JP6276309B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine using gaming media.

In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, various effects using an image display device including a liquid crystal screen, a sound output device (speaker), an electric accessory, etc. are performed, and a device for enhancing the interest of the player is made.
For example, an effect pattern is determined based on a lottery result of a symbol performed when a game ball enters the start opening, and an effect image is displayed on the image display device (liquid crystal screen) according to the effect pattern. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
The specifications (screen resolution and aspect ratio) of liquid crystal screens used in such gaming machines are not uniform, and liquid crystal screens having various screen resolutions are used depending on the model.

JP2015-062748A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of displaying a desired image regardless of the specification of a liquid crystal screen to be used.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can be realized by the following modes.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image display device capable of displaying an image, and display control means for performing control to display an image on the image display device, wherein the display control means displays different colors. Pattern information defining a region for displaying a color bar having a plurality of color regions to be displayed, and color information to be displayed in each region, the screen resolution of the image display device, the aspect ratio, the pattern A gaming machine that displays the color bar by drawing the color information corresponding to each area based on the information and the color information.

  Since it comprised as mentioned above, the game machine which can display a desired image is realizable irrespective of the specification of the liquid crystal screen used.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows a part of embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the game control apparatus with which the gaming machine which concerns on this embodiment is equipped. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the image control board. It is explanatory drawing of the various random numbers acquired in the main control board of a pachinko machine. It is a flowchart explaining the main process which CPU of a main control board performs. It is a flowchart explaining the power-supply-cutoff monitoring process in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the recovery process in FIG. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the timer interruption process which CPU of the main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the start port SW process which CPU of the main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the gate SW process which CPU of the main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the special symbol process which CPU of the main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the customer waiting setting process which CPU of a main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the special game determination process which CPU of a main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the fluctuation pattern selection process which CPU of a main control board performs. It is the figure which showed an example of the fluctuation pattern table. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process during a stop which CPU of a main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the auxiliary | assistant symbol process which CPU of a main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the big prize opening process which CPU of a main control board performs. It is the figure which showed the example of a setting of the number of rounds / operation pattern. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the game state setting process which CPU of a main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the 2nd start opening process performed by CPU of a main control board. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the production main process which the production control board of the gaming machine which concerns on this embodiment performs at the time of power activation. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the timer interruption process which CPU of an effect control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the command reception process which CPU of an effect control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the effect selection process which CPU of an effect control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process during the change production completion which CPU of a production control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the win production | presentation selection process which CPU of an effect control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the ending effect selection process which CPU of an effect control board performs. It is a figure which shows the basic pattern of the color bar specified in the gaming machine of this embodiment. FIG. 31 is a diagram (No. 1) illustrating a case where the basic pattern of the color bar in FIG. 30 is applied to an actual liquid crystal screen. FIG. 31 is a diagram (No. 2) illustrating a case where the basic pattern of the color bar in FIG. 30 is applied to an actual liquid crystal screen. FIG. 31 is a diagram (No. 3) illustrating a case where the basic pattern of the color bar in FIG. 30 is applied to an actual liquid crystal screen. It is a figure which shows the other example of the color bar which can be used with the gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the color bar screen display process by CPU of an effect control board. It is a figure which shows an example of the color bar to which gradation was given. It is a figure which shows an example of the basic pattern for performing the gradation display of a color bar.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.
<Configuration of gaming machine>
1 is a front view showing an example of a gaming machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the back side of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is related to the present embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the game control apparatus with which the gaming machine is equipped.

In the gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, an inner frame (open / close frame) 3 is attached to an outer frame 2 attached to an island structure of a game hall so that the glass frame 4 can be opened / closed. It is installed.
A window 4a is formed in the glass frame 4, and a transparent plate 4b is attached to the window 4a. A game board 10 having a board surface on which a game ball is launched is mounted on the inner frame 3, and a game area 10a in which the game ball can roll and flow down between the board surface of the game board 10 and the transparent plate 4b on the front side thereof. Is formed. The transparent plate 4b is, for example, a glass plate and is detachably fixed to the glass frame 4.

  The glass frame 4 is connected to the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism portion 5 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine), and the other end in the left-right direction using the hinge mechanism portion 5 as a fulcrum. The side (for example, the right side facing the gaming machine) can be rotated in a direction to release from the outer frame 2. The glass frame 4 covers the game board 10 together with the glass plate 4b, and can be opened like a door with the hinge mechanism portion 5 as a fulcrum to open the inner part of the outer frame 2 including the game board 10. On the other end side of the glass frame 4, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 4 to the outer frame 2 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. Further, the glass frame 4 is provided with a door opening switch 136 (see FIG. 3) for detecting whether or not the glass frame 4 is opened from the outer frame 2.

At the lower part of the glass frame 4 (the lower part of the window 4a), a tray unit 7 having a storage tray 6 (upper tray 6a and lower tray 6b) for storing game balls is provided. Is provided with an effect button 8 that can be pressed, a cross key 40 that allows the player to perform various selection operations, and a discharge button 9 that discharges the game balls stored in the lower plate 6b to the outside of the gaming machine. Yes.
The effect button 8 is effective only when, for example, a message for operating the effect button 8 is displayed on the image display device 31 described later. The effect button 8 is provided with an effect button detection switch 8a (see FIG. 3), and when the effect button detection switch 8a detects a player's operation, a further effect is executed according to this operation.

  An operation handle 11 is provided on the lower right side of the glass frame 4. When the player touches the operation handle 11, the operation handle 11 detects that a touch sensor 11 a (see FIG. 3) in the operation handle 11 has touched the operation handle 11, and a launch control board described later. A touch signal is transmitted to 160. When the firing control board 160 receives a touch signal from the touch sensor 11a (see FIG. 3), the firing control board 160 permits energization of the firing solenoid 12a. When the rotation angle of the operation handle 11 is changed, the gear directly connected to the operation handle 11 rotates and the knob of the firing volume 11b (see FIG. 3) connected to the gear rotates. A voltage corresponding to the detection angle of the firing volume 11b is applied to a launching solenoid 12a provided in the game ball launching mechanism. When a voltage is applied to the firing solenoid 12a (see FIG. 3), the firing solenoid 12a operates according to the applied voltage, and the game ball is played with a strength according to the rotation angle of the operation handle 11. It is fired to the game area 10a of the board 10.

  An outer rail R1 and an inner rail R2 are provided around the game area 10a in the game board 10. The outer rail R1 and the inner rail R2 guide the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism when the operation handle 11 is operated to the upper part of the game area 10a. The game ball guided to the upper part of the game area 10a falls in the game area 10a. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills provided in the game area 10a.

  A center member 12 is disposed substantially at the center of the game board 10. The center member 12 is provided with an image display device 31 composed of a liquid crystal display device and the like, and an effect accessory device 32 imitating a “sword”.

  The game area 10a on the lower center side of the center member 12 is provided with a first start port 13 into which a game ball can enter. A second start port 14 is provided below the first start port 13. The second start port 14 has an open / close door 14b, and is controlled to move to a first mode in which the open / close door 14b is maintained in a closed state and a second mode in which the open / close door 14b is in an open state. . Therefore, when the second start port 14 is in the first mode, there is no opportunity for winning a game ball, and when it is in the second mode, the chance for winning a game ball is increased.

  In the present embodiment, when the second start port 14 is controlled to the first mode, the game ball is prevented from entering the second start port 14. However, if there is less opportunity for a game ball to enter when being controlled to the first mode than when being controlled to the second mode, the second is being controlled to the first mode. A game ball may enter the start port 14. That is, the first aspect includes a state where it is impossible or difficult to enter the game ball into the second start port 14.

  The first start port 13 and the second start port 14 are respectively provided with a first start port detection switch 13a (see FIG. 3) and a second start port detection switch 14a for detecting the entrance of a game ball. When these detection switches detect the entry of game balls, a lottery for acquiring a right to execute a jackpot game, which will be described later (hereinafter referred to as a “hit lottery”), is performed. Also, when the first start port detection switch 13a and the second start port detection switch 14a detect the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 3 game balls) is paid out.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when game balls enter the first start port 13 and the second start port 14, for example, three game balls are paid out. It is not always necessary to pay out when entering the ball. Further, for example, the number of payouts for the first start port 13 may be three, and the number of payouts for the second start port 14 may be one.

  In the game area 10a on both sides of the center member 12, gates 15 through which game balls can pass are provided. The gate 15 is provided with a gate detection switch 15a (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 15a detects the passage of the game ball, a normal symbol lottery described later is performed. .

  Further, the game area 10a on the right side of the center member 12 is provided with a first grand prize winning port 16 and a second grand prize winning port 17 through which game balls can be entered. For this reason, the game ball is configured not to win the first big prize opening 16 and the second big prize opening 17 unless the operation handle 11 is rotated greatly and the game ball is hit with a strong force.

  The first grand prize winning opening 16 is normally kept closed by the open / close door 16b, making it impossible for a game ball to enter. On the other hand, when a jackpot game, which will be described later, is started, the open / close door 16b is opened, and the open / close door 16b functions as a receiving tray for guiding the game ball into the first big winning opening 16, and the game ball is It is possible to enter the 1st prize opening 16. The first big prize opening 16 is provided with a first big prize opening switch 16a. When the first big prize opening switch 16a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 pieces) Game balls) are paid out.

  The second big winning opening 17 is normally kept closed by the movable piece 17b, and it is impossible to enter the game ball. On the other hand, when a jackpot game, which will be described later, is started, the movable piece 17b is actuated and opened, and the movable piece 17b functions as a guide path for guiding the game ball into the second big prize opening 17, A game ball can enter the second grand prize opening 17. The second big prize opening 17 is provided with a second big prize opening switch 17a. When the second big prize opening switch 17a detects the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 15 pieces) Game balls) are paid out.

Furthermore, the game area 10a is provided with a plurality of general winning awards 18. When a game ball wins each of these general winning ports 18, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 10 game balls) is paid out.
At the bottom of the game area 10 a, game balls that have not entered any of the general winning opening 18, the first starting opening 13, the second starting opening 14, the first large winning opening 16, and the second large winning opening 17 Is provided with an outlet 19.

The image display device 31 displays an image while the game is not being performed or displays an image according to the progress of the game. In particular, when a game ball enters the first start port 13 or the second start port 14, the effect symbol 35 for notifying the player of the lottery result is variably displayed.
The production symbol 35 is, for example, a scroll of three symbols (numbers) of a first symbol (left symbol), a second symbol (right symbol), and a third symbol (middle symbol). Scrolling is stopped and a specific symbol (number) is displayed in an array.
As a result, while the symbols are being scrolled, the player is given an impression that the lottery is currently being performed, and the player is notified of the lottery result by the symbols displayed when the scrolling is stopped. By displaying various images, characters, and the like during the variation display of the effect symbol 35, a high expectation that the player may win a big hit is given to the player.

