JP4922647B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  In general, for gaming machines such as pachinko machines, the winning prize of the ball at the starting prize opening provided on the game board is a big win (also called “special prize”) / outage lottery by the built-in program, and the result of lottery In the case of jackpot, a privilege is given to the player. In addition, the gaming machine has a function for performing various effects corresponding to the lottery results. For example, the gaming machine may include an effect symbol display device such as a liquid crystal display that variably displays a special symbol for notifying an actual lottery result composed of a plurality of numbers, figures, etc. and an effect symbol composed of a video such as a character. There is something in the game board. The reason for performing the display of the effect symbol and the display of the special symbol separately is that the special symbol used for the actual lottery result notification has legal restrictions on the effect, etc. This is because it does not display a big hit or miss according to the regulations but is an effect screen for attracting the player, and thus is not subject to the laws and regulations concerning the display imposed on the special symbol. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the method of expressing the effect symbol is higher than that of the special symbol, and the gaming machine manufacturer can make the variation pattern of the effect symbol rich in variety. In other words, various reach actions that cannot be expressed by special symbols can be expressed by directing symbols. 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 bore the player, and the entertainment of the gaming machine is 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. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the control unit 200 in the gaming machine 100.

  As shown in the figure, the control unit mainly includes three control units: a main control unit 310, a sub control unit 340, and a display control unit 370.

  The main control unit 310 determines reach, jackpot, probability variation, loss, etc., various commands to the sub-control unit 340 in accordance with a random number generated internally based on the detection of the game ball by winning the start winning opening. And overall control of the gaming machine. The main control unit 310 also controls the special symbol display device 102 that displays special symbols. The sub control unit 340 transmits a command for controlling the display control unit 370 based on the command transmitted from the main control unit 310. Further, the sub-control unit 340 controls blinking of lamps provided in the game area, control of sound output from the speaker of the gaming machine, character figure provided in the game area, etc. by controlling the rotation of the motor, etc. The movable object control for the production is performed. The display control unit 370 controls the effect symbol display device 103 such as a liquid crystal display device based on the command transmitted from the sub control unit 340.

  The variation mode in the effect symbol display device 103 is selected and determined by a variation pattern command transmitted from the main control unit 310 to the sub control unit 340. The variation pattern command is a command for instructing a variation mode of the effect symbol displayed on the screen of the effect symbol display device 103 at the time of reach, special prize, or losing. The main control unit 310 transmits, to the sub-control unit 340, a variation pattern command for instructing the variation pattern of the effect symbol, an effect symbol designation command for instructing a combination of the stop symbol of the effect symbol, and the like. The sub control unit 340 transmits the change pattern command and the liquid crystal display command created based on the change pattern command and the effect designating command to the display control unit 370. The display control unit 370 that has received the change pattern command instructs the effect symbol display device 103 to perform the specified effect operation during the change time specified by the change pattern command.

  Now, many of the current gaming machines such as pachinko machines are equipped with a probability variation system that shifts to either a probability variation state or a normal probability state with a predetermined probability after a jackpot. In other words, if the jackpot is shifted to the probability variation state after the jackpot, the next jackpot is increased by increasing the probability of obtaining the jackpot next (eg, jackpot probability 1/320 in the normal probability state → jackpot probability 1/60 in the probability variation state). It is easy to happen. Furthermore, by increasing the game digestion speed in the probability variation state from 1.5 times to 2.0 times the game digestion speed in the normal probability state (time reduction function), it is possible to proceed without reducing the number of balls obtained at the big hit. So that you can get big hits quickly. Accordingly, whether or not to enter the probability variation state is a very important concern for the player, and the function of this probability variation has greatly enhanced the entertainment of the gaming machine. When the probability variation state is due to the jackpot, the gaming machine notifies the information to the player and hall related persons (pachinko hall employees, etc.). As specific notification methods for the player, a method of displaying on the effect symbol display device in a sentence that the state of probability variation is in text, a method of notifying that the speaker built in the gaming machine is in a state of probability variation, a probability, There are a method of changing the background color of the effect design during the fluctuation, and a method of blinking a lamp installed at the upper part of the gaming machine during the probability fluctuation.

  Furthermore, recently, in addition to shifting to either the probability variation state or the normal probability state after jackpot, a model equipped with a probability variation system that can shift to the probability variation state even after a small hit is being developed. A small win is when the special winning opening is opened twice in 0.3 seconds when a display device with varying special symbols (or production symbols) is stopped and displayed in a specific combination. Also called per 2R (round). In the case of 2R, the chances of winning a prize are very low because the grand prize opening is opened only twice in a short time of 0.3 seconds, and therefore there is almost no prize ball. On the other hand, the normal hit is per 15R normal hit or 15R probability variation, and a lot of prize balls are generated during jackpot control. In this probability variation system, there are a case where a probability variation state is reached via a normal hit and a case where a probability variation state is reached via a small hit. In the present specification, the former case is referred to as “normal probability change”, and the latter case is referred to as “sudden probability change”.

