JP5015299B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, a slot machine, and the like, and more specifically, a display result of variable display of a plurality of types of identification information has a predetermined specific display mode. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state that is sometimes advantageous to a player.

  As what is conventionally known as this type of gaming machine, for example, after identification information such as symbols is variably displayed on a variable display device as an example of a special gaming device, the display result is derived and displayed, There is a gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player, such as when a big hit occurs when the display result becomes a predetermined specific display mode.

  In this type of gaming machine, for example, after the display control board controls the display state of the variable display device in accordance with the command information output from the game control board as an example of the game control means, the variable display device is variably started. Display and display the display result based on the command. For example, while the variable display device is variably displayed, in other predetermined game states, a predetermined character such as a person appears on the display screen of the variable display device, or from the speaker according to the establishment of reach. Production control is performed to increase the production effect of the game by generating sound effects or flashing the game effect lamp in a predetermined manner.

  However, in this type of gaming machine, the production mode corresponding to the predetermined gaming state as described above tends to be uniformly determined. For example, as long as the type of reach established in the variable display device is the same, the reach effect is always made by the same action by the same character, the same sound effect is generated from the speaker, and the game effect lamp is the same It was flashing in a manner. For this reason, there is a problem that the effect of the game production is lacking.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, a predetermined setting button or the like that can be operated by an attendant at a game hall is provided in the gaming machine, and the operation mode of the setting button is used to select a plurality of presentation modes corresponding to a predetermined gaming state. However, if the setting button is provided, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine is increased accordingly.

  The present invention has been devised in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of setting a production mode without incurring extra manufacturing cost as much as possible.

The present invention according to claim 1 is a gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a display result of variable display of a plurality of types of identification information has a predetermined specific display mode. Because
Game control means for controlling the gaming state of the gaming machine;
Effect control means provided separately from the game control means, for effect control corresponding to command information output from the game control means according to the game state;
Detecting means used for control to start variable display of the identification information, and detecting passage of a game medium,
The game control means outputs to the effect control means command information capable of specifying a variable display period that is a period from the start to the end of variable display of identification information when starting variable display of identification information. When the variable display period ends, the command information indicating the stop of the identification information is output,
The production control means includes
Perform variable control of the identification information based on the command information that can specify the variable display period, stop the identification information at the timing when the command information indicating the stop of the identification information is output,
And means for selecting and setting from among a plurality of types stored in advance an effect manner corresponding to the playing state, the command information that due to the detection of the previous SL detecting means is outputted from the game control unit a presentation mode setting means for setting a type of representation embodiment used in the game in accordance with,
And a number specifying means based on the command information output from the game control unit, specifying the number of times the instruction information is input that is output from said game control means due to the detection of the previous SL detecting means,
The effect mode setting means sets different types of effect modes according to the number of times specified by the number of times specifying means.

[Action]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the game state of the gaming machine is controlled by the action of the game control means. By the action of the effect control means provided separately from the game control means, effect control corresponding to the command information output from the game control means is performed according to the game state. The passage of the game medium is detected by the function of the detection means used for control for starting the variable display of the identification information and detecting the passage of the game medium. By the action of the presentation mode setting means for directing manner corresponding to the playing state can be set by selecting from among a plurality of types stored in advance, when the passage of the game medium is detected by the detecting means, in the detection means command information from said game control means due to the detection output, the kind of effect is produced for use in the game is set in accordance with the instruction information.

Effects of specific examples of means for solving the problem

With respect to claim 1, in order to be able to set the type of representation embodiment by using the detection means used for control related to Yu technique, without applying much as possible extra production costs, to set change representation embodiment It becomes possible.

It is a whole front view which shows the pachinko game machine of an example of the game machine with which the card unit was adjacent. It is a whole rear view which shows the partial internal structure of the pachinko game machine with which the card unit was adjacent. It is a rear view of the game board of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the circuit structure in a game control board. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure in a display control board with CRT which implement | achieves an image display. It is a figure which shows the various random counters used for a pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure in which a basic circuit determines beforehand the display result of a variable display apparatus based on the counter value of a random counter. It is a flowchart which shows the main process performed by the basic circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the process which determines that the hit ball won the start winning opening. It is a flowchart which shows the process which determines a stop symbol etc. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the right-and-left middle symbols displayed on a variable display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the background image displayed on a variable display part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the specific example of demo screen A and demo screen B. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the other specific example about the demo screen A and the demo screen B. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the character displayed on a variable display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display control command which can specify the variable display time of a symbol, and the display control command which instruct | indicates the stop of all symbols. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display control command of the stop symbol of a left symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display control command of the stop symbol of a middle symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display control command of the stop symbol of a right symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display control command data transmitted to a display control board from a game control board. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the transmission timing of display control command data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation state which comprises each fluctuation pattern of a symbol. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation of the symbol at the time of detachment which is not reach. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the change of the pattern at the time of reach. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the change of the pattern at the time of reach. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the change of the pattern at the time of reach. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the change of the pattern at the time of reach. It is a flowchart which shows the command transmission completion waiting process in the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the all symbol stop waiting process in a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a display control data setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display control data output process. It is a flowchart which shows a big winning opening opening start process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of CPU for display control. It is explanatory drawing which shows the random number for display which CPU for display control handles. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process of CPU for display control. It is a flowchart which shows the IRQ2 interruption process of CPU for display control. It is a flowchart which shows a display control process process. It is a flowchart which shows a display control command reception waiting process. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the relationship between the detection output of switches A and B, and the display control command data transmitted with those detection outputs. It is a flowchart which shows a display control command reception waiting process. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the relationship between the detection output of switches A and B, and the display control command data transmitted with those detection outputs. It is a flowchart which shows reach operation setting processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a process table. It is a flowchart which shows all the symbol variation start processes. It is a flowchart which shows the process during symbol fluctuation. It is a flowchart which shows all the symbol stop waiting processes. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit display process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example in which 1 symbol fluctuation | variation was divided | segmented into the some area. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the relationship between a display control command and a fluctuation aspect. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the screen A in the setting possible state, the screen B, the screen C, and the screen D. FIG.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a coin gaming machine or the like, and a special game whose state can be changed. A gaming machine having a device and capable of being controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a result of a special game by the special game device performed according to establishment of a predetermined special game condition is in a predetermined mode Then all.

  FIG. 1 is an overall front view showing a pachinko gaming machine 1 as an example of a gaming machine with adjacent card units. As shown in the figure, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided an extra ball receiving tray 4 for storing prize balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the rear of the glass door frame 2. A game area 7 is provided in front of the game board 6.

  A variable display device 8 having a variable display portion 9 is provided near the center of the game area 7, a variable winning ball device 15 constituting a start winning opening 14 is provided below the variable display device 8, and a hitting ball is provided on the side thereof. Are respectively provided. A variable winning ball device 19 is attached below the start winning opening 14.

  The variable display section 9 has a display area (not shown) for variable display (fluctuation) by scrolling three special symbols “left symbol”, “middle symbol”, and “right symbol” from top to bottom. A display area 10 where a symbol called “ordinary symbol” is displayed can be displayed at a position shown in the figure. As will be described later, the special symbol is variably started on the basis that the hitting ball starts and wins the start winning opening 14. On the other hand, the normal symbol is variably started based on the hit ball passing through the passage gate 11 as described later. Further, the variable display unit 9 displays a character made up of a predetermined person or the like for enhancing the effect of playing the game. For example, this character appears in the middle of variable display of a special symbol and makes a big hit notice by a specific notice action, or notifies a player that a reach has been established by a specific action.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present invention is configured such that, for example, this character can be set to any one of a plurality of predetermined characters by a simple setting operation by an attendant at a game hall. For example, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the glass door frame 2 is opened, one pachinko ball is inserted into the start winning opening 14, and then one pachinko ball is inserted into the passing gate 11, so that the character A is set. Subsequently, when another pachinko ball is inserted into the passing gate 11, a character B is set instead of the character A. For this reason, it is possible to configure the gaming machine installation island with various variations according to the taste of the customer even though the game hall is the same pachinko machine. In addition, since the start winning opening 14 and the passing gate 11 are used for the setting, the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine does not increase compared to the case where a dedicated setting switch is provided separately.

  A hit ball that has entered the passing gate 11 on the side of the variable display device 8 is detected by a gate switch 12 (hereinafter also referred to as a switch B), and then guided to a start winning opening 14 through a ball outlet 13. . When a hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12, the normal symbol stopped and displayed in the display area 10 of the variable display device 8 is variably started. When the display result is a predetermined display result (for example, 7), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 constituting the start winning opening 14 is activated for a predetermined time by exciting the solenoid 16. It opens and it becomes a state which makes it easy to make a hitting ball enter the start winning opening 14. If a hit ball passes through the passage gate 11 during variable display in the display area 10, the passage is memorized, and after the variable display in the display area 10 is finished and the state can start to change again, the passage is passed. The display area 10 starts variably based on the storage. The upper limit of the passing memory is set to “4”, for example, and the current passing memory number is displayed by a passing memory display (not shown).

  The start winning ball that has entered the start winning opening 14 is detected by a start opening switch 17 (hereinafter also referred to as switch A). When a hitting ball is detected by the start port switch 17, the special symbol of the variable display device 8 is variably started. For example, when a hitting ball is detected by the start opening switch 17 during the variable display of the special symbol, the start winning is stored, and the variation of the special symbol is finished and the variation can be started again. The special symbol starts variably based on the start winning memory. The upper limit of the start winning memory is set to, for example, “4”, and the current start winning memory number is displayed by the start winning memory display 18. The start winning memory display 18 has four display units (LEDs), and each time a start winning is stored, one LED is added and lights up. Each time the variable display of the special symbol is started in the variable display section 9, one LED is extinguished.

  If the special symbol variable display result is a specific display mode (for example, 777) determined in advance, a big hit state (specific game state) is entered. When the big hit state is reached, the open / close plate 20 is tilted by the solenoid 21, and the large winning opening of the variable winning ball apparatus 19 is opened. As a result, the variable winning ball apparatus 19 is in a first state that is advantageous to the player. This first state is terminated when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls is awarded, whichever comes first, which is disadvantageous for the player. The second state is entered. The large winning opening is provided with a V count switch 22 that detects a winning ball that has entered a specific winning area (V pocket) and a count switch 23 that detects a winning ball that has won a normal winning area other than the specific winning area. ing. If the hit ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus 19 in the first state wins the specific winning area (V pocket) and is detected by the V count switch 22, the end of the first state of that time. After that, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again to be in the first state. This repeated continuation control in the first state can be executed up to 15 times.

  When the jackpot result displayed on the variable display device 8 is composed of a specific probability variation symbol, the probability variation state in which the probability of the jackpot occurrence is higher than that in the normal gaming state is changed. In the following, jackpots with probability variation symbols are referred to as probability variation jackpots. Once the probability variation jackpot occurs once in the normal gaming state, the probability variation state is continuously controlled until at least a predetermined probability variation continuation number (for example, once or twice) has occurred. Further, if a probability variation big hit occurs during the probability variation state, the probability variation continuation count is counted again after that probability variation big hit, and then the probability variation state continues until at least the number of probability variation continuations occurs. If the jackpot that has reached the probability variation continuation count is due to a non-probability variation symbol other than the probability variation symbol, the normal gaming state in which the probability variation does not occur is returned.

  Therefore, when no restriction is placed on the continuous control of the probability variation state, the probability variation state continues indefinitely at least as long as the big hit that has reached the number of times of the probability change continues is the probability change big hit. In the case of this pachinko gaming machine 1, once the probability variation state continues to some extent, once the probability variation jackpot is continuously generated during the probability variation state in order to end the continuous control to the probability variation state, An upper limit has been set. When the big hit display mode is determined to be an uncertain change big hit based on the upper limit number of times, the continuous control of the probability variation state is forcibly terminated at that time. It is to be noted that the restriction that prohibits the big hit with the probability variation symbol is called a limiter operation.

  In addition, the game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning holes 24. In addition, decorative lamps 25 that are lit and displayed during the game are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7, and an outlet 26 for collecting hit balls that have not won a prize is provided at the bottom. Two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a game effect LED 28a and game effect lamps 28b and 28c are provided. In this example, a prize ball lamp 51 is provided in the vicinity of one speaker 27 so as to be turned on when the prize ball is paid out, and a ball-out lamp 52 that is turned on when the supply ball is cut out is provided in the vicinity of the other speaker 27. Is provided. Further, FIG. 1 also shows a card unit 50 that is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and enables ball lending by inserting a prepaid card.

  Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing a partial internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine with adjacent card units.

  A mechanism plate 36 is provided on the back side of the game board 6 of the pachinko gaming machine 1. A ball tank 38 is provided on the upper portion of the mechanism plate 36, and pachinko balls are supplied to the ball tank 38 from above in a state where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island. The pachinko balls in the ball tank 38 are supplied to the ball dispensing device through the guide rod 39.

  The mechanism plate 36 includes a variable display control unit 29 that performs display control of the variable display unit 9 via the relay board 30, a game control board 31 that is covered with a board case 32 and mounted with a game control microcomputer, and the like. A relay board 33 for relaying signals between the control unit 29 and the game control board 31, and a prize ball board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing payout control of pachinko balls and the like are mounted. Further, on the mechanism plate 36, a ball hitting device 34 for launching a hit ball to the game area 7 using the rotational force of the motor, and a lamp for sending a signal to the speaker 27 and the game effect lamps / LEDs 28a, 28b, 28c. A control board 35 is provided.

  FIG. 3 is a rear view of the game board 6 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the back. On the back surface of the game board 6, as shown in FIG. 3, a winning ball collective cover 40 is provided for guiding the winning balls that have won the winning holes and the winning ball devices along a predetermined winning path. The winning ball guided by the winning ball collective cover 40 is supplied to a winning ball processing device (not shown) for processing one winning ball. The winning ball processing device is provided with a winning ball detection switch 99 (see FIG. 4), and a detection signal of the winning ball detection switch 99 is sent to the game control board 31.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the game control board 31. FIG. 4 shows a game control board (also referred to as a main board) 31, a prize ball board 37, a lamp control board 35, a sound control board 70, a launch control board 91, and a display control board 80 as control boards.

  The winning ball board 37, the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, the launch control board 91, and the display control board 80 are equipped with microcomputers, and are provided with, for example, a CPU and an I / O port.

