JP5148052B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine that is provided with a big winning opening that is opened at the time of a big hit and that effectively notifies the gaming state.

  In general, a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine performs a big hit / off lottery with a built-in program by a start winning of a ball to a start winning opening provided on the game board, and if the lottery results in a big hit, the player A predetermined game value is given to the game. Moreover, the gaming machine is equipped with a device for performing various effects corresponding to the lottery results. For example, a gaming machine has a special symbol (also referred to as “this symbol”) for notifying the actual lottery result composed of a plurality of numbers, figures, etc. and an effect symbol (“demo symbol”) consisting of a video such as a character. Some game boards have a symbol display device such as a liquid crystal display. The reason for performing the display of the effect symbol and the display of the special symbol separately is that there are legal restrictions on the effect regarding the display for the special symbol used for the actual lottery result notification. For this reason, it is because the position of the effect display screen for attracting the player is not displayed and the legal restriction on the display imposed on the special symbol is not received. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the method of expressing the effect symbol is higher than that of the special symbol, and the gaming machine manufacturer can make the effect symbol display form rich in variety. In addition, the production symbol can also represent a variety of reach actions that cannot be expressed in a special symbol. In this way, by providing an effect design including an effect function separately from the special design, it is possible to perform an elaborate effect that does not get the player bored, and the game performance can be further enhanced. Note that “reach” is a combination of symbols (same symbol) that uses a plurality of symbol columns (usually three columns), stops the two symbol columns first, and the display result that has already been stopped is displayed. It is a display state that satisfies the condition of a combination of jackpot symbol), and is an effect that gives expectation to the stop of the final stop symbol.

  FIG. 21 shows an example of a front view of a conventional gaming machine 2100. In FIG. 21, the gaming machine includes a gaming board 2101 for installing a gaming machine accessory, etc. on the board, a symbol display device 2102, a start winning opening 2103, a normal symbol display device operating gate (left) 2104, a normal symbol display device operating gate ( Right) 2105, a normal symbol display device 2106, a normal electric accessory (tulip) 2107, a special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) 2108, 2109, 2110, 2111, a variable winning ball device 2112 and the like. For convenience of explanation, not all the constituent members are shown.

  Examples of the symbol display device 2102 include a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display unit, a drum that variably displays by rotation of a motor, and the like. The symbol display device 2102 variably displays a special symbol such as a plurality of numbers and figures and an effect symbol.

  When the game ball launched by the player wins, the start winning opening 2103 detects the winning ball, performs a lottery lottery with a built-in program, and gives an opportunity for the symbol change of the symbol display device 2102. The variation display of the special symbol and the effect symbol of the symbol display device 2102 is stopped after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, and the lottery result is notified and the effect is performed.

  The normal symbol display device operating gate (left) 2104 and the normal symbol display device operating gate (right) 2105 detect the passing ball when the game ball launched by the player passes, and the normal electric accessory 2107 (tulip) The opening lottery is performed, and the normal symbol display device 2106 gives an opportunity to change the normal symbol.

  The normal symbol display device 2106 variably displays the normal symbol displayed by a 7-segment LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and when a lottery to open the normal electric accessory (tulip) 2107 is won, the specific normal symbol is stopped. Display and inform the so-called small hits. The normal electric accessory (tulip) 2107 is opened when the normal symbol display device 2106 reports a small hit, and makes it easy to win the start winning opening 2103.

  The hold lamps 2108, 2109, 2110, and 2111 indicate information on the lottery result of each ball won in the start winning opening 2103 during the change of the symbol for each ball on the RAM (Random Access Memory) built in the gaming machine. Lights in conjunction with storing in the holding memory (“holding ball”), and notifies the number of times that the symbol can be changed continuously. A winning ball to the start winning opening 2103 that is the target of the holding of the ball is referred to as a holding ball.

  In addition, when the gaming machine is a big hit as a result of the lottery, the special symbols on the symbol display device 2102 are set in advance, for example, “1, 1, 1”, “2, 2, 2” to “9, 9, 9”. Stops at a specific combination of symbols that you have defined and notifies you of a special prize (big hit). The special prize is a point at which the game is switched from an ordinary state to an advantageous state (a big hit operation or a big hit) that gives a predetermined game value such as paying out a large number of prize balls to the player. On the other hand, during the period of time until the special symbol starts to change and stops, the production symbol performs a variable operation with various productions, such as taking a reach action that is not allowed in the special symbol. . Further, as soon as the special prize notification by the special symbol is confirmed, the display of the effect symbol indicating the big hit is confirmed. During the big hitting operation, the effect design makes the player delight by displaying a moving image such as an animation. Both the special symbol and the effect symbol are displayed on the symbol display device 2102.

  Further, in FIG. 21, the variable winning ball apparatus 2112 has a variable winning ball apparatus 2112 in the subsequent jackpot operation when the special symbol stop symbol is a combination of specific symbols determined in advance, that is, when it becomes a special prize. The opening / closing member 2113 attached to the front surface is opened and closed.

  During the big hitting operation, the opening / closing member 2113 opens almost horizontally, and the big winning opening 2114 for accepting a winning game ball is opened to accept a large number of winning game balls. When a game ball wins in the big winning opening 2114, the gaming machine pays out a large number of winning balls (out balls, safe balls) corresponding to the number of winning balls. The opening of the big prize opening 2114 is synchronized with an animation display or the like with the effect symbol during the big hit action until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or less) elapses or until a predetermined number of game balls win the big prize opening 2114. continue. This one opening is called a round (R). Furthermore, the variable winning ball apparatus 2112 has a specific area 2115 called a V zone. If at least one game ball passes through the specific area 2115 while the big winning opening 2114 during the big hit operation is opened, the game is given an opportunity to generate a right for the next round. In this way, the round continues from 1R → 2R →... And continues up to the maximum round (for example, 15 rounds). If there is no game ball passing through the specific area 2115 during the round, the big hit operation ends without continuing until the maximum round.

  In addition, some conventional gaming machines have a special symbol variation time shortening switch that forcibly stops (immediately stops) symbol variation when operated by a player. With this function, one symbol variation time can be shortened and the number of symbol variations per unit time can be increased. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, after the operation, it is possible to stop after the symbol variation has been shortened, rather than stop immediately by operating the special symbol variation time reduction switch. Some gaming machines have a special symbol variation time reduction switch 2116 which is an optical touch sensor attached to the game board 2101. An accessory installed on the game board 2101 (a collective name for a display device, a variable winning device, an ordinary electric accessory, etc.), a special symbol variation time reduction switch 2116, and a nail are covered with a transparent glass plate. Thus, the game balls that have been launched from the space secured between the glass plate and the game board 2101 fall. While the symbol display device 2102 displays the special symbol or effect symbol in a variable manner, if the player holds his / her hand over the special symbol variation time reduction switch 2116 via the glass plate, the special symbol variation time reduction switch 2116 that detects this is turned on. Thus, the change display of the special symbol and the effect symbol of the symbol display device 2102 can be immediately stopped or shortened and stopped.

  After the big hit operation is completed in this way, usually, a lottery is performed with a predetermined probability to enter a probability fluctuation state in which the probability of occurrence of the big hit is increased, and the high probability state continues until the next big hit or the like. Here, there has been proposed a gaming machine that does not display the probability variation state. That is, for example, it is not displayed that the probability variation state has been entered after the big hit and the high probability state has ended, so the player cannot recognize whether or not the player is currently in the high probability state. It is possible to give exceptional game characteristics. In such a gaming machine, since the probability variation state is not displayed, it is not possible to know whether or not the probability variation state was present when the power was turned off. The technique of this is proposed (for example, patent document 1).

JP 2001-327731 A

  However, when power is restored after a power failure occurs in a conventional gaming machine, an error display or probability variation state continues to be displayed, so not only the player becomes anxious but also the probability variation state is displayed in the first place. There is a problem that the existence significance of the game machine that does not become lost.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and in a gaming machine that basically does not display the probability variation state, a display indicating that the probability variation state has been obtained after power-off recovery is displayed at an appropriate timing. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of giving a player a sense of security and maintaining a presence as a gaming machine by being terminated.

