JP5127801B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine, and a sparrow ball game machine, and a game machine such as a revolving game machine, and in particular, variations in performance operations under restrictions on ROM data capacity. It is related with the game machine for which it is requested | required to increase.

  The control of gaming machines such as pachinko machines is distributed between the main control unit that controls the game operation in an integrated manner and the production control unit that produces the production according to the progress of the game according to the control commands from the main control unit. Done. These main control unit and production control unit are each configured as a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like.

  On the other hand, various restrictions are imposed on gaming machines such as pachinko machines as healthy popular entertainment devices. For example, in a ROM mounted on the main board (main control unit) of a pachinko gaming machine, the capacity of the control area (storage area other than the data area of the used area) does not exceed 3 KB (kilobytes) and data It is determined that the capacity of the area does not exceed 3 KB.

  On the other hand, it is strongly desired that gaming machines such as pachinko machines have as many variations of the performance operations that appear as the game progresses as much as possible.

  Thus, several techniques for reducing the program capacity of gaming machines have been proposed for the ROM control area (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-072537 A

  However, if the size of the data itself in the data area of the ROM can be reduced, it is possible to realize more variations of the rendering operation even under the severe restrictions on the data capacity of the ROM.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can solve the above-described problems, reduce the data size in the ROM data area, and increase the variation of the rendering operation.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means. The parentheses indicate corresponding elements in the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this.

(1) In a gaming machine that changes a symbol when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, stops after a predetermined time, and generates a profit state advantageous to a player according to a stop mode,
Data storage means (ROM 202, variable time table 221 in FIG. 4) storing a plurality of variable time data and other time data (design stop time, opening time of special variable winning device, closing time, etc.);
Timer value storage means (RAM 203, RAM) for storing a first timer (236) that manages a timer value related to the variable time data and a second timer (232 to 234) that manages timer values related to the other time data Timer management area 231) of FIG.
Timer management means (S203, timer management processing of FIG. 9) that is executed at predetermined intervals and updates the timer values of the first timer and the second timer,
The variable time data is stored in a data size smaller than the other time data,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the timer management means is configured to update the first timer at a cycle later than that of the second timer.

(2) The timer value storage means includes a clock timer (time unit creation counter 235) that specifies an update period of the first timer,
The timer management unit updates the second timer and the clock timer every predetermined period, and updates the first timer based on the clock timer reaching a predetermined value (S224). , S226), the gaming machine according to (1) above, wherein the gaming machine is configured as follows.

  (3) The timer management means resets a timekeeping timer initial value (250) to the timekeeping timer on the condition that the timekeeping timer reaches the predetermined value (S224, S225). The gaming machine according to (2).

  (4) Symbol variation management means for setting the variation time data in the first timer at the start of variation of the symbol (FIG. 14, S321), and setting the timing timer initial value (250) in the timing timer ( The gaming machine according to (3) above, including the special symbol management process of FIGS.

  (5) The variable time data has a size of 1 byte, and the other time data has a size of 2 bytes and is stored in a storage area of the data storage means. 4) A gaming machine according to any one of the above.

  According to the present invention, the size of the storage area of the ROM is reduced because the data variation time of the symbol is smaller than the other time data. In addition, since the first timer that manages the variation time of the symbol is updated at a slower cycle than the second timer that manages other times, even if the size of the variation time data itself in the ROM data area is reduced. Thus, it is possible to increase the variation of the production operation without hindering the original control operation of the gaming machine.

It is a perspective view of the front side which shows the external appearance of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the front side of the game board of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control apparatus of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the change time table of the data area of ROM which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the variation pattern determination table of the data area of ROM which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the timer management area | region of RAM which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side main process of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process by the side of the main control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the timer management process by the side of the main control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the first half of the normal symbol management process by the side of the main control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the second half of the normal symbol management process by the side of the main control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the first half of the normal fluctuation winning device management process by the side of the main control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the second half of the normal variation winning device management process of the gaming machine according to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the first half of the special symbol management process by the side of the main control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the second half of the special symbol management process by the side of the main control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the first half of the special variation winning a prize apparatus management process by the side of the main control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the second half of the special fluctuation prize-winning apparatus management process by the side of the main control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main process by the side of the production control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the command reception interruption process by the presentation control side which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process by the side of the production control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the command analysis process by the side of the production control which concerns on this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described by taking a pachinko gaming machine as an example with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an appearance of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<1. Outline of configuration: FIGS. 1 and 2>
The illustrated pachinko gaming machine 1 has a frame-shaped front frame 2 attached to the front surface of a wooden outer frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed, and a game board 3 in a game board storage frame (not shown) attached to the back surface of the front frame 2. And the game area 3a formed on the surface of the game board 3 faces the opening of the front frame 2. The game area 3a is an area surrounded by a ball guide rail 5 (see FIG. 2) disposed on the surface of the game board 3. A glass door frame 6 supporting transparent glass is provided on the front side of the game area 3a.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 also has a front operation panel 7 disposed on the lower side of the glass door frame 6. The front operation panel 7 is provided with an upper tray unit 8, and the upper tray unit 8 is formed with an upper tray 9 for storing discharged game balls. The front operation panel 7 is provided with a ball lending button 11 and a prepaid card discharge button 12 (card return button 12). The upper tray surface portion of the upper tray 9 is provided with a push button type frame effect button 13 that can be operated by turning on the built-in lamp and that can be changed when the built-in lamp is turned on. It has been. The upper tray 9 is provided with a ball removal button 14 for removing the game balls stored in the upper tray 9 below the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  A firing operation handle 15 for operating the firing unit is provided on the right end side of the front operation panel 7. Speakers 46 that generate sound effects are provided on both sides of the upper part of the front frame 2 and on the upper side of the firing operation handle 15. Furthermore, a decoration lamp 45 is provided at various locations on the glass door frame 6 to produce a production effect by light decoration.

  Next, the game area 3a of the game board 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, in the substantially central portion of the game board 3, a variable display of symbols (decorative symbols) by numbers, characters, symbols, etc. is independently performed in three (left, middle, right) display areas. A liquid crystal display device 36 (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) as a possible image display device is provided. Directly below the liquid crystal display device 36, an upper start port 34, which is a first special symbol start port, and a lower start port 35, which is a second special symbol start port, are arranged up and down. Are provided with special symbol start opening sensors 34a and 35a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a winning ball. The lower start opening 35 is provided with a pair of left and right movable wing pieces 47 so that the lower start opening 35 can be opened and closed, and constitutes a so-called tulip-shaped electric accessory (ordinary variable winning device 41).

  A normal symbol start port 37 composed of a gate is disposed on the left side above the upper start port 34, and a normal symbol start port sensor 37a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a passing game ball is disposed.

  Below the lower start opening 35, a special variable prize winning device 42 configured to be openable and closable by an open door 42b for opening and closing the big prize winning opening 40 is disposed, and a large prize winning hole sensor for detecting a winning ball is disposed therein. 40a (refer FIG. 3) is arrange | positioned.

  A total of four general winning ports 43 are arranged on both sides of the special variable winning device 42, and a general winning port sensor 43a (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball is formed in each of them.

  Also, a special symbol display device 38 configured by arranging 7 segments in three digits and a normal symbol display device 39 composed of two LEDs are provided near the upper right edge of the game area 3a. Further, in the game area 3a, there are a center ornament 48, a windmill 44 as a game ball drop direction changing member, a plurality of game nails (not shown), a plurality of light emitting devices (lamps, LEDs, etc .: not shown), and the like. It is arranged. Further, a lamp display device such as a decorative lamp 45 and an LED device are also provided in the vicinity of both end portions of the game board 3.

  Based on the winning of the game ball in the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35, the main control unit 20 (see FIG. 3) performs a lottery (big hit lottery) related to the big hit by random number lottery. In accordance with the lottery result, the special symbol display device 38 is variably displayed on the special symbol display device 38, a special symbol variation display game (symbol game) is started, and the result is displayed on the special symbol display device 38 after a predetermined time has elapsed. It has become. At this time, the decorative symbols are variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 in a form linked to the special symbol variation display game, and the decorative symbol variation display game is started. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol variation display device 38 is selected by lottery. The result is displayed, and the result is also displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 by a decorative pattern.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 36 constitutes an image display device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as the image display device, a plasma display (PDP: Plasma Display Panel), an electronic paper display, an organic EL display (OELD: Organic). You may comprise by ElectroLuminescent Display). The liquid crystal display device 36 displays various effects as images under the control of an effect control unit 24 (see FIG. 3) described later. That is, an effect reflecting the lottery result in the special symbol variation display game, that is, a decorative symbol is variably displayed, and the decorative symbol variation display game is displayed. Production, reach production and background production).

  Therefore, when the result of the special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 38 is “big hit”, the result of the decorative symbol variation display game on the liquid crystal display device 36 also reflects “big hit” appears. Is done. The special symbol display device 38 displays a special symbol indicating a big hit in a predetermined display mode (for example, two 7-segment display states of “7”), and the liquid crystal display device 36 displays “ In each of the left, middle, and right display areas, a predetermined display mode (for example, each display area of “left”, “middle”, and “right”) in which the decorative symbols reflect the result of the big hit lottery on the hit effective line. The three decorative symbols are stopped and displayed at “7”, “7”, “7” display state).

  When the big hit is made, the special variable prize winning device solenoid 42a (see FIG. 3) is actuated to open the open door 42b, whereby the big prize opening 40 is controlled to open and close in a predetermined pattern, and the normal gaming state Thus, a special gaming state (big hit game) that is more advantageous to the player occurs. In this jackpot game, the open door 42b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) and the grand prize opening 40 is opened, or until a predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls have won, Is opened, and then a predetermined number of times (for example, maximum 15R (round)) such as the opening door 42b is closed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) and the special winning opening 40 is closed (round game). It is supposed to be repeated.

  The jackpot game is started after the symbol indicating the jackpot is confirmed and displayed in the symbol variation display game. When the big hit starts, the opening effect by the big hit start fanfare is first performed, and after the opening effect is finished, the round game in which the big winning opening 40 is opened is performed a plurality of times with the predetermined number of rounds as an upper limit. In addition, during a round game, a corresponding round effect is performed. Then, after the specified number of rounds is over, the ending effect by the big hit end fanfare is performed, and the big hit ends.

  In addition, based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol start opening 37, the main control unit 20 performs a lottery (an auxiliary lottery) regarding the auxiliary hit by random number lottery. In accordance with the lottery result, the normal symbol represented by the two LEDs 39 is variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 39, and the normal symbol variation display game is started. The stop display is made by a combination of lighting or a combination of both lighting. If the result of the normal symbol variation display game on the normal symbol display device 39 is “per assist”, the display part of the normal symbol display device 39 is in a predetermined pattern (for example, both of the two LEDs 39 are lit). Stop display.

