JP5289715B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  In the present invention, it is possible to perform a predetermined game using a game ball, and after a predetermined variable display execution condition is established, a plurality of types of identification information are determined based on the establishment of the variable display start condition. A variable display device that starts variable display and derives and displays a display result, and a variable winning ball device that can be controlled in either an open state in which a game ball can win or a closed state in which a game ball cannot win A pachinko gaming machine or the like that shifts the variable winning ball apparatus to a specific gaming state that is controlled to be opened a predetermined number of times when a gaming ball wins a special area among the winning areas provided in the variable winning ball apparatus. It relates to gaming machines.

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of game balls are prizes (prize balls) ) Is paid to the player. Furthermore, as a display result of the variable display of the special symbol (identification information) started in the variable display unit based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening, a predetermined specific display mode (specific display result) is provided. There is a gaming machine that shifts to a big hit gaming state when it is derived and displayed. Note that the derivation display is to stop and display a symbol (excluding stop before so-called re-variation). When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening (one of the winning areas) is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times), and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening is referred to as a round.

  In addition, the gaming machine includes a variable winning ball device that performs an operation from a closed state in which a gaming ball cannot be won to an open state in which a gaming ball can be won when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and is provided in the variable winning ball device. There is a gaming machine configured to shift a gaming state to a specific gaming state based on a game ball entering (also referred to as a “V winning area”) into a special area (also referred to as a “V winning area”). . In the specific gaming state, generally, the accessory having a movable member is controlled to be opened a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times), and after the game ball enters the accessory and passes through the route member provided in the accessory. When entering the winning area, a prize ball is paid out. When the predetermined end condition is satisfied, the movable member is closed.

  In the gaming machine as described above, when a game ball enters the V prize area and a V prize is generated, the number of times of release of an accessory in a specific gaming state is determined by lottery. There is one configured to notify a person (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-185476 A (paragraph 0087-0091)

  However, in a gaming machine configured to determine by lottery the number of times an item is released in a specific gaming state when a V winning occurs, the player concentrates his interest on the game after the V winning occurs. Become a trend.

  The structure of the accessory provided with the movable member has been devised in various ways to improve the fun of the game. However, in a gaming machine that concentrates the interest in the game after the V prize is generated, it is difficult to effectively give the player an interest based on the structure of the accessory.

  In view of the above, according to the present invention, in a gaming machine configured to shift to a specific gaming state when a V prize is generated, the player's attention to the structure of the accessory etc. even before the V prize occurs. The purpose is to make it possible to collect.

The gaming machine according to the present invention can play a predetermined game using a game ball, and a predetermined variable display execution condition (for example, the game ball has a first start winning opening 11 and a second start winning prize). After winning the opening 12 or the third start winning opening 13), the variable display start condition (for example, the variable display of the special symbol is not executed, and the big hit game is executed) Variable information display device (for example, special symbol display device 9 or effect display device 9) that starts display of the identification information on the basis of establishment of the identification information and displays the display result, and an open state in which the game ball can win a prize And a variable winning ball device (for example, a variable winning ball device (object) 20) that can be controlled to any one of the closed states in which the game balls cannot be won, and are provided in the variable winning ball device. Special areas ( For example, a gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state (for example, a second big hit gaming state) in which a variable winning ball apparatus is controlled to be opened a predetermined number of times when a gaming ball wins a specific winning slot 66). Game control means for controlling the progress of the game (for example, a game control microcomputer 560 including the CPU 56) and variable display execution means for executing variable display of the identification information. The game control means displays the display result of the variable display device. Display result determining means (for example, the part that executes the processing of step S62 in the game control microcomputer 560; see also FIG. 21), and the open display result (for example, the small hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the variable display device. A starting operation control means (for example, controlling to a starting operation state in which the variable winning ball apparatus is opened once or a plurality of times (for example, twice). When the game control microcomputer 560 executes the processing of steps S411 and S413) and when it is detected that the game ball is won when the variable winning ball device is in the closed state, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred. There are a plurality of types of open display results (for example, 0 to 2, 4 to 6, 8, 9; see FIGS. 15 and 21) including the abnormality determining unit and determined by the display result determining unit, and depending on the open display result Thus, the number of opening of the variable winning ball device in the specific gaming state is varied (see FIGS. 15 and 21), and the abnormal determination means determines that the abnormal winning has occurred and the player can recognize the abnormal winning in a manner that can be recognized. An abnormality notification means for performing notification is further provided, and the variable display execution means is configured to identify information when a variable display start condition is satisfied even when the abnormality notification means performs abnormality notification. The variable display is started.

Winning detection means (for example, a first winning combination winning switch 71a, a second winning combination winning switch 72a, a third winning combination winning combination switch) that detects a game ball that has won a winning area in the variable winning ball apparatus and outputs a winning detection signal. 73a), and a discharge detection means (for example, an accessory discharge switch 85a) that outputs a discharge detection signal that can specify that the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball device has been discharged from the variable winning ball device. The control means executes a process of steps S592, S593, S596, S597, S601, S602 in the winning control means for determining whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the winning detection means (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560). And the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball device is discharged from the variable winning ball device based on the discharge detection signal from the discharge detecting means. Determining discharge determining means for determining Taka not (e.g., step in the gaming control microcomputer 560 S427, S434, S490, portions for performing the process of S497) and a, if the variable winning ball device is controlled to a closed state The game determining microcomputer determines that the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball device in the open state has been discharged from the variable winning ball device (the game control microcomputer 560 is discharged from the variable winning ball device). If it is detected that the game has been made, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred based on the fact that the winning determination means has input a winning detection signal, on condition that the game is shifted from the small hit game or round state (see step S941). Discharge abnormality determination means for determining (in the production control microcomputer 100, steps S942 to S9 The process 6 may comprise a portion) to be executed.

A prize game ball payout control means (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560 in steps S362, S368, S369, and S371 to S382) that executes control for paying out a prize game ball in response to the winning of the game ball in the winning area. And a winning detection means for detecting a game ball won in the winning area of the variable winning ball apparatus and outputting a winning detection signal (for example, a first winning combination winning switch 71a, a second winning combination winning switch) 72a, a third prize winning switch 73a), and the game control means determines whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the winning detection means (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the step) S592, S593, S596, S597, S601, S602) and a variable winning ball apparatus Variable winning ball apparatus abnormality determining means (for example, a game control microcomputer) that determines that an abnormal winning has occurred based on the fact that the winning determination means has input a winning detection signal when it is not controlled to the dynamic motion state or the specific gaming state And the prize game ball payout control means when the variable winning ball apparatus abnormality determining means determines that an abnormal winning has occurred, the prize based on the winning prize is included in the step S591, S594, S598, S603 in FIG. The payout control prohibiting means for prohibiting the execution of the control for paying out the game ball (for example, the part for executing the processing of steps S366 and S367 in the game control microcomputer 560) may be included.

  In the first aspect of the invention, in the gaming machine in which the gaming machine shifts to the specific gaming state when the game ball wins in the special area, the game control means determines the display result of the variable display device. And a starting operation control means for controlling the variable winning ball apparatus to a starting operation state that is opened once or a plurality of times when the opening display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device, and is determined by the display result determining means. There are multiple types of opening display results, and the number of opening of the variable winning ball device in a specific gaming state is varied according to the opening display results, so that the game is played at the stage before the game balls enter the special area. A display relating to the advantage / disadvantage (opening frequency) of the player is made, and it is possible to attract the player's interest in whether or not the game ball wins in the special area. In other words, it is possible to improve the interest of the game due to the movement of the game medium in the variable winning ball apparatus (function) in which the special area is formed.

In the invention according to claim 2 , when the variable winning ball apparatus is controlled to be in the closed state, it is determined by the discharge determining means that the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus in the open state is discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus. On the condition that the winning determination means inputs the winning detection signal, the discharge abnormality determining means for determining that an abnormal winning has occurred is provided based on the input of the winning detection signal, so that illegal acts can be effectively prevented. .

In the invention described in claim 3 , when the variable winning ball apparatus is not controlled in the starting operation state or the specific game state, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred based on the fact that the winning determination means inputs the winning detection signal. Since it is configured, fraud can be effectively prevented. The prize game ball payout control means is configured to prohibit the execution of the control for paying out the prize game balls based on the prize when the variable prize ball apparatus abnormality determination means determines that an abnormal prize has occurred. When there is a possibility that the winning determination means has input a winning detection signal due to fraud, it is possible to prevent the game store from being disadvantaged by not paying out the winning ball based on the winning.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. The lower part of the hitting ball supply tray 3 has a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3 and the speed at which the hitting ball launching device launches the game balls (that is, And a hitting ball operating handle (operating knob) 5 for adjusting the height).

  The player can adjust the momentum of the game ball fired from the ball striking device by rotating the operation knob 5. Specifically, by rotating the operation knob 5 to the right, the speed of the game ball fired from the ball striking device gradually increases, and when the speed exceeds a predetermined speed, the game ball fired Enters the left area of the gaming area 7 from above through the hitting rail. When the operation knob 5 is further rotated to the right, the launched game ball enters the right area of the game area 7 from above. Therefore, by changing the rotation amount with the operation knob 5 rotated to the right, it is possible to adjust the momentum of the game ball launched from the hitting ball launching device, and to adjust the area into which the game ball is to be shot. .

  A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. In addition, a game area 7 partitioned by guide rails is formed on the front surface of the game board 6.

  A variable winning ball apparatus 20 is disposed in the approximate center of the game area 7. Below the variable winning ball apparatus 20, a first winning prize opening 11, a second starting prize opening 12, and a variable winning ball apparatus 15 forming a third starting prize opening 13 are provided. The winning ball that has entered the first starting winning port 11 is detected by the first starting port switch 11a, and the winning ball that has entered the second starting winning port 12 is detected by the second starting port switch 12a. Guided to the back. In addition, the winning ball that has entered the third starting winning opening 13 that can be won when the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened is detected by the third starting opening switch 13 a and guided to the back of the game board 6. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 15a. Hereinafter, the first start winning port 11, the second start winning port 12, and the third starting winning port 13 may be collectively referred to as “start winning ports” or may be expressed as starting winning ports 11, 12, and 13. . Further, the first start port switch 11a, the second start port switch 12a, and the third start port switch 13a may be collectively referred to as “start port switches” or may be represented as start port switches 11a, 12a, and 13a. .

  When the game ball wins the start winning opening and is detected by the start opening switch, the variable winning ball apparatus 20 is controlled to open and close once or twice. By the opening / closing control, the left open door 76A moves to the left from the initial position, and the right open door 76B moves to the right from the initial position, so that the variable winning ball device 20 enters the open state, and the open door 76A. , 76B return to the initial position, the variable winning ball apparatus 20 is closed. The state where the variable winning ball apparatus 20 performs the opening operation in response to the detection of the winning of the start port switch in this way is referred to as a starting operation state. Hereinafter, the variable winning ball apparatus 20 may be referred to as a big winning opening or an accessory. In addition, the game board 6 is provided with various kinds of winnings. Hereinafter, the winning combination means the variable winning ball apparatus 20.

  Further, the variable winning ball apparatus 20 is controlled to be opened and closed a predetermined number of times, that is, a predetermined number of rounds when a big hit game start condition (for example, a game ball has won a specific area in the starting operation state) is established. This state is called a big hit gaming state (specific gaming state). In the big hit gaming state, a high percentage is won, and a large number of game balls are paid out to the player. Note that, except for the start operation state, a state where the variable winning ball apparatus 20 is controlled to open and close (a big hit game state) may be referred to as a first big hit game state. In addition, among the plurality of rounds in the first big hit gaming state, there may be included a round in which a large winning opening that is opened by the opening / closing plate 16 being opened is controlled to be opened / closed.

  An effect display device 9 such as an LCD for effect display is provided on the back side inside the variable winning ball device 20. The effect display device 9 variably displays a decorative symbol as identification information (variable display). In this embodiment, the effect display device 9 has, for example, three variable display portions (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”.

  On the right side of the variable winning ball apparatus 20, a special symbol display 8 that variably displays a special symbol as identification information is provided. The special symbol display 8 is constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display.

  Above the special symbol display 8, there is provided a special symbol start memory display 18 composed of four LEDs for displaying the number of effective winning balls in which a game ball has entered the starting winning opening, that is, the starting memory number. The special symbol start memory display 18 displays up to four start memory numbers in the order of winning. The special symbol start memory display 18 increases the number of LEDs in the lit state by 1 each time there is an effective start winning in the start winning openings 11, 12, and 13. Each time variable display is started on the special symbol display 8, the number of LEDs that are lit is reduced by 1 (that is, one LED is turned off). In this example, the special symbol start memory display 18 shifts the lighting state every time variable display is started on the special symbol display 8. As will be described later, since the start memory number is also displayed on the effect display device 9, the special symbol start memory display 18 may not be provided.

  On the left side of the variable winning ball apparatus 20, a normal symbol display 10 for variably displaying normal symbols is provided. When the game ball passes through the gate 32 provided in the game area 7 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol display 10 displays a variable symbol of a normal symbol (in this example, a numeric display with a 7-segment LED). Be started. In this embodiment, “7” is stopped and displayed at the end of variable display in the case of winning, and other than “7” is stopped and displayed in the case of losing. In the case of winning, the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. Note that the normal symbol hit probability is, for example, 12/13. Above the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol start memory display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of balls passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time the gate 32 passes, the normal symbol start memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  In the lower part of the variable winning ball device 15, a big winning opening is provided in which the opening / closing plate 16 is opened by the solenoid 21 in a specific gaming state (big hit gaming state). The opening / closing plate 16 is means for opening and closing the special winning opening. The winning ball that has entered the big winning opening is detected by the count switch 23. A special winning area (V winning area) is formed inside the big winning opening, and a game ball that has passed the V winning area is detected by the V winning switch 22. The next round in the jackpot gaming state is started on the condition that the game ball passes the V winning area (except for the case of the final round). In this embodiment, the game ball that has passed the V winning area is also detected by the count switch 23. Hereinafter, the grand prize opening by the variable prize ball device 20 may be referred to as a second grand prize opening, and the big prize opening by the opening / closing plate 16 may be referred to as a first grand prize opening. The first grand prize opening and the second big prize opening may be collectively referred to as “large prize opening”.

  A winning opening (ordinary winning opening) 38 is provided on the right side of the opening / closing plate 16, and a winning opening (normal winning opening) 39 is provided on the left side of the opening / closing plate 16. The game balls that have won the game ball winning openings 38 and 39 are detected by the winning opening switches 38a and 39a. The winning openings 38 and 39 constitute a winning area provided in the game board 6 as an area for accepting game media and allowing winning. The start winning opening also constitutes a winning area that accepts game media and allows winning, and a winning area is also provided inside the large winning opening (the first and second large winning openings). When a game ball wins a winning area, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the player as a prize (prize ball).

  Decorative lamps blinking and displayed during the game are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7, and there is an out port 26 for collecting the game balls that have not won a prize at the bottom.

  Two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c are provided. Further, a decoration LED is installed around each structure (variable winning ball apparatus 20 or the like) in the game area 7. The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decoration LED are examples of a decorative light emitter provided in the gaming machine.

  In this example, a prize ball LED 51 that is lit during award ball payout is provided in the vicinity of the left frame lamp 28b, and a ball break LED 52 that is lit when the supply ball is cut is provided in the vicinity of the right frame lamp 28c. It has been. Further, a prepaid card unit that enables lending a ball by inserting a prepaid card is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 (not shown).

  The game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through the ball striking rail, and then falls in the game area 7. When the hit ball enters the start winning opening and is detected by the start opening switch, if the variable display of the symbol can be started, the special symbol starts variable display on the special symbol display 8 and the effect display device 9 displays the decorative symbol. Starts variable display. If it is not in a state in which the variable display of the symbol can be started, if the number of start winning memories which is the reserved storage of the special symbol variable display on the special symbol display 8 is not the upper limit number, the starting winning memory number is increased by one. That is, the number of LEDs to be turned on in the special symbol start memory display 18 is increased by one.

  The variable display of special symbols (“0” to “9”) on the special symbol display 8 stops when a predetermined time has elapsed. If the special symbol at the time of stoppage is a big hit symbol (specific display result: specifically, for example, “3”, “7”), the first big hit gaming state (without starting operation state) of the big hit gaming state The game goes to the jackpot game state to be started. In the case of a symbol other than that (small hit symbol), it shifts to the starting operation state. In the start operation state, when a game ball wins in a special area provided in the variable winning ball apparatus 20, the state shifts to a second big hit game state (a big hit game state started after passing through the start operation state).

  Next, the variable winning ball apparatus 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 are front views of the variable winning ball apparatus 20 provided on the game board 6 as viewed from the front. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a structure having game ball passing ports 71, 72, 73 provided on the back side of the open doors 76A, 76B shown in FIGS. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a path from the passing port 71 to the specific winning port 66 that forms the specific region. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a path from the passing port 73 to a specific winning port that forms a specific region. FIGS. 7A, 8A and 9 are top views of the lower part of the variable winning ball apparatus 20 as viewed from above, and FIGS. 7B and 8B are variable winning ball apparatuses. It is the front view which looked at the lower part of 20 from the front side. FIG. 9 also shows a rotating body (disk) 86 provided immediately above the specific winning opening 66. FIG. 10 is a top view of the rotator 86 as viewed from above. 3 and 5 to 9, arrows indicate the course of the game ball.

  When the opening doors 76 </ b> A and 76 </ b> B are opened by driving the opening / closing motor 75, the variable winning device (combination object) 20 is in a state in which a game ball can enter. The game ball that has entered the accessory 20 passes through any of the passage openings 71, 72, 73 and flows down to the lower side of the accessory 20. The game ball that has passed through the passage opening 71 is detected by the first winning combination winning switch 71a, and the game ball that has passed through the passage opening 72 is detected by the second winning combination winning switch 72a and has passed through the passage opening 73. Is detected by the third prize winning switch 73a. The game ball that has passed through the passage port 71 passes through the guide rod 71A and is guided to the left in the accessory 20. The game ball that has passed through the passage openings 72 and 73 passes through the guide rod 73A and is guided to the right in the accessory 20. 2 shows a state in which the open doors 76A and 76B are closed and the game ball cannot enter the accessory 20, and FIG. 3 shows a state in which the open doors 76A and 76B are opened. Yes. In addition, the first prize winning switch 71a, the second prize winning switch 72a, and the third prize winning switch 73a may be collectively referred to as an “act winning prize switch”.

