JP6015045B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

One type of gaming machine is a pachinko machine. The pachinko machine, the game balls that were struck by the firing device is ball entrance to the starting ball entrance means provided on the game board, together with whether spruce lottery to generate those or condition is performed, the variable display device Variation display for teaching the result of the lottery lottery is performed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the gaming machine such as this, the sound of the plurality of patterns simultaneously (overlaid) often those capable of outputting configuration. For example, background music (BGM) is continuously output, and sound effects are appropriately output so as to be superimposed on the BGM in accordance with the production mode of the variable display device or the like.

JP 2003-154110 A

By the way, for example, when the first sound effect is output while the predetermined BGM is flowing , the BGM volume does not change, while when the second sound effect is output, the predetermined sound is output. There is a case where an effect such as making the sound effect stand out by reducing or silencing the volume of the BGM may be performed .

However, in this case, the control unit identifies that sound output is the second sound effect, performs settings such as volume of the second sound effect, the BGM in the output are the predetermined BGM It is necessary to perform processing such as changing the volume of the BGM and outputting the second sound effect based on the result of comparison with the second sound effect . In addition, the control device outputs a second sound effect, and or tried to timing of the volume change of the BGM, the process and the like for deriving the display mode of the display device corresponding to the second sound effect performed It must be or, which may lead to control of the complexity and the like. In particular, when the timing for outputting a plurality of sound effects overlaps, such a concern becomes even more pronounced.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing volume setting more smoothly when a plurality of sounds are output simultaneously. It is in.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
An audio output means capable of outputting multiple patterns of audio simultaneously;
First control means for determining a pattern to be executed from among a plurality of prepared voice patterns in response to establishment of a predetermined condition;
Second control means for outputting the sound of the pattern determined by the first control means from the sound output means,
The second control means includes
First storage means for storing the sound data of each pattern in advance;
Second storage means having a plurality of storage areas capable of storing voice specifying information for specifying a voice pattern being output;
The plurality of sound patterns are divided into a plurality of groups, and each group is ranked so as to be superior or inferior with respect to the volume of each sound when a plurality of patterns of sounds are output simultaneously,
The second control means includes
A correspondence storage unit that indicates a correspondence between the voice pattern group and the rank of the group;
Pattern storage processing for storing the voice specifying information for specifying the voice pattern determined by the first control means in a storage area of the second storage means;
The voice pattern ranks indicated by the voice specification information stored in the respective storage areas of the second storage means are compared with each other, and the volume of the voice pattern indicated by each voice specification information according to the combination of the ranks. Volume setting process to set
The audio data corresponding to the audio specifying information stored in each storage area of the second storage means is read from the first storage means, the audio data is converted into an audio signal, and the audio signal is converted to the volume. an audio output processing in the volume determined by the setting process is outputted from the sound output unit is configured intends row,
A plurality of voice patterns specifying the same voice data exist, and the plurality of voice patterns specifying the same voice data belong to groups having different ranks .

According to claim 1, it is possible to perform volume configuration more smoothly.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in one Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the inner frame and the front frame set. It is a front view which shows structures, such as an inner frame and a game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the inner frame, the back pack unit, etc. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical structures of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the various counters used for game control. It is a flowchart which shows the main process by the main controller. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process by the main controller. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a NMI interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows a jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a classification determination process. It is a flowchart which shows reach determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows a through gate passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st display control process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation | variation display setting process. It is a flowchart which shows discrimination | determination information setting processing. It is a flowchart which shows a variable winning apparatus control process. It is a flowchart which shows an end setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd display control process. It is a flowchart which shows an opportunity corresponding unit control process. It is a flowchart which shows a reception interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of the payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a command determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process of a sub control apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the various counters used for the determination of a decoration design, etc. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of a counter. It is a flowchart which shows holding information storage processing. It is a flowchart which shows a pending | holding process. It is a flowchart which shows a jackpot display process. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process of an audio | voice control part. It is a flowchart which shows an audio | voice setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a volume setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a volume setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a volume setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a voice management process. (A) is a figure for demonstrating the correspondence of the group and rank of an audio | voice pattern, (b) is explaining the correspondence between each channel of an audio | voice pattern storage area, and the audio | voice information memorize | stored in these. It is a figure for doing. It is a time chart for demonstrating the correspondence of a game state transition and an audio | voice volume.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machine”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that constitutes an outline of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 is supported at one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. . For the sake of convenience, FIG. 3 omits illustrations of nails and accessories placed on the surface of the game board 30, the glass unit 137 attached to the front frame set 14, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the outer frame 11 has an upper side frame constituting portion 11a and a lower side frame constituting portion 11b made of a wooden plate material, and the left side frame constituting portion 11c and the right side frame constituting portion 11d are made of aluminum alloy. Each of the frame components 11a to 11d is assembled in a rectangular frame shape as a whole by a detachable fastener such as a screw.

  An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the left side frame constituting portion 11c (see FIG. 1). The upper and lower hinges 81 and 82 support the upper and lower portions of the inner frame 12 so that the inner frame 12 can be rotated. As a result, the inner frame 12 can be opened and closed. And the inner frame 12 etc. are accommodated in the space part formed inside the outer frame 11.

  The right side frame constituting portion 11d is formed with an extending wall portion 83 that protrudes from the vicinity of the rear end portion in the width direction toward the inside of the outer frame 11. The extending wall 83 covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 (see FIG. 6) provided on the back side of the right side of the inner frame 12 from the back side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 5). In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84 and 85 to which the locking member of the locking device 600 is locked are provided on the front surface side of the extending wall portion 83. Further, a pressing portion 86 that abuts on an inner frame opening detection switch 92 described later is provided on the lower receiving portion 85 so as to protrude toward the inner side of the outer frame 11.

  Furthermore, a resin curtain decoration 87 is attached to the lower frame constituting portion 11b. A rib 88 projecting upward is integrally formed at the back of the upper surface of the curtain decoration 87. This makes it difficult to form a gap with the inner frame 12.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set up and down on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, so that the inner frame 12 can be opened forward with the opening / closing axis serving as an axis. It has become. The inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 38 whose outer shape is rectangular, and a substantially elliptical window hole 39 is formed at the center of the resin base 38.

  A front frame set 14 is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so that it can be opened and closed. As with the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 can be opened forward with an opening / closing axis set along the top and bottom on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. In addition, you may comprise the front frame set 14 so that it may be supported by the outer frame 11 so that opening is possible directly rather than via the inner frame 12.

  The front frame set 14 has a rectangular outer shape like the inner frame 12, and covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 12 in the closed state. A substantially elliptical window 101 is formed at the center of the front frame set 14. Thereby, the game board 30 (game area) attached to the rear surface of the inner frame 12 can be visually recognized from the outside through the window portion 101 of the front frame set 14 and the window hole 39 of the inner frame 12. The detailed configuration of the game board 30 will be described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a front plate of the front frame set 14 is provided with a lower plate 15 as a ball receiving tray at the center of the lower portion, and the game balls discharged from the discharge port 16 are placed in the lower plate 15. It can be stored inside. In addition, on the front side of the lower plate 15, a ball removal lever 25 for discharging the game ball from the lower plate 15 is provided. In addition, an effect button 125 with a built-in LED is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15, and by pressing the effect button 125, a corresponding effect is performed on a decorative symbol display device 42 described later. Or the production content is changed.

  On the right side of the lower plate 15, a game ball launching handle (hereinafter simply referred to as a handle) 18 protruding toward the front side is provided. The handle 18 is provided with a touch sensor (not shown) and an operation amount detection means (variable resistor) (not shown) for detecting the operation amount of the operation unit of the handle 18. When the handle 18 is rotated clockwise, a game ball is launched by a launching device 60 serving as launching means described later with a strength corresponding to the amount of pivoting operation. Further, the handle 18 is provided with a firing prohibiting button 18 a that can be pressed with the thumb of the right hand that holds the handle 18. In the state where the firing prohibition button 18a is pressed, even if the handle 18 is held, the launching device 60 is prohibited from launching the game ball. Therefore, the rotation of the handle 18 can be performed while prohibiting the launch of the game ball, or the launch of the game ball can be temporarily stopped while the handle 18 is held.

  An upper plate 19 is provided above the lower plate 15. The upper plate 19 is a ball tray that temporarily stores the game balls and guides them toward a launching device 60 described later while aligning them in a row. When the upper plate 19 is full of game balls, the game balls to be paid out are guided to the lower plate 15 via the lower plate communication passage 71 and the discharge port 16 described later.

  The upper plate 19 is provided with a ball lending button 121 and a return button 122. Thereby, in the game hall or the like, when the ball lending button 121 is operated with a bill or a card inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, depending on the operation Rental balls are supplied to the upper plate 19. On the other hand, the return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. However, the ball lending button 121 and the return button 122 are not necessary for a pachinko machine in which game balls are directly lending to the upper plate 19 from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit, so-called cash machine.

  Further, the upper plate 19 is provided with a ball removal button 123. When the ball removal button 123 is pressed, a communication hole (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the ball guide path of the upper plate 19 and communicating with the lower plate 15 is opened and stored in the upper plate 19. The game ball is guided (dropped) to the lower plate 15. That is, the player can move the game ball on the upper plate 19 to the lower plate 15 at any time by operating the ball removal button 123.

  In addition, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the front surface of the front frame set 14. These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game while the light emission mode is changed and controlled according to a change in the gaming state. For example, at the periphery of the window portion 101, an annular illumination portion 102 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided. In addition, error display lamps 104 that are turned on when a predetermined error occurs are provided on both sides of the annular illumination portion 102. In addition, a large number of small through holes are formed in the annular illumination portion 102 above the error display lamps 104 corresponding to the speakers SP (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front frame set 14. .

  A glass unit 137 is attached to the back side of the front frame set 14. The glass unit 137 is not attached to a pair of conventional front and rear rectangular glass plates separately in front and rear pairs, but is formed into a round shape as a whole and attached after being assembled.

  Next, the inner frame 12 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the game board 30 is mounted on the inner frame 12 in a state where the game board 30 is in contact with the back side of the resin base 38 on the rear side of the window hole 39. Accordingly, the substantially central portion of the front surface of the game board 30 is exposed to the front surface side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39.

  Further, a launching device 60 and a launching rail 61 for guiding a game ball immediately after being launched by the launching device 60 are attached to the lower part of the front surface of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), that is, a position below the window hole 39. Yes. In the present embodiment, a solenoid-type firing device is employed as the firing device 60. Further, above the launching device 60, a ball feeding device that guides the game balls guided from the upper plate 19 one by one to the firing position of the launching device 60 by driving a built-in driving means (for example, a solenoid). 63 is provided.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 30 includes a general winning port 31, a variable winning device 32, a starting winning unit (starting port) 33, a through gate 34, a variable display device unit 35, a first special display device 43L and a second special display device 43R. A specific lamp 40 or the like is provided. As is well known, when a game ball enters (wins) various winning holes such as a general winning hole 31, a variable winning device 32 as a variable winning means, a starting winning unit 33, etc., it is detected by various detection switches, and the upper plate 19 or A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the lower plate 15. For example, when there is a ball entering the start winning unit 33, there are three balls when there is a ball entering the general winning slot 31, and when there is a ball entering the variable winning device 32. Fifteen game balls are paid out. In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and the game balls that have not won the various winning ports such as the general winning port 31 are discharged out of the game area through the out port 36. . In addition, the game board 30 is provided with a large number of nails for appropriately dispersing and adjusting the falling direction of the game balls, and various members such as windmills (servants).

  The variable prize-winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won, and is in an open state in which a game ball can be won in a big hit state. Although not shown in the drawings, the variable prize winning device 32 includes a big prize opening leading to the rear of the game board 30, a shutter for opening and closing the big prize opening, a big prize opening solenoid for operating the shutter, and a big prize. And a count switch 223 for detecting a game ball that has entered the mouth, driving and controlling the big prize opening solenoid, and opening and closing the shutter, so that the variable prize winning device 32 (large prize winning opening) is in a closed state and an open state. Switching.

  The start winning unit 33 includes an upper winning opening 33a and a lower winning opening 33b, and a pair of opening and closing members 33c provided on both sides of the lower winning opening 33b. When the opening / closing member 33c opens and closes in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition, the game ball flowing down the side of the lower prize opening 33b is guided between an open state where the game ball is guided to the lower prize opening 33b and a closed state where the game ball is not guided. The state can be changed. As will be described in detail later, the start winning unit 33 includes a first start winning switch 224a and a second starting winning switch 224b that detect game balls that have entered the upper winning opening 33a and the lower winning opening 33b, respectively. In addition, when a game ball is detected by the start winning switch 224a, 224b, a winning lottery for determining whether or not to generate a big hit state is performed, and special display devices 43L, 43R (and variable display means described later) In the decorative symbol display device 42), a variable display for teaching the result of the success / failure lottery is performed. Then, when a big win is won in the winning / losing lottery, a big win state is given as a special gaming state in which the variable winning device 32 is opened.

  Further, in the present embodiment, there are a low probability state in which a jackpot is won with a predetermined probability in the success / failure lottery and a high probability state in which the jackpot is won with a higher probability than the low probability state in the success / failure lottery. Further, the opening / closing member 33c is opened relatively frequently, and it is easy to allow the game ball to enter the lower winning opening 33c, and the opening / closing member 33c is hardly opened, and the game ball is moved to the lower winning opening 33b. There is a low entry state that is difficult to enter. Hereinafter, the low probability state and the low entry state are referred to as “normal mode”, and the low probability state and the high entry state are referred to as “time reduction mode”. A certain state is referred to as a “probability change mode”.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the normal mode and the probability variation mode are continued until the jackpot state occurs, whereas the time reduction mode is the special display devices 43L and 43R and the decorative symbol display device 42 even if the jackpot state does not occur. When the fluctuation display in is performed 100 times, the display is terminated and the mode is shifted to the normal mode.

  The jackpot types of the present embodiment are 16 rounds probable jackpot (hereinafter referred to as “16RS”), 7 rounds probable jackpot (hereinafter referred to as “7RS”), and 7 round regular jackpot (hereinafter referred to as “7RN”). There are three types. Regarding “16RS”, it is assumed that the variable winning device 32 is opened for 30 seconds or that eight game balls enter the variable winning device 32 after the variable winning device 32 is opened. It is repeated 16 times, while for “7RS” it is repeated 7 times before the jackpot state ends. In addition, “probability change mode” is given after the big hit state of “16RS” and “7RS”, and “time reduction mode” is given after the big hit state of “7RN”.

  Each of the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R is configured by a 7-segment display device of a type capable of displaying two characters (and dots), and can be visually recognized by the player (in this example, the variable winning device 32). It is installed on the right). Then, when the game ball enters the top winning port 33a of the start winning unit 33, the first special display device 43L performs switching display (variable display), and the game ball enters the lower winning port 33b. As a trigger, switching display (variation display) is performed on the second special display device 43R. Note that the display contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R are directly controlled by a main control device 261 as main control means described later.

  In addition, after the variable display is performed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, the result of the lottery determination, that is, “big hit” or “off”, depending on the display mode when the variable display stops. It is definitely displayed that there is. For example, when a game ball wins the top winning opening 33a, the lighting mode (combination of segments to be lit) is switched and displayed (variable display, for example, every 4 msec) on the corresponding first special display device 43L. When a predetermined time has elapsed, one of the lighting modes is stopped and displayed (for example, stopped for several seconds). Then, when “big hit” is won in the winning / losing lottery, the corresponding lighting mode is displayed when the fluctuation is stopped, and a big hit state occurs.

  Further, in the special display devices 43L and 43R, not only is it taught that the “big hit” is won, but the type of the big hit state, ie, “16RS”, “7RS”, or “7RN”. Is also taught. For example, when “7.7.” Is finally displayed (stopped) on the first special display device 43L (or the second special display device 43R), “16RS” is assigned, and “n. “0.” is displayed, it is associated with “7RN”. Further, there are a plurality of stop modes of the special display devices 43L and 43R that teach one jackpot type instead of one, and any one of them is selected and stopped and displayed. In addition, when either the first special display device 43L or the second special display device 43R is performing variable display or determination display, the other is turned off ("-" is displayed). However, if neither the change display nor the determination display is performed in either case, “-” is displayed in both cases.

  In addition, when a game ball newly wins the start winning unit 33 during the variation display of the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, the corresponding variation display is performed at that time. It is the structure performed after the end of. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in the present embodiment, it corresponds to the game ball won in the top winning port 33a and the game ball won in the lower winning port 33b. Then, the variation display up to four times (total eight variation display) is put on hold.

  Further, the number of holdings of the variation display (hereinafter referred to as “first variation display”) based on the game ball entering the top winning opening 33a is lit and displayed by the first holding lamp 46a that can emit blue light. The number of holdings of the variation display (hereinafter referred to as “second variation display”) based on the game ball entering the lower prize opening 33b is lit and displayed by the second holding lamp 46b that can emit red light. It has become. Four hold lamps 46a and 46b are provided in the same number as the maximum number of hold of each of the first change display and the second change display, and the same number as the number of the first change display or the second change display held. Light. The display contents of the hold lamps 46a and 46b are controlled by a sub-control device 262 as sub-control means described later. If a new game ball wins the start winning unit 33 during the big hit state, the corresponding change display is also suspended.

  Note that the suspended variation display is basically digested in the suspended sequence, but both the first variation display and the second variation display are suspended (hold lamp 46a, When one or more of 46b is lit, the second variation display is preferentially digested. In other words, unless all the second variation display triggered by winning at the lower winning opening 33b is digested, the first variation display triggered by entering the upper winning opening 33a is not performed. ing. For example, in the state where one first holding lamp 46a is lit, when a game ball enters the lower prize opening 33b and one second holding lamp 46b lights, the first variation display is postponed, First, the second variation display is performed.

  In the variation specifying lamp 40, the variation display performed on the decorative symbol display device 42 corresponds to which one of the top winning opening 33a and the lower winning opening 33b (first variation display or second variation display). It is for showing which one of the display is variable), and is arranged at a position (below the special display devices 43L and 43R in this example) that is visible from the player. The variation specifying lamp 40 includes an LED whose emission color is blue and an LED whose emission color is red. When the first variation display is performed on the decorative symbol display device 42, the variation specifying lamp 40 emits blue light, and the second variation. It emits red light when it is being displayed.

  The through gate 34 is configured such that game balls flowing down the game area can pass one by one. As will be described in detail later, the through gate 34 includes a through gate switch 225 that can detect a game ball passing through the through gate 34. When the game ball is detected by the through gate switch 225, the through gate 34 is started. A pitch assist lottery for determining whether or not the winning unit 33 is in an open state is performed, and a variation display for teaching the result of the pitch assist lottery is performed on the normal symbol display device 41. Then, when winning in the winning assist lottery, the lower winning opening 33b (opening / closing member 33c) of the start winning unit 33 is opened for a specified time after the end of the variation display.

  The variable display device unit 35 includes a normal symbol display device 41 that variably displays triggered by the passage of the through gate 34, and a decorative symbol display device that variably displays in accordance with the variable display by the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R. 42 is provided. Further, the variable display device unit 35 is provided with the first holding lamp 46a, the second holding lamp 46b, and the holding lamp 44.

  The normal symbol display device 41 is configured so that “○” or “×” can be lit as a normal symbol. For example, each time a game ball passes through the through gate 34, the normal symbol is displayed as “O” → “×” → “○” →... Is displayed at high speed (change display). Then, when the change display is stopped for several seconds with the “◯” symbol (winning symbol), the start winning unit 33 (opening / closing member 33c) is opened for a predetermined time. The display contents of the normal symbol display device 41 are directly controlled by a main control device 261 described later.

  In addition, when a game ball newly passes through the through gate 34 during the fluctuation display of the normal symbol display device 41, the corresponding fluctuation display is performed after the end of the fluctuation display at that time. It has become. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, it is held up to 4 times, and the hold number is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 44. Yes.

  The decorative symbol display device 42 of the present embodiment is configured by a liquid crystal display device, and is configured to be capable of variably displaying decorative symbols as identification information. The display contents of the decorative symbol display device 42 are controlled by a sub-control device 262 and a display control device 45 which will be described later. That is, in the decorative symbol display device 42, the sub-control device 262 supports the auxiliary design based on the command from the main control device 261 so as to correspond to the results displayed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R. Display content is determined, and display control is performed by the display control device 45 based on the determination.

  The decorative symbol display device 42 includes, for example, three symbol display areas, upper, middle, and lower, and a plurality of types of decorative symbols (for example, numeric symbols with numbers 1 to 9) are provided in each symbol display area. Displayed sequentially (variably displayed), and then the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in order for each symbol display area (for example, in the order of the upper symbol display area → the lower symbol display area → the middle symbol display area). . For example, when the occurrence of the big hit state is determined by the main control device 261, a display corresponding to the big hit is made on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, and the decorative symbol is hit on the decorative symbol display device 42. (For example, the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area, the middle symbol display area, and the lower symbol display area are the same), and the jackpot state is started.

  Further, when the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a combination corresponding to the jackpot, as the previous stage, for example, the same decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area. In this way, the state where the same symbol is stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area and the variable display is still being performed in the middle symbol display area is the reach state. Of course, the occurrence of a reach condition does not necessarily result in a big hit, but may be missed.

  In the present embodiment, after the reach state occurs, in the middle symbol display area, the same decorative symbol as the decorative symbol (reach symbol) stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display region and the lower symbol display region is stopped (Zoro). If the eye is stopped and displayed), the jackpot state is given. Further, in the case of an odd number of eyes, “16RS” or “7RS” to which the probability variation mode is given after the jackpot state ends, and in the case of an even number of eyes, “16RS”, “7RS”, Alternatively, either “7RN” is given. In addition, the combination of decorative symbols other than the doublet basically teaches “displacement”.

  The variable display device unit 35 is provided with a center frame 47 so as to surround the decorative symbol display device 42. A ball entrance 151 is provided in the upper portion of the center frame 47, and a game ball that has entered the ball entrance 151 is formed inside the center frame 47 along the side of the decorative symbol display device 42. It is guided on a stage 153 formed below the decorative symbol display device 42 via a warp channel 152 extending vertically. The game ball guided on the stage 153 falls from the stage 153 to the front game area, or rolls on the stage 153 and then enters the pocket 154 formed at the center back side of the stage 153. . The pocket 154 communicates with a guide passage 155 that leads to a game area directly above the start winning unit 33 (upward winning opening 33a), and a game ball that has entered the pocket 154 has a relatively high probability. The start winning unit 33 (upward winning opening 33a) is entered.

  The game board 30 includes an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52, and a rail 50 that guides a game ball launched from the launch device 60 to the upper part of the game board 30 is attached. As a result, the game balls fired in accordance with the turning operation of the handle 18 are guided through the launch rail 61 and the rail 50 into a game area formed between the game board 30 and the glass unit 137.

  A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the tip portion of the inner rail constituting portion 51 (the upper left portion in FIG. 4). This prevents a situation in which the game ball once guided from the rail 50 to the game area returns to the rail 50 again. Further, a return rubber 54 is attached to a substantially distal end portion (upper right portion in FIG. 4) of the outer rail constituting portion 52. The game ball fired at a predetermined momentum or more hits the return rubber 54 and is returned to, for example, the substantially central portion of the game board 30.