  When the auxiliary hit is reached, the normal variation prize winning device solenoid 41a (see FIG. 3) for driving the left and right movable blade pieces 47 is activated, and the movable blade pieces 47 are formed in a reverse “C” shape. The lower start opening 35 is opened or expanded so that the game ball can easily flow in, and an auxiliary game state advantageous to the player (hereinafter referred to as “general power open game”) occurs. In this general electric open game, the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation prize winning device 41 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) and the lower start opening 35 is opened, or a predetermined number (for example, 5). The lower start opening 35 is opened until the game ball wins the normal variation winning device 41 (lower start opening 35), and then the movable wing piece 47 is closed for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) to open the lower start opening 35. The operation of closing is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, once).

  Also, when the game ball wins the lower start opening 35 during the above-mentioned open game, the special symbol variation display game is similarly performed, and the decorative symbol variation display game is performed accordingly. The game balls that have not won the winning holes are discharged from the game area 3a through the out holes 49.

  If there is a detection signal input from the special symbol start port sensor 34a, 35a or the normal symbol start port sensor 37a during the special symbol variation display game or the normal symbol variation display game, Start memory (so-called operation hold balls), which is data related to the start right for causing each variation display game to be played based on the detection signal, is stored up to a predetermined upper limit number except for those involved during variation display. Then, in order to make the starting memory number clear to the player, it is displayed as an image at an appropriate position of the pachinko gaming machine 1 or on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36. Normally, the variation display game for each start memory is executed and controlled in the order in which the start memories are generated. In this embodiment, as the predetermined upper limit, up to four start memories for special symbols and normal symbols are stored in the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) provided in the main control unit 20, and the variation of the special symbol or normal symbol is determined. Held as a count.

  Next, the specific game state that occurs after the big hit game is finished will be described. This specific gaming state is predetermined according to the type of jackpot, and various specific gaming states are generated by the following functions operating.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a probability variation (hereinafter referred to as “probability variation”) function, in which the main control unit 20 (main control CPU 201: refer to FIG. 3) serves as its function unit. There are two types, a probability changing function related to a special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol probability changing function”) and a probability changing function related to a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol probability changing function”).

  The special symbol probability changing function is a function that provides a jackpot probability changing state that varies from a normal probability (for example, 1/348) to a high probability (for example, 1 / 4.8) after the jackpot ends. It is. That is, in the big hit probability variation state, the low probability state where the big hit lottery probability is low is changed to the high probability state where the big hit lottery probability is high. The jackpot that triggers the operation of the special symbol probability changing function is referred to as “probable bonus jackpot”, and the jackpot that does not serve as the trigger of the special symbol probability changing function is referred to as “non-probable jackpot”. Under the gaming state (high probability gaming state) in which the special symbol probability changing function is in operation, the jackpot lottery probability fluctuates with a high probability and the jackpot is likely to occur. It can be said that it is a jackpot type.

  The conditions for continuing the big hit probability variation state can be determined as appropriate. For example, until a predetermined number (for example, 4 times) of the special symbol variation display game ends (so-called “number cut probability variation (ST)”), or until the next big hit game is started, or predetermined Until it is determined that the transition to the low probability state is determined by the lottery (so-called “falling lottery”), etc., it is free to decide which condition is given. In addition, by providing a plurality of types of probability variation big hits, it may be determined as appropriate which condition is assigned to each probability variation big hit.

  The normal symbol probability changing function is a function that gives a probability per auxiliary change state that fluctuates from a normal probability (for example, 1/256) having a low probability per auxiliary to a high probability (for example, 255/256). Under normal gaming probability change function (probability per assistance change state), the lottery probability per assistance will fluctuate with a high probability, and assistance will likely occur. The operating rate is improved so that the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is improved as compared with the gaming state. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation timing of the normal symbol probability changing function is synchronized with the activation timing of the special symbol short-time function described later, and the termination timing is also synchronized with the termination timing of the special symbol time-shortening function. It has become.

  Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a function of shortening the variation time (hereinafter referred to as “time reduction”), which is performed by the main control CPU 201. There are two types of time-shortening functions relating to special symbols (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol time-shortening functions”) and time-shortening functions relating to normal symbols (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol time-shortening functions”).

  The special symbol time-shortening function is a function for providing a special symbol time-shortening state in which the variation time of the special symbol in the special symbol variation display game is shortened. In the game state in which the special symbol time reduction function is in operation, the time of the special symbol variation display game (the time from when the special symbol starts to change until it is fixedly displayed) is, for example, no average time or reach In the loss variation, the lottery number is shortened from 30 seconds (when the time-short state is not given) to 5 seconds (when the time-short state is given), and the lottery number improvement state is improved in which the number of big hit lotteries per unit time is improved.

  The normal symbol short-time function is a function for providing a normal symbol short-time state in which the variation time of the normal symbol in the normal symbol variation display game is shortened. Under the gaming state in which the normal symbol time reduction function is in operation, the time of one normal symbol fluctuation display game (the time from when the normal symbol starts to change until it is fixedly displayed) is, for example, 10 seconds (time reduction state) Is shortened to 1 second (when the time-short state is applied), and the operating rate is improved so that the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is improved compared to the normal gaming state. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation timing of the normal symbol time-shortening function is synchronized with the operation timing of the special symbol time-shortening function, and the termination timing is also synchronized with the termination timing of the special symbol time-shortening function. It has become.

  Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has an open extension function in which the main control CPU 201 serves as its functional unit.

  The open extension function is a function that gives the player an open extended state in which the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is opened and the number of times of opening is extended. Under the gaming state in which the open extension function is in operation, the opening operation period of the movable wing piece 47 is extended from, for example, 0.2 seconds to 1.7 seconds, and the number of times of opening and closing is, for example, a maximum of 2 times (the open extension state is given). (When not open), it is extended a maximum of 3 times (when the open extended state is given), and the operating rate is improved so that the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is improved as compared with the normal gaming state. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation trigger for the opening extension function is synchronized with the operation trigger for the special symbol short-time function, and the termination trigger is also synchronized with the termination trigger for the special symbol short-time function. ing. Thus, under the gaming state in which the open extension function is in operation, the normal symbol probability changing function and the normal symbol time-shortening function are also in operation, so that a gaming state in which the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 is remarkably improved occurs.

  In the present embodiment, the functions related to the above normal symbols, that is, the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol short-time function, and the open extension function are synchronized with the operation trigger of the special symbol short-time function, so the three functions are the same. It will work at the moment. However, when attention is paid to the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol time-shortening function, and the open extension function, respectively, when at least one of these functions is activated, the operating rate of the movable blade piece 47 is improved. Since the operating rate is improved and the winning frequency to the lower start opening 35 is increased, the game condition is that the starting condition of the special symbol variation display game for deriving the big win lottery result is higher than the normal gaming state. It will shift to the “high base game state (starting condition improved state)”. As used herein, the “high base gaming state” refers to a gaming state when a function related to a normal symbol is operated as described above, and a function related to a special symbol, that is, a special symbol probability changing function and a special symbol time-saving function. It is different from the gaming state when one of them is activated.

  Focusing on the special symbol related functions individually, when the special symbol probability changing function is activated, a big hit is more likely to occur than the normal gaming state, that is, the winning probability of the big hit lottery is higher than the normal gaming state. When the special symbol short-time function is activated, the special symbol variation display game has a “special symbol short-time gaming state” in which the digestion time of the special symbol variation display game is faster than the normal gaming state. In this respect, it is distinguished from the “high base gaming state” in which the starting condition of the special symbol variation display game is higher than the normal gaming state.

  In the present embodiment, as an example of the “high base gaming state”, a gaming state provided with an open extension function that significantly improves the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 is treated as a “high base gaming state”. The movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation prize winning device 41 has a high base that is advantageous to the player in the “high base game state” in which the open extension function is provided, as compared to the state in which the open extension function is not provided. The game state will be operated.

  Next, the jackpot in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. Here, as described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has a special symbol probability changing function, a normal symbol probability changing function, a special symbol time-shortening function, a normal symbol time-shortening function, and an open extension function. In addition, the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol short-time function, and the opening extension function are triggered in synchronization with the special symbol short-time function. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a game state in which the special symbol time reduction function, the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol time reduction function, and the open extension function operate is referred to as a “time reduction game state (hereinafter abbreviated as“ time reduction state ”)”. In addition to the short state at this time, the gaming state in which the special symbol probability changing function operates is referred to as “probability changing gaming state” (hereinafter referred to as “probability changing state”), and the gaming state in which only the special symbol probability changing function operates is referred to as “latent probability changing game”. A state (hereinafter, abbreviated as “latency probability changing state”) ”, and a state in which any function is not operating (except during a big hit game) is referred to as a“ normal game state ”. When paying attention to the jackpot lottery probability in each of the above gaming states, at least the jackpot lottery probability is in a low probability state in the short-time state or the normal gaming state, and at least in the jackpot lottery state in the probability variation state or the latent probability variation state. The probability is in a high probability state.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the types of jackpots to be drawn in the special symbol variation display game are “15R non-probable big jackpots” for non-probable big jackpots, “15R probable big jackpots” for “probable big jackpots”, and “2R sudden probable big bogs” “Big hit (2R sudden hit big hit)” and “2R latency probability big hit” are provided.

  Out of these big hits, the 15R non-probable big hit and the 15R probable big hit will have 15 rounds with the maximum number of round games (the number of times the big winning opening 40 is opened). 2 rounds. In addition, for the 2R sudden hit jackpot and the 2R latent hit jackpot, the opening time of the big winning opening 40 during one round game is set shorter than the 15R non-probable jackpot or 15R probability jackpot (for example, 0.5 seconds). ing.

  In addition, after the big hit game is finished, a specific game state corresponding to the big hit is generated. Specifically, a “probability change state” occurs until the next big hit is confirmed (a big hit game is generated) for the 15R probability change big hit and the 2R sudden hit big hit, and the latent probability change state remains until the next big hit for the 2R latent probability big hit. The 15R non-probable big hit will have a “short time state” until the special symbol variation display game number of times is over a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) or until the big hit is determined within the predetermined number of times. It is supposed to occur. Here, since the open extension function is given during the probability changing state or the short time state, these gaming states are “high base gaming states”.

  In addition to the above-mentioned big hits, “small hits” where a hit state (small hit game) in which the big winning opening 40 is opened and closed twice in substantially the same game operation manner as in the case of the big hit game by 2R latent probability variation big hits is given. Is provided. This small hit game represents a quasi-round game by exhibiting substantially the same game operation mode as the big hit game by 2R latency probability variable big hit, and can be pretend as if 2R latent probability variable big hit has occurred. I have to. That is, the hit game operation by the small hit is performed in an operation mode that makes it difficult for the player to identify the difference from the big hit game operation by the 2R latent probability variation big hit.

  Therefore, the game value given to the player during the small hit game is substantially the same as the game value given to the player during the big hit game due to the 2R latent probability change big hit. However, after the small hit game is over, the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is continued as it is, and in this respect, the characteristic is different from the big hit in which the specific gaming state is generated. For example, when the “small hit” is won during the normal gaming state, the normal gaming state that is the gaming state at the time of winning the small winning game is continued as the gaming state after the end of the small hitting game. Hereinafter, unless otherwise required, the small hits are treated in the same row as one of the big hit types without being distinguished from other big hits.

