 is opened. In the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the start opening 56B, each pseudo special symbol is changed, and the pseudo special symbol is arranged with the same three-digit symbol, thereby giving a specific value of “big hit”. Is.

  Here, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, for example, two types of big hits are set in advance. Specifically, there is a probability variation jackpot that is established by arranging three odd-numbered pseudo special symbols such as “7, 7, 7”. In addition, there is a normal jackpot that is established by arranging three digits of the same even-numbered pseudo special symbols such as “8, 8, 8”.

  The probable big hit and the normal big hit are big hits that have a relatively large number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) and the opening time of the big winning opening 86 is about 26 seconds. For this reason, the number of prize balls is relatively large. In each big hit, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the big winning opening 86, or a predetermined time (for example, 10) even if a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the game balls do not enter. For example, when 26 seconds) elapses, the special winning opening 86 is closed and one round is completed.

  Further, the probability variation state is a state in which the probability of shifting to a big hit (meaning two kinds of big hits, a probable big hit and a normal big hit) becomes a predetermined high probability. The open time extended state is a state in which the opening time of the start port 56B is extended more than usual. For example, the normal opening time is about 0.1 seconds, while in the extended opening time state, it is extended to about 4 seconds. The start opening 56B is opened by winning a normal symbol lottery.

  In addition, after the probable big hit, the probability of shifting to the big hit becomes a special symbol probability fluctuation state in which the probability is higher than the normal gaming state. Then, until the next big hit occurs or until the specified symbol change / stop display is performed a specified number of times (for example, 10,000 times), the change time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened and the start is started. The opening extension function of the mouth 56B is activated. In addition, after the normal jackpot, the probability of shifting to the big jackpot becomes a predetermined low probability state that is the same as the normal gaming state, and the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is reduced by a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). When the opening extension function of the start port 56B is activated, the short game state is set.

  The center accessory 64 is mounted so as to protrude from the front peripheral portion of the effect symbol display device 62. The center accessory 64 has a pair of movable blade pieces 64A. The opening area of the warp entrance 58 is changed by the movement of the blade piece 64A.

  In addition, on the lower left side of the game area, a 7-segment display board (design) that controls display of this symbol (which means a special symbol and a normal symbol) based on a control signal from the main control board 102. Display device) 68 is arranged. The 7-segment display board 68 displays a 7-segment display 70 that displays a special symbol main symbol, four normal symbol hold display LEDs 72, four special symbol hold display LEDs 74, and a normal symbol main symbol. And two normal symbol display LEDs 76.

  Here, in the case of a probable big hit, a predetermined probable big hit symbol (for example, an odd number) is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment display 70. In the case of a normal big hit, a predetermined normal big hit symbol (for example, an even number) is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment display 70.

  In addition, a normal symbol operation gate (game ball passage gate) 78 is disposed on the left side of the effect symbol display device 62. A gate switch 124 (see FIG. 4) is disposed inside the normal symbol operating gate 78. As a result, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 78, the gate switch 124 is operated, and the normal symbol display LED 76 of the 7-segment display board 68 is changed and stopped.

  Each normal symbol hold display LED 72 and each special symbol hold display LED 74 are composed of four round red LEDs, and are arranged close to the left and right sides of the 7-segment display 70. In this case, the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 78 is set to hold the normal symbols up to four, and the lights are sequentially turned on and shifted for each passage. In addition, the number of game balls that have entered the start opening 56B is also reserved for up to four special symbols, which are sequentially lit and shifted for each incoming ball. Each time the variable display on the 7-segment display 70 starts, the number of unstarted times is exhausted, and one special symbol hold display LED 74 is turned off. Further, each time the normal symbol display LED 76 starts to change the normal symbol, the number of unstarted times is consumed, and one normal symbol hold display LED 72 is turned off. Then, when a predetermined jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment display 70, a jackpot is generated, and a jackpot 86 described later is opened. Further, when the two normal symbol display LEDs 76 are stopped and displayed in a predetermined display mode (a winning symbol), a normal symbol hit occurs and the start port 56B is opened. The special symbol main symbol displayed on the 7-segment display 70 and the special symbol pseudo symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 62 indicate the same game result (lottery result). .

  The start port 56B is disposed below the effect symbol display device 62, and is formed so as to open and close a pair of wing piece portions 56A (ordinary electric accessories) in a so-called tulip type. Inside thereof, there are provided a start port switch 120 (see FIG. 4) for detecting the passage of the game ball and a normal electric accessory solenoid 130 (see FIG. 4) for operating the wing piece portion 56A. Yes. When the pair of wing pieces 56A are opened to the left and right, the opening area of the start port 56B is increased and the possibility of entering a game ball is increased, and the pair of wing pieces 56A is closed and the separation distance is reduced. The opening area of the start opening 56B is reduced, and the normal state is reduced where the possibility of entering a game ball is reduced.

  The variable winning device 80 is disposed below the start opening 56 </ b> B, and includes a substrate 82 and a big winning device 84. Here, the grand prize winning device 84 is disposed substantially at the center, and has a grand prize winning opening 86 opened in a strip shape, an opening / closing plate 88 for opening or closing the special winning prize opening 86, and opening / closing the opening / closing plate 88. And a count switch 126 (refer to FIG. 4) for detecting a winning ball.