  Open doors 76A and 76B (not shown in FIG. 4) are provided on the front side of the structure shown in FIG. The game ball reaches any one of the passage openings 71, 72, and 73 through any of the three passages (routes from the front side to the back side) in the structure shown in FIG. When the open doors 76A and 76B are closed (completely closed state), the game ball cannot enter any of the three passage openings 71, 72, and 73. When the open doors 76A and 76B are in the open state, the open doors 76A and 76B can enter any of the three passage openings 71, 72, and 73. However, when the open doors 76A and 76B are in the most open state (fully open state) Although it can enter any of the passage openings 71, 72, 73, the left and right passage openings 71, 73 become smaller as the open area becomes smaller during the period when the open doors 76A, 76B shift from the fully opened state to the fully closed state. Compared to the above, it becomes easier to pass through the central passage 72. In addition, during a period of transition from the fully closed state to the fully opened state, the game ball gradually enters a state where it can enter any of the three passing ports 71, 72, 73 from a state where the game ball easily enters the central passing port 72. Transition.

  That is, immediately after the opening doors 76A and 76B start transition from the fully closed state to the fully closed state and immediately before returning to the fully closed state, the proportion of the game balls passing through the central passage 72 is relatively high. . Note that opening the opening doors 76A and 76B means that the accessory 20 is in an open state, and closing the opening doors 76A and 76B means that the accessory 20 is in a closed state. Moreover, the open door 76A and the open door 76B move in the target state. The movement in the target state means that the distance from the center (the central axis of the central passage port 72) to the end of the open door 76A (the end near the central passage 72) and the end of the open door 76B ( This means that the distance to the end near the central passage 72 is always the same.

  Movable members 77 and 78 are provided on the left and right sides of the accessory 20. The moving part in the movable member 77 is a movable part 77A, and the moving part in the movable member 78 is a movable part 78A. The movable portion 77A is moved by a movable portion drive solenoid 77B, and the movable portion 78A is moved by a movable portion drive solenoid 78B. The movable part 77A and the movable part 78A each move in the vertical direction. A game ball that has won a specific winning opening 66 that forms a specific area provided at the bottom of the accessory 20 is detected by a specific area switch 66a. Note that the fact that a game ball has won the specific winning opening 66 and is detected by the specific area switch 66a is also referred to as V winning.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (A), the game ball that has passed through the passage opening 71 and is guided by the guide rod 71A (not shown in FIG. 5) passes through the passage 71B to the specific winning opening 66 and enters a specific area. It is possible to reach. The passage 71B becomes an open portion (a bowl-shaped passage) whose upper part is open from the middle, and a discontinuous passage 71C that is a passage that is connected to the passage 71B and cannot reach a specific area is provided at the beginning of the open portion. Yes. As shown in FIG. 5B, the movable portion 77A prevents the passage of the game ball downstream of the passage 71B at the beginning of the opening portion of the passage 71B during operation (when in the lower position). Is guided to the disengagement passage 71C. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the movable portion 77A is in the upper position, the game ball is not blocked by the movable portion 77A, and flows down to the downstream side of the passage 71B from the position where the movable portion 77A is provided. .

  As shown in FIG. 6 (A), the game ball that has passed through the passage openings 72 and 73 and is guided by the guide rod 73A (not shown in FIG. 6) passes through the passage 73B that leads to the specific winning opening 66. It is possible to reach the area. The passage 73B is an open portion (a bowl-shaped passage) that is open from the middle. The opening part of the passage 73B is curved, and there is no wall inside the curve at the beginning of the opening part. As shown in FIG. 6B, the movable portion 77A prevents the passage of the game ball downstream of the passage 73B at the beginning of the opening portion of the passage 73B during operation (when in the lower position). Is guided from the portion where the inner wall does not exist to the detaching passage 73C, which is a passage that cannot reach the specific region. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the movable portion 78A is in the upper position, the game ball is not blocked by the movable portion 78A and flows through the passage 73B along the outer wall of the curve by centrifugal force. It flows down from the position where the movable portion 78A is provided to the downstream side of the passage 73B.

  The passage 73B reaches the midway hole 74. The rotating body 86 is provided below the midway hole 74. The game ball that has passed through the intermediate hole 74 flows down to the rotating body 86.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the game ball that has passed through the midway hole 74 flows down to the specific area side through the passage 74B. The passage 74 </ b> B merges with the passage 71 </ b> B, which is a route from the passage port 71, in the upper part of the rotating body 86.

  In this embodiment, the game ball that has passed through the passage port 72 and the game ball that has passed through the passage port 73 are merged by the guide rod 73A, but the game ball that has passed through the passage port 72 and the game ball that has passed through the passage port 73 A ball path may be provided so as to reach the intermediate hole 74 directly from the passage port 72 without joining the game balls.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the game ball that has won the specific winning opening 66 and is detected by the specific area switch 66a is further detected by the accessory discharge switch 85a. A game ball that has not won the specific winning opening 66 is also detected by the accessory discharge switch 85a. That is, in this embodiment, all the game balls that have entered the accessory 20 are detected by the accessory discharge switch 85a. Note that the game path won in the specific winning opening 66 is not detected by the accessory discharge switch 85a, and only the gaming balls that have not won the specific winning opening 66 are detected by the accessory discharge switch 85a. It may be configured. In this case, the sum of the number of game balls detected by the specific area switch 66a and the number of game balls detected by the accessory discharge switch 85a is the number of game balls discharged from the accessory 20.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (A), the game balls that have passed through the slipping paths 71C and 73C do not pass through the specific winning opening 66 from the slipping openings 67 and 68 formed in the vicinity immediately above the specific winning opening 66. Be guided to.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of concave portions 86 </ b> C are formed on the surface of the rotating body 86, and a notch 86 </ b> A is provided in a part of the rotating body 86. In the example shown in FIG. 10, seven concave portions 86C are provided. The game ball that has entered the passage 74B from the midway hole 74 and the game ball that has passed through the passage 71B reach the rotating body 86, but can enter the specific winning opening 66 only from the cutout portion 86A of the rotating body 86. The game ball that has entered the recess 86 </ b> C formed on the surface of the frame area (donut portion) of the rotator 86 is moved by the rotator 86, and is guided from the detachment port 69 to a path that does not pass through the specific winning port 66. . The recess 86C is a communication hole having no bottom surface. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the recess 86C can fall to the lower part, but the fall is prevented by the structure on the back surface of the rotating body 86 until the recess 86C containing the game ball reaches the position of the release port 69. ing. Further, the wall portion of the outer edge portion of the concave portion 86 </ b> C is prevented from falling toward the specific winning opening 66 from the concave portion 86 </ b> C. Note that a space between one recess 86C and the recess 86C adjacent thereto (hereinafter also referred to as “connecting portion”) is not a communication hole, so that the game ball does not fall from there.

  As indicated by broken line arrows in FIG. 9, the rotating body 86 rotates (in this example, rotates counterclockwise) by the driving of the rotating body drive motor 87 (see FIG. 10). During the rotation of the rotating body 86, the game ball that has reached the rotating body 86 when the notch 86 </ b> A is positioned immediately above the specific winning slot 66 can immediately win the specific winning slot 66. Moreover, the area | region (internal area | region) inside the donut part in the rotary body 86 is an area | region formed in planar shape. Therefore, the game ball that has reached the rotating body 86 may enter the notch 86A or the recess 86C after rolling in the internal region.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a sensor for position detection is provided in the vicinity of the rotating body 86. The sensor includes, for example, a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode and a light receiving element such as a photodiode or a phototransistor installed so as to sandwich the rotating body 86, and the rotating body 86 is provided with a hole 87c. The hole 87 c is formed at a predetermined position in the inner region of the rotating body 86. Specifically, it is formed at a position that allows light from the light emitting element to pass to the light receiving element side when the rotating body 86 rotates and the region including the hole portion is at a position corresponding to the sensor installation position. The light receiving element is hereinafter referred to as a position sensor 87a.

  The game ball that has passed through the intermediate hole 74 and has reached the rotating body 86 through the passage 74B is almost always dropped from the notch 86A and specified when the notch 86A is located immediately above the specific winning opening 66. Wins a prize opening 66. However, when the game ball reaches the rotating body 86 from the passage 71B, even when the cutout portion 86A is located immediately above the specific winning opening 66, the cutout portion 86A does not fall from the cutout portion 86A. May be crossed. The passage 74B which is a route from the intermediate hole 74 to the rotating body 86 is steeply inclined with respect to the surface of the rotating body 86 and is formed so as to flow down from the upper part with respect to the rotating body 86. This is because the passage 71B is formed so as to flow in from the lateral direction with respect to the surface of the rotating body 86 immediately before flowing into the rotating body 86.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the game ball passes through the central passage 72 or the right passage 73, the V winning is more likely than when the game ball passes through the left passage 71. Will occur. That is, the right route from the passing port 72 and the passing port 73 is easier to guide the game ball to the specific winning port 66 than the left route from the passing port 71. Further, in the case where a ball passage that directly reaches the midway hole 74 from the passage port 72 is provided, when the game ball passes through the central passage port 72, it is not blocked by the movable portions 77A and 78A. Compared to the case where the left and right passage openings 71 and 73 are passed, the specific winning opening 66 is easily reached.

  In this embodiment, in the second big hit gaming state, it is assumed that a winning occurs when a game ball is detected by the accessory winning switch. That is, an area in which the three prize winning switches 71a, 72a, 73a are provided corresponds to the winning area. However, a switch for detecting a game ball may be provided in the variable winning ball apparatus 20 in addition to the prize winning switch, and a winning may occur when the game ball is detected by the switch.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the game proceeds in the gaming machine of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, when a game ball is won at the start winning opening and the detection signal of any of the start opening switches 11a, 12a, 13a is turned on, that is, when a start winning occurs, the progress of the game is controlled. A lottery is executed by the game control means. In this embodiment, the lottery result is a big hit or a small hit, and there is no losing. Then, the variation (variable display) of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is started. When the variation of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is finished, when the big hit is determined, the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state (first big hit gaming state). In the big hit gaming state, the opening / closing control of the large winning opening (first large winning opening) by the opening / closing plate 16 is performed 16 times (16 rounds, 1 round opening allowance time is 29 seconds). As described above, in this embodiment, the number of rounds in the jackpot gaming state is fixed at 16, but the number of rounds (for example, any one of 2 rounds, 7 rounds, and 16 rounds) is determined by lottery or the like. May be.

  When the small hit is determined, the game control means controls the accessory 20 to the open state and starts the starting operation. In the starting operation state, the accessory 20 is opened for 0.9 seconds. The number of times of opening (number of times of opening) is once or twice. In the start-up operation state, when a game ball wins the accessory 20, and when the game ball wins the specific winning slot 66 and is detected by the specific area switch 66a, a V prize is generated. When a V prize is generated, the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state (second big hit gaming state). If no V prize is generated, the game does not enter the second big hit gaming state. In other words, it becomes out of place.

  In this embodiment, in the second jackpot gaming state, the first grand prize opening is controlled to be opened / closed in all rounds, the round in which the first big prize opening is controlled to open / close, and the second big prize opening are There is a state in which a round controlled to open and close is mixed. In this way, there are a round with the first big prize opening where the continuation right of the next round is likely to occur and a round with the second big prize place where the continuation right of the next round is difficult to occur, so the variation of the game has been increased. Yes. However, even in a gaming machine having only the second grand prize opening without having both the first big prize opening by the opening / closing plate 16 and the second big prize opening by the variable winning ball apparatus 20, the display of the special symbol is performed. Thus, the present invention can be applied in which the number of times the big winning opening is opened in the big hit gaming state.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the variation of the special symbol and the decorative symbol and the start of the small hit game. As shown in FIG. 12, when the “start winning prize” occurs, the special symbol display 8 changes the special symbol, and the effect display device 9 performs the display effect in synchronization therewith. When the variable time has elapsed, a special symbol stop symbol is derived and displayed. If the stop symbol is not a big hit symbol, the accessory 20 is released (blade released) and a small hit game is started. In addition, as will be described below, the decorative display pattern is changed in the effect display device 9 in synchronization with the change of the special pattern. However, in FIG. 12, the decorative pattern change is omitted.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the variation of the special symbol and the decorative symbol, the start of the small hit game, and the start of the big hit game. As shown in FIG. 13, when the “start winning prize” occurs, the special symbol display 8 changes the special symbol, and the effect display device 9 performs the display effect in synchronization therewith. Note that the example shown in FIG. 13 is an example in which variation patterns # 7A to # 7C described later are used. When the variable time has elapsed, a special symbol stop symbol is derived and displayed. If the stop symbol is not a big hit symbol, the accessory 20 is released (blade released) and a small hit game is started. When the stop symbol is a jackpot symbol ("3" or "7"), a jackpot display ("big hit" or "probability big hit") is performed, and the jackpot game is started. In that case, the game in the small hit game 8 starting operation state) is not executed. Thus, in this embodiment, the jackpot game state (first jackpot game state) that occurs when the stop symbol of the special symbol becomes a specific symbol, and the jackpot that occurs when a V-winning occurs in the jackpot game Since there is a gaming state (second jackpot gaming state), the player can enjoy a plurality of types of jackpot games. Note that when the variation patterns # 7A to # 7C are used, the variation time is long, so even if the result is a small hit, the player is not required to go through the starting operation state until the variation time ends. It can be expected to occur. This is the same when the variation patterns # 8A to # 8C and # 9A to # 9C are used. In addition, as will be described below, the decoration display pattern 9 is changed in the effect display device 9 in synchronization with the change of the special pattern. However, in FIG. 13, the change of the decoration pattern is omitted.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of image display such as an effect after the change (the effect executed before the end of the change of the special symbol and the start of the small hit game) in the effect display device 9. FIG. 14A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display effect of a small hit (opening an accessory once), and FIG. 14B is an example of a display effect of a small hit (opening an accessory twice). It is explanatory drawing shown. FIG. 14C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display effect when a V winning is generated in the small hit game. The display effect illustrated in FIG. 14C is executed during a small hit game, for example. Note that the display effects illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B may also be executed during the small hit game.

  14A and 14B illustrate still images, the effect control microcomputer 100 causes the effect display device 9 to display the images in FIGS. 14A and 14B in the effect period after change. ) Are controlled so as to sequentially display images in which the contents of the images illustrated in each of them are changed (for example, images in which petals gradually drop or move). In addition, the post-change effect is also performed on the light emitter and the speaker 27 in synchronization with the display of the post-change effect on the effect display device 9.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the stop symbol of the special symbol and the type of winning. As shown in FIG. 15, the special symbol stop symbol has a big hit symbol (in this example, “3” or “7”) and a small hit symbol (in this example, other than “3” and “7”). However, the small hit symbol and the number of rounds in the second big hit gaming state correspond to each other. Further, the small hit symbol corresponds to the number of times the accessory 20 is released in the starting operation state. Therefore, a display relating to the player's advantage / disadvantage (number of times of opening) is made in the stage before the V winning in the small hit game, and the player's interest is drawn to whether or not the game ball will win the specific winning slot 66. Can do. In this embodiment, the number of rounds is determined by the type of the small hit symbol, but in addition to the type of the small hit symbol type, the number of rounds is determined depending on which of the passing holes 71, 72, 73 the game ball has passed. You may make it vary the range and kind of round number to be played, and the distribution ratio of a round.

  Further, the accessory 20 is controlled to be opened only in the starting operation state and the big hit gaming state. Therefore, in a game state other than those states, the game ball does not win a prize. Therefore, when a winning is detected inside the bonus game in a gaming state other than those states, the winning is not a regular winning (abnormal winning). Therefore, in this embodiment, when an abnormal winning occurs, a notification to that effect is made and a prize ball payout based on the winning is not performed. Therefore, in the gaming machine provided with the accessory 20, it is easy to find fraud. Also, it becomes possible to prevent prize ball payout based on fraud.

Next, the configuration and operation of control means and the like in the gaming machine will be described.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 16 also shows the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the CPU 56 and the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached.

  The game control microcomputer 560 further includes a random number circuit 503 that generates hardware random numbers. The random number circuit 503 may be provided outside the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31 instead of being built in the game control microcomputer 560.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power supply created on the power supply board. In this embodiment, the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54, so that the game control microcomputer 560 (or CPU 56) executes (or performs processing) hereinafter. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  In addition, the gate switch 32a, the first start opening switch 11a, the second start opening switch 12a, the third start opening switch 13a, the first winning combination winning switch 71a, the second winning combination winning switch 72a, and the third winning combination winning switch 73a. An input driver circuit 58 that supplies detection signals from the specific area switch 66a, the accessory discharge switch 85a, the prize opening switches 38a and 39a, the V prize winning switch 22, the count switch 23, and the position sensor 87a to the game control microcomputer 560. It is mounted on the main board 31. Further, a solenoid 15a for opening / closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15, a solenoid 21 for opening / closing the opening / closing plate 16, an opening / closing motor 75 for opening / closing the opening / closing doors 76A, 76B, a movable part driving solenoid 77B for operating the movable part 77A, An output circuit 59 for driving the movable part drive solenoid 78B for operating the movable part 78A in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. Further, an information output circuit (not shown) for outputting an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer is also mounted on the main board 31.

  In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 includes a special symbol display 8 that variably displays special symbols, a normal symbol display 10 that variably displays normal symbols, a special symbol hold memory display 18 and a normal symbol hold memory display 41. Perform display control.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 177. The display control of the effect display device 9, the lighting control of the lamp, and the control of the speaker 27 are performed.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 177, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer. Further, without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control.

  The effect control board 80 has an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101 and a RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture signal from the main board 31 input via the relay board 177 ( In response to the (effect control INT signal), an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103. Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the effect display device 9 based on the effect control command.

  The effect control command and the effect control INT signal are first input to the input driver 102 on the effect control board 80. The input driver 102 passes the signal input from the relay board 177 only in the direction toward the inside of the effect control board 80 (the signal direction does not pass in the direction from the inside of the effect control board 80 to the relay board 177). It is also a unidirectional circuit as a regulating means.

  In addition, the signal input from the main board 31 is allowed to pass through the relay board 177 only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 (the signal is not passed in the direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). A unidirectional circuit 177A as a means is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 17 illustrates a diode. A unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal. Furthermore, since the effect control command and the effect control INT signal are output from the main board 31 via the output port 571 that is a unidirectional circuit, the signal directed from the relay board 177 to the inside of the main board 31 is restricted. That is, the signal from the relay board 177 does not enter the inside of the main board 31 (the game control microcomputer 560 side). The output port 571 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG. Further, a signal driver circuit that is a unidirectional circuit may be further provided outside the output port 571 (on the relay board 77 side).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the lamp to the lamp driver board 35 via the output port 105. Further, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound number data to the audio output board 70 via the output port 104.

