JP6418018B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that determines the contents of effects by random number lottery.

  As a representative example of a gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine is generally known to have an effect display device such as a liquid crystal display in the center of a gaming board constituting a gaming area. In the event that the result of the success / failure determination is out of sync with execution of the ball entering the starting port provided in the case, if the result of the success / failure determination is out of order, for example, the symbols in three rows are displayed in a variable manner and then the symbol is determined in advance. If the result of the determination of success / failure is a big hit, for example, after the symbols of 3 columns are displayed in a variable manner, the symbols are stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning manner. It is configured to establish a special game (a big hit game) in which the variable winning opening which is sometimes closed is opened.

  In this type of gaming machine, the player's sense of expectation is indicated by a notice effect that suggests a high degree of expectation of transition to special games (expected expectation of big hit) in conjunction with the display of the fluctuation of the symbols on the effect display device. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-16106

  In gaming machines adopting such a configuration, the content of the notice effect is determined by random number lottery, but when trying to adjust the frequency of occurrence of various notice effects depending on the development situation of the game, etc. Since it is necessary to prepare a lot of lottery tables in advance, there is a problem that the data capacity of the lottery table increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can adjust the frequency of production without increasing the data capacity.

In order to achieve such an object, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a gaming board in which a gaming area is formed,
A start opening provided at a predetermined position in the game area, into which a game ball can enter, a determination unit for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start opening, and a result of the determination An effect display device in which a symbol to be displayed is displayed in a variable manner and a stop display, a variation effect pattern storage means for storing a plurality of variation effect patterns in which a display step of the variable effect for causing the effect display device to display the symbols in a variable manner is defined, A plurality of notice effect patterns having a display process of a notice effect that preliminarily suggests a high expectation that the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit in the display process of the fluctuating effect is provided. A notice effect pattern storage means for storing a notice effect pattern table that defines a change effect pattern determining means for selecting one change effect pattern from a plurality of change effect patterns, The production random number generating means for obtaining the production random number value from the range of random numbers determined for the game, and one of the plurality of announcement production patterns defined in the announcement production pattern table based on the production random number value obtained by the production random number generation means. The notice effect pattern determining means for selecting the notice effect pattern is provided, and the notice effect pattern table includes a predetermined random number value that can be obtained according to each of the plurality of notice effect patterns and the selection probability of the notice effect pattern. A plurality of determination areas are defined in which correspondence relations with the determination numbers assigned to the numerical ranges are defined, and the notice effect pattern determination means compares the obtained effect random number values with the determination values in each determination area. The notice effect pattern determining means can select a notice effect pattern corresponding to the determined number to which the effect random number value belongs. When the variation display pattern selected in the variation display is the same as the variation presentation pattern selected in the variation display before the variation display when executing the variation display of the symbol at a predetermined opportunity, A notice effect pattern in the variation display can be selected based on the effect random value acquired in the variation display before the variation display.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to adjust the frequency of the production without increasing the data capacity.

It is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a control block diagram of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the main control board and effect control board of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the special symbol winning / losing lottery table based on this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the special symbol stop symbol table based on this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the special symbol fluctuation pattern table based on this embodiment. It is a mimetic diagram showing a change production pattern table concerning this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the notice lottery table based on this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the procedure of the random number change process based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side main process based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control process following FIG. 11 of the main process by the main control side based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side timer interruption process based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the starting port monitoring control process based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change start monitoring control process based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol fluctuation | variation start monitoring process in FIG. 15 based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol control process based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol control general purpose process in FIG. 17 based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol fluctuation | variation start process in FIG. 18 based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process in FIG. 18 based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol stop symbol display process in FIG. 18 based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control process following FIG. 21 of the special symbol stop symbol display process based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special electric accessory control process based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control process following FIG. 23 of the special electric accessory control process based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control process following FIG. 24 of the special electric accessory control process based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the reset start process based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the production control side main process in FIG. 26 based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the command analysis process in FIG. 27 based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the pending | holding information management process in FIG. 28 based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the prefetch notice effect determination process in FIG. 29 based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the change effect content determination process in FIG. 28 based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the notice lottery management process in FIG. 27 based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the random number change process in FIG. 32 based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control command reception interruption process based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the production control side timer interruption process based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the image control command transmission interruption process based on this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the random number change process based on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the notice lottery management process in FIG. 27 based on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the random number change process in FIG. 38 based on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows a notice lottery random number storage area | region based on 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the random number change process based on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the notice lottery management process in FIG. 27 based on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the random number change process in FIG. 42 based on 3rd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A front view and a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. First, an overall configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to the drawings. The pachinko gaming machine PM according to this embodiment is a model in which two functions corresponding to the conventional first type pachinko gaming machine are mixed, and the first game (first special symbol game) and the second Realizes compatibility with games (second special symbol games).

[Basic configuration of pachinko machines]
First, the basic structure of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured with a rectangular frame size adapted to the front of the opening of the outer frame 1 which forms a vertically fixed holding frame configured in an outer rectangular frame size, and can be opened and closed. The front frame 2 that forms a frame is attached to the front left side edge portion of the front left and right hinge mechanism 3 so that it can be opened and closed sideways and detachable, and is called a double lock provided on the front right side edge portion. The device 4 is always held in a closed state engaged and connected to the outer frame 1.

  On the front frame 2, a rectangular glass frame 5 fitted to the upper front area of the front frame 2 is assembled so as to be opened and closed laterally and detachable using the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3, and using the locking device 4 It is always kept in a closed state covering the front surface of the front frame 2. In the front frame 2, the game board 20 is detachably set and held, and the game area PA in front of the game board 20 is faced through the double-layer glass of the glass frame 5 that is always held closed. Yes.

  On the front side of the glass frame 5, there are provided a frame lamp (LED lamp) 10 that emits light according to the game development status, and a speaker 11 that generates sound effects according to the game development status. Upper and lower ball trays (upper ball tray 8 and lower ball tray 9) for storing game balls are provided at the lower portion of the glass frame 5, and an effect that is pressed by the player at the front center of the upper ball tray 8 is provided. A button 15 is provided, and a launch handle 12 for performing a launch operation of the game ball is provided on the front right side of the lower ball tray 9.

  The game board 20 is configured with a decorative board formed by attaching a cell printed with a predetermined pattern on a rectangular laminated plywood subjected to router processing or the like. On the front surface of the game board 20, an outer rail and an inner rail are fixed in an arc shape, and a substantially circular game area PA on which a game ball can roll is defined, and a windmill and a large number of games are formed in the game area PA. In addition to the nail, in addition to various winning ports such as the first starting port 61, the second starting port 62, the operation gate 63, and the big winning port 64, the first special symbol display device 71, the second special symbol display device 72, the first Various display devices such as a special figure hold lamp 73, a second special figure hold lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, and a general figure hold lamp 76 are provided. A center ornament 22 is disposed substantially at the center of the game area PA, and the screen of the effect display device 70 is provided so as to be visible through the center opening of the center ornament 22. At the lower end of the game area PA, there is provided an out port 29 through which the game balls that have tumbled down without entering each winning port are discharged to the back side of the game board 20. Hereinafter, each component provided in the game board 20 is demonstrated in order.

  The first start port 61 is provided as a start winning port corresponding to the first special symbol game, and includes a first start port switch 611 for detecting the entrance of a game ball. Entering a game ball into the first start port 61 triggers the first special symbol lottery.

  The second start port 62 is provided as a start winning port corresponding to the second special symbol game, and includes a second start port switch 621 for detecting the entrance of a game ball. Entering a game ball into the second start port 62 triggers the second special symbol lottery. The second start port 62 includes a normal electric accessory 622 and a normal electric accessory solenoid 623 for opening and closing the normal electric accessory 622. The ordinary electric accessory 622 changes between a closed state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting port 62 and an open state in which the game ball is easier to enter than this state. Here, the second starting port 62 has a structure in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter unless the ordinary electric accessory 622 is opened. On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory 622 is opened, the ease of entering the second starting port 62 is enhanced.

  The operation gate 63 is provided as a start winning opening corresponding to a normal symbol game, and includes an operation gate switch 631 for detecting passage of a game ball. Note that the passing of the game ball to the operation gate 63 triggers the normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to expand the normal electric accessory 622 of the second start port 62.

  The big winning opening 64 is a winning opening that is in the shape of a horizontal rectangle and is located below the game area PA, which is opened when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined to be a big or small lottery. . The special prize opening 64 includes a special prize opening switch 641 for detecting the entry of a game ball, and a special electric accessory 642 called a so-called attacker device, and for opening and closing the special electric accessory 642. The large winning opening solenoid 643 is provided. The special electric accessory 642 changes between a normal state in which a game ball cannot enter or difficult to enter the grand prize opening 64 and an open state in which a game ball can enter or can easily enter.

  The first special symbol display device 71 performs variable display and fixed display of the first special symbol when the game ball enters the first starting port 61. The first special symbol display device 71 is composed of, for example, eight LED lamps, and the fluctuation display of the first special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the lamp, and the blinking of the lamp is stopped and switched to the lighting display. The first special symbol is confirmed and displayed.

  The second special symbol display device 72 performs a variable display and a fixed display of the second special symbol when the game ball enters the second start port 62. The second special symbol display device 72 is composed of, for example, eight LED lamps, and the variation display of the second special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the lamp, and the blinking of the lamp is stopped and switched to the lighting display. The second special symbol is confirmed and displayed.

  The first special figure reservation lamp 73 and the second special figure reservation lamp 74 are each composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is indicated by lighting / flashing display of the lamps. Express (up to 4). The number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol is a number related to the random number value acquired based on the ball entering the first starting port 61 during the fluctuation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during execution of the special game. Yes, the acquired random number value is held, that is, the number of times the determination of the success / failure is temporarily held until the acceptance / rejection determination permission condition (variation start condition) is satisfied for the acquired random number value. The number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol is a number related to the random number value acquired based on the ball entering the second starting port 62 during the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during execution of the special game. Yes, the acquired random number value is held, that is, the number of times the determination of the success / failure is temporarily held until the acceptance / rejection determination permission condition (variation start condition) is satisfied for the acquired random number value.

  The normal symbol display device 75 is composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and performs normal symbol variation display and fixed display. For example, the regular figure holding lamp 76 is composed of four lamps, and the number of lighting of the lamp corresponds to the number of normal symbol fluctuations held (the number of normal symbol fluctuations not yet executed). On the left side of the normal symbol display device 75, a round indicator 77 for displaying the number of round games in the special game (the number of rounds: the number of times that the special electric accessory 642 operates continuously) is provided.

  The effect display device 70 mainly displays an effect image including a decorative pattern and a notice effect that fluctuately display / stop in conjunction with the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Hold display. Specifically, on the screen of the effect display device 70, the first special symbol is synchronized with the decorative symbol display unit 700 on which the decorative symbol change display or the notice effect display is executed, and the first special symbol hold lamp 73. The first special figure hold display section 701 that executes the hold display of the second special figure hold display section 702 that executes the hold display of the second special symbol in synchronization with the second special figure hold lamp 74 Is provided. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is employed as the effect display device 70. The decorative symbol display unit 700 is provided with three rows of display areas (a left display area Z1, a middle display area Z2, and a right display area Z3) serving as a decorative display variable display area on a predetermined effective line (not shown). The left symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the left display area Z1, the middle symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the middle display region Z2, and the right symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the right display region Z3 are stopped and displayed. It has become so. In the special figure hold display sections 701 and 702, in a normal display mode, when an operation holding ball of a special symbol is generated, a holding image of a white circle is displayed, whereas when the operation holding ball is digested, it corresponds. The reserved image is lost. The reserved images are displayed in order according to the order in which the special symbols actuated on-hold balls are generated (the order of entering the balls), and a maximum of four can be displayed on each of the on-hold display units 701 and 702.

The center decoration 22 is installed around the effect display device 70, and has functions such as a flow path of the game ball, protection of the screen of the effect display device 70, and decoration. The center decoration 22 is provided with a plurality of movable accessories 24 (24A, 24B, 24C) for performing a production operation according to the game development status. Each movable accessory 24 includes a motor M (for example, a stepping motor) as a drive source. Further, the center decoration 22 is provided with a board lamp (LED lamp) 25 that emits light according to the game development status. In the following description, for convenience, the frame lamp 10 and the panel lamp 25 are also collectively referred to as “effect lamp LP”.

  Next, the basic structure of the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. On the back side of the front frame 2, there is a back set board 30, which has a window that communicates with the front and rear in the center and is based on a base frame that is formed in a rectangular frame shape somewhat smaller than the front frame 2. Via the hinge mechanism 3, it is connected to the back of the front frame 2 so that it can be opened, closed, and detached. A back set cover 30C having a rectangular box shape with an open front is detachably attached to the back set board 30 and is always disposed to cover the back side of the game board 20 attached to the front frame 2. (Thus, the main control board 100, the effect control board 200, and the image control board 300, which will be described later, are covered with the back set cover 30C).

  Each part of the back set board 30 has a storage tank 31 for storing a large number of game balls, a tank rail 32 extending from the storage tank 31 with a gentle downward slope to the right, and a lower end connected to the right end of the tank rail 32. A ball supply passage 33 extending to the ball, a prize ball payout unit 34 for paying out a game ball guided by the ball supply passage 33, and a prize for guiding the game ball discharged from the prize ball payout unit 34 to the upper ball tray 6. A ball passage portion 35 and the like are provided.

  On the back side of the game board 10, there is a main control board 100 for comprehensively controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine PM, an effect control board 200 for performing overall control of the game, image display according to game development, and control of sound effects. An image control board 300 for performing the above is attached. On the other hand, on the back side of the back set board 30, the payout control board 400 that performs control related to the launch and payout of the game balls, and the power received from the game facility side to supply power to various control boards and electric / electronic components. A power supply board 500 or the like is attached. In order to prevent unauthorized modification, these control boards are respectively placed at predetermined positions on the back of the game board 20 or the back set board 30 in an assembled state housed in a transparent resin board case having a caulking structure and a sealing structure. Arranged. These control boards and the electrical / electronic components of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PM are connected to each other via a harness (connector cable) so that the pachinko gaming machine PM can be operated.

<Control configuration of pachinko machines>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, each control board mounted in the pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing a control configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM.

  The main control board 100 includes a main CPU 101 that performs various arithmetic processes related to games, a ROM 102 that stores control programs and various data, a RAM 103 that functions as a work area and buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, a peripheral board, A main control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 110 configured to include an I / O port circuit 104 for inputting / outputting signals to / from the device is mounted, and the main CPU 101 plays a game according to a control program stored in the ROM 102. It is configured to execute main control related to the progress. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the main control board 100 is reset when a clock circuit that divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock and the main CPU 101 malfunctions or runs out of control. It operates as a separate system from the WDT circuit for returning to the normal state, the CTC circuit that enables real-time interrupt generation and time measurement, and the program processing (software random number) by the main CPU 101 to generate a predetermined random number (built-in random number). A random number generation circuit and the like are mounted, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The main CPU 101 executes various processes related to the main control of the game by reading various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performing arithmetic processing based on detection information from each switch. The RAM 103 is a backup RAM as a nonvolatile storage unit that is backed up by a backup power supply (VBB) generated in the power supply substrate 500. The backup area of the RAM 103 is an area for storing data such as a stack pointer and each register held when the power is turned off when the power is turned off. ), The state of the gaming machine is restored to the state before power-off based on the information in the backup area.

  The main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first start port switch 611, the second start port switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, the big prize port switch 641, and the like, via the I / O port circuit 104. Thus, detection signals from various switches are input to the main CPU 101. The main control board 100 includes a first special symbol display device 71, a second special symbol display device 72, a first special symbol hold lamp 73, a second special figure hold lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, and a general figure hold lamp. 76, and is further electrically connected to a normal electric accessory solenoid 623 and a special electric accessory solenoid 643. Various control signals from the main CPU 101 are sent via the I / O port circuit 104. Transmit to display means and various solenoids.

