JP4950445B2 - 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 predetermined game value is given to the player. Moreover, the gaming machine is equipped with a device 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 there are legal restrictions on the effect regarding the display for the special symbol used for the actual lottery result notification. This is because it does not display a big hit or miss according to laws and regulations, and is positioned as an effect display screen for attracting players, and thus is not subject to laws and regulations related to display imposed on special symbols. 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 effect symbol a variety of variations. In addition, the production symbol can also represent a variety of reach actions that cannot be expressed in a special symbol. In this way, by providing an effect design including an effect function separately from the special design, it is possible to perform an elaborate effect that does not get the player bored, and the game performance can be further enhanced.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control unit in the gaming machine 100. As shown in the figure, the control unit mainly includes three control units: a main control unit 210, a sub-control unit 240, and a display control unit 270. The main control unit 210 determines reach, jackpot, probability variation, loss, etc., various commands to the sub-control unit 240 according to 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 210 also controls the special symbol display device 102 that displays special symbols. The sub-control unit 240 transmits a command for controlling the display control unit 270 based on the command transmitted from the main control unit 210, and controls the blinking of lamps provided in the game area, etc., and the speaker of the gaming machine Control of the sound output from the player, and control of the movable object for performance such as character figures provided in the game area etc. by controlling the rotation of the motor. The display control unit 270 controls the effect symbol display device 103 such as a liquid crystal display device based on the command transmitted from the sub control unit 240.

  More specifically, the variation pattern in the effect symbol display device 103 is displayed on the screen of the effect symbol display device 103 when the main control unit 210 transmits a change pattern command (reach, jackpot, or loss). Command for instructing the variation pattern of the effect design to be selected and determined. The main control unit 210 transmits, to the sub-control unit 240, a variation pattern command for instructing the variation pattern of the effect symbol and an effect symbol designation command for instructing a combination of the stop symbol of the effect symbol. The sub-control unit 240 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 270. The display control unit 270 that has received the change pattern command instructs the effect symbol display device 103 to perform the specified effect operation for the change time specified by the change pattern command.

  “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.

  In the conventional technique, the main control unit 210 collectively manages a large number of variation pattern commands, and selects a variation pattern command to be transmitted to the sub-control unit 240 from among them. The processing burden associated with pattern command management and selection is large. Further, when the number of variation pattern commands is increased in the future, it is considered that the processing load of the main control unit 210 related to the management / selection of variation pattern commands will further increase. On the other hand, since the upper limit is legally imposed on the performance of the CPU that can be used on the main control unit board on which the main control unit 210 is mounted, it is desirable to simplify the processing contents of the main control unit 210 as much as possible. It is.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a part of processing related to management / selection of conventional variation pattern commands, which has been executed by the main control unit 210, as a subsidiary. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that reduces the processing load of the variation pattern command in the main control unit 210 by distributing to the control unit 240.

  In order to achieve such an object, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the main control unit has a grouping variation pattern command (group) composed of a command ID and an EVENT for identifying specific control contents. ), And the sub-control unit includes a table in which variation pattern commands (groups) composed of command IDs and EVENTs are classified into a plurality of groups. Each group includes one or more variation pattern commands. The main control unit designates one group for the sub control unit by transmitting the grouping variation pattern command to the sub control unit. The sub-control unit executes a selection process based on a predetermined condition such as an ongoing stage, a selection ratio, a stop symbol, etc., thereby changing one variation pattern command from one or a plurality of variation pattern commands included in the specified group. The selected variation pattern command is transmitted to the display control unit.

In other words, the gaming machine of the present invention is 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 variation display of the production symbol. The main control unit transmits a command for designating a group of variation patterns of the effect design to the sub control unit, and the sub control unit registers in the group designated by the command according to a predetermined selection process. One variation pattern command is selected from the one or more variation pattern commands being transmitted, the selected variation pattern command is transmitted to the display control unit, and the predetermined selection process includes the type of the effect stage in progress, Referring to predetermined selection ratio of the variation pattern command, variation pattern of the 1 by the time of prize determination further reference to stop symbols of the main control unit specifies commands Characterized in that it comprises selecting a.