  A windmill 63 is disposed on the lower left side of the central device 54. Further, a pair of side lamps 90 are respectively disposed on the lower left portion and the lower right portion of the game area.

  Further, an out port 92 is provided below the game board 26, and a back ball preventing member 94 is provided below the out port 92. The back ball preventing member 94 prevents the game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 28 from returning to the launch position again. A foul ball prevention member 96 is attached to the tip of the inner rail 52.

  Next, an electronic control device that constitutes the pachinko machine 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the electronic control unit includes a main control board (main control unit) 102, a payout control board 104, a sub control board (first sub control part) 106, a launch control board 108, It is equipped with.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main control board 102 includes a CPU 102A, a ROM 102B, a command generation unit 102C, and a command transmission unit 102D.

  Further, the CPU 102A of the main control board 102 sets a normal electric accessory solenoid 130 described later, a large prize opening solenoid 132 described later, a symbol display device 134 described later, and the sub control board 106 based on the data stored in the ROM 102B. Control. Further, the CPU 102A of the main control board 102 controls the entire game and mainly determines a game state such as determination of success / failure.

  In particular, the CPU 102A executes a jackpot lottery process (special game lottery process) triggered by the entry of a game ball into the start port 56B, and determines the success / failure using an arbitrary random number (special symbol determination random number). It has. The CPU 102A also has a function of determining a variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol (the main symbol) with the execution of the special symbol determination.

  The variation pattern of this symbol corresponds to the effect pattern (game effect) of the pseudo special symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 62, and “determination of the variation pattern of this symbol” performed by the CPU 102A is “pseudo special symbol”. Corresponds to “determining the production pattern (game production)”. When the variation pattern of the special symbol (the main symbol) (the effect pattern of the pseudo special symbol) is determined, the variation display of the special symbol (the main symbol) is started on the 7-segment display 70, and the effect symbol display device When the variation display of the pseudo special symbol is started in 62 and the variation time specified by the determined variation pattern elapses, the symbol and the pseudo special symbol are stopped and displayed, and the special symbol is displayed according to the combination of the stopped and displayed symbols. The player's success / failure determination result (big hit lottery result) is notified to the player. The effect symbol display device 62 is arranged at a position approximately in the center of the surface (board surface) of the game board 26 so as to easily enter the player's field of view. On the other hand, the 7-segment display 70 is arranged at the end of the surface (board surface) of the game board 26 (the left end of the board surface in the present embodiment) so as not to easily enter the player's field of view. For this reason, it is common for a player to play a game while paying attention to the display content of the effect symbol display device 62.

  Then, the CPU 102A performs payout control of prize balls generated when the game balls enter the sub-control board 106 that controls the above-described pseudo special symbol variation / stop display and various winning holes provided on the board. The payout control board 104 to be performed is directly controlled. Further, the CPU 102 </ b> A of the main control board 102 indirectly controls the effect display board 110, the amplifier board 112, the decoration drive board 114, and the effect button board 116 via the sub control board 106.

  The ROM 102B of the main control board 102 stores a program for realizing control of the entire game executed by the CPU 102A. The ROM 102B of the main control board 102 stores a variation pattern determination program for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol (main symbol) (a pseudo special symbol effect pattern), and the special symbol (main symbol) is determined accordingly. ) Variation pattern (effect pattern of pseudo special symbol) is determined. The determination of the variation pattern of the special symbol (the main symbol) (the effect pattern of the pseudo special symbol) is performed by random number lottery using the variation pattern determination random number generated by the CPU 102A, and the variation display of the main symbol and the pseudo special symbol is displayed. When started, a random value is obtained. The ROM 102B stores a variation pattern determination table in which a plurality of variation patterns (effect patterns) are associated with the variation pattern determination random number value. When a random number value of the variation pattern determination random number is acquired, A variation pattern corresponding to the acquired random number value is determined based on the variation pattern determination table. In the variation pattern determination table of the present embodiment, a predetermined random value among the variation pattern determination random numbers is associated with a 1-winning continuous variation effect or a 1-winning single variation effect described later.

  The command generation unit 102C of the main control board 102 generates an effect pattern designation command related to a continuous variation effect or an effect pattern designation command related to a single variation effect based on a random number (variation pattern determination random number) acquired by the CPU 102A. .

  The command transmission unit 102D of the main control board 102 displays each pseudo symbol (left pseudo symbol, central pseudo symbol, right pseudo symbol) and notice symbol (different from each pseudo symbol) displayed on the effect symbol display device 62. An effect pattern designating command (first control signal) relating to the content of each of the pseudo symbols, which means an effect symbol such as a character displayed together with each pseudo symbol or separately from each pseudo symbol) is sent to the sub-control board 106. Send. The effect pattern designation command is, for example, a left pseudo symbol, a center pseudo symbol, a right pseudo symbol type, a left pseudo symbol, a central pseudo symbol, which are displayed on the effect symbol display device 62 while the special symbol is changing. Fluctuation pattern including the types of pseudo symbols and notice symbols (designs corresponding to the game state) displayed on the effect symbol display device 62 together with the right pseudo symbols, the number of continuous fluctuations of each pseudo symbol and notice symbols, etc. This is a command indicating the contents of a production pattern.