  An example of a gaming machine having a sudden probability change function is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

JP 2005-160740 A

  In the probability fluctuation system having both the normal probability variation and the sudden probability variation function described above, the variation mode displayed on the effect symbol display device after the hit operation is different depending on whether the normal probability variation has occurred or the sudden probability variation has occurred. If the production is performed, the entertainment of the gaming machine is further enhanced. As a method for performing such an effect, for example, the main control unit uses a sub-control unit for a variation pattern command that varies depending on the probability variation state (probability variation state due to normal probability variation or probability variation state due to sudden probability variation) after the hit operation ends. The method of transmitting to can be considered. The sub-control unit switches the effect as instructed by the received variation pattern command. However, if this method is adopted, the main control unit needs to prepare a variation pattern command for normal probability variation and a variation pattern command for sudden probability variation separately. Increased variety. This complicates the selection process of the variation pattern command by the main control unit and causes a problem that the load on the main control unit increases. On the other hand, since there is a legal upper limit for the CPU performance that can be used in the main control unit board on which the main control unit is mounted, the main control unit is applied by simplifying the processing of the main control unit as much as possible. It is necessary to avoid an increase in load.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and the purpose thereof is to produce a probability variation state due to normal probability variation and a probability variation state due to sudden probability variation without increasing the load on the main control unit. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that varies the effect patterns (variation modes) displayed on the symbol display device.

  In order to achieve such an object, in the present invention, the main control unit determines whether or not the game probability state (normal probability variation state or sudden probability variation) at that time after the end of the big hit (also referred to as normal hit) or small hit operation. A state designation command representing (state) is transmitted to the sub-control unit. The sub-control unit receives the state designation command and holds the game probability state after the end of the big hit or small hit operation. Next, when receiving the variation pattern command, the sub-control unit converts the received variation pattern command into another variation pattern command based on the held game probability state or transmits it to the display control unit without conversion. As an example, if the held game probability state is a sudden probability change state, the sub-control unit converts the command ID of the received variation pattern command into another command ID and displays the converted variation pattern command Send to the control unit. In this way, the sub-control unit converts the received variation pattern command into another variation pattern command based on the held game probability state or transmits it to the display control unit without conversion, so that the normal probability variation state The control is performed so that the effect pattern in the difference between the effect pattern in the sudden change state and the effect pattern is suddenly changed.

  That is, the gaming machine of the present invention has a first command (state designation command; see FIG. 13) that instructs the start of the first probability variation state (normal probability variation) or the second probability variation state (sudden probability variation). And a first control unit (main control unit 310) that outputs a second command (fluctuation pattern command; see FIG. 11) for instructing the variation mode of the effect design, and a second command based on the first command. And a second control unit (sub-control unit 340) that performs control to vary the variation pattern of the effect symbol between the first probability variation state and the second probability variation state.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to make the production pattern in the probability variation state rich in variety without increasing the processing load of the main control unit, and the entertainment of the gaming machine is further enhanced.

  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) It is mainly provided with a variable winning ball device 109 having a big winning opening, a gaming machine handle 111, a special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (hold lamp) 112, a normal symbol action memory indicator lamp (hold 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 prize is given when the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 102 is a predetermined combination of symbols. 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 has elapsed, 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 a specific normal symbol, and facilitates winning in the second start winning port 108. The first start winning opening 104 is always open.

  When the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 102 is a combination of specific symbols that are determined in advance, that is, when the special winning symbol device 109 becomes a special prize, An opening / closing member 114 attached to the front performs opening and closing operations.

  During the special award, the opening / closing member 114 opens almost horizontally, and the variable winning ball device 109 that receives a winning game ball is opened to receive a large number of winning game balls. When a game ball wins the variable winning ball device 109, a large winning opening switch inside the variable winning ball device 109 is turned on, so that the gaming machine knows the number of game balls to the variable winning ball device 109 and wins the prize. There will be an opportunity to pay out the prize balls (out balls, safe balls) associated with. The opening of the variable winning ball device 109 is continued until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (a predetermined number of winning prize winning prizes) of game balls wins the variable winning ball device 109. 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.

  The variable winning ball device 109 may have V zones (not shown) therein. When there is a V zone, if at least one game ball passes through a specific area while the variable winning ball apparatus 109 that is performing a jackpot is opened, a specific area switch inside the variable winning ball apparatus 109 is turned ON. The gaming machine is given an opportunity to generate the 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 variable resistor inside the gaming machine handle 111 detects that the gaming machine handle 111 is rotated clockwise 117 or counterclockwise 118. Then, the ball launcher launches game balls continuously. The player can turn the gaming machine handle 111 clockwise 117 or counterclockwise 118 to adjust the launch route of the game ball launched onto the game board 101. Further, when the player presses the stop button 116, the ball launcher stops launching the game ball.

