JP5785300B1 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine capable of executing a drawing process that does not cause a process drop. An effect control means for controlling a game effect including an image effect instructs an effect content of the image effect. Upon receiving this instruction, the drawing processing means accepts the total of the processing loads of the plurality of drawing processes scheduled to be executed in a specific period based on the plurality of drawing processes corresponding to the production contents and the respective drawing periods. It is determined whether or not the maximum load is exceeded, and if this determination result is affirmative, the total load of a plurality of drawing processes scheduled to be executed in a specific period is set so as not to exceed the allowable maximum load. A drawing process that is not executed in a specific period is specified. Based on the processing load of the specified drawing process, even if the drawing process is executed, the total processing load of all the drawing processes including the drawing process is an allowable maximum load. A period not exceeding is extracted, and the drawing period of the specified drawing process is changed to a predetermined period within the extracted period. [Selection] Figure 21

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine played by a player.

  Some recent gaming machines, for example, pachinko gaming machines, have various effects to attract the player's interest (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

"Pachinko winning guide", Guide Works Co., Ltd., issued on May 4, 2013, May 4, 2013 issue

  As can be seen from the description in the above non-patent documents, in the recent gaming machine field, the performance is very important and is an important factor that determines the value of the gaming machine. Also, in recent years, there are many gaming machines that perform high-definition productions or flashy productions that have a visual impact in order to attract the player's interests. In addition, there are many cases where the processing load of the drawing process is large. On the other hand, since various rendering processes are combined in various ways, a rich variety of effects is realized. Therefore, when rendering processes with a large processing load overlap, a so-called process failure may occur. And if such a processing failure occurs, the frame will not be updated correctly, and various effects that are considered to attract the player's interest will not be properly expressed, giving the player an unnatural impression. There is a case.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a main object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of executing a drawing process that does not cause a process failure.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following configuration. In addition, reference numerals in parentheses, explanations, and the like indicate correspondence with embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

  The gaming machine (1) according to the present invention executes a rendering process of an image effect in a predetermined rendering period based on an effect control unit (400) that controls a game effect including an image effect and an instruction from the effect control unit. Drawing processing means (500). The effect control means instructs the contents of the effect of the image effect, and the drawing processing means is based on a plurality of drawing processes corresponding to the contents of the effect of the image effect instructed by the effect control means, and the respective drawing periods. When the determination means (500) for determining whether or not the total processing load of a plurality of drawing processes scheduled to be executed in a specific period exceeds the allowable maximum load, and the determination result by the determination means is affirmative, A specifying unit (500) for specifying a drawing process that is not executed in the specific period so that the total processing load of a plurality of drawing processes scheduled to be executed in the specific period does not exceed the allowable maximum load; Based on the processing load of the specified drawing process, a period in which the sum of the processing loads of all the drawing processes including the drawing process does not exceed the allowable maximum load even if the drawing process is executed is extracted. The drawing period of the drawing process specified by the period extracting unit (500) and the specifying unit is changed to a predetermined period within the period extracted by the period extracting unit, regardless of a predetermined drawing period set in advance. Change means.

  Moreover, it is good also as a thing further provided with the priority order setting means (400) which presets a priority order with respect to each of the some drawing process corresponding to the production content of an image effect. At this time, the specifying unit specifies, as a drawing process that is not executed in the specific period, in order of drawing processes having a low priority set by the priority setting unit among a plurality of drawing processes scheduled to be executed in the specific period. To do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of executing a drawing process that does not cause a process drop.

Schematic front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention The enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator 4 provided in the pachinko machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of FIG. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control apparatus provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 An example of a flowchart showing main processing executed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the power-off monitoring process in step S901 in FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400 An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the notification effect execution process in step S115 of FIG. Example of effect pattern in this embodiment Example of scheduled drawing in this embodiment An example of a flowchart showing a drawing control process performed by the image sound control unit 500 The figure for demonstrating calculation of the processing load of a drawing process The figure for demonstrating the process change of a drawing process

  Hereinafter, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Hereinafter, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be simply referred to as a gaming machine 1.

[Schematic configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of the display 4 provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the gaming machine 1.

  In FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine configured to pay out a winning ball when a gaming ball launched by a player's operation wins a prize, for example. This gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 5 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 5 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main part of the gaming machine 1 around a hinge provided on the shaft support side. And the lock part 43 is provided in the predetermined position (for example, edge part on the opposite side to a shaft support side) which becomes the front side of the frame member 5, and the frame member 5 is unlocked by unlocking the lock part 43. Can be opened.

  A game area 20 for playing a game with a game ball is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. In the gaming area 20, a rail member (from which a game ball launched from below (the launching device 211; see FIG. 4) rises along the main surface of the game board 2 and forms a path toward the upper position of the gaming area 20 ( (Not shown) and a guide member (not shown) for guiding the raised game ball to the right side of the game area 20.

  In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an image display unit 6 that displays images for various effects at positions that are easily visible to the player. The image display unit 6 notifies the player of the result of the special symbol lottery (big hit lottery), for example, by displaying a decorative symbol according to the progress of the game by the player, the appearance of a character, the appearance of an item, etc. Or a reserved image showing the number of times the special symbol lottery is held. The image display unit 6 is configured by a liquid crystal display device, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, or the like, but any other display device may be used. Furthermore, a movable accessory 7 and a board lamp 8 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 2. The movable accessory 7 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2, and produces an effect by performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the progress of the game or in accordance with the operation of the player. The board lamp 8 emits light according to the progress of the game, thereby performing various effects by light.

  In the game area 20, a game nail and a windmill (both not shown) that change the falling direction of the game ball are arranged. Further, in the game area 20, various bonuses related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In FIG. 1, the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the gate 25, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24 are arranged on the game board 2 as an example of various prizes related to winning and lottery. It is installed. In addition, the game area 20 is provided with a discharge port 26 through which game balls that have not been won in any of the game areas of the game balls launched into the game area 20 are discharged out of the game area 20. .

  The first start port 21 and the second start port 22 are awarded when a game ball enters, respectively, and a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) is started. The first start port 21 operates a predetermined special electric accessory (large winning port 23) and / or a predetermined special symbol display (first special symbol display 4a described later). It is a winning opening related to winning a game ball. Further, the second start opening 22 operates the special electric accessory and / or a predetermined special symbol display device (second special symbol display device 4b described later), and wins related to winning a game ball. The mouth. When the game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol lottery (the open / close lottery of the electric tulip 27 described below) starts. The lottery is not started even if a game ball wins the normal winning opening 24.

  The 2nd starting port 22 is provided in the lower part of the 1st starting port 21, and is equipped with the electric tulip 27 in the vicinity of the entrance of a game ball as an example of a normal electric accessory. The electric tulip 27 has a pair of wings imitating tulip flowers, and the pair of wings opens and closes left and right by driving an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 (for example, an electric solenoid) described later. When the pair of blade portions are closed, the electric tulip 27 is in a closed state in which the game ball does not enter the second start port 22 because the opening width guided to the entrance of the second start port 22 is extremely narrow. On the other hand, the electric tulip 27 is in an open state in which the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 22 because the opening width guided to the inlet of the second starting port 22 increases when the pair of wings open to the left and right. . When the electric tulip 27 passes through the gate 25 and the normal symbol lottery is won, the pair of blades opens for a specified time (for example, 0.10 seconds) and opens and closes for a specified number of times (for example, once). To do.

  The big winning opening 23 is located at the lower center of the second starting opening 22 and is opened according to the result of the special symbol lottery. The big prize opening 23 is normally in a closed state so that no game balls can enter, but depending on the result of the special symbol lottery, it protrudes from the main surface of the game board 2 and is in an open state. The game ball is easy to enter. For example, the special winning opening 23 repeats a round that is in an open state until a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds elapses or a winning of 10 game balls) is satisfied a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times).

  Further, on the lower right side of the game board 2, a display 4 for displaying the results of the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery described above and the number of reserved items is arranged. Details of the display 4 will be described later.

  Here, the payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball enters (wins) the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24, a predetermined number per game ball is determined according to the place where the game ball has won. The prize ball is paid out. For example, when one game ball is won at the first start port 21 and the second start port 22, three prize balls are awarded, and when one game ball is won at the big prize port 23, thirteen prize balls are given to the normal prize slot 24. When one game ball is won, ten prize balls are paid out. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, there is no payout of the prize ball in conjunction with it.

  The frame member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 is provided with a handle 31, a lever 32, a stop button 33, a take-out button 34, a speaker 35, a frame lamp 36, an effect button 37, an effect key 38, a dish 39, and the like. Yes.

  When the player touches the handle 31 and performs an operation to rotate the lever 32 clockwise, the launching device 211 (100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle (for example, 100 per minute). 4) electrically fires the game ball. The tray 39 (see FIG. 3) is provided so as to protrude in front of the gaming machine 1 and temporarily stores game balls supplied to the launching device 211. In addition, the above-described prize balls are paid out to the plate 39. The game balls stored in the tray 39 are supplied to the launching device 211 one by one by a supply device (not shown) at a timing linked with the operation by the player's lever 32.

  The stop button 33 is provided on the lower side surface of the handle 31, and even when the player touches the handle 31 and rotates the lever 32 in the clockwise direction, the game ball is released by being pressed by the player. Is temporarily stopped. The take-out button 34 is provided on the front surface in the vicinity of the position where the tray 39 is provided, and when the player presses it, the game balls accumulated in the tray 39 are dropped into a box (not shown).