  Here, FIGS. 11 and 12 show an example of the symbol variation pattern (configuration signal) included in the effect pattern designation command transmitted from the command transmission unit 102D of the main control board 102 to the sub control board 106. ing. Of these, the commands transmitted in the case of a one-winning continuous variation effect that continues two or more times are the commands of numbers 8 to 11 and numbers 15 to 18. Of these, the commands of numbers 8 to 11 are commands for designating symbol variations that will eventually become “off”, and the commands of numbers 15 to 18 are commands for designating symbol variations that will eventually become “winning”. It is. These commands are transmitted from the command transmission unit 102D of the main control board 102 to the sub control board 106, but are stopped by the sub control board 106, and reach the effect display board 110 through the sub control board 106. Not what you want. Further, commands other than the commands of numbers 8 to 11 and numbers 15 to 18 are transmitted from the command transmission unit 102D of the main control board 102 to the effect display board 110 as they are (via the sub control board 106). The

  For example, a command transmitted in the case of a single winning continuous variation effect will be described taking the command of number 8 in FIG. 11 as an example. The command of number 8 is an effect of two normal variations or shortened variations, It is a command for instructing the sub-control board 106 (CPU 106A) from the main control board 102 to execute a one-winning continuous variation effect composed of an effect other than super reach A. When the command of number 8 is transmitted from the main control board 102 to the sub control board 106 (CPU 106A), for example, the normal variation command of number 1 is transmitted from the sub control board 106 to the effect display board 110 twice. The normal variation effect is executed twice, or one normal variation command of number 1 and a shortened variation 1 command of number 2 are transmitted from the sub-control board 106 to the effect display substrate 110 once, respectively. Production and shortening variation are executed once each. In addition, after the effect of the normal variation or the shortening variation is performed twice in succession, the command of number 5, that is, the command of super-reach A off, is transmitted from the sub-control board 106 to the effect display board 110. After the effect of the normal fluctuation or the shortening fluctuation is performed twice in succession, the effect image that is out of the super reach A is subsequently executed. In this way, the command number 8 is transmitted from the main control board 102 to the sub-control board 106, so that the sub-control board 106 and the effect display board 110 cooperate to realize a symbol effect relating to a total of three commands. Then, three consecutive symbol variation effects are executed.

  In the case of a single winning single variation effect in which the variable stop display is performed only once, as a transmission command from the main control board 102 (command transmission unit 102D) to the effect display board 110 via (pass through) the sub control board 106. 11 corresponds to the commands 1 to 7 in FIG. 11, the commands 1 to 4 in FIG. 12, and 12 to 14 in FIG. 12, for example, the normal fluctuation command 1 in FIG. When the sub-control board 106 is transmitted from the board 102 (command transmission unit 102D), the command is transmitted from the sub-control board 106 to the effect display board 110, and thereby, only one-time variation stop display of each of the pseudo symbols and the warning symbols is displayed. Is executed.

  Further, the command transmission unit 102D of the main control board 102 transmits a symbol stop information designation command to the sub control board 106 following the effect pattern designation command.

  Further, the main control board 102 is electrically connected to the start port switch 120, the big prize port switch 122, the gate switch 124, and the count switch 126 via the relay terminal plate 118, respectively.

  Further, the main control board 102 is electrically connected to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 130, the special prize opening solenoid 132, and the symbol display device 134 via the relay terminal board 128, respectively. The 7-segment display board 68 is an embodiment of the symbol display device 134.

  The payout control board 104 is electrically connected to the glass frame switch 138, the external tank switch 140, and the tank switch 142 via the relay terminal plate 136, respectively. Further, the payout control board 104 is electrically connected to the error LED 146 via the relay terminal board 144. The payout control board 104 is electrically connected to the lower pan full tank switch 148. Further, the payout control board 104 is electrically connected to a ball rental display board 152 and a ball rental apparatus (CR unit) 154 via a relay terminal board 150, respectively.

  The ball rental display board 152 is electrically connected with a ball rental switch 156 and a return switch 158, respectively. Further, the payout control board 104 is electrically connected to the payout motor 162 and the payout switch 164 via the relay terminal plate 160, respectively. Further, the payout control board 104 is electrically connected to the main control board 102 and the launch control board 108, respectively.

  4 and 5, the sub control board 106 is electrically connected to the effect display board (second sub control unit) 110, the amplifier board 112, the decoration drive board 114, and the effect button board 116, respectively. It is connected to the.

  The sub-control board 106 controls game effects based on control signals from the main control board 102. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the sub control board 106 includes a CPU 106A, a ROM 106B, an effect pattern specifying unit 106C, a command generation unit 106D, a command transmission unit 106E, a counter 106F, and a RAM 106G. Yes.

  The CPU 106 </ b> A of the sub control board 106 receives the control signal from the main control board 102 and controls each board such as the effect display board 110, the amplifier board 112, the decoration drive board 114, and the effect button board 116. In particular, the CPU 106A executes each process in the effect display control process shown in FIG. 7, the continuous change effect process shown in FIG. 8, and the normal change effect process shown in FIG.

  The ROM 106B stores data (especially information related to game decoration) necessary for controlling each board.

