JP6261256B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine, and a sparrow ball game machine, and a game machine such as a revolving game machine, and in particular, variations in performance operations under restrictions on ROM data capacity. It is related with the game machine for which it is requested | required to increase.

  The control of gaming machines such as pachinko machines is distributed between the main control unit that controls the game operation in an integrated manner and the production control unit that produces the production according to the progress of the game according to the control commands from the main control unit. Done. These main control unit and production control unit are each configured as a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like.

  On the other hand, various restrictions are imposed on gaming machines such as pachinko machines as healthy popular entertainment devices. For example, in a ROM mounted on the main board (main control unit) of a pachinko gaming machine, the capacity of the control area (storage area other than the data area of the used area) does not exceed 3 KB (kilobytes) and data It is determined that the capacity of the area does not exceed 3 KB.

  On the other hand, it is strongly desired that gaming machines such as pachinko machines have as many variations of the performance operations that appear as the game progresses as much as possible.

  Thus, several techniques for reducing the program capacity of gaming machines have been proposed for the ROM control area (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-072537 A

  However, if the size of the data itself in the data area of the ROM can be reduced, it is possible to realize more variations of the rendering operation even under the severe restrictions on the data capacity of the ROM.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can solve the above-mentioned problems and can reduce the data capacity in the ROM.

  The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means. The parentheses indicate corresponding elements in the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this.

(1) Game operation control means (main control unit 20) for controlling the game operation;
Non-volatile storage means (ROM 202) storing a plurality of types of data tables for game operation control used when controlling the game operation;
Volatile storage means (RAM 203) defined as a work area for setting operation data generated along with the control of the game operation;
With
The plurality of types of data tables are:
A first data set in which one or a plurality of such pairs of information is stored as a pair of the operation data to be transferred and set in the work area and setting destination address information specifying the setting destination A table (D_TD0SET, etc. in FIG. 20);
A second data set table (FIG. 22, FIG. 22) is used when clear data is to be set in the work area and stores one or more sets of setting destination address information for specifying the setting destination of the clear data. D_TD0SET etc. of FIG.
The game operation control means includes
A first data set process (FIG. 19) for sequentially setting the operation data in a work area corresponding to the setting destination address information stored in the first data set table;
A second data set process for sequentially setting the clear data in a work area corresponding to the setting destination address information stored in the second data set table (zero set process in FIG. 21 or FIG. 25);
Is modularized,
At the time of processing to set the operation data in the work area, after obtaining the first data set table, execute the first data set processing,
The second data set process is configured to be executed after obtaining the second data set table during the process for setting the clear data in the work area.
A gaming machine characterized by that.

(2) The first data set table and the second data set table include, as the number of processes to be set, second identification data indicating the number to be processed in the table at the head address position. Cages (FIGS. 20, 22, 24B, 27B, and C),
In the first data set process and the second data set process, the operation data or the clear data is sequentially set by the number indicated by the identification data (FIGS. 19 and 21).
The bullet ball game machine according to (1) above, wherein

(3) In the first data set table and the second data set table, as the number of processes to be set, there is no more information to be processed in the table at the last address position of the table. With the end code shown (FIG. 26),
In the first data set process and the second data set process, the operation data or the clear data setting process is sequentially performed on the process data before the end code is placed (FIG. 25).
The bullet ball game machine according to (1) above, wherein

As yet another preferred embodiment, the gaming machine is controlled by the gaming motion control means, and based on the fact that a predetermined variation start condition is satisfied, a special symbol variation display start and a variation display stop are set as one set. A special symbol display means capable of displaying the symbol variation display operation to be performed, and the special symbol is configured to be capable of generating a profit state advantageous to the player after the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific symbol form,
The first data set processing is performed when a predetermined operation such as a start of a profit state (big hit, small hit) advantageous to the player is performed, in which the processing state related to the game progress is a symbol change in the symbol change display operation. Executed,
The second data set process may be executed at the end of the predetermined operation, and may be a bullet ball game machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above.

  According to the present invention, the data capacity in the ROM of the gaming machine can be reduced.

It is a perspective view of the front side which shows the external appearance of the bullet ball game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the front side of the game board of the ball game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control apparatus of the ball game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the game state transition of the ball game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side main process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side timer interruption process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol management process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special figure 1 starting port check process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change start process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of the process during the special symbol confirmation time in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of the process during the special symbol confirmation time in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special electric accessory management process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit start process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special electric accessory operation | movement start process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process during operation of the special electric accessory in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special electric accessory operation | movement continuation determination process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit end process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the previous step performed prior to the data set process and zero set process which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the flowchart and program example of the data set process which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the accessory continuous action | operation apparatus start setting table used by the data set process of this invention. It is the figure which showed the flowchart and program example of the zero set process of this invention. It is the figure which showed the accessory continuous action | operation apparatus start setting table used by the zero set process of this invention. It is the figure which showed the accessory continuous action | operation apparatus start setting table used by the conventional zero set process. It is a figure where it uses for description of the effect of the zero set process of this invention. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of the zero set process which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which illustrated the accessory continuous action | operation apparatus start setting table used by the zero set process of FIG. It is the figure which showed the other form of the condition apparatus operation | movement start setting table used by the zero set process of this invention.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, a ball game machine will be described as an example of the game machine according to the present invention.

<1. Outline of Configuration: FIGS. 1 and 2>
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the outline | summary of a structure of the pachinko game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the appearance of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view showing the front side of the game board.

  First, with reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a frame-shaped front frame 2 attached to the front surface of a wooden outer frame 4 so that it can be opened and closed, and a game is stored in a game board storage frame (not shown) attached to the back surface of the front frame 2. A board 3 (see FIG. 2) is mounted, and the game area 3a formed on the surface of the game board 3 is faced to the opening of the front frame 2. A glass door 6 supporting a transparent glass is provided on the front side of the game area 3a.

  A key cylinder (not shown) for unlocking the door is provided on the front side of the glass door 6. When the key is inserted into this key cylinder and operated on one side, the glass door 6 is locked to the front frame 2. When operated to the other side, the locked state of the front frame 2 with respect to the outer frame 4 can be released and opened to the front side.

  A front operation panel 7 pivotally supported on the front frame 2 by a hinge (not shown) is disposed below the glass door 6. The front operation panel 7 is provided with an upper tray unit 8, and the upper tray unit 8 is formed with an upper tray 9 for storing discharged game balls.

  The upper tray unit 8 has a ball release button 14 for pulling out the game balls stored in the upper tray 9 to the lower side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and pays out the game balls to a game ball lending device (not shown). And a card return button 12 for requesting the return of the valuable medium inserted in the game ball rental device. Further, the upper tray unit 8 has a built-in lamp that is lit during a predetermined input reception period and can be operated (input reception is possible), and a push button that can change the effect by pressing when the built-in lamp is lit. An expression frame effect button 13 is provided. This frame effect button 13 functions as a manual operation means that can be operated by the player.

  A firing operation handle 15 for operating the firing device 32 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the right end side of the front operation panel 7. Speakers 46 that produce sound effects (sound effects) by sound are provided on both sides of the upper part of the front frame 2 and above the firing operation handle 15. In addition, a plurality of decorative lamps 45 that provide a light effect by decoration of light are provided at various locations on the glass door 6.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 3 shown in FIG. 2 is mainly composed of a substantially square wooden plywood or resin board. As shown in the figure, the game board 3 is provided with a ball guide rail 5 for guiding the launched game ball as a board surface partition member. A substantially circular area surrounded by the ball guide rail 5 is a game area 3a, and the four corners are non-game areas.

  In the substantially central portion of the game area 3a, for example, in three (left, middle, right) display areas (design variation display areas), a plurality of types of decorative symbols (for example, numbers, characters, symbols, etc.) A liquid crystal display device 36 (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) is provided that is capable of variable display and stop display of the left symbol (corresponding to the left display area), middle symbol (corresponding to the middle display area), and right symbol (corresponding to the right display area). It has been. The liquid crystal display device 36 displays various effects as images under the control of an effect control unit 24 described later.

  Further, a center decoration 48 is provided in the game area 3a so as to surround the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 36 in a distant manner. The center ornament 48 protects the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 36 from surrounding game balls, and allows the game balls to be distributed to the left and right according to the strength or stroke length of the game balls. Acts as a sorting member (flow channel sorting means). In the present embodiment, the center ornament 48 is arranged at the substantially central portion of the game area 3a, whereby a flow path of game balls is formed on both upper sides (left side and right side) in the game area 3a. ing. However, in the case of this embodiment, the center ornament 48 has a shape bulging slightly to the right.

  The center decoration 48 is provided along the front side of the game board 3 and is fixed to the game board 3 with a fixing screw or the like, and forms the outer periphery of the center decoration 48 and displays on the liquid crystal display device 36. An armor frame portion 48b surrounding the screen is integrally provided. The armor frame portion 48b protrudes substantially from the front mounting plate 48a to the front side, and prevents the game ball from entering the inside, that is, the liquid crystal display device 36 side. A play area through which a game ball can pass is formed between the upper surface of the center ornament 48 and the ball guide rail 5, and the game ball is guided to the right side. The game balls driven into the upper side of the game area 3a by the launching device 32 are distributed to the left and right on the upper side of the armor frame portion 48b, and the left down flow path 3b on the left side of the center ornament 48 and the right down flow path 3c on the right side. Flow down either. Such a center ornament 48 functions as a game ball drop direction changing member (drop direction changing means) that changes the fall direction of the game ball.

  Although not shown in the figure, the center decoration 48 is provided with a game ball that is entered from a entrance (not shown) provided on the left side of the armor frame 48b at the front lower portion of the liquid crystal display device 36 in the horizontal direction. The stage is provided so that it can freely roll and drop from the center in the left-right direction (starting port guide path) or from both the left and right sides. In addition, the center ornament 48 is provided with a movable body accessory (not shown) that provides a visual effect by its operation mode at an appropriate place.

  In addition, the non-game area near the upper right edge (upper right corner) of the game board 3 is a function display section, and a 7-segment display (with dots) is started with the upper start port 34 (for the first special symbol) and the lower start. A special symbol display device 38a (first special symbol display means) and a special symbol display device 38b (second special symbol display means) which are arranged side by side in correspondence with the mouth 35 (for the second special symbol). Is provided. In the above-described special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, the special symbol variation display game is executed by the variation display operation of “special symbol” expressed by seven segments (variation display operation in which variation start and variation stop are set as one set). It has become. Note that the liquid crystal display device 36 described above displays the decorative symbols by the image in a synchronized manner with the special symbol variation display by the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b in time. (The details of these symbol variation display games will be described later).

  In the various function display units, a composite display device (holding composite display LED display) 38c including a 7-segment display (with dots) is disposed next to the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b. The combination was called the display of the number of balls with special action 1, the number of balls with special action 2, the number of balls with special action 2, the variable time shortening function is active (short time), and the high probability state (high probability) This is because it is an on-hold / short-time / high-accuracy composite display device (hereinafter simply referred to as “composite display device”) having five display functions called status notification.

  The various function display units are provided with a normal symbol display device 39a (normal symbol display means) in which a plurality of (two in this embodiment) LEDs are arranged next to the composite display device 38c. In this normal symbol display device 39a, a normal symbol change display operation expressed by two LEDs (for example, seesaw is alternately turned on and off alternately, and it is determined whether or not it is stopped by either side being lit). As a result, the normal symbol variation display game is executed. In addition, a round number display device 39b in which three LEDs (first to third round display LEDs) are arranged adjacent to the normal symbol display device 39a is provided. The round number display device 39b functions as a round display means for notifying a specified round number relating to a big hit (details of “big hit” will be described later). For example, a specified round number is obtained by combining the lighting / extinguishing states of three LEDs. Is notified.

  Below the center decoration 48, an upper start opening 34 (first special symbol start opening) and a normal variable winning device 41 having a lower start opening 35 (second special symbol start opening) are provided above and below, Detection sensors 34a, 35a (upper start opening sensor 34a, lower start opening sensor 35a: see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball are formed inside each.

  The upper start port 34, which is the first special symbol start port, is referred to as a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "special symbol 1") in the special symbol display device 38a (first special symbol display device). FIG. 1 is a prize-winning opening related to the starting condition of the variable display operation, and is configured as a winning-rate fixed-type winning apparatus that does not have a starting opening / closing means (means for opening or expanding the starting opening). Yes. In the present embodiment, a game ball dropping direction changing member (for example, a game nail (not shown), a windmill 44, a center decoration 48, etc.) in the game area 3a is operated to the upper start port 34 to the left-down flow path 3b. The game balls that have flowed down the game are easy to win, whereas the game balls that have flowed down the right flow path 3c have a configuration that makes it difficult or impossible to win.

  The normal variation winning device 41 is configured as a winning rate variation type winning device that can vary the winning rate of the game ball at the starting port by means of the starting port opening / closing means, and specifically, a second special symbol starting port. A certain lower starting port 35 is configured as a so-called “electric tulip type” winning device including a pair of left and right movable wing pieces (movable members) 47 that can be opened or enlarged. The lower start opening 35 of the normal variable winning device 41 is referred to as a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol 2”) in the special symbol display device 38b (second special symbol display device). The winning area of the lower starting opening 35 is an opening that facilitates winning according to the operating state (operating or non-operating) of the movable blade piece 47. It is converted into a state (easy winning state) and a closed state (winning difficult state) that makes it difficult or impossible to win than the open state. In the present embodiment, when the movable blade piece 47 is inactive, a closed state (a state in which a prize cannot be awarded) in which a prize cannot be awarded to the lower start port 35 is maintained.

  On both sides of the normal variable winning device 41, there are four general winning ports 43, three on the left side and one on the right side, and a total of four general winning ports for detecting the passage of game balls. A sensor 43a (see FIG. 3) is formed.

  Further, a normal symbol start opening 37 including a passing gate (specific passing area) through which a game ball can pass is provided diagonally right above the normal variation winning device 41, that is, above the middle portion of the right flow path 3c. . The normal symbol start port 37 is a winning port related to the normal symbol variation display operation in the normal symbol display device 39a, and a normal symbol start port sensor 37a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a passing game ball is provided therein. Is formed. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol start opening 37 is formed only on the right flow path 3c side and is not formed on the left flow path 3b side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the left You may form only in the flow-down path | route 3b.

  In the middle of the path from the normal symbol starting port 37 to the normal variable winning device 41 in the right flow path 3c, a special variable winning that is configured such that the big winning port 50 can be opened or expanded by the retractable opening door 52b. A device 52 (special electric accessory) is provided, and a special winning opening sensor 52a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has entered the special winning opening 50 is formed therein.

  Around the big prize opening 50 is a bulging portion (decorative member) 55 bulging from the surface of the game board 3, and the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55 forms the downstream guide portion of the right flow path 3c. Yes. And if the big prize opening 50 is closed by the open door 52b (the big prize opening closed state), by forming a surface continuous with the upper side 55a of the bulging part 55, the downstream guide part ( A part of the upper side 55a) is formed. In the downstream area of the right flow path 3c, in the area above the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55, more precisely in the game area above the big winning opening 50, the flow path correction plate is substantially parallel to the flow direction of the game ball. 51d is provided so as to move the flowing game balls toward the big prize opening 50.

  The process of entering a game ball into the big prize opening 50 is as follows. The game ball that has passed through the play area between the upper surface of the center ornament 48 and the ball guide rail 5 projects on the top surface (upper side) 55a of the bulging portion 55 that protrudes from the game board 3 and functions as a guide for the game ball. Come down along. Then, the game ball comes into contact with the right end of the flow path correcting plate 51d protruding from the surface of the game board 3, and thereby the flow direction of the game ball is corrected to the direction of the big prize opening 50 (downward direction). At this time, if the special winning opening 50 is covered by the retractable open door 52b (the special winning opening is closed), the game ball rolls on the special winning opening in a predetermined arrangement (not shown). By the game nail, it is led in the direction of the tulip-type normal variation winning device 41 (lower start opening 35). At this time, if the lower start opening 35 is in a winning state (start opening open state), a game ball can win the lower start opening 35. On the other hand, if the open door 52b is retracted into the game board surface and the special winning opening 50 is open (large winning opening opened state), the game ball is guided into the special winning opening 50. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the player aims the launch position on the special variable prize winning device 52 side (when the game ball is aimed so as to pass through the right flow path 3c), the upper start is performed. The game ball is difficult to be guided to the mouth 34 side or is not guided. Therefore, in the “large winning opening closed state”, it is difficult or impossible to win the starting openings 34 and 35 unless the movable blade 47 of the normal variation winning apparatus 41 is operated.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, among the various winning holes provided in the gaming area 3a, if there is a winning in a winning opening other than the normal symbol start opening 37, it is promised for each winning opening. The number of winning balls per winning ball (for example, three for the upper start opening 34 or the lower starting opening 35, 13 for the large winning opening 40, 10 for the general winning opening 43) is the game ball payout device 19 (FIG. 3)). Needless to say, the number of prize balls may be paid out even when the normal symbol start opening 37 is awarded. Note that the game balls that have not won the above winning holes are discharged from the game area 3 a through the out port 49. Here, “winning” is not a structure in which a winning opening takes a game ball inside, or a winning opening takes a gaming ball inside, but a winning opening made of a pass-through gate (for example, a normal symbol start opening 37). If the game ball is detected by each winning detection switch formed for each winning slot, a winning prize is displayed at the winning slot. It is treated as having occurred. The game ball related to the winning is also referred to as “winning ball”.

<2. Control device: Fig. 3>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a control device according to the game operation control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing an outline of the control device.

  The control device of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment receives an effect control command from the main control unit (main control means) 20 that controls the overall game operation and receives images, light, and sound. A production control unit (production control means) 24 that generally controls production operation control (performance appearance control), a payout control board (payout control means) 29 that performs payout control of prize balls, and an external power source (not shown). The power supply board (power supply control means) 31 that generates and supplies the power necessary for the gaming machine is mainly configured. In addition, a liquid crystal display device 36 as an image display device is connected to the effect control unit 24. In FIG. 3, the power supply route is omitted.

(2-1. Main control unit 20: main control means)
The main control unit (main control means) 20 functions as main control means for overall control of game operation control, and includes a microprocessor incorporating a CPU 201 (main control CPU), and a ROM 202 (main control ROM); A RAM 203 (main control RAM) is mounted, and a microcomputer (Z80 system equivalent) is configured as a whole. The ROM 202 functions as storage means (main control side storage means) for storing game data related to game operation control, and stores various data necessary for game operation control in addition to a control program describing a game operation control procedure. ing. The RAM 203 functions as a work area and a buffer memory, and data necessary for the progress of the game is stored and used according to the processing state. Although not shown, the main control unit 20 is a random number generation circuit for generating a random number for lottery related to a special symbol variation display game, a periodic interrupt to the Z80 system, and a pulse output generation function (bit rate) at a constant cycle. Generator), CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) that provides time measurement functions, and interrupt controller circuits that demonstrate interrupt functions (including interrupt disable functions) such as timer interrupts that give interrupt signals to the CPU ing.

  Here, the CPU 201 is a CPU of Z80 (manufactured by Zylog or equivalent). Z80 is a CPU with a data bus of 8 bits and an address bus of 16 bits, but does not require a large memory space, and it is ideal for controlling pachinko machines that do not require high-speed processing or complicated numerical operation processing. It is. The CPU 201 is provided with a plurality of types of registers for reading and writing data necessary for executing processing.

  The main control unit 20 detects the passage of the upper start opening 34a for detecting the winning to the upper start opening 34, the lower start opening sensor 35a for detecting the winning to the lower start opening 35, and the normal symbol start opening 37. The normal symbol start opening sensor 37a, a large winning opening sensor 52a for detecting a winning at the large winning opening 50, and a general winning opening sensor 43a for detecting a winning at the general winning opening 43 are connected. Detection signals from these can be received.

  Further, the main control unit 20 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 41c for controlling opening and closing of the movable wing piece 47 of the lower start opening 35 and a large winning opening solenoid 52c for controlling opening and closing of the open door 52b of the large winning opening 50. And the main control unit 20 can transmit control signals for controlling them.

  The main control unit 20 is connected to a special symbol display device 38a and a special symbol display device 38b, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for display control of the special symbol. The main control unit 20 is connected to a normal symbol display device 39a, and can transmit a control signal for display control of the normal symbol.

  In addition, a composite display device 38c is connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for display control of various information displayed on the composite display device 38c. The main control unit 20 is connected to a round number display device 39b, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for display control of a specified round number by jackpot.

  Also, the main control unit 20 is connected to a frame external concentration terminal board 21, and the main control unit 20 provides information on the game progress (for example, jackpot winning information, prize ball number information, symbol variation display game execution number information, etc.). Can be transmitted to the hall computer HC via the frame external concentration terminal board 21. The hall computer HC is a management computer that comprehensively manages pachinko hall gaming machines, and is arranged outside the gaming machine.

  The main control unit 20 is connected to a payout control board (payout control part) 29. The payout control board 29 is connected to a launch control board (launch control part) 28 for controlling the launching device 32, and a game ball payout. Is connected to a game ball payout device (game ball payout means) 19. The main control unit 20 can send a payout control command (a payout control command for designating the number of prize balls) to the payout control board 29. On the other hand, the payout control board 29 can transmit information related to the payout operation state (payout state signal) to the main control unit 20. On the main control unit 20 side, based on this payout state signal, whether or not the game ball payout device 19 is functioning normally, specifically, there is a problem in payout of award balls (payout error: for example, a ball jam or a prize It is monitored whether or not the ball is not paid out.

  Further, the main control unit 20 can transmit an effect control command carrying information related to the special symbol variation display game to the effect control unit 24. Such a production control command from the main control unit 20 is produced by one-way communication in order to prevent an illegal signal due to an external goto action from being input to the main control unit 20 via the production control unit 24. It is transmitted to the control unit 24.