  The speaker 35 and the frame lamp 36 respectively notify the gaming state and situation of the gaming machine 1 and perform various effects. The speaker 35 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. In addition, the frame lamp 36 performs various effects by light depending on a pattern by lighting / flashing or a difference in emission color.

  Next, the display 4 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the display 4 includes a first special symbol display 4a, a second special symbol display 4b, a first special symbol hold indicator 4c, a second special symbol hold indicator 4d, a normal symbol indicator 4e, and a normal symbol indicator 4e. A symbol hold display 4f and a game status display 4g are provided.

  The first special symbol display 4a is displayed with the display symbol varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the first starting port 21. For example, the first special symbol display 4a is composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball is won at the first starting port 21, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and then the lottery result is displayed. Further, the second special symbol display 4b is displayed with the display symbols varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the second starting port 22. For example, the second special symbol display 4b is similarly composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball wins at the second starting port 22, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and the lottery result is displayed. To do. In the normal symbol display 4e, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the game ball passing through the gate 25. For example, the normal symbol display 4e is constituted by an LED display device, and when a game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and displayed.

  The first special symbol hold indicator 4c displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when a game ball wins at the first start port 21. The second special symbol hold indicator 4d displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when the game ball wins at the second start port 22. The normal symbol hold display 4f displays the number of times the normal symbol lottery is held. For example, the first special symbol hold indicator 4c, the second special symbol hold indicator 4d, and the normal symbol hold indicator 4f are each composed of LED display devices arranged in a row, and the number of times of hold is displayed according to the lighting mode. The

  The game state display 4g displays a game state (such as a short time state) when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.

  Next, an input device provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an effect button 37 and an effect key 38 as an example of an input device.

  The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are provided for the player to input the effect. The effect button 37 is provided on the side of the upper surface of the tray 39 protruding forward of the gaming machine 1. The production key 38 has a center key and four direction keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, and is provided on the upper side of the plate 39 adjacent to the production button 37. The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are each pressed by the player to perform a predetermined effect. For example, the player can enjoy a predetermined effect by pressing the effect button 37 at a predetermined timing. Further, the player can select one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 6 by operating the four direction keys of the effect key 38. Further, the player can input the selected image as information by operating the center key of the effect key 38.

  In addition, on the back side of the gaming machine 1, a ball tank for storing game balls for payout and a payout device (payout drive unit 311) for paying out the game balls to the tray 39 are provided, and various substrates are attached. ing. For example, a main board, a sub board, and the like are disposed on the rear surface of the game board 2. Specifically, a main control board on which a main control unit 100 (see FIG. 4) that performs internal lottery and determination of winning is configured is disposed on the main board. The sub-board includes a firing control board 200 (see FIG. 4) configured to control a launching device 211 that launches a game ball to the upper part of the game area 20, and a payout control unit 300 that controls the payout of a prize ball. A payout control board configured with an effect control board configured with an effect control section 400 for overall control of effects, an image control board configured with an image acoustic control section 500 for controlling effects with images and sounds, and various types The lamp control board etc. in which the lamp control part 600 which controls the effect by the lamp (frame lamp 36, panel lamp 8) and the movable accessory 7 are arranged. In addition, on the rear surface of the gaming board 2, the power source of the gaming machine 1 is switched on / off, and 24V (volt) AC power supplied to the gaming machine 1 is converted into DC power of various voltages. A switching power supply is provided for outputting the direct current power to the various substrates described above.

[Configuration of control device of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a control device that performs operation control and signal processing in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device provided in the gaming machine 1.

  4, the control device of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 100, a launch control unit 200, a payout control unit 300, an effect control unit 400, an image sound control unit 500, a lamp control unit 600, and the like.

  The main control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of payout prize balls, such as internal lottery and determination of winning. The ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and various data. The RAM 103 is used as a working memory for the CPU 101. Hereinafter, main functions of the main control unit 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 100 performs a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) when a game ball wins at the first starting port 21 or the second starting port 22, and effects control is performed on determination result data indicating whether or not the special symbol lottery is won. Send to part 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade portion of the electric tulip 27 is opened, the number of times the blade portion is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval at which the blade portion is opened and closed. Further, the main control unit 100 executes the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the first start port 21, the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the second start port 22, In addition, the number of execution suspensions of the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 25 is managed, and data related to the number of suspensions is sent to the effect control unit 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 23 according to the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the main controller 100 repeats a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) in which the big winning opening 23 projects and inclines and opens. (16 times). Further, the main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing time interval at which the special winning opening 23 opens and closes.

  The main control unit 100 changes the game state in accordance with the progress of the game, and according to the progress of the game, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery, the execution interval of the special symbol lottery (the special symbol is variably displayed on the display 4) In other words, it may be said that it is a time to stop and display), and the opening / closing operation of the electric tulip 27 is changed.

  When a game ball wins the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24, the main control unit 100 determines a predetermined amount per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 300 is instructed to pay out a number of prize balls. Even if the main control unit 100 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, the main control unit 100 does not instruct the payout control unit 300 to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith. When the payout control unit 300 pays out a prize ball according to an instruction from the main control unit 100, information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 300 is sent to the main control unit 100. Then, the main control unit 100 manages the number of paid-out prize balls based on the information acquired from the payout control unit 300.

  In order to realize the above-described functions, the main control unit 100 includes a first start port switch 111a, a second start port switch 111b, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112, a gate switch 113, a big prize opening switch 114, a big prize opening opening / closing. 115, normal winning opening switch 116, display 4 (first special symbol display 4a, second special symbol display 4b, first special symbol hold indicator 4c, second special symbol hold indicator 4d, normal symbol display 4e, a normal symbol hold display 4f, and a game status display 4g) are connected.

  The first start port switch 111 a detects that a game ball has won the first start port 21 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The second start port switch 111 b detects that a game ball has won the second start port 22 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 opens and closes the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 27 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The gate switch 113 detects that a game ball has passed through the gate 25 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The big prize opening switch 114 detects that the game ball has won the big prize opening 23 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The special prize opening / closing unit 115 opens and closes the special prize opening 23 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The normal winning port switch 116 detects that a game ball has won the normal winning port 24 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100.

  In addition, the main control unit 100 displays the result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball at the first starting port 21 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a first special symbol lottery) on the first special symbol display 4a. indicate. The main control unit 100 displays on the second special symbol display 4b the result of the special symbol lottery started by the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 22 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second special symbol lottery). . The main control unit 100 displays the number of times the first special symbol lottery is on hold on the first special symbol hold display 4c. The main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings for which the second special symbol lottery is held on the second special symbol holding display 4d. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 25 on the normal symbol display 4e. The main control unit 100 displays the number of times of holding the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol hold display 4f. Further, the main control unit 100 displays the gaming state at that time on the gaming state display 4g when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  The launch control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The CPU 201 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the launching device 211. The ROM 202 stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and various data. The RAM 203 is used as a working memory for the CPU 201.

  When the lever 32 is in the neutral position, the lever 32 is in a firing stop state without outputting a signal. When the player is rotated clockwise by the player, the lever 32 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle to the firing control unit 200 as a hitting ball firing command signal. The launch control unit 200 controls the launch operation of the launch device 211 based on the hit ball launch command signal. For example, the launch control unit 200 controls the operation of the launch device 211 so that the speed at which the game ball is launched increases as the rotation angle of the lever 32 increases. When the signal indicating that the stop button 33 is pressed is output, the launch control unit 200 stops the operation of the launch device 211 firing the game ball.

  The payout control unit 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301 performs a calculation process when controlling the payout of the payout ball. The ROM 302 stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data. A RAM 303 is used as a working memory for the CPU 301.

  The payout control unit 300 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the main control unit 100. Specifically, the payout control unit 300 acquires from the main control unit 100 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won. Then, the payout driving unit 311 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 311 is configured by a drive motor or the like that sends out a game ball from a game ball storage unit (ball tank).

  The effect control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, and an RTC (real time clock) 404. The effect control unit 400 is connected to the effect key 38 operated by the player, and the effect control unit 400 acquires operation data output from the effect key 38 in accordance with the operation of the effect key 38 by the player. To do. Further, the effect control unit 400 acquires operation data output from the effect button 37 via the lamp control unit 600. The CPU 401 performs a calculation process when controlling the effect. The ROM 402 stores programs executed by the CPU 401 and various data. The RAM 403 is used as a working memory for the CPU 401. The RTC 404 measures the current date and time.

  The production control unit 400 sets production contents based on data indicating the special symbol lottery result and the like sent from the main control unit 100. In addition, when the effect button 37 or the effect key 38 is pressed by the player, the effect control unit 400 may set the effect content according to the operation input or the detection result.

  The image sound control unit 500 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 503. The CPU 501 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the image and sound expressing the content of the effect. The ROM 502 stores programs executed by the CPU 501 and various data. The RAM 503 is used as a working memory for the CPU 501. Although not shown, the image sound control unit 500 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) that generates an image for expressing an effect according to the control signal generated by the CPU 501, and a control generated by the CPU 501. And an acoustic DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that generates acoustic data for realizing an effect according to the signal. The VDP may not only generate an image but also manage acoustic data (for example, management of a volume value and management of a channel for outputting sound).