  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. The player can display a favorite effect screen on the effect symbol display device 103 by operating the effect changeover switch 120 or can control the operation of the effectable movable object.

(Configuration of control unit of gaming machine)
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 transmits various commands such as a variation pattern command, an effect symbol designation command, and a state designation command representing a game probability state to the sub-control unit 340. The main control unit 310 also controls the special symbol display device 102.

  The sub-control unit 340 holds the current game probability state by receiving the state designation command. Next, the sub-control unit 340 converts the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control unit 310 into another variation pattern command to the display control unit 370 when the held game probability state is a sudden probability variation state. Send. On the other hand, when the game probability state is the normal probability variation state, the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control unit 310 is transmitted to the display control unit 370 without conversion. Details of the conversion process of the variation pattern command according to such a game probability state will be described later. When the sub-control unit 340 receives the variation pattern command, the sub-control unit 340 controls the blinking of the lamps provided in the gaming area, controls the sound output from the speaker of the gaming machine, and controls the rotation of the motor to enter the gaming area. Performing movable object control such as provided character figures is performed. The display control unit 370 controls the effect symbol display device 103 such as a liquid crystal display device in accordance with the variation pattern 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, a special winning opening solenoid output port 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 display. Lamp port 436, normal symbol operation memory display lamp port 438, sub-control command output port (transmitting variation pattern command, effect symbol designation command, state designation command, etc.) 440, payout control command output port 442, external information An output port 444 and an input port 426 are provided. The effect symbol designation command is a command for designating a stop symbol pattern of the effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 103. The state designation command is a normal control change state start or a sudden probability change state start (including operation start of the variable time shortening function depending on the case) after the big hit or small hit operation ends, and further, the end of each state is sent to the sub-control unit 340. This is a command for notification, and details thereof will be described later.

  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 107, the normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) via the output ports 428 to 438, 444. ) 113, the special prize opening solenoid 446, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 448, and the external information output unit 454 are directly controlled. 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, state 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 transmission control of various commands to the sub-control unit 340 by the main control unit 310 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 big winning opening switch 414 is turned on when the game ball that has won the variable winning ball device 109 passes through this switch in the subsequent jackpot operation when the special prize is won, and the main control unit 310 detects the winning of the game ball. Do.

  The other switches 418 are turned on when a game ball that has won a prize other than the first start winning opening 104, the second starting winning opening 108, and the variable winning ball apparatus 109 passes this switch. The control unit 310 detects a winning of a game ball.

  When the specific area switch 416 is mounted, the switch is turned on when a game ball that has passed the specific area while the variable winning ball device 109 is opened passes through this switch, and the main control unit 310 Detect the next round's right occurrence. 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, for example, a game control program that implements the processes of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7, 12, 16, and 19 that define the contents of the game control process performed by the CPU of the main control unit 310. To do. The ROM 420 further stores various parameter values for controlling the gaming machine, such as a variation pattern command, an effect symbol designation command, and a state designation command transmitted to the sub-control unit 340 (FIGS. 8 to 11). FIG. 13). In the present embodiment, the main control unit 310 selects a state designation command to be transmitted to the sub control unit 340 according to the game probability state (normal probability change state, sudden probability change state) information stored in the RAM 424.

  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. And a game probability state storage area for storing the current game probability state (normal probability or high probability).

  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 big prize opening solenoid 446 is one of the components of the variable prize ball device 109, and when the prize is won, the main control is performed on the opening / closing member 114 attached to the front surface of the variable prize ball device 109 in the subsequent big hit operation. Open based on an instruction from the unit 310.

  When the normal symbol display device 107 stops displaying the normal symbol, the normal electric accessory solenoid 448 opens the normal electric accessory 108 based on an instruction from the main control unit 310.

  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 substrate for providing information from the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 to the information display device 201. The information display device 201 is electrically connected to the gaming machine via the external information output unit 454 of the gaming machine. The CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 can output to the information display device 201 a signal for knowing the stop of symbol variation, the big hit state, etc. via the external information output unit 454. Examples of the signal include a jackpot signal, a winning number signal, a start 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. The ROM 510 stores a program for the sub control unit 340. In the present embodiment, the ROM 510 stores a program that realizes the processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  The sub-control unit 340 receives a sub-control command (variation pattern command, effect symbol designation command, state designation command) transmitted by the main control unit 310. In the present embodiment, in particular, the sub-control unit 340 holds the game probability state based on the received state designation command. Specifically, the sub-control unit 340 receives a state designation command from the main control unit 310 at the timing when the winning end effect ends after the hitting operation ends (any hitting operation based on a special symbol may be used). Is changed to the gaming state based on the transmitted state designation command. Next, as will be described later, the sub-control unit 340 converts the received variation pattern command into another variation pattern command according to the game probability state held by the sub-control unit 340, or converts the received variation pattern command into the display control unit 370 without conversion. Send. Furthermore, the sub-control unit 340 creates a liquid crystal display command according to the effect designating command (specifically, determines the effect design that is actually displayed on the display device) and transmits the command 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.