  The effect pattern specifying unit 106C, based on the effect pattern designation command (first control signal) transmitted from the command transmission unit 102D of the main control board 102, each pseudo symbol that is changed and stopped on the effect symbol display device 62, and Specify the effect pattern of the notice symbol. That is, in the effect pattern specifying unit 106C, the type of each pseudo symbol and notice symbol that is changed and stopped on the effect symbol display device 62 based on the effect pattern designation command transmitted from the command transmission unit 102D of the main control board 102. An effect pattern including a symbol corresponding to the gaming state and the number of continuous symbol fluctuations is specified. The sub-control board 106 (CPU 106A) receives the effect pattern designation command from the command transmission unit 102D of the main control board 102, and analyzes the received command, so that the number of times each pseudo-symbol or notice symbol is displayed ( For example, it is possible to specify whether the change / stop display is performed continuously 1 to 5 times.

  When the effect pattern specified by the effect pattern specifying unit 106C is a 1-winning continuously-changing effect in which the change / stop display of the symbol is continued twice or more, the command generating unit 106D can correspond to the 1-winning continuously-changing effect. The symbol-related command (second control signal) for executing the symbol variation / stop display for the first time is generated individually for each start of the symbol variation / stop display for a plurality of times (two or more times). That is, for example, if the 1st prize continuous variation effect is to continuously execute the symbol variation / stop display three times, a symbol related command related to the first symbol variation effect is issued at the start of the first symbol variation effect. The command is generated and transmitted from the command transmission unit 106E to the effect display board 110. Then, a symbol related command related to the second symbol variation effect is generated at the start of the second symbol variation effect, and this command is transmitted from the command transmission unit 106E to the effect display board 110. Furthermore, a symbol-related command related to the third symbol variation effect is generated at the start of the third symbol variation effect, and this command is transmitted from the command transmission unit 106E to the effect display board 110. In this way, each symbol-related command is generated individually for each start of symbol variation / stop display multiple times (two or more times). If the effect pattern specified by the effect pattern specifying unit 106C is a one-winning single-change effect that is changed / stopped only once, the symbol change / stop display corresponding to the one-winning single-change effect is executed. A symbol related command (second control signal) is generated once.

  The command transmission unit 106E receives the symbol-related command generated by the command generation unit 106D for a plurality of times when the effect pattern specified by the effect pattern specifying unit 106C is a one-winning continuous variation effect that continues twice or more. This is individually transmitted to the effect display board 110 at the start of each change / stop display. That is, for example, if one winning consecutive variation effect is three times continuous, at the start of the first symbol variation effect, only the symbol related command related to the first symbol variation effect is sent from the command transmission unit 106E to the effect display board. 110. At the start of the second symbol variation effect, only the symbol related commands related to the second symbol variation effect are transmitted from the command transmission unit 106E to the effect display board 110. Furthermore, at the start of the third symbol variation effect, both the symbol related command and the effect stop command related to the third symbol variation effect are transmitted from the command transmission unit 106E to the effect display board 110. In this way, the symbol-related command is individually transmitted to the effect display board 110 for each variation start of a plurality of symbol variation / stop displays. Each time the symbol-related command is transmitted to the effect display substrate effect display substrate 110, the effect symbol display device 62 starts to display the pseudo symbol variation. When the effect pattern specified by the effect pattern specifying unit 106C is a single winning single change effect that changes / stops only once, the command transmission unit 106E associates the symbol generated by the command generation unit 106D. The command is transmitted as it is to the effect display board 110.

  Here, FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a symbol related command transmitted from the sub control board 106 to the effect display board 110 at the start of the one-winning continuous variation effect. The commands in modes 80, 84, 85, and 86 are commands transmitted from the main control board 102 to the effect display board 110 via the sub control board 106. For example, the command of mode 80 is the effect pattern designation command (numbers 1 to 7 in FIG. 11, numbers 1 to 4, numbers 12 to 12 in FIG. 11) transmitted from the main control board 102 to the sub control board 106 described above. 14). The mode 86 command is a gaming machine designation command for designating the model (spec) of the gaming machine. The command in mode 85 is a gaming state designation command for designating the current gaming state (whether the jackpot probability is high or low, whether the opening extension function of the start port 56B is activated, etc.). The command in mode 84 is a symbol stop information designation command for designating the type of special symbol (main symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the 7-segment display 70 (any one of a symbol out of place, a normal jackpot symbol, or a probability variation jackpot symbol).

  On the other hand, the B1 to B4 and CF commands are commands generated by the command generation unit 106D of the sub-control board 106 and transmitted from the command transmission unit 106E to the effect display board 110. For example, the command B1 is a left pseudo symbol designation command for designating the left pseudo symbol 1 to be stopped and displayed in the left pseudo symbol display area of the effect symbol display device 62. The command B2 is a medium pseudo symbol designation command for designating the medium pseudo symbol 1 to be stopped and displayed in the central pseudo symbol display area of the effect symbol display device 62. The command of B3 is a right pseudo symbol designation command for designating the right pseudo symbol 1 to be stopped and displayed in the right pseudo symbol display area of the effect symbol display device 62. The command of B4 is a notice related designation command for designating a notice symbol displayed in conjunction with the fluctuation display of the pseudo special symbol on the effect symbol display device 62. The CF command is a checksum designation command.

  The counter 106 </ b> F is a counter for counting the number of fluctuations of the pseudo special symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 62.

  Each command generated by the command generation unit 106D of the sub control board 106 is temporarily stored in the RAM 106G.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, an effect display device 166 (62) and an effect display ROM 168 are electrically connected to the effect display board 110. The effect display ROM 168 stores pseudo special symbol data that is displayed in a varying / stopped manner on the effect symbol display device 62. In particular, data of each pseudo symbol and notice symbol in the continuous variation effect process and the normal variation effect process is stored. The effect symbol display device 62 is an embodiment of the effect display device 166.