  The image sound control unit 500 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 6 and the sound output from the speaker 35 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, in the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500, a decorative symbol image for notifying a special symbol lottery result, an image of a character or item for displaying a notice effect or a pre-read notice effect, a special symbol lottery The image data for displaying on the image display unit 6 a reserved image indicating that the image is held, various background images, and the like are stored. The ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500 stores various types of sound data such as music and sound output from the speaker 35 in synchronization with the image displayed on the image display unit 6 or independently of the displayed image. It is remembered. The VDP (not shown) of the image sound control unit 500 reads out image data stored in the ROM 502 based on a control signal generated by the CPU 501, and uses the read image data to display a background image and a decorative symbol image display. And an image for character / item display and the like are drawn and output to the image display unit 6. The sound DSP of the image sound control unit 500 reads the sound data stored in the ROM 502 based on the control signal generated by the CPU 501 and performs sound processing using the read sound data. The sound shown is output from the speaker 35.

  The lamp control unit 600 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603. The CPU 601 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the operation of the movable accessory 7. The ROM 602 stores programs executed by the CPU 601 and various data. The RAM 603 is used as a working memory for the CPU 601.

  The lamp control unit 600 controls the lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the emission color based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. The lamp controller 600 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 based on the command sent from the effect controller 400. Specifically, the ROM 602 of the lamp control unit 600 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. ) Is stored. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 based on the read light emission pattern data. In addition, the ROM 602 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 7 corresponding to the effect contents set by the effect control unit 400. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the operation pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 based on the read operation pattern data.

  The lamp control unit 600 is connected to an effect button 37 operated by the player, and the lamp control unit 600 acquires operation data output from the effect button 37 in response to the operation of the effect button 37 by the player. Then, the operation data is transmitted to the effect control unit 400.

  The effect control unit 400 controls the image sound control unit 500 based on the operation data of the effect button 37 transmitted from the lamp control unit 600 and the operation data output from the effect key 38. The operation state of the production key 38 is notified. Here, the operation state of the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 is whether or not the operation is being performed and what kind of operation is being performed (for example, long press of the effect button 37 or the left of the effect key 38). Information including pressing of a direction key). Therefore, for example, when the effect button 37 is operated by the player, the operation state of the effect button 37 detected by the lamp control unit 600 is transmitted to the image sound control unit 500 via the effect control unit 400. For this reason, the image sound control unit 500 can change the content of the effect based on the operation state of the effect button 37 transmitted from the effect control unit 400.

[Outline of gaming state in this embodiment]
Next, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 includes at least a high probability state, a low probability state, an electric support state, a non-electric support state, a short-time state, a non-short-time state, and a big hit gaming state. The low probability state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a normal low probability (for example, 1/300), and the high probability state is that the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is lower than the low probability state. The gaming state is set to a high probability (for example, 1/50). In the non-electric support state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is a normal low probability (for example, 1/10), and even if the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is short (for example, 0.10 seconds). Is a game state in which the release control is performed only once), and therefore, it is a game state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second start port 22. In the electric support state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is higher than the non-electric support state (for example, 10/10), and when the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is long (for example, 2.00 seconds). 3), the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long period of time, and it is easy for the game balls to enter the second start port 22 frequently (winning). A gaming state. The non-short-time state is a gaming state in which the execution time of the special symbol lottery is a normal predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds when the number of holdings is 4), and the short-time state is a non-short time state in which the execution time of the special symbol lottery is non- It is a gaming state that is shorter than the short-time state (for example, 0.5 seconds when the number of holds is 4). The jackpot game state is a game state in which a jackpot game is executed in which a special symbol lottery is won (winning) and the jackpot 23 is opened. In the present embodiment, the electric support state and the short-time state are controlled at the same time. However, in this gaming state, the gaming ball is likely to win a prize at the second starting port 22, so that the gaming ball is mostly Many special symbol lotteries can be executed in a short time without decreasing. In the following, a gaming state that is controlled to a low-probability state, a non-electric support state, and a non-short-time state is referred to as a normal gaming state, and a gaming state that is controlled to a high-probability state, an electric support state, and a short-time state is a probabilistic gaming state. A gaming state controlled in a highly accurate state, a non-electric support state, and a non-short-time state is called a latent gaming state.

  Next, a processing flow executed by the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

[Main processing by main control unit 100]
First, the main process executed by the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This main process is started when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, and is continuously executed while the main control unit 100 is activated.

  In step S901 in FIG. 5, first, the CPU 101 waits for, for example, 2000 ms, and the process proceeds to step S902. Although not shown, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 can receive a signal from the main control unit 100 without performing standby processing. . That is, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 is in a state where processing can be started before the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100.

  In step S902, the CPU 101 permits access to the RAM 103, and the process proceeds to step S903.

  In step S903, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a RAM clear switch (not shown) is “ON”. If the determination in step S903 is YES, the process proceeds to step S904. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S907.

  In step S904, the CPU 101 clears the RAM. Here, the RAM clear is a well-known technique and will not be described in detail, but various information (for example, information indicating the gaming state) stored in the RAM 103 is set to a predetermined initial state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S905.

  In step S905, the CPU 101 sets a work area when the RAM is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S906.

  In step S906, the CPU 101 performs initial setting of the peripheral portion. Here, the peripheral portion is the effect control unit 400, the payout control unit 300, or the like. Initial setting of the peripheral unit is performed by transmitting an initial setting command for instructing execution of the initial setting to each control unit. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S910.

  In step S907, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the backup flag is “ON”. Note that the backup flag is a flag that is turned on when the generation of backup data is normally completed when the power is turned off, and is a flag indicating that the backup data is valid in association with the generated backup data. If the determination in step S907 is YES, the process moves to step S908. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S904.

  In step S908, the CPU 101 determines whether the checksum is normal. If the determination in step S908 is YES, the process proceeds to step S909. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S904.

  In step S909, the CPU 101 executes a recovery process (see FIG. 7) described later, and the process proceeds to step S910.

  In step S910, the CPU 101 sets a cycle (for example, 4 ms) of a built-in CTC (timer counter). The CPU 101 executes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 8) described later using the period set here. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S911.

  In step S911, the CPU 101 executes a power shutdown monitoring process (see FIG. 6) described later, and the process proceeds to step S912.

  In step S912, the CPU 101 performs setting to prohibit interruption of the timer interrupt process, and the process proceeds to step S913.

  In step S913, the CPU 101 updates the initial value random number, and the process proceeds to step S914.

  In step S914, the CPU 101 performs setting to permit interruption of the timer interrupt process, and the process returns to step S911. That is, the CPU 101 repeatedly executes the processes in steps S911 to S914.

[Power-off monitoring process by the main control unit 100]
FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of the power-off monitoring process in step S911 in FIG. In step S9111, the CPU 101 prohibits the interrupt process, and the process proceeds to step S9112.

  In step S9112, the CPU 101 determines whether the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is cut off based on whether a power cut-off signal is input from a power supply unit (not shown). If the determination in step S9112 is YES, the process moves to step S9114. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S9113.

  In step S9113, the CPU 101 permits the interrupt process and ends the power shutdown monitoring process (the process moves to step S912 in FIG. 5).

  On the other hand, in step S9114, the CPU 101 clears the output port through which various information is input / output to / from the CPU 101, and the process proceeds to step S9115.

  In step S 9115, the CPU 101 creates backup data in the RAM 103 based on the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1, creates a checksum from the contents of the RAM 103, and stores the checksum in the RAM 103. In this process, the power supply voltage is set to “0” after detecting that the power supply voltage has started to decrease due to the power supply cutoff of the power supplied to the main control unit 100 (after “YES” is determined in step S9112). It is done during the period until it becomes. Through this process, game state information and the like immediately before the power is turned off are stored in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9116.

  In step S9116, the CPU 101 sets the backup flag to “ON”, and the process proceeds to step S9117.

  In step S <b> 9117, the CPU 101 prohibits access to the RAM 103 and ends the power shutdown monitoring process (the process moves to step S <b> 912 in FIG. 5).

[Restoration process by main control unit 100]
FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. First, in step S9091 of FIG. 7, the CPU 101 sets a work area of the RAM 103 at the time of restoration, and the process proceeds to step S9092.

  In step S9092, the CPU 101 refers to the information in the RAM 103, confirms information regarding the gaming state at the time of power-off and the number of special symbol lotteries held, and sends a recovery notification command including the information to the effect control unit 400. Send. As described above, the CPU 101 transmits a recovery notification command indicating the power-off state to the effect control unit 400 in order to notify that the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been recovered. By the processing in step S9092, the effect control unit 400 can check the gaming state before power-off and the like.

  In step S9093, the CPU 101 sets a peripheral part, and the process proceeds to step S9094.

  In step S9094, the CPU 101 sets the backup flag to “OFF” and ends the recovery process (the process moves to step S910 in FIG. 5).

[Timer interrupt processing of main control unit]
Next, a timer interrupt process executed in the main control unit 100 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100. Hereinafter, a timer interrupt process performed in the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control unit 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 8 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Note that processing performed by the main control unit 100 described based on the flowcharts in FIG.

  First, in step S1, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 executes a random number update process for updating various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number. Here, the big hit random number is a random number for determining whether or not a special symbol lottery is won or lost (that is, performing a special symbol lottery). The symbol random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot when the special symbol lottery is won. The jackpot random number and the design random number are used in the process of step S407 in FIG. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed when a special symbol lottery is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation time of the special symbol. Here, the variation time of the special symbol is equal to the execution time of the notification effect (variation effect) executed in synchronization with the variation of the special symbol. The reach random number and the fluctuation pattern random number are used in the process of step S408 in FIG. 10 described later. In the random number update process of step S1, the big hit random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, etc. are each added and updated by one. That is, it is counted up. Each random number is acquired in the start port switch (SW) process in step S2 and the gate switch (SW) process in step S3, and is used in the special symbol process in step S4 and the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. Note that the counter that performs the processing of step S1 is typically a loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the big hit random number).