Although not shown, a fourth symbol is displayed on the image display device 31 in addition to the effect symbol 35. The fourth symbol is a symbol showing a variation state of the effect symbol 35 used for notifying the lottery result by the jackpot lottery process.
Note that the 4th symbol does not necessarily have to be displayed on the image display device 31 and may be displayed by providing a 4th symbol display lamp separately.

  On the upper part of the glass frame 4, a pair of left and right effect lighting devices 33 are provided. The effect lighting device 33 includes a plurality of lights, and performs various effects while changing the light irradiation direction and emission color of each light.

In addition, the effect lighting device 33 includes a plurality of lights, and performs various effects while changing the light irradiation direction and emission color of each light.
Further, although not shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a sound output device 34 (see FIG. 3) including a speaker. In addition to the above-described each production device, BGM (background music), SE (sound effect) etc. are output, and the production by sound is also performed.

  On the lower left side of the game area 10a, a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a normal symbol display device 22, a first special symbol hold indicator 23, a second special symbol hold indicator 24, which will be described later. A display area 28 such as a normal symbol hold indicator 25 and a round number indicator 26 is provided.

  The said 1st special symbol display apparatus 20 alert | reports the jackpot lottery result performed when the game ball entered into the 1st start port 13, and is comprised by several LED. That is, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is displayed by displaying a special symbol (lighting mode) corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first special symbol display device 20. The person is notified. The special symbols displayed in this way are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time (flashing).

More specifically, when a game ball enters the first start port 13, a lottery lottery will be performed. However, the lottery lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, and a predetermined time is passed. The player is notified when it has passed. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed, a special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result.
The second special symbol display device 21 is for notifying the jackpot lottery result performed when a game ball has entered the second starting port 14, and the display mode is the first special symbol. This is the same as the display mode of special symbols on the display device 20.

  The normal symbol display device 22 is for informing a lottery result of a normal symbol that is performed when a game ball passes through the gate 15. As will be described in detail later, when the predetermined symbol is won by the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 22 is turned on, and then the second start port 14 is controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time. Note that the normal symbol does not immediately notify the lottery result when the game ball passes through the gate 15, and the normal symbol fluctuates, for example, the normal symbol display device 22 blinks until a predetermined time elapses. It is trying to display.

Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first start port 13 or the second start port 14 during a special symbol change display or a special game, which will be described later, and if the big hit lottery cannot be performed immediately, a certain condition The right to win a jackpot is reserved. More specifically, the right to win a jackpot where a game ball enters and is retained at the first start port 13 is retained as a first hold, and a game ball is retained and retained at the second start port 14. The jackpot lottery right is reserved as a second hold.
For both of these holds, the upper limit reserve number is set to 4, and the reserve number is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24, respectively.

The upper limit reserved number of normal symbols is also set to four, and the reserved number of normal symbols is displayed in the same manner as the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and the second special symbol hold indicator 24. Displayed on the instrument 25.
The round number display 26 is for informing the number of rounds of a round game performed during a special game described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a main control board 110, an effect control board 120, a payout control board 130, a power supply board 170, a game information output terminal board 27, and the like are provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 1. The power supply board 170 is provided with a power plug 171 for supplying power to the gaming machine and a power switch (not shown).

Next, the effect button 8 will be described.
The production button 8 is incorporated in the central portion of the dish unit 7.
The effect button 8 is configured to be able to advance and retreat over a normal operation position (not shown), a pressed position that is retracted downward from the normal operation position, and a protruding operation position that protrudes upward from the normal operation position. . The effect button 8 is configured to be able to be pressed from any position including the normal operation position and the protruding operation position to the pressed position.
In the present specification, the detailed structure of the effect button 8 is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-116168, and the description thereof is omitted.

<Configuration of game control device>
Next, a game control device that controls the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 3, the main control board 110 controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 110 includes at least a one-chip microcomputer 114 including a main CPU 111, a main ROM 112, and a main RAM 113, and an input port and an output port (not shown) for main control.
The main CPU 111 reads out a program stored in the main ROM 112 based on an input signal from each detection switch and performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device and display, or according to the result of the arithmetic processing. Send commands to other boards. The main RAM 113 functions as a data work area when the main CPU 111 performs arithmetic processing.

  On the input side of the main control board 110, there are a first start port detection switch 13a, a second start port detection switch 14a, a gate detection switch 15a, a first large winning port detection switch 16a, a second large winning port detection switch 17a, A general winning opening detection switch 18 a is connected to input a detection signal of a game ball to the main control board 110.

Further, on the output side of the main control board 110, a start opening / closing solenoid 14c for opening / closing the opening / closing door 14b of the second start opening 14 and a first large winning opening for opening / closing the opening / closing door 16b of the first large winning opening 16 are provided. An open / close solenoid 16c and a second large prize opening opening / closing solenoid 17c for opening / closing the movable piece 17b of the second big prize opening 17 are connected.
Further, on the output side of the main control board 110, a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a normal symbol display device 22, a first special symbol hold indicator 23, a second special symbol hold indicator. 24, a normal symbol hold display unit 25, and a round number display unit 26 are connected to output various signals via the output port.
Further, the main control board 110 outputs an external information signal necessary for managing the gaming machine in the hall computer or the like of the gaming store to the gaming information output terminal board 27.

The main ROM 112 of the main control board 110 stores a game control program to be described later, data and tables necessary for various games.
The main RAM 113 of the main control board 110 has a plurality of storage areas.
For example, the main RAM 113 includes a normal symbol hold count (G) storage area, a normal symbol hold storage area, a first special symbol hold count (U1) storage area, a second special symbol hold count (U2) storage area, and a determination storage area. , First special symbol storage area, second special symbol storage area, high probability game count (X) storage area, time-short game count (J) storage area, round game count (R) storage area, release count (K) storage area , First grand prize opening number (C1) storage area, second big prize opening number (C2) storage area, gaming state storage area, gaming state buffer, stop symbol data storage area, effect transmission data storage area Etc. are provided. The game state storage area includes a short-time game flag storage area, a high-probability game flag storage area, a special-purpose special electric processing data storage area, and a general-purpose normal electric processing data storage area. Note that the storage area described above is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  The game information output terminal board 27 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated in the main control board 110 to a hall computer or the like of the game shop. The game information output terminal board 27 is connected to the main control board 110 by wiring and is provided with a connector for connecting to a hall computer or the like of a game store.

  The power board 170 converts the power supply voltage supplied from the power plug 171 into a predetermined voltage and supplies it to each control board. The power supply board 170 is provided with a backup power supply composed of a capacitor, monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine, and outputs a power interruption detection signal to the main control board 110 when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value. To do. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 111 enters an operable state, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 111 enters an operation stop state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and for example, a battery may be used, and a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.

The effect control board 120 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or standby. The effect control board 120 includes a sub CPU 121, a sub ROM 122, and a sub RAM 123, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be able to communicate in one direction from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120. .
The sub CPU 121 reads and calculates a program stored in the sub ROM 122 based on a command transmitted from the main control board 110 or an input signal from the effect button detection switch 8a input via the lamp control board 140. A process is performed, and corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 140 or the image control board 150 based on the process. The sub RAM 123 functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 121 performs arithmetic processing.

The sub ROM 122 of the effect control board 120 stores an effect control program, data necessary for various games, and a table.
For example, a variation effect pattern determination table (not shown) for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110, and an effect symbol pattern determination for determining a combination of effect symbols 35 to be stopped and displayed. A table (not shown) or the like is stored in the sub ROM 122. Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

The sub RAM 123 of the effect control board 120 has a plurality of storage areas.
The sub-RAM 123 includes a command reception buffer, a gaming state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, a determination storage area (0th storage area), a first reservation storage area, and a second reservation storage area. Etc. are provided. The storage area described above is merely an example, and a large number of other storage areas are provided.

The effect control board 120 is equipped with an RTC (real time clock) 124 for outputting the current time. The sub CPU 121 receives a date signal indicating the current date and a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 124, and executes various processes based on the current date and time.
The RTC 124 normally operates with power from the gaming machine when power is supplied to the gaming machine, and with power supplied from a backup power source mounted on the power supply board 170 when the gaming machine is powered off. Operate. Therefore, the RTC 124 can count the current date and time even when the gaming machine is turned off. Note that the RTC 124 may be operated by providing a battery on the effect control board 120.

  The payout control board 130 performs game ball launch control and prize ball payout control. The payout control board 130 includes a payout CPU 131, a payout ROM 132, and a payout RAM 133, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The payout CPU 131 reads out the program stored in the payout ROM 132 based on the input signals from the payout ball counting switch 135 and the door opening switch 136 for detecting whether or not the game ball has been paid out, and performs arithmetic processing. Based on this processing, corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 110.

The payout control board 130 is connected to a payout motor 134 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from the game ball storage unit to the player. The payout CPU 131 reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM 132 based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 110, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 134 of the prize ball payout device to execute a predetermined prize. Pay the ball to the player. At this time, the payout RAM 133 functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the payout CPU 131.
Also, it is confirmed whether or not a game ball lending device (card unit) (not shown) is connected to the payout control board 130, and if the game ball lending device (card unit) is connected, the game control ball 160 is caused to fire a game ball. Send launch control data to allow that.

  When the launch control board 160 receives the launch control data from the payout control board 130, the launch control board 160 permits the launch. Then, the touch signal from the touch sensor 11a and the input signal from the launch volume 11b are read out, the energization control is performed on the launch solenoid 12a and the ball feed solenoid 12b, and the game ball is fired.

The firing solenoid 12a is composed of a rotary solenoid. A launching member (not shown) is directly connected to the firing solenoid 12a, and the launching member is rotated by the rotation of the firing solenoid 12a.
Here, the rotational speed of the firing solenoid 12a is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 160. Accordingly, the number of game balls to be fired in one minute is about 99.9 (pieces / minute) because one ball is fired every time the firing solenoid rotates. That is, the game ball is fired about every 0.6 seconds.
The ball feed solenoid 12b is composed of a linear solenoid, and sends out the game balls on the upper plate 6a (see FIG. 1) one by one toward the launching member directly connected to the firing solenoid 12a.

The lamp control board 140 is connected to the effect control board 120 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and an effect button detection switch 8a provided on the effect button 8 is connected to the input side of the lamp control board 140. When a detection signal is input from 8a, it is output to the effect control board 120.
The lamp control board 140 is connected to the effect accessory device 32 and the effect lighting device 33 provided on the game board 10, and the lamp control board 140 is connected to the data transmitted from the effect control board 120. Based on this, lighting control of the lighting device for effect 33 is performed, or drive control for the motor for changing the light irradiation direction is performed. In addition, energization control is performed on a drive source such as a solenoid or a motor that operates the effect accessory device 32. In the present embodiment, the production effect device 32 includes the production buttons 8 because the production buttons 8 are configured to protrude.

  The image control board 150 is connected to the effect control board 120 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and the image display device 31 and the audio output device 34 are connected to the output side thereof.