  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 change switch 120. By operating the effect changeover switch 120, the player can display a favorite effect screen on the effect symbol display device 103, or 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.

  Next, processing of the main control unit 310 and the sub control unit 340 regarding the variation pattern command and the state designation command will be described.

(Processing content of main control unit 310)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the change pattern command selection process by the main control unit 310.

  When the main control unit 310 detects that the first starting winning port 104 or the second starting winning port 108 has won a game ball launched by the player (S700), a lottery of big hit / small hit / out (S701). Next, the main control unit 310 proceeds to the processing of S703 when the lottery result is a big hit or small win, and moves to the processing of S708 when it is out (S702). That is, the main control unit 310 obtains a random number value from the jackpot random number counter at the timing when a winning is detected, compares the random number value with the jackpot determination value, and determines the jackpot (first hit operation) ) Or small hitting (second hitting operation). If it does not coincide with any jackpot determination value, it is determined that it is off. In the case of a big hit or a small win, the main control unit 310 further draws a winning type and a winning effect symbol (stop symbol) (S703) and holds them (S704). The hit type includes sudden probability change, normal probability change, and normal probability (non-probability change), and indicates a probability state after the big hit or small hit operation is finished. The win type indicates, for example, the probability state after the big winning opening is opened 15 times (30 seconds / times) in the case of a big win, and the big winning opening is opened twice in 0.3 seconds in the case of a small hit. The probability state after The main control unit 310 determines whether the result of lottery in S703 is a big win or a small win (S705). Next, the main control unit 310 draws a variation pattern number to be transmitted to the sub-control unit 340 from the small hit variation pattern lottery table if it is a small hit (S706). A variation pattern number is drawn from the pattern lottery table (S707). On the other hand, if the result of the S703 lottery is out, the outlier design symbol (stop symbol) is drawn out and held (S708), and the variation pattern number is drawn out of the outlier variation pattern lottery table (S709).

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a small hit variation pattern lottery table (normal probability small hit variation pattern lottery table, probability variation small hit variation pattern lottery table). FIG. 9 shows an example of a jackpot variation pattern lottery table (normal probability jackpot variation pattern lottery table, probability variation jackpot variation pattern lottery table). FIG. 10 shows an example of a deviation variation pattern lottery table (normal probability deviation variation pattern lottery table, probability variation deviation variation pattern lottery table). Here, the probability variation small hit variation pattern lottery table, the probability variation big hit variation pattern lottery table, and the probability variation deviation variation pattern lottery table are commonly referred to during normal probability variation and sudden probability variation. That is, the main control unit 310 not only recognizes (identifies) the probability state, but also controls not to manage each identification of the normal probability variation or the sudden probability variation that is the same high probability state. In addition, since the probability state is managed, the variation time in the variation pattern is set to the same variation time so that either normal probability variation or sudden probability variation can be selected. As a result, the control burden on the main control unit 310 can be reduced.

  The main control unit 310 selects the variation pattern lottery table according to the current game probability state (normal probability state or probability variation state) when the variation pattern command is lottery triggered by the start prize. If it is the normal probability state, the normal probability variation pattern lottery table is selected, and if it is the high probability state, the high probability variation pattern lottery table is selected. The main control unit 310 selects the small hit variation pattern lottery table when the winning random number selected at the time of starting winning is “small hit”. When it is “big hit”, the big hit fluctuation pattern lottery table is selected. When it is “off”, the off fluctuation pattern lottery table is selected. That is, when the main control unit 310 is “small hit”, if the current gaming machine probability state is a normal probability state, the main control unit 310 draws a variation pattern number from the normal probability small hit variation pattern lottery table, If the current game probability state is a probability variation state, a variation pattern number is selected from the probability variation small hit variation pattern lottery table. Further, if the current game probability state is the normal probability state, the main control unit 310 draws a variation pattern number from the normal probability jackpot variation pattern lottery table if the current game probability state is the normal probability state. If the probability state is a probability variation state, a variation pattern number is selected from the probability variation jackpot variation pattern lottery table.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a variation pattern command that the main control unit 310 transmits to the sub control unit 340. Numbers 1 to 120 are assigned to the variation pattern commands. The variation pattern command is composed of a 1-byte command ID and a 1-byte EVENT. The command IDs of the variation pattern commands are all the same “A0” H, while EVENT is different for each number (“01” H to “78” H, where H is a hexadecimal symbol). The main control unit 310 transmits to the sub control unit 340 a variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern number selected by the above-described processing.