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the lamp is input to the lamp driver 352 via the input driver 351. The lamp driver 352 amplifies a signal for driving the lamp and supplies the amplified signal to each lamp provided on the frame side such as the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c. Further, it is supplied to a decorative lamp (not shown) provided on the frame side.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice or sound effect according to the sound number data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data indicating the sound effect or sound output mode in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, a decorative symbol variation period).

  The signal for driving the lamp and the sound number data are communicated between the effect control CPU 101, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70 in such a way that a response signal is transmitted from the signal receiving side to the transmitting side. Communication).

  The effect control CPU 101 reads necessary data from a character ROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The character ROM is for storing character image data displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, a person, a character, a figure, a symbol or the like (including a decorative design and a background design) in advance. The effect control CPU 101 outputs the data read from the character ROM to the VDP 109. The VDP 109 executes display control based on the data input from the effect control CPU 101.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the effect display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 100 is mounted on the effect control board 80. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the production control microcomputer 100, and maps a VRAM therein. The VRAM is a buffer memory for expanding image data generated by the VDP. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the effect display device 9.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When power is supplied to the gaming machine and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the gaming control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) After executing a security check process, which is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, the main process after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). After initialization of the built-in device (CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port), which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) is performed (step S4), the RAM is accessible (Step S5). In the interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This mode indicates an interrupt address. The CPU 56 also executes processing for initializing the random number circuit 503. The CPU 56 performs setting for causing the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R. The random number circuit 503 generates a random number using a predetermined clock signal. As an example, the random number circuit 503 is set to output any numerical value of 0 to 598 to the CPU 56 when the numerical value is read from the CPU 56.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal of the clear switch (for example, mounted on the power supply board) input via the input port (step S6). When the ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes a normal initialization process (steps S10 to S15, including S44 and S45).

  If the clear switch is not on, check whether data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped (Step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process.

  When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process has been performed, the CPU 56 performs data check of the backup RAM area (step S8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in step S8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 recovers the game state restoration process (steps S41 to S43) for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Process). Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain as they are. The parts that should not be initialized include, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, etc.), the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer), unpaid prize balls This is the part where data indicating the number is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether the data in the backup RAM area is stored using both the backup flag and the check data. However, only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity for executing the game state restoration process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The RAM clear process initializes predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) to 0, but is initialized to an arbitrary value or a predetermined value. You may make it do. Alternatively, the entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) may be left as it is. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing of steps S10 to S12, for example, an initial value (for example, 0) is set to a flag for performing processing selectively according to the control state such as a special symbol process flag.

  Further, the CPU 56 initializes a sub board (a board on which a microcomputer other than the main board 31 is mounted) (a command indicating that the game control microcomputer 560 has executed an initialization process). Is also transmitted to the sub-board (step S13). For example, when the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the initialization designation command, the effect display device 9 performs screen display for notifying that the control of the gaming machine has been performed, that is, initialization notification.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets an abnormality notification prohibition flag (step S44) and sets a value corresponding to the prohibition period value in the prohibition period timer (step S45). The prohibition period value is a value indicating a period during which an abnormal winning notification described later is prohibited. The abnormality notification prohibition flag is a flag indicating that notification of an abnormal winning is prohibited, and is maintained in the set state until the prohibition period timer times out. Therefore, the start of the abnormal winning notification is prohibited for a predetermined period after the initialization notification is started in the effect display device 9.

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a register of the CTC built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the stop symbol of the normal symbol, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. It is. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is a counter (normal symbol determination random number generation counter) for generating a random number for determining whether or not the display result of the normal symbol is a winning symbol. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls game devices such as an effect display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the game machine itself. In a process for transmitting a command signal to cause another microcomputer to control, or a game machine control process), the count value of the counter for generating a random number for determining a normal symbol is one round (normal When the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value of the random values for determination per symbol is increased), an initial value is set in the counter.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S35 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output when, for example, a voltage drop monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a drop in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, via the input driver circuit 58, the gate switch 32a, the first start opening switch 11a, the second start opening switch 12a, the third start opening switch 13a, the first winning combination winning switch 71a, and the second winning combination winning switch 72a. The detection signals of the third prize winning switch 73a, the specific area switch 66a, the prize discharging switch 85a, the prize opening switches 38a and 39a, the V prize winning switch 22, the count switch 23, and the position sensor 87a are inputted, and their states A determination is made (switch process: step S21).

  Next, the CPU 56 executes a display control process for performing display control of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 (step S22). For the special symbol display 8 and the normal symbol display 10, control for outputting a drive signal to each display is executed according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S33 and S34.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process for notifying an abnormal winning when, for example, it is detected that a game ball has won a prize at a time other than the regular time (step S23: abnormal winning notification process).

  Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a big hit determination random number used for game control is performed (determination random number update process: step S24). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (initial value random number update process, display random number update process: steps S25 and S26).

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 2: Determine the variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol (for variation pattern determination)
(2) Random 3: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(3) Random 4: Determine initial value of random 3 (for determining random 3 initial value)
(4) Random 5: Determine the stop symbol of the normal symbol (for normal symbol determination)

  Note that a random number generated by the random number circuit 503 is used as a big hit determination random number for determining whether to win a big hit or a small hit. Hereinafter, the jackpot determination random number may be referred to as random 1 or random R. The random numbers (1) to (4) may be referred to as software random numbers.

  In step S24 in the game control process shown in FIG. 19, the game control microcomputer 560 counts up (adds 1) a counter for generating a random number for determination per ordinary symbol of (2). That is, the random number for normal symbol determination is a random number for determination, and the other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In order to enhance the gaming effect, software random numbers other than the random numbers (1) to (4) may be used.

  In this embodiment, the special symbol stop symbol is also determined by determining whether or not the big hit or the small hit is generated by random 1 (random R) that is a hardware random number.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S27). In the special symbol process, the processing corresponding to the special symbol process flag for controlling the special symbol display 8 and the special prize opening (the big prize opening by the accessory 20 and the opening / closing plate 16) in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. Execute. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S28). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 and the control state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command related to the display control of the effect display device 9 (effect control command control process: step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, starting information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S30).

  The CPU 56 also includes a first start opening switch 11a, a second start opening switch 12a, a third start opening switch 13a, a first winning combination winning switch 71a, a second winning combination winning switch 72a, a third winning combination winning combination switch 73a, Prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of the prize opening switches 38a and 39a and the count switch 23 is executed (step S31). Specifically, the first start opening switch 11a, the second start opening switch 12a, the third start opening switch 13a, the first winning combination winning switch 71a, the second winning combination winning switch 72a, the third winning combination winning switch 73a, A payout control command indicating the number of winning balls is given to the payout control microcomputer mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to detection of a win based on the fact that any one of the prize opening switches 38a, 39a and the count switch 23 is turned on. Output. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 provides the output port with contents relating to solenoid on / off in the RAM area of the output port. Output (step S32: output processing). The CPU 56 also performs signal output processing for driving the motors 22 and 24 in the output processing.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, if the fluctuation speed of the special symbol is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds, the CPU 56 increments the value of the display control data set in the output buffer by 1 every time 0.2 seconds elapse. Further, the CPU 56 performs variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S34). For example, if the fluctuation rate of the normal symbol is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds, the CPU 56 increments the value of the display control data set in the output buffer by 1 every time 0.2 seconds elapse. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a normal signal on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer. Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S35), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes of steps S21 to S34 (excluding step S30) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a special symbol stop symbol and a determination value. However, FIG. 21 shows the number of determination values, not specific determination values. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the range of numerical values that can be taken by the jackpot determination random number (random R) is 0 to 598. The total number of determination values is 599, which is a number that the jackpot determination random number can take. The 599 determination values are different numerical values. The CPU 56 extracts the count value from the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and uses the extracted value as the big hit determination random value. The big hit or the small hit corresponding to the determination value that matches the big hit determination random value is obtained. Decide to do. It should be noted that since the second big hit game is started when a V win is generated in the small hit game (corresponding to the starting operation state), it is substantially determined that the big hit or the small hit is decided. It is also to decide whether it will be the second big hit.

  There are two types of big hits: a normal big hit and a probable big hit. In any case, when the change of the special symbol is finished, the game shifts directly to the 16-round big hit game state (first big hit game state) without going through the starting operation state. Later, the gaming state shifts to the probability changing state (see FIG. 15).

  As shown in FIG. 21, in this embodiment, there are a plurality of types of small hits. The small hits include a small hit that opens the accessory 20 once in the starting operation state and a small hit that opens the accessory 20 twice in the starting operation state (see FIGS. 15 and 21). The small hit type and the special symbol stop symbol correspond to each other (see FIGS. 15 and 21). In addition, there are a plurality of types of second big hit games that are started on the condition that a V win has occurred in the small hit game. That is, there is a second big hit game with a different number of rounds.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 21, in this embodiment, when the gaming state is the probability variation state, the number of determination values corresponding to the big hit is larger than that in the normal state (non-probability variation state). That is, the probability of winning a big hit is increased. Further, in the probability variation state, the probability that the accessory 20 becomes a small hit that is opened twice is increased. In this example, in the probability variation state, the number of determination values corresponding to the small hits that the accessory 20 is released twice is (80 corresponding to the stop symbol 1 + 30 corresponding to the stop symbol 4 + stop symbol 6). Corresponding 125 pieces + 37 pieces corresponding to the stop symbol 8 + 90 pieces corresponding to the stop symbol 9) = 362 pieces. In the normal state, the number of judgment values corresponding to the small hits that the accessory 20 is released twice. (80 corresponding to stop symbol 1 + 125 corresponding to stop symbol 4 + 30 corresponding to stop symbol 6 + 67 corresponding to stop symbol 8 + 42 corresponding to stop symbol 9) = 344 It is a piece. Furthermore, in the probability variation state, the probability that the second big hit game with a large number of rounds is selected is increased. In the probability variation state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is increased. Furthermore, the probability that a large number of times of opening is selected as the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is increased. That is, for the small hits where the big hit game is started on the condition that the V prize is won, there are a large number of determination values corresponding to those having a large number of times of opening in the big hit game. In this way, the game control microcomputer 560 changes the selection ratio of the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball apparatus (for example, the accessory 20) in the big hit gaming state in the probability variation state by changing the number of determination values. The selection ratio of the number of opening of the variable winning ball apparatus in the big hit gaming state in the state (non-probability changing state) can be changed. In the probability variation state, the probability of selecting the second big hit game with a large number of rounds may be set lower than the probability in the normal state.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a variation pattern and a determination value. However, FIG. 22 shows the number of determination values, not specific determination values. The total number of determination values is 150, which is the number that can be taken by the random number for determining the variation pattern. The 150 determination values are different numerical values. The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the counter for generating the variation pattern determination random number at a predetermined time and uses the extracted value as the variation pattern determination random number. Decide to use the variation pattern corresponding to the value. That is, the variation time is selected based on the variation pattern determining random number. Note that the game control microcomputer 560 determines a variation pattern according to the type of stop symbol of the determined special symbol.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process (step S27) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the special symbol display 8 and the special winning opening is executed.

  When the CPU 56 performs the special symbol process, the start port switch (first start port switch 11a, second start port) for detecting that a game ball has won a start winning port provided in the game board 6 is provided. If the switch 12a or the third start opening switch 13a) is turned on, that is, if a start winning that causes the game ball to win the start winning opening has occurred (step S321), the start opening switch passing process is executed (step S322). . Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed.

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 560 is ready to start the variable display of the special symbol, it checks the number of reserved memories (the number of start winning memories). The reserved memory number can be confirmed by the count value of the reserved memory number counter. If the number of reserved memories is not 0, it is determined whether or not to win. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301).

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. The stop symbol after the variable display of the special symbol is determined. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of variable display until the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) Decide to do. Also, a variation time timer for measuring the variation time of the special symbol is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S302).

  Special symbol changing process (step S302): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the internal state (special symbol process flag) is specially set. It is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to the symbol stop process (step S303).

  Special symbol stop process (step S303): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. The variable display on the special symbol display 8 is stopped and the stop symbol is derived and displayed. In addition, control for transmitting a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed. If the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (7 in this example) corresponding to the pre-opening process for the big prize opening (step S307). When the big hit flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to the pre-release of the accessory (step S304). The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the decorative symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Pre-opening process of accessory (step S304): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The game control microcomputer 560 executes a process for performing the starting operation, and changes the internal state (specifically, the value of the special symbol process flag) in accordance with the process of releasing the accessory (step S305). Update to the value (5 in this example).

  Processing during opening of an accessory (step S305): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. It is confirmed whether or not the specific area switch 66a is turned on, and whether or not the accessory release time has elapsed. When the specific area switch 66a is turned on, the V winning flag is set. When the bonus release time has elapsed, the bonus is closed. Then, the value of the accessory release count counter is decremented by 1. If the value of the accessory release count counter is not 0, the accessory is released to perform the starting operation again. If the value of the accessory release count counter is 0, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (6 in this example) corresponding to the post-function closing process (step S306).

  Post-combination processing (step S306): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. If the V winning flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (7 in this example) corresponding to the pre-opening process for the special winning opening (step S307). If the V winning flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (in this example, 0) corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300).

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control is performed to open the second grand prize port (that is, the accessory 20) or the first grand prize port (large prize port by the opening and closing plate 16). More specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized, and the big prize opening is opened. In addition, the execution time of the process for opening the special prize opening is set by the timer, and the internal state (specifically, the value of the special symbol process flag) is set to a value (this value corresponding to the process for opening the special prize opening (step S308)). In the example, update to 8). The pre-opening process for the big winning opening is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. Processing to confirm the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening is performed. When the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied, the internal state (specifically, the value of the special symbol process flag) is set to a value (9 in this example) corresponding to the post winning prize closing process (step S309). ).

  Process after closing the big prize opening (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. Processing to confirm that all game balls have been discharged from the big prize opening is performed. When all the game balls are discharged and there are still remaining rounds and the continuation condition of the big hit game (the V winning) has been established, the internal state (specifically, the special symbol process flag) ) Is updated to a value (7 in this example) corresponding to the pre-opening pre-opening process (step S307). When all rounds are completed or when the continuation condition for the big hit game is not satisfied, the internal state is updated to a value (10 in this example) corresponding to the big hit end process (step S310).

  Big hit end process (step S310): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state (specifically, the value of the special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300).

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 will be described. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal line of an effect control command transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80. As shown in FIG. 24, in this embodiment, the effect control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 177 with eight signal lines of the effect control signals CD0 to CD7. Further, between the main board 31 and the effect control board 80, a signal line of the effect control INT signal for transmitting the capture signal (effect control INT signal) is also wired.

  In this embodiment, the presentation control command has a 2-byte structure, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always set to “0”. Note that such a command form is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the 8-bit effect control command data of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interrupt process. Therefore, when viewed from the effect control microcomputer 100, the effect control INT signal corresponds to a signal that triggers the capture of effect control command data.

  The effect control command is sent only once so that the effect control microcomputer 100 can recognize it. In this example, “recognizable” means that the level of the effect control INT signal changes, and that it is sent only once so as to be recognizable means that, for example, each of the first and second bytes of the effect control command data Accordingly, the production control INT signal is output in a pulse shape (rectangular wave shape) only once. The effect control INT signal may have a polarity opposite to that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command sent to the effect control microcomputer 100. In the example shown in FIG. 26, commands 8001 (H) to 800F (H) are effect control commands (variation) for designating a variation pattern of decorative symbols that are variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to variable display of special symbols. (Pattern commands) (corresponding to variation patterns # 1 to # 6 and # 7A to # 9C, respectively). The commands 8001 (H) to 8006 (H) correspond to the variation patterns # 1 to # 6, and the commands 8007 (H) to 800F (H) correspond to the variation patterns # 7A, # 7B, # 7C, # 8A, # This corresponds to 8B, # 8C, # 9A, # 9B, # 9C. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the variation start. Therefore, when the production control microcomputer 100 receives any of the commands 8001 (H) to 800F (H), the production display device 9 performs control so that variable display of decorative symbols is started.

  Command 8CXX (H) (XX = 0 to 9) is an effect control command (display result designation command) that can specify a display result of variable display of decorative symbols designated by the variation pattern command. In this embodiment, the data set as XX is data indicating a special symbol stop symbol.

  The command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the special symbol variable display (variation) is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. When receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variable display (fluctuation) of the decorative symbols and derives and displays the display result. The derived display is to finally stop and display the symbol.

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization designation command: power-on designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the gaming control microcomputer 560 transmits a power failure recovery designation command if data is stored in the backup RAM, and if not, initialization designation is performed. Send a command.

  Command 9F00 (H) is an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  The command A001 (H) is an effect control command (a jackpot start designation command: a fanfare designation command) that designates the start of a jackpot game. Command A002 (H) is an effect control command (small hit start designation command) for designating the start of a small hit game (starting operation state).

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  The command A301 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, for ending the jackpot game (a jackpot end designation command: an ending designation command). Command A302 (H) is an effect control command (small hit end specifying command) for specifying the end of the small hit game. However, the small hit end designation command is transmitted when no V winning is made in the small hit game (starting operation state). When winning V, a jackpot start designation command is transmitted.

  Command B001 (H) is an effect control command (probability change state designation command) indicating that the gaming state has changed to the probability change state. Command B002 (H) is an effect control command (normal state designation command) indicating that the gaming state has returned from the probability changing state to the normal state (non-probability changing state).

  Command D001 (H) is an effect control command (first abnormal winning designation command) for instructing notification of abnormal winning to the first big winning opening (lower attacker). The command D002 (H) is an effect control command (second abnormal winning designation command) for instructing the accessory (variable winning ball apparatus) 20 to notify the abnormal winning. The command D004 (H) is an effect control command (start prize abnormality designation command) for instructing notification of an abnormal prize to the third start prize opening (ordinary electric accessory) 15.

  Command E001 (H) is an effect control command (start winning designation command) indicating that a start winning has occurred. Note that the effect control command indicating that the start winning has occurred may be an effect control command indicating the reserved storage number itself.

  The command E1XX (H) is an effect control command (time reduction number designation command) indicating the number of times that the special symbol can be changed (remaining number of times) in the time reduction state. It should be noted that the effect control command indicating the number of times the special symbol change has been executed in the time reduction state (including the change executed when the effect control command is transmitted) may be used as the effect control command related to the special symbol change in the time reduction state. . In this embodiment, the short time state is a gaming state in which the normal symbol variation time is shortened. Even when the gaming state is the probability variation state, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened.