  The effect display board 110 includes a CPU 110A (command determination unit), a timer 110B, and a RAM 110C.

  The CPU 110A of the effect display board 110 executes each process in the effect display process shown in FIG.

  The timer 110 </ b> B measures the fluctuation time of each pseudo symbol and notice symbol that are fluctuated and stopped displayed on the effect symbol display device 62.

  The RAM 110 </ b> C temporarily stores symbol-related commands (effect pattern designation command, left / middle / right pseudo symbol designation commands, notice-related designation commands, etc.) from the sub-control board 106.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, various types of speakers 170 (48) that output predetermined sound effects are electrically connected to the amplifier substrate 112. The sub-speaker 48 is an embodiment of various speakers 170.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, various LEDs and lamps 172 (66) are electrically connected to the decorative driving board 114. The decoration driving board 114 receives a control signal from the sub-control board 106 and performs control related to game decoration. In particular, the decorative drive board 114 controls the light emission of each lamp device 66 based on a control signal from the sub-control board 106. In addition, an operation switch 174 (40) is electrically connected to the effect button board 116. The lamp device 66 is an embodiment of various LEDs / lamps 172. The effect button 40 is an embodiment of the operation switch 174.

  Next, the effect display control process in the main control board 102 (CPU 102A) of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the time for starting the variation display of the special symbol (the main symbol, the pseudo symbol) comes, a random number (variation pattern determining random number) is acquired by the CPU 102A of the main control board 102 (S10). Then, based on the acquired random number value (random number value), the CPU 102A determines whether it is one winning continuous variation effect or one winning single variation effect (S20). This determination is made by referring to the above-described variation pattern determination table, and if the obtained random number value corresponds to one winning continuous variation effect, one winning continuous variation effect as a variation pattern (effect pattern). If the acquired random number value corresponds to one winning single variation effect, it is determined as one winning single variation effect as a variation pattern (effect pattern). Here, “one winning single variation effect” means, for example, each pseudo symbol (left pseudo symbol, left and right symbols) that is changed and stopped on the effect symbol display device 62 by one winning of the game ball to the start opening 56B. This means an effect in which the fluctuation stop of the central pseudo symbol and the right pseudo symbol) and the fluctuation stop of the notice symbol are executed only once.

  Next, when it is determined by the CPU 102A of the main control board 102 that a single winning continuous variation effect is produced (S20: YES), an effect pattern designation command relating to a single winning continuous variation effect is generated by the command generating unit 102C (S30). . On the other hand, if the CPU 102A of the main control board 102 determines that it is a single winning single variation effect (S20: NO), the command generation unit 102C generates an effect pattern designation command related to the single winning single variation effect (S40). ).

  Next, the generated effect pattern designation command is transmitted to the sub control board 106 by the command transmission unit 102D (S50).

  Next, the effect display control process in the sub control board 106 (CPU 106A) of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the process of S50 described above (see FIG. 6), when an effect pattern designation command is transmitted from the command transmission unit 102D of the main control board 102, as shown in FIG. 7, the command transmission unit 102D of the main control board 102 receives the command. It is determined by CPU 106A of sub control board 106 whether or not an effect pattern designation command has been received (S100).

  If it is determined that an effect pattern designation command has been received (S100: YES), the CPU 106A of the sub control board 106 determines whether or not a symbol stop information designation command has been received (S110). The CPU 106A of the sub-control board 106 analyzes the received symbol stop information designation command, so that the present pseudo special symbol change / stop display result, that is, the current special symbol success / failure determination result (big hit lottery result) ) Can be determined.

  When it is determined that the symbol stop information designation command has been received (S110: YES), the pseudo-pattern variation pattern (effect pattern) is a single winning continuous variation effect or a single winning single variation effect. Is determined by the CPU 106A of the sub-control board 106 (S120). Here, whether or not the pseudo-pattern variation pattern (effect pattern) is a one-winning continuous variation effect is determined based on the contents of the effect pattern designation command received in S100 described above. Specifically, based on the received effect pattern specifying command, the effect pattern specifying unit 106C of the sub control board 106 determines that the current pseudo-pattern variation pattern (effect pattern) is a one-winning continuous variation effect, or Specify whether it is a single winning single variation effect.

  If it is determined that the pseudo-pattern variation pattern (effect pattern) is one winning continuous variation effect (S120: YES), the sub-control board 106 executes a continuous variation effect process (details will be described later) (S130). On the other hand, if it is determined that the variation pattern (effect pattern) of the pseudo symbol is not one winning continuous variation effect (one winning single variation effect) (S120: NO), the sub control board 106 performs a normal variation effect process ( Details will be described later (S140). The “continuous variation effect process” means a game effect process in which the pseudo symbol variation / stop display is continuously executed twice or more. Further, the “normal variation effect process” means a game effect process in which the pseudo symbol variation / stop display is executed only once.