(2-2. Production control unit 24: Production control means)
The production control unit (production control means) 24 functions as production control means that comprehensively controls production operation control, and includes a microprocessor incorporating a CPU 241 (production control CPU) and a ROM 242 (production control ROM). An interrupt controller circuit that is configured mainly with a microcomputer equipped with a RAM 243 (production control RAM), and that has an interrupt function (including an interrupt disable function) such as a sound source IC, CTC, and timer interrupt is provided. It has been. The ROM 242 functions as storage means (effect control side storage means) for storing game data related to effect operation control, and stores various data necessary for effect operation control in addition to the effect control program in which the effect control procedure is described. Has been. Further, the RAM 243 functions as a work area and a buffer memory, and data necessary for producing an effect is stored and used according to the processing state. The main roles of the production control unit 24 are reception of production control commands from the main control unit 20, selection of production based on production control commands, image display control of the liquid crystal display device 36, sound control of the speaker 46, decorative lamps. 45, LED light emission control, movable body accessory operation control, and the like.

  The effect control unit 24 includes a display control unit (not shown) that controls the display control of the liquid crystal display device 36. This display control unit is an image ROM storing VDP (Video Display Processor) that controls overall video output processing such as image development processing and image drawing, and image data (effect image data) on which the VDP performs image development processing. A VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily stores image data developed by the VDP, a liquid crystal control CPU that outputs control data necessary for the VDP to perform display control, and a display control operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU. A liquid crystal control ROM that stores the described program and various data necessary for display control thereof, and a liquid crystal control RAM that functions as a work area and a buffer memory are mainly configured.

  In addition, the production control unit 24 performs a light production and a sound production, a light display control unit for the light display device 45a including the decorative lamp 45 and the LED, a sound control unit (sound source LSI) for the sound generation device 46a including the speaker 46, A drive control unit (motor drive circuit) for the movable body accessory motor 61 is provided.

  The effect control unit 24 is connected to a frame effect button 13 that can be operated by the player, and the effect control unit 24 can receive an operation detection signal from the frame effect button 13. In addition, the effect control unit 24 is connected to an accessory motor 61 for controlling the operation of the movable accessory, and the effect control unit 24 can transmit a control signal for controlling the movable accessory motor 61. It has become.

  The effect control unit 24 determines by lottery or uniquely from a plurality of types of effect patterns prepared in advance based on the effect control command sent from the main control unit 20, and controls various effect means at a necessary timing. To do. Thereby, the display of the effect image by the liquid crystal display device 36 corresponding to the effect pattern, the reproduction of the sound from the speaker 46, and the lighting and blinking drive of the decoration lamp 45 and the LED are realized. By these effect means, various effect patterns are developed in time series, thereby realizing an “effect scenario” in a broad sense.

  The effect control command defines a function by a 2-byte configuration consisting of a 1-byte length mode (MODE) and an event (EVENT) of 1-byte length. In order to distinguish MODE from EVENT, MODE Bit 7 is Bit 7 of ON and EVENT is set to OFF. When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output corresponding to each of the mode (MODE) and the event (EVENT). That is, when there is a command to be transmitted, the CPU 201 (main control CPU) sets and outputs mode (MODE) information for transmitting the command to the effect control unit 24, and the first time after a predetermined time elapses from this setting. The strobe signal is transmitted. Furthermore, event (EVENT) information is set and output after the elapse of a predetermined time from the transmission of the strobe signal, and the second time of the strobe signal is transmitted after the elapse of the predetermined time from this setting. The strobe signal is controlled to be in an active state by the CPU 201 for a predetermined period during which the CPU 241 (production control CPU) can reliably receive the command.

  Further, the effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) generates an interrupt based on the input of the strobe signal and executes a control program for command reception interrupt processing so that the effect control command is acquired in this interrupt processing. It has become. Unlike the CPU 201, when an interrupt is generated based on the input of the strobe signal, the CPU 241 is executing an interrupt process based on another interrupt (timer interrupt process executed periodically). Even in such a case, the command reception interrupt process is performed by interrupting the process, and the command reception interrupt process is preferentially performed even if another interrupt occurs simultaneously.

<3. Outline of operation>
Next, a gaming operation according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment using the control device (FIG. 3) will be described.

(3-1. Symbol change display game)
(3-1-1. Special symbol variation display game, decorative symbol variation display game)
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, based on a predetermined start condition, specifically, the game ball enters (wins) the game ball into the upper start port 34 or the lower start port 35, the main control unit 20 The “big hit lottery” is performed by random number lottery. Based on the lottery result, the main control unit 20 displays the special symbols 1 and 2 on the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b in a variable manner to start the special symbol variation display game. Derived and displayed on the device, thereby ending the special symbol variation display game.

  Here, in this embodiment, the big hit lottery based on the winning to the upper start opening 34 and the big hit lottery based on the winning to the lower start opening 35 are performed separately and independently. For this reason, the big hit lottery result regarding the upper start port 34 is derived on the special symbol display device 38a side, and the big hit lottery result regarding the lower start port 35 is derived on the special symbol display device 38b side. Specifically, on the side of the special symbol display device 38a, on the condition that a game ball has entered the upper start opening 34, the special symbol 1 is variably displayed and the first special symbol variation display game is started. On the other hand, on the special symbol display device 38b side, on the condition that a game ball has entered the lower start opening 35, the special symbol 2 is displayed in a variable manner and the second special symbol variation display game is started. ing. Then, when the special symbol variation display game is started in the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, after the predetermined variation display time has elapsed, if the big win lottery result is “big hit”, it is in a predetermined “big hit” mode, otherwise In the case of, the special symbol in the variable display is stopped and displayed in a predetermined “losing” or “small winning (small winning will be described later)” mode, so that the game result (big winning lottery result) is derived. It has become.

  In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the first special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 38a side is referred to as "special symbol variation display game 1", and the second special symbol on the special symbol display device 38b side. The variation display game is referred to as “special symbol variation display game 2”. Unless otherwise required, “special symbol 1” and “special symbol 2” are simply referred to as “special symbols” (sometimes abbreviated as “special symbol”), and “special symbol variation display game 1” and “special symbol” The symbol variation display game 2 ”is simply referred to as“ special symbol variation display game ”.

  In addition, when the above-described special symbol variation display game is started, the decorative symbol variation display game is started by variably displaying the decorative symbol (proactive game symbol) on the liquid crystal display device 36. Various developments are developed. When the special symbol variation display game ends, the decorative symbol variation display game also ends, the special symbol display device reflects a predetermined special symbol indicating the jackpot lottery result, and the liquid crystal display device 36 reflects the jackpot lottery result. The decorated design is derived and displayed. In other words, the result of the special symbol variation display game is reflected and displayed by the stunning ornamental symbol variation display game including the decorative symbol variation display operation.

  For example, when the result of the special symbol variation display game is “big hit”, the decoration symbol variation display game develops an effect reflecting the result. In the special symbol display device, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a display mode in which the special symbol is a big hit (for example, the 7-segment display state is “7”), the liquid crystal display device 36 displays “left”, “middle”, “right”. In each display area of “”, the display pattern in which the decorative symbol reflects “big hit” (for example, in each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” display areas, the three decorative symbols are “7”, “7”, “ 7 ”display state).

  When this “big hit” is reached, that is, the special symbol variation display game is ended, and the decorative symbol variation display game is terminated accordingly. The big prize opening solenoid 52c (see FIG. 3) of the variable prize winning device 52 is actuated to open and close the opening door 52b in a predetermined pattern, thereby opening and closing the big prize opening 50. An advantageous special gaming state (big hit game) occurs. In this jackpot game, the number of game balls that have won a prize at the big prize opening (the big prize opening) until a predetermined time (maximum opening time: 29.8 seconds, for example) elapses by the opening door 52b. 50 (the number of winning balls) is a predetermined number (maximum number of winnings: the maximum number of winning balls allowed for an opened winning opening is increased by one operation of an accessory: for example, 9) Until the value reaches the predetermined number of rounds (for example, a maximum of 15 rounds) where the winning area is opened or expanded and the big winning opening is closed when either of these conditions is met. Round) repeated. The condition for closing the special winning opening 50 is not limited to this, and it may be based only on the opening time of the special winning opening or only based on the number of game balls won in the special winning opening. Also good.

  When the jackpot game is started, an opening effect is provided to notify that the jackpot is started. After the opening effect is finished, the round game is performed a plurality of times with a predetermined number of rounds as an upper limit. Then, after the specified number of rounds is finished, an ending effect for notifying that the jackpot is finished is performed, and thereby the jackpot game is finished. That is, the jackpot game is roughly composed of game periods of an opening effect, a round game, and an ending effect. However, the round game execution period excluding the opening effect period and the ending effect period in the closed state of the big prize opening may be regarded as a big hit game period.

  Regarding the information necessary for the execution of the decorative symbol variation display game, first, the main control unit 20 is based on the fact that a game ball enters (wins) the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35. Whether the game is detected by the upper start sensor 34a or the lower start sensor 35a and the start condition (the start condition related to the special symbol) is satisfied, whether the game is “big hit” or “lost” 'Lottery lottery (win / fail type lottery)', and if it is a 'big hit', the big hit type is drawn, and if it is 'losing', the lottery type is drawn. A big hit lottery including 'is performed, and based on the lottery result information, a variation pattern of the special symbol and a special symbol (special stop symbol) to be finally stopped and displayed are determined. Then, as the effect control command for specifying the processing state, “variation pattern including special symbol variation pattern information (for example, information on the result of jackpot lottery result, variation time of special symbol, presence / absence of specific effect (for example, notice effect)), etc. The “designation command” and the “decoration design designation command” including information on the special stop symbol are transmitted to the effect control unit 24. Thereby, basic information required for the decorative symbol variation display game is sent to the effect control unit 24.

  The effect control unit 24 develops the effect during the decoration symbol variation display game based on information included in the effect control command (here, the variation pattern designation command and the decoration symbol designation command) sent from the main control unit 20. The contents (production scenario) and the decoration symbol (decoration stop symbol) to be finally stopped and displayed are determined, and the decoration symbol is variably displayed according to the time schedule based on the variation pattern of the special symbol to execute the decoration symbol variation display game. As a result, the decorative symbols by the liquid crystal display device 36 are variably displayed in synchronism with the special symbol variation display by the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and the period of the special symbol variation display game and the decorative symbol variation display game are in progress. Are the same or substantially the same time width. Further, the effect control unit 24 controls the liquid crystal display device 36, the light display device 45a, or the sound generation device 46a so as to correspond to the effect scenario, and develops various effects in the decorative symbol variation display game. Thereby, the reproduction of the image (image effect), the reproduction of the sound effect (sound effect), and the lighting and blinking drive (light effect) of the decoration lamp 45 and the LED, etc. are realized on the liquid crystal display device 36.

  In this way, the special symbol variation display game and the decorative symbol variation display game have an inseparable relationship, and the display reflecting the display result of the special symbol variation display game is expressed in the decoration symbol variation display game. These two symbol variation display games may be regarded as equivalent symbol games. In the present specification, the above two symbol variation display games may be simply referred to as “symbol variation display games” unless otherwise required.

(3-1-2. Normal symbol fluctuation display game)
Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, based on the passing (winning) of the game ball through the normal symbol starting port 37, “main lottery” is performed by the random number lottery in the main control unit 20. Based on the lottery result, the normal symbol displayed on the LED is displayed in a normal symbol display device 39a in a variable manner to start a normal symbol variation display game. After a certain period of time, the result is converted into a combination of lighting and non-lighting of the LED. And stop display. For example, when the result of the normal symbol variation display game is “per assistance”, the display unit of the normal symbol display device 39a is turned on in a specific lighting state (for example, all the two LEDs 39 are on, or “O” and “ The display is stopped when the “○” side LED among the LEDs representing “x” is in a lighting state).

  When this "subsidiary hit" is reached, the normal electric accessory solenoid 41c (see FIG. 3) is actuated, thereby opening the movable blade 47 in a reverse "C" shape and opening the lower start port 35. Alternatively, the game ball is expanded to enter a state in which the game ball is likely to flow in (opening opening state), and an auxiliary game state (hereinafter referred to as “general power open game”) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state occurs. In this open electric game, the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variable prize winning device 41 won the open time of the lower start opening 35 until a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) elapses or the lower start opening 35 was won. Until the number of game balls reaches a predetermined number (for example, 4), the winning area is opened or expanded, and when one of these conditions is satisfied, the lower start opening 35 is closed a predetermined number of times (for example, , Up to 2 times). The condition for closing the lower start opening 35 is not limited to this, and it may be based only on the opening time of the lower winning opening, or only based on the number of game balls won in the lower winning opening. Also good.

  Here, in the present embodiment, during the special / decorative symbol variation display game, during the regular symbol variation display game, during the big hit game, or during the open-circuit game, the upper start port 34 or the lower start port 35 or the normal symbol start port 37, when a winning occurs, that is, when a detection signal is input from the upper start sensor 34a, the lower start sensor 35a, or the normal symbol start sensor 37a, and the corresponding start condition (symbol game start condition) is satisfied As a data relating to the right to start the variable display game, except for the data related to the variable display, the maximum storage number (for example, a maximum of four) which is a predetermined upper limit value is reserved and stored. . The on-hold hold data that has not been subjected to the symbol variation display operation or a game ball related to the hold data is also referred to as an “operation hold ball”. In order to clarify the number of the operation holding balls to the player, a dedicated holding display (not shown) provided at an appropriate position of the pachinko gaming machine 1 or a holding provided as an icon image on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 Turn on the indicator.

  In the present embodiment, up to four operation holding balls relating to special symbol 1, special symbol 2, and normal symbol are each stored in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 203, and are held as the number of changes in the special symbol or normal symbol. In addition, the maximum memory number (maximum reserved memory number) of the number of operation reservation balls regarding the special symbol 1, the special symbol 2, and the normal symbol is not particularly limited. For example, it is possible to set a maximum number of memory for the number of balls with different working reserves for each symbol (for example, a maximum of four for the special symbol 1 side, a maximum of two for the special symbol 2 side, a maximum of six for the normal symbol side) For the special symbol 1 and the special symbol 2, the maximum number of stored memory of the number of operation-reserved balls on the symbol side where the profit obtained as a result of the big hit lottery is relatively high may be set (for example, the special symbol 2). 4 on the side, 1 on the special symbol 1 side).

(3-2. Game state)
Next, the gaming state will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to generate a plurality of types of gaming states in addition to the jackpot that is a special gaming state. In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, first, functions (means) related to occurrence of various gaming states will be described.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a “probability variation (hereinafter, abbreviated as“ probability variation ”) function” that the main control unit 20 (CPU 201) serves as a function unit. There are two types, a probability changing function related to a special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol probability changing function”) and a probability changing function related to a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol probability changing function”).

  The special symbol probability changing function changes the probability of winning a big hit from a low probability (for example, 1/399) of a predetermined probability (normal probability) to a high probability (for example, 1/3 of 19.9). Is a function that generates an advantageous “high probability state”. Under the gaming state (high probability state) in which this special symbol probability changing function is in operation, the big hit lottery probability is high, so that the big hit is likely to occur. Therefore, it can be said that the gaming state expected by the player is a gaming state in which this special symbol probability changing function is operating. The details of the operation start condition and the operation end condition of the special symbol probability changing function will be described later.

  The normal symbol probability changing function changes the low probability (for example, 1/256) to a high probability (for example, 255/256) that the lottery probability per auxiliary is a predetermined probability (ordinary probability), so that it is more than the normal gaming state. This is a function for generating an advantageous “probability change state per auxiliary”. Under the game state in which this normal symbol probability changing function is operating (probability per assist change state), since the lottery probability per auxiliary is in a high probability state, auxiliary hits are likely to occur, and open-game games frequently occur. Thus, the operating rate is improved so that the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is improved compared to the normal gaming state. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation start condition of the normal symbol probability changing function is the same as the operation start condition of the special symbol time-shortening function described later, and the operation end condition is also the special symbol time-shortening function. This is the same condition as the operation end condition.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a “variable time reduction (hereinafter referred to as“ time reduction ”) function” that the main control unit 20 serves as a functional unit. There are two types of time-shortening functions relating to special symbols (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol time-shortening functions”) and time-shortening functions relating to ordinary symbols (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol time-shortening functions”).

  The special symbol time reduction function shortens the average time required for one special symbol fluctuation display game (the average time from when the special symbol starts to change until it is fixedly displayed (average fluctuation time of the special symbol)). This is a function that generates a special symbol short-time state. Under the gaming state in which the special symbol time reduction function is activated (special symbol short time state), the average variation time of the special symbol in one special symbol variation display game is shortened (for example, the average time required for the variation without reach) Is reduced from 8 seconds to 2 seconds), a lottery number improvement state is achieved in which the number of big lotteries per unit time is improved compared to the normal gaming state. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the variation time of the special symbol may be shortened due to the difference in the number of suspended balls, but in this case, the special symbol short-time state does not occur, This is due to the control process.

  The normal symbol time shortening function is the average time required for one normal symbol fluctuation display game (the average time from the start of normal symbols to the final display (average fluctuation time of normal symbols)) This is a function to generate a shortened "normal symbol time short state". Under the game state in which the normal symbol short-time function is activated (normal symbol short-time state), the average fluctuation time of the normal symbol in one normal symbol fluctuation display game is shortened (for example, from 10 seconds to 1 second). In other words, the number of lotteries is improved so that the number of lotteries per auxiliary time per unit time is improved as compared with the normal gaming state. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the normal symbol variation time may be shortened due to the difference in the number of suspended balls, but in this case, the normal symbol short-time state does not occur. This is due to the control process. Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation start condition of the normal symbol short-time function is the same as the operation start condition of the special symbol short-time function described above, and the operation end condition is also the special symbol short-time function. The conditions are the same as the operation end conditions.

  Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with an “open extension function” in which the main control unit 20 serves as its function unit.

  The open extension function is a function for generating an “open extension state” in which the opening operation period (at least one of the opening time and the number of opening times of the movable blade piece 47) of the movable blade piece 47 of the normal variation prize winning device 41 is extended. is there. This open extended state is referred to as a so-called “electric chew support state”. Under the gaming state (open extended state) in which the open extension function is operating, the opening operation period (starting port open state time) of the movable wing piece 47 is extended from 0.2 seconds to 1.7 seconds, for example. The number of times of opening and closing is extended, for example, from once (when the opening extension function is not in operation) to twice (when the opening extension function is in operation), and the movable wing piece 47 per unit time than in the normal gaming state. The operating rate is improved so that the operating rate is improved. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation start condition of the opening extension function is the same condition as the operation start condition of the special symbol time shortening function described above, and the operation end condition is also the special symbol time shortening function. The conditions are the same as the operation end conditions. Therefore, during the open extended state, the normal symbol probability changing function and the normal symbol time-shortening function also act, so that a gaming state in which the operation rate of the movable wing piece 47 is remarkably improved occurs.

  By operating one or more types of the functions as described above, it is possible to change the internal gaming state of the gaming machine. Here, in this embodiment, the operation start conditions of the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol short-time function, and the open extension function are the same conditions as the operation start conditions of the special symbol short-time function, so each function operates at the same opportunity. Will do. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the gaming state in which the special symbol probability changing function, the special symbol time shortening function, the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol time shortening function, and the open extension function are referred to as “probability changing state”. A gaming state from which the special symbol probability changing function is removed is referred to as a “short-time state”, and a gaming state in which only the special symbol probability changing function is activated is referred to as a “latent probability varying state (latent probability or latent probability state)”, and not all functions are in operation. The (non-operating) state is referred to as “normal gaming state”. Therefore, when paying attention to the jackpot lottery probability in these gaming states, when the gaming state is the “short-time state” or “normal gaming state”, at least the jackpot lottery probability becomes the “low probability state”, and the gaming state becomes “latent”. In the case of “probability state” or “probability change state”, at least the big hit lottery probability becomes a “high probability state”. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the above-mentioned “time-short state” does not occur independently. Further, during the big hit, all functions are deactivated, and basically, the player is placed in the same gaming state as the normal gaming state.

(3-2-1. High base gaming state)
In the present embodiment, the functions related to the normal symbol, that is, the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol short-time function, and the open extension function are the same conditions as the operation start conditions of the special symbol short-time function. Will operate at the same opportunity. However, when attention is paid to the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol time-shortening function, and the open extension function, respectively, when at least one of these functions is activated, the operating rate of the movable blade piece 47 is improved. Since the operating rate is improved and the winning frequency at the lower start opening 35 is increased, the gaming condition is that the starting condition of the special symbol variation display game for deriving the big win lottery result is higher than the normal gaming state. "Base gaming state (starting condition improved state)". The “high base gaming state” here refers to a gaming state when a function relating to a normal symbol is activated, and a function relating to a special symbol, that is, at least one of a special symbol probability changing function and a special symbol time-shortening function is activated. It is different from the game state when doing.

  On the other hand, when focusing on the functions related to special symbols (special symbol probability changing function and special symbol short-time function) individually, when the above special symbol probability changing function is activated, the jackpot lottery probability becomes “high probability state” which is higher than the normal gaming state. When the special symbol short-time function is activated, the special symbol variation display game has a “special symbol short-time state” in which the digestion time of the special symbol variation display game is earlier than the normal gaming state. In this respect, it is distinguished from the “high base gaming state” in which the starting frequency of the special symbol variation display game is higher than that in the normal gaming state.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as an example of the “high base game state”, the electric chew support state provided with the open extension function is handled as the “high base game state”. Under the electric chew support state, the operating rate (opening time and number of opening) of the movable wing piece 47 of the normally variable winning device 41 is improved, the winning rate to the lower start opening 35 is increased, and the winning frequency per unit time is increased. Therefore, the game state is advantageous to the player as compared to the case where the electronic chew support state is not set (low base game state). When paying attention to the presence or absence of the electric chew support state, when the game state is “normal game state” or “latent probability state”, there is “no electric chew support state” (hereinafter referred to as “no electric support state”). When the game state is “time-short state” or “probability change state”, “electric chew support state exists” (hereinafter referred to as “electric support state”).