In order to achieve such an object, the gaming machine (100) according to claim 1 includes a jackpot lottery means for transitioning to a jackpot state with a predetermined probability, and after the jackpot state is terminated by a predetermined lottery, and control means for the probability variation state of transitioning to the jackpot state probability higher than the probability of periodic Masho constant (310), and reports the state by predetermined notification manner in jackpot state, not informing the state in the probability change state An informing means (370), and when the probability variation state is present when the power is turned off, the control means is a gaming machine that informs the informing means that the probability variation state has been established when recovering from the power interruption. after the notification of that there the probability change state transitions the probability change state to a normal state by a predetermined probability by performing the lottery as a pretreatment for jackpot determination process for each jackpot determination process When elected to tumble lottery, the notification of that there the probability change state is stopped, winning probability of falling lottery is characterized Rukoto different between the normal probability state and the probability change state.

The invention according to claim 2, in the gaming machine of claim 1, the control means comprises first control means, second control for receiving a first command is connected to the first control means The second control means is connected to the notifying means, and transmits a second command including the content to be notified to the notifying means to be notified.

  As described above, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when the probability change state is present when the power is turned off, the control means is a gaming machine that informs the notification means that the probability change state is established when the power supply is recovered from the power interruption. Then, the control means stops the notification that the probability variation state has been met when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the notification, so that the player can be notified that the probability variation state has occurred due to power interruption or the like. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can provide a sense of security and can maintain its presence as a gaming machine.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Device configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a front view of a gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the gaming machine of this embodiment is a gaming board 101 for installing a gaming machine accessory or the like on the board, a special symbol display device 102, a production symbol display device 103, and one of two start winning openings. 1 start winning port 104, normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105, normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106, normal symbol display device 107, and another start winning port (second start winning port) An ordinary electric accessory (tulip) 108, a variable winning ball device 109 having a large winning opening which is one of the accessory units, a gaming machine handle 111, a special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) 112, and a normal symbol operation memory It mainly includes an indicator lamp (holding lamp) 113, a status notification indicator 115, a round number indicator 119, and the like. Here, the accessory unit is a display device such as a driving device or a lamp that executes a game function controlled by direct control from the main control unit 310. In addition to the above variable winning ball device, a side lamp device, Also included are center actors and the like.

  The special symbol display device 102 includes, for example, a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a 7-segment LED (Light Emitting Diode), a dot matrix display device, and the like. Special symbols are displayed in a variable manner. A special award (big hit) is given when the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 102 is a predetermined combination of symbols. In the present embodiment, the special symbol display device 102 is a two-digit 7-segment LED provided around the big winning opening of the variable winning ball device 109. Here, the special prize is a point at which the game is switched from an ordinary state to an advantageous state (a big hit operation or a big hit) that gives a predetermined game value such as paying out a large number of prize balls to the player.

  The production symbol display device 103 includes, for example, a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix display device, a drum variably displayed by the rotation of a motor, and the like. Effect designs such as graphics are variably displayed. As will be described in detail later, the display control unit that controls the effect symbol display device 103 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a program ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an image processing LSI (hereinafter referred to as VDP (hereinafter referred to as VDP)). Video Display Processor)), character ROM, video RAM, and the like. In the present embodiment, the effect symbol display device 103 has a variable display device capable of displaying an image such as a background and a plurality of symbols as a moving image. In the present embodiment, a gaming machine capable of displaying various effect symbols on the effect symbol display device 103 is assumed.

  When the game ball launched by the player wins, the start winning opening 104 detects a winning by generating a start signal of an internal special symbol start switch, and gives an opportunity for the symbol change of the special symbol display device 102. The variation display of the special symbol of the special symbol display device 102 and the effect symbol of the effect symbol display device 103 is stopped after a predetermined variation time elapses, and the lottery result is notified and the effect is performed.

  The normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 and the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106 pass through the ball generated by the activation of the internal normal symbol operation switch when a game ball launched by the player passes. Is detected, and a normal symbol change trigger of the normal symbol display device 107 is given.

  The normal symbol display device 107 variably displays normal symbols with LEDs or the like provided around the big winning opening of the variable winning ball device 109. The ordinary electric accessory 108 is opened when the ordinary symbol display device 107 stops displaying (small hit) a specific ordinary symbol, and promotes winning of the ordinary electric accessory 108 as a start winning opening. In other words, the game ball that has entered the ordinary electric accessory 108 generates a start signal for the start switch on the back surface as in the case of the start winning opening 104 described above, and gives an opportunity for symbol variation of the special symbol display device 102. As described above, in the present embodiment, when the game ball wins either the start winning opening 104 or the ordinary electric accessory 108, the variation of the special symbol is started.

  When the stop symbol of the special symbol display device 102 is a combination of specific symbols determined in advance, that is, when the special winning symbol device 109 becomes a special prize, An opening / closing member 114 attached to the front surface performs opening and closing operations. The opening / closing pattern of the opening / closing member is determined by the lottery result of the built-in program.

  During the big hitting operation, the opening / closing member 114 opens almost horizontally, and the variable winning ball device 109 for receiving a winning game ball is opened to receive a large number of winning game balls. When a game ball wins the variable winning ball device 109, the game machine knows the number of game balls to the variable winning ball device 109 by generating an activation signal of a large winning port switch inside the variable winning ball device 109, and wins the prize. There will be an opportunity to pay out the associated prize balls (out balls, safe balls). The opening of the variable winning ball device 109 is continued until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (a predetermined number of winning prize winning prizes) of game balls wins the variable winning ball device 109. This single opening is called a round.

  Furthermore, the variable winning ball device 109 has a specific area (not shown) called a V zone. When at least one game ball passes through a specific area while the variable winning ball apparatus 109 during the big hitting operation is opened, the game machine is activated in the next round by generating an activation signal of a specific area switch inside the variable winning ball apparatus 109. An opportunity to generate rights is given. In this way, the round continues from 1R → 2R →... And continues up to the maximum round (for example, 6 rounds or 15 rounds). If the game ball does not pass the specific area during the round, the big hit operation ends without continuing until the maximum round. In the present embodiment, when the game ball does not pass through the V zone when the grand prize opening is opened, the round is not continued. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the V zone is not provided, regardless of whether or not the game ball passes. The round can be continued.

  The gaming machine handle 111 has a touch sensor on the surface, and a stop button (stop firing) 116 is attached. The touch sensor detects that the player has gripped the gaming machine handle 111, and in this state, the variable resistor inside the gaming machine handle 111 detects that the gaming machine handle 111 has been rotated clockwise 117 or counterclockwise 118. Then, an opportunity to continuously launch game balls is given to the ball launcher. The player turns the gaming machine handle 111 clockwise 117 or counterclockwise 118 to adjust the launching route of the game ball launched onto the game board 101. Further, when the player presses the stop button 116, the launching of the game ball of the ball launcher is stopped.

  The special symbol operation memory indicator lamp 112, for example, will be described later on the information of each ball that won the start winning port 104 or the ordinary electric accessory 108 during the variation of the special symbol provided around the big winning port of the variable winning ball device 109. Lights in conjunction with the storage in the holding memory for each sphere on the RAM of the main control unit (hereinafter referred to as sphere holding), and notifies the number of times that the symbol (special symbol) can be varied continuously. Also, the winning ball to the start winning port 104 that is the target of the holding of the ball is called a holding ball.

  The normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp 113, for example, has passed through the normal symbol operation gate (left) 105 or the normal symbol operation gate (right) 106 during the variation of the normal symbol provided in the vicinity of the big winning opening of the variable winning ball apparatus 109, for example. Lights in conjunction with storing the ball information in the holding memory for each ball in the RAM of the main control unit, and notifies the game function of the number of times that the symbol (ordinary symbol) can be changed continuously. Display related information. Note that the start memory can be displayed on the effect symbol display device 103 like the effect symbol corresponding to the special symbol.

  The round number display unit 119 is, for example, a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix display device, and the like provided around the large winning opening of the variable winning ball device 109, and displays a plurality of numbers. The display content is a display for displaying how many rounds the opening / closing process of the big prize opening at the time of the big hit has entered the big hit state. Also, in other embodiments having different maximum number of rounds, it is possible to indicate how many maximum rounds are currently in the big hit state as the display content. For example, when the maximum number of rounds is 6 or 15 times, the round number display unit 119 can display the maximum number of rounds at the time of big hit. That is, it can have a function as means for notifying the maximum number of rounds at the time of starting the big hit.

  The gaming machine 100 can also include a shortening switch (not shown) that is an optical touch sensor attached to the gaming board 101. The objects, shortening switches, nails, etc. installed on the game board 101 are covered with a glass plate, and a game ball with a space secured between the glass plate and the game board 101 falls. To go. When the special symbol display device 102 or the effect symbol display device 103 displays the special symbol or effect symbol in a variable manner, if the player holds his / her hand over the shortening switch via the glass plate, the shortening switch that detects this generates an activation signal. In addition, the variable display of the special symbol display device 102 and the effect symbol display device 103 can be stopped immediately or shortened and stopped. Note that the shortening switch may not be provided.

