JP5452855B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that executes an internal lottery by acquiring different lottery elements for each event when a plurality of different events occur in the game, and particularly satisfies the conditions for executing the internal lottery. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that stores an acquired lottery element when an event occurs before.

  As a prior art related to this type of gaming machine, when a game ball wins at the first start opening, a first big hit determination random number and a first big hit design random number are extracted, and a game ball wins at the second start opening. When it is detected, the second jackpot determination random number and the second jackpot design random number are extracted, and the random number is extracted in the order in which the random numbers are extracted (winning order) in a storage area of 1 to 8 total memories. A gaming machine that stores data in association with each other is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this prior art, each random number extracted in the oldest winning is stored in a storage area having a total memory number of 1 (first), and each random number extracted in the next winning prize has a total memory number of 2 ( Each random number can be stored up to a total of eight (end) in order of winning, such as a second storage area and a storage area with a total of three (third) storage areas in the next winning prize. Each stored random number is sequentially read from the top storage area, and accordingly, the second and subsequent storage areas are sequentially shifted toward the top.

In the above prior art, if the first lottery is performed in response to the winning at the first starting port, the first special symbol starts to change, and the second lottery is performed in response to the winning at the second starting port. If you do, the change of the second special symbol is started. At this time, the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed in the order of winning by reading each random number in order from the top storage area. For this reason, prior art stores each extracted random number in the storage area together with a “discriminating flag” indicating whether each random number is related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol. It is stored in the storage area corresponding to the value of the total storage number. As a result, when each random number is read from the first storage area, whether or not the variable display of the first special symbol should be started based on the value of the discrimination flag stored in accordance therewith, or whether the second special symbol It is considered that it is possible to reliably determine whether to start the variable display.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2007-29242 (pages 11-16, 34, 18, 18)

  However, the above-mentioned prior art has doubled the capacity of RAM to be used, because the number of memory is increased to 8 compared to a gaming machine with an upper limit of 4 (only one special symbol). is increasing. In addition, since it is necessary to store not only each random number but also one discrimination flag one by one in all the storage areas having a total storage number of 1 to 8, there is a problem that an extra storage capacity is required. Yes (see FIG. 18 of Patent Document 1).

  In addition, as shown in the prior art, since the random number extracted separately for two different winnings is stored in the common random number storage means, the order of storage is easily matched with the winning order. Is suitable for starting in the order of winning a prize, but if the symbols are changed in any other order (for example, one of the special symbols has priority), the storage area shift processing becomes complicated. is there.

  That is, in this case, it is not always necessary to read out each random number from the top storage area, but it is necessary to read out each random number according to the symbol type. For this reason, for example, in a storage area having a total storage number of 8, (1) the value of the discrimination flag is checked in order from the top storage area, and (2) a random number corresponding to the symbol to be changed is used. Check if there is one, and (3) if applicable, read each random number from its storage area, (4) the storage area from which each random number was read is one of the first to seventh (5) If the storage area is 1-7, shift the contents of the subsequent (2-8) storage areas, and (6) the storage area at the end (8th) If this is the case, complicated processing such as no shift is required.

  Therefore, the present invention is intended to simplify the shift processing of stored contents without causing an excessive increase in storage capacity.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution 1: A gaming machine according to the present invention has first element acquisition means for acquiring a first lottery element and a first winning type determination element, respectively, triggered by the occurrence of a first event during a game; A second element acquisition means for acquiring a second lottery element and a second winning type determination element, respectively, triggered by the occurrence of a second event different from the first event during the game; The first lottery having a capacity capable of storing a set of lottery information up to a predetermined upper limit number in a state where the first lottery element and the first winning type determining element acquired by the acquisition means are set as a set of lottery information. In a state where the storage area, the second lottery element acquired by the second element acquisition means, and the second winning type determination element are set as a set of lottery information, the lottery information set up to a predetermined upper limit number Second storage area with storable capacity and player benefits during game When the first event or the second event occurs in a state where the conditions for executing the related internal lottery are not yet satisfied, a set of lottery information is stored in the first or second storage area until the upper limit number is reached. A set stored in the first or second storage area when a condition for executing the internal lottery is satisfied in a state in which the lottery information is stored in the first or second storage unit. common storage area transferred instead storing transition means for storing, when one set of lottery information by storing transition means Ru is transferred to a common storage area, a set of lottery information is changed its transferred lottery information of a predetermined Sort transferred to the common memory area by but at least the first or second and the lottery element identification information common storage area in accordance with Ru is stored information storage means representative of the at whether intended to include any of the lottery elements, storage migration unit And a lottery execution means for executing an internal lottery using the lottery element identification information stored in the more common storage area in a set of lottery information and information storage means being.
Further, the information storage means, when the set of lottery information is transferred to the common storage area by the storage transfer means, the transferred set of lottery information is at least the first or second lottery information. In a configuration in which lottery element identification information indicating which lottery element is included is stored in a register for a processor which is a storage element different from the first storage area, the second storage area, and the common storage area. Good. The lottery execution means uses the set of lottery information transferred to the common storage area by the storage transfer means and the lottery element identification information stored in the register by the information storage means. Run a lottery.

  As described above, in the present invention, a common storage area is provided separately from the first storage area and the second storage area, and when the internal lottery is executed, the first storage area or the second storage area is stored. The contents (lottery information) are transferred to the common storage area for use. At this time, it can be known from the lottery element identification information whether the transferred lottery information is acquired with the first event or the second event as a trigger. That is, when the lottery information is transferred from the first storage area, the lottery information includes the first lottery element, and this is reflected in the storage of the lottery element identification information. On the other hand, when the lottery information is transferred from the second storage area, since the lottery information includes the second lottery element, the fact can be reflected in the storage of the lottery element identification information. The information storage means may have a mode of storing lottery element identification information (for example, flag format) separately from the common storage area, or lottery element identification information in the common storage area together with the lottery element. May be written. The term “transfer” as used in the present invention is not only a mode in which lottery information is extracted from the first or second storage area and stored in the common storage area, but also lottery read out from the first or second storage area. A mode is also included in which information is stored (copied) in the common storage area and the storage in the first or second storage area is erased later.

  In any case, when the internal lottery is executed using the lottery information transferred to the common storage area, whether the internal lottery is performed for the first event or the second event is determined by lottery element identification information. Can be easily identified (discriminated) based on the above. Since only one lottery element identification information is stored per transfer, it is not necessary to store the lottery element identification information as a determination flag or the like from that point onward, unlike the prior art. For this reason, in the present invention, when the lottery element and the winning type determination element are stored in the storage area, information (flag) that determines whether the first event or the second event is acquired as a trigger. Etc.) need not be stored in association with each other, and the increase in the capacity of the storage area (capacity that must be secured in advance) can be suppressed accordingly.

Further, in the present invention, when the lottery element storage (for example, the oldest storage) is transferred from the first storage area to the common storage area, the remaining storages are arranged in order (stored order) only in the first storage area. ). In addition, when the lottery element memory (also the oldest memory) is transferred from the second memory area to the common memory area, the remaining memories are shifted in order (also in the same memory order) within the second memory area. do it. Therefore, there is no need to shift the storage in a random number storage means having a total storage number of 8 as in the prior art, and the processing can be greatly simplified.
That is, according to the present invention, the capacity that needs to be secured as a storage area can be minimized. Further, the present invention can reduce the storage capacity of the processing program by simplifying the storage shift process, and can also improve the processing speed (shortening the program execution time).

  Solution 2: In Solution 1, when the above-described internal lottery is performed, the gaming machine of the present invention corresponds to each of the first or second lottery elements included in the lottery information used at that time. After the 1 symbol or 2 symbol is variably displayed, symbol display means for stopping and displaying the 1st or 2nd symbol in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery is further provided.