  The main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line, and communicate only in a single direction from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200. Various effect control commands are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200. Data cannot be transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the main control board 100 cannot be requested to transmit data.

  The effect control board 200 includes a sub-main CPU 201 that performs various arithmetic processes related to game effects based on an effect control command from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 that stores an effect control program and various data, a work area that is a temporary storage area, Equipped with a rendering control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 210 that includes a RAM 203 that functions as a buffer memory and an I / O port circuit 204 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and devices. The sub-main CPU 201 is configured to execute main control related to game effects according to a control program stored in the ROM 202. In addition, the production control board 200 includes an RTC (real time clock) 205 for measuring time, a clock circuit that generates an internal system clock by dividing a clock signal from a crystal oscillator, although not shown, and a sub main CPU 201. WDT circuit that resets and returns to normal state when it malfunctions or runs out of control, TPU circuit that outputs various signals based on the system clock, and various interrupts such as timer interrupts based on signals from the TPU circuit An interrupt controller to be activated, a serial communication circuit for inputting / outputting serial data, and the like are mounted, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus. Here, the RTC 205 has a clock / calendar function for measuring “year”, “month”, “day”, “day of the week”, “hour”, “minute”, “second”, and a quartz crystal (not shown). An oscillation circuit unit that generates a clock signal based on the oscillation operation of the vibrator, a register circuit unit to which the generated time information is written, and a backup battery that can perform battery backup for a long time are provided. The sub main CPU 201 reads the time information temporarily stored in the register circuit unit of the RTC 205 and calculates the time. Note that the time measured by the RTC 205, that is, the count value of each register, is determined by using a master clock or the like that manages the exact current time (Japan Standard Time) at the time of manufacture or shipment of the pachinko machine PM. , Month, date, day, hour, minute, second.

The effect control board 200 is an effect control process based on the effect control command from the main control board 100, an image control command for instructing the image and sound to the image control board 300, and a lamp control signal for controlling the lamp connection board 91. (Lamp data), a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92, and the like are generated. The effect control board 200 is connected to the image control board 300 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and image control commands related to images and sound are transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300. A response command (ACK command) indicating that the image control command has been successfully received is transmitted from the image control board 300 to the effect control board 200.

  The effect control board 200 is electrically connected to a lamp connection board 91 on which a plurality of LED drivers are mounted, and a lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the lamp connection board 91 is transmitted via a serial communication circuit. Send. In this example, the production control board 200 and the lamp connection board 91 employ clock-synchronized serial communication, and are transmitted by a signal line (clock line) different from the data line for lamp data transmission. In synchronization with the clock signal, the ramp control signal is transmitted bit by bit through the data line. The lamp connection board 91 has a built-in LED driver that functions in response to a lamp control signal for LED driving transmitted from the effect control board 200, and switches on / off the switches in the circuit based on the lamp control signal. Thus, the drive current is supplied to or cut off from the effect lamp LP, and the effect lamp LP is turned on or off.

  Further, the effect control board 200 is electrically connected to a plurality of motor drivers 92, and a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92 is transmitted to the motor driver 92 via the I / O port circuit 204. Send. The motor driver 92 supplies a drive current to the stepping motor of each movable accessory 24 by switching on / off the switch in the circuit based on the drive control signal for the accessory drive transmitted from the effect control board 200. Alternatively, control is performed so that each movable accessory 24 is operated by being shut off. The data transmission to the motor driver 92 employs a parallel communication method.

  The image control board 300 includes a sub-sub CPU 301 that performs various arithmetic processes related to image effects based on an image control command from the effect control board 200, a ROM 302 that stores image control programs and various data, and a work area that is a temporary storage area. And an image control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 310 that includes a RAM 303 that functions as a buffer memory and an I / O port circuit 304 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and devices. The sub-sub CPU 301 is configured to execute main control related to the image effect according to the control program stored in the ROM 302. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the image control board 300 has a VDP that generates image data according to the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the sub-sub CPU 301 and an effect content based on the control signal acquired from the sub-sub CPU 301. It is equipped with a sound source IC that generates acoustic data. The VDP is a so-called image processor, reads image data stored in the image ROM in response to an instruction from the sub-sub CPU 301, and transmits a video signal (image data) generated by image processing to the effect display device. The VPD is connected to a high-speed VRAM used for developing / processing image data read from the image ROM. The sound source IC reads the acoustic data stored in the audio ROM in response to an instruction from the sub-sub CPU 301, and outputs the acoustic data generated by synthesizing the data to the speaker 11 via the amplifier (digital amplifier).

  The payout control board 400 is composed mainly of a payout CPU 401, ROM 402 and RAM 403. The payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The payout control board 400 drives the prize ball payout unit 34 on the basis of a payout control command from the main control board 100 and controls to pay out the prize balls. And the ball feed mechanism 13 and the launch mechanism 14 are driven synchronously based on the operation amount of the launch handle 12 to control the launch of the game ball.

  Although not shown in detail, the power supply board 500 includes a normal power supply circuit for generating a normal power supply used by each control board based on a primary power supply supplied from the power supply facility of the game island, and a backup power supply. (VBB) is generated, and a power-off monitoring circuit for monitoring power-off due to a voltage drop is provided. The electronic / electrical parts such as control boards and game machines Supply the necessary power. A power switch for starting a power circuit is connected to the power board 500, and when the power switch is turned on on the assumption that the primary power is supplied from the power supply device of the game island, the power board A predetermined power is supplied from 500 normal power supply circuits to each control board. The power supply board 500 is configured to be able to detect that the power supply from the power supply device on the amusement island has been cut off. , To the effect control board 200 and the payout control board 400. The backup power supply circuit is charged when power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine PM from the power supply device on the game island. The power supply board 500 is connected to a RAM clear switch (not shown) for temporarily erasing the temporarily stored contents of the RAM 103 of the main control board 100 and setting an initial value when the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned on. ing. The RAM clear switch may be connected to the main control board 100 instead of the power supply board 500, for example.

<Basic operation of pachinko machines>
The pachinko gaming machine PM configured as described above can be used in a game in which the outer frame 1 is fixedly installed on the gaming island of the gaming facility, and the front frame 2, the glass frame 5, the ball tray unit 6 and the like are closed and locked. The game is started by storing the game ball in the upper ball tray 8 and rotating the launch handle 12. When the firing handle 12 is rotated, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 8 are launched one by one by a ball feed mechanism 13 (see FIG. 3) disposed on the back side of the glass frame 5. 14 (see FIG. 3), and is launched into the game area PA by the launch mechanism 14.

  When a game ball rolling down in the game area PA enters one of the first start port 61, the second start port 62, and the big winning port 64, a winning ball corresponding to the type of the winning port is a prize ball payout unit. 33 is paid out to the upper ball tray 8 or the lower ball tray 9. Further, when a game ball enters the first start port 61 or the second start port 62, a lottery random number value of the special symbol game is acquired, and the random number value is temporarily stored as a reserved ball of the special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number. . Then, when a predetermined starting condition is satisfied, a special symbol win / no-go determination, symbol determination, and variation pattern determination are performed on the lottery random number value related to the earliest holding ball, and in a manner according to the determination result, The special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72, and the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the effect display device 70. The variation display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed synchronously after the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern has elapsed.

  When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is confirmed and displayed in a stop mode indicating a big hit, the game shifts to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, and the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 64 starts. Is done. The stop pattern of the decorative symbol indicating the big hit is, for example, a mode in which the types of three symbols match. In the present embodiment, as a special game, a round game is set to 16 times (16 rounds), a 16R special game, a round game is set to 8 times (8 rounds), and a round game is 2 times. 2R special games set in (2 rounds) are provided.

In this embodiment, regardless of whether the transition is made to the 16R special game, the 8R special game, or the 2R special game, the probability variation of the special symbol after the special game ends until the number of times the special symbol changes reaches a predetermined end number. The function works uniformly. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment is a gaming machine called a so-called “ST machine”, which is a time-changing probability changing machine with a probability changing entry rate of 100%. Therefore, in this embodiment, the state in which the probability variation function of the special symbol is operating (also referred to as “special symbol probability variation state”) does not continue until the next big hit, but the probability variation state of the special symbol is maintained. The time period (also referred to as “ST period”) is limited to a predetermined number of final times (also referred to as “ST number”). When the special symbol probability variation function is activated, a lottery with a special symbol jackpot probability higher than the normal probability state is performed, so that a new special game is generated relatively early.

  On the other hand, after the special game is over, the special symbol variation time shortening function may operate in association with the special symbol probability variation function or independently of the special symbol probability variation function. When the special symbol variation time shortening function is in operation (also referred to as “special symbol short-time state”), the average variation time of special symbols and decorative symbols tends to be shorter than the normal state. The number of success / failure lotteries per unit time is improved (easy to acquire big hits per unit time can be improved).

  When the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the state shifts to a state in which a so-called electric chew support function is activated (referred to as an “entry easy state”). In the easy-to-enter state, as an example of the electric chew support function, the normal symbol probability variation function, the normal symbol variation time shortening function, and the normal electric accessory 622 opening extension function are activated, so that the second starting port 62 is activated. This is a state where the ease of entering the ball is enhanced. In this easy-to-enter state, the possibility that the number of fluctuations of the normal symbol per fixed time will increase more than usual and the ease of entering the second start port 62 will also increase, so that the second start port 62 will be entered. The possibility that the number of balls entering will increase. When the normal symbol probability changing function is activated, the normal symbol winning probability is higher than the normal probability state. When the normal symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the normal symbol variation time is reduced more than usual. When the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 622 is activated, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 622 becomes longer than usual. Therefore, by operating the special symbol variation time shortening function and the electric chew support function, the chance to obtain a winning ball by entering the second starting port 62 increases during the period, so that the number of possessed balls is hardly reduced. The game can be continued.

  Below, for convenience of explanation, the gaming state in which the special symbol probability variation function, the special symbol variation time reduction function, and the electric chew support function are activated is also simply referred to as “probability variation state”, and only the special symbol probability variation function is activated. The gaming state that has been played is also referred to as a “latency probability changing state (latent state)”, and a state in which no function is activated is also referred to as a “normal state”.

<Main functional configuration of pachinko machines>
Next, various functions of the pachinko gaming machine PM (mainly the main control board 100 / effect control board 200) according to the present embodiment will be described with additional reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main control board 100 includes a ball entry judging means 110, a game lottery random number generating means 120, a holding control means 130, a prior judgment means 135, a special symbol lottery processing means 140, a normal symbol lottery processing means 145, Special game control means 150, symbol display control means 155, electric accessory control means 160, gaming state control means 165, error monitoring control means 170, main information storage means 180, and command transmission / reception means 190 are included. Note that each of the above-described means in the main control board 100 is configured by main CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, hardware such as an electronic circuit provided on the main control board 100, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the like. Is a functional representation of things.

  The ball entry determining means 110 determines whether or not a game ball has entered each prize opening based on detection signals from the first start opening switch 611, the second start opening switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, the big winning opening switch 641, and the like. judge.

  The game lottery random number generation means 120 takes in the built-in random number generated by the random number generation circuit of the main control microcomputer 110 by software and adds a soft random number per special symbol to be described later to this to be used for the lottery of special symbols. Generate random numbers per special symbol. The game lottery random number generation means 120 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers by the program processing of the main CPU 101. These random number counters serve as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. As this software random number, a soft random number per special symbol that is added to the above-mentioned built-in random number to form a random number per special symbol, a soft initial value random number per special symbol for determining an initial value and an end value of the soft random number per special symbol, Special symbols for determining the special symbol stop symbol random number used to determine the winning symbol (the combination of symbols that will activate the conditional device) as the special symbol stop symbol, the initial value and the end value of the special symbol stop symbol random number Stop symbol initial value random number, special symbol variation pattern random number used for selection of special symbol variation pattern, normal symbol random number for normal symbol use lottery, normal symbol random number initial value and end value Includes initial value random numbers per normal symbol to determine, normal symbol variation pattern random number to use for selection of variation pattern of ordinary symbols, etc. That. These software random numbers are updated once every time timer interrupt processing occurs, and the remaining time of the interrupt cycle is maintained even when timer interrupt processing is not being executed for the initial value random number (during loop processing). Update using.

  The hold control means 130 includes a special symbol hold control means 131 and a normal symbol hold control means 132.

  The special symbol hold control means 131 is a lottery random number value related to special symbol games, which is a random number value per special symbol, per special symbol, when the game ball enters the first start port 61 or the second start port 62. The design random number value and the special design variation pattern random value are acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation reserved ball information of the first special design or the second special design. The special symbol holding control means 131 is a main information storage means that combines the action holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number (4) with the entering order of the holding balls. The first special symbol reservation storage area of 180 or the second special symbol reservation storage area is temporarily stored.

  In the first special symbol reserved storage area and the second special symbol reserved storage area, the reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area), reserved 2 storage area (2 A reserved storage area), a reserved 3 storage area (third reserved storage area), and a reserved 4 storage area (fourth reserved storage area). Each reserved storage area can store a random number value per special symbol, a random number value per special symbol, and a special symbol variation pattern random number value as a set as the operating reserved ball information. The operation hold ball information is stored in the order of the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area, while the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage. Digested in order of area (first-in first-out principle). In addition, when the operation hold ball information in the hold 1 storage area is digested, the operation hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower number storage areas, respectively. At the same time, the contents of the reserved 4 storage area are cleared to zero.

  Further, the special symbol hold control means 131 has a first special symbol hold ball number counter for counting the number of active reserved balls of the first special symbol, and a second special symbol for counting the number of active hold balls of the second special symbol. It has a symbol holding ball number counter. The special symbol hold control means 131 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one special reserved action ball is acquired as an update process of the number of special reserved action balls. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

Further, when the special symbol holding control means 131 updates (adds or subtracts) the number of active reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect control command ("symbol storage" This is temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This 1 command includes information on both the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the number of the operation reserved balls of the second special symbol. In principle, the action-reserved balls of each special symbol are digested in the order of entry, but in this embodiment, the variable special symbol is displayed with priority over the first special symbol. In order to adopt so-called preferential digestion, while there is an operation reservation ball related to the second special symbol game, regardless of the presence of the operation reservation ball related to the first special symbol game, the operation reservation related to the second special symbol game It is configured to preferentially digest spheres. In addition, under this priority digestion, if there is an operation reservation ball of the second special symbol, even if there is an operation reservation ball of the first special symbol, the operation reservation ball of the first special symbol is digested. Will be put on hold.

  The normal symbol hold control means 132 is triggered by the entrance of the game ball to the operation gate 63, and is a random number value per normal symbol, a random symbol value per normal symbol, a normal symbol fluctuation pattern, which is a lottery random number value related to the normal symbol game. The random number value is acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation reservation ball information of the normal symbol. The normal symbol holding control unit 132 stores the normal symbol operation holding ball information in the normal symbol holding storage area of the main information storage unit 180 in a form combined with the order of entering the holding balls up to a predetermined upper limit number (four). Memorize temporarily. Further, the normal symbol holding control means 132 has a normal symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of normal reserved operation balls. The normal symbol hold control means 132 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one normal reserved actuated ball is acquired as the update processing of the number of held normal symbols of the active normal symbol. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

  The pre-determination unit 135 executes a pre-determination for a pre-reading notice when the operation holding ball having a special symbol is acquired at a predetermined pre-determination timing. As an example of the pre-determination timing, (1) when waiting for hitting and when the action holding ball of the first special symbol is acquired while the electric chew support function is not operating, (2) waiting for hitting and When the support holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired while the support function is operating, (3) When the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired during the big hit or small hit, It is time to satisfy. Specifically, the pre-determining means 135 reads out the random number value corresponding to the currently acquired operation holding ball from the first special symbol holding storage area or the second special symbol holding storage area of the main information storage means 180, and determines whether or not Pre-determination (pre-judgment pre-determination), pre-determination (design pre-determination) related to symbol lottery, and pre-determination (variation pattern pre-determination) related to variation pattern lottery are sequentially executed. The pre-determination table used for each pre-determination is not shown in the figure, but corresponds to the total number of random numbers in the same way as the lottery table (special symbol success / failure lottery table, special symbol-per-symbol table, variable pattern table) described later. The area to be divided is divided into a plurality of areas, and a lottery result is assigned to each area. In this lottery result, a success / failure prior determination number, a symbol prior determination number, and a variation pattern prior determination number are set as numbers indicating the results of each prior determination (also referred to as “preliminary determination numbers”). Then, the preliminary determination means 135 sequentially generates an effect control command (referred to as “preliminary determination command”) including information on the preliminary determination result (preliminary determination number), and this is generated in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. To store.