  The gaming machine 100 can also include an effect changeover switch 120. By operating the effect changeover switch 120, the player can display a favorite effect screen on the effect symbol display device 103 and can control the operation of the effectable movable object.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a general gaming system including the gaming machine 100, the information display device 201, the hall computer 202, and the out-ball detection device 203. The information display device 201 is, for example, a display device installed in the upper part of the gaming machine 100, and notifies the player of the gaming state by a lamp, a screen, or the like according to a signal from the gaming machine 100 and an instruction from the hall computer 202. To do. The information display device 201 may apply a well-known game hall information disclosure system. For example, as the display of the game situation (disclosure of game data), for example, the number of symbol rotations, the number of jackpots, the number of balls played, the difference ball, the total number of games And the like, and further capable of collecting personal data of the player are known. As the information disclosure system, various products such as Heiwa no Yobidas (trademark) are well known, and therefore the description of the control circuit is omitted.

  The hall computer 202 collects operational status data from each gaming machine 100 and the like, collects output from each out ball detection device 203, and manages the operation of the game hall. Alternatively, the gaming state of each information display device 201 is notified. Since the hall computer 202 is a well-known hall computer used in a game hall, its control circuit configuration is omitted.

  The out ball detection device 203 is installed inside an island facility composed of a game machine installation facility and a game ball supply system. A game ball discharged from the game machine through the game board surface (a game ball that has been launched, And an out ball detection signal is transmitted to the hall computer 202. Since the structure and control circuit configuration of the out-ball detecting device 203 are well known to those skilled in the art, description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the control unit 300 in the gaming machine 100. As shown in the figure, the control unit 300 is mainly composed of three control units: a main control unit 310, a sub control unit 340, and a display control unit 370. Due to fraud prevention and legal restrictions, each control unit is usually mounted on a separate board for each function and can be directly or indirectly connected to transmit to each other or in one direction. The main control unit 310 transmits a command and controls the entire game according to a random number generated internally based on the detection of a game ball by winning at the start winning opening, and directly controls the special symbol display device 102. . The sub control unit 340 transmits a command (second command) for controlling the display control unit 370 in accordance with a command (first command) transmitted from the main control unit 310, and is provided in a game area or the like. Control of blinking lamps, control of sound output from the speaker of the gaming machine, and control of moving objects for effects such as character figures provided in the game area and the like by controlling the rotation of the motor. The display control unit 370 controls the effect symbol display device 103 such as a liquid crystal display device in accordance with a command transmitted from the sub control unit 340.

Next, each configuration / function of the main control unit 310, the sub control unit 340, and the display control unit 370 will be described in detail.
(Configuration and function of main controller)
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the main control unit 310. The main control unit 310 includes a CPU 422, a ROM 420, a RAM 424, a special winning opening solenoid output port 428, a normal electric accessory solenoid output port 430, a special symbol display output port 432, a normal symbol display output port 434, and a state notification display port 435. , Special symbol operation memory indicator port 436, Round number display port 437, Normal symbol operation memory indicator port 438, Sub-control command output port (send design symbol designation command, variation pattern command, etc.) 440, payout control Command output port 442, external information output port 444, and input port 426.

  An effect symbol designation command (first command) is a command for designating a stop symbol of an effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 103, and a variation pattern command (first command) is an effect symbol display device. This is a command for designating a mode of screen change for performing a lottery result notification such as reach, disappointment, special prize, etc. displayed in 103 and the effect image.

  The main control unit 310 receives various switches via the input port 426 (special symbol start switch 410, normal symbol operation switch 412, a big winning opening switch 414 that is a game ball detecting means, a specific area switch 416, and other switches 418). Data is input from and processed. The main control unit 310 is connected to the special symbol display device 102, the special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) 112, the normal symbol display device 107, the normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp) via the output ports 428 to 438, 444. ) 113, the status notification display 115, the round number display 119, the special prize opening solenoid 446, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 448, and the external information output unit 454 are directly controlled. On the other hand, the main control unit 310 controls the sub control unit 340 by command transmission by transmitting a sub control command (effect design designation command, variation pattern command, etc.) to the sub control unit 340. Further, the main control unit 310 transmits a command to the payout control unit 450 to perform payout control of prize balls. Details of a method in which the main control unit 310 controls the special symbol display device 102 by direct control and command transmission via the sub-control unit 340 according to the present embodiment will be described later.

  Next, various switches input by the main control unit 310 via the input port, components of the main control unit 310, and control targets of the main control unit will be described in detail. The special symbol start switch 410 generates an activation signal when a game ball that is launched by the player and wins the start winning opening 104 passes through this switch to detect the winning, and triggers the symbol variation of the special symbol display device 102. give.

  The normal symbol operation switch 412 is activated when a game ball which has been launched by a player and has passed through the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 and the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106 passes this switch. Occurs, and gives an opportunity to change the normal symbol of the normal symbol display device 107. The big winning opening switch 414 generates an activation signal when the game ball that has won the variable winning ball device 109 passes through this switch in the subsequent big hit operation when the special prize is won. Perform winning detection.

  The specific area switch 416 generates an activation signal when a game ball that has passed through the specific area while the variable winning ball device 109 is opened passes through this switch, and the main control unit 310 detects the right generation of the next round. This switch can be omitted.

  The other switch 418 generates an activation signal when a game ball that has won a prize other than the start prize opening 104 or the variable prize ball device 109 passes this switch, and the main control unit 310 wins a game ball. Perform detection.

  The CPU 422 is a circuit that controls the entire main control unit, and the ROM 420 stores a program for controlling a gaming machine executed on the main control unit 310. Specifically, the ROM 420 stores a game control program that is executed according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7, 10 to 17, and 22 to 24 that define the contents of the game control process performed by the CPU of the main control unit 310. The ROM 420 further stores values of various parameters for controlling the gaming machine such as an effect designating command for instructing the sub-control unit 340 and a variation pattern command. The RAM 424 temporarily stores input / output data for the main control unit 310, data for arithmetic processing, various counters including a random number counter related to the game, and the like, and has a holding memory for storing information of each holding ball. .

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

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

  When the normal symbol display device 107 stops displaying the small hit normal symbol, the normal electric accessory solenoid 448 opens the normal electric accessory 108 based on an instruction from the main control unit 310. The payout control unit 450 receives a payout control command from the main control unit 310 and receives a prize to the prize ball payout device 452 when the special symbol start switch 410, the big prize opening switch 414, the other switch 418, or the like is detected. Instruct to pay out the ball.

  The external information output unit 454 is a board for providing information from the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 to the outside (information display device 201, hall computer 202, etc.). The hall computer 202 and the information display device 201 are electrically connected to the gaming machine via an external information output unit 454 of the gaming machine. The CPU of the main control unit 310 receives information (signals) for knowing the stop of symbol variation, the big hit state, the probability fluctuation state, etc. via the external information output unit 454, for example, the big hit signal, the winning number signal, the start signal, the probability variation signal , Output a short time signal or a door open signal to an external device.

(Configuration and function of sub-control unit)
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the sub-control unit 340. Similar to the main control unit 310, the sub control unit 340 includes a CPU 514, a RAM 512, a ROM 510, various input ports 516, and various output ports 518. In particular, the sub control unit 340 receives a sub control command (first command such as an effect designating command) transmitted from the main control unit 310, and according to the effect design specifying command, a liquid crystal display command (second Command) is transmitted to the display control unit 370. Further, the sub-control unit 340 performs flashing control of the lamp display device 520, generation control of the sound effect output from the sound effect generation device 522, control of the effect movable object 524, and the like by internal commands. As described above, the sub-control unit 340 is useful for reducing the load on the main control unit 310 by specially performing control related to effects such as liquid crystal display, lamp lighting, sound effect generation, and control of movable objects. ing.

  When the sub-control unit 340 receives the variation pattern command (command ID value: “A0” H) and the effect symbol designation command (command ID value: “B1” H), the notice designation command (command ID value “95”). ”H to“ 98 ”H) are internally generated and transmitted to the display control unit 370. The notice designation command is a command for designating an effect display for notifying the player of occurrence of a big hit or reach. The notice designation commands whose command ID values are “95” H, “96” H, and “97” H are commands that designate a notice effect that is performed when most of the variation patterns are selected. The notice designation command having a command ID value of “98” H is a command for designating a notice effect that is performed when a specific variation pattern (reach pattern) is selected. The reason why the command ID values are different is that the command ID values may overlap depending on the variation pattern command.

