JP5463403B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a symbol is displayed in a manner that represents a result of an internal lottery after an internal lottery is triggered, and in particular, when a variation pattern is determined for each variation display. This relates to the selection process.

  Conventionally, a prior art using a reach determination random number or a fluctuation pattern random number is known in a pattern variation pattern selection process (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this prior art, a reach determination random number and a variation pattern random number are generated by a counter, respectively, and when a reach determination random number and a variation pattern random number are acquired prior to symbol variation, a reach determination is performed based on the reach determination random number. Further, after the final variation pattern is determined based on the variation pattern random number, the symbol variation is started.

  In particular, the above-mentioned prior art pays attention to the fact that the random number obtained by the software counter during the control program remaining time is likely to be biased, and the random number is generated by the hardware counter. There is an advantage in eliminating the bias.

JP 2004-24490 A (pages 3-4, 10-11, FIGS. 4 and 9)

  By the way, in recent years, in the technical field of gaming machines, game contents tend to become more and more complicated and diversified according to diversification of player's tastes. For example, even if one variable display of a symbol is taken up, the contents of reach production performed during the display of the change are becoming increasingly complex and diverse. From the player's point of view, gaming machines with a wide variety of reach production types are attractive, especially for types of reach production that rarely appear (so-called premium reach production). Added value is provided in a different meaning from the profits obtained.

  From the above background, in order to realize more complicated and varied effects, it is necessary to prepare a huge number of symbol variation patterns in the selection process for game control in advance. For each of these enormous numbers of fluctuation patterns, the probability of selection (including the expected value of jackpot) in all of them (ratio that determines the probability of being selected with a fraction of the probability at the time of jackpot or off) is one by one. In order to make detailed settings, it is considered that the update range of the random number serving as the denominator of the probability may be simply increased.

  However, if the update range of the entire random number is increased, it is necessary to assign more random values (numerator of probability) to the fluctuation pattern for which the selection ratio is to be increased. Therefore, the fluctuation pattern having a lower selection ratio. The random number assigned to is relatively small. For example, if the range of comparison values is divided between 0 and the maximum value on the variation pattern selection table, the variation pattern with a higher selection ratio occupies most of the numerical range, resulting in a lower selection ratio. Variation patterns can be given only a few numerical ranges.

  On the other hand, the above reach determination random number and fluctuation pattern determination random number (value that becomes a numerator of probability) are only updated one by one on control, and a long processing time is required for one round of random number update. Cost. For this reason, if there is not a large gap between the random number acquired at the time of the previous fluctuation and the random number acquired at the time of the current fluctuation, the same (or similar) fluctuation pattern is selected every time in extreme cases. It will be. In such a situation, even if many variation patterns are prepared on the selection table, there is a problem that the actual selection tendency is biased, and as a result, the change in the production content is poor. It will occur.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a selection process in which a large number of variation patterns are prepared corresponding to the diversification of game contents and effects, and the content of the variation pattern that is actually selected among them is less likely to be extremely biased. To do.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
Solution D1: The present invention includes a detection unit that detects that a predetermined event has occurred during a game, an internal lottery unit that executes an internal lottery when an occurrence of the predetermined event is detected by the detection unit, When the lottery is performed, the symbol display means for displaying the symbols in a manner that displays the result of the internal lottery after the symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and the variation pattern of the symbol display by the symbol display means is previously set. A plurality of variation pattern defining means and a part of the plurality of variation patterns prepared are classified as a basic variation pattern group, and each variation pattern belonging to this basic variation pattern group is divided into a plurality of basic patterns in advance. Specified fluctuations that are stored separately in categories and that are different from the basic variation pattern group for specific categories prepared separately from the basic categories Basic variation pattern storage means for assigning and storing the designation of turn groups, and among the variation patterns prepared in multiple ways, those other than those classified in the basic variation pattern group are classified as specific variation pattern groups, and this specific variation pattern Specific variation pattern storage means for storing each variation pattern belonging to a group divided into a plurality of basic sections in advance, and a plurality of basic features stored in the basic variation pattern storage means when performing symbol variation display by the symbol display means When one of the basic categories is selected by the category selection means for selecting any category from the category and the specific category, and when one of the basic categories is selected by the category selection means, any one variation pattern from the selected basic categories The first variation pattern determination means that determines the value and the classification selection means, not the basic classification When the minute is selected, a second classification unit selects any one of the plurality of basic categories stored in the specific variation pattern storage unit and determines any one variation pattern from the selected basic classifications. And a variation pattern determining means.
In the selection process in the present invention, first, “basic classification” or “specific classification” is selected, and when “basic classification” is selected, variation patterns belonging to the basic variation pattern group are selected from the “basic classification”. select. On the other hand, if “specific category” is selected, it will be recognized that another specific variation pattern group has been selected, and the “basic category” defined for the specific variation pattern group will be selected again. Select a variation pattern belonging to a pattern group. For this reason, even if a huge number of variation patterns are prepared in advance, all of them can be stored in a distributed manner without being divided at once (for example, by one variation pattern address selection table). Accordingly, since the number of categories (basic category, specific category) used first in the selection process can be reduced, for example, only a category with a high selection ratio is not selected in the selection process. The selection bias can be reduced.
According to the present invention, even if a large number of fluctuation patterns are prepared in advance, the fluctuation patterns can be selected without bias by the selection process. For this reason, various effects can be executed without waste corresponding to each change pattern, and various reach change effects can be executed at a probability that the player wants to show. In this way, gaming machines with a wide variety of productions are attractive to players, and they are actually rare, with the aim of enjoying the content of the production separately from the original jackpot It is possible to give a great satisfaction to a player who has witnessed various contents.
Solution D2: In the solution D1, the variation pattern defining unit defines each variation pattern as a combination of a first attribute value and a second attribute value, and the first attribute value is The basic variation pattern storage means or the specific variation pattern storage means represents one of the basic divisions, and the second attribute value represents one of individual variation patterns included in the basic division. A gaming machine characterized by being.
Solving means D3: In the solving means D2, the basic variation pattern storage means stores the first attribute value in a plurality of ways as representing one of the plurality of basic sections, and represents the specific section. A specific value not included in the first attribute value is stored, and the classification selection unit selects one of the first attribute values stored in a plurality of ways, or other than that The specific value is selected.
Solution D4: In any one of the solution D1 to D3, the following configuration of the solution 7 may be adopted.
Solution D5: In the solution D4, the following solution 8 may be employed.
The present invention adopts the following means in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.
Solution 1: The present invention includes a detection unit that detects that a predetermined event has occurred during a game, a lottery element acquisition unit that acquires a lottery element when the detection unit detects the occurrence of the predetermined event, Internal lottery means to execute internal lottery related to the player's profit using the lottery element, and when the internal lottery is performed, the symbol is displayed in a manner that indicates the result of the internal lottery after the symbols are variably displayed. The symbol display means to be displayed, the fluctuation display of the symbols by the symbol display means, the fluctuation pattern defining means for preparing a plurality of fluctuation patterns in advance, and a part of the fluctuation patterns prepared for the basic fluctuation It is classified as a pattern group, and each variation pattern belonging to this basic variation pattern group is divided into a plurality of basic categories and stored in advance. Basic variation pattern storage means for assigning and storing a specific variation pattern group different from the basic variation pattern group for a specific category prepared separately from the minute, and among the variation patterns prepared in plural A specific variation pattern storage means for classifying those other than those classified as a variation pattern group as a specific variation pattern group and storing each variation pattern belonging to this specific variation pattern group in a plurality of basic divisions in advance, and an internal lottery As a result, a variation pattern determining element acquisition unit that acquires the first variation pattern determining element and the second variation pattern determining element, respectively, when the symbol display by the symbol display unit is started, and a first variation pattern determination Based on the elements, multiple basic categories and identifications stored in the basic variation pattern storage means Based on the second variation pattern determining element from the selected basic category when any one of the basic categories is selected by the category selection unit and the category selection unit that selects any category from the minutes First variation pattern determining means for determining any one variation pattern, and when the specific classification is selected instead of the basic classification by the category selection means, the specific variation pattern is newly determined based on the first variation pattern determining element. A second one that selects any one of the plurality of basic categories stored in the storage means, and determines any one variation pattern based on the second variation pattern determining element from the selected basic segments; And a variation pattern determining means.