<Image control board configuration>
Here, the configuration of the image control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image control board.
The image control board 150 includes a host CPU 151, host RAM 152, host ROM 153, CGROM 154, crystal oscillator 155, VRAM 156, and VDP (Video Display Processor) 200 for performing image display control of the image display device 31.
As will be described later, the VDP 200 includes a voice control circuit 300 for controlling voice output in the gaming machine.

The host CPU 151 instructs the image display device 31 to display the image data stored in the CGROM 154 on the VDP 200 based on the later-described effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 120. Such an instruction is performed by setting data in the control register 201 of the VDP 200 and outputting a display list including drawing control command groups.
In addition, when receiving a V blank interrupt signal or a drawing end signal from the VDP 200, the host CPU 151 appropriately performs an interrupt process.

Further, the host CPU 151 also instructs the audio control circuit 300 included in the VDP 200 to output predetermined audio data to the audio output device 34 based on the effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 120.
The host RAM 152 is built in the host CPU 151, functions as a data work area when the host CPU 151 performs arithmetic processing, and temporarily stores data read from the host ROM 153.

The host ROM 153 is composed of a mask ROM, and displays a program for controlling the host CPU 151, symbol arrangement information in which the symbol number of the effect symbol is associated with the type of the effect symbol 35, and a display for generating a display list. A list generation program, an animation pattern for displaying an animation of a production pattern, animation scene information, and the like are stored.
This animation pattern is referred to when displaying the animation of the production pattern, and stores the combination of animation scene information included in the production pattern, the display order of each animation scene information, and the like. The animation scene information stores information such as weight frame (display time), target data (sprite identification number, transfer source address, etc.), parameters (sprite display position, transfer destination address, etc.), drawing method, etc. doing.

The CGROM 154 includes a flash memory, an EEPROM, an EPROM, a mask ROM, and the like. The CGROM 154 compresses and stores image data (sprite, movie) or the like including a collection of pixel information in a predetermined range of pixels (for example, 32 × 32 pixels). ing. The pixel information is composed of color number information for specifying a color number for each pixel and an α value indicating the transparency of the image.
Furthermore, the CGROM 154 stores palette data in which color number information for designating color numbers and display color information for actually displaying colors are associated with each other without being compressed.
Note that the CGROM 154 may have a configuration in which only a part of the image data is compressed without being compressed. As a movie compression method, various known compression methods such as MPEG4 can be used.
The CGROM 154 also stores a lot of audio data as will be described later.

  The crystal oscillator 155 outputs a pulse signal to the clock generation circuit 205 of the VDP 200, and divides the pulse signal to synchronize with the system clock for the VDP 200 to control by the clock generation circuit 205 and the image display device 31. A synchronization signal or the like is generated for the purpose.

The VRAM 156 is configured by an SRAM that can write or read image data at high speed.
The VRAM 156 also draws or displays an image, a display list storage area 156a that temporarily stores the display list output from the host CPU 151, a development storage area 156b that stores image data decompressed by the decompression circuit 206, and the like. A first frame buffer 156c and a second frame buffer 156d. The VRAM 156 also stores palette data.
The two frame buffers 156c and 156d are alternately switched between a “drawing frame buffer” and a “display frame buffer” each time drawing is started.

The VDP 200 is a so-called image processor, reads image data from one of the frame buffers (display frame buffer) based on an instruction from the host CPU 151, and a video signal (RGB signal or the like) based on the read image data. Is generated and output to the image display device.
However, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the VDP 200 is not only an image processor, but has an audio output function.
The VDP 200 includes a control register 201, a CG bus I / F 202, a CPU I / F 203, a clock generation circuit 205, a decompression circuit 206, a drawing circuit 207, a display circuit 208, a memory controller 209, and audio control. And a circuit 300.

The control register 201 is a register for the VDP 200 to control drawing and display, and drawing control and display control are performed by writing and reading data to and from the control register 201. The host CPU 151 can write and read data to and from the control register 201 via the CPU I / F 203.
The control register 201 is a system control register that performs basic settings necessary for the operation of the VDP 200, a data transfer register that performs settings necessary for data transfer, and a drawing that performs settings for controlling drawing. A register, a bus interface register for making settings necessary for bus access, a decompression register for making settings necessary for decompressing a compressed image, a display register for making settings for controlling display, and six types It has a register.

The CG bus I / F 202 is an interface circuit for communication with the CGROM 154, and image data from the CGROM 154 is input to the VDP 200 via the CG bus I / F 202.
The CPU I / F 203 is an interface circuit for communication with the host CPU 151, and the host CPU 151 outputs a display list to the VDP 200, accesses a control register, and various types of information from the VDP 200 via the CPU I / F 203. The host CPU 151 inputs an interrupt signal.

The data transfer circuit 204 performs data transfer between various devices.
Specifically, data transfer between the host CPU 151 and the VRAM 156, data transfer between the CGROM 154 and the VRAM 156, and data transfer between various storage areas (including the frame buffer) of the VRAM 156 are performed.
The clock generation circuit 205 receives a pulse signal from the crystal oscillator 155 and generates a system clock that determines the operation processing speed of the VDP 200. Also, a synchronization signal generation clock is generated, and the synchronization signal is output to the image display device via the display circuit.

The decompression circuit 206 is a circuit for decompressing the image data compressed in the CGROM 154, and stores the decompressed image data in the expanded storage area 153b.
The drawing circuit 207 is a circuit that performs sequence control based on a display list including drawing control commands.

The display circuit 208 generates an RGB signal (analog signal) indicating image color data as a video signal from the image data (digital signal) stored in the “display frame buffer” in the VRAM 156, and generates the generated video signal ( (RGB signal) to the image display device 31. Further, the display circuit 208 also outputs a synchronization signal (vertical synchronization signal, horizontal synchronization signal, etc.) for synchronizing with the image display device 31 to the image display device 31.
In the present embodiment, an RGB signal obtained by converting a digital signal into an analog signal is output to the image display device 31 as the video signal. However, the video signal may be output as the digital signal.

The memory controller 209 performs control to switch between the “drawing frame buffer” and the “display frame buffer” when the host CPU 151 instructs to switch the frame buffer.
The sound control circuit 300 reads a predetermined program based on the command transmitted from the effect control board 120 and controls sound output in the sound output device 34.
The voice control circuit 300 outputs voice using the voice data stored in the CGROM 154. In this case, the CGROM 154 includes an audio ROM 400 for storing audio data.

Note that the audio data is not stored in the CGROM 154, but the sound source ROM 400 may be provided separately in the VDP 154.
In this case, audio data is not stored in the CGROM 154 having a fixed capacity, and more image data can be stored. Therefore, the production using video can be made more colorful and impressive.

  Further, the audio control circuit 300 may not be included in the VDP 200 but may be provided independently within the image control board 150. In that case, the sound source ROM 400 may be included in the sound control circuit 300.

<Main control board>
Next, various operations executed by the main control board 110 that is the main control board of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of various random numbers acquired in the main control board 110 of the pachinko machine 1, where (a) is a special symbol determination random number, (b) is a jackpot symbol determination random number, and (c) is a reach determination. (D) is a diagram showing an example of auxiliary symbol determination random numbers.
On the main control board 110, a special symbol is determined by the special symbol determining random number shown in FIG. 5A and the jackpot symbol determining random number shown in FIG. 5B. Further, the auxiliary symbol is determined by the auxiliary symbol determining random number shown in FIG.

For the special symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 5A, one random number value is acquired from among 300 random numbers from “0” to “299”, for example, at the start opening prize.
In the case of the special symbol determining random number shown in FIG. 5A, in the low probability gaming state (normal gaming state), the jackpot ratio is set to 1/300, and the acquired special symbol determining random number value is “3”. Sometimes a jackpot is determined.
On the other hand, in the high probability gaming state, the jackpot ratio is set to 10/300, for example, 10 times that of the low probability gaming state, and the acquired special symbol determination random numbers are “3”, “7”, “37”. , “67”, “97”, “127”, “157”, “187”, “217”, “247” are determined to be big hits. In addition, in the special symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 5A, a small lottery, which is a type of loss, is also performed. Here, the small hit ratio is set to 3/300, and when the acquired special symbol determining random number values are “150”, “200”, “250”, it is determined that the small hit is.

Next, for the jackpot symbol determination random number shown in FIG. 5B, one random number value is acquired from 250 random numbers from “0” to “249”. Then, based on the acquired jackpot symbol determination random value, any one jackpot is determined from a plurality of jackpots.
In the present embodiment, as a plurality of types of big hits, there are prepared per length with a normal time, short length with a normal time, a long length with a high probability time, a short length with a high probability time, and a short time without a high probability time.
Note that the short-time gaming state refers to a gaming state in which a game ball is more likely to win the second starting port 14 than in the normal gaming state. That is, the second start port opening / closing door 14b of the second start port 14 is changed from a closed state in which a game ball is difficult to win to an open state in which a game ball is easy to win when a predetermined condition described later is satisfied. It means a gaming state with support for opening the second start opening / closing door 14b in which the probability of entering a game ball into the start opening 14 is increased.

The regular short-term long win is a relatively long opening time of the first grand prize winning hole 16 or the second big prize winning hole 17 at the time of the big hit game, and a relatively large amount of payout can be expected. It is a big hit that gives a short-time game for a period until the special symbol fluctuates a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).
In the short win with the normal time, the opening time of the first big winning opening 16 or the second big winning opening 17 at the time of the big hit game is short, and it is not expected to pay out the ball, but after the big hit game, the special symbol is given a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) It is a big hit that grants a short-time game for a period until it fluctuates.

The long win with high probability short-time is the longest opening time of the first grand prize winning hole 16 or the second big prize winning hole 17 at the time of the big hit game, and the expectation of paying out the largest number of balls can be expected. It is a jackpot that gives both high-probability games and short-time games.
Short wins with a high probability of shortening the winning time of the jackpot game increased after the end of the jackpot game, although the opening time of the first jackpot 16 or the second prize winning port 17 at the time of the jackpot game is short and the payout of the ball can not be expected A jackpot that grants both high-probability games and short-time games.
High probability short and short wins increased the probability of winning a big hit after the jackpot game, although the opening time of the first big winning opening 16 or the second big winning opening 17 at the time of the big hit game is short and the payout of the ball cannot be expected. It is a jackpot that grants high probability games.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, some types of jackpots are selected depending on whether a game ball enters the first start port 13 or a game ball enters the second start port 14. It is comprised so that the ratio to be performed may differ.
For example, the ratio at which the length with the normal time is selected is the same at 35/250 when the game ball wins at the first start port 13 and when the game ball wins at the second start port 14. . Similarly, the ratio at which the short win with the normal time is selected is the same at 15/250 both when the game ball wins the first start port 13 and when the game ball wins the second start port 14. .
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, the jackpot symbol determination random number value acquired when the game ball wins the first start port 13 or the second start port 14 is “0” to “34”. If this is the case, the per unit with the normal time is selected, and if it is “35” to “49”, the normal unit with the short time is selected.