  In the present embodiment, the outer rail component 52 is interrupted at the upper right portion of the game board 30, and the inner rail component 51 is interrupted at the lower right portion of the game board 30. For this reason, the game area is defined by the inner peripheral surface of the rail 50 and the window hole 39 of the resin base 38. However, since the game ball launched by the launching device 60 may flow backward through the rail 50 until it passes through the return ball prevention member 53, the parallel portions of the inner and outer rail constituting portions 51 and 52 are excluded from the game area. It is burned.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided on the back side of the front frame set 14 below the window portion 101. The ball passage unit 70 includes a lower plate communication passage 71 connected from a payout mechanism portion 352 described later to the discharge port 16 of the lower plate 15, and an upper plate communication passage 73 connected from the payout mechanism portion 352 to the upper plate 19. In addition, there is a predetermined gap between the firing rail 61 provided on the front side of the inner frame 12 and the rail unit 50 (outer rail constituting portion 52), and the ball path unit 70 of the front frame set 14 includes A foul ball passage 72 is formed to guide the game ball dropped from the gap to the lower plate 15. Thereby, if the game ball launched from the launching device 60 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and returns to the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball is returned to the lower plate 15 via the foul ball passage 72. Discharged.

  3 and 4 is a payout passage for guiding a game ball paid out by a payout mechanism portion 352, which will be described later, to the front of the inner frame 12, and an upper plate communication passage 73 (upper plate 19). And a passage leading to the lower plate communication passage 71 (lower plate 15). A shutter 68 is provided below the payout passage 67. When the front frame set 14 is opened, the shutter 68 protrudes forward by an urging force of a spring or the like so that the outlet of the payout passage 67 is almost closed. ing. When the front frame set 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the inlet side rear end of the lower plate communication path 71. In addition, the inlets (sphere inflow portions) of the lower plate communication passage 71 and the upper plate communication passage 73 are adjacent to each other, and in the closed state of the front frame set 14, each of the inlets and the discharge passage 67 are separated by a predetermined distance. A game ball can pass through the gap between the two. For this reason, when the upper plate 19 and the upper plate communication passage 73 are filled with game balls, the game balls to be dispensed flow to the lower plate communication passage 71 side (overflow to the inlet side of the lower plate communication passage 71), and the lower plate connection It will be paid out to the lower plate 15 through the passage 71.

  In addition, the ball path unit 70 is provided with a full detection switch (not shown) that detects a game ball located in the lower dish communication path 71. Due to the presence of the full detection switch, it is grasped that the lower plate 15 is full of game balls (the lower plate 15 is full of game balls and the game balls are retained in the lower plate communication path 71). be able to. In the present embodiment, based on the fact that a game ball is continuously detected for a predetermined time by the full detection switch, an error notification that teaches that the lower plate 15 is full using a display or sound on the decorative symbol display device 42 is used. Is controlled. When the game ball stays in the lower tray communication path 71 and the game ball is not detected by the full detection switch (when it is not detected continuously for a predetermined time), the error notification state is canceled.

  Next, the back configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. Various control boards are arranged on the back of the pachinko machine 10 so as to be lined up, down, left and right, and partially overlapped in the front and back, and further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls And a protective cover made of resin. The dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally sometimes referred to as a back pack. Therefore, this unit is referred to as a “back pack unit 203”.

  First, the back configuration of the game board 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, on the back side of the variable display device unit 35 (see FIG. 4) arranged corresponding to the through hole in the center of the game board 30, a resin frame cover that covers the center frame 47 from the back side. 213 is provided to protrude rearward. Further, on the back side of the frame cover 213, a decorative symbol display device 42, a display control device 45, and a sub control device 262, which are liquid crystal display devices facing forward from the opening of the frame cover 213, can be attached and detached in a state where they are stacked in front and back. Is attached.

  The decorative symbol display device 42 is housed in a housing box 42 a in which an opening for exposing the display unit (liquid crystal screen) of the decorative symbol display device 42 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 is formed, and the rear surface of the frame cover 213. It is fixed on the side. The display control device 45 is accommodated in the substrate box 45a and fixed to the back side of the decorative symbol display device 42 (accommodation box 42a). The sub-control device 262 is accommodated in the substrate box 262a and fixed to the back side of the display control device 45 (substrate box 45a). In the frame cover 213, an LED control board for driving LEDs and the like built in the center frame 47 is disposed. The storage box 42a and the substrate boxes 45a and 262a are made of a transparent resin material or the like so that the inside can be visually recognized.

  Under the frame cover 213, a back frame set 215 is attached to the game board 30 so as to cover the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the start winning unit 33 and the like from behind. The back frame set 215 includes a ball collection mechanism (not shown) for collecting game balls that have won prizes in various winning ports. The game balls collected by the ball collection mechanism are guided to a discharge passage portion 217 described later, and discharged from the discharge chute of the discharge passage portion 217 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

  In the present embodiment, the back frame set 215 functions as a mounting base for the main controller 261. More specifically, the board box 263 on which the main controller 261 is mounted is pivotally supported with respect to the back frame set 215 and can be opened rearward.

  The main controller 261 is accommodated in a substrate box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The substrate box 263 includes a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected by a sealing member. The board | substrate box 263 connected with the sealing member becomes a structure which cannot be opened unless a predetermined trace is left. As a result, it is possible to easily find out that the board box 263 has been illegally opened.

  In addition, the game board 30 is provided with a ball entry detection switch for detecting game balls that have entered the various winning ports corresponding to various winning ports such as the general winning port 31. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a winning opening switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning opening 31, and a count switch 223 is provided in the variable winning device 32. The start winning unit 33 is provided with a first start winning switch 224a and a second starting winning switch 224b corresponding to the upper winning port 33a and the lower winning port 33b, respectively. Further, a through gate switch 225 is provided at a position corresponding to the through gate 34.

  Although not shown, the back frame set 215 is provided with a first board relay board that is electrically connected to the prize opening switch 221, the count switch 223, and the through gate switch 225 via a cable connector. . This first board surface relay board relays the prize opening switch 221 and the like and the main control device 261 as main control means, and is electrically connected to the main control device 261 via a cable connector. On the other hand, the start winning switches 224a and 224b are directly connected to the main controller 261 via a connector cable without passing through a relay board.

The detection results detected by the various entrance detection switches are taken into the main controller 261. Then, a payout command (the number of game balls to be paid out) corresponding to the winning situation at each time is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311, and a predetermined number of game balls are based on the output signal from the payout control device 311. Is dispensed (except when detected by the through gate switch 225).
In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the back of the game board 30 is provided with a large winning opening solenoid that opens the large winning opening by the variable winning apparatus 32, and the start winning unit 33 has a pair of opening / closing members 33c. A winning opening solenoid that opens and closes is provided. The back frame set 215 is also provided with a second board surface relay board (not shown) that relays between the solenoid and the main controller 261.

  Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the back pack unit 203 is a unit in which a back pack 351 formed of resin and a payout mechanism portion 352 for a game ball are integrated. Further, the back pack unit 203 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the left side portion (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12, and can be opened rearward with an open / close axis extending along the vertical direction as an axis. ing. In addition, an external terminal board 240 is provided on the upper left part of the back pack unit 203 (upper right part in FIG. 5).

  The external terminal board 240 is for relaying various information transmissions to a hall computer or the like in a game hall, and is provided with a plurality of external connection terminals. For convenience, no reference numerals are given, but for example, a terminal for outputting information relating to the current gaming state (such as jackpot state or probability variation mode), front frame set 14 or inner frame detected by opening detection switches 91 and 92 described later. Terminals for outputting information related to the opening of 12, terminals for outputting information on various error states such as a ball entry error, a lower tray full tank error, a tank ball no error, a payout error, and a prize paid out from the payout control device 311 Terminals for outputting information on the number of balls are provided.

  The back pack 351 is integrally formed of, for example, ABS resin, and includes a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to cover at least the frame cover 213. However, in the present embodiment, the protective cover portion 354 covers the upper portion and the right portion of the substrate box 263 (the left portion in FIG. 5). Thereby, in the closed state of the back pack unit 203, the sealing member provided at the right part of the board box 263 and the terminal part (board side connector) provided along the upper edge part of the main controller 261 are covered. It will be.

  The payout mechanism 352 is arranged so as to bypass the protective cover 354. That is, a tank 355 opened upward is provided above the protective cover portion 354, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially supplied to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 that has two rows of ball passages in the horizontal direction and that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. Further, a case rail 357 is formed vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 356. It is connected. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately according to a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. Then, the game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19 and the like.

  The payout mechanism 352 is provided with a payout relay board 381 for relaying a payout command signal from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358, and a power switch board 382 for taking in the main power from the outside. Yes. The power switch board 382 is supplied with, for example, an AC 24V main power supply via a voltage converter, and the power switch 382a is switched on or off by a switching operation of the power switch 382a.

  Below the back pack unit 203 (substrate box 263), there is provided a lower frame set 251 that is pivotally supported at the left side of the inner frame 12 (right side in FIG. 5) and can be opened rearward. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower frame set 251 is formed with a discharge passage portion 217 into which the game balls collected by the ball collection mechanism described above flow, and a game ball is placed in the most downstream portion of the discharge passage portion 217. A discharge chute (not shown) for discharging to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 is formed. In other words, the game balls that have won the respective winning openings such as the general winning opening 31 are gathered through the ball collecting mechanism of the back frame set 215 and further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute of the discharge passage portion 217. In addition, the out port 36 leads to the discharge passage portion 217 in the same manner, and the game balls that have not won any winning port are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute. In this embodiment, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are configured separately and can be opened and closed independently. However, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are integrally formed. It is also good to do.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the payout control device 311, the firing control device 312, the power supply device 313, and the card unit connection board 314 are detachably attached to the back side of the lower frame set 251 in a state where they are stacked in front and back. Is attached.

  The launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are accommodated in the substrate box 313a and fixed to the back side of the lower frame set 251. Although the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are described as independent control devices for convenience, they are actually configured by a single board (printed board).

  The payout control device 311 is housed in the substrate box 311a and is fixed to the back side of the substrate box 313a (the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313). The substrate box 311a in which the dispensing control device 311 is accommodated is provided with a sealing member in the same manner as the substrate box 263 in which the main control device 261 is accommodated, so that an unsealed trace of the substrate box 311a remains. It has become.

  In addition, the card unit connection board 314 is accommodated in the board box 314a and fixed to the back side of the board box 313a (the firing control device 312 and the power supply device 313). Each of the board boxes 311a, 313a, and 314a is made of a transparent resin material or the like so that the inside can be visually recognized.

  Further, the dispensing control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321 that protrudes outward from the substrate box 311a. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball clogged in the payout motor unit, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse to eliminate the ball clogging (return to a normal state).

  Further, the power supply device 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323 that protrudes outward from the substrate box 313a. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, so that even if a power failure occurs, the pachinko machine 10 retains the state at the time of the power failure and can be restored to the state at the time of the power failure when returning from the power failure (power recovery). it can. Therefore, if the power is turned off in a normal procedure (for example, when the game hall is closed), the state before the power is turned off is stored. If you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, hold down the RAM erase switch 323 and hold the power Is input.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a locking device 600 is provided on the back side of the right side of the inner frame 12. The locking device 600 includes a cylinder lock 700 (see FIG. 1 and the like) exposed on the front surface side of the front frame set 14, and a key is inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 700, and the inside is operated by rotating to one side. The frame 12 can be unlocked, and the front frame set 14 can be unlocked by rotating to the other side. In the present embodiment, the inner frame 12 is locked to the outer frame 11, and the front frame set 14 is locked to the inner frame 12.

  In addition, as described above, the extending wall portion 83 that covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 from the back side of the inner frame 12 is formed in the right side frame constituting portion 11d of the outer frame 11 (FIG. 5). reference). Thereby, it becomes difficult to make a wire etc. approach from the back side of outer frame 11, and to operate locking device 600 with the wire etc. As a result, the defense performance can be improved. Further, the extending wall portion 83 is configured to cover the right end portion (the left end portion in FIG. 5) of the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 from the back side, and in the closed state of the inner frame 12, The back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 cannot be opened.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a front frame open detection switch 91 for detecting the opening of the front frame set 14 is provided on the lower right side of the front side of the inner frame 12 (on the right side of the launching device 60). As shown in FIG. 5, an inner frame opening detection switch 92 for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is provided on the lower right side on the back side of the inner frame 12 (lower left in FIG. 5). Each of the front frame opening detection switch 91 and the inner frame opening detection switch 92 includes a detection unit that can move in and out of the switch main body, and the front frame opening detection switch 91 is provided so that the detection unit faces forward. The inner frame opening detection switch 92 is provided so that the detection unit faces rearward. When the detection unit is in a state of protruding from the switch main body, an ON signal is output to the main controller 261, and when the detection unit is pressed toward the switch main body and is immersed in the switch main body, an OFF signal is output. It is configured to output to the main controller 261. That is, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the front frame opening detection switch 91 is turned off when the detection unit is pressed on the back surface of the front frame set 14, and when the front frame set 14 is opened, the detection unit returns to the protruding state. Turns on. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the inner frame opening detection switch 92 is turned off by the pressing portion 86 integrally formed with the receiving portion 85 of the outer frame 11 and is detected when the inner frame 12 is opened. The part returns to the protruding state and is turned on.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. A main controller 261 (main board) as main control means is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer as an arithmetic unit. The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 501 and fixed value data, and a RAM 503 that is a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. Various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated. However, the CPU, the ROM, and the RAM may not be integrated into one chip but may be configured as a chip for each function.

  The RAM 503 is a stack area that stores the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 501, the return address of a control program executed by the CPU 501, and a work area (work area) that stores various flags, counters, I / O values, and the like. ) And a backup area 503a.

  The RAM 503 is configured to retain (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and is stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 503a. All data is backed up.

  In the backup area 503a, when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the power of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on again. (Similarly) is an area for storing stack pointers, values of registers, I / O, and the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed when the power is turned off by the main process. Conversely, the return of each value written to the backup area 503a is the main process at the time of power-on (including power-on due to power failure cancellation, and so on). Executed in Note that a power failure signal SK1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 when a power failure occurs due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Due to the occurrence, the power failure process (NMI interrupt process) is immediately executed.

  Note that if data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, it is not always necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 incorporating the ROM 502 and RAM 503 via a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. A RAM erase switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a sub-control device 262, first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, a normal symbol display device 41, and the like are connected to the input / output port 505. With this configuration, the special display devices 43L and 43R and the normal symbol display device 41 described above are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the decorative symbol display device 42 is controlled via the sub-control device 262.

  For the sake of convenience, illustration of various relay boards and the like is omitted, but the input / output port 505 includes a winning port switch 221, a count switch 223, start winning unit switches 224a and 224b, a through gate switch 225, various switches of the handle 18, and the like. Are connected to various electrical components such as a solenoid for opening and closing the variable winning device 32. That is, the main controller 261 is provided with a plurality of terminal portions (board side connectors) for connecting connectors of various cable connectors, and the input / output port 505 is configured by these terminal portions.

  A sub-control device 262 (sub-control board) as a sub-control means includes a CPU 551 that is an arithmetic device, various control programs executed by the CPU 551, a ROM 552 that stores fixed value data, and a control program that is stored in the ROM 552. RAM 553, which is a memory for temporarily storing various data during execution, input / output port 554, bus line 555, and other various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit (not shown) It has. The RAM 553 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

  A CPU 551, ROM 552, and RAM 553 are connected to the input / output port 554 via a bus line 555 and a display control device 45 is connected. Further, the speaker SP, the holding lamps 46 a and 46 b, the effect button 125, various lighting units and the lamps 102 to 104 are connected to the input / output port 554. In the present embodiment, the sub-control device 262 includes an audio control unit 264 that performs control to output audio from the speaker SP, and the audio control unit 264 is also connected to the input / output port 554. The voice control unit 264 is provided on the same substrate as the CPU 551 and the like.

  The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control based on, for example, a command signal (for example, a variation pattern command) transmitted from the main control device 261 and causes the decorative symbol display device 42 to display the display control device. As described above, in the present embodiment, it is displayed that the jackpot is won by the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R controlled by the main control device 261, and the sub control device 262 is displayed. In the decorative symbol display device 42 controlled by, display corresponding to the display of the special display devices 43L and 43R (incident effect display) is performed.

  The payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 358. The CPU 511 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, has a stack area for storing the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 511 and the return address of the control program executed by the CPU 511, various flags and counters, A work area (work area) in which values such as I / O are stored, and a backup area 513a are provided.

  The RAM 513 is configured to hold (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and all stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a. Data is backed up. Note that if data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 513a is backed up, it is not always necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 513a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

  The backup area 513a has a stack pointer, each register at the time of power off, each register, so that the power of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned off. This is an area for storing values such as I / O. The writing to the backup area 513a is executed when the power is turned off by the main process, and the restoration of each value written to the backup area 513a is executed in the main process when the power is turned on. As with the CPU 501 of the main controller 261, the power failure signal SK1 is input to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. When input to the CPU 511, NMI interrupt processing as power failure processing is immediately executed.

  In the work area, a payout permission flag for which the payout control device 311 is set to allow the payout of prize balls, a command reception flag set when a command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received, and the main control device 261 And a command buffer for storing a command transmitted from.

  The payout permission flag is a flag for setting a prize ball payout permission, and is turned on when a specific command for permitting the payout of the prize ball is transmitted from the main control device 261 and received, and is initially set. It is turned off when it is restored before the process or power shutdown. In the present embodiment, the specific commands are a payout initialization command for instructing the initial processing of the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, a prize ball command for instructing payout of a prize ball, and the main controller 261 having been restored to power. There are three payout return commands to be transmitted in this case.

  The command reception flag is a flag for confirming whether or not the payout control device 311 has received a command, and is turned on when any command is received. Similar to the payout permission flag, an initial setting process or power-off is performed. It is turned off when returning to the front, and turned off when the command received by the command determination process is determined.

  The command buffer is configured by a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main control device 261. The ring buffer has a predetermined storage area, and commands are stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of the storage area. When commands are stored in all storage areas, the ring buffer is at the start of the storage area. The return command is configured to be updated. Therefore, when the command is stored and when the command is read, the storage pointer and the read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and the command is stored and read based on each pointer.

  An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and the RAM 513 through a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. A RAM erase switch circuit 543, a main controller 261, a launch controller 312 and a payout device 358 are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

  The card unit connection board 314 includes a ball rental operation unit (a ball rental button 121 and a return button 122) on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10, and a card unit (a ball rental unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in a game hall or the like. Are electrically connected to each other, and receive a ball lending operation command from the player and output it to the card unit. In a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate 19 from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit, the card unit connection board 314 can be omitted.

  The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the game ball by the launch device 60, and the launch device 60 is permitted to drive when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, a firing permission signal is output from the payout control device 311, a sensor signal is detected that the player is touching the handle 18, and a firing prohibit button 18 a ( 1 is not operated, the launching device 60 is driven, and a game ball is launched with an intensity corresponding to the amount of operation of the handle 18.

  The display control device 45 executes the variable display of the decorative symbols on the decorative symbol display device 42 in accordance with an instruction from the sub-control device 262. The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, a video display processor (VDP) 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530 and 531. And. An input / output port 554 of the sub control device 262 is connected to the input port 527. Further, a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, and a VDP 526 are connected to the input port 527 through a bus line 530. An output port 529 is connected to the VDP 526 via a bus line 531, and a decorative symbol display device 42 as a liquid crystal display device is connected to the output port 529.

  The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives the display command transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, analyzes the received command, or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received command to control the VDP 526. (Specifically, generation of an internal command for the VDP 526) is performed. Thereby, display control in the decorative symbol display device 42 is performed.

  The program ROM 522 is a memory that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 521 and fixed value data. The work RAM 523 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs. It is.

  The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42, and the display content of the decorative symbol display device 42 is changed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524. The character ROM 525 is a memory that stores character data such as symbols displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The VDP 526 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an LCD driver (liquid crystal driving circuit) incorporated in the decorative symbol display device 42. Since the VDP 526 is an IC chip, it is also referred to as a “drawing chip”, and the substance of the VDP 526 can be said to be a microcomputer chip with a dedicated firmware for drawing processing. The VDP 526 adjusts the respective timings of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524, etc. to intervene in reading and writing data, and reads the display data stored in the video RAM 524 at a predetermined timing and causes the decorative symbol display device 42 to display it.

  The power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure, and a RAM erase switch circuit 543 connected to the RAM erase switch 323. And.

  The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operation power to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As its outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in AC 24 volt power supplied from the outside, generates + 12V power for driving various switches and motors, + 5V power for logic, backup power for RAM backup, etc. These + 12V power supply, + 5V power supply and backup power supply are supplied to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like. Note that operation power (+12 V power, +5 V power, etc.) is supplied to the launch control device 312 via the payout control device 311. Similarly, operating power is supplied to various switches, motors and the like via a control device to which these are connected.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power failure signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage is less than 22 volts. The power failure signal SK1 is output to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. Based on the output of the power failure signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 recognize the occurrence of a power failure and execute a power failure process (NMI interrupt processing).

  The power supply unit 541 normally outputs an output of 5 volts, which is a drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient to execute the process at the time of a power failure even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Configured to maintain the value. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

  The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that takes in the switch signal of the RAM erase switch 323 and clears backup data in the RAM 503 of the main controller 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout controller 311 in accordance with the state of the switch 323. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM erase signal SK2 to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM erase switch 323 pressed (including power-on due to power failure cancellation), the data in the respective RAMs 503 and 513 are cleared in the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. The

  The sound control unit 264 is used for a sound CPU that performs control for outputting sound from the speaker SP based on a command from the sub-control device 262 (CPU 551), a sound ROM that stores various sound data, and sound control. Audio RAM, amplifiers for amplifying audio signals, various ports, and the like. Then, based on the command output from the CPU 551, predetermined audio data is selected and read out from a plurality of patterns of audio data stored in the audio ROM, the audio data is converted into an audio signal, and the audio data is converted. The signal is output to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the sound signal to a level corresponding to the setting, and generates sound from the speaker SP.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described. In this embodiment, the CPU 501 provided in the main control device 261 as the main control means performs lottery using various counter information in the game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for determining whether or not to generate a jackpot state, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for determining a jackpot type (type lottery), and a decoration The variable selection counter C3 used for determining whether or not the reach state is generated in the symbol display device 42, the initial value random number counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R (decorative symbol display device 42) used for determining the variation display time of the first variation type counter CS1, the second variation type counter CS2, and the normal symbol display device 41 used for lottery (entry assist lottery) The normal symbol random number counter C4 is used. Note that the variation selection counter C3 is also used for reach type lottery when the decorative symbol display device 42 is deviated and varied. The variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are also used for variation pattern selection (effect pattern selection) of the decorative symbol display device 42. Specifically, the variation time of the special display devices 43L and 43R is determined according to the determined variation pattern, and the variation mode and variation time in the decorative symbol display device 42, that is, the effect pattern, are determined.

  Each of the counters C1, C2, C3, CINI, CS1, CS2, and C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated and returns to the lower limit value of 0 after reaching the upper limit value. Each counter is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 (except for the random number initial value counter CINI).

  The RAM 503 stores a special variable hold area as a hold storage area for storing the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, and the change selection counter C3, and the normal symbol random number counter C4. A variable holding area is provided. The normal variation holding area includes one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to holding fourth areas). In each holding area of the normal variation holding area, the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is stored in time series in accordance with the passing history of the game ball to the through gate 34. By adopting this configuration, the variable display on the normal symbol display device 41 can be suspended up to four times.