  As described above, in the present invention, a plurality of variation patterns prepared in advance are classified and stored in a basic variation pattern group and a specific variation pattern group. At this time, the basic variation pattern storage means (for example, variation pattern address selection table) is provided with a plurality of basic divisions, and further stores individual variation patterns for each division (for example, variation pattern determination). Table memory address) is associated, but the basic variation pattern storage means is provided with a specific category separately from the above basic category, in which the allocation of the specific variation pattern group is stored. . In other words, the memory of each variation pattern is not associated with the specific classification, but the entire variation pattern classified as a “specific variation pattern group” is allocated.

  On the other hand, the specific variation pattern group storage means (for example, reach variation pattern group address selection table) is provided with a plurality of basic divisions (the number of divisions may be different) as in the case of the basic variation pattern group storage means. Each of the classifications is associated with storage of individual variation patterns classified as a specific variation pattern group (for example, a memory address of a reach variation pattern determination table).

In addition, according to the present invention, variation pattern selection processing is performed according to the following procedure.
(1) At least a first variation pattern determination element and a second variation pattern determination element are acquired by the variation pattern determination element acquisition means.
(2) The category selection means uses the first variation pattern determination element to select one of a plurality of basic categories stored in the basic variation pattern group storage unit, or to select a specific category. Note that the options at this time are uniquely determined based on the first variation pattern determining element.

The subsequent processing differs depending on the selection result of (2) above.
(3-1) When the category selection unit selects any one of the basic categories, the final variation pattern is determined by the first variation pattern determination unit. That is, since each variation pattern classified as the “basic variation pattern group” as described above is associated with the basic category selected by the category selection means, the second variation pattern is selected from the associated variation patterns. Using the determinant, any one variation pattern can be finally selected.

(3-2) On the other hand, the selection process when the category selection unit selects the specific category instead of the basic category is performed by the second variation pattern determination unit.
That is, the specific classification selected by the classification selection means is not associated with the storage of individual fluctuation patterns, but is assigned with memory as a “specific fluctuation pattern group”. In this case, the second variation pattern determining means refers to the stored contents of the specific variation pattern storage means, and selects the basic classification anew using the first variation pattern determining element therefrom. Since the individual variation patterns classified as the “specific variation pattern group” as described above are also associated with the basic category selected here, the second variation pattern determination means selects the first variation pattern from among them. Any one variation pattern can be finally selected by using two variation pattern determining elements.

  As described above, in the selection process according to the present invention, first, “basic category” or “specific category” is selected, and when “basic category” is selected, the “basic category” belongs to the basic variation pattern group. Select a variation pattern. On the other hand, if “specific category” is selected, it will be recognized that another specific variation pattern group has been selected, and the “basic category” defined for the specific variation pattern group will be selected again. A variation pattern belonging to a pattern group is selected. For this reason, even if a huge number of variation patterns are prepared in advance, all of them can be stored in a distributed manner without being divided at once (for example, by one variation pattern address selection table). Accordingly, since the number of categories (basic category, specific category) used first in the selection process can be reduced, for example, only a category with a high selection ratio is not selected in the selection process. The selection bias can be reduced.