On the other hand, the ratio of the selection of the high probability short-time length and the high probability short-time short distance is different between the case where a game ball wins the first start port 13 and the case where a game ball wins the second start port 14. For example, the ratio at which the high probability time-shortened length is selected is 25/250 when a game ball wins the first start port 13 and 175/250 when a game ball wins the second start port 14. The
In addition, the rate at which the short win with high probability is selected is 75/250 when a game ball wins the first start port 13 and 25/250 when a game ball wins the second start port 14. The
Further, the rate at which the high probability short / short short win is selected is 100/250 only when a game ball wins the first start port 13.
Specifically, if the jackpot symbol determination random number value acquired when the game ball wins the first start port 13 is “50” to “74”, the long-probing long-term per-choice is selected, and “75 ”To“ 149 ”, a short hit with high probability is selected, and“ 150 ”to“ 249 ”is selected as a short hit without high probability.
On the other hand, if the random number for jackpot symbol determination acquired when the game ball wins at the second starting opening is “50” to “224”, the long perk with high probability is selected and “225” is selected. If it is ˜ “249”, the short chance with the high probability time is selected.

  Further, the reach determination random number shown in FIG. 5C is obtained by acquiring one random number value from 250 random numbers from “0” to “249” at the time of starting winning, and the acquired reach determination random number value. Is “0” to “21”, “reach is present”, and when the acquired random number for reach determination is “22” to “249”, “reach is not found”.

5D, one random number value is acquired from 10 random numbers “0” to “9” when passing through the gate.
In the low-probability gaming state in which both the short-time flag and the high-accuracy flag are OFF, or in the high-probability short-timeless gaming state in which the short-time flag is OFF and the high-accuracy flag is ON, the acquired auxiliary symbol determination random number value is “7. ""
On the other hand, in the low-probability short-time gaming state in which the short-time flag is ON and the high-accuracy flag is OFF, or in the high-probability short-time gaming state in which both the short-time flag and the high-accuracy flag are ON, the acquired auxiliary symbol determination random number value is When it is “0” to “9”, it is determined as a hit.

[Main processing]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining main processing executed by the CPU of the main control board.
This main process is started when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and is continuously executed while the main control board 110 is activated.

After turning on the power, the main CPU 111 waits for 1000 ms in step S1, and permits access to the main RAM 113 in step S2.
Then, in step S3, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not a RAM clear switch (not shown) is “ON”.

When the main CPU 111 determines that the RAM clear switch is “ON” (Yes in step S3), the main CPU 111 performs RAM clear in step S4.
Here, the RAM clear is a well-known technique and will not be described in detail, but various information (for example, information indicating the gaming state) stored in the main RAM 113 is set to an initial state.

After clearing the RAM, the main CPU 111 sets a work area at the time of clearing in step S5, and performs initial setting of the peripheral portion in step S6.
Here, the peripheral portions are the effect control board 120, the payout control board 130, the image control board 150, and the like.
Initial setting of the peripheral unit is performed by transmitting an “initial setting instruction command” instructing execution of the initial setting to each control unit.
The peripheral portion is set by transmitting an initial setting command for instructing execution of the initial setting and a display image display command to be displayed on the image display device 31 at the time of initial setting to each control board.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 111 determines that the RAM clear switch is not “ON” (No in step S3), the main CPU 111 determines whether or not the backup flag is “ON” in step S7.
If it is determined that the backup flag is “ON” (Yes in step S7), the main CPU 111 determines in step S8 whether the checksum is normal.

When the main CPU 111 determines that the checksum is normal (Yes in step S8), the main CPU 111 executes a recovery process (see FIG. 8) described later in step S9.
If it is determined that the backup flag is not “ON” (No in step S7), or if it is determined that the checksum is not normal (No in step S8), the process proceeds to step S4 described above. .

When the process of step S6 or step S9 is executed, the main CPU 111 sets the period (for example, 4 ms) of the built-in CTC (timer counter) in step S10.
The main CPU 111 executes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 9) described later using the period set here.
When the main CPU 111 sets the CTC cycle in step S10, the main CPU 111 executes power-off monitoring processing (see FIG. 7) for monitoring power-off in step S11.

Subsequently, the main CPU 111 updates the fluctuation pattern random number in step S12, and performs setting for prohibiting the interruption of the timer interrupt process in step 13.
Then, the main CPU 111 updates the initial value random number (step S14), and performs setting to permit interruption of the timer interrupt process (step S15).
Then, the main CPU 111 returns the process to step S11. That is, the main CPU 111 repeatedly executes the processes in steps S11 to S15.

[Power shutdown monitoring]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the power-off monitoring process in FIG.
Following the process of step S10 or step S15, the main CPU 111 prohibits the interrupt process in step S21, and determines whether or not the power to the gaming machine 1 is based on whether or not a power-off signal is input from the power supply board 170 (FIG. 3). It is determined whether or not the supply is interrupted (step S22).
Here, when it is determined that the power supply is not interrupted (No in step S22), the main CPU 111 permits an interrupt process (step S23).

When the main CPU 111 determines that the power supply is cut off (Yes in step 22), the main CPU 111 clears the output port for inputting / outputting various information to / from the main CPU 111 (step S24). A checksum is created from the contents and stored in the main RAM 113 (step S25).
In this process, the power supply voltage is set to “0” after detecting that the power supply voltage starts to decrease due to the power supply to the main control board 110 being turned off (“Yes” is determined in step S22). It is done during the period until it becomes.

Next, the main CPU 111 sets the backup flag to “ON” (step S26), and prohibits access to the main RAM 113 (step S27).
And when the process of step S23 is performed or when the process of step S27 is performed, a process is advanced to said step S12.

[Recovery processing]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the recovery process in FIG.
If the main CPU 111 determines that the checksum is normal (Yes in step S8), in step S31, the main CPU 111 sets the work area of the main RAM 113 at the time of recovery.
Next, in step S32, the main CPU 111 refers to the information in the main RAM 113, and determines whether or not it is a big hit (special game) when the power is turned off.
Here, when it is determined that the jackpot is being hit when the power is turned off (Yes in step S32), in step S33, a jackpot state command for notifying the effect control board 120 is transmitted.

If the main CPU 111 determines that the jackpot is not a big hit when the power is turned off (No in step S32), in step S34, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not the probability is changing (probability changed gaming state) when the power is turned off.
Here, if it is determined that the probability change is occurring when the power is turned off (Yes in step S34), the main CPU 111 transmits a probability change state command for notifying the effect control board 120 of the fact in step S35.

On the other hand, if the main CPU 111 determines that the probability change has not occurred (No in step S34), the main CPU 111 determines in step S36 whether or not the time is short (short time gaming state).
Here, when it is determined that the time has been shortened when the power is turned off (Yes in step S36), the main CPU 111 transmits a time reduction state command for notifying the effect control board 120 of the fact in step S37.

  If the main CPU 111 determines that the time is not short (No in step S36), the main CPU 111 can determine that the game is in the normal gaming state when the power is turned off. Send a normal status command to notify

  As described above, the main CPU 111 uses a jackpot state command, a probability change state command, a short time state command, and a normal state command indicating the state when the power is cut off as a recovery command for notifying that the power supply to the gaming machine 1 has been recovered. Is transmitted to the effect control board 120.

  The main CPU 111 executes any one of steps S33, S35, S37, and S38, and then in step S39, the main CPU 111 performs peripheral portions (effect control board 120, payout control board 130, lamp control board 140 (see FIG. 3). )) And the backup flag is set to “OFF” in step S40.

  Next, main processes executed by the main control board 110 of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Note that the processing described below can be realized by the CPU 212 of the main control board 110 executing a program stored in the ROM 213. A description of the random number update process is omitted.

[Timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a timer interrupt process executed by the CPU of the main control board.
As the timer interrupt process, the CPU 212 performs random number update process (S51), start port SW process (S52), gate SW process (S53), special symbol process (S54), customer waiting setting process (S55), auxiliary symbol process ( S56), a special winning opening process (S57), a second start opening process (S58) and the like are executed.

Next, various processes executed as the timer interrupt process will be described.
[Start-up SW processing]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the start port SW process executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In this case, in step S101, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the first start port SW13a of the first start port 13 is on. If it is determined that the first start port SW13a is on, step S102 is performed. Then, it is determined whether or not the retained number U1 of the first start port SW13a is smaller than “4”.

If it is determined that the reserved number U1 is smaller than “4”, “1” is added to the reserved number U1 in step S103. Thereafter, in step S104, a special symbol determination random number value, a jackpot symbol determination random value, a reach determination random number value, a variation pattern random number value, and the like for the special symbol are acquired and stored in the RAM 214.
In this embodiment, it is assumed that 180 (0 to 179) fluctuation pattern random number values are prepared.

  Next, in step S105, the CPU 212 increases the number of holds displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 23 and sets a first hold number increase command. When the first hold number increase command is set, the CPU 212 transmits the first hold number increase command to the effect control board 120. If a negative result is obtained in step S102, that is, if it is determined that the hold number U1 is “4” which is the maximum holdable number, the process of steps S103 to S105 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S106.

Next, in step S106, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the second start port SW14a of the second start port 14 is on. If it is determined that the second start port SW14a is on, step S107 is performed. Then, it is determined whether or not the reserved number U2 of the second start port SW14a is smaller than “4”.
If it is determined that the reserved number U2 is smaller than “4”, “1” is added to the reserved number U2 in step S108. Thereafter, in step S109, the special symbol determination random number value for the special symbol, the jackpot symbol determination random number value, the reach determination random number value, the variation pattern random number value, and the like are acquired and stored in the RAM 214.

  Next, in step S110, the CPU 212 increases the number of holdings of the second special symbol holding display 24 and sets a second holding number increase command. When the second hold number increase command is set, the CPU 212 transmits the second hold number increase command to the effect control board 120 and ends the start port SW process. If a negative result is obtained in step S107, that is, if it is determined that the reserved number U2 is “4”, which is the maximum allowable number, the start port SW process is terminated.

[Gate SW processing]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the gate SW process executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In step S121, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the gate SW15a of the gate 15 is on. If the CPU 212 determines that the gate SW15a is on, the number of times the gate SW passes through the gate SW15a is “4” in step S122. It is determined whether or not it is less.