  When any of the above jackpots is won, a special symbol reflecting the lottery result is displayed as it is for the special symbol in the special symbol display device 38. In other words, the special symbol display device 38 displays a special symbol for notifying a probable variation big hit, a special symbol for notifying a non-probable big hit, or a special symbol notifying that there is a possibility of either a probable big hit or a non-probable big hit. . On the other hand, on the liquid crystal display device 36, even if the selected big hit is a probable big hit, the decorative symbols are not necessarily displayed from the beginning in a pattern in which the probable big hit is clear. Normally, the player enjoys the game while watching the decorative symbol variation display game of the liquid crystal display device 36, so even if the game result is a symbol indicating the non-probable big hit type, the player has a sense of expectation for the probable big hit. Is to leave.

  Next, the production mode of the production in the gaming state will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has an effect of definitely informing that the jackpot lottery probability is in a high probability state as the effect mode of the effect related to the current gaming state to be notified. `` Mode '', `` Time-short effect mode '' that makes the effect of definite notification of the short-time state, and a production mode that conceals the jackpot winning probability state, specifically, the jackpot lottery probability is high probability state A “probable concealment effect mode” is provided that is disguised as if there is, concealing the current game state and giving the player a sense of expectation of the latent probability change state.

  Furthermore, there are two effect modes that are determined depending on whether or not the winning information for the small hit, that is, whether the small hit flag is set or not. One is the “normal effect mode” that is taken when the small hit flag is in the non-set state, and the other is the probability variation concealment effect mode (in the case of gusset) that is taken when the small hit flag is in the set state. Note that the small hit flag is set to the set state when the small win is won, and the setting is changed to a non-set state by a predetermined lottery (mode drop lottery). In this “normal effect mode”, an effect that is completed for each symbol variation operation is displayed.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of effect modes are set according to the gaming state as described above, and it is possible to go back and forth between the effect modes. Specifically, the transition control is performed to the “probability modification effect mode” if it is a probability change state, to the “short time effect mode” if it is a short-time state, and to the “probability concealment effect mode (genuine)” if the latent probability change state, In the normal game state, the transition control is performed to the “normal effect mode” or the “probable concealment concealment effect mode (gase)” depending on the small hit flag. In particular, when winning a small hit or 2R latent probability change big hit from the normal gaming state, the game operation mode during the big hit game is controlled to be substantially the same operation, and the production mode after the big hit game is the same “probable concealment concealment production” Further, after the jackpot game is over, the opening extension function is not activated and the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 is not improved. As a result, the jackpot lottery probability state is concealed and it becomes difficult to identify the current gaming state.

<2. Control device: Fig. 3>
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing an outline of a control device that performs gaming machine control in accordance with the progress of the game as described above.

  This control device is centered on a main control unit 20 that controls overall game operations and an effect control unit 24 that receives effect control commands from the main control unit 20 and performs effect control on images, light, and sound. Composed. The effect control unit 24 is connected to a liquid crystal display device 36 as an image display device. In the present specification, the term “production device” widely refers to devices that produce an image, light, sound, or operation of the movable body, such as a liquid crystal display device 36, a lamp, an LED, a sound generator, and a movable body.

  Further, a payout control board 29 is connected to the main control unit 20, and a launch control board 28 for controlling the launcher 32 and a game ball payout apparatus 19 are connected to the main control unit 20. Reference numeral 31 denotes a power supply board. The power supply board 31 is connected to an external power supply (not shown), generates a required power supply from an AC voltage (AC24V: main power supply) supplied from a transformer, and is applied to each control board. Supply. In FIG. 3, the power supply route is omitted.

(2-1. Main control unit 20)
The main control unit 20 is equipped with a microprocessor incorporating a main control CPU 201, a main control ROM 202 storing a control program, control data and the like describing a series of game machine control procedures, and a main control in which a work area is formed. A RAM 203 is mounted to constitute a one-chip microcomputer. Although not shown, a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) having a function of generating a pulse output with a constant period, a function of measuring time, and the like, and an interrupt controller circuit for giving an interrupt signal to the CPU are provided.

  The main control unit 20 includes a special symbol start port sensor 34 a that detects a winning at the upper start port 34, a special symbol start port sensor 35 a that detects a win at the lower start port 35, and a normal symbol start port 37. An ordinary symbol start opening sensor 37a for detecting passage, a general winning opening sensor 43a for detecting a winning at the general winning opening 43, and a large winning opening sensor 40a for detecting a winning at the large winning opening 40 are connected. The control unit 20 can receive each of these detection signals.

  In addition, the main control unit 20 includes a special symbol display device 38, a normal symbol display device 39, a normal variation winning device solenoid 41a for controlling opening and closing of the movable wing piece 47 of the lower start port 35, and a wide of the large winning port 40. A special variable prize winning device solenoid 42a for controlling opening / closing of the open door 42b is connected, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for controlling each device.

  In addition, the main control unit 20 draws whether it is “big hit” that generates a special gaming state advantageous to the player or “losing” that does not cause this special gaming state, and responds to the success / failure information that is the lottery result. Then, a variation pattern and a stop symbol of the special symbol are determined, and an effect control command including at least the lottery result and the variation pattern or a special symbol designation command based on the determined stop symbol is generated and transmitted to the effect control unit 24. It has a configuration.

  The effect control command from the main control unit 20 is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 by one-way communication. This is to prevent an illegal signal from an external goto action from being input to the main control unit 20 via the effect control unit 24.

(2-2. Main control ROM and main control RAM: FIGS. 4 to 6)
In the main control ROM 202, the program size and the data capacity are determined so that the control program area within the use area is within 3 KB and the data area is within 3 KB.

  The data area of the main control ROM 202 is provided with a time data area for storing a plurality of fluctuation time data and other time data, and a storage area for a fluctuation pattern determination table.

  FIG. 4 shows the structure of the time data area. The fluctuation time table 221 storing n pieces of fluctuation time data 1 to n, symbol stop time data, opening effect time data, opening time of the special variable winning device Data, closing time (interval between rounds) data, ending effect time data, and the like are provided. The characteristic of this variable time table 221 is that each variable time data 1 to n, which has been 2 bytes in the past, is composed of 1 byte, and the data capacity is half that of the conventional variable time table. .

  Since the data length of each variable time data in the variable time table 221 is 1 byte (8 bits), the number n of variable time data can be secured up to 256 types (maximum count number 255). N = 222. The size (data capacity) of the variation time table 221 is 222 bytes, and the data amount of the variation time table 221 is smaller by a total of 222 bytes than in the conventional case where each variation time data is 2 bytes.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a variation pattern determination table. Variation pattern numbers (A1 to Am, where m = 587 indicates the type) and variation pattern designation code (XXXX [H]) for designating the variation pattern number are illustrated. ) Are stored in association with each other. The meanings of the variation pattern numbers A1 to Am are as shown in FIG. 5 as the explanation of contents. The variation from the start to the end of the symbol variation display game, whether it is a big hit or loss, the presence or absence and type of reach production Time (seconds).

  In this example, the fluctuation pattern numbers A1, A2, and A51 are lost fluctuations, and A3, A52, and A91 are big hit fluctuations. In addition, there are three types of effect designation contents: loss variation without reach, normal reach (reach pattern 1), and super reach (reach patterns 2, 3). “Loss fluctuation” is a form in which, for example, in the symbol variation display game, a combination of the left column, the right column, the middle column, and the three columns to be stopped is derived, the three symbol display columns form a reach. Without being changed, the variation is stopped in the order of left column → right column → middle column. “Normal reach” and “Super reach” are a variation form in which the left and right symbol display columns are suspended by the same type of symbols to form a reach, and the middle row symbols are suspended by reach production. . The “super reach” here is a variation form in which the reach is performed in two stages through the normal reach.

  The variation time (seconds) from the start to the end of the symbol variation display game is acquired according to the variation pattern number with reference to the variation time table 221 in FIG. This is variable time data set in the timer area (special symbol variation timer 236 in FIG. 6) in the work area. The set variation time (seconds) is an initial setting value of the special symbol variation timer 236, and here, typically, for the variation pattern commands A1 to A3, 10 seconds (A1: loss variation), 20 seconds ( A2: normal reach loss fluctuation), 20 seconds (A3: normal reach big hit fluctuation). Further, the fluctuation pattern commands A51, A52, and A91 are respectively 70 seconds (A51: super reach loss fluctuation), 80 seconds (A52: super reach big hit fluctuation), and 222 seconds (A91: super reach big hit fluctuation). These fluctuation times (seconds) correspond to any of the fluctuation time data 1 to n in the fluctuation time table 221 shown in FIG.

  Here, for example, when attention is paid to the fluctuation patterns A2 and A3 of FIG. 5, the same 20 seconds are associated as the fluctuation time. As described above, regarding the variation pattern, based on the variation pattern number, the corresponding one of the 222 types is read from the variation time table 221 with duplication, and the timer area of the RAM 203 (for special symbol variation in FIG. 6) is read. Set to timer 236). By allowing the same time data to be selected redundantly, it is possible to have more variation patterns than the number of variation time data. Accordingly, each variation pattern has a one-to-one correspondence with any one of the variation time data, and the number m of variation patterns is greater than the number n of variation time data. In this embodiment, m = 587 types of variation patterns are determined using variation time data of n = 222.

  The main control RAM 203 has a timer management area 231 shown in FIG. 6, which is abbreviated as a special electric action timer 232 (special symbol stop and special electric accessory (special variable prize winning device) operation timer. A normal electric action timer 233 (which is an abbreviation for a timer for operating an ordinary electric accessory (ordinary variable winning device)), an improper information timer 234, a time unit creation counter 235, and a special symbol change timer. A timer 236 and the like are provided.

  The special symbol variation timer 236 is a timer (first timer) that manages a timer value related to variation time data, and uses a 1-byte memory area, and the occupied area is reduced to half. The special electric action timer 232, the universal electric action timer 233, and the unauthorized information timer 234 are timers (second timers) for managing timer values related to other time data, and each uses a 2-byte memory area. . Each of these timers is a timer capable of counting time independently on the time axis. The time unit creation counter 235 is a time timer that specifies the update period of the first timer, and uses a 1-byte memory area.

  The special timer 232, the universal timer 233, and the improper information timer 234, which are the second timers, each time a main control timer interrupt process (FIG. 8), which will be described later, is executed with a period of 4 ms. Stepping is performed, and each timer value is repeatedly subtracted (updated) by 1 from the initial count value to 0.