  Returning to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the main control unit 310 performs a variation pattern command corresponding to the selected variation pattern number, a production symbol (stop symbol) designation command, a big hit, a small hit, a hit start command, and an end The hit end command is sequentially transmitted to the sub-control unit 340 (S710 to S713).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of a state designation command selection process by the main control unit 310.

  When the main control unit 310 detects that the first start winning port 104 or the second start winning port 108 has won a game ball launched by the player, the main control unit 310 performs lottery / small hit / out ( S1201). When the winning operation (the big winning opening is opened 15 times (30 seconds / times in the case of a big win, the big winning opening is opened twice in 0.3 seconds in the case of a small win) is completed, the main control unit 310 Then, it is determined whether or not the hit type suddenly changes (S1204). When the hit type is suddenly probable, a state designation command for instructing the sudden probability change state start is transmitted to the sub-control unit 340 (S1208). On the other hand, if the hit type is not suddenly probable, it is next determined whether the hit type is normal probability or normal probability change (S1205). When the hit type is a normal probability, a state designation command for instructing the start of a normal probability state is transmitted to the sub-control unit 340 (S1206). When the hit type is a normal probability change, a state specification for instructing the start of a normal probability change state The command is transmitted to the sub control unit 340 (S1207). Although not shown, the main control unit 310 transmits a state designation command for instructing start of variation time reduction control.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a state designation command that the main control unit 310 transmits to the sub control unit 340. The state designation command consists of a 1-byte command ID and a 1-byte EVENT. The command ID of the state designation command is “82” H, and EVENT differs depending on the hit type (“00” H to “02” H, where H is a hexadecimal symbol). When the hit type is normal probability, normal probability variation, sudden probability variation state designation commands (normal probability state indication, normal probability variation state indication, sudden probability variation state indication) are “8200” H and “8201” H, respectively. , “8202” H.

  Although not shown, when each of the above states ends, a command (instruction) for instructing the end is transmitted. At this time, an end instruction command may be prepared and transmitted for each state, or the end instruction may be shared to form one command, and the common command may be transmitted at the end of each state.

(Processing contents of sub-control unit 340)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of processing of the sub control unit 340 related to various commands transmitted by the main control unit 310.

  According to FIG. 14, the sub control unit 340 monitors the reception of the variation pattern command, the effect design designation command, and the state designation command from the main control unit 310. Next, when receiving the variation pattern command, the sub-control unit 340 executes variation pattern command reception processing (S1401, S1402), and when receiving an effect symbol designation command, executes effect symbol designation command reception processing (S1403, S1404). When the status designation command is received, status designation command reception processing (S1405, S1406) is executed.

  In the present embodiment, the sub-control unit 340 performs a process of converting the variation pattern command based on the game probability state designated by the state designation command. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the conversion process.

  The sub-control unit 340 receives the state designation command (normal probability state instruction (8200H), normal probability variation state instruction (8201H), sudden probability variation state instruction (8202H)) transmitted from the main control unit 310 at the time of the big hit (S1501). ), The game probability state is set in the game probability state setting unit (S1502). Next, when a variation pattern command is received from the main control unit 310 (S1503), the sub-control unit 340 determines whether or not the game probability state set in the game probability state setting unit is suddenly changed (S1504). When the game probability state suddenly changes, the sub-control unit 340 adds a predetermined number (for example, 3) to the command ID of the received variation pattern command, thereby receiving the variation pattern command received from the main control unit 310. Is converted into another variation pattern command (S1505). That is, when the game probability state suddenly changes, the sub-control unit 240 converts the command ID of the received change pattern command from A0H to A3H. Next, the sub control unit 340 transmits the converted variation pattern command to the display control unit 370 (S1506). On the other hand, if the game probability state is not suddenly changed, the sub-control unit 340 transmits the received variation pattern command to the display control unit 370 without conversion. That is, the sub-control unit 340 transmits a variation pattern command having a command ID of A0H to the display control unit 370. As a result of this conversion processing, a variation pattern command that is different depending on whether the game probability state is a sudden probability change or a normal probability change is transmitted to the display control unit 370 (S1506).