  Next, in step S2, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the first start port switch 111a and the second start port switch 111b, and when one of the switches is turned on (the first start port switch 111a or the second start port switch 111b). When a game ball detection signal is output from the mouth switch 111b), a start opening switch that performs processing relating to the number of holdings U1 for the first special symbol lottery, the number of holdings U2 for the second special symbol lottery, and processing for obtaining various random numbers. Execute the process. Details of the start port switch process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S3, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the gate switch 113, and when the gate switch 113 is turned on (when a game ball detection signal is output from the gate switch 113), the normal symbol lottery is suspended. If it is determined whether the number is less than the upper limit (for example, 4) and it is determined that the number of holds is less than the upper limit, a gate switch process is performed to obtain a random number used in the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. To do.

  Next, in step S4, the CPU 101 executes the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, and after the special symbols are variably displayed on the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b, these are displayed. The stop symbol display process showing the lottery result of the above and the special symbol process for transmitting various commands to the effect control unit 400 are executed. This special symbol process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S5, the CPU 101 executes a normal symbol process for determining whether or not the random number acquired in the gate switch process in step S3 matches a predetermined hit random number. Then, the CPU 101 stops and displays the normal symbol indicating the determination result after the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the normal symbol change time to be stopped and displayed after the normal symbol is variably displayed to 10 seconds in the non-time-short state and to 0.5 seconds in the time-short state. Further, the CPU 101 sets the probability that the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e becomes a predetermined winning symbol (that is, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery) is set to a low probability (1/10) in the non-short-time state. In the short-time state, the probability is increased to a high probability (10/10).

  Next, in step S6, when it is determined that the special symbol lottery is won in the special symbol processing in step S4 (when the big win is made), the CPU 101 controls the big prize opening / closing unit 115 to control the big prize opening 23. The player performs a predetermined opening / closing operation, and executes a big prize opening process for transmitting various commands related to the so-called big hit game effect to the effect control unit 400. By this processing, the big hit game (special game) is progressed, and the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. This special winning opening process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, in step S7, the CPU 101 performs electric driving when the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e by the normal symbol processing in step S5 is a predetermined winning symbol (that is, when the normal symbol lottery is won). An electric tulip process for operating the tulip 27 is executed. At that time, the CPU 101 controls the opening of the electric tulip 27 for a very short period (once for 0.10 seconds) in the non-electric support state, and the electric tulip 27 for a long period (three times for 2.00 seconds) in the electric support state. Open control. In addition, when the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be in the open state, a game ball can be won at the second start port 22, and when the game ball wins at the second start port 22, a second special symbol lottery is performed. Will be.

  Next, in step S <b> 8, the CPU 101 executes prize ball processing for managing the number of winning game balls and controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prize.

  Next, in step S9, the CPU 101 executes various commands and effects set in the RAM 103 by the start opening switch process in step S2, the special symbol process in step S4, the big winning opening process in step S6, the prize ball process in step S8, and the like. Output processing for outputting information necessary for the production control unit 400 or the payout control unit 300 is executed. The CPU 101 notifies each winning opening that a gaming ball has won each time the gaming ball wins the first starting opening 21, the second starting opening 22, the big winning opening 23, and the normal winning opening 24. Are set in the RAM 103, and the winning command is output to the effect control unit 400 or the payout control unit 300.

[Start-up switch processing]
FIG. 9 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. Hereinafter, the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S201, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 receives a game ball in the first start port 21 based on the presence / absence of a detection signal from the first start port switch 111a, and the first start port switch 111a is turned on. It is determined whether or not. If the determination in step S201 is YES, the process proceeds to step S202. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S 202, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax 1 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the first special symbol lottery number from the ROM 102, and the first special symbol lottery number U 1 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit value. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax1. If the determination in step S202 is YES, the process proceeds to step S203, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S <b> 203, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Further, the CPU 101 sets a winning command in the RAM 103 for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the first starting port 21. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the first special symbol lottery and the like, and each set of random numbers acquired (game information) Are stored in the RAM 103 in chronological order. Note that each time the value of the holding number U1 of the first special symbol lottery is subtracted by 1 in the process of step S406 of FIG. 10 described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is one set in order from the earliest storage time. Deleted one by one. From this, for example, when the value of the number of holdings U1 of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the process of the last three steps S204 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. It will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, the CPU 101 performs a preliminary determination process. Specifically, the CPU 101 acquires a random number set such as a big hit random number obtained in the latest processing of step S204 and stored in the RAM 103 (that is, a random number set such as a big hit random number for the first special symbol lottery stored most recently. ) And whether or not the result of the first special symbol lottery using the jackpot random number is a jackpot based on whether or not the jackpot random number or the like matches a predetermined value or the like stored in the ROM 102, reach It is determined in advance whether or not to execute the production. That is, the determination necessary for executing the pre-reading notice effect and the hold change notice effect is made in advance prior to the processing in steps S407 and S408 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S <b> 206, the CPU 101 sets a first hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the first special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the first pending number increase command includes information (hereinafter referred to as “preliminary determination information”) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S205. In addition, the 1st reservation number increase command containing this prior determination information is output by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 8, and the lottery result with respect to the 1st special symbol lottery hold is the symbol in the 1st special symbol lottery. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the change starts. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S207, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a game ball has won the second start port 22 and the second start port switch 111b is turned on based on the presence / absence of a detection signal from the second start port switch 111b. To do. If the determination in step S207 is YES, the process proceeds to step S208, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 208, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax <b> 2 of the second special symbol lottery holding number from the ROM 102 (“4” in the present embodiment), and the second special symbol lottery holding number U <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax2. If the determination in step S208 is yes, the process proceeds to step S209. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

  In step S209, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding 1. Further, the CPU 101 sets a winning command in the RAM 103 for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the second starting port 22. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, the CPU 101 obtains a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the second special symbol lottery, etc. They are stored in the RAM 103 in order. Note that each time the value of the second special symbol lottery holding number U2 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S404 of FIG. 10 to be described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is one set in order from the earliest storage time. Deleted one by one. For this reason, for example, when the value of the holding number U2 of the second special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the processing of the last three steps S210 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. It will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S211.

  In step S211, the CPU 101 performs a preliminary determination process. Specifically, the CPU 101 acquires a random number set such as a big hit random number acquired in the process of the latest step S210 and stored in the RAM 103 (that is, a random number set such as a big hit random number for the second special symbol lottery stored most recently. ) And whether or not the result of the second special symbol lottery using the jackpot random number is a jackpot based on whether or not the jackpot random number or the like matches a predetermined value or the like stored in the ROM 102, reach It is determined in advance whether or not to execute the production. That is, the determination necessary for executing the pre-reading notice effect and the hold change notice effect is made in advance prior to the processing in steps S407 and S408 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S212.

  In step S <b> 212, the CPU 101 sets a second hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the second special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the second pending number increase command includes information (preliminary determination information) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S211. It should be noted that the second reserved number increase command including this prior determination information is output by the output process in step S9 of FIG. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the change starts. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 10 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 10, the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. 8 is demonstrated.

  First, in step S401, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines that the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game (a big hit game state) based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information by a flag). It is determined whether or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit game (special game) that is executed when the special symbol lottery is won. If the determination in step S401 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 8, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S <b> 402, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol change display is being performed by the first special symbol display 4 a or the second special symbol display 4 b. If the determination in step S402 is yes, the process proceeds to step S411. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the second special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S403 is YES, the process proceeds to step S404. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S <b> 404, the CPU 101 updates the hold number U <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At that time, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set stored in the RAM 103 and stored in the step S210 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S407.

  On the other hand, in step S405, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U1 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the first special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S405 is YES, the process proceeds to step S406. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S415 assuming that there is no special symbol lottery to be executed.

  In step S <b> 406, the CPU 101 updates the hold number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. Further, at that time, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set stored in the RAM 103 and stored in the step S204 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S407.

  The second special symbol lottery is executed in preference to the first special symbol lottery by the processing of steps S403 to S406 described above.

  In step S407, the CPU 101 executes a big hit determination process for determining whether the special symbol lottery is a big win or a loss. Specifically, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S404, the CPU 101 matches the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S404 with the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Whether the result of the second special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss is determined based on whether or not to do so. On the other hand, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S406, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S406 matches the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Based on this, it is determined whether the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. When the result of the special symbol lottery is determined to be lost, the CPU 101 sets a lost symbol indicating that the special symbol lottery has been lost in the RAM 103 as a special symbol stop symbol in the setting information. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, which of the predetermined values stored in the ROM 102 matches the symbol random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used for this determination? Based on this, the type of jackpot of this time is determined. Then, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, information on the jackpot symbol representing the jackpot and the type of jackpot as information on the stop symbol of the special symbol in the setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step S408, the CPU 101 executes variation pattern selection processing. Specifically, when the CPU 101 determines that it is a big hit in the big hit determination process of step S407, the fluctuation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in this big hit determination process is a predetermined value (stored in the ROM 102). A variation pattern (a variation time of a special symbol: the execution time of a notification effect) is determined based on which one of the predetermined values for determining a variation pattern when a big hit occurs). In this embodiment, as an example, when it is determined that the game is a big hit, a reach effect is always performed.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that a loss has occurred in the jackpot determination process in step S407, the reach random number read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process is a predetermined value stored in the ROM 102 (reach at the time of a loss) It is determined whether or not the reach effect is to be executed based on which one of the predetermined values for execution determination matches. If the CPU 101 determines to execute the reach effect, the fluctuation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the current jackpot determination process is stored in the ROM 102 (the reach effect is executed when lost). The variation pattern (variation time) is determined based on which one of the predetermined values for determining the variation pattern in the case of matching. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines not to execute the reach effect, the CPU 101 determines the variation pattern (variation time) based on the holding numbers U1 and U2 stored in the RAM 103.