  A ball dispensing device 97 and a card unit 50 are connected to the prize ball substrate 37. Connected to the lamp control board 35 are a game effect LED 28a, a prize ball lamp 51, a ball break lamp 52, and game effect lamps 28b and 28c. An operation knob (hit ball operation handle) 5 and a drive motor 94 for driving a ball hitting hammer (not shown) are connected to the firing control board 91. The driving force of the drive motor 94 is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. A variable display device 8 (not shown) is connected to the display control board 80. A speaker 27 is connected to the sound control board 70.

  The game control board 31 includes a basic circuit (game control microcomputer) 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a game control program, a switch circuit 58, a solenoid circuit 59, a lamp / LED circuit 60, and an information output circuit. 64, an initial reset circuit 65, a periodic reset circuit 66, and an address decode circuit 67 are provided.

  The basic circuit 53 is a microcomputer for game control, and includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program, a RAM 55 used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with a control program, and an I / O port 57. Including.

  The initial reset circuit 65 is a circuit that resets the basic circuit 53 when the power is turned on. The basic circuit 53 initializes the pachinko gaming machine 1 in response to the initial reset pulse sent from the initial reset circuit 65. The periodic reset circuit 66 is a circuit that gives a reset pulse to the basic circuit 53 periodically (for example, every 2 msec) and repeatedly executes the game control program stored in the ROM 54 from the top. The address decode circuit 67 is a circuit that decodes the address signal supplied from the basic circuit 53 and outputs a signal for selecting any one of the I / O ports 57.

  The switch circuit 58 is a circuit that supplies signals from various switches to the basic circuit 53. The switch circuit 58 is connected to the gate switch 12, the start port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and the winning ball detection switch 99.

  The information output circuit 64 is based on the data given from the basic circuit 53, probability variation information indicating that a probability variation has occurred and a probability variation state, jackpot information indicating that a big hit has occurred and a specific gaming state has occurred, In addition, the circuit is a circuit for outputting start winning information indicating the occurrence of the start winning that is effectively used for variable display of the variable display section 9 to the host computer such as the hall management computer.

  The solenoid circuit 59 is a circuit that drives the solenoid 16 that operates the movable piece of the start port 14 and the solenoid 21 that opens and closes the opening / closing plate 20 of the variable winning ball apparatus 19 in accordance with a command from the basic circuit 53.

The lamp / LED circuit 60 is a circuit for turning on and off the start-up memory display 18 and driving the decorative lamp 25.
A command, which is an example of command information, is transmitted from the game control board 31 to the prize ball board 37, the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, and the display control board 80. The commands transmitted from the game control board 31 to the prize ball board 37 include commands as command information related to prize ball payout control and commands as command information related to ball payout control (for example, ball lending prohibition command, Lending prohibition release command, etc.).
The basic circuit 53 outputs a predetermined lamp control command to the lamp control board 35 based on occurrence of a big hit or winning. On the lamp control board 35, lighting control of the electrical decorative component is performed based on the lamp control command.

  The basic circuit 53 outputs a predetermined voice control command to the voice control board 70 based on occurrence of a big hit or winning. The sound control board 70 performs control to output a predetermined sound effect from the speaker 27 based on the sound control command.

  The basic circuit 53 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls based on the detection signal of the winning ball detection switch 99, the detection signal of the start port switch 17, the detection signal of the V count switch 22, and the detection signal of the count switch 23. A prize ball signal is output to the prize ball substrate 37. The prize ball substrate 37 controls the ball dispensing device based on the outputted prize ball signal to perform a control for dispensing a predetermined number of prize balls.

  More specifically, for example, 15 prize balls are paid out for each winning ball for the winning ball that has won the big winning gate of the variable winning ball apparatus 19, and one for the winning ball that has won the starting winning port 14. For example, 6 prize balls are paid out for each winning ball, and for the other winning balls 24 awarded to the winning opening 24, for example, 10 prize balls are paid out for each winning ball.

  In order to control the payout of such three types of prize balls, the game control board 31 performs a control operation as follows. When a detection signal from the start port switch 17, the V count switch 22 or the count switch 23 is input, the detection signal is used as a payout number determination data used when determining the payout number of the award balls. The number of payouts is temporarily stored internally. Thereafter, if a detection signal from the winning ball detection switch 99 is input, it is determined by referring to the payout number determination data whether there is a detection signal from the start port switch 17 before the input. The game control board 31 outputs a prize ball command signal for instructing the prize ball board 37 to pay out the number of prize balls “6”. On the other hand, when there is a detection signal from the winning ball detection switch 99 and there is a detection signal from the V count switch 22 or the count switch 23 before that, the game control board 31 has a prize ball of “15”. A number of prize ball command signals are output to the prize ball substrate 37. Further, when there is a detection signal from the winning ball detection switch 99, if no detection signal has been input from any of the start port switch 17, V switch 22 and count switch 23 before that, game control is performed. The board 31 outputs a prize ball command signal to the prize ball board 37 for giving a command of paying out the number of prize balls of “10”.

  The prize ball number signal sent from the game control board 31 to the prize ball board 37 is received by a payout control microcomputer (not shown) provided on the prize ball board 37. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 to perform control for paying out the number of prize balls specified by the prize ball number signal.

  However, while the state of the gaming machine is in a settable state in which the type of character appearing on the variable display device 8 can be set (for example, for 15 minutes after the power is turned on), the gaming control board 31 is a winning ball detection switch. Ignore the detection signal from 99. Thereby, the payout of prize balls is prohibited while the setting is possible.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in the display control board 80 together with a CRT 82 for realizing image display. The display control CPU 101 incorporating the RAM 101a operates according to a program stored in the control data ROM 102, and when a strobe signal (interrupt signal) is input from the game control board 31 via the input buffer 105a in the input buffer circuit 105. The display control CPU 101 enters an interrupt operation state and takes in display control command data. Then, display control of an image displayed on the CRT 82 is performed according to the fetched display control command data.

  In particular, after the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, it is settable for a certain period of time, and processing for setting the type of character to appear on the variable display device 8 is executed according to the type of display control command received during that period. . Specifically, in the settable state, a display control command (special symbol variation start command) for starting the variation of the special symbol and a display control command (normal symbol variation start command) for starting the variation of the normal symbol are received, Depending on the reception mode, the character type is determined based on data stored in advance in the character ROM 86.

  After the character type is determined, display control of an image displayed on the CRT 82 is performed in accordance with display control command data captured thereafter. Specifically, a command according to the display control command data is given to the VDP 103. A command corresponding to the display control command data is given to the VDP 103. VDP 103 reads necessary data from character ROM 86. The VDP 103 generates image data to be displayed on the CRT 82 in accordance with the input data, and stores the image data in the VRAM 87. The image data in the VRAM 87 is converted into R (red), G (green), and B (blue) signals (RGB signals), converted into analog signals by the D / A conversion circuit 104, and output to the CRT 82. .

  In FIG. 5, a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillation circuit 85 for supplying an operation clock to the VDP 103, a character ROM 86 for storing frequently used image data, and an input for inputting display control command data A buffer circuit 105 is also shown. The frequently used image data stored in the character ROM 86 is, for example, a person, animal, or an image made up of characters, figures, symbols, or the like displayed on the CRT 82.

  The display control CPU 101 has a built-in RAM 101a for storing display control command data, which will be described later. When a display control command is received from the game control board 31, a background or character determined in advance in each variation pattern. Is controlled to move and display on the screen. Note that the background and the character are switched at a predetermined timing, and the display control CPU 101 also controls them independently.

  In addition, the part that outputs display control on the game control board 31 side can output information from the inside of the game control board 31 to the outside, but cannot input information from the outside to the inside of the game control board 31. The output buffer circuit 63 is an irreversible output means. Similarly, the input buffer circuit 105 to which the display control command is input on the display control board 80 side also allows signal transmission only in the direction from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80, but from the display control board 80 side. This is an input interface having irreversibility that does not transmit a signal toward the game control board 31 side. Accordingly, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the display control board 80 side to the game control board 31 side, and even if unauthorized modification is added to the transmission path of the display control command, the signal output by the unauthorized modification is sent to the game control board 31 side. There is no transmission. For this reason, one-way communication between the game control board 31 and the display control board 80 is secured, and an illegal signal (data) is input to the game control board 31 via the transmission path of the display control command. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent an illegal act that causes a proper control operation.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing various random counters used for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1. There are eight types of random counters: random 1, random 2-1, random 2-2, random 2-3, random 3, random 4, random 5, and random 6. In order to enhance the game effect, other random counters are also used.

  Random 1 is a jackpot determination random counter used to determine whether or not to generate a specific gaming state (big hit state), and is incremented and updated by 1 every 2 ms as will be described later. Then, after adding up to 249 which is the upper limit, the addition is updated again from 0.

  Random 2-1, Random 2-2, and Random 2-3 are used for predetermining the off symbol that is stopped and displayed on the variable display unit 9.

  Random 2-1 is a random counter for determining the left symbol, and is added from 0 again when it is added from 0 and added to 11 which is the upper limit. In addition, when the reach where the display result is out of place is established, the reach symbol is determined by determining the left symbol and the right symbol by the random 2-1. Random 2-1 is incremented by 1 every 2 ms and the remaining time of the interrupt process. Random 2-2 is a random counter for medium symbol determination, and is added from 0 again when it is added from 0 and added to 11 which is the upper limit thereof. Random 2-2 is incremented by one for each carry of random 2-1. Random 2-3 is a random counter for determining the right symbol, is added from 0 and is added up to 11 which is the upper limit thereof, and is added again from 0. Random 2-3 is incremented by 1 for every carry of random 2-2.

  Random 3 is a random counter for determining a big hit symbol. When the random counter is added from 0 and added up to 11 which is the upper limit thereof, it is added again from 0. Random 3 is incremented by 1 every 2 ms.

  Random 4 is for deciding whether or not reach is established before displaying the result when it is decided to be out of place by the value of random 1, and every 2 ms and interrupt processing The remainder is incremented by one, incremented from 0 and incremented up to the upper limit of 1530, and then incremented from 0 again.

  Here, the reach (reach state) has a variable display device whose display state can be changed, and the variable display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are preliminarily displayed. In a gaming machine in which the gaming state becomes a gaming state advantageous for the player (specific gaming state) when a combination of specific display modes is determined, some of the plurality of display results are still derived and displayed. This means a display state in which a display result that has already been derived and displayed satisfies a condition that is a combination of the specific display modes at a stage that is not present.

  In other words, the reach state is a display condition that becomes the specific display mode even when the variable display control of the variable display device proceeds and reaches the stage before the display result is derived and displayed. A display mode not deviating from the above. For example, the reach state includes a state where variable display is performed by the plurality of variable display units while maintaining a state where the combinations of the specific display modes are aligned.

  The reach state is a display state at the time when the display control of the variable display device progresses and reaches a stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and is determined before the display result is derived and displayed. The display state in the case where at least a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display sections that have been satisfied the condition for the specific display mode.

  In addition, some reach is likely to generate a big hit when it appears compared to a normal reach. Such a specific reach is called super reach.

  Random 5 is a random counter used to determine whether or not to make a jackpot notice. It is incremented by 1 every 2 ms and the remainder of the interrupt process, and is incremented from 0 to the upper limit of 2. Is added again from 0.

  Random 6 is a random counter used to determine a variable display time when displaying reach. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, at the time of reach, any one of 19.5 seconds, 24.5 seconds, and 29.5 seconds of variable display time is used. Therefore, one of the three types of time is determined according to the value of random 6. The specific display contents at the time of reach corresponding to the variable display time at the time of reach are determined on the display control board 80 side. The random number 6 is incremented by 1 every 2 ms and the remainder of the interrupt process, is incremented from 0, and is incremented to 29, which is the upper limit thereof, and is incremented from 0 again.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the basic circuit 53 determines in advance the display result of the variable display device 8 based on the counter value of the random counter.

  When a start winning is generated in a state where the start memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the counter value of random counter random 1 is extracted. In a low probability (normal game state) that is not a high probability (probability variation state), it is determined in advance that a big hit will be generated when the extracted value is “3”. On the other hand, when the extracted value of C_RND1 is other than “3”, the loss is determined in advance. In this case, the counter values of random 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 are extracted, and the scheduled stop symbol (offset symbol) displayed on the variable display unit 9 is determined based on the extracted value. . On the other hand, in the case of a high probability, it is determined that a big hit will be generated when the extracted value of random 1 is 3, 7, 79, 107, and in other cases it is determined to be out of place. It is determined.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the basic circuit 53. The basic circuit 53 first performs stack setting processing for setting the designated address of the stack pointer (S1), and then performs initialization processing (S2). Next, a timer start process for starting timing of various timers used for game control or the like is executed (S3). This timer start process includes a process of starting the time measurement of a timer necessary for specifying by the basic circuit 53 itself whether or not the settable state has ended.

  Next, a prize ball payout disabling process is executed (S4). In the prize ball payout disabling process, a step of ignoring the detection signal when the detection signal is input from the winning ball detection switch 99, and the start port switch 17 or the V count switch 22 are ignored. And a step for not storing the winning signal as payout number determination data used in determining the payout amount of the winning ball when the count switch 23 is in a settable state when the winning signal is input. Is included. By executing the winning ball payout disabling process, for example, even when the hit ball that has won the start winning opening 14 is detected by the winning ball detection switch 99, the winning ball board 37 is in the settable state. No prize ball number signal is output. Therefore, the payout of prize balls is prohibited during the settable state.

  Next, a display control data setting process for setting display control data (command data) is executed (S5). Next, a display control data output process for outputting the display control data set in S5 to the display control board 80 is executed (S6). Next, processing for transmitting voice generation and predetermined command data for LED lighting control to the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70 is performed, and the jackpot information, start information, probability variation information, etc. to the hall management computer A data output process for transmitting the data is performed (S7). Next, various abnormality diagnosis processes are performed by the self-diagnosis function provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an error process is performed in which an alarm is issued if necessary (S8).