  The lamp display device 520 is a display device for lamps related to the game, and selectively turns on / off a plurality of lamps according to an instruction from the sub-control unit 340. The sound effect generator 522 generates sound related to the game. The effect movable object 524 is an effect character figure or the like provided in a game area whose rotation is controlled by a motor or the like.

  The sub control unit 340 receives an input from the effect changeover switch 120. By operating the effect changeover switch 120, the player can display a favorite effect screen on the effect symbol display device 103 and can control the operation of the effect movable object 524. In this way, the player can participate in the effect surface of the gaming machine by operating the effect changeover switch 120.

(Configuration and function of display control unit)
FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the display control unit 370.
In particular, the display control unit 370 receives the liquid crystal display command (second command) transmitted from the sub-control unit 340, and varies and stops the effect symbol of the effect symbol display device 103 according to the liquid crystal display command. Alternatively, it has a function of receiving a notice designation command and displaying a notice. Hereinafter, a case of a liquid crystal display command will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the control circuit configuration of the display control unit 370 of this embodiment includes an input port 618 that receives a second command, a CPU 620, a program ROM 610, a RAM 612, an image processing LSI (VDP) 622, a character ROM 616, A video RAM 614 and an output port 624 are provided. The input port 618 receives a liquid crystal display command from the sub-control unit 340 and passes it to the CPU 620. The CPU 620 performs image processing and image display control according to the program stored in the program ROM 610. The program ROM 610 stores a program for image processing executed by the CPU 620, and specifically stores an image display control program that defines the contents of image display control performed by the CPU 620.

  Further, the program ROM 620 stores VDP 622 control data to be mapped and written to the data register of the VDP 622, various parameter values for controlling image display, and the like. The RAM 612 temporarily stores input / output data for the CPU 620 and data for arithmetic processing, and functions as a work area and a buffer memory. The VDP 622 develops image data such as sprite / scroll for display on the effect symbol display device 103 in accordance with the symbol update instruction from the CPU 620 in the video RAM 614, and effects symbol display via the output port 624 in accordance with the output instruction from the CPU 620. Image data is output and displayed in the display area of the device 103. The effect symbol display device 103 is an LCD, a CRT display, or the like, and visually displays a video signal of an image output from the VDP 622.

  For display control, a color palette (hereinafter referred to as a palette) in which a plurality of specific color data are arranged and set is often used. This embodiment VDP 622 incorporates four palettes that define 256 colors, processes four layers, and performs image processing by associating one palette with each layer. The VDP 622 synthesizes image data set for each of the four layers in accordance with an output instruction from the CPU 620, and outputs the synthesized image data to the effect symbol display device 103 for display.

  Specifically, the VDP 622 converts the image data into color data based on the color data of the palette specified by the image data on the video RAM 614, and the color data is converted into analog RGB video signals as the effect symbol display device 103. Output to and display. The image data here includes an index (array number) for the palette.

  The VDP 622 of the present embodiment has a specification in which each of R, G, B, and I (intensity) per pixel is controlled by 8 bits of 3 bits, and 4096 colors (= 8 × 8 × 8 × 8) Have the ability to handle Since the VDP 622 performs image processing by associating palettes capable of setting 256 colors with each of the four layers, each palette displays up to 1024 colors out of 4096 colors from 256 colors × 4 layers = 1024. Is possible.

  The character ROM 616 stores image data such as sprite / scroll that the VDP 622 that has received an instruction from the CPU 620 expands in the video RAM 614. Also, four pallet data to be set in the four pallets built in the VDP 622 are stored. The image data is compressed by run length encoding, predictive encoding, Huffman encoding, and other known compression techniques, and stored in the character ROM 616.

  In the video RAM 614, the image data to be output in the display area of the effect symbol display device 103 is developed and temporarily stored by the VDP 622. In this embodiment, the image data set for each of the four layers is temporarily stored in the video RAM 614, and the four layers of image data are combined by the screen buffer on the video RAM 614 to generate combined image data.

(Game control processing procedure by the main control unit)
Next, the main procedure of the game control process executed by the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 will be described. Processing related to the above-described operation of the gaming machine of this embodiment is performed according to the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. The process shown in FIG. 7 is a game control interrupt process performed when the CPU 422 of the main control unit 310 reads and executes a game control program stored in the ROM 420.

  In this process, two types of interrupt processing routines are started in parallel every first interrupt period (for example, 4 msec) and second interrupt period (for example, 2 msec) shorter than the first interrupt period. Yes. Note that it is possible to perform interrupt processing for each third predetermined period, interrupt processing for each fourth predetermined period, or the like so that the interrupt processing cycles do not overlap as necessary. In FIG. 7, when the gaming machine is turned on, the main control unit 310 clears the RAM 424 and performs initial setting (S710), and then sends an initial command (for example, RAM clear processing) to the sub control unit 340. , Initial symbol determination processing, etc. In addition, when there is a power-off state, power-return processing is also included) (S712), and instructions for initial settings related to images, lamps, sounds, games, etc. are given. . The power recovery process will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  First, the first interrupt process related to game control for each first interrupt period (for example, 4 msec) will be described. In the command output management process (S714), the main control unit 310 creates a variation pattern command and an effect symbol designating command (first design) created in the special game management process (S716) described later and set in the command storage area of the RAM 424. Command) to the sub-control unit 340. First, it is determined whether there is a command to be transmitted. If there is a command to be transmitted, the command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 340. If there is no command to be output, this processing ends as it is.

  Receiving the effect symbol designation command and the variation pattern command, the sub-control unit 340 transmits a liquid crystal display command to the display control unit 370. Upon receiving this liquid crystal display command, the display control unit 370 controls the effect design of the effect design display device 103 for a predetermined change time, and then stops at the design specified by the liquid crystal display command. Here, the contents of the effect designating command and the liquid crystal display command will be described using a table.

  FIG. 8 shows contents such as a command (effect designating command) transmitted from the main control unit 310 to the sub-control unit 340 and a command (liquid crystal display command) transmitted from the sub-control unit receiving each command to the display control unit. It is a table | surface which shows. Referring to FIG. 8, the command identifies a specific type of control information in the gaming state in the gaming state identified as the “command ID” part for identifying the transmitted command itself and grasping the gaming state. It is understood that this is a 2-byte command composed of two parts, “EVENT” part.

  The “command ID” portion of the effect designating command is the same “B1” H (hexadecimal number), and the “EVENT” portion is one of 10 values “00” to “08” and “0A” H. Either value. Further, the “command ID” portion of the liquid crystal symbol designation command is “B1” H, and the “EVENT” portion is any value from “00” to “0A” H. As can be seen from FIG. 8, regarding the special effect symbols 0 to 8 at the time of determining the big hit, the value of the “EVENT” portion of the effect symbol designating command and the value of the “EVENT” portion of the liquid crystal display command are the same. Therefore, for example, when the special effect symbol 7 is designated at the time of determining the big hit, the main control unit transmits an effect symbol designation command of “B1” H + “07” H (command ID + EVENT) to the sub-control unit 340. The sub-control unit 340 that has received the effect designating command transmits a liquid crystal display command of “B1” H + “07” H (command ID + EVENT) to the display control unit 370. Receiving the command for liquid crystal display, the display control unit 370 stops the effect symbol that is being variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 103 by the combination of “777”.

  On the other hand, regarding the special effect design 10 designation at the time of determining the deviation, the production design designation command is “B1” H + “0A” H, and the liquid crystal display command is “B1” H + “0A” H. The symbol stops with a combination of detachment.

  Next, in the special game management process (S716), the main control unit 310 performs control related to the game such as symbol variation and accessory control. At the time of starting the change of the special symbol due to the reservation or digestion of the winning ball or the holding ball to the starting winning port 104, the reach random number read from the reach random number loop counter on the RAM 424, the symbol random number read from the symbol random number loop counter, and the starting winning port 104 Based on the jackpot random number of the winning ball or the jackpot random number stored in the holding memory of the reserved ball, the main control unit 310 performs a variation pattern command, a production symbol designation command, a special symbol (left), and a special symbol (right). ) In the command storage area of the RAM 424. The system of the effect designating command has already been described in the command output management process (S714).