The special symbol lottery processing unit 140 includes a special symbol success / failure determination unit 141, a special symbol stop symbol determination unit 412, and a special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143. The special symbol lottery processing means 140, when the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the special symbol perturbation stored in the first storage area (hold 1 storage area) of the special symbol reservation storage area in the main information storage means 180 The numerical value, the random symbol value per special symbol, and the special symbol variation pattern random number value are read out and stored in the special symbol success / failure determination region, the special symbol determination region, and the special symbol variation pattern determination region of the main information storage unit 180, respectively. Here, "the special symbol variation start condition is met"
For example, (1) No big hit or small hit, (2) Both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for change, (3) The first special symbol and the second special symbol It is a time when all the conditions that the operation holding ball exists in at least one of the above are satisfied, and as a result, it is determined that the special symbol can start to fluctuate.

  The special symbol success / failure determination means 141 reads a random number value per special symbol from the special symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage means 180 and executes the determination of the success / failure. Decide what to do. The result of this determination is temporarily stored in a special symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180 (for example, big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, loss data “00H”), and is used in the subsequent processing. After that, it is cleared when the special symbol changes. The special symbol success / failure determination means 141 holds a special symbol success / failure lottery table which is referred to in the determination of success / failure.

  Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the special symbol winning / losing lottery table, where (A) is referred to in the normal state (low probability state), and (B) is referred to in the probability variation state (high probability state). The In this special symbol winning / losing lottery table, random numbers per special symbol and judgment results of big hits, small hits, and off are associated, and the winning probabilities for big hits and small hits are determined according to the associated random number range. Is determined. As can be seen from FIG. 5, in the special symbol game winning / losing lottery, in the normal state (low probability state), only when the random number value falls within the range of “0 to 217”, it is a big hit. On the other hand, in the probability variation state (high probability state), the range of the big hit is expanded, and not only when the random value falls within the range of “0 to 217” but also when the random number falls within the range of “218 to 2170”. Become. That is, when the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated, the jackpot lottery probability varies from the low probability state (about 1/300) to the high probability state (about 1/30). As described above, the range corresponding to the jackpot changes according to the gaming state, but the winning probability of winning the jackpot is equal between the winning lottery of the first special symbol and the winning lottery of the second special symbol. Here, even if the random number value per special symbol does not correspond to the big hit range, if it falls within the predetermined range, it is a small hit. In this example, only the winning lottery of the first special symbol is configured to have a small win, but for example, a small hit is also provided in the winning lottery of the second special symbol, and the winning lottery of the second special symbol is determined. However, the winning lottery of the first special symbol may be configured to be a small hit with a high probability.

  The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the result of the first or second lottery determination. The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 has a first special symbol stop symbol table and a second special symbol stop symbol table which are referred to when determining the stop symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram schematically showing an example of the first special symbol stop symbol table. In the first special symbol stop symbol table (for jackpot symbol), three types of stop symbols (big hit symbols) “A”, “B”, and “C” are assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. . In this example, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the contents of the jackpot (the number of operations of the probability variation function and the variation time reduction function of the special symbol, the operation pattern of the big prize opening 64) are also appended to each jackpot symbol. The numerical value “84” in parentheses means the number of operations of the special symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening function, that is, the ST number. In this table, the stop symbols “A” to “C” of the first special symbol are classified according to the type of jackpot. Specifically, the symbol “A” is associated with the 16R specific short-time symbol, the symbol “B” is associated with the 8R specific short-time symbol, and the symbol “C” is associated with the 2R specific short-time symbol. In this embodiment, the “special symbol” is the symbol that activates the probability variation function of the special symbol after the end of the special game, and the “temporary symbol” is the shortened variation time of the special symbol after the special game ends. The symbol that activates the function (and the electric chew support function), the “timeless no symbol” is a symbol that does not activate the variable time reduction function of the special symbol (and the electric chew support function) after the special game ends. Yes (the same applies to the second special symbol described later).

  Symbols A and B are specific symbols indicating a so-called “probability big hit” in which the gaming state after the end of the special game is shifted to the special symbol probability variation state (high probability state). The special symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function are limited to the period until the end without generating a big hit or until the next big hit within the ST number. Will be granted. For the pattern A, the specified number of rounds for the special game is 16 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds. With respect to the pattern B, the specified number of rounds for the special game is 8 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  The symbol C is a specific symbol showing a so-called “latent probability variation big hit” which does not shift to the special symbol short-time state and the easy-to-enter state while shifting the gaming state to the special symbol probability changing state (high probability state) after the end of the special game. The probability variation of the special symbol is limited until the special symbol variation count ends without generating a big hit within the ST count, or until the next big hit occurs within the ST count. Only the function will be given (the special symbol variation time reduction function and the electric support function will not be given). For the symbol C, the specified number of rounds for the special game is two rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 0.05 seconds.

  On the other hand, in the first special symbol stop symbol table (for miss symbol), a single stop symbol (miss symbol) “HA” is uniquely assigned to the special symbol halt symbol random value. In the first special symbol stop symbol table (for small hit symbol), a single stop symbol (small hit symbol) “K” is uniquely assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. In the case of a small hit, the game state is not triggered when the game state is changed, and the game state is maintained before and after the winning lottery.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram schematically showing an example of the second special symbol stop symbol table. In the second special symbol stop symbol table (for jackpot symbol), two types of stop symbols (big hit symbols) “D” and “E” are assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. In this example, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the contents of the jackpot (the number of operations of the probability variation function and the variation time reduction function of the special symbol, the operation pattern of the big prize opening 64) are also appended to each jackpot symbol. In this table, stop symbols “D” and “E” of the second special symbol are classified according to the type of jackpot. Specifically, the symbol “D” is associated with the 16R specified short-lived symbol, and the symbol “E” is associated with the 8R specific short-lived symbol.

  Symbols D and E are specific symbols indicating a so-called “probability big hit” in which the game state after the end of the special game is shifted to a special symbol probability variation state (high probability state). The special symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function are limited to the period until the end without generating a big hit or until the next big hit within the ST number. Will be granted. For the symbol D, the specified number of rounds in the special game is 16 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds. For the symbol E, the specified number of rounds in the special game is 8 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  In addition, in the second special symbol stop symbol table (for the off symbol), a single stop symbol (out symbol) “HD” is uniquely assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value.

Here, in this embodiment, as described above, there are three types of jackpot types: 16R big hit (16R specific short-time symbol), 8R big hit (8R specific short-time symbol) and 2R big hit (2R special short-time symbol). Is provided. The expected value for winning a prize ball in the special game (expected value for winning a prize ball) is 16R big hit> 8R big hit> 2R big hit. As can be seen from the above description, if the winning lottery of the first special symbol is a big win, the 16R big hit is selected with a probability of 30%, whereas the winning lottery of the second special symbol is selected. In the case of a big hit, the 16R big hit is selected with a probability of 70%, so that the player who wins the second starting port 62 wins more balls than the first starting port 61. It is advantageous to the player in that it can be done.

  The special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the special symbol variation pattern random number value. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 holds a plurality of types of variation pattern tables that are referred to when selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol. The special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143 selects one variation pattern table from among a plurality of types of variation pattern tables based on the current variation pattern selection state and the result of the lottery determination. The relationship between the variation pattern selection state and the variation pattern table will be described later. Each variation pattern table defines a plurality of types of variation patterns. In each figure, “selection rate” is shown for convenience of explanation, but in actuality, a decision value (range of random values) for determining the fluctuation pattern is set according to the special symbol fluctuation pattern random value. The variation pattern is determined based on which determination value the variation pattern random value belongs to. As for the various variation patterns, the variation time is determined for each variation pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation, and it is assumed that the symbol variation by the decorative symbol composed of multiple symbols is also executed at the variation time. Is defined as In this example, for convenience of explanation, only a plurality of types of variation patterns will be described as an example, but actually there are more than 100 types of variation patterns.

  In the present embodiment, there are three types of variation pattern selection states, such as “normal variation state α”, “shortened variation state β”, and “special variation state γ”. Here, the normal variation state α is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is selected with reference to the normal variation pattern table (FIG. 7A) selected when the gaming state is the normal state. The shortened variation state β is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is selected with reference to the shortened variation pattern table (FIG. 7B) selected when the gaming state is the probability variation state. The special movement state γ is allowed to be selected only for a certain period (in this example, a period of 10 symbol variation displays: referred to as “limited period”) immediately after the end of the special game when the gaming state is a latent state. This is a state in which a special symbol variation pattern is selected with reference to the special variation pattern table (FIG. 7C).

  As described above, the special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143 holds the normal variation pattern table, the shortened variation pattern table, and the special variation pattern table (limited frequency table). Each variation pattern table can be different depending on the result of the lottery (big hit / small hit / disengagement) and the stop symbol. In this example, each variation pattern table is common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol are used. It may be different. Now, each variation pattern table will be described in detail.

(Normal variation pattern table)
FIG. 7A is a diagram schematically showing a normal variation pattern table. In the normal variation pattern table for big hits / small hits, various fluctuation patterns are assigned according to the types of big hits and small hits. Specifically, in the case of 16R big hit or 8R big hit, any one of the fluctuation pattern PX3 (20 seconds), the fluctuation pattern PX4 (60 seconds), the fluctuation pattern PX5 (90 seconds), and the fluctuation pattern PX6 (120 seconds) is selected. Is done. In the case of 2R big hit or small hit, the fluctuation pattern PX3 (20 seconds) is selected. In the normal state, when the result of the determination of success / failure in the first special symbol is a big hit or a small hit, the non-reach variation pattern is not selected, and the reach variation pattern is always selected.

  On the other hand, in the normal fluctuation pattern table for deviation, the fluctuation pattern PY1 (5 seconds), the fluctuation pattern PY2 (10 seconds), the fluctuation pattern PY3 (20 seconds), the fluctuation pattern PY4 (60 seconds), and the fluctuation pattern PY5 (90 seconds). Any one of the fluctuation patterns PY6 (120 seconds) is selected.

(Probability variation pattern table)
FIG. 7B is a diagram schematically showing a probability variation pattern table. In the probability variation pattern table for big hits / small hits, various fluctuation patterns are assigned according to the types of big hits and small hits. Specifically, in the case of 16R big hit or 8R big hit, any one of the fluctuation pattern PX3 (20 seconds), the fluctuation pattern PX4 (60 seconds), the fluctuation pattern PX5 (90 seconds), and the fluctuation pattern PX6 (120 seconds) is selected. Is done. In the case of 2R big hit or small hit, the fluctuation pattern PX3 (20 seconds) is selected. In the probability variation state, when the result of the determination on the first special symbol is a big hit or a small hit, the non-reach variation pattern is not selected, and the reach variation pattern is always selected.

  On the other hand, in the probability variation pattern table for deviation, the variation pattern PY1 (5 seconds), the variation pattern PY2 (10 seconds), the variation pattern PY3 (20 seconds), the variation pattern PY4 (60 seconds), and the variation pattern PY5 (90 seconds). Any one of the fluctuation patterns PY6 (120 seconds) is selected.

(Special variation pattern table)
FIG. 7C is a diagram schematically showing the special variation pattern table. In the special variation pattern table for big hits / small hits, a common variation pattern is assigned under the same selection rate regardless of the types of big hits and small hits. Specifically, regardless of whether 16R big hit, 8R big hit, 2R big hit or small hit is selected, one of the fluctuation pattern PX4 (60 seconds) and the fluctuation pattern PX5 (90 seconds) is selected.

  On the other hand, in the special variation pattern table for loss, either the variation pattern PY4 (60 seconds) or the variation pattern PY5 (90 seconds) is selected. As described above, in the special variation pattern table, only a variation pattern having a time value of 60 seconds or 90 seconds can be selected regardless of whether the determination result is a big hit, a small hit, or a loss.

  In the above description, the variation pattern table for deviation is expressed as a single table in any case. However, when the result of the lottery decision is lost, the number of reserved balls for special symbols ( Different variation pattern tables may be selected according to 0 to 4). That is, by using a variation pattern table according to the number of reserved balls for special symbols, the proportion of relatively short variation times is increased as the number of activated balls is increased, and the number of reserved operations is small. As a result, a relatively long variation time can be selected.

  In addition, the special symbol lottery processing means 140 selects the special symbol variation pattern, and then instructs the production control board 200 to start the variation of the decorative symbol, so that the production control command (“ (Referred to as a “variation pattern designation command”), a production control command (referred to as a “design designation command”) including information on special symbols and gaming states, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “variation start command”). This is also stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

The normal symbol lottery processing unit 145 includes a normal symbol success / failure determination unit 146, a normal symbol stop symbol determination unit 147, and a normal symbol variation pattern determination unit 148. When the normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol lottery processing unit 145 reads the normal symbol random number value and the normal symbol variation pattern random value stored in the first storage area in the normal symbol holding storage area, They are stored in the normal symbol success / failure determination area and the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180, respectively.

  The normal symbol success / failure determination unit 146 reads out a random value per normal symbol from the normal symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage unit 180 and executes the determination of success / failure, and determines whether the determination result corresponds to hit or miss. decide. The result of this lottery lottery is temporarily stored in the normal symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180, and after being used in the subsequent processing, it is cleared when the variation of the normal symbol is stopped. The normal symbol success / failure determination means 146 holds a normal symbol success / failure lottery table which is referred to at the time of the success / failure lottery. In the normal state (low probability state), for example, the normal symbol hit / decision unit 146 Referring to the symbol winning / losing lottery table, in the probability variation state (high probability state) of the normal symbol, for example, referring to the normal symbol winning / losing lottery table with a probability of “282/283”, the normal symbol winning / losing lottery is executed. To do.

  The normal symbol stop symbol determination means 147 refers to the symbol lottery table and assigns a predetermined winning symbol when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a win, while assigning a predetermined off symbol when the result is wrong. It has become.

  The normal symbol variation pattern determination unit 148 reads the normal symbol variation pattern random number value from the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180, and refers to the normal symbol variation pattern table to display the variation display of the normal symbol in the normal state. In, a relatively long variation time is selected (for example, seven types “4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, and 10 seconds” are selected uniformly). On the other hand, a relatively short variation time (for example, “0.5 seconds”) is selected in the short time state (easy entry state) of the normal symbol.