  The command E401 (H) is an effect control command (an accessory winning designation command) indicating that a winning for the accessory 20 has occurred. Command E 402 (H) is an effect control command (V winning designation command) indicating that a winning at the specific winning opening 66 has occurred.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the effect display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 26, the display state of the light emitter such as a lamp is changed, and the sound number data is output to the sound output board 70.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the start-port switch passing process in step S322. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the reserved storage number is 4 which is the upper limit value (step S41). If the number of reserved memories is 4, the process is terminated.

  If the number of reserved memories is not 4, the value of the reserved memory number counter indicating the number of reserved memories is incremented by 1 (step S42). Further, the CPU 56 reads a count value from a counter for generating a random number and extracts a software random number, and reads a count value of the random number circuit 503 to extract a random R (a jackpot determination random number generated by the random number circuit 503). Then, a process of storing them in the storage area in the reserved storage buffer corresponding to the value of the reserved storage number counter as the extracted random number value is executed (step S43). In step 43, the CPU 56 extracts a random 2 (see FIG. 20) value (a counter value for generating a variation pattern random number) as a software random number. In the reserved storage buffer, the same number of storage areas as the upper limit value of the number of reserved memories is secured. Further, a counter for generating a random number for variation pattern and a holding storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55. “Formed in RAM” means an area in the RAM.

  Further, the display of the special symbol hold memory display 18 is changed to a display showing the value of the hold memory number counter (step S44). Further, control for transmitting a start winning designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S45). Specifically, when the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the address of the command transmission table (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) corresponding to the effect control command is used as a pointer. set. Then, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command is set in the pointer, and the effect control command is transmitted in the effect control command control process (step S29) (the same applies to other effect control commands).

  28 and 29 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. The state where the special symbol normal process is executed is when the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300. The case where the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300 is a state in which the special symbol display unit 8 does not display the variation of the special symbol and the jackpot game is not executed. State.

  In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 checks the number of reserved memories (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the number of reserved memories is 0, the process is terminated.

  If the reserved memory number is not 0, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = 1 in the reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55 is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S52). Then, the value of the reserved memory number is decreased by 1 (the count value of the reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1), and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S53). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55 is stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n−1. To store. Therefore, the order in which the random number values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the number of reserved memories is extracted always matches the order of the number of reserved memories = 1, 2, 3 and 4. Yes.

  Then, the CPU 56 reads the jackpot determination random number (random R) from the random number buffer area (step S61), and executes the jackpot determination module (step S62). The big hit determination module is a program that compares a predetermined determination value (see FIG. 21) with a big hit determination random number and executes a process for determining whether to make a big hit or a small hit. Note that deciding whether to make a big hit or a small win means deciding whether or not to shift to the first big hit gaming state or the starting operation state, but the special symbol display 8 has a stop symbol ( It also means determining the display result.

  When it is decided to make a normal big hit (step S63), the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag (step S71). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S69). When it is determined that the probability variation big hit is to be made (step S72), the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag and a probability variation big hit flag (steps S73, S74). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S69).

  If it is not determined to be a big hit, the CPU 56 sets the value of the time reduction counter indicating the number of times the special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state when the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state is set. -1 (steps S64 and S65), and a control for transmitting a time-saving number designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S66). When the value of the time reduction counter becomes 0, a time reduction end flag is set in order to shift the gaming state to the non-time reduction state when the variable display ends (steps S67 and S68). Then, control goes to a step S69.

  In this embodiment, when it is decided not to make a big hit, it is decided to make a small hit (see FIG. 21). That is, the CPU 56 does not make any decision in the lottery for determining whether or not to win the game.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 reads the variation pattern determination random number from the random number buffer area (step S90). Then, a variation pattern is selected from the variation pattern table based on the variation pattern determination random number (step S91). The fluctuation pattern table is an area of the ROM 54 in which determination values are set in correspondence with the fluctuation patterns as shown in FIG.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern selected in step S91 to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S92). Further, control for transmitting a display result designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S93).

  Also, the special symbol change is started (step S94). For example, a start flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 is set. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern selected in step S91 is set in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S95). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S302) (step S96).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 decrements the variable time timer by 1 (step S121), and when the variable time timer times out (step S122), the value of the special symbol process flag corresponds to the special symbol stop process (step S304). The updated value is updated (step S123). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the special symbol stop symbol has already been derived and displayed (step S130). When the stop symbol has already been derived and displayed, if the production time timer has timed out (if the value is 0), the value of the special symbol process flag is set in the pre-release function (step S304). The corresponding value is updated (steps S146 and S145). If the effect time timer has not timed out, the value of the effect time timer is decremented by 1 (step S147). Whether or not the special symbol stop symbol has already been derived and displayed is confirmed, for example, by setting a flag when executing the process of step S131 and checking whether or not the flag is set in the process of step S130. .

  If the special symbol stop symbol is not derived and displayed, the CPU 56 sets the end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 to end the special symbol variation, and the special symbol display 8 stops. Control for deriving and displaying symbols is performed (step S131). Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for effect control is performed (step S132).

  When the big hit flag is set (the special symbol display 8 displays 3 or 7 as a specific display result), the CPU 56 sends a big hit start designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100. Transmission control is performed (steps S133 and S134). Also, the number of times of opening (number of rounds), which is the number of times that the big winning opening can be opened in the big hit game, is set in the opening number counter (step S135), and the pre-round start time (a new round is started) is set in the pre-round start timer. For example, a value corresponding to a notification time in the effect display device 9 is set (step S136). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-winning opening start pre-processing (step S307) (step S137). Note that the number of rounds set in the release count counter is 16 corresponding to 16 rounds (16R) which is the number of rounds per first big hit.

  When the big hit flag is not set, control for transmitting a small hit start designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed (steps S133 and S140). In addition, an effect time (3 seconds or 6 seconds in this embodiment) is set in the effect time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S141). The effect time is a time corresponding to a period during which the effect control microcomputer 100 is executing the effect after the fluctuation is stopped. If the time reduction end flag is set, the time reduction end flag is reset and the time reduction flag is reset (steps S142, S143, and S144).

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the pre-opening process (step S304). In the pre-opening process, the CPU 56 sets 1 or 2 in the multi-function opening counter that indicates the number of times the variable winning ball apparatus 20 (playing object) is released in the starting operation (step S411), and sets the opening time of the playing object. A value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 0.9 seconds) is set in the accessory opening time timer shown (step S412). Note that the value set in the accessory release count counter is a value (see FIG. 21) corresponding to the special symbol stop symbol determined in step S62. And the accessory 20 is made into an open state (step S413). Specifically, driving of the opening / closing motor 75 that drives the opening / closing doors 76A and 76B is started, and the accessory (variable winning ball apparatus) 20 is opened. Also, the in-function game ball number counter that counts the game balls that have entered the inside of the accessory 20 is cleared (initialized to 0) (step S414), and the value of the special symbol process flag is changed to the processing during the release of the accessory ( The value is updated according to step S305) (step S415).

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the process of releasing an accessory (step S305). In the process during opening of the accessory, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the accessory release time timer has timed out (step S420). If it has timed out, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the accessory release number counter is 0 (whether or not the last release in the starting operation state has already ended) (step S420A). If the value of the bonus release counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S434. If the value of the accessory release number counter is not 0, the value of the accessory release number counter is decremented by 1 (step S420B). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the accessory release number counter has become 0 (step S420C). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the accessory release number counter has become 0 (step S420C). When the value of the accessory release number counter becomes 0, that is, when the start operation end condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S434. When the value of the accessory release number counter is not 0, the CPU 56 performs control for releasing the accessory again. That is, a value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 0.9 seconds) is set in the accessory opening time timer (step S420D). Further, the accessory 20 is controlled to be in an open state (step S420E).

  In step S434, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the in-function game ball number counter is zero. If the value of the in-game game ball number counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S424. When the value of the game ball number counter in the bonus item becomes 0, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the post-instrument closing process (step S306) (step S435).

  As described above, the CPU 56 determines that when the value of the in-game game ball number counter becomes 0 after the bonus release time (0.9 seconds) for the final release has elapsed, that is, for all games. When the ball is ejected from the accessory 20, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the processing after closing the accessory (steps SS 420, S 420 A, S 420 C, S 434, S 435). In other words, in the process of releasing an accessory, the game state (in this case, the value of the special symbol process flag) is changed on condition that all the game balls are discharged from the accessory 20. It should be noted that the special symbol process flag value is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process on condition that no V prize has occurred in the post-completion processing (see steps S454 and S468 in FIG. 37).

  If the accessory release time timer has not timed out, the value of the accessory release time timer is decremented by 1 (step S421). Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the accessory release time timer has timed out (step S422). If time-out has occurred, the accessory 20 is controlled to be closed (step S432). Specifically, the open / close motor 75 is rotated in a direction to close the open / close doors 76A and 76B. Further, the rotating body 86 is stopped at the initial position, and the movable portions 77A and 78A of the movable members 77 and 78 are stopped at the initial position (a position where the game ball is not blocked) (step S433).

  The initial position of the rotator 86 is the position of the rotator 86 when the position sensor 87a outputs a detection signal. That is, it is the position of the rotating body 86 when the hole 87c provided in the rotating body 86 comes to a position corresponding to the sensor installation position. Therefore, the CPU 56 actually stops the driving of the rotating body drive motor 87 when the position sensor 87a outputs a detection signal in step S431. Further, by stopping the driving of the movable part drive solenoids 77B and 78B, the movable parts 77A and 78A are returned to the initial positions.

  If the accessory release time timer has not timed out, the rotating body / movable part control is executed (step S423). Further, when the first winning combination winning switch 71a, the second winning combination winning switch 72a or the third winning combination winning switch 73a is turned on, that is, when a gaming ball winning a winning combination is detected (step S424), an in-function gaming ball The value of the number counter is incremented by 1 (step S425), and a control for transmitting a prize winning designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S426). When the accessory discharge switch 85a is turned on, that is, when a game ball discharged from the accessory is detected (step S427), the value of the in-function game ball number counter is decremented by 1 (step S428).

  When the specific area switch 66a indicating that the game ball has entered the specific winning opening 66 is turned on (step S429), the V winning flag is set (step S430) and a V winning designation command is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100. Control is performed (step S431).

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the rotating body / movable unit control. In the rotator / movable part control, the CPU confirms whether or not the rotator 86 and the movable parts 77A and 78A are in operation (in operation of the rotator / movable part) (step S435). If not in operation, it is confirmed whether or not the accessory 20 has been released (step S436). When turned on, the drive of the rotator 86 is started (step S437). That is, the rotating body drive motor 87 is rotated. Further, the driving of the movable parts 77A and 78A is started (step S438). That is, the drive of the movable part drive solenoids 77B and 78B is started. When the processes of steps S437 and S438 are executed, the CPU 56 sets an internal flag indicating that the rotating body / movable part is operating. Also, whether or not the accessory 20 has been released is confirmed by setting a flag when executing the process of step S413 and checking whether or not the flag is set in the process of step S436.

  FIG. 36 is a timing chart showing an operation example of the rotating body 86 and the movable portions 77A and 78A when the accessory 20 is released once. As shown in FIG. 36, the rotating body 86 rotates at a constant speed for a time of 0.9 seconds + α. α is a period from when 0.9 seconds have elapsed from the start of opening of the accessory 20 to when all game balls that have entered the accessory 20 are discharged.

  Further, the movable part drive solenoid 77B for operating the movable part 77A is set to a position where it is driven until 0.4 seconds have elapsed from when the rotating body / movable part is in operation to prevent passage of the game ball. . Next, the driving is stopped for 0.2 seconds, and the position is set to allow passage of the game ball. Thereafter, the position is set again to block the passage of the game ball. Further, the movable portion 78A is set to a position where the movable ball 78A is driven until 0.1 seconds elapses from when the rotating body / movable portion is in operation to prevent the game ball from passing. Next, the driving is stopped for 0.7 seconds, and the position is set to allow the game ball to pass. Thereafter, the position is set again to block the passage of the game ball.

  Accordingly, when the rotary body / movable part is operating, the CPU 56 drives the movable part drive solenoid 77B for 0.2 seconds after 0.4 seconds have elapsed since the rotary body / movable part was operated. When 0.1 second elapses from when the rotating body / movable part is in operation, the drive of the movable part drive solenoid 78B is stopped for 0.7 seconds (step S439). Specifically, when the rotating body / movable portion is operating, the CPU 56 sets 0.4 second to the first timer that subtracts the value when the rotating body / movable portion is operating. Is set, and a value corresponding to 0.1 second is set in the second timer for subtracting the value. When the first timer times out, the drive of the movable part drive solenoid 77B is stopped and the value corresponding to 0.2 seconds is set in the first timer, and when the second timer times out, the drive of the movable part drive solenoid 78B is stopped. And a value corresponding to 0.7 seconds is set in the second timer. Thereafter, when the first timer times out, the driving of the movable portion driving solenoid 77B is resumed, and when the second timer times out, the driving of the movable portion driving solenoid 78B is resumed.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the post-completion processing (step S307). In the post-completion processing, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the V winning flag is set (step S454). If the V winning flag is set, the V winning flag is reset (step S455), and the number of times of opening (the number of rounds) that is the number of times that the big winning opening can be opened in the second big hit game is set in the opening number counter ( Step S456). The number of rounds set in the number-of-releases counter is the number of rounds (see FIG. 21) corresponding to the special symbol stop symbol determined in step S62.

  Furthermore, a value corresponding to the time before the start of the round (time for notifying in the effect display device 9 that the new round is started, for example) is set in the timer before the round start (step S457). Also, a big hit flag is set (step S458).

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a jackpot start designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S459), and updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the big winning opening opening pre-processing (step S307). (Step S460).

  If it is confirmed in step S454 that the V winning flag is not set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a small hitting end designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S461), and the special symbol process. The value of the flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S462).

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the big winning opening opening pre-processing (step S308) executed before each round in the big hit game (the first big hit game and the second big hit game). In the pre-opening process for the special winning opening, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the display command for opening the special winning opening if it has not transmitted the display command for opening the special winning opening (steps S470 and S471). Also, the value of the timer before the round start is decremented by 1 (step S472). If the pre-round start timer times out (the value of the pre-round start timer is 0) (step S473), the winning number counter is initialized (step S474). That is, the value of the winning number counter is set to zero.

  Then, a value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is set in the opening time timer (step S475). In addition, the special winning opening (act) is controlled to be open. Specifically, in the round in which the first grand prize opening (large prize opening by the opening / closing plate 16) is opened, the solenoid 21 is driven to open the opening / closing plate 16 (steps S476, S477). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening process (step S309) (step S478). Further, in the round in which the second grand prize winning opening (the accessory 20) is opened, the open / close motor 75 is driven to open the open doors 76A and 76B (steps S476 and S479). Further, the in-item game ball number counter for counting the game balls won in the item 20 is cleared (initialized to 0) (step S480), and the process proceeds to step S478.

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing a round in which the first big winning opening is opened in the second big hit gaming state. As shown in FIG. 39, the CPU 56 determines a round in which the first big winning opening in the second big hit gaming state is opened in response to the special symbols that have already been stopped. If it is decided to win the first big hit (in this example, if the special symbol stop symbol is decided to be “3” or “7”), the first big prize will be won in all rounds. Mouth open. In addition, when the special symbol stop symbol is “8” or “9”, as shown in FIG. 39, in the second big hit game executed after the small hit game is finished, the first in all rounds. The big prize opening is opened.

  40 and 41 are flowcharts showing the special winning opening opening process (step S309). In the big prize opening opening process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the first big prize opening is being opened (step S480). If the first big prize opening has been opened, the process proceeds to step S481B.

  When the first big prize opening is not opened (when the second big prize opening is opened), it is confirmed whether or not the opening time timer has timed out (step S481A). If the open time timer has timed out, the process proceeds to step S497. If the opening time timer has not timed out, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the winning number counter has reached 10 (step S482A). If the value of the winning number counter reaches 10, the process proceeds to step S497. When the value of the winning number counter is not 10, the value of the opening time timer is decremented by 1 (step S483A). If the value of the opening time timer is 0, that is, if the opening time timer times out (step S484), the accessory 20 is controlled to be closed (step S495). Specifically, the open / close motor 75 is rotated in a direction to close the open / close doors 76A and 76B. Further, the rotating body 86 is stopped at the initial position, and the movable portions 77A and 78A of the movable members 77 and 78 are stopped at the initial position (a position where the game ball is not blocked) (step S496).

  If the opening time timer has not timed out, the CPU 56 executes the rotating body / movable part control (step S485). The rotating body / movable unit control is the same as the processing shown in FIG. However, here, the rotating body 86 is kept rotating at a constant speed until the second big prize opening is closed and the game ball is discharged from the accessory 20. For the movable parts 77A and 78A, the process of step S439 (see FIG. 35) is repeated every 0.9 seconds until the second big prize opening is closed.

  Further, when the bonus winning switch is turned on, that is, when a game ball won in the big prize opening (the bonus 20) is detected (step S486), the value of the in- bonus game ball counter is incremented by 1 (step S487), and the prize is won. The value of the number counter is incremented by 1 (step S488), and a control for transmitting a prize winning designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S489). Further, when the accessory discharge switch 85a is turned on, that is, when a game ball discharged from the big prize opening is detected (step S490), the value of the in-function game ball number counter is decremented by 1 (step S491). When the specific area switch 66a indicating that the game ball has won the specific winning opening 66 is turned on (step S492A), the V winning flag is set (step S493A), and the V winning designation command is sent to the effect control microcomputer 100. Is transmitted (step S494).

  In step S497, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the in-function game ball number counter is zero. If the value of the in-game game ball number counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S486. If the value of the in-game game ball number counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S499.

  In step S481B, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the open time timer has timed out. If the open time timer has timed out, the process proceeds to step S498. If the opening time timer has not timed out, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the winning counter is 10 (step S482B). When the value of the winning number counter becomes 10, the process proceeds to step S498. When the value of the winning number counter is not 10, the value of the opening time timer is decremented by 1 (step S483B). When the V winning switch 22 is turned on, the V winning flag is set (steps S492B and S493B). When the count switch 23 is turned on, that is, when a game ball won in the first grand prize opening is detected, the value of the winning number counter is incremented by 1 (steps S486B and S488B).

  In step S498, the CPU 56 performs a process for ending the round. Specifically, the drive of the solenoid 21 is stopped and the open / close plate 16 is closed. Then, control is performed to transmit a display command after opening the special winning opening to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S499), and the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to the post-closing process of the special winning opening (step S309). Update (step S500).