If it is determined in step S122 that the number of gate passages G is less than “4”, “1” is added to the number of gate passages G in step S123, and a random number for auxiliary symbol determination is acquired in subsequent step S124. And stored in the RAM 214, and the gate SW processing ends.
If it is determined in step S121 that the gate SW 15a is not turned on, or if a negative result is obtained in step S122, that is, if it is determined that the gate passage count G is “4”, which is the maximum holdable number, The gate SW process ends.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of special symbol processing executed by the CPU of the main control board.
If the CPU 212 determines in step S131 whether the special game flag is ON, that is, whether the game is a big hit game or a small hit game, and determines that it is not a big hit game or a small hit game In the subsequent step S132, it is determined whether or not the special symbol of the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is changing.
If it is determined in step S132 that the special symbol is not fluctuating, then in step S133, it is determined whether or not the retained number U2 of the second starting port SW14a to be preferentially digested is greater than “1”. If it is determined in step S133 that the reserved number U2 is greater than “1”, the reserved number U2 is decremented by “1” in step S134.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S133 that the reserved number U2 is not ≧ 1, that is, if the reserved number U2 is “0”, then in step S135, the reserved number U1 of the first start port SW13a is “1”. It is determined whether or not there is more, and if it is determined in step S135 that the reserved number U1 is greater than “1”, “1” is subtracted from the reserved number U1 in the subsequent step S136.

Next, in step S137, the CPU 212 turns OFF if the customer waiting flag is ON, and then executes a special game determination process (FIG. 14) described later in step S138. After execution of the special game determination process in step S138, a variation pattern selection process (FIG. 15) described later is executed in step S139. After execution of the variation pattern selection process in step S139, the variation of the corresponding first special symbol display device 20 or second special symbol display device 21 is started in step S140, and in step S141, the effect control board 120 is started. Set the variable start command to be sent to.
The variation start command includes a variation pattern command indicating the variation time of the special symbol, a jackpot or small hit command indicating the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, a jackpot symbol command indicating the lottery result of the jackpot symbol, and a reach indicating the lottery result of the reach lottery Commands, gaming state commands related to the current gaming state, and the like are included.

Next, in step S142, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the variation time of the first or second special symbol has passed a predetermined variation time.
If it is determined in step S142 that the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, in the subsequent step S143, the fluctuation of the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is stopped and the predetermined special symbol is displayed.
Thereafter, in step S144, a change stop command is set, and in the subsequent step S145, a stop process (FIG. 17) described later is executed and the special symbol process is terminated.

If it is determined in step S131 that the special game flag is ON, or if it is determined in step S142 that the variation time of the special symbol has not reached the predetermined variation time, the special symbol processing is terminated.
If it is determined in step S132 that the special symbol is changing, the process proceeds to step S142, and it is determined whether or not the variation time of the special symbol has passed a predetermined variation time.
If it is determined in step S135 that the holding number U1 is not ≧ 1, that is, if it is determined that there is no holding of the holding numbers U1 and U2, in step S146, the process is performed for the customer waiting setting process shown in FIG. The special symbol process ends.

[Customer waiting setting process]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a customer waiting setting process executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In step S151, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON. If the CPU 212 determines that the customer waiting flag is ON, the customer waiting setting process ends.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S151 that the customer waiting flag is not ON, a customer waiting command is set in step S152, and in step S153, the customer waiting flag is turned on and the customer waiting setting process is terminated.
It should be noted that the customer waiting flag is turned from OFF to ON when a state where there is no special symbol hold and no special symbol is held for a predetermined period.

[Special game determination process]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the special game determination process executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In step S161, the CPU 212 determines the special symbol determination random number value stored in the RAM 214, and in the subsequent step S162, determines whether or not the jackpot is won.
If it is determined in step S162 that the jackpot has been won, then in step S163, the jackpot symbol determination random number value stored in the RAM 214 is determined. In step S164, the first special symbol is determined based on the determination result. The jackpot symbol to be displayed on the display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is set, and the special game determination process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S162 that the jackpot has not been won, in step S165, it is determined whether or not the jackpot has been won based on the special symbol determination random number value.
In step S165, if it is determined that the small win is won, in the subsequent step S166, the small special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is set, and the special game determination process is performed. Exit.
Also, if it is determined in step S165 that the winning combination is not won, in step S167, a lost symbol to be displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is set and special game determination processing is performed. Exit.

[Variation pattern selection processing]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a variation pattern selection process executed by the CPU of the main control board.
First, in step S171, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the time reduction flag indicating the time saving gaming state is ON. If it is determined in step S171 that the short time flag is ON, in the subsequent step S172, the short time gaming state table is set as the variation pattern table, and the process proceeds to step S174.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S171 that the short time flag is not ON, in step S173, the non-short time gaming state table is set as the variation pattern table and the process proceeds to step S174.
Next, in step S174, the CPU 212 determines the previously obtained variation pattern random value, and in the subsequent step S175, sets the variation pattern based on the set variation pattern table and variation pattern random value. Then, the variation pattern selection process ends.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation pattern table, where (a) illustrates a variation pattern table for a non-short game state, and (b) illustrates an example of a variation pattern table for a short time game state.

First, the variation pattern table for non-short game state shown in FIG.
In the variation pattern table for non-time-saving gaming state shown in FIG. 16A, when the random number value for special symbol determination is a big hit of “3” and the variation pattern random number value is “0 to 89”, the variation time is A fluctuation pattern 1 as long as 90 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 1 is selected, a winning effect with reach A is performed.

When the special symbol determination random number is a big hit of “3” and the variation pattern random value is “90 to 179”, the variation pattern 2 having a variation time of 60 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 2 is selected, a winning effect with reach B is performed.
When the special symbol determination random number value is “150, 200, 250”, the variation pattern 3 having a variation time of 60 seconds is used regardless of the variation pattern random number value “0 to 179” selected. select. When the variation pattern 3 is selected, a chance effect is performed.

Next, a case where the special symbol determination random number value is a loss other than “3, 150, 200, 250” and the gaming state is the non-short-time gaming state will be described.
When the special symbol determination random number value is lost, the variation pattern is determined based on the number of reserved balls, the reach determination random number value, the variation pattern random number value, and the like of the first special symbol.
Specifically, when the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “0 to 2” and the reach determination random number value is “22 to 249” and there is no reach, the selected variation pattern Regardless of the random value “0 to 179”, the variation pattern 4 in which the variation time is 12 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 4 is selected, the effect of the normal variation A is performed.

On the other hand, the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “0 to 2”, the reach determination random number value is “0 to 21”, and the variation pattern random number value is “0 to 29”. In this case, the variation pattern 5 having a variation time of 90 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 5 is selected, a loss effect with reach A is performed.
The total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “0 to 2”, the reach determination random number value is “0 to 21”, and the variation pattern random number value is “30 to 179”. In this case, the variation pattern 6 having a variation time of 30 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 6 is selected, a loss effect with reach B is performed.

Next, when the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “3” and the reach determination random number value is “22 to 249” and there is no reach, the selected variation pattern random value “0” is selected. Regardless of “˜179”, the variation pattern 7 in which the variation time is 8 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 7 is selected, an effect of normal variation B is performed.
In addition, when the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “3”, the reach determination random number value is “0 to 21”, and the variation pattern random number value is “0 to 29” The variation pattern 5 in which the variation time is 90 seconds is selected.
Also, when the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “3”, the reach determination random number value is “0 to 21”, and the variation pattern random number value is “30 to 179” The variation pattern 6 in which the variation time is 30 seconds is selected.

When the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “4 to 8” and the reach determination random number value is “22 to 249” and there is no reach, the selected variation pattern random value “ Regardless of “0 to 179”, the variation pattern 8 having a variation time of 4 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 8 is selected, the effect of the shortened variation A is performed.
The total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “4 to 8”, the reach determination random number value is “0 to 21”, and the variation pattern random number value is “0 to 29”. In this case, the variation pattern 5 in which the variation time is 90 seconds is selected.
Further, the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “4 to 8”, the reach determination random number value is “0 to 21”, and the variation pattern random number value is “30 to 179”. In this case, the variation pattern 6 in which the variation time is 30 seconds is selected.

  Next, the short time gaming state variation pattern table shown in FIG. The variation pattern table for the short time gaming state shown in FIG. 16 (b) is the same as the variation pattern table for the non-short time gaming state shown in FIG. 16 (a). Therefore, the description is omitted, and only the case where the special symbol determination random number value is lost and the gaming state is the short-time gaming state will be described here.

If the special symbol determination random number value is lost, the variation pattern is determined based on the number of reserved balls of the second special symbol, the reach determination random number value, the variation pattern random value, and the like.
Specifically, when the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “0 to 5” and the reach determination random number value is “22 to 249” and there is no reach, the selected variation pattern Regardless of the random value “0 to 179”, the variation pattern 4 in which the variation time is 12 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 4 is selected, the effect of the normal variation A is performed.

On the other hand, the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “0 to 5”, the reach determination random number value is “0 to 21”, and the variation pattern random number value is “0 to 29”. In the case of, the variation pattern 5 having a variation time of 90 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 5 is selected, a loss effect with reach A is performed.
Further, the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “0 to 5”, the reach determination random number value is “0 to 21”, and the variation pattern random number value is “30 to 179”. In this case, the variation pattern 6 having a variation time of 30 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 6 is selected, a loss effect with reach B is performed.

On the other hand, if the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “6 to 8” and the reach determination random number value is “22 to 249” and there is no reach, the selected variation pattern random value “ Regardless of “0 to 179”, the variation pattern 9 having a variation time of 2 seconds is selected. When the variation pattern 9 is selected, the effect of the shortened variation B is performed.
The total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “6 to 8”, the reach determination random number value is “0 to 21”, and the fluctuation pattern random number value is “0 to 29”. In this case, the variation pattern 5 is selected.
In addition, the total number of reserved balls of the first and second special symbols is “6 to 8”, the reach determination random number value is “0 to 21”, and the variation pattern random number value is “30 to 179”. In this case, the variation pattern 6 is selected.

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern is determined based on the special symbol determination random number value and the variation pattern random value when the jackpot is won, but this is only an example, and the special symbol determination random value And a variation pattern may be determined based on a special symbol determination random value, a jackpot symbol determination random value, and a variation pattern random value.

[Processing while stopped]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a stop process executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In step S181, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the time reduction flag is ON, and if it is determined that the time reduction flag is ON, the remaining number of short time games stored in the RAM 214 in the subsequent step S182. Subtract “1” from J.

Next, in step S183, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the remaining game count J is “0”. If the remaining game count J is “0”, the special symbol variation display is predetermined in the short-time game. This means that the number of times (for example, 100 times) has been performed, so in the subsequent step S184, the time reduction flag is turned OFF.
If it is determined in step S181 that the time reduction flag is not ON, or if it is determined in step S183 that the remaining game number J is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S185.

Next, in step S185, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the high-accuracy flag is ON. If it is determined that the high-accuracy flag is ON, it is stored in the RAM 214 in the subsequent step S186. “1” is subtracted from the remaining game count X of the high probability game.
Next, in step S187, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the remaining game count X is “0”. If the remaining game count X is “0”, the special symbol variation display is performed in the high-probability game. This means that it has been performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 10,000 times), so in the subsequent step S188, the high-accuracy flag is turned OFF.
If it is determined in step S185 that the high-accuracy flag is not ON, or if it is determined in step S187 that the remaining game count X is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S189.