  In the present embodiment, it is only necessary to realize a different variation mode between the case where the game probability state is the normal probability change and the case of the sudden probability change. Therefore, the sub-control unit 340 only has to send different variation pattern commands to the display control unit 370 in the case of normal probability variation and sudden probability variation, and there is no particular restriction on the conversion method of the variation pattern command. For example, contrary to the above-described method, when the game probability state is a normal probability change, the received variation pattern command is converted into another variation pattern command and transmitted to the display control unit 370. The received variation pattern command may be transmitted to the display control unit 370 as it is.

(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 and the liquid crystal display command transmitted from the sub-control unit 340, and varies the effect symbol of the effect symbol display device 103 according to the variation pattern command and the liquid crystal display command. , Stop.

  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, the liquid crystal display command, and the state designation 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, and specifically stores an image display control program that defines the contents of image display control performed by the CPU 620. 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 case, 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, an example of the game control process executed by the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16 is a game control interrupt process performed when the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 reads and executes 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. 16, when the gaming machine is turned on, the main control unit 310 clears the RAM 424 and performs initial setting (step 1510), 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 1512), 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 1516) 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 for each first predetermined period” in which special symbol change start processing in special game management processing (step 1516) described later is performed. It is transmitted in the command output management process (step 1514) 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 1516) 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. 17 shows the contents of a command (effect designating command) transmitted from the main control unit 310 to the sub-control unit 340 and a command (liquid crystal display command) transmitted from the sub-control unit 340 to the display control unit 370 that has received the command. It is a table | surface which shows.

  Both the effect designating command and the liquid crystal display command are composed of a 1-byte command ID and a 1-byte EVENT. The command ID of the effect designating command is “B1” H, and EVENT is “00” to “04” H. On the other hand, the “command ID” portion of the liquid crystal display command is “B1” H, and EVENT is “00” to “07” H. That is, the main control unit 310 transmits an effect designating command that can identify the jackpot type to the sub-control unit 340, and the sub-control unit 340 specifies an effect design for each type transmitted from the main control unit 310. A selection target is specified from the command, and an effect symbol to be specifically displayed on the effect symbol display device 103 is selected / determined and transmitted to the display control unit 370.

  Returning to FIG. 16, the reason why the command output management process (step 1514) 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 there is a high possibility that each interrupt will occur in the second half of the interrupt processing for each first predetermined period, the command output management process (step 1514) having a long processing time is performed in the second half of the interrupt processing for each first predetermined period. If it is placed in the part, 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 1514) is likely to be interrupted 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 1514) 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 1514) and the interrupt timing for each second predetermined period are prevented from overlapping as much as possible.

(Special game management process (step 1516))
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. Designated commands and special symbols (left) and special symbols (right) stop symbols, etc. And stores that A. 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 receives the big prize opening data and the big prize opening closing data for instructing the big prize opening operation solenoid 446 to release the variable prize ball device 109 for a predetermined time. The data is 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 for directly changing the special symbol to change it (for example, as a control related to the special game management process (step 1516), a special symbol change timer is set, or the special symbol display device 102 is set. In the command output management process (step 1514) of the interrupt process that occurs 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. 18, the timing at which the effect symbol shifts from the stop 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).

  As described above, the effect symbols are changed and the symbols are determined after the special symbols start to change and the special symbols are determined.

(Normal game management processing (step 1518))
At the start of normal symbol variation due to the passage of the sphere 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 winning random number on the RAM 424. Prepare 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 1520))
In order to transmit game state information from the main control unit 310 to the outside of the gaming machine via the external information output unit 454, the main control unit 310 transmits information to the outside by performing external information processing.

(Solenoid control processing (step 1521))
The main control unit 310 instructs the big winning opening solenoid 446 to open or close the variable winning ball apparatus 109 based on the big winning opening opening data and the big winning opening closing data stored in the predetermined area on the RAM 424. . 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 1522))
In step 1522 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, off symbol random number, etc.).

Next, interrupt processing for each second predetermined period will be described.
(Win lottery random number update process (step 1530))
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 1532))
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. The special jackpot special design 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.

  When the main control unit 310 detects the passing 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 reads the hit random number from the hit random number loop counter. Store on the 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 variable winning ball device 109 at the time of the big hit operation by the big winning port switch 414. The results of winning detection of the other winning ports other than the first starting winning port 104, the second starting winning port 108, and the variable winning ball device 109 by the other switch 418 are stored on the RAM 424. In particular, when detecting a winning to the variable winning ball apparatus 109, 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. Further, 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 detecting that the switch is turned on.

(Prize ball payout management process (step 1534))
In the input process (step 1532), the special symbol start switch 410 memorized in the first start winning port 104 or the second start winning port 108 is stored in the RAM 424. For each result of winning detection to the winning ball device 109, and other detection results for the other starting ports other than the first starting winning port 104, the second starting winning port 108, and the variable winning ball device 109 by the switch 418. The main control unit 310 stores on the RAM 424 the number of prize balls to be paid out corresponding to each preset number of prize balls.