  The special game control means 150, when the result of the winning / losing lottery is a big win, according to the determined big hit symbol, the demonstration related to the start demonstration effect and the end demonstration effect displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the special game. Determine the production time. Also, the special game control means 150 provides an effect control command (referred to as a “hit start demo command”) for instructing execution of the start demonstration effect to the effect control board 200 side and an effect for instructing execution of the end demo effect. A control command (referred to as “big hit end demo command”) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. Note that the jackpot start demo command also serves as an opportunity to determine the contents of a series of jackpot effects (start demo effect, round effect, end demo effect) developed during the special game on the effect control board 200 side. The special game control means 150 generates an effect control command (referred to as a “round effect designation command”) for instructing the start of a round effect corresponding to each round game in each round game during the special game. This is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This round effect designation command includes information on the current number of rounds, information on detection of the big prize opening switch 641, and the like. Regarding the execution time for special games, 1) Start demo time is from the time of the big hit symbol stop to the predetermined time from the start of the first round game, 2) End demo time is from the end of the last round game to the end of special game 3) Varying at least one of the start demonstration time and the end demonstration time related to the big hit according to the state at the time of the big hit fluctuation, while the predetermined time until the hour (just before the first fluctuation starts after the big hit ends) May be. When any of the demonstration times is varied, it is preferable to shorten the demonstration time if a big hit is made in the probability variation state (easy entry state). Further, even for the same big hit symbol, as described above, the demo time may be varied depending on whether the big hit in the normal state or the big hit in the probability variation state.

In addition, when the result of the lottery is a small hit, the special game control means 150 determines the demonstration performance time related to the small hit start demonstration effect and the small hit end demonstration effect displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the small hit game. decide. The special game control means 150 also provides an effect control command (“small hit start demo command”) for instructing execution of a small hit start demo effect and an effect control command (“small hit for start of a small hit end demo effect). An end demo command ") is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

  The symbol display control means 155 includes a special symbol display control means 156 and a normal symbol display control means 157. The special symbol display control means 156 displays the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 71 according to the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol, and confirms and displays the first special symbol after the variation display. Let Further, the special symbol display control means 156 displays the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 72 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the second special symbol, and displays the second special symbol after the variation display. Confirm display. The special symbol display control means 156 has a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The operating states of the first special symbol display device 71 and the second special symbol display device 72 are monitored based on the special symbol game status in the main information storage means 180. The special symbol display control means 156 requests the effect control board 200 to confirm the decoration symbol when the special symbol fluctuation is stopped (that is, when the value of the special symbol game timer becomes “0”). An effect control command (referred to as “variation stop command”) is generated. The normal symbol display control means 157 variably displays the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 75 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the ordinary symbol, and displays the regular symbol after the variation display. The normal symbol display control means 157 has a normal symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the display of the normal symbol. The operating state of the normal symbol display device 75 is monitored based on the normal symbol game status of the main information storage means 180.

  If the result of the special symbol winning / losing lottery is a big win, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 643 as a special game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed. The object 642 is opened according to a predetermined operation pattern. In the special game, one opening / closing operation of the special electric accessory 642 is defined as one round game, and the round game is continuously executed for a specified number of rounds (16R, 8R, 2R in this example). . The electric accessory control means 160 holds a big prize opening opening counter for storing the number of operations of the special electric accessory 642 (that is, the number of rounds being executed). Here, when the big hit type is a so-called 16R big hit (symbols A and D) or 8R big hit (symbols B and E), the big winning opening 64 is opened for about 30 seconds at the maximum in one round game. On the other hand, when the big hit type is a so-called 2R big hit (symbol C), the big winning opening 64 is opened for about 0.05 seconds at the maximum in one round game. Here, the closing condition of the special winning opening 64 in the special game (unit game ending condition) is a lapse of a winning period of a specified count number of game balls or a specified number of seconds.

  In addition, when the result of the special symbol winning lottery is a small hit, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 643 as a small hit game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed. The special electric accessory 642 is opened for a short period of time. The small hit game is composed of one round game, and is distinguished from a special game composed of a plurality of round games. Here, when the 2R special game and the small hit game described above are compared, although they are internally different, the point of the same opening / closing time (0.05 seconds) and the number of times of opening / closing are the same (the former is Since one opening and closing per round is twice in two rounds, and the latter is common in two opening and closing per round twice, a game with an approximate opening time / opening pattern is developed.

In addition, when the winning combination of normal symbols is won, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 623 to open the ordinary electric accessory 622 for a predetermined opening time. Here, the electric accessory control means 160 opens the ordinary electric accessory 622 for an extremely short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, whereas it is normally electric in the easy to enter state (electric chew support state). The accessory 622 is opened for a relatively long time (for example, 4 seconds) compared to the normal state.

  The gaming state control means 165 determines the gaming state after the special game and switches the gaming state after the special game based on the type of the big winning symbol when the result of the special symbol winning lottery is a big hit. In the present embodiment, as described above, since it is a so-called ST machine with a number cut, the game state after the special game has a predetermined number of end times, that is, the ST number of times, when the special symbol variation counts from the end of the special game. The special symbol probability changing state continues until it arrives (however, if the next big hit occurs within the number of STs, the special symbol probability changing state ends with the change). In addition, when the small hit is made during the ST period, the ST number is not reset to zero (recovered), and the ST number is continuously counted before and after the small hit occurs. In the present embodiment, the number of STs is set to 84 times, but it is needless to say that the number may be set to other numbers. As described above, in the present embodiment, the probability variation state of the special symbol, which is the state in which the special symbol variation time reduction function and the electric chew support function are activated in association with the special symbol probability variation function, and the probability of the special symbol The gaming state transitions between a “latency probability changing state (latent state)” in which only the fluctuating function is activated and a “normal state” in which no function is activated. At this time, if the gaming state is a probability variation state or a latent probability variation state, the jackpot winning probability is a high probability state (special symbol probability variation state), and if the gaming state is a normal state, the jackpot winning probability is a low probability state (special Symbol non-probability change state). In addition, since each game state has already been described, redundant description is omitted here. Here, if the result of the lottery for the special symbol is a big hit, even if the game state before the big hit is a normal state or a special symbol probable state (probability change state or latent probability change state), During execution, the game is in a normal state, and after the special game is over, the special symbol probability change state (probability change state or latent probability change state) is uniformly limited up to the number of STs. On the other hand, if the result of the special symbol winning / losing lottery is a small hit, if the game state before the small hit is the normal state, the game state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also in the normal state. In addition, if the game state before the small hit is a special symbol probability change state (probability change state or latent probability change state), the game state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also a special symbol probability change state (probability change state or latent state). (Probable change state).

  Further, the game state control means 165 determines the variation pattern selection state after the special game based on the type of jackpot (type of jackpot symbol A to E) when the result of the lottery is a big hit, and special Switch the variation pattern selection state after the game. The variation pattern selection state is one of the conditions referred to when selecting the above variation pattern table. The switching timing of the variation pattern selection state is when the special game ends or when the end number of times of the variation pattern selection state has expired. In this embodiment, as described above, there are three types of variation pattern selection states, such as “normal variation state α”, “shortened variation state β”, and “special variation state γ”. In addition, since each variation pattern selection state has already been described, redundant description is omitted here. In this embodiment, when the big hit symbol A, B, D, E is selected (in the case of 16R or 8R big hit), (1) Immediately after the end of the special game, the number of fluctuations is within the ST period (84 times). In some cases, the state stays in the shortened fluctuation state β, and (2) stays in the normal fluctuation state α after the end of the ST number, that is, after the 85th execution. On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol C is selected (in the case of 2R jackpot), (1) Immediately after the end of the special game, stays in the special variation state γ only for the limited period of 10 variations, (2) End of the limited period Later, when the number of fluctuations is within the ST number (84 times), stays in the shortened fluctuation state β. (3) After the ST number ends, that is, after the 85th time, the number of fluctuations stays in the normal fluctuation state α To do. Of course, the period until the first hit occurs normally stays in the fluctuation state α. Then, the gaming state control unit 165 generates an effect control command (referred to as “gaming state designation command”) including the current gaming state information and variation pattern selection state information, and stores this command in the main information storage unit 180. Store in the area.

  The error monitoring control unit 170 monitors input information of the I / O port circuit 104 and inspects a magnetic detection signal by a magnetic sensor, a disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, a radio wave detection signal by a radio wave sensor, a door / frame opening signal, and the like. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state. If it is in an error state, an effect control command including the error information (“error effect designation command”) is requested to indicate an error state effect to the effect control board 200. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the door opening switch is a detecting unit for detecting whether or not the glass frame 5 is opened, and the frame opening switch is a detecting unit for detecting whether or not the front frame 2 is opened. The back set release switch is a detecting means for determining whether or not the back set board 30 is open. Further, the magnetic sensor and the radio wave sensor are detection means for detecting a so-called goto action.

  The main information storage means 180 stores random number value information acquired in special symbol games and normal symbol games, operation reserved ball information of special symbols and normal symbols, game states related to special symbol games and normal symbol games (probability change state, time reduction state, Information on easy entry), information on variation pattern selection status, result information on winning / failing lottery (win, small hit, off), information on stop and variation patterns on special symbols and regular symbols, information on special games (round) Number, release time, release mode (number of releases per round game), etc.), status information indicating the operating state of the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, status information indicating the operating state of the special electric accessory 642, production control command It is configured to temporarily store data information and the like, and has a predetermined storage area for storing each information.

  The command transmission / reception means 190 is configured to transmit various effect control command data stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 to the effect control board 200 by a parallel transmission method when a command transmission request is made. Has been. Each effect control command has a 2-byte structure including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data. Bit 7 of the MODE data is “1” in order to distinguish MODE and EVENT. Bit 7 of the EVENT data is “0”. When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output to each of MODE and EVENT. In principle, the effect control command generated in each process is transmitted for each interrupt period in accordance with the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the effect control board 200 includes an effect lottery random number generation means 210, an effect control means 220, a lamp effect control means 230, an accessory effect control means 240, an error effect control means 250, and a sub-main information storage means 260. , Command transmission / reception means 270. Note that each of the above-described units in the effect control board 200 is configured by sub-main CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, hardware such as an electronic circuit arranged on the effect control board 200, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 202. Is a functional representation of things.

  The effect lottery random number generation unit 210 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers (effect lottery random numbers) by the program processing of the sub main CPU 201. These random number counters serve as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. This software random number includes the pre-read lottery random number used for the lottery of whether or not the pre-read trailer can be executed, the pre-read trail pattern random number used to select the pre-read trail pattern, the decorative design random number used to select the stop symbol of the decorative design, Fluctuation effect pattern random number used for selection of variable effect pattern, notice lottery random number used for selection of notice effect execution and notice effect pattern, jackpot effect pattern random number used for selection of jackpot effect pattern, transition lot of effect stage The stage determination random number to be used is included. The update time of these random numbers is updated using the remaining time when the command analysis is not performed in the production control side main process described later.

  The effect supervision means 220 includes an effect mode control means 221, a hold information display control means 222, a prefetch notice control means 223, a decorative symbol determination means 224, a variable effect determination means 225, a notice effect determination means 226, a jackpot effect determination means 227, and a synchronization. Production control means 228 is included.

  The holding information display control means 222 includes a first reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated reserved balls of the first special symbol, and a second reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated reserved balls of the second special symbol. Have. When the holding information display control means 222 receives the symbol storage number command from the main control board 100, the first holding ball number counter and the second holding ball are based on the information of the operation holding ball number included in the symbol storage number command. Update the value of the number counter. In addition, the hold information display control unit 222 applies the action hold ball of the first special symbol to the hold display portions 701 and 702 of the effect display device 70 based on the values of the first hold ball number counter and the second hold ball number counter. Control is performed to display the number of reserved images corresponding to the number and the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of active reserved balls of the second special symbol. In the normal display mode, when a special design operation holding ball is generated, a white display holding image is displayed. On the other hand, when a prefetching notice (holding change prefetching notice) described below is executed, The reserved image that is the target is any one of “blue”, “green”, “red”, and “rainbow” as a special display mode (display color) from “white” of the normal display mode (display color) Can take. The above four types of special display modes are related to the reliability that the lottery result is a big hit (referred to as “big hit reliability”), and “blue” <“green” <“red” <“rainbow” The jackpot reliability is set to be higher step by step. In this example, when the pre-read target reserved image changes to “rainbow”, the big hit becomes deterministic in the pattern variation when the pre-read target operating ball is digested. Note that, in the hold change prefetch notice effect, the change in the display mode of the hold image may be expressed by a shape, a pattern, or the like instead of the display color.

  The prefetch notice control means 223 determines whether or not the prefetch notice can be executed by a lottery when the predetermination command is received from the main control board 100. The pre-reading notice control means 223 distinguishes the information of the first special symbol pre-determined result and the information of the second special symbol pre-determined result, and enters each of up to a predetermined upper limit number (4) of the operation holding balls. Temporarily stored in the pre-read information storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 in a form combined with the order. This pre-read information storage area has the same configuration as the reserved storage area of the main control board 100, and in the order of entering the starting ports 61 and 62, the reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area), A hold 2 storage area (second hold storage area), a hold 3 storage area (third hold storage area), and a hold 4 storage area (fourth hold storage area) are provided. Each reserved storage area can store information on the result of prior determination, information on the design prior determination result, and information on the variation pattern prior determination result as a set.

  When the prefetching notice control means 223 determines whether or not the prefetching notice can be executed, the prefetching notice control means 223 makes a prefetching judgment (“prefetching judgment”) for the operation holding ball that is the target of the prefetching notice based on the prejudgment result by the main control board 100. (Also called). The pre-reading notice is a form of so-called continuous notice effect (zone effect) for notifying the possibility of a big win or a high expectation effect (for example, a super reach effect) over a continuous variation display of decorative symbols. Generated. In the continuous notice effect (zone effect), for example, a special background image different from the normal background image is displayed across a plurality of variable displays, and the player is informed that the prefetch notice is being executed. When it is determined that the pre-reading notice is executable, the information of the pre-determining command from the main control board 100 (result of the pre-determination) and the information of the symbol memory number command (the number of currently active pending balls) are analyzed. A pre-reading notice effect pattern over a plurality of continuous variable displays is determined by lottery for an operation holding ball (referred to as “trigger hold”) that triggers the occurrence of a pre-reading notice effect. In addition to the pending change prefetching notice, there are various variations of the prefetching notice, such as a chance eye prefetching notice, a background change prefetching notice, and an in-hold extended villa prefetching notice.

  The effect mode control means 221 controls the transition of the effect mode in accordance with the game state designation command from the main control board 100 and the consistency with the game state and the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side. Execute. In the present embodiment, a normal effect mode Mα, a probability change effect mode Mβ, and a latent effect mode Mγ are included as the three types of effect modes, and the variation patterns of the special symbols instructed from the main control board 100 are the same. In addition, the variation effect pattern (details will be described later) for specifying the specific content of the symbol variation effect is set differently for each effect mode. On the effect display device 70, an effect mode notification image (in this example, a background image to be displayed on the back of the decorative symbol) corresponding to the effect mode in which the user is currently staying is displayed, and the background images are different for each effect mode. Since it is set, the player can recognize which effect mode he is currently staying in from the type of background image. The normal effect mode Mα is set when the normal variation state α is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and “normal background” is displayed as the background image. The probability variation effect mode Mβ is set when the shortened variation state β is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and “probability variation background” is displayed as the background image. The latent effect mode Mγ is set when the special variation state γ is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and conceals that the gaming state is the special symbol probability variation state (high probability state). Therefore, “normal background” is displayed as the background image (that is, a background image common to the normal effect mode Mα is displayed).

  The decorative symbol determination means 224 determines the final combination of the decorative symbols (left symbol and symbol) based on the information (variation pattern information, stop symbol information, game state information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100. The middle symbol and the left symbol) are determined by lottery. In this example, three symbol sequences including a plurality of types of decorative symbols are configured. This decorative design is formed by, for example, an identification element made up of numbers or letters. In this example, nine types of numbers “1” to “9” are set as identification elements. Each decoration symbol circulates in each display area Z1, Z2, Z3 in the order of “1” → “2” → “3” →... → “8” → “9” → “1” Is displayed.