  The special variable reserved area includes a first special variable reserved area and a second special variable storage area each having four reserved areas (first to fourth reserved areas), and one execution area. In each holding area of the first special variable holding area, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, and the fluctuation selection counter C3 are time-sequentially matched to the winning history of the game balls to the top winning opening 33a. Stored in In each holding area of the second special variable holding area, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, and the fluctuation selection counter C3 are time-sequentially matched to the winning history of the game balls to the lower winning opening 33b. Stored in By adopting this configuration, the variable display on the special display devices 43L and 43R can be suspended up to four times.

  In detail, each jackpot random number counter C1 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 599, for example, and after reaching an upper limit value (ie, 599) as a closing price, 0 is a lower limit value as a starting price. It is the composition which returns to. Normally, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the big hit random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599), and is updated once for each timer interruption and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. On the other hand, the jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer. The value of the big hit random number counter C1 stored in the big win random number counter buffer is stored in the special variation holding area at the timing when the game ball wins the upper winning hole 33a or the lower winning hole 33b of the start winning unit 33. .

  In the present embodiment, the number of values of the jackpot random number counter C1 that is a jackpot in the low probability state (normal mode, time reduction mode) is two, and the value is “7, 307”. In the state (probability change mode, latent probability mode), the number of values of the jackpot random number counter C1 which is a jackpot is 20, and the values are “7 to 16, 307 to 316”. In the present embodiment, two determination tables for determining whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 corresponds to the jackpot are provided in the ROM 502, and “7, 307” is jackpoted. There are a first winning / failing determination table stored as a value and a second winning / failing determination table storing “8 to 16, 308 to 316” as a jackpot value.

  In the normal mode, the probability of winning the jackpot in the winning lottery (the jackpot probability) is 1/300, and the variation time in the normal symbol display device 41 for teaching the result of the entrance assist lottery is 6 seconds. In addition, when winning in the pitch assist lottery, the lower winning opening 33b (opening / closing member 33c) is opened for 0.6 seconds.

  In the probability variation mode, the jackpot probability is 1/30, which is easier to hit than in the normal mode. In the probability variation mode, the variation time of the normal symbol display device 41 based on the entrance assist lottery is 2 seconds, which is shorter than that in the normal mode. Is opened three times and each opening time is 2 seconds. That is, in the probability variation mode, the variation time in the normal symbol display device 41 is shorter than in the normal mode, and the opening time of the bottom winning opening 33b per winning of the winning ball assist lottery is increased and the number of times of opening is large. Become. As a result, the time period during which the lower winning opening 33b is in an open state becomes longer, so that game balls frequently enter the lower winning opening 33b (becomes a high winning state), and the lottery is determined. It will be done continuously and will be in good condition. In the high pitching state, the probability that the symbol “◯” is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 41 (the winning probability of the pitching assist lottery) may be higher than that in the normal mode.

  In the time reduction mode, the jackpot probability is 1/300. Further, in the time shortening mode, the variation time of the normal symbol display device 41 based on the pitching assist lottery is 2 seconds, and when winning in the pitching assist lottery, the lower winning opening 33b is opened three times, Each opening time is 2 seconds. In other words, the time reduction mode has the same low probability as the jackpot probability in the normal mode, but is the same as the probability variation mode when only the operation of the start winning unit 33 is viewed. In the present embodiment, after the big hit state of “7RN” ends, the time reduction mode is set over a total of 100 variable displays performed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R. Further, the time reduction mode ends when a total of 100 variations are displayed on the special display devices 43L and 43R even if no big hit state occurs, and then shifts to the normal mode.

  For example, the type determination counter C2 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 19, for example, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 19), the type determination counter C2 returns to 0 that is the lower limit value. The ROM 502 is provided with a type determination table that is referred to when determining which jackpot type the value of the type determination counter C2 corresponds to. Then, when winning in the winning / losing lottery, the type of the jackpot state type given based on the value of the type determination counter C2 is determined (type lottery is performed), and the jackpot state of the determined type is given The Rukoto.

  The type determination counter C2 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the type determination counter C2 is stored in the type determination counter buffer. Then, the value of the type determination counter C2 stored in the type determination counter buffer is stored in the special variation holding area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the top winning port 33a or the lower winning port 33b of the start winning unit 33. The

  The variation selection counter C3 is configured so that, for example, one by one is added in order within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 238), it returns to the lower limit value of 0. In this embodiment, the reach selection state is generated by the variation selection counter C3, and after the reach state is generated with respect to the decorative symbol, the final stop symbol is shifted by one before and after the reach symbol and stopped. The final stop symbol after the stop is to draw lots of “reach other than front / rear off” that stops before and after the reach symbol and “complete out” that does not cause reach. In the present embodiment, the ROM 502 is provided with a reach determination table that stores the correspondence between the value of the variation selection counter C3 and the reach type. The reach determination table stores a value of “0 to 238”, C3 = 0, 1 corresponds to the back and forth reach, C3 = 2 to 21 corresponds to the reach other than back and forth, and C3 = 22 to 238 is complete. It has a configuration corresponding to the detachment.

  The fluctuation selection counter C3 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 is stored in the fluctuation selection counter buffer. The value of the variation selection counter C3 stored in the variation selection counter buffer is stored in the special variation holding area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the top winning port 33a or the lower winning port 33b of the start winning unit 33. The

  In addition, one of the two variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 59, for example, and reaches the upper limit value (that is, 59), and then reaches the lower limit value. The other variation type counter CS2 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 37, for example, and reaches the upper limit value (that is, 37), and then returns to the lower limit value of 0. It has become. For example, the first variation type counter CS1 determines the reach pattern of decorative symbols such as so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, and other rough symbol variation modes, and the second variation type counter CS2 determines the final stop symbol after the occurrence of reach. A more detailed symbol variation mode is determined, such as an elapsed time until the middle symbol (in this example) stops. Accordingly, a variety of variation patterns can be easily realized by combining these variation type counters CS1 and CS2. It is also possible to determine the symbol variation mode only by the first variation type counter CS1, or to determine the symbol variation mode in combination by combining the first variation type counter CS1 and the stop symbol.

  Further, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once every time a normal process described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time of the normal process. Then, the buffer values of CS1 and CS2 are acquired when determining the variation pattern at the start of variation of the decorative symbol by the decorative symbol display device 42.

  In addition, the magnitude | size and range of each counter are only examples, and can be changed arbitrarily. However, it is desirable that the big hit random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, the variation selection counter C3, and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are all different prime numbers and are not synchronized in any case.

  Further, the normal symbol random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 9, for example, and returns to the upper limit value (that is, after reaching 9 and to the lower limit value of 0). The random number counter C4 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is acquired when the game ball passes through the left or right through gate 34. There are six random number values, and the range is “3 to 8.” When the value of the winning normal symbol random number counter C4 is acquired, the normal symbol display device 41 displays a predetermined variation display. After the time has elapsed, the symbol corresponding to the winning (“◯” in this example) is stopped and displayed, and the lower winning opening 33b (opening / closing member 33c) is opened in a pattern according to the game mode at that time.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The processing of the CPU 501 is broadly divided into a main process that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt process that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec), and a stop signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing. This processing is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 every 2 msec, for example. First, in step S301, various winning switch reading processes are executed. That is, the state of various switches (except for the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main controller 261 is read, and the state of the switch is determined and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored. On the other hand, if there is no detection information, the process proceeds to the next process.

  When there is detection information of various winning switches, the value of the corresponding winning ball counter is added. Further, in an external output process of a normal process described later, a prize ball command based on the value of each prize ball counter is output to the payout control device 311 and a prize ball is given based on the prize ball command (a game ball is paid out). ) Further, when the prize ball command is output, the value of each prize ball counter is reset.

  In step S302, random number initial value update processing is executed. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (599 in this example).

  In step S303, random number update processing is executed. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, the variation selection counter C3, and the normal symbol random number counter C4 are each incremented by 1 and their counter values are maximized (in this embodiment, 599, 19 respectively). 238, 9), each is cleared to 0. Then, the updated values of the counters C1, C2, C3, and C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  Thereafter, in step S304, a start winning process associated with winning the start winning unit 33 is executed. In step S305, a through gate passing process accompanying passing of the game ball to the through gate 34 is executed. Thereafter, the timer interrupt process is temporarily terminated.

  Here, the start winning process in step S304 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, in the execution area of each special variable holding area and each holding area, a success / failure random number storage area that stores the value of the big hit random number counter C1, a winning type random number storage area that stores the value of the type determination counter C2, and a variation selection counter C3 A reach random number storage area for storing values is provided. In the present embodiment, the random number storage area stores the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 using 2 bytes. Each of the winning type random number storage area and the reach random number storage area uses 1 byte to store the value of the type determination counter C2 and the value of the variation selection counter C3. In addition, an upper holding counter Na that counts the number of holdings of the variable display that is triggered by a winning at the top winning port 33a, and a lower holding counter Nb that counts the number of holdings of the variable display that is triggered by a winning at the lower winning port 33b Is provided.

  First, in step S501, it is determined from the detection information of the second start winning switch 224b whether or not the game ball has won the lower winning opening 33b. If an affirmative determination is made in step S501, it is determined in step S502 whether or not the value of the lower hold counter Nb is less than the upper limit value (“4” in the present embodiment). If a negative determination is made in step S501 or S502, the process proceeds to step S509. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S503, and the lower hold counter Nb is incremented by one.

  In the subsequent step S504, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2, and the variation selection counter C3 updated by the random number update process in step S303 (the jackpot random number counter buffer, the type determination counter buffer, and the variation selection counter buffer are updated). Each stored value) is stored in a first area (a random number storage area, a winning type random number storage area, a reach random number storage area) among the reserved areas that are free in the special variable reservation area. After step S504, the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S505, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the special variation holding area is a value corresponding to the jackpot. Details of the jackpot determination process will be described later.

  In the subsequent step S506, when it is determined in step S505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to the jackpot, based on the value of the type determination counter C2 newly stored in the special variable holding area, the jackpot A type determination process is performed to determine the type. Details of the type determination process will be described later.

  In the subsequent step S507, if it is determined in step S505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is not a value corresponding to the jackpot, the deviation is determined based on the value of the variation selection counter C3 newly stored in the special variation holding area. Reach determination processing for determining the type of reach at the time of change is performed. Details of the reach determination process will be described later.

  Here, the details of the jackpot determination process in step S505 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S5101, whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the special variation holding area matches either “7” or “307” that is the value stored in the first win / fail determination table. Is determined. Incidentally, “7” and “307” are values that are big hits in both the low probability state and the high probability state.

  In FIG. 14, for convenience, the process of step S5101 is simplified. However, in practice, it is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is “7”, and the determination is negative. If it is determined, it is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is “307”. If an affirmative determination is made in either of these determinations, an affirmative determination is made in step S5101, and which determination is made. If a negative determination is made in step S5101, a negative determination is made in step S5101.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S5101, the process ends after turning on the first success / failure flag in step S5102. In the present embodiment, in addition to the success / failure random number storage area for storing the value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a separate success / failure flag is not provided, but information on whether or not a big success state occurs in the success / failure random number storage area. Is stored (overwritten). As described above, the success / failure random number storage area uses 2 bytes. In step S5102, for example, “101010101010101010” is set for the success / failure random number storage area. In the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the setting for the success / failure random number storage area is referred to as turning on the first success / failure flag.

  If a negative determination is made in step S5101, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the special fluctuation holding area in step S5103 is the value stored in the second winning / failure determination table “8 to 16, 308”. ˜316 ”or not. Incidentally, “8 to 16, 308 to 316” are values that are jackpots only in the probability variation mode. Note that in the determination process, it is actually determined one by one whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 matches each value corresponding to the jackpot as described above.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S5103, the second success / failure flag is turned on in step S5104, and then the process ends. Note that turning on the second success / failure flag here means that, for example, “1100110011001100” is set in the success / failure random number storage area. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5103, that is, if the result is “out” even in a high probability state, this processing is terminated as it is.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the information related to success / failure is stored using 2 bytes. For example, when noise occurs, the success / failure flag (the content stored in the failure random number storage area) is rewritten. It is possible to prevent a situation in which a big hit state is generated even though it is not a win, or a big win state does not occur even though it is a win. In addition, the pattern (a combination of “1” and “0”) set in the success / failure random number storage area in the big hit determination process is a pattern that is not used when the value of the big hit random number counter C1 is stored in the success / failure random number storage area. is there.

  Next, the type determination process in step S506 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S5201, it is determined whether or not the first or second success / failure flag is set to ON in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before. If a negative determination is made in step S5201 (there is no possibility of a jackpot state), the process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S5201 (there is a possibility that a jackpot state may occur), in step S5202, the type determination counter C2 newly stored in the special variation holding area is referred to by referring to the type determination table. It is determined whether or not the value matches a value “0” corresponding to “16RS”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5202, the process ends after the 16RS flag is turned on in step S5203.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the winning type random number storage area for storing the value of the type determination counter C2, a 16RS flag or the like is not separately provided, and “16RS” and “7RS” are not provided in the winning type random number storage area. , “7RN” information is stored (overwritten). As described above, the winning type random number storage area uses 1 byte. In step S5203, for example, “10101010” is set for the winning type random number storage area. In the present embodiment, for convenience, setting a pattern indicating a jackpot type such as “16RS” in the winning type random number storage area is referred to as turning on a flag indicating a jackpot type (such as a 16RS flag). explain.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5202, in step S5204, the value of the type determination counter C2 newly stored in the special variation holding area is set to a value “12” corresponding to “7RN” in consideration of the type determination table. To 19 ”is discriminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5204, in step S5205, the 7RN flag is turned on (for example, “00011111” is set for the winning type random number storage area), and then this process ends. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5204, the 7RS flag is turned on in step S5206 (for example, “00010000” is set for the winning type random number storage area), and then this process ends.

  Note that the pattern (the combination of “1” and “0”) set in the winning type random number storage area in the type determining process is not used when the value of the type determination counter C2 is stored in the winning type random number storage area. It is a pattern.

  Next, the reach determination process in step S507 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S5301, it is determined whether or not the first win / fail flag is set in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5301, that is, if the jackpot is large in both the low probability state and the high probability state (a jackpot state always occurs), this processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5301, that is, if a big hit state does not occur at least in a low probability state (there is a possibility of losing), a reach determination table is referred to in step S5302, and a new determination is made. It is determined whether or not the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 stored in the special fluctuation holding area coincides with one of the values “0, 1” corresponding to “front / rear out of reach”. If the determination in step S5302 is affirmative, in step S5303, the front / rear flag indicating the occurrence of front / rear out of reach is turned on, and then the process ends.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the reach random number storage area for storing the value of the variation selection counter C3, a separate front / rear flag is not provided, but information indicating that “rear / rear reach” is in the reach random number storage area. Is stored (overwritten). As described above, the reach random number storage area uses 1 byte. In step S5303, for example, “10101010” is set for the reach random number storage area. In the present embodiment, for convenience, the setting for the reach random number storage area will be referred to as turning on the front / rear flag.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5302, the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 newly stored in the special fluctuation holding area in consideration of the reach determination table in step S5304 corresponds to “reach other than forward / backward deviation”. It is determined whether or not the value matches any of the values “2 to 21”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5304, the flag is turned on other than before and after in step S5305, and then the present process ends. Note that turning on the flags other than the front and rear here means that, for example, “11001100” is set in the reach random number storage area.

  If a negative determination is made in step S5304, that is, if the change display ends without complete reach, the process is terminated as it is. The pattern (the combination of “1” and “0”) set in the reach random number storage area in the reach determination process is a pattern that is not used when the value of the variation selection counter C3 is stored in the reach random number storage area. is there.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 13, in step S508 following step S507, a process for setting a starting command is performed. In the advance command, whether the change information stored on hold (predetermined information used to determine the contents of the change display) is triggered by the entry of the top winning opening 33a or the lower winning opening 33b. And information indicating the results of the jackpot determination process, type determination process, and reach determination process are included and output to the sub-control device 262 in the next external output process (see step S201).

  After the process of step S508, or when a negative determination is made in step S501 or step S502, in step S509, whether or not the game ball has won the top winning opening 33a is determined by the first start winning unit switch 224a. It is determined based on the detection information. If a negative determination is made in step S509, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made, in step S510, the value of the upper hold counter Na that counts the number of variable display holds triggered by winning in the upper winning opening 33a is the upper limit (in this embodiment, “4”). ) Is determined. If a negative determination is made in step S510, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S510, the process proceeds to step S511, and the upper hold counter Na is incremented by one.

  In the subsequent step S512, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the type determination counter C2 and the variation selection counter C3 are stored in a reserved area (a success / failure random number storage area, a winning type random number storage area, a reach random number storage area) in the special variation reservation area. ). After step S512, the process proceeds to step S513.

  In step S513, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the special fluctuation suspension area is a value corresponding to the jackpot. The details of the jackpot determination process have already been described above.

  In the subsequent step S514, if it is determined in step S513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to the jackpot, the jackpot is newly determined based on the value of the type determination counter C2 stored in the special variable holding area. A type determination process for determining the type is performed. Details of the type determination process have already been described above.

  In subsequent step S515, when it is determined in step S513 that the value of the big hit random number counter C1 is not a value corresponding to the big win, the reach is newly determined based on the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 stored in the special fluctuation holding area. Reach determination processing is performed to determine the type. Details of the reach determination process have already been described above.

  After step S515, a starting command setting process is performed in step S516, and this process is terminated. In the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the top winning port 33a and the lower winning port 33b, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 or the like is directly stored in the special variation holding area, and then the jackpot determination processing and type determination processing are performed. The reach determination process is executed, but is not particularly limited to such a configuration. For example, when the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is acquired, a temporary storage area (working area) for temporarily storing these counter values is provided, and for the information stored in the temporary storage area, the jackpot determination process, type After executing the determination process and the reach determination process, a configuration may be adopted in which the information is stored in the corresponding reserved area of the special fluctuation reserved area.

  Next, the through gate passing process in step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S601, whether or not the game ball has passed through the through gate 34 is determined based on detection information of the through gate switch 225. If a negative determination is made in step S601, the present process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S601, that is, if it is determined that the game ball has passed through the through gate 34, the number of suspensions of the variable display performed on the normal symbol display device 41 is counted in step S602. It is determined whether or not the value of the normal hold counter Nc is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). If a negative determination is made here, this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S602, that is, if the passing of the game ball to the through gate 34 is confirmed and the value of the normal holding counter Nc <4, the process proceeds to step S603, where the normal holding counter Nc is incremented by one.

  In subsequent step S604, a random number related to the success or failure is acquired. Specifically, the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 updated by the random number update process in step S303 is stored in the first area of the free storage area of the normal variation holding area of the RAM 503. Thereafter, the through gate passing process is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process. This process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. By this NMI interruption, the state of the main controller 261 at the time of power-off is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

  That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main controller 261. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt process. In step S401, the CPU 501 stores the power interruption occurrence information in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 as the setting of the power interruption occurrence information, and performs the NMI interruption process. finish.

  The above NMI interrupt processing is executed in the same manner in the payout control device 311, and information on occurrence of power interruption is stored in the backup area 513 a of the RAM 513 by the NMI interrupt. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 and the CPU 511 interrupts the control being executed. The NMI interrupt process in FIG. 12 is started. The contents are as described above.

  Next, the flow of main processing executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main process is started upon reset when power is turned on.

  First, in step S101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, for example, 1 is set in order to set a predetermined value in the stack pointer and wait for the sub-side control device (sub-control device 262, payout control device 311, etc.) to become operable. Wait processing is performed for about 2 seconds. In the subsequent step S102, RAM access is permitted.

  Thereafter, data backup processing is executed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided in the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON), and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S112 to clear (erase) the backup data. To do. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed, it is determined in the subsequent step S104 whether or not occurrence information of power supply interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if it is not set, no backup data is stored, so in this case as well, the process proceeds to step S112. If power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, a RAM determination value is calculated in step S105, and in the subsequent step S106, whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off. That is, the effectiveness of the backup is determined. If the RAM determination value calculated here does not match the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, the backed up data has been destroyed, and in this case, the process also proceeds to step S112.

  In the process of step S112, an initialization command is transmitted in order to initialize the sub control device 262, the payout control device 311 and the like. Thereafter, the process proceeds to RAM initialization processing (step S113 and the like). Note that the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Instead of the RAM determination value, it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 is correctly stored.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323 when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall starts business. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to a RAM initialization process (step S113, etc.). Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power interruption is not set, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 503 (step S113 or the like). That is, the use area of the RAM 503 is cleared to 0 in step S113, and the initial value of the RAM 503 is set in subsequent step S114. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S111, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed (step S103: NO), it is a condition that the information on occurrence of power interruption is set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) is normal. In addition, the process at the time of power recovery (process at the time of power failure recovery) is executed. That is, in step S107, the stack pointer before the power interruption is restored, and in step S108, the information on the occurrence of the power interruption is cleared.

  In step S109, a command for returning the sub-side control device to the gaming state at the time of power-off is transmitted. In step S110, the used register is restored from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S111, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

  Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As its outline, the processing of steps S201 to S210 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S211 and S212 is executed with the remaining time.

  First, in step S201, a control signal based on the setting contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R and the start winning unit 33 updated in the previous normal processing is transmitted to each device, and output data such as commands is sent to the sub-side. External output processing to be transmitted to each control device is executed.

  For example, when the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the decorative symbol, a variation pattern command, a symbol command, or the like is transmitted to the sub-control device 262. That is, the variation pattern command and the symbol command are output to the sub-control device 262 in order to cause the decorative symbol display device 42 to perform a display effect in accordance with the display performed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R. Command. On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 that has input the variation pattern command, the symbol command, etc. determines the variation mode (variation time, effect mode, etc.) of the decorative symbol display device 42 based on the various commands, and the variation mode. Is indicated to the display control device 45 so as to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 (variable display).

  For convenience, the variation pattern command and the like will be described here. The variation pattern command includes information for specifying the variation type of the decorative symbol such as normal reach, super reach, and premium reach. Note that the fluctuation pattern command and the like are originally 2-byte binary numbers (the same output method as the hold information command), but for convenience, they are expressed in hexadecimal numbers of every 4 bits. In the present embodiment, for example, in the normal mode, any one of “FF10”, “FF11”, “FF12”, “FF13”, “FF14”, “FF15”, and “FF16” is set as the variation pattern command. In the probability changing mode and the time reduction mode, “FD10”, “FD11”, “FD12”, “FD13”, “FD14”, “FD15”, and “FD16” are set. On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these variation pattern commands and the variation types of the decorative symbols in a table. Then, the sub-control device 262 determines a variation display effect pattern and the like based on the variation pattern command, and controls the display control device 45 and sound.

  Hereinafter, the variation type of the decorative symbol and the correspondence between the variation type and the variation pattern command will be described.

  Normal reach is a reach pattern that does not display any special effects other than the variation of the decorative design. Then, “FF11” or “FD11” is set in the variation pattern command corresponding to the normal reach according to the mode. In the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode, the variable display time is shortened compared to the normal mode even in various reach cases. For example, the variable display time from which the normal reach is derived is “15 seconds” in the normal mode, and “10 seconds” in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode.

  Super Reach is a reach pattern in which characters and the like are displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 in addition to the decorative symbol during the variation display of the decorative symbol (after the reach state is established), thereby giving the player a sense of expectation. is there. In this embodiment, three types of super reach SR1, SR2, and SR3 are prepared as super reach, and the variable display time is different for each type of super reach. Then, “FF12” or “FD12” is set as the fluctuation pattern command for the super reach SR1, “FF13” or “FD13” is set for the super reach SR2, and “FF14” or “FD14” is set for the super reach SR3. Is set.