  In the present embodiment, one game state is further classified and managed in order to diversify the effects related to the game state. Specifically, the “normal gaming state” includes a plurality of types of “normal gaming state A (normal A)”, “normal gaming state B (normal B)”, and “normal gaming state C (normal C)”. A normal gaming state is included and managed as different gaming states. That is, even in the same normal game state, the conditions (variation pattern selection mode) for selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol are different. As a result, the operating status of each function (special symbol probability changing function, special symbol time shortening function, normal symbol probability changing function, normal symbol time shortening function, and open extension function) related to the determination of the jackpot lottery probability or the presence or absence of electric support, etc. When paying attention to the “game state”, it is possible to generate effects corresponding to each of a plurality of types of game states of “normal A” to “normal C” with respect to the effects even though they are in the same “normal game state”. become. Furthermore, in this embodiment, while the internal gaming state is the same “latency state”, the production is managed as “normal A”, “normal B”, or “normal C”, and the above-mentioned normal gaming state The effects corresponding to the same game state as “Normal A” to “Normal C” can be generated (transition conditions for each game state will be described later). In the present embodiment, the types of "internal gaming state" when focusing on each function related to the determination of the jackpot lottery probability and the presence or absence of electric support includes a normal gaming state, a latent probability state, and a probability change state, The types of “gaming state (variation pattern selection mode)” when attention is paid to the determination of effects include normal A, normal B, normal C, and probability change state.

  In this way, in this embodiment, the internal gaming state is managed by managing the gaming state (internal gaming state) focused on the jackpot lottery probability and the presence / absence of electric support as different from the gaming state focused on the production determination. Even if they are the same, a plurality of types of effect modes can be realized. Thereby, the variation of the production under the same internal game state can be made rich. In the present specification, unless otherwise required, the internal gaming state and the gaming state when attention is paid to the determination of the effect are handled in the same row.

<4. About winning>
Next, “winning” of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described.

(4-1. Type per hit)
The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to perform a big hit lottery for multiple types of hits. The hit types include "15R long open probability variable big hit", "10R long open positive variable big hit", "2R short open latent big hit", and "small hit (small hit A, small hit B, and small hit C)" Includes multiple types of hits.

  Among these hits, “15R long open probability change big hit”, “10R long open probability change big hit”, and “2R short open latent change big hit” are hits belonging to the “big hit” type that triggers the operation of the condition device. "Is a hit belonging to the" non-big hit "type that does not trigger the condition device. Here, the “condition device” is a device whose operation is a condition necessary for the operation of the accessory continuous operation device for performing a round game, in which a combination of specific special symbols is displayed or a game ball is displayed. The one that operates when it passes a specific area in the big prize opening. Both the hits belonging to the “big hit” type and the hits (small hits) belonging to the “non-big hit” type are hits that trigger the transition to a special gaming state involving opening / closing operations of the big prize opening. Therefore, hits belonging to the “non-big hit” type are different from simple “losing”.

  Of the hits belonging to the above-mentioned "big hit" type, "15R long open probability change big hit", "10R long open probability change big hit", and "2R short open probability big hit" have at least a high probability of the gaming state after the big hit game ends. It is a big hit that belongs to a “probability big hit” to be shifted to a gaming state with a state (in this embodiment, a probability variation state or a latent probability state). Note that “small hit” is a hit belonging to the “non-big hit” type, but unless otherwise necessary, it is treated as one of the big hit types in the same row without being distinguished from the above big hit.

(4-2. Per game)
Next, the winning game based on each hit described above will be described.

(4-2-1.15R long opening chance change hit game)
A winning game with a 15R long open probability variable jackpot (hereinafter referred to as “15R probability variable big hit game”) is a big hit with a prescribed number of rounds of 15 rounds. In this embodiment, the winning prize port 50 in one round game is The maximum opening time is set to “29.8 seconds” of “long opening time”. Here, the “long open time” means that there is a possibility that the number of winnings in the big winning opening within the time will reach the maximum number of winnings (for example, 9) (the possibility of reaching the maximum number of winnings is sufficient). It is determined as a time span.

  After the round game is started and the grand prize opening 50 is opened, when the above maximum opening time elapses, the big prize opening 50 is closed and the current round game is finished, and the prescribed round number of 15 rounds is reached. If not, after a predetermined time (interval between rounds) has elapsed, the next round game is entered. However, even before the maximum opening time has elapsed, if the number of game balls (the number of winning balls) won in the big winning opening 50 reaches the maximum winning number (for example, nine), the big winning opening 50 is closed. After the current round game is over and a predetermined time (inter-round interval time) has elapsed, the next round game is entered. In other words, when the maximum opening time of the grand prize opening has elapsed, or when the number of game balls won in the grand prize opening reaches the maximum number of winnings, the opened big prize opening is met Is closed and the game is shifted to the next round game after a predetermined interval time (the same applies to the winning game by 10R long opening probability change big hit described later, and the winning game by 2R short opening latent big hit) .

  The above-mentioned “interval time between rounds” between round games is “remaining ball discharge time” and “interval time before opening” after the remaining ball discharge time elapses until the next round game starts. Consists of. The above “remaining ball discharge time” refers to an extra time (for example, 1980 ms) for discharging the remaining balls inside the big winning opening after the closing of the big winning opening. Sufficient time is required until the game ball won immediately before passing through a winning detection switch (large winning opening sensor 52a) formed in the large winning opening. Also, the “interval before opening” means that after the above-mentioned remaining ball discharge time has passed and the remaining balls in the big winning opening are considered discharged, the big winning opening in the next round game is released. Time width (for example, 20 ms). Even if the big prize opening sensor 52a detects a game ball during this pre-opening interval, the game ball is treated as invalid.

(4-2-2.10R Long Opening Probability Hit Game with a Big Hit)
The winning game by 10R long open probability variable big hit (hereinafter referred to as “10R positive variable big hit game”) is the same as the content of the 15R positive variable big hit game described above except that the prescribed number of rounds is ten. Therefore, the 10R probability variable big hit game is a big hit game to which a relatively lower profit is given than the 15R probability variable big hit game (in this embodiment, there is a difference in the number of winning balls for five rounds).

(4-2-3.2R hit game with short open latency big hit)
In a win game based on 2R short-open latency big hit (hereinafter, referred to as “2R latent big hit game”), the number of rounds is a big hit with 15 rounds. In this embodiment, a big prize opening in one round game The maximum opening time of 50 is set to 0.1 seconds of “short opening time”. Here, the “short opening time” is defined as a time span in which it is difficult to win a prize winning itself. In the present embodiment, one of the conditions for closing the big prize opening is within the “short opening time”, depending on the performance of the launching device (for example, the continuous shooting speed performance of game balls per unit time) and the formation position of the big prize opening. It is impossible to reach the “Maximum Wins”. In 2R latent big hit games, the big winning opening 50 is only opened for a short time and the number of round games is as small as two rounds, so it is a big hit game with virtually no winning balls. (Accurately, there is a possibility that a winning of the big winning opening 50 may also occur, but since the maximum opening time of the big winning opening of each round game is set to a short opening time, the possibility is extremely low. Virtually no prize balls can be obtained).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the number of award balls in the big hit game, in other words, the number of game balls that can be obtained by the player (the number of winning prize balls) is different according to the type of the big hit. Yes. In addition, although it has been described that the maximum opening time is set to the short opening time in the 2R latent large hit game, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the same long open time as 15R probability variable big hit game or 10R probability variable big hit game may be set so that a winning to the big winning opening 50 is allowed to some extent, and it is difficult or impossible to reach the maximum winning number. Although it is possible, it is set to an opening time (an intermediate opening time shorter than the long opening time and longer than the short opening time: for example, 5 seconds) that can secure a certain number of winning balls to the big winning opening 50. May be. In order to vary the number of winning balls, the maximum winning number may be set to a different number according to the type of jackpot.

(4-2-4. Winning games with small hits (A per small hit-C per small hit))
In a hit game with a small hit A to a small hit C (hereinafter referred to as “small hit game”), the big prize opening 50 is opened twice, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 50 per round is 2R. It is set to 0.1 seconds, which corresponds to the maximum opening time of the game with a large probability of winning, and the interval time from the closing of the first winning port 50 to the opening of the second winning port 50 is 2R. The same time width as the interval time is set. Also, regarding the closing condition of the big winning opening 50 in the small hit game, whether the maximum opening time has elapsed or the number of game balls won in the big winning opening 50 reaches the maximum winning number (for example, 9) Either one of the conditions is satisfied. This is also the same as the 2R latent big hit game. That is, during the small hit game, the opening / closing operation of the big winning opening 50 captured from the appearance is controlled in substantially the same operation mode as that of the 2R latent big hit game.

  Since this “small hit” is a hit type that does not trigger the operation of the “condition device”, a round game like “big hit” is not executed. However, by controlling the opening and closing of the big prize opening 50 in substantially the same manner of operation as the 2R latent big hit game, a pseudo round game was realized, and it seemed as if the 2R short open big hit big win was won. It is possible to dress like In addition, the hit effect during the small hit game (the effect that appears during the hit game) has the same or very similar effect as the hit effect during the 2R latent large hit game. In other words, the operation related to the small hit game including the hit effect shows substantially the same behavior as the operation related to the 2R short open latency big hit, and which hit game is executed as viewed from the player side. Identification is difficult or impossible. As a result, even if the player wins a small hit, the player can be given a sense of expectation for winning the 2R short open latent big hit.

(4-3. Game state after winning game: FIG. 4)
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the gaming state to be transferred after each winning game will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a gaming state that shifts after each winning game.

(Game state after 4-3-1.15R probable big hit game ends)
After the 15R-probability big hit game, as shown in the figure, regardless of the game state at the time of the big hit winning, it is shifted to the “probable change state”. In this “probable change state”, the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game (the number of special symbol variation display operations (hereinafter abbreviated as “special symbol variation frequency”) is a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, The total number of executions of the special symbol variation display games 1 and 2 (the total variation number of the special symbols 1 and 2) (the same applies hereinafter): for example 70 times) The jackpot is determined until the game ends or within the predetermined number of times ( When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a display mode showing a big hit and the occurrence of the big hit game is confirmed. (It may be the case that the big hit is won. The same applies hereinafter) The probability variation state continues until the predetermined number of times. When the special symbol variation display game is finished without confirming the big hit, the probability variation state is terminated, and the next game is shifted to “normal A (internal game state is normal game state)”. There. The pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a special symbol variation display game that has been completed a predetermined number of times without winning a big hit (excluding the small hits) after being shifted to a gaming state in which the big win lottery probability is at least high. This is a probability-variation machine (number-of-times probability variation machine (ST machine)) that terminates the high probability state and shifts the jackpot lottery probability to a low probability. Hereinafter, the upper limit number of the special symbol variation display game (special symbol variation number) in which the high probability state is continued is referred to as “specified ST number” as necessary.

(4-3-2.10R probable big hit game state after game end)
After the 15R probability variable big hit game, the game state is shifted to the “probability changed state” regardless of the game state at the time of the big hit, and the game state transition after this probability changed state is the same as in the case of the 15R probability variable big hit described above.

(4-3-3.2R gaming state after the end of the game with a big hit probability)
After the 2R latency big hit game, as shown in the figure, the game state of the transfer destination differs depending on the game state at the time of the big hit win. Specifically, when the game state is “normal A” to “normal C” at the time of winning the big hit (when the internal game state is the normal game state or the latent state), “normal C (internal game state) Is in the “probability state”), if it is “probability change state”, it is shifted to “probability change state”. The “normal C” here is managed as the same gaming state as the “normal C” in which the internal gaming state is the normal gaming state as described above, but the substance is that the internal gaming state is in the latent state. “Normal C (latency)”.

  If the game becomes “Normal C” after the 2R latent big hit game ends, the big win will be until the special symbol variation display game ends the first predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times) or within the predetermined number of times. “Normal C” continues until the game is confirmed, and when the special symbol variation display game is finished without confirming the big hit within the predetermined number of times, the “Normal C” is ended and “Normal A” is started from the next game. It is transferred to. That is, when the specified number of STs is divided into the first half section and the second half section, the first half section is placed under “normal C” and the second half section is placed under “normal A”. Therefore, when the transition is made from “normal C” to “normal A”, the internal gaming state is shifted to “normal A” in the latent state.

  The number of executions of the special symbol variation display game including “normal C” in the first half section after the above-described latent state becomes “normal A” or until the end of the specified ST number (70 times), or “Normal A” continues until the big hit (including small hits) is confirmed within the specified number of STs, and the special symbol variation display game is terminated without the big hit (including small hits) being determined within the specified number of STs. Sometimes, the high probability state ends, and the next game shifts to “normal A” in the normal game state. In other words, after the “normal C” is reached after the 2R latent big hit game ends, if the big win is not won within the specified number of STs (for example, 70 times), the internal game state is “normal C” in the latent state. (Special symbol variation display game execution count 30 times) ”→“ Normal A (special symbol variation display game execution count 40 times) ”in the same state (ST specified number of times completed) → Internal game state is“ normal game state ” Game state transition such as “A”.

  As described above, the “15R long open probability change big hit” is transferred to the first big hit game, and after the first big hit game is finished, the first privilege that is more advantageous to the player than in the normal gaming state. It functions as a “first jackpot” for shifting to the gaming state (in this embodiment, the probability variation state). In addition, the above “10R long open probability change big hit” is the second big hit in which the opening / closing operation pattern of the big prize opening is controlled so that the profit provided to the player is relatively less than the first big hit game. It shifts to a game, and functions as a “second jackpot” that shifts to the first bonus game state after the end of the second jackpot game. In addition, the above “2R short-opening latent big hit” is a third game in which the opening / closing operation pattern of the big prize opening is controlled so that the profit provided to the player is relatively less than the first big hit game. The second bonus game state (in this embodiment, “latency probability”) is transferred to the jackpot game, and the profit provided to the player is relatively less than the first bonus game state after the end of the third jackpot game. It functions as a “third jackpot” for shifting to the state “).

  In this embodiment, the “short-time state” is not generated even if any big hit is won. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fourth big hit (short-time big hit) that generates the short-time state after the big-hit game ends. ) May be further provided, and one type of big hit (for example, 10R long open probability change big hit) of the present embodiment may be used as a short-time big hit. In this case, the condition for ending the short-time state is that the special symbol variation display game is executed until the predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) ends or until the big hit is confirmed or won within the predetermined number of times. can do. In this embodiment, at least when the game is shifted to the high probability state, the special symbol variation display game is executed until the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game ends a predetermined number of times (the number of specified STs), or the big hit is confirmed or won in the predetermined number of times. It was explained that the high probability state continues until However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a fifth jackpot may be provided that continues the high probability state until the next jackpot is confirmed or won regardless of the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game.

(4-4. Game state after the small hit game)
Next, the gaming state after the small hit game will be described. Here, after the small hit game, the internal game state at the time of winning the small hit is continued as it is. That is, the transition control of the internal gaming state due to the small win is not performed. For this reason, both the internal game state at the time of winning the small hit and the internal game state after the small hit game are the same internal game state. This is different from “big hit” in which the transition control of the internal gaming state can be performed. However, in this embodiment, the transition control of the “internal gaming state” due to the small win is not performed, while the transition control of the “gaming state” is performed. Thereby, for example, when the game state after the small hit game and the game state after the 2R latent large hit game are shifted to the same game state, it is possible to stay in the effect mode in which both perform the same effect. That is, even after the small hit game, it is possible to generate an effect under the same effect mode as after the 2R latent large hit game. As a result, the player can be given a sense of rushing into a high-probability state that the player may win the 2R short-release latent big hit and move to the “latent state”. ing. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the game state after each small hit game when the small hit A to small hit C is won will be described in detail.

(4-4-1. Game state after the small hit game when the small hit A is won)
After the small hit game by the small hit A, as shown in the figure, the game state of the transfer destination varies depending on the game state at the time of the big hit win. Specifically, when the game state is “normal A” to “normal C” at the time of winning the big hit, it is transferred to “normal B”, and when it is “probability change state”, it is transferred to “probability change state”. It is like that. When the “normal B” is reached, the “normal B” continues until the special symbol variation display game ends a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) or until the big hit is determined within the predetermined number of times. However, when the special symbol variation display game is completed without determining the big hit within the predetermined number of times, the “normal B” is ended and the next game is shifted to “normal A”.

(4-4-2. Game state after the small hit game when winning the small hit B)
After the small hit game by the small hit B, as shown in the figure, the game state of the transfer destination differs depending on the game state at the time of the big hit win. Specifically, when the game state is “normal A” to “normal C” at the time of winning the big hit, it is transferred to “normal B”, and when it is “probability change state”, it is transferred to “probability change state”. It is like that. In the case of “normal C” due to this small hit B, the big hit is fixed until the special symbol variation display game ends the second predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) or within the predetermined number of times. The “normal C” continues until the special symbol variation display game is finished without determining the big win within the predetermined number of times, and the “normal C” is ended, and the next game is shifted to “normal A”. It has become so.

(4-4-3. Game state after the end of the small hit game when winning the small hit C)
After the small hit game by the small hit C, as shown in the figure, the game state of the transfer destination differs depending on the game state at the time of the big hit win. Specifically, the game state “normal A” to “normal C” at the time of winning the big hit is transferred to “normal C”, and when it is “probability change state”, the game state is changed to “probability change state”. It is like that. In the case of “normal C” due to the small hit C, the special symbol variation display game is played for the third predetermined number of times (preferably, “the second predetermined number of times <the third predetermined number of times” and “the first predetermined number of times”). Number of times satisfying at least one of the relationship of “predetermined number of times = third predetermined number of times” (in this embodiment, for example, 30 times) until the end or until the big hit is determined within the predetermined number of times “C” continues, and when the special symbol variation display game ends without the big win being determined within the predetermined number of times, the “normal C” ends, and the next game is shifted to “normal A”. ing. Accordingly, the “normal C” transferred due to the above-mentioned small hit C winning and the “normal C” transferred due to the above small hit B winning are in the same gaming state. However, the stay period of “Normal C” ends in 30 special symbol fluctuation display games (“Normal C (30 times)” in the figure) or 15 times (“Normal C (15 in the figure)”) Times))).

  Here, the above-mentioned “normal C” is a gaming state that can be shifted to even after the 2R latent probability winning game is over. For this reason, when the mode is shifted to “Normal C” due to the 2R short open latency big win, small B win, or small C win, each of the production modes (“Normal C”) is produced. Will be in the “normal C effect mode” described later), and whether or not the internal game state is the “latency state” in the effect, that is, whether the jackpot winning probability state is a high probability state or a low probability state It is concealed. In this embodiment, although there is a difference in the operating state of the special symbol probability changing function between the normal gaming state and the latent probability state, it is noted that the mechanical gaming operation state that appears on the appearance is the same state (both are ' By preventing the player from perceiving what kind of gaming state from the stage of production, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation of a high probability state. Yes. In particular, if the special symbol variation display game is ended 15 times without winning a big win or a small win, and the next game also stays in a production mode corresponding to “normal C”, the small win C win is won. Or because it is limited to whether or not 2R short open latent big hit is won, the expectation that “normal C (30 times)” may have entered a higher probability state than “normal C (15 times)” Will increase further.

  Even in the case of transition from “normal C” to “normal A”, in order to leave the player with a high probability state expectation, the “normal C” continuation count is less than the specified ST count. Preferably there is. Further, according to the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game (the number of variations of the special symbol), not only the transition from the “normal C” to the “normal A” but also the special symbol variation display game during the stay in the “normal C”. After the number of executions ends, a predetermined transition lottery is performed every time the special symbol variation display game is executed. If the transition lottery is won, the transition from “normal C” to “normal A” good. For example, if 2R short open latency probability change big hit or small hit C is won, after the first predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times), the transition lottery is performed, and if small hit B is won, the second predetermined number of times After finishing (for example, 15 times), the above-mentioned transfer lottery is performed. Furthermore, it is preferable to forcibly shift to “normal A” when the special symbol variation display game ends without winning the transition lottery until the specified number of STs ends.

<5. About production>
(5-1. Production mode)
Next, an effect mode (effect state) corresponding to each gaming state will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with an effect mode that produces an effect related to the current gaming state, and is configured to be able to go back and forth between the effect modes. Specifically, during the “normal A” stay, a “normal A effect mode” that produces an effect related to this, while during a “normal B” stay, a “normal B effect mode” that produces an effect related thereto, A “normal C effect mode” that produces an effect related to this during the “normal C” stay, and a “probable change effect mode” that produces an effect related to this during the “probable change state”. There are various types of performance modes. In addition, the “normal C effect mode” corresponding to the “normal C” is an effect in which the current jackpot lottery probability state (internal game state) is concealed and the player is given an expectation of a high probability state. Plays the role of “secret mode”.

  The effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) has a function unit (effect state transition control means) that controls the transition of the effect mode, and a specific effect control command (game state designation command) sent from the main control unit 20 (CPU 201). ), It is configured such that transition control between these effect modes is possible in a form that maintains consistency with the gaming state managed on the main control unit 20 side.

  Also, in each effect mode, the background display as the background of the variable display screen of the decorative symbol is, for example, “normal” so that the player can understand what kind of game state the player is staying in. Under “A production mode”, a background production reminiscent of the season “spring” (for example, a background production in which a background image of a cherry tree is displayed: the first background production), and under “normal B production mode”, the season “summer” is associated. Background effect (for example, background effect for displaying a background image of the sea: second background effect), under the “normal C effect mode”, a background effect reminiscent of the season “autumn” (for example, a background image of an autumnal tree) Displayed background effect: 3rd background effect) Under “Probability change effect mode”, a background effect reminiscent of the season 'winter' (for example, a background effect displaying a snowy mountain background image: a fourth background effect) Is Toggles control.