  According to the solution means 2, when the internal lottery is performed, after either the first symbol or the second symbol is displayed in a variable manner, the result of the internal lottery can be displayed by the stop display. Of these, the first symbol corresponds to the internal lottery that is performed when the first event occurs (using the first lottery element), and the second symbol is triggered by the occurrence of the second event (second Corresponds to internal lottery performed (using lottery elements). In this way, when the first symbol and the second symbol are varied depending on the event, when the lottery information is shifted from the storage area, it is accurately identified to which event the lottery information corresponds. However, as described above, even if the determination flag or the like is not stored for each lottery information as described above, in the present invention, the lottery element identification information reliably identifies which event the lottery information corresponds to. can do. For this reason, as a result of performing the internal lottery using the lottery information shifted to the common storage area, the first symbol or the second symbol can be accurately displayed in a variable manner.

  Solution 3: Also, in the gaming machine of the present invention, in the solution 2, when the first or second symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific winning manner by the symbol display unit, a special condition different from normal is applied. You may further provide the special game execution means to perform a special game. In this case, the special game execution means won by the internal lottery using the second lottery element rather than the profit that the player can enjoy during the special game when winning by the internal lottery using the first lottery element. In this case, the profit that the player can enjoy during the special game is set to be relatively large.

  In this case, when the winner is won in the internal lottery performed using the first event (using the first lottery element), and when the second event occurs (using the second lottery element) The value of “special game” is given to the player in both cases of winning in the internal lottery. However, there is a difference in the profits that the player can enjoy during the special game, and there is a merit for the player when winning in the internal lottery that is triggered by the occurrence of the second event rather than the first event large. In this way, if there is a difference in the amount of profit that can be obtained for each event, the player should have a clear awareness that `` Let's generate as many events as possible with higher profit ''. Can suppress a decrease in the willingness to play.

  Solution 4: In Solution 3, the present invention further includes storage number counting means for individually counting the number of sets of lottery information stored in the first and second storage areas as the storage number. In this case, the storage transfer means gives priority to the second storage area over the first storage area when the storage number counting means counts one or more storage numbers for both the first and second storage areas. If the lottery information is transferred, and one or more storage numbers are counted only for either the first or second storage area, from the first or second storage area having the storage number Migrate lottery information.

  As described above, if there is a difference in the amount of profit received by the player by event, the player will generate as many events as possible (second event) that will be more advantageous to him / her. Thus, there is a tendency to play games with the aim of changing the symbol (second symbol) on which the winning with higher profit is obtained. However, each event (the first event, the second event) occurs randomly during the game, and if the game form can not generate only one of the events artificially, both events are expected It can't be generated by value. In particular, in the case where the first symbol and the second symbol are variably displayed with a certain amount of variation time as described above (solution 2), the first event and the second event are random within the variation time. As a result, the number of lottery information stored increases inevitably when the first event and the second event occur.

  In this case, if the symbols are changed in the winning order as in the prior art, the symbols that the player does not want (the first symbol) will also frequently change, which tends to cause a decrease in interest. This is because if the first symbol fluctuates earlier than the second symbol and the internal lottery is won, the player's profit may be reduced as a result. In other words, even if the winner is won, if the profits obtained thereby are small, the player may be less interested. Such a phenomenon is conspicuous particularly in the case of a “high probability state” in which the probability of the internal lottery is improved (the “high probability state” is referred to in Solution 5). In general, in the “high probability state”, there is an increased possibility that the next winning will be obtained without waiting for too many lottery times (number of symbol fluctuations). Tend to want to get. Under such circumstances, if the 1st symbol fluctuates first against the player's will, not only will there be a risk that the profit will be small, but the actual profit will be small. When you come in contact with them, your interest will drop at once.

  Therefore, in the present invention, even if the first event and the second event occur at the respective expected values, and both memory numbers are accumulated to some extent, the player who gives the player a higher merit is given priority, The symbol that the player expects (the second symbol) is preferentially changed. Specifically, if both the first event and the second event occur during the game and the lottery information is stored in both the first storage area and the second storage area as a result, The internal lottery is executed by shifting the lottery information from the two storage areas to the common storage area. As a result, as long as the lottery information is not interrupted in the second storage area, the second symbol will preferentially fluctuate. it can.

Solution 5: In Solution 2 or 3 , when the internal lottery means determines whether it is a winning or non-winning using the first or second lottery element, and if it is determined to be a winning, The first or second winning type determination element is used to determine whether the winning is a normal winning or a specific winning. In this case, if the gaming machine according to the present invention corresponds to winning by the internal lottery means and is determined to correspond to the specific winning, the probability of being determined to be winning in the internal lottery after the end of the special game is set to the normal time. High probability state transition means for shifting to a high probability state that has been changed to a higher level is further provided.

  In the present invention, in the internal lottery, not only winning / non-winning is determined, but in the case of winning, it is necessary to determine at least normal winning / specific winning. For this reason, as described above, the lottery element and the winning type determination element are acquired in response to the occurrence of each event. Then, by storing the acquired lottery element and winning type determination element as a set (set) and using them as a set in the internal lottery, not only winning / non-winning but also winning in the event In addition, the regular win / specific win can be assigned. Further, by providing the high probability state transition means, it is possible to maximize the advantages when the transition is made to the “high probability state” as described in the solution means 4 in particular.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the capacity that needs to be secured as a storage area. The present invention can also be achieved an improvement in processing speed (shortening the program execution time).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses a game ball as a game medium, and a player borrows a game ball from a game hall operator to play a game with the pachinko machine 1.

[Overall configuration of gaming machine]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame unit 2, a glass frame unit 4, a tray unit 6 and a gaming machine frame (not shown) as its main body. Among these, the outer frame unit 2 is fixed to an island facility (not shown) in the game hall using a fastener such as a screw. The other glass frame unit 4, the tray unit 6, and a gaming machine frame (not shown) are attached to the island facility via the outer frame unit 2, and these operate in an openable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). An opening / closing axis of a hinge mechanism (not shown) extends in the vertical direction along the left end as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

  A locking unit (not shown) is provided on the inner side (back side) of the right edge of the gaming machine frame, and correspondingly, the right edge of the glass frame unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2 are not shown. Locking tool is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the glass frame unit 4 and the gaming machine frame are closed with respect to the outer frame unit 2, the locking unit together with the locking device disables the opening of the glass frame unit 4 and the gaming machine frame. Yes.

  A cylinder lock 6 c with a key hole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. For example, when an administrator of a game hall inserts a dedicated key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6c clockwise, the locking unit is activated and the glass frame unit 4 and the tray unit 6 can be opened together with the gaming machine frame. Become. When these are opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed. On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a not-shown dispensing device unit and launching device unit are installed, as well as various electronic devices (including a control computer) that make up the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, connection Terminals are installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 2).

  On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6c is twisted counterclockwise, the glass frame unit 4 is unlocked while the gaming machine frame is locked, and the glass frame unit 4 can be opened. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board 8 is exposed directly, and in this state, the manager of the game hall can remove obstacles such as ball clogging in the board surface. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened, the lock mechanism (not shown) of the tray unit 6 is exposed. When the lock mechanism is released in this state, the tray unit 6 can be opened to the front side with respect to the gaming machine frame.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes a game board 8 as a game unit. The game board 8 is supported by a game machine frame (not shown) behind the glass frame unit 4. The gaming board 8 can be attached to and detached from the gaming machine frame with the glass frame unit 4 opened to the front side, for example. The glass frame unit 4 has a vertically oval window 4a formed at the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is attached in the window 4a. The glass unit is a combination of, for example, two transparent plates (glass plates) cut in accordance with the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the glass frame unit 4 in an openable / closable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). A game area 8a (board surface) is formed on the front surface of the game board 8, and the game area 8a is visible to the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the glass frame unit 4 is closed, a space in which a game ball can flow down is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the game board surface.