  Premium reach is an effect that can be derived only when a big hit state occurs. During the decorative symbol variation display (after reaching the reach state), in addition to the decorative symbol, a character with a different pattern from the super reach is displayed. This is a reach pattern in which the player is expected to have a sense of expectation. Two types of premium reach PR1 and PR2 are prepared for the premium reach of the present embodiment, and the variable display time is different for each type of premium reach. If the premium reach PR1, then “FF15” or “FD15” is set as the variation pattern command. If it is premium reach PR2, “FF16” or “FD16” is set.

  In addition, “FF10” or “FD10” is set as the variation pattern command corresponding to the mode for the variation pattern command corresponding to “completely out” that does not reach any reach state. In the present embodiment, the fluctuation display time that is completely off is set to “10 seconds” in the normal mode, and “6 seconds” in the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode.

  Further, the sub-control device 262 determines a stop symbol (combination of stop symbols) based on the symbol command, and displays it after the fluctuation time has elapsed. The symbol command is a command that causes the sub-control device 262 to determine a stop symbol, a combination of probability variation jackpot symbol, a combination of normal jackpot symbol, a combination of front / rear off symbol, a combination of symbols other than front / rear off symbol, a completely out symbol The five categories of combinations are designated. These divisions are indicated by, for example, “AA11”, “AA12”, “AA13”, “AA14”, “AA15”, and any of these is set as a symbol command. On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these commands and stop symbols in a table. Then, the sub-control device 262 stops displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the symbol command.

  Hereinafter, the stop symbol classification and the correspondence between the stop symbol and the symbol command will be described. The probable jackpot symbol combination is a symbol combination made up of odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9. Moreover, the combination of the normal jackpot symbol is a symbol combination composed of an even number of 2, 4, 6, or 8 in the form of an even number. In this embodiment, in the case of probability variation jackpot (“16RS” or “7RS”), the variable display is stopped and displayed in combination with either probability variation jackpot symbol or normal jackpot symbol, and in case of normal jackpot (“7RN”) Usually, the variable display is stopped and displayed by the combination of the jackpot symbol.

  Then, “AA11” is set to the symbol command in the case of the probable big hit, and “AA12” is set to the symbol command in the case of the normal big hit. Then, when “AA11” is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 determines one of the symbol combinations consisting of any one of the first to ninth symbols as a stop symbol, and “AA12” "Is set, one of the combinations of symbols of any of 2, 4, 6 and 8 is determined as a stop symbol.

  The combination of back and forth symbols corresponds to the combination of back and forth symbols, where after reaching, the final stop symbol is stopped by one shift before and after the reach symbol. “AA13” is set in the symbol command. The combination of symbols other than front / rear detachment corresponds to the “reach other than front / rear detachment” that occurs after reach occurs, and the final stop symbol stops other than before / after the reach symbol. “AA14” is set in the command. The combination of completely out symbols corresponds to “complete out” which does not even reach, and “AA15” is set in the symbol command corresponding to the combination of complete out symbols. In the present embodiment, when the decorative symbol display device 42 stops and displays a combination of symbols that are out of front and back, a combination of symbols other than front and back, and a combination of completely out symbols.

  As will be described in detail later, when “AA13” to “AA15” are set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 stops the combination of symbols stored in the counter buffer of the corresponding RAM 553. Determine as. In the present embodiment, three commands “AA13” to “AA15” are prepared as the symbol commands for removal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The sub-control device 262 may determine the combination of decorative symbols.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 10, in step S202, update of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is executed. More specifically, as with the other counters, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the upper limit values (59 and 37 in this embodiment), respectively. To do. Then, the update values of the variation type counters CS 1 and CS 2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  In the subsequent step S203, the prize ball counting signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step S204, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

  Thereafter, in step S205, a first display control process is executed. In this process, control related to the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R is performed, and determination of jackpot and setting of variable display in the special display devices 43L and 43R and the decorative symbol display device 42 are performed. Details of the first display control process will be described later.

  In step S206, variable winning device control processing is executed. In this process, control related to the variable winning device 32 is performed. As a result, when the big win state is reached, the opening / closing process of the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening) is repeatedly executed for a predetermined number of rounds. Details of the variable winning device control process will be described later.

  In step S207, the second display control process is executed. In this process, control related to the normal symbol display device 41 is performed. Details of the second display control process will be described later.

  In step S208, an opportunity handling unit control process is executed. In this process, control related to the start winning unit 33 is performed. Details of the opportunity handling unit control processing will be described later.

  After that, in step S209, it is determined whether or not occurrence information of power interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if the occurrence information of the power interruption is not set in the backup area 503a, it is determined in step S210 whether or not the next normal processing execution timing has been reached, that is, a predetermined time (4 msec in this example) from the start of the previous normal processing. ) Or not. And if predetermined time has already passed, it will transfer to Step S201 and will repeat the processing after the above-mentioned Step S201.

  On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the start of the previous normal process, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process. Repeatedly execute (step S211 and step S212).

  That is, in step S211, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (599 in this example).

  In step S212, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated (similar to step S202). Specifically, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum values (59 and 37 in this example). Then, the change values of the variation type counters CS 1 and CS 2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S209 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the next execution timing of the normal process is not constant and varies. Therefore, it is possible to update the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1) at random by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, and similarly change The type counters CS1 and CS2 can also be updated at random.

  If the occurrence information of the power supply interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (step S209: YES), the power supply is cut off. Therefore, the process after step S213 is performed as a power failure process at the time of the power supply interruption. Is called. In the power failure process, first, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S213, the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 are saved in the stack area in step S214, and the value of the stack pointer is saved in the backup area 503a in step S215. To remember.

  Thereafter, in step S216, a power-off notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is transmitted to other control devices (such as the payout control device 311). In step S217, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Thereafter, RAM access is prohibited in step S218, and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed.

  The process in step S209 is performed at the end of a series of processes corresponding to the game state change performed in steps S201 to S208, or at the end of one cycle of the processes in steps S211 and S212 performed within the remaining time. It is executed at the timing. Therefore, in the normal process of the main controller 261, the occurrence information of the power interruption is confirmed at the end of each process, so that the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is less than that in the middle of each process. And can be easily memorized. Further, when returning to the state before power-off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, it can be easily restored and the processing load of the main control device 261 can be reduced. . Further, since the interruption processing is prohibited before the data is stored (step S213), it is possible to prevent the data from being changed when the power is shut off and to reliably store the state before the power is shut off. .

  Next, the first display control process of step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S801, the jackpot status storage area, which will be described later, is referred to in detail, and it is determined whether or not the current status is other than the jackpot status. During the jackpot state, an opening period from when the display mode corresponding to the jackpot is stopped and displayed on the specific display devices 43L and 43R until the variable winning device 32 is opened, and the variable winning device 32 is in the open state. Round period, an interval period in which the variable winning device 32 is closed, and an ending period until the variable display of the special display devices 43L and 43R can be started after the final round. In the jackpot status storage area of this embodiment, “0” is stored in a state other than the jackpot state. In the jackpot state, “1” is stored during the opening period and the interval period, and “2” is stored during the round period. “3” is stored during the ending period. That is, in step S801, it is determined whether or not “0” is stored in the jackpot status storage area.

  Note that it is for convenience that numbers such as “0” to “3” are stored in the jackpot status storage area. Actually, the jackpot status storage area uses 2 bytes. However, the fact that “1010101010101010” or the like is set in the jackpot status storage area will be described as “0” or the like being stored.

  If a negative determination is made in step S801, that is, if the jackpot state is in effect, the processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S801, in step S802, a first display described in detail later is made. By looking at the setting state of the middle flag, it is determined whether or not the first or second special display device 43L, 43R (decorative symbol display device 42) is in a variable display. Specifically, when the first display flag is in the on state, it is considered that the variable display is being performed, and when the first display flag is in the off state, it is considered that the variable display is being stopped. . As will be described in detail later, the first display flag is turned on when the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R start to display the change, and the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R are turned on. Turned off when the variable display is stopped.

  If a negative determination is made in step S802, that is, if there is no big win and further fluctuation display is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S803, and the fluctuation display (second fluctuation display) triggered by entering the lower prize opening 33b. It is determined whether or not the value of the lower hold counter Nb that counts the number of holds is greater than zero.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S803, that is, if at least one second variation display is held, 1 is subtracted from the lower hold counter Nb in step S804. In the present embodiment, when the second variation display is suspended and stored by the determination processing in step S803, the second variation display is executed without executing the first variation display. In other words, even when the first variation display is stored on hold earlier than the second variation display, the second variation display is preferentially digested (the first variation display is postponed). ing.

  In a succeeding step S805, a process for shifting the data stored in the second special variation holding area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the holding first to fourth areas of the second special variable holding area to the execution area side. The holding first area → the execution area, the holding second Data in each area is shifted, such as area → holding first area, holding third area → holding second area, holding fourth area → holding third area. After step S805, in step S806, a process for causing the variation specifying lamp 40 to emit red light is performed. Thereafter, in step S807, a variable display setting process, which will be described in detail later, is performed, and then this process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S803, that is, if no second variation display is stored on hold, a variation display (first display) triggered by entering the top winning opening 33a in step S808. It is determined whether or not an upper hold counter Na for counting the number of hold (variable display) is greater than zero. If a negative determination is made in step S808, the present process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S808, 1 is subtracted from the upper hold counter Na in step S809. In a succeeding step S810, a process for shifting the data stored in the first special variation holding area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the holding first to fourth areas of the first special variable holding area to the execution area side. The holding first area → the execution area, the holding second Data in each area is shifted, such as area → holding first area, holding third area → holding second area, holding fourth area → holding third area. After step S810, in step S811, a process for causing the variation specifying lamp 40 to emit blue light is performed. Then, after performing the variable display setting process in step S807, this process is terminated. In the present embodiment, the execution area of the special variable reservation area is one, and the data stored in the first special variable reservation area and the second special variable reservation area are displayed when the variable display based on the data is performed. Therefore, it is shifted to a common execution area.

  Here, details of the variable display setting process in step S807 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S901, a mode storage area, which will be described later, is referred to in detail to determine whether or not a high probability state (probability variation mode). In the mode storage area, discrimination information for discriminating the game mode is stored. In this embodiment, the mode storage area stores any one of “11”, “12”, and “21”, “11” corresponds to the normal mode, and “12” represents the time reduction mode. “21” corresponds to the probability variation mode. That is, in step S901, it is determined whether or not a high probability state is obtained by determining whether or not “21” is stored in the mode storage area.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S901, that is, in the case of a high probability state, in step S902, the first or second success / failure flag (see FIG. 14 is determined whether or not one of them is set to ON. If an affirmative determination is made in step S902, that is, if it is determined that a big win is won in the high-probability state, the process proceeds to step S904.

  If a negative determination is made in step S901, that is, if the low probability state (normal mode, time reduction mode) is set, in step S903, whether or not the first success / failure flag is turned on in consideration of the success / failure random number storage area. Determine whether or not. If an affirmative determination is made in step S903, that is, if it is determined that a big win is won in the winning lottery in a low probability state, the process proceeds to step S904.

  In step S904, it is determined whether or not the 16RS flag (see type determination processing in FIG. 15) is set to ON by referring to the winning type random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable suspension area. If an affirmative determination is made in step S904, ie, “16RS”, a 16RS pattern setting process (a process for setting a variation pattern command and a symbol command) is performed in step S905. The 16RS pattern setting process is a process for executing fluctuation display for teaching the occurrence of “16RS”, and is based on the values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503. The variation patterns (variation display time, effect pattern, etc.) of the display devices 43L and 43R and the decorative symbol display device 42 are determined, and the variation pattern command and the symbol command are set based on the determination and various flags. The relationship between the numerical value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the reach pattern and the relationship between the numerical value of the second variation type counter CS2 and the variation time are defined in advance by a table or the like. After step S905, the process proceeds to step S914 described later.

  If a negative determination is made in step S904, it is determined in step S906 whether or not the 7RS flag is set on with reference to the winning type random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable holding area. If an affirmative determination is made in step S906, that is, if “7RS”, 7RS pattern setting processing is performed in step S907. After step S907, the process proceeds to step S914.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S906, that is, if “7RN”, the 7RN pattern setting process is performed in step S908. After step S908, the process proceeds to step S914.

  Also, if a negative determination is made in step S902 or step S903, that is, if it is determined that it is not a big hit, in step S909, the reach random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable holding area is taken into consideration, and the front and rear flags (FIG. It is determined whether or not (see 16 reach determination processing) is ON. If the determination in step S909 is affirmative, that is, if “rearward / rearward reach”, the front / rear reach pattern setting process is performed in step S910, and then the process proceeds to step S914.

  If a negative determination is made in step S909, in step S911, the reach random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable holding area is taken into consideration, and it is determined whether or not the other flags are on. If an affirmative determination is made in step S911, that is, if “reach other than front / rear out”, a reach pattern setting process other than front / rear is performed in step S912, and then the process proceeds to step S914.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S911, that is, if it is “completely out”, a deviation variation pattern setting process is performed in step S913, and then the process proceeds to step S914.

  In step S914, start setting processing is performed to indicate that a condition for performing switching display (variation display) is established in the special display devices 43L and 43R. In the start setting process, the first display flag indicating whether or not the variable display is being performed on the special display devices 43L and 43R is turned on, and the first display timer setting process is performed.

  The first display timer is a means for measuring the variation time (residual time for variation display) in the special display devices 43L and 43R, and is considered when determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the beginning of the variation display. . In addition, the value corresponding to the variation pattern selected by the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is set as the variation display time of the special display devices 43L and 43R in the present embodiment. Based on the setting of the first display timer, when a control signal for starting the switching display (variation display) is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the next external output process of the normal process. In the special display devices 43L and 43R, switching display (variation display) is started. The sub-control device 262 that has received the variation pattern command and the symbol command starts variation display in the decorative symbol display device 42 based on the variation pattern command simultaneously with the start of variation of the special display devices 43L and 43R. Simultaneously with the stop display of 43L and 43R, the variable display on the decorative symbol display device 42 is stopped and displayed by a combination of symbols based on the symbol command. After step S914 ends, the variable display setting process ends.

  In the present embodiment, the process of acquiring the value of the big hit random number counter C1 in steps S504 and S512 of the start winning process and storing it in the special fluctuation holding area, the jackpot determination process in steps S505 and 513, and the fluctuation display setting process The winning / losing lottery is configured by the processing of steps S901 to S903 in which various jackpot flags are set based on the winning / losing flag.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 18, if an affirmative determination is made in step S <b> 802, that is, if the variable display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S <b> 812, and the first display timer is subtracted. Each time this process is performed, the value of the first display timer is subtracted by 4 msec. For example, when the fluctuation time is 10 seconds (10000 msec), “2500” is set for the first display timer, and 1 is subtracted every 4 msec.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S813, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed with reference to the value of the first display timer after the subtraction. At this time, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the first display timer becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S813.

  When a negative determination is made in step S813, in step S817, a switching display setting for continuously performing switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed, and this process is terminated. Based on the setting contents of the switching display setting, a control signal for switching display is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the external output processing in the next normal processing. Thereby, the switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R is realized at the timing of the first display control process, that is, every 4 ms.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S813, the first display flag is turned off in step S814, and stop display setting for performing stop display in the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed in step S815. Based on the setting contents of the stop display setting, a control signal for performing stop display is output to the special display devices 43L and 42R in the external output process in the next normal process. That is, stop display is performed in a stop mode corresponding to each jackpot type or loss. In addition, a control signal to stop display of the decorative symbol display device 42 is also output to the sub-control device 262. Thereby, the synchronization of the stop timings of the special display devices 43L and 42R and the decorative symbol display device 42 is ensured. However, since the stop mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 has already been determined by the sub-control device 262 based on the symbol command or the variation pattern command output at the start of the variable display, information regarding the stop mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 is again obtained. There is no need to add. Again, the display is mainly the stop display by the special display devices 43L and 43R, and the display of the decorative symbols by the decorative symbol display device 42 is only auxiliary (for production). Yes.

  Subsequently, after the discrimination information setting process is performed in step S816, the present process is terminated. Here, the discrimination information setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag (16RS flag, 7RS flag, 7RN flag) indicating the occurrence of the jackpot state is set on by taking into account the random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable suspension area. To do. When an affirmative determination is made in step S1001, the process proceeds to a process for performing the initial setting of the jackpot state in step S1002 and subsequent steps. That is, in step S1002, it is determined whether or not the 16RS flag is set to ON by taking into consideration the validity random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable suspension area.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1002, “16” is set in a round number counter for determining the number of rounds executed during the jackpot state (the number of times the variable winning device 32 is opened) in step S1003. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1002, “7” is set in the round number counter in step S1004. After step S1003 or step S1004, the process proceeds to step S1005.

  In step S1005, “1” is set for the jackpot status storage area. In the subsequent step S1006, for example, a value “2000” corresponding to an opening period of 8 seconds is set for the first variable timer used for the control in the big hit state (opening / closing control of the variable winning device 32). Subsequently, in step S1007, “8” indicating the maximum number of balls entered per round is set to “8” for the winning counter for counting the number of game balls that have entered the variable winning device 32. . The value of the winning counter is determined based on the detection information of the count switch 223 to determine whether or not there is a ball entering the variable winning device 32 in the switch reading process of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 11). When it is determined that there has been an incoming ball, 1 is subtracted.

  Then, in step S1008, an opening command for notifying the sub-control device 262 of the start of the jackpot state is set. The opening command includes jackpot type information and the like, and the sub-control device 262 can grasp the total number of rounds in the jackpot state. After step S1008, this process ends.

  In addition, in the jackpot state, the promotion effect of the appearance of the jackpot type, etc. (for example, when an even number of blue eyes are stopped on the decorative symbol display device 42, “7RS” or “16RS” is won in the jackpot state immediately after Or instructing that “16RS” has been won in the jackpot state immediately after the odd symbol is stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42). .

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1001, that is, if it is determined as “out”, the process proceeds to step S1009. In step S1009, it is determined whether or not the value set in the mode storage area is “12” indicating that it is the time reduction mode, that is, whether or not it is the time reduction mode. If a negative determination is made in step S1009, the present process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1009, in step S1010, 1 is subtracted from the value of the variation counter in order to measure the duration of the time reduction mode. As will be described later, in this embodiment, “100” is set in the variation counter at the end of the big hit state of “7RN”, and the variation display of the special display devices 43L and 43R (decorated symbol display device 42) is performed once. Every time it is read, 1 is subtracted in step S1010.

  In a succeeding step S1011, it is determined whether or not the value of the variation counter is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S1011, that is, if the variable display has not been performed 100 times in the special display devices 43L and 43R (decorated symbol display device 42) after the time reduction mode is started, the present processing is continued. Exit.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1011, "11" indicating the normal mode is set in the mode storage area in step S1012. That is, when the variable display is performed 100 times on the special display devices 43L and 43R, the time reduction mode ends and the mode is shifted to the normal mode. After this step S1012, this process ends.

  Next, the variable winning device control process in step S206 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the value set in the jackpot status storage area is “0”, thereby determining whether or not the status is a status other than the jackpot status. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, that is, if the jackpot state is not reached, this processing is terminated as it is. Incidentally, at the start of the jackpot state, “1” is set in the jackpot status storage area in the discrimination information setting process.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1201, that is, if the jackpot state is in effect (if any of “1” to “3” is set in the jackpot status storage area), the process proceeds to step S1202. Subtract 1 from the value of the first variable timer. Incidentally, at the start of the big hit state, “2000” is set in the first variable timer in the discrimination information setting process.

  In a succeeding step S1203, it is determined whether or not the value of the first variable timer is “0”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1203, it is determined in step S1204 whether or not “1” is set in the jackpot status storage area.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1204, “2” is set for the jackpot status storage area in step S1205. In step S1206, a value “7500” corresponding to the time (30 seconds) for maintaining the variable winning device 32 in the open state is set for the first variable timer.

  After step S1206, in step S1207, the variable winning device 32 is opened, and in step S1208, a round command is set to inform the sub-control device 262 that the round is to be started. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1204, it is determined in step S1209 whether or not “3” is set in the jackpot status storage area. As will be described in detail later, when all rounds in the jackpot state are completed and the ending period is started, “3” is set for the jackpot status storage area. If a negative determination is made in step S1209, that is, if it is not yet time to end the jackpot state, 1 is subtracted from the value of the round number counter in step S1210.

  In a succeeding step S1211, it is determined whether or not the value of the round number counter is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S1211, that is, if there is still a round to be executed, the process proceeds to step S1212 and "1" is set for the jackpot status storage area. Thereafter, in step S1213, a value “1000” corresponding to the interval time (4 seconds) is set for the first variable timer, and in step S1214, “8” is set for the winning counter. Further, in step S1215, the variable winning device 32 is closed, and in step S1216, an interval command for informing the sub-control device 262 that the interval is to be started is set. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1203, that is, if there remains a time (open time or close time) in which the variable winning device 32 should be kept open or closed, the process proceeds to step S1217, and the variable winning device 32 is variable. It is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter for measuring the number of balls entered into the winning device 32 is “0”. The winning counter is set to “8”, which is the upper limit (specified number) of winnings per round at the start of the big hit state and the start of the interval. Each time one game ball enters the variable winning device 32, 1 is subtracted.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1217, the present process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1217, that is, if the end of the round comes without waiting for the set period of the round to pass, the process proceeds to step S1210. As a result, if eight game balls have entered the variable winning device 32 during one round, the round will end immediately at that point even if the opening period of 30 seconds has not elapsed. Become.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1211, that is, if all rounds in the jackpot state are exhausted, the process moves to step S1218, and "3" is set for the jackpot status storage area. After step S1218, in step S1219, a value “2500” corresponding to the ending time (10 seconds) is set for the first variable timer.

  In subsequent step S1220, "7" is set to the winning counter. Note that when the process of setting the ending after step S1218 is performed in the flow after the positive determination is made in step S1217, the value of the winning counter is “0”. If the value of the winning counter is set to “0” as it is at the start of the ending period, an affirmative determination is made in step S1217 in the variable winning device control process after 4 msec, and the ending period cannot be completed. For this reason, a tentative numerical value other than “0” (“7” in this example) is entered in the winning counter in step S1220 to complete the ending period. Of course, the ending period may be completed by another method.

  After step S1220, in step S1221, a process for closing the variable prize-winning device 32 is performed. In subsequent step S1222, an ending command for informing the sub-control device 262 of information to start ending is set. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  If the determination in step S1209 is affirmative, that is, if it is time to end the jackpot state after the ending period ends, the process proceeds to step S1223 to perform end setting processing. In the end setting process, a mode storage area and a variation counter are set.

  Here, the end setting process will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not the 7RN flag is set on in the winning type random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable suspension area. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1401, a value “12” corresponding to the time reduction mode is set in the mode storage area in step S1402. As a result, the time reduction mode is given after the end of the big hit state.

  In the subsequent step S1403, “100” is set to the variation counter. The variation counter is a means for measuring the duration of the time reduction mode (how many variations are displayed) as described above. In the mode storage area setting process, “12” is set in the mode storage area. Is set, “100” corresponding to 100 fluctuation displays is set as the value of the fluctuation counter. After step S1403, this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1401, that is, if “16RS” or “7RS” is stored in the winning type random number storage area of the execution area of the special variable hold area, in step S1404, the mode storage area Is set to a value “21” corresponding to the probability variation mode. As a result, the probability variation mode is given after the end of the big hit state. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 21, after step S1223, in step S1224, “0” indicating that the jackpot status storage area is not in the jackpot state is set. Thereafter, in step S1225, after setting a jackpot end command for informing the sub-control device 262 that the jackpot state is to be ended, this processing is terminated. The jackpot end command includes the game mode set in the end setting process, the number information of the variation counter, and the like.