  Similar to the second timer, the clock unit creation counter 235 is a clock timer that performs a stepping operation every time execution of interrupt control with a period of 4 ms, but the special symbol variation timer 236 performs a stepping operation. , That is, the time count timer initial value (counter update value) 250 is reset based on counting up to a predetermined time count (in this example, 1 second that is 250 times 4 ms). Thus, the time unit creation counter 235 is a counter that creates a time unit that causes the special symbol variation timer 236 to perform a stepping operation. In other words, the time unit creation counter 235 expands (roughly) the time unit interval (time scale) from 4 ms for normal time to 1 second for special symbol variation time. In other words, it approximates to a frequency dividing counter that divides an interrupt signal having a period of 4 ms and converts it into a periodic signal having an interval (1 second) of an integer multiple of 4 ms (250 times here). In this embodiment, the count-down time is considered, so the time-unit creation counter 235 sets its own counter value (initial setting value is 250) to the count value 0 every time the interrupt control of the 4 ms period is executed. 1 is repeatedly subtracted until the time length corresponding to the time unit (subtraction unit) is sequentially counted.

  Next, the special symbol variation timer 236, which is the first timer, performs one step operation (update) based on the count value of the time unit creation counter 235 reaching the predetermined value (counter update value). It is a count timer. The special symbol variation timer 236 is updated at a slower cycle than the second timer. That is, the time-unit preparation counter 235 counts the execution of the interrupt process with a period of 4 ms for a total of 250 times, and advances one step each time the count value becomes 0 from the initial setting value of 250. If described in relation to the frequency dividing operation, this timer is a stepping operation whenever a frequency divided output is generated in the frequency dividing counter. The target to be clocked by the special symbol variation timer 236, that is, the monitoring target is the variation time (one of variation times 1 to n) of the special symbol that is acquired from the variation time table 221 and set based on the variation pattern number. is there.

  Here, since the countdown type clock is considered, the special symbol variation timer 236 causes the clock unit creation counter 235 to finish counting the time length (1 second) of the subtraction unit and receive a counter update value every time. The initial setting value set in itself is repeatedly subtracted by 1 until the count value becomes 0.

(2-3. Production control unit 24)
The effect control unit 24 is equipped with a microprocessor incorporating an effect control CPU 241, an effect control ROM 242 storing a control program describing effect control procedures, effect data, and the like, an effect control RAM 243 in which a work area is formed, It is equipped with. Although not shown, a sound source IC, a CTC, an interrupt controller circuit, and the like are provided. The main roles of the effect control unit 24 are reception of effect control commands from the main control unit 20, effect pattern lottery, control of the liquid crystal display device 36, sound control of the speaker 46, frame lamp / LED light emission control, movable These include body movement control and notification of various errors.

  The effect control unit 24 includes an optical display control unit for the light display device 45a including the decorative lamp 45 and the LED, and an acoustic control unit for the sound generation device 46a including the speaker 46, in order to perform the effect processing for light and sound. ing.

  In addition, in response to the effect control command, the effect control unit 24 draws an effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern, and causes the effect display to be displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36.

  The effect control unit 24 is connected to a frame effect button 13 serving as an effect intervention operation means. The frame effect button 13 is a push button that can be operated by the player, and is operated by the player when the player participates in a player participation type promotion effect game.

  The effect control CPU 241 functions as an effect execution control unit that receives an effect control command from the main control CPU 201 and executes and controls various effects.

  In addition, the effect control unit 24 generates a control data necessary for performing display control of the liquid crystal display device 36 and outputs the control data to the VDP, and a liquid crystal control including a program describing an operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU. It has a ROM and a liquid crystal control RAM that functions as a work area and a buffer memory.

  The effect control unit 24 includes a video display processor (VDP) that is connected to the liquid crystal control CPU and performs image expansion processing, an image data ROM that stores image data required for image expansion by the VDP, and a VDP. A VRAM or the like for temporarily storing the image data developed by is also provided.

  Information about the game state is first required for a special symbol variation pattern based on the result of the jackpot lottery (whether it is a big hit or a loss), the current gaming state, the number of balls held for operation, a decorative symbol to be stopped based on the lottery result, etc. Basic information is transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24 by an effect control command.

  The effect control unit 24 controls the game effect by controlling the liquid crystal display device 36, the light display device 45a, and the sound generation device 46a in accordance with the effect control command transmitted from the game control unit 20. With respect to the decorative symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36, the decorative symbol is changed according to the time schedule of the variable pattern specified by the variable pattern command (variable pattern specifying code), and the final symbol is determined by receiving the symbol specifying command. Then, the symbol variation is stopped by receiving a symbol stop command after the elapse of a predetermined variation time managed by the special symbol variation timer 236. This movement is linked to the fluctuation of the special symbol in the special symbol display device 38. If the final stop symbol is a big hit symbol (a state where three decorative symbols are aligned), the gaming machine is in a big hit state, and the special variable prize is awarded. The ball device 42 is opened.

  In order to execute the effect, the effect control unit 24 side has an effect pattern table for specifying an effect scenario including symbol variation. This effect pattern table has the same number of effect patterns as the effect patterns in which the variation pattern designation code, the design variation of the decorative design, and the variation time are associated in advance. A plurality of effect patterns are associated. When the variation pattern command (variation pattern designation code) is received, the production control unit 24 side refers to the production pattern table, and draws a lot from the group of production patterns associated with the production pattern designation code. Select and decide one production pattern. A control signal for instructing execution of the determined effect pattern is sent from the effect control unit 24 to the liquid crystal display device 36, the sound generator 46a, and the light display device 45a, and an image on the liquid crystal display device 36 corresponding to the effect pattern is displayed. , Reproduction of sound effects corresponding to the production pattern, and lighting / flashing driving of the decoration lamp 45 and the LED are realized.

  The production control command is composed of a 1-byte length mode (MODE) and an event (EVENT) of 1-byte length. When this information is transmitted as valid, a strobe corresponding to each mode and event is sent. A signal is output. That is, when there is a command to be transmitted, the main control CPU 201 sets and outputs mode information for transmitting the command to the effect control unit 24, and transmits a first strobe signal after a predetermined time has elapsed from this setting. Do. Further, event information is set and output after a lapse of a predetermined time from the transmission of the strobe signal, and a second strobe signal is transmitted after the lapse of a predetermined time from the setting. When the strobe signal is transmitted, the effect control CPU 241 generates an interrupt corresponding to the strobe signal, and receives a command by this interrupt processing. The strobe signal is controlled by the main control CPU 201 to be in an active state for a predetermined period during which the effect control CPU 241 can reliably receive a command.

<3. Processing on the main control side: FIGS. 7 to 17>
Next, processing contents on the main control unit 20 side will be described with reference to FIGS.

(3-1. Main process on the main control side: FIG. 7)
When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is powered on, a voltage is supplied to each control board by the power supply board 31, and the main control CPU 201 starts main control side main processing shown in FIG.

  In the main control side main process, first, a necessary initial setting process before starting the game operation is executed (step S101).

  Next, the state (ON / OFF) of the output signal of the RAM clear switch input through an input port (not shown) is confirmed. If the RAM clear switch is ON (step S102: YES), step S105 is performed. Then, the storage area is cleared as RAM initialization processing. However, if the RAM clear switch is not on (step S102: NO), it is determined whether or not the backup data stored in the backup RAM is valid when the power supply is interrupted next (step S103). When power is restored, the checksum is compared to check whether the backup data is valid.

  If the backup data is valid (step S103: YES), based on the backup data, the stack pointer before the power shutdown is restored, and the game restoration process necessary for starting the game from the processing state at the time of the power shutdown is performed. Execute (step S104), and proceed to step S107. If the backup data is not valid (step S103: NO), the stack pointer designation address is set in the stack pointer, and the RAM is initialized (step S105). With the initialization of the RAM, the RAM clear information is transmitted as an initialization command to each control board (step S106).

  Next, the CTC provided in the CPU is set (step S107). In this process, an initial value corresponding to 4 ms is set in the CTC time constant register so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every 4 ms.

  After completing the processing after the initial power-on in steps S101 to S107, as a loop processing during normal operation (steps S108 to S112), interrupt prohibition (step S108) and interrupt permission (step S112) are repeated. In the meantime, various random number update processes are executed (steps S109 to S111).

  As a random number update process, after the process of S step 108, first, a random number value update process for a variation pattern is executed (step S109). In this variation pattern random value update process, the variation pattern random value used for the lottery for determining the special symbol variation pattern is mainly updated.

  Subsequently, per normal symbol used in the normal symbol variation display game winning lottery for executing the normal value per-symbol determination initial value random number update process (step S110) and the special symbol per-determination initial value random number update process (step S111). Update the random number used for changing the initial value of the random number for determination (for example, count the counter, update the value in the normal value random number update process for normal symbol determination (step S110)), and determine the initial value for the special symbol In the random number update process (step S111), the random number used for changing the initial value of the special symbol per-determination random number used for the lottery determination of the special symbol variation display game is updated.

(3-2. Main control timer interrupt processing: Fig. 8)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing on the main control side that is activated by interruption every predetermined time (4 ms) while loop processing is being performed in the main processing on the main control side.

  First, the main control CPU 201 executes a saving process (step S201) for saving a register to a predetermined stack area.

  Next, a periodic random number update process for periodically updating the random number related to each variable display game is executed (step S202). In the regular random number update process, various random numbers used for the success / failure lottery of the normal symbol variation display game and the special symbol variation display game are periodically updated.

  Next, a timer management process for managing and controlling a timer used for the game operation is executed (step S203). The count values of various timers used for game machine control are updated here. Details of the timer management process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, input management processing is executed (step S204). In this input management process, detection information from various sensors provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is read and stored in a register in itself (not shown). The information detected by the various sensors is a signal detected by the normal symbol start port sensor 37a, the big winning port sensor 40a, the special symbol start port sensors 34a and 35a, the general winning port sensor 43a, and the like.

  Next, error management processing is executed (step S205). In this error management process, the data read and stored in the input management process is grasped, the switch is checked, and an illegal winning is monitored, the game operation state is monitored, and the abnormality of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is monitored. To do.

  Next, prize ball management processing is executed (step S206). In the prize ball management process, control information (a prize ball payout control command for designating the number of prize balls) for causing the game ball payout device 19 to perform a payout operation is output.

  Next, normal symbol management processing is executed (step S207). In this normal symbol management process, a lottery determination in the normal symbol variation display game is executed, and the variation pattern of the normal symbol and the stop display mode of the normal symbol are determined based on the lottery result. Details of the normal symbol management process will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, a normal variation winning device management process is executed (step S208). In the normal variation winning device management process, an excitation control signal for solenoid control is transmitted to the normal variation winning device solenoid 41a based on the result of the lottery determination in the normal symbol management processing (step S207), and the movable blade of the normal variation winning device 41 A series of operations of the piece 47 are controlled. Details of the normal variation winning device management process will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, a special symbol management process is executed (step S209). In this special symbol management process, a big win lottery (big hit determination process) in the special symbol fluctuation display game is executed, and a special symbol fluctuation pattern and a special symbol stop display mode (stop special symbol) are determined based on the lottery result. To do. Details of the special symbol management process will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, a special variable winning device management process is executed (step S210). In the special variable winning device management process, an excitation control signal for solenoid control is transmitted to the special variable winning device solenoid 42a on the basis of the result of the big hit winning lottery in the special symbol management processing (step S209). This is a process of controlling the opening and closing of the big winning opening 40 according to a predetermined pattern and controlling the execution of the game related to the big hit. Details of the special variable winning device management process will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The main control CPU 201 executes the “LED management process” after the special variable winning device management process (step S211). This LED management process is a process of creating output data to the normal symbol display device 39 or the special symbol display device 38 or outputting a control signal based on the data according to the progress of the process.