  Solution 2: The gaming machine according to the present invention determines a specific variation pattern separately from the first and second variation pattern determination elements in the solution 1, when the specific category is selected instead of the basic category by the category selection unit. Specific variation pattern determination element acquisition means for acquiring elements may be further provided. In this case, the second variation pattern determination means selects one of the plurality of basic categories stored in the specific variation pattern storage means based on the specific variation pattern determination element, and selects the selected basic Any one variation pattern can be determined from the classification based on the second variation pattern determining element.

  According to the solution 2, the selection (determination) of the variation pattern belonging to the basic variation pattern group is performed using the first variation pattern determination element and the second variation pattern determination element, but belongs to the specific variation pattern group. Specifically, the selection of the variation pattern is performed using a specific variation pattern determining element and a second variation pattern determining element. In this case, the diversity (selection ratio) when selecting the variation pattern is made different by configuring the first variation pattern determining element and the specific variation pattern determining element (for example, a numerical range when a random number is used). And setting of expected values, etc.) can be widened.

  Solving means 3: In the solving means 1 or 2, the variation pattern defining means defines each variation pattern as a combination of the first attribute value and the second attribute value. Any one of the basic divisions stored in the fluctuation pattern storage means or the specific fluctuation pattern storage means may be represented, and the second attribute value may represent any of the individual fluctuation patterns included in the basic division.

  In this case, the basic variation pattern storage means stores a plurality of first attribute values as representing a plurality of basic divisions, and further, for each variation pattern included in the basic divisions. The second attribute value is assigned one by one.

  Solving means 4: In solving means 3, the basic variation pattern storage means stores a plurality of first attribute values as representing any one of a plurality of basic divisions, and a first attribute as representing a specific division A specific value not included in the value is stored. Further, the category selection means selects one of the first attribute values stored in a plurality of ways based on the first variation pattern determination element, or selects a specific value other than the first attribute value.

  In this case, whether or not the selection result of the category selection means is “specific value” is determined in the selection process, and if it does not match the “specific value”, the basic category represented by the first attribute value as it is The variation pattern can be selected from On the other hand, if the selection result matches the “specific value”, it is not the first attribute value, so it is detected that the “specific variation pattern group” has been selected on the selection process, and then the specific variation pattern is selected. The variation pattern can be selected using the storage means.

  Solution 5: In any one of Solution 1 to 4, the gaming machine according to the present invention executes a main control execution unit that executes a predetermined main control program, and executes the main control program for the main control execution unit. Timer interrupt generating means for generating a timer interrupt at a predetermined period and executing an interrupt process is further provided. In this case, the main control execution means initializes at least the first numerical data and the second numerical data within the respective numerical ranges within the remaining time other than the time when the interrupt process is executed during the execution of the main control program. An update process is performed in which the value is updated in a predetermined order from the value to the final value. Then, the variation pattern determination element acquisition unit obtains the first and second variation patterns by using the first and second numerical data updated through the updating process when the symbol variation display start condition by the symbol display unit is satisfied. Get as a determinant.

  Here, a random number (numerical data) element is used in the selection process. Although the numerical data itself is updated in a predetermined order, the acquisition timing becomes random in the selection process, so that it can be handled as a “random number”. In addition, in the solving means 5, the first and second variation pattern determining elements are prepared as random numbers that are updated separately in the selection process. Since these random numbers are updated within the remaining time other than interrupt processing in the main control program, if the update range of the random numbers is too large, the time required for one round will become longer, and the random numbers obtained by that will also be increased. Bias tends to occur.

  However, in the present invention, the number of “basic classifications” and “specific classifications” is suppressed as described above, so that even when these selections are performed by a random number extraction method, the random number update range is extremely increased. There is no need. Therefore, the obtained random number itself is less likely to be biased. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the bias of the variation pattern that is finally selected, and it is possible to increase the enormous amount without extremely increasing the update range of the random number. A variation pattern can be selected from a number.

  Solving means 6: In the solving means 5, the main control executing means preliminarily sets the third numerical data different from the first and second numerical data in the updating process from the initial value to the final value within the numerical value range. Updated in a prescribed order. The specific variation pattern determination element acquisition unit acquires the third numerical data updated through the update process as the specific variation pattern determination element when the specific category is selected by the category selection unit.

  The configuration of the solving means 6 is effective in the case of the solving means 2. In other words, dedicated random numbers are also used for specific variation pattern determination elements in the selection process, so by setting the update range individually, variation patterns belonging to a specific variation pattern group are divided into an appropriate number of basic categories. Can be remembered.

  Solution 7: In any one of Solution 1 to 6, the gaming machine of the present invention causes the symbol display means to variably display the symbols based on the variation pattern determined by the first or second variation pattern determination means. A variation time setting means for setting a variation time and an effect for executing a variation display effect using a plurality of effect symbols within the variation time set by the variation time setting means when the symbol variation display is performed by the symbol display means. An execution means and an effect control means for controlling the content of the variation display effect using the effect symbol executed by the effect execution means based on the variation pattern determined by the first or second variation pattern determination means. ing. In this case, the variation patterns of the plurality of variations vary as a variation display effect using the effect symbols in a state where the combination pattern of the effect symbols to be stopped and displayed is partially configured when the result of the internal lottery is a win. The one corresponding to the reach variation effect to be displayed is included.