  Next, the second display control process of step S207 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  23, in step S2101, the normal symbol display device 41 determines whether or not the second display flag indicating whether or not the variable display is being displayed is on, thereby switching the normal symbol display device 41. It is determined whether or not display (variation display) is in progress. When the second display flag is on, it is considered that the normal symbol display device 41 is in a variable display, and when the second display flag is off, the normal symbol display device 41 stops the variable display. It is considered that the stop display corresponding to the state is in progress.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2101, the process proceeds to step S2102, and it is determined whether or not the value of the normal hold counter Nc is greater than zero. At this time, if the value of the normal hold counter Nc is 0, this processing is terminated as it is.

  If the variable display is not being performed and the value of the normal hold counter Nc> 0, the process proceeds to step S2103. In step S2103, 1 is subtracted from the normal hold counter Nc. In step S2104, a process for shifting the data stored in the normal variation holding area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the holding first to fourth areas of the normally variable holding area to the execution area side. The holding first area → the execution area, the holding second area → The data in each area is shifted such as the first hold area, the third hold area → the second hold area, the fourth hold area → the third hold area.

  Thereafter, in step S2105, start setting processing is executed. In this process, the normal symbol display device 41 performs a process indicating that a condition for performing switching display (variable display) is established. Specifically, the second display timer flag is turned on, and the second display timer setting process is performed. The second display timer is a means for measuring the fluctuation time (residual time) of the fluctuation display performed by the normal symbol display device 41, and is used when determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation display. Is done. In the present embodiment, in the normal mode, since the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display performed by the normal symbol display device 41 is 6 seconds, “1500” is set in the second display timer. In the probability variation mode and the time reduction mode, since the variation time of the normal symbol display device 41 is 2 seconds, “500” is set in the second display timer. Based on the setting in the start setting process, when a control signal for starting the switching display (variation display) is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the next external output process of the normal process, the normal symbol display is performed. Switching display is started in the device 41. As described above, the normal symbol display device 41 is configured to light up and display “O” or “X” as an ordinary symbol. If the displayed symbol is “O”, “X”, “X” "Is switched to" ○ ". Then, after step S2105 ends, the second display control process ends.

  If the determination in step S2101 is affirmative, that is, if the normal symbol display device 41 is performing variable display, the process proceeds to step S2106 to perform a second display timer subtraction process. Each time this process is performed, the count value of the second display timer is decremented by one.

  In step S2107, it is determined whether or not the count value of the second display timer is “0”, that is, whether or not the variation time has elapsed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2107, the second display flag is turned off in step S2108, and normal symbol stop display setting for performing stop display on the normal symbol display device 41 is performed in step S2109. Then, based on the setting contents of the normal symbol stop display setting, a control signal to stop display is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the next external output processing in the normal processing. That is, in the case of winning, the “◯” symbol (winning symbol) is stopped (for example, lit only for a few seconds), and in the case of being off, the “x” symbol is stopped.

  As described above, it is determined whether or not the winning is made based on the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 stored in the execution area of the normal variation holding area. Specifically, “3-8” is the winning value among the numerical values 0-9 of the normal symbol random number counter C4.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S2110, a normal symbol discrimination information setting process is performed, and this process ends. In this process, when the stop display corresponds to winning, a setting process for performing the opening / closing process of the start winning unit 33 is performed. Specifically, the ball entry assist flag is set to ON, the second variable flag is set to ON, the opening time is set to the second variable timer, and the start winning unit 33 (opening / closing member 33c) is driven to the driving number counter. Set (Number of times to open).

  The entry assist flag is discrimination information for discriminating whether or not a process based on winning of the entrance assist lottery is being performed. The second variable flag is determination information for determining whether or not the start winning unit 33 (opening / closing member 33c) is in an open state. The second variable timer is a means for measuring the opening time (remaining time) of the start winning unit 33, and is considered when determining whether or not a specified time has elapsed since the opening start. The driving number counter is a means for measuring the number of times (the remaining number of times) the opening / closing member 33c is opened.

  Various control signals are output to the start winning unit 33 in the next external output process of the normal process based on the ON / OFF state of the second variable flag. When the second variable flag is on, a control signal for opening the opening / closing member 33c is output to the start winning unit 33, and the start winning unit 33 is opened. On the other hand, when the second variable flag is OFF, a control signal for closing the opening / closing member 33c is output to the start winning unit 33, and the starting winning unit 33 is closed (the opening / closing member 33c is closed). , It is impossible to enter the game ball into the lower winning award 33b).

  In the present embodiment, the opening time and the number of opening times of the start winning unit 33 are different between the high pitching state (probability change mode and time reduction mode) and the low pitching state (normal mode). In the present embodiment, in the high pitching state, “500” is set for the second variable timer, and “3” is set for the drive count counter. On the other hand, in the low entry state, “150” is set for the second variable timer, and “1” is set for the drive counter.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S2107, in step S2111 a switching display setting for continuously performing the switching display (variation display) of the normal symbol display device 41 is performed, and this process is terminated. Based on the setting contents of the switching display setting, a control signal for performing switching display is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the external output processing in the next normal processing. Specifically, if the current lighting is “◯”, “×” is displayed, and if “×”, the display is switched to “◯”. Thereby, the switching display (variable display) of the normal symbol display device 41 is realized at the timing of the second display control process, that is, every 4 ms.

  Next, the opportunity handling unit control process in step S208 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  First, in step S2201, it is determined whether or not a ball entry assist flag is on. If a negative determination is made in step S2201, this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2201, 1 is subtracted from the value of the second variable timer in step S2202.

  In a succeeding step S2203, it is determined whether or not the second variable flag is ON. If the determination in step S2203 is affirmative, that is, if the start winning unit 33 (opening / closing member 33c) is in the open state, it is determined in step S2204 whether the value of the second variable timer is “0”. To do. If a negative determination is made in step S2204, that is, if the predetermined opening time of the start winning unit 33 has not yet elapsed, the present process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2204, the process proceeds to step S2205 to turn off the second variable flag. In the subsequent step S2206, 1 is subtracted from the value of the drive number counter. Thereafter, in step S2207, it is determined whether or not the value of the drive number counter is “0”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2207, the ball entry assist flag is turned off in step S2208, and then this process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S2208, that is, the winning entry assist lottery is performed in the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode, and the start winning unit 33 is released three times based on it. If there is a remaining number of times, a value (for example, “100”) corresponding to the interval time is set for the second variable timer in step S2209. After step S2209, this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2203, that is, if it is an interval period during which the start winning unit 33 is opened three times (the starting winning unit 33 is in a closed state), the process proceeds to step S2210. It is determined whether or not the value of the variable timer is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S2210, that is, if the interval period has not yet elapsed, the present process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2210, the second variable flag is turned on in step S2211, and a value corresponding to the open time (“500” in this example) is set in the second variable timer in step S2112. Then, this process is terminated.

  Next, payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. For convenience of explanation, the reception interrupt process will be described first with reference to FIG. 25, and then the main process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process executed by the payout control apparatus 311. The reception interrupt process is a process executed by interruption when the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261. When the payout control device 311 confirms that the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received, the other processing executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 is temporarily waited, and the reception interrupt process is executed. When the reception interrupt process is executed, the command transmitted from the main control device 261 in step S3001 is first stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513, and the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is stored in step S3002. Turns on the command reception flag and ends this reception interrupt processing. As described above, when a command is stored in the command buffer, the storage pointer is referred to and stored in a predetermined storage area, and the storage pointer is stored in order to store the next received command in the next storage area. Is updated.

  In the present embodiment, the reception process of the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is performed by the interrupt process executed when the command is received. For example, as illustrated in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, before the command determination process (step S3201) is performed, it is confirmed whether or not a command is received. If a command is received, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513. The command reception flag may be turned on, and if no command is received, the process may proceed to command determination processing. In such a case, it is confirmed whether or not a command has been received by confirming a port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port at predetermined intervals.

  Next, main processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the main process of the payout control device 311. This main process is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S3101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value set in advance is set in the stack pointer, and an interrupt mode is set. In step S3103, the RAM access is permitted, and in step S3104, an external interrupt vector is set.

  Thereafter, in step S3106, it is determined whether or not occurrence information of power interruption is set in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. If the information on occurrence of power interruption is set in the backup area 513a, a RAM determination value is calculated in step S3107, and in step S3108, whether the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off. No, that is, the validity of the backup is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address in the RAM 513. It should be noted that it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 513 are correctly stored.

  If no power-off occurrence information is set in step S3106, or if a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like) in step S3108, the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 513 after step S3115. Transition.

  In step S3115, the entire area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in step S3116, the initial value of the RAM 513 is set. Thereafter, in step S3117, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S3114 to permit interruption.

  On the other hand, on the condition that the power failure occurrence information is set in step S3106 and the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) is normal in step S3108, the process at the time of power recovery (at the time of power failure recovery) Process). That is, in step S3109, the stack pointer before power-off is restored, power-off occurrence information is cleared in step S3110, and a payout permission flag that permits payout of prize balls is cleared in step S3111. In step S3112, the CPU peripheral device is initialized. In step S3113, the used register is restored from the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. In step S3114, an interrupt is permitted.

  After the interruption is permitted in step S3114, it is determined in the process of step S3122 whether power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a. Here, if the information on occurrence of power supply interruption is set, the power supply is cut off. Therefore, the processing after step S3123 is performed as a power failure process at the time of power supply interruption. In the power failure process, first, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S3123, and a command determination process described later is executed in the next step S3124. Thereafter, the contents of each register used by the CPU 511 are saved in the stack area in step S3125, the stack pointer value is stored in the backup area 513a in step S3126, and the RAM determination value is calculated in step S3127 to calculate the backup area 513a. In step S3128, RAM access is prohibited, and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed. Here, the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in the stack area and work area to be backed up in the RAM 513.

  Note that since the process of step S3122 confirms the occurrence information of the power-off after the process performed at the time of turning on the power, the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 is smaller than that in the middle of each process. Less and can be easily memorized. Further, when returning to the state before power-off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a is small, it can be easily restored and the processing load of the payout control device 311 can be reduced. .

  Next, timer interrupt processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This timer interrupt process is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec).

  In the timer interrupt process, first, a command from the main control device 261 is acquired, and a determination process for the command is performed (step S3201). This command determination process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating command determination processing performed by the payout control device 311. In the command determination process (steps S3124 and S3201), first, it is determined whether or not the command reception flag is turned on in step S3301. The command reception flag is turned on when a command transmitted from the main controller 261 is received in the above-described reception interrupt process (see FIG. 25).

  If it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is OFF, a new command has not been received from the main control device 261, and thus this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is on, the received command is read from the RAM 513 in step S3302, and the command reception flag is turned off in step S3303. By turning off the command reception flag in step S3303, the processing in steps S3302 to S3311 can be skipped until a new command is received, so that the control of the payout control device 311 can be reduced.

  The type of command read from the RAM 513 is determined in the processing of step S3304 to step S3306. In step S3304, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout initialization command. In step S3305, it is determined whether or not it is a payout return command. In step S3306, it is determined whether the command is a prize ball command. It is determined whether or not.

  If the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is a payout initialization command, it is determined in step S3307 whether or not the payout permission flag has already been turned on. If the payout permission flag has been turned off, the main power is turned on. Since the initialization of the RAM 513 is instructed from the control device 261, the work area (area) other than the stack area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0 in step S3308, and the initial value of the RAM 513 is set in step S3309. Thereafter, in step S3311, the payout permission flag is turned on, and the payout permission for the winning ball is set.

  As described above, the main controller 261 performs initialization processing of the RAM 503 after transmitting the payout initialization command, and the payout control device 311 initializes processing of the RAM 513 after receiving the payout initialization command. Therefore, the timing at which the RAM 503 is initialized and the timing at which the RAM 513 is initialized are substantially at the same time. Therefore, even if the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261 due to a shift in the initialization timing, the RAM 513 is initialized, and control corresponding to the received command cannot be performed. The occurrence of adverse effects can be prevented. In addition, since the payout permission flag is turned on after the RAM 513 is initialized, it is possible to reliably set the payout allowance for prize balls.

  On the other hand, if the payout permission flag has already been turned on in step S3307, the command determination process is terminated without clearing the work area of the RAM 513 and the initialization process of the RAM 513. That is, the processing in step S3307 prohibits initialization of the RAM 513 with the payout permission flag set. The payout initialization command is a command that is transmitted only when the RAM erase switch 323 is turned on when the power is turned on. Therefore, the payout initialization command is not received in a state where the payout permission flag is turned on. It is conceivable that the payout control device 311 has recognized the payout initialization command due to the influence of noise or the like. Therefore, if the work area of the RAM 513 is cleared (step S3308) and the initial value setting of the RAM 513 (step S3309) is executed in a state where the payout permission flag is turned on, the payout is not made when a prize ball remains. Although an adverse effect occurs and causes a loss to the player, since the RAM 513 is prevented from being initialized while the payout permission flag is turned on, it is possible to prevent the player from being lost.

  Further, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout return command (step S3304: NO, step S3305: YES), the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power cut-off. In order to permit the payout of the prize ball, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311. That is, when there is information on occurrence of power interruption and the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power interruption, the payout of the prize ball is permitted. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3311, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so the read pointer is changed to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. Updated.

  Further, if the command transmitted from main controller 261 is a prize ball command (step S3305: NO, step S3306: YES), the received prize ball number is added to the total prize ball number and stored in step S3310. In order to permit the payout of prize balls, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311. At this time, the payout control device 311 sequentially reads out the prize ball commands stored in the command buffer (ring buffer), and adds the number of prize balls corresponding to the command to the total number of prize balls stored in a predetermined buffer area. And remember. Since a prize ball corresponding to the number of prize balls is paid out based on the prize ball command transmitted from the main controller 261, the prize ball command is a payout instruction command for instructing the prize ball to be paid out. . In addition, when a winning ball command is received, the payout permission is immediately set, so that the winning ball can be paid out early for winning. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3311, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so the read pointer is changed to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. Updated.

  Note that the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is not a payout initialization command (step S3304: NO), is not a payout return command (step S3305: NO), and is not a prize ball command (step S3306: NO), The command determination process is terminated without turning on the payout permission flag.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. When the command determination process ends, it is determined in step S3202 whether or not the payout permission flag is turned on in the command determination process. Here, if the payout permission flag is not turned on, this processing is ended as it is. That is, it is possible to prevent award balls from being paid out before a command is transmitted from the main controller 261.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S3202, the launch permission is set for the launch control device 312 in step S3203, the state return switch 321 is checked in step S3204, and the state return operation is determined to be started. Perform a return operation. With this process, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, for example, when the payout motor is clogged, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse to eliminate the ball clogging (return to the normal state). .

  Thereafter, in step S3205, setting of the lower plate full state or the lower plate full state is performed according to the change in the state of the lower plate 15. That is, when the lower pan 15 is determined to be full by the detection signal of the lower pan full switch, when the lower pan is full, the lower pan full state is set, and when the lower pan is full , Set the lower pan full release state. In step S3206, setting of a tank ball absence state (out of ball state) or a tank ball absence release state (ball state) is executed in accordance with a change in the state of the tank ball. In other words, the tank ball no switch state is determined based on the detection signal of the tank ball no switch, and the special setting for the absence of the tank ball and the setting for the no tank ball state are executed. Perform configuration.

  Thereafter, in step S3207, for example, the presence / absence of a state to be notified, such as an error state, is determined.

  Subsequently, a payout control process for prize balls and rental balls is executed. Specifically, a payout number setting process is performed in step S3208, a motor control state acquisition process is performed in step S3209, and a motor drive process is performed in step S3210.

  In step S3211, the state return switch 321 is checked to execute the ball removal process by driving the payout motor 358a on the condition that the ball removal disabled state is not set and the ball removal operation is not started. In a succeeding step S3212, the control of the vibrator 360 (vibration motor control) is executed on condition that the ball is clogged. Thereafter, the process returns to the beginning of the timer interrupt process.

  Next, normal processing of the sub-control device 262 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S3901, the port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port 554 is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is received.

  If a command has been received, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553 in step S3902. The command buffer of the RAM 553 is a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main control device 261. The ring buffer has a predetermined storage area, and commands are stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of the storage area. When commands are stored in all storage areas, the ring buffer is at the start of the storage area. The return command is configured to be updated. Therefore, when the command is stored and when the command is read, the storage pointer and the read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and the command is stored and read based on each pointer.

  In the subsequent step S3903, a hold information storage process for storing the information of the advance command output from the main control device 261 in the hold information storage area provided in the RAM 553 is performed. Note that, as described above, the starting command indicates information indicating whether the winning winning opening 33a or the lower winning opening 33b is a variation display triggered by the ball, or whether it is variation information corresponding to the jackpot. Information, information indicating the jackpot type, and information indicating the type of reach are included.

  The hold information storage area includes a first hold information storage area and a second hold information storage area each having four hold areas (holding first to holding fourth areas), like the special variable holding area of the main controller 261. 1 execution area. In the first hold information storage area, in accordance with the reception history of the advance command based on the first change display (information stored in the first special change hold area), information on whether or not the jackpot, jackpot type, and reach type Such variation information is stored in time series. In the second hold information storage area, the change information is stored in time series in accordance with the reception history of the preceding command based on the second change display (information stored in the second special change hold area). By adopting this configuration, information on the first variation display (variation information) triggered by entering the top winning opening 33a and information on the second variation display triggered by entering the bottom winning entrance 33b As a result, the sub-control device 262 can grasp the fluctuation information stored in the first and second special fluctuation hold areas of the main control device 261.

  Hereinafter, the hold information storage process will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S4101, it is determined whether or not a starting command has been received (whether or not the starting command has been stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553). If a negative determination is made in step S 4101, the present process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S4101, it is determined in step S4102 whether or not the starting command corresponds to a ball entering the lower winning opening 33b (variation information stored in the second special variation holding area). Is determined. If a negative determination is made here, that is, if the starting command corresponds to a ball entering the top winning opening 33a (variation information stored in the first special variation holding area), in step S4103, the first command An up fluctuation holding counter Nd that counts the number of fluctuation information held in the holding information storage area is incremented by one.

  In the subsequent step S4104, information on whether or not the jackpot is included in the advance command, information on the jackpot type, information on the reach type and the like are stored in the first reserved area in the first holding information storage area.

  In subsequent step S4105, notice information storage processing is performed. In other words, in the present embodiment, there may be intentional derivations of effects related to each other in a plurality of continuous variable displays (so-called “continuous notice” is performed). Here, the value of the continuous notice counter for determining whether to perform continuous notice and the value of the notice type counter for determining the type of continuous notice are acquired, and the counter value is stored in the first hold information Among the areas, the change information is stored in the newly stored reservation area in step S4104.

  The continuous notice counter is configured as a loop counter that is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 49, for example, and reaches the upper limit (that is, 49) and then returns to 0 that is the lower limit. The continuous notice counter is periodically updated, and the value of the continuous notice counter is stored in the corresponding counter buffer (continuous notice counter buffer) each time.

  The notice type counter is configured as a loop counter that is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 9, for example, and reaches the upper limit (that is, 9) and then returns to 0 that is the lower limit. The notice type counter is periodically updated, and each time the value of the notice type counter is stored in the corresponding counter buffer (notice type counter buffer).

  In the notice information storage process, when the variation information is stored in the hold information storage area, the values of the continuous notice counter and the notice type counter stored in the successive notice counter buffer and the notice type counter buffer are acquired. The Rukoto. Further, each of the holding area and the execution area of the holding information storage area is provided with a continuous notice flag that is turned on when it is determined that a continuous notice is to be derived.

  In the present embodiment, the ROM 552 is provided with a notice success / failure determination table that is taken into consideration when determining whether or not to carry out continuous notice, and a notice table that is taken into consideration when determining the mode of continuous notice. A plurality of advance notice determination tables and advance notice tables are provided, and the advance notice determination table and the advance notice table to be considered are selected according to the variation information.

  After step S4105, in step S4106, one of the first hold lamps 46a in the off state (for example, the leftmost lamp among the four first hold lamps 46a that is turned off) is turned on. State. The first holding lamp 46a of the present embodiment emits blue light. In a succeeding step S4107, a continuous notice lottery process for determining whether or not to execute a continuous notice is performed, and then this process is terminated.

  In the continuous notice lottery process of step S4107, when the value of the up fluctuation hold counter Nd is “2” or more, the big hit is based on the value of the continuous notice counter newly stored in the first hold information storage area. It is determined whether or not the continuous notice is to be executed with reference to the notice success / failure determination table corresponding to the type, the reach type, and the game mode. Furthermore, when it is determined to execute the continuous notice, the notice table corresponding to the jackpot type, reach type, or game mode based on the value of the notice type counter newly stored in the first hold information storage area To determine whether to execute the continuous notice. In addition, the continuous notice flag is turned on for all the holding areas in which the variation information is stored among the holding areas of the first holding information storage area. However, the continuous notice flag in the execution area is not turned on.

  Further, if a negative determination is made in step S4102, that is, if the starting command corresponds to a ball entering the lower winning opening 33b (variation information stored in the second special variation holding area), step Proceeding to S4108, the lower fluctuation hold counter Ne for counting the number of fluctuation information held in the second hold information storage area is incremented by one.

  Thereafter, in step S4109, the information on whether or not the jackpot is included in the advance command, the jackpot type information, the reach type information, etc., is stored in the first reserved area in the second reserved information storage area. . In subsequent step S4110, the value of the continuous notice counter and the value of the notice type counter are acquired, and the counter value is stored in the reserved area in which the variation information is newly stored in step S4109 in the second reserved information storage area.

  After step S4110, in step S4111, one of the second hold lamps 46b in the extinguished state is turned on (for example, the leftmost lamp among the four second lamps 46b that is extinguished). And The second holding lamp 46b of the present embodiment emits red light. In subsequent step S4112, a continuous notice lottery process for determining whether or not to execute a continuous notice is performed, and this process is terminated. Note that the continuous advance notice lottery process in step S4112 merely corresponds to the advance notice lottery process in step S4107 for entering the lower winning opening 33b, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 29, after step S3903 or when a negative determination is made in step S3901, the process proceeds to step S3904, whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached, that is, the start of the previous normal process It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (2 msec in this example) has elapsed since the start. If the predetermined time has already elapsed, the process proceeds to step S3905. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed from the start of the previous normal process, the process proceeds to step S3912.

  In step S3905, various counter update processes are executed. The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 uses various counter information when displaying decorative symbols. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 30, the upper, middle, and lower symbols used for setting the out-of-place design symbols CO, the upper symbol display area, the middle symbol display area, and the lower symbol display area. Each symbol counter CL, CM, CR is used. The symbol counters CL, CM, CR are configured such that register values are added using an R register (refresh register) in the CPU 551, and as a result, the numerical values change randomly.

  The jackpot decoration symbol counter CO determines a symbol when the fluctuation symbol of the decoration symbol display device 42 stops when the jackpot state occurs (in this embodiment, as a jackpot decoration symbol counter CO). 9 (0 to 8) counter values are prepared. That is, the jackpot decorative symbol counter CO is incremented by 1 in order within a range of 0 to 8, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 8), returns to 0.