  Further, the main control CPU 201 manages game island management of the game hall through an external concentration terminal board (not shown) such as a big hit occurrence, special symbol determination, normal symbol determination, and winning ball detection at the symbol start opening. An external terminal management process for outputting to the outside of the gaming machine such as a hall computer HC or an island lamp used in the game is performed (step S212).

  And after performing the process of step S202-step S212 as mentioned above, the contents of a register are restored (step S213) and a timer interruption process is complete | finished.

(3-3. Timer management processing: FIG. 9)
FIG. 9 shows details of the timer management process (step S203) for managing and controlling the timers 232 to 236 (FIG. 6) used for the game operation.

  In this timer management process, a timer interrupt is started every 4 ms. Therefore, the 2-byte timer in the timer management area 231 of the RAM 203 described above, that is, the special electric action timer 232, the second electric action timer 233, and the illegal action timer 233 are illegal. For the information timer 234, if the timer value is not zero, 1 is subtracted from the timer value every 4 ms (step S221).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the special symbol variation timer 236 is zero (step S222), and if it is zero, the timer management process is terminated. If the special symbol variation timer 236 is calculating and the timer value is not zero, 1 is subtracted from the count value of the time unit creation counter 235 (time timer) (step S223). The subtraction of the time unit creation counter 235 is performed every 4 ms interrupt.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the count value of the time unit creation counter 235 has become zero (step S224). The counter update value (initial setting value) of the time unit creation counter 235 is set to “250” in the present embodiment. For this reason, when the timer interrupt is started every 4 ms, the time counting unit creation counter 235 repeatedly subtracts 1 from the initial setting value 250 until the count value becomes zero (step S224: NO).

  When the count value of the time unit creation counter 235 (time timer) becomes zero (step S224: YES), 250 is reset as the counter update value (time timer initial value) of the new timer (step S225), and the time unit The creation counter 235 is updated and returned to the initial state. The special symbol variation timer 236 is incremented on the basis of the count value of the time unit creation counter 235 becoming a predetermined counter update value, and the count value is decremented by 1 (step S226). Therefore, the special symbol variation timer 236 (first timer) performs a time counting operation that counts one time every time the time counting unit creation counter 235 counts 4 ms interrupts 250 times to create one second of the time unit.

  The special symbol variation timer 236 counts the variation time (any one of the variation time data 1 to n) acquired from the variation time table 221 according to the variation pattern number in the variation pattern determination table of FIG. Set as the default value for the target. The special symbol variation timer 236 counts (subtracts) the set variation time with the above-mentioned one second as a time unit, and when it reaches zero, the measurement of the variation time ends.

  Thus, the data length of half of the conventional data length can be obtained by roughly counting many types of variable time data, which has been finely expressed to a numerical value of less than 1 second by handling a data length of 2 bytes. The type or number of variation patterns can be expressed by securing the same many types of variation patterns as before, while reducing the occupied storage area of the variation time data in the main control ROM 202. It has become possible.

  As described above, the timer management process of FIG. 9 is a timer management means for updating the first and second timer values, which is executed every 4 ms interrupt period, and includes the second timer and the clock timer. Is updated every interrupt period of 4 ms, and the first timer functions as timer management means for updating the timer based on a predetermined value (counter update value).

  The fluctuation time data 1 to n illustrated in FIG. 4 exist as an enormous number in practice. For this reason, if the area occupied by the variable time data in the main control ROM 202 can be half that of the prior art, a considerable amount of an unused area that can be freely used for other purposes can be created in the main control ROM 202. Become. If this newly created unused area is allocated, for example, to increase the variation of the production operation, the variation of the production operation is satisfied while satisfying the requirement that the data capacity of the main control ROM 202 be within 3 KB. It is possible to achieve the increase more easily than in the past.

  Note that the special timer 232, the universal motor timer 233, and the illegal information timer 234, which are the second timers, remain the same as the conventional 2-byte timers. The time management for the (special variable winning device) operation, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory (ordinary variable winning device), and the illegal information can be finely managed to less than 1 second.

(3-4. Normal symbol management processing: FIGS. 10 and 11)
10 and 11 are flowcharts showing details of the normal symbol management process (step S207).

  When this normal symbol management process is started, in FIG. 10, the main control CPU 201 determines whether or not a game ball that has passed through the normal symbol start port 37 has been detected (detection signal input from the normal symbol start port sensor 37a). (Step S231). When a game ball is detected (step S231: YES), the process proceeds to step S232. It is determined whether or not the number of the normal design operation reserve balls (hereinafter referred to as “ordinary design operation reserve balls”) is 4 or more. When the normal symbol start port sensor 37a detects a game ball that has passed through the normal symbol start port 37, the normal symbol operation holding ball number fluctuates from a minimum value 0 to a maximum value 4 and is initialized to a minimum when the power is turned on. The value 0 is set.

  If the process determination in step S232 is NO, that is, if the number of normal symbol operation reservation balls is less than 4, the process proceeds to step S233, and the number of normal symbol operation reservation balls is incremented (add 1). Then, the process proceeds to step S234, and a process (random number acquisition process) for storing the random numbers for normal symbol lottery is executed (step S234). That is, the current value of the counter for the random number for normal symbol determination is acquired and stored in the acquired numerical value storage area of the RAM.

  When the game ball is not detected in step S231 (step S231: NO) and in the case where the number of normal symbol operation reserved balls is 4 or more in step S232 (step S232: YES), the processing of steps S232 to S234 is performed. Without proceeding to step S235.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S235, where it is determined whether or not the “winning” flag is set. If it is “winning” (step S235: YES), there is no need to manage the normal symbols. The management process is terminated, and the routine proceeds to the normal variation winning device management process (step S208) in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is not “winning” (step S235: NO), the processing status indicating the behavior of the normal symbol is “normal symbol waiting”, “normal symbol changing”, or “normal symbol stopped” in order. Judgment is made (step S236, step S238, step S247), and if applicable, processing belonging to each gaming state is performed. “Normal symbol standby” means that the normal symbol has not changed, and the standby state for the next change is in effect. “Normal symbol change” means that the normal symbol is currently changing. “Normal symbol is stopped” indicates that the normal symbol has been changed and stopped.

  In the following, the processing contents when the processing state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol is “normal symbol waiting”, “normal symbol changing”, “normal symbol stopped” will be described in order.

  If it is “normal symbol waiting” (step S236: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of normal symbol actuated balls is zero (step S237). If the number of normal symbol actuated balls is zero (step S237: YES), the normal symbol management process is terminated and the routine proceeds to a normal variable winning device management process (FIG. 8) in step S208.

  On the other hand, when the number of normal symbol operation reserved balls is not zero (step S237: NO), the process proceeds to step S241 in FIG. 11, and the number of normal symbol operation reserved balls is subtracted by 1 (step S241), and the disturbance acquired in step S234 above. A process of determining whether or not the numerical value belongs to a hit determination value (a hit determination process) is executed (step S242). In this determination process, the lottery per assistance is performed with the lottery probability corresponding to the gaming state (low probability state, probability variation state). Next, based on the determination result of step S242, a stop symbol indicating the lottery result (normal symbol stop symbol setting) is set (step S243), and then a variation pattern is set (step S244). In this variation pattern setting process, the variation pattern of the normal symbol is determined based on the determination result of step S242, and the variation time corresponding to this variation pattern (for example, 10 seconds in the non-short-time state, and in the short-time state) 1 second) is determined. The variation time of the normal symbol is set and monitored in a general electric action timer 233 which is a 2-byte timer.

  Then, the processing state is switched to “ordinary symbol variation” (step S245), and a normal symbol variation command including information indicating that the ordinary symbol is varying and variation time information is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S246). . As a result, the normal symbol management process is terminated, and the routine proceeds to the normal variation winning device management process (FIG. 8) in step S208.

  If it is “ordinary symbol variation” (step S238: YES), it waits for the normal symbol variation time managed by the general electric action timer 233 to elapse (step S239: NO). If the normal symbol variation time has elapsed (step S239: YES), the processing state is switched to “ordinary symbol stopped”, and a normal symbol stop command indicating that the variation of the normal symbol has ended and stopped has been performed. (Step S240). As a result, the normal symbol management process is terminated, and the routine proceeds to the normal variation winning device management process (FIG. 8) in step S208.

  In FIG. 11, when “ordinary symbol is stopped” (step S 247: YES), it waits for a certain period of time to display the stopped symbol on the normal symbol display device 39 (step S 248: NO). This fixed time is also managed by the universal electric action timer 233 which is a 2-byte timer. If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S248: YES), it is determined whether or not the stop symbol is a winning symbol (step S249). When the stop symbol is a winning symbol (step S249: YES), a flag “in hit (subsidiary)” is set (step S250), and the processing state is switched to “waiting for normal symbol” (step S251). If the stop symbol is not a winning symbol (step S249: NO), the process proceeds to step S251 without performing the hit flag setting process in step S250, and the processing state is switched to “normal symbol waiting” (step S251). As a result, the normal symbol management process is terminated, and the routine proceeds to the normal variation winning device management process (FIG. 8) in step S208.

(3-5. Ordinary variation winning device management process: FIGS. 12 and 13)
FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are flowcharts showing details of the above-described normal variation winning device management process (step S208). This normal variation winning device management process is a process for controlling the opening / closing operation of the movable blade piece 47. Specifically, based on the result of the lottery determination in the normal symbol management process (step S207), the excitation for solenoid control is performed. This is a process for transmitting a control signal to the normal variation winning device solenoid 41a and controlling a series of operations of the movable blade piece 47.

  When the normal variable winning device management process is started, in FIG. 12, the main control CPU 201 first determines that the stop symbol when the normal symbol is stopped is the winning symbol in step S250 (FIG. 11) of the normal symbol management process. It is then determined whether or not the “winning” flag is set (step S261). If it is not “winning” (step S261: NO), nothing is done, and the normal variation winning device management process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if “winning” (step S261: YES), it is determined whether or not the normal variation winning device 41 is in operation, that is, whether or not the movable blade piece 47 is being opened and closed (step). S262) If the normal variation winning device 41 is in operation (step S262: YES), whether or not the game ball to the lower starting port 35 has won and the special symbol starting port sensor 35a detects the winning of the game ball. Is determined (step S263). When a winning to the lower starting opening 35 is detected (step S263: YES), 1 is added to the “lower starting opening winning number” (step S264), and the lower starting opening winning number after the addition is the maximum winning number (for example, It is determined whether or not (10) or more (step S265).