  Next, in step S189, the CPU 212 determines whether or not it is a big win based on the special symbol set in the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21, and if it is determined that it is not a big hit Next, in step S190, it is determined whether or not the set special symbol is “small hit”. If it is determined that the game is a small hit, the small hit game flag is turned ON in step S191. Thereafter, in step S192, the jackpot opening is started, and in step S193, the jackpot opening command is set, and the stopping process is ended.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S190 that it is not a small hit, the variable stop process is terminated without turning on the small hit game flag.
If it is determined in step S189 that the jackpot is a big hit, it is next determined in step S194 whether the jackpot is a long hit. If it is determined that the jackpot is a big hit, in step S195, the long hit The winning game flag (special game flag) is set to ON. Otherwise, the short winning game flag (special game flag) is set to ON in step S196. Thereafter, in step S197, the remaining number J of short-time games and the remaining number X of high-probability games are set to “0”, respectively, and the remaining game number J / X is reset. Then, the high-accuracy flag is turned OFF and the process proceeds to step S192.

[Auxiliary symbol processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of auxiliary symbol processing executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In step S201, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON. If the CPU 212 determines that the auxiliary game flag is ON, the auxiliary symbol process ends.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the auxiliary game flag is not ON, it is determined in step S202 whether or not the auxiliary symbol is changing. If it is determined in step S202 that the auxiliary symbol is not changing, it is determined in step S203 whether or not the gate passing number G that stores the number of times that the game ball has passed through the gate SW 15a is greater than “1”. When the number of gate passages G is greater than “1”, in the subsequent step S204, “1” is subtracted from the number of gate passages G, and when it is determined that the number of gate passages G is not greater than “1”, If so, the auxiliary symbol processing is terminated.

Next, the CPU 212 determines an auxiliary symbol determination random number value in step S205, sets a stop symbol to be stopped and displayed on the auxiliary symbol display device 22 in subsequent step S206, and sets a variation time in step S207. .
Here, it is conceivable that the variation time of the auxiliary symbol is set to, for example, 4.0 seconds if the hour / hour flag is OFF, and to 1.5 seconds, for example, if the hour / hour flag is ON.

Next, in step S209, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the variation time of the auxiliary symbol has elapsed, and if it is determined that the predetermined variation time has elapsed, the CPU 212 stops the variation in step S210. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S209 that the auxiliary symbol variation time has not passed the predetermined time, the auxiliary symbol processing is terminated.
Next, in step S211, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the auxiliary symbol is a winning symbol. If the auxiliary symbol is a winning symbol, in step S212, the auxiliary game flag is set to ON and auxiliary symbol processing is performed. Exit.
If it is determined in step S211 that the stopped symbol is not a winning symbol, the auxiliary symbol process is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.
If it is determined in step S202 that the auxiliary symbol is changing, the process proceeds to step S209, where it is determined whether or not the variation time of the auxiliary symbol has passed a predetermined variation time.

[Large winning prize processing]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the big prize opening process executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In step S221, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the small hit game flag or the special game flag is ON. If it is determined that the small hit game flag or the special game flag is ON, the opening is performed in step S222. It is determined whether it is in the middle. If it is determined in step S222 that the jackpot opening is in progress, then in step S223, it is determined whether or not the opening time has elapsed. If it is determined in step S223 that the opening time has elapsed, then in step S224, “0” is set to the value of the number of rounds R, and the number of rounds (number of Rs) / operation pattern is set.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a setting example of the number of rounds / operation pattern. For example, when the special game is per length with a normal time, the number of rounds (R number) is 4R, and the operation pattern in 1R is 29. Set 5 seconds open x 1 time. When the big hit is a short hit with a normal time, the number of rounds (R number) is set to 2R, 1R, and the operation pattern during 0.1R is set to 0.1 second open × 1. Furthermore, if the jackpot is per length with a high probability, the number of rounds (number of R) is set to 16R, 1R operating pattern in 29.5 seconds open × 1 time, the jackpot is a short per short with a high probability When the high probability is short and short, the number of rounds (R number) is set to 2R and 1R, and the operation pattern in 1R is set to 0.1 second open × 1.
In the case of a small hit, for example, the number of rounds (R number) is set to 1R, 1R, and the operation pattern in 1R is set to 0.1 second open × 2 times.

  Next, in step S225, the CPU 212 sets “0” in the number counter C indicating the number of winnings per round to the first big winning opening 16 or the second big winning opening 17, and in subsequent step S226, “1” is added to the value of the number of rounds R. In the subsequent step S227, the operation of the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is started. That is, either the first grand prize winning opening 16 or the second big winning prize opening 17 is changed from the closed state to the open state.

Next, in step S228, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the operation time of the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 has passed a predetermined time, and the operation time has not passed the predetermined time. In the subsequent step S229, it is determined whether or not the value of the number counter C has reached the specified number.
If it is determined in step S229 that the value of the number counter C is the specified number C, the operation of the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is ended in step S230. That is, the first grand prize winning port 16 or the second grand prize winning port 17 in the open state is closed.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the number counter C has not reached the specified number, the big prize opening process is terminated.
In step S228, if the operation time of the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 has exceeded the predetermined operation time, the process of step S229 is skipped and the number of the number counter C is set. Without checking, the operation of the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17 is finished in step S230.

Next, in step S231, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the jackpot round number is the maximum round number R. That is, it is determined whether or not the jackpot round is the final round.
If it is determined in step S231 that the jackpot round is the final round, ending is started in step S232, and an ending command is set in step S233.

  Next, in step S234, the CPU 212 sets the value of the number of rounds R to “0”. Thereafter, in step S235, it is determined whether or not the ending time has passed. If it is determined that the ending time has passed, a game state setting process described later is executed in step S236. Thereafter, in step S237, the special game flag is turned OFF, and the big prize opening process is ended.

  If it is determined in step S222 that the jackpot is not opening, it is determined in step S238 whether or not ending is in progress. If it is determined that ending is in progress, the process proceeds to step S235 and ending is in progress. If it is determined that it is not, it is determined in step S239 whether or not the special winning opening is in operation.

If it is determined in step S239 that the first grand prize winning port 16 or the second grand prize winning port 17 is in operation, the process proceeds to step S228, and the first grand prize winning port 16 or the second grand prize winning port 17 is in operation. If it is determined that it is not, the process proceeds to step S225.
If it is determined in step S221 that the opening time has not elapsed, the special winning opening process is terminated. Similarly, if it is determined in step S229 that the value of the number counter C has not reached the specified number, if it is determined in step S231 that the big hit round is not the final round, or the ending time has elapsed in step S235. Even if it is determined that there is not, the special winning a prize mouth process is terminated.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the game state setting process executed by the CPU of the main control board.
First, in step S241, the CPU 212 determines whether or not it is a small hit, and if it is determined that it is a small hit, the gaming state setting process is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S241 that it is not a small hit, then in step S242, it is determined whether or not it is a normal hit (per length with normal time or short per hour with normal time). In step S243, the time-shortage flag is set to ON, and in step S244, for example, “100” is set to the remaining game count J of the time-shortage game, and the gaming state setting process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S242 that it is not a normal hit, it is a big hit for giving a high-probability game. For example, “10000” is set in X.

  Next, in step S247, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the hit is with a time reduction. If it is determined that the hit is with a time reduction, in step S248, the CPU 212 sets the time reduction flag to ON, and in step S249. Then, for example, “10000” is set in the remaining game count J of the short-time game, and the gaming state setting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S247 that the time is not short, the time flag is turned OFF in step S250, and the remaining game count J of the time-saving game is reset in step S251 and the gaming state setting process is terminated. .

[Second start opening process]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the second start port opening process executed by the CPU of the main control board.
In step S261, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON. If the CPU 212 determines that the auxiliary game flag is ON, then in step S262, the second start opening / closing door 14b is activated. It is determined whether it is in the middle. In step S262, if the second start port opening / closing door 14b is not in operation (opening), the operation pattern of the second start port opening / closing door 14b is set according to the gaming state in step S263, and in step S264, (2) The operation of the start opening / closing door 14b is started.
Here, the operation pattern (time) of the second start opening / closing door 14b to be set is, for example, 0.15 second opening × 1 if the hour flag is OFF, and 1.80 seconds if the hour flag is ON. It is conceivable to set the opening to 3 times.

Next, in step S265, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the operation time of the second start opening / closing door 14b has elapsed a predetermined time, and if it is determined that the predetermined operation time has elapsed, step S266 is performed. Then, the auxiliary game flag is turned OFF, and the second start opening process is terminated.
If it is determined in step S262 that the second start-opening door 14b is operating, the process proceeds to step S265.
If it is determined in step S261 that the auxiliary game flag is not ON, or if it is determined in step S265 that the operation time of the second start port 14 has not elapsed, the second start port opening process is terminated. .

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, when the fluctuation of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is stopped, When a game ball enters, a special symbol determination random number value, a jackpot symbol determination random number value, a reach determination random number value, and the like are obtained by lottery, and the first special symbol display device 20 first Display special symbols in a variable manner. And when it determines with the acquired random number value for special symbol determination having won the special game, the 1st special symbol of the 1st special symbol display apparatus 20 is stopped by a specific symbol. Thereafter, the special game of long hit, short hit or small hit is executed.

During the long hitting game, it is possible to obtain the outgoing ball by firing the game ball aiming at the first big winning port 16 or the second big winning port 17 which is in an open state.
On the other hand, during a short hit game, since the opening time of the grand prize opening is extremely short, even if a game ball is launched aiming at the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17, it is possible to obtain almost all the balls. I can't do it.

Similarly, for example, when a game ball enters the second start port 14 when the variation of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 20 or the second special symbol display device 21 is stopped, The special symbol determination random number value, the jackpot symbol determination random number value, the reach determination random number value, and the like are acquired by lottery in response to the ball, and the second special symbol display unit 21 displays the second special symbol in a variable manner.
And when it determines with the acquired random number for special symbol determination having won the special game, the 2nd special symbol of the 2nd special symbol display apparatus 21 is stopped by a specific symbol. Thereafter, the special game of either the big hit (long hit or short hit) or the small hit is executed. During a long hit game, it is possible to obtain an outgoing ball by firing a game ball aiming at the first grand prize winning port 16 or the second big prize winning port 17 which is in an open state for a predetermined period. On the other hand, as described above, during the short hit game, since the opening time of the grand prize opening is extremely short, even if the game ball is launched aiming at the first big prize opening 16 or the second big prize opening 17, it almost gets out You can't do that.

After the jackpot game is over, based on the lottery result of the jackpot symbol determination random number value, as a special game, a short-time game in which a short-time game with opening support for the second opening / closing door 14b is performed for a predetermined period, a short-time game and a jackpot Either a high-probability short-time game (so-called probability variation game) in which a high-probability game with a high probability of winning is a predetermined period or a high-probability short-time game (so-called latent probability variation game) in which only a high-probability game is performed for a predetermined period Transition to the game state.
The high-probability game is continuously performed until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches a preset number of times (for example, 10,000 times) or wins a jackpot again.