  Then, when the symbol command transmitted from the main control device 261 is “AA11” indicating that the symbol corresponding to the probability variation jackpot is stopped, based on a table (a table for associating the counter value with the decorative symbol), For example, if the counter value is 0, the combination of jackpot symbols is determined in such a way that “1” (the slot) and 1 if it is “2” (the slot). The jackpot decorative symbol counter CO is periodically updated in the counter update process of step S3905, and is read from the counter buffer of the RAM 553 at the timing when the sub-control device 262 receives the symbol command as will be described later. In this embodiment, the jackpot decoration symbol counter CO is stored in the jackpot decoration symbol counter buffer of the RAM 553, but is not stored in the buffer, and the counter value is referred to at the timing when the symbol command is received. It may be.

  Further, when the symbol command is “AA12” indicating that the symbol corresponding to the normal jackpot is to be stopped, for example, if the counter value is 0, 1, it is “2”. The combination of jackpot symbols is determined such that “4” (for doublet), “6” (for doublet) if 5, 6 or “8” (for doublet) if 7, 8 .

  The upper, middle, and lower symbol counters CL, CM, and CR determine the combination of the stopped symbols in the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas when the winning or failing lottery is lost. Since any of the nine decorative symbols is displayed in the column, nine (0 to 8) counter values are prepared for each. A stop symbol in the upper symbol display area is determined by the upper symbol counter CL, a stop symbol in the middle symbol display area is determined by the middle symbol counter CM, and a stop symbol in the lower symbol display area is determined by the lower symbol counter CR.

  In this embodiment, the value of each counter CL, CM, CR is updated at random by using the value of the R register built in the CPU 551. That is, when each symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated, the lower 3 bits of the R register are added to the previous value, and when the addition result exceeds the upper limit value, 8 is subtracted to determine the current value. . Each symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated so that the update times do not overlap, and the combination of these symbol counters CL, CM, CR is the reach / reverse symbol buffer of the RAM 553, the reach symbol buffer other than the front / rear out, and the complete Stored in one of the off symbol buffers.

  Here, the update process of each symbol counter CL, CM, CR will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 31, in step S4001, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the upper symbol counter CL. In step S4002, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the middle symbol counter CM. The upper, middle, and lower symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are configured to be sequentially updated one by one in one update process. Therefore, if the lower symbol counter CR has been updated in the previous update process, an affirmative determination is made in step S4001. If the upper symbol counter CL has been updated in the previous update process, an affirmative determination is made in step S4002. If it is time to update the upper symbol counter CL (YES in step S4001), the process proceeds to step S4003 to update the upper symbol counter CL. If the update time of the medium symbol counter CM (step S4002 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4004 to update the medium symbol counter CM. Further, if it is time to update the lower symbol counter CR (both steps S4001 and S4002 are NO), the process proceeds to step S4005 to update the lower symbol counter CR. In updating the symbol counters CL, CM, CR in steps S4003 to S4005, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous counter value, and when the addition result exceeds the upper limit value, 8 is subtracted, The calculation result is set as the current value of the off symbol counters CL, CM, CR.

  According to the above-described CL, CM, and CR update processing, the upper, middle, and lower symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated one by one in a single update process, and the update times of the counter values overlap. There is no. Thereby, every time the update process is executed three times, one set of the symbol counters CL, CM, CR is updated.

  Thereafter, in step S4006, it is determined whether or not the combination of the updated symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is a combination of reach symbols (the symbols in the upper symbol display area and the symbols in the lower symbol display area are the same). If it is determined that the combination is a reach symbol (YES in S4006), then in step S4007, it is a combination of jackpot symbols (the symbols in the upper and lower symbol display areas are the same as the symbols in the middle symbol display area). Is determined. If an affirmative determination is made in step S4007, this combination is terminated without storing the combination of symbol counters CL, CM, and CR in the RAM 553.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S4007, it is determined in step S4008 whether or not the combination of symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is a combination of symbols that are out of front and rear. If the symbol counters CL, CM, CR are a combination of symbols that are out of front / rear (front / rear out of reach) (YES in S4008), the process proceeds to step S4009 and the combination of symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time is The stored data is stored in the outreach symbol buffer and the process is terminated. If the symbol counters CL, CM, CR are a combination of symbols other than front / rear detachment (reach other than front / rear detachment) (NO in S4008), the process proceeds to step S4010, and the combination of symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time is combined. Is stored in the reach symbol buffer except for the back and forth detachment of the RAM 553, and the process is terminated.

  Further, if the combination is other than the reach symbol (NO in S4006), the combination of the off symbol counters CL, CM, CR is the combination of the off symbol (completely off symbol). The combination of the time-out symbol counters CL, CM, CR is stored in the complete symbol buffer of the RAM 553, and the process is completed.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 29, a hold process is performed in step S3906. Hereinafter, the hold process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S4201, it is determined whether or not a variation pattern command is received (whether or not the variation pattern command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553). If an affirmative determination is made in step S4201, it is determined in step S4202 whether or not the value of the downward fluctuation hold counter Ne is greater than “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S4202, that is, if the fluctuation information of the second fluctuation display is not stored, the process proceeds to step S4203, and the value of the upper fluctuation holding counter Nd is decremented by one.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the second variation display is preferentially digested over the first variation display, and when the second variation display is stored on hold, the first variation display is digested. Never happen. That is, when the variation information of the second variation display is suspended and stored in the second suspension information storage area, the variation pattern command corresponding to the first variation display is not sent. For this reason, in this embodiment, in step S4202, it is determined whether or not the value of the downward fluctuation hold counter Ne is larger than “0”, so that the fluctuation pattern command is displayed in the first fluctuation display and the second fluctuation display. Which variation information is included is determined. Of course, the variation pattern command is provided with information indicating which variation information of the first variation display or the second variation display is supported, and based on the variation pattern command, the variation pattern command is displayed in the first variation display and It may be determined which variation information of the second variation display is included.

  After step S4203, in step S4204, a process of shifting data stored in the first hold information storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data (including the continuous notice flag) stored in the hold first to fourth areas of the first hold information storage area to the execution area side. The data in each area is shifted, such as execution area, second hold area, first hold area, third hold area, second hold area, fourth hold area, third hold area.

  In the following step S4205, one of the first hold lamps 46a that are lit (for example, the rightmost one of the lit first hold lamps 46a) is turned off. After step S4205, the process proceeds to step S4209.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S4202, that is, if even one piece of variation information of the second variation display is retained, in step S4206, 1 is subtracted from the value of the lower variation suspension counter Ne.

  In a succeeding step S4207, a process for shifting the data stored in the second hold information storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the hold first to fourth areas of the second hold information storage area to the execution area side. The hold first area → the execution area, the hold second Data in each area is shifted, such as area → holding first area, holding third area → holding second area, holding fourth area → holding third area. In the present embodiment, there is one execution area for the hold information storage area, and the data stored in the first hold information storage area and the second hold information storage area is displayed in a variable manner corresponding to the data. Will be shifted to a common execution area.

  In the subsequent step S4208, one of the second hold lamps 46b that is lit (for example, the rightmost one of the second hold lamps 46b that is lit) is turned off. After step S4208, the process proceeds to step S4209.

  In step S4209, a notice setting process for determining the type of display effect used for continuous notice is performed. In the notice setting processing in step S4209, it is determined whether or not the continuous notice flag (see the continuous notice lottery process in step S4107) in the execution area of the holding information storage area is on. Since this is not performed, this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made, based on the variation information of the variation pattern command, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit, what is the type if it is a big win, and what is the reach type if it is not a big win, etc. The type of continuous notice is determined with reference to the corresponding table. The type of continuous notice determined here is derived at a predetermined timing when the corresponding change display is performed. After step S4209, this process ends.

  In the present embodiment, since the second variation display is preferentially digested over the first variation display, such a first variation is performed when continuous notice is given for a plurality of first variation displays. If there is a ball entering the lower prize opening 33b during the display variation display, the second variation display may interrupt between the plurality of first variation displays, and the continuous notice may be interrupted. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the effect used as the continuous notice is a display effect that can be derived even during normal variable display when the continuous notice is not performed (an effect that can be derived for a single variable display). Is used. For this reason, even if the continuous notice is interrupted, there is no sense of incongruity.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 29, display setting processing is performed in step S3907. Here, based on the information stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553, various arithmetic processes such as generating a display command to be output to the display control device 45 and command output setting are performed. That is, here, the display mode to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 is determined. For example, when a variation pattern command and a symbol command are received, the sub-control device 262 determines a display pattern and the like with reference to the corresponding table based on the variation type, variation time, stop symbol, and the like. Then, control is performed such as outputting the determined items to the display control device 45 as display commands.

  The display control device 45 performs a drawing process in response to a command from the sub-control device 262, and starts the decorative symbol display on the decorative symbol display device. Note that once the variation pattern command is received from the main control device 261, the symbol is coordinated with the sub-control device 262 and the display control device 45 until the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern elapses. Will continue to be displayed.

  Further, when starting the variable display, if the continuous notice flag in the execution area of the hold information storage area (see the continuous notice lottery process in step S4105) is on, each situation is determined based on the fluctuation information of the fluctuation pattern command. Referring to the table corresponding to, the type of the continuous notice to be derived for the variable display is determined, the derivation of the notice effect different from the continuous notice is determined, or the display corresponding to the operation of the effect button 125 is performed. To do. Furthermore, in the display setting process in step S3907, a process for effect control during jackpot (a jackpot display process) is also performed, which will be described later.

  In the lamp setting process in step S3908, the lighting pattern of the lamp / electrical accessories is set in order to synchronize with the display effect performed by the decorative symbol display device 42.

  In the sound setting process in step S3909, the output pattern of the speaker SP is set to synchronize with the display effect performed by the decorative symbol display device 42. In addition, when a voice-related command such as an error notification is transmitted from the main control device 261, settings for performing these controls are also performed in step S3909.

  In step S3910, other processing such as control setting of a waiting-for-waiting effect (for example, a demonstration screen display set to be displayed when a predetermined time elapses without the decorative symbol display device 42 being changed) is performed. Do.

  In step 3911, an external output process for transmitting a control signal based on the setting contents in steps S3905 to 3910 to each device is executed. For example, a display command is transmitted to the display control device 45 when the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the decorative symbol.

  After the processing of steps S3905 to S3911 performed every 2 msec is performed, or when a negative determination is made in step S3904, the process proceeds to step S3912, and whether or not the information on occurrence of power interruption is stored in the RAM 553 is determined. Is determined. The information on the occurrence of power interruption is stored when a power interruption command is received from the main controller 261.

  If the occurrence information of the power interruption is not stored, the process proceeds to step S3913, and it is determined whether or not the RAM 553 is destroyed. If the RAM 553 is not destroyed here, the process returns to step S3901 and the normal process is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the RAM 553 is destroyed, the processing is looped infinitely in order to stop the subsequent processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3912 that the power-off occurrence information is stored, power-off processing is executed in step S3914. In power-off processing, interrupt processing is prohibited and each output port is turned off. Further, the storage of the information on occurrence of power interruption is also erased. After executing the power-off process, the process loops infinitely.

  Next, the jackpot display process performed in the display setting process of step S3907 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S4701, it is determined whether or not an opening command for notifying the start of the big hit state is received from the main control device 261. If an affirmative determination is made in step S4701, in step S4702, the round grasp counter for grasping the number of remaining rounds is set to “16” if it is “16RS” based on the information included in the opening command. If it is “7RS” or “7RN”, “7” is set.

  Thereafter, in step S4703, an opening effect is set for 8 seconds (the image of the decorative symbol display device 42, the sound of the speaker SP, and the lighting state of various lamps), and then the process ends. The sub-control device 262 is provided with a table for storing the correspondence relationship between the jackpot type, the number of remaining rounds, and various effects in the jackpot state, and selects a corresponding effect with reference to the table. And it will be executed.

  If a negative determination is made in step S4701, it is determined in step S4704 whether an interval command has been received. If an affirmative determination is made in step S4704, in step S4705, the effect is set during a round of 30 seconds at the maximum, and then this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S4704, it is determined in step S4706 whether an interval command has been received. If an affirmative determination is made in step S4706, the round grasp counter is decremented by 1 in step S4707, and the effect is set in the interval of 4 seconds in step S4708, and then this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S4706, it is determined in step S4709 whether an ending command has been received. If an affirmative determination is made in step S4709, the round grasp counter is decremented by 1 in step S4710, and the ending effect is set for 10 seconds in step S4711, and then this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S4709, it is determined in step S4712 whether a jackpot end command has been received. If a negative determination is made in step S4712, this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S4712, the ending display is immediately ended in step S4713, and the normal gaming state mode in which the variable display is performed is set. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  In the present embodiment, a maximum of three patterns of sound (BGM and sound effects) can be simultaneously output from the speaker SP as the sound output means. Furthermore, the volume of each voice can be (incidentally) changed by a combination of voice patterns output simultaneously. In the present embodiment, the audio volume is set by the audio control unit 264 as the second control means. That is, a plurality of CPUs 551, ROMs 552, and RAMs 553 (hereinafter simply referred to as sub-control devices 262) of the sub-control device 262 as the first control means based on a variation pattern command from the main control device 261. A pattern to be executed is determined from the prepared voice patterns, and the determined items are output to the voice control unit 264 as voice commands or the like. Then, the voice control unit 264 is configured to perform voice control for outputting the voice of the corresponding pattern from the speaker SP based on the voice command or the like.

  The voice control unit 264 includes a voice ROM serving as a first storage unit that stores voice data of each pattern (a data group indicating the pitch of each voice pattern, length, shortness, and the like) in advance, and outputs the voice data in the voice RAM. A voice pattern storage area is provided as second storage means capable of storing voice information for specifying a voice pattern in the middle.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of sound patterns are divided into a plurality of groups. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 41, each BGM that flows during the variable display of the special display devices 43L and 43R (decorative symbol display device 42) in the normal mode / probability change mode / time reduction mode, as shown in FIG. The fanfare that announces that it has been won, BGM during the jackpot round of “7RS”, and BGM of the ending of “7RS” are assigned to “Group C” as “Normal BGM”.

  In addition, among the sound effects that are appropriately output during the fluctuation display, etc., it is linked with the electric accessory provided on the game board 30, generated in response to the operation of the production button 125, and the expectation for the jackpot occurrence The sound that may be generated in response to the effects on the decorative symbol display device 42 and the like that dramatically increase the degree, and the stop sound of the variable display are assigned to “Group B” as “strong effect sound effects” ing. The sound effect may have a melody or may not have a specified scale.

  Furthermore, among the sound effects, those that have a lower production effect than those of “Group B” (they are not flashy compared to those of “Group B”, and the suggested content has little relation to the occurrence of the jackpot or is reliable. Are assigned to “Group D” as “normal sound effects”.

  In addition, only the sound effect is generated, and it is announced that the jackpot state occurs during the variable display, and in the jackpot state where the jackpot type is not specified, it is actually a probabilistic jackpot (7RS or 16RS). Those that announce this are assigned to “Group K” as “Special Sound Effects”.

  Also, the BGM that flows in the case of a change display when developed into super reach, the BGM that flows in the case of a promotion effect that may occur during the 7R jackpot state (“special effect sound” is output in the case of success), BGM ”is assigned to“ Group A ”.

  Further, the BGM that flows during the jackpot round of “16RS” and the BGM of the ending of “16RS” are assigned to “Group S” as “Premium BGM”. In the present embodiment, the BGM that flows during the jackpot round of “16RS” is configured not only to start flowing after the variable display is stopped, but also to have a pattern that starts to flow during the variable display. In the latter case, it is possible to grasp that the jackpot of “16RS” has been won before the end of the variable display.

  In the present embodiment, the error sound that is output when various error conditions occur is assigned to “Group E”.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, each group is ranked so as to give a superiority or inferiority with respect to the volume of each sound when a plurality of patterns of sounds are output simultaneously. The voice control unit 264 includes a correspondence storage table serving as a correspondence storage unit that indicates a correspondence between a group of voice patterns and a rank of the group. When the voice control unit 264 receives a voice command or the like from the sub-control device 262 (CPU 551), the voice control unit 264 grasps the rank of the corresponding voice pattern and compares it with the rank of the voice pattern that is output at the same time. When they are combined, the volume of the target audio is changed. As shown in FIG. 41, in the present embodiment, “Group S” is “Rank L1”, “Group K” is “Rank L2”, “Group A” and “Group B” are “Rank L3”, “Group C” and “Group D” are “Rank L4”, and “Group E” is “Rank Le”.

  In the present embodiment, the volume of the audio can be set in three stages: a large volume “VH”, a small volume “HL”, and a full mute “V0”. Specifically, the large volume “VH” is 100% of the reference volume, the small volume “HL” is 50%, and the entire mute “V0” is 0%. For example, in the state where only the normal BGM of “rank L4” is output, the volume of the normal BGM is the large volume “VH”, but when the strong effect sound of “rank L3” is output. The normal BGM volume during that period is reduced to the small volume “VL”. The details of volume change (volume setting processing) according to the combination of ranks of voice patterns output at the same time will be described later.

  In addition, the sound pattern storage area of the sound control unit 264 includes three storage areas of the first sound effect channel CH1, the second sound effect channel CH2, and the BGM channel CH3. It is configured to be able to store information. In the present embodiment, each voice pattern can be specified in the form of which group and which pattern. That is, each of the channels CH1 to CH3 stores a group storage area for storing group information indicating a group to which the stored voice pattern belongs, and pattern information for specifying which of the groups the voice pattern is in the group. A rank storage area for storing rank information indicating the rank of the group to which the voice pattern belongs, and a volume storage area for storing volume information indicating the volume.

  In particular, in this embodiment, 2 bytes are used for each channel CH1 to CH3, the upper 4 bits of the upper byte are the group storage area, the lower 4 bits of the upper byte are the pattern storage area, and the upper 4 bits of the lower byte are rank stored. The lower 4 bits of the area and lower byte are a volume storage area. And when audio | voice information is memorize | stored in channel CH1-CH3, an audio | voice pattern is identified with reference to the value memorize | stored in the group storage area and pattern storage area, and audio | voice data corresponding to this audio | voice pattern Is converted into an audio signal and output to an amplifier. At this time, the volume storage area is referred to and the volume is adjusted.

  In this embodiment, the voice command and the like output from the sub-control device 262 to the voice control unit 264 has a 2-byte configuration, the upper byte indicates the command type, and the upper 4 bits of the lower byte indicate group information. The pattern information is indicated by the lower 4 bits. That is, for the corresponding channels CH1 to CH3, the upper 4 bits of the lower byte of the voice command may be stored in the group storage area, and the lower 4 bits of information may be stored in the pattern storage area. However, since rank information and volume information are determined and set by the voice control unit 264, they are not included in the voice command.

  Information indicating that the channel is not used is stored in the channels CH1 to CH3 that are not used (no sound is output). In the present embodiment, grouping and ranking are performed even in a state where no sound is output (silence) in order to align the storage formats in the channels CH1 to CH3. “Group N” is stored in the group storage area of channels CH1 to CH3, and “rank L0” is stored in the rank storage area. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether “rank L0” or other than that is by simply confirming the most significant bit of the group storage area.

  In the present embodiment, the BGM channel CH3 has only BGM audio information, that is, audio information of an audio pattern belonging to any of “group S”, “group A”, “group C”, and “group N”. Is to be memorized. On the other hand, sound information of sound effects is mainly stored in the first and second sound effect channels CH1 and CH2. In particular, the sound information of the special effect sound of “Group K” and the error occurrence sound of “Group E” can be stored only in the first sound effect channel CH1, and the sound information of the strong effect sound effect of “Group B” Can be stored only in the second sound effect channel CH2. In addition, the first and second sound effect channels CH1 and CH2 can also store audio information of “group D” and “group N”, respectively.

  Further, a first sound control timer and a second sound control timer for measuring the remaining output time of the sound effects are provided corresponding to the first sound effect channel CH1 and the second sound effect channel CH2, respectively. . Note that since the audio information stored in the BGM channel CH3 is only BGM audio information that is updated when a command is received from the sub-control device 262, a sound control timer corresponding to the BGM channel CH3 is not provided. However, timers for measuring the progress (progress status) of the voice information stored in each channel CH1 to CH3 are provided corresponding to each channel CH1 to CH3.

  Next, normal processing performed by the voice control unit 264 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S7101, it is determined whether a command from the sub-control device 262 (CPU 551) has been received. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7101, the command is stored in the command buffer of the voice RAM in step S7102. Similar to the RAM 553 of the sub-control device 262, the command buffer of the voice RAM is composed of a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands.

  In the following step S7103, a voice setting process for storing the received command information in the channels CH1 to CH3 of the voice pattern storage area provided in the voice RAM is performed. Here, the voice setting process will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the voice setting process constitutes the pattern storage process.

  First, in step S7201, it is determined whether or not an error occurrence command indicating the occurrence of an error state has been received from the sub-control device 262. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7201, audio information indicating “error” is stored in the first sound effect channel CH1 in step S7202. Incidentally, a value indicating “rank Le” is stored in the rank storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1, and a value indicating “group E” is stored in the group storage area.

  In the subsequent step S7203, a value corresponding to the large volume “VH” is stored in the volume storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1. In step S7204, values corresponding to all mute “V0” are stored in the volume storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2 and the volume storage area of the BGM channel CH3. As a result, only the error occurrence sound is output. After step S7204, this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7201, it is determined in step S7205 whether or not a BGM pause command output from the sub-control device 262 at the time of variable display stop display in the normal mode is received. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7205, “silent” audio information is stored in the BGM channel CH3 in step S7206. Incidentally, a value indicating “rank L0” is stored in the rank storage area of the BGM channel CH3, and a value indicating “group N” is stored in the group storage area. As a result, at least BGM is not output.

  In a succeeding step S7207, a value corresponding to all mute “V0” is stored in the volume storage area of the BGM channel CH3. After step S7207, this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7205, it is determined in step S7208 whether a voice command has been received. If a negative determination is made in step S7208, the present process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S7208, it is determined in step S7209 whether the voice command is “Group S; Premium BGM”.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S7209, that is, when premium BGM is output, in step S7221, audio information corresponding to the group storage area and pattern storage area of the BGM channel CH3 is stored, and “ A value indicating “rank L1” is stored. In the subsequent step S7222, a value corresponding to the large volume “VH” is stored in the volume storage area of the BGM channel CH3. Further, in step S7223, values corresponding to all mute “V0” are stored in the volume storage areas of the first and second sound effect channels CH1 and CH2. That is, no sound effect is output, and only premium BGM is output. After step S7223, this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7209, it is determined in step S7210 whether the voice command is “group K; special effect sound”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7210, the audio information corresponding to the group storage area and pattern storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1 is stored in step S7211. In a succeeding step S7212, a value corresponding to the output time of the sound pattern is set for the first sound control timer. That is, the sound effect pattern and the output time thereof are associated with each other, and a value corresponding to the output time is set with reference to a table indicating the correspondence relationship.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to the volume setting process in step S7213. After the volume setting process is performed, this process ends. Details of the volume setting process will be described later.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7210, it is determined in step S7214 whether the voice command is “Group D; normal sound effect”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7214, in step S7215, whether or not the first sound effect channel CH1 is “vacant”, that is, whether or not a value indicating “rank L0” is stored in the rank storage area. (Or whether or not a value indicating “group N” is stored in the group storage area).