According to the present invention, the processing of the main control unit 310 is simplified, and the inspection efficiency of the main control unit 310 is improved. Further, according to the present invention, program development of the main control unit 310 is facilitated. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the program of the main control unit 310 can be easily shared between models.

  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 (small hit) a specific normal symbol, and facilitates the winning in the second start winning port 108. The first start winning opening 104 is always open.

  When the 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.

  As in the prior art, 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. In the present embodiment, in particular, the main control unit 310 transmits a grouping variation pattern command to be described later to the sub control unit 340. The main control unit 310 also controls the special symbol display device 102.

  The sub-control unit 340 converts the grouping variation pattern command transmitted from the main control unit 310 into a variation pattern command and transmits it to the display control unit 370, and controls the blinking of the lamps provided in the game area, etc. Control of the sound output from the speaker of the machine, and control of the movable object for production such as character figure provided in the game area etc. by controlling the rotation of the motor. The display control unit 370 controls the effect symbol display device 103 such as a liquid crystal display device in accordance with 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 prize 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 indicator lamp port 438, sub-control command output port (sends grouping variation pattern command, effect symbol designation command, etc.) 440, payout control command output port 442, external information output port 444 and an input port 426 are provided. The effect symbol designation command is a command for designating a stop symbol of an effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 103. Details of the grouping variation pattern command 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 transmits a sub-control command (grouping variation pattern command, effect symbol designation command, etc.) to the sub-control unit 340 to control the sub-control unit 340 by command transmission. Further, the main control unit 310 transmits a command to the payout control unit 450 to perform payout control of prize balls. Details of control of command transmission 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 shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 and 19 that define the contents of the game control process performed by the CPU of the main control unit 310. The ROM 420 further stores various parameter values for controlling the gaming machine, such as a grouping variation pattern command and an effect symbol designation command transmitted to the sub-control unit 340.

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

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

  The 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.

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

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

  The external information output unit 454 is a 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 unit device 201 signals indicating symbol variation stoppage, jackpot state, probability variation state, and the like via the external information output unit 454. Examples of the signal include a jackpot signal, a winning number signal, a start signal, a probability change signal, a time reduction signal, and a door opening signal.

(Configuration and function of sub-control unit)
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the sub-control unit 340.
Similar to the main control unit 310, the sub control unit 340 includes a CPU 514, a RAM 512, a ROM 510, various input ports 516, and various output ports 518. 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 flowchart shown in FIG.

  The sub-control unit 340 receives the grouping variation pattern command and the production symbol designation command transmitted from the main control unit 310, and converts the grouping variation pattern command into the variation pattern command according to the program stored in the ROM 510 (in other words, Then, the variation pattern command is selected according to the grouping variation pattern command), and the variation pattern command is transmitted to the display control unit 370. Further, the sub-control unit 340 creates a liquid crystal display command according to the effect designating command and transmits it 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.

<< Conversion processing from grouped variation pattern command to variation pattern command >>
FIG. 7 is an example of a table of grouping variation pattern commands held by the main control unit 310. As can be seen from the figure, the grouping variation pattern commands are classified into 52 groups of numbers 1 to 52, and a 1-byte command ID and a 1-byte EVENT are assigned to each number. The command IDs of the grouping variation pattern commands are all “A0” H, while EVENT is different for each number (“01” H to “34” H, where H is a hexadecimal symbol). Based on the results of the jackpot determination process, the reach determination process, and the like executed by the main control unit 310, the main control unit 310 determines from among the numbers 1 to 4 and the number 52 in the case of “non-reach” and “out”. If one grouping variation pattern command is selected and “reach” is “off”, one grouping variation pattern command is selected from among numbers 5 to 20, and if “reward”, the number is selected. One grouping variation pattern command is selected from 21-51. That is, grouping variation pattern commands (commands for designating a group of variation patterns of production symbols) are roughly classified into three types depending on the variation type, and the selection is based on the timing at which the information on the retained ball is read from the retained memory. First grouping variation pattern determination that determines whether or not a special prize notification is performed from the result of the jackpot determination process within the same interrupt processing (when there is no information on the holding ball in the holding memory, the timing at which the winning winning opening is won) It is determined by the second grouping variation pattern determination process for determining whether to perform notification with reach in the process and display effects such as symbols. When the special prize notification is performed by the first grouping variation pattern determination process, the final grouping variation pattern command is selected from numbers 21 to 51 by lottery based on random numbers, and then the second grouping is performed. A variation pattern determination process is performed. A lottery based on random numbers for the final grouping variation pattern command from numbers 5 to 20 when the reach effect is performed by the second grouping variation pattern determination process and numbers 1 to 4 and 52 when the reach effect is not performed. It is controlled by the main control unit 310 so as to select by