  The decorative symbol determination means 224 holds a plurality of types of stop symbol pattern tables that are referred to when a combination of stop symbols of decorative symbols (also referred to as “stop symbol pattern”) is determined by lottery. As the plural types of tables, there are a stop symbol pattern table for big hits, a stop symbol pattern table for small hits, a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach, a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach. The decorative symbol stop symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols: “stop symbol indicating big hit (big hit symbol)”, “stop symbol indicating small hit (small hit symbol)” and “stop symbol indicating loss (Exclusion symbol) ". The big hit symbol indicating the specific big hit (probable big hit) is a combination of stop modes (for example, “7 · 7 · 7”) in which three symbols having the same odd number are arranged. The big hit symbol indicating the normal big hit (non-probable big hit) is a combination of stop modes (for example, “2.2-2.2”) in which three symbols with the same even number are arranged. The off symbol is a combination of stop modes (for example, “1 · 3 · 8”) in which at least one of the three symbols is a symbol having a number different from the other numbers. Here, of the out-of-order symbols, the out-of-reach symbol is a combination of stop modes in which only the middle symbol is shifted back and forth by several frames in a state where the left symbol and the right symbol are coincident (for example, “3 · 1 · 3”). Become. In the case of a small hit symbol, a big hit symbol or a 2R big hit symbol, there may be a combination of predetermined stop modes such as “3, 5, 7”. The stop order for stopping the decorative symbols is predetermined for each variation effect pattern described below. In this embodiment, in principle, the decorative symbols are stopped in the order of left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol. However, if the variation effect pattern has a very short variation time, the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol are stopped almost simultaneously, and if it is a special variation effect pattern, the right symbol → middle symbol → left symbol It can also be stopped in sequence. At this time, if it is not the stopping order of the above principle (left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol), the big hit expectation degree tends to be relatively high.

  Based on the information (variation pattern information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100, the variation effect determining means 225 defines the variation process (effect process) from the variation start to the stop in the variation display of the decorative symbol. Determine the production pattern. In this embodiment, the design variation effect (reach effect) performed after the reach display includes a reach effect with a simple effect content (normal reach effect) and a reach effect (super reach effect) where the effect content develops in the middle. . The variation effect determining means 225 holds a plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation effect pattern, and a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol is selected from the plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables. ) Is selected. In the variation effect pattern table, the variation effect pattern random value and the variation effect pattern are associated with each other according to the result of the variation pattern lottery of the special symbol (that is, the reach type). Here, on the main control board 100 side, a basic pattern of symbol variation (for example, “Super Reach A”, etc.) is determined, whereas on the presentation control board 200 side, the scenario of the effect display process is detailed based on the basic pattern. A detailed pattern of defined symbol variation (for example, “super reach A1, A2, A3...”, Etc.) is determined. In this way, the variation display pattern of the decorative design defines a variation display mode of the decorative design, that is, a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the start of variation of the decorative design to the end of the variation. The timing for generating the notice effect at the stage is also defined as a time schedule. In addition, even if the variation pattern of the special symbol is the same (even when the variation start command of the same information is received), the decoration design variation effect pattern is mutually produced if the effect mode during the stay is different. Variation production patterns having different contents can be selected. That is, the variation effect pattern table is prepared for each effect mode during stay. However, in this example, for convenience of explanation, only a single variable effect pattern table that does not depend on the effect mode is shown.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the variation effect pattern table. In the variation effect pattern table, the variation effect pattern random number value and the variation effect pattern are associated with the variation pattern of the special symbol, and there are plural types of variation patterns that are different from the variation pattern of the big hit / small hit. A random effect pattern random number value is allocated so that any one of the variable effect patterns can be selected. In this example, for convenience of explanation, one variation effect pattern (variation effect pattern group) is associated with one variation pattern. Alternatively, any variation effect pattern is selected by lottery from a plurality of variation effect patterns. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the variation effect pattern group and the variation effect pattern are not distinguished from each other and are collectively referred to as a “variation effect pattern”. Specifically, in the variation effect pattern table for big hit / small hit, the variation effect pattern PEX3 (normal reach effect) for the change pattern PX3, the change effect pattern PEX4 (super reach A effect) for the change pattern PX4, and the change pattern Fluctuation effect pattern PEX5 (super reach B effect) is associated with PX5, and change effect pattern PEX6 (super reach C effect) is associated with change pattern PX6. On the other hand, in the variation effect pattern table for deviation, the variation effect pattern PY1 (normal variation A effect) with respect to the variation pattern PY1, the variation effect pattern PEY2 (normal variation B effect) with respect to the variation pattern PY2, and the variation pattern PY3. Fluctuation effect pattern PEY3 (normal reach effect), fluctuating effect pattern PY4 with respect to fluctuating effect pattern PEY4 (super reach A effect), fluctuating effect pattern PY5 with respect to fluctuating effect pattern PEY5 (super reach B effect), and fluctuating pattern PY6 The variation effect pattern PEY6 (super reach C effect) is associated.

The notice effect determining means 226 determines the notice effect pattern that defines the content of the notice effect that is executed at each stage of the decorative symbol change process according to the scenario of the change effect pattern. The notice effect pattern includes an effect pattern that displays an image or animation of a specific character temporarily or stepwise, an effect pattern that outputs a specific sound, an effect pattern that operates a movable accessory, and the like. The notice effect is executed in parallel with the variation display of the decorative symbol and suggests in advance that the jackpot reliability that the symbol variation stops in the jackpot mode is high. The notice effect includes a notice effect that is executed before the reach state occurs (including when the reach occurs) in the process of changing the decorative symbol, and a notice effect that is executed after the reach state occurs. Each of the announcement effects has different jackpot reliability. Basically, the announcement effect displayed after the occurrence of the reach has a relatively higher reliability of the announcement effect displayed after the occurrence of the reach. It is high. The notice effect determining means 226 maintains a notice lottery table (notice effect pattern table) that is referred to when selecting the notice effect pattern for each type of the notice effect, and the notice effect that occurs according to the scenario of the variable effect pattern. The notice lottery table corresponding to the type of is selected. That is, one or a plurality of notice lottery tables in which the number of determination values is set for each variation effect pattern or variation effect pattern table is prepared, and corresponds to the variation effect pattern or the variation effect pattern table selected by the variation effect determination means 225. The notice lottery table is selected. The notice effect determining means 226 refers to the notice lottery table selected above as a notice lottery process (details will be described later), and based on the notice effect pattern random number value obtained from the effect lottery random number generating means 210, a plurality of kinds of notices are provided. One of the production patterns is selected by lottery. Specific types of notice effects include cut-in notice effects, comment notice effects, background notice effects, SU (step-up) notice effects, logo notice effects, mini-character notice effects, group notice effects, accessory notice effects, etc. Is prepared. This notice effect is basically performed by synthesizing one or a plurality of notice effects with the decorative display of the effect display device 70. For this reason, even in the case of decorative display variation display using the same variation production pattern, various production modes can be generated by combining with one or a plurality of notice productions.

  Next, the notice lottery process will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the notice lottery table. In this example, as an example of the notice lottery table, the notice lottery table for cut-in notice is illustrated among one or more notice lottery tables prepared corresponding to the variable effect pattern PEX4 (super reach A effect: jackpot). ing. In the advance notice lottery table, the big hit expectation is set to be different in stages according to the display mode of the cut-in image (display color in this example). The cut-in notice effect is an effect that interrupts and displays a predetermined cut-in image during the change display of the symbol, and the high degree of expectation for jackpot is set according to the display mode (display color in this example) of the cut-in image. It is a suggestion. In the notice lottery table, an area corresponding to the total number of notice lottery random numbers is divided into a plurality of areas (referred to as “determination areas”), and for each judgment area, a lottery ID and the notice lottery assigned to the lottery ID are assigned. The number of numerical values (referred to as “determination number”) is associated with a 1: 1 relationship. In each determination area, a notice effect pattern is defined for each lottery ID. Specifically, ID1 has pattern 1 as “no cut-in”, ID2 has pattern 2 as “blue”, and ID3 has pattern 3 as “Green”, ID4 has “red” as pattern 4, ID5 has “golden” as pattern 5, ID6 has “giraffe” as pattern 6, and ID7 has “rainbow” as pattern 7. . On the other hand, the preliminary lottery random number is a random number that can take a total of 32768 values from “0” to “32767”. Then, the selection rate of the lottery ID is determined according to the ratio of the total number of the preliminary lottery random numbers with respect to the determined number. At this time, the first determination region from the top is referred to as “determination region 1”, and hereinafter referred to as “determination region 2”, “determination region 3”, “determination region 4”... In the present embodiment, as a general rule, in order from the lowest hit expectation degree, the determination area 1 → the determination area 2 → the determination area 3 → the determination area 4 → the determination area 5 →... The production pattern and the determination number are assigned. In other words, the higher the prediction area, the lower the prediction effect pattern is stored, while the lower determination area is the higher the prediction effect pattern is stored. Has been.

  As a notice lottery method, first, each determination area of the notice lottery table is sequentially referred to in accordance with a predetermined reference order (order from the top to the bottom). In this example, the uppermost determination region (determination region 1) is set as a reference start position when referring to a plurality of determination regions, and “determination region 1” → “determination region 2” → “determination region 3”. Lottery is executed in the order of “determination area 4” → “determination area 5” → “determination area 6” → “determination area 7”. Then, in each determination area, the determination number associated with the lottery ID is compared with the acquired notice lottery random number value. In the comparison, if the result obtained by subtracting the determination number from the notice lottery random number (the value of this result is also referred to as the notice lottery random number for convenience) is not less than 0, the process proceeds to the next decision area according to the above reference order, The notice lottery random number value as the difference value is compared with the next judgment value. This comparison is repeated until the result obtained by subtracting the judgment value from the notice lottery random number value is less than 0, and the lottery ID (notice effect pattern) corresponding to the judgment value when the result of the subtraction is less than 0 is obtained. Selected as a lottery result. In this example, for example, assuming that the acquired notice lottery random number value is “3000”, the result obtained by subtracting the decision number from the notice lottery random number value in the decision area 3 is less than 0. The “green” notice effect pattern is selected.

(Random number change process)
On the other hand, when a predetermined trigger is generated, the notice effect determination unit 226 changes the notice lottery random value (also referred to as “acquired random number value”) acquired from the effect lottery random number generator 210 according to a predetermined method. A random number changing process is executed, and the notice lottery process is executed based on the changed notice lottery random value (also referred to as “change random number value”). In this example, the “predetermined opportunity” is, for example, when 1) a pre-reading notice is being executed, or 2) when a special situation occurs, for example, when the time of the RTC 205 reaches a specific time. . When such a special situation occurs, the obtained random number value is changed according to a predetermined method, so that a weak notice (low expectation notice effect), a medium notice (medium expectation notice effect), and a strong notice ( Arbitrarily manipulated the selection ratio (such as high-expected announcement effect) to expand the game, such as a scene where the player increases the expectation of the big hit, or a scene where the effect of the effect is enhanced at once by linking with other special effects A notice effect according to the situation shall appear. That is, conventionally, by preparing a plurality of notice lottery tables having different determination number allocation methods for each notice effect pattern in each determination area, and switching the tables according to the situation or the like, the notice effect pattern However, by executing the random number change process in this example, the occurrence frequency of the notice effect pattern can be changed with only one notice lottery table.

  In the random number change process, the acquired lottery random number value is rounded so that only the announcement effect pattern of a predetermined order or higher is selected from the plurality of announcement effect patterns specified in the reference lottery table of the reference destination. . “Rank” means the ranking in the case of ranking each of the notice effect patterns in the notice lottery table in descending order of expectation level of jackpot. Therefore, through the random number changing process, only a notice effect pattern having a certain level of big hit expectation or higher can be selected according to the game development status. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the notice effect pattern ranked in a specific order is also referred to as a “lottery-based notice effect pattern”, and a determination area to which the lottery-reference notice effect pattern is assigned is referred to as a “lottery-based notice area”. Also called. Information for specifying the lottery criterion is stored in a lottery criterion storage area provided in the sub-main information storage unit 260 for each type of the notice lottery table. In the lottery reference storage area, different lottery criteria are set for each situation / scene that triggers a predetermined event, for example, when prefetching is being executed and when the timing time of the RTC 205 reaches a specific time. It may be.

Further, as described above, in this example, the higher the expectation degree (rank) of the notice effect pattern defined in the determination area is, the higher the position is in the lower determination area. Therefore, if the lottery-based notice effect pattern is assigned to the n-th determination area (determination area n), the notice effect pattern of a specific rank or higher is determined in the determination area (determination area n, determination Region n + 1,
Is assigned to the determination area n + 2,... (Where n ≧ 1). In the following, all the determination areas are divided into two, and the determination areas (determination area n, determination area n + 1, determination area n + 2,...) To which the notice effect pattern of a specific order or higher belongs are also referred to as “specific areas” and specified. The determination areas (determination area n-1, determination area n-2, determination area n-3,...) To which the notice effect patterns having a rank less than the order belong are also referred to as “non-specific areas”.

  In this configuration, in this example, the random number change process rounds the acquired random number value using a predetermined method, so that the notice effect pattern belonging to the specific area can be selected by lottery, while belonging to the non-specific area The notice effect pattern is not selected by lottery.

  Now, with reference to the notice lottery table shown in FIG. 9 as an example, how to round random numbers in the random number changing process will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the random number changing process.

(1. Specification of lottery criteria)
First, referring to the lottery criterion storage area, information for specifying the current lottery criterion is read out. Based on the lottery criteria, a plurality of determination areas in the notice lottery table are classified into a specific area targeted for the notice lottery and a non-specific area not intended for the notice lottery. In the specific example shown in the drawing, the gold color of ID5 is set as the lottery reference notice effect pattern (the determination region 5 is set as the lottery reference determination region), and the determination regions of the first to fourth steps are set. The collection area is specified as the non-specific area, and the collection areas of the determination areas from the fifth level to the seventh level are specified as the specific area.

(2. Calculation of unnecessary range)
By summing up all the determined numbers in the non-specific area, a total value (unnecessary range) of the determined numbers that are unnecessary in the current notice lottery is calculated. In the specific example shown in the figure, “29341” is calculated as the total value of “0”, “63”, “19238”, and “10040”, which are the determination numbers of the non-specific areas (determination areas 1 to 4). .

(3. Calculation of correction value)
A predetermined correction value X for correcting the acquired random number value is calculated. The correction value X is a numerical value that satisfies the following relational expression (A), and is calculated by applying the acquired random number value to the relational expression (A).

Acquired random value: Determination value of all determination regions = Correction value: Determination value of specific region (A)
In the illustrated example, assuming that the obtained random number value is “3000”, for example, the relational expression (A) is as follows.

3000: 32768 = X: (32768-29341)
3000: 32768 = X: 3427
32768X = 10281000
X = 313 (rounded down)
As described above, by expanding the relational expression (A), “313” is calculated as the correction value X. In this way, by reflecting the ratio between the acquired random number value and the determination number (total number of random number values) of all the determination areas in the ratio of the correction value X and the determination number of the specific area, the random numbers of all the determination areas The random number position of the acquired random number value within the range (0 to 32767) can be associated with the random number position of the changed random number value within the random number range (29342 to 32767) of the specific area. That is, the correction value X is determined so that the relative relationship of the acquired random number value with respect to the entire random number range of all the determination regions matches the relative relationship of the changed random number value with respect to the random number range of the specific region.

(4. Calculation of initial random number)
The smallest random number value (referred to as “random number initial value”) in the random number range that can belong to the specific area is calculated. The random number initial value in the specific area is calculated by adding “1” to the total value of the determination numbers in the non-specific area. In the illustrated specific example, “29342” is calculated as a random number initial value in the specific area by adding “1” to the total value “29341” of the determination numbers in the non-specific area.