  Next, continuous variation effect processing (one winning continuous variation effect processing) in the sub control board 106 (CPU 106A) will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 106A sets the continuous variation number n and the continuous variation number counter k (counter 106F) based on the effect pattern designation command transmitted from the command transmission unit 102D of the main control board 102 (S200). ). This process is executed when the effect pattern specifying unit 106C specifies an effect pattern based on the effect pattern designation command received by the sub control board 106, and the CPU 106A refers to the specified effect pattern. The values of the continuous fluctuation count n and the continuous fluctuation count counter k are set based on the effect pattern designation command. Here, the number of continuous fluctuations n is a value for indicating how many times the continuous fluctuation effect is performed, and the continuous fluctuation number counter k indicates how many times the pseudo-symbol fluctuation / stop display is performed as the continuous fluctuation effect. It is a count value showing. For example, in the initial state where it is determined that three continuous variation effects are to be executed and the effects have not yet been executed, “n = 3” and “k = 3” are set.

  Next, the symbol-related command at the time of the n- (k-1) th change is generated by the command generation unit 106D of the sub-control board 106 (S210). Here, the “n− (k−1) th” is, for example, a calculation formula for specifying how many times the pseudo-symbol variation / stop display is executed as the continuous variation effect. For example, in S200 If “n = 3” and “k = 3” are set, it means “3- (3-1) = 1”.

  The symbol-related command is individually determined for each variation display start / stop display of a plurality of times (twice or more) based on the content of one winning continuous variation effect specified by the effect pattern designation command from the main control board 102. For example, a design pattern designating command for designating a design variation pattern and variation start, each pseudo design designating command for designating a stop design of each pseudo design, other notice designating, checksum designating, etc. once A command required for the pseudo-symbol variation / stop display is generated as a symbol-related command.

  Then, the symbol related command generated by the command generating unit 106D is transmitted from the command transmitting unit 106E to the effect display substrate 110 at each start of variation display of symbol variation / stop display multiple times (two or more times). (S210). Each time the symbol-related command is transmitted to the effect display board effect display board 110 by the processing of S210, the effect symbol display device 62 starts the variable display of the pseudo symbols.

  For example, in the case of three continuous variation effects, the first symbol related command is generated when the first pseudo symbol variation display is started, and this command is transmitted to the effect display board 110. As a result, the first pseudo symbol variation display is started on the effect symbol display device 62. When the first pseudo symbol variation display is finished (the pseudo symbol is stopped) and the second pseudo symbol variation display is started, a second symbol related command is generated, and this command is displayed as an effect display. It is transmitted to the substrate 110. As a result, the second pseudo symbol variation display is started on the effect symbol display device 62. Furthermore, when the second pseudo symbol variation display ends (pseudo symbol stops display) and the third pseudo symbol variation display starts, a third symbol related command is generated, and this command is displayed as an effect. It is transmitted to the substrate 110. As a result, the third variation display of the pseudo symbol is started on the effect symbol display device 62.

  When each symbol-related command is generated, the data of each symbol-related command is temporarily stored in the RAM 106G of the sub-control board 106, but each time the symbol-related command is transmitted to the effect display board 110, Each symbol related command stored in the RAM 106G is deleted. In this way, even when a continuous variation effect is executed, the sub control board 106 does not generate and transmit a plurality of symbol related commands at the same time, so the processing load on the command generation unit 106D and the command transmission unit 106E is reduced. Can be reduced. In addition, the symbol-related command is temporarily stored in the RAM 106G. However, since the previous symbol-related command is deleted before the next symbol-related command is stored, it is mounted on the sub-control board 106. The number of RAMs 106G can be kept to a minimum.

  Next, when a symbol-related command is generated and transmitted to the effect display board 110, the CPU 106A of the sub-control board 106 sets the value of the continuous variation counter k (counter 106F) to -1 (minus 1), and from k to ( k-1) is set (S220).

  Then, the CPU 106A of the sub control board 106 determines whether or not the value of the continuous variation counter k is “0” (S230). The value of the continuous variation counter k is “0” when the symbol related command related to the variation display of the last pseudo symbol is transmitted among the continuous variations set as the continuous variation effect.

  When it is determined that the value of the continuous fluctuation counter k (counter 106F) is “0” (S230: YES), the pseudo symbol fluctuation display as a continuous fluctuation effect will not be started in the future. This continuous variation production will end. That is, with the end of the current continuous variation effect (the end of the variation of this symbol), an effect stop command is transmitted from the main control board 102 to the sub control board 106. Therefore, the CPU 106A of the sub control board 106 determines whether an effect stop command has been received (S240).

  If the value of the continuous fluctuation counter k (counter 106F) is not “0” (S230: NO), the process proceeds to S210 immediately, and the processes after S210 are executed.

  Next, after the value of the continuous fluctuation counter k (counter 106F) is determined to be “0” (S230: YES), when it is determined that an effect stop command has been received (S240: YES), the effect is stopped. The command is transmitted from the command transmission unit 106E of the sub control board 106 to the effect display board 110 (S250). As a result, the pseudo symbol that has been variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 62 is stopped (determined).

  Thereafter, the CPU 106A of the sub control board 106 resets the continuous fluctuation number n and the continuous fluctuation number counter k (S260), and the continuous fluctuation effect process in the sub control board 106 ends.