  An upper plate 6 a is formed on the upper surface of the tray unit 6. The upper plate 6a can store a game ball (rental ball) lent to a player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize. The pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine (model connected to the CR unit), and the game balls borrowed by the player are received from the payout unit 6 separately from the prize balls (mainly the upper plate 6a). To be paid out. Further, the tray unit 6 is formed with a lower plate 6b at a lower position than the upper plate 6a. The lower tray 6b can store game balls that do not fit into the upper tray 6a or game balls discharged from the upper tray 6a.

  An operation panel unit 9 is installed on the upper surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on the operation panel unit 9. When a player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, an IC memory built-in medium, etc.) inserted in a CR unit (not shown), it corresponds to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 times). A number of game balls (for example, 125) are lent out. A frequency display unit (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the operation panel unit 9, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is displayed on the frequency display unit. The player can receive the return of the valuable medium with the remaining frequency by operating the return button 12. Further, the operation panel unit 9 is provided with a production push button 14 and up / down / left / right direction keys 15, and these push buttons 14 and direction keys 15 can be appropriately operated by the player during the game. .

  An upper dish ball removal lever 6d is installed on the upper left part of the tray unit 6, and a lower dish ball removal lever 6e is installed on the front surface of the wall portion surrounding the lower dish 6b. The player can cause the game balls stored in the upper plate 6a to flow down to the lower plate 6b by operating the upper plate ball removing lever 6d. In addition, the player can operate the lower tray ball removal lever 6e to drop the gaming balls stored in the lower tray 6b downward and discharge them. The discharged game ball is received by, for example, a ball receiving box (not shown).

  A grip unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the tray unit 6. The player operates the grip unit 16 to operate a launching device unit (not shown) and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a. The launched game ball rises along the left side edge of the game board 8, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails and windmills (not shown in the figure) are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided by the obstacle nails and windmills.

[Configuration of the board]
In the game area 8a, a gate 20, normal winning ports 22, 24, an upper starting winning port 26, a variable starting winning device 28, a variable winning device 30, and the like are installed. The game balls thrown into the game area 8a randomly pass through the gate 20 in the process of flowing down, or win (inflow) into the normal winning ports 22, 24 and the upper start winning port 26. The variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 are in a state in which a game ball can flow in during each operation. The game balls that have passed through the gate 20 continue to flow down in the game area 8 a, but the winning game balls are collected to the back side through through holes formed in the game board 8.

  The variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined condition is satisfied (when a normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined manner), and allows a winning to the lower start winning port 28a ( Ordinary electric accessory). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, a pair of left and right movable pieces 28b, and these movable pieces 28b reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the figure, the left and right movable pieces 28b are in the closed position with the tip facing upward, and at this time, winning to the lower start winning opening 28a is impossible (there is no gap through which game balls can flow). . When the variable start winning device 28 is operated, the left and right movable pieces 28b are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position, and the opening width of the lower start winning port 28a is expanded to the left and right. During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state in which a game ball can flow in, and generates a win to the lower start winning port 28a. The arrangement (gauge) of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8 is a mode in which it is easy to guide the flow of the game ball toward the variable start winning device 28.

  The variable winning device 30 operates when a specific condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific manner), and allows a winning to a big winning opening (no reference sign). (Special electric accessory). The variable winning device 30 has, for example, one opening / closing member 30a, and this opening / closing member 30a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the drawing, the opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position along the board surface, and at this time, it is impossible to win a prize winning opening (the prize winning opening is closed). When the variable winning device 30 is activated, the opening / closing member 30a is displaced so as to fall forward with its lower end edge as the center, thereby opening the large winning opening. During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state where a game ball can flow in, and generates a winning in the big winning opening. At this time, the opening / closing member 30a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game ball to the special winning opening.

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8 a, and game balls that have not won a prize are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board 8. The collected game balls join a supply route for an island facility (not shown).

  The game board 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the upper right position in the window 4a, for example, as well as a first special symbol display device 34, a second special symbol display device 36, A first operation memory lamp 34a, a second operation memory lamp 36a, and a game state display device 38 are provided. Among these, the normal symbol display device 33, for example, turns on two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display the normal symbols variably, and stops and displays the normal symbols when the lamps are turned on or off. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 memory numbers depending on, for example, a combination of turning off, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs).

  The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 36 can respectively display the variation state and the stopped state of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, respectively, by, for example, a 7-segment LED (with dots). it can. In addition, the first operation memory lamp 34a and the second operation memory lamp 36a display 0 to 4 memory numbers, for example, by combinations of extinguishing or lighting and blinking of two lamps (LEDs). For example, when all the lamps are turned off, the memory number 0 is displayed. When one lamp is lit, one memory number is displayed. When the same one lamp blinks, two memory numbers are displayed. For example, when one lamp is lit, 3 stored numbers are displayed, and when both lamps blink, 4 stored numbers are displayed. In the present embodiment, one working memory lamp 34a represents the number of working memories of the first special symbol, and the other working memory lamp 36a represents the number of working memories of the second special symbol.

  The game state display device 38 includes, for example, four lamps (LEDs) corresponding to a jackpot type display lamp (2 rounds or 15 rounds), a probability variation state display lamp, and a time shortening state display lamp.

  In the present embodiment, most of the game board 8 is formed of a transparent member, and the normal symbol display device 33, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 36, etc. are all transparent. It is installed behind the other member (a position that can be easily seen by the player). Further, a relatively large liquid crystal display 40 is installed on the rear side of the game board 8, and the liquid crystal display 40 includes an effect design D corresponding to the first or second special design, In addition to displaying the memory number display markers M1 and M2 linked to the display of the first operation memory lamp 34a and the second operation memory lamp 36a, various effect images are displayed. The display screen of the liquid crystal display 40 can be seen well from the front side through the transparent game board 8.

  Further, the game board 8 is provided with a partition member 42 along its upper edge. The partition member 42 functions as a guide member whose upper surface changes the flow-down direction of the game ball, and the game ball thrown into the game area 8 a is distributed to the left or right along the upper surface of the partition member 42. A warp inlet 44 is installed at the left edge of the game area 8a, and a ball guide passage 46 leading to the warp inlet 44 is formed on the back side of the transparent game board 8. Since the ball guide passage 46 is also made of a transparent member, the visibility of the liquid crystal display 40 is not hindered by this, and the game ball passing through the ball guide passage 46 is clearly visible from the player. Is possible.

  Furthermore, a rolling stage 48 is formed on the game board 8 at a position slightly lower than its approximate center. The warp inlet 44 is opened upward in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the warp inlet 44, the game ball rolls through the ball guide passage 46. Released onto the moving stage 48. The upper surface of the rolling stage 48 has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. An opening is formed in the game board 8 so as to open the front side of the rolling stage 48, and the game ball rolling on the rolling stage 48 eventually flows down into the lower game area 8a through the opening. A ball discharge path 50 is formed at the center position of the rolling stage 48. The ball discharge path 50 extends downward from the upper surface of the rolling stage 48 behind the game board 8, and is further bent forward. Open at the front of the game board 8. The game ball that has flowed down from the rolling stage 48 into the ball discharge path 50 is discharged from the opening on the front surface. And it becomes easy to win | release the released game ball to the upper start winning opening 26 just under it. In addition, since the members constituting the rolling stage 48 and the ball discharge path 50 are also transparent, the visibility of the liquid crystal display 40 is not hindered, and the game passing through the rolling stage 48 and the ball discharge path 50 The ball is clearly visible to the player.