  8 to 10 are examples of conversion tables of variation pattern commands held by the sub-control unit 340. FIG. These conversion tables are tables indicating the correspondence relationship between the grouping variation pattern commands and the variation pattern commands, and there are different tables for each of the effect stages (first stage to third stage) being displayed on the effect symbol display device 103. A number of tables corresponding to the type of stage are prepared. 8 is a table at the first stage, FIG. 9 is a table at the second stage, and FIG. 10 is a table at the third stage. For example, on the effect symbol display device 103, display lines for effect symbols are displayed for three lines in the case of the first stage, two lines are displayed in the case of the second stage, and in the case of the third stage. One line is displayed. Here, the display line is an area for displaying a set of stop symbols. For example, when three display lines are displayed, an image such as an animation displayed on the production symbol display device 103 is divided into three regions, and a stop symbol can be displayed independently in each region. Means.

  In addition, the variation pattern commands belonging to one group (for example, variation pattern commands having the command ID “A0” H and the event “01” H to “07” H in FIG. 8) specify the same variation time. Note that the same variation time is set even when the stage is different. In this gaming machine, the stage effect is changed as the game progresses, and the effect of production is enhanced by increasing or decreasing the number of lines that can affect the player's special prize expectation degree and probability fluctuation expectation degree.

  With reference to FIGS. 7 to 11, the conversion process from the grouping variation pattern command to the variation pattern command executed by the sub-control unit 340 will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 7, for example, the special prize determination result executed by the main control unit 310 is “out” and the reach determination result is “non-reach”, and the main control unit 310 performs a grouping variation pattern command (group number 1) ( Assume that command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “01” H) is selected by random numbers. In this case, the main control unit 310 transmits a grouping variation pattern command (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “01” H) to the sub-control unit 340.

  Receiving the grouping variation pattern command, the sub-control unit 340 indicates which stage is in progress in the effect stage stored in the effect stage identification information storage area provided on the RAM 512 of the sub-control unit 340. The variation pattern command table corresponding to the effect stage in progress is selected on the effect symbol display device 103 determined based on the information and identified by the effect stage information, and the table is referred to. For example, when the ongoing stage is the first stage, the sub-control unit 340 refers to the conversion table 1 shown in FIG. 8 and performs a grouping variation pattern command (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “01”). “7)” corresponding to seven variation pattern commands (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “01” H to “07” H). Next, the sub-control unit 340 selects one variation pattern command from among the variation pattern commands based on a selection ratio set in advance for each variation pattern command. More specifically, the sub-control unit 340 is provided in the sub-control unit 340 at a timing when it receives a grouping variation pattern command from the main control unit 310 and further receives an effect design designation command (an off-effect design designation command). A random number is extracted from the selected variation pattern random number, and one variation pattern command is selected with a selection ratio set based on the random value. In this case, the same processing is performed even when there is only one variation pattern command corresponding to the grouping variation pattern command. That is, referring to FIG. 8, the variation pattern command corresponding to the grouping variation pattern command of command ID: “A0” H and EVENT: “02” H is command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “08” H. When there is only one, the control is performed with the selection ratio of the variation pattern command as 100%. Note that the above processing may also be performed when an effect designating command at the time of a special prize is received.

  According to the conversion table 1 (extracted from FIG. 8) shown in FIG. 11A, the selection ratio of the fluctuation pattern command (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “01” H) is 10%, and the fluctuation pattern command (command Selection ratio of ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “02” H) is 40%, selection ratio of fluctuation pattern command (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “03” H) is 25%, fluctuation pattern command Since the selection ratio of (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “04” H) is 25%, there is a possibility that a variation pattern command having a command ID of “A0” H and an EVENT of “02” H may be selected. Is the highest. One variation pattern command selected based on this selection ratio is transmitted from the sub-control unit 340 to the display control unit 370.