On the other hand, the short-time game continues until the number of changes in the special symbol reaches a preset number of times (for example, 100 times for normal short-time games and 10000 times for high-probability short-time games) or until a big win is won again. Done.
Also, during the short-time game, the variation time from the start of change of the special symbol to the stop of the variation is set to be shorter than that during normal game, and the winning probability of the auxiliary symbol is set to be higher than during normal game.
Further, the opening time of the second start opening / closing door 14b at the time of winning the auxiliary symbol is set longer than that during the normal game.
Therefore, during the short-time game, the winning rate of the game ball to the second start port 14 is higher than that during the normal game, so that the player can aim the second start port 14 and launch the game ball during the normal game. Compared to this, the game efficiency can be greatly increased.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the game ball enters the second start port 14, the winning percentage that is advantageous to the player is greater than when the game ball enters the first start port 13. Therefore, during the short-time game, it is easier to win a jackpot advantageous to the player than during the normal game.

  Next, processing executed by the effect control board 120 will be described.

[Direction main processing]
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the effect main process executed by the effect control board of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment when the power is turned on. The effect main process described below is a process that is automatically executed by the sub CPU 121 of the effect control board 120 based on a program stored in the sub ROM 122 when the power is turned on.

  In this case, the sub CPU 121 of the effect control board 120 first performs initial setting in step S300. In the subsequent step S301, control for displaying a color bar screen on the image display device 31 is performed (described later).

Next, in step S302, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not a display command from the main control board 110 has been received. Upon receiving the display command, the sub CPU 121 displays an initial screen on the image display device 31 in step S303. Control the display.

Next, the sub CPU 121 performs processing for setting the cycle of the RTC 125 in step S304. In subsequent step S305, random number update processing for updating various random numbers related to the effects of the gaming machine 1 is performed, and thereafter, the processing in step S305 is repeated.
[Timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU of the effect control board. Note that the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 24 can be realized by executing a program stored in the ROM 223 by the sub CPU 121 of the effect control board 120.
In this case, the sub CPU 121 of the effect control board 120 executes a command reception process (step S310), an effect button process (step S320), a command transmission process (step S330), and the like as the timer interrupt process.

  Next, an example of main processing executed by the sub CPU 121 of the effect control board 120 as timer interrupt processing will be described. The processing described below can also be realized by executing a program stored in the ROM 223 by the sub CPU 121 of the effect control board 120.

[Command reception processing]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of command reception processing executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In step S401, the sub CPU 121 determines whether a recovery command has been received.
The recovery command is any one of the jackpot state command, the probability change state command, the time reduction state command, and the normal state command transmitted in step S33, step S35, step S37, and step S38 in FIG.

When the sub CPU 121 determines that the recovery command has been received (Yes in step S401), it can be determined that the power supply to the gaming machine 1 has been temporarily interrupted and recovered. The work area of the sub RAM 123 is set.
In step 403, the sub CPU 121 controls the image control board 150 to display the background image displayed on the image display device 31 before the power supply is cut off on the image display device 31.
Specifically, based on the recovery command received from the main control board 110, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 at the time of power-off is specified, and a background image corresponding to the specified gaming state is displayed on the image control board 150.
In step S404, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not a hold number increase command is received. If the sub CPU 121 determines that a hold number increase command is received, the sub CPU 121 executes hold number increase command reception processing in step S405.

Next, in step S406, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not a variation start command has been received. If it is determined that a variation start command has been received, the sub CPU 121 executes an effect selection process in the subsequent step S407.
The effect selection process in step S407 is a process of selecting an effect to be performed while the special symbol is changing.
If it is determined in step S406 that the change start command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S406 without executing the effect selection process.

Next, in step S406, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not a variable stop command has been received. If it is determined that a variable stop command has been received, the sub CPU 121 executes a variable effect end process in subsequent step S409. .
Examples of the processing during the end of the variation effect include analysis of the variation stop command, various processing such as a mode flag change based on the analysis result, processing for setting the variation effect end command, and the like.
If it is determined in step S406 that the change stop command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S411 without executing the changing effect end process.

Next, in step S410, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not an opening command has been received. If it is determined that the opening command has been received, the sub CPU 121 executes special game effect selection processing in a subsequent step S411.
Examples of the special game effect selection processing include opening command analysis, special game effect pattern selection processing, and processing for setting an opening effect start command.
If it is determined in step S410 that the opening command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S412 without executing the special game effect selection process.

Next, in step S412, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not an ending command for executing an ending effect selection process has been received. If it is determined that the ending command has been received, the sub CPU 121 selects an ending effect in the subsequent step S413. Execute the process.
Examples of the ending effect selection process include an ending command analysis, an ending effect pattern selection, and a process of setting an ending effect start command.

If it is determined in step S412 that an ending command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S414 without executing the ending effect selection process.
Next, in step S414, the sub CPU 121 executes a customer waiting command reception process and ends the command reception process.

[Direction selection process]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect selection process executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In this case, first, the sub CPU 121 analyzes the change start command in step S421, and subtracts the number of held balls stored in the RAM 224 in the subsequent step S422.
Next, in step S423, a variation effect pattern is selected based on the analysis result of the variation start command. In subsequent step S424, a variation effect start command is set, and the effect selection process is terminated.

[Processing during variation production]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of the process during the end of the changing effect executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In this case, the sub CPU 121 analyzes the change stop command in step S431, performs various processes such as changing the mode flag based on the analysis result, and then sets a change effect end command in the next step S432. Then, the process during the end of the variation effect is finished.

[Opening effect selection processing]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of the hit effect selection process executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In this case, the sub CPU 121 analyzes the opening command in step S441, and performs a winning effect pattern selection process in subsequent step S442. Thereafter, in step S443, an opening effect start command is set, and the opening effect selection process ends.

[Ending effect selection processing]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of an ending effect selection process executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In this case, the sub CPU 121 analyzes the ending command in step S451, and performs ending effect pattern selection in the subsequent step S452. Thereafter, in step S453, an ending effect start command is set, and the ending effect selection process is terminated.

The gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below.
Some liquid crystal screens used in the image display device 31 provided in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment have various screen resolutions (total number of pixels) and aspect ratios (aspect ratios).
For example, liquid crystal screens having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 include VGA resolution (640 × 480 pixels) screens, XGA resolution (1024 × 768 pixels) screens, UXGA resolution (1600 × 1200 pixels, etc.) screens, and the like.
Further, liquid crystal screens having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 include HD resolution (1280 × 720 pixels) screens, FHD resolution (1920 × 1080 pixels) screens, and the like.

Conventionally, when inspecting the color (color development) of a liquid crystal screen at the time of inspection before shipment, a color bar (graphic) for diagnosis is displayed and it is visually confirmed that there is no problem.
In the same color (R, G, B, white, black) area (bar) included in the color bar, it is possible to confirm whether or not there is “unevenness” in the color development. For example, R (red) is displayed. When G (green) is displayed in the region to be displayed, it can be easily found that the RGB signal lines are erroneously connected.

The diagnostic color bar is also displayed when the gaming machine is turned on (when no change command is received from the main control board 110).
In order to display the color bar on the LCD screen at the time of the pre-shipment test or when the power is turned on, the color bar image created in advance according to the screen resolution and aspect ratio of the liquid crystal screen used in the actual game machine is used. The bar was displayed.
However, the specifications (screen resolution, aspect ratio) of the liquid crystal screen are various as described above, and it is very troublesome to prepare and display different color bar images for each specification.

  Only one color bar image with a specific screen resolution and aspect ratio may be prepared and displayed in an enlarged or reduced display according to the actual LCD screen specifications. When the enlarged display is performed according to different liquid crystal screens, the anti-aliasing is applied to the color boundary of the color bar by the “auto anti-aliasing” function of the specific VDP product.

“Anti-aliasing” is a technique to make the display look smooth by making the boundary of the color area the intermediate color of each area in order to reduce the jaggies that occur between the color areas in the image by extending the image. is there.
However, when an intermediate color is displayed, there arises a problem that it is difficult to use as a color sample for confirming color development and color.
Another problem is that block noise is generated by enlarging the image.

  If the screen resolution of the LCD screen and the size of the color bar image are the same size (same aspect ratio), there will be no problem. However, if these aspect ratios are different, it will be difficult to jaggy and anti-aliasing will be strongly applied. Is more prominent.

It is also possible to turn off the auto anti-aliasing function as a specification of a specific VDP product.
However, when variation information (such as a variation pattern command) is transmitted from the main control board and variation display is started, it is desirable to turn on the anti-aliasing function.
This is because the effect image and effect pattern are more beautifully displayed when anti-aliasing is applied.

  However, if the auto anti-aliasing function is set to on before the change starts and the function is set to off after the change starts, the on / off timing is severe and impractical, and such a method is difficult to adopt.

  Considering the above, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when displaying the color bar for confirming the color (color) of the liquid crystal screen on the image display device 31, it is displayed using the color bar image prepared in advance. Instead (the color bar image data is not stored in the game machine), the color bar (graphic figure) is displayed in a method that is compatible with various specifications (screen resolution, aspect ratio).

  Specifically, as described below, a basic pattern that defines the size of the color area that makes up the color bar as a relative ratio is prepared, and based on this, the LCD screen specifications (screen resolution, aspect ratio) Draw a color bar according to

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a basic pattern of color bars used in the gaming machine of the present embodiment.
In the basic pattern shown in FIG. 30, for example, a rectangular area corresponding to the shape of the liquid crystal screen is divided in the horizontal direction at a ratio of 4 (2/3): 1 (1/6): 1 (1/6). The 2/3 region is equally divided into three at a ratio of 1: 1: 1 in the vertical direction.
As a result, the basic pattern is composed of three vertically long regions (1), (2), (3) and two horizontally long regions (4), (5).
The divided area is not limited to a rectangle, and may be any shape such as a triangle, a circle, or a combination thereof.

In FIG. 30, a region (1) is a rectangular OADE, which is defined by four coordinates O (0,0), A (x1,0), D (0, -y1), and E (x1, -y1). .
Note that the coordinate O is the origin in the coordinate space of the basic pattern.
Region (2) is a rectangle ABEF, which is defined by four coordinates A (x1, 0), B (x2, 0), E (x1, -y1), and F (x2, -y1).

The region (3) is a rectangular BCFG and is defined by four coordinates B (x2, 0), C (x3, 0), F (x2, -y1), and G (x3, -y1).
The region (4) is a rectangular DGHI and is defined by four coordinates D (0, −y1), G (x3, −y1), H (0, −y2), and I (x3, −y2).
The area (5) is a rectangle HIJK and is defined by four coordinates H (0, −y2), I (x3, −y2), J (0, −y3), and K (x3, −y3).

The sub CPU 121 calculates the coordinates corresponding to each area (1) to (5) on the liquid crystal screen according to the screen resolution and aspect ratio of the actual liquid crystal screen provided in the gaming machine 1 using the basic pattern of FIG. .
If the coordinates O, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K are defined in the coordinate system (depending on the screen resolution and aspect ratio) of the actual liquid crystal screen, Even in a liquid crystal screen having such specifications (screen resolution and aspect ratio), the regions (1) to (5) can be defined.