  Next, the normal variation effect process (one winning single variation effect process) in the sub-control board 106 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a symbol-related command with normal variation is generated by the command generation unit 106D of the sub-control board 106 and transmitted to the effect display board 110 (S300). This symbol-related command is generated in the command transmission unit 106E based on the effect pattern designation command from the main control board 102. For example, the effect pattern designation command for designating the symbol variation pattern and the variation start, and each pseudo symbol Commands required for one-time fluctuation / stop display of pseudo symbols, such as each pseudo symbol designating command for designating stop symbols, other notice designation, checksum designation, etc., are generated as symbol related commands. When this symbol-related command is transmitted to the effect display board, the effect symbol display device 62 starts to display the fluctuating symbols. In the normal variation effect process, the variation display of the pseudo symbol is not continuously performed a plurality of times, and the variation / stop display is performed only once.

  Next, it is judged whether CPU106A of the sub control board 106 received the production stop command (S310).

  When it is determined that an effect stop command has been received (S310: YES), an effect stop command is transmitted from the command transmission unit 106E of the sub control board 106 to the effect display board 110 (S320). As a result, the pseudo symbol that has been variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 62 is stopped (determined). Then, the normal variation effect process in the sub-control board 106 ends.

  Next, the effect display processing in the effect display substrate 110 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the effect display processing on the effect display board 110 shown in FIG. 10 is performed corresponding to the process of S210 of FIG. 8 or S300 of FIG. 9 (the symbol related command transmission process by the command transmission unit 106E of the sub control board 106). It is processing.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 110A of the effect display board 110 determines whether or not a symbol related command is received from the command transmission unit 106E of the sub control board 106 (S400).

  When it is determined that a symbol-related command including one winning continuous variation effect or one winning normal variation effect (one winning single variation effect) is received (S400: YES), whether or not the checksums match, in other words, Whether or not there is an abnormality in the received symbol-related command is determined by CPU 110A of effect display board 110 (S410). Whether or not the checksums match is determined by whether or not the checksum designation commands included in the symbol related commands transmitted from the sub-control board 106 match, and if the checksums match, It is determined that there is no abnormality (normal) in the received symbol related command.

  If it is determined that the checksums match (S410: YES), symbol variation is started (S420). That is, on the effect symbol display device 62, the pseudo symbol is variably displayed only once. It should be noted that data such as the pseudo symbol and the notice symbol displayed along with the variation display of the pseudo symbol is stored in advance in the effect display ROM 168 and is rendered based on this data.

  While the effect symbol display device 62 is executing the effect change processing of the pseudo symbol, it is determined by the timer 110B of the effect display substrate 110 whether or not the change time has elapsed (S430). Here, the variation time is specified based on the effect pattern designation command symbol variation designation command among the symbol related commands.

  When it is determined that the variation time has elapsed by the timer 110B of the effect display board 110 (S430: YES), the CPU 110A of the effect display board 110 stops the symbol fluctuation (S440). The stop of the symbol variation in S440 is a so-called temporary stop, and the variation rate becomes extremely slow to the extent that the player can recognize the stop symbol of the pseudo symbol without being displayed in a completely stopped state. It means a phenomenon (for example, so-called fluctuation of fluctuation).

  CPU 110A of effect display substrate 110 determines whether or not an effect stop command has been received (S450).

  When CPU 110A of effect display substrate 110 determines that an effect stop command has been received (S450: YES), the fluctuating pseudo symbol is completely stopped and displayed, and the stop symbol is confirmed and displayed (S460). Thereby, the effect display ends.

  If it is determined in S450 that an effect stop command has not been received (S450: NO), the process returns immediately before S400, and the processes after S400 are repeated. For example, in the continuous variation effect process that is performed three times, even if the pseudo symbol variation display that is the first continuous variation effect process ends, the process returns to S400 and the pseudo symbol variation display that is the second continuous variation effect process. Is started. Furthermore, even if the pseudo symbol variation display that is the second continuous variation effect process is completed, the process returns to S400, and the pseudo symbol variation display that is the third continuous variation effect process is started. In this way, the process returns to S400 repeatedly for the number of consecutive times, and the pseudo symbol variation / stop display is repeated. In the case of the normal variation effect process, when the first variation display of the pseudo symbol is completed, the process proceeds to S460, the fluctuating pseudo symbol is completely stopped and displayed, and the effect display ends.

  In S410, if it is determined that the checksums do not match, in other words, if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the received symbol-related command (S410: NO), the CPU 110A of the effect display board 110 performs. The symbol variation (command error variation) corresponding to the command error is started (S470). Here, as the command error response variation, a process for causing the effect symbol display device 62 to vary an error symbol meaning a command error at high speed is started. The error symbol data is stored in advance in the effect display ROM 168, and the error symbol is displayed in a variable manner at a higher speed than the normal fluctuation speed, so that the hall in which the player or the pachinko machine 10 is installed. Stakeholders immediately recognize that an error has occurred. Then, after the high-speed fluctuation of the error symbol ends, the process proceeds to S450.