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S7215, audio information corresponding to the group storage area and pattern storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1 is stored in step S7211, and in step S7212, the audio information is stored in the first sound control timer. After setting a value corresponding to the output time of the pattern, the process proceeds to step S7213.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7215, whether or not a value indicating “Group B; strong effect sound effect” is stored in the group storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2 (or in the rank storage area). Whether or not a value indicating “rank L3” is stored is determined. If a negative determination is made in step S7216, that is, the sound information of any sound pattern belonging to “group D” is stored in the second sound effect channel CH2, or the second sound effect channel CH2 is “empty”. In step S7217, audio information corresponding to the group storage area and pattern storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2 is stored, and in step S7218, the output time of the audio pattern is stored in the second sound control timer. After the corresponding value is set, the process proceeds to step S7213.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S7216, that is, if higher-rank audio information than “group D” is stored in both the first and second sound effect channels CH1 and CH2, the present The process ends. That is, in this case, a command for outputting a normal sound effect is received, but such a normal sound effect is not output, and the combination of sound patterns being output is not changed.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7214, it is determined in step S7219 whether the voice command is “Group B”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7219, the sound information corresponding to the group storage area and pattern storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2 is stored in step S7217, and the sound is stored in the second sound control timer in step S7218. After setting a value corresponding to the output time of the pattern, the process proceeds to step S7213.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7219, that is, if the voice command is “group A; special BGM” or “group C; normal BGM”, the group storage area and pattern of the BGM channel CH3 in step S7220. After the audio information corresponding to the storage area is stored, the process proceeds to step S7213.

  Next, the volume setting process in step S7213 will be described with reference to FIGS. 37, 38, and 39. FIG. First, in step S7301, it is determined whether or not a value indicating “rank L1” is stored in the rank storage area of the BGM channel CH3. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7301, values indicating all mute “V0” are stored in the volume storage areas of the first and second sound effect channels CH1 and CH2 in step S7302, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7301, it is determined in step S7303 whether or not a value indicating “rank L2” is stored in the rank storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7303, in step S7304, a value indicating the large volume “VH” is stored in the volume storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1.

  In the following step S7305, it is determined whether or not a value indicating “rank L3” is stored in the rank storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7305, a value indicating the small volume “VL” is stored in the volume storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2 in step S7306. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7305, a value indicating all mute “V0” is stored in the volume storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2 in step S7307.

  After step S7306 or step S7307, in step S7308, it is determined whether or not a value indicating “rank L3” is stored in the rank storage area of the BGM channel CH3. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7308, a value indicating the small volume “VL” is stored in the volume storage area of the BGM channel CH3 in step S7309. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7308, a value indicating all mute “V0” is stored in the volume storage area of the BGM channel CH3 in step S7310. After step S7309 or step S7310, this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7303, it is determined in step S7311 whether or not a value indicating “rank L3” is stored in the rank storage area of the BGM channel CH3. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7311, it is determined in step S7312 whether or not a value indicating “rank L3” is stored in the rank storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7312, it is determined in step S7313 whether or not a value indicating “rank L4” is stored in the rank storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7313, in step S7314, a value indicating the small volume “VL” is stored in the volume storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1, and the volume of the second sound effect channel CH2 and the BGM channel CH3. A value indicating the large volume “VH” is stored in the storage area. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7313, in step S7315, values indicating all mute “V0” are stored in the volume storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1, and the second sound effect channel CH2 and the BGM channel CH3 are stored. A value indicating the large volume “VH” is stored in the volume storage area. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7312, it is determined in step S7316 whether or not a value indicating “rank L4” is stored in the rank storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7316, it is determined in step S7317 whether or not a value indicating “rank L4” is stored in the rank storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7317, in step S7318, a value indicating the small volume “VL” is stored in the volume storage areas of the first and second sound effect channels CH1 and CH2, and the volume storage area of the BGM channel CH3. Stores a value indicating the large volume “VH”. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7317, in step S7319, a value indicating all mute “V0” is stored in the volume storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1, and the volume storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2 is stored. Stores a value indicating the small volume “VL”, and stores a value indicating the large volume “VH” in the volume storage area of the BGM channel CH3. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7316, it is determined in step S7320 whether or not a value indicating “rank L4” is stored in the rank storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7320, in step S7321, a value indicating the small volume “VL” is stored in the volume storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1, and all values are stored in the volume storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2. A value indicating the mute “V0” is stored, and a value indicating the large volume “VH” is stored in the volume storage area of the BGM channel CH3. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7320, in step S7322, a value indicating all mute “V0” is stored in the volume storage areas of the first and second sound effect channels CH1 and CH2, and the volume of the BGM channel CH3 is stored. A value indicating the large volume “VH” is stored in the storage area. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7311, it is determined in step S7323 (see FIG. 38) whether or not a value indicating “rank L4” is stored in the rank storage area of the BGM channel CH3. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7323, it is determined in step S7324 whether or not a value indicating “rank L3” is stored in the rank storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7324, it is determined in step S7325 whether or not a value indicating “rank L4” is stored in the rank storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7325, in step S7326, a value indicating the small volume “VL” is stored in the volume storage areas of the first sound effect channel CH1 and the BGM channel CH3, and the volume of the second sound effect channel CH2 is stored. A value indicating the large volume “VH” is stored in the storage area. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7325, a value indicating all mute “V0” is stored in the volume storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1 in step S7327, and the volume storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2 is stored. Stores a value indicating the large volume “VH”, and stores a value indicating the small volume “VL” in the volume storage area of the BGM channel CH3. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7324, it is determined in step S7328 whether or not a value indicating “rank L4” is stored in the rank storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7328, it is determined in step S7329 whether or not a value indicating “rank L4” is stored in the rank storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7329, in step S7330, a value indicating the large volume “VH” is stored in the volume storage areas of the first and second sound effect channels CH1, CH2 and the BGM channel CH3. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7329, in step S7331, a value indicating all mute “V0” is stored in the volume storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1, and the second sound effect channel CH2 and the BGM channel CH3 are stored. A value indicating the large volume “VH” is stored in the volume storage area. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7328, it is determined in step S7332 whether a value indicating “rank L4” is stored in the rank storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7332, the value indicating the large volume “VH” is stored in the volume storage areas of the first sound effect channel CH1 and the BGM channel CH3 in step S7333, and the volume of the second sound effect channel CH2 is stored. A value indicating all mute “V0” is stored in the storage area. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7332, in step S7334, a value indicating all mute “V0” is stored in the volume storage areas of the first and second sound effect channels CH1 and CH2, and the volume of the BGM channel CH3 is stored. A value indicating the large volume “VH” is stored in the storage area. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7323, a value indicating all mute “V0” is stored in the volume storage area of the BGM channel CH3 in step S7335 (see FIG. 39). In the following step S7336, it is determined whether or not a value indicating “rank L3” is stored in the rank storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7336, it is determined in step S7337 whether or not a value indicating “rank L4” is stored in the rank storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7337, in step S7338, a value indicating the small volume “VL” is stored in the volume storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1, and a large value is stored in the volume storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2. A value indicating the volume “VH” is stored. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7337, in step S7339, a value indicating all mute “V0” is stored in the volume storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1, and the volume storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2 is stored. Stores a value indicating the large volume “VH”. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7336, it is determined in step S7340 whether or not a value indicating “rank L4” is stored in the rank storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7340, it is determined in step S7341 whether a value indicating “rank L4” is stored in the rank storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7341, in step S7342, a value indicating the large volume “VH” is stored in the volume storage areas of the first and second sound effect channels CH1 and CH2. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7341, a value indicating all mute “V0” is stored in the volume storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1 in step S7343, and the volume storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2 is stored. Stores a value indicating the large volume “VH”. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7340, it is determined in step S7344 whether or not a value indicating “rank L4” is stored in the rank storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7344, in step S7345, a value indicating the large volume “VH” is stored in the volume storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1, and all values are stored in the volume storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2. A value indicating the mute “V0” is stored. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7344, in step S7346, a value indicating all mute “V0” is stored in the volume storage areas of the first and second sound effect channels CH1 and CH2. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the ranks L2 to L4, when the rank is different by one, the lower-ranked audio volume is set to the small volume “VL”, and when the rank is different, the lower-ranked audio volume is The audio volume is all muted “V0”. Further, when “Premium BGM” is output during the game, all other sounds (sound effects) are set to mute “V0”. However, when an error occurs, only the error occurrence sound is output, and even if “Premium BGM” is set, all mutes are set to “V0”. Note that when all the mutes are caused by the occurrence of premium BGM or error occurrence sound, or when all mutes are caused by two different ranks, the volume storage area is set to a value indicating all mutes “V0”. Although it will be changed, the information stored in the group storage area, pattern storage area, and rank storage area will not be changed with this, if it is a sound effect after the set time has elapsed Alternatively, in the case of BGM, the command is changed upon reception of a command from the sub-control device 262.

  Returning to the description of the normal process in FIG. 35, after step S7103 or when a negative determination is made in step S7101, the process proceeds to step S7104 to determine whether or not the next normal process execution timing has been reached, that is, the previous time. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (2 msec in this example) has elapsed since the start of the normal processing.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S7104, the process proceeds to step S7105 to perform voice management processing. Here, the voice management processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S7401, it is determined whether or not a value indicating “rank Le” set during the output of the error sound is stored in the rank storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7401, it is determined in step S7402 whether or not an error release command has been received from the sub-control device 262. If a negative determination is made in step S7402, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S7402, information (such as a value indicating “rank L0”) set when no sound is output is stored in step S7403 for the first sound effect channel CH1. .

  Thereafter, the volume setting process is performed in step S7404, and then this process ends. The volume setting process is as described above. Then, by performing the volume setting process, the BGM volume is restored.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7401, it is determined in step S7405 whether or not information indicating “rank L0” is stored in the rank storage area of the first sound effect channel CH1. If a negative determination is made in step S7405, that is, if some sound information of sound effects is stored, the value of the first sound control timer is decremented by 1 in step S7406.

  In the following step S7407, it is determined whether or not the value of the first sound control timer has become “0”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7407, that is, if the end timing of the sound (sound effect) output based on the sound information stored in the first sound effect channel CH1 has arrived, in step S7408, Information set when no sound is output is stored for the first sound effect channel CH1.

  Thereafter, a volume setting process is performed in step S7409. The volume setting process is as described above. Then, by performing the volume setting process, the volumes of the other channels CH2 and CH3 are reset when the sound effect corresponding to the first sound effect channel CH1 is not output.

  After step S7409, if a negative determination is made in step S7407 or an affirmative determination is made in step S7405, in step S7410, information indicating “rank L0” in the rank storage area of the second sound effect channel CH2 is displayed. It is determined whether or not it is stored. If a negative determination is made in step S7410, that is, if some sound information of sound effects is stored, the value of the second sound control timer is decremented by 1 in step S7411.

  In a succeeding step S7412, it is determined whether or not the value of the second sound control timer has become “0”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S7412, that is, if the end timing of the sound (sound effect) output based on the sound information stored in the second sound effect channel CH2 has arrived, in step S7413, Information set when no sound is output is stored for the second sound effect channel CH2.

  Thereafter, a volume setting process is performed in step S7414. The volume setting process is as described above. Then, by performing the volume setting process, the volumes of the other channels CH1 and CH3 are reset when the sound effect corresponding to the second sound effect channel CH2 is not output.

  Returning to the description of the normal processing in FIG. 35, in step S7106, audio output processing is performed to output audio corresponding to audio information stored in the channels CH1 to CH3 from the speaker SP. In the audio output process, the audio data corresponding to the audio information stored in each channel CH1, CH2, CH3 of the audio pattern storage area is read from the audio ROM, the audio data is converted into an audio signal, and the volume storage area is stored. If necessary, adjust the volume according to the contents and output to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the audio signal to a set level and generates audio from the speaker SP.

  As described above, after the processing of step S7105 and step S7106 performed every 2 msec is executed, or when a negative determination is made in step S7104, the processing returns to step S7101, and the normal processing is repeatedly executed. The

  Next, specific examples of the relative relationship of volumes by combinations of voice patterns output simultaneously, that is, by combinations of voice information (rank information) stored in the respective channels CH1, CH2, and CH3 of the voice pattern storage area I will give you a description.

  As shown in FIG. 42, first, when a fluctuation start command is received at the timing “t1” from the silent state in which the demonstration screen display is performed in the normal mode, the normal BGM should be output. The BGM channel CH3 is set to a large volume “VH”. On the other hand, the first and second sound effect channels CH1 and CH2 remain all mute “V0”. After that, with the derivation of the weak notice at the timing “t2”, the first sound effect channel CH1 is also set to the large volume “VH” to output the normal sound effect. Further, the second sound effect channel CH2 is set to the large volume “VH” for outputting the strong effect sound effect at the timing “t3”, and accordingly, the first sound effect channel CH1 and the BGM channel CH3 are set to the small volume. “VL”. When the output period of the normal sound effect and the strong effect sound effect ends at the timing of “t4”, the BGM channel CH3 returns to the large volume “VH”.

  Thereafter, in order to output the stop sound of the variable display when the variable display is stopped, the large volume “VH” is set to the second sound effect channel CH2, and the BGM channel CH3 that is outputting the stop sound has the small volume “VL”. " Furthermore, at the fluctuation stop timing “t5”, the BGM channel CH3 is set to all mute “V0” based on the fluctuation stop command.

  When the fluctuation start command is received again at the timing of “t6”, the BGM channel CH3 is set to the large volume “VH” to output the normal BGM. Thereafter, if the strong effect sound is output at the timing “t7” with the occurrence of the reach state, the second sound effect channel CH2 is set to the large volume “VH”. Since the special BGM of “rank L3” is stored in the BGM channel CH3 together with the reach, even if a strong effect sound effect is set in the second sound effect channel CH2, the BGM volume does not decrease.

  Thereafter, when a big hit notification sound of “rank L2” is generated at the timing “t8” during the output of the strong effect sound effect, the large volume “VH” is set to the first sound effect channel CH1, and the second sound effect channel is set. A small volume “VL” is set to CH2 and BGM channel CH3. When the output of the big hit notification sound and the strong effect sound is finished at the timing “t9”, the BGM channel CH3 returns to the large volume “VH”. After that, after outputting a variable stop sound, a fanfare (usually BGM) that announces the start of the seventh round jackpot state flows at timing “t10”, and the jackpot round in which the variable winning device 32 is opened and closed from timing “t11” (Normal BGM) is started. During this time, since only BGM is output, the BGM channel CH3 maintains the large volume “VH”.

  In addition, when a promotion effect (special BGM) that may be announced that it is actually a promising jackpot occurs at the timing “t12” during the jackpot, and when a promotion notification occurs at the timing “t13”, the first sound effect The channel CH1 is set to the large volume “VH”, and the BGM channel CH3 is set to the small volume “VL” while the promotion notification sound is output. In addition, since the special BGM of “rank 3” is stored in the BGM channel CH3 during the timing “t12” to “t15” when the promotion effect is performed, the promotion notification sound is set in the second sound effect channel CH2. But the volume will never be muted.

  After that, the volume of the BGM channel CH3 returns to “VH” at the timing “t14” when the promotion notification is finished, the timing of the ending start of “t16”, the end of the big hit state of “t17”, and the start of the fluctuation display At timing, audio information corresponding to each of the BGM channels CH3 is set (the volume is maintained at “VH”).

  In a state in which the 7R probability variation jackpot is passed and the mode is shifted to the probability variation mode, the variation display started at the timing “t17” is stopped at the timing “t18” and then the next variation display is started at the timing “t19”. During this time, BGM continues to be output without interruption.

  In addition, a normal sound effect is generated with the occurrence of the reach state at timing “t20”, a strong effect sound effect is generated according to the operation of the effect button 125 at timing “t21”, and the timing is generated as a response to the operation of the effect button 125. When premium BGM occurs at “t22”, the BGM channel CH3 is set to the large volume “VH” and the first sound effect channel CH1 is set to the small volume “VL” at the timing “t20”, and the channel CH1 is set at the timing “t21”. The volume of CH3 is not changed, and the second sound effect channel CH2 is set to a large volume “VH”. Further, when the premium BGM audio information is stored in the BGM channel CH3 at the timing “t22”, the first and second sound effect channels CH1 and CH2 are all muted “V0”.

  After that, the fluctuation display ends at the timing “t23”, and there is a break such as the start of the big hit round of the 16R jackpot state at the timing “t24”, but the premium BGM output from the timing “t22” in the reach state is Basically, it continues to output until the big hit ending without interruption. When an error occurs at timing “t25”, the first sound effect channel CH1 is set to a large volume “VH” and the BGM channel CH3 is set to all mutes “V0” in order to output an error occurrence sound. .

  In this embodiment, the premium BGM is a melody with the first and second lyrics, and as described above, when the premium BGM is started from the middle of the reach state, the first BGM ends. The timing and the timing at which the big hit round is started (the timing at which the variable winning device 32 is first released) are configured to match.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of patterns of sound are output simultaneously, the sound for changing the sound volume of each pattern according to the combination of the ranks of the plurality of sound patterns. A control unit 264 is provided. For example, when the normal sound effect of “rank L4” is output while the normal sound of “rank L4” is being output, the sound volume of the normal BGM is not changed, but “rank L3”. When the strong effect effect sound is output in an overlapping manner, the sound volume of the normal BGM is usually smaller than the reference (halved to the small volume “VL”). Therefore, the sub-control device 262 (CPU 551) determines the sound pattern and outputs the sound corresponding to the sound pattern to the sound control unit 264, and outputs the sound corresponding to the sound pattern from the speaker SP. You can also change the volume of the audio that is being used. Therefore, the sub-control device 262 does not need to output a separate command for changing the volume of the sound that has already been output according to the combination of the sound patterns, and the control burden on the sub-control device 262 is reduced. can do.

  In addition, the voice patterns are not individually ranked, but the voice patterns are grouped and the groups are ranked. For this reason, simplification of control of the voice control unit 264, suppression of storage capacity, and the like can be achieved.

  Furthermore, each channel CH1, CH2, CH3 of the voice pattern storage area of the voice RAM of the voice control unit 264 has a group storage area for storing group information indicating a group to which the voice pattern belongs, and the voice pattern is included in the group. There is provided a pattern storage area in which pattern information for specifying which one is stored is stored. For this reason, group determination becomes easy, and simplification of control in determining the rank can be achieved. In particular, in the present embodiment, each voice pattern is specified as which pattern of which group, and the group information is indicated by the upper 4 bits of the lower byte of the voice command from the sub-control device 262, and the lower 4 bits. The pattern information is indicated by. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the control when group information and pattern information are stored in the channels CH1, CH2, and CH3.

  In addition, each channel CH1, CH2, CH3 is provided with a rank storage area for storing rank information indicating the rank of the group to which the voice pattern belongs and a volume storage area for storing volume information indicating the volume. Yes. For this reason, rank determination and volume determination are facilitated, and simplification of control when setting a volume or outputting sound can be achieved.

  The sound pattern storage area includes sound effect channels CH1 and CH2 in which sound effects are stored, and a BGM channel CH3 in which BGM is stored. For this reason, switching of BGM can be performed more easily. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which BGM disappears on the way without intention. In addition, when the BGM is changed, it is not necessary to perform processing for determining which channel the BGM is stored in, and the processing can be simplified.

  In the present embodiment, when the premium BGM is output in the middle of reach, the premium BGM is turned off (timing of the end of the music piece 1) and the jackpot round is started (variable winning device). 32 timing of opening). For this reason, the timing at which the variable winning device 43 (game member) changes to the open state can be taught more easily by voice. Furthermore, when premium BGM is output, no other sound effects are derived. For this reason, it is possible to reliably recognize the premium BGM and simplify the control when outputting the premium BGM.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (A) In the above-described embodiment, the speaker SP is configured to be able to output three patterns of audio simultaneously, but may be configured to be capable of outputting a plurality of patterns of audio simultaneously. For example, a maximum of two patterns of voice can be output simultaneously (two channels in the voice pattern storage area of the voice control unit 264), or four or more patterns of voice can be output (for example, a channel in the voice pattern storage area 5).

  In the above embodiment, grouping of voice patterns, allocation of ranks, and the like are not particularly limited, and can be set as appropriate according to the model. For example, the number of groups and ranks may be increased or decreased. Further, the number and content of each voice pattern is not particularly limited, and can be set as appropriate. For example, the first BGM (for example, singing voice) and the second BGM (for example, accompaniment) may be set as different sound patterns, and either one or both may be output depending on the situation.

  (B) In the above embodiment, the volume can be changed in three stages (VH; 100%, VL; 50%, L0; 0%). You may comprise so that adjustment of four steps or more can be performed. For example, when the special effect sound of group K, the strong effect sound effect of group B, and the normal BGM of group C are output simultaneously, each volume is configured to be 100%: 70%: 40%. May be.

  (C) In the above embodiment, the voice control unit 264 is provided on the same substrate as the CPU 551 and the like, but may be provided on a different substrate.

  Further, the relationship between the combination of ranks and the change in volume may be changed according to the game situation. For example, when a predetermined sound effect is produced, the BGM volume is not changed in the normal mode, but the BGM volume may be changed in the probability changing mode. By providing regularity, it is possible to add new playability (production).

  Although not particularly mentioned in the above embodiment, the correspondence relationship between each channel of the audio pattern storage area and the plurality of speakers SP may not be uniquely determined but may be changed. That is, for example, in order to reduce a situation where a predetermined speaker SP is hardly operated (not used) among a plurality of speakers SP provided, for example, in a situation where only BGM flows, the BGM is output from all the speakers SP. You may comprise. The speaker SP can be used effectively and the sound can be given depth and the like.

  (D) In the above embodiment, the volume setting process is performed by sequentially checking the rank information stored in the rank storage areas of the channels CH1, CH2, and CH3, and performing the case classification. The difference may be determined by calculation (subtraction), and the volume setting may be performed based on the difference. For example, as in the above-described embodiment, special sound patterns such as error sound and premium BGM are excluded first, and whether or not they exist from the higher rank is determined. The difference may be calculated and the volume may be set based on the difference. For example, if the rank of the first sound effect channel CH1 is “L2”, the volume of the first sound effect channel CH1 is set to “VH” and the rank of the second sound effect channel CH2 is ranked “L4”. Then, the subtraction is performed by converting the rank “L2” of the first sound effect channel CH1 previously grasped into “2” and the rank “L4” of the second sound effect channel CH2 into “4”. Therefore, the volume of the second sound effect channel CH2 may be lowered by two steps from the volume “VH” of the first sound effect channel CH1 to set “V0”. In this case, the volume can be set smoothly even when the ranking is performed more finely (the number of ranks is large) or when more volume setting stages are set to further diversify the production. Processing can be performed.

  (E) In the above embodiment, in the sound pattern storage area, the channel for storing BGM (BGM channel CH3) and the channel for storing sound effects (first and second sound effect channels CH1, CH2) are separated. However, it does not have to be divided. Furthermore, a channel (first sound effect channel CH1) in which special sound effects of group K and an error occurrence sound of group E are stored, and a channel (second sound effect channel CH2) in which strong effect sound effects of group B are stored. Is not required. However, it is possible to simplify the control and the like by determining these. In addition, the sound information of the normal sound effects can be stored in both the first and second sound effect channels CH1 and CH2. For this reason, a plurality of sound effect channels can be used effectively (increased usage opportunities).

  (F) Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, for the purpose of changing the volume of the predetermined audio pattern, another audio pattern is stored in a channel different from the channel in which the audio information of the predetermined audio pattern is stored. You may comprise so that an audio | voice may be memorize | stored.

  For example, a plurality of sound patterns that specify the same sound data (for example, the same BGM) may be set to belong to a plurality of groups having different ranks. In this case, even if the specified voice data (such as a melody) is the same, by changing the voice pattern with a different rank, the volume of the voice pattern or / and the volume of the other voice pattern being output can be changed. Can be changed. For example, when the predetermined sound effect is output while the low-rank BGM is output and when the predetermined sound effect is output while the high-rank BGM is output, Sound effects or BGM volume can be changed. Therefore, in a configuration in which each sound volume can be changed by a combination of ranks of sound patterns that are simultaneously output, a program for directly adjusting the predetermined sound volume such as raising or lowering the predetermined sound is separately assembled. Even if it is not, the volume of the output voice can be changed by the combination of ranks. Furthermore, the production can be diversified.