  Next, a determination random number update process is executed (S9). Here, processing for updating random counters such as random 1, random 4, random 5, etc. is performed. Next, a special symbol process is performed (S10). The special symbol process is a process of controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the special symbol process flag. For example, the control process from variable symbol start to jackpot occurrence and jackpot end is divided into a plurality of processes, and in the special symbol process, the process is executed in a predetermined procedure. Next, the normal symbol process is performed (S10). In the normal symbol process, a process for controlling the display of the display area 10 according to a predetermined procedure is executed. Next, switch processing is executed (S12). In the switch process, it is determined whether or not there has been a winning for each winning opening or variable winning ball device by inputting detection signals from the gate switch 12, the start opening switch 17, the count switch 23, the V count switch 22, and the like. . Next, a display random number update process is performed (S13). In this display random number update process, the addition process for the random 2 (2-1, 2-2, 2-3) described above is performed. Next, winning ball signal processing is executed (S14). In the winning ball signal processing, processing for outputting a winning ball number signal to the winning ball substrate 37 is performed. The prize ball substrate 37 receives the prize ball number signal and controls the ball dispensing device 97 to dispense the number of prize balls specified by the prize ball number signal. Next, the display random number update process is repeated in an infinite loop until a reset pulse is given from the periodic reset circuit 66, that is, until an interruption occurs (S15).

  Next, processing executed by the basic circuit 56 based on winning at the start winning opening 14 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 shows a process for determining that the hit ball has won the start winning opening 14, and FIG. 10 shows a process for determining a stop symbol of the variable display unit 9.

  First, referring to FIG. 9, when the hit ball wins the start winning opening 14, the start opening sensor 17 is turned on. In the switch process of S12 (see FIG. 8), if it is determined that the start port sensor 17 is turned on via the switch circuit 58 (S41), it is determined whether the start winning memorized number has reached the maximum value of 4. (S42). If the starting winning memory number does not reach 4, the starting winning memory number is updated by 1 (S43), and the value of the random number for random determination (random 1) is extracted. Then, the extracted value is stored in the random value storage area corresponding to the value of the start winning memorized number (S45). When the start winning memory number has reached 4, the process for increasing the start winning memory number is not performed, and the start winning is invalidated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the start winning memorized number is confirmed (S50). If the starting winning memory number is not 0, the value stored in the random number storage area corresponding to the starting winning memory number = 1 is read (S51), and the starting winning memory number is updated by 1 subtraction, and The value in each random value storage area is shifted (S52). That is, the value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the starting winning memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in the random number value storing area corresponding to the starting winning memory number = n−1. The

  Next, the winning / losing is determined based on the value read in S51, that is, the extracted value of the jackpot determination random number (S53). As described above, at the time of low probability, for example, when the value is “3”, it is determined as “big hit”, and when it is any other value, it is determined as “out of place”. At the time of high probability, for example, when the value is any one of “3”, “7”, “79”, “103”, “107”, “big hit” is determined, and when the value is other than “ It is determined as “out of”.

  When the big hit is determined, the stop symbol is determined based on the value of the big hit symbol determining random number. Here, if the limiter is not in operation, the stop symbol is determined from the table including all symbols according to the value of the random symbol random number 3 for determining the jackpot symbol (specific symbol determining random number) (S54, S55). When the limiter is operating, the stop symbol is determined from the symbol table that does not include the symbol combination (probability symbol) that causes the probability variation according to the value of the random number 3 for random determination (random number for specific symbol determination). (S54, S56). The limiter is for limiting the occurrence of big hits in the probability variation pattern continuously, that is, the continuous probability variation state. For example, when the probability variation state continues four times in succession, the limiter is activated. Therefore, in the limiter operating state, a stop symbol is determined from a table that does not include a special symbol for which probability variation is performed.

  Further, it is determined whether or not to make a jackpot notice. In other words, the value of the random number for jackpot warning (random 5) is extracted, and if the value is 0 or 1, it is determined to perform the jackpot warning (S65). Next, the reach random number (random 6) is extracted, and the reach type (variable display time) is determined based on the value (S57).

  If it is determined to be out of place, it is determined whether or not to reach (S58). For example, when the value of the random number for reach determination (random 4) is any one of “105” to “1530”, it is determined not to establish reach. Then, when the value of the random number for reach determination (random 4) is any one of “0” to “104”, it is determined that the reach is established. When it is determined to establish reach, the reach symbol is determined.

  Next, when the reach is established, the left and right symbols (reach symbols) are determined according to the random value 2-1 (S59). Further, the medium symbol is determined according to the value of random 2-2 (S60). Here, when the determined middle symbol matches the left and right symbols, the symbol corresponding to the value obtained by adding 1 to the random number value corresponding to the middle symbol is set as the determined symbol of the middle symbol so as not to match the jackpot symbol To do.

  Next, the value of the random number for jackpot warning (random 5) is extracted, and if the value is 0 or 1, it is decided to perform the jackpot warning (S66). Further, the reach random number (random 6) is extracted, and the reach type (variable display time) is determined based on the value (S57).

  When it is determined in S58 that the reach is not established, the left and right middle symbols are determined according to the random values 2-1 to 2-3 (S61). As will be described later, in this embodiment, in the probability variation state, a variation pattern having a shortened variation time is used as a variation pattern at the time of loss. Therefore, in the probability variation state, the CPU 56 determines whether to use a normal variation pattern of outliers or a shortened variation pattern using, for example, a predetermined random number.

  As described above, it is determined whether the display mode of the symbol variation based on the start winning is the big hit, the reach mode, or the off mode, and the combination of each stop symbol is determined.

Further, in the probability variation state, the probability of the next big hit increases, the variable symbol variable display time is shortened, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened when the variable symbol variable display result becomes a value. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be configured to increase the number of times and the opening time, or may be configured to increase the probability that a variable symbol display result of a normal symbol will be a hit.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the special symbol process. This special symbol process is a process repeatedly executed every 2 ms in S10 of FIG. In the special symbol process, one of the processes of S300 to S308 is executed according to the value of the special symbol process flag.

  In the special symbol variation waiting process (S300), when the start opening sensor 17 is turned on, the start winning memorized number is incremented by 1 on the condition that the starting winning memorized number has not reached the upper limit value, and a big hit determining random number is extracted. The process, that is, the process shown in FIG. The special symbol determination process (S301) confirms the starting winning memory number when the variable symbol variable display can be started. If the starting winning memory number is not 0, the extracted jackpot determining random number is determined. This is a process of determining whether to win or not according to the value. The stop symbol setting process (S302) is a process for determining the stop symbol of the left and right middle symbols. Command transmission completion waiting processing (S303) is processing for confirming completion of transmission of command data to the display control board 80. The all symbol stop waiting process (S304) is a process of controlling so that all the special symbols variably displayed on the variable display unit 9 are stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variation of the special symbols. The jackpot display process (S305) updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value that can be transferred to the big prize opening opening process when the stop symbol is a combination of the jackpot symbol, and if not, This is a process of updating the value to a value that can be transferred to the special symbol fluctuation waiting process. The special winning opening opening process (S306) is a process for starting control for opening the special winning opening of the variable winning ball apparatus 19. Specifically, the counter and flag are initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening. The special winning opening open process (S307) is a process for transmitting command data necessary for 10-count display, V winning display, and the like, and a process for confirming that the closing condition for the special winning opening is satisfied. In addition, when the closing condition of the big prize opening is satisfied, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value that can be transferred to the big winning end process if the end condition of the big winning state is satisfied, and the end condition of the big winning state is If not established, the value of the special symbol process flag is maintained as it is. The big hit end process (S308) is a process for notifying the player that the big hit state has ended. When the processing is completed, the special symbol process flag is updated to the initial state, and the next special symbol process processing shifts to a special symbol variation waiting process.

  The basic circuit 53 executes a special symbol process when the hitting ball enters the start winning opening 14 to determine whether to win or not, and to determine a stop symbol and a variable display time. Thereafter, by executing the display control data setting process (S5) and the display control data output process (S6), a display control command according to the determination is given to the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80. The display control CPU 101 performs display control of the variable display unit 9 in accordance with a display control command from the game control board 31.

Next, the variation content of the special symbol will be described using a specific example.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of left and right middle symbols used as special symbols in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the symbols displayed as the left and right middle symbols are the same 12 symbols in the left and right. When the symbol number 12 is displayed, the symbol number 1 is displayed next. Thus, when the left and right middle symbols are stopped together with, for example, “one”, “three”, “five”, “seven”, “nine”, or “geta”, the probability variation state is entered. That is, they are probable symbols.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a background image displayed on the variable display unit 9. In this example, as a background image displayed as a background when a special symbol is variably displayed, a dojo (shown in parentheses as “inside the room”) (FIG. 13A), flash (FIG. 13 (B)), aura (FIG. 13C), and smoke (FIG. 13D) backgrounds are used. Further, the display shown in FIG. 13E is an example of a demonstration screen (hereinafter referred to as a demo screen) displayed when a game is not being performed by the player. The demo screen is configured to be able to display any one of four types of a demo screen A, a demo screen B, a demo screen C, and a demo screen D. Next, this demonstration screen will be described.

  14 and 15 are explanatory diagrams for explaining specific examples of the demonstration screen A to the demonstration screen D. FIG. 14A shows a screen showing the dojo (inside the room) as a specific example of the demonstration screen A, and FIG. 14B shows a screen showing the sun as a specific example of the demonstration screen B. It is shown. FIG. 15C shows a screen representing the moon as a specific example of the demonstration screen C, and FIG. 15D shows a screen representing the heart as a specific example of the demonstration screen D. .

  Which of these four types of demonstration screens is displayed is determined by the type of character appearing on the variable display unit 9. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is configured such that an attendant of the game hall can arbitrarily set any one of a plurality of predetermined types of characters A to D. When the character A is set, A demo screen A corresponding to the character is displayed. On the other hand, when the character B is set, the demonstration screen B corresponding to the character is displayed. Similarly, when the character C is set, the demonstration screen C corresponding to the character is displayed, and when the character D is set, the demonstration screen D corresponding to the character is displayed. These demonstration screens are displayed when a game is not being performed by the player, and are also displayed when a character is set by an operation by a game hall attendant or the like. Thereby, it is comprised so that the attendant of a game hall etc. can confirm the setting content.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a character displayed on the variable display unit 9. Here, among characters A to D, character A1 (FIG. 16A), character A2 (FIG. 16B), and character A3 (FIG. 16C) classified as character A are shown. Yes. These characters A (A1, A2, A3) are, for example, fighting characters appearing in martial arts competitions. Of these, the character A1 is also used as a jackpot warning character, and when the character A1 is displayed so that the eyes of the character A1 shine (notice 1), or when the character A1 is notified in a balloon (notice 2), the jackpot warning is displayed. It has been done. The character A1 is also used as a character for establishing reach. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the character A1 is displayed so that the foot of the character A kicks the right symbol, and the left and right symbols are stopped in the same symbol. Done.

  Here, only the fighting characters A (A1, A2, A3) are shown as the characters displayed on the variable display unit 9, but by changing the setting on the game hall side, Character B (B1, B2, B3), character C (C1, C2, C3), or character D (D1, D2, D3) can be made to appear. Although illustration of the characters B (B1, B2, B3) to D (D1, D2, D3) is omitted, for example, the character B is different from the fighting character A that is often preferred by male customers. It is conceivable to employ characters that are often preferred by female customers. When a character other than character A is set, the background image also changes according to the characteristics of the character, and a background image corresponding to character A (see FIGS. 13A to 13D). ) Is displayed.

  17 to 20 are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of display control commands transmitted from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. In this example, one display control command is composed of 2 bytes (CMD1, CMD2).

  FIG. 17 shows a display control command that can specify the variable display time of a symbol (special symbol or normal symbol), a display control command that instructs to stop all symbols (special symbol or normal symbol), and display control during a big hit state. It is explanatory drawing which shows a command.

  As shown in the figure, the display commands that can specify the variable display time for the special symbol are “out of line (A0)”, “total symbol variation during probability variation (A2)”, “reach short time (B1)”, “reach medium period” (B2) "and" Reach long term (B3) "are prepared. These display control commands A0, A2, B1 to B3 are commands (special symbol variation start commands) that are output from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 when the special symbol variation is started. The display control board 80 is instructed by these special symbol variation start commands to start the variation of the special symbol, the variable display time, and the presence / absence of reach. In addition, as a command for designating the display state during the big hit, “big hit display”, “V winning display”, “10 count display”, and “round display” are prepared. Furthermore, “ordinary symbol changing” is prepared as a display control command that is output to start normal symbol change. This “ordinary symbol variation” is a normal symbol variation start command. As a display control command to stop all symbols, “all symbols stop” is prepared for special symbols, and “normal symbol stops at 7” and “ordinary symbol stops at 0” for normal symbols. It is prepared.

  FIG. 18 shows a display control command for designating a stop symbol of the left symbol. As shown in FIG. 18, a symbol to be stopped is designated by a display control command composed of 2-byte control data CMD1 and CMD2. In these designations, the value of the display control data CMD1 in the first byte is “8B (H)”.

  FIG. 19 shows a display control command for designating a stop symbol as a middle symbol. As shown in FIG. 18, a symbol to be stopped is designated by a display control command composed of 2-byte control data CMD1 and CMD2. In these designations, the value of the control data CMD1 in the first byte is “8C (H)”.

  FIG. 20 shows a display control command for designating a stop symbol of the right symbol. As shown in FIG. 20, a symbol to be stopped is designated by a display control command composed of 2-byte control data CMD1 and CMD2. In these designations, the value of the control data CMD1 in the first byte is “8D (H)”.

  When the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 starts the change of the special symbol, any one of the special symbol change start commands A0, A2, B1, B2, and B3 that can specify the change time shown in FIG. Subsequently, a display control command indicating the left and right stop symbols already determined is sent to the display control board 80. Although the command is not clearly shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 56 also sends a display control command indicating whether or not to make a big hit notice to the display control board 80. However, information indicating whether or not to make a jackpot notice may be included in a command that can specify the variation time.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing display control commands transmitted from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. As shown in FIG. 21, the display control command is transmitted from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 through eight signal lines of display control signals CD0 to CD7. In addition, between the game control board 31 and the display control board 80, a signal line for the display control signal INT for transmitting a strobe signal, + 5V and + 12V supply lines for powering the display control board 80, and a ground level A signal line for supplying the signal is also wired.

  FIG. 22 is a timing chart showing an example of the transmission timing of the display control command given from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. In this example, 2-byte display control data constituting the display control command is sent every 2 ms. Then, a strobe signal (display control signal INT) is output in synchronization with each display control data. The display control CPU 101 is interrupted at the rising edge of the strobe signal, and each display control data is taken into the display control CPU 101 by the interrupt processing program.

  Next, an example of the variation pattern of the special symbol will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, a case where character A is set is taken as an example.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing patterns (variation states) constituting each variation pattern. FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing an example of a change in symbol when the reach is not reached. FIG. 25 to FIG. 28 are timing charts showing an example of changes in symbols at the time of reach (in the case of big hit and not in big hit). In the figure, commands A0, A2, and B1 to B3 are “special symbol variation start commands” for instructing to start variation of special symbols.