  For example, when the continuous variation effect process that is continued three times is started and the checksum designation command included in the first symbol-related command does not match, the process proceeds from S410 to S470. The error symbol fluctuates at high speed due to the command error response fluctuation in S470. When the checksum designation command included in the second symbol-related command matches, the process proceeds to S420 via S400 and S410, and the second pseudo symbol variation display is performed at a normal variation speed. In this way, when continuous variation effect processing is executed a plurality of times, it is determined whether or not the checksum designation command included in the symbol related command matches each time the effect is started (pseudo symbol variation display start). To be judged. As a result, even if the checksum specification command included in any of the symbol related commands does not match and the error symbol is displayed at high speed, if the checksum specification command included in the next symbol related command matches, the error symbol The high-speed fluctuation display is stopped, and the pseudo symbol is variably displayed at the normal speed. In this way, even when a continuous variation effect process that is continued a plurality of times is started and when any number of checksums do not match, high-speed fluctuation of the error symbol can be stopped early. On the contrary, as in the conventional case, when a symbol-related command related to continuous variation effect processing that is continuously performed a plurality of times is simultaneously transmitted, an error occurs in the checksum designation command included in any number of symbol-related commands. In such a case, even if the checksum designation commands included in the symbol-related commands of other times match, the error symbol continues to fluctuate at high speed. As a result, the error symbol will continue to fluctuate at high speed during the continuous variation effect processing that is repeated a plurality of times, the player will feel uncomfortable and the interest in the game will decrease, and in some cases a pachinko machine 10 will be installed. It becomes necessary to stop the high-speed fluctuation of the error symbol by the hall related personnel, which is an inconvenient and unexpected situation. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to avoid such an unexpected situation by determining whether or not the checksums match each time.

  As described above, in the above embodiment, when an effect pattern designation command is transmitted from the main control board 102 to the sub control board 106, the effect pattern is specified by the effect pattern specifying unit 106C of the sub control board 106, and the effect pattern is In the case of a single winning continuous variation effect, a symbol-related command is individually generated by the command generator 106D for each variation display start of a plurality of symbol variation / stop displays. Thereby, the command generation unit 106D of the sub-control board 106 does not need to generate a plurality of symbol related commands at a time even when the effect pattern is a single winning continuous variation effect. As a result, there is no need to increase the number of RAMs 106G that temporarily store the generated symbol-related commands in the sub control board 106, and the command generation processing load on the command generation unit 106D of the sub control board 106 is reduced. can do. Then, the generated symbol-related command is individually transmitted from the sub control board 106 to the effect display board 110 at each start of a plurality of symbol variation displays. As a result, even if the effect pattern is a single winning continuous variation effect, a plurality of symbol-related commands are not transmitted to the effect display board 110 from the sub control board 106 at a time. There is no need to increase the number of RAMs 110C for storing symbol-related commands transmitted from the control board 106. In addition, since it is not necessary to increase the number of RAMs 110C in the effect display board 110, it is possible to prevent a program for specifying the correspondence between the order of symbol variation and each RAM 110C from becoming complicated. As a result, even when the number of continuous variation effects increases, the processing load for executing the symbol variation effect on the effect display board 110 can be reduced.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a part of electronic control apparatus of the game machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the sub control board which comprises the electronic controller of the gaming machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the effect display control process in the main control board (main control part) of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the effect display control process in the sub control board (1st sub control part) of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the continuous variation effect process in the sub control board (1st sub control part) of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the normal variation production process in the sub control board (first sub control unit) of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the effect display process in the effect display board (2nd sub-control part) of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the off symbol change pattern transmitted from the main control board (main control part) of the game machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the hit design fluctuation pattern transmitted from the main control board (main control part) of the gaming machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. Symbol-related command transmitted from the main control board (main control unit) to the effect display board (second sub control unit) via the sub control board (first sub control unit) at the start of one winning continuous (single) variation effect FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a symbol-related command that is generated by the sub control board (first sub control unit) and transmitted to the effect display board (second sub control unit).

Explanation of symbols

10 Pachinko machines (game machines)
102 Main control board (main control unit)
106 Sub-control board (first sub-control unit)
106C Production pattern specifying unit (Production content specifying means)
106D Command generator (control signal generator)
106E Command transmitter (control signal transmitter)
110 Effect display board (second sub-control unit)
110A CPU (control signal determination means)

Claims (2)

Receiving a first control signal relating to a game effect from the start port, a main control unit that controls the progress of the game by determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start port; the second sub-control unit for executing the game effects based on the first and the sub-control unit, the second control signal received from the first sub-control unit for transmitting a second control signal for executing the game effects And a symbol display device that is connected to the second sub-control unit and displays the symbols variably based on the result of the determination of success or failure ,
The first sub-control unit
Based on the first control signal from the main control unit, directing the contents of the game effects is 1 prize or a single change effect, or of the symbol variable and stop display of the symbols is performed once Effect content specifying means for specifying whether the change and stop display is a one-winning continuous change effect that is continuously executed twice or more ;
The effect contents specified by the contents of rendering specific means, in the case of the 1 winning continuously variable effect, said to execute variations and stop display of the symbols on the multiple corresponding to the 1 winning continuously variable effect A control signal generating means for individually generating a second control signal for each start of a plurality of symbol variations and stop displays ;
It said second control signal generated by said control signal generating means, a plurality of control signal transmission means for transmitting separately for the second sub-control unit variation and every start of each stop display of the symbols , equipped with a,
Each time the second sub-control unit receives the second control signal from the control signal transmission means, the symbol display device starts the variable display of the symbol . The first sub-control unit
If the effect content specified by the effect content specifying means is the one-winning single-change effect, the second sub-control unit directly uses the command indicating the result of the determination of the success / failure in the first control signal. To
When the effect content specified by the effect content specifying means is the one-winning continuously variable effect, the second control generated based on a command indicating the result of the success / failure determination in the first control signal. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a signal is transmitted to the second sub-control unit .

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