  In this case, the above “variation pattern” is mainly for setting the length of the symbol variation time (shortest to longest) in the selection process. If a longer variation time is set for the symbol variation display, the reach variation effect with a high appealing power can be performed using that time. The reach variation effect is a partial combination of effect symbols that are finally displayed when the result of the internal lottery is a win (big hit) (for example, an aspect where all three effect symbols of the same type are stopped) This is an effect in which the remaining effect symbols are variably displayed in a configured state (for example, a state where up to two of the three effect symbols are stopped together with the same symbol). Such reach variation effects have the effect of making players have a sense of expectation for jackpots, which is an interest for this type of gaming machine.

  Therefore, the solving means 7 includes a pattern corresponding to the reach variation effect in the variation pattern prepared in advance, so that when such a variation pattern is selected, the player has a sense of expectation on the effect. They are trying to maintain their willingness to play games by providing them with entertainment and entertainment. In particular, in the present invention, even if an enormous variation pattern is prepared in advance, various variation patterns are selected without deviation (with a selection ratio as intended), so a variety of reach variation effects are prepared. In addition, each of the various reach fluctuation effects can be executed at an appearance rate that the user wants to show. In particular, when a variation pattern corresponding to a reach variation production with a rare appearance rate is selected, the player is satisfied that he / she was able to witness an unusual production, and thereby is willing to play the game. Can be maintained for a long time.

  Solving means 8: In the solving means 7, the variation pattern determined by the second variation pattern determining means corresponds to the reach variation effect compared with the variation pattern determined by the first variation pattern determining means. May be included more.

  In this case, when the variation pattern classified into the specific variation pattern group is selected in the selection process, the reach variation effect is executed as frequently as that, thereby further improving the player's expectation, It is possible to maintain high interest.

According to the present invention, be previously prepared in advance a number of change patterns, Ru can be selected without change pattern bias the selection process.

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 a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the fluctuation pattern determination process at the time of loss. It is the flowchart which showed in detail the example of the procedure of the reach selection process performed in the fluctuation pattern determination process at the time of loss. It is a list of random numbers that are acquired and used during reach selection processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern address selection table. It is a figure which shows an example of a reach variation pattern group address selection table. It is a figure which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table. It is a figure which shows an example of a reach fluctuation pattern determination table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a fluctuation pattern number determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the change production process performed by production control CPU. It is a figure which shows an example of the production | presentation lottery table used by the production | generation determination process at the time of a loss.

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 the present embodiment, various random numbers are generated on the program in addition to the big hit determination 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 processing are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, variation pattern group selection random numbers, outlier 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 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, jackpot type determination random numbers, ordinary symbol determination random numbers, 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. In other words, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections (2 bytes each) for each symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol). Can be stored in sets one by one. At this time, if the number of stored jackpot determination 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 counter is less than 4 (Yes), In this case, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S14.

  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: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (for example, 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, the main control CPU 72 saves it as a jackpot determination random number in the transfer source address.

  Step S17: Next, the main control CPU 72 obtains a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol from the counter area of the RAM 76. 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 determination 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.

  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. 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: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 (for example, acquisition of the 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. 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 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 the empty 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 differential 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. Note that such control is not essential in the implementation of the present invention, and it is possible to employ control that causes both symbols to be variably displayed.

[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 shift processing after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 preferentially reads out the lottery random numbers (big hit determination random number, big hit symbol random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76, which corresponds to the second special symbol. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections, the main control CPU 72 sequentially reads the random numbers from the first section, and moves (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. 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 out. Thereby, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially performed over the first special symbol.

  Step S2250: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol operating memory number subtraction process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the working memory number counter (which corresponds to either the first special symbol or the second special symbol) stored in the RAM 76, and obtains the value after the subtraction. Set to “Number of working memories at start of change”. At this time, the working memory number counter to be subtracted corresponds to the one on which the random number stored in the previous step S2200 has been shifted. As a result, the display mode of the number stored by the first operation memory lamp 34a or the second operation memory lamp 36a changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S205 in FIG. 5). When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and then executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets a range of the big hit value and determines whether or not the read 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 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 value is determined by setting a range of the jackpot value on the program. However, the jackpot determination table is written in the ROM 74 in advance, and the jackpot determination is performed by reading this and comparing it with the random number value. There are also programming examples.

  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. In the case where the memory of the big hit determination random number corresponding to the second special symbol is preferentially shifted in the previous special symbol memory shift process, the main control CPU 72 displays the stop symbol by the second special symbol display device 36 here. Determine aspects. On the other hand, if the memory of the big hit 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). In addition, when the 7-segment LED is used for each of the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 36 as in the present embodiment, for example, the display mode of the off symbol is always set to one segment (the center bar). The processing of step S2404 may be omitted only for the lighting display of “-”). In this case, the storage capacity to be used can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

  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 losing is determined based on, for example, “variable display start operation memory number (0 to 3)” set in step S2250.

  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 random value is included in the range of the probability variation determined value, the main control CPU 72 determines the jackpot type as “probability variation jackpot”. Conversely, if the random 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”. For the probability variation jackpot corresponding to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 also distributes the number of rounds. For example, if the number of rounds is set, for example, a “2-round judgment range” is set within the range of the above-mentioned probability variation determined value, and if a random number is included in this range, “probability large hit” is set to “2 rounds” big hit. Determine as. 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.

  Further, in the process of step S2410, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 36 based on the big hit symbol random number value. If the value (01H) is set in the probability variation flag in the previous jackpot type determination process, the display mode of the stop symbol (at the time of probability change) is determined after offsetting the jackpot symbol random number value. 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. In the process of step S2410, a jackpot symbol determination table in which the relationship between the range of the jackpot symbol random number and the jackpot type (probability / non-probability, number of rounds) is provided in advance, and the jackpot type / hit is based on this table. The aspect which determines a design may be sufficient.