  When the stage in progress is the second stage, the sub-control unit 370 refers to the conversion table 2 shown in FIG. 9 and performs a grouping variation pattern command (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “01”). “7)” corresponding to seven variation pattern commands (command ID: “A1” H, EVENT: “01” H to “07” H). Then, based on the selection ratio set in advance for each variation pattern command, one variation pattern command is selected therefrom. According to the conversion table 2 (extracted from FIG. 9) shown in FIG. 11B, the selection ratio of the fluctuation pattern command (command ID: “A1” H, EVENT: “01” H) is 89%, and the fluctuation pattern command (command ID: “A1” H, EVENT: “02” H) selection ratio is 5%, variation pattern command (command ID: “A1” H, EVENT: “03” H) selection ratio is 5%, variation pattern command Since the selection ratio of (command ID: “A1” H, EVENT: “04” H) is 1%, there is a possibility that a variation pattern command having a command ID of “A1” H and an EVENT of “01” H is selected. Is the highest.

  Further, when the stage in progress is the third stage, the sub-control unit 370 refers to the conversion table 3 shown in FIG. 10 and refers to the grouping variation pattern command (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “01”). “7)” is applied to seven fluctuation pattern commands (command ID: “A3” H, EVENT: “01” H to “07” H). Then, based on the selection ratio set in advance for each variation pattern command, one variation pattern command is selected therefrom. According to the conversion table 3 (extracted from FIG. 10) shown in FIG. 11C, the selection ratio of the fluctuation pattern command (command ID: “A3” H, EVENT: “01” H) is 90%, and the fluctuation pattern command (command Selection ratio of ID: “A3” H, EVENT: “02” H) is 4%, selection ratio of fluctuation pattern command (command ID: “A3” H, EVENT: “03” H) is 4%, fluctuation pattern command The selection ratio (command ID: “A3” H, EVENT: “04” H) is 1%, and the selection ratio of variation pattern command (command ID: “A3” H, EVENT: “05” H) is 1%. Therefore, the variation pattern command having the command ID “A3” H and the event “01” H is most likely to be selected.

  In addition, each production stage such that “variation name” in the table shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C includes “first stage → third stage transition”, “first stage → second stage transition”, and the like. Each has a command including an instruction to make a transition to another stage, and each stage has a different transition probability to increase the stage effect.

  The sub control unit 340 transmits one variation pattern command selected by the above method to the display control unit 370.

  The display control unit 370 instructs the effect symbol display device 103 to perform variation control (variation control with transition between stages) according to the received variation pattern command.

  On the other hand, the special determination result executed by the main control unit 310 is “special prize”, and the main control unit 310 sends a grouping variation pattern command (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “ 1F "H) is selected with a random number, and when it is transmitted, the sub-control unit 340 that has received the grouping variation pattern command determines which stage effect is in progress, and corresponds to the stage in progress Refer to the fluctuation pattern command table. As an example, referring to FIG. 12, when the ongoing stage is the first stage, the sub-control unit 340 refers to the conversion table 1 (excerpt from FIG. 8), and performs a grouping variation pattern command (command ID: Three variation pattern commands (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “46” H to “48” H) corresponding to “A0” H, EVENT: “1F” H) are targeted. Next, the sub-control unit 340 selects one variation pattern command from among the variation pattern commands based on a selection ratio set in advance for each variation pattern command. In this example, the selection ratio is set to 50% for each of the two variation pattern commands (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “46” H, “47” H). No selection ratio is set for the commands (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “48” H). In such a case, the sub control unit 340 determines the variation pattern command based on the stop symbol designated by the effect symbol designation command transmitted from the main control unit 310. The conversion table 1 shown in FIG. 12 shows change pattern commands that can be selected when the stop symbol is an odd number (probability variation symbol) or an even number (non-probability variation symbol). According to this table, when the stop symbol is an odd number, the variation pattern command (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “47” H) cannot be selected. Therefore, if the stop symbol is an odd number and the result of the lottery based on the selection ratio is that the variation pattern command (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “47” H is selected, the command ID is forcibly set to “A0” H). Then, the variation pattern command with EVENT of “48” H is selected, so that the table in the case where the stop symbol is the odd number and the even number is represented by one table.