  When the lower start opening winning number is equal to or greater than the maximum winning number (step S265: YES), the operation switching timer that sets the operation time (opening time of the movable blade piece 47) of the normal variable winning device 41 in step S271. Is cleared (step S266). Then, the process proceeds to step S267.

  When the determination in the above steps S262 to S263 is NO, that is, when “ordinary variable winning device is not in operation” or when no winning is detected at the lower start opening 35 (S262 to S263: NO), the steps 264 to S266 are performed. The process proceeds to step S267 without performing the process. If the lower start opening winning number is less than the maximum winning number in step S265 (step S265: NO), the process proceeds to step S267 without clearing the operation switching timer.

  When the process proceeds to step S267, it is determined whether or not the count value of the operation switching timer is zero (step S267). While the count value is not zero (step S267: NO), nothing is done without doing anything. The winning device management process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the calculation of the operation switching timer is completed and the count value is zero (step S267: YES), whether the normal variation winning device 41 is waiting for operation next (step S268), or the operation is starting. (Step S270), whether it is in operation (step S273), and whether it is being completed (step S276). Note that “Waiting for normal variable winning device operation” indicates that the operation of the normal variable winning device 41 is stopped and is in a standby state for the next operation, and “Normal variable winning device operation is starting”. The normal variation winning device 41 is in a standby state before the start of operation. “Normal variation winning device is in operation” indicates that the normal variation winning device 41 is currently operating. “Normal variation winning device is being completed”. Indicates that the operation of the normal variable winning device 41 is finished and is in a standby state before the end processing.

  In the following, processing contents in the case of “Waiting for normal variable winning device operation”, “Starting operation of normal variable winning device”, “Operating normal variable winning device”, “Ending normal variable winning device” will be described in order.

  If it is “waiting for the normal variation winning device operation” (step S268: YES), the normal variable winning device 41 starts operating after the time before the operation, that is, the normal symbol stop display time has elapsed and the winning is determined. A waiting time (for example, 0.5 seconds) required until the time is set in the general electric action timer 233, and the operation is switched to “being activated in the normal variable winning device” (step S269). Then, the normal variation winning device management process is terminated.

  If “ordinary variable winning device operation is starting” (step S270: YES), after the waiting time has elapsed, the operation switching timer (general electric action timer 233) is set to the gaming state (opening extended, non-extended). The operation time corresponding to the time during which the opening is extended, for example, an opening time of 1 second is set, and the operation is switched to “ordinary variable winning device is operating” (step S271). Thereafter, an excitation control signal for solenoid control is transmitted to the normal variation winning device solenoid 41a based on the count value of the timer, and the movable blade piece 47 is operated to open the lower start port 35 (step S272). Then, the normal variation winning device management process is terminated.

  If “ordinary variable winning device is in operation” (step S273: YES), the lower start opening 35 is closed (step S274), and a waiting time after the operation is completed, for example, an operation end time of 0.5 seconds is applied to the ordinary electric operation. The timer 233 is set, and the mode is switched to “Normally changing prize-winning device is being completed” (step S275). Then, the normal variation winning device management process is terminated.

  If “ordinary variable winning device is being completed” (step S276: YES), “winning” is ended, the standby time of 1 second is set in the general electric action timer 233, and “normal variable winning device is waiting”. (Step S277). Then, the normal variation winning device management process is terminated.

  Returning to FIG. 8, the special symbol management process (step S209) is then executed.

(3-6. Special symbol management processing: FIGS. 14 to 15)
Next, the details of the special symbol management process (step S209) described above will be described with reference to FIGS. In this special symbol management process, on the condition that a winning at the upper start port 34 and the lower start port 35 is detected, a jackpot determination process, a special symbol stop symbol setting, a variation pattern setting, a transmission of an effect control command related to the special symbol, etc. Perform the process. This special symbol management process functions as symbol variation management means for setting variation time data in the first timer at the start of symbol variation and setting the initial value of the timing timer in the timing timer (time unit creation counter 235). To do.

  In FIG. 14, the main control CPU 201 first checks whether or not a winning ball has been detected at the upper start port 34 or the lower start port 35 (step S301). When a winning ball is detected (step S301: YES), a special symbol starting port winning command indicating a winning (upper starting port winning command for the upper starting port 34, lower starting port winning command for the lower starting port 35) is controlled. It transmits to the part 24 (step S302).

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S303, and it is determined whether or not the number of operation reserved balls of the special symbol is 4 or more (step S303). When the number of reserved balls for special symbol operation (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol activated ball number”) is not 4 or more, that is, when it is less than 4 (step S303: NO), 1 is added to the special symbol activated ball number. (Step S304), a hold command corresponding to the increased number of held balls is transmitted (Step S305). This hold command is used when displaying the number of reserved balls for special symbols on the liquid crystal display device 36. Next, the current values of the special symbol determination random number value, the special symbol stop symbol random number, and the variation pattern random number counter are acquired and stored in the acquired numerical value storage area of the RAM 203 (step S306). Then, the process proceeds to step S307.

  If it is determined in step S301 that no winning ball has been detected (step S301: NO), or if it is determined in step S303 that the number of special symbol actuated balls is 4 or more (step S303: YES), then The process proceeds to step S307 without performing steps S302 to S306.

  When the process proceeds to step S307, it is determined whether or not the “big hit” flag is set. If “big hit” is set (step S307: YES), there is no need to manage special symbols. Thus, the special symbol management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special variable winning device management process in step S210 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S307 that it is not “big hit” (step S307: NO), the processing state indicating the behavior of the special symbol is “special symbol waiting”, “special symbol changing”, “special symbol is stopped” ”In order (step S308, step S312 and step S324), and processing corresponding to each processing state is performed if applicable. “Waiting for special symbol” means that the special symbol has not been changed and is waiting for the next change, and “Special symbol changing” means that the special symbol is currently changing. “The special symbol is stopped” indicates that the special symbol has been changed and stopped.

  Hereinafter, processing contents when the processing state is “special symbol waiting”, “special symbol changing”, and “special symbol stopping” will be described in order.

  When the special symbol is on standby (step S308: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls (holding storage) of the special symbol is zero (step S309).

  If the number of special symbol actuated balls is zero (step S309: YES), the special symbol is on standby and no memory is stored, and the effect control unit 24 side is informed that it has entered this state. , It is necessary to start a standby effect (in the case of the present embodiment, it indicates a concept including a standby state in which the immediately preceding image is continuously displayed and a demonstration effect state that is subsequently displayed). For this reason, in this embodiment, a standby effect command is transmitted. However, if the stand-by effect command is sent without conditions when the number of special symbol actuated balls is zero, the wait effect command is repeatedly transmitted at a period of 4 ms while the number of special symbol actuated balls is zero. Transmission occurs.

  Therefore, it is determined whether or not the standby effect command has not been transmitted (step S310). If the standby effect command has not been transmitted (step S310: YES), the standby effect command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S311). For this reason, it is left to the effect control unit 24 to determine whether or not to perform the demonstration effect display. Then, the special symbol management process ends. However, if the standby effect command has already been transmitted (step S310: NO), this special symbol management process is terminated without transmitting the standby effect command to the effect control unit 24.

  On the other hand, when the number of special symbol operation reservation balls is not zero (step S309: NO), the flow proceeds to the flow of FIG. 15, and the number of special symbol operation reservation balls is subtracted by 1 (step S316), and the reservation corresponding to the decreased number of reservation balls is held. A command is transmitted (step S317). Next, a process of determining whether or not the random number value acquired in step S306 belongs to the jackpot determination value (a jackpot determination process) is executed (step S318). In this determination process, a big hit lottery is performed with a lottery probability corresponding to the gaming state (low probability state, probability variation state).

  Next, a stop symbol (special symbol stop symbol) is selected by lottery based on the big hit determination result in step S318 and the special symbol stop symbol random value acquired in step S306 (step S319). The special symbol stop symbol drawn by this process sets the jackpot mode (for example, how many rounds will be played during the jackpot game) and the game state after the jackpot (for example, probability fluctuation, short-time state, open extension, etc.) Whether or not) is finally determined.

  Next, a variation pattern setting process is executed (step S320). In this variation pattern setting process, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on the stop symbol lottery result in step S319 and the random number value for variation pattern acquired in step S306. Further, one variation time data is selected from the variation time table 221 corresponding to the variation pattern number, and is set in the special symbol variation timer 236 (step S321). Thereby, the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern is determined. Further, when the variation time is set in the special symbol variation timer 236 in this step S321, 250 is set as the counter update value in the time unit creation counter 235. Then, the processing state is switched to “special symbol variation” (step S322), and a special symbol variation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S323). The “special symbol variation command” here includes a special symbol designation command in addition to the special symbol variation pattern command, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. Therefore, these effect control commands inform the effect control unit 24 that the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied. Thereafter, the special symbol management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to a special variable winning device management process (FIG. 8).

  If the special symbol variation is in progress (step S312: YES), it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed, that is, whether or not the count value of the special symbol variation timer 236 is zero (step S313). The special symbol variation timer 236 is a 1-byte timer, and the special symbol variation time set in step 321 when the variation pattern is set is set as an initial setting value thereof. While the count value of the special symbol variation timer 236 is not zero (step S313: NO), this special symbol management process is exited without doing anything.

  The special symbol variation timer 236 counts the special symbol variation time in units of 1 second. When the special symbol variation time has elapsed and the count value of the special symbol variation timer 236 becomes zero (step S313: YES), the processing state is switched to “special symbol is stopped” and the special symbol is specially stopped here. A special symbol stop timer for monitoring the symbol stop time to be displayed on the symbol display device 38 is set (step S314). Specifically, the symbol stop time (for example, 500 ms) is set in the special electric action timer 232 (second timer). This special symbol stop timer is named after the special electric action timer 232 paying attention to its function. Next, a symbol stop command indicating that the variation of the special symbol is finished and stopped is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S315). As a result, the special symbol management process is terminated, and the process shifts to the special variable winning device management process (FIG. 8).

  If the special symbol is stopped (step S324: YES), whether or not the symbol stop time (500 ms) has elapsed, that is, whether or not the count value of the special symbol stop timer set in step S314 is zero. Judgment is made (step S325). If the special symbol stop timer is counting and the count value is not zero (step S325: NO), the special symbol management process is exited without doing anything, and the symbol stop time is awaited. When the time measurement of the special symbol stop timer ends and the timer count value becomes zero (step S325: YES), it is determined whether or not the stop symbol is a big hit symbol (step S326). If it is a big hit symbol (step S326: YES), the flag “in jackpot” is set (step S327), and the processing state is switched to “waiting for special symbol” (step S328). If the stop symbol is not a big hit symbol (step S326: NO), the process proceeds to step S328 without performing the process of step S327, and is switched to “waiting for special symbol” (step S328). As a result, the special symbol management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special variable winning device management process (FIG. 8).

  In this embodiment, whether or not the big hit is determined based on whether or not the stop symbol coincides with the big hit symbol is determined in the above step S326, but the big hit flag is set when it is determined that the big hit is determined in the big hit determination processing in step S318. It may be configured to determine whether or not it is a big hit from the set state of the big hit flag.