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
The glass frame unit 4 is provided with a glass frame upper lamp 52, a glass frame left lamp 54, and a glass frame right lamp 56 as components for production. These lamps 52, 54, and 56 execute, for example, effects by light emission (lighting and blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, and the like) of built-in LEDs. A pair of left and right upper speakers 58 are built in the upper part of the glass frame unit 4, and a lower speaker 60 is built in a position slightly to the right of the center of the tray unit 6. These speakers 58 and 60 output effects sound, BGM, sound, etc. (overall sound) and execute effects.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 (main control computer) serving as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main control device 70 is equipped with a circuit board on which a main control CPU 72 which is a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 is a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 74 and a RAM (RWM) 76 together with a CPU core and a register (not shown). Is configured as an LSI.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Among these, the random number generator 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining the big hit, and the generated random number is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. The In the present embodiment, since the two symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are used for the big hit determination, a random number generator 75 may be provided for each of these symbols. In addition, the main controller 70 is provided with peripheral ICs such as a clock generation circuit, an input / output driver (PIO), a counter / timer circuit (CTC), etc. (not shown), which are mounted on the circuit board together with the main control CPU 72. Has been implemented. On the circuit board, signal transmission paths, power supply paths, control buses, and the like are formed as wiring patterns.

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. Further, the game board 8 is provided with an upper start winning port switch 80, a lower start winning port switch 82 and a large winning port switch 84 corresponding to the upper start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. ing. The start winning port switches 80 and 82 are for detecting winning of a game ball to the upper start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port 28a), respectively. The big prize opening switch 84 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the variable prize winning device 30 (large prize opening). Similarly, the game board 8 is equipped with a winning opening switch 86 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning openings 22 and 24. Detection signals from these switches 78 to 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown).

  The normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first and second special symbol display devices 34 and 36, the first and second operation memory lamps 34a and 36a, and the game state display device 38 described above are the main control CPU 72. The display operation is controlled on the basis of the control signal from. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals for the display devices 34, 36, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, 36a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED.

  Further, the game board 8 is provided with a lower start opening solenoid 88 and a large winning opening solenoid 90 corresponding to the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. These solenoids 88 and 90 are operated (excited) based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72 to open and close (activate) the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 respectively.

  The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a prize ball payout control device 92. The prize ball payout control device 92 (prize ball payout control computer) controls the operation of the above-described payout device unit. The prize ball payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board on which a payout control CPU (not shown) is mounted, and this payout control CPU is also configured as an LSI in which a semiconductor core such as ROM and RAM is integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). Has been. The prize ball payout control device 92 (payout control CPU) controls the operation of the payout control unit on the basis of the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the requested number of game balls to be paid out.

  Apart from the main controller 70, the pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 94 (effect control computer) as a control configuration. This effect control device 94 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 94 is also equipped with a circuit board on which an effect control CPU 96 that is a central processing unit is mounted. The effect control CPU 96 includes a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 98 and a RAM 100 as a main memory.

  The effect control device 94 is equipped with an input / output driver (not shown) and various ICs, as well as a lamp driving circuit 102 and an acoustic driving circuit 104. The effect control CPU 96 controls the effect based on the command for the effect transmitted from the main control CPU 72, gives commands to the lamp drive circuit 102 and the acoustic drive circuit 104, and causes various lamps to emit light, and the speakers 58, 60. To actually output sound effects, voices, and the like.

  The lamp driving circuit 102 includes a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown). The lamp driving circuit 102 switches driving voltages (or duty switching) applied to various lamps including LEDs. ) And manage the operation such as light emission and flashing. In addition to the above-mentioned glass frame upper lamp 52, glass frame left lamp 54, and glass frame right lamp 56, the various lamps include decoration / production lamps (without reference numerals) installed on the game board 8. .

  The acoustic drive circuit 104 is, for example, a sound generator including a sound ROM, an acoustic control IC (DSP), an amplifier, and the like (not shown). The acoustic drive circuit 104 drives the upper speaker 58 and the lower speaker 60 to output sound. I do.

  The liquid crystal display 40 is installed on the back side of the game board 8, but is separate from the game board 8, and the liquid crystal display 40 is exchanged when the game board 8 is replaced (so-called board change). do not have to. A display control device 114 is installed on the back side of the gaming machine frame, and the display operation by the liquid crystal display 40 is controlled by the display control device 114. The display control device 114 is provided with a circuit board on which a display controller CPU 116 which is a general-purpose central processing unit and a VDP 122 which is a display processor are mounted. Among these, the display control CPU 116 is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as a ROM 118 and a RAM 120 are integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). The VDP 122 is configured as an LSI in which a semiconductor core such as an image ROM 124 and a VRAM 126 is integrated together with a processor core (not shown). The VRAM 126 can use a part of the storage area as a frame buffer.

  The ROM 98 of the effect control CPU 96 stores a basic program related to effect control, and the effect control CPU 96 executes effect control according to this program. Production control includes production control using various lamps and speakers 58 and 60 as described above, and production control by image display using the liquid crystal display 40. The effect control CPU 96 transmits basic information (for example, effect pattern number) related to the effect to the display control CPU 116, and the display control CPU 116 that has received the information specifically outputs the image for effect based on the basic information. Control to display.

  The display control CPU 116 outputs a more detailed control signal to the VDP 122. The VDP 122 that has received this accesses the image ROM 124 based on the control signal, reads necessary image data therefrom, and transfers it to the VRAM 126. Further, the VDP 122 expands the image data in the frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time) on the VRAM 126, and individually handles each pixel (full color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 40 based on the buffered image data. To drive.

  In addition, although not shown, a power supply control unit is provided on the back side of the gaming machine frame. This power supply control unit takes in external electric power (for example, AC 24 V) from the island facility, and generates necessary electric power (for example, DC +34 V, +12 V, etc.) therefrom. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit is supplied to various places of the pachinko machine 1 including the main control device 70, the effect control device 94, the prize ball payout control device 92, and the display control device 114.

  In addition, the main control CPU 72 provides external information (special symbol variation start information, prize ball payout request information, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation, etc.) to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through an external terminal board (not shown). (Game status information) can be output. The signals output from the external terminal board are collected by, for example, a hall computer in a game hall.

  The above is a configuration example relating to the control of the pachinko machine 1. Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 will be described.

[Reset start (main) processing]
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 starts a reset start process. The reset start process restores the gaming state based on the backup information saved at the previous power shutdown (so-called power recovery) or conversely clears the backup information, thereby adjusting the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 Process. The reset start process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for guaranteeing a stable gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

  3 and 4 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

  Step S101: First, the main control CPU 72 sets the top address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 sets the vector-type interrupt mode (mode 2) and corrects the default RST-type interrupt mode (mode 0). Thus, thereafter, the main control CPU 72 can refer to an arbitrary address (however, the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector and execute a designated interrupt handler.
Step S103: The main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of the mask register.

  Step S104: The main control CPU 72 refers to the input signal from the previously cleared RAM clear switch and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch has been operated (switch ON). If the RAM clear switch is not operated (No), next, Step S105 is executed.

  Step S105: The main control CPU 72 checks whether backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether a backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup ends normally in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (for example, “A55AH”) is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S106.

  Step S106: The main control CPU 72 executes a sum check on the backup information in the RAM 76. If the check result is normal (Yes), the backup validity determination flag is reset (for example, “0000H”), and then the main control CPU 72 executes step S107.

  Step S107: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 transmits a return command to the effect control device 94. In response to this, the effect control device 94 restores the effect state (for example, the display mode of the effect symbol, the sound output content, the light emission state of various lamps, etc.) that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown.

  Step S108: The main control CPU 72 executes state return processing. In this processing, based on the backup information, the main control CPU 72 is a game state that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown (for example, special symbol display mode, internal probability state, operation memory content, various flag states, random number update state) Etc.). Then, the backed up PC register value is restored, and the processing is continued from the program address.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is operated at power-on (step S104: Yes), when the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S105: No), or when the backup information is not normal. (Step S106: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to Step S109.

  Step S109: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents of the RAM 76. Thereby, even if the backup information is stored in the RAM 76, the contents are deleted.

  Step S110: The main control CPU 72 also clears the command transmission request buffer secured in the buffer area of the RAM 76.

  Step S111: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 94 after reset (command necessary for effect control).

  Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes a CTC initialization process, and initializes a CTC (counter / timer circuit) that is a peripheral device. Then, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 4 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S113, Step S114: The main control CPU 72 executes the power interruption occurrence check process after prohibiting interruption. In this process, for example, a signal input from a power supply monitoring IC that is a peripheral device is referenced to monitor the occurrence of power interruption (decrease in supply voltage). When the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 saves the register, backs up the entire contents of the RAM 76, and stops the processing (NOP). If the power is not shut off, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S115. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes the process at the time of the occurrence of power interruption as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

  Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers are generated on the program in addition to the big hit decision random number. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 5). In this process, the initial value of the loop counter is changed every time the random number value makes one round. doing. The initial value update random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S115, the initial value update random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S115 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S113 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt process (step S202 in FIG. 5), and therefore overlap (conflict) with this. It is for preventing.

  Step S116, Step S117: The main control CPU 72 permits interruption and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this process are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, loss symbol determination random numbers, etc.) that are not involved in the determination of the jackpot type among software random numbers. This process is performed during the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and an interrupt management process described later is executed.

  Step S118: Next, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the interrupt counter, and determines whether or not the interrupt processing executed so far has exceeded a predetermined number (for example, twice). If the value of the interrupt counter does not exceed the predetermined value (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S113. On the other hand, if the value of the interrupt counter exceeds a predetermined value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S119. As a result, at least two timer interrupts are generated during execution of the main loop, and the interrupt management process described later is executed. Further, the main control CPU 72 shuts off the power at the remaining time when the timer interrupt occurs. Generation check processing (step S114) and initial value update random number update processing (step S115) are executed.

  Step S119, Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 94 (command necessary for effect control). The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer secured in the buffer area of the RAM 76.

  Step S121: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, a prize ball is awarded to the prize ball payout control device 92 based on the winning detection signals input from the various prize opening switches 80, 82, 84, 86 in another interruption process (step S203 in FIG. 5). A prize ball instruction command for instructing the number is output.

  Step S122, Step S123: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process in the main loop. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the first and second special symbol display devices 34 and 36 described above, or the variable winning device 30 of the variable winning device 30 according to the display result. Control the operation. In the normal symbol game process, the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (ordinary random number per symbol) acquired in response to the passage of the start gate 20 in another interrupt management process (FIG. 5). Then, the main control CPU 72 reads out the random number value in the normal symbol game process and determines whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range. When the random number value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner and displays the stop of the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state, and then the main control CPU 72 excites the lower start port solenoid 88. Then, the variable start winning device 28 is operated. On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs a normal symbol stop display in a manner of deviation after the variable display. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S124: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the above external information to the hall computer in the game hall through the external terminal board.

  Step S125: The main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing in the main loop. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a test signal indicating its own internal state (for example, during a big hit, when the probability variation function is activated, when the time shortening function is activated, or when an error is occurring), and this is output to the outside of the main controller 70. Output to. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main controller 70.

  Step S126: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an output management process. In this process, the port output request buffer secured in the buffer area of the RAM 76 is referred to, and the excitation states (ON or OFF) of various solenoids (the lower start opening solenoid 88 and the big winning opening solenoid 90) are output to the output port. .

  In this embodiment, an example in which the processes of steps S119 to S126 are incorporated in the main loop is given, but there is a known programming example in which the CPU executes the processes as a timer interrupt process.

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several milliseconds) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 saves the values of the registers (accumulator A, flag register F, and general-purpose registers B to L) used during execution of the main loop in the save area of the RAM 76. Another value is written in the registers (A to L) after the value is saved during the interrupt management process.

  Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76 and loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers, normal symbol random numbers determined, and the like. In this embodiment, since the two symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are used, a big hit symbol random number may be generated for each of these symbols. In this case, an initial value update random number may be prepared for each symbol.

  Step S202: The main control CPU 72 executes the initial value update random number update process also here. The content of the process is the same as described above.

  Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from an input / output driver (PIO). Specifically, the passage detection signal from the gate switch 78, and the input state (ON / OFF) of the winning detection signal from the upper starting winning port switch 80, the lower starting winning port switch 82, the large winning port switch 84, and the winning port switch 86 are displayed. OFF).

  Step S204: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, an event occurring during the game is determined based on detection signals from the gate switch 78, the upper start winning port switch 80, and the lower starting winning port switch 82. Depending on the event that has occurred, further processing is executed.

  In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event (first event) serving as a lottery trigger corresponding to the first special symbol has occurred. To do. Further, when the winning detection signal (ON) is input from the lower start winning award opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event (second event) serving as a lottery trigger corresponding to the second special symbol has occurred. When the passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event serving as a lottery trigger corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. If it is determined that any event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes a process corresponding to each event. The processing executed when a winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning port switch 80 or the lower starting winning port switch 82 will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S205: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 36, the first operation memory lamp 34a, and the second operation memory lamp 36a. The lighting state of the game state display device 38 and the like is controlled. Specifically, a drive signal (byte data) to be applied to each LED is generated and output from the output port. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode of performing symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.).

  Step S206: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 updates the interrupt counter. This counter is referred to in step S118 in the main loop described above.

  Steps S207 and S208: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the interrupt. Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Start-up winning process]
Next, processing that is further executed in the switch input event processing (step S204) will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the start winning process. Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S12.

  Step S12: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter to check whether the working memory number is less than four. The working memory number counter represents the number of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers (number of sets) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. That is, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections (for example, 2 bytes each) for each symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol), and each section contains a big hit decision random number and a big hit symbol random number. Each can be stored as a set. At this time, if the number of stored jackpot determined random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers corresponding to the first special symbol does not reach four, the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter is less than 4 (Yes), In this case, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S14. Such a first special symbol actuated memory number counter implements a function as a “memory number counting means” in the present embodiment.

  Step S14: The main control CPU 72 adds one first special symbol working memory number. The first special symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in a counting area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the first operation memory lamp 34a is controlled in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 5).

  Step S16: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (acquisition of the first lottery element). The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. In the case where the main control CPU 72 performs 8-bit processing, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value from the designated address, it saves it as a jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol at the transfer source address.

  Step S17: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random value corresponding to the first special symbol from the counter area of the RAM 76 (acquisition of the first winning type determination element). In this case, the random value is acquired by designating the address of the RAM 76. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number value from the designated address, it saves it as a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol at the transfer source address.

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot decision random number and the jackpot symbol random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and stores these random numbers as a set in an empty section in the area. The order (for example, first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, the random numbers are stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order from the second section. Note that the random number storage area secured in the RAM 76 and the section division structure will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S20: The main control CPU 72 sets a first special symbol start opening prize flag. When the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop, it refers to the value of the flag set here and transmits a start opening winning tone control command to the effect control device 94, and also gives a prize ball instruction to the prize ball payout control device 92. Send a command.

  When the above procedure is completed, or when no winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 (step S10: No), or when the first special symbol operating memory number has reached 4 (step S12). : No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S22.

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal has been input from the lower start winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. If the input of the winning detection signal is not confirmed (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process. On the other hand, when the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the next step S24.

  Step S24: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter to check whether the working memory number is less than four. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol operation memory number counter represents the jackpot determination random number and the number of jackpot symbol random numbers (the number of sets) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Such a second special symbol operating memory number counter also realizes a function as “memory number counting means” in the present embodiment. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter reaches 4 (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process. On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is still less than 4 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S26.

  Step S26: The main control CPU 72 increments the second special symbol operation memory number by one (increments the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter).

  Step S28: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 (acquisition of second lottery element). The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S16 described above.

  Step S29: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the second special symbol from the counter area of the RAM 76 (acquisition of the second winning type determination element). The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S17 described above.

  Step S30: The main control CPU 72 transfers both the saved jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and stores them in a free section in the area as a set. The storage method is the same as step S18 described above.

  Step S32: The main control CPU 72 sets a second special symbol start opening prize flag. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process.

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed during the main loop will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a big hit game process (step S5000) subroutine group. Here, first, the basic flow of the special game management process will be described along each process.

  Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects a jump destination of a process to be executed next (any one of steps S2000 to S5000). For example, the main control CPU 72 designates the program address of the process to be executed next, and sets the end of the special symbol game process in the “jump table” as the jump destination and return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if both the first special symbol and the second special symbol have not yet started to be changed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change pre-process (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol change pre-processing has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and if the special symbol changing process has been completed, For example, the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000) is selected as the jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified by the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, apart from such a selection method, a “process flag”, a “process selection flag”, or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects a process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU CALLs each process in a single way, and at the top step, the conditional branch (continuation / return) is performed by referring to the flag one by one. However, in the selection method of this embodiment, the main control is performed. There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

  Step S2000: In the special symbol variation pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation of preparing conditions for starting the variation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S3000: In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 36 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dot (0th to 7th) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the driving signal changes with the passage of time, and thereby, the variation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed.

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 36. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED, but the drive signal pattern is constant, thereby stopping the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Is done.

  Step S5000: The jackpot game process is selected when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big hit manner in the previous special symbol stop display process. When either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped in the big hit display mode, the normal state is changed to the big hit gaming state (a gaming state advantageous to the player). During the big hit game, the big prize opening solenoid 90 is energized a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or until nine winnings are counted) in the big hit game processing, thereby the variable winning device 30 is Open operation with a fixed pattern (continuous operation of special electric accessory). In the meantime, by allowing the variable winning device 30 to win game balls in a concentrated manner, the player is given an opportunity to collect a lot of prize balls. The opening operation of the variable winning device 30 is referred to as “round”, and if the prescribed number of times is 15 in total, this may be collectively referred to as “15 round”. When the big hit game ends, the main control CPU 72 sets a game state flag indicating the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduction state). When the “high probability state” is reached, the probability variation function is activated, and the probability that the next big hit will occur is higher than usual (about 10 times). Further, when the “high probability state” is reached, the time shortening function is activated, and the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is shortened as a whole.

  In the present embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are provided as symbols relating to the big winning internal lottery in order to provide the following gaming characteristics, for example. That is, in this embodiment, the magnitude of the profit given to the player is different between the case where the first special symbol is stopped in the jackpot display mode and the case where the second special symbol is stopped in the jackpot display mode. Cases are provided. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

  First, for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the ratio that the jackpot type is “probability variation jackpot” is the same (for example, about 57% is “probability variation jackpot”). However, for the first special symbol, “probability variation jackpot” may be a jackpot of “2 rounds” (for example, about 12% of 57%). The big hit of “2 rounds” is a relatively short opening time per time (for example, about 0.3 seconds), and after a single opening operation, a predetermined interval (for example, about 1 to 2 seconds) is set. The second opening operation is performed, and the process ends only by that. For this reason, even if it becomes a big hit of “2 rounds”, the winning in the big winning opening does not occur or the winning of one game ball is barely generated, and the player can be won during the big hit. It can be said that there are almost no prize balls.

  On the other hand, for the second special symbol, all “probability variation jackpots” are jackpots of “15 rounds”. In this case, the opening time per time is relatively long (until 30 seconds or 9 winnings are counted as described above), and when a single opening operation ends, a predetermined interval (for example, about 1 to 2 seconds) ), And after performing the opening operation for 15 times, the big hit game ends. For this reason, when the “15 round” is a big hit, the winning prizes are intensively generated, so that the player receives a relatively large number of winning balls in a short time (for example, 14 payouts per winning prize). Can be earned.

  For this reason, from the player's point of view, the overall profit is greater for the second special symbol than for the first special symbol. Of course, for the first special symbol, the “probability variation jackpot” may be a jackpot of “15 rounds” (for example, about 45% of 57%), but it may be a jackpot of “2 rounds”. For some reason, it is easier to feel a sense of security for a big hit with the second special symbol than a big hit with the first special symbol.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when there is working memory for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the second special symbol is given priority over the first special symbol, and the player is appealed. I am raising my power. Hereinafter, a control method that prioritizes the variable display of the second special symbol will be described.

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
Next, details of the special symbol variation pre-processing will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the first special symbol working memory number or the second special symbol working memory number remains (greater than 0). This confirmation can be made with reference to the value of the working memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. When the number of working memories of both the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes a demonstration setting process in step S2500.

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 4). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

  On the other hand, if the value of any of the working memory number counters is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes special symbol storage area shift processing after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 preferentially reads out the one corresponding to the second special symbol from among the lottery random numbers (big hit decision random number and big hit symbol random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if a lottery random number set (lottery information) is stored in two or more sections, the main control CPU 72 reads the random number set in order from the first section and stores it in another common storage area. Move (shift) the remaining set of random numbers to the previous section one by one. Only when the random number corresponding to the second special symbol is not stored, the random number corresponding to the first special symbol is read and stored in another common storage area. Each random number stored in the common storage area is used for internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. As a result, in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially performed over the first special symbol. Note that a specific procedure example of the special symbol storage area shift process will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot lottery (internal lottery) using each random number stored in the common storage area in the previous step S2220. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a range of the jackpot value and determines whether or not the read jackpot determined random number value is included in this range. The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the normal state and the high probability state (probability variation state). In the high probability state, the range of the jackpot value is expanded to about 10 times that of the normal state. At this time, if the read big hit determination random number value is included in the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400. In this embodiment, the jackpot determination is performed by setting the range of the jackpot value on the program. However, the jackpot determination table is written in the ROM 74 in advance and is read and compared with the random number determined by the jackpot determination. There are also programming examples to do this.

  Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set for the big hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2404.

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 extracts a loss symbol determination random number from the random number update area of the RAM 76, and based on the random number value, stops the symbol (the loss symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 36. ) Display mode is determined. Note that, in the previous special symbol storage area shift process, when the big hit determination random number and the big hit symbol random number corresponding to the second special symbol have been preferentially shifted, the main control CPU 72 here performs the second special symbol display device 36. The display mode of the stop symbol by is determined. On the other hand, if the storage of the jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol is shifted, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol by the first special symbol display device 34 here. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of loss) to be transmitted to the effect control device 94. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process (step S119 in FIG. 4).

  Step S2406: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern number of the special symbol at the time of detachment for the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, or to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. Except when the reach variation is performed, the variation time at the time of the deviation is based on the “variable display start operation memory number (0 to 3)” set in the previous special symbol memory area shift process (step S2200). Determined. Note that the setting of the “number of operating memories at the start of variation display” will be described later along with the specific contents of the special symbol storage area shift process.

  The above steps S2404 and S2406 are control procedures when the big hit determination result is out of order, but when the determination result is big hit (step S2400: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure.

  Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets a range of the probability variation determined value, and determines whether or not the jackpot symbol random number value is included in this range. As a result, if the jackpot symbol random number value is included within the range of the probability variation determined value, the main control CPU 72 determines the jackpot type as “probability variation jackpot” (specific winning). On the other hand, if the jackpot symbol random number value is outside the range of the probability variation determined value, the main control CPU 72 determines the jackpot type as “non-probable variation (normal) jackpot” (normal winning). The main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the big hit symbol (7 segment LED) based on the big hit symbol random number. It should be noted that the display mode at this time is different between “probable big hit” and “non-probable big hit”.

  In step S2410, the main control CPU 72 distributes the number of rounds for the probability variation jackpot corresponding to the first special symbol. For example, if the number of rounds is set, for example, a “2-round judgment range” is set in the range of the above-mentioned probability variation determined value, and if a jackpot symbol random number is included in this range, “probability variation jackpot” is set to “2 rounds”. As a big hit. When the big hit type is determined as “probability big hit”, the main control CPU 72 sets a value (01H) in the probability fluctuation flag. The main control CPU 72 also generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a big hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 94. The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process.

  Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a hit variation pattern determination process. In this process, when the main control CPU 72 obtains the variation pattern determination random number from the counter area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the value. Basically, since the hit hit fluctuation is performed at the time of hitting, if the reach determining random number is not used in this process, the acquisition of the reach determining random number may be omitted. In general, in the case of big hit reach fluctuation, a fluctuation time longer than that at the time of losing is determined.

  Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (out of time / hit). At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets the variation start flag of the first special symbol or the second special symbol in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 94. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[Storage area, common storage area]
Next, a description will be given of the process of storing the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number acquired in the previous start winning process (FIG. 6) and the process of shifting the random number storage in the present invention.

  First, FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually showing the structure of each random number storage area secured in the RAM 76. In the RAM 76, a random number storage area A1 corresponding to the first special symbol (indicated as “first special symbol storage area” in the figure) and a random number storage area A2 corresponding to the second special symbol (in the figure “ In addition, a common storage area Ac is secured. Each will be described below.

  In FIG. 9, (A): The common storage area Ac is a memory space having a capacity of 3 bytes, for example, and is roughly divided into two sections. Among these, in the section of 1 byte from the head address, information (lottery element identification information) indicating whether the variation of the current symbol corresponds to the winning of the upper starting winning port 26 or the lower starting winning port 28a. ) Is stored. Therefore, the common storage area Ac functions as an “information storage unit” in the present embodiment. In the subsequent processing (special symbol storage area shift processing), the storage of this section is handled as “start winning storage 0”. In the remaining 2-byte section, the big hit determination random number and the big hit symbol random number used for the internal lottery in the current variation are stored (shifted). In the subsequent processing, the memory of this section is treated as “big hit determination random number storage 0” and “big hit symbol random number storage 0”.

  In FIG. 9, (B): the random number storage area A1 corresponding to the first special symbol and the random number storage area A2 corresponding to the second special symbol are both memory spaces having a capacity of 8 bytes. Each storage area A1, A2 is divided into first to fourth sections (2 bytes each) in order from the top address as described above. Each section stores a jackpot determination random number and a jackpot symbol random number acquired in response to a single winning as a set. Each of the storage areas A1 and A2 is stored in the special symbol storage area shift process by transferring the storage contents of the first section to the common storage area Ac and storing the storage contents of the second to fourth sections. It will be shifted in order. The shift of the stored contents will be described later using another flowchart.

  Here, the values of the “first special symbol operation memory number counter” and the “second special symbol operation memory number counter” described above are the numbers in which the random numbers are stored in the storage areas A1 and A2, respectively. That is, it corresponds to the number of sections where the memory is filled. For example, if all of the first to fourth sections of the storage area A1 are filled with each random number memory, the value of the first special symbol actuated memory number counter is “4”. Alternatively, if each random number is stored only in the first section and the second section of the storage area A2, and the other third section and the fourth section are vacant, the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter Becomes “2”.

  Further, in the previous start winning process (FIG. 6), when the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol (step S16, step S17), these are stored in the first area of the storage area A1. The points (step S18) that are stored in order from the section are as described above. In this embodiment, in the subsequent processing (special symbol storage area shift processing), the random numbers stored in the first section are handled as “big hit determination random number storage 1” and “big hit symbol random number storage 1”, respectively. Similarly, the random numbers stored in the second to fourth sections are treated as “big hit determination random number storages 2 to 4” and “big hit symbol random number storages 2 to 4”, respectively.

  As already described for the second special symbol, when the main control CPU 72 obtains the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the second special symbol in the start winning process (FIG. 6) (step S28, step S29). These are stored as a set in order from the first section of the storage area A2 (step S30). Further, in the subsequent processing (special symbol storage area shift processing), the random numbers stored in the first to fourth sections are “big hit determination random number storages 1 to 4” and “big hit symbol random number storages 1 to 4”, respectively. Be treated.

[Special symbol storage area shift processing: Memory transfer means]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the special symbol storage area shift process. Although the rough flow of the processing is as described above, the details of the processing will be described below according to each procedure.

Step S2202: The main control CPU 72 loads the second special symbol operation memory counter.
Step S2204: Then, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is “0”. As described above, the change of the second special symbol can be prioritized by confirming the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter first. That is, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is 1 or more, that is, if it is not “0” (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2216.

  Step S2216: The main control CPU 72 sets a value “2” indicating the start of the second special symbol in the first section of the common storage area Ac, that is, “start winning storage 0”. Specifically, the head address of the common storage area Ac of the RAM 76 is designated, and “02H” is written using the 1-byte area therefrom.

  Step S2218: Next, the main control CPU 72 decrements the second special symbol operating memory number counter by “1”. As a result, the display mode of the number stored by the second operation memory lamp 36a changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 5). Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value after subtraction to the “number of operating memories at start of change display” corresponding to the second special symbol.

  Step S2220: The main control CPU 72 reads the storage content (lottery information) of the first section from the random number storage area A2 corresponding to the second special symbol, and saves (writes) it in the common storage area.

  Step S2222: The main control CPU 72 sequentially shifts the stored contents of the second section and thereafter in the storage area A2. Specifically, the storage content (lottery information) of the second section is read and overwritten on the first section (write). As a result, the stored contents previously stored in the first section are deleted. Similarly, the main control CPU 72 shifts the stored contents of the third section to the second section, and shifts the stored contents of the fourth section to the third section.

  Step S2224: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets “0” in the section that has become a free area as a result of shifting the stored contents. As a result, all the stored contents of the section that became an empty area are overwritten with 0 data. Therefore, if the stored contents are continuously shifted without any new addition of memory (winning at the start opening), one of them is stored. The previous section is also overwritten with 0 data. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol fluctuation pre-processing (FIG. 8), and executes the big hit determination processing (step S2300) and the subsequent steps using the stored contents of the common storage area. As a result, as described above, the second special symbol is preferentially changed.

  On the other hand, when the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is “0” in the previous step S2204 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2206.

  Step S2206: The main control CPU 72 sets a value “1” indicating the start of the first special symbol in the “start winning prize memory 0” of the common storage area Ac. Specifically, the head address of the common storage area Ac of the RAM 76 is designated, and “01H” is written using the 1-byte area therefrom.

  Step S2208: Next, the main control CPU 72 decrements the first special symbol actuated memory number counter by “1”. Thereby, the display mode of the number stored by the first operation memory lamp 34a is changed (decreased by 1) in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 5). Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value after subtraction to the “number of operating memories at the start of change display” corresponding to the first special symbol.

  Step S2210: The main control CPU 72 reads the storage content (lottery information) of the first section from the random number storage area A1 corresponding to the first special symbol, and saves (writes) it in the common storage area.

  Step S2212: The main control CPU 72 sequentially shifts the stored contents of the second section and thereafter in the storage area A1. A specific shifting method is the same as that in step S2222 described above.

  Step S2214: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets “0” to the section that has become a free area as a result of shifting the stored contents.

[See Figure 8: Special symbol change pre-processing]
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 8), and similarly executes the big hit determination processing (step S2300) using the stored contents of the common storage area. In this case, the first special symbol having the random number stored is changed, and the second special symbol is not changed because the random number storage is interrupted.

  Further, for example, after the big hit determination process (step S2300) in FIG. 8, the main control CPU 72 executes the process with reference to the value of “start winning memory 0” (“1” or “2”) from the common storage area as appropriate. can do. For example, in the next big hit stop symbol determination process (step S2410), it is necessary to sort the number of rounds when a big hit is made with the first special symbol. At this time, the main control CPU 72 determines that the current jackpot corresponds to the first special symbol if the value of “1” is set in the “start winning memory 0” of the common storage area, and the number of rounds Can be sorted. On the other hand, if a value of “2” is set in “start winning memory 0” of the common storage area, the main control CPU 72 determines that the current big hit corresponds to the second special symbol, and rounds The process can proceed without distributing the numbers.

  Note that the common storage area Ac of the RAM 76 is a backup target when the power is turned off, as with the other storage areas A1 and A2, and holds the stored contents until the newly stored contents are saved. ing. For this reason, even if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped when the power is cut off, the contents stored in the common storage area can be used as they are after the reset is started.