  First, as shown in FIG. 24 (A), in the “left” symbol display area in the variable display section 9 at the time of the deviation, the symbols are first changed according to the pattern a. As shown in FIG. 23, the pattern a is a pattern in which the fluctuation speed gradually increases. Thereafter, the pattern b is changed at a constant speed, and after the control is performed so that the symbol three symbols before the stop symbol is displayed, the three symbols are changed according to the pattern c. As shown in FIG. 23, the pattern c is a pattern that gradually becomes slower and stops.

  Further, in the “right” symbol display area in the variable display section 9, symbols are changed according to the pattern a. Thereafter, after the constant speed fluctuation, the control is performed such that the symbol three symbols before the stop symbol is displayed, and then the symbol is varied according to the pattern c. In the “medium” symbol display area, the symbols are also changed according to the pattern a. Thereafter, after the constant speed fluctuation, the control is performed such that the symbol three symbols before the stop symbol is displayed, and then the symbol is varied according to the pattern c.

  Note that the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 repeatedly fluctuates the left and right symbols in the forward and reverse directions of the fluctuation direction until the middle symbol is determined. That is, display control is performed on the left and right symbols in a so-called fluctuation fluctuation state. The fluctuation of shaking means that a symbol is displayed by shaking up and down. Further, the fluctuation fluctuation is performed until the final stop symbol (determined symbol) is displayed. And when the display control command which instruct | indicates all symbol stop is received from the game control board 31, the fluctuation | variation state of a left-right symbol will be complete | finished and it will be in the definite state which a left-right middle symbol does not move. Note that the middle symbol may also be swayed after the fluctuation due to the pattern c and then be in a definite state.

  While the symbols are changing, the display control CPU 101 performs display control so that “Dojo” (see FIG. 13A) is displayed as a background, and displays the character A1 (see FIG. 16) on the screen. Display control is performed to display and appropriately move the character A1. Specifically, the background and the character A1 are notified to the VDP 103. Then, the VDP 103 creates the designated background image data. Also, image data of the instructed character is created and combined with the background image. Furthermore, the VDP 103 synthesizes left and right middle symbol image data with the synthesized image. The VDP 103 also performs display control for moving the character and display control for changing the design. That is, the character shape and display position are changed according to a predetermined movement pattern. Further, the symbol display position is changed according to the fluctuation speed notified from the display control CPU 101. Note that the display control CPU 101 performs display control of the symbols three symbols before the stop symbol at a predetermined timing so that the symbol variation stops at the designated stop symbol in the left and right middle symbol display areas. Since the left and right stop symbols are notified at the start of the change, and the change pattern at the time of the deviation is determined in advance, the display control CPU 101 switches the timing from pattern a to pattern b and from pattern b to pattern c. The switching timing can be recognized, and the symbol three symbols before the symbol to be replaced can also be determined. The determined replacement symbol is notified to the VDP 103, and the VDP 103 displays the notified symbol regardless of the symbol displayed at that time.

  FIG. 24B shows an example of a variation pattern at the time of deviation in the probability variation state. In this variation pattern, as shown in the figure, the left and right middle symbols are simultaneously stopped after the left and right middle symbols are varied according to the pattern a and the pattern b.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of a variation pattern displayed when a variation time of 19.5 seconds (reach short period) is notified by a special symbol variation start command from the game control board 31. FIG. 25 illustrates three patterns (A) to (C) as a plurality of variation patterns. When notified of the reach short period, the display control CPU 101 uniquely determines which one of a plurality of variation patterns of 19.5 seconds is used.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 25A, the middle symbol of the pattern d is varied after the left and right middle symbols are stopped. The pattern d is a pattern in which the fluctuation speed is gradually decreased and thereafter the fluctuation is performed at a constant speed. Then, the reach operation is started, and the middle symbols are changed according to the patterns b and c. When the display control command for instructing the stop of all symbols is received from the game control board 31, the left and right symbols are fluctuated and the fixed state in which the right and left middle symbols do not move is reached. Further, the display control CPU 101 performs symbol replacement (design skipping control) before the start of the reach operation so that the symbol is determined by the stop symbol notified from the game control board 31. Since the variation pattern is determined in advance, the display control CPU 101 can recognize the switching timing from the pattern d to the pattern b and the switching timing from the pattern b to the pattern c, and the symbol three symbols before the symbol to be replaced. Can also be determined. It should be noted that the background and the character type do not change during the change of the middle symbol.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 25B, the middle symbol of the pattern d is varied after the left and right symbols are stopped. Then, the reach operation is started, and the middle symbols are changed according to the patterns a and c. When the display control command for instructing the stop of all symbols is received from the game control board 31, the left and right symbols are fluctuated and the fixed state in which the right and left middle symbols do not move is reached. Further, the display control CPU 101 replaces the symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the symbols are determined by the stop symbols notified from the game control board 31. In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 25B, when the right symbol is stopped, the display control CPU 101 performs display control so that the character A1 kicks the right symbol (see FIG. 16A). Therefore, the player feels as if the reach has been established as the character A1 kicks the right symbol.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 25C, the middle symbol of the pattern d is varied after the left and right symbols are stopped. Then, the reach operation is started, and the middle symbols are changed according to the patterns b and h. The pattern h is a pattern in which 0.9 symbols reversely change and 0.9 symbols change in order after the temporary stop. When the display control command for instructing the stop of all symbols is received from the game control board 31, the left and right symbols are fluctuated and the fixed state in which the right and left middle symbols do not move is reached. Further, the display control CPU 101 replaces the symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the symbols are determined by the stop symbols notified from the game control board 31. In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 25 (C), when the right symbol stops, the display control CPU 101 switches the background image to “Aura” (see FIG. 13 (C)) and changes the character appearing on the screen. Switch to character A2 (see FIG. 16B).

  Even in the variation pattern with the variation time of 19.5 seconds shown in FIGS. 25A to 25C, the display control CPU 101 swings the left and right symbols up and down until the middle symbol is determined. Further, the symbol replacement control for the middle symbol is executed at the timing when the right symbol stops. The display control CPU 101 changes the symbol in the middle stop symbol notified from the game control board 31 at the start of the variation and the reach variation time (for example, the variation times of pattern a, pattern b, and pattern c in FIG. 25A). The replacement symbol is determined according to the number.

  FIG. 26 shows an example of a variation pattern that is displayed when a variation time of 24.5 seconds (during reach) is notified by a special symbol variation start command from the game control board 31. FIG. 26 illustrates three patterns (A) to (C) as a plurality of variation patterns. When the display control CPU 101 is notified of the change time of 24.5 seconds, the display control CPU 101 uniquely determines which of the plurality of change patterns is to be used.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 26A, the middle symbol of the pattern d is varied after the left and right symbols are stopped. Then, the reach operation is started, and the middle symbols are changed according to the patterns b and f. The pattern f is a high-speed fluctuation, and a temporary stop period is set after the fluctuation start by the pattern f. When a control control command for instructing the stop of all symbols is received from the game control board 31, the left / right symbol fluctuation state is terminated and a fixed state in which the left / right middle symbols do not move is established. Further, the display control CPU 101 replaces the symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the symbols are determined by the stop symbols notified from the game control board 31. In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 26A, when the right symbol stops, the display control CPU 101 switches the background image to “flash” (see FIG. 13B). When the right symbol is stopped, the display control CPU 101 performs display control so that the character A1 kicks the right symbol (see FIG. 16A). Further, when it is determined that the big hit announcement is made, the display control CPU 101 performs display control in which the eye of the character A1 shines or display control in which the character is generated during the left-right symbol variation period.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 26B, the middle symbol of the pattern d is varied after the left and right symbols are stopped. Then, the reach operation is started, and the middle symbols are changed according to the patterns b and h. When the display control command for instructing the stop of all symbols is received from the game control board 31, the left and right symbols are fluctuated and the fixed state in which the right and left middle symbols do not move is reached. Further, the display control CPU 101 replaces the symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the symbols are determined by the stop symbols notified from the game control board 31. In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 26B, when the right symbol stops, the display control CPU 101 switches the background image to “flash” (see FIG. 13B). Further, when it is determined that the big hit announcement is made, the display control CPU 101 performs display control in which the character A1 shines or display control in which the character A1 is generated during the left and right symbol change period.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 26C, the middle symbol of pattern d is varied after the left and right symbols have stopped. Then, the reach operation is started, and the middle symbols are changed according to the patterns b and c. When the display control command for instructing the stop of all symbols is received from the game control board 31, the left and right symbols are fluctuated and the fixed state in which the right and left middle symbols do not move is reached. Further, the display control CPU 101 performs symbol replacement (design skipping control) before the start of the reach operation so that the symbol is determined by the stop symbol notified from the game control board 31. In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 26C, when the right symbol is stopped, the display control CPU 101 switches the background image to “Aura” (see FIG. 13C) and changes the character appearing on the screen to the character A2. (See FIG. 16C). In addition, when it is determined that the big hit announcement is made, the display control CPU 101 performs display control in which the eye of the character A shines or display control in which the character is generated during the left-right symbol variation period.

  Even in the variation pattern of variation time 24.5 seconds shown in FIGS. 26A to 26C, the display control CPU 101 swings the left and right symbols up and down until the middle symbol is determined. Further, the symbol skip control for the middle symbol is executed at the timing when the right symbol stops.

  27 and 28 show examples of variation patterns displayed when a variation time of 29.5 seconds (reach long-term) is notified by a special symbol variation start command from the game control board 31. FIG. 27 and 28 illustrate three patterns as a plurality of variation patterns. When 29.5 seconds is notified as the variation time, the display control CPU 101 uniquely determines which variation pattern of the plurality of variation patterns is to be used. The variation patterns (C1) and (C2) are examples showing different aspects of one variation pattern. Therefore, hereinafter, the variation pattern illustrated in FIGS. 28C1 and 28C2 may be referred to as the variation pattern illustrated in FIG.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 27A, the middle symbol of the pattern d is varied after the left and right symbols are stopped. Then, the reach operation is started, and after the fluctuation due to the pattern b, the middle symbol is changed according to the pattern f after a temporary stop period. Further, the display control CPU 101 replaces the symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the symbols are determined by the stop symbols notified from the game control board 31. In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 27A, when the right symbol stops, the display control CPU 101 switches the background image to “flash” (see FIG. 13B). Further, when it is determined that the big hit announcement is made, the display control CPU 101 performs display control in which the character A1 shines or display control in which the character A1 is generated during the left and right symbol change period.

  Further, in the variation pattern shown in FIG. 27A, when the middle symbol changes at high speed with the pattern f, the left and right symbols also change at high speed in the same manner. Therefore, when the final stop symbol is a combination of jackpot symbols, the temporary stop symbol at the time of pause is also a combination of jackpot symbols, although the types of symbols are different. Therefore, the player feels that a big hit has occurred at the time of the suspension, and is provided with the big hit symbol again after re-variation, and is intrigued again. The temporary stop symbol is a symbol uniquely determined by the display control CPU 101 by calculating backward from the stop symbol. Since the variation speed and variation time of the pattern f are determined in advance, the display control CPU 101 can easily calculate the temporary stop symbol from the final stop symbol.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 27B, the middle symbol of the pattern d is varied after the left and right symbols are stopped. Then, the reach operation is started, and after the fluctuation due to the pattern b and the pattern h, the middle symbol is changed according to the pattern f after a temporary stop period. Further, the display control CPU 101 replaces the symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the symbols are determined by the stop symbols notified from the game control board 31. In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 27B, when the right symbol stops, the display control CPU 101 switches the background image to “Aura” (see FIG. 13C) and changes the character appearing on the screen. Switch to character A2 (see FIG. 16). Further, when it is determined that the big hit announcement is made, the display control CPU 101 performs display control in which the character A1 shines or display control in which the character A1 is generated during the left and right symbol change period.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 28C, after the left and right symbols are stopped, the middle symbol is varied according to the pattern c. Thereafter, the middle symbols are changed according to the pattern g. Pattern g is a frame advance pattern. Further, the display control CPU 101 replaces the symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the symbols are determined by the stop symbols notified from the game control board 31. In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 28C, when the right symbol stops, the display control CPU 101 switches the background image to “smoke” (see FIG. 13D) and changes the character appearing on the screen. Switch to character A3 (see FIG. 16). Further, when it is determined that the big hit announcement is made, the display control CPU 101 performs display control in which the character A1 shines or display control in which the character A1 is generated during the left and right symbol change period.

  Even in the variation pattern with the variation time of 29.5 seconds shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the display control CPU 101 swings the left and right symbols up and down until the middle symbol is determined. Further, the symbol skip control for the middle symbol is executed at the timing when the right symbol stops.

  In the variation pattern including the frame advance shown in FIG. 28C, it is assumed that the left and right display symbols are aligned at the start of the reach operation regardless of whether or not the big hit is made. Then, since the stop symbols of the left and right middle symbols are transmitted from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 at the start of fluctuation, the frame feed is made from the stop symbols and the symbols at the start of the reach operation (the ones in which the left and right middles are aligned). The number of frames is determined.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 28 (C1), the confirmed symbols are “seven” (left symbol), “five” (middle symbol), and “seven” (right symbol). Since the symbols at the start of the reach operation are “seven”, “seven” and “seven”, it is necessary to change 10 symbols at the time of frame advance. The example shown in FIG. 28C2 is an example in which the confirmed symbols are “seven” (left symbol), “two” (middle symbol), and “seven” (right symbol). Since the symbols at the start of the reach operation are “seven”, “seven”, and “seven”, it is necessary to change seven symbols at the time of frame advance.

  Then, if the frame advance time is always constant, the fluctuation time will deviate from 29.5 seconds. In order to avoid shifting, it is necessary to change the frame feed fluctuation speed in accordance with the number of frames to be fed. It is unnatural to perform such display control. That is, it gives distrust to the player. Therefore, if the display control CPU 101 decides to use the fluctuation pattern shown in FIG. 28C, the timing at the start of the reach operation is set so that the fluctuation speed at the time of frame advance fluctuation is always constant. adjust.

  That is, when the number of frames to be sent is small, the timing for starting the reach operation is delayed, and when the number of frames to be sent is large, the timing for starting the reach operation is relatively advanced. If such display control is performed, the fluctuation speed at the time of fluctuating frame feed can be made constant at all times while keeping the whole fluctuation time at 29.5 seconds.