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the special winning opening closing post-process (step S309). In the process after closing the big prize opening, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the number-of-opening counter (step S513). If the value of the opening number counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S515 (step S514). When the value of the number-of-releases counter is 0, that is, when all rounds in the jackpot game have ended, the time-shortage flag is set and a predetermined value (20 in this example) is set in the time-shortage counter. Set (steps S519 and S520). Also, the big hit flag is reset (step S521), and the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit end process (step S310) (step S522).

  In this embodiment, when the big hit game is over, the state becomes a short time state (a state in which the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened), but this state is the variation of the special symbol of the number indicated by the value set in the short time counter. Continue until is finished. In this embodiment, when the big hit game is finished, the state is always shifted to the short time state. However, for example, the short time state may be changed only when the first big hit game is finished.

  In step S515, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the V winning flag is set. If the V winning flag is not set, the CPU 56 proceeds to step S519 to end the big hit game. If the V winning flag is set, the V winning flag is reset (step S516), and the pre-round start time is notified to the pre-round start timer (for example, the effect display device 9 notifies the start of a new round). A value corresponding to (time) is set (step S517), and the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-opening process for the big winning opening (step S307) (step S518).

  In this embodiment, on the condition that the V winning flag is set, that is, the game ball has won (V winning) in the specific winning opening 66 (one of the winning areas), and the first big The game will move to the next round on the condition that the game ball has won a prize in the special area (the area in which the game ball is detected by the V prize switch 22) (the V prize has been won). It does not have to be a condition. In that case, it is possible to always advance to the final round, or to advance to a predetermined round regardless of whether or not a V prize is won.

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process (step S310). In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S531). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S534. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S532). Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is performed in the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S533), and the processing is ended.

  In step S534, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step S535). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S536).

  Next, the normal symbol process (step S28) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 will be described. FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol process. In the normal symbol process, when the game control microcomputer 560 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 32 and the gate switch 32a is turned on (step S161), the game switch microcomputer 560 performs a gate switch passage process (step S162). Run.

  In the gate switch passage process, the game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the count value of the gate passage memory counter (the number of gate passage memories) has reached the maximum value (“4” in this example). If the maximum value has not been reached, the count value of the gate passage storage counter is incremented by one. Note that the LED of the normal symbol storage memory display 41 is turned on according to the value of the gate passage storage counter. Further, the game control microcomputer 560 extracts the random number for normal symbol determination (random 3) and the random number for normal symbol determination (random 5), and saves the storage area (normal symbol) corresponding to the value of the number of passages through the gate. Processing to be stored in the determination buffer.

  Then, the game control microcomputer 560 executes any one of the processes shown in steps S170 to S174 in accordance with the value of the normal symbol process flag.

  The processes in steps S170 to S174 are as follows.

  Normal symbol normal processing (step S170): This is executed when the value of the normal symbol process flag is zero. The state in which the value of the normal symbol process flag is 0 is a state in which normal symbol variation can be started (for example, the normal symbol change display is not performed on the normal symbol display 10 and This is a case where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is not in the open / close operation based on the normal symbol display 10 having the winning symbol derived and displayed. The game control microcomputer 560 checks the value of the number of passages through the gate in the normal symbol normal processing. Specifically, the count value of the gate passing memory number counter is confirmed. If the number of stored gate passages is not 0, it is determined whether or not to win using the normal symbol per-determining random number (whether or not to stop the normal symbol as a winning symbol). Also, the stop symbol of the normal symbol is determined using the random symbol for determining the normal symbol. Then, the normal symbol process timer is set to the normal symbol process timer, and the normal symbol process timer is started. Also, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “1”) corresponding to the normal symbol changing process (step S171).

  Normal symbol changing process (step S171): This is executed when the value of the normal symbol process flag is 1. The game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the normal symbol process timer has timed out. If timed out, the normal symbol change in the normal symbol display 10 is stopped, the normal symbol process symbol is set in the normal symbol process timer, and the normal symbol process timer is started. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “2”) corresponding to the normal symbol stop process (step S172).

  Normal symbol stop process (step S172): Executed when the value of the normal symbol process flag is 2. The game control microcomputer 560 checks whether or not the normal symbol process timer has timed out, and if it has timed out, checks whether or not the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol. If it is not a winning symbol (if it is a missing symbol), the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “0”) corresponding to the normal symbol normal processing (step S170). If the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “3”) corresponding to the normal electric accessory release pre-processing (step S173).

  Normal electric accessory release pre-processing (step S173): This is executed when the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3. If it is before the first opening, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the opening number in the opening number counter, and drives the solenoid 15a to open the ordinary electric accessory (variable winning ball apparatus 15). Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically, “4”) corresponding to the process for releasing the normal electric accessory (step S174). If it is not before the first opening, that is, after the second or later opening, the closing time is measured, and when the closing time has elapsed, the value of the normal symbol process flag is set to the processing for opening the normal electric accessory (step S174). ) To a value corresponding to (specifically “4”).

  Normal electric accessory opening process (step S174): This is executed when the value of the normal symbol process flag is 4. The game control microcomputer 560 measures the opening time, and when the opening time has elapsed, stops the driving of the solenoid 15a and closes the ordinary electric accessory. When the last release is completed, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “0”) corresponding to the normal symbol normal process (step S170). If the final release is not completed, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically, “3”) corresponding to the normal electric accessory release pre-processing (step S173).

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing normal symbol normal processing (step S170). In the normal symbol normal process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gate passing memory number is 0 (step S721). Specifically, the count value of the gate passing memory number counter is confirmed. If the gate passing memory number is 0, the process is terminated as it is. If the gate passing memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 reads out the normal symbol per random number stored in the storage area corresponding to the gate passing memory number = 1 and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S722). ). The CPU 56 also stores the normal symbol determining random number in the random number buffer area. Then, the CPU 56 decreases the value of the gate passage storage number counter by 1 and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S723). That is, a random number value for determination per normal symbol stored in a storage area corresponding to the number of gate passing memories = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in a storage area corresponding to the number of gate passing memories = n−1. To store.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads the normal random number for symbol determination from the random number storage buffer (step S724), and determines whether to win or not based on the read random number value (step S725). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the random number for normal symbol determination matches the hit determination value, and if there is a matching hit determination value, it is determined to be a hit. For example, the hit determination value is 3 to 12 in the probability variation state, and the hit determination value is 3 and 7 in the normal state (a state other than the probability change state). Since the random number for normal symbol determination is updated in the numerical range of 3 to 13 (see FIG. 20), the winning probability in the probability variation state is 10/11, and the winning probability in the normal state is 2/11. That is, in the probability variation state, it is a hit with higher probability than in the normal state. The CPU 56 determines the stop symbol of the normal symbol using the normal symbol determination random number. In the case of winning, the normal symbol stop symbol is, for example, an odd symbol.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets the normal symbol change time in the normal symbol process timer (step S726), and starts the normal symbol change in the normal symbol display 10 (step S727). In this embodiment, as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 48A and the timing diagram of FIG. 48B, the variation time of the normal symbol in the normal state is 30.0 seconds, and the probability variation state and the short time are shown. The variation time of the normal symbol in the state is 1.0 second. Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag to a value (specifically “1”) corresponding to the normal symbol changing process (step S171) (step S728).

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol changing process (step S171). In the normal symbol changing process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the normal symbol process timer has reached 0, that is, whether or not the normal symbol process timer has timed out (step S731). If the normal symbol process timer has not timed out, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the normal symbol process timer by -1 (step S735).

  When the normal symbol process timer times out, that is, when the variation time of the ordinary symbol has elapsed, the CPU 56 stops the variation of the ordinary symbol on the ordinary symbol display 10 (step S732). Also, the normal symbol stop symbol display time is set in the normal symbol process timer (step S733). Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “2”) corresponding to the normal symbol stop process (step S172) (step S734).

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol stop process (step S172). In the normal symbol stop process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the normal symbol process timer has reached 0, that is, whether or not the normal symbol process timer has timed out (step S741). If the normal symbol process timer has not timed out, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the normal symbol process timer by -1 (step S742).

  When the normal symbol process timer times out, that is, when the normal symbol stop symbol display time elapses, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the normal symbol stop symbol is a winning symbol (step S743). When the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the CPU 56 sets the value shown in the lower part of FIG. 48 (A) as the release pattern of the normal electric accessory when the gaming state is the probability change state or the short time state. The release pattern set in the certain probability change table is selected (steps S744 and S745). In the normal state, the CPU 56 selects the release pattern set in the normal time table in which the value shown in the upper part of FIG. 48A is set as the release pattern of the ordinary electric accessory (step S744). S746). In the example shown in FIG. 48, in the normal time table, as an opening pattern, the opening time is 0.3 seconds (0.3 s), the closing time is 1.0 seconds (1.0 s), and the number of times of opening is two. Data indicating that is set. In the probability variation table, as an opening pattern, data indicating that the opening time is 1.2 seconds (1.2 s), the closing time is 1.5 seconds (1.5 s), and the number of times of opening is three times. Is set.

  Then, the CPU 56 sets a first pre-release flag (step S747). Also, the release pattern selected in step S745 or S746 is set in the release pattern buffer (step S748). Thereafter, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “3”) corresponding to the normal electric accessory release pre-processing (step S173) (step S749).

  If the stop symbol of the normal symbol is an off symbol, the CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag to a value (specifically, “0”) corresponding to the normal symbol normal process (step S170) (step S170). S743, S750).

  FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the ordinary electric accessory release pre-processing (step S173). In the normal electric accessory release pre-processing, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the first pre-open flag is set (step S761). If the first pre-release flag is set, the first pre-release flag is reset (step S762), and the number of releases set in the release pattern buffer is set in the release number counter (step S763). . Further, a value corresponding to the release time set in the release pattern buffer is set in the normal electric timer (step S764). Further, the solenoid 15a is driven to open the variable winning ball device 15 (step S765), and the value of the normal symbol process flag is a value (specifically “4”) corresponding to the normal electric release process (step S174). (Step S766).

  When the CPU 56 confirms that the flag before the first opening is not set in the process of step S761, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the value of the normal electric timer (step S767). If the value of the ordinary power combination timer becomes 0, that is, if the ordinary power combination timer times out, the process proceeds to step S764 (step S768). In addition, the process of step S767 and S768 is a process for measuring the closing time after the opening | release after the 1st time is complete | finished.

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing the process during opening of the ordinary electric accessory (step S174). In the process for releasing the normal electric combination, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the value of the normal electric combination timer (step S771). When the value of the ordinary electric combination timer becomes 0, that is, when the ordinary electric combination timer times out (step S772), the drive of the solenoid 15a is stopped and the ordinary electric combination (variable winning ball apparatus 15) is removed. Close (step S773).

  Also, the value of the opening number counter is decremented by -1 (step S774). If the value of the opening number counter is not 0, a value corresponding to the closing time set in the opening pattern buffer is set in the normal electric timer. (Steps S775 and S776). Thereafter, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value (specifically “3”) corresponding to the normal electric release pre-processing (step S173) (step S777).

  When the CPU 56 confirms that the value of the number-of-opens counter is 0 in the process of step S775, the CPU 56 sets the value of the normal symbol process flag to a value (specifically, “0” corresponding to the normal symbol normal process (step S170)). ”) (Step S778).

  Next, processing relating to award ball payout will be described. FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of bit assignment of input ports related to a switch for detecting a game ball in the game control microcomputer. FIG. 51 shows only switches that detect a game ball and that will pay out a prize ball upon winning. As shown in FIG. 51, in the bit 7 of the input port 1 and the bits 0 to 7 of the input port 0, the winning opening switch 39a, the count switch 23, the third winning combination winning switch 73a, and the second winning winning combination switch, respectively. The detection signals of 72a, first prize winning switch 71a, winning port switch 38a, third starting port switch 13a, second starting port switch 12a, and first starting port switch 11a are input. The input port 0 and the input port 1 are part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG.

  Next, payout control commands (payout control signals) transmitted and received between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 will be described. FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a payout control signal output from the game control microcomputer 560 to the payout control microcomputer.

  The prize ball REQ signal is a signal that is in an output state (= ON state) when a prize ball number command is transmitted (that is, a trigger signal for a prize ball payout request). The 4-bit prize ball number signal is a signal (prize ball number command) output for designating the number of game balls (0 to 15) to be paid out.

  53 is a block diagram showing signal lines and the like used for transmission / reception of each control signal shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 53, the prize ball REQ signal and the prize ball number signal are output via the output circuit 67 by the game control microcomputer 560 and input to the payout control microcomputer 370 via the input circuit 373A. . The output circuit 67 is installed outside the I / O port portion 57 shown in FIG. 16 on the main board 31 (not shown in FIG. 16). Further, on the payout control board 37, an output circuit 67 is provided in the preceding stage of the input port in the payout control microcomputer.

  FIG. 54 is a timing chart showing an example of how to output the payout control signal. As shown in FIG. 54, a winning detection switch (count switch 23, third prize winning switch 73a, second prize winning switch 72a, first prize winning switch 71a, prize opening switches 38a and 39a, third start opening The gaming control microcomputer 560 turns on the winning ball REQ signal based on the fact that the switch 13a, the second starting port switch 12a, and the first starting port switch 11a) detect the winning of the game ball and output the detection signal. At the same time, the output state of the prize ball number signal is set to a state according to the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with winning. Specifically, when the gaming control microcomputer 560 detects that a game ball has won a winning area provided in the gaming machine based on a detection signal from the winning detection switch, the gaming control microcomputer 560 calculates a predetermined number of winning balls. It is added to the content of the total number of winning balls stored in the backup RAM. When the content of the total winning ball number storage buffer becomes a non-zero value, the winning ball REQ signal is turned on, and the output state of the winning ball number signal is set in accordance with the number of winning balls to be paid out according to winning. Put it in a state.

  Further, in this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the first start port switch 11a, the second start port switch 12a, and the third start port switch 13a, four prize balls are paid out, and the winning port switch 38a, When a game ball is detected at 39a, 10 prize balls are paid out, and a game ball is detected by the count switch 23, the first prize winning switch 71a, the second prize winning switch 72a, and the third prize winning switch 73a. Then, 15 prize balls are paid out. Further, as described above, since the prize ball number signal is composed of 4 bits, among the prize ball number signals of 00 (H) to 0F (H) expressed in 8 bits, the lower 4 bits are The signal is transmitted from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37 by the award ball number signal. Hereinafter, it may be expressed as “00 (H) to 0F (H) prize ball number signal”, but in reality, the prize ball number signal is represented by 8 bits. This corresponds to the lower 4 bits of 0F (H).

  Further, in this embodiment, the prize ball number signal is transmitted by unidirectional communication in which the signal is transmitted only from the main board 31 toward the payout control board 37, but by bidirectional communication, A prize ball number signal may be transmitted from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37. When performing two-way communication, for example, the payout control microcomputer transmits an ACK signal (response signal) to the game control microcomputer 560 in response to reception of the prize ball REQ signal, or receives a prize ball number signal. An ACK signal indicating that the game has been performed is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560.

  Next, the switch process (step S21) in the main process will be described. In this embodiment, when the on state of the detection signal of each switch related to the detection of the game ball continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the switch is certainly turned on. Specifically, the switch process is activated every 2 ms, but if the switch is detected to be turned on in both the switch process activated at the present time and the switch process activated 2 ms ago, the switch process is surely performed. Determined to be on.

  FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram showing each 2-byte buffer formed in the RAM 55 used in the switching process. The port buffer before two times is a buffer in which the switch on / off determination result of the previous time (assumed to be 4 ms before) is stored. The previous port buffer is a buffer in which the switch on / off determination result of the previous time (2 ms before) is stored. The switch-on buffer is a buffer in which 1 is set in the corresponding bit of the switch when switch-on is detected, and 0 is set in the corresponding bit of the switch when the switch-off is detected. The previous data is a buffer area that is temporarily used when the switch process is executed. The previous-time port buffer, the previous port buffer, the switch-on buffer, and the previous data are formed in the RAM 55. Further, the bit arrangement of the port buffer, the previous port buffer, and the switch-on buffer two times in advance corresponds to the bit arrangement of the input port 0. That is, information corresponding to each of the switch detection signals allocated to bit 7 of input port 1 and bits 0 to 7 of input port 0 shown in FIG. 51 is stored in the port buffer, the previous port buffer, and the switch-on buffer. Bits 0-8 are set.

  FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing the switch process of step S21 in the game control process. In the switch process, the CPU 56 sets the content of the previous port buffer to the previous data (step S331). Further, the exclusive OR of the contents of the port buffer and the previous data is taken twice before (step S332). Then, the result of the exclusive OR operation is set as the previous data (step S333). At this stage, in the previous data, the bit having a different value among the 16 bits of the port buffer and the previous 16 bits of the previous port buffer is “1”. In addition, the contents of the previous port buffer are set in the port buffer two times before (step S334).

  Then, the data of the input port 0 and the input port 1 are input (step S335), and the input data is set in the previous port buffer (step S336). The processes in steps S334 and S336 correspond to a preparation process when the switch process is executed next time (after 2 ms).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a logical product of the data input from the input port 0 and the input port 1 and the previous data (step S337). At this stage, in the previous data, the bit having a different value among the 16 bits of the port buffer and the previous 16 bits of the previous port buffer is “1”. That is, among the detection signals of the nine switches, the bit corresponding to the detection signal changed from the state before 2 ms from the state before 4 ms (from “0” to “1” or from “1” to “0”). Is “1”. It is assumed that bits 1 to 6 of input port 1 are fixed to 0. Therefore, when the logical product of the previous data and the data input from the input port 0 is taken in step S337, the bit that is “1” in the data input from the input port 0 and 2 ms before The bit whose state has changed from the state 4 ms before becomes “1”. That is, as a result of the logical product operation, the bit corresponding to the detection signal in which the current state is the on state and has been detected to have changed from the off state to the on state during the previous switch processing (2 ms before) is “ 1 ”. In other words, the bit corresponding to the detection signal that has changed from the off state to the on state and then detected the on state twice in succession is “1”. Note that “continuously twice” means “both the switch process executed at a certain time and the switch process executed 2 ms after the switch process”.

  The CPU 56 stores the result of the logical product operation in the switch-on buffer (step S338). In the switch-on buffer, after changing from the off state to the on state, the bit corresponding to the detection signal in which the on state is detected twice consecutively is “1”. Therefore, the CPU 56 can confirm that the switch detection signal corresponding to the bit that is “1” in the switch-on buffer is surely turned on. Note that “definitely” means that the ON state has been detected twice in succession, that is, it can be considered that the ON state has continued for 4 ms, so it is determined that the ON state of the detection signal is not due to noise or the like. It can be done.

  FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing an example of the prize ball processing in step S31. In the prize ball process, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball number addition process (step S341) and a prize ball control process (step S342).