  Thereafter, as described above, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern of the first special symbol or the second special symbol in the loss variation pattern determination process (step S2406) or the big hit variation pattern determination process (step S2412), respectively. Then, the value of the variation timer is set based on the determined variation pattern.

  Thereafter, in the special symbol variation start process (step S2414), the main control CPU 72 actually starts the variation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. At this time, if the variation start flag of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is set, when the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process (FIG. 7), the execution selection process (step S1000) is used as the next jump destination. Select the special symbol variation processing.

[Figure 7: Special symbol change processing, special symbol stop display processing]
The main control CPU 72 loads the value of the variable timer from the register to the timer counter, and then decrements the value of the timer counter as time elapses (clock pulse count). The main control CPU 72 controls the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol as described above until the value becomes 0 while referring to the value of the timer counter. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 displays the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (steps S2404 and S2410 in FIG. 8). To control. The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 94. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process. When the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag.

  As described above, when the jackpot internal lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed in a variable manner. And stop in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery. In particular, in this embodiment, when each random number is stored in both the storage areas A1 and A2, the change of the second special symbol that has no two rounds of big hit is given priority, so that the appeal to the player is increased accordingly. You can increase your power.

  In particular, when a high probability / short time after a big hit game is reached, there is a high chance that the player will be able to continuously win big hits. There is a tendency to hope for a big hit. In this embodiment, by changing the second special symbol more frequently even at high probabilities and time reductions, the possibility of the next jackpot becoming “2 rounds” is lowered, thereby making the player feel secure Can be given.

  Further, in the present embodiment, four “start opening prize memories 1 to 4” are reserved for each of the random number storage areas A1 and A2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, respectively, and a total of 8 bytes are secured. There is no need, and only one byte ("start opening prize storage 0") needs to be secured in one common storage area, so that an increase in the capacity secured in the RAM 76 can be greatly suppressed.

  In addition, as in the present embodiment, for example, even in the case of adopting a game specification in which priority is given to the variation of the second special symbol, since the working memory number counter is held for each of the storage areas A1, A2, By referring to the values and managing the storage numbers of the storage areas A1 and A2, the shift of the storage contents can be simplified, and the processing time for that can be improved.

  The present invention can be implemented with various modifications without being limited to the above-described embodiment. In one embodiment, “start opening prize memory 0” is stored in the common storage area Ac, but such a section is not provided in the common storage area, and this variation corresponds to “start opening prize storage 0”. The flag can also be stored in a register (another example of information storage means). Further, the storage areas A1 and A2 of the RAM 76 and the common storage area Ac may be separated from each other in physical address or may be continuous in address.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol change pre-processing. It is the figure which showed notionally the structure of the storage area ensured by RAM. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a special symbol memory | storage area shift process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board 8a Game area 20 Start gate 26 Upper start prize opening 28 Variable start prize device 28a Lower start prize opening 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 First special symbol display device 34a First operation memory Lamp 36 Second special symbol display device 36a Second operation memory lamp 70 Main controller 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM

Claims (5)

First element acquisition means for acquiring each of the first lottery element and the first winning type determination element, triggered by the occurrence of the first event during the game,
Second element acquisition means for acquiring a second lottery element and a second winning type determination element, respectively, triggered by the occurrence of a second event different from the first event during the game;
With the first lottery element acquired by the first element acquisition means and the first winning type determination element being a set of lottery information, this lottery information set can be stored up to a predetermined upper limit number A first storage area having a sufficient capacity;
With the second lottery element acquired by the second element acquisition means and the second winning type determining element as a set of lottery information, this lottery information set can be stored up to a predetermined upper limit number A second storage area having a sufficient capacity;
If the first event or the second event occurs in a state where the conditions for executing the internal lottery relating to the player's profit are not yet satisfied during the game, the lottery is performed on the first or second storage area. Holding storage means for storing each set of information until the upper limit is reached;
When a condition for executing the internal lottery is satisfied in a state where the lottery information is stored in the first or second storage means, the set of the stored in the first or second storage area Storage transfer means for transferring lottery information to a predetermined common storage area for storage;
In the pair of the lottery information is transferred to the common memory area by the memory shifting unit, a set of the lottery information that is changed its transferred is intended to include any of at least the first or the second lottery element Information storage means for storing the lottery element identification information according to the common storage area after generating lottery element identification information representing
The lottery for executing the internal lottery using the set of lottery information transferred to the common storage area by the storage transfer means and the lottery element identification information stored in the common storage area by the information storage means Execution means;
When the internal lottery is performed, after the first symbol or the second symbol respectively corresponding to the first or second lottery element included in the lottery information used at that time is variably displayed, A gaming machine comprising: a symbol display means for stopping and displaying the first or second symbol in a manner representing a result of a lottery. First element acquisition means for acquiring each of the first lottery element and the first winning type determination element, triggered by the occurrence of the first event during the game,
Second element acquisition means for acquiring a second lottery element and a second winning type determination element, respectively, triggered by the occurrence of a second event different from the first event during the game;
With the first lottery element acquired by the first element acquisition means and the first winning type determination element being a set of lottery information, this lottery information set can be stored up to a predetermined upper limit number A first storage area having a sufficient capacity;
With the second lottery element acquired by the second element acquisition means and the second winning type determining element as a set of lottery information, this lottery information set can be stored up to a predetermined upper limit number A second storage area having a sufficient capacity;
If the first event or the second event occurs in a state where the conditions for executing the internal lottery relating to the player's profit are not yet satisfied during the game, the lottery is performed on the first or second storage area. Holding storage means for storing each set of information until the upper limit is reached;
When a condition for executing the internal lottery is satisfied in a state where the lottery information is stored in the first or second storage means, the set of the stored in the first or second storage area Storage transfer means for transferring lottery information to a predetermined common storage area for storage;
In the pair of the lottery information is transferred to the common memory area by the memory shifting unit, a set of the lottery information that is changed its transferred is intended to include any of at least the first or the second lottery element After generating lottery element identification information representing the above, the lottery element identification information is stored in a register for a processor which is a storage element different from the first storage area, the second storage area, and the common storage area. Information storage means for storing;
Lottery execution means for executing the internal lottery using the set of lottery information transferred to the common storage area by the storage transfer means and the lottery element identification information stored in the register by the information storage means; ,
When the internal lottery is performed, after the first symbol or the second symbol respectively corresponding to the first or second lottery element included in the lottery information used at that time is variably displayed, A gaming machine comprising: a symbol display means for stopping and displaying the first or second symbol in a manner representing a result of a lottery. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2 ,
When the first or second symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific winning manner by the symbol display means, it further comprises special game executing means for executing a special game to which a special condition different from normal is applied,
The special game execution means includes
When the player wins in the internal lottery using the first lottery element, the special lottery when winning in the internal lottery using the second lottery element, rather than the profit that the player can enjoy during the special game. A gaming machine characterized by setting a relatively large profit that a player can enjoy during a game. The gaming machine according to claim 3 ,
A storage number counting means for individually counting the number of sets of the lottery information stored in the first and second storage areas as a storage number;
The memory transfer means
When the storage number counting means counts one or more storage numbers for both the first and second storage areas, the lottery is given priority from the second storage area over the first storage area. On the other hand, when one or more storage numbers are counted only for either the first or second storage area, the information is transferred from the first or second storage area having the storage number. A gaming machine characterized by transferring lottery information. In the gaming machine according to claim 3 or 4 ,
The internal lottery means
Using the first or second lottery element to determine whether it will win or not win,
When it is determined that it will be a winner, the first or second winner type determining element will be used to determine whether it will be a normal winner or a specific winner,
If the internal lottery means that the winning is determined and the specific winning is determined, the probability that the internal lottery is determined to be winning after the special game is changed to a higher value than usual. A gaming machine further comprising high probability state transition means for transitioning to a probability state.

Images