(5. Calculation of changed random value)
As shown in the following relational expression (B), the changed random number value is acquired as a result of adding the correction value to the random number initial value.

Change random number value = random number initial value + correction value (B)
In the illustrated specific example, the modified random number value “29655” is derived by adding the correction value “313” to the random number initial value “29342”.

  Then, the notice lottery process is executed using the changed random number value and the notice lottery table, and one of the notice effect patterns belonging to the specific area is selected from one or more notice effect patterns. At this time, since the lottery method using the changed random number value is the same as the lottery method using the acquired random number value described above, a duplicate description is omitted. At this time, by using the changed random number value, even if the notice lottery process is executed based on the normal lottery method using the same notice lottery table, only one notice effect pattern belonging to the specific area is always selected. It has become. In this example, since the changed notice lottery random value (changed random value) is “29655”, the “golden” notice effect pattern belonging to ID5 is selected. In this way, originally, the “green” notice effect pattern corresponding to the acquired random value “3000” should be selected, but by executing the random number changing process, the changed random number value becomes the random initial value. Since the numerical value is changed to “29655” or more, the notice effect pattern having the lottery criterion “golden” or more is always selected.

  The jackpot effect determining means 227 determines the contents of the jackpot effect (a jackpot effect pattern) for notifying that the special game is being played. The jackpot effect includes a start demonstration effect for notifying the start of a special game, a round effect for notifying that a round game is in progress, and an end demonstration effect for notifying the end of a special game. When the jackpot effect determining means 227 receives the jackpot start demo command from the main control board 100, the jackpot effect pattern (start demo effect pattern, round effect, etc.) based on the jackpot type information stored in the sub main information storage means 260, etc. Pattern, end demo production pattern). In this jackpot production pattern, a jackpot start demonstration production time, a round production time (production time according to the opening pattern of the big prize opening 64) and a jackpot end demonstration production time are set according to the type of jackpot. A series of production contents are set along the time axis. In addition, the jackpot effect determining means 227 executes the start demonstration effect in response to receiving the jackpot start demo command from the main control board 100 according to the jackpot effect pattern, and receives each round effect designation command as an opportunity. An effect is executed, and an end demo effect is executed when a jackpot end demo command is received. In the big hit start demonstration effect, for example, the word “big hit start” is displayed on the screen to announce the start of the special game. In the round effect, for example, the number of currently executed rounds and the number of winning prize balls on the screen are displayed, and various images (animation images and the like) that excite the special game are displayed. In the big hit end demonstration effect, for example, the word “end big hit” is displayed on the screen to notify the end of the special game.

When the clocked time of the RTC 205 reaches a predetermined start time of the synchronized effect, the synchronized effect control means 228 has the same mode as that of other gaming machines installed on the gaming island regardless of the current gaming state of the gaming machine. When the synchronous effect is started and the time measured by the RTC 205 reaches the end time of the synchronous effect, control for ending the synchronous effect is executed. That is, in this example, in the plurality of gaming machines in the gaming island, when the timing time of each RTC 205 reaches the start time of the synchronized performance, each gaming machine starts executing the synchronized performance at the same time, When the time measured by the RTC 205 reaches the end time of the synchronization effect, each gaming machine is configured to end the synchronization effect at the same time. As the contents of this synchronized effect, for example, a common image (still image, moving image) from the effect display device 70 is distinguished from general effect modes (design variation, reach effect, jackpot effect, small hit effect, etc.). ) And a sound effect is generated from the speaker 11 corresponding to the image output. In this example, the period from the start time to the end time of the synchronization effect is referred to as “specific time”. In addition, as long as it is possible to implement a production mode (completely the same production, production that is related, production that partially matches, etc.) that is common with other game machines installed on the game island, Such a mode may be used. In addition, this synchronized effect is performed at the same time every day from Monday to Sunday (excluding store holidays). As the start time, for example, in the business hours from opening to closing of the amusement store, 11:00 (first time), 13:00 (second time), 15:00 (third time), The timing is set every two hours. As the end time, for example, it is set at a timing 5 minutes after the start time (that is, the execution time of the synchronous effect is 5 minutes). Note that the start time, end time, and effect time of the synchronized effect are not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, the time zone and the content of the production of the synchronous production may be made different according to the day of the week or the event date.

  As described above, the production control unit 220 generates the image control command related to the image and the sound based on the determined production content (prefetching production pattern, variation production pattern, notice production pattern, stop design pattern, jackpot production pattern, etc.) This is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

  The lamp effect control unit 230 controls the lighting of the effect lamp, the emission color, and the like according to the effect contents set by the effect control unit 220. The lamp effect control means 230 holds a plurality of types of lamp data (lamp pattern data) for lighting control of the effect lamp LP (the frame lamp 10, the panel lamp 25), and the lamp according to the determined effect pattern. Data is read, and this lamp control signal (lamp data) is transmitted to the lamp connection board 91.

  The accessory effect control means 240 controls the driving of each movable accessory 24 according to the effect contents set by the effect supervision means 220. The accessory effect control means 240 holds a plurality of types of drive data for driving and controlling the movable accessory 24, and transmits a drive control signal (drive data) corresponding to the determined effect pattern to the motor driver 92. To do.

  The error effect control means 250 is configured to determine an error effect pattern when an error effect designation command is received from the main control board 100 and to notify the gaming machine that an error state has occurred according to the error effect pattern. Yes.

  The sub-main information storage means 260 is configured to temporarily store decoration symbol information, variation effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, control command information, and the like, and a predetermined number for storing each information. A storage area is provided. For example, in the command storage area, an effect control command buffer for storing an effect control command from the main control board 100, an image control command buffer for storing an image control command to the image control board 300, and an image control board 300 ACK command buffer for storing ACK commands from Each command buffer is composed of a ring buffer and can store a predetermined number of effect control commands, image control commands, and ACK commands.

  The command transmission / reception means 270 is configured to receive the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100 and store the effect control command in the effect control command buffer. The command transmission / reception means 270 generates an interruption based on the input of the strobe signal from the main control board 100 and executes an effect control command reception interrupt process (details will be described later). In this interrupt process, various effect control commands are sent. To get. When the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the strobe signal, the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the effect control command reception interrupt process preferentially over other interrupt processes (interrupt processes with a priority level less than 7 described later). ing.

  Further, the command transmission / reception means 270 stores in the sub-main information storage means 260 in order to instruct execution of the effect contents (variation effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, decorative symbol information, etc.) set by the effect control means 220. The image control command thus transmitted is transmitted to the image control board 300 by a serial communication method. In principle, the image control command is transmitted every predetermined period (500 μs in this example) in accordance with the order set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260. Thereby, the image control board 300 analyzes various image control commands transmitted from the effect control board 200, and causes the effect display device 70 to variably display the effect image including the decorative design according to the scenario of the change effect pattern. The notice effect is displayed in a manner superimposed on the design variation effect at each stage of the variation display process. Further, the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the ACK command transmitted from the image control board 300 and stores the ACK command in the ACK command buffer.

<Processing on the main control board>
Next, the procedure of operation processing in the main control board 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing on the main control board 100 side includes main control side main processing and main control side timer interrupt processing.

<Main control side main processing>
FIGS. 11 to 12 are flowcharts showing main processing on the main control side of the main control board 100. In the main process on the main control side, after the security check of the main CPU 101 is performed by reset at power-on, the program starts and the processes after S1 are started.

  First, as an initial setting required when the power is turned on, a head address is set as an initial value of the stack area in the stack pointer (S1), and access to the RAM 103 is permitted (S2). Subsequently, a vector table storing the start address of a program to be processed when a timer interrupt occurs is set (S3), and an initial value is set in a built-in register of the main CPU 101 (S4).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch is turned on (S5). If the RAM clear switch is on (S5: YES), the entire area of the RAM 103 is cleared to zero in S9 described later. On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is not turned on (S5: NO), the value of the power-off information flag is read to determine whether or not the information on normal power-off is stored (S6).

Here, when the information indicating that the power is off normally is stored (S6: YES), a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area of the RAM 103 (S7). Then, it is determined whether or not this checksum is 0, that is, whether or not the checksum is normal (S8). Note that the checksum at power-on calculated here includes the complement of the checksum calculated in the power-off process described later, so if it has been backed up normally, Sam becomes “0”. In this way, it is determined when the power is turned on whether the information stored in the RAM 103 before the power is turned off is correctly backed up. At this time, if the checksum is normal (S8: YES), the process proceeds to S12, which will be described later, in order to return to the state before the power interruption. On the other hand, if the checksum is abnormal (S8: NO), the entire area of the RAM 103 is cleared to zero (S9). Next, initialization data at power-on is set in the RAM 103 (S10). Subsequently, in order to initialize the effect display device 70 and the effect lamp LP, an effect control command (“effect initial command”) is requested to the effect control board 200 (S11).

  Next, in the power-off recovery setting process, power-on normal information setting, various error initial settings, and communication initial setting with the payout control board 400 are sequentially performed in the RAM 103 (S12). Here, as the setting of the power-on normal information, in order to save that the power was correctly turned on, the power-on normal data is stored in the power-off information flag and the information on the occurrence of power-off is initialized. Turn off the power-off confirmation flag. Next, a data transfer source address, a data transfer destination address, and a transfer byte number are set, and data corresponding to the transfer byte number is transferred (S13). Then, a special symbol game status value at the time of power-off is read, and a power-off recovery process related to the special symbol game is performed (S14).

  Subsequently, a transmission request for an effect control command (“power failure return command”) at the time of power failure recovery between the main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 is made (S15). The power-off recovery command includes information related to the inspection of the communication line, the special symbol operating state, the probability variation count, the time reduction count, the easy-to-enter state count, the variation pattern selection status, and the error status. It should be noted that the command requests for untransmitted before the power is turned off are cleared. Next, in the symbol memory number command request process, the information on the number of suspended balls in the first special symbol and the second special symbol at the time of power-off is read, and an effect control command including the information on the number of suspended balls is requested ( S16).

  Subsequently, a return setting is made to return the ordinary electric accessory 622 to a state before the power is turned off (for example, the second start port 62 is opened) (S17). Further, a return setting is made to return the special electric accessory 642 to a state before the power is cut off (for example, the big prize opening 64 is opened) (S18). Subsequently, the value of the special symbol mode flag is read, and the operation state of the probability variation function of the special symbol when the power is turned off is set (S19). The special symbol mode flag is a flag for setting the operation probability (high probability or low probability) of the special symbol game. Next, in order to start a timer interrupt, a predetermined count value is set as an initial setting of the CTC circuit of the main control microcomputer 110, and a timer interrupt is generated every 4 ms (S20). Subsequently, interrupt prohibition is set to prohibit generation of timer interrupt processing (S21). Then, as a preparation for restarting the watchdog timer, clear word 1 (“55H”) is set (S22).

  Next, in order to determine the occurrence of a power interruption, the value of the power interruption confirmation flag is read to determine whether or not a power interruption has occurred (S23). If no power interruption has occurred, an initial value random number update process is executed (S24). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value.

Next, interrupt permission is set so as to allow the generation of the timer interrupt process (S25), the process returns to the above-described process for prohibiting the interrupt (S21), and the loop process of S21 to S25 is repeatedly executed. Here, the timer interrupt process is periodically executed at predetermined intervals, but using the remaining time from the completion of the previous interrupt process until the next interrupt process occurs, S21 to S25. Repeat the process up to. If there is an interrupt request in the interrupt disabled state, timer interrupt processing is started when the interrupt is enabled in S25. On the other hand, if the power-off confirmation flag is turned on in S23, that is, if a power-off has occurred, the process proceeds to S26 to execute the power-off process described below.

  Next, as power-off processing (S26 to S32), first, clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set to restart the watchdog timer (S26). Next, it is determined whether or not the content of the power-off information flag is power-on normal data (S27). If it is power-on normal information (S27: Yes), power-off normal data is set in the power-off information flag (S28). On the other hand, if the power-on normal information is not found (S27: No), the power-off abnormality data is set in the power-off information flag (S29), and the process proceeds to S32.

  Next, a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area (excluding the checksum area) of the RAM 103 (S30). Then, a complement for the checksum data is calculated, and the result value of this complement is set in the checksum area of the RAM 103 (S31). Subsequently, the access prohibition setting of the RAM 103 is set (S32), and the process is looped until the power is turned off.

《Main control timer interrupt processing》
Next, the main control side timer interrupt processing of the main control board 100 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing of the main control board 100. This timer interrupt process is started by a clock pulse every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms) from the CTC circuit of the game control microcomputer 110, and is executed by interrupting the main process on the main control side. In addition, as the terms used below, the terms “condition device” and “actual accessory continuous actuating device” mean a conceptual control device, and “condition device” means a big hit in a special symbol game. The “actual accessory continuous actuating device” is capable of operating the special electric accessory 642 continuously a plurality of times.

  First, when this timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the register in the main CPU 101 are saved in the stack area of the RAM 103, and then an interrupt operation condition is set (S51).

  Next, a clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set to restart the watchdog timer (S52). At this time, the clear word 1 and the clear word 2 are sequentially written in the WDT clear register of the CPU 101 within a preset time-out period, whereby the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted. That is, when the main CPU 101 is executing the program normally, the clear words 1 and 2 are periodically set, so that the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted before time-out. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Next, input processing is executed (S53). In this input process, information of switches other than the RAM clear switch is read as various switches connected to the main control board 100. That is, input information such as the first start port switch 611, the second start port switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, the big prize port switch 641, the door opening switch, the frame opening switch, the back set opening switch, the magnetic sensor, the radio wave sensor, etc. Is read, and after the state is determined, the detection information is stored.

  Next, various random number update processes are executed (S54). In these various random number update processes, the normal symbol variation pattern random number and the special symbol variation pattern random number are updated. As for the normal symbol variation pattern random number, 1 is added to the numerical value of the random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value. On the other hand, for the special symbol variation pattern random number, a predetermined value (for example, 3511) is subtracted from the previous random number. When the subtraction result is less than 0, a predetermined value (for example, 50000) is added to the subtraction result.

  Next, initial value update type random number update processing is executed (S55). In this initial value update type random number update process, the random numbers per ordinary symbol, the soft random numbers per special symbol, and the symbol random numbers per special symbol are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value. Further, when the counter value makes one round, the corresponding initial value random number is set as the initial value.

  Next, an initial value random number update process is executed (S56). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value.

  Next, timer subtraction processing is executed (S57). In this timer subtraction process, the values of various timers used for game operation control of the pachinko gaming machine PM are subtracted and updated. For example, the values of various timers are subtracted by an interrupt cycle (4 ms in this example). The various timers include special symbol game timers for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the special symbol display devices 71 and 72.

  Next, a second start port effective period setting process is executed (S58). In the second starting port effective period setting process, the winning effective period and the winning invalid period of the second starting port 62 are determined, and the effective period data or invalid period data of the second starting port 62 is set as the determination result.

  Next, a winning monitoring process is executed (S59). In this winning monitoring process, a game ball switch passage test is performed based on the detection information of the first starting port switch 611, the second starting port switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, and the big winning port switch 641 in the input process (S53). As a result, if it is determined that the game ball has passed through each switch, a transmission request for an effect control command including information indicating that the game ball has passed through each switch is made.

  Next, a prize ball control process is executed (S60). In this prize ball control process, a payout control command is transmitted to the payout control board 400 to instruct the number of prize balls corresponding to the type of winning prize, and the received data from the payout control board 400 is monitored to pay out the payout control board 400. Perform communication inspection with.

  Next, normal symbol operation gate monitoring processing is executed (S61). In this normal symbol operation gate monitoring process, the passage of the game ball to the operation gate 63 is monitored, and when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the operation gate 63, a random number related to the normal symbol lottery is acquired as the operation holding ball information. In addition to updating the number of suspended balls for a maximum of 4 balls, random numbers related to normal symbol lottery are stored.