  Information on the variation pattern determined as described above and information indicating whether or not to execute reach production are set in the RAM 103 as setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S409.

  In step S409, the CPU 101 generates a notification effect start command including the setting information set by the jackpot determination process in step S407 and the setting information set by the variation pattern selection process in step S408, and sets the notification effect start command in the RAM 103. Here, the notification effect start command is a command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to start the notification effect by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, and the like. The setting information included in the notification effect start command includes information indicating which of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery has been executed. In addition, the CPU 101 sets a gaming state notification command indicating the current gaming state (for example, a short time state) in the RAM 103. The notification effect start command and the gaming state notification command described above are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S410.

  In step S410, the CPU 101 changes the special symbol by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b based on the setting information included in the notification effect start command set in the process of step S409. Start displaying. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S411.

  In step S411, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol variation time indicated by the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection process in step S408 has elapsed since the start of the special symbol variation display in step S410. If the determination in step S411 is YES, the process proceeds to step S412. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 412, the CPU 101 sets a notification effect stop command instructing the end of the notification effect by the image display unit 6 or the like in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S413. Note that the notification effect stop command set in step S412 is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG.

  In step S413, the CPU 101 ends the special symbol variation display by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b started in the process of step S410, and displays the stopped symbol. At this time, the CPU 101 sets a symbol determination command in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S414.

  In step S414, the CPU 101 executes a stop process. Specifically, when the CPU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in step S407, the information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information based on a flag) is in the big hit game (the big hit game state). And an opening command for instructing the start of the big hit game effect is set in the RAM 103. Note that the process in step S414 is terminated when a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.5 seconds) elapses, and then the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. For this reason, the timing at which the special symbol processing shown in FIG. 10 is executed again by the next timer interrupt processing has passed a fixed time (0.5 seconds) after the special symbol variation display is completed in the processing of step S413. Timing (strictly speaking, an interrupt timing that arrives only after a fixed time has elapsed). Note that the opening command described above is output in step S9 of FIG. 8 when a predetermined fixed time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the processing of step S414 was started (after the processing of step S413 was completed). The process is transmitted to the effect control unit 400, and the big hit game effect is started.

  In step S415, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a customer waiting command and a gaming state notification command indicating the current gaming state have already been transmitted in the process of step 416 (described later). Here, the customer waiting command is the time when the specified fixed time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the processing in step S414 was started (in other words, the special symbol variation display was terminated in the processing in step S413). This is a command that is sent when there is no special symbol lottery hold at the time 0.5 seconds have passed since the notification effect that informs the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not executed (so-called customer waiting state) ) Is a command to notify that If the determination in step S415 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 8, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S416.

  In step S <b> 416, the CPU 101 sets a customer waiting command and a gaming state notification command in the RAM 103. The customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Is done. When a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) elapses after the stop effect described above is started, the customer waiting effect is started. Here, the customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect in which a video related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 is displayed on the image display unit 6, for example, a predetermined effect ( For example, the image display unit 6 displays a part of the reach effect). Thereafter, the processing moves to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG.

[Large winning prize processing]
FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. Hereinafter, the special winning opening process in step S6 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, in step S601, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically, information based on a flag). judge. If the determination in step S601 is YES, the process proceeds to step S602. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 602, the CPU 101 determines based on the information stored in the RAM 103 whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is a jackpot game opening effect. If the determination in step S602 is YES, the process proceeds to step S603, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S609.

  In step S <b> 603, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a set opening time that defines the execution time of the opening effect has elapsed. If the determination in step S603 is YES, the process proceeds to step S604. If the determination is NO, the opening effect has not ended, and the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 604, the CPU 101 sets the total number of rounds Rmax for the jackpot game and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 for the jackpot game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the number of rounds included in the jackpot game (Rmax: “4” or “16” in this embodiment) and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 during the jackpot game, and the setting information Is set in the RAM 103. By the process of step S604, the total number of rounds Rmax of the jackpot game, the interval time between rounds in the jackpot game, the set ending time that is the time for performing the ending effect at the end of the jackpot game, and the like are set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S605.

  In step S <b> 605, the CPU 101 resets the winning number C of game balls to the big winning opening 23 stored in the RAM 103 to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S606.

  In step S <b> 606, the CPU 101 updates the round number R of the big hit game stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S <b> 607, the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening / closing unit 115 to start the opening control of the special winning opening 23. By this processing, a big hit game round (round game) is started and the opening operation (one opening operation) of the big winning opening 23 is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S608.

  In step S <b> 608, the CPU 101 sets a round start notification command for notifying a round start (round game start) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 8, and the round effect is started. The round start notification command includes information indicating the total number of rounds Rmax set in step S604 and information indicating the current number of rounds R updated by the process in step S606. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S612.

  In step S609, the CPU 101 determines based on the information stored in the RAM 103 whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in the big hit game interval. If the determination in step S609 is yes, the process proceeds to step S610. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S611.

  In step S610, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set interval time during the jackpot game set in the process of step S604 has elapsed from the time when the big prize opening 23 is closed at the end of the previous round during the jackpot game. To do. If the determination in step S610 is YES, it is time to start the next round in the jackpot game, so the process moves to step S605. If this determination is NO, the next round in the jackpot game is started. Since the timing is not reached, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 611, the CPU 101 determines whether the state of the gaming machine 1 is executing the jackpot game ending effect based on the information stored in the RAM 103. If the determination in step S611 is YES, the process proceeds to step S621 in FIG. 12, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S612.

  In step S612, the CPU 101 determines that the state of the gaming machine 1 is in the big hit game round, and based on the presence / absence of a detection signal from the big prize opening switch 114, whether the big prize opening switch 114 is turned on. Determine whether or not. If the determination in step S612 is YES, the process moves to step S613. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S614.

  In step S <b> 613, the CPU 101 determines that a winning of game balls to the big winning opening 23 has been detected, and updates the winning number C of game balls stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. By executing the process of step S613 every time the big prize opening switch 114 is turned ON, the total number of game balls (winning number C) won in the big prize opening 23 during one round is accumulated and stored in the RAM 103. Go. In addition, the CPU 101 sets a winning command for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the big winning opening 23 in the RAM 103. The winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. 8, and the winning process shown in FIG. 15 is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S614.

  In step S614, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a specified opening control time (29.5 seconds in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the opening control of the special winning opening 23 was started in the process of step S607. If the determination in step S614 is yes, the process moves to step S616. If the determination is no, the process moves to step S615.

  In step S615, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the number C of winning game balls in the current round has reached an upper limit number of gaming balls Cmax (“10” in the present embodiment) that defines the timing at which the big winning opening 23 is closed. Determine. If the determination in step S615 is YES, the process proceeds to step S616. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S616, the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening / closing unit 115 to end the opening control of the special winning opening 23 started in step S607. In this way, the CPU 101 counts the total number of game balls (winning number C) detected by the big prize opening switch 114 until 29.5 seconds elapse after the big prize opening 23 is opened in each round during the big hit game. ) Has reached 10 (Cmax), or 29.5 seconds have passed without winning 10 game balls since opening the grand prize opening 23, and the big prize opening 23 is closed. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S617.

  In step S617, the CPU 101 sets a round end notification command for notifying the end of round (round game end) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 8, and the round effect is ended. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S618.

  In step S618, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the current round number R stored in the RAM 103 has reached the maximum round number Rmax of the big hit game set in the process of step S604. If the determination in step S618 is YES, the process proceeds to step S619 in FIG. 12, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S619 in FIG. 12, the CPU 101 resets the number of rounds R stored in the RAM 103 to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S620.

  In step S620, the CPU 101 sets an ending command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to execute the ending effect of the big hit game in the RAM 103. The ending command set in this process is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 in step S9 (output process) in FIG. As the ending command, a command corresponding to the jackpot symbol and the gaming state controlled after the end of the jackpot game is transmitted. Control the production of (after). Specifically, in the case of an ending command corresponding to a jackpot symbol indicating a so-called probability variation, an ending command indicating that the game is controlled to a probability variation gaming state is transmitted after the jackpot game ends, and the effect control unit 400 Based on the ending command, after the big hit game effect is completed, the mode effect indicating the probability variation game state is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S621.

  In step S621, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set ending time set in the process of step S604 in FIG. 11 has elapsed since the ending command was set in the RAM 103 in step S620. If the determination in step S621 is YES, the process proceeds to step S622. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S622, the CPU 101 ends the jackpot game being executed. Specifically, the CPU 101 cancels the setting information (typically, information based on a flag) indicating that a big hit game stored in the RAM 103 is in progress, and ends the big hit game. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S623.

  In step S623, the CPU 101 executes a game state setting process. Specifically, when the jackpot game is ended in step S622, the CPU 101 switches the gaming state according to the type of jackpot (hit symbol) of this time (that is, the winning probability setting of the special symbol lottery and the electric tulip 27). Switch open settings). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

[Production control processing by production control unit or image sound control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400 or the image sound control unit 500. Below, with reference to FIG. 13, the timer interruption process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 or the image sound control part 500 is demonstrated. The production control unit 400 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 13 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Further, the image sound control unit 500 executes processing such as the customer waiting process shown in FIG. 15 based on an instruction from the effect control unit 400, for example. Note that the processing performed by the effect control unit 400 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 13 and subsequent figures is executed based on the program stored in the ROM 402, and the processing performed by the image sound control unit 500 is stored in the ROM 502. It is executed based on the program.