  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.

[Change pattern determination process at the time of loss]
Next, the variation pattern selection process in the present embodiment will be described in detail, taking the variation pattern determination process at the time of loss as an example. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the change pattern determination process at the time of loss. Hereinafter, a rough flow of the variation pattern determination process at the time of deviation will be described following each procedure.

  Step S400: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the working memory number counter for the symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) for which the current variation display is performed, and saves the value in a register.

  Step S402: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a state-specific selection process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects a table to be used according to the current gaming state (normal time or high probability / short time) and the number of working memories at that time. The tables to be narrowed down here are combinations of tables necessary for finally determining a fluctuation pattern (fluctuation pattern number) at the time of deviation. The specific table types and their contents will be described later with another example.

  Step S404: The main control CPU 72 executes reach selection processing. In this process, the table selected in the previous state-specific selection process is used to select whether or not “reach fluctuation” should be performed with the current deviation fluctuation. Specific processing contents will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S406: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 executes a variation pattern number determination process. In this process, the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation pattern number) at the time of deviation is finally determined using the table selected in the selection process according to the previous state. The specific contents of this process will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S408: Finally, the main control CPU 72 sets a value (variation time) in the variation timer. The variation time (for example, about 12 seconds when the number of working memories is 0, and about 30 seconds to 120 seconds at the time of reach variation) is determined corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the previous variation pattern determination process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[Reach selection process]
Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail a procedure example of the reach selection process executed during the above-described deviation variation pattern determination process. FIG. 11 is a list of random numbers acquired and used in the reach selection process. Hereinafter, the details of the processing will be described along each procedure.

  Step S500: The main control CPU 72 acquires a reach determination random number and a fluctuation pattern determination random number here. As shown in FIG. 11, the reach determination random number is numerical data that is sequentially updated in a range of 0 to 1998, for example. The variation pattern determination random number is numerical data that is sequentially updated in the range of 0 to 210, for example. The main control CPU 72 designates the address of the counter area corresponding to each random number in the RAM 76, and saves the numerical data read from each as a reach determination random number and a variation pattern determination random number in a register.

  Step S502: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires the “MODE value” from the variation pattern address selection table based on the reach determination random number. A specific example of the variation pattern address selection table will be described below.

[Variation pattern address selection table: Basic variation pattern storage means]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the variation pattern address selection table. This selection table is selected in the above-described selection process according to the state when, for example, (1) normal operation, (2) the big hit internal lottery result is lost, and (3) the number of operating memories is zero. That is, the conditions are (1) “game state (normal / high probability / short time)”, (2) “lottery determination result status (winning / non-winning)”, (3) “working memory state (0-3 pieces) ) ", Etc. are selected. Here, the condition that the number of working memories is 0 is given as an example with respect to the “working memory state” in (3), but the number of working memories may be other numbers.

  The variation pattern address selection table is a table in which the range of “comparison value” is divided into, for example, six, and “MODE value” and “table address” are assigned and stored for each division. It should be noted that the range of “comparison value” does not exceed the range of reach determination random numbers (0 to 1998), and the maximum value of “comparison value” is a maximum value of “0FFFFH = 65535” in order to suppress program runaway. It has been described.

  For example, a numerical value range of 0 to 1749 is defined as a “comparison value” in the uppermost row in FIG. 12, and “MODE value” is set to “0A0H” and “table address” is assigned to this division. “NORMAL01” is assigned. In the same manner, “0A0H” is assigned to “MODE value” and “REACH01” is assigned to “table address” for the section whose “comparison value” in the second row from the top is 1750 to 1899. “0A1H” is assigned to the “MODE value” and “REACH02” is assigned to the “table address” for the section in which the “comparison value” of the third row is 1900 to 1949. “0A2H” is assigned to the “MODE value” and “REACH03” is assigned to the “table address” for the category of “value” of 1950 to 1989. In addition, “0A2H” is assigned to “MODE value” and “REACH04” is assigned to “table address” for the section “comparison value” of 1990 to 1996 in the fifth row from the top.

  For this reason, in step S502, the main control CPU 72 sequentially compares to which section the reach determination random number corresponds, and acquires (selects) the “MODE value” assigned to the corresponding section (basic section). . The “MODE value” acquired at this time is saved in the register.

  Each “MODE value (first attribute value)” shown so far indicates the basic nature of the variation pattern. For example, “0A0H” indicates the basic property of “simple outlier fluctuation” or “simple outlier reach fluctuation”, but the next “0A1H” is, for example, “reach fluctuation with slip” or “0A2H”. Indicates a basic property such as “double reach fluctuation”. In addition, “with slip” means that, for example, on the production screen (the liquid crystal display 40), once the production symbol stops at a disjointed (non-reach) state, one frame slides into a reach state, or This means that once the stage design that should be reached is passed, it returns to the opposite direction and enters a reach state. “Double reach” means that, for example, when there are a plurality (for example, five lines) of combination lines of effect symbols on the effect screen, the effect symbols reach a reach state on two lines.

  Further, the “table address” shown so far indicates the location (memory address) of the variation pattern determination table corresponding to each “MODE value”. For example, in the uppermost category, it means that the main control CPU 72 jumps to the memory address described as “NORMAL01” in the processing and refers to the contents of the variation pattern address selection table. The same applies to the other “REACH01” to “REACH04”.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, for example, a classification (specific classification) of a numerical range from 1997 to 0FFFFH is defined as a “comparison value” at the bottom in FIG. “TABLE01” is assigned to “0FFH” and “table address”. When the reach determination random number is 1997 or 1998, the main control CPU 72 acquires (selects) “0FFH” in step S502.