  When a volume adjustment switch that can be operated by an operator is provided on the back side of the inner frame 12, the volume of all channels is changed according to the adjustment of the volume adjustment switch ( The volume on the amplifier side can be adjusted).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, apart from the silence setting of rank L0, silence may be set for group K and group B, or a volume sound that is inaudible to players or difficult to hear may be set. For example, when the normal BGM of the group C is being output, the silence setting of the group B is performed, so that the volume of the BGM is halved for a predetermined time. In this case, the volume of the output audio can be changed without adding (duplicating) another audio.

  (G) In the above embodiment, the sub-control device 262 (CPU 551) determines an effect pattern based on a command from the main control device 261, an input signal from the effect button 125, etc., and displays it to realize it. A command is output to the control device 45 and the voice control unit 264. At this time, the same command can be output to the display control device 45 and the voice control unit 264, and the display control device 45 and the voice control unit 264 each independently analyze the command, thereby each of the predetermined commands. It is good also as being comprised so that the display control and audio | voice control for derivation | leading-out the production | generation pattern can be performed. In this way, by performing the same control by outputting the same command from the sub control device 262 to the display control device 45 and the voice control unit 264 when performing a predetermined performance, respectively, the display control and the voice control are performed. The control of the sub control device 262 can be simplified.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sound patterns are divided into groups, and the sound control such as volume setting is performed with the superiority or inferiority of the groups, but instead of or in addition, the light emission patterns of various light emitting means It is also possible to perform light emission control by grouping and giving superiority or inferiority to groups. For example, the decorative design display device 42 is provided with a plurality of layers so that the display mode of each layer can be displayed simultaneously, and the display control device 45 divides the display mode patterns into groups, and further ranks the groups. However, the display shade of each display mode may be changed depending on the combination of the ranks of the display patterns derived at the same time. For example, there are three layers, a decorative display is displayed in the first layer, an effect display such as a character is performed in the second layer, and a background display is performed in the third layer. Is displayed in all layers in the order of the first layer → the second layer → the third layer from the front, while the second layer is viewed from the front during the jackpot state. It may be configured such that the first layer becomes invisible in the order of the third layer → the first layer. In this case, it is possible to reduce the control burden related to the display of the sub-control device 262, and it is possible to further achieve the effect of simplifying the control of the sub-control device 262.

  (H) In the above embodiment, the volume can be changed by a combination of sound patterns output at the same time. However, instead of or in addition to the change in volume, the sound quality (timbre) changes. You may comprise as follows. For example, even when sound effects with the same pattern are selected and output, the timbre changes between normal mode and probability variation mode, and in particular, certain sound effects are distorted or reverberant during probability variation mode. It may be configured to do.

  In addition, as described above, in order to more effectively use a function such as an effector for changing the sound quality, it is possible to add a sound effect to the melody flowing from the pachinko machine 10 or perform accompaniment by the player's operation. You may comprise so that it can do. For example, the front surface of the upper plate 19 is configured with a touch pad, and the player can output various sounds from the gaming machine by operating various buttons provided on the touch pad or the pachinko machine 10. It may be configured.

  In the slot machine as a gaming machine, by operating the bet button, stop button, etc. according to the rhythm, the prescribed melody flows, and further, the player arranges himself and other buttons for other effects Etc., so that sound effects and the like can be inserted as appropriate.For example, when a performance is performed well than a predetermined standard, the game situation etc. <special game state advantageous to the player (for example, The number of times you have the right to generate an assist replay time, etc., in which the replay probability increases and the stop button presses that can acquire child roles are announced, etc. In addition, the probability of falling (continuation rate) in a configuration in which multiple probability of falling is set, or multiple stages of winning probability such as special gaming state In information it is set to any stage in the modified configurable> may be configured to be suggested to the player.

  (I) In the above embodiment, the configuration is such that the changed audio volume returns to the volume before the change when the combination in which the change of the volume of the audio pattern occurs is canceled. Even when the output period has passed and information indicating silence is set for the corresponding sound effect channels CH1 and CH2, the volume settings of the other channels continue (until the predetermined period or the next sound setting process is performed). You may comprise.

  (J) Further, it may be configured to fade in and out by a combination of audio patterns. For example, when the BGM of the pattern A and the BGM of the pattern B are interchanged, the sum of the volume percentages of each other is 100%, that is, the pattern A is 100% and the pattern B is 0%. Gradually, pattern B is 20% when pattern A is 80%, pattern B is 40% when pattern A is 60%, pattern B is 60% when pattern A is 40%, and pattern A is 20%. In this case, the pattern B may be 80%, and the pattern B may be 100% when the pattern A is 0%.

  (K) In the above-described embodiment, the volume control device 264 includes a voice CPU, a voice ROM, a voice RAM, and the like, and performs various case classification processing corresponding to a program for executing voice setting processing and volume setting processing. However, the details of the configuration relating to sound control (synthesizer function, etc.) are not particularly limited. Based on the signal from the CPU 551, the processing result by the sound setting processing or volume setting processing of the above embodiment What is necessary is just to be comprised so that the same result may be obtained. For example, the audio signal processing may be either analog or digital, and for example, a hardware circuit capable of obtaining a result equivalent to the volume setting processing shown in FIGS. 37, 38, and 39 may be provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, a table that is referred to when determining the rank and a table that is referred to when performing the volume setting process are provided in the voice control unit 264. For example, these tables are provided in the ROM 552, and You may comprise so that the corresponding table data of ROM552 can be referred in determination and volume setting processing. In this case, the audio ROM and the audio RAM may be omitted.

  (L) In the above embodiment, the jackpot probability, the number of jackpot types, the opening / closing pattern of the variable winning device 32 of various jackpot types are not particularly limited, and can be set as appropriate for each model. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the winning probability in the winning lottery varies between the probability variation mode and the other modes, but the winning probability does not vary (is constant), and is given after the jackpot state ends. The above configuration may be applied to a pachinko machine in which a plurality of patterns of time reduction mode periods (number of fluctuations) are prepared.

  Further, in the above embodiment, a case where a big win is won based on the game ball entering the top winning opening 33a and a case where a big win is won based on the game ball entering the lower winning opening 33b, You may comprise so that the ratio of the jackpot classification provided may differ. For example, “7RN” is obtained when the jackpot is won based on the game ball entering the top winning port 33a and when the jackpot is won based on the game ball entering the bottom winning port 33b. Although the ratio is the same, the ratio of “16RS” (in other words, the ratio of “7RS”) may be different.

  (M) In the above embodiment, the hold of the variable display is taught to the player by the hold lamps 46a and 46b, but the hold may be taught by other display means. For example, in the decorative symbol display device 42, the image object that means the hold is displayed so as to know whether the hold of the first change display or the hold of the second change display is associated with the change display that is held on a one-to-one basis. May be.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the game ball enters the lower prize opening 33b held after the variation display (first fluctuation display) based on the game ball entering the already won upper prize opening 33a. The second variation display is preferentially digested in such a way that the variation display based on the second variation display is digested before the first variation display so as to move around the reserved order. However, it may be configured to be digested in the reserved order regardless of the first variation display or the second variation display.

  (N) In the above embodiment, the main process (see FIG. 9) is followed by the main process (see FIG. 9), followed by the normal process (see FIG. 10). is not. For example, after step S111 of the main process, processing such as updating of the counter value performed in steps S209 to S218 of the normal process in the above embodiment is performed (step S210 is omitted), and is performed every 2 msec, for example. In the timer interrupt process, the process performed in steps S201 to S208 of the normal process in the above embodiment and the process of step S401 performed as the NMI interrupt process in the above embodiment may be performed. In this case, as the processing of step S401, for example, it is determined whether or not the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501, and when the output of the power failure signal SK1 is confirmed, The flag which shows generation | occurrence | production of ON is turned on. Further, the processing in step S401 may be performed separately as NMI interrupt processing, as in the above embodiment.

  (O) In the above embodiment, the information indicating whether or not a jackpot state is generated is overwritten on the corresponding random number storage area for storing the value of the jackpot random number counter C1. It is not limited to. For example, a storage area for storing information on whether or not a big hit state occurs may be provided separately from the winning random number storage area for the execution area of each special variable holding area and each holding area. Separately from the area, an execution area of the special variable holding area and a storage area corresponding to each holding area may be provided, and information on whether or not a big hit state occurs in the storage area may be stored. In addition to the winning type random number storage area for storing the value of the type determination counter C2, a storage area for storing the jackpot type may be provided, or a reach random number storage area for storing the value of the variation selection counter C3; Separately, a storage area for storing reach information may be provided.

  (P) You may implement as a type of pachinko machine different from the said embodiment. For example, movable means that can be changed between a specific area in which a game ball moving in the game area can enter, an open state that allows entry into the specific area, and a closed state that prohibits entry into the specific area ( Variable entry means comprising wing members), specific entry means and non-specific entry means capable of entering a game ball entering a specific area, and detection of a game ball entering the specific entry means Specific entry detection means (condition establishment detection means) that performs, a start entry means that is provided outside the specific area and can enter a game ball that moves in the game area, and a game ball that has entered the start entry means And a main control means for controlling opening and closing of the variable pitching means, and when a game ball enters a specific area, the game ball is not specified and non-specific. Regardless of which ball you enter, a predetermined number of game values (game balls) will be given to the player The main control means, based on the detection of the starting entrance detection means, the small hit state in which the variable entrance means is opened once or a plurality of times for the first time, or the variable entrance means is the first Whether or not to generate a jackpot state in which a predetermined number of game balls are placed in the open state for a second time longer than the time, or a predetermined number of game balls are entered in the open variable winning means. If you win a lottery in the winning lottery, a small hit state will be generated, if you win a big hit in the lottery lottery, and if there is a detection of specific entry detection means May be applied to a gaming machine that generates a jackpot state. In this case, the variable pitching means corresponds to a variable winning device. In addition to pachinko machines, various ball games, similar game machines such as sparrow balls, slot machines as revolving game machines, and game machines that combine slot machines and pachinko machines May be.

[Appendix]
The technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment will be described below.

One type of gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In a pachinko machine, when a game ball launched by a launching device enters a starting pitching means provided on a game board, whether or not to generate a big hit state is determined and a variable display device determines whether or not Fluctuation display for teaching the result of the lottery is performed (see, for example, JP-A-2003-154110).

In addition, the pachinko machine includes a main control device that performs main control, and a sub-control device that controls a terminal device for teaching predetermined information to the player. Various information is output from the main control device to the sub-control device, and the sub-control device performs corresponding control based on the various information output from the main control device. More specifically, control is performed such as determining the display mode displayed on the variable display device and the audio mode output from the speaker.

Furthermore, in many of such gaming machines, a plurality of patterns of sounds can be output simultaneously (overlaid). For example, background music (BGM) is continuously output, and sound effects are appropriately output so as to be superimposed on the BGM in accordance with the production mode of the variable display device or the like.

By the way, when performing a predetermined effect accompanied by the output of sound, there is also a method of changing the sound volume by a combination of sound patterns that are simultaneously output. For example, when the first sound effect is output while the BGM is flowing, the BGM volume does not change, but the second sound effect, for example, a sound effect such as a heartbeat is output. Is to make the sound effect stand out by reducing or silencing the volume of the BGM.

However, in this case, the sub-control device selects the second sound effect based on a command from the main control device and outputs it from the speaker, or the second sound effect and the sound being output (BGM or the like) ) To set the volume of the second sound effect and to change the volume of the sound being output as necessary. Furthermore, the sub-control device must also perform processing for deriving a display mode in the variable display device corresponding to the second sound effect, which may lead to complicated control of the sub-control device. .

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing volume setting more smoothly when a plurality of sounds are output simultaneously. It is in.

Means 1. An audio output means capable of outputting multiple patterns of audio simultaneously;
First control means for determining a pattern to be executed from among a plurality of prepared voice patterns in response to establishment of a predetermined condition;
Second control means for outputting the sound of the pattern determined by the first control means from the sound output means,
The second control means includes
First storage means for storing the sound data of each pattern in advance;
A second storage means having a plurality of storage areas capable of storing voice information for specifying a voice pattern being output;
The plurality of sound patterns are divided into a plurality of groups, and each group is ranked so as to be superior or inferior with respect to the volume of each sound when a plurality of patterns of sounds are output simultaneously,
The second control means includes
A correspondence storage unit that indicates a correspondence between the voice pattern group and the rank of the group;
Pattern storage processing for storing voice information for specifying a voice pattern determined by the first control means in a storage area of the second storage means;
Volume that compares the ranks of the voice patterns indicated by the voice information stored in each storage area of the second storage means, and sets the volume of the voice corresponding to each voice information according to the combination of the ranks Configuration process,
The audio data corresponding to the audio information stored in each storage area of the second storage means is read from the first storage means, the audio data is converted into an audio signal, and the audio signal is converted into the volume setting process. A gaming machine that performs voice output processing for outputting from the voice output means with the determined volume.

  According to the means 1, when a plurality of patterns of sound are output simultaneously, the second control means is provided that can change the sound volume of each pattern in accordance with the combination of the ranks of the plurality of sound patterns. . For example, when the second pattern sound is output while the first pattern sound is being output, the first pattern sound volume is not changed, but the third pattern sound is overlapped. In the case of outputting, the sound volume of the first pattern becomes smaller than the reference, and so on. Therefore, the first control means determines the sound pattern and outputs the sound to that effect to the second control means. The sound corresponding to the sound pattern is output from the sound output means and already output. You can also change the volume of audio. Therefore, it is not necessary for the first control means to output a separate command for changing the volume of the sound that has already been output according to the combination of the sound patterns, thereby reducing the control burden on the first control means. can do.

  In addition, the voice patterns are not individually ranked, but the voice patterns are grouped and the groups are ranked. For this reason, simplification of control of the second control means, suppression of storage capacity, and the like can be achieved. Note that the voice is basically an arrangement of sounds composed of high and low sounds, and includes melody and sound effects. The sound effect may or may not have a musical scale.

Mean 2. Each storage area of the second storage means stores a group storage area for storing group information indicating a group to which the sound pattern belongs, and pattern information for specifying which sound pattern is in the group. Pattern storage area is provided,
The game according to means 1, wherein the command output from the first control means to the second control means when executing a predetermined voice pattern includes the group information and pattern information. Machine.

  According to the means 2, group determination is facilitated, and simplification of control and the like when determining ranks can be achieved.

  Means 3. The gaming machine according to means 2, wherein each storage area of the second storage means is provided with a rank storage area in which rank information indicating the rank of the group to which the voice pattern belongs is stored.

  According to the means 3, rank determination is facilitated, and simplification of control when setting a volume can be achieved.

  Means 4. The gaming machine according to means 2 or 3, wherein each storage area of the second storage means is provided with a volume storage area in which volume information indicating a volume is stored.

  According to the means 4, it is easy to determine the volume, and it is possible to simplify the control and the like when outputting sound.

Means 5. The sound pattern includes a background music that ends when receiving a command from the first control means, and a sound effect that ends when a specified time elapses after receiving a command from the first control means,
Each storage area of the second storage means includes a BGM channel capable of storing only the sound information of the background music and a sound effect channel capable of storing the sound information of the sound effect. A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 4.

  According to the means 5, the background music (BGM) can be switched more easily. Moreover, the situation where BGM disappears on the way without intention can be avoided. Furthermore, when changing the BGM, it is not necessary to perform a process for determining which channel the BGM is stored in, so that the process can be simplified.

Means 6. A main control means for performing a lottery based on establishment of a predetermined condition and generating a special gaming state advantageous to a player when winning in the lottery,
Variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information;
Display control means for performing display control of the variable display means,
The first control means determines a pattern to be executed from among a plurality of effect patterns prepared according to the result of the lottery, and derives the effect pattern from the display control means and the second control means. The display control means and the second control means that receive the command correspond to the effect pattern determined by the first control means based on the command. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein display control and voice control are executed.

  According to the means 6, the first control means only needs to output the same command to the second control means and the display control means when executing the predetermined effect pattern. Simplification and the like can be achieved.

  The variable display means is configured so that a plurality of patterns of display modes can be displayed simultaneously by providing a plurality of layers, etc., and the display mode patterns are grouped, and the display control means ranks the groups Thus, the display shades of the display modes may be changed depending on the combination of the ranks of the display patterns derived at the same time. For example, there are three layers, a decorative display is displayed in the first layer, an effect display such as a character is performed in the second layer, and a background display is performed in the third layer. Is displayed in all layers in the order of the first layer → second layer → third layer from the front, while in the special gaming state, the second is displayed from the front. The first layer may be configured to be invisible in the order of layer → third layer → first layer. In this case, it is possible to reduce the control burden related to the display of the first control means, and the effect of simplifying the control of the first control means is further exhibited.

Mean 7 A gaming member that changes state from the first state to the second state triggered by the establishment of the specific condition,
In a configuration in which the end timing of a specific sound pattern or a specific timing in the middle can be matched with the timing at which the gaming member is in the second state,
When the sound information of the specific sound pattern is stored in the storage area of the second storage means, the sound volume corresponding to the sound information stored in the other storage area is muted or unrecognizable by the player The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 6, wherein a sound is reduced to a certain level.

  According to the means 7, the timing at which the state of the gaming member changes to the first state can be taught more easily with a specific voice. In addition, when a specific sound is output, other sounds are not heard, so that the specific sound can be surely recognized clearly and control when outputting the specific sound is simplified. Can be planned. In addition, as a gaming member, a winning means such as a variable winning device that can be entered when a special gaming state occurs, a movable accessory whose appearance and arrangement can be changed, and a plurality of display modes are derived Possible display means, input operation means such as buttons and levers that can be operated by the player, and the like.

  Means 8. Any one of means 1 to 7, wherein there are a plurality of sound patterns that specify the same sound data, and the plurality of sound patterns that specify the same sound data belong to groups having different ranks. The gaming machine described in Crab.

  According to the means 8, even if the specified voice data (such as a melody) is the same, by changing the voice pattern having a different rank, the volume of the voice pattern or / and other voice patterns being output. Can change the volume. For example, when the sound pattern A and the sound pattern B correspond to the same sound effect but have different ranks, the sound effect due to the selection of the sound pattern A and BGM flow at the same time, and the sound pattern B The sound effect and / or the volume of the BGM can be changed depending on the case where the sound effect due to the selection and the BGM flow at the same time. Accordingly, in a configuration in which each sound volume can be changed by a combination of sound patterns output simultaneously, a program for directly adjusting the predetermined sound volume, such as raising or lowering the predetermined sound, must be separately assembled. However, the volume of the output voice can be changed by the combination of ranks. Furthermore, the production can be diversified.

Means 9. In a state where no sound corresponding to the predetermined storage area of the second storage means is output, audio information indicating silence is stored in the predetermined storage area,
A plurality of audio information indicating silence are set so as to belong to a plurality of groups having different ranks.

  According to the means 9, basically the same effect as the above means 8 is achieved. Furthermore, the present means 9 adds another sound by combining the ranks without duplicating a program for directly adjusting the volume of the predetermined sound such as raising or lowering the predetermined sound. Without changing the volume of the output audio.

  The basic configuration of various gaming machines to which the above means are applied is shown below.

  A. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a ball game machine. As a more detailed mode example, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a launching means (shot motor, etc.) for playing and launching a game ball based on an operation of the operation means, A ball ball game machine including a game area where a game ball is guided and each ball entry means (general prize opening, variable prize winning device, operation opening, etc.) arranged in the game area.

  B. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a bullet ball gaming machine having a gaming area extending in a substantially vertical direction. As a more detailed mode example, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a launching means (shot motor, etc.) for playing and launching a game ball based on an operation of the operation means, The game balls are guided and extended along a substantially vertical direction (for example, the game area is constituted by a game board surface), and each ball entry means (general winning mouth, And a ball game machine configured to be able to visually recognize the behavior of a game ball flowing down the game area.

  C. The gaming machine in each of the above means or each of the above ball game machines is a pachinko machine or a gaming machine equivalent to a pachinko machine.

  D. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a revolving type gaming machine such as a slot machine. As a more detailed mode example, “a discriminating information string (a symbol string; specifically a rotating body such as a reel or a belt with a symbol) made up of a plurality of identification information (symbols) is variably displayed (specifically, a reel Variable display means (specifically, a rotating unit such as a reel unit) that stops and displays the identification information sequence after the rotation of the starting information means. The identification information (symbol) starts to fluctuate and the identification information (symbol) fluctuates due to the operation of the stop operation means (specifically, the stop button). A spinning-type gaming machine configured to be given game value on condition that the information is specific identification information.

  E. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a gaming machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are fused (especially a gaming machine of a slot machine specification that uses a gaming ball as a gaming medium). As a more detailed mode example, “a discriminating information string (a symbol string; specifically a rotating body such as a reel or a belt with a symbol) made up of a plurality of identification information (symbols) is variably displayed (specifically, a reel Variable display means (specifically, a rotating unit such as a reel unit) that stops and displays the identification information sequence after the rotation of the starting information means. The identification information (symbol) starts to fluctuate and the identification information (symbol) fluctuates due to the operation of the stop operation means (specifically, the stop button). The game value is provided on the condition that the information is specific identification information, and a ball receiving tray (upper plate or the like) is further provided, taking-in means for taking the game ball from the ball receiving tray, and the ball receiving tray Payout means for paying out game balls Comprising a configuration and gaming machine "and the like as starting condition of the game is satisfied by the game ball is captured by the capturing means.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine, 32 ... Variable winning device, 33 ... Start winning unit, 33a ... Top winning port, 33b ... Lower winning port, 42 ... Decorative symbol display device, 43L, 43R ... Special display device, 46 ... Holding lamp, 224a , 224b... Start winning switch, 261... Main control device, 262.

Claims (2)

An audio output means capable of outputting multiple patterns of audio simultaneously;
First control means for determining a pattern to be executed from among a plurality of prepared voice patterns in response to establishment of a predetermined condition;
Second control means for outputting the sound of the pattern determined by the first control means from the sound output means,
The second control means includes
First storage means for storing the sound data of each pattern in advance;
Second storage means having a plurality of storage areas capable of storing voice specifying information for specifying a voice pattern being output;
The plurality of sound patterns are divided into a plurality of groups, and each group is ranked so as to be superior or inferior with respect to the volume of each sound when a plurality of patterns of sounds are output simultaneously,
The second control means includes
A correspondence storage unit that indicates a correspondence between the voice pattern group and the rank of the group;
Pattern storage processing for storing the voice specifying information for specifying the voice pattern determined by the first control means in a storage area of the second storage means;
The voice pattern ranks indicated by the voice specification information stored in the respective storage areas of the second storage means are compared with each other, and the volume of the voice pattern indicated by each voice specification information according to the combination of the ranks. Volume setting process to set
The audio data corresponding to the audio specifying information stored in each storage area of the second storage means is read from the first storage means, the audio data is converted into an audio signal, and the audio signal is converted to the volume. an audio output processing in the volume determined by the setting process is outputted from the sound output unit is configured intends row,
A gaming machine characterized in that there are a plurality of voice patterns specifying the same voice data, and the plurality of voice patterns specifying the same voice data belong to groups having different ranks .   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine, a slot machine, or a gaming machine of a type in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused.

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