  Hereinafter, control in the game control board 31 and the display control board 80 for realizing the display example described above will be described.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing command transmission completion waiting processing (S303) in the special symbol process shown in FIG. When the variation time and the stop symbol are determined in the stop symbol setting process of S302, the transmission control of the display control command for instructing them is performed. First, whether or not the transmission of the display control command is completed. Is determined (S303a). When starting the change of the special symbol, the CPU 56 sends to the display control board 80 a special symbol change start command, a display control command indicating the left and right stop symbols, and a display control command indicating whether or not to make a jackpot notice. To do. In S303a, it is confirmed whether or not transmission of all these commands is completed.

When the transmission of the display control command is completed, a variable time timer for measuring the variable time notified to the display control board 80 also on the game control board 31 side is started (S303b). Next, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value that can be shifted to the all symbol stop waiting process (S303c), and the process ends.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the all symbol stop waiting process (S304) in the special symbol process shown in FIG. In S304, first, it is confirmed whether or not the variable time timer has expired (S304a). If the time is up, a display control command for instructing all symbols to stop is set (S304b). Next, a display control command data transmission request is set (S304c). Next, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value that can shift to the jackpot display process (S304d), and the process ends. The display control command data transmission request is referred to in the display control data setting process (S5).

  As described above, in the special symbol process, the CPU 56 sends, to the display control board 80, information that can specify the variation time when starting the variation of the special symbol, information that indicates the stop symbol, and the like. When the timer is up, that is, when the designated fluctuation time is finished, information for instructing all symbols to be stopped is sent to the display control board 80. During that time, the CPU 56 does not send a display control command to the display control board 80. Therefore, the load required for the display control of the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 is greatly reduced.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the display control data setting process (S5 in the main process shown in FIG. 8). In the display control data setting process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the data transmission flag is set (S411). If it is not set, it is checked whether or not the display control command data transmission request flag is set (S412). If the transmission request flag is set, the transmission request flag is reset (S413). Further, display control command data to be sent is set in the output data storage area (S414), and a port output request is set (S416). The display control command data transmission request flag is set in the special symbol process. The data sending flag is set in the display control data output process described later.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the display control data output process (S6) in the main process shown in FIG. In the display control data output process, first, it is determined whether or not a port output request is set (S421). If it is determined that the port output request is set, the port output request is reset (S422), and the contents of the port storage area (the first byte of the display control command) are output to the output port 571 (S423). ). Next, the port output counter is incremented by 1 (S424). Next, the INT signal is set to the low level (ON state) (S425), and the data sending flag is turned ON (S426).

  If the port output request is not set, it is determined whether or not the value of the port output counter is 0 (S431). If the value of the port output counter is not 0, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the port output counter is 1 (S432). If the value of the port output counter is 1, the INT signal is turned off for the first byte of the display control command, so the INT signal is turned off (= 1) (S433). Further, the value of the port output counter is incremented by 1 (S434).

  When the value of the port output counter is 2 (S435), since the second byte of the display control command is the output timing, the contents of the port storage area (second byte of the display control command) are output port 571. (S436). Next, the port output counter is incremented by 1 (S437). Next, the INT signal is set to a low level (S438).

  When the value of the port output counter is not 2, that is, when it is 3, since it is the INT signal of timing related to the second byte of the display control command, the value of the port output counter is cleared (S441). ), The INT signal is turned off (high level state) (S442). Next, the data transmission flag is turned off (S443).

  In this embodiment, the display data output process is executed once every 2 ms. Therefore, by the display data output process, as shown in FIG. 22, 1-byte data is output every 2 ms.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a special winning opening opening process (see S306 in FIG. 11). In the big prize opening opening process, first, the opening time counter is incremented by 1 (S501). The opening time counter is a counter for measuring the continuous opening time (= 30 seconds) of the variable winning ball apparatus 19. Next, it is determined whether or not the count value of the open time counter has reached a predetermined value (= 30 seconds) (S502). If the predetermined value has been reached, the process proceeds to S508, which will be described later, in order to close the special winning opening. If the predetermined value has not been reached, whether or not 10 counts have been detected by the count switch 23 or not. Is determined (S503). If it is determined that 10 counts are not detected, it is determined whether or not a V winning is detected by the V count switch 22 (S514). If no V winning is detected, the process ends. On the other hand, if a V winning is detected, a V detection flag indicating the detection of the V winning is set (S515), and then a V display request flag for performing a V winning display is set (S516), and S504. Migrate to

  When it is determined in S503 that there is a 10 count detection output from the count switch 23, or after the processing of S516, the count value of the 10 count counter is incremented by 1 (S504). Next, a 10 count display update request flag for performing 10 count display is set (S505).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the count value of the 10 count counter is 10 or more (S506). When it is determined that the count value of the 10-count counter has not reached 10 (NO in S506), excitation of the solenoid 21 is continued (S518). On the other hand, if the count value of the 10 count counter has reached 11, a YES determination is made in S506, and the count value of the 10 count counter is reset (S507). Thereafter, the excitation of the solenoid 21 is released (S508), thereby closing the special winning opening.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the V detection flag is set (S509). When the V detection flag is set, V winning has occurred, so it is determined whether or not the current round is the final round (the 16th round) (S510). The count value of the counter is incremented by 1 (S511). Thereafter, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value for shifting to the special winning opening opening process (S512). Subsequently, the V detection flag is reset (S513), and the process ends.

  If it is determined in S509 that the V detection flag is not set or if it is determined in S510 that the final round has been reached, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value for shifting to the jackpot end process. (S517), after the V detection flag is reset (S513), the process ends.

Next, the operation of the display control CPU 101 will be described.
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing main processing of the display control CPU 101. When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, power is supplied from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 through the + 5V and + 12V supply lines as shown in FIG. In this main process, a process for initializing the RAM 101a, the I / O port, the VDP 103, and the like is executed in accordance with the supply of power (S701). Next, timing of the display screen setting timer and the reference timer is started (S702). The display screen setting timer is a timer that measures the time elapsed since the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on. On the other hand, the reference timer is a timer that measures a unit time (5 minutes) in which the type of character for displaying an image can be set. Next, a display indicating that the character can be set is displayed on the variable display device 8 (S703). An example of the display is shown in FIG. FIG. 51C shows a display for notifying that once some setting is made, the setting can be performed again. For example, in S703, the display of FIG. 51 (D) is made. As a result, the attendant at the game hall that has turned on the power can grasp that the character can be set. In particular, FIG. 51D is displayed in S703 because the character D corresponding to the background screen in FIG. 51D is automatically set when left for a predetermined time without performing the setting operation. This is to notify the attendant of the game hall to that effect.

Next, the process of updating the display random number (see FIG. 35) is repeatedly executed (S704).
FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing display random numbers handled by the display control CPU 101. As shown in FIG. 35A, a jackpot warning random number and a reach random number are prepared as display random numbers. The jackpot notice random number is for determining the contents of the jackpot notice (notice 1 or notice 2), and the reach random number is for determining the variation pattern. FIG. 35B shows the relationship between the reach random number value and the variation pattern.

  In FIG. 35B, A, B, and C correspond to (A), (B), and (C) in FIGS. That is, if the value of the extracted reach random number is the value shown in the upper stage, the symbols are changed in the change pattern shown in the lower stage. For example, when 29.5 seconds (reach long-term) is notified as a variation time from the game control board 31 and the extracted random number for reach is 21, which is a big hit, it is shown in FIG. It is determined that the variation is performed with the variation pattern. Whether or not to win is determined based on a display control command indicating a stop symbol of the middle left and right symbols sent together with a display control command designating a variation time.

  In this embodiment, actual variation control and the like are performed by timer interrupt processing. A timer interrupt occurs every 2 ms, for example. As shown in FIG. 36, in the timer interrupt process, the display control process (S711) is executed by the display control CPU 101. In the display control process, display control is performed according to the value of the display control process flag.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the IRQ2 interrupt process of the display control CPU 101. The display control command from the game control board 31 is received by the display control CPU 101 by this IRQ2 interrupt. In the IRQ2 interrupt process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the data receiving flag is set (S601). If it is not set, it can be determined that this interrupt is caused by sending the display control data of the first byte in the display control command data. Therefore, in this case, the pointer is cleared (S602) and the data receiving flag is set (S603). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S604. The pointer indicates at which byte in the display control command data storage area of the RAM of the display control CPU 101 the received data is stored.

  If the data receiving flag is set, data is input from the input port on condition that the strobe signal is turned off (S604), and the input data is stored at the address indicated by the pointer in the display control command data storage area. Is stored (S605). Next, the value of the pointer is incremented by 1 (S606).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the pointer is 2 (S607). If it is not 2, the process ends, but in the case of 2, reception of display control command data composed of 2 bytes is also completed. Thus, after the data reception completion flag is set (S608), the data reception flag is reset (S609). The display control data CMD1 and CMD2 are received by the display control board 80 through the processing as described above.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the display control process (S711) in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. In the display control process, one of steps S720 to S870 is performed according to the value of the display control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Display control command reception waiting process (S720): It is confirmed whether or not a display control command capable of specifying the variation time is received by the IRQ2 interrupt process.

  Reach operation setting process (S750): At the time of reach, it is determined which of the variation patterns shown in FIGS. 25 to 28 is used and the type of jackpot notice is determined.

All symbol variation start processing (S780): Control is performed so that variation of the left and right middle symbols is started.
Symbol variation processing (S810): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed, background, character) constituting the variation pattern, and monitors the end of the variation time. In addition, left and right symbols are stopped.

  All symbol stop waiting process (S840): If a display control command for instructing all symbols to be stopped is received at the end of the variation time, control for stopping the symbol variation and displaying the final stop symbol (determined symbol) is performed.

  Big hit display processing (S870): After the end of the variation time, the control of the probability change big hit display or the normal big hit display is performed.

  The display control command that is first transmitted from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 is a command that indicates the variation time and a command that designates the left and right middle symbols. Information without notice has also been received. They are stored in the display control command data storage area of the RAM 101 a of the display control CPU 101. Hereinafter, the stop symbol sent together with the special symbol variation start command capable of specifying the variation time is referred to as a temporary stop symbol.

  Next, a first embodiment of the display control command reception waiting process (S720) will be described. FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the first embodiment of the display control command reception waiting process (S720).

  For example, when the main processing of the display control CPU described above is executed by turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine, the display screen setting timer and the reference timer are started, and characters are set on the display screen. A message indicating that it is possible is displayed (see FIG. 51D). Thereafter, when the process shifts to the display control command reception waiting process, it is first determined whether or not the timer value of the display time setting timer is a value indicating within 15 minutes (S721a). For example, immediately after the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on, a determination of YES is made in S721a, and it is determined whether or not the timer value of the reference time timer is a value indicating within 5 minutes (S722a). ). The reference time timer is a timer that starts timing when the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on, and resets in S740a, which will be described later, when the timer value has passed 5 minutes and starts counting again from the initial value. . Therefore, for example, if five minutes have not elapsed since the power-on of the pachinko gaming machine, a YES determination is made in S722a, and the setting enable flag is set to ON (S723a). This setting enabling flag is set to OFF in S744a, which will be described later, when the display time setting timer finishes counting 15 minutes. Therefore, once the setting enable flag is set to ON in S723a, the ON state is maintained until the display time setting timer finishes counting 15 minutes. In other words, the setting enable flag is a flag indicating that the state of the gaming machine is in a settable state.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the command non-reception timer has timed out (S724a). The command non-reception timer times out when the display control command is not received after a certain period of time. As will be described later with reference to S728a, when the timer value of the display time setting timer is a value within 15 minutes, this command non-reception timer is repeatedly reset so as not to time out. Therefore, if the timer value of the display time setting timer is a value within 15 minutes, a NO determination is always made in S724a. If it is determined that the command non-reception timer has not timed out, it is determined whether or not the reception completion flag is on (S725a). The reception completion flag is a flag that is set to ON when one unit of display control command (2-byte data of CMD1 and CMD2) is received. For example, if the gaming machine has just been turned on, no display control command has been received, so a NO determination is made in S725a, and the process is temporarily terminated. Then, when the display control command reception waiting process is executed again, if the reception of any display control command is completed, the reception completion flag is set to on, so a YES determination is made in S725a. After that, the reception completion flag is cleared (S726a). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the enable setting flag is set to ON (S727a). For example, in a stage where 5 minutes have not yet elapsed since the time when the gaming machine is turned on, the setting enabling flag is set to ON (the setting enabling flag is set to 15 minutes after the gaming machine is turned on). Therefore, in S727a, a determination of YES is made.

  In such a case, first, the timer value of the command non-reception timer is reset (S728a). As described above, as long as the setting enable flag is set to ON, the command non-reception timer is repeatedly reset in S728a. Therefore, the command non-reception timer is not used when the display time setting timer has not finished counting 15 minutes. Never time out. Next, it is determined whether or not the type of the received display control command is a special symbol variation start command (S729a). The special symbol change start command is a command that the game control board 31 outputs to the display control board 80 based on the start winning, and is a command for instructing a special symbol change start (A0, A2, B1 in FIG. 17). To B3). In other words, this special symbol variation start command can be said to be a command indicating that a start winning has occurred at the start winning opening 14. For example, if a pachinko player puts a pachinko ball into the start winning opening 14 within 5 minutes after turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine, the pachinko ball is detected by the start opening switch 17 (switch A). Based on the detected output, a special symbol variation start command is output from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. If this special symbol variation start command is received, a determination of YES is made in S729a, and first, the value of the process flag is updated to a value for shifting to reach operation setting processing (S750a). Subsequently, the fact that a start winning has occurred (that switch A has been detected) is stored in the detection state storage area (S751a).

  The detection state storage area is configured in a RAM 101a (see FIG. 5) built in the display control CPU 101. The detection state storage area is provided with a first storage unit to a fourth storage unit, and information (hereinafter referred to as switch detection information) indicating that a special symbol variation start command has been received (a start winning has occurred). A), or information indicating that a normal symbol variation start command has been received (gate passage switch B has detected passage of a gate) (hereinafter referred to as switch detection information B), Stored in the first storage unit to the fourth storage unit.