  As shaded in FIG. 12, only this section has a different meaning from the above five sections. That is, “0FFH” does not indicate the basic nature of the fluctuation pattern like the other “0A0H”, but another fluctuation pattern group, that is, a fluctuation pattern address selection table different from FIG. 12 is selected. It is a value used for convenience for the control CPU 72 to detect. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure.

[See Figure 10: Reach Selection Process]
Step S504: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the “MODE value” acquired (selected) in the previous step S502 is “0FFH”. As a result, if it matches “0FFH” (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S506.

  Step S506: Here, the main control CPU 72 acquires the above-mentioned variation pattern group selection random number. As shown in FIG. 11, the variation pattern group selection random number is numerical data that is sequentially updated in the range of 0 to 232, for example. The main control CPU 72 designates the address of the counter area corresponding to the variation pattern group selection random number in the RAM 76, and saves the numerical data read therefrom as the variation pattern group selection random number in the register. Further, the main control CPU 72 discards “0FFH” acquired in the previous step S502. Here, an example is given in which the variation pattern group selection random number is acquired after proceeding to step S506, but programming may be performed so as to acquire the variation pattern group selection random number together in the previous step S500.

  Step S508: The main control CPU 72 acquires (selects) the “MODE value” and the variation pattern table address again from the reach variation pattern group address selection table based on the variation pattern group selection random number. Specifically, it jumps to the memory address described by the table address “TABLE01” shown in FIG. 12, and again references the reach variation pattern group address selection table to obtain the “MODE value” and the variation pattern table address. .

[Reach variation pattern group address selection table: specific variation pattern storage means]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reach variation pattern group address selection table. This selection table is also selected, for example, in the above-described selection process according to the state when (1) normal operation, (2) the big hit internal lottery result is lost, and (3) the number of working memories is 0. In addition, (4) Used only when “0FFH” is selected in the previous step S502.

  The reach variation pattern group address selection table is a table in which the range of “comparison value” is divided into, for example, seven, and “MODE value” and “table address” are allocated and stored for each division (basic division). Note that the range of the “comparison value” does not exceed the range of the variation pattern group selection random number (0 to 232), and the maximum value of the “comparison value” is a maximum of “0FFH = 255” in order to suppress the program runaway. It is described by value.

  Similarly, for example, a numerical value range of 0 to 69 is defined as a “comparison value” in the uppermost row in FIG. 13, and “MODE value” is set to “0A0H” and “table”. “REACH01” is assigned to “Address”. Similarly, “0A2H” is assigned to “MODE value” and “REACH06” is assigned to “table address” for the category “comparison value” of 70 to 169 in the second row from the top. “0A2H” is assigned to “MODE value” and “REACH07” is assigned to “table address” for the “comparison value” of 170 to 179 in the third row. “0A4H” is assigned to the “MODE value” and “REACH08” is assigned to the “table address” for the section of “value” of 180 to 209. In addition, “0A4H” is assigned to “MODE value” and “REACH09” is assigned to “table address” for the section “comparison value” of 210 to 224 in the fifth row from the top. Furthermore, “0A6H” is assigned to “MODE value” and “REACH10” is assigned to “table address” for the section “comparison value” of 225 to 229 in the sixth row from the top. Then, “0A6H” is assigned to the “MODE value” and “REACH11” is assigned to the “table address” for the section having the “comparison value” of 230 to 0FFH at the bottom. In addition, the table “REACH01” allocated in the table of FIG. 12 is allocated to the table of FIG. This is an allocation in which the other tables in FIG. 13 are relatively difficult to select, and is provided in order to use these and the variation pattern group selection random number range in common. Have. This eliminates the need for a new random number for the allocation of the table “REACH01”. Of course, it is possible to provide a new random number without taking such a method.

[See Figure 10: Reach Selection Process]
In step S508, the main control CPU 72 sequentially compares to which section the variation pattern group selected random number corresponds, and sets the “MODE value” and “table address” assigned to the corresponding section (basic section). Acquire (select) each. Then, the main control CPU 72 saves the “MODE value” acquired at this time in the register again.

  Step S504: If “0FFH” is not selected as the “MODE value” in the previous step S502 (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S510.

  Step S510: In this case, the main control CPU 72 directly acquires the “variation pattern table address” of the same category as the “MODE value” from the variation pattern address selection table of FIG.

  If the main control CPU 72 has the basic property of the variation pattern “MODE value” as described above, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the variation pattern number determination process (step S406 in FIG. 9), and refers to the variation pattern determination table there. Thus, the variation pattern is specifically determined.

[Example of variation pattern determination table: basic variation pattern storage means]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the variation pattern determination table. This table is stored after the memory address described by “NORMAL01” in the ROM 74, for example.

  A case is assumed where the reach determination random number acquired by the main control CPU 72 in this variation is any of 0-1749. In this case, the main control CPU 72 acquires “0A0H” as the “MODE value” in step S502 during reach selection processing, and acquires “NORMAL01” as the “table address” in step S508.

  At this time, for example, if the value of the variation pattern determination random number is any of 0 to 46, the main control CPU 72 selects “00H” shown at the top in FIG. 14 as the current variation pattern. In this embodiment, this value is used as the “EVENT value (second attribute value)”, and the variation pattern number is described in combination with the previous “MODE value”. For example, if the “MODE value” at this time is “0A0H”, this is combined with “00H” of the “EVENT value”, and the variation pattern number becomes “A0H00H”. Such a description format is merely an example and is not particularly limited. For example, the order of “MODE value” and “EVENT value” may be reversed, or the result of some logical operation (for example, logical product) of “MODE value” and “EVENT value” is described as a variation pattern number. It is also possible to use this mode.