  Further, during the big hit operation, the main control unit 310 receives the big prize opening opening data and the big prize opening closing data for instructing the big winning opening operating solenoid 446 to open the variable winning ball apparatus 109 for a predetermined time. The data is stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. Further, the main control unit 310 sends the special symbol (left) and special symbol (right) of the special symbol display device provided around the big winning opening of the variable winning ball device 109 via the special symbol display output port 432. Fluctuation control is performed for a predetermined fluctuation time, and the program is stopped at each of the special symbols (left) and special symbols (right) stored in the RAM 424. Each stop symbol is displayed on a special symbol display device 102 of 7 segments consisting of two digits.

  Thus, in step 716, the main control unit 310 does not control the special symbol by sending a special symbol designation command to another control unit, but the special symbol is output via the special symbol display output port 432. Control directly. Here, “direct control” is a process of changing the special symbol by sending a control signal related to display driving directly from the special symbol display output port of the main control unit 310 to the special symbol display device 102. For example, a signal (command) from a CPU is directly transmitted without judgment by another CPU, or control is performed without a time delay (time lag) due to an interrupt or the like.

  Here, FIG. 9 is a table showing the relationship between the special symbol and the effect symbol in the case of big hit and in the case of loss. As shown in FIG. 9, for example, when the big hit random number is a big hit, when the big hit symbol random number (100 patterns from 0 to 99) acquired from the big hit special symbol random number loop counter is “3”, the main control unit 310 “03” is displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display device 102. Then, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 19, the main control unit 310 creates an effect designating command (command ID value is “B1” H including the value “07” H corresponding to the special design “03” as the EVENT value). ) To the sub-control unit 340. Subsequently, the sub control unit 340 transmits a liquid crystal display command (command ID value is “B1” H) that similarly includes “07” H as an EVENT value to the display control unit 370. Receiving the command for liquid crystal display, the display control unit 370 stops the effect symbol that is being variably displayed on the effect symbol display device 103 by the combination of “777”.

  On the other hand, when the big hit random number is lost, when the lost symbol random number (21 types from 0 to 20) acquired from the lost special symbol random number loop counter is “1”, the main control unit 310 sends a special symbol to the special symbol display device 102. "-(Hyphen) 1" is displayed as a symbol. Then, main control unit 310 transmits an effect symbol designation command (command ID value is “B1” H) including the value “0A” H corresponding to special symbol “−1” as an EVENT value to sub-control unit 340. . Next, the sub-control unit 340 transmits a liquid crystal display command (command ID value is “B1” H, EVENT value is “0A” H) to the display control unit 370. The display control unit 370 that has received the command for liquid crystal display stops the offending design corresponding to the variation pattern command received from the main control unit 310 via the sub control unit 340 for the effect design that is changing on the effect design display device 103. Let

  That is, a plurality of effect designating commands in the case of a big hit are provided. That is, there is an effect designating command of a type corresponding to the combination of effect symbols displayed on the effect symbol display device 103. The effect designating command in the case of a big hit may be provided with a type corresponding to the number of game result (state) states. That is, a probability transition state transition designating that designates a symbol that is determined to shift to a probability variation state after the jackpot state ends, and a normal state transition symbol that designates a symbol that is determined to transition to a normal state after the jackpot state ends Designate a design according to the gaming state after at least a big hit state, such as designation, a transition time shortened state transition design designation that designates a design decided to shift to a variable time reduced state after the big hit state is finished It is sufficient that the final effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device is determined by the sub-control unit or the display control unit only by determining the state after the big hit state is finished in the main control unit. An effect symbol to be finally displayed may be determined from symbols corresponding to the selected state and displayed on the effect symbol display device 103.

  On the other hand, if the lottery result is out of order, there is only one game result (game state) that is out of play, so the number of effect design designation commands corresponding to the game result (game state), that is, a single effect design The specified command will be enough.

  Next, the normal game management process (S718) will be described. When the normal symbol starts to change due to the passage of the sphere of the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 (or the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106), based on the small hit random number on the RAM 424, the main control unit In step 310, stop symbol data of a normal symbol is prepared. This process is performed when it is determined that the normal symbol change is started while the main control unit 310 performs the normal game management process.

  In the external information processing (S720), game state information from the main control unit 310 is transmitted to the outside of the gaming machine (mainly the hall computer 202 and the information display device 201) via the external information output unit 454. The main control unit 310 instructs the big winning opening solenoid 446 to open or close the variable winning ball apparatus 109 based on the big winning opening opening data and the big winning opening closing data stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 ( S721). In the other random number update process (S722), the main control unit 310 updates random numbers (reach random numbers, lost symbol random numbers, etc.) other than the big hit random numbers and the big hit special symbol random numbers during the remaining time of the interruption processing.

  Next, an interrupt processing routine for executing a second interrupt process every second interrupt period (for example, 2 msec), that is, a process for performing random number update and switch check will be described. First, in the winning lottery random number update process (S730), the main control unit 310 increments (+1) the big hit random number loop counter on the RAM 424 for each second interruption period, so that the big hit random number for the special prize and the big hit special The design random number is updated, and the small hit random number for the normal design and the falling lottery random number to be described later are updated. In the present embodiment, the loop counter means a counter that cyclically updates a value from 0 to a predetermined maximum value.

  Next, in the input process (S732), the main control unit 310 reads the big hit random number from the big hit random number loop counter and stores it on the RAM 424 when the special symbol start switch 410 detects the winning ball to the start winning opening 104. At this time, the special symbol operation memory counter on the RAM 424 is set to 1. Further, when the special symbol start switch 410 detects that the ball has won the start winning opening 104 during the special symbol variation, the main control unit 310 reads the big hit random number and the big hit special symbol random number from the big hit random number loop counter, and stores them on the RAM 424. Store in the hold memory of the hold ball (hold ball). At this time, the special symbol operation memory counter on the RAM 242 is incremented. In step 732, the counter is not incremented any further if the accumulation exceeds a predetermined value. Each time this step is repeatedly executed during the special symbol variation, the value of each jackpot random number is continuously stored in the reserved memory on the RAM 424 for a plurality of reserved balls.

  Further, when the main control unit 310 detects the passage of the sphere of the normal symbol display device operation gate (left) 105 (or the normal symbol display device operation gate (right) 106), the main control unit 310 calculates a small hit random number from the small hit random number loop counter. Read and store on RAM 424. Further, the main control unit 310 detects a winning at the starting winning port 104 by the special symbol starting switch 410, detects a winning at the variable winning ball device 109 at the time of a big hitting operation by the big winning port switch 414, and other starting winning ports by the switch 418. The result of winning detection to other winning ports other than 104 and the variable winning ball device 109 is stored on the RAM 424. In particular, when a winning is detected in the variable winning ball apparatus 109, the main control unit 310 also increments (+1) the big winning counter on the RAM 424. It is controlled so that the counter is not incremented except during the big hit (in the normal state) (there is a prize ball). Further, the main control unit 310 turns on the V flag on the RAM 424 when the specific area switch 416 detects a game ball that has passed through the specific area.

  In the winning ball payout management process (S734), the winning winning detection to the starting winning hole 104 by the special symbol starting switch 410 stored in the RAM 424 in the input process (S732) and the variable winning ball at the big hit operation by the big winning hole switch 414 are performed. For each result of winning detection to the device 109 and other results of detecting winning to the other winning ports other than the start winning port 104 and the variable winning ball device 109 by the switch 418, the main control unit 310 sets each preset award. The number of prize balls to be paid out corresponding to the number of balls is set in a predetermined area on the RAM 424.

  The main control unit 310 instructs the prize ball payout device 452 to pay out a prize ball by a command output based on the number of prize balls paid out set on the RAM 424.

(Power recovery processing)
Next, the power recovery process will be described with reference to FIGS. The power recovery process is executed mainly at the time of power failure recovery during business operation or when the power is turned on at the start of business operation. When the power is restored or turned on, first, basic initial setting processing such as various initial value setting processing is performed (S2202, 2203), and it is confirmed whether or not the RAM clear switch is pressed (S2204). ). Then, it is in a standby state for a predetermined time until the state of the display device or the like becomes operable (S2205), and a RAM clear switch that initializes information set in the RAM is pressed and RAM clear is designated. A RAM clear process is performed (S2210), and the above-described game control interrupt process (FIG. 7) is performed. A power-on initial setting process for setting an initial command such as preset symbol information to be displayed when the power is turned on is performed on the sub-control unit, and the sub-control unit is output when the processing is completed (S2211). S2212) If the RAM is not cleared, it is confirmed by a sum check process or the like that the state of various memories including the backed up memory is normal (S2207 to 2209), and the backup validity determination flag is cleared. Then (S2213), sub-control unit return processing described later is performed (S2214). Next, the RAM is initialized when the power is restored to set a restoration command such as backed up symbol information (S2215), and the above-described game control interruption process (FIG. 7) is performed. In this way, when RAM clear is specified, the state is cleared regardless of the state when the power is turned off, so that the gaming machine performs processing in the initial state regardless of the state when the power is turned off. Will start. On the contrary, if RAM clear is not designated, a part or all of the state at the time of power-off is left, and a return state corresponding to the state can be obtained. For example, when there is a probability variation state when the power is turned off (the special symbol probability state flag at power recovery is “01” H), a special symbol probability state flag (hereinafter, a probability variation state) indicating that the probability variation state is present, as will be described later. Processing such as setting “01” H (probability variation state ON) to the flag) is executed. In the following, the process of the present embodiment, particularly when there is a probability variation state when the power is turned off, will be described.