  First, in step S11, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 receives various commands output from the main control unit 100 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. A command reception process for setting various commands in the RAM 403 to instruct the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute the effect of the set effect content is executed. This command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, in step S <b> 12, the CPU 401 sets the content of the effect according to the operation input signal output from the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 by the player's operation, and the effect of the set content is set in the image sound control unit 500. An effect input control process for setting various commands for instructing execution to the RAM 403 is executed. For example, when a player operates the effect button 37 and outputs an operation input signal during a predetermined operation input valid period, the CPU 401 performs a predetermined effect (such as an effect of displaying a notice image suggesting the possibility of a big hit). Is set and the command is set in the RAM 403.

  Next, in step S13, the CPU 401 executes output processing for outputting various commands set in the RAM 403 to the image sound control unit 500 or the like in the processing in steps S11 and S12. By this process, various effects determined to be executed in the processes of step S11 and step S12 are executed by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, the panel lamp 8, and the like by the execution control of the image sound control unit 500 and the like. .

[Command reception processing]
14 and 15 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the command reception process in step S11 of FIG. Hereinafter, the command reception process in step S11 in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, in step S111, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether a hold increase command (first hold number increase command or second hold number increase command) is received from the main control unit 100 (FIG. 9). (See steps S206 and S212). If the determination in step S111 is YES, the process proceeds to step S112. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S112, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 in response to the hold increase command received in the process of step S111, and displays a hold image additional display process indicating the hold of the special symbol lottery on the image display unit 6. Then, the hold image display process for changing the hold image to the prefetch display mode is performed. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. In addition, when the CPU 401 receives the first hold number increase command, the RAM 403 causes the RAM 403 to store one piece of data (hold data) indicating the hold of the first special symbol lottery in time series, while the second hold number When the increase command is received, the RAM 403 stores one piece of data (holding data) indicating the holding of the second special symbol lottery in time series order. At that time, the CPU 401 extracts pre-determination information included in the hold increase command, includes it in the above-described hold data, and stores it in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, the CPU 401 performs a prefetch notice effect setting process. Specifically, when the number of special symbol lotteries held (number of reserved data) stored in the RAM 403 is 1 or more, the CPU 401 stores the latest in the RAM 403 (that is, included in the latest reserved data). ) Based on the prior determination information, it is determined by lottery or the like whether or not the prefetch notice effect is executed. For example, the CPU 401 determines that the prior determination information indicates “big hit”, “losing” and “reach effect” (reach effect), or “losing” and “reach effect”. In each of the cases indicating “None” (no reach reach), a prefetch random number is acquired, and when the prefetch random number matches a predetermined prefetch winning value, it is determined to perform the prefetch notice effect. It should be noted that different numbers may be set for the pre-reading winning values depending on whether the pre-determination information is “big hit”, “losing with reach”, or “losing without reach”. Specifically, by setting the number of prefetch winning values in the case of “big hit” larger than the number of prefetching winning values in the case of “losing with reach”, a prefetching notice effect is easily performed in the case of “big hit”. It may be a thing. If it is determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect, the CPU 401 performs a pre-reading notice to be executed by lottery or the like from a number of pre-reading notice effect patterns that satisfy the conditions of the prior determination information (such as the condition of whether or not a big hit) Set the contents of the production. That is, as the pre-reading notice effect, what kind of notice effect is performed in each notification effect is set. Note that the pre-reading notice effect is a notice effect that suggests the possibility of a big hit over a plurality of notification effects, for example. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S114, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect start command and the gaming state notification command set in step S409 of FIG. 10 have been received. If the determination in step S114 is YES, the process proceeds to step S115, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S115, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like according to the notification effect start command received in the process of step S114, and performs notification effect execution processing for starting the notification effect by the image display unit 6 or the like. Do. Here, the notification effect is an effect that is executed in the image display unit 6 or the like in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol and suggests the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the decorative symbol is variably displayed and the variation is displayed. This is an effect in which the result of the special symbol lottery is notified when the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. The notification effect execution process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect stop command set in the process of step S412 in FIG. 10 has been received. If the determination in step S116 is YES, the process moves to step S117. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S120 in FIG.

  In step S117, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to end the notification effect started to be executed in the process of step S115, and finally stops all the decorative symbols that have been variably displayed (confirmed). Stop the display) and inform the effect of the special symbol lottery. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

  In step S120 in FIG. 15, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the opening command set in the stopping process in step S414 in FIG. 10 has been received. If the determination in step S120 is yes, the process proceeds to step S121. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S121, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start the opening effect of the big hit game effect. That is, the big hit game effect is started. Here, the opening effect of the jackpot game effect is an effect of informing the start of the jackpot game, and is typically an image effect that prompts the player to fire a game ball toward the big prize opening 23. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S122, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round start notification command set in the process of step S608 in FIG. 11 has been received. If the determination in step S122 is YES, the process proceeds to step S123, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S123, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start a round effect of the big hit game effect. Here, the round effect is an effect executed during a round game of the big hit game, for example, an effect by an image or the like in which the main character is fighting an enemy character. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S124, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a winning command that is set in the process of step S613 in FIG. 11 and output in the output process of step S9 in FIG. 8 has been received. If the determination in step S124 is YES, the process proceeds to step S125, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S125, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start a winning process. Here, the winning process is, for example, a process of counting the number of winning balls paid out based on the game balls won in the big winning opening 23 that is opened during the big hit game (during the round). The CPU 501 of the instructed image sound control unit 500 receives a winning command based on a game ball winning to the big winning port 23 among the winning commands received via the effect control unit 400 (that is, the big winning port) 23 each time one game ball is won), the number of prize balls “13” corresponding to the big prize opening 23 is added to the total number of prize balls stored in the RAM 503 and updated, and the updated number of prize balls is displayed as an image. It is displayed on the display unit 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S126, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round end notification command set in the process of step S617 in FIG. 11 has been received. If the determination in step S126 is YES, the process proceeds to step S127, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S127, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to end the round effect of the big hit game effect. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S128, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the ending command set in the process of step S620 in FIG. 12 has been received. If the determination in step S128 is YES, the process proceeds to step S129, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S129, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start the ending effect of the big hit game effect. That is, the jackpot game effect is ended. Here, the ending effect is an effect of notifying the end of the big hit game, and is typically an effect of displaying the manufacturer name of the gaming machine 1. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S130, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command set in the process of step S416 in FIG. 10 have been received. If the determination in step S130 is yes, the process proceeds to step S131. If the determination is no, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

  In step S131, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 based on the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command received in step S130 to start the stop state process. Here, the stop state process is a process that is started when a so-called customer waiting state is entered, and the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 instructed to start the stop state process has a predetermined value corresponding to the game state. A stop effect (for example, an effect in which a decorative symbol is stopped and displayed) is displayed on the image display unit 6. When the CPU 501 does not receive an instruction for another effect from the CPU 401 when a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the stop effect described above, the CPU 501 starts the customer waiting effect. The customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect of displaying video related to content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 on the image display unit 6, or a predetermined effect (for example, executed during the game) This is an effect of displaying a part of the reach effect) on the image display unit 6. Then, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

[Notification effect execution processing]
FIG. 16 is a detailed flowchart showing an example of the notification effect execution process in step S115 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 16, the notification effect execution process of step S115 of FIG. 14 is demonstrated.

  In step S1151 of FIG. 16, the CPU 401 determines the effect content of the notification effect based on the notification effect start command. Specifically, the CPU 401 executes the setting information conditions (the condition of whether or not the big hit, the condition of the notification effect execution time, and the reach effect are included) included in the notification effect start command received in step S114 of FIG. The effect pattern to be executed is determined from the plurality of effect patterns of the notification effect. For example, the CPU 401 determines a decorative design pattern to be stopped and displayed, determines the type of reach effect when executing a reach effect, and determines the type when executing a special notice. Note that the special notice in the present embodiment is an effect that suggests the reliability of a big hit for a predetermined period when a character suddenly appears. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1152.

  In step S1152, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 on the content of the effect in order to execute a notification effect of the effect content based on the effect pattern determined in step S1151. The instruction of the contents of the effect (effect instruction) is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Then, the notification effect execution process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S116 in FIG. By the way, when receiving an effect instruction from the effect control unit 400, the image sound control unit 500 schedules execution of a drawing process associated with the instructed effect content. Specifically, the image sound control unit 500 executes a drawing control program stored in the ROM 502 to thereby execute a drawing process scheduled to realize an effect of the instructed effect content (hereinafter referred to as a scheduled drawing). Are read from the ROM 502. The scheduled drawing is composed of a plurality of drawing processes and a drawing period for executing each drawing process. Therefore, when receiving the instruction for the effect content from the effect control unit 400, the image sound control unit 500 schedules the drawing process based on the scheduled drawing corresponding to the effect content.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, an example of the above-described effect pattern, the corresponding effect content, and the scheduled drawing that is scheduled to be executed by the image sound control unit 500 based on the effect content will be described. FIG. 17 shows an example of the effect pattern, and FIG. 18 shows an example of the scheduled drawing.