  Next, normal symbol control processing is executed (S62). In this normal symbol control process, since a series of processes related to the normal symbol display device 75 or the ordinary electric accessory 622 is performed, the normal symbol changing process, the normal symbol stop symbol displaying process, according to the value of the normal symbol game status The processing during normal electric accessory operation, the processing during normal electric accessory operation end demonstration, etc. are executed. In the normal symbol changing process, the display pattern number data of the normal symbol is created (updated) so that the normal symbol is variably displayed or fixedly displayed.

  Next, normal symbol variation start monitoring processing is executed (S63). In this normal symbol variation start monitoring process, when the normal symbol operation state is monitored and it is determined that the normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol operation holding ball number is digested by one, and the normal symbol variation is monitored. Determination, determination of design, determination of variation pattern, setting of variation time, and the like are performed in order.

Next, the start port monitoring control process is executed (S64). In this start port monitoring control process, the winnings of the game balls to the first start port 61 and the second start port 62 are monitored, and when there is a winning game ball, the number of reserved balls is updated and the special symbol lottery is concerned. Random number storage, prefetching notice effect determination, command memory number command request, etc. are performed in order.

  Next, a special symbol control process is executed (S65). In this special symbol control process, as a series of processes related to the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, according to the value of the special symbol game status, a special symbol variation start process (S420) and a special symbol variation process (S430) which will be described later in detail. ), Special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440), and the like.

  Next, a special electric accessory control process is executed (S66). In this process, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” or “small hit”, as the operation process related to the special electric accessory 642, the operation start and end setting of the special electric accessory 642, Update of the opening time and the number of times of opening the winning opening 64, the operation start setting of the probability variation function, the operation start setting of the variation time shortening function, the setting of the variation pattern selection state, etc. are executed in order.

  Next, a special winning opening valid period setting process is executed (S67). In this big winning opening effective period setting process, the winning effective period and the winning invalid period of the big winning opening 64 are determined, and the effective period data or invalid period data of the large winning opening 64 is set as the determination result.

  Next, a special symbol variation start monitoring control process is executed (S68). In this special symbol variation start monitoring control process, when there is an operation holding ball of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the number of the holding balls is digested, and a command request for the number of stored symbols, whether the special symbol is successful or not is determined. The determination of the special symbol, the determination of the probability variation function, the determination of the time shortening function, the setting of the operation pattern of the special electric accessory, the setting of the demonstration performance time, etc. are performed in order.

  Next, an abnormality detection process is executed (S69). In this abnormality detection process, based on the input information in the input process (S53), the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, the radio wave detection signal by the radio sensor, the door / frame opening signal, etc. are inspected in order. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state. If it is in an error state, an effect control command (“error effect designation command”) including the error information is generated to request the effect control board 200 to display an error.

  Next, an entrance passage time abnormality detection process is executed (S70). In this incoming ball passing time abnormality detection process, when the ON signal of the winning detection switch is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more, the incoming ball passing time abnormality is set, and an effect control command (“error” A request for a production designation command ") and a request for outputting a security signal for output to an external terminal are made.

  Next, a game state display process is executed (S71). In this game state display process, display data such as the number of times that the special electric accessory 642 is continuously operated (the number of specified rounds), the number of reserved balls for normal symbols and special symbols, and the like are created. In addition, display data for displaying the information on the error state detected in the abnormality detection process on the state indicator lamp of the main control board 100 is created.

  Next, an LED output process is executed (S73). In this LED output process, the special symbol control process (S65), in order to display special symbols and normal symbols, display the number of reserved balls, the number of times that the special electric accessory is operated continuously, display an error, etc. The display data created in the abnormality detection process (S69), the game state display process (S71), etc. are used as the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, the normal symbol display device 75, the special symbol hold lamps 73 and 74, and the general figure hold. In addition to outputting to the lamp 76, the status indicator lamp of the main control board 100, etc., the display in these various display devices is initialized.

  Next, a firing control signal output process is executed (S73). In this launch control signal output process, when no communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or an abnormality in the short circuit power supply is detected, a fire permission signal is output to the payout control board 400, and the game ball is allowed to be launched. To do. On the other hand, if an abnormality in communication with the payout control board 400 or an abnormality in the short circuit power supply is detected, a firing prohibition signal is output to the payout control board 400 to prohibit the launch of the game ball.

  Next, a solenoid output process is executed (S74). In this solenoid output process, in the normal symbol control process (S62) and the special electric accessory control process (S66) to operate each electric accessory 622, 642. Based on the acquired control data, an excitation signal is output to each of the electric accessory solenoids 623 and 643.

  Next, an effect control command transmission process is executed (S75). In the effect control command transmission process, the effect control command designated by the pointer is read out from the effect control commands stored in the command storage area (ring buffer) of the main information storage means 180 in the process described above. The control command is transmitted to the effect control board 200.

  Next, external information output processing is executed (S76). In the external information output process, the operating state information of the gaming machine is output as external information to an external device such as a hall computer via the external terminal board.

  Next, the contents of the saved register are restored, and the main CPU 101 is set in an interrupt enabled state (S77). As a result, the main control side timer interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the main control side main process, and the main control side main process is executed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

If the main control board 100 detects a power-off (a decrease in supply voltage based on a predetermined threshold) during the main control-side main process or interrupt process, a non-maskable interrupt is generated and the power-off confirmation flag is turned on. To do. Then, after returning to the original process, the above-described power-off process (S
26 to S32).

≪Special design game processing≫
Next, a series of processes related to the special symbol game in the main control timer interrupt process will be described. The processing related to the special symbol game includes the above-described start port monitoring control processing (S64), special symbol control processing (S65), special electric accessory control processing (S66), special symbol variation start monitoring control processing (S68), etc. Is applicable.

(Start-up port monitoring control process)
First, the start port monitoring control process (S64) will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the start port monitoring control process (S64).

  First, it is determined whether or not a game winning at the first start port 61 has been detected (S201). When the winning to the first start port 61 is detected (S201: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number of 4 (S202).

  When the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol is less than 4 (S202: YES), as a lottery random value for the first special symbol game, a random value per special symbol, a random symbol value per special symbol, a special symbol Fluctuation pattern random values are acquired, and each random value is stored in the first special symbol reservation storage area (hold n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the order of entry (S203). Then, as an update of the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol, the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter is incremented by 1 (S204), and the winning check of the first start port 61 is completed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a game winning in the second starting port 62 has been detected (S205). When a winning at the second starting port 62 is detected (S205: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of operation reserved balls of the second special symbol is less than the upper limit number of 4 (S206). When the number of reserved balls in the second special symbol is less than 4 (S206: YES), a random number per special symbol, a random symbol value per special symbol, a special symbol, as a lottery random value related to the second special symbol game Fluctuation pattern random values are acquired, and each random value is stored in the second special symbol reservation storage area (hold n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the order of entry (S207). Then, as the update of the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol, the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter is incremented by 1 (S208), and the winning check at the second start port 62 is finished.

  Subsequently, whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been updated, that is, whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been added in S204 or S208. Is determined (S209). When there is an update of the number of balls with an operating reserve (S209: YES), a symbol memory number command including information on the number of balls with an operating reserve of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is generated, and this is stored as main information storage means. The command is stored in the command storage area 180 (S210).

  Next, the state of the gaming machine is confirmed, and it is determined whether it is a prior determination timing (S211). If it is a prior determination timing (S211: YES), a random number value per special symbol is read from the random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and a prior determination is made (S212). Then, a validity pre-judgment command including information on the pre-judgment result (pre-judgment pre-judgment number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S213).

  Further, the symbol random number value per special symbol is read from the symbol random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and symbol preliminary determination is performed (S214). Then, a symbol pre-determination command including this pre-determination result information (symbol pre-determination number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (S215). Further, the special symbol variation pattern random number value is read from the variation pattern random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and the variation pattern prior determination is performed (S216). Then, a variation pattern advance determination command including information on the prior determination result (variation pattern advance determination number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S217).

(Special symbol variation start monitoring control process)
Next, the special symbol variation start monitoring control process (S68) will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control process (S68).

  In this special symbol fluctuation monitoring and monitoring control process (S68), a special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process to be described later is applied to the special symbol side satisfying the fluctuation start condition among the first special symbol and the second special symbol. (S310) is executed. When both the first special symbol and the second special symbol satisfy the variation start condition, the process on the second special symbol side is preferentially executed as described above.

  First, it is determined whether a big hit or a small hit is being made (S301). Subsequently, whether both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for change, that is, whether the first special symbol game status and the second special symbol game status are both “00H (waiting for change)”. It is determined whether or not (S302).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the number of retained balls in the second special symbol is “0” (S303). If the number of retained balls is not “0” (S303: NO), the second special symbol is determined. It is assumed that the symbol variation start condition is satisfied, and after setting the address of the second special symbol variation start monitoring table (addresses of various tables used in the subsequent processing and the address of the RAM storage area) (S304) Then, the process proceeds to the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process (S310) on the second special symbol side. That is, in the present embodiment, when there is an operation holding ball of the second special symbol, the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is given priority regardless of the presence or absence of the operation holding ball of the first special symbol. Digested. Details of the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, when the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol is “0” (S303: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol is “0” (S305). . If the number of reserved balls is not “0” (S305: NO), it is assumed that the first special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, and the address of the first special symbol variation start monitoring table (hereinafter referred to as “the first special symbol variation start monitoring table”). After setting the addresses of the various tables used in the processing and the addresses of the RAM storage area (S306), the process proceeds to the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) on the first special symbol side.

  Note that if the variation start conditions of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not satisfied (S301: YES, S302: NO, S305: YES), the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) is skipped. .

(Special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process)
Next, the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310).

  In the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process (S310), the first special symbol fluctuation start monitoring table or the second special symbol fluctuation start monitoring table set in S304 or S306 described above is referred to The special symbol side process will be executed, but the processing method is the same on the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, so the first special symbol side process is the exception unless otherwise specified. Whether or not there is a process on the second special symbol side will be described as a group without distinction.

  First, 1 is subtracted from the number of reserved balls on the special symbol side that is the subject of the current fluctuation start (S311). Then, a symbol memory number command including information on the number of suspended balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after the subtraction is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (S312). Subsequently, the special symbol holding storage area on the side of the special symbol subject to the start of the current change is accessed, and the random number value per special symbol and the special symbol stored in the first reserved storage area (holding 1 storage area) In order to sequentially read the design random number value and the special design variation pattern random value, and use these random number values for the special symbol success / failure determination process (S320), the symbol determination process (S330), and the variation pattern selection process (S423) described later, Transfer to the special symbol success / failure determination area, special symbol determination area, and special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180 (S313). Further, as the update of the hold storage area, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area to the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower hold storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is cleared to zero (S314).

Subsequently, a special symbol success / failure determination process is executed (S320). In the special symbol success / failure determination process (S320), first, a special symbol success / failure lottery table is acquired. At this time, if the gaming state is a special symbol probability changing state, a high-probability lottery table is obtained, and if the gaming state is a normal state, a low-probability lottery table is obtained. Next, a random value per special symbol is read from the special symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage unit 180. Then, referring to the special symbol success / failure lottery table, the special symbol success / failure determination is executed based on the random number value per special symbol. Further, values corresponding to the determination result (big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, and loss data “00H”) are stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

  Subsequently, a symbol determination process is executed (S330). In the symbol determination process (S330), a special symbol stop symbol and character effect number (variable added symbol information) are determined according to the result of the determination. Then, the stop symbol and the character effect number of the special symbol determined this time are stored in the symbol storage area of the main information storage unit 180. The character effect number includes the determined stop symbol type (six patterns of big hit / small hit symbols A to E, K), and the operation status of the probability variation function of the special symbol and the normal symbol (special symbol probability change ON / One of 24 patterns in total is determined based on a combination of 4 patterns of special symbol probability variation OFF / normal symbol probability variation ON / normal symbol probability variation OFF). If the result of the determination is wrong, the character effect number “0” is determined.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the result of the determination is a small hit (S341), and whether or not the result of the determination is a big win (S342). If the result of the determination is a small hit (S341: YES), the process proceeds to S347, and if the result of the determination is out of order (S341: NO, S342: NO), the process proceeds to S349.

  On the other hand, if the determination result is a big hit (S341: NO, S342: YES), the probability of the special symbol as the gaming state after the special game based on the symbol type (big bonus type) determined in S330 It is determined whether or not to activate the variable function (S343). That is, when the symbol type (big hit type) indicates a specific symbol, it is determined to provide a probability variation function, and when the symbol type indicates a normal symbol, the probability variation function is determined. Decide not to grant. This determination result is stored in the probability variation determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

  Further, based on the symbol type (big hit type) determined in S330, the number of times of operation of the variable time reduction function is determined as the gaming state after the special game (S344), and the number of times of operation of the electric chew support function is determined. (S345). This determination result (the operation time information of the variation time shortening function, the operation frequency information of the electric chew support function) is stored in the time information storage area and the easy-to-enter number storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  Subsequently, the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642 is set based on the symbol type (big hit type) determined in S330 (S346). Specifically, as the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642, the specified number of round games (in this example, 16 rounds, 8 rounds, 2 rounds), the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 (in this example, 30 rounds) Seconds, 0.05 seconds).

  Next, based on the symbol type determined in S330 and the current game state, the variation pattern selection state after the special game or after the small hit game is set (S347). Subsequently, based on the symbol type determined in S330, a demonstration performance time (a hit start demo time and a hit end demo time) of the special game or the small hit game is set (S348). Next, the special symbol success / failure determination region and the special symbol / symbol determination region of the main information storage unit 180 used in the above-described special symbol success / failure determination processing (S320) and symbol determination processing (S330) are cleared (S349). Then, the special symbol game status on the special symbol side to be changed this time is changed from “00H (standby)” to “01H (change start)” (S350).

(Special symbol control processing)
Next, the special symbol control process (S65) will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control process (S65).

  First, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is inactive, that is, whether or not the special electric accessory game status is “00H (waiting for winning)” (S401). Subsequently, when the special electric accessory 642 is not operating (S401: YES), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol game status is not "00H (standby)" (S402).

  When the second special symbol game status is not “00H (standby)” (S402: YES), the second special symbol control table (used in the subsequent processing) is executed to execute the processing related to the second special symbol. The addresses of the various tables and the addresses of the RAM storage areas are set (S403), and the process proceeds to the special symbol control general processing (S410). On the other hand, when the second special symbol game status is “00H (standby)” (S402: NO), the first special symbol control table (in the subsequent processing) is executed to execute the process related to the first special symbol. The addresses of various tables to be used and the addresses of the RAM storage areas are set (S404), and the process proceeds to the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410).

  In the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410) described below, the first special symbol control table or the second special symbol control table set in S403 or S404 described above is used, and the special subject to change this time is used. The process on the symbol side will be executed, but the processing method is the same on the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, so is it the process on the first special symbol side unless otherwise specified? A description will be given collectively without distinguishing whether the processing is on the second special symbol side. Details of this special symbol control general-purpose process (S410) will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Special design control general-purpose processing)
Subsequently, special symbol control general-purpose processing is executed (S410). FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410).

  In this special symbol control general-purpose processing (S410), branch processing (S411 to S414) is executed to shift to processing according to the special symbol game status values ("01H", "02H", "03H"). First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status on the special symbol side subject to the current variation is not 0 (S411). If the special symbol game status is not “00H” (S411: YES), it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is “01H (change start)” (S412). If the special symbol game status is “01H” (S412: YES), the process proceeds to a special symbol variation start process (S420). Details of the special symbol variation start process (S420) will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S412, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is “02H (changed)” (S413). When the special symbol game status is “02H” (S413: YES), the process proceeds to the special symbol changing process (S430). Details of the special symbol variation processing (S430) will be described later with reference to FIG. If NO in S413, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "03H (stopped symbol display)" (S414). If the special symbol game status is “03H” (S414: YES), the process proceeds to a special symbol stop symbol display process (S440). Details of the special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440) will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Special symbol variation start processing)
Next, the special symbol variation start process (S420) will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start process (S420).