  Next, the detection state storage area is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the switch detection information is stored in the detection state storage area in the order of AB (S732a). That is, it is determined whether the switch detection information A is stored in the first storage unit and the switch detection information B is stored in the second storage unit. For example, at the stage where a stadium attendant puts one pachinko ball into the start winning opening 14, one piece of information (switch detection information A) is stored in the first storage unit in the detection state storage area. Therefore, NO is determined in S732a, and the process is temporarily terminated. After that, when the attendant at the game hall throws the pachinko ball into the passing gate 11, the pachinko ball is detected by the gate switch 12. Based on the detection of the gate switch 12, a normal symbol variation start command is transmitted from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. When the display control command reception waiting process is executed again after the reception of the normal symbol variation start command is completed, the reference time timer that starts counting from the time when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on is 5 minutes. When the time has not been counted, A stored previously is held in the detection state storage area. In this case, since the received display control command is a normal symbol variation start command, a NO determination is made in S729a, a YES determination is made in S730a, and a detection state storage area following the switch detection information A The switch detection information B is stored in (S731a). As a result, in the detection state storage area, the switch detection information A is stored in the first storage unit, and the switch detection information B is stored in the second storage unit. If the received display control command is neither a special symbol variation start command nor a normal symbol variation start command, a determination of NO is made in S730a, and the flow proceeds to S732a.

  Next, when it is determined in S732a that the switch detection information is stored in the detection state storage area in the order of AB, the process branches depending on the storage state. For example, if only A and B are stored, that is, if no information is stored after the third storage unit, the value of the display screen setting flag is set to a value that designates the character A version (S734a). . As a result, the character type is set to A. Next, a demonstration screen using the character A is displayed (S735a), thereby notifying the game hall staff that the character A version has been set. The attendant at the amusement hall can check whether or not the intended setting has been made by looking at the demonstration screen. A display example of the demonstration screen A is shown in FIG.

  After S735a, the process is temporarily terminated. If the character setting may be the character A version, by leaving it in that state, the display time setting timer will eventually measure 15 minutes, and a determination of NO is made in S721a, and the display indicating that setting is possible is erased. After that (S743a), the setting enable flag is set to OFF (S744a). Thereby, the state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 changes from the settable state to the unsettable state.

  On the other hand, when it is desired to set a character different from the character A, the pachinko ball is put into the passing gate 11 until the reference time timer measures 5 minutes. In S735a, since the demonstration screen A shown in FIG. 51A is displayed, it can be easily grasped that the attendant of the game hall can be set further. If the pachinko ball is inserted into the passing gate 11, a normal symbol variation start command is transmitted from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 based on the insertion. Thereby, in S731a, B is further memorize | stored in a detection state memory area. At this stage, for example, A is stored in the first storage section of the detection state storage area, B is stored in the second storage section, and B is stored in the third storage section. For this reason, YES is determined in the next S732a, the process proceeds to S733a, and the value of the display screen setting flag is set to a value for designating the character B version (S736a). As a result, the character type is set to B. Next, a demonstration screen using the character B is displayed (S737a), thereby notifying the game hall staff that the character B version has been set. A display example of the demonstration screen B is shown in FIG. The attendant at the amusement hall can check whether or not the intended setting has been made by looking at the demonstration screen.

  After S737a, the process is temporarily terminated. When the character setting may be the character B version, the state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 changes from the settable state to the unsettable state by leaving it in that state as described above.

  On the other hand, when it is desired to set the character C, another pachinko ball is put into the passing gate 11 until the reference time timer measures 5 minutes. If the pachinko ball is inserted into the passage gate 11, B is further stored in the detection state storage area in S731a. At this stage, for example, A is stored in the first storage section of the detection state storage area, and B is stored in each of the second storage section to the fourth storage section. For this reason, YES is determined in the next S732a, the process proceeds to S733a, and the value of the display screen setting flag is set to a value for designating the character C version (S738a). As a result, the character type is set to C. Next, a demonstration screen using the character C is displayed (S739a), thereby notifying the game hall staff that the character C version has been set. The attendant at the amusement hall can check whether or not the intended setting has been made by looking at the demonstration screen.

  After S739a, the reference time timer for measuring the reference time of 5 minutes and the stored value in the detection state storage area are reset (S740a). Thus, since the reference time timer and the stored value in the detection state storage area are both reset, the character is set again unless the timer value of the display time setting timer finishes counting 15 minutes. be able to. Next, an indication that resetting is possible is made (S741a). An example of the display is shown in FIG. This informs the player that the setting can be performed again.

  Also, in S733a, when it is determined that the storage state of the detection state storage area is not AB, ABB, or ABBB, the process proceeds to S740a and the reference time timer for measuring the reference time 5 minutes and the detection state storage area The stored value is reset, and it becomes possible to reset. For this reason, even if the setting operation is mistaken in the middle, the setting can be performed again.

  Furthermore, when an error in the setting operation is noticed during the setting operation, the reference time timer eventually finishes measuring 5 minutes by leaving it in that state for a while. In this case, NO is determined in S722a, and similarly, the reference time timer and the stored value are reset in S740a. Thereby, the setting can be performed again.

  For example, in S740a, when the reference time timer and the detection state storage area are once reset and the pachinko ball is again inserted into the start winning opening 14, the special output from the game control board 31 based on the insertion. A symbol variation start command is transmitted, and the first switch detection information A is stored again in the first storage unit of the detection state storage area based on the transmitted special symbol variation start command (S751a).

  After the character setting operation is completed, or after being left without any setting operation, if the display time setting timer eventually measures 15 minutes, a NO determination is made in S721a, and a display that can be set on the display screen ( Alternatively, it is determined whether or not a resettable display has been made (S742a). If the display indicating that the setting is possible is made, the display is deleted (S743a), and then the setting enabling flag is set to OFF (S744a). Thereby, the state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 changes from the settable state to the unsettable state.

  As described above, when a certain time has elapsed since the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the automatic setting becomes impossible, so that the player can play the game by continuing the setting possible indefinitely. It is possible to prevent the contents of the character from changing unexpectedly during the reading.

  Next, when it is determined in S724a that the command non-reception timer has timed out, it is determined whether or not the display screen setting flag is set to ON (S745a), and the display screen setting flag is set to ON. If so, a demo screen (any one of demo screen A, demo screen B, and demo screen C) corresponding to the display screen setting flag is displayed (S746a). On the other hand, if the display screen setting flag is not set to ON, the demonstration screen D is displayed (S747a). Here, the case where the display screen setting flag is not set to ON is, for example, the case where an appropriate setting has not been made during the setting possible state where the character can be set. As described above, when the appropriate setting is not made, the character D version is uniformly selected, and the demonstration screen D based on the selected character is displayed. Therefore, in order to set the character D, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be left as it is after being turned on.

  When the game hall opens after the display time setting timer finishes counting 15 minutes and the player starts playing, an appropriate demonstration screen is displayed by S746a or S747a. Thereafter, for example, when a hit ball hit by the player wins the start winning opening 14, a special symbol variation start command is output from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. At this stage, since the setting enable flag is set to OFF by S744a, NO is determined by S727a, and it is determined that a special symbol variation start command is received by S748a. Based on this, the value of the process flag is set. The value is updated to the value for shifting to the reach operation setting process (S749a).

  FIG. 40 relates to the first embodiment of the display control command reception waiting process (S720), and the detection outputs of the switch A (start port switch 17) and the switch B (gate switch 11) and the detection outputs thereof. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the relationship of the display control command data transmitted.

  As shown in the figure, the display screen setting timer and the reference time timer start timing from when the gaming machine is turned on. Thereafter, display control command data, which is a special symbol variation start command, is output for 4 ms based on the detection signal of the start port switch (switch A), and the variation of the special symbol is started based on the display control command data. For example, when the display result is disregarded, the special symbol variation ends 6 seconds after the variation starts. Further, display control command data, which is a normal symbol variation start command, is output based on a detection signal of a gate switch (switch B) 12 provided in the normal pass gate 11. Based on the display control command data, the normal symbol starts to change. The variation of the normal symbol ends after 29 seconds have elapsed from the start, for example.

  In particular, FIG. 40 shows a timing chart when the character B version is finally set. That is, if detection output is generated in the order of switch A and switch B between the time when the gaming machine is turned on and the time when the reference time timer, which has started timing, finishes counting the first 5 minutes, Once the character A version is set (S734a), the detection output of the switch B is subsequently generated, and the display control command data based on the detection output of the second switch B is received <1> (drawing). Then, the character B version is changed and set at the stage of circled numbers (the same applies hereinafter) (S736a). When the reference time of 5 minutes elapses, the reference time timer starts counting 5 minutes from that time, and setting can be performed again. Thereafter, the time measured by the display screen setting timer is 15 minutes. When 15 minutes elapses from the time of turning on the power of the gaming machine, the settable state ends and the normal game can be provided.

  In the lower part of FIG. 40, the detection output of the winning ball detection switch 99 and the winning ball number signal output from the game control board 31 to the winning ball board 37 in accordance with the detection output of the winning ball detection switch 99. Is shown. As shown in the figure, the basic circuit 53 of the game control board 31 is, for example, a case where a winning occurs at the start winning opening 14 and the winning ball is detected by the start opening switch 17 and the winning ball detection switch 99. If the winning occurs at a stage where the settable time (15 minutes from the power-on of the pachinko gaming machine 1) has not elapsed, the winning ball number signal based on the winning is not output. On the other hand, when a winning is detected after the settable time has elapsed, a winning ball number signal is output to the winning ball substrate 37 based on the winning as shown in the figure. In this way, the basic circuit 53 prohibits the payout of the winning ball based on the winning when the settable time has not elapsed. Therefore, even if an attendant at the game hall inserts a pachinko ball into the start winning opening 14 for setting, the prize ball is not paid out, and there is an effect that it is not necessary to perform troublesome collecting work of the prize ball. The FIG. 40 shows a case where there is a winning at the start winning opening 14, but the settable time elapses similarly when there is a winning at other winning openings other than the starting winning opening. In the meantime, payout of prize balls is prohibited.

  Next, a second embodiment of the display control command reception waiting process (S720) will be described. FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the display control command reception waiting process (S720).

  The difference between the process of the second embodiment and the process of the first embodiment is that the setting enabling state is immediately finished when the character is set. As described above, since the setting enabling state is completed immediately after the character setting is completed, the game can be provided promptly after the setting work is completed.

  In the second embodiment, for example, when the main processing of the display control CPU described above is executed by turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine, the display screen is the same as in the first embodiment. As the setting timer starts, a message indicating that the character can be set is displayed on the display screen. Further, unlike the first embodiment, the setting enable flag is set to ON in the main process of the display control CPU. In the second embodiment, the reference timer used in the first embodiment is not used.

  Referring to FIG. 41, after the main process of the display control CPU shown in FIG. 34 is executed, the process shifts to the display control command reception waiting process (at this time, it is already set in variable display device 8 by S703). First, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the display time setting timer is within 15 minutes (S721b). If 15 minutes have not yet elapsed from the time when the gaming machine is turned on, a YES determination is made in S721b. In such a case, it is determined whether or not the setting enabling flag is set to ON (S722b). As described above, the setting enabling flag is set to ON after the processing for starting the time measurement of the display screen setting timer and the reference timer in the main processing of the display control CPU. Therefore, at the stage when the display control command reception wait process is started for the first time after the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on, the setting enable flag is set to ON. This setting enable flag is a flag indicating that the setting is possible. When the value of the display screen setting flag is set as will be described later, or the display time setting timer counts 15 minutes as will be described later. Is set to off.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the command non-reception timer has timed out (S723b). The command non-reception timer times out when the display control command is not received after a certain period of time. As will be described later in S727b, the value of this command non-reception timer is repeatedly reset so as not to time out as long as the setting enable flag is set on. Therefore, if the enable setting flag is set to ON, NO is always determined in S723b. If it is determined that the command non-reception timer has not timed out, it is determined whether or not the reception completion flag is on (S724b). The reception completion flag is a flag that is set to ON when one unit of display control command is received. For example, when the gaming machine is immediately after power-on, no display control command is received. Therefore, NO is determined in S724b, and the process is temporarily ended. When the display control command reception waiting process is executed again, if it is determined that the reception completion flag is set to ON, reception of some display control command is completed, and reception is completed. The flag is cleared (S725b). Next, it is determined whether or not the enable setting flag is set to ON (S726b). If the setting enable flag is set to ON, the timer value of the command non-reception timer is reset (S727b). As described above, as long as the setting enable flag is set to ON, the command non-reception timer is repeatedly reset in S727b. Therefore, the command non-reception timer times out when the setting enable flag is set to ON. There is nothing.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the type of the received display control command is a special symbol variation start command (S728b). For example, when a pachinko player puts a pachinko ball into the start winning opening 14 within 15 minutes after turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine, the pachinko ball is detected by the start opening switch 17, and the detection output Based on this, a special symbol variation start command is output from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. If this special symbol variation start command is received, a determination of YES is made in S728b, and the value of the process flag is updated to a value for shifting to reach operation setting processing (S747b). Subsequently, switch detection information A indicating that a start winning has occurred is stored in the detection state storage area (S748b). Here, the detection state storage area is configured in the RAM 101a in the same manner as in the first embodiment. For example, when the process proceeds to S748b when no information is stored in any of the storage units of the detection state storage area, the switch detection information A is stored in the first storage unit of the detection state storage area.

  Next, the detection state storage area is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the number of pieces of switch detection information stored in the detection state storage area is 3 (S731b). For example, at the stage where a game hall clerk throws one pachinko ball into the start winning opening 14, only one switch detection information (A) is stored in the detection state storage area, so NO in S731b. A determination is made and the process is once terminated.

  After that, until the display time setting timer counts 15 minutes, the attendant at the game hall performs an operation to insert the pachinko ball into the start winning opening 14 or the passing gate 11, and the switch detection information in the detection state storage area If the stored number reaches 3, a determination of YES is made in S731b, and the process proceeds to S732b, where the setting according to the storage state is made.

  When the detection state storage area is ABA, that is, when A is stored in the first storage unit, B is stored in the second storage unit, and A is stored in the third storage unit, the display screen The value of the setting flag is set to a value for designating the character A version (S733b), and a demonstration screen using the character A is displayed (S734b). As a result, the character type is set to A, and that is notified to the attendant at the game hall. The attendant at the amusement hall can check whether or not the intended setting has been made by looking at the demonstration screen.

  When the storage in the detection state storage area is ABB, that is, when A is stored in the first storage unit and B is stored in the second storage unit and the third storage unit, the value of the display screen setting flag is A value specifying the character B version is set (S735b), and a demonstration screen using the character B is displayed (S736b). As a result, the character type is set to B, and that is notified to the attendant at the game hall. The attendant at the amusement hall can check whether or not the intended setting has been made by looking at the demonstration screen.