  As shown in FIG. 17, each of the effect patterns is associated with the effect content indicating what kind of notification effect is to be performed, and the scheduled drawing that the image sound control unit 500 is scheduled to execute in order to produce the effect content. ing. For example, the effect pattern P1 is the effect content that executes the effect of 2D reach and does not execute the special notice (that is, does not notify the reliability of the big hit), and the scheduled drawing Q1 to execute the effect based on the effect pattern P1 Is scheduled. The effect pattern P2 is an effect content that executes an effect of 2D reach and executes a special notice (that is, announcing the reliability of the big hit), and a scheduled drawing Q2 is scheduled to execute an effect based on the effect pattern P2. Is done. The effect pattern P3 is the effect of executing the effect of live-action reach and executing a special notice (that is, notifying the reliability of the big hit), and the scheduled drawing Q3 is scheduled to execute the effect based on the effect pattern P3. Is done.

  Here, the above-described scheduled drawing Q1 to Q3 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in (1) of FIG. 18, in the scheduled drawing Q1, the drawing A having a processing load of 1 is executed in the drawing period (time t = 0 to 42 seconds), and the drawing period (time t = 4 to 24 seconds). Drawing B with a processing load of 2 is executed in the second), drawing C with a processing load of 3 is executed in the drawing period (time t = 16 to 38 seconds), and the drawing period (time t = 32 to 60 seconds). It is scheduled to execute drawing D with a processing load of 4. Here, the numerical value of the processing load is a relative index, and the higher the numerical value, the larger the processing load of the drawing process. If the processing load of the drawing process is large, the process does not end within a frame (within a predetermined time) and an image related to the process cannot be displayed, so-called process failure occurs. The maximum processing load that does not occur is called an allowable maximum load. In this embodiment, the allowable maximum load is 12. In addition, drawing priorities are set in advance for the drawings A to D. For example, in the scheduled drawing Q1, the drawing C has the lowest priority. This priority will be apparent from the description below, but the drawing period of the drawing process with a low priority may be changed regardless of the drawing period in the scheduled drawing read from the ROM 502.

  In the scheduled drawing Q2, drawing A with a processing load of 1 is executed in the drawing period (time t = 0 to 42 seconds), and drawing B with a processing load of 2 is executed in the drawing period (time t = 4 to 24 seconds). A drawing C with a processing load of 3 is executed in the drawing period (time t = 16 seconds to 38 seconds), and a drawing D with a processing load of 4 is executed in the drawing period (time t = 32 seconds to 60 seconds). In the drawing period (time t = 34 seconds to 52 seconds), it is scheduled to execute drawing E with a processing load of 3. That is, since the effect pattern P2 is the effect content to which the special notice is added as compared with the effect pattern P1, the scheduled drawing Q2 is a scheduled drawing with the drawing E added as compared with the scheduled drawing Q1. Note that, in the scheduled drawing Q2, the drawing E has the lowest priority, and since the drawing E is a drawing process related to the special notice, the special notice effect is set as a low priority effect. .

  In the scheduled drawing Q3, the drawing F having a processing load of 3 is executed in the drawing period (time t = 0 to 42 seconds), and the drawing B having a processing load of 2 is executed in the drawing period (time t = 4 to 24 seconds). A drawing C with a processing load of 3 is executed in the drawing period (time t = 16 seconds to 38 seconds), and a drawing D with a processing load of 4 is executed in the drawing period (time t = 32 seconds to 60 seconds). In the drawing period (time t = 34 seconds to 52 seconds), it is scheduled to execute drawing E with a processing load of 3. That is, the effect pattern P3 is the effect content in which the live-action reach is performed instead of the 2D reach when compared with the effect pattern P2, and therefore the scheduled drawing Q3 is instructed to draw F instead of the drawing A when compared with the scheduled drawing Q2. It is scheduled to be drawn. Note that the drawing load is more expensive than the 2D reach in the real image reach, so the processing load of the drawing F (load 3) is set higher than the processing load of the drawing A (load 1). In the planned drawing Q3, the drawing E has the lowest priority.

  When the drawing C of the processing load 3, the drawing D of the processing load 4, the drawing E of the processing load 3, and the drawing F of the processing load 3 are processed simultaneously based on the scheduled drawing Q3 described above, the processing load (processing) Since the load 13) exceeds the allowable maximum load (processing load 12), processing loss occurs. By the way, in order not to cause such processing omission, production contents (that is, production patterns) are set in advance so that the drawing is appropriately combined with the drawing processing in which the processing load does not exceed the allowable maximum load. May instruct the image sound control unit 500 to produce the effect contents, and the image sound control unit 500 may perform drawing processing according to the scheduled drawing corresponding to the effect contents. However, in recent years, since the fun of the game has been improved by various effects, it is necessary to set enormous combinations when drawing process combinations are set in advance, and the capacity of the table holding the effect patterns is large. turn into. On the other hand, if the combination of the drawing processes is restricted, the contents of the effect are restricted, and various effects for attracting the player's interest cannot be realized. In recent years, in order to realize various effects, whether or not to execute a specific effect (for example, an effect suggesting reliability) during a predetermined effect, and at what timing to execute it, etc. Is not set in advance, but may be set as appropriate by, for example, lottery. In such a case, it is not possible to prevent a process from being lost due to an unexpected combination of drawing processes. Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is determined that a process failure occurs due to a combination of drawing processes, a drawing period of a part of the drawing processes that were originally supposed to be executed in a period in which the process drop is expected to occur. By changing, processing omission is prevented. This will be specifically described below.

[Drawing control processing]
FIG. 19 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a drawing control process performed by the image sound control unit 500. With reference to FIG. 19, the drawing control processing by the image sound control unit 500 will be described.

  In step S <b> 701 of FIG. 19, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 determines whether a command indicating an effect instruction is received from the effect control unit 400. If the determination in step S701 is YES, the process proceeds to step S702. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S708.

  In step S702, the CPU 501 reads the scheduled drawing corresponding to the effect instruction from the ROM 502 based on the effect instruction received in step S701, and performs each drawing process to be executed over the entire drawing period included in the scheduled drawing. By adding the processing loads, the processing load of the drawing process based on the scheduled drawing is calculated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S703. Here, an example of the calculated processing load of the drawing process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 shows the processing load of the drawing processing based on the scheduled drawing Q1 to Q3 shown in FIG.

  As shown in (1) of FIG. 20, the processing load of the drawing process based on the scheduled drawing Q1 exceeds the allowable maximum load (processing load 12) over the entire drawing period (time t = 0 second to 60 seconds). In the drawing period (time t = 32 seconds to 38 seconds), the maximum value of the processing load is 8.

  As shown in (2) of FIG. 20, the processing load of the drawing process based on the scheduled drawing Q2 exceeds the allowable maximum load (processing load 12) over the entire drawing period (time t = 0 second to 60 seconds). In the drawing period (time t = 34 seconds to 38 seconds), the maximum value of the processing load is 11.

  The processing load of the drawing process based on the scheduled drawing Q3 is a period exceeding the allowable maximum load (processing load 12) in the entire drawing period (time t = 0 second to 60 seconds) as shown in FIG. Specifically, the maximum value of the processing load is 13 in the drawing period (time t = 34 seconds to 38 seconds), which exceeds the allowable maximum load.

  Returning to FIG. 19, in step S703, the CPU 501 determines whether or not there is a period exceeding the allowable maximum load based on the processing load calculated in step S702. For example, as described above with reference to FIG. 20, when the processing load is calculated based on the scheduled drawing Q1 and Q2, the CPU 501 determines that there is no period exceeding the allowable maximum load, and the scheduled drawing Q3 When the processing load is calculated based on this, the CPU 501 determines that there is a period exceeding the allowable maximum load. If the determination in step S703 is yes, the process proceeds to step S705. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S704, the CPU 501 starts drawing processing as planned drawing. Specifically, the CPU 501 is specified for each drawing process (for example, drawing A, B, C, D) as specified in the scheduled drawing (for example, the scheduled drawing Q1) corresponding to the effect instruction received in step S701. A control signal to be executed in the drawing period is generated, and a VDP (not shown) executes a drawing process based on the control signal, whereby a predetermined effect is displayed on the image display unit 6. Then, the series of drawing control processing is terminated, and the processing shown in FIG. 19 is repeatedly executed again at the timing of the next timer interrupt processing.

  In step S705, the CPU 501 specifies a drawing process (hereinafter referred to as a change target process) that is not executed in a period exceeding the allowable maximum load determined in step S703 (hereinafter referred to as an overload period). For example, when the scheduled drawing corresponding to the effect instruction received in step S701 is the scheduled drawing Q3, as shown in (3) of FIG. 20, in the overload period (time t = 34 seconds to 38 seconds), Drawings C, D, E, and F are scheduled to be executed, but the CPU 501 specifies the lowest priority among the drawing processes scheduled to be executed as the process to be changed. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 501 specifies the drawing E as the change target process. If drawing E is not executed in the overload period, the processing load in the period is 10 and does not exceed the allowable maximum load 12. Therefore, the CPU 501 specifies only the drawing E as the process to be changed. However, if the processing load in the overload period exceeds the allowable maximum load by simply not executing the drawing E, the drawing process with the next lowest priority is performed. (For example, drawing C) is added as a change target process. As described above, the CPU 501 specifies the processing to be changed in the order of drawing processing with low priority until the processing load of the drawing processing does not exceed the allowable maximum load in the overload period. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S706.