(3-7. Special variation winning device management process: FIGS. 16 and 17)
16 and 17 show the details of the special variable winning device management process (step S210).

  When the special variable winning device management process is started, in FIG. 16, the main control CPU 201 first determines whether or not the “big hit” flag is set in step S327 (FIG. 15) of the special symbol management process. Is determined (step S401). If it is not “big hit” (step S401: NO), nothing is done and the special variable winning device management process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the flag for “big hit” is set (step S401: YES), a special variable winning device is selected according to the big hit game as a result of the big win winning / failing lottery in the special symbol management process (step S209) described above. In order to control a series of operations of 42, the following processing is executed.

  It is determined whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is “operation stopped” (step S402). If the operation is stopped (step S402: YES), the operation is switched to “operating article continuous operation device operation” and opening. The production time (for example, 10 seconds) is set in the special electric action timer 232 (second timer) (step S408). Here, the accessory continuous operation device refers to a functional unit for operating the special variable prize winning device 42 for one round continuously for a predetermined number of times. The opening effect time is an interval interval from the time when the special symbol stop timer time of step S325 has elapsed and the winning is determined until the operation of the special variable winning device 42 starts, and the interval where the opening effect is performed. Refers to the time span that defines In addition, this opening production time may provide multiple types of time according to the type of jackpot.

  If the accessory continuous operation device is not “stopping operation” (step S402: NO), that is, if the accessory continuous operation device is operating, whether the special variable winning device is before the operation start (step S403), the operation It is sequentially confirmed whether it is in the middle (step S404), whether the operation is stopped (step S412), or whether the accessory continuous operation device is in operation (step S418). “Before starting the special variable prize-winning device” means that the operation of the special variable prize-winning device 42 is in a pre-start state and “special variable prize-winning device is operating” means that the special variable prize-winning device 42 is currently active. The fact that the special variable winning device is in operation means that the special variable winning device 42 is currently stopped.

  Hereinafter, the processing contents of “Before the start of operation of the special variable winning device”, “During operation of the special variable winning device”, and “During operation of the special variable winning device” will be described in order.

  If it is “before the start of operation of the special variable prize winning device” (step S403: YES), whether or not a certain time (a certain time before the start) before the special prize winning device 40 of the special variable prize winning device 42 is opened has elapsed. Judgment is made (step S409). In the first round, the predetermined period before the start is defined as an opening effect period until the operation of the special variable winning device 42 is started after the special symbol stop timer time in step S325 has passed and the winning is determined. The time width (opening effect time set in step S408) is monitored, but when passing through step S409 in the second and subsequent rounds, the interval time between rounds (the closing time set in step S425) is monitored. . The predetermined time before the start is managed by monitoring the timer value of the special electric action timer 232 updated in the timer management process of FIG.

  When the predetermined time before the start elapses (step S409: YES), the mode is switched to “special variable winning device is operating” (step S410). In step S410, the opening time (for example, 30 seconds) of the special variable winning device is set in the special electric action timer 232 (second timer). Also, the operation pattern of the open / close door 42b is set according to the operation pattern of the special variable prize winning device 42, and based on this, an excitation control signal for solenoid control is transmitted to the special variable prize winning device solenoid 42a, and the open door 42b is operated to increase the size. The winning opening 40 is opened (step S411). Then, the special variable winning device management process (the special variable winning device operation start process in steps S409 to S411) is terminated.

  If it is not “before the start of operation of the special variable winning device” (step S403: NO), it is determined whether or not the special variable winning device 42 is operating (step S404). If “special variable prize winning device is in operation” (step S404: YES), it is determined whether or not a winning ball to the big prize opening 40 of the special variable prize winning device has been detected (step S405).

  When a winning ball to the big winning opening 40 is detected (step S405: YES), 1 is added to the “large winning opening winning number” (step S406), and a big winning opening winning command indicating that is added to the effect control unit. 24 (step S407). Then, the process proceeds to step S423 in FIG. If no winning ball for the special winning opening 40 is detected (step S405: NO), the process proceeds to step S423 without performing the above-described 1 addition processing (step S406) and transmission processing (step S407).

  When the process proceeds to step S423, it is determined whether or not the number of winning prizes after the addition has reached the maximum winning number (step S423). If the number of winning prizes has not reached the maximum winning number (step S423: NO), the time for which the previously set big winning opening 40 is open (big winning opening time: 30 seconds of the opening time set in step S410) ) Is determined (step S424). The special winning opening time is managed by monitoring the timer value of the special electric action timer 232 updated in the timer management process of FIG. Then, if the number of winning prizes has not reached the maximum winning number (step S423: NO), and if the big winning opening time has not passed (step S424: NO), nothing is done, and this special variable winning device. The management process ends.

  When the number of winning prizes reaches the maximum winning number (step S423: YES), the winning prize opening 40 is closed and switched to “the special variable prize winning device is not operating”, and a special variable winning that becomes an interval time between rounds is selected. The apparatus closing time (for example, 2 seconds) is set in the special electric action timer 232 (second timer) (step S425). Further, even if the number of winning prizes reaches the maximum number of winnings, if the opening time of the big winnings has passed (step S424: YES), the winning prize opening 40 is closed at that time, and the “special variable prize winning device” is displayed. Switch to “Inactive”. Then, the special variable winning device management process (the special variable winning device operating process in steps S405 to S425) is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 (FIG. 16) that the special variable winning device 41 is not in operation (step S404: NO), it is determined whether or not the processing state is “the special variable winning device operation is stopped”. (Step S412).

  When the special variable winning device is stopped (step S412: YES), whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the special winning opening 40 is closed, that is, the closing time (2 seconds) that is the interval time between rounds has elapsed. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S413). The interval time between rounds is managed by monitoring the timer value of the special electric action timer 232 updated in the timer management process of FIG.

  When the interval time between rounds has elapsed (step S413: YES), the operation is switched to “before starting the special variable winning device operation” (step S414). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of operations (number of rounds) of the special variable winning device has reached a predetermined maximum number (for example, 15 rounds) (step S415). During the period up to 15 rounds which is the maximum number of rounds (step S415: NO), 1 is added to the “special variable winning device operating number” (step S416), and the current value of the round number is updated. When the maximum number of rounds has been reached (step S415: YES), the operation is switched to “finishing operation of the accessory continuous operation device” and the ending effect time (for example, 5 seconds) is set in the special electric action timer (second timer). (Step S417). Then, the special variable winning device management process (the special variable winning device operation continuation determination process in steps S413 to S417) is terminated. The ending effect time may be provided with a plurality of types of time depending on the type of jackpot.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S412 that “the special variable winning device operation is not stopped” (step S412: NO), it is determined whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is in operation (step S418).

  If it is “being in operation of the accessory continuous actuating device” (step S418: YES), a predetermined time, that is, an interval section after the special winning opening 40 of the special variable winning device 42 in the final round is closed, that is, step It is determined whether or not the ending effect time (30 seconds) set in S417 has elapsed (step S419). This ending effect time is managed by monitoring the timer value of the special electric action timer 232 updated in the timer management process of FIG. Then, when this ending effect time has elapsed (step S419: YES), it is switched to “stopping operation of the accessory continuous operation device” (step S420), and a big hit end process is performed (step S421). This jackpot end process corresponds to a transition preparation setting process for preparing for the game state transition to the special game after the jackpot ends. Specifically, clear the “Big hit” flag, during the short-time state (special symbol variation time shortening function, normal symbol variation time shortening function setting), probability variation state (probability variation function setting), open extension (open) Setting of game state transition to special game such as setting of extension function start condition and end condition). Thereafter, a “game state effect” command including these game state information is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S422), and this special variable winning device management process (the big hit end process of steps S419 to S422) is ended. It becomes.

(3-8. External terminal management processing: FIG. 8)
The unauthorized information timer 234 described above is used for managing unauthorized information in the external terminal management process (step S212) of FIG.

  In the external terminal management process (step S212) in FIG. 8, signals indicating gaming states such as occurrence of big hits, special symbol confirmation, normal symbol confirmation, special symbol start opening sensor 35a and winning prize sensor 40a detection of winning balls, Output from the external concentrated terminal board (not shown) to the hall computer HC.

  The main control CPU 201 sets the special symbol start opening sensor even when the opening extension function of the normal variation winning device 41 is not activated and the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is not activated. When the passing of the winning ball is detected by 35a, a logic level 1 terminal signal is output to the information terminal of the external concentration terminal board (not shown) for 30 seconds from that time. The setting of 30 seconds defines the transmission time for determining whether the information signal is related to fraud. In normal operation such as inspection, the output rises to logic level 0 after the 30 seconds have elapsed. The output waveform decreases (output signal A).

  However, when the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is forcibly opened and illegally entered, a new winning ball is detected during the output of the logic level 1 terminal signal. Therefore, the output of the logic level 1 terminal signal is further extended for 30 seconds from that point. This is grasped as an output waveform (output signal B) suspected of fraud.

  The same applies to the winning ball detection of the big winning hole sensor 40a. When the special winning prize device 42 is not operated, if a winning ball is detected by the big winning hole sensor 40a, the external concentration terminal is used for 30 seconds from that time. A logic level 1 terminal signal is output to an information terminal of a substrate (not shown). In the normal operation, this terminal signal has an output waveform (output signal A) in which the output falls to logic level 0 after the elapse of 30 seconds.

  However, if the special winning prize apparatus 42 is forcibly opened and the ball is illegally entered, a new winning ball is detected during the output of the logic level 1 terminal signal. Therefore, the output of the logic level 1 terminal signal is further extended for 30 seconds from that point. This is also grasped as an output waveform (output signal B) suspected of fraud.

  In this way, if a winning ball is generated due to intentional fraud, the continuous output signal B that exceeds 30 seconds appears, so that fraud can be determined even on the hall side. The transmission time of 30 seconds is strictly monitored by an illegal information timer 234 which is a 2-byte timer (second timer).

<4. Processing on the production control unit side: FIGS. 18 to 21>
Next, processing contents on the effect control unit 24 side will be described with reference to FIGS.

(4-1. Production control side main process: FIG. 18)
When the power is turned on to the gaming machine main body and the power-on signal is received from the power board 31, the effect control unit 24 starts the effect control-side main process shown in FIG.

  In this effect control side main process, step S501 is performed as the first process after the power is turned on, and in other cases, steps S502 to S505 are performed as processes during normal operation.

  First, the effect control board 24 performs necessary initial settings before the start of the game operation as the first process after the power is turned on (step S501).

  Next, effect random number update processing is executed as processing during normal operation (step S502). In this effect random number update process, the random number value for effect lottery used mainly for selecting effect contents is regularly updated.

  Next, a command reception interrupt, a timer interrupt, an external INT, etc. are set in an interrupt enabled state (step S503), and then an interrupt disabled state is set (step S504). Then, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S505), and the process from step S503 to step S505 is executed in a loop process unless power interruption occurs.