[Example of reach variation pattern determination table: specific variation pattern storage means]
Next, FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reach variation pattern determination table. This table is stored after the memory address described by “REACH11” in the ROM 74, for example.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, the comparison values are not divided in a very large range, and a variation pattern is finely assigned for each small range (for example, 1 to 2 random numbers). Here, for example, variation patterns (00H, 01H, 02H,..., 74H) are sequentially assigned to the variation pattern group selection random numbers 0 to 232, for example, every two random numbers. Apart from this, a variation pattern may be assigned for each range of three to several random numbers. With such a table configuration, the reach variation patterns can be diversified accordingly. Note that this is an extreme example, and the reach variation pattern determination table is also divided into several categories within a certain large range as in the example shown in FIG. It may be assigned.

  The determination of the variation pattern number using the variation pattern determination table or the reach variation pattern determination table is performed by the main control CPU 72 returning to the variation pattern determination process at the time of detachment through the reach selection process shown in FIG. This is performed by executing the determination process (step S406). Details of the variation pattern number determination process will be described below.

[Variation pattern number determination processing]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the variation pattern number determination process.
Step S600: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 refers to a table designated by “variation pattern table address”. Specifically, the memory address of the ROM 74 described by “NORMAL01”, “REACH11” or the like is accessed. The “variation pattern table address” is the one selected in the previous reach selection process.

  Step S602: Next, when the main control CPU 72 selects “EVENT value” from the variation pattern determination table, the reach variation pattern determination table, etc. based on the variation pattern determination random number acquired in the current variation, the main control CPU 72 has “ A variation pattern number is generated in combination with the “MODE value”. The description format of the variation pattern number is as already described.

  Step S604: The main control CPU 72 generates a variation pattern command based on the variation pattern number, and transfers it to the transmission buffer. The variation pattern command can be the same as the description format of the variation pattern number, for example. This variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control device 94 in the effect control output process in the main loop (step S119 in FIG. 4). When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variation pattern determination process at the time of deviation (FIG. 9).

  After that, when the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 8), it starts the variation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol in the special symbol variation start process (step S2414). 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 big hit 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 variably displayed. . However, as described above, the first special symbol and the second special symbol itself are lighted and blinked by 7-segment LEDs, so that they have poor appeal. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, the variable display effect using the effect symbol is performed as described above.

  The effect designs include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 40 (see FIG. 1). ). Further, each effect symbol D displayed on the screen is a part of a symbol row designed with numbers “1” to “9”, for example. These symbol sequences are variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in the left region, middle region, and right region on the screen. Hereinafter, an example of the variation effect process using the effect symbol will be described.

[Variation production processing]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the changing effect process executed by the effect control CPU 96. This variation effect process is executed at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, a cycle of several milliseconds) separately from the effect control main process performed by the effect control CPU 96. In the effect control main process (not shown), the effect control CPU 96 executes a process for receiving various commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 and an effect random number update process, as well as the display control device 114 and the lamp driving circuit 102. The signal output processing for the acoustic drive circuit 104 and the like is executed. Hereinafter, the variation effect process will be described along each procedure.

  Step S700: The effect control CPU 96 checks whether or not a lottery result command, a stop symbol command, and a variation pattern command are received from the main control CPU 72. Of these, the lottery result command indicates the result of the big hit lottery, and the stop symbol command specifies the display mode when the symbol is stopped, and indicates the type (probability variable or non-probable variable symbol) in the case of the big win It is.

  Step S702: If it is determined in the previous step S700 that a command has been received from the main control CPU 72 (Yes), the effect control CPU 96 determines whether or not it is a big win based on the lottery result command.

  Step S704: When it is determined that the lottery result is a big hit (Yes in Step S702), the effect control CPU 96 next determines whether or not the big hit type corresponds to a promising big hit based on the stop symbol command.

Step S706: When the big hit type is a probable big hit (Yes in Step S704), the effect control CPU 96 executes a probable big hit effect determining process.
Step S708: When the big hit type is not a probable big hit (No in Step S704), the effect control CPU 96 executes a normal big hit effect determining process.
Step S710: If the lottery result is not a big hit (No in Step S702), the effect control CPU 96 executes a loss effect determination process.

  In these effect determination processes (steps S706, S708, and S710), the effect control CPU 96 performs a process of determining effect contents by lottery for each of the hitting time / out of time. Details of the processing are omitted.

  Step S712: Following any of the effect determination processing (steps S706, S708, S710), the effect control CPU 96 executes effect display processing. In this effect display process, the effect control CPU 96 instructs the display control device 114 about the contents of the effect (image data to be displayed, etc.) and outputs a control signal to the lamp driving circuit 102. Thereby, the display control apparatus 114 controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 40 based on the instructed contents of the effect. The lamp driving circuit 102 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes the luminance gradation, etc.) various lamps based on the control signal.

  Step S714: In the next sound output process, the effect control CPU 96 instructs the sound drive circuit 104 on the effect contents (for example, changing BGM, audio data, etc.). Thereby, the sound according to the production content is output from the speakers 58 and 60.

  If it is determined in step S700 that no command has been received from the main control CPU 72 (No), in the effect display process (step S712), the effect control CPU 96 causes the display control device 114 to produce effect contents (design stop). Middle production). If no command is received from the main control CPU 72 for a predetermined time or more, the effect control CPU 96 instructs the effect contents for demonstration (demon effect).