  Note that the “normal C effect mode” of the present embodiment is the same effect mode regardless of whether the internal game state is the latent state (high probability state) or the normal game state (low probability state). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an effect control command including internal game state information (eg, “variation pattern designation command”, “decorative symbol designation command”, or “game state designation command”) is sent from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24. By transmitting, in accordance with the internal gaming state (especially the jackpot lottery probability), the “genuine normal C performance mode (first hidden performance mode)” under the latent state (high probability state) and the normal gaming state ( The transition control to the “gase normal C effect mode (second secret effect mode)” under the low probability state) may be possible.

  For example, when the internal game state is “Normal Game State” and “Small B” or “Small C” is won and the normal game state is maintained, the “Normal C Effect Mode” above “ Gase's normal C performance mode (low accuracy) ”, while“ 2R short open latency big hit ”is won while the internal gaming state is“ normal gaming state ”or“ latent state ”, and the latent state In the case of shifting to the “normal C effect mode”, the shift control to the “genuine normal C effect mode (high accuracy)” can be made. In this case, with respect to the production, both the “genuine normal C production mode (high accuracy)” and the “gase normal C production mode (low accuracy)” have the same background production (for example, both seasons "Background reminiscent of 'autumn'), while the current jackpot lottery probability state (internal game state) is kept secret, the above-mentioned" genuine normal C effect mode (high accuracy) "and" gase normal C effect mode ( Low probability) ”, it becomes possible to give the player an inferred element as to whether or not a specific production is in a high probability state (for example,“ Normal C “Genuine normal C effect mode” is more likely to generate a specific effect (implying that there is a possibility of a latent state and suggesting a latent expectation effect that suggests)). Whether the internal gaming state is a latent state Given probability expectation to the player, it is possible to further more interesting game.

(5-2. Advance notice)
Next, the notice effect will be described. During the symbol variation display game, various notice effects related to the above-described effect mode can be generated. Such a notice effect acts as a “scoring effect” for raising the player's expectation of winning a big hit. “Reach production” can be cited as a representative example of “buzz production”. This “reach effect” refers to an effect mode with a so-called “reach state”, and specifically refers to an effect mode in which the final result is derived via the reach state. The “reach effect” includes a plurality of types of reach effects associated with the big win winning expectation. For example, when a specific reach state appears, there is a case in which a big hit winning expectation is relatively increased as compared with a case where a normal reach state ('normal reach (N reach)') appears. Such reach production with a specific reach state is referred to as “super reach (SP reach)”. Many of the SP reach have a relatively long production time (variation time) compared to the N reach in order to win the big win expectation. The reach effects of this embodiment are provided with the following types of reach effects. First, reach production can be broadly classified as “N-reach, weak SP reach A, weak SP reach B, strong SP reach A, and strong SP reach B” for “normal A” or “normal B”. "Special reach" type dedicated to "definite change", "reach during probability change" type dedicated to "probability change state", and the like. These reach production types include one or a plurality of types of reach variation patterns. For example, 'weak SP reach 1-3' is set for 'weak SP reach' type, 'strong SP reach type' is set for 'strong SP reach type', and 'special reach 1-3' is set for 'special reach' type. The “reach during probability change” type includes “reach during probability change 1-3”.

  It should be noted that various effects by the pachinko gaming machine 1 are displayed by effecting means (predetermined electrical and electronic parts) arranged in the gaming machine. Any directing means can be employed as the directing means in the present invention as long as it is a stimulus transmitting means that can appeal to human perception such as vision, hearing, and touch. Light generating means such as a decorative lamp 45, LED device, speaker 46, and liquid crystal display device 36, sound generating device, effect display device, or a vibrating device that transmits vibration to the operator's body, or a movable body having a visual effect An example of such a feature is a representative example. Here, the effect display device is a display device that appeals to the eye like the image display device, but differs from the image display device in that it also includes an image-independent display device (for example, a 7-segment display). The term “image display device” refers mainly to a type that produces an effect by displaying an image, and a device that produces an effect other than an image, such as a 7-segment display, is included in the concept of the effect display device.

<Processing on the main control unit side: FIGS. 5 to 17>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 5-17, the game operation | movement process in the main-control part 20 side of this embodiment is demonstrated. The main control unit 20 side mainly includes a predetermined main process (main control side main process: FIG. 5) and a timer interrupt process (main control side timer interrupt process: activated by a scheduled interrupt from the CTC). 6).

<6. Main process on the main control side: FIG. 5>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing on the main control unit 20 side. The main process starts when the power is turned on without operating the initialization switch (not shown), such as when recovering from a power failure, and when the initialization switch is turned on. May turn on. In any case, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is powered on, a voltage is supplied to each control board by the power supply board 31, and the main control unit 20 (CPU 201) starts the main control side main process shown in FIG. .

  In the main control side main process, the CPU 201 first executes a necessary initial setting process before the start of the gaming operation (step S011). For example, it first sets itself to an interrupt disabled state, sets it to a predetermined interrupt mode (interrupt mode 2), and initializes register values in the CPU including each part of the microcomputer.

  Next, the state (ON, OFF) of the RAM clear signal which is an output signal of the RAM clear switch inputted through an input port (not shown) is determined (step S012). Here, the RAM clear signal is a signal for determining whether or not to initialize the entire area of the RAM, and usually has a value corresponding to the ON / OFF state of the initialization switch operated by the store clerk of the pachinko parlor. doing.

  Here, assuming that the RAM clear signal is in the ON state, the determination result in step S012 is “YES”, and the entire area of the RAM is cleared to zero (step S016). Therefore, the value of the backup flag set at the time of power-off becomes zero together with other checksum values.

  Next, a “RAM clear display command” for notifying that the RAM area has been cleared to zero is transmitted as an initialization command to each control board (step S017). Then, for example, 30 seconds is stored in the RAM clear notification timer as a time for notifying that the RAM has been cleared (step S018).

  Next, the CTC that outputs an interrupt signal for starting the timer interrupt operation is initialized (step S019), and the CPU is set in an interrupt enabled state.

  Thereafter, the interrupt disabled state and the interrupt enabled state are repeated until an interrupt occurs, and various random number update processes are executed during that time (steps S020 to S022). In this various random number update processing (step S021), various random numbers used in special symbol variation display games and normal symbol variation display games (random numbers related to jackpot lotteries circulating through a predetermined numerical range by increment processing (used for symbol lottery) Random numbers used for changing the initial value (start value) of the random numbers for special symbol determination) and random numbers related to lottery per auxiliary (random numbers for determining per-subject winning lottery per auxiliary) The initial value random number for determination and the initial value random number for determination per auxiliary) and the random number for variation pattern used for selecting the variation pattern are updated.

  In the RAM 203 of the present embodiment, a special symbol determination random number counter initial value generation counter, a special symbol determination counter, and the like as various random number counters used for symbol lottery related to jackpot lottery, supplementary lottery, or variation pattern lottery, etc. There are provided a random number counter, a counter for generating an initial value per auxiliary sub-counter, a random counter for determining auxiliary sub-unit, a random number 1 counter for variation pattern, a random number counter 2 for variation pattern, and the like. These counters serve as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. In the various random number update processing in step S021, two initial value generation counters for generating initial values of the special symbol determination random number counter and the auxiliary hit determination random number counter, a variation pattern random number 1 counter, and a variation pattern random number 2 The counter is updated to generate the above various soft random numbers. For example, if the numerical value range that can be taken as the variation pattern random number 1 counter is 0 to 238, a value is acquired from the count value storage area for generating the value of the variation pattern random number 1 in the RAM 203, and 1 is acquired as the acquired value. After adding, it is stored in the original count value storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 239, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. Other initial value generation random number counters are updated in the same manner. The CPU 201 is configured to repeatedly execute various random number update processes except during a timer interrupt process that is executed intermittently.

  Returning to the determination process in step S012, the description will be continued. At the time of recovery from the power failure state, the initialization switch (RAM clear signal) is in the OFF state (step S012: YES). In such a case, the backup flag value is determined following the determination process in step S012 (step S013). Note that the backup flag is set to the ON state (backup flag = 5 AH ('** H' means any hexadecimal number) when the power is shut down, and is OFF (backup) The flag is reset to 00H).

  Therefore, when the power is turned on or when recovering from a power failure, the backup flag should normally be in the ON state. However, the backup flag is reset (OFF) if the predetermined processing is not completed before the power is cut off for some reason. Therefore, when the backup flag is in the OFF state (step S013: NO), the process proceeds to step S016 to return the operation of the gaming machine to the initial state.

  On the other hand, if the backup flag is in an ON state (step S013: YES), a checksum calculation for calculating a checksum value is executed. Here, the checksum operation is an 8-bit addition operation for the work area of the RAM 203. When the checksum value is calculated, the calculation result is compared with the stored value at the SUM address in the RAM 203 (step S014). The SUM address stores a checksum value obtained by the same checksum calculation when the power is turned off. The stored calculation result is maintained by a backup power source together with other data of the RAM 203. Therefore, originally, both should match according to the determination in step S014.

  However, if the checksum operation could not be executed when the power was turned off, or even if it can be executed, the data in the work area may be damaged before the checksum operation of the main process is executed. In such a case, the determination result in step S014 is inconsistent. If data corruption is detected due to a discrepancy between the determination results (step S014: NO), the process proceeds to step S016, RAM clear processing is executed, and the operating state of the gaming machine is returned to the initial state. On the other hand, when the checksum value obtained by the checksum calculation matches the stored value at the SUM address (step S014: YES), the stack pointer before power shutdown is restored based on the backup data, and the processing at power shutdown is performed. The game restoration process necessary to start the game from the state is executed.

  When the game restoration process at step S015 is completed, the process proceeds to the process at step S019, the CTC is initialized and the CPU is set in the interrupt enabled state, and thereafter, the interrupt disabled state and the interrupt enabled state are set until an interrupt occurs. In the meantime, various random number update processes described above are executed (steps S020 to S022).

<7. Main control timer interrupt processing: Fig. 6>
Next, timer interrupt processing on the main control side will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the main control timer interruption process. This main control side timer interrupt process is started by interruption every predetermined time (about 4 ms) from the CTC, and interrupted and executed during execution of the main control side main process. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the address value (including data described in the address) when the CPU 201 reads / writes the main memory such as RAM and ROM, the result information obtained by the arithmetic processing on the program, etc. A process such as reading into and taking in a CPU built-in register is sometimes referred to as “acquisition”, and when the CPU 201 accesses a work area of the RAM and stores predetermined data is sometimes referred to as “storage”.

  In FIG. 6, when a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 201 first saves the contents of the register in the stack area, and then performs a power supply abnormality check process for monitoring the power supply state from the power supply control board 31 (step S051). In this power abnormality check process, it is mainly monitored whether the power is normally supplied. Here, for example, when an abnormality such as a power interruption occurs, a backup process is performed in which predetermined game information at the time of power interruption is stored in the RAM so that the game can be restored without any trouble when the power is restored.

  Next, a timer management process for managing a timer used for game operation control is performed (step S052). Timer values of various timers (for example, special symbol accessory operation timer described later) used for game operation control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are managed (updated) here.

  Next, input management processing is performed (step S053). In this input management process, information detected by various sensors provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stored in the winning counter. Here, the detection information by the various sensors is output from winning detection switches such as the upper starting opening sensor 34a, the lower starting opening sensor 35a, the normal symbol starting opening sensor 37a, the big winning opening sensor 52a, the general winning opening sensor 43a, and the like. ON / OFF information (winning detection information) of the switch signal. Thereby, it is monitored for each interrupt whether or not a winning is detected (a winning has occurred) at each winning opening. The “winning counter” is a counter provided corresponding to each winning opening and counting the number of game balls (winning balls) won. In the present embodiment, in a predetermined area of the RAM 203, an upper start opening winning counter for the upper starting opening 34, a lower starting opening winning counter for the lower starting opening 35, a normal symbol starting opening winning counter for the normal pattern starting opening 37, a large A prize winning counter for the prize winning opening 50 and a prize winning counter for the general winning opening 43 for the general winning opening 43 are provided. Further, in this input management process, it is also monitored whether or not there is an illegal prize based on whether or not the detection information from the prize detection switch has won a prize during a period in which the prize should be allowed. For example, when the lower starting port sensor 35a detects a game ball even when the movable wing piece 47 is not operating, or when the big prize opening sensor 52a detects a game ball even when the big hit game is not being played. Assuming that this is an illegal prize, the prize detection information is invalidated, and a predetermined error process is performed in an error management process (step S055) described later to notify the outside of the invalidation.

  Next, random number management processing within a timer interrupt for periodically updating the random numbers related to each variation display game is performed (step S054). In this periodic random number update process, a special symbol determination random number or auxiliary per-subject determination random number is updated (+1 is added for each interrupt), and a process for changing the start value of the random number counter is performed each time the random number counter makes a round. For example, the value of the special symbol judgment random number counter is updated (added by +1) within a predetermined range, and the special symbol judgment random number counter initial value generation counter value is read each time the special symbol judgment random number counter makes one round. The value of the generation counter is stored in the special symbol determination random number counter. As a result, the start value of the special symbol determination random number counter is changed according to the value of the generation counter, so that the count value of the special symbol determination random number counter is random while the update cycle is constant.

  Next, an error management process for monitoring presence / absence of abnormality in the game operation state is performed (step S055). In this error management process, as an abnormality in the gaming operation state, for example, it is monitored whether or not a disconnection has occurred between the boards, or whether or not there is an illegal winning, and these operation abnormalities (errors) are detected. If it occurs, predetermined error processing corresponding to the error is performed. As the error processing, for example, the progress of a predetermined game operation (for example, a game ball payout operation or a game ball launch operation) is stopped, or an error notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. The effect control unit 24 notifies the effect means that the error has occurred.

  Next, prize ball management processing is performed (step S056). In this prize ball management process, the data stored in the above input management process is grasped and the prize counter is checked. Control unit) 29. Upon receiving this payout control command, the payout control board 29 controls the game ball payout device 19 to perform a payout operation for the designated number of prize balls. As a result, the number of winning balls corresponding to each winning mouth (a predetermined number of winning balls per winning ball promised for each winning mouth × the number of winning balls corresponding to the value of the winning counter) is paid out. Yes.

  Next, normal symbol management processing is performed (step S057). In this normal symbol management process, a lottery per auxiliary in the normal symbol fluctuation display game is performed, and based on the lottery result, the fluctuation pattern of the normal symbol and the stop display mode of the normal symbol are determined, or blinking is repeated every predetermined time. Create normal symbol data (data for LED blinking display during normal symbol variation), and if normal symbol is not varying, create data for stop display (data for LED blinking display during normal symbol stop display) Or The normal symbol management process functions as an auxiliary game lottery unit and a normal symbol display unit (normal symbol display control unit) for controlling the normal symbol variation display operation.

  Next, the ordinary electric accessory management process is performed (step S058). In this ordinary electric accessory management process, the generation of an excitation signal for solenoid control for the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 41a necessary for the generation of the ordinary electric game based on the lottery result of the auxiliary per lot in the normal symbol management process (step S057). And the data (solenoid control data) is set. Based on the data set here, an excitation signal is output to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 41a in a solenoid management process described later, whereby the operation of the movable blade piece 47 is controlled. Note that the ordinary electric accessory management process functions as an auxiliary hit control means.

  Next, special symbol management processing is performed (step S059). In this special symbol management process (hit determination means), the big symbol lottery in the special symbol variation display game is mainly performed, and the variation pattern of the special symbol (prefetch variation pattern, variation pattern at the start of variation) based on the lottery result. And special stop symbols. Details of the special symbol management process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, special electric accessory management processing is performed (step S060). In this special electric utility management process, when the big hit lottery result is “big hit” or “small win”, a setting process necessary to execute and control the hit game corresponding to the win is performed. Details of the special electric accessory management process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, right notification information management processing is performed (step S061). In this right-handed notification information management process, if the high-base gaming state of “electric support is present” occurs (in this embodiment, the probability variation state), the “launching position guidance effect” that reports the right-handed instruction information. (Right-handed notification effect) "is displayed. The right-handed instruction information here is, for example, instruction information that prompts the normal symbol start opening 37 to win a prize, and specifically, is information that instructs to aim at the right flow path 3c as a launch position. The case where the right-handed information is notified is a case where it is presumed that the player accidentally targets the launch position on the left flow path 3b side in the state where the electric support is present. The case where a winning occurs at the upper start opening 34 or the case where no winning occurs at the normal symbol starting opening 37 even after a predetermined time elapses. In such a case, in this right-handed notification information management process, a “right-handed instruction command” for instructing execution of the firing position guidance effect is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 as an effect control command. The control unit 24 is configured to control the appearance of the launch position guidance effect.

  Next, LED management processing is performed (step S062). In this LED management process, display data is output to the normal symbol display device 39a and the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b. Thereby, the change display and stop display of a normal symbol and a special symbol are performed. It should be noted that the normal symbol display data created in the normal symbol management process in step S057 and the special symbol display data update process (step S309 in FIG. 7 described later) during the special symbol management process in step S059 Display data is output by this LED management process.

  Next, external terminal management processing is performed (step S063). In this external terminal management process, the operation state information of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is output to an external device such as a hall computer HC or an island lamp through the frame external concentration terminal board 21. The above-mentioned operation state information includes that a big hit game has occurred (condition device has been activated), that a small hit game has occurred, that a symbol variation display game has been executed (a special symbol variation display game has started or ended) Information), information such as winning information (the effect of winning at the start opening or the big winning opening, and information on the number of winning balls).

  Next, solenoid management processing is performed (step S064). In this solenoid management process, an excitation signal output process for the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 41c based on the solenoid control data created in the ordinary electric accessory management process in step S058, and a special electric accessory management process in step S060. Excitation signal output processing for the special winning opening solenoid 52c based on the solenoid control data is performed. Thereby, the movable wing piece 47 and the open door 52b operate in a predetermined pattern, and the lower start opening 35 and the big winning opening 50 are opened and closed.

  After the processing of steps S051 to S064 is completed, the contents of the saved register are restored (register restoration processing), and the interrupt enabled state is set (step S065). Thus, the timer interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the main control side main process before the interruption, and the main control side main process is performed until the next timer interruption occurs.

(8. Special symbol management processing: Fig. 7)
Next, the special symbol management process (step S059) in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol management process in step S059.

  In FIG. 7, the CPU 201 first performs a special figure 1 start port check process on the special symbol 1 side (upper start port 34 side) (step S301), and then the special symbol on the special symbol 2 side (lower start port 35 side). 2. A starting port check process is performed (step S302).

  When the start opening check process in steps S301 to S302 is completed, the state of the small hitting flag is determined (step S303). This “small hitting flag” is a flag for designating whether or not a small hit game is in progress, and when the flag is in the ON state (= 5 AH), it indicates that a small hit game is in progress. When the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the small hit game is not being played.

  When the small hitting flag is in the OFF state (= 00H) (step S303: ≠ 5AH), the state of the condition device operation flag is then determined (step S304). The “conditional device operation flag” is a flag for designating whether or not a big hit game is being played. When the flag is in an ON state (= 5 AH), it indicates that a big hit game is being played. When the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the big hit game is not being played.

  If the condition device operation flag is in the OFF state (= 00H) (step S304: ≠ 5AH), that is, neither the small hit game nor the big hit game (step S303: ≠ 5AH and step S304: ≠ 5AH), special In accordance with the symbol operation status (00H to 03H), processing related to the special symbol variation display operation is performed (step S305: special symbol operation status branching process). On the other hand, if the small hit game is being played (step S303: = 5 AH) or if the big hit game is being played (step S304: = 5 AH), the processing related to the variable symbol display operation of steps S306 to S308 is not performed. It progresses to the special symbol display data update process of step S309. Therefore, when either the small hit game or the big hit game, the special symbol variation display operation is not performed (the special symbol display state of the special symbol display device is displayed after the small hit or after the big hit) As it is). The “special symbol operation status” is a status value indicating the behavior of the special symbol. This status value is changed according to the processing state and stored in the special symbol operation status storage area of the RAM 203.

  In the special symbol operation status branching process of step S305, depending on which status value the special symbol operation status is “waiting (00H, 01H)”, “changing (02H)” or “confirming (03H)”. The processing corresponding to each is executed.

  Specifically, when the special symbol operation status is “standby (01H)”, the special symbol variation start process (step S306) is performed. When the special symbol variation status is “varying (02H)”, the special symbol variation is performed. If the middle process (step S307) is “under confirmation (03H)”, the special symbol confirmation time process (step S308) is executed. Here, “Waiting” indicates that the behavior of the special symbol is in a standby state for the next change, and “Waiting” indicates that the behavior of the special symbol is changing (variation display). The above-mentioned “under confirmation” indicates that the special symbol has been changed and is stopped (confirmed) and is being displayed (during the special symbol confirmation time). By these processes, a variation display operation that sets a variation start and a variation stop of a special symbol is realized. The details of the special symbol variation start processing (step S306), the special symbol variation processing (step S307), and the special symbol confirmation time processing (step S308) will be described later.

  When any of the processes in steps S306 to S308 is completed, a special symbol display data update process in step S309 described later is performed. In this special symbol display data update process, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is fluctuating. If the special symbol is not changing, data for stop display (data for 7-segment blink display during special symbol stop display) is generated. The special symbol display data created here is output in the LED management process (step S062) in FIG. 6, and the special symbol variation display and the stop display are realized on the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b. Thus, the special symbol management process is exited, and the process proceeds to the special electric accessory management process in step S060 of FIG.

(8-1. Special Figure 1 Start Port Check Process, Special Figure 2 Start Port Check Process: FIG. 8)
First, the special figure 1 starting port check process (step S301 in FIG. 7) will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the special figure 1 starting port check process in step S301. This special figure 1 start opening check process serves as a winning process executed based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition. Here, as a pre-start process for executing the special symbol variation display game 1, A process of adding the number of suspended balls on the special figure 1 side due to the winning of the upper start opening 34, a process of storing various random numbers, a process of creating a pending addition command, and the like are performed.