(4-2. Command reception interrupt processing: FIG. 19)
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing command reception interrupt processing on the effect control side. Here, after saving the register to a predetermined stack area (step S511), processing for storing the control command in the predetermined area of the RAM 242 is performed (step S512), and the register is restored (step S513). When various control commands sent from the main control unit 27 are received, an INT interrupt is generated, and when a control command is received in this reception interrupt process, it is stored in the command reception buffer. This command reception interrupt process is processed in preference to the effect control side timer interrupt process (FIG. 20) described below.

(4-3. Production control side timer interruption process: FIG. 20)
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an effect control-side timer interrupt process activated by interruption every predetermined time (2 ms) in the effect control-side main process in the effect control board 24.

  First, the effect control CPU 241 executes a register saving process for saving the register to a predetermined stack area (step S521). Next, the watchdog timer that monitors the program abnormality is cleared, and the timer count is restarted (step S522). When the program is in a runaway state, the watchdog timer is timed up, the production CPU is automatically reset, and the runaway state is restored.

  Next, periodic update processing is performed (step S523). In this periodic update process, the initial value of the effect random number used for selecting the effect pattern and the contents of various timers necessary for the execution of the effect pattern are updated for each interrupt.

  A representative of the various timers is a timer that manages a time schedule relating to the production of effects. For example, the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 which is substantially within the same period as the special symbol is varied on the special symbol display device 38 (within the special symbol variation period). Within the variation period (decoration pattern variation period), the production contents of what production pattern on the time axis, and with what time width, the decoration lamp 45, the speaker 46, and the liquid crystal display device 36 as production means. The time schedule of whether to make it appear by this etc. is time-controlled by this timer.

  Next, as an effect determination management process, a command analysis process (step S524) for determining an effect scenario based on the received control command, and an effect scenario update process (step S525) for setting sound output and LED output based on the effect scenario. ) And execute.

  As shown in FIG. 21, in the command analysis process, whether or not a control command is received from the main control unit 20, that is, whether or not a control command is stored in the command reception buffer is monitored for each interrupt (step S531). . When the variation pattern command is received as the control command and the variation pattern designation code is stored in the reception buffer (step S531: YES), this variation pattern designation code is read in the command reception process, and the effect pattern table is referred to. The corresponding production pattern is determined (step S532).

  Here, the effect pattern table is a table in which at least a variation pattern designation code, a symbol variation pattern, and a variation time are associated in advance as an effect pattern, and a plurality of effect patterns are associated with each variation pattern designation code. By referring to the effect pattern table, an effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern designation code is determined by selecting one of the effect pattern groups belonging to the variation pattern designation code by lottery (S532).

  When the effect control unit receives the change pattern command, the effect control unit starts changing the decorative design and executes the effect according to the effect scenario by the effect pattern. Thereafter, a symbol stop command is transmitted from the main control unit 20 after a predetermined variation time (30 seconds) managed by the special symbol variation timer 236 has elapsed, and the effect control unit 24 receives this to stop the symbol variation. It will be. The effect pattern controls the movement pattern of the symbol from the start to the end of the change.

  Further, an effect display lottery process is executed in association with the determination of the effect pattern (step S533). In this effect display lottery process, a “notice effect pattern” which is an additional component of the effect scenario is drawn.

  Returning to FIG. 20, next, the effect scenario update process (step S525) is executed. In this effect scenario update process, a control signal (light emission control signal or sound control signal) for operating the lamp, LED, or speaker 46 is created based on the contents of the effect scenario determined in the command analysis process (FIG. 21). Do. Then, the created control signal is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 243, and the effect scenario update process in step S525 is terminated.

  Following the processing of step S525, it is determined whether or not there is a sound control signal for sound data to be reproduced in the predetermined command storage area (step S526), and if there is a sound control signal for sound data to be reproduced. (Step S526: YES), the sound LSI audio control signal is input at a timing when the sound needs to be reproduced, and the sound is output from the speaker 46 through the sound source IC (Step S527). Thereby, the sound effect according to the production scenario is generated from the speaker 46.

  Subsequently, LED output processing is executed (step S528). This LED output process receives this information when the audio control signal is transmitted to the sound LSI, and transmits the light emission control signal to the decoration lamp 45 or the LED in accordance with the corresponding effect, and turns it on or blinks to produce the effect by light. Is realized.

  Then, the contents of the saved register are restored (step S529), thereby terminating the production control side timer interrupt process.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the first timer (the special symbol variation timer 236) that manages the timer value related to the variation time data and the second timer (the special symbol variation timer 236) that manages the timer value related to other time data (in this embodiment). The electric timer 232, the electric timer 233, and the improper information timer 234) are divided so that the first timer is updated at a slower cycle than the second timer. In the data area of the ROM, the clocking operation, which has been finely counted with an interrupt period of 4 ms or the like in the past, is expanded to, for example, 1 second, which is a coarser time unit than the counting interval. The fluctuation time data can be held as rough time data rounded to a fraction of 1 second or less, for example. In this embodiment, the variable time data is stored with a smaller data size than the other time data. As a result, the variation time data in the ROM data area can be reduced in size, and the variation of the production operation can be increased without causing any trouble in the original control operation of the gaming machine.

  In the case of the above embodiment, for the variable time data occupying a size that cannot be ignored in the data area of the main control ROM 202 due to the large number of data, the size of each variable time data is halved from the conventional 2 bytes to 1 byte, An unused storage area corresponding to the number n × 1 bytes of variable time data is created. This unused storage area can be used for increasing the amount of data and increasing the complexity of the program in order to increase the variation of the rendering operation. As a result, it is possible to increase the variation of the rendering operation without hindering the original control operation of the gaming machine under the restriction of the 3 KB limited ROM data capacity.

  The maximum time that can be measured using a conventional 2-byte (16-bit) timer with a 4 ms interrupt period as a time unit is 65535 × 4 ms = 262140 ms (approximately 4 minutes and 20 seconds). On the other hand, the maximum time that can be measured using the 1-byte size (8-bit) timer of this embodiment with a 1000 ms (1 second) interrupt period as a time unit is 255 × 1000 ms = 25500 ms (about 4 minutes and 15 seconds). is there. Therefore, the timekeeping process of the present embodiment can also cover the long production time that has been performed in the past, and can ensure a variation of the production operation that is inferior to the conventional one.

<Modification>
In the above embodiment, the data size of the variable time data is halved from the conventional 2 bytes to 1 byte. However, it is desirable to reduce the word, which is the data amount of one address, in units.

  In the above-described embodiment, the counter update value of the counter for creating the time unit is set to 250, and the special symbol variation timer (first timer) is configured to perform the stepping operation with the time unit of 1 second. When execution of the interrupt process is not 4 ms, the step update operation can be performed with 1 second as a time unit by increasing or decreasing the counter update value. For example, when an interrupt process is executed every 2 ms, a special symbol variation timer is configured so that a step operation is performed in units of time by setting the counter update value of the counter for creating time units to 500. can do.

  Also, depending on the circumstances, the counter update value of the counter for creating the time unit can be changed to an arbitrary set value, or can be variably set, so that the stepping operation can be performed with a time of less than 1 second or more than 1 second as the time unit. In this way, a special symbol variation timer can be configured.

  In the above embodiment, the special symbol stopping timer and the special variable winning device operating timer are combined with one timer (special electric action timer). However, the special symbol stopping timer and the special variable winning device operating timer are separately used. It can also be provided as a timer.

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine, and a sparrow ball game machine, or a revolving game machine, which is required to increase variations in the production operation under the restriction on the data capacity of the ROM. It can be applied to such gaming machines.

1 Pachinko machine,
2 Front frame,
3 Game board,
4 outer frame,
5 ball guide rail,
6 Glass door frame,
7 Front operation panel
8 Upper tray unit,
9 Top saucer,
11 Ball rental button,
12 Card return button,
13 Frame production button,
14 Ball release button,
15 Launch control handle,
19 game ball dispensing device,
20 Main control unit,
24 production control unit,
28 Launch control board,
29 payout control board,
31 power supply board,
32 launcher,
34 Upper starting port,
35 Lower starting port,
36 liquid crystal display devices,
37 Normal design starting port,
38 Special symbol display device,
39 Normal symbol display device,
40 Grand Prize Winners,
41 Ordinary variable winning device,
42 Special variable winning device,
43 General prize opening,
44 Windmill,
45 Decorative lamp,
46 speakers,
47 Movable wing pieces,
48 Center decoration,
49 Out mouth,
201 main control CPU,
202 main control ROM,
203 main control RAM,
221 variable time table,
222 Fluctuation pattern determination table,
231 Timer management area,
232 Special electric action timer (second timer),
233 Universal motor timer (second timer),
234 illegal information timer (second timer),
235 timer creation unit,
235 Special symbol variation timer (first timer),
241 Production control CPU,
242 Production control ROM,
243 Production control RAM.

Claims (1)

So controls the Yu technique operation, a predetermined main process and the main process executable constructed gaming operation control means and an interrupt process executed by interruption every predetermined intervals during, the game operation control means Nonvolatile storage means storing a plurality of types of game operation control data used when the game operation is controlled, and volatile memory capable of storing game data generated when the game operation is controlled A main control unit comprising:
Special symbol display means controlled by the main control unit and capable of displaying a variable display operation with a set of a variable symbol display start and a variable display stop as a set based on the establishment of a predetermined variable start condition With
In the gaming machine configured to generate a profit state advantageous to the player after the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific symbol form ,
The plurality of types of game motion control data are used when controlling game operations other than the plurality of types of variation time data used when performing the variation display of the special symbol and the variation display of the special symbol. include other gaming operation control time data including the time data,
The non-volatile storage means stores the time data for controlling the game operation so as to fit in a data area under a constraint that should not exceed a size of several kilobytes. The other time data is stored in a size of 2 bytes.
The volatile storage means includes a 1-byte first timer value management area for managing a first timer value related to the variable time data, and a 2-byte value for managing a second timer value related to the other time data. Control of the gaming operation including a second timer value management area, and a 1-byte timekeeping timer value management area for managing a timer value of a timekeeping timer that creates a timekeeping unit that specifies an update period of the first timer Timer management area for managing timer values related to
The gaming operation control means is executed for each interruption of the interrupt process, and has timer management means for managing and controlling the timer value of the timer management area,
The timer management means includes
Stepping up the timekeeping of the timekeeping timer for each interruption of the interrupt processing, timekeeping timer updating means for resetting the timekeeping timer initial value based on becoming a predetermined value;
A first timer updating unit that is executed at each first period determined by the clock timer and updates a timer value in the first timer value management area;
A second timer updating unit, which is executed every second period due to the interruption of the interrupt control and updates a timer value in the second timer value management area;
When starting the special symbol variation display, the variation time data is set in the first timer, the initial value of the timing timer is set in the timing timer, and the first timer Symbol variation management means for performing processing for setting the stop time of the variation display in the second timer when the variation time of the special symbol being monitored has elapsed;
Have
The timer management means is configured to update the first timer value at a cycle later than the second timer value .
A gaming machine characterized by that.

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