  The sub control unit return processing will be described with reference to FIG. First, a power failure recovery processing start command is output (S2302, 2303), but the command IDs specify “80” H “01” H as shown in FIG. Next, when a command for specifying a model, for example, model 5 is specified in this embodiment, the command ID is “81” H and EVENT is “05” H (S2304, 2305).

  Next, the state at the time of power-off is read, and a command is output so as to return in that state (S2306 to 2308). That is, in the present embodiment, if the state is in a certain change state when the power is turned off, it is necessary to start up in the certain change state even when the power is restored. Therefore, as shown in FIG. "H is set and transmitted. When such a command output to the sub-control unit 340 (S2307) is made, the sub-control unit displays an effect design indicating that it is in a probable state when the power is turned off and that it is still in a probable state. In addition to outputting a command to the effect symbol display device 370, an internal command is issued to a notification device such as an LED, and blinking or lighting, output of a voice, or the like is performed by the internal command to notify that it is in a promiscuous state.

  On the other hand, if it is not in the probabilistic state when the power is turned off, a command is issued to indicate that it has started up in a normal low probability state. That is, as shown in FIG. 25, the command ID is “82” H, and EVENT is set to “00” H for command processing (S2308). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 23, a command related to the symbol set in the RAM initial setting process at the time of power recovery is set and output (S2309 to S2312), and information related to the special symbol operation memory counter is set and output. (S2317 to S2320), various processes such as setting information based on the state related to the special game management process and outputting the information to the sub-control unit (S2321 to S2329) are performed, and the sub-control unit performs a predetermined process . The model designation such as S2304 and S2305 may be omitted.

(Details of special game management process: control of special prize opening)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the special game management process of the present embodiment, and shows the detailed process of step S716 of the main flow shown in FIG. The special game management process is executed by combining several processes, details of which will be described later with reference to FIGS. Therefore, the special game management process is performed in the whole process shown in FIGS.

  As described above, in each process of the present embodiment, the program, including this special game management process, performs a loop operation while checking the status (operation state information) until a change in a predetermined state occurs. When the change occurs, a predetermined process is performed and the contents are stored in a predetermined area, and the process returns to the loop after waiting for the next process to be executed. Similarly, in the next process, the status is checked and the process is continued in accordance with the status.

  This process will be described with reference to FIG. 10. Each process to be specifically executed (in FIG. 10, special symbol variation start waiting processing (S1003), special symbol variation processing (S1004), special symbol stop display processing) (S1005), special electric accessory start process (S1006), special electric accessory release process (S1007), special electric accessory closing process (S1008), special electric accessory end weight process (S1009)) are designated. A special game management status (hereinafter referred to as “special status”) is set during the previous processing, and is distributed to the processing designated in step S1001.

  That is, in the flowchart of the special game management process, first, the special status is checked to determine the jump destination address, and the process jumps to each process (S1001, 1102). Next, the process indicated by the determined address destination is executed. Specifically, when the special status is 0, a special symbol variation start waiting process is performed (S1003), details of which will be described later with reference to FIGS. When the special status is 1, the determined special symbol is variably displayed, the special status is set to 2 (S1004), and after a predetermined condition, for example, a certain time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and the predetermined display is performed. If it is a big hit, the special status is set to 3, and if it is off, the special status is returned to 0 (S1005).

  Next, when the special status is 3, a process for preparing to open the special winning opening is executed (S1006), the special status is set to 4 (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 14), The special winning opening is actually opened (S1007), and the special status is set to 5 (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 15). Specifically, the main control unit 310 sets a round counter (counter that counts the number of rounds during the big hit operation) and an opening timer (a timer that measures the opening time of the big winning opening during one round) on the RAM 424 to a predetermined value. And set the interval timer (the timer that measures the closing time of the big winning opening between rounds) to a predetermined value (several seconds), and the V flag (the flag that is turned on when the game ball passes the specific area) Is turned off, and the big prize opening counter (counter that counts the number of game balls won in the big prize opening during one round) is set to zero. Specifically, the round counter is set to 15 rounds, and the release timer is set to 30 seconds. When the special status is 5, the special winning opening is closed (S1008), the special status is set to 6 (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 16), and the above process end weight process (S1009) is performed. (Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 17).

  The overall processing of the special game management process has been described with reference to FIG. 10. Next, the special symbol variation start waiting process (S1003) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this process, in step S732, a special symbol to be displayed is determined by detection, and it is determined whether or not it is a big hit and the information is stored in a predetermined area. Specifically, when the game ball wins the start winning opening 104, the number of game balls won in the special symbol operation memory counter is accumulated as described in step S732 (that is, when the counter is 0). Means that the player has not won, and if it is not 0, it means that the player has won at least once.Normally, this counter is subtracted every time this processing is performed.) “01” H is set in the upper jackpot flag area, and the jackpot symbol random number is stored in the jackpot symbol random number storage area.

  Referring to FIG. 11 showing the special symbol variation start waiting process in step S1003, first, the special symbol operation storage counter is loaded and checked (S1101, 1102). If the special symbol operation memory counter is 0 as a result of the check, the symbols are not changed, the processing for setting the customer waiting state (demonstration image display processing) is performed, and the processing returns to the normal processing (S1103, 1104). If it is determined in step S1103 that the counter is not 0, the storage area (holding memory) is shifted, the contents of the storage area are read, and it is first determined whether or not a fall from the probability variation state has been drawn. Corresponding processing is performed (S1110), and it is then determined whether or not a big hit is drawn (S1105, 1106).

  That is, when the probability variation flag is ON (when probability changes) and the probability variation state exists, the fall lottery for changing the probability variation state is determined based on the random numbers related to the fall lottery stored in the RAM 424. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 24, when it is determined that this random number matches a predetermined value of the falling lottery, the probability variation flag is turned OFF (S1110). By performing such processing, even if it is a probability variation state, the state is suddenly eliminated, unexpectedness is imparted, and gameability can be improved.

  In addition, the falling lottery is to extract a random number value from the falling lottery random number at the same timing as the big hit random number is extracted, and stores it corresponding to the big hit random number stored in the special symbol operation storage area. . That is, when the symbol variation, which is a notification of the big win lottery result, is digested, the storage area is similarly shifted. Then, when the gaming state is in a probability variation state where the probability state is a high probability state, the falling lottery determination is made. That is, control is performed so that the gaming state is not performed in the normal probability state (falling lottery prohibition process). Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and control is performed so that the random lot value is extracted from the falling lottery random number and the falling lottery is determined at the same timing as when the big hit random number is extracted only in the probability fluctuation state other than the normal probability state. It may be a random lottery random number according to the game state, and in the normal probability state, 100% is won to maintain the game state in the normal probability state, and in the probability variation state, the winning probability is lower than the normal probability state. You can do it.

  Further, the probability of falling lottery may be controlled so as to vary according to a predetermined condition (change in gaming state), such as changing the probability of falling lottery from low probability to high probability in the same way as the big hit lottery probability.

  Next, based on the jackpot random number related to the special symbol variation stored in the RAM 424, the special symbol variation special prize to be started is determined. When the big hit random number does not match the value of the special prize, the big hit flag on the RAM 424 is turned OFF, and when it is determined that it matches the value of the special prize, the big hit flag is turned ON ("01" H). Further, when the special symbol probability state flag (probability change flag) is ON (when probability changes, that is, “01” H), the number of special prize determination values for determining a special prize is increased to increase the special prize probability. If the hour / middle flag is ON, the hour / hour variation counter on the RAM 424 is decremented (−1). If the hour / hour variation counter is 0 as a result, the hour / middle flag is turned OFF (S1106).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the falling lottery process (S1110) is controlled to be performed as a pre-process of the big hit determination process (S1106). In the big hit determination process (S1106), since the determination is different between the normal state and the probability variation state, the processing load can be reduced by processing in this order.