  The special figure 2 starting port check process (step S302), like the special figure 1 starting port check process, serves as a winning process executed based on the establishment of a predetermined starting condition, and is a special symbol variation display game. As a pre-start process for executing the process No. 2, a process for adding the number of suspended balls on the special figure 2 side due to the occurrence of winning at the lower start port 35, a process for storing various random numbers, a process for creating a pending addition command, and the like are performed. Basically, the same processing procedure as that of the special figure 1 starting port check process is performed. In the present specification, in order to avoid duplication, only the special figure 1 start opening check process will be described, and the description of the special figure 2 start opening check process (step S302) will be omitted.

  In FIG. 8, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not a winning (winning ball) has been detected at the upper start port 34 (step S311).

  When the winning of the upper start opening 34 is detected (step S311: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1 is 4 or more (step S312). That is, it is determined whether or not the number of the operation holding balls (hereinafter referred to as “special drawing 1 operation holding balls”) according to the special symbol 1 is less than the maximum holding memory number (here, the upper limit of four). If no winning is detected at the upper start opening 34 (step S311: NO), the special figure 1 start opening check process is exited without doing anything.

  If the special figure 1 operation holding ball number is 4 or more (step S312: YES), the process proceeds to step S325 described later. If the special figure 1 operation holding ball number is not 4 or more, that is, less than 4 (step (S312: NO), 1 is added (+1) to the special figure 1 operation reservation ball number (step S313), and the process proceeds to step S314.

  When the process proceeds to step S314, various random numbers used for the special symbol variation display game 1 related to the special figure 1 operation holding ball generated this time are acquired (step S314). Specifically, the current values of the jackpot determination random number, the special symbol determination random number, the variation pattern random number 1, and the variation pattern random number 2 are acquired from the random number counter, and the acquired random number values are stored in the reserved storage area of the RAM 203. To do. The reserved storage area is an area for storing predetermined game information related to the symbol variation display game as an operating reserve ball (holding data). Until the first variation display operation is performed (until the execution of the special symbol variation display game 1), it is held and stored in the order in which the start conditions are established (the winning order). The reserved memory area includes a reserved memory area corresponding to the special symbol 1 side and the special symbol 2 side (a special symbol 1 reserved memory area corresponding to the special symbol 1 (first reserved memory area)) and a special symbol 2 Is provided with a special figure 2 reserved storage area (second reserved storage area). These reserved storage areas are provided with a reserved 1 storage area to a reserved n storage area (n is the maximum number of activated balls to be held: n = 4 in the present embodiment). (Holding storage order is stored in the order of holding 1 storage area, holding 2 storage area,..., Holding n−1 storage area, holding n storage area).

  Of the various random numbers, the special symbol determination random number, the variation pattern random number 1, and the variation pattern random number 2 are extracted from a random number counter that generates a random number in software corresponding to each. Since the random number values of these random number counters are updated randomly in the main process executed between the interrupt process and the interrupt process that occur intermittently in the count value storage areas corresponding to each provided in the RAM 203, The value is obtained as it is. The jackpot determination random number value is acquired from a random number generation circuit that generates a random number by hardware (a jackpot determination random number counter for counting the jackpot determination random value: not shown). The random number generation circuit latches the count value at this timing when a game ball detection signal is input from the upper start port sensor 34a or the lower start port sensor 34a, and the count value is input to the microcomputer. It has become.

  Next, a hold addition command is created and transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S315: hold addition command transmission process). This hold addition command includes hold ball number information. In the present embodiment, even when there is a new winning when the number of balls held for operation is 4 or more, a holding addition command at the time of an overflow (overflow) winning (hereinafter abbreviated as “OF holding addition command”) is created, It is transmitted to the production control unit 24. The CPU 201 transmits the created “hold addition command” to the effect control unit 24 without storing it in the RAM 203.

  The reason why the pending addition command is not stored in the RAM 203 is as follows. After the hold addition command is sent from the main control unit 20 to the production control unit 24, the production control ball number information of this time is exclusively given to the production means (for example, the liquid crystal display device 36) on the production control unit 24 side. And a winning effect (for example, a sound effect or a light effect indicating that a winning has been won at the start opening) is used for the appearance, and is not particularly used thereafter. Accordingly, there is no particular problem even if the start opening check process (steps S301 and S302) is skipped without storing the pending addition command in the RAM 203. In this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the memory capacity of the ROM and RAM and reduce the control burden by adopting a process of ending the start port check process without storing the pending addition command in the RAM 203. ing.

(8-3. Special symbol variation start processing: FIG. 9)
Next, the special symbol variation start process (step S306) will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start process in step S306 of FIG.

  In FIG. 9, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the special figure 2 operation reservation ball number is zero (step S401). If the special figure 2 operation reservation ball number is not zero (step S401: NO), Proceeding to the process of S403, the process (steps S403 to S416) at the start of the change for the operation holding ball to be used for the current change display is performed. However, when the special figure 2 operation holding ball number is zero (step S401: YES), it is subsequently determined whether or not the special figure 1 operation holding ball number is zero (step S402). If NO is not zero (step S402: NO), the process proceeds to step S403, and the process (steps S403 to S416) related to the start of variation of the special symbol for the suspended action ball used for the present variation display is performed. . By the processing of steps S401 and S402, “priority” indicating which of the special figure 1 operation holding ball and the special figure 2 operation holding ball is to be preferentially used for the variable display operation (which operation holding ball is digested). "Change order" is determined. The processing in steps S401 and S402 is performed as “priority change means” for preferentially digesting the special figure 2 operation holding ball when both the special figure 1 operation holding ball and the special figure 2 operation holding ball exist. Function.

  In addition, when the number of operation hold balls of both the special figure 2 operation hold ball number and the special figure 1 operation hold ball number is zero (step S401: YES and step S402: YES), this “no operation hold ball” state Is a case where the special symbol is in a standby state and has no reserved memory, and informs the effect control unit 24 that it has entered this state. Therefore, if “no operation hold ball” is reached, the process proceeds to step S417, the special symbol operation status is switched to “standby (00H)” (00H is stored in the special symbol operation status: step S418), and the production control command Then, a “demonstration display command” for displaying the demonstration screen is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S419). When the presentation control unit 24 does not receive the presentation control command (for example, the hold addition command or the variation pattern designation command) related to the symbol variation display game even after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the demonstration display command, the variation display operation is performed. It is assumed that a state that is not performed for a certain period of time (a waiting state for waiting for customers) has occurred, and the liquid crystal display device 36 performs “demo screen display” for notifying the state of waiting for a game.

  If the number of special figure 1 action hold balls or the number of special figure 2 action hold balls is not zero (step S401: NO or S402: NO), to start the change of the special symbol for the action hold ball for the current fluctuation display Such processing (steps S403 to S417) is performed. In addition, about the process of step S403-S417 demonstrated below, when it is "NO" by determination of said step S401, it is the process for the special figure 2 action holding ball, and by determination of said step S402. If it is NO ', it will be the processing for the special figure 1 action holding ball, but the way of processing is the same, so unless there is a special need to avoid duplicate description, the action holding on the special symbol 1 side The description will be made without distinguishing whether the process is a process for a sphere or a process for an operation holding ball on the special symbol 2 side.

  If it progresses to step S403, 1 will subtract the number of operation reservation balls (the number of operation reservation balls concerning the special symbol side used for the present fluctuation display operation -1: step S403), The “subtraction command” is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S404).

  Next, the special symbol operation confirmation data is stored (step S405). This special symbol operation confirmation data is information for designating the special symbol type of the current variation start side. For example, if special symbol 1 is the variation start side, “00H” is indicated, and special symbol 2 is the variation start side. If there is, “01H” is stored in the special symbol operation confirmation data.

  Next, the hold data stored in the hold storage area of the RAM 203 is shifted (step S406), and the hold 4 storage area is cleared to zero (step S407). In the processing of steps S406 to S407, the hold data (the jackpot determination random number, the special symbol determination random number, the fluctuation pattern random number) stored in the hold storage area (hold 1 storage area) corresponding to the hold storage number n = 1. 1 and the variation pattern random number 2) are read out and stored in the random number storage area for determination of the RAM 203, and the reserved storage area (hold 2 storage area, reserved) corresponding to the reserved n storage area (n = 2, 3, 4) The storage data stored in the storage area 3 and the storage area 4 is stored in the storage area corresponding to 'n-1' (step S406), and the storage area 4 is cleared (step S407). That is, the hold data in the hold 1 storage area is shifted to the random number storage area for determination, and the hold data after the hold 2 storage area is numbered one by one (hold 2 storage area → hold 1 storage area, hold 3 storage). Area → holding 2 storage area, holding 4 storage area → holding 3 storage area) and overwriting, and providing an empty area in the holding 4 storage area (if no new active holding ball is generated, processing in step S407) Since the vacant area is sequentially shifted each time the operation is performed, the entire reserved storage area becomes an empty area when all the operating spheres are used. As a result, the start order of the special symbol variation display game coincides with the order of the number n of the operation reservation balls (n = 1, 2, 3, 4), and any of the operation reservation balls acquired at the time of winning the starting opening is stored. Whether the area corresponds to the area is specified, and the storage of a new operation holding ball becomes possible.

  Next, remaining short time command transmission processing is performed (step S408). Here, it is determined whether or not a special symbol short-time counter (counter for counting the remaining number of times until the special symbol short-time state is terminated) described later is zero. A “remaining short time number command” including the remaining short time number information is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S408). The “remaining short time number command” is used when the remaining time short number information is notified on the effect control unit 24 side.

  Next, a random determination process for determining the special electronic component operation is performed (step S409). In this special electronic component activation determination random number determination process, a “winning lottery” relating to the current special symbol variation display game is performed using a random number for jackpot determination. Here, first, a random number determination table for special figure 1 (not shown) or a random number determination table for special figure 2 (not shown) is acquired based on the special symbol operation confirmation data, and a random number storage area for determination is obtained. The random number for determining the big hit stored in is acquired, and another lottery of big hit, small hit and lost is performed. In this hit random number determination table, according to the big hit lottery probability state (high probability state (high probability), low probability state (low probability)) and the big hit determination random value (size of the big hit determination random number: 65536) A decision area (decision value) for determining the winning type (a big hit, a small hit or a loss) is determined in association with each other. Specifically, to which decision value the random value for the big hit decision belongs Whether it is a big hit, a small hit or a loss is determined depending on whether or not. Therefore, even when the acquired jackpot determination random number values belong to the same determination value (the same value for the jackpot determination random number value), the current jackpot lottery probability state is a high probability state or a low probability state. Depending on how, the winning type may be different, such as “big hit” on the one hand and “lost” on the other. The jackpot winning probability of this embodiment is about 1/397 in the low probability state, and about 1 / 39.7, which is about 10 times higher than that in the high probability state. The winning probability of winning is about 1/585, which is lower than the winning probability of winning. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the winning probabilities for the small hits and the big wins may be the same or higher.

  If the winning lottery results in a “big hit” win, the big hit determination flag is set to “5AH”, and other than the determination value for which the big hit determination flag is “5AH”, “big hit is not won”. In addition, when the “small hit” win is made, the small hit determination flag is “5AH”, and when it belongs to other determination values, “small hit is not won”. Therefore, when the big hit determination random number value belongs to the determination value that is the big hit determination flag “00H” and the small hit determination “00H”, it means that neither “big hit” nor “small hit” was won, The result of the winning decision this time is 'lost'. In the present embodiment, in the winning lottery by the special symbol variation display game 2 (winning lottery for the special figure 1 operation holding ball), there is no determination value itself for the small hitting winning. In other words, in the special symbol fluctuation display game 1, the big win, the small hit, and the loss are targeted for the winning lottery, whereas in the special symbol variation display game 2, only the big win and the lost are targeted for the winning lottery. Of course, in the random number determination table for special figure 2 as well, the small hit may be determined as a winning lottery object. It should be noted that the winning probability of the jackpot in the special figure 2 random number determination table is the same as the winning probability in the special figure 1 random number determination table.

  When the random determination process for determining the special electronic component operation in step S409 is completed, a special stop symbol creating process is then performed (step S410). In this special stop symbol creation process, the “symbol lottery” relating to the current special symbol variation display game is performed by using the winning lottery result and the special symbol determination random number value of the random determination processing for special electric utility operation determination in step S409. Do. Here, first, the random number value for special symbol determination stored in the random number storage area for determination is acquired, and then the winning lottery result obtained in the random determination processing for determining the special electronic component operation in step S409, that is, the big hit determination A flag and a small hit determination flag are acquired. Based on the special symbol operation confirmation data, the special symbol 1 symbol table (not shown) or the special symbol 2 symbol table (not shown) is acquired. In the symbol table, “special symbol determination random value (size of special symbol determination random value: 200)” and a determination area (determination value) for determining a winning (winning) type are associated with each other. Specifically, the special symbol determination data for identifying the hit type, the special stop symbol number, and the like are determined depending on which determination value the special symbol determination random value belongs to. It has become.

  The above “special symbol determination data” means that the winning type, that is, 2R short open latent large hit, 10R long open positive variable big hit, 15R long open positive variable big hit, small hit A to C, or lose A to C It is data for identification. Specifically, in the case of big hit (when big hit determination flag = 5 AH, small hit determination flag = 00H), when the special symbol determination data is “01H”, “2R short open latency big hit”, “02H” In the case of “10R long open probability variable big hit”, “03H” means “15R long open positive change big hit”. In the case of small hit (when big hit determination flag = 00H, small hit determination flag = 5 AH), when the special symbol determination data is “01H”, “small hit A”, and when “02H”, “small” A hit B 'or "03H" indicates a' small hit C '. In the case of a loss (when the big hit determination flag = 00H, the small hit determination flag = 00H), when the special symbol determination data is “00H”, it indicates that the loss is “A to C”. This special symbol determination data is used in processing relating to gaming state transition control (for example, gaming state transition preparation processing in step S411 in FIG. 9) and processing relating to jackpot gaming (for example, special electric accessory processing (step S060)). Data. The “special stop symbol number” is data for designating a special stop symbol form to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device, and is used when specifying the stop symbol type of the special symbol on the main control unit 20 side. The

  In the symbol table, for example, when the winning lottery result is a big win, if the special symbol determination random number value falls within the range of the determination values 0 to 119, the “2R short open latency big hit” win is won (the symbol (Selection rate (symbol drawing probability): 120/200), if it falls within the range of determination values 120 to 179, "10R long open probability change big hit" wins (symbol selection rate: 60/200), determination value of 180 to 199 If it falls within the range, it will be a “15R long open probability change big hit” win (symbol selection rate: 20/200), and one of the multiple types of big hits (specifically, a special corresponding to the hit type) Symbol determination data and a special stop symbol number corresponding to the symbol determination data) are determined at a predetermined symbol selection rate. Similarly, when the winning lottery result is a small win, the small hit type (small hits A to C) is determined by the symbol selection rate, and the winning lottery result is also the same as the lose win. The loss type (loss A to C) is determined at a predetermined symbol selection rate.

  When the special stop symbol creation process in step S410 is completed, a game state transition preparation process is then performed (step S411). In the game state transition preparation process, a setting process necessary for designating the game state after the big hit game is performed as a setting for shifting the game state. Here, in the case of a big hit, based on a big hit game state transition table (not shown), data for designating a game state to be transferred after the big hit game is set in a predetermined buffer area (transition state buffer area). .

  In the jackpot gaming state transition table, a data group necessary for designating the gaming state after the jackpot game is defined. Specifically, the above jackpot gaming state transition table includes, as will be described later, a utility symbol release extension transition state buffer, a normal symbol time transition state buffer, a normal symbol probability transition state buffer, a special symbol time state transition state buffer, Various data to be stored in the special symbol probability change state buffer, special symbol time / count counter buffer, special symbol probability change count counter buffer, variation pattern allocation designation number buffer, and special symbol variation count counter buffer are defined. The values stored in these buffers are read out and provided in the RAM 203 at the end of the jackpot game (the jackpot end process during the special electric utility management process in step S060 described later: see FIGS. 12 and 17). Predetermined flag storage area or predetermined counter storage area (general utility release extended state flag, normal symbol short state flag, normal symbol short state flag, special symbol short state flag, special symbol certain state change, to specify the gaming state The status flag, special symbol time / count counter, special symbol probability variation counter, variation pattern allocation designation number, and special symbol variation count counter) are set to determine the gaming state to be transferred after the big hit game. In this embodiment, the internal gaming state after the big hit game is set to the “probability changed state” if the internal gaming state at the time of winning is the normal gaming state or the latent probability state in the case of 15R or 10R long open probability changing big hit. In the case of 2R short open latency big hit, if the internal game state at the time of winning is the normal game state or the latent probability state, it is shifted to the “latent probability state”, and the game state (normally A to C As shown in FIG. 4, the probability variation state is shifted to a gaming state corresponding to each jackpot type. Hereinafter, the roles of the various buffers and the various flags described above will be described.

(General power utility opening extension transition state buffer)
The “general utility release extension transition state buffer” is used to set a general utility release extension state flag. The “general utility release extension state flag” is a flag for designating the operation state of the release extension function. When the flag is ON (= 5 AH), The state is “present state”, and when the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the open extension function is inactive and “no electric support” state.

(Normal symbol short transition buffer)
The “normal symbol short time transition state buffer” is used to set a normal symbol short time state flag. The “ordinary symbol short time state flag” is a flag for designating the operating state of the normal symbol short time function. State ", and when the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the normal symbol short function is not activated and the" normal symbol non-short state ".

(Normal symbol change transition buffer)
The “normal symbol probability change state buffer” is used to set a normal symbol probability change state flag. The “normal symbol probability changing state flag” is a flag for designating an auxiliary lottery probability state, that is, an operating state of the normal symbol probability changing function. When the flag is in the ON state (= 5 AH), the normal symbol probability changing function is set. It indicates that the state is the “probability change state per assistance” during operation, and when the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that it is a “low probability state per assistance” in which the normal symbol probability change function is not activated.

(Special symbol short state transition state buffer)
The “special symbol short time state transition state buffer” is used for setting a special symbol short time state flag. The “special symbol time reduction state flag” is a flag for designating the operation state of the special symbol time reduction function. State ", and when the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the special symbol non-time-short state is inactive.

(Special Symbol Probability Transition Status Buffer)
The “special symbol probability change state buffer” is used to set a special symbol probability change state flag. The “special symbol probability changing state flag” is a flag for designating the operating state of the special symbol probability changing function. When the flag is in the ON state (= 5 AH), the “high probability state during the special symbol probability changing function is operating”. When the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the special symbol probability changing function is not activated in a “low probability state”.

(Special design short time counter buffer)
The “special symbol short time counter buffer” is used to set a special symbol short time counter. The above “special symbol time reduction counter” means the number of remaining times until the operation of the “special symbol time reduction function” is terminated due to the number of times the special symbol fluctuates (the number of executions of the special variation display game). It is a counter for counting the remaining number of times until the end. It is a counter for counting. In the present embodiment, with the end of the special symbol short-time state, the high base gaming state, which is in the state of electrical support, is also ended (see step S481 in FIG. 11B).

(Special symbol variation counter buffer)
The “special symbol probability variation counter buffer” is used for setting a special symbol probability variation counter. The above “special symbol probability change counter” means the remaining number of times until the operation of the “special symbol probability change function” is finished, that is, the “high probability state” is ended due to the number of times the special symbol changes (the number of executions of the special variation display game) This is a counter for counting the remaining number of times (the number of remaining STs (in this embodiment, 70 times)).

(Variation pattern distribution specification number buffer)
The “variation pattern allocation designation number buffer” is used to set a variation pattern allocation designation number (Tcode). This “variation pattern allocation designation number (Tcode)” is data for identifying the current gaming state, and “variation pattern selection mode” that defines conditions for selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol corresponding to the gaming state. Work as. For example, when the variation pattern distribution designation number (Tcode) is “00H”, “normal A” is indicated, “01H” indicates “normal B”, and “02H” indicates “normal C”. , “03H” indicates “probability change state (probability change)”. In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of special symbol variation patterns related to the variation pattern allocation designation number (Tcode) are provided. The variation pattern includes the variation pattern allocation designation number (Tcode) and the variation variation. The pattern random numbers 1 and 2 are alternatively determined from a plurality of types of special symbol variation patterns (details will be described later). The variation pattern allocation designation number (Tcode) is changed not when the internal gaming state changes but when the gaming state changes. That is, the variation pattern allocation designation number (Tcode) is data for identifying the current “gaming state” type such as the probability variation state, normal A, normal B, or normal C. This variation pattern allocation designation number (Tcode) is set in the variation pattern allocation designation number storage area of the RAM 203. In this embodiment, a game state determination number (YJ) is provided as data for identifying the internal game state. This “gaming state determination number (YJ)” is “normal gaming state (without electric support, low probability)”, “latent state (without electric support, high accuracy)” or “probability change state (with electric support) , (High accuracy) ”is data for identifying the current“ internal gaming state ”type, and is distinguished from the variation pattern allocation designation number (Tcode).

(Special symbol variation counter buffer)
The “special symbol variation number counter buffer” is used for setting a special symbol variation number counter. The “special symbol variation counter” is a counter for counting the number of times of variation of a special symbol that is a gaming state transition condition (hereinafter referred to as “the prescribed number of gaming state transitions”). In the present embodiment, for example, when “small hit C” or “2R short open latency probability change big hit” is won, the game state transition specified number of times of “normal C” to “normal A” is 30 times. Is set.

  When the game state transition preparation process in step S411 is completed, a special symbol variation pattern creation process is then performed (step S412). In this special symbol variation pattern creation process, the winning lottery result obtained in the special electric utility activation determination random number determination processing, the symbol lottery result of the special stop symbol creation processing, the variation pattern random number 1, and the variation pattern random number 2 are obtained. Used to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol (including the variation time of the special symbol (variable display operation time)) that will be used for the current variation display operation, and respond to that variation pattern as an effect control command Create a change pattern specification command to be used.