Then, by controlling the host CPU 151 and drawing the same color (red, blue, green, white, black) in each of the regions (1) to (5), a color bar (graphic) for checking the color tone. Is realized.
As described above, the area ratio of the division pattern is a relative value, and can be applied to liquid crystal screens having various screen resolutions and aspect ratios.
The color displayed in each area may be defined in advance in a basic pattern or may be determined randomly. Separately, it may be defined as color information corresponding to each area.

FIG. 31 is a diagram (No. 1) illustrating a case where the basic pattern of the color bar in FIG. 30 is applied to a liquid crystal screen.
In FIG. 31, the basic pattern of FIG. 30 is applied to a VGA resolution liquid crystal screen.
As described above, the VGA resolution is 640 × 480 pixels, and the aspect ratio is 4: 3.
As a result of the area division according to the basic pattern of FIG. 30, the liquid crystal screen has three vertically long areas (1), (2), (3) of horizontal 213, 213, 214 pixels × vertical 320 pixels, and horizontal 640 pixels × It is divided into two horizontally long regions (4) and (5) of 80 pixels vertically.

Here, the area division is nothing but computing the coordinates A to K in the basic pattern in the coordinate system of the liquid crystal screen.
Since the number of horizontal pixels 640 is not divisible by 1/3, it is divided by 213 pixels, 213 pixels, and 214 pixels, respectively.
x1 = 213, x2 = 425, x3 = 640, y1 = 320, y2 = 400, y3 = 480, and the coordinates of the areas (1) to (5) in the liquid crystal screen were defined.

The sub CPU 121 controls the host CPU 151 to display, for example, any one of R, G, and B colors in the vertically long areas (1), (2), and (3), and the horizontally long areas (4), ( 5) Display one of white and black colors.
Of course, the colors displayed in the areas (1) to (5) are not limited to this, and any combination of colors may be displayed in the areas (1) to (5).

FIG. 32 is a diagram (No. 2) illustrating a case where the basic pattern of the color bar in FIG. 30 is applied to an actual liquid crystal screen.
32, the basic pattern of FIG. 30 is applied to an XGA resolution liquid crystal screen.
As described above, the XGA resolution is 1024 × 768 pixels, and the aspect ratio is 4: 3.

As a result of the area division according to the basic pattern of FIG. 30, the liquid crystal screen has three vertically long areas (1), (2), (3) of horizontal 341, 341, 342 pixels × longitudinal 512 pixels, It is divided into two horizontally long regions (4) and (5) of 128 pixels vertically.
Since the horizontal pixel number 1024 is not divisible by 1/3, it is divided into 341 pixels, 341 pixels, and 342 pixels, respectively.
x1 = 341, x2 = 682, x3 = 1024, y1 = 512, y2 = 640, y3 = 768, and the coordinates of the areas (1) to (5) in the liquid crystal screen were defined.
The sub CPU 121 controls the host CPU 151 to display, for example, any one of R, G, and B colors in the vertically long areas (1), (2), and (3), and the horizontally long areas (4), ( 5) Display one of white and black colors.
Of course, the colors displayed in the areas (1) to (5) are not limited to this, and any combination of colors may be displayed in the areas (1) to (5).

FIG. 33 is a diagram (No. 3) illustrating a case where the basic pattern of the color bar in FIG. 30 is applied to an actual liquid crystal screen.
In FIG. 33, the basic pattern of FIG. 30 is applied to an HD resolution liquid crystal screen.
As described above, the HD resolution is 1280 × 720 pixels, and the aspect ratio is 16: 9.

As a result of the area division according to the basic pattern of FIG. 30, the liquid crystal screen has three areas (1), (2), (3) each having a width of 426, 426, 428 pixels and a height of 480 pixels, and a width of 1280 pixels × It is divided into two horizontally long regions (4) and (5) of 120 pixels vertically.
Since the horizontal pixel number 1280 is not divisible by 1/3, it is divided by 426 pixels, 426 pixels, and 428 pixels, respectively.
x1 = 426, x2 = 852, x3 = 1280, y1 = 480, y2 = 600, y3 = 720, and the coordinates of the areas (1) to (5) in the liquid crystal screen were defined.
The sub CPU 121 controls the host CPU 151 to display, for example, any one of R, G, and B colors in the vertically long areas (1), (2), and (3), and the horizontally long areas (4), ( 5) Display one of white and black colors.
Of course, the colors displayed in the areas (1) to (5) are not limited to this, and any combination of colors may be displayed in the areas (1) to (5).

Although the size of each area displayed on the screen differs between FIGS. 31 to 33, the area ratio of each area is in accordance with the ratio of the basic pattern in FIG.
By realizing the color bar in this way, it is possible to withstand changes in screen resolution and aspect ratio (aspect ratio) and to suppress display of intermediate colors by the anti-aliasing function (when a color bar image is used).

The basic pattern shown in FIG. 30 is merely an example, and the screen may be divided into a larger number of areas.
In addition, the colors drawn in the divided areas may include not only the above five colors but also colors such as purple, yellow, and yellowish green.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing another example of a color bar that can be used in the gaming machine of the present embodiment.
In the example of FIG. 34, the liquid crystal screen is divided into regions (1) to (16). For example, the regions (1) and (12) are white, the regions (2) and (13) are yellow, the region (3), (15) yellow-green, regions (4), (14) green (G), regions (5), (10) purple, regions (6), (16) red (R), region (7) , (9) displays blue (B), and regions (8), (11) display black.
However, regardless of the number of areas and the number of colors, there is no difference in drawing and calculating the coordinates of each color area according to the specifications of the liquid crystal screen according to a basic pattern prepared in advance.
Further, the display for inspecting the color of the liquid crystal screen may be a circular (spiral) pattern that gradually changes in color as well as the color bar.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining color bar screen display processing by the CPU of the effect control board.
In step S501, the sub CPU 121 confirms the specifications of the image display device 31 (liquid crystal screen) included in the gaming machine 1. Here, the specifications of the liquid crystal screen are information on the screen resolution and aspect ratio of the liquid crystal screen.

Next, in step S502, the sub CPU 121 determines the coordinates of the color area to be drawn based on the specification information of the liquid crystal screen and the basic pattern.
In step S503, the sub CPU 121 displays a color bar on the image display device according to the coordinates determined in step S502.
It is also possible to replace the color for each area, or display different color bars using different area patterns.

  In the above description, the color bar for displaying a single color in the divided area has been basically described. However, the color area in the basic pattern in FIG. 30 is further divided and the luminance in the area is changed finely. It is possible to realize a color bar with gradation.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color bar to which gradation is applied.
The color bar shown in FIG. 36 is different from the color bar shown in FIGS. 31 to 33 based on the basic pattern shown in FIG. It is a side-by-side pattern.
In the regions (1) to (4), a red (R) color, a green (G) color, a blue (B) color, and a black and white color are displayed in gradation.

  In the color bar of FIGS. 31 to 33, only the colors of five colors (R, G, B, white, and black) can be confirmed, but in the gradation color bar of FIG. 36, R (red). It can be said that it is useful because the color can be confirmed for various brightness colors of the system, G (green) system, B (blue) system, and black-and-white system.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of a basic pattern for performing gradation display of a color bar.
Each area (1) to (4) is divided into small areas (210 in the example of FIG. 37) according to the degree of gradation realized.
When the red (R) system color is displayed in gradation in the area (1) as shown in FIG. 36, for example, (R255, G0, B0), (R254, G0, B0), (R R253, G0, B0), (R252, G0, B0), (R251, G0, B0), ..., (R50, G0, B0), (R49, G0, B0), (R48, G0, B0), ( R47, G0, B0), (R46, G0, B0), (R45, G0, B0), ..., (R41, G0, B0), (R40, G0, B0) and the luminance values of the R pixels one by one. Display lowered (or raised) reddish color.

  When gradation display of green (G) system colors is performed in the area (2), (R0, G255, B0), (R0, G254, B0), (R0, G253, B0) are displayed in the small areas from the left end to the right end. , (R0, G252, B0), (R0, G251, B0), ..., (R0, G50, B0), (R0, G49, B0), (R0, G48, B0), (R0, G47, B0) , (R0, G46, B0), (R0, G45, B0), ..., (R0, G41, B0), (R0, G40, B0) and the luminance values of the G pixels are lowered one by one (or increased). E) Displays a greenish color.

  When gradation display of the blue (B) system color is performed in the area (3), (R0, G0, B255), (R0, G0, B254), (R0, G0, B253) are displayed in the small areas from the left end to the right end. , (R0, G0, B252), (R0, G0, B251), ..., (R0, G50, B0), (R0, G49, B0), (R0, G48, B0), (R0, G47, B0) , (R0, G46, B0), (R0, G45, B0), ..., (R0, G41, B0), (R0, G40, B0) and the luminance values of the B pixels are lowered one by one (or increased). B) Display blue color.

  When displaying a black-and-white gradation (gradation from black to white) in the area (4), (R0, G0, B0), (R1, G1, B1), (R (R2, G2, B2), (R3, G3, B3), (R4, G4, B4), ..., (R208, G208, B208), (R209, G209, B209), (R210, G210, B210), ( R211, G211, B211), (R212, G212, B212), (R213, G213, B213), ..., (R214, G214, B214), (R215, G215, B215) and R, G, and B pixels Displays black color (white color) with increased brightness one by one.

By displaying the color bar according to such a basic pattern, a color bar with gradation can be realized.
Similarly to the case of FIGS. 30 to 33, the coordinates of the areas (1) to (4) in the basic pattern of FIG. 37 and the small areas for each luminance included in them are matched with the specifications of the actual liquid crystal screen. By making adjustments, it is possible to display a color bar with gradation correctly on all models.

As the image display device of the gaming machine 1, a liquid crystal display device, a rear projector, and other arbitrary display devices can be adopted.
The display mode of the image display device of the present invention can be applied not only to pachinko machines, but also to slot machines, other gaming machines having display devices, and game machines in general.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine, 10 Game board, 13 1st starting port, 14 2nd starting port, 31 Image display apparatus, 35 Decoration design, 110 Main control board, 111 Main CPU, 112 Main ROM, 113 Main RAM, 120 Production control board , 121 Sub CPU, 122 Sub ROM, 123 Sub RAM, 140 Lamp control board, 150 Image control board, 151 Host CPU, 152 Host RAM, 153 Host ROM

Claims (1)

An image display device capable of displaying an image;
Display control means for performing control to display an image on the image display device;
With
The display control means includes pattern information defining a region for displaying a color bar having a plurality of color regions for displaying different colors;
Color information to be displayed in each area,
Control is performed to display the color bar by drawing the color information corresponding to each area based on the screen resolution, aspect ratio, the pattern information, and the color information of the image display device. Gaming machine.

Images