  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. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a series of processing contents including the special game management process (step 1516) and the normal game management process (step 1518) of FIG.

  In step 1910, 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 1934) is performed, and the process proceeds to step 1940. 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 change starts with the reservation of the winning ball or the holding ball, the process proceeds to step 1912.

  In step 1912, 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, that is, when the game probability state is in a high probability (when the probability changes), the number of special prize values for determining a special prize is increased, and the special prize probability is increased. 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 1914, when the determination result in step 1912 is a special prize, the main control unit 310 uses a special jackpot special symbol random number loop counter (100 values from 0 to 99) stored in the RAM 424 in the same manner as the jackpot random number. A plurality of symbols to be stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 102 and the effect symbol display device 103 are determined. On the other hand, in the case of losing, a plurality of symbols to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 102 are determined from the losing symbol random numbers (21 values from 0 to 20) read from the losing special symbol random number loop counter.

  In step 1916, 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 1918, 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 1920, the main control unit 310 determines a normal rendering time (seconds) corresponding to the rendering symbol variation uniquely determined from the command ID of the variation pattern command. After setting the value, a special symbol variation timer for monitoring the variation of the special symbol is set to a normal production time (seconds). The normal performance time (seconds) is unique to each command ID of the variation pattern command, and the number of seconds differs for each event 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 1940, the main control unit 310 checks that 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 1942.

  In step 1942, the main control unit 310 determines whether or not to start the normal symbol variation to start based on the winning random number related to the normal symbol variation stored in the RAM 424. When it is determined that the winning random number does not match the winning value, the winning flag on the RAM 424 is turned OFF, and when it is determined that the winning random number matches the winning value, the winning flag is turned ON.

  Here, when the probability variation flag is ON or the time reduction flag is ON, the number of hit values for hit determination is increased to increase the hit probability.

  In step 1944, the main control unit 310 determines a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 107 from the hit determination result. For example, assume that the hit determination is “hit flag ON” and the stop symbol data of the normal symbol uniquely determined from the 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 1946, the main control unit 308 stores normal symbol variation instruction data instructing normal symbol variation in a predetermined area on the RAM 424.

  When the information required for the normal symbol variation is stored, in step 1948, the main control unit 310 sets a normal symbol variation timer for monitoring the normal symbol variation to a predetermined value.

  Returning to FIG. 16, the main control unit 310 executes the special game management process (step 1516) 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 1918 in FIG. 19). Similarly, the main control unit 310 executes normal game management processing (step 1518) based on the information required for normal symbol variation stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424, and starts normal symbol variation (FIG. 19). Step 1946). After that (for example, after 4 msec or more), a command output management process (step 1514) 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 shown in FIG. 19 is called again from the process shown in FIG. 16 by the interrupt process, and in step 1910 and step 1922, the main control unit 310 turns off the big hit / medium flag and the symbol variation timer is not 0, that is, not big hit. If it is determined that the special symbol is changing, the process proceeds to step 1924. In step 1924, the main control unit 310 subtracts the special symbol variation timer by the interrupt period T (for example, 4 msec). In Step 1910 and Step 1922, when the jackpot, special symbol variation start, or special symbol variation is not occurring, the main control unit 310 advances the process to Step 1930.

  In step 1926, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation timer is 0. If the special symbol variation timer is 0, in step 1928, the special symbol is displayed with the stop symbol stored in the predetermined area on the RAM 424 in step 1914. 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 1930). If the special prize flag is ON, the main control unit 310 sets the big hit flag in step 1932. The information of the jackpot start command (command ID 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 1514) of FIG. This command is a command for displaying a big hit start screen on the effect symbol display device 103.

  Further, in step 1932, 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 to a predetermined value. 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 1940.

  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 1940. In addition, the main control unit 310 checks the special prize flag (step 1130), and if the special prize flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step 1940.

  When the main control unit 310 determines that the normal symbol variation timer is not 0, that is, during normal symbol variation (step 1940 → step 1950), the main control unit 310 subtracts the normal symbol variation timer by the interrupt cycle T (for example, 4 mec) (step 1952).

  When the normal symbol variation timer becomes 0, the main control unit 310 stores normal symbol stop instruction data for instructing normal symbol variation stop in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 (step 1954 → step 1956).

  When the normal symbol variation timer is 0, that is, when the normal symbol is not varying, the main control unit 310 checks the hit flag (step 1958). If the hit flag is ON, the main control unit 310 sets the normal electric accessory 108 to a predetermined value. The hit processing instruction data for instructing the ordinary electric accessory actuating solenoid 448 to release for the time is stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 (step 1960). 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 1516) and the normal game management process (step 1518).