  The change pattern is determined by the following hierarchical process. As the processing of the first hierarchy, the CPU 201 first has a plurality of types of basic patterns associated with the variation pattern allocation designation number (current gaming state (normal A to normal C, probability variation state)) and the big hit lottery result. One of the “basic patterns” is determined by a lottery process using the random number for variation pattern 1 (the size of the random number: 238). This “basic pattern” refers to a variation pattern type (for example, a variation pattern of the same system as a variation pattern of the same system), focusing on the characteristics of the variation mode and grouping together the variation patterns of the same system. The “weak SP reach” type to which each variation pattern designated by SP reach 1-3 belongs, and the “strong SP reach” type to which each variation pattern designated by strong SP reach 1-3 belongs. Next, “detail pattern”, which is the specific content of the basic pattern, is determined by lottery processing using the random number 2 for variation pattern as the processing of the second layer. The “detailed pattern” refers to a “variation pattern type” (for example, “weak SP reach 1-3” or “weak SP reach 1-3” included in the basic pattern (variation pattern type). Fluctuation pattern). In the present embodiment, a random process having a hierarchical structure such as a first hierarchy and a second hierarchy is executed sequentially from the first hierarchy, and a plurality of types of random numbers for variation patterns are sequentially determined. Thus, a target variation pattern (a variation pattern at the start of variation) is determined.

  Information on the variation pattern determined in this way mainly includes another winning / losing winning lottery result (detailed symbol lottery result information is included in the decorative symbol designation command), the current gaming state type, It includes variable time, reach production type (N reach, weak SP reach, and strong SP reach types) designation information, and pseudo-continuous number designation information.

  The CPU 201 creates a “fluctuation pattern designation command” having a 2-byte configuration that makes it possible to specify the content, and transmits this to the effect control unit 24 side. When this variation pattern designation command is sent to the effect control unit 24, a decorative symbol designation command to be described later is transmitted (see step S415). Upon receiving these commands, the effect control unit 24 generates an effect to be developed during the current symbol variation display game (an effect scenario including a reach symbol or a stop decorative symbol form to be finally stopped) based on information included in the command. An effect control process based on the effect is performed. In this way, the decorative symbol variation display operation during the symbol variation display game and various effects accompanying it are realized.

  When the special symbol variation pattern creation processing in step S412 is finished, 5AH (ON state) is then stored in a special symbol N variation flag (N = 1, 2) that designates that variation display is being performed (step S413). . The “special symbol N changing flag” is a flag indicating which of the special symbols 1 and 2 is changing. When the flag is in an ON state (= 5 AH), the special symbol changes. When the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the special symbol is stopped. The special symbol 1 changing flag (N = 1) corresponds to the special symbol 1 side, and the special symbol 2 changing flag (N = 2) corresponds to the special symbol 2 side.

  Next, a decorative symbol designation command is created based on the symbol lottery result obtained in the special stop symbol creation process in step S410 (step S414) and transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S415). The decorative symbol designation command is composed of two bytes, an upper byte (MODE) for designating the special symbol type on the variable side and a lower byte (EVNET) for designating the winning category. Therefore, this decorative symbol designation command includes variable special symbol type information and jackpot lottery result information (symbol lottery result information). This decoration designating command mainly determines the combination of the decorative design (reach design) when forming the reach state and the combination of the decorative design (decoration stop design) to be finally stopped and displayed on the production control unit 24 side. It is used when doing.

  Then, as a special symbol variation start setting process, the special symbol operation status is switched to “Fluctuating (02H)” (02H is stored in the special symbol operation status), and 00H is stored in the random number storage area for determination (cleared to zero). (Step S416). The special symbol variation start setting process is performed by a data set process (FIG. 19) described later.

  As described above, when the special symbol variation start processing is exited, the special symbol display data update processing (step S309) of FIG. 7 is performed, and thus the special symbol variation display is started. As a result, the special symbol management process (step S059) in FIG. 6 is exited, and the process proceeds to the next special electric accessory management process (step S060).

(8-2. Special symbol variation processing: Fig. 10)
Next, the special symbol changing process (step S307) will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol changing process (step S307) of FIG.

  In FIG. 10, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the special symbol accessory operation timer is zero, that is, whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (step S451). If the special symbol accessory action timer is not zero (step S451: NO), the special symbol change time has not yet elapsed, that is, the special symbol is changing. Exit.

  If the special symbol accessory operation timer becomes zero (step S451: YES), a “variation stop command” indicating that the variation of the special symbol has ended is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 as an effect control command (step S451). S452). By this change stop command, the production control unit 24 grasps that the special symbol change display game has ended after the change time of the special symbol has elapsed, and stops and displays (decision display) the decorative symbol that is currently displayed in the change display. As a result, the decorative symbol variation display game is also terminated along with the termination of the special symbol variation display game.

  Next, as a special symbol variation stop setting process, a special symbol confirmation signal output time (for example, 100 ms) is stored in a special symbol confirmation timer of the RAM 203 by a data set process (FIG. 19) described later, and a special symbol accessory The fixed display time (for example, 500 ms) is stored in the operation timer, the special symbol operation status is switched to “Checking (03H)” (03H is stored in the special symbol operation status), and the special symbol fluctuation flag is set to 00H (OFF state) ) Is stored (step S453), and this special symbol changing process is exited. The “special symbol determination signal output time” is an extra time for securing the output time of the special symbol determination signal for notifying the hall computer HC from the frame external terminal board 21 that the special symbol has been determined and displayed. It is. The “determined display time” is a time (stop display time) for holding the stop display when the special symbol change display is finished and the special symbol is stopped.

  When the process in step S453 is completed, the special symbol changing process is exited, the special symbol display data update process in step S309 in FIG. 7 is performed, the special symbol management process is exited, and the special symbol display process in step S060 in FIG. Proceed to the electric accessory management process.

(8-3. Special symbol confirmation time processing (variation stop processing): FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B)
Next, the special symbol confirmation time processing (step S308) will be described. FIGS. 11A and 11B are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol confirmation time processing (step S308) of FIG.

  11A and 11B, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the special symbol accessory operation timer is zero (step S471). The “determined display time” is set in the special symbol accessory operation timer here (see step S453 in FIG. 10). Until the special symbol accessory action timer becomes zero (step S471: NO), the process during this special symbol confirmation time is terminated without doing anything.

  If the special symbol accessory action timer reaches zero (step S471: YES), the special symbol movement status is switched to “standby (01H)”, assuming that the current special symbol fluctuation display game is over (special symbol action). (01H is stored in the status) (step S472), and the game state determination number (YJ) corresponding to the current game state is stored in the game state determination area of the RAM 203 (step S473).

  Next, the big hit determination flag is acquired, and the state of the big hit determination flag is determined (step S474).

(When the big hit judgment flag is ON)
If it is determined in step S474 that the big hit determination flag is in the ON state (= 5AH) (step S474: = 5AH), various setting processes when the big hit symbol is stopped are performed (step S475). Here, as various setting processes (pre-start process of the big hit game) at the time of the big hit symbol stop, 00H (OFF state) is stored in the big hit determination flag, 5AH (ON state) is stored in the condition device operation flag, General power release extended state flag, normal symbol short state flag, normal symbol probable state flag, special symbol short state flag, special symbol probable state flag, special symbol short time counter, special symbol probable number counter, and special symbol variation count 00H (OFF state) is stored in each of the counters, 00H (usually A designation) is stored in the variation pattern allocation designation number (Tcode), and the game state notification LED that performs the function of the composite display device 38c is turned on / off. 00H is stored in the game state notification LED output number for designating, and the processing during this special symbol confirmation time is exited. The “gaming state notification LED” is state notification means for notifying part or all of the current gaming state information. The gaming state notification LED (state notification unit) of the present embodiment is used to notify whether or not the special symbol time-short state is set. The CPU 201 changes the notification mode of the game state notification LED (state notification means) according to the game state notification LED output number. For example, if the gaming state notification LED output number is “00H”, it means that the current state is not the special symbol short state (gaming state notification LED: off state (non-special symbol short state notification), and “01H”. Currently, it is informed that the special symbol is in the short state (game state notification LED: lighting state (special symbol short state notification). Various setting processing (pre-start processing of the big hit game) when the big hit symbol is stopped) 27 is performed using the condition device operation start setting table 1 of Fig. 27 (b) and the condition device operation start setting table 2 of Fig. 27 (c), which will be described in detail later.

(When the big hit judgment flag is OFF)
If it is determined in step S474 that the big hit determination flag is in the OFF state (= 00H) (step S474: ≠ 5AH), then the small hit determination flag is acquired and the state of the small hit determination flag is determined (step S476). . When the small hit determination flag is in the OFF state (= 00H) (step S476: ≠ 5AH), the process proceeds to step S478.

  When the small hit determination flag is in the ON state (= 5 AH) (step S476: = 5 AH), various setting processes when the small hit symbol is stopped are performed (step S477). Here, 00H (OFF state) is stored in the small hit determination flag by a data set process (FIG. 19), which will be described later, as various setting processes at the time of the small hit symbol stop (pre-start process for small hit game). 5AH (ON state) is stored in the flag. When the various setting processes at the time of the small hit symbol stop are completed, the process proceeds to step S478. The small hit game start pre-process (step S477) may be performed by the data set process of FIG. 19 and the zero set process of FIG. 21 separately as shown in FIGS.

  When the processing proceeds to step S478, it is determined whether or not the special symbol time reduction counter (remaining number of special symbol time reduction states) is zero (step S478). When the special symbol time counter is zero (step S478: YES), the process proceeds to step S483 without doing anything.

  If the special symbol short time counter is not zero (step S478: NO), the special symbol short time counter is subtracted by 1 (step S479) as the digest of the current fluctuation number, and the special symbol short time counter after subtraction is zero. It is determined whether or not there is (step S480).

  If the special symbol short-time counter after subtraction is not zero (step S480: NO), since the special symbol short-time state end count has not reached 70, the process proceeds to step S483 without doing anything.

  If the special symbol short-time counter after subtraction is zero (step S480: YES), setting processing at the time short-term end is performed on the assumption that the special symbol short-time state end count has reached 70 (step S481). Here, as a setting process at the time-shortening end, 00H is added to each of the utility model open extended state flag, the normal symbol time-short state flag, the normal symbol probability change state flag, and the special symbol time-short state flag by the zero set processing of FIG. (OFF state), 00H is stored in the variation pattern distribution designation number (Tcode), and 00H (non-special symbol time-short state designation) is stored in the gaming state notification LED output number. As a result, from the next game, the player is placed in a state without power support.

  When the setting process at the time of short time end in step S481 is finished, a “short time end command” including end information (non-electric support state transition information) as a special symbol time reduction state is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 as an effect control command (step S481). S482). This “short-time end command” is a kind of “game state designation command” for designating the current game state or notifying that the game state is to be transferred. Know that there is no support. In the present embodiment, when the transition from the electric support state to the no electric support state is the same as the transition from the probability change state to the normal A, the presentation control unit 24 receives this “short time end command”. For example, when starting the next decorative symbol variation display game, the background image (background effect) for “normal A effect mode” is switched to perform effect control processing under the effect mode, or as the launch position It is possible to perform an effect control process for causing a “launching position guidance effect (left-handed notification effect)” that instructs to aim at the leftward flow path 3b.

  Next, when the processing proceeds to step S483, it is determined whether or not the special symbol probability variation counter (remaining ST count) is zero (step S483).

  If the special symbol probability variation counter is zero (step S483: YES), the process proceeds to step S487.

  If the special symbol probability variation counter is not zero (step S483: NO), the special symbol probability variation counter is decremented by 1 (step S484) as the current symbol variation variation digest, and the special symbol probability variation counter after the subtraction is subtracted. Is determined to be zero (step S485).

  If the special symbol probability variation counter after subtraction is not zero (step S485: NO), the ST specified number of times (70 times) has not been reached, so the process proceeds to step S487 without doing anything.

  If the special symbol probability variation counter after the subtraction is zero (step S485: YES), setting processing at the end of probability variation is performed on the assumption that the variation number of the special symbol has reached the ST specified number of times (step S486). Here, as the transition setting process to the normal gaming state at the end of the latent probability state or the probability changing state, the zero set processing of FIG. 00H (OFF state) is stored in each of the flag, the special symbol short-time state flag, and the special symbol probability variation state flag, 00H is stored in the variation pattern allocation designation number (Tcode), and 00H (non-display state) in the gaming state notification LED output number. Stores special symbol short-time state). Thereby, from the next game, the jackpot lottery probability is placed from the high probability state to the low probability state. In the latent state, the special symbol time counter is set to zero (gaming state transition preparation process in step S411 in FIG. 9), and the end timing of the latent state is set in the setting process at the end of the probability change. It is managed.

  When the setting process at the end of the probability change in step S486 is completed, the process proceeds to the process in step S487, and whether or not the special symbol variation number counter is zero, that is, the specified number of game state transitions (when transitioning to “normal B”: gaming state) It is determined whether or not the prescribed number of times of transition 100 times and “normal C” transition time: 15 times or 30 times) is zero (step S487).

  If the special symbol variation counter is zero (step S487: YES), the special symbol confirmation time is exited without doing anything.

  If the special symbol variation counter is not zero (step S487: NO), the special symbol variation counter is decremented by 1 (step S488) as the digest of the current variation, and the special symbol variation counter after the subtraction is zero. It is determined whether or not (step S489).

  If the special symbol variation counter after the subtraction is not zero (step S489: NO), it is determined that the predetermined number of game state transitions has not been reached, and the special symbol confirmation time is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation count counter after the subtraction is zero (step S489: YES), the transition setting process to “normal A” is performed on the assumption that the special symbol variation count has reached the prescribed number of gaming state transitions ( Step S490). Here, “00H (ordinary A designation)” is stored in the variation pattern distribution designation number (Tcode) by the data set process of FIG. 19 or the zero set process of FIG. 21 as the transition setting process to “normal A”. . As a result, the selection condition for the variation pattern of the special symbol is changed. This step S490 process functions as a selection condition switching means for switching and controlling the selection condition of the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the establishment of a predetermined selection change condition. Thereby, in the special symbol fluctuation display game after the next time, as long as “normal A” continues, the fluctuation pattern under “normal A” is selected.

  Next, a “game state designation command” including “normal A” transition information is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 as an effect control command (step S491). By this “game state designation command”, the production control unit 24 grasps that “normal B” or “normal C” ends in the current game and becomes “normal A” from the next game. Thereby, when starting the decoration pattern variation display game to be performed next, the effect control unit 24 switches to the background image (background effect) for the “normal A effect mode” and performs the effect control process under the effect mode. Do.

  As described above, when the special symbol confirmation process is completed, the special symbol display data update process in step S309 in FIG. 7 is performed, then the special symbol management process is exited, and the special electric equipment management in step 60 in FIG. 6 is performed. Proceed to processing.

(9. Special electric equipment management process: Fig. 12)
Next, the special electric accessory management process (step S060) in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the special electric accessory management process in step S060.

  In FIG. 12, the CPU 201 first determines the state of the small hitting flag (step S501). When the small hitting flag is ON (= 5AH) (step S501: = 5AH), a small hit process is performed to control a series of operations of the special variable winning device 52 related to the small hit game (step S504). , Exit this special electric equipment management process.

  If the small hitting flag is in the OFF state (= 00H) (step S501: ≠ 5AH), then the state of the condition device operation flag is determined (step S502). When the condition device operation flag is in the OFF state (= 00H) (step S502: ≠ 5AH), in this case, it is not in the small hit game (step S501: ≠ 5AH) and is not in the big hit game. Exit the special electric property management process.

  When the condition device operation flag is in the ON state (= 5AH) (step S502: = 5AH), processing according to the special electric accessory operation status (00H to 04H) is performed (step S503: special electric accessory status branching process). . The “special symbol operation status” is a status value indicating the behavior of the special variable winning device 52. This status value is changed according to the processing state and stored in the special symbol operation status storage area of the RAM 203.

  In the special symbol operation status branch process in step S503, the special symbol operation status is “starting process (00H)”, “operation starting process (01H)”, “continuation determination (03H)”, “ending process (04H)”. Depending on the status value, the corresponding process is called and executed. Specifically, when the operation status of the special electric accessory is “starting process (00H)”, the big hit start process (step S505) is performed. In the case where the accessory actuating start process (step S506) is in operation (02H), the special electric accessory actuating process (step S507) is in effect. In the case where the accessory operation continuation determination process (step S508) is “ending process (04H)”, the jackpot end process (step S509) is called and executed. By these processes, the operation of the special variable winning device 52 related to the big hit game is controlled. Here, “being started (00H)” indicates that the player is in a standby state before the jackpot game starts, and “operation start process (01H)” is that the player is in a standby state before starting the round game. “In operation (02H)” indicates that a round game is being executed, and “Continuing determination (03H)” indicates that it is being determined whether or not to continue the next round game. “Big jackpot end process in progress (04H)” indicates that the big hit game is ending. When any of the processes in steps S505 to S509 is completed, the special electric accessory management process is exited, and the process proceeds to the right-handed notification information management process in step S061 of FIG.

  Hereinafter, the big hit game control process (steps S505 to S509) and the small hit game control process (step S504) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

<Big hit game control processing (steps S505 to S509)>
(9-1. Big hit start processing: FIG. 13)
First, the big hit start process (step S505 in FIG. 12) will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the jackpot start process.

  At the start of the big hit game, the special electric accessory operation status is set to “starting process (00H)” of the initial status value. Therefore, when a big hit is made, first, the big hit starting process is performed.

  In FIG. 13, the CPU 201 first performs setting processing at the time of starting the big hit necessary for starting the big hit game (step S511: setting processing at the time of starting the big hit). Here, as the setting process at the time of the big hit start, the data set process of FIG. 19 is used to set the accessory continuous actuator operation flag to 5AH (using the accessory continuous actuator start setting table (table name: D_TD0SET) of FIG. 20). (ON state) is stored, the special electric accessory operation status is switched to “operation start processing (01H)” (01H is stored in the special electric accessory operation status), and 01H is stored in the continuous number counter. The above-mentioned “actual accessory continuous actuating device operation flag” is a flag for designating the operating state of the accessory continuous actuating device. When the flag is in the ON state (= 5 AH), the accessory continuous actuating device is operating. This indicates that the round game can be continued, and when the flag is in the OFF state (= 00H), it indicates that the accessory continuous operation device is inactive (round game cannot be continued). The “continuous number counter” is a counter for storing the number of continuous executions of round games, that is, the current number of rounds. Since the continuous number counter here is “01H”, the current round number indicates the 1Rth.

  Next, a jackpot start setting table (not shown) is acquired (step S512), referring to the jackpot start setting table, the maximum number of rounds (specified number of rounds) according to the special symbol determination data (jacket type), The round display LED numbers are stored in the corresponding storage areas of the RAM 203, and the start interval time is stored in the special symbol accessory operation timer (step S513: setting processing for each special symbol determination data). This special symbol determination data-specific setting processing is also performed by the data set processing of FIG.

  In the jackpot start setting table, special symbol determination data (here, jackpot type) and “maximum number of rounds (specified number of rounds), start interval time, and round display LED number” are defined in association with each other. Specifically, the “maximum number of rounds, start interval time, and round display LED number” are determined according to the special symbol determination data.

  The “start interval time” is an interval interval from when the special symbol fixed display time (see step S453 in FIG. 10) elapses until the big win is fixed, until the special variable winning device 52 is activated, and is an opening. It refers to the time span that defines the section in which the performance is performed (the first performance time before the first round game is performed). For example, in the case of “2R short-opening latent big hit”, when the start interval time “1000 ms” is “10R long-opening probable big hit”, the start interval time “10000 ms” is “15R long-opening probable big hit”. In this case, the start interval time “10000 ms” is set.

  The “round display LED number” is data for designating the notification mode of the round number display device 39b (round number display means), and the CPU 201 is a display mode corresponding to the round display LED number. The LED 39b is turned on / off. Thereby, the maximum number of rounds (specified number of rounds) of the current big hit game is notified by the round number display device 39b.

  When the process of step S513 is completed, a “big hit start command” instructing the start of the opening effect is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S514). The “hit start command” includes the current jackpot type information and the game status information at the time of the big win, and the production control unit 24 side performs a series of win production modes (opening production, This is used when determining a series of hit-direction effects scenarios including a round effect, a round end effect, an ending effect, and the like.

  As described above, when the big hit starting process is finished, the process proceeds to the right-handed notification information management process of step S061 in FIG.

(9-2. Special electric accessory operation start processing: FIG. 14)
Next, the special electric accessory operation start process (step S506 in FIG. 12) will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the special electric accessory operation start process.

  In FIG. 14, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the special symbol accessory operation timer is zero (step S521). In this special symbol accessory operation timer, “interval time before starting round game” is set. As the interval time, in the first round (1R), the “start interval time” set in step S513 in FIG. 13 is monitored, but when passing through this step S521 after the 2nd round, “open” The “previous interval time (see step S575 in FIG. 16 described later)” is monitored. Until this special symbol accessory operation timer becomes zero (step S521: NO), this special electric accessory operation start processing is exited without doing anything.

  On the other hand, if the special symbol accessory operation timer is zero, that is, if the interval time before opening (in the case of the first round, the starting interval time) has elapsed (step S521: YES), along with the opening operation of the big prize opening, The “big prize opening command” is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S522). This “big prize opening release command” includes round game start information (round production start instruction information) and current round number information, and when the production control unit 24 causes a round production corresponding to the number of rounds to appear. Used for

  Next, a special winning opening operating time setting table (not shown) is acquired (step S523), and a special winning opening operating time setting process is performed (step S524). In this big prize opening operation time setting process, with reference to a special prize opening operation time setting table (not shown), the special prize opening corresponding to the special symbol determination data (big hit type) and the current round number is opened. The operation time is stored in the special symbol accessory operation timer. This special winning opening opening operation time setting process is also performed by the data set process of FIG.