  When the storage in the detection state storage area is AAB, that is, when A is stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit and B is stored in the third storage unit, the value of the display screen setting flag is A value specifying the character C version is set (S737b), and a demonstration screen using the character C is displayed (S738b). As a result, the character type is set to C, and a notice to that effect is sent to the attendant at the game hall. The attendant at the amusement hall can check whether or not the intended setting has been made by looking at the demonstration screen.

  When the storage in the detection state storage area is other than ABA, ABB, AAB (for example, BAA, BAB, BAA, etc.), the value of the display screen setting flag is set to a value designating the character D version (S739b). A demonstration screen using D is displayed (S740b). As a result, the character type is set to D, and that is notified to the attendant at the game hall. The attendant at the amusement hall can check whether or not the intended setting has been made by looking at the demonstration screen.

  After the character is set, the setting enabling flag is set to OFF (S741b). If the enable setting flag is set to OFF in S741b, NO is determined in S722b even if the timer value of the display time setting timer has not yet counted 15 minutes, so the setting is made on the display screen. When the possible display is made, the display is deleted (S742b, S743b). Next, when it is determined in S723b that the command non-reception timer has timed out and the display screen setting flag is set, a demonstration screen corresponding to the display screen setting flag is displayed (S744b). , S745b). Thereafter, until the game is started (until a new display control command is received), the demonstration screen is repeatedly displayed continuously.

  If no setting operation is performed after the power is turned on, NO is determined in S721b when the display time setting timer measures 15 minutes, and the setting enable flag is set to OFF (S741b). Thereby, the state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 changes from the settable state to the unsettable state. Next, the settable display is deleted (S742b, S743b). Next, when it is determined in S723b that the command non-reception timer has timed out, it is determined in S744b that the display screen setting flag is not set to ON. In this case, the character D version is automatically selected, and the demonstration screen (demo screen D) is continuously displayed until the game is started (S746b).

  Thereafter, the game is started. For example, when a hit ball hit by the player wins the start winning opening 14, a special symbol variation start command is output from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. Since the setting enable flag is set to OFF at this stage, NO is determined in S726b, and it is determined that a special symbol variation start command is received in S749b, and the process flag value is reached based on this. It is updated to a value for shifting to the setting process (S750b).

  FIG. 42 relates to the second embodiment of the display control command reception waiting process (S720), along with the detection outputs of the switch A (start port switch 17) and the switch B (gate switch 11), and the detection outputs thereof. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the relationship of the display control command data transmitted.

  As shown in the figure, the display screen setting timer starts timing from the time when the gaming machine is turned on. Thereafter, display control command data, which is a special symbol variation start command, is output for 4 ms based on the detection signal of the start port switch (switch A), and the variation of the special symbol is started based on the display control command data. Further, display control command data, which is a normal symbol variation start command, is output based on a detection signal of a gate switch (switch B) 12 provided in the normal pass gate 11. Based on the display control command data, the normal symbol starts to change.

  In particular, FIG. 42 shows a timing chart when the character B version is set. That is, detection output is generated in the order of switch A, switch B, and switch B between the time when the power of the gaming machine is turned on and the time when the reference time timer, which has started timing, finishes counting the first 5 minutes. The character B version is set at the stage <2> when the display control command data based on the detection output of the first switch B is received (S735b). Since the setting enable flag is set to OFF when the setting is changed (S734b), even if the display screen setting timer has not timed 15 minutes at that time, the setting enable state ends, and normal It will be in the state which can provide the game of.

  In the lower part of FIG. 42, the game control board according to the detection output of the winning ball detection switch 99 and the detection output of the winning ball detection switch 99, as in the case of FIG. 40 described as the first embodiment. The prize ball number signal output from 31 to the prize ball substrate 37 is shown, and it is understood that the payout of the prize ball based on the winning is prohibited by the basic circuit 53 during the settable state.

  As described above in detail with reference to FIGS. 39 to 42, according to the present invention, since the setting of the character can be arbitrarily changed on the game hall side, differentiation for each store in the adjacent hall Can be achieved. In addition, when the operation of the gaming machine is reduced, the type of display screen can be changed and the store can be opened with a new image. In addition, half of the islands where game machines are installed have female-like screens, and the rest are male-like screens. It is also possible.

  Moreover, since the setting uses the detection output of a switch used for game control, such as a start port switch 17 (switch A) corresponding to the start winning port 14 and a gate switch 12 (switch B) corresponding to the passing gate 11. In addition, the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine does not increase compared to the case where a dedicated setting switch is provided separately. In addition, the setting operation is extremely simple, simply by turning on the pachinko gaming machine 1 and then putting the pachinko balls into the start winning opening 14 and the passing gate 11 in a predetermined order within a predetermined time. There is also an advantage that a simple procedure is not required.

  In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of types of switches are used for determining the setting contents, and the setting contents are different depending on the detection order and the number of detections of the switches. For this reason, by defining various combinations of the detection order of the switches and the number of detections, it is possible to make a setting with variations, and not only the four types of characters A to D but five or more types. An operation for setting a desired character from a number of predetermined characters (characters A, B, C, D, E...) Can be performed.

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing reach operation setting processing (S750). In the reach operation setting process, the display control CPU 101 first determines from the display control command that can specify the variation time whether it does not become reach (S751). Specifically, if the command A0 or A2 is received, it is considered as a deviation.

  If so, it is determined whether the left and right temporary stop symbols are different (S752). If they match, the right temporary stop symbol is set to be shifted by one symbol (S753). Next, the temporary stop symbols in the left and right are stored in a predetermined storage area (S754). Further, 7.9 seconds is set as the monitoring timer (S755). 7.9 seconds is a value with a margin for the fluctuation time of 7.8 seconds at the time of loss, and a predetermined process is performed when a command to stop all symbols cannot be received before the monitoring timer times out. Is done.

  If not in S751, that is, if any of the commands B1, B2, and B3 is received, it is determined whether or not the left and right temporary stop symbols are the same (S756). If they are different, the right temporary stop symbol is set to the same type as the left temporary stop symbol (S757). Next, the temporary stop symbols in the left and right are stored in a predetermined storage area (S758). Next, a value obtained by adding 0.1 seconds to the variation time according to the command B1, B2 or B3 is set in the monitoring timer (S759). Next, a reach mode, that is, a variation pattern is determined (S760). That is, the count value of the counter for generating the reach random number shown in FIG. 35 (A) is extracted, and the variation pattern is determined according to the table shown in FIG. 35 (B).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the display control CPU 101 receives the command A0, A2, B1, B2, or B3 sent from the game control board 31 when starting variable display and the left and right temporary stop symbols received. When there is a contradiction, the temporary stop symbol is corrected. Therefore, even if an error occurs in the left and right temporary stop symbol for some reason, the error is corrected. The error is, for example, a case where a bit error occurs in the command due to noise on the cable from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. As a result, it is possible to prevent the display of a definite symbol that contradicts the deviation / reach determined by the game control board 31.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a notice is given from the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 (S761). When it is notified that the advance notice is to be given, if the value of the random number for the big hit notice is 0, it is decided to make the big hit notice in the mode of the big hit notice 1 (see FIG. 16A). When the value of the random number for use is 1, the big hit notice is performed in the form of the big hit notice 2 (see FIG. 16A) (S762).

  In this way, it is determined whether or not to make a big hit announcement on the game control board 31, and the display control CPU 101 decides in what manner the big hit announcement is made. From this point also, the display of the game control board 31 is determined. The load required for control is reduced. In general, when a jackpot notice is displayed, a sound corresponding to the display is emitted from the speaker 27. However, the game control board 31 is a command for causing the voice control board 70 to generate a notice sound at the display timing of the jackpot notice. Send.

  Next, it is determined to use a process table corresponding to the selected variation pattern (S763). In each process table, each fluctuation state (fluctuation speed, fluctuation time at that speed, etc.) in the fluctuation pattern is set. Each process table is set in the ROM. Next, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the all symbol variation start process (S780) (S764).

  FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. In each process table corresponding to each variation pattern, a variation speed, a variation time at the velocity, a background / character switching timing, voice control data, and the like are set in time series. In addition, a process timer value for determining the fluctuation time at a certain speed is also set. Each process table is composed of a plurality of process data in units of 3 bytes.

  For example, in the process table corresponding to the fluctuation pattern shown in FIG. 26 (A), the first process data (3 bytes) includes changing the left and right middle symbols at low speed and the next display state switching timing. A process timer value indicating time is set. This is because the first variation is variation (acceleration) due to pattern a, and first, low-speed variation should be started.

  Next, the process of changing the left symbol at medium speed and the process timer value indicating the time until the next display state switching timing are set. Next, a process timer value indicating the time until the next display state switching timing is set and the right symbol is changed at a medium speed. Furthermore, a process timer value indicating the time until the next display state switching timing is set and the medium symbol is changed at a medium speed. Thereafter, how the display state is switched and a process timer value indicating the time until the next display state switching timing are sequentially set.

  The display state switching timing is a timing for switching the fluctuation speed of any of the left, right, and middle symbols, but further includes a timing for switching the background and characters and a timing for replacing the symbols.

  Therefore, the display control CPU 101 can know that some display state must be updated when the process timer expires. The display state to be changed can be known from the setting value of the third byte of the next process data in the process table.

  In the variation pattern including frame advance as shown in FIG. 28C, each period constituting the variation pattern is variable in accordance with the number of frames to be transmitted. Therefore, each process table corresponding to the number of frames to be sent is prepared. When the CPU 101 for display control decides to use a variation pattern including frame advance as shown in FIG. 28C at the start of variation, the display control CPU 101 calculates the number of frames to be advanced from the temporary stop symbol. In step S765, it is determined to use a process table corresponding to the number of frames to be sent. If each process table corresponding to the number of frames to be sent is prepared, the process timer value set in the process table and the setting value of the third byte are set even if the periods constituting the fluctuation pattern are variable. Therefore, variable display control can be easily performed.

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing all symbol variation start processing (S780). In the all symbol variation start processing, first, a timer is started with the process timer value set at the beginning of the process table determined to be used (S781). Further, the symbol variation control and the background and character display control are started based on the data indicating the variation state set in the third byte (S782). Next, the value of the display control process is changed to a value corresponding to the symbol changing process (S810) (S783).

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation processing (S810). In the symbol variation processing, first, it is determined whether or not the process timer has timed out (S811). If the process timer has timed out, a pointer indicating data in the process table is incremented by 3 (S812). Then, it is determined whether or not the data in the area indicated by the pointer is an end code (S813). If it is not an end code, the symbol variation control, the background, and the character display control are changed based on the data indicating the variation state set in the third byte of the process data indicated by the pointer (S814). The timer is started with the process timer value set in the first and second bytes (S815).

  If it is determined in S813 that it is an end code, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the all symbol stop waiting process (S840) (S816).

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the all symbol stop waiting process (S840). In the all symbol stop waiting process, it is first determined whether or not a display control command for instructing all symbol stop has been received (S841). If the display control command for instructing all symbols to be stopped is received, control is performed to stop the symbols with the stored temporary stop symbol (S842). Next, in order to monitor the time until reception of the next display control command, a command non-reception timer is started (S843).

  If the display control command designating all symbol stops has not been received, it is determined whether or not the monitoring timer has timed out (S845). If it is determined that the timer has expired, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred, and control is performed to display an error screen on the variable display unit 9 (S846).

  After performing the process of S843, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (S870) (S844).

  FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (S870). In the big hit display process, first, it is judged whether or not the probability variation big hit (S871). The display control CPU 101 determines whether or not the probability variation big hit is based on the confirmed symbol. If it is determined that the probability variation big hit, for example, display control for displaying “probability big hit” on the variable display unit 9 is performed (S872). Specifically, the display instruction of “probability big hit” is notified to the VDP 103. Then, the VDP 103 creates instructed image data. Also, the image data is synthesized with the background image. If it is not a probable big hit, for example, display control is performed to display “big hit” on the variable display section (S873).

  Thereafter, in the big hit display process, display control of the variable display unit 9 is performed based on the display control command in the big hit state transmitted from the game control board 31. For example, the number of rounds is displayed. Next, when a display control command indicating the end of jackpot is received from the game control board 31 (S874), the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the display control command reception waiting process (S720). (S844).

  As described above, in this embodiment, information that can specify the variation time and stop symbol of the special symbol variably displayed on the variable display unit 9 is used as the game control board 31 (the basic circuit configured in the game control board 31). 53, the CPU 56) sends it to the display control board 80, and the display control board 80 controls the display and display switching of the background and characters that are not related to the symbol variation. Therefore, the number of display control commands sent from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 for one symbol variation is reduced.

  Then, the game control board 31 gives a display control command indicating that all symbols are stopped to the display control board 80 at the time when the scheduled fluctuation time has ended, and the display control board 80 confirms the symbols by the display control command indicating that all symbols are stopped. To do. Therefore, the symbol is surely determined at the timing managed by the game control board 31. As in this embodiment, when the game control board 31 is related to the start of the change of the special symbol, the game control board 31 transmits information that can specify the change time and information about the stop symbol, and then the display control board 80 changes independently. When a pattern is determined or symbol replacement control is performed, a considerable part of the display control is executed by the display control board.

  Then, since the game control board 31 cannot recognize a specific fluctuation pattern, there is a possibility that a fluctuation deviating from the fluctuation time determined by the game control board 31 is performed unless any countermeasure is taken. However, if the game control board 31 is configured to give a display control command indicating stop of all symbols to the display control board 80 at the time when the scheduled fluctuation time ends, the symbol at the end of the fluctuation time determined by the game control board 31. Is definitely confirmed. Further, if an error display is performed when a display control command for instructing stop of all symbols cannot be received, it is immediately recognized that an abnormality has occurred.

  In the above embodiment, the game control board 31 transmits information indicating the entire fluctuation period as information that can specify the fluctuation time to the display control board 80. However, one change may be divided into a plurality of sections, and pattern information in each section may be transmitted to the display control board 80 at the start of each section. In that case, the display control board 80 may select one variation pattern among a plurality of variation patterns in the period from the pattern information received for each section.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 49, one symbol variation is divided into a variation A portion, a variation B portion, and a variation C portion. When the game control board 31 starts to change the special symbol, the game control board 31 first transmits a display control command for the pattern of the variation A and the temporary stop symbol to the display control board 80. In addition, at a predetermined timing, a display control command including a pattern of the variation B portion and the variation C portion is transmitted. Therefore, the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 can specify the variation time from the display control command that designates the variation A portion, the variation B portion, and the variation C portion (there may be no variation B portion and variation C portion). . When the display control board 80 receives the display control command for designating the variation A portion, the variation B portion, and the variation C portion, the display control board 80 performs variation speed switching control in each variation pattern and also performs background and character display control. .

  FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the display control command and the variation mode. The example shown in FIG. 50 is an example in which a plurality of variation patterns are prepared corresponding to one variation section, and the display control CPU 101 selects the variation pattern. In FIG. 50, A11, A12, B10 to B14, C11, and C12 indicate display control commands, respectively. Commands B10 to B14 are commands indicating different variation times, and commands C11 and C12 are commands indicating different variation times.

  For example, in the case of reach, the game control board 31 always transmits the command A11 at the start of the change, but the game control board 31 transmits any of the commands B11 to B14 at the start of the change B section. . When receiving the command B13, the display control board 80 selects one of the two types of variation patterns and performs display control for realizing the variation pattern. The same selection process is performed when the command B14 is received. When the command C11 is received, display control is performed to select one of the two types of variation patterns and realize the variation pattern.

  In such an example, in the example shown in FIG. 50, six types of variation patterns (A) to (F) can be realized in the case of reaching. For the variation patterns (A) to (C), the game control board 31 transmits a display control command indicating all symbol stops to the display control board 80 at the end of the variation B section. In addition, for the variation patterns (D) to (F), the game control board 31 transmits a display control command indicating all symbol stops to the display control board 80 at the end of the variation C section.

  In this way, even when one symbol variation is divided into a plurality of sections, the game control board 31 transmits the display control command including the variation A portion pattern and the temporary stop symbol, and thereafter, the variation B portion and C It is only necessary to send the pattern of the part and the display control command of only the final stop symbol. Therefore, the load required for display control of the game control board 31 is reduced.

  Also, if a plurality of variation patterns are prepared corresponding to one variation section and the display control CPU 101 is configured to select a variation pattern as appropriate, the game control board 31 only manages a small number of variation times. And the load is further reduced.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the display control board 80 calculates the pre-revariation symbols based on the temporary stop symbols in the variation pattern in which the middle symbols are temporarily suspended and all symbols are re-variable. Compared with the case where the symbol before re-variation is determined and transmitted to the display control board 80, the load required for display control of the game control board 31 is also reduced. Also, since the background and character switching are managed on the display control board side, the load required for display control of the game control board is reduced.

  In addition, the display control board 80 monitors that the condition for variably displaying the special symbol for a predetermined period or more is not satisfied, and timer-out or displays a demonstration screen. Therefore, the game control board 31 can display the special symbol for the predetermined period or longer. There is no need to monitor that the condition for variably displaying is not satisfied. Therefore, also from this point, the load required for display control of the game control board 31 is reduced.

In the above embodiment, the stop state is defined including the above-described shaking operation state and the final state. That is, when the symbol displayed in that state is not changed to the next symbol, it is defined as a stopped state.
Next, modifications, feature points, and the like in the embodiment described above are listed below.

  (1) The character displayed on the variable display device 8 has been described as an example of the setting contents of the production mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the following may be used alone or in combination depending on the reception status of a command output due to detection by the start switch 17 (switch A) or the gate switch 12 (switch B). May be changed and set. a Special symbol type displayed on the variable display device 8 (for example, the special symbol pattern is changed from numbers to letters or other symbols), b Normal symbol type displayed on the variable display device 8, c variable Background image and background color displayed on the display device 8, d decoration lamp 25, game effect LED 28a or game effect lamps 28b and 28c flashing mode (for example, flashing mode when a big hit occurs), e-speaker 27 notification sound ( For example, a notification sound when a big hit occurs).

  That is, the display control board 80 (for display control) is provided as an example of the effect control means that is provided separately from the game control means and performs effect control corresponding to the command information output from the game control means according to the game state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lamp control board 35 and the sound control board 70 can also serve as the effect control means.

  In this way, by making it possible to change the setting of any one or more of the above-mentioned various production modes, there is a production mode that is rich in variations according to the needs of individual game halls with one pachinko gaming machine. Can be provided.

  (2) The effect control means selects and sets an effect mode (effects by characters A to D) corresponding to the gaming state from a plurality of pre-stored effect modes (S734a, S736a, S738a, S733b, S735b, S737b, S739b), but the plurality of types of presentation modes include a variable display mode including at least one of a symbol, a background screen, and a character.

  (3) The detecting means used for the control related to the game and detecting the passage of the game medium is provided on the game board (start port switch 17, gate switch 12). The detection means is a start winning detection means provided in a start winning area where the variable display device is variably started in accordance with a winning of a hit ball. The gaming area of the gaming machine is provided with a passing gate through which a hit ball can pass, and the detecting means is a gate passage detecting means (gate switch 12) for detecting a hit ball passing through the passing gate. .

  As described above, in the above embodiment, since the start port switch 17 and the gate switch 12 are employed as the detection means, it can be set only by opening the glass frame of the gaming machine, and setting work is performed. It can be done easily.

  (4) The variable winning ball apparatus 19 makes the first state advantageous to the player (a state where the big prize opening is opened) and the second state disadvantageous to the player (the state where the big prize opening is closed). A variable winning ball apparatus that can be changed is configured. The V-count switch 22 constitutes specific winning ball detecting means for detecting a hit ball that has entered a predetermined variable winning area out of the hit balls that have entered the variable winning ball apparatus. Of the hitting balls that have entered the variable winning ball apparatus, the count switch 23 constitutes a normal winning ball detection means for detecting a hitting ball that has won a predetermined normal winning area different from the specific variable winning area. Yes. After the variable winning ball apparatus is set to the first state by the basic circuit 53, the variable winning ball apparatus is again set to the second state based on the detection output of the specific winning ball detection means. Repeat continuation control means for repeatedly controlling the first state is configured.

  When the effect mode setting means changes and sets the type of effect mode according to the reception state of the command information output from the game control means due to detection by the detection means, The switch 17 and the gate switch 12 have been described as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other count switches 23, V count switches 22, and winning ball detection switches 99 may be used as the detection means. For example, when the V count switch 22 is used as the detection means, the detection means detects a hit ball that has entered a predetermined variable winning area among predetermined hit balls that have entered the variable winning ball apparatus. It becomes a specific winning ball detection means. On the other hand, when the count switch 23 is used as the detecting means, the detecting means wins a predetermined normal winning area different from the specific variable winning area among the hit balls that have entered the variable winning ball apparatus. It becomes a normal winning ball detecting means for detecting the hit ball.

  As described above, even when the V count switch 22 and the count switch 23 are employed as the detection means, the setting can be performed simply by opening the glass frame of the gaming machine, and the setting operation can be easily performed.

  (5) As an example of the gaming machine, the first type pachinko gaming machine 1 provided with the variable display device is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the second type pachinko gaming machine or the third type It can also be applied to pachinko machines.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the presentation mode is set by using the detection outputs of the two switches (the start port switch 17 and the gate switch 12), but only one switch (for example, the start port switch). 17 only) may be used. For example, if there is a detection output from the start port switch 17 once, the character A is set once, and if there is a detection output from the start port switch 17 once again within a predetermined time, the setting is changed to the character B. Subsequently, when there is once detection output from the start port switch 17 again within a predetermined time, the setting change to the character A may be repeated.

  (7) The variable display device 8 constitutes an image display device capable of displaying a predetermined image. The display control board 80 (display control CPU 101) constitutes image display control means for controlling the image display device. The display control board 80 (display control CPU 101) constitutes image display control means capable of controlling the image display device to display a plurality of types of effect images having different tastes. The display control board 80 (display control CPU 101) constitutes variable display control means capable of controlling the display of the display result after the variable display device is variably started.

  (8) The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

Specific examples of means for solving the problem

  A player who has a special game device whose state can be changed by the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the result of the special game performed by the special game device in response to establishment of a predetermined special game condition is in a predetermined mode. A gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player is configured. The variable display device 8 constitutes a special game device whose state can be changed. The predetermined special game condition is configured by the start winning. There is disclosed a case where the result of the special game by the special game device is in a predetermined mode because the variable display result of the variable display device 8 becomes a big hit display result. The specific game state is configured by the big hit state.

  The game control board 31 (basic circuit 53) constitutes game control means for controlling the gaming state of the gaming machine. The display control board 80 (display control CPU 101) constitutes effect control means that is provided separately from the game control means and performs effect control corresponding to command information output from the game control means according to the game state. Has been. The start port switch 14 (switch A) and the gate switch 12 (switch B) constitute detection means used to control the game and detect the passage of the game medium. The effect control means selects and sets an effect mode (effects by characters A to D) corresponding to the gaming state from among a plurality of pre-stored effect modes (S734a, S736a, S738a, S733b). , S735b, S737b, S739b).

The effect mode setting means is output from the game control means due to detection by the detection means (switch A, switch B) within a period in which a predetermined settable condition (S727a, S726b) is established. The type of effect mode used for the game is set according to the reception state of the command information (special symbol variation start command, normal symbol variation start command) (for example, special symbol variation start command, normal symbol variation start command, special symbol variation start command) When the commands are received in the order of the start command, the character A version is set. When the commands are received in the order of the special symbol change start command, the special symbol change start command, and the normal symbol change start command, the character B version is set. Set.)
Note that “setting the type of effect mode” is a concept that includes a changing and setting (changing and changing the original setting) and b selectively setting. . For example, the initial setting is A, and this is changed to B, and the initial setting is no setting, and b is selected from a plurality of settings later. This is true.

Based on the command information (special symbol variation start command, normal symbol variation start command) output from the game control unit, the effect control unit is operated by the detecting unit within the period when the settable condition is satisfied. It is possible to specify the number of times that the passage of the current is detected (see 733a in FIG. 39). For example, as shown in FIG. 39, when the number of times of reception of the normal symbol variation start command after receiving the special symbol variation start command is 1 (AB), the character A version is set in S734a. Made. If the number of receptions of the normal symbol variation start command after receiving the special symbol variation start command is two (ABB), the character B version is set in S736a. If the number of receptions of the normal symbol variation start command after receiving the special symbol variation start command is three (ABBB), the character C version is set in S738a. Thus, it is disclosed that the effect mode setting means sets different types of effect modes according to the number of times specified by the effect control means.
A plurality of the detection means are provided (switch A, switch B), and when the passage of the game medium is sequentially detected by the plurality of detection means within the period in which the settable condition is satisfied, the effect control is performed. The means can specify the order in which the plurality of detecting means detect the passage of the game medium based on command information (special symbol change start command, normal symbol change start command) output from the game control means (see FIG. 41, 732b). For example, as shown in FIG. 41, when the reception order of the special symbol change start command and the normal symbol change start command, that is, the detection order of the switch A and the switch B is the switch A, the switch B, and the switch A, In S733b, the character A version is set. In the case of switch A, switch B, and switch B, the character B version is set in S735b. In the case of the switch A, the switch A, and the switch B, the S737b character C version is set. Thus, it is disclosed that the effect mode setting means sets different types of effect modes according to the order specified by the effect control means.
The display time setting timer constitutes time measuring means for measuring the time elapsed since the game machine was turned on. The settable condition is satisfied by turning on the power of the gaming machine (S723a for the medium of the first embodiment of the display control command reception waiting process, and as described above in the case of the second embodiment) In the main process of the display control CPU 101 of 34, the setting enable flag is set to ON (not shown in FIG. 34), and the establishment state thereof is the time counting of the predetermined time by the time measuring means (shown in S721a or S721b). 15 minutes).

  The start winning opening 14 constitutes a winning area where a hit ball can be won. The prize ball substrate 37 constitutes a prize ball payout control means for performing a control for paying out a prize ball on condition that a hit ball has won a prize area. The detection means is winning detection means (switch A (start-up switch 17)) for detecting that a hit ball has won in the winning area. By S4 (prize ball payout disabling process), prize ball payout prohibiting means for prohibiting the payout of prize balls when the settable condition is satisfied is configured.

  The special gaming device is a variable display device (variable display device 8) whose display state can be changed, and when the display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode (777), the game The machine can be controlled to the specific gaming state, and the effect control means can display the effect mode identification display (Demo screens A to 15 in FIGS. 14 and 15) that can identify the type of effect mode set by the effect mode setting means. Demo screen D or demo screen A to demo screen D in FIG. 51 is performed using the variable display device (S745a, S747a, S745b, S746b).

  The effect control means performs a settable condition identification display (settable display or resettable display) that can identify whether or not the settable condition is satisfied by using the variable display device (S703, 741a). , Demo screen A to Demo screen D) in FIG.

  The effect control means includes command information input means (input buffer circuit 105) for inputting the command information output from the game control means. As described above, the command information input means receives information from the game control means side. This is an irreversible information input means that can be transmitted only in one direction to the effect control means and cannot transmit information in the other direction. The game control means includes command information output means (output buffer circuit 63) for outputting command information to the effect control means, and as described above, the command information output means sends information from the game control means side to the effect control. It is an irreversible information output means that can transmit only in one direction to the means side and cannot transmit information in the other direction.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 Variable display part, 11 Pass gate, 12 Gate switch (switch B), 14 Start winning opening, 17 Start opening switch (switch A), 31 Game control board, 53 Basic circuit, 56 CPU, 63 Output buffer circuit, 70 Audio Control board, 80 display control board, 101 display control CPU, 101a RAM, 102 control data ROM, 103 VDP, 105 input buffer circuit.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a display result of variable display of a plurality of types of identification information has a predetermined specific display mode ,
Game control means for controlling the gaming state of the gaming machine;
Effect control means provided separately from the game control means, for effect control corresponding to command information output from the game control means according to the game state;
Detecting means used for control to start variable display of the identification information, and detecting passage of a game medium,
The game control means outputs to the effect control means command information capable of specifying a variable display period that is a period from the start to the end of variable display of identification information when starting variable display of identification information. When the variable display period ends, the command information indicating the stop of the identification information is output,
The production control means includes
Perform variable control of the identification information based on the command information that can specify the variable display period, stop the identification information at the timing when the command information indicating the stop of the identification information is output,
And means for selecting and setting from among a plurality of types stored in advance an effect manner corresponding to the playing state, the command information that due to the detection of the previous SL detecting means is outputted from the game control unit a presentation mode setting means for setting a type of representation embodiment used in the game in accordance with,
And a number specifying means based on the command information output from the game control unit, specifying the number of times the instruction information is input that is output from said game control means due to the detection of the previous SL detecting means,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the production mode setting unit sets a different type of production mode according to the number of times specified by the number of times specifying unit.

Images