  In the prize ball number adding process, a prize ball number table shown in FIG. 58 is used. The prize ball number table is set in the ROM 54. The number of processes (in this example, “9”) is set at the top address of the winning ball number table, and the switch input bit determination for each switch of the winning opening from which the winning ball will be paid out by winning from the next address. The value and the number of winning balls are sequentially set corresponding to each switch of the winning opening. Note that the switch input bit determination value is a value corresponding to the bit to which the detection signal of each switch in the input port 0 and the input port 1 is input (see FIG. 51).

  FIG. 59 is a flowchart showing the award ball number adding process in step S341. In the winning ball number adding process, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the start address of the winning ball number table as a pointer (step S351). Then, the data at the address pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the number of processes) is loaded (step S352). Next, the switch-on buffer is loaded into the register (step S353).

  Then, the pointer value is incremented by 1 (step S354), and the logical product of the contents of the switch-on buffer and the prize ball number table data pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the switch input bit determination value) is calculated (step S355). . Further, the value of the pointer is increased by 1 (step S356).

  If the calculation result in step S355 is not 0, that is, if the detection signal of the switch to be inspected is on, the process proceeds to step S362 (step S361). If the calculation result in step S355 is 0, that is, if the detection signal of the switch to be inspected is not on, the number of processes is reduced by 1 (step S359). If the number is not 0, the process returns to step S354 (step S360). In step S361, when it is confirmed that the calculation result in step S355 is 0, that is, the detection signal of the switch to be inspected is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step S359.

  In step S362, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the switch input bit determination value used in the process of step S355 is a count switch input bit determination value. That is, it is confirmed whether or not it is confirmed in step S361 that the count switch 23 is turned on (whether or not the switch to be inspected is the count switch 23). If the switch input bit determination value is the count switch input bit determination value, the process proceeds to step S363.

  If the switch input bit is not the count switch input bit determination value, the switch input bit determination value used in the process of step S355 is the bonus winning switch input bit determination value (first winning winning switch input bit determination value, It is confirmed whether or not the second winning combination winning switch input bit determination value or the third winning combination winning switch input bit determination value) (step S366). That is, it is confirmed whether or not any of the first prize winning switch 71a, the second prize winning switch 72a, and the third prize winning switch 73a is turned on. If it is a bonus winning switch input bit determination value, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 or more (step S367). That the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 or more means that the gaming state is any of the pre-game release process (step S305) to the jackpot end process (step S310) (see FIG. 23). . That is, when the game control is being executed normally, the accessory 20 (corresponding to the second big prize opening in the big hit gaming state. Equivalent to the one in which the small hit game is executed in the starting operation state) can be released. It means that there is sex.

  When the value of the special symbol process flag is not 4 or more, the process proceeds to step S359. When the value of the special symbol process flag is not 4 or more (less than 4), any one of the first prize winning switch 71a, the second prize winning switch 72a, and the third prize winning switch 73a is turned on. , An abnormal winning (sometimes winning due to fraud) has occurred to the accessory 20, or the first accessory winning switch 71a, the second accessory winning switch 72a, and the third accessory winning switch 73a. This means that there is a possibility that noise for a long period of time (over 4 ms) is on the detection signal from. That is, the regular winning of the accessory 20 has not occurred. Therefore, when it is detected that the winning combination 20 has been won when the value of the special symbol process flag is not 4 or more, the CPU 56 does not perform payout for the winning ball based on the winning.

  Here, the CPU 56 determines whether or not an abnormal winning for the accessory 20 has occurred based on the value of the special symbol process flag. However, when the accessory 20 is not actually released (for example, 1st prize winning switch 71a, 2nd prize winning switch 72a, or 3rd prize winning is included in the pre-opening of the winning combination, pre-opening of the big winning opening, and when the first big winning opening is open). When it is detected that the switches 73a are turned on, a prize ball payout based on the fact that these switches are turned on may not be executed. However, when configured to determine whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on the value of the special symbol process flag as in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on one data. As a result, the determination process is simplified. Since the accessory 20 is opened or closed over a plurality of rounds, if it is determined whether or not the control for actually releasing the accessory 20 is performed and it is determined whether or not an abnormal prize has occurred, the process is performed. To be complicated.

  If it is confirmed in step S367 that the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 or more, the CPU 56 adds the prize ball number data (in this case, the prize ball number) indicated by the pointer to the prize ball. The value is set to a value (step S368), and the prize ball addition value is added to the contents of the 16-bit total prize ball number storage buffer formed in the RAM 55 (step S369). If a carry occurs as a result of the addition, the content of the total number of winning balls storage buffer is set to 65535 (= FFFF (H)) (steps S357 and S358).

  In step S363, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 7 or more. That the value of the special symbol process flag is 7 or more means that the processing after the pre-opening process of the big winning opening in step S307 is executed in the special symbol process. In other words, it means that a big hit game is being played. Here, during the big hit game, it is a period from the start of the big hit display to the end of the big hit end processing. That is, when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7 or more, when the game control is normally executed, the first big prize opening (the big prize opening by the opening and closing plate 16) is controlled to be opened. This indicates that there is a possibility that

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is 7 or more, the CPU 56 proceeds to step S368. That is, control for adding the prize ball addition value to the total prize ball number storage buffer is executed based on the count switch 23 being turned on. However, if the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 7, the process proceeds to step S359 without executing the control for adding the prize ball addition value to the total prize ball number storage buffer.

  The state where the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 7 is a state where the big hit game is not executed and the control for opening the first big winning opening is not executed. When it is detected that the count switch 23 is turned on in such a state, an abnormal winning (there may be a winning due to fraud) has occurred in the first big winning opening, or the counting switch This means that the detection signal from No. 23 has been subjected to noise over a long period (over 4 ms). Therefore, when it is detected that the count switch 23 is turned on while the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 7, the control for adding the prize ball addition value to the total prize ball number storage buffer is not executed. To do. That is, the prize ball payout based on the fact that the count switch 23 is turned on is not executed.

  Here, the CPU 56 determines whether or not an abnormal winning in the first grand prize opening has occurred based on the value of the special symbol process flag, but the first big winning opening is not actually opened. In some cases, when it is detected that the count switch 23 is turned on, the prize ball payout based on the count switch 23 being turned on may not be executed. However, when configured to determine whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on the value of the special symbol process flag as in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on one data. As a result, the determination process is simplified. Since the first grand prize opening is opened or closed over a plurality of rounds, it is judged whether or not an abnormal prize has occurred by judging whether or not the control for actually opening the first big prize opening is being performed. This complicates the processing.

  In addition, since there is a certain distance between the entrance of the first grand prize opening and the installation position of the count switch 23, it is determined whether or not the control for actually opening the first big prize opening is being performed. When determining whether or not a winning has occurred, it is necessary to consider a game ball that may have won the first big winning opening immediately after closing after the first big winning opening is controlled. That is, it is necessary to consider the time for the game ball to flow from the entrance of the first grand prize opening to the installation position of the count switch 23. That is, it is necessary to start determining whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred after a certain period of time has passed since the control for actually closing the first grand prize winning opening. This also complicates the processing.

  In addition, in the prize ball number addition process, the game control microcomputer 560 causes the third start prize switch 13a to be used when the variable prize ball device 15 is not in the open / closed state (for example, when the value of the normal symbol process flag is less than 3). When it is detected that a detection signal from is input, control may be performed so that no prize ball addition value is added to the total prize ball number storage buffer.

  FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing the prize ball control processing in step S342. In the winning ball control process, the CPU 56 confirms the contents of the total winning ball number storage buffer (step S371). If the value is 0, the process ends. If it is not 0, it is confirmed whether or not the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is smaller than the prize ball command maximum value (“15” in this example) (step S372). If the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is equal to or greater than the prize ball command maximum value, the prize ball command maximum value is set in the prize ball number buffer (step S373). If the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is smaller than the prize ball command maximum value, the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is set in the prize ball number buffer (step S374). Then, the contents of the prize ball number buffer are set in the output port for outputting the prize ball number signal (step S375). Further, “1” is set to the bit of the prize ball REQ signal of the output port for outputting the prize ball REQ signal (step S376).

  A prize ball REQ signal is output by the processing of step S376. That is, the prize ball REQ signal is turned on. In addition, a prize ball number signal is output by the process of step S375 (see FIG. 54). In this embodiment, the maximum prize ball command value is “15”. Therefore, a prize ball number signal designating the maximum number of payouts of “15” is transmitted to the payout control board 37.

  When the winning ball number signal is transmitted, the game control microcomputer 560 subtracts the contents of the winning ball number buffer (the winning ball payout number commanded to the payout control means) from the contents of the total winning ball number storage buffer (step S377). ).

  Next, the CPU 56 sets an on period of the prize ball REQ signal. Specifically, an initial value is set in the wait counter (step S378). Then, the value of the wait counter is decremented by 1 until the value of the wait counter becomes 0 (steps S379 and S380). When the value of the wait counter reaches 0, the on period is terminated.

  That is, “0” is set to the bit of the prize ball REQ signal of the output port for outputting the prize ball REQ signal (step S381), and 00 (H) is set to the output port for outputting the prize ball number signal. (Step S382).

  When the payout control microcomputer mounted on the payout control board 37 receives the prize ball number signal, it drives the payout device 97 so that the number of game balls specified by the prize ball number signal is paid out.

  61 and 62 are flowcharts showing the abnormal winning notification process in step S23. In the abnormal winning notification process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the abnormal notification prohibition flag is set (step S581). The abnormality notification prohibition flag is set in the main process executed when power supply to the gaming machine is started (see step S44 in FIG. 18). When the abnormality notification prohibition flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S585. If the abnormality notification prohibition flag is set, the value of the prohibition period timer set in step S45 is decremented by 1 (step S582). When the value of the prohibition period timer becomes 0, that is, when the prohibition period timer times out, the abnormality notification prohibition flag is reset (steps S583 and S584).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 7 or more (step S585). The state where the value of the special symbol process flag is 7 or more is a state where a big hit game is being played. In such a state, there is a possibility that a game ball will win the first grand prize opening, so it is not confirmed that an abnormal prize has occurred in the first big prize opening. That is, if the value of the special symbol process flag is 7 or more, the process proceeds to step S591 without executing the processes of steps S586 to S589.

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 7 (a state where no big hit game is played), the CPU 56 loads the contents of the switch-on buffer into the register (step S586). Then, the logical product of the content of the loaded switch-on buffer and the count switch input bit determination value (01 (H), see FIG. 58) is calculated (step S587). When the content of the switch-on buffer is 01 (H), that is, when the count switch 23 is on, the logical product operation result is 01 (H). When the count switch 23 is not turned on, the operation result of the logical product is 0 (00 (H)).

  If the result of the logical product is not 0, it is determined that an abnormal winning at the first big winning opening has occurred, and control is performed to transmit a first abnormal winning notification designating command to the effect control board 80 (step S588, S58). S589). If the operation result of the logical product is 0, the process proceeds to step S591.

  In step S591, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 or more (step S591). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 or more, the process proceeds to S605.

  Unless an illegal act is received or noise is added to the detection signal from the switch, the bonus 20 (corresponding to the second big prize opening in the big hit gaming state, starting operation state) when the value of the special symbol process flag is not 4 or more. In this case, a detection signal indicating that a game ball has won is output from the first prize winning switch 71a, the second prize winning switch 72a or the third prize winning switch 73a. It will never be done. Therefore, when the value of the special symbol process flag is not 4 or more, the CPU 56 determines that a detection signal has been output from the first prize winning switch 71a, the second prize winning switch 72a, or the third prize winning switch 73a. It is considered that an abnormal prize has occurred for the accessory 20.

  Specifically, the CPU 56 loads the contents of the switch-on buffer into the register (step S592). Then, the logical product of the contents of the loaded switch-on buffer and the 32 role winning switch input bit determination value (02 (H), see FIG. 58) is calculated (step S593), and the logical product operation result is not 0. Determines that an abnormal prize is awarded to the accessory 20 (specifically, an abnormal prize to the passing port 73 where the game ball is detected by the third prize winning switch 73a), and the effect control board 80 receives the first prize. 2. Control to transmit an abnormal winning notification designation command is performed (steps S594, S595). The bit arrangement of the switch-on buffer is the same as the bit assignment of the input port shown in FIG. Therefore, if the logical product of the contents of the switch-on buffer and 02 (H) is not 0, it means that the third prize winning switch 73a is turned on and a detection signal is output.

  Further, the contents of the switch-on buffer are loaded (step S596), and the logical product of the loaded contents of the switch-on buffer and the second character winning switch input bit determination value (04 (H), see FIG. 58) is obtained ( In step S597), if the logical product operation result is not 0, an abnormal prize is awarded to the accessory 20 (specifically, an abnormal prize is awarded to the passing port 72 where a game ball is detected by the second prize winning switch 72a). ) Is generated, and control is performed to transmit the second abnormal prize notification designation command to the effect control board 80 (steps S598 and S599).

  Further, the contents of the switch-on buffer are loaded (step S601), and the logical product of the loaded contents of the switch-on buffer and the first character winning switch input bit determination value (08 (H), see FIG. 58) is obtained ( Step S602) When the logical product operation result is not 0, an abnormal winning to the accessory 20 (specifically, an abnormal winning to the passing port 71 where the game ball is detected by the first accessory winning switch 71a) ) Is generated, and control is performed to transmit the second abnormal prize notification designation command to the effect control board 80 (steps S603 and S604).

  In step S605, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3 or more. The state where the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3 or more is a state where the normal electric accessory (variable winning ball device 15) is opened and closed. In such a state, there is a possibility that a game ball will win the third start winning opening 13. Therefore, when the value of the normal symbol process flag is 3 or more, the abnormal winning notification process is terminated without performing the abnormal winning confirmation process for the third start winning opening 13.

  A state in which the value of the normal symbol process flag is not 3 or more (a state of less than 3) is a state in which the normal electric accessory (variable winning ball device 15) is not opened or closed. In other words, it is in a state of being closed. In such a state, the winning to the game ball at the third start winning opening 13 is an abnormal winning. Therefore, when the value of the normal symbol process flag is not 3 or more, a process for confirming whether or not an abnormal winning in the third start winning opening 13 has occurred is performed (steps S606 to S609). Note that it may be determined whether or not the value of the normal symbol process flag is 4 in the process of step S605. In that case, since the determination result is “Y” only in the open state in the opening / closing operation, it is possible to more strictly determine whether or not the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the closed state.

  In step S606, the CPU 56 loads the contents of the switch-on buffer into the register. Then, the game control microcomputer 560 takes a logical product of the content of the loaded switch-on buffer and the third start port switch input bit determination value (20 (H), see FIG. 58) (step S607). When the content of the switch-on buffer is 20 (H), that is, when the third start port switch 13a is on, the logical product operation result is 20 (H). When the third start port switch 13a is not turned on, the logical product operation result is 0 (00 (H)).

  If the result of the logical product is not 0, a game ball wins a prize at the third start winning opening 13 regardless of whether the third starting winning opening 13 is in a state other than the open / closed state (always closed). A detection signal indicating that the operation has been performed is input from the third start port switch 13a. Therefore, the CPU 56 determines that an abnormal winning has occurred in the third start winning opening 13, and performs control to transmit a start winning abnormality notification designation command to the effect control board 80 (steps S608 and S609).

  When the count switch 23 is turned on in the state where the big hit game is not performed by the above processing, the first abnormal winning notification designating command is transmitted. That is, the game control means is a specific winning determination means for determining whether or not a detection signal from the count switch 23 (specific winning detection means) is inputted (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, steps S586 to S588). The specific winning determination means inputs a detection signal in a gaming state other than a specific gaming state (a big hit gaming state) in which a specific variable winning device (for example, a big winning opening by the opening / closing plate 16) may be controlled to an open state. If it is determined, it is determined that an abnormal winning to the specific variable winning ball apparatus has occurred (see steps S585 and S588).

  Further, when the first winning combination winning switch 71a, the second winning combination winning switch 72a or the third winning combination winning switch 73a is turned on in a state where the big hit game and the small hit game are not performed, a second abnormal winning notification is made. The specified command is sent. Furthermore, the process of steps S581 to S583 prohibits the start of abnormality notification when the production control microcomputer 100 is performing initialization notification. The production control microcomputer 100 continues to execute the initialization notification until the period corresponding to the prohibition period has elapsed since the start of the initialization notification.

  Further, in this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 detects an abnormal winning based on the special symbol process flag. In addition, as described above, the value of the special symbol process flag being a value between 4 or more means that the gaming state is any of the pre-game release process (step S305) to the jackpot end process (step S310). It means that. In other words, from the start of the small hit game (starting operation), after the second big prize opening is closed in the final round of the second big hit game, all the game balls in the second big prize opening are discharged from the second big prize opening. It means that it is until it is certain. Since an abnormal winning is detected when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 or more, the game ball that has entered the accessory 20 is reliably discharged from the accessory 20 when the accessory 20 changes to the open state. This means that the abnormal winning detection is executed on the condition. It should be noted that the abnormal winning detection is executed even when the small hit game and the big hit game are not executed at all.

Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described.
FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 2 ms) (step S701). .

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and executes a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes effect control process processing (step S705). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed. In addition, a random number update process for updating a counter value of a counter for generating a predetermined random number (for example, a random number for determining a stop symbol) is executed (step S706). Furthermore, a notification control process for performing notification using an effect device such as the effect display device 9 is executed (step S707). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 64 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer of a ring buffer type capable of storing six 2-byte configuration effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIG. 26) is the effect control command stored in the buffer area.

  65 and 66 are flowcharts showing a specific example of command analysis processing (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +2 (step S613). The reason for +2 is that 2 bytes (1 command) are read at a time.

  If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S614), the effect control CPU 101 stores the variation pattern command in a variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S615). Then, a variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S616).

  If the received effect control command is a display result designation command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 stores the display result designation command in a display result designation command storage area formed in the RAM (step S618). . Then, a display result designation command reception flag is set (step S619).

  If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a confirmed command reception flag (step S622).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot start designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start designation command reception flag (step S624). If the received effect control command is a small hit start specifying command (step S625), the effect control CPU 101 sets a small hit start specifying command reception flag (step S626).

  If the received effect control command is a start winning designation command (step S627), the display state of the effect display device 9 is set so that the number of reserved memories displayed in the reserved memory number display area on the display screen of the effect display device 9 is increased by one. Control to change is performed (step S628). Further, if the received effect control command is a time reduction number designation command (step S629), control is performed to change the time reduction number displayed in the time reduction number display area on the display screen of the effect display device 9 (step S630).