  In the above-mentioned special winning opening operation time setting table, the special winning opening opening operation time associated with the special symbol determination data and the current number of rounds is set. Specifically, the special symbol determination data and the current round are determined. The big winning opening opening operation time corresponding to the number is determined. In the case of the 10R long opening probability variation big hit and the 15R long opening probability variation big hit, 29800ms corresponding to the long opening time as an initial value is 2800 short opening latent big hit in the present embodiment. As an initial value, 100 ms corresponding to a short opening time is set in the special symbol accessory operation timer. As a result, the maximum opening time of the special winning opening is determined. In this embodiment, in the case of 10R long opening probability variation big hit, 29800ms corresponding to the long opening time from 1R to 10R, and in the case of 15R long opening probability variation big hit, 29800ms corresponding to the long opening time from 1R to 15R is 2R short. In the case of the large open probability, 100 ms corresponding to a short open time is set from 1R to 2R.

  Next, 00H is stored (cleared to zero) in the special winning opening winning number counter (step S525). The “large winning opening winning number counter” is a counter area provided in the RAM 203 for counting (storing) the number of winning balls of the large winning opening 50.

  Next, a special winning opening / closing operation setting process is performed (step S526). In this special winning opening / closing operation setting process, a setting process necessary for controlling the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 50 according to the big hit type is performed. Specifically, the solenoid control data for the big prize opening solenoid 52c necessary for opening the big prize opening 50 for the opening time set in the big prize opening opening operation time setting process in step S524 is created, and the RAM 203 Set to the solenoid management area. The data set here is confirmed in the solenoid management process (step S064) in FIG. 6, and the solenoid excitation signal based on the solenoid control data set in the solenoid management process is sent to the big prize opening solenoid 52c. Is output. As a result, the opening door 52b is activated and the special winning opening 50 is opened.

  When the special winning opening opening / closing operation setting process of step S526 is completed, the special electric accessory operation status is switched to “in operation (02H)” (02H is stored in the special electric accessory operation status) (step S527).

  As described above, when the special electric accessory activation start process is completed, the special electric accessory management process is exited, and the process proceeds to the right-handed notification information management process of step S061 in FIG.

(9-3. Processing during operation of special electric accessory: FIG. 15)
Next, the special electric accessory operating process (step S507 in FIG. 12) will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the special electric accessory operating process.

  In FIG. 15, the CPU 201 first performs a large winning opening maximum winning number confirmation process (step S551). In the large winning opening maximum winning number confirmation processing, the number of winning balls to the large winning opening 50 is counted, and it is confirmed whether or not the number of winning balls has reached the maximum winning number. When the number of winning balls to the big winning opening 50 reaches the maximum winning number, the special symbol accessory operation timer is cleared to zero, that is, the big winning opening opening operation time is forced to zero. Thereby, even if the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 50 has not elapsed, when the number of winning balls reaches the maximum winning number, the big winning opening 50 is closed.

  When the big winning opening maximum winning number confirmation processing in step S551 is completed, the big winning opening opening / closing operation setting processing is performed (step S552). The special winning opening / closing operation setting process here is basically the same as the special winning opening / closing operation setting process (step S526) in the special electric accessory operation starting process of FIG. In addition, when passing through step S552, a special symbol accessory operation timer (the opening time set in the big winning opening releasing operation time setting process in step S524) is monitored, and the special symbol accessory operation timer becomes zero. Then, solenoid control data for stopping the output of the excitation signal to the special winning opening solenoid 52c is created. Thereby, when the opening time set in step S524 has elapsed, or when the number of winning balls reaches the maximum winning number in the big winning opening maximum winning number confirmation process and the special symbol accessory operation timer is cleared to zero. The output of the excitation signal to the big prize opening solenoid 52c is stopped, and thereby the big prize opening 50 is closed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol accessory operation timer is zero (step S553). In this special symbol accessory operation timer, since the above-mentioned special winning opening operation time is set, in the determination processing in step S533, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening operation time has passed (high winning port operating time). Whether or not is zero). Until the special symbol accessory operating timer becomes zero (step S553: NO), the special electric accessory operating process is exited without doing anything.

  If the special symbol feature action timer reaches zero (elapsed time for opening the big prize opening operation time) (step S553: YES), a "round end command" is produced, assuming that the big prize opening in this round game is closed. It transmits to the control part 24 (step S554). This “round end command” includes the current jackpot type information, round game end information (start instruction information of the round end effect), and current round number information. On the effect control unit 24 side, the interval time between round games It is used when the “round end production” appears.

  Next, various setting processes when the round game ends are performed (step S555). Here, as various setting processes at the end of the round game, the special electric accessory operation status is switched to “Continuing judgment (03H)” (03H is stored in the special electric accessory operation status), and the special symbol accessory operation timer is set. The remaining ball discharge time (for example, 1980 ms) is stored. Various setting processes at the end of the round game are also performed by the data set process of FIG.

  In this embodiment, the remaining ball discharge time set after each round game has the same time width (1980 ms), but is not limited thereto. Since the remaining ball discharge time is determined as an allowance time for discharging the remaining balls in the big prize opening after the big prize opening is closed, the internal structure of the big prize opening (for example, the big prize opening sensor 52a). In consideration of the maximum path length until the game ball is detected), the maximum time required until the prize winning hole sensor 52a detects the game ball (or until the game ball is discharged to the outside from the prize winning opening) The expected time span is set. However, when the round game is controlled in a plurality of types of operation modes, different remaining ball discharge times may be set by paying attention to each operation mode. For example, paying attention to the fact that the winning rate at the grand prize opening is relatively low during a round game related to a short opening time, the game balls are frequently bitten by the open / close door 52b, and there are many game balls crowded in the big prize opening. Since it is not expected, the remaining ball discharge time may be a relatively short time width compared to during the round game related to the long open time.

  As described above, when the special electric accessory operating process is exited, the process proceeds to the right-handed notification information management process of step S061 in FIG.

(9-4. Special electric equipment operation continuation determination process: FIG. 16)
Next, the special electric accessory operation continuation determination process (step S508 in FIG. 12) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the special electric accessory operation continuation determination process.

  In FIG. 16, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the special symbol accessory operation timer is zero (step S571). In this special symbol accessory operation timer, since the remaining ball discharge time after closing the big prize opening is set (see step S557 in FIG. 15), the remaining ball discharge time has elapsed in the determination processing in step S571. It will be determined whether or not. Until the special symbol accessory operation timer becomes zero (step S571: NO), the special electric accessory operation continuation determination process is terminated without doing anything.

  On the other hand, if the special symbol accessory operation timer is zero (remaining ball discharge time has elapsed) (step S571: YES), it is determined whether or not the current number of rounds has reached the maximum number of rounds by obtaining a continuous number counter. Is determined (step S572).

  If the maximum number of rounds has not been reached (step S572: NO), the processing at the later-described steps S573 to S576 (round continuation processing) is performed as processing when the round game is continued. However, when the maximum number of rounds has been reached (step S572: YES), processing at steps S577 to S582 (round continuation termination processing) is performed as processing when the round game continuation is terminated.

(9-4-1. Round continuation processing: steps S573 to S576)
If the current number of rounds has not reached the maximum number of rounds (step S572: NO), the processing route of steps S573 to S576 is entered.

  First, in the process of step S573, 1 is added (+1) to the continuous number counter (step S573).

  Next, a special electric accessory end interval setting table (not shown) is acquired (step S574). With reference to the special electric accessory end interval setting table, the special symbol determination data and the continuous counter after the addition are obtained. The corresponding “interval before opening” is stored in the special symbol accessory operation timer (step S575).

  In the special electric accessory end interval setting table, the interval time before opening associated with the special symbol determination data and the continuous number counter is determined. Specifically, the special symbol determination data (the current jackpot type) and The pre-opening interval time corresponding to the current value of the continuous number counter (the continuous number counter value after the addition processing in step S573) is determined. In the present embodiment, the interval time before opening set after each round game has the same time width (20 ms). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the interval time before opening set after one round game may be different from the interval time before opening set after another round game.

  Further, during the interval time before opening, the special electric accessory actuating flag is set to the OFF state (= 00H) in the process of step S576 described later. The “special electric accessory actuating flag” is a flag used to confirm whether or not the special variable winning device 52 is operating. When the flag is ON (= 5 AH), When the variable winning device 52 is in operation, and the flag is OFF (= 00H), it indicates that the special variable winning device 52 is inactive. In addition, during the period when the special electric accessory actuating flag is ON (= 5 AH) between round games, that is, during the period when the special variable prize winning device is in operation, the big prize opening is closed after the big prize opening is opened. After that, the remaining ball discharge time (first predetermined time: 1980 ms) is elapsed. On the other hand, the above-mentioned remaining ball discharge time (1980 ms) elapses during the period in which the special electric accessory actuated flag is in the OFF state (= 00H) between round games, that is, the period during which the special variable prize winning device is not activated. It is a period in the interval time (interval time before opening (second predetermined time): 20 ms) until the next round game is started. When the game ball actually enters the winning opening and the ON signal of the winning detection switch is output, the output time (signal continuation period) is long or short in the rolling time of the winning ball. This is in consideration of a maximum of about 20 ms. During the interval before opening, the special variable winning device 52 is not in operation. During this time, the special winning prize winning invalid period during which the winning to the big winning prize port 50 is invalid (the illegal winning monitoring period during the big hit) It becomes.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 16, when the process of step S575 is completed, various setting processes when the round is continued are performed (step S576). Here, as a setting process for starting the next round game after the end of the current round game, 00H (OFF state) is stored in the special electric accessory operation flag, and the special electric accessory operation status is set to “operation start process”. “Middle (01H)” (02H is stored in the special electric accessory operation status). The various setting processes when the round is continued are performed as shown in FIGS. 27B and 27C by the data set process of FIG. However, it may be performed as shown in FIGS. 27B and 27C by the data set process of FIG. 19 and the zero set process of FIG.

  When the above steps S573 to S576 (round continuation process) are completed, the special electric accessory operation continuation determination process is exited, and the process proceeds to the right-handed notification information management process of step S061 in FIG.

(9-4-2. Round continuation termination process: steps S577 to S580)
When the current number of rounds reaches the maximum number of rounds (step S572: YES), the processing route of steps S577 to S580 is entered.

  First, in the process of step S577, an accessory continuous operation device operation end interval setting table (not shown) is acquired (step S577), and the special symbol determination data is referred to with reference to the accessory continuous operation device operation end interval setting table. And “end interval time” corresponding to the added continuous number counter is stored in the special symbol accessory operation timer (step S578).

  In the above-mentioned accessory continuous actuating device operation end interval setting table, special symbol determination data (big hit type) and end interval time are defined in association with each other. Specifically, the end interval time is determined according to the special symbol determination data. Is to be decided. In the present embodiment, the end interval time is “5000 ms” in the case of “2R short open latent probability big hit (special symbol determination data: 01H)”, and “10R long release probability big hit (special symbol determination data: 02H)”. "6000 ms" is set, and in the case of "15R long open probability variation big hit (special symbol determination data" 03H ")", "10000 ms" is set.

  The above “end interval time” is an interval section from the end of the round game of the final round to the end of the jackpot game after the remaining ball discharge time has elapsed, and defines the section where the ending effect is performed. Refers to the time span. During the “end interval time”, the special electric accessory actuating flag is set to the OFF state (= 00H) in the process of step S579 described later. Accordingly, during the end interval time, as in the interval time before opening, it becomes a large winning opening prize invalid period in which winning to the big winning opening is invalidated.

  When the process of step S578 is completed, various setting processes at the end of the round continuation are performed (step S579). Here, as the setting process when reaching the maximum round, 00H (OFF state) is stored in the special electric accessory operation flag, and the special electric accessory operation status is switched to “ending process (04H)” (special electric accessory) 04H is stored in the operation status). Various setting processes at the end of the round are also performed by the data set process of FIG. However, it may be performed as shown in FIGS. 27B and 27C by the data set process of FIG. 19 and the zero set process of FIG.

  Next, a “big hit end command” instructing the start of the ending effect is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S580). The “hit end command” includes the current jackpot type information and game state information at the time of winning the big hit, and is also used when determining the effect mode after the big hit game on the effect control unit 24 side. Therefore, this “big hit end command” also serves as a game state designation command. The effect control unit 24 determines the effect mode based on the information included in the jackpot end command so that the game state after the end of the jackpot can be consistent with the effect mode related to the game state. It has become.

  As described above, when the special electric accessory operation continuation determination process is terminated, the process proceeds to the right-handed notification information management process of step S061 in FIG.

(9-5. Big hit end processing: FIG. 17)
Next, the big hit ending process (step S509 in FIG. 12) will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of the big hit end process.

  In FIG. 17, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the special symbol accessory operation timer is zero (step S591). Since the above-described end interval time is set in the special symbol accessory operation timer here, it is determined whether or not the end interval time has elapsed in the determination process of step S591. Until the special symbol accessory operation timer becomes zero (step S591: NO), the jackpot end process is exited without doing anything.

  If the special symbol accessory operation timer becomes zero (the end interval time has elapsed) (step S591: YES), the value of each transition state buffer is stored in each state flag as part of various settings at the time of jackpot end ( Step S592). More specifically, each state of the transition state buffer set in the game state transition preparation process in step S411 during the special symbol variation start process of FIG. 9 is used to specify the game state. Flag, Normal symbol short state flag, Normal symbol probability change state flag, Special symbol short time state flag, Special symbol probability variation state flag, Special symbol short time counter, Special symbol probability variation counter, Fluctuation pattern allocation designation number, and Special symbol variation number Store each in the counter. Thereby, the gaming state after the big hit game is specified.

  Subsequently, various setting processes at the end of the big hit are performed (step S593). Here, as various data used during the big hit game control process, the condition device operation flag, the accessory continuous operation device operation flag, the continuous number counter, the maximum number of rounds, the normal electrical equipment release extended state buffer, the normal symbol time transition State buffer, normal symbol probability change state buffer, special symbol short state transition state buffer, special symbol probability change transition state buffer, special symbol short time counter buffer, special symbol probability variable number counter buffer, fluctuation pattern distribution designation number buffer, special figure variation The number counter buffer, the round display LED number, and the game state determination number (YJ) are each cleared (00H is stored), and the special electric accessory operation status is switched to “starting processing (00H)” (special electric accessory operation) 00H is stored in the status). The various setting processes at the end of the big hit are performed by the zero set process of FIG. 21 using the accessory continuous operation apparatus end setting table of FIG. Details of this will be described later.

  Next, a game state notification information update process for updating the game state notification information is performed (step S594). In this process, it is confirmed whether the special symbol time reduction state flag is in the ON state (= 5 AH) or OFF state (≠ 5 AH), and in the case of the ON state, data for lighting the gaming state notification LED is stored.

  When the jackpot ending process is completed, a series of control processes related to the jackpot game is completed. After exiting the big hit end process, the process proceeds to the right-handed notification information management process of step S061 in FIG.

<Small hit game control processing>
(9-6. Small hit processing)
Next, the small hit process in step S504 in FIG. 12 will be described. In this small hit process, a setting process necessary for the small hit game operation is performed. In this small hitting process, depending on the progress of the small hitting game, the setting process necessary for making the operation mode during the series of hitting games mainly the same or very similar to the “2R latent big hit game” A setting process necessary for designating a game state to be transferred after the small hit game is performed.

  Specifically, after the fixed display time of the special symbol accessory operation timer (see step S453 in FIG. 10) has elapsed, first, a “small hit start command” for instructing the start of the small hit game is sent to the effect control unit. 24, and an interval time before the special winning opening is opened is set. Further, according to the type of small hit that has been won this time, the transition control setting of the game state after the small hit game is performed. In the case of small hits, there is no transition to the internal gaming state, so here, a predetermined value corresponding to the small hit type is set in the fluctuation pattern allocation designation number and the special symbol fluctuation counter, and the game after the small hit game Specify the state. For example, when winning a small hit C and the game state at the time of winning is “normal A”, the data “02H” specifying “normal C” is stored in the variable pattern allocation designation number, and the special symbol variation Data specifying the specified game state transition count “30” is stored in the count counter. As a result, the gaming state after the small hit game is shifted from “normal A” to “normal C (30 times)” (see FIG. 4). After the interval time elapses, the winning opening 50 is controlled to open and close in the same manner as or similar to the end of the 1R to 2R end of the “2R short-open latency big hit” to generate a pseudo round game. It is like that. After the pseudo round game ends, a “small hit end command” for instructing the start of the ending effect is transmitted to the effect control unit 24, and the control process related to the small hit game is ended. This realizes a small hit game. The “small hit start command” is the same as the “big hit start command” during the big hit, and the “small hit end command” is the same as the “big hit end command” during the big hit. On the side of the effect control unit 24, it is used when executing a hit effect during the small hit game or determining an effect mode after the small hit game. Further, the maximum number of winnings to the big winning opening 52 during the small hit game is the same as that by the big hit (here, 2R short open latent big hit). As described above, when the small hit process is completed, the process proceeds to the right-handed notification information management process of step S061 in FIG.

<10. Data set processing>
(10-1. Types of Data Set Processing: FIG. 18)
19A and 19B show details of the data set processing used in steps S416, S453, S477, S511, S513, S524, S555, S579, and the like.

  The ROM 202, which is a non-volatile storage means, is a control area including a program area in which a data area is allocated under a restriction that must not exceed a predetermined size (3 KB) in a use area, and the other storage area stores a program. Assigned as. In the data area of the ROM 202, a plurality of types of data tables for gaming operation control used when controlling gaming operations are stored.

  The RAM 203 as volatile storage means stores data from the address position obtained by adding the relative address value (lower 1 byte) to the base address value (2800H in this example) to a predetermined address position (28A7H in this example). The area is defined as a work area in which operation data generated along with the control of the game operation is set.

  The plurality of types of data tables include a first data set table for data sets (D_TD0SET, etc. in FIG. 20) and a second data set table for zero sets (D_TD0SET, etc. in FIGS. 22 and 26). It is out. The first data set table for data set (hereinafter abbreviated as data set data set table) is the operation data to be transferred and set in the work area, and setting destination address information (subordinate) specifying the setting destination. ), And such a pair of information is sequentially provided with a table address (setting source address) as many as the number of processes to be set (the number of data to be set), that is, only one or a plurality of sets. Yes. The second data set table for zero set (hereinafter abbreviated as zero set data set table) is used when clear data should be set in the work area. Clear data to be transferred and set is not stored, and only the setting destination address information for specifying the setting destination of the clear data is the number of processes to be set (the number of data to be set), that is, one or a plurality of sets. Are provided sequentially with a table address (setting source address). In these data set tables, the head address of the data table is used as identification data of the data table, and each data table is identified.

  The main control unit 20 of the game operation control means transfers the operation data of the data set data set table to the work area of the RAM 203 and sets the first data set processing for data set (hereinafter simply referred to as “data set processing”). Abbreviated), the clear data (00H) created by the zero set processing program is transferred to the corresponding address in the work area of the RAM 203 specified by the setting destination address information in the second data set table and set. Second data set processing for setting (hereinafter simply referred to as “zero set processing”).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a previous stage process performed prior to the data set process and the zero set process. As shown in FIG. 18A, in the data set process (first data set process), during the process in which operation data should be set in the work area of the RAM 203 (for example, step S511 in FIG. 13: various settings at the start of jackpot (Processing) After determining the data set data set table to be used from among a plurality of types of data set tables stored in the ROM 202 in advance by setting its head address as identification data in the HL register (step S600A). The module to be called (step S600B). The data set process (first data set process) works by sequentially specifying the table addresses (setting source addresses) of the table and executing the setting process for the number of data items to be set. The above operation data is set and transferred to the corresponding address in the RAM work area specified by the setting destination address information in the table, and is set as a setting program in the control program of the main control unit 20. Used everywhere. Here, the operation data is operation data (game data) generated according to the processing state relating to the progress of the game by the CPU 201 as the game operation control means executing the control of the game operation. Flag value, buffer value, and count information (counter value, timer value, etc.).

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 18B, the zero set process (second data set process) is performed when clear data is to be set in the work area (for example, step S593 in FIG. 17: various setting processes at the end of the big hit). ), The zero set data set table to be used is set in the HL register using the head address as identification data (step S700A), and then called (step S700B). The zero set process (second data set process) works by sequentially setting the table addresses (setting source addresses) of the table and executing the setting process for the number of clear data to be set. In the control program of the main control unit 20, a setting process is performed in which clear data created by the program during the zero setting process is set at the corresponding address of the work area specified by the setting destination address information in the table. It is used everywhere as a setting program.

(10-2. Data set processing: FIGS. 19 and 20)
FIG. 20 shows a configuration of an accessory continuous operation device start setting table (D_TD0SET) as an example of a data set data set table. In this table D_TD0SET, as shown in FIG. 20B, in the order of table addresses “1130” to “1136”, the number of data to be set (processing number data) “03H”, the setting destination of the work area to be set Address “W_YKFLG”, operation data (setting data) “5AH” to be set to this address, setting destination address “W_TDJBST”, setting data “01H”, setting destination address “W_VCNT”, and setting data “01H” Are each 1 byte long.

  In the case of this embodiment, 03H corresponding to 3 is stored in the head address “1130” as the number of data to be set. The table addresses “1131” to “1132” following this are paired with information (38H) of the setting destination address of the accessory continuous operation device opening operation flag by the label W_YKFLG and the value 5AH (operation data) of the flag. Is stored. This label W_YKFLG is related to specify the address position (address 2838H) whose relative address value is + 38H from the top (TOP) of the work area of the RAM 203, that is, the base address (address 2800H), by the label. . Therefore, a value of 38H is stored at address 1131.

  Thus, by specifying the relative address value (+ 38H) from the base address (TOP) of the work area of the RAM 203 as the setting destination address, the corresponding area (address 2838H) of the work area as the setting destination is specified. ing. This is not limited to the case of data set processing, but is the same when performing zero set processing.