  In step S706, the CPU 501 determines a period for executing the specified change target process. Specifically, the CPU 501 determines a period during which the total processing load of all drawing processes including the process does not exceed the allowable maximum load even if the change target process is executed. For example, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 21, when the processing load is calculated based on the scheduled drawing Q3, the drawing E executed in the overload period (time t = 34 seconds to 38 seconds) is the change target process. As shown in the right diagram of FIG. 21, for example, time t = 38 seconds to 56 seconds is determined as a period for executing the drawing E. In this way, the processing load in the drawing period (time t = 38 seconds to 56 seconds) in which drawing E is executed does not exceed the allowable maximum load, and the processing load in the overload period also exceeds the allowable maximum load. Disappears. Note that the period for executing the process to be changed is not limited to the above period, but may be another period, but is the period closest to the originally scheduled period (overload period). It is preferable to determine a period during which the load does not exceed the maximum allowable load. By doing in this way, the difference with the production originally planned based on the production pattern determined by the production control unit 400 can be reduced as much as possible. In addition, when a plurality of drawing processes are specified as the process to be changed, a period close to a period originally scheduled to be executed may be determined in descending order of priority. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S707.

  In step S707, the CPU 501 starts a drawing process including a change target process in which the drawing period is changed. Specifically, the CPU 501 changes the scheduled drawing (for example, the scheduled drawing Q3 before change shown in the left diagram of FIG. 21) corresponding to the effect instruction received in step S701, and changes the scheduled drawing (for example, As defined in the modified scheduled drawing Q3 shown in the right diagram of FIG. 20, a control signal for executing each drawing process (for example, drawing A, B, C, D, E) in a specified drawing period is generated. Then, when the VDP (not shown) executes the drawing process based on the control signal, a predetermined effect is displayed on the image display unit 6 without any processing loss. Then, the series of drawing control processing is terminated, and the processing shown in FIG. 19 is repeatedly executed again at the timing of the next timer interrupt processing.

  In step S708, the CPU 501 determines whether the VDP is being drawn. If the determination in step S708 is YES, the process proceeds to step S709. If this determination is NO, the series of drawing control processes is terminated, and the process illustrated in FIG. 19 is repeatedly executed again at the timing of the next timer interrupt process. To do.

  In step S709, the CPU 501 instructs the VDP to continue the drawing process being executed. Then, the series of drawing control processing is terminated, and the processing shown in FIG. 19 is repeatedly executed again at the timing of the next timer interrupt processing.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the effect control unit 400 appropriately determines the effect pattern (effect contents) to be executed based on the setting information condition included in the notification effect start command. When the processing load exceeds the allowable maximum load when performing the drawing process based on the scheduled drawing corresponding to the effect pattern (that is, when a processing drop occurs), the sound control unit 500 is originally scheduled. The drawing period for some of the drawing processes is changed so that the processing load during the overload period does not exceed the allowable maximum load. For this reason, regardless of the production content determined by the production control unit 400 (that is, whatever production content is instructed by the production control unit 400), it is possible to prevent the processing from being lost. In other words, the production determined by the production control unit 400 is enriched without any restrictions, and an unexpected process drop may occur due to the combination of the drawing processes corresponding to the production content instructed from the production control unit 400. Even if a situation occurs, the image sound control unit 500 can prevent the processing from being lost by performing the drawing control for changing the drawing period of some drawing processes. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of attracting the player's interest by abundant production variations and capable of performing a drawing process in which no processing loss occurs.

  In the above description, the priority setting method is not particularly mentioned. However, for example, the priority of the drawing process relating to the effects that may be performed at any time may be set low. Various effects can be considered as effects that can be performed at any time. For example, the timing of other effects, such as the special notice in this embodiment (the effect that suddenly appears and suggests the reliability of the jackpot) Production that does not depend on. On the other hand, the priority of the drawing process regarding the effect to be executed in the predetermined drawing period may be set high. Examples of such effects include effects that depend on the timing of other effects such as reach effects. By setting the priority in this way, even if the timing of the special notice is changed, for example, by changing the drawing period of the drawing process with low priority, the game does not depend on the timing of other effects. It is possible to achieve a production that does not feel strange to the person.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, the drawing process with a low priority in the overload period is changed in the drawing period, but the length is not changed. Specifically, the length of the drawing period of drawing E shown in FIG. 21 is assumed to be unchanged in 18 seconds. However, when the drawing period is changed, the length of the drawing period may be changed. For example, the length of the drawing period of drawing E shown in the left diagram of FIG. 21 (18 seconds from time t = 34 seconds to 52 seconds) is shortened to 14 seconds from time t = 38 seconds to 52 seconds. It is good also as what is done. In this way, when the drawing period is shortened, for example, the end timing of the drawing period of the drawing E originally scheduled corresponding to the contents of the effect instructed from the effect control unit 400 can be changed. It is also possible to ensure consistency with other productions.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the scheduled drawing corresponding to the effect pattern, a plurality of drawing processes and drawing periods corresponding to the drawing processes are set in advance. However, for example, the drawing period of low-priority drawing processing (for example, drawing E in scheduled drawing Q3 shown in (3) of FIG. 18) is not set in advance as scheduled drawing corresponding to the effect pattern. It may be determined randomly by lottery. In this way, a rich variety of effects can be realized without providing a large number of effect patterns, and even if the processing load exceeds the allowable maximum load due to a combination with other drawing processes, the priority is low. In the drawing process, the drawing period is changed by the drawing control of the image sound control unit 500 so that the processing load does not exceed the allowable maximum load.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the drawing control process performed by the image sound control unit 500, a case has been described in which a command indicating an effect content instruction that is instructed when a notification effect is executed is received from the effect control unit 400. . However, the drawing control processing by the image sound control unit 500 described in the above-described embodiment is not limited to the notification effect, and may be applied to other effects. For example, when receiving a command indicating an instruction of the content of the round effect instructed when executing the round effect of the jackpot game effect from the effect control unit 400, the image sound control unit 500 performs processing load in the corresponding scheduled drawing. If the value exceeds the allowable maximum load (that is, if a process drop occurs), the drawing period of some drawing processes is changed so that the processing load during the overload period does not exceed the allowable maximum load by changing the scheduled drawing It is good also as what changes. In this way, it is possible to give abundant variations to the round effect of the big hit game effect without causing a processing failure.

  Moreover, in embodiment described above, the pachinko machine was mentioned as an example and this invention was demonstrated. However, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and may be applied to, for example, a slot machine (cylinder type gaming machine, pachislot machine) within an applicable range. In this case, game information (random number; determination information) for determining a win is acquired by turning on the lever with a medal inserted in the slot machine (that is, the game information is acquired). The condition to be fulfilled). In this case, the “notification effect” in each of the embodiments described above corresponds to the effect from when the reel is changed to when it is stopped by turning on the lever in the slot machine.

  Further, the shape, number, installation position, and the like of each component provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to other shapes, numbers, and installation positions. It goes without saying that the present invention can be realized without departing from the above. Further, it goes without saying that the numerical values and the like used in the above-described processing are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized even with other numerical values.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail using embodiment, the above-mentioned description is only the illustration of this invention in all the points, and does not intend to limit the range. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the terms used in the present specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Game board 4 ... Display 5 ... Frame member 6 ... Image display part 7 ... Movable accessory 8 ... Board lamp 20 ... Game area 21 ... 1st start opening 22 ... 2nd start opening 23 ... Grand prize Mouth 24 ... Normal winning port 25 ... Gate 26 ... Discharge port 27 ... Electric tulip 31 ... Handle 32 ... Lever 33 ... Stop button 34 ... Eject button 35 ... Speaker 36 ... Frame lamp 37 ... Production button 38 ... Production key 39 ... Dish 43 ... Lock part 100 ... Main control part 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 ... CPU
102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 ... ROM
103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 ... RAM
111a ... 1st start port switch 111b ... 2nd start port switch 112 ... Electric tulip opening / closing part 113 ... Gate switch 114 ... Grand prize opening switch 115 ... Grand prize opening / closing part 116 ... Normal prize opening switch 200 ... Launch control part 211 ... Launching device 300 ... payout control unit 311 ... payout drive unit 400 ... production control unit 404 ... RTC
500 ... Image sound control unit 600 ... Lamp control unit

Claims (2)

Effect control means for controlling game effects including image effects;
A gaming machine comprising drawing processing means for executing drawing processing of the image effect in a predetermined drawing period based on an instruction from the effect control means;
The production control means includes
Instruct the production contents of the image production,
The drawing processing means includes:
Based on the plurality of drawing processes corresponding to the contents of the effect of the image effect instructed by the effect control means and the respective drawing periods, the total processing load of the plurality of drawing processes scheduled to be executed in a specific period Determining means for determining whether or not the maximum allowable load is exceeded;
When the determination result by the determination means is affirmative, it is not executed in the specific period so that the total processing load of a plurality of drawing processes scheduled to be executed in the specific period does not exceed the allowable maximum load A specifying means for specifying the drawing process;
Based on the processing load of the drawing process specified by the specifying unit, a period during which the total of the processing loads of all the drawing processes including the drawing process does not exceed the allowable maximum load even if the drawing process is executed is extracted. Period extraction means;
Changing means for changing the drawing period of the drawing process specified by the specifying means to a predetermined period within the period extracted by the period extracting means regardless of the predetermined drawing period set in advance. Gaming machine. Priority order setting means for setting a priority order in advance for each of the plurality of drawing processes corresponding to the contents of the effect of the image effect,
The specifying means includes a plurality of drawing processes scheduled to be executed in the specific period, and a drawing process that is not executed in the specific period in descending order of the priority set by the priority setting means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, which is specified.

Images