  If the received effect control command is a power-on specification command (initialization specification command) (step S631), the effect control CPU 101 displays an initial screen on the effect display device 9 indicating that the initialization process has been executed. Control is performed (step S632A). The initial screen includes an initial display of predetermined production symbols. Also, an initial notification flag is set (step S632B), and a value corresponding to the initial notification period value is set in the period timer (step S632C). The initial notification period is a period in which initialization notification is performed in response to reception of the initialization designation command. The effect control CPU 101 ends the initialization notification when the initial notification period elapses. The initial notification period is the same as the prohibition period set by the game control microcomputer 560 in step S45. Therefore, when the initialization notification is being performed, the abnormality notification designation command (the first abnormality notification designation command or the second abnormality notification designation command) is not received.

  If the received effect control command is a power failure recovery designation command (step S633), a predetermined power failure recovery screen (screen for displaying information notifying the player that the gaming state is continuing) is displayed. Display control is performed (step S634).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot end designation command (step S641), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end designation command reception flag (step S642). If the received effect control command is a small hit end specifying command (step S643), the effect control CPU 101 sets a small hit end specifying command reception flag (step S644).

  If the received effect control command is the first abnormal prize notification designation command (step S645), the effect control CPU 101 sets the first abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag (step S646). If the received effect control command is the second abnormal prize notification designation command (step S647), the second abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag is set (step S648). If the received effect control command is an accessory prize designation command (step S649), an accessory prize designation command reception flag is set (step S650). If the received effect control command is a start prize abnormality notification designation command (step S651), a start prize abnormality notification designation command reception flag is set (step S652).

  If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S653). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 67 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display screen of the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 67, the display screen includes a decorative symbol display area 9a, an effect area 9b, a reserved memory number display area 9c, and a short time count display area 9d. The decorative symbol display area 9a may be a fixed region, but for example, the position and size of the decorative symbol display area 9a may be changed as the decorative symbol changes. The effect area 9b is an area in which, for example, a character image is displayed while the decorative symbol is changing, but may be overlapped with another region (for example, the decorative symbol display area 9a). In addition, in the reserved memory number display area 9c, for example, a number corresponding to the number of reserved memories is displayed, and in the time reduction number display area 9d, for example, the number of times that the special symbol and the decorative design can be changed in the time reduction state (the remaining number of times) ) Is displayed as a numerical value.

  FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S808 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command has been received from the game control microcomputer 560. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If the variation pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S801).

  Decoration symbol variation start processing (step S801): Control is performed so that the variation of the ornament symbol is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol changing process (step S802).

  Decoration symbol variation processing (step S802): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803).

  Decoration symbol variation stop process (step S803): Based on the reception of the effect control command (design determination designation command) for instructing all symbols to stop, the variation of the ornament symbol is stopped and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Take control. If it is determined to be a big hit, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S804). If it is not determined to be a big hit, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect process after the end of change (step S805).

  Big hit display process (step S804): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 9 of the occurrence of the big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S807).

  Post-change end effect processing (step S805): After the decoration pattern change ends, an effect for informing the type of small hits is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit game processing (step S806).

  Small hit game processing (step S806): Control during the small hit game is performed. For example, in the effect display device 9, a display effect corresponding to the small hit game is performed. When the small hit end designation command is received, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800). Otherwise, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S807).

  Big hit game processing (step S807): Control during big hit game is performed. For example, when a special winning opening opening designation command or a special winning opening open designation command is received, display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 9 is performed. When the big hit end designation command is received, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit end processing (step S808).

  Big hit end process (step S808): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 69 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of a process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 in accordance with the data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. The display control execution data includes data indicating each variation mode (a mode for each predetermined time) constituting a variation mode during a variable display time (variation time) of variable display of decorative symbols. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. Moreover, the data etc. which show each production | generation aspect (production | presentation aspect for every predetermined time) which comprise the production | presentation after a fluctuation | variation etc. may be described. The process timer set value is set to a time during which an effect in the variation mode or the effect mode is performed. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table, and executes control for displaying the decorative pattern in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value, or for performing the display effect. .

  Further, although the process table is stored in the ROM, a process table is prepared for each variation pattern corresponding to the variation time and for each type of effect after variation.

  FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 71 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the decorative symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 reads data indicating the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S840). Further, the display result of the decorative symbol (stop symbol) is determined according to the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command) (step S841). In step S841, if the received display result designation command indicates a jackpot symbol (in this example, the second byte of the display result designation command is “3” or “7”), the left, middle and right decorations are aligned. A combination of symbols (big hit symbol) is determined as a stop symbol. When the received display result designation command indicates a small hit symbol (in this example, the second byte of the display result designation command is other than “3” and “7”), a combination of decorative symbols “345” ( The small hit symbol) is determined as the stop symbol.

  When determining the jackpot symbol, the effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining a stop symbol, and a stop symbol determination table in which data indicating a combination of decorative symbols is associated with a numerical value. Is used to determine the stop symbol of the decorative symbol. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to a numerical value that matches the extracted random number. Then, the display result designation command reception flag is reset (step S842).

  Further, the production control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the variation pattern (step S843). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S844).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 indicates an abnormality notification flag (first abnormality notification flag, second abnormality notification flag, discharge abnormality notification flag, or start prize abnormality notification flag) indicating that an abnormal prize is being notified. ) Is not set, according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1) Control of various lamps (light emitters) as parts and speaker 27 as an effect part is executed (steps S845A and S845B). For example, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image according to the variation pattern on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform on / off control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to output sound from the speaker 27.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 performs control so that the decorative pattern is variably displayed by the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command on a one-to-one basis, but the effect control CPU 101 controls the change pattern command. The variation pattern to be used may be selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to.

  When the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, the discharge abnormality notification flag, or the start winning abnormality notification flag) is set, the process data 1 excluding the sound number data 1 Control of the effect device is executed according to the contents of (Steps S845A, S845C). In other words, when the abnormality notification flag is set, when a new variable display of a decorative symbol is started, a sound effect corresponding to the variable display is not executed, but an abnormal winning notification is made. The corresponding sound output is continued.

  In addition, when performing the process of step S845C, the presentation control CPU 101 does not simply output a command based on the display control execution data 1 to the VDP 109, but also outputs a command for performing “superimposed display” to the VDP 109. That is, control is performed so that the display at that time on the effect display device 9 (notification of abnormal winning is made) and the image of the display effect of variable display of decorative symbols are simultaneously displayed on the effect display device 9. . That is, when the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, the discharge abnormality notification flag or the start winning abnormality notification flag) is set, a new variable display of the decorative symbol When is started, not only the display effect according to the variable display is executed but also the notification according to the notification of the abnormal winning is continued.

  Then, a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command is set in the variation time timer (step S846), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation process (step S802). (Step S847).

  FIG. 72 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol variation process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol variation process, the production control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S851) and subtracts 1 from the value of the variation time timer (step S852). When the process timer times out (step S853), the process data is switched. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S854). In addition, it is set next after the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, the discharge abnormality notification flag, or the start winning abnormality notification flag) is not set. Based on the display control execution data, the lamp control execution data, and the sound number data, the control state for the rendering device is changed (steps S855A and S855B).

  When the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, the discharge abnormality notification flag or the start winning abnormality notification flag) is set, the process data i (i is 2 to n) The control of the rendering device is executed according to the contents (except for the sound number data i) (steps S855A and S855C). Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag is set, the sound production according to the notification of the abnormal winning is continued, not the sound effect according to the variable display of the decorative symbol is executed.

  Further, when the process of step S855C is performed, the presentation control CPU 101 does not simply output a command based on the display control execution data i to the VDP 109, but also outputs a command for performing “superimposed display” to the VDP 109. . Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag is set, not only the display effect according to the variable display of the decorative symbol is executed, but also the notification according to the notification of the abnormal winning is continued.

  If the variation time timer has timed out (step S856), the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803) (step S858). Even if the variable time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received is set (step S857), the process proceeds to step S858. Even if the variation time timer has not timed out, if the symbol confirmation designation command is received, the process shifts to control to stop variation.For example, a variation pattern command indicating a long variation time due to noise between substrates is received. Even in such a case, the variation of the decorative symbol can be terminated when the regular variation time has elapsed (when the variation of the special symbol has ended).

  FIG. 73 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the confirmed command reception flag is set (step S861). If the confirmed command reception flag is set, the confirmed command reception flag is reset. (Step S862), and control for deriving and displaying the determined stop symbol is performed (Step S863). When the jackpot start designation command reception flag indicating that the jackpot start designation command has been received from the game control microcomputer 560 is set (step S864), the effect control CPU 101 hits the effect display device 9 with a jackpot. The display (display for notifying that the big hit game is started) is performed (step S865), and the big hit display time timer for determining the display time of the big hit display or the small hit display is set (step S866), and the production control The value of the process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) (step S867).

  In this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 ends the variation (variable display) of the decorative symbols on the condition that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received (see steps S861 and S863). However, if the variation time timer based on the received variation pattern command times out, the variation of the decorative symbol may be controlled to end without receiving the symbol determination designation command. In this case, the game control microcomputer 560 may not transmit the symbol confirmation designation command for designating the end of variable display.

  When the jackpot start designation command reception flag is not set, the CPU 101 for effect control sets a value corresponding to the effect time (3 seconds or 6 seconds in this embodiment) in the effect time timer after the end of change. (Step S870). When it is determined that the bonus 20 is to be a small hit to be released once, a process table corresponding to the post-fluctuation effect for informing the small hit (open once the bonus) is selected ( Steps S871, S872) and Step S874 are entered. In addition, when it is determined that the bonus 20 is to be a small hit to be released twice, a process table corresponding to the post-fluctuation effect for notifying the small hit (opening the bonus twice) is selected ( Steps S871 and S873) and the process proceeds to Step S874. Whether it is decided to make a small hit for opening the accessory 20 once or whether it is decided to make a small hit for opening the accessory 20 twice in the display result designation command storage area. Judgment is made based on the stored display result designation command. That is, in this embodiment, since the data corresponding to the stop symbol of the special symbol is set in the second byte of the display result designation command, the production control CPU 101 releases the accessory 20 once from the data. It is possible to specify whether it is determined to be a small hit to be made or a small hit to open the accessory 20 twice (see FIG. 15 and FIG. 21).

  In step S874, the effect control CPU 101 starts a process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 indicates an abnormality notification flag (first abnormality notification flag, second abnormality notification flag, discharge abnormality notification flag, or start prize abnormality notification flag) indicating that an abnormal prize is being notified. ) Is not set, the production device (production display as production component) according to the contents of process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1 in the selected process table) Control of the apparatus 9, various lamps (light emitters) as a production component and the speaker 27 as a production component is executed (steps S875A and S875B). Specifically, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image corresponding to the post-change effect on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform on / off control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to output sound from the speaker 27.

  When the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, the discharge abnormality notification flag, or the start winning abnormality notification flag) is set, the process data 1 excluding the sound number data 1 Control of the rendering device is executed in accordance with the contents of (No. S875A, S8759C). In other words, when the abnormality notification flag is set, when the post-change effect is started, the sound effect corresponding to the display of the post-change effect is not executed, but according to the abnormal winning notification. Sound output continues.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect process after the end of change (step S805) (step S876).

  In the jackpot display process (step S804), the effect control CPU 101 waits for the jackpot display time timer to time out in the jackpot display process, and when the jackpot display time timer times out, the effect control process flag value is processed in the jackpot game process ( Update to a value corresponding to step S807).

  FIG. 74 is a flowchart showing the post-change end effect processing (step S805) in the effect control process. In the effect process after the end of change, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S891) and subtracts 1 from the value of the effect time timer after the end of change (step S892). When the process timer times out (step S893), the process data is switched. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S894). In addition, it is set next after the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, the discharge abnormality notification flag, or the start winning abnormality notification flag) is not set. Based on the display control execution data, the lamp control execution data, and the sound number data, the control state for the effect device is changed (steps S895A and S895B).

  When the effect time timer times out after the end of the change (when the value becomes 0), if the big hit start designation command is received, the value of the effect control process flag corresponds to the small hit game processing (step S807). The values are updated (steps S897, S898).

  The effect control microcomputer 100 may change the background color of the display on the effect display device 9, for example, in the effect processing after the end of change. As an example, when a variation pattern command of variation patterns # 1 and # 4 (corresponding to 3 rounds) is received, the background color is blue and the variation pattern of variation patterns # 2 and # 5 (corresponding to 7 rounds) When a command is received, the background color is yellow, and when a variation pattern command of variation patterns # 3 and # 6 (corresponding to 11 rounds) is received, the background color is red. With such control, the player can be notified of the number of rounds in the jackpot gaming state.

  In the small hit game processing, when the small hit end designation command reception flag indicating that the small hit end designation command has been received from the gaming control microcomputer 560 is set, the presentation control microcomputer 100 performs the presentation control. The value of the process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S8008). When the jackpot start designation command reception flag indicating that the jackpot start designation command has been received from the game control microcomputer 560 is set, the value of the effect control process flag is a value corresponding to the jackpot end process (step S808). Update to Note that the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a small-hit end designation command when no V-winning occurs in the small-hit game, and transmits a big-hit start designation command when a V-winning occurs (see FIG. 37).

  In the jackpot end process, the effect control microcomputer 100 displays a display for notifying the end of the jackpot on the effect display device 9, and then changes the value of the effect control process flag to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800). Update to the value corresponding to.

  75 and 76 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a notification screen displayed on the effect display device 9. FIG. 75 (A) shows an example of an initial screen that the effect control CPU 101 displays on the effect display device 9 in response to reception of the initialization designation command. FIG. 75 (B) shows an example of a power failure recovery screen that the effect control CPU 101 displays on the effect display device 9 in response to reception of a power failure recovery designation command. FIG. 75 (C) shows an example of a first abnormality notification screen displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the reception of the first abnormal prize notification designation command by the effect control CPU 101, and the variation of the decorative design Even if is started, it is shown that the display of the first abnormality notification screen is continued (see the right side of FIG. 75C). FIG. 75 (D) shows an example of the second abnormality notification screen displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the reception of the second abnormal prize notification designation command by the effect control CPU 101, and the variation of the decorative pattern is shown. Even if is started, it is indicated that the display of the second abnormality notification screen is continued (see the right side of FIG. 75D). FIG. 75 (E) shows an example of the discharge abnormality notification screen displayed on the effect display device 9 by the effect control CPU 101, and the display of the discharge abnormality notification screen is displayed even when the decoration pattern starts to change. It is shown to continue (see the right side of FIG. 75E).

  FIG. 76 shows an example of the start winning abnormality notification screen displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the reception of the start winning abnormality notification designation command by the effect control CPU 101, and the variation of the decorative design is started. Also, it is shown that the display of the start winning abnormality notification screen is continued (see the right side of FIG. 76).

  77 to 79 are flowcharts showing the notification control process in step S707. In the notification control process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the initial notification flag is set (step S901). The initial notification flag is set when an initialization designation command is received from the game control microcomputer 560 (see step S632B in FIG. 66). If the initial notification flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S906. If the initial notification flag is set, the value of the period timer set in step S632C is decremented by 1 (step S902). Then, when the value of the period timer becomes 0, that is, when the initial notification period has elapsed, the initial notification flag is reset (steps S903 and S904).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a command for deleting the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen in the effect display device 9 to the VDP 109 (step S905). The VDP 109 erases the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen from the effect display device 9 in response to the command.

  In step S906, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the first abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag indicating that the first abnormal winning notification designation command has been received is set. If not set, the process proceeds to step S916. If the first abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is set, the first abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is reset (step S907), and the effect display device 9 displays the screen displayed at that time. On the other hand, a command to superimpose and display the first abnormality notification screen is output to the VDP 109 (step S908). The VDP 109 superimposes and displays the first abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 in accordance with the command (see FIG. 75C).

  Furthermore, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output in response to the abnormal winning notification to the sound output board 70 (step S909). The voice synthesis IC 703 mounted on the voice output board 70 reads data corresponding to the input sound data from the voice data ROM 704 and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 27 side according to the read data. Therefore, sound output (output of abnormal notification sound) corresponding to the notification of abnormal winning is performed thereafter. Then, the production control CPU 101 sets a first abnormality notification flag indicating that abnormality notification is being performed (step S910).

  In step S916, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the second abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag indicating that the second abnormal winning notification designation command has been received is set. If not set, the process proceeds to step S926. If the second abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag is set, the second abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag is reset (step S917), and the effect display device 9 displays the screen displayed at that time. On the other hand, a command to superimpose and display the second abnormality notification screen is output to the VDP 109 (step S918). In response to the command, the VDP 109 superimposes and displays the second abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 (see FIG. 75D).

  Furthermore, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output in response to the abnormal winning notification to the sound output board 70 (step S919). The voice synthesis IC 703 mounted on the voice output board 70 reads data corresponding to the input sound data from the voice data ROM 704 and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 27 side according to the read data. Therefore, sound output (output of abnormal notification sound) corresponding to the notification of abnormal winning is performed thereafter. Then, the production control CPU 101 sets a second abnormality notification flag indicating that abnormality notification is being performed (step S920).

  In addition, the CPU 101 for effect control notifies the abnormality when the abnormal winning to the first big prize opening occurs (abnormality notification by the processing of Steps S908 and S909) and the abnormality notification when the abnormal winning regarding the accessory 20 occurs. Abnormality notification is performed so that it can be distinguished from (abnormality notification by the processing of steps S918 and S919) (see FIG. 75).

  In step S926, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not a start prize abnormality notification designation command reception flag indicating that a start prize abnormality notice designation command has been received is set. If not set, the process proceeds to step S941. If the start prize abnormality notification designation command reception flag is set, the start prize abnormality notification designation command reception flag is reset (step S927), and the effect display device 9 displays the screen displayed at that time. Then, a command to superimpose and display the start winning abnormality notification screen is output to the VDP 109 (step S928). In response to the command, the VDP 109 superimposes and displays a start prize abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 (see FIG. 76).

  Furthermore, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output in response to the notification of the start winning abnormality to the sound output board 70 (step S929). The voice synthesis IC 703 mounted on the voice output board 70 reads data corresponding to the input sound data from the voice data ROM 704 and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 27 side according to the read data. Therefore, after that, sound output (output of abnormality notification sound) according to the notification of the start winning abnormality is performed. Then, the production control CPU 101 sets a start winning abnormality notification flag indicating that the start winning abnormality notification is being performed (step S930).

  In step S941, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the small hit game or the big hit game is in a round in which the accessory 20 is open. Whether or not a small hit game is being played can be confirmed by the value of the effect control process flag. In addition, for example, the received display result designation command (in order to confirm how many big hit games are played: see FIG. 15 and FIG. 21) And the display command when the special winning opening is opened (to check how many rounds the game is in progress).