[Example of lottery for lottery]
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effect lottery table used in the above-described off-time effect determination process. For example, if the result of the big hit internal lottery is out of date due to the current fluctuation, the production control CPU 96 proceeds to the previous step S710, and executes the production lottery at the time of deviation.

  At this time, the effect control CPU 96 selects the change effect pattern number corresponding to the “MODE value” and “EVENT value” based on the change pattern command received from the main control CPU 72. For example, when the variation pattern command (variation pattern number) is described as “A0H00H”, the effect control CPU 96 selects “160000” as the corresponding variable effect pattern number from the uppermost section of the table.

  In the present embodiment, there are “MODE values” from “A0H” to “A6H”, and a plurality of “EVENT values” are set for each “MODE value”. The total number is complex and diverse. In particular, if the “EVENT value” is set to about “00H” to “7FH”, a variety of variation effect patterns can be provided.

  When the variable effect pattern number is selected, the effect control CPU 96 next refers to, for example, an effect table (not shown), and the effect symbol change schedule corresponding to the variable effect pattern number “160000” at that time or a stop display mode (for example, “1”-“5”-“4”, etc.), the sound schedule, the content of the warning sound, etc. are set in detail, and the subsequent effect display processing (step S712) and sound output processing (step S714) are executed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, any one of a wide variety of variation patterns can be selected without extremely increasing the respective update ranges of reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, and variation pattern group selection random numbers. One can be selected without bias. In particular, when using the reach variation pattern determination table (FIG. 15), the update range of the variation pattern group selection random number to be compared with the “comparison value” is “0 to 232”, and only this is used to select the variation pattern. However, in this embodiment, the probability that “0FFH” is selected in the variation pattern address selection table (FIG. 12) is set to 2/1999. Therefore, it is possible to easily set a selection ratio of 1 / tens of thousands of orders from these synthesis probabilities. In order to select a variation pattern with such a selection ratio, conventionally, the random number update range had to be raised to 0 to tens of thousands, but in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to use an excessively large update range. Therefore, it is only necessary to update the random number within a relatively small range, and the load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced accordingly.

  The present invention can be implemented with various modifications without being limited to the above-described embodiment. In one embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are used as the special symbols, but only one special symbol may be used. In one embodiment, the variation pattern selection process is described as the variation pattern selection process. However, the variation pattern selection process may be applied to the hit variation pattern determination process.

  In addition, the selection processing method described in one embodiment may determine not only a special symbol variation pattern but also a normal symbol variation pattern.

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
94 Production control device 96 Production control CPU

Claims (5)

Detecting means for detecting that a predetermined event has occurred during the game;
An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery triggered by the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected by said detecting means,
When the internal lottery is performed, the symbol display means for displaying and displaying the symbol in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery after the symbol is variably displayed with this as an opportunity;
About the variation display of the symbol by the symbol display means, a variation pattern defining means for preparing a plurality of variation patterns in advance,
Among the plurality of prepared variation patterns, a part thereof is classified as a basic variation pattern group, and individual variation patterns belonging to the basic variation pattern group are divided into a plurality of basic divisions and stored in advance. Basic variation pattern storage means for allocating and storing designation of a specific variation pattern group different from the basic variation pattern group for a specific category prepared separately from the category;
Of the variation patterns prepared in a plurality of ways, those other than those classified into the basic variation pattern group are classified as the specific variation pattern group, and individual variation patterns belonging to the specific variation pattern group are classified into a plurality of basic divisions in advance. Specific variation pattern storage means for storing separately,
A segment selection means for selecting one segment from when performing the variable display of the symbols, in the basic variation pattern a plurality of stored in the storage means and the basic section and the specific segment by the symbol display means,
First variation pattern determining means for determining any one variation pattern from among the selected basic segments when any one of the basic segments is selected by the segment selection means;
If said particular segment rather than the base segment is selected by the segment selection means selects one segment from a previous SL plurality of which are stored in the specific change pattern storage means and said base segment, and that said selected A gaming machine comprising: a second variation pattern determining means for determining any one variation pattern from among the basic divisions. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 ,
The variation pattern defining means includes
Each variation pattern is defined as a combination of a first attribute value and a second attribute value,
The first attribute value represents one of the basic categories stored in the basic variation pattern storage unit or the specific variation pattern storage unit,
The gaming machine, wherein the second attribute value represents one of individual variation patterns included in the basic division. The gaming machine according to claim 2 ,
The basic variation pattern storage means includes
A plurality of the first attribute values are stored as representing one of the plurality of basic divisions, and a specific value not included in the first attribute value is stored as representing the specific division ,
The category selection means includes
Gaming machine characterized by either selecting one of the stored first attribute value, or select it than the specific value of that in several different multiple. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
Based on the variation pattern determined by the first or second variation pattern determining unit, a variation time setting unit for setting a variation time for displaying the symbol by the symbol display unit;
When the symbol display is performed by the symbol display means, an effect execution means for executing a variable display effect using a plurality of effect symbols within the variation time set by the variation time setting means,
An effect control means for controlling the content of the variation display effect using the effect symbol executed by the effect execution means based on the variation pattern determined by the first or second variation pattern determination means;
The plurality of variation patterns include
As a variable display effect using the effect symbol, corresponding to a reach variation effect in which the combination pattern of effect symbols to be stopped when the result of the internal lottery is won is displayed in a partially configured state Is a game machine characterized by that. In the gaming machine according to claim 4 ,
Compared with the variation pattern determined by the first variation pattern determination means, the variation pattern determined by the second variation pattern determination means includes more corresponding to the reach variation effect. A gaming machine characterized by

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