  The above processing can be described more simply as follows. The sub-control unit 340 receives the grouping variation pattern command from the main control unit 310, and further selects the variation pattern provided in the sub-control unit 340 at the timing of receiving the effect symbol designation command (the effect symbol designation command at the time of the special prize). A random number is extracted from the random number, and a fluctuation pattern command of 1 is temporarily selected with a selection ratio set based on the random number value (a hit determination fluctuation pattern selection process). Next, based on the production symbol information specified by the production symbol designation command, the matching between the production symbol information and the temporarily selected variation pattern command is determined (production symbol corresponding variation pattern determination selection process), and the stop symbol is selected. Control is performed so as to determine a final variation pattern command based thereon.

  In summary, the variation pattern command selection process by the sub-control unit 340 is as follows. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the variation pattern command selection process, and FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the variation pattern command selection procedure.

  According to FIG. 13, in S1301, the sub control unit 340 receives a grouping variation pattern command from the main control unit 310 (command receiving process). In step S1302, the sub control unit 340 determines the stage in progress from the stage stage identification information stored in the RAM 512 (stage stage determination process). In the case of the first stage, the conversion table 1 is referred to in step S1305, and the second stage. In the case of the stage, the conversion table 2 is referred to in S1304, and in the case of the third stage, the conversion table 3 is referred to in S1303. Next, in step S1306, the sub control unit 340 refers to the variation pattern command (group) corresponding to the grouping variation pattern command. In step S1307, the sub control unit 340 selects a variation pattern command based on the selection ratio (variation pattern selection process). Next, in step S1308, the sub-control unit 340 determines whether it is “special prize” or “out” (lottery result symbol determination process). If “special prize”, the sub-control unit 340 refers to the stop symbol in step S1309 and changes the variation pattern. The command is reselected (effect design corresponding variation pattern determination selection process), and the selected variation pattern command is transmitted to the display control unit 370 in S1310 (variation pattern command transmission process). On the other hand, in the case of “off”, in S1310, the variation pattern command selected in S1307 is transmitted to the display control unit 370.

  FIG. 14 shows a state in which the variation pattern command (n + 2) is selected when the ongoing stage is the second stage, according to the flowchart shown in FIG. For example, it is assumed that the sub-control unit 340 receives a grouping variation pattern command (command ID: “A0” H, EVENT: “01” H) from the main control unit 310. Since the current stage is the second stage, the sub-control unit 340 refers to the conversion table 2 (FIG. 11B), and changes the pattern command (command) registered in the conversion table 2 based on a predetermined selection ratio. ID: A1H, EVENT: 01H to 04H), one variation pattern command (n + 2) is selected.

(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. It has a function of stopping or receiving a notice designation command and displaying a notice.

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

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

  The CPU 620 performs image processing and image display control according to the program stored in the program ROM 610. The program ROM 610 stores a program for image processing executed by the CPU 620, 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. 15 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. 15, 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 grouping 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 grouping variation pattern command and the production symbol designation command converts the grouping variation pattern command into the variation pattern command by the method described above, and the display control unit 370 transmits the variation pattern command and the liquid crystal display command. Send. 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. 16 is a table showing the contents of a command (effect designating command) transmitted from the main control unit to the sub-control unit and a command (liquid crystal display command) transmitted from the sub-control unit receiving the command to the display control unit. is there.

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

  As can be seen from the table shown in FIG. 16, in the case of a special prize, there are a plurality of types of effect designating commands for identifying per non-probability fluctuation and per probability fluctuation. That is, there are a plurality of types of effect designating commands corresponding to the number of effect symbols displayed on the effect symbol display device 103. In the case of a special prize, it suffices to provide types corresponding to the number of game results (game states). For example, two types of commands per non-probability variation and per probability variation are provided as effect designating commands, and the effect symbols The display control of the effect symbol may be performed according to the designated command. On the other hand, in the case of losing, it is only necessary to have one game result (gaming state) of detachment, so a number of effect designating commands corresponding to the game result (gaming state), ie, a single effect designating command is sufficient It can correspond to.