  If it is not during the small hit game or the round in which the bonus item 20 is released in the big hit game, the value of the bonus item discharge monitoring timer is set to 0 (step S944).

  If the game 20 is in the small hit game or the round in which the bonus 20 in the big hit game is open, it is confirmed whether or not a bonus winning designation command reception flag indicating that a bonus winning designation command has been received is set ( Step S942). If the bonus winning designation command reception flag is set, the bonus winning designation command reception flag is reset (step S943) and the value of the bonus discharge monitoring timer is set to 0 (step S944).

  If the winning item winning designation command reception flag is not set, the value of the winning item discharge monitoring timer is incremented by 1 (step S945). If the value of the accessory discharge monitoring timer is a monitoring time value (a value corresponding to the monitoring time: the monitoring time is longer than the round time of the big hit game, for example, 41.5 seconds), the CPU 101 for effect control Outputs a command to superimpose and display the discharge abnormality notification screen on the screen displayed at that time in the effect display device 9 (step S947). In response to the command, the VDP 109 superimposes and displays the discharge abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 (see FIG. 75E).

  Further, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output corresponding to the notification of the discharge abnormality to the sound output board 70 (step S948). The voice synthesis IC 703 mounted on the voice output board 70 reads data corresponding to the input sound data from the voice data ROM 704 and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 27 side according to the read data. Therefore, thereafter, sound output (output of abnormality notification sound) according to the notification of the discharge abnormality is performed. Then, the production control CPU 101 sets a discharge abnormality notifying flag indicating that the discharge abnormality notification is being performed (step S949).

  In the above-described control, during the small hit game or during the round in which the accessory 20 is released, if the accessory winning designation command is not received beyond the monitoring time, the effect control CPU 101 performs the discharge. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and abnormality notification is performed.

  When the game control microcomputer 560 detects that all the game balls are discharged from the accessory 20 during the small hit game, it ends the small hit game and issues a big hit start designation command or a small hit end designation command. Send. Receiving the command, the effect control CPU 101 sets the control state to a state that is not in the small hit game. If the control or the like is normally executed, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a big hit start designation command or a small hit end designation command before the monitoring time elapses. Never do. That is, the fact that the accessory discharge monitoring timer has timed out means that the game control microcomputer 560 could not detect that all the game balls were discharged from the accessory 20 within a predetermined time. Therefore, a discharge abnormality in which the game ball is not discharged from the accessory 20 has occurred. Note that the occurrence of abnormal discharge may mean that a game ball has not actually won a prize in the accessory 20 (there may be a situation in which a prize has been illegally won in the accessory 20). .

  In this embodiment, the production control CPU 101 receives the first abnormal prize notification designation command and the second abnormal prize notification designation command from the game control microcomputer 560, thereby giving the first big prize opening. Although the abnormality notification is performed so that the abnormality notification when the abnormal winning occurs and the abnormality notification when the abnormal winning regarding the accessory 20 occurs, the command (first operation) that enables the effect control CPU 101 to distinguish the abnormality. Instead of receiving the 1 abnormal winning notification notification designation command and the second abnormal winning notification designation command), an independently distinguishable abnormality notification may be performed.

  FIG. 80 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the situation of the display effect in the effect display device 9 and the sound effect by the speaker 27. FIG. 80 (A) shows an example when the decorative display is variably displayed on the effect display device 9. FIG. 80 (B) shows an example in which initialization notification is performed in the effect display device 9.

  FIG. 80 (C) shows an example in which the abnormal display is notified by the effect display device 9 and the abnormal notification sound is output by the speaker 27. When the production control microcomputer 100 receives the first abnormal prize notification designation command or the second abnormal prize notification designation command from the game control microcomputer 560, the production display device 9 displays an abnormality notification screen (first abnormality notification screen or first abnormality notification screen). (2 abnormality notification screen) is displayed and control for outputting an abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 is performed. Further, even when the decorative display of variable symbols is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. Further, even when the variable display of the decorative symbols is finished, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. The production control microcomputer 100 does not execute the control for deleting the abnormality notification screen and the control for stopping the output of the abnormality notification sound, so that the display of the abnormality notification screen on the production display device 9 and the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are not performed. The output continues until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. However, the production control microcomputer 100 stops displaying the abnormality notification screen and outputting the abnormality notification sound when a predetermined time has elapsed after the display of the abnormality notification screen and the output of the abnormality notification sound have started. You may control.

  Further, in this embodiment, the abnormality notification is performed by the effect display device 9 and the speaker 27, but the abnormality notification may be performed using a lamp / LED. In that case, when receiving the abnormal winning notification designation command, the production control microcomputer 100 controls the lamp / LED to blink in a manner different from that in the normal state (when no abnormal winning has occurred). . Further, even when the abnormality notification is performed using the lamp / LED, the abnormality notification using the lamp / LED is continued even when the variable display of the decorative symbol is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command. . However, the production control microcomputer 100 may control the abnormality notification to stop when a predetermined time has elapsed since the abnormality notification was started.

  FIG. 80 (C) exemplifies a case in which an abnormal winning notification is performed, but an abnormality notification screen (discharge abnormal notification) is also displayed on the effect display device 9 when a discharge abnormality or a start winning abnormality notification is performed. Control for displaying a screen and a start winning abnormality screen) and a control for outputting an abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27. Further, even when the decorative display of variable symbols is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. Further, even when the variable display of the decorative symbols is finished, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the effect display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. In addition, since the production control microcomputer 100 does not execute the control for deleting the abnormality notification screen and the control for stopping the output of the abnormality notification sound, the abnormality notification screen in the presentation display device 9 even in the case of a discharge abnormality or a start winning abnormality. And the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped.

  In this embodiment, the gaming control microcomputer 560 does not detect abnormal winning and discharging abnormalities for a predetermined period (a period during which initialization notification is executed) after the power supply to the gaming machine is started. No abnormal winning notification designation command is transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560. However, when the value of the special symbol process flag is less than a predetermined value (7 in this embodiment), the game control microcomputer 560 always detects an abnormal winning with respect to the first big prize opening and sets the value of the special symbol process flag. When the value is not between 4 and 10, abnormal winnings relating to the accessory 20 are always detected, and the effect control microcomputer 100 starts abnormal power supply for a predetermined period after power supply to the gaming machine is started. When the notification designation command is received, the abnormal winning notification may not be performed.

  In this embodiment, when the gaming control microcomputer 560 detects that one gaming ball has won the first big winning opening or the accessory 20 when not in the big hit gaming state, the abnormal winning notification designation command Is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100, but when it is detected that a predetermined number (a plurality) of game balls have won the first big winning opening or the accessory 20 when the starting operation state and the big hit gaming state are not detected, an abnormal winning is obtained. You may control to transmit a notification designation command. Further, when it is not in the starting operation state and the big hit gaming state, if it is detected that a predetermined number (a plurality of) gaming balls have won in a predetermined time, an abnormal winning notification designation command may be transmitted. . When receiving the abnormal winning notification designation command, the production control microcomputer 100 displays the abnormality notification screen and outputs the abnormality notification sound as described above.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since initialization notification is given priority over abnormality notification (such as notification of abnormal winning), it is possible to prevent a situation in which initialization notification is difficult to recognize. Is done. That is, the initialization notification is performed prominently.

  In the above embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 ends the initialization notification when a predetermined period has elapsed (see steps S901 to S905), but ends the initialization notification at another timing. May be. For example, the initialization notification is ended when the decorative symbol variable display is started for the first time after the initialization notification is started, or the abnormal winning notification designation command is received before the decorative symbol variable display is started. Sometimes the initialization notification may be terminated. Alternatively, the initialization notification may be terminated when the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received or when the first effect control command other than the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received after the initialization notification is started. That is, it is preferable that the initialization notification is continued for a period sufficient for a game clerk or the like to recognize the initialization notification.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 81 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a special symbol stop symbol and a winning type in the gaming machine of the second embodiment. FIG. 82 is an explanatory diagram showing random numbers used by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 82, the random 6: small hit type determining random number of (6) is added to the first embodiment (see FIG. 20). FIG. 83 shows the relationship between the stop symbol of the special symbol and the judgment value (FIG. 83 (A)), and the type of small hit (specifically, the number of times the accessory 20 is released in the small hit gaming state, that is, in the starting operation state). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship (FIG. 83 (B)) with a determination value. However, as in the case of the first embodiment (see FIG. 21), FIG. 83 shows the number of determination values, not specific determination values.

  In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 uses the big hit (first big hit) in the big hit determination process (see step S62 in FIG. 29) or the second big hit game executed after the end of the small hit game. If the first big hit is not determined, the type of the small hit game (specifically, the number of releases of the accessory 20 in the small hit game state, that is, in the starting operation state) is determined. Is determined by a lottery using a random number for determining the type of small hits.

  The game control microcomputer 560 extracts the count value of the counter for generating the small hit type determining random number and uses the extracted value as the small hit type determining random value. The number of times of opening (see FIG. 83 (B)) corresponding to the determination value that matches is determined.

  In this embodiment, as the big hit (first big hit), there is a sudden probable big hit in addition to the normal big hit and the probable big hit. Suddenly promising big hit is the number of times the opening of the big prize opening and the opening time are shorter than in the case of the normal big hit and the probable big hit (for example, 0.5 seconds is opened twice), and the game state after the big hit game is Controlled to a high probability state (probability variation state). Therefore, the player feels as if the gaming state suddenly becomes a high probability state. Other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, the production control board 80, the audio output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as the boards on which the circuit for controlling the production apparatus is mounted. You may mount on one board | substrate. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the effect display device 9 and the like is mounted and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (lamps, LEDs, speakers 27, etc.) are mounted. You may make it provide two board | substrates with two production | presentation control boards.

  FIG. 84 is a block diagram showing a configuration example in which a sound / lamp control board 80b and a display control board 80a are provided instead of the production control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70 shown in FIG. is there. As shown in FIG. 84, the sound / lamp control board 80b is mounted with a sound / lamp control microcomputer 101b including a sound / lamp control CPU 101b and a RAM. In the sound / lamp control board 80b, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b operates according to a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and is input via the relay board 77. In response to the strobe signal (effect control INT signal) from, an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b outputs a signal for driving the lamp to the lamp driver 352 via the output port 107. The lamp driver 352 amplifies a signal for driving the lamp and supplies the amplified signal to each lamp such as the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c.

  In addition, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs sound number data to the speech synthesis IC 703. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice or sound effect according to the sound number data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b transfers the received effect control command to the display control board 80a via the output port 104, generates a command based on the received effect control command, and generates the generated command. The data is transmitted to the display control board 80a via the output port 104.

  As shown in FIG. 84, a display control microcomputer 100a including a display control CPU 101a and a RAM (not shown) is mounted on the display control board 80a. In the display control board 80a, the display control microcomputer 100a operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown) and receives a command from the sound / lamp control board 80b via the input port 108. To do. Then, the display control microcomputer 100a causes the VDP 109 to perform display control of the effect display device 9 using the LCD, based on the received command. The control of the display control microcomputer 100a related to the display control of the effect display device 9 is the same as the control of the effect control microcomputer 100 in each of the above embodiments.

  The command transmitted from the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b to the display control microcomputer 100a is the same as the effect control command (see FIG. 26) in each of the above embodiments. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b transfers the command received from the game control microcomputer 560 as it is to the display control microcomputer 100a, so that it is the same as the effect control command (see FIG. 26) in each of the above embodiments. Can be given to the display control microcomputer 100a.

  The present invention includes a variable winning ball device that is controlled to a starting operation state that is opened according to the establishment of a starting condition, and a game ball is awarded in a special area in the variable winning ball device that is controlled to the starting operation state. This is applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine in which the variable winning ball apparatus is shifted to a specific gaming state in which the variable winning ball apparatus is controlled to be opened a predetermined number of times.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is the front view which looked at the variable winning ball apparatus from the front. It is the front view which looked at the variable winning ball apparatus from the front. It is a perspective view which shows the structure which has the passage opening of the game ball provided in the back surface side of the open door. It is a perspective view which shows the path | route from a passage opening to a specific winning opening. It is a perspective view which shows the path | route from other passage openings to a specific winning opening. It is the top view which looked at the lower part of the variable winning ball apparatus from the upper side, and the front view seen from the front side. It is the top view which looked at the lower part of the variable winning ball apparatus from the upper side, and the front view seen from the front side. It is the top view which looked at the lower part of the variable winning ball apparatus from the upper side. It is the top view which looked at the rotary body from the upper side. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of how to advance the game of a gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the change of a special symbol and a decoration symbol, and the start of a small hit game. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the change of a special symbol and a decoration symbol, the start of a small hit game, and the start of a big hit game. It is explanatory drawing which shows image display examples, such as a post-change effect, in an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the stop symbol of a special symbol, and the type of winning. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a relay board | substrate, an effect control board | substrate, a lamp driver board | substrate, and an audio | voice output board | substrate. It is a flowchart which shows a main process. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between the stop symbol of a special symbol, and a determination value. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between a fluctuation pattern and a determination value. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. FIG. 38E illustrates an effect control command signal line. It is a timing chart showing the relationship between an 8-bit control signal and an INT signal that constitute an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flow chart which shows processing for opening an accessory. It is a flowchart which shows the accessory release middle. It is a flowchart which shows a rotary body and a movable part control. It is a timing diagram which shows the operation example of a rotary body and a movable part. It is a flowchart which shows a post-completion process. It is a flowchart which shows the big winning opening opening pre-processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the round which open | releases the 1st big winning opening in the 2nd big hit game state. It is a flowchart which shows a big winning opening open process. It is a flowchart which shows a big winning opening open process. It is a flowchart which shows the process after closing of the big prize opening. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows the process during normal symbol fluctuation. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol stop process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the open pattern of the change time of a normal symbol, and a variable winning ball apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a normal electric accessory release pre-process. It is a flowchart which shows a process during normal electric-power-object opening. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bit allocation example of the input port in the microcomputer for game control. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the payout control signal. It is a block diagram which shows the signal line etc. which are used for transmission / reception of a payout control signal. It is a timing diagram which shows an example of how to output a payout control signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the buffer used by switch processing. It is a flowchart which shows a switch process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a prize ball number table. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball number addition process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball control process. It is a flowchart which shows an abnormal winning notification process. It is a flowchart which shows an abnormal winning notification process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for production control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display screen of an effect display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a process table. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration design change start process. It is a flowchart which shows a process during decoration design change. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration design change stop process. It is a flowchart which shows the production process after the end of change. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the alerting | reporting screen displayed on an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the alerting | reporting screen displayed on an effect display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows alerting | reporting control processing. It is a flowchart which shows alerting | reporting control processing. It is a flowchart which shows alerting | reporting control processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the situation of the display effect in an effect display apparatus, and the sound effect by a speaker. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the stop symbol of a special symbol, and the type of winning. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number which the microcomputer for game control uses. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the stop symbol of a special symbol, and a determination value, and the relationship between a small hit type and a determination value. It is a block diagram which shows the structure by which the sound / lamp control board and the display control board were provided.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Special symbol display 9 Production display device 10 Normal symbol display 11 1st start winning opening 12 2nd starting winning opening 13 3rd starting winning opening 11a 1st starting opening switch 12a 2nd starting opening switch 13a 1st 3 Start switch 15 Variable winning ball device 16 Opening / closing plate 20 Accessory (variable winning ball device)
22 V winning switch 23 Count switch 31 Main board 56 CPU
66 Special winning opening 66a Specific area switch 71, 72, 73 Passing port 71a First winning combination winning switch 72a Second winning winning combination switch 73a Third winning winning combination switch 77, 78 Movable members 77A, 77B Movable part 80 Production control board 85a Accessory discharging switch 86 Rotating body 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
560 Microcomputer for game control

Claims (3)

It is possible to play a predetermined game using a game ball,
After a predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied, a variable display device that starts variable display of identification information based on the satisfaction of the variable display start condition and derives and displays a display result;
A variable winning ball apparatus that can be controlled to either an open state in which a game ball can win or a closed state in which a game ball cannot win,
A gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state in which the variable winning ball device is controlled to be opened a predetermined number of times when a game ball wins in a special area among the winning areas provided in the variable winning ball device,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Variable display execution means for executing variable display of identification information,
The game control means includes
Display result determining means for determining a display result of the variable display device;
Starting operation control means for controlling the variable winning ball apparatus to a starting operation state in which the variable winning ball apparatus is opened once or a plurality of times when the opening display result is derived and displayed on the variable display device;
An abnormality determining means for determining that an abnormal winning has occurred when it is detected that a game ball has won when the variable winning ball apparatus is in the closed state;
There are a plurality of opening display results determined by the display result determining means, and the number of opening of the variable winning ball apparatus in the specific gaming state is varied according to the opening display results,
An abnormality notifying means for notifying the abnormal winning in a manner recognizable by the player based on the fact that the abnormality determining means has determined that an abnormal winning has occurred;
The variable display execution means starts variable display of identification information when a variable display start condition is satisfied even when the abnormality notification means is performing abnormality notification. Winning detection means for detecting a gaming ball won in the winning area of the variable winning ball device and outputting a winning detection signal;
A discharge detecting means for outputting a discharge detection signal capable of specifying that the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus has been discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus;
The game control means enters the variable winning ball apparatus based on a winning determination means for determining whether or not the winning detection signal from the winning detection means is input, and the discharge detection signal from the discharge detecting means. Discharge determining means for determining whether or not the played game ball is discharged from the variable winning ball device,
When the variable winning ball device is controlled to be in a closed state, it is determined by the discharge determining means that a game ball that has entered the variable winning ball device in the open state is discharged from the variable winning ball device. the condition, the winning determination means based on the entered the winning detection signal, the game machine according to claim 1, further comprising determining discharge abnormality determination means that an abnormality winning occurs. A prize game ball payout control means gaming ball to the winning areas executes the control to pay out the prize game ball in response to the prize,
A winning detection means for detecting a game ball won in the winning area of the variable winning ball device and outputting a winning detection signal ;
The game control means
A winning determination means for determining whether or not the winning detection signal from the winning detection means is input;
Abnormal variable winning ball apparatus that determines that an abnormal winning has occurred based on the fact that the winning determination means has input the winning detection signal when the variable winning ball apparatus is not controlled to the start operation state or the specific gaming state Determination means,
Claim wherein the prize game balls payout control means, including a dispensing control prohibiting means for prohibiting the execution of the control to pay out a prize game balls based on the pay when said variable winning ball device abnormality determining means determines that the abnormality occurs winning The gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2 .

Images