First, a special symbol variation pattern table is acquired based on the result of the lottery determination and the variation pattern selection state (S421). Subsequently, a special symbol variation pattern random value is read from the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 (S422). Then, with reference to the special symbol variation pattern table, one of a plurality of types of variation patterns is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random value (S423).

  Next, a variation time corresponding to the variation pattern selected this time is set (S424). Then, as a special symbol variation start setting, the variation time is stored in the special symbol game timer of the symbol display control means 165 (S425), and a variation start command to the effect control board 200 is generated (S426). As the variation start command, in order to start the symbol variation effect in the effect display device 70, a variation pattern designation command and a symbol designation command are sequentially generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  Subsequently, the contents of the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 used for determining the variation pattern are cleared (S427). Then, the special symbol game status is changed from “01H (change start)” to “02H (change)” (S428).

(Special symbol change processing)
Next, the special symbol variation processing (S430) will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol changing process (S430).

  First, a special symbol display pattern number switching process is executed in order to perform a special symbol variable display (S431). In this display pattern number switching process (S431), special pattern display pattern number data is generated for each predetermined switching time. The display pattern number data is output to the first special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72 in the LED output process (S73) in order to display the variable special symbols in a variable manner or in a definite manner.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has reached "0 (timeout)", that is, whether or not the special symbol variation time has ended (S432). When the variation time of the special symbol is completed (S432: YES), a special symbol stop symbol to be fixedly displayed on the first special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72 is set (S433). Subsequently, a change stop command for instructing the effect control board 200 to confirm and display the decoration symbol is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S434).

  Next, “500 (ms)” is stored in the special symbol game timer as a fixed display time (S435). Note that the “determined display time” is a time for definitely stopping and displaying the stopped symbol when the special symbol is suspended. Then, the special symbol game status is changed from “02H (fluctuating)” to “03H (stopping symbol display)” (S436).

(Special symbol stop symbol display processing)
Next, the special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440) will be described. 21 to 22 are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440).

  First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has become “0 (timeout)”, that is, whether or not the fixed display time of the special symbol (stop symbol) has ended (S441). When the special symbol fixed display time is over (S441: YES), the special symbol game status is changed from "03H (stopped symbol display)" to "00H (standby)" (S442).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the winning / failing determination data stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180 is the big hit data “55H” (S443). When the hit / decision determination data is jackpot data (S443: YES), the special symbol probability variation function is deactivated (S444), the special symbol variation time reduction function is deactivated (S445), and the electric support function is activated. Stop (S446) is performed in order. Specifically, “00H (not actuated)” is set in the special symbol mode flag, and the time-count counter and the easy-to-enter number counter are set to “
Set to “00H” and clear to zero.

  Next, as a special game start demo setting process, a start demo display time is set, and an effect control command (big hit start demo command) for instructing start of the start demo effect is generated (S447). Subsequently, the number of executions of the variation pattern selection state (variation pattern selection state number counter) is cleared to zero (S448). Also, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “00H (waiting for winning)” to “01H (special game)” (S449). Then, “00H” is set to clear the contents of the success / failure determination flag (S450).

  On the other hand, if the determination data is not big hit data (S443: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol probability variation function is in operation (S451). When the special symbol probability variation function is in operation (S451: YES), 1 is subtracted from the probability variation counter of the main information storage means 180 as the digest of the current special symbol variation (step S452). . Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the probability variation counter is zero (step S453). When the probability variation counter is zero (S453: YES), the operation of the special symbol probability variation function is stopped (S454). If the probability variation counter after subtraction is not zero (S453: NO), S454 is skipped and the process proceeds to S455.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time reduction function is in operation (S455). If the special symbol variation time reduction function is in operation (S455: YES), the time-count counter of the main information storage means 180 is decremented by 1 as the digest of the current special symbol variation (step S456). . Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the time reduction counter is zero (step S457). If the hourly number counter is zero (S457: YES), the special symbol variable time reduction function is deactivated, assuming that the number of times of termination of the special symbol time-short state has been reached (S458). If the time-count counter after subtraction is not zero (S457: NO), S458 is skipped and the process proceeds to S459.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the electric chew support function is in operation (S459). When the electric chew support function is in operation (S459: YES), 1 is subtracted from the easy-to-enter state counter of the main information storage unit 180 as the digest of the number of changes in the special symbol this time (step S460). . Next, it is determined whether or not the easy-to-enter state counter is zero (step S461). If the easy entry state number counter is zero (S461: YES), the operation of the electric chew support function is stopped (S462), assuming that the end number of easy entry states has been reached. If the easy-to-enter state counter after subtraction is not zero (S461: NO), S462 is skipped and the process proceeds to S463.

  Next, 1 is subtracted from the variation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage means 180 (S463). Then, the variation pattern selection state is updated (S464). Specifically, referring to the variation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage unit 180, it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the current variation pattern selection state has reached a preset end number. If it has been reached, the state is switched to the next specified variation pattern selection state. On the other hand, if the end count has not been reached, the current variation pattern selection state is maintained.

  Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the current gaming state information and the variation pattern selection state information updated in the above-described S451 to S464 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. (S465). On the side of the production control board 200, the production mode is set and updated based on the information of the game state designation command.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the small hit data “33H” is stored in the special symbol determination flag (S466). When the small hit data is stored (S466: YES), as the start demo setting process of the small hit game, the start demonstration display time is set and the effect control command (small hit is instructed to start the start demonstration effect) Start demo command) is generated (S467). Subsequently, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “00H (waiting for winning)” to “02H (small winning game)” (S468). Then, “00H” is set to clear the contents of the success / failure determination flag (S469).

  On the other hand, when the small symbol data “33H” is not stored in the special symbol determination flag (S466: NO), that is, when the shift data “00H” is stored in the special symbol determination flag, S467 to S469. To skip. Note that when the special symbol determination flag is outlier data, the process of clearing the contents of the flag was not performed because “00H” was originally stored as outlier data.

(Special electric accessory control processing)
Next, the special electric accessory control process (S66) will be described. 23 to 25 are flowcharts showing details of the electric accessory control process (S66).

  First, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory game status is “01H (special game)” (S501). If the special electric accessory game status is “01H” (S501: YES), the special game process is executed in the subsequent processes. In this special game process, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642, 652 is operating (S502). If the special electric combination 642, 652 is not operating (S502: NO), it is determined whether it is the operation start time of the special electric combination 642, 652 (S503). The operation start time of the special electric actors 642 and 652 is a timing at which the operation of the special electric actors 642 and 652 is started in each round game.

  When it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 642, 652 (S503: YES), an effect control command (round effect designation command) is generated to start the round effect, and this is stored in the main information storage unit 180. Store in the command storage area (S504). On the side of the effect control board 200, a round effect corresponding to each round game in the special game is executed based on the information of the round effect designation command (information such as the current number of rounds). Then, the operation of the special electric actors 642 and 652 is started (S505), and the processing of S506 to S510 is executed as the operation during the operation of the special electric officers 642 and 652.

  As a process during the operation of the special electric accessory 642, 652, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the maximum number of winning prizes 64, 65 (S506), and the special electric accessory 642, 652 is activated. It is determined whether the time (opening time) has elapsed (S507). At this time, if the game balls have won the maximum winning number 64, 65 in the maximum winning number (S506: YES) or if the operation time of the special electric accessory 642, 652 has passed (S507: YES), the special electric The operation of the accessory 642, 652 is stopped (S507). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessories 642, 652 has reached a predetermined number of rounds (S509). If the number of continuous operations has not reached the specified number of rounds (S509: NO), the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642, 652 is incremented by 1 (S510).

  On the other hand, if the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642, 652 has reached the specified number of rounds (S509: YES), the process proceeds to S511, and the end demo display time is set as the special game hit end demo setting process. And an effect control command (big hit end demo command) for instructing the start of the end demo effect is generated (S511).

Subsequently, the variable time reduction number information set in S344 is stored in the time reduction number counter (S512). Further, the easy entry state number information set in S345 is stored in the easy entry state number counter (S513).

  Subsequently, referring to the content of the probability variation determination flag set in S343, it is determined whether or not the operation of the condition device is an operation based on a specific symbol (so-called probability variation symbol) (S514). When the condition device is activated by a specific symbol (S514: YES), the operation time data “7FH” is stored in the probability variation counter of the main information storage means 180, and the special symbol probability variation function is activated. (S515). On the other hand, when the condition device is not operated by the specific symbol (S514: NO), the non-operating data “00H” is stored in the probability variation counter and S515 is skipped.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the variation time shortening number information stored in the time reduction number counter is variation time shortening function operation data (data other than “00H”) (S516). If it is the variation time shortening function operation data (S516: YES), the operation of the special symbol variation time shortening function is started (S517). On the other hand, when it is not the fluctuation time shortening function operation data (S516: NO), S517 is skipped.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the easy entry state number information stored in the easy entry state number counter is electric Chu support function operation data (data other than “00H”) (S518). If it is the electric Chu support function operation data (S518: YES), the operation of the electric Chu support function is started (S519 to S521). That is, the normal symbol probability variation function operation start (S519), the normal symbol variation time reduction function operation start (S520), and the normal electric accessory 622 open extension function operation start (S521) are executed in order. On the other hand, if it is not the electric Chu support function operation data, S519 to S521 are skipped.

  Next, the variation pattern selection state determined in S347 is switched to (S522). Subsequently, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the game state information after the special game and the variation pattern selection state information set in S512 to S522 described above is generated and stored in the main information storage unit 180. Store in the command storage area (S523). On the effect control board 200 side, the effect mode after the special game is set based on the information of the game state designation command. Then, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “01H (special game)” to “00H (waiting for winning)” (S524).

  On the other hand, when the special electric accessory game status is not “01H (special game)” (S501: NO), the process proceeds to S530 and whether the special electric accessory game status is “02H (small hit game)”. It is determined whether or not (S530). When the special electric accessory game status is “02H” (S530: YES), the small hit game processing is executed in the subsequent processing.

  In the small hit game processing, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642, 652 is operating (S531). When the special electric combination 642, 652 is not operating (S531: NO), the operation of the special electric combination 642, 652 is started (S532). On the other hand, when the special electric actors 642 and 652 are operating (S531: YES), S532 is skipped.

  Subsequently, as a process during the operation of the special electric accessory 642, 652, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the maximum winning number at the special winning openings 64, 65 (S533), and the special electric accessory 642 is determined. It is determined whether the operation time (opening time) 652 has elapsed (S534). At this time, if the maximum number of game balls is won in the big winning openings 64 and 65 (S533: YES), or if the operating time of the special electric accessory 642, 652 has passed (S534: YES), the special electric The operation of the accessory 642, 652 is stopped (S535).

  Subsequently, as the end demo setting process for the small hit game, the end demo display time is set, and an effect control command (small hit end demo command) for instructing the start of the end demo effect is generated (S536). Next, the variation pattern selection state determined in S347 is switched to (S537). Subsequently, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the variation pattern selection state information after the special game set in S537 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 ( S538). This gaming state designation command is used on the side of the production control board 200 for determining the production mode transition trigger, specifying the migration destination production mode, and the like. Then, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “01H (special game)” to “00H (waiting for winning)” (S538).

<Processing on the production control board side>
Next, the procedure of the operation process in the effect control board 200 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The process on the side of the effect control board 200 includes a reset start process (including an effect control side main process) that is executed when the sub-main CPU 201 is reset, such as after power-on, and an effect control side timer interrupt that is activated at regular intervals. Ramp activated when triggered by the arrival of a predetermined generation time specified in the time schedule of the process, the reception control process of the effect control command activated due to the strobe signal from the main control board 100, and the time schedule of the variable effect pattern It includes a production interruption process and a transmission interruption process of an image control command activated at regular intervals.

  In each interrupt process (exception process), a priority level indicating a priority when a plurality of interrupt processes occurs is set. In this example, “reset start processing by power reset (FIG. 26): highest priority”, “reset start processing at the time of various abnormalities (FIG. 26): highest priority” → “production control command reception interrupt processing (FIG. 34): Level 7 ”→“ Reset start processing by WDT (during runaway detection) (FIG. 26): Level 3 ”→“ Image control command transmission interrupt processing (FIG. 36): Level 2 ”→“ Production control side timer interrupt processing (FIG. 35): Level 1 ”and so on, the priority levels are ranked. Note that the “reset start processing at the time of various abnormalities” is, for example, when the sub-main CPU 201 executes an illegal command, or when the sub-main CPU 201 tries to access in an illegal area or an illegal method. Access) Starts when an error occurs during transfer. In the present embodiment, the above-described plural types of interrupt processing are illustrated, but actually other interrupt processing also exists.

  In the effect control side main process, the process is basically performed after setting all interrupts to be prohibited or interrupts other than the effect control command reception interrupt being set. Then, when the production control side main process is in an interrupt-permitted state, each interrupt process is started in a manner that interrupts the main process. In each interrupt process, when there is a request for another interrupt process during execution of the interrupt process (multiple interrupts are generated), in principle, if the interrupt process has a higher priority level than the interrupt process being executed, While the interrupt request is permitted, the interrupt request is prohibited when the interrupt process has a lower priority level or the same priority level as the interrupt process being executed. That is, each interrupt process is advanced in a state where other interrupts having the same priority level or a lower priority level are prohibited. Then, each interrupt process returns to the production control side main process with all interrupts permitted. Note that the priority order (priority level) of such interrupt factors is defined by register settings of the effect control microcomputer 210 (interrupt controller).

<Reset start processing>
First, reset start processing of the effect control board 200 will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing reset start processing of the effect control board 200. In this reset start processing, after the power is turned on, reset caused by various abnormal times, or reset caused by WDT (during runaway detection), the security check of the sub main CPU 201 is performed. The program starts and the processing after S601 is started.

  First, as an initial setting required when the power is turned on, a head address is set as an initial value of the stack area in the stack pointer (S601). Then, all interrupt processing is prohibited until various initial settings are completed (S602).

  Subsequently, as basic settings related to hardware, an initial value is set in a built-in register provided in the sub-main CPU 201 and the I / O port circuit 204 is initialized (S603). Further, the memory area in the RAM 203 of the effect control microcomputer 210 is initialized (S604). Here, an initial value is set for a variable with an initial value, and initialization by zero clear is performed for a variable without an initial value. Further, the sub main CPU 201 appropriately develops the control program stored in the ROM 202 in the RAM 203.

  Subsequently, interrupts other than the production control command reception interrupt process are prohibited (S605). Next, among various errors set in advance for each model, a process for setting the type of error to be valid for the model is performed (S606). Furthermore, a turn-off request is made to turn off the effect lamp LP (the frame lamp 10, the panel lamp 25) (S607). Then, a watchdog timer is started to monitor the runaway of the sub-main CPU 201 (S608).

  Subsequently, an effect control side main process is executed as the main process of the game effect (S609). Details of the effect control side main process (S609) will be described later with reference to FIG. Note that when the process shifts to the production control side main process in S609, it is not normally possible to return from the main process to the reset start process, but in the unlikely event that the process returns to this process due to a program bug or the like. The mode is shifted to a low power consumption mode (sleep mode) in which power consumption is lower than that during normal operation.

《Direction control side main processing》
Next, the production control side main process (S609) of the production control board 200 will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the effect control side main process (S609).

  First, an address (start address where the program is expanded) for starting a check as to whether or not the control program is correctly expanded in the RAM 203 in