  Returning to FIG. 15, 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, the grouping variation pattern command, The design symbol designation command and the special symbols (left) and special symbols (right) stop symbols, etc. Is stored in that given area.). 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. (For example, after 4 msec), the sub-control unit 340 is subjected to grouping fluctuations in the command output management process (step 1514) of the next interrupt process. A pattern command and an effect symbol designating command indicating an effect symbol corresponding to the special symbol are transmitted. Here, the effect symbol variation time specified by the grouping variation pattern command and the variation time set in the special symbol variation timer are set to the same value, so the variation start / variation of the special symbol and the effect symbol The timing of the stop 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. 17, 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.

  Here, the relationship between the special symbol and the effect symbol in the case of the special prize and the case of losing will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 18, for example, when the jackpot random number indicates a jackpot, when the jackpot symbol random number (100 patterns from 0 to 99) acquired from the jackpot special symbol random number loop counter is “3”, the main control unit 310 Displays “03” as a special symbol on the special symbol display device 102. Then, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, the main control unit 310 generates an effect designating command (command ID is “B1” H) including the value “07” H corresponding to the special design “03” as EVENT. Transmit to the sub-control unit 340. Subsequently, the sub control unit 340 transmits a liquid crystal display command (command ID is “B2” H) including “07” H as EVENT to the display control unit 370 in the same manner. Receiving the command for liquid crystal display, the display control unit 370 stops the effect symbol that is being variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 103 by the combination of “777”. On the other hand, for example, when the jackpot random number is out, if the out symbol random number (21 types from 0 to 20) acquired from the out symbol special random number loop counter is “1”, the main controller 310 displays the special symbol display device 102. "-1 (hyphen 1)" is displayed as a special symbol. Then, the main control unit 310 sends an effect symbol designation command (command ID is “B1” H) including the special symbol “−1”, that is, the value “0A” H corresponding to the disengaged state, to the sub-control unit 340. Send. Subsequently, the sub control unit 340 transmits a liquid crystal display command (command ID is “B1” H, EVENT is “00” H) to the display control unit 370.

  The display control unit 370 that has received the liquid crystal display command determines an out symbol (the final stop symbol in the out mode) based on the variation pattern command received from the sub-control unit 340, and stops and displays the symbol in the symbol.

(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 small hit random number on the RAM 424. Prepares stop symbol data for normal symbols. This process is performed when it is determined that the normal symbol change is started while the main control unit 310 performs the normal game management process.

(External information processing (step 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.

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

  Further, the main control unit 310 detects the winning at the first starting winning port 104 or the second starting winning port 108 by the special symbol starting switch 410 and the 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 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 (at the time of probability variation), the number of special prize values for determining a special prize is increased to increase the special prize probability. For example, “7” is set as the value of the special prize at the normal time (normal game state), but “3”, “7”, “11”, “15” as the value of the special prize at the time of the probability variation. , “82” is set. If the hour / middle flag is ON, the hour / hour variation counter on the RAM 424 is decremented (−1), and if the hour / hour variation counter is 0 as a result, the hour / middle flag is turned OFF.

  In step 1914, when the determination result in step 1912 is a special prize, the main control unit 310, like the jackpot random number, stores the jackpot special symbol random number loop counter (100 values from 0 to 99. 100 values shown in FIG. 18). From the above, a plurality of symbols to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 102 and the effect symbol display device 103 are determined. On the other hand, in the case of detachment, a plurality of symbols to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 102 are determined from outlier random numbers (21 values from 0 to 20; see FIG. 18) read from the outlier special symbol random number loop counter. To do. That is, the main control unit 310 determines the combination of special symbols to be stopped and the command ID (“B1” H) and EVENT (any one value from “00” H to “0A” H) of the effect designating command. It is determined and stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424.