  Similarly, the next table addresses “1133” to “1134” store information that sets a pair of the special electric accessory operation status setting destination address by the label W_TDJBST and the operation data 01H of the special electric accessory operation status. Has been. The operation data 01H is stored in the designated address (TOP + 39H address) of the corresponding label W_TDJBST in the work area. Subsequently, in the next table addresses “1135” to “1136”, information that sets a pair of a continuous number counter (round number) setting destination address by the label W_VCNT and operation data 01H of the continuous number counter is stored. The value of this continuous number counter is stored in the designated address (TOP + 9AH) of the corresponding label W_VCNT in the work area.

  Thus, in the case of the table D_TD0SET in FIG. 20, the value 5AH is transferred to the address 2838H for the accessory continuous actuator open operation flag W_YKFLG, and the value 01H is 2839H of the RAM 203 for the special electric accessory operation status W_TDJBST. The value 01H is transferred to the address 289AHH of the RAM 203 and stored in the RAM 203. The continuous number counter (round number) W_VCNT is transferred to the address 289AHH.

  In the above example, in order to determine the number of processes to be set, a table format is adopted in which the number of operation data to be set (03H) is set in advance in the storage area of the start address and is clarified. However, it is also possible to adopt a table format in which an end code indicating that there is no more operation data to be set last exists without clarifying the number of operation data to be set in advance. In this case, it is realized by using a table in which clear data is added to the table of FIG. 26 and adopting the zero setting process of FIG. 25 as the setting processing program. According to the table format using this end code, even if there is an increase or decrease in the number of operation data to be set later, the operation data itself does not exist on the table, so it is necessary to change this value. It does not occur, and it is only necessary to increase or decrease a desired number of setting processing data lines by a necessary number. This also applies to the case where a table having no clear data as shown in FIG. 26 is used as the data table and the zero set processing is performed by the zero set processing program of FIG. 25, and the same effect can be obtained. .

  The setting program in the case of the data set data set table of FIG. 20 is realized by the data set processing of FIG. FIG. 19 shows a program executed by the Z80 CPU. First, in step S600A in FIG. 18, the CPU 201 sets the head address of the necessary data table in the HL register, specifies the data table, calls the data setting process in FIG. 19, and stores the setting stored in the data table. Data set processing is executed based on the destination address and operation data.

  In the data set process (M_DTSET) in FIG. 19, “LD” is an instruction to set data set as the second argument in the register specified as the first argument. D means an 8-bit register and @RAMHEAD means the upper 8 bits of the start address of the work area. Therefore, in M_ZEROSET, first, the upper 8 bits of the start address of the work area of the RAM 203 are loaded into the D register by the instruction “LD D, @RAMHEAD” (step S601). In this embodiment, since the work area of the RAM 203 is all unified with an address of 28 ** H, the upper 8 bits of 28H are loaded into the D register here.

  Next, the content indicated by the table address indicated by the HL register is loaded into the B register by an instruction “LD B, (HL)” (step S602). When this data set process (subroutine or module) is CALLed, since the head address “1130” of the data set table is stored in the HL register in step S600A, the process in step S602 causes the B register to be stored. Therefore, 03H is stored as the number of data to be set (the number of set processes).

  Next, by an instruction “INC HL”, the HL register is incremented (step S603), and the contents (lower set destination address) indicated by the table address “1131” of the HL register are loaded into the E register (step S604). As a result, 38H is loaded into the E register, and 2838H is set into the DE register.

  Thereafter, the HL register is incremented again (step S605), and the content (operation data 5AH) of the address “1132” indicated by the HL register is loaded into the A register by an instruction “LD A, (HL)” (step S605). ). Then, the value (operation data) of the A register is transferred to the address indicated by the DE register by an instruction “LD (DE), A” (step S607). At this stage, the upper 8 bits of the start address of the work area are stored in the D register, and 38H is stored as the lower address corresponding to W_YKFLG of the work area in the E register. The flag value, counter value, etc. read out from (1) are transferred to the corresponding address in the RAM work area and set.

  Therefore, the instruction “DJNZ DTSET — 10” is executed next to decrement the value (number of set processes) of the B register (step S608), and the processes of steps S602 to S609 are repeated until the value of the B register becomes zero. .

  By the above processing, the operation data stored in the data set table D_TD0SET, that is, the value 5AH of the accessory continuous operation device open operation flag W_YKFLG, the value 01H of the special electric accessory operation status W_TDJBST, and the continuous number counter (round number) The value 01H of W_VCNT is transferred and set to the corresponding work area of the RAM 203 at a necessary timing. Note that these operation data stored in the data set data set table D_TD0SET are set in the process of step ST511 in FIG. In the above-described steps S416, S453, S477, S513, S524, S555, S579, etc., the operation data stored in the same data set data set table is stored in the designated area of the work area by the above data set processing. Will be transferred to and set.

(10-3. Zero set processing: FIGS. 21 to 23)
In a ball game machine, during a big hit, it is in a low probability state and the open extension function is not activated. Therefore, as described above, in the various setting processing (pre-start processing of the big hit game) (step S475 in FIG. 11A) when the big hit symbol is stopped, the condition device operation flag and the accessory continuous operation device set in the previous stage Processing for clearing the operation flag or the like is performed. In addition, in the setting process at the time-short end (step S481 in FIG. 11B) and the various setting processes at the end of the big hit (step S593 in FIG. 17), the flags and counters set in the previous stage are used. Perform the clearing process. These clear processes are conventionally performed by the data set process (FIG. 19).

  However, if clear data such as flags and counters are set by the above data set processing (FIG. 19), the necessary number of clear data 00H must be stored in the ROM data set table together with the work area address. I must. Since there are a large number of program locations that require the clear data 00H to be set, if this is provided on the data set table, the storage capacity of the data to be stored in the ROM having the specified capacity (storable area) ).

  For example, FIG. 23 exemplifies a data set table for zero set used when the end of the continuous accessory operating device is set by the data set processing (FIG. 19) at the end of the big hit. In the accessory continuous operation device end setting table D_TD4SET in FIG. 23, 15 clear data 00H are provided as operation data together with the work area address, and therefore the clear data 00H alone occupies a storage area of 15 bytes in total. .

  Therefore, these clear data 00H (15 pieces) are removed from the data set table to form an address set table, which is used as a zero set data set table. FIG. 22 is configured as an accessory continuous operation device end setting table (D_TD4SET) having no clear data 00H. The clear data 00H is created by the zero set processing program shown in FIG. 21 and is stored in the work area pointed to by the set destination address at a predetermined timing (step S593 in FIG. 17) to be stored in the work area. Set to the corresponding address.

(10-3-1. Data set table for zero set: FIG. 22)
In the accessory continuous operation device end setting table (D_TD4SET) shown in FIG. 22, the number of data to be set (processing number data) “0FH” and the setting destination address are stored, and zero having no clear data 00H to be set is stored. It is a set data set table. That is, it is used when clear data should be set in the work area, but does not have the clear data 00H corresponding to the operation data provided in the data set table of FIG. 20 or FIG. Only the lower addresses are stored for the number of set processes.

  The data addresses (setting source addresses) “1141” to “114F” following the head address “1140” are sequentially supplied with a condition device operation flag W_JKFLG, an accessory continuous operation device operation flag W_YKFLG, a special electric accessory operation status W_TDJBST, Game state determination number W_YJTPTN, universal power release extended state buffer W_FDLBF, normal time short transition state buffer W_FJTBF, general figure probability transition state buffer W_FHIBF, special time short state transition buffer W_TJTBF, special figure certain transition state buffer W_THIBF, special Short-time counter transition state buffer W_JTCTBF, special figure variation count counter transition state buffer W_HICTBF, fluctuation pattern distribution designation number buffer W_TCODEBF, continuous count counter W_VCNT, maximum round Each set destination address lower order of the number W_VCNTLIM and the round display LED number W_RNDDSP is stored, and the clear data 00H is not provided on the zero set data set table. In other words, since the clear data 00H is set by the zero set processing program, the clear data 00H is stored in the zero set data set table. There is no need to keep it.

(10-3-2. Zero set processing program: FIG. 21)
The operation of the zero set processing program in FIG. 21 will be described by taking as an example the case of using the accessory continuous operation device end setting table in FIG.

  In the case of the zero set data set table having no clear data as shown in FIG. 22, the zero set processing program is as shown in FIG. FIG. 21 shows a program executed by the Z80 CPU.

  The zero set processing (M_ZEROSET) in FIG. 21 is performed after the start address “1140” is set in the HL register in step S700A in FIG. 18B when the processing timing for setting the clear data in the work area arrives. In step S700B, it is called and used.

  In the program M_ZEROSET shown in FIG. 21B, first, the upper 8 bits (28H) of the start address (28 ** H) of the work area of the RAM 203 are loaded into the D register by the instruction “LD D, @RAMHEAD”. (Step S701).

  The next “XOR” is an instruction for calculating an exclusive OR of the value of the register designated as an argument and the value of the A register which is an 8-bit register in the CPU 201. Here, the exclusive OR of the same value is 0. Therefore, in M_ZEROSET, the clear data 00H is set in the A register in the CPU 201 by the instruction “XOR A” (step S702).

  Subsequently, the contents of the table address pointed to by the HL register are loaded into the B register by an instruction “LD B, (HL)” (step S703). When this zero set processing M_ZEROSET (which functions as a subroutine or module) is called, the head address “1140” in the data set table for zero set in FIG. 22 is stored in the HL register, so the B register 0FH is stored as the number of data to be set in the work area (the number of set processes).

  Next, the process with the label “ZEROSET — 10” is entered, and the instruction “INC HL” is used to increment the HL register to set the table address to “1141” (step S704), and the instruction “LDE, (HL)”. Thus, the contents (setting destination address lower (37H)) indicated by the table address “1141” of the HL register are loaded into the E register (step S705). As a result, the address (2837H) corresponding to the condition device operation flag in the work area is set in the DE register.

  Thereafter, the value of the A register (clear data 00H) is loaded to the setting destination address specified by the DE register by the instruction “LD (DE), A” (step S706). At this stage, the upper 8 bits (28H) of the start address of the work area are stored in the D register, and the lower address (37H) of the setting destination address is stored in the E register. The clear data 00H) is transferred and set to the corresponding address (2837H) specified by the label W_JKFLG of the work area.

  Therefore, by executing the instruction “DJNZ ZEROSET — 10” next, the value of the B register is decremented (step S707), and while the value of the B register is not zero, the processing returns to the label “ZEROSET — 10” and the value of the B register is zero. Steps S704 to S708 are repeated until.

  By the above processing, the condition device operation flag W_JKFLG, the accessory continuous operation device operation flag W_YKFLG, the special electric accessory operation status W_TDJBST, the game state determination number W_YJTPTN, the universal utility release extension state buffer W_FDLBF, the normal time transition state buffer W_FJTBF, universal figure probability transition state buffer W_FHIBF, special figure short transition state buffer W_TJTBF, special figure probable variation transition state buffer W_THIBF, special figure short transition counter transition state buffer W_JTCTBF, special figure probable variation counter transition state buffer W_HICTBF, variation pattern change In the areas of the minute designation number buffer W_TCODEBF, the continuous count counter W_VCNT, the maximum round number W_VCNTLIM, and the round display LED number W_RNDDSP, Clear data 00H is to be stored is transferred Te. Such zero set processing is performed in step S593 in FIG. 17, for example.

  The advantage of using the above zero set process is that it is not necessary to store the clear data 00H in the data table of the ROM 202. For this reason, the ROM storage area (see the dotted line frame in FIG. 23) previously occupied by the clear data 00H is deleted and released as suggested by the dotted line frame in FIG. That can be used as That is, the presence of the clear data 00H does not press or narrow the usable area of the prescribed storage capacity of the ROM. Therefore, by eliminating the clear data 00H from the data table, the storage capacity of the ROM can be reduced accordingly. The difference in this effect is that in the case of FIG. 23, the number of table addresses is “1140” to “115D”, which is 31, whereas in the case of FIG. 22, the number of table addresses is “1140” to “115”. It can be seen from the fact that 16 pieces of 114F ″ are sufficient.

(10-3-3. Comparison with conventional data set table for zero set: FIG. 24)
FIG. 24A shows the data set table at the start of jackpot in FIG. 20 again. (B) (c) shows only the table parts (W_YKFLG, W_TDJBST, W_VCNT) corresponding to the three table addresses of (a), extracted from FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, and (b) ends the big hit. And (c) a conventional zero set data set table at the end of jackpot. Comparing (b) and (c), the conventional zero set data set table of (c) requires 3 bytes to be stored as the clear data 00H and occupies the ROM storage area. In contrast, the zero set data set table at the end of jackpot (b) does not store the clear data 00H of W_YKFLG, W_TDJBST, and W_VCNT, so the occupied area in the ROM storage area is only the conventional 3 bytes. You can see that it is open.

  Here, for ease of explanation, a data set table for zero set that handles three sets (3 bytes) of W_YKFLG, W_TDJBST, and W_VCNT is discussed, but an arbitrary number of set processing numbers (one or a plurality of bytes) This can be applied to the data set table for zero set that handles the above. Locations that require zero set processing appear everywhere in the game operation control program of the gaming machine. Therefore, at each location, the above zero set processing (FIG. 21 or FIG. 25) and the zero set data set table are appropriately selected. Thus, the storage capacity of the ROM can be reduced.

  For example, on one hand, when one of the processing states related to the game progress is executed, for example, the symbol variation in the symbol variation display operation in which the variation display start of special symbol and the stop of the variation display are set as one set, or the player At the start of a predetermined operation in a profitable state (big hit, small hit, etc.), the data set processing (FIG. 19) based on the data set table (FIG. 20, FIG. 27B, etc.) is performed. At the end of these predetermined operations, a data set in which zero set processing (FIG. 21 or FIG. 25) based on the above-described zero set data set table (FIG. 22, FIG. 26, FIG. 27C, etc.) is performed. A good combination of the process and the zero set process can reduce the storage capacity of the ROM without impairing the action of the conventional zero set process. For this reason, in game control, it is possible to bring out more abundant effects than before, while keeping the data capacity used in the data table within the frame of the prescribed capacity of the ROM.

<Modification 1>
In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, a table format having a structure in which the number of processing data to be set in advance (the number of set processes) is stored at the head address of the table is used. It is also possible to adopt a table format in which an end code indicating that there is no more processing data to be set exists at the end of the table without clarifying the number (number of set processes). A table format having a structure using the end code may be used. According to this, even if there is an increase or decrease in the number of processing data to be set once determined, there is no identification data on the table to clarify the number of processing data. There is no room for the work of rewriting and changing the value of, and this can be dealt with by simply increasing or decreasing the required number of processing data rows.

  FIG. 25 shows a setting program for zero set processing according to this embodiment, and FIG. 26 shows an example of a data set table for zero set used in this setting program.

  FIG. 26 shows an example of the accessory continuous operation device end setting table, which has almost the same configuration as FIG. 24B, but the number of data processing to be set at the head address of the table is not stored. Instead, the difference is that the end code 0FFH is placed at the last address of the table, that is, the next address of the processing data for the required number of rows.

  In the zero set process of FIG. 25, first, the upper 8 bits (28H) of the start address of the work area of the RAM 203 are loaded into the D register (step S801). Next, by performing exclusive OR with the same value as the content of the A register, the content of the A register is set to 00H (used as clear data) (step S802).

  Next, the HL register is incremented (step S803), and the lower set destination address is loaded into the E register (step S804). As a result, an address corresponding to the condition device operation flag in the work area is set in the DE register.

  Here, it is determined whether or not the contents of the E register indicate FFH of the end code (step S805). If not yet FFH, the process proceeds to step S806. In step S806, the contents of the A register (clear data 00H) are transferred to the setting destination address indicated by the DE register (step S806). At this stage, since the upper 8 bits of the start address of the work area are stored in the D register and the lower address of the setting destination address is stored in the E register, the contents of the A register (clear data 00H) are stored in the work area. It is transferred to the corresponding address in the area and set. The end code is not limited to FFH, and an arbitrary code can be used.

  Thereafter, the processes in steps S803 to S806 are repeated until the value of the E register becomes FFH of the end code. When the value of the E register becomes FFH (step S805, E = FFH), the zero setting process is terminated.

  As a result of the above processing, 00H is transferred as the value of the accessory continuous operating device open operation flag W_YKFLG from the top (TOP) of the work area to the area of + 38H (address 2838H of the RAM 203), and the special electric accessory operation status W_TDJBST 00H is transferred as the value from the beginning (TOP) of the work area to the area of + 39H (address 2839H of the RAM 203), and 00H is set as the value of the continuous number counter (round number) W_VCNT from the beginning (TOP) of the work area. It is transferred to the area of + 9AH (address 289AHH of RAM 203) and stored in RAM 203.

  According to the table format using this end code, even if there is an increase or decrease in the number of operation data to be set later, there is no identification data on the table to clarify the number of processing data. There is no need to change the value of this identification data, and it is only necessary to increase or decrease the desired number of setting data lines.

<Modification 2>
The above has dealt with the case where the data set table for zero set contains only clear data, but when set data and clear data are mixed in the data set table, only the set data is handled, that is, clear. A data set table for data sets that does not include data and a data set table for zero sets that handles only clear data, that is, does not include set data. The data capacity of the ROM can be reduced by performing the data set process and performing the zero set process of FIG. 21 or 25 for the latter zero set data set table.

  FIG. 27 shows the condition device operation start setting table (D_JKSET) of FIG. 27A, which is a conventional data set table, and the condition device operation start setting table 1 (FIG. 27B, which is a data set data set table). FIG. 27 shows an example divided into D_JKSET1) and conditional device operation start setting table 2 (D_JKSET2) in FIG. 27C, which is a data set table for data sets.

  The condition device operation start setting table 1 in FIG. 27B is used by the data set processing in FIG. 19 in step S475 in FIG. 11A, and the value of the condition device operation flag W_JKFLG stored in the data set data set table. 5AH is stored in the corresponding address of the RAM 203 indicated by the data set data set table.

  The condition device operation start setting table 2 of FIG. 27C is also used in the step S475 of FIG. 11A by the zero set process of FIG. 21, and the big hit determination flag W_TJFLG stored in the zero set data set table is stored. Electric character release extended state flag W_FDLFLG, normal symbol short state flag W_FJTFLG, normal symbol probable change state flag W_FHIFGLG, special symbol short state flag W_TJTFLG, special symbol probable state flag W_THIFLG, special symbol short time counter W_JTCNT, special symbol probable CNT counter W_H The work of the RAM 203 specified by each setting destination address of the special symbol variation number counter W_TZCNT, the variation pattern distribution designation number W_TCODE, and the game state notification display LED output number W_TJDSP In the corresponding area of the band, clear data 00H set in the register A are sequentially set.

  Note that the zero-set data set table in FIG. 27C has a table format including the number of set processes (corresponding to the number of setting destination address information to be transferred), but this number of set processes is included. Instead, as shown in FIG. 26, the table format includes an end code indicating that there is no more setting destination address information to be transferred, while using the zero set data set table, FIG. The clear data 00H set in the register A can be sequentially set by executing the zero set process.

  In either case of the table format shown in FIG. 27 (c) or FIG. 26, as a result, the data table format is changed so as not to hold the clear data 00H, so that the clear data 00H is held. The storage capacity for 11 bytes can be reduced compared to the case where a data set table for data set format is used. In this way, even when the conventional data set table uses a table format in which clear data 00H and other operation data are mixed, the present invention is applied to this place as described above. By dividing the data set table for data sets and the data set table for zero sets, it is possible to reduce the capacity of the data area of the ROM storing the game operation control data.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful for a ball ball game machine using a game ball or a game medium corresponding to the game ball, a spinning-type game machine including a spinning device in which a plurality of spinning cylinders are juxtaposed.

1 Pachinko machine,
2 Front frame,
3 Game board,
3a gaming area,
4 outer frame,
5 ball guide rail,
6 Glass door,
7 Front operation panel
8 Upper tray unit,
9 Top saucer,
11 Ball rental button,
12 Card return button,
13 Frame production button,
14 Ball release button,
15 Launch control handle,
19 game ball dispensing device,
20 Main control unit,
21 External terminal board for frame,
24 production control unit,
28 Launch control board,
29 payout control board,
31 power supply board,
32 launcher,
34 Upper starting port,
34a Upper start sensor,
35 Lower starting port,
35a Lower start sensor,
36 liquid crystal display devices,
37 Normal design starting port,
37a Normal design start sensor,
38a, 38b Special symbol display device,
39c LED display 38c for holding composite display
39a Normal symbol display device,
39b Round number display device,
40, 50 Big prize opening,
41 Ordinary variable winning device,
41c Ordinary electric accessory solenoid,
42,52 Special variable prize device,
42a, 52a Big prize opening sensor,
42b, 52b open door,
42c, 52c
43 General prize opening,
43a General prize opening sensor,
44 Windmill,
45 Decorative lamp,
45a optical display device,
46 speakers,
46a sound generator,
47 Movable wing pieces,
48 Center decoration,
49 Out mouth,
71 Movable body accessory motor,
201 main control CPU,
202 main control ROM,
203 main control RAM,
241 Production control CPU,
242 Production control ROM,
243 Production control RAM.

Claims (1)

Gaming operation control means for controlling the gaming operation;
Non-volatile storage means storing a plurality of types of data tables for game operation control used when controlling the game operation;
Volatile storage means defined as a work area for setting operation data generated in accordance with the control of the gaming operation,
The plurality of types of data tables are:
Used when clear data is to be set in the work area, a plurality of lower byte information indicating the lower byte of the setting destination address for specifying the setting destination of the clear data is stored, and the upper portion of the setting destination address Including upper byte information indicating bytes and a data set table in which the clear data is not stored,
The upper byte of the set address is a common value,
The game operation control means includes
Each time the lower byte information stored in the data set table is sequentially read and read, a setting destination address is specified by the common value and the lower byte information read from the data set table, and the specified setting Including a data set process for sequentially setting the clear data in the work area indicated by the destination address ;
At the time of processing to set the clear data in the work area, the data set processing is executed after setting the data set table,
A gaming machine characterized by that.

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