  After the information required for the special symbol variation is set, the main control unit 310 sets the normal rendering time (seconds) to a predetermined value corresponding to the rendering symbol variation uniquely determined from the variation pattern ID. A special symbol variation timer for monitoring symbol variation and a shortened switch timer for monitoring the activation signal generation of the shortening switch are set to normal performance time (seconds). The normal performance time (seconds) is unique for each variation pattern ID, and the number of seconds differs for each variation pattern ID. Based on the above information, settings for special symbol fluctuations in steps S1004 and 1005 are performed as follows, and the special status is changed to 1 by setting the fluctuation start (S1107 to 1109).

  Referring to FIG. 12 showing step S1107, the big hit flag is read (S1201), and when the value is checked and the big hit flag is not a big hit (the flag is not “01” H), the main control unit 310 loses the special symbol random number. A plurality of symbols and fluctuation patterns to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 102 and the production symbol display device 103 are determined from the off-set symbol random numbers (21 values of 0 to 20; see FIG. 9) read from the loop counter. . That is, the main control unit 310 determines the combination of special symbols to be stopped, the command ID value (“B1” H) and the EVENT value (“0A” H) of the effect symbol designation command, and stores them in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. (S1202 to 1204). When the value of the big hit flag is checked and the big hit (the big hit flag is "01" H) (S1202), the big hit symbol random number (100 values from 0 to 99) read from the big hit symbol random number loop counter. See FIG. ) Determines a plurality of symbols and variation patterns to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 102 and the effect symbol display device 103 (S1205 to 1206).

  Here, FIG. 13 shows the process of determining the big hit stop symbol (S1205). Referring to FIG. 13, the jackpot symbol random number is read out, the table shown in FIG. 9 is referred to, the stop symbol number is determined, and stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 (S1301). That is, the main control unit 310 stops the combination of special symbols to be stopped, the command ID value (“B1” H) of the effect symbol designation command, and the EVENT value (any one value from “00” H to “08” H). Is stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424 (S1301, S1302). A predetermined value is set as the variation time data of the special symbol together with the stop symbol and the variation pattern (S1207), and this processing ends and returns to the normal processing. As a result of this processing, the value of the special symbol variation timer is set, and the display changes until the timer expires in step S1004. If the big hit flag is “01” H in step S1005, the special status is set to 3 and the big win is large. The winning opening is opened.

  If the big hit flag is OFF in the process of step S1005, the special status is set to 0 and the special symbol stop display timer is set.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the special electric accessory starting process (S1006) will be described. FIG. 14 shows a jackpot process after the special status becomes 3 in step S1005. The value of the special symbol stop display timer is read to determine whether the timer value is 0, that is, whether it has timed out (S1401, 1402). If it is determined that the time has expired, the command is set as described above. (S1403). That is, a command is set for notifying the sub-control unit 340 of the open state of the big prize opening from the main control unit 310. Specifically, referring to the command table shown in FIG. 18, “91” H is stored as a command ID value in a predetermined area on the RAM 424, and “01” H˜ “10” H is stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424.

  When the setting of the command to the sub-control unit 340 is completed, opening data is set in a predetermined port so as to open the special winning opening by direct control of the solenoid (S1405), and the special status is finally changed to 4. (S1407).

  The specific RAM setting at the time of opening will be described. In this embodiment, an effect image indicating that the opening number designation command for notifying at least the number of times of opening shown in FIG. For display, the main control unit 310 sends it to the sub-control unit 340. For this reason, the main control unit 310 stores the corresponding command ID and EVENT value in a predetermined area of the RAM (in the processing of each flow). S1403). For example, in the case of the first opening at the time of normal presentation of the big prize opening, the command ID is set to “91” H and the EVENT is set to “01” H.

  As described above, when the special winning opening is prepared for opening, a corresponding command is sent from the main control unit 310 to the sub control unit 340 by the output management process (S714) described with reference to FIG. 340 performs a predetermined process. That is, the command having the command ID and the value of EVENT set in the RAM in step S1403 is sent from the main control unit 310 to the sub control unit 340. Specifically, the sub-control unit 340 stores a stop effect design indicated by the value of EVENT among the commands sent from the main control unit 310 in a predetermined area of the RAM 512 of the sub-control unit 340 and displays the effect design display. A predetermined command is transmitted to the device 370.

  For example, when “91” H is set in the command ID and “01” H is set in EVENT as described above, the main control unit 310 issues a command corresponding to this shown in FIG. Predetermined processing performed at the time of the first opening at the normal stage of the big prize opening (round display and round image display on the production symbol display device, driving of movable objects such as figures, blinking of lamps, generation of sound effects, etc. ) Is performed.

  The main control unit 310 of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment has a part of the memory backed up by a backup power source and the like, and information such as the open state of the big prize opening is also backed up. Even if the sub-control unit etc. does not memorize information on how many times the grand prize opening that is open at the time is open, it will continue from before the power is turned off when recovering from an unexpected situation such as a power cut The production process can be performed.

  In this case, as described above, as shown in FIG. 18, the main control unit 310 issues a release count designation command (first command) to the sub control unit 340, and the sub control unit 340 further includes a display control unit (symbol) 370, Commands are issued to the lamp control (lamp) 520, the sound control (sound) 522, and the movable object control (motor, solenoid) 524, respectively. As a result, the design fluctuates, the lamp lights up / flashes, and the movable object attached to the board operates to further enhance the effect. The display control unit 370 will be described more specifically. When the sub control unit 340 receives the opening number designation command, the sub control unit 340 notifies the display control unit 370 of at least the number of opening times as shown in FIG. Command).

  After the special winning opening opening time timer is set as described above, the special status is set to 4, and the special electric accessory release process (S1007) is performed as shown in FIG. First, it is checked whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the grand prize opening was opened (S1501, 1502). If not, the count value of the game balls to be awarded in the big prize opening is a fixed number. When it is not satisfied, the opening is continued (S1503-1506). Specifically, the opening data of the big prize opening is stored in a predetermined RAM (S1506), and when the winning prize is detected in the variable winning ball apparatus 109, the main control unit 310 also has a big prize opening counter on the RAM 424. Is incremented (+1) (S1504).

  Therefore, the big prize opening is opened until a predetermined time has elapsed from the opening or until a predetermined number of game balls have been won, and if any of the conditions is met, the closing setting process is performed for the closing process. The special status is changed to 5 (S1510, 1511). When such a setting is performed, as shown in FIG. 7, the special winning opening is closed, and then the closing process is performed. The closing process of the big prize opening will be described with reference to FIG.

  Explaining the opening / closing process of the big winning opening here, as described above, the main control unit 310, based on the big winning opening opening data and the big winning opening closing data stored in a predetermined area on the RAM 424, the variable winning ball apparatus. 109 is instructed to the special winning opening solenoid 446 (S721), and the opening / closing process is performed.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the special electric accessory closing process (S1008) when the special status is 5. In this process, after the big prize opening is closed in each round, it is further determined whether to open the next round and continue the next round, or to end the process as it is, and to execute a process corresponding thereto. In other words, the special winning opening closing timer is updated (a predetermined value is subtracted), and as a result, when the timer has not timed out (large winning opening closing timer = 0), the routine returns to the normal procedure. A special electric accessory closing process is performed (S1601 to S1602).

  Further, referring to FIG. 16, if the number of times of opening is less than 15, the special status is set to 4 (S1604 to 1611). The specific RAM setting at the time of opening will be described. In this embodiment, the command shown in FIG. 18 is mainly sent from the main control unit 310 to the sub-control unit 340 to indicate the opening of the big winning opening. In the main control unit 310, the corresponding command ID and EVENT value are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM (in the processing of each flow, for example, S1605). For example, in the case of the first opening at the time of normal presentation of the special winning opening, the command ID “91” H and the EVENT “01” H are set in a predetermined area on the RAM 424. As shown in FIG. 18, even in the case of performing a jackpot effect other than the normal effect, for example, a promotion effect corresponding to the number of rounds, a button effect corresponding to the number of rounds (and various character effects), the command is the type of effect ( Each performance mode is distinguished and passed to the sub-control unit 340.