  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 commensurate with the rendering symbol variation in which the normal rendering time (seconds) is uniquely determined from the command ID of the grouped variation pattern command. After setting a predetermined 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 for each command ID of the grouping variation pattern command, and the number of seconds differs for each EVENT of the grouping 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 a small hit for the normal symbol variation to start based on the small hit random numbers related to the normal symbol variation stored in the RAM 424. When it is determined that the small hit random number does not match the small hit value, the small hit flag on the RAM 424 is turned OFF, and when it is determined that the small hit random value matches the small hit value, the small hit flag is turned ON.

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

  In step 1944, the main control unit 310 determines a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 107 from the small hit determination result. For example, the small hit determination is “small hit flag ON”, and the stop symbol data of the normal symbol uniquely determined from the small hit determination result is “7” H. The main control unit 310 stores the normal symbol stop symbol data in a predetermined area on the RAM 424.

  In step 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. 15, the main control unit 310 executes special game management processing (step 1516) based on the information required for the special symbol variation stored in the predetermined area on the RAM 424, and changes the special symbol. 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 grouping variation pattern command, an effect design designation command, etc. are transmitted to the sub-control unit 340. Subsequently, the sub-control unit 340 that has received a grouping variation pattern command, an effect symbol designation command, and the like transmits a variation pattern command, a liquid crystal display command, and the like to the display control unit 370.

  The process of FIG. 19 is called again from the process of FIG. 15 by the interrupt process, and in step 1910 and step 1922, the main controller 310 determines that the big hit / medium flag is OFF and the symbol variation timer is not 0, that is, the big hit is not a big hit and the special symbol If it is determined that the change is in progress, 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 small hit flag (step 1958). Is stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 for instructing the normal electric accessory actuating solenoid 448 to be released for a predetermined time (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).

  As described above, according to the present invention, the main control unit transmits the grouping variation pattern command to the sub-control unit, and the sub-control unit converts the grouping variation pattern command into the variation pattern command and transmits it to the display control unit. Since the method is adopted, it is possible to obtain an effect that processing related to the variation pattern command that has been performed by the main control unit can be greatly reduced.

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 table of the grouping variation pattern command in the main control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the conversion table 1 in the sub-control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the conversion table 2 in the sub-control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the conversion table 3 in the sub-control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the excerpt of the conversion tables 1-3 in the sub-control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the excerpt of the conversion table 1 in the sub-control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the change pattern command selection process in the sub-control part of the game machine of this invention. It is the schematic of the selection procedure of the fluctuation | variation pattern command of the game machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the game control of the main control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the command in the game machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the time relationship of the fluctuation | variation stop of the special symbol and effect symbol in the gaming machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the design random number in a gaming machine of this invention, a special design, and an effect design. It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows 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 (sends design symbol designation command, variation pattern command, etc.)
442 Dispensing control command output port 444 External information output port 446 Large winning opening solenoid 448 Normal electric accessory solenoid 450 Dispensing control unit 452 Prize ball dispensing 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)

A main control unit that controls the entire gaming machine, a sub-control unit that controls at least the production control target, a display control unit that controls the variation display of the production design, and an production design display device that displays the production design related to the control In a gaming machine comprising
The main control unit transmits a command for designating a group of variation patterns of the effect design to the sub control unit,
The sub-control unit selects one variation pattern command from one or more variation pattern commands registered in the group specified by the command according to a predetermined selection process, and selects the selected variation pattern command. Sent to the display control unit,
The predetermined selection process determines a variation pattern command to be selected from a variation pattern command table corresponding to an effect stage in progress among a plurality of effect stages, and is set in advance for each of the variation pattern commands. Based on the selected selection ratio , the one variation pattern command is selected from the determined variation pattern commands to be selected ,
The number of display lines for variable display of the effect symbol in the effect symbol display device is different for each of the plurality of effect stages, and the effect symbol is variablely displayed in an area divided according to the number of display lines. gaming machine characterized in that it is. The predetermined selection process is based on a stop symbol of the effect symbol designated by the main control unit when a selection ratio preset in the variation pattern command to be selected does not exist at the time of determination of a special prize . The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a variation pattern command is selected. In the predetermined selection process, even when one variation pattern command to be selected is determined from the variation pattern command table, the selection is performed based on a selection ratio set in advance for the variation pattern command. the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein one or a plurality of variation pattern commands registered in the same group specify the same variation time.

Images