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 one Embodiment of the conventional control part of a game machine. 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 figure which shows the flowchart showing the flow of the selection process of the change pattern command by the main control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the table for small variation pattern lottery. It is a figure which shows an example of the table for jackpot fluctuation pattern lottery. It is a figure which shows an example of the table for deviation variation pattern lottery. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern command which a main control part transmits to a sub-control part. It is a figure which shows the flowchart showing the flow of the selection process of the state designation | designated command by a main control part. It is a figure which shows an example of the state designation | designated command which a main control part transmits to a sub-control part. It is a figure which shows the flowchart showing the schematic operation | movement of the process of the sub control part in connection with the various commands which a main control part transmits. It is a figure which shows the flowchart showing the flow of the process in which a sub control part converts a variation pattern command based on the game probability state designated by the state designation command. It is a figure which shows the flowchart showing an example of the game control process which CPU of a main control part performs. It is a figure which shows the content of the production design designation | designated command and the command for liquid crystal display. It is a figure which shows the time relationship of the fluctuation | variation stop of a special symbol and an effect symbol. It is a figure which shows the flowchart showing the outline of a special game management process and a normal game management process.

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 Variable winning ball device 111 having a big winning opening 111 Game machine handle 112 Special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp)
113 Normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp (hold lamp)
119 Special symbol change time shortening switch 120 Effect changeover switch 200, 300 Control unit 210, 310 Main control unit 240, 340 Sub control unit 270, 370 Display control unit 410 Special symbol start switch 412 Normal symbol operation switch 414 Big prize opening switch 416 Specific area switch 418 Other switch 420 ROM
422 CPU
424 RAM
426 Input port 428 Large winning opening solenoid output port 430 Normal electric accessory solenoid output port 432 Special symbol display output port 434 Normal symbol display output port 436 Special symbol operation memory indicator port 438 Normal symbol operation memory indicator port 440 Sub control command output port 442 Payout control command output port 444 External information output port 446 Large prize opening solenoid 448 Normal electric accessory solenoid 450 Discharge control unit 452 Prize ball payout device 510 ROM
512 RAM
514 CPU
516 Various input ports 518 Various output ports 520 Lamp display device 522 Sound effect generator 524 Production movable object 610 Program ROM
612 RAM
614 Video RAM
616 Character ROM
618 Input port 620 CPU
622 LSI for Image Processing (VDP)
624 output port

Claims (4)

In a gaming machine comprising a main control unit that controls the entire gaming machine, a sub-control unit that controls at least a production control target, and a display control unit that controls the variation display of the production symbol.
When the main control unit detects that a game ball has won at the start winning opening, it executes a lottery for winning or losing, and in the case of winning, draws one of the winning types. Then, the winning prize opening is opened and a hit operation according to the hit type is executed,
The plurality of winning types include a first winning action for opening the special winning opening a predetermined number of times and a second winning action having a smaller number of times for opening the special winning opening compared to the first winning action. Including at least
The main control unit, first for instructing the start of the second probability change state generated in the first start of the probability change state or after completion of said second per behavior that occurs after the end of the first per operation and a command and a second command that instructs the variation mode of the performance symbols transmitted to the sub control unit,
The sub-control unit transmits a command obtained by converting the second command to the display control unit when the first command instructs the start of the first probability variation state, and the first control When the command instructs the start of the second probability variation state, the gaming machine is characterized in that the second command is transmitted to the display control unit. In a gaming machine comprising a main control unit that controls the entire gaming machine, a sub-control unit that controls at least a production control target, and a display control unit that controls the variation display of the production symbol.
When the main control unit detects that a game ball has won at the start winning opening, it executes a lottery for winning or losing, and in the case of winning, draws one of the winning types. Then, the winning prize opening is opened and a hit operation according to the hit type is executed,
The plurality of winning types include a first winning action for opening the special winning opening a predetermined number of times and a second winning action having a smaller number of times for opening the special winning opening compared to the first winning action. Including at least
The main control unit instructs the start of the first probability variation state that occurs after the end of the first hit operation or the start of the second probability change state that occurs after the end of the second hit operation. And a second command for instructing the variation pattern of the production symbol to the sub-control unit,
The sub-control unit transmits the second command to the display control unit when the first command instructs the start of the first probability variation state, and the first command is transmitted to the display control unit. When instructing the start of the second probability variation state, the gaming machine is characterized by transmitting a command obtained by converting the second command to the display control unit. The main control unit, after transmitting the first command to the sub-control unit, executes a lottery of a variation pattern designated by the second command in response to winning of a game ball at the start winning opening. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a common variation pattern lottery table is referred to. The main control unit transmits the first command to the sub-control unit at a timing when the hit end effect after the hit operation ends,
4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the sub control unit changes a gaming state based on the first command received from the main control unit. 5.

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