  As described above, when the special winning opening is prepared for opening, a corresponding command is sent from the main control unit 310 to the sub control unit 340 by the output management process (S714) described with reference to FIG. Performs a predetermined process. That is, the command ID and EVENT values set in the RAM in step S1605 are read out, set as commands, and sent from the main control unit 310 to the sub-control unit 340. For example, when “91” H is set in the command ID and “01” H is set in EVENT as described above, the main control unit 310 issues a command corresponding to this shown in FIG. Predetermined processing (driving a movable object such as a figure, blinking a lamp, generating a sound effect, etc.) that is performed at the time of the first opening at the time of normal production of the big prize opening is performed. With the above command control, even if the sub-control unit etc. does not store information such as how many times it has been opened at that time, it is possible to perform effect processing that continues before the power is turned off even when the power is turned off. It becomes.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, a command is issued from the main control unit 310 to the sub control unit 340 as described above, and the sub control unit 340 further includes a display control unit (symbol) 370, lamp control (lamp) 520, and voice control. Commands are issued to (sound) 522 and movable object control (motor, solenoid) 524, respectively. As a result, the design fluctuates, the lamp lights up / flashes, and the movable object attached to the board operates to further enhance the effect.

  Returning to the description of the flow shown in FIG. 16, if the number of times of opening is 15 or more, a big hit end process, for example, a value of a big prize end weight timer is set and the special status is changed to 6 (S1612, 1613). .

  In the present embodiment, since the probability change state is basically not notified, the special symbol display device does not display a symbol or the like indicating that the probability change state is in particular. Here, the probability variation means that the probability of the special prize inside the gaming machine in the game after the big hit action digestion for a special symbol combination, for example, a special prize of “7, 7, 7”, among the special symbol combinations, is normal. This is a function that improves the (low probability) state. Generally, such a probability change (high probability) state of a gaming machine with a probability change function is continued until the next jackpot acquisition. The transition to the probability variation state is determined by various methods, for example, a method of shifting with a certain probability by lottery.

  When the big hit ends, special electric accessory end weight processing (S1009) in the case of special status 6 shown in FIG. 17 is performed. That is, the time of the special winning awaiting mouth weight is updated (predetermined value is subtracted) (S1701). When the timer value is 0 as a result of the update, the start RAM is set for each special symbol state and the special status is changed to 0. (S1702 to S1704). In other words, in the normal gaming state (low probability), clear the winning prize opening number counter, etc., and in addition to this, set the probability variation start designation in the special game operation designation transmission request buffer, etc. Then, the operation state is shifted to the operation state at the time of the probability variation, and the operation state at the time reduction can be shifted to the operation state at the time reduction by setting the time reduction state notification designation in the transmission request buffer for the time reduction state notification designation at the time reduction (S1703). In either case, the special status is set to 0 and the process returns to normal processing (S1704).

  However, in the processing in the processing in S1703, the control may be performed as described above when notifying the probability variation state, but when performing the control not notifying the player of the probability variation state, the probability Instead of setting the change start designation, for example, “B2” H “04” H to “09” H in FIG. 25 are set as chance states (a state that is likely to be advantageous to the player). And control to shift to the chance state operation.

(Power failure recovery error processing)
As described above, the fall lottery process is performed in step S1110. In the present embodiment, during the fall lottery process, a display at the time of power failure return indicating that the power change state has occurred is processed. . That is, when the power is turned off as described above, it is shown that the power is turned off by a predetermined display mode such as blinking or lighting of the LED and display on the effect symbol display device when power is restored. In this embodiment, as will be described below, processing is performed such as turning off the LED at the time of falling lottery winning or changing the display on the effect symbol display device to a low probability state.

  Referring to FIG. 24 showing step S1110, it is first determined by reading the probability variation flag whether or not the state is in the probability variation state (S2402), and if not in the probability variation state, the process ends. If it is in the probability variation state and further matches the predetermined value with reference to the random number updated in step S730, it is determined that the falling lottery has been won and the process proceeds to the next process (S2403). If the winning lottery is won, the probability variation flag is set to OFF (“00” H) (S2404), and the processing is performed when the probability variation state is not established at the time of power recovery (the special symbol probability state flag at power recovery is “01” H). The process ends (S2405).

  When there is a certain change state at the time of power recovery (in this embodiment, it is notified as a power recovery error), first, the power recovery special symbol probability state flag is set to “00” H (S2406), and at that time (at the time of falling lottery winning) ), In particular, a flag indicating whether or not the time-short state is set (S2407). Next, a command to recover from the power recovery error is set. Referring to FIG. 25, the command ID is “82” H, EVENT is “00” H when not in the time-short state, and “03” H when in the time-short state. Is set (S2408). Thereafter, word data selection processing and command output processing are performed (S2410), and the process ends. With the above processing, the LED that was turned on or blinking when the power was off when the probability was changed is turned off, and if it is in a short time, the production symbol is changed to a production symbol that indicates a short time, not in a short time. In this case, a normal low-probability effect design is displayed.

  In this embodiment, the power-off recovery error process is performed at the same timing as the falling lottery (in the same interrupt process), but the present invention is not limited to this, and is rational after the power-off recovery. If the notification of the probability change state can be stopped within the time, the process can be executed at any other timing. For example, the probability change state notification after the interruption of power interruption can be stopped at a fixed time.

  As described above, even if a power recovery error notification has been made, such as when the power has been turned off, the player is restored to the normal state at a predetermined timing, giving the player a sense of security, It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can maintain its presence.

It is a figure which shows an example of the front general view of the game machine using this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the game system using this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the main control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the sub-control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the display control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the game control of the main control part of the game machine of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the example of the command in the game machine of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the relationship between the design random number in the gaming machine of this invention, a special design, and an effect design. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of a special game management process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game management process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game management process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game management process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game management process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game management process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game management process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game management process. It is a table | surface which shows the example of the command related to the big prize opening in the gaming machine of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of command transmission of a special game management process. It is a table | surface which shows the example of the command related to the big prize opening in the gaming machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the front view of the conventional game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game management process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game management process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of a special game management process. It is a table | surface which shows the example of the command related to the big prize opening in the gaming machine of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 gaming machine 101 game board 102 special symbol display device 103 production symbol display device 104 start winning opening 105 normal symbol display device operation gate (left)
106 Normal symbol display device operation gate (right)
107 Normal symbol display device 108 Normal electric accessory (tulip)
109 Variable winning ball device 111 having a big winning opening 111 Game machine handle 112 Special symbol operation memory indicator lamp (holding lamp)
113 Normal symbol operation memory indicator lamp (hold lamp)
119 Round number display device 120 Effect changeover switch 201 Information display device 202 Hall computer 203 Out ball detection device 310 Main control unit 340 Sub control unit 370 Display control unit 422 CPU
420 ROM
424 RAM
428 Large winning opening solenoid output port 430 Normal electric accessory solenoid output port 432 Special symbol display output port 434 Normal symbol display output port 440 Sub control command output port (send design symbol designation command, variation pattern command, etc.)
Command output port 436 for payout control Special symbol operation memory indicator light port 438 Normal symbol operation memory indicator light port 444 External information output port 426 Input port 410 Special symbol start switch 412 Normal symbol operation switch 414 Special prize opening switch 416 Specific Area switch 418 Other switches 450 Payout control unit 452 Prize ball payout device 446 Big prize opening solenoid 514 CPU
512 RAM
510 ROM
516 Various input ports 518 Various output ports 520 Lamp display device 522 Sound effect generator 524 Movable object 618 Input port 620 CPU
610 Program ROM
612 RAM
622 LSI for Image Processing (VDP)
616 Character ROM
614 Video RAM
624 output port

Claims (2)

Including a jackpot lottery means for transitioning to a jackpot state with a predetermined probability,
After the jackpot state is finished by a predetermined lottery, a control means for changing to a jackpot state with a probability higher than the predetermined probability for a certain period,
Informing the state in a predetermined notification mode in the jackpot state, and notifying means that does not notify the state in the probability variation state,
When the probability variation state is present when the power is turned off, the control means causes the notification means to notify that the probability variation state is present when the power supply is recovered from the power interruption,
It said control means fall after the notification of that there the probability change state, to transition the probability change state to a normal state by a predetermined probability by performing the lottery as a pretreatment for the jackpot determination process for each jackpot determination process when winning the lottery, the notification of that there the probability change state is stopped, winning probability of the falling lottery gaming machine, characterized in Rukoto different between the normal probability state and the probability change state. The control means includes a first control means and a second control means connected to the first control means and receiving a first command,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second control unit is connected to the notification unit and transmits and notifies a second command including contents to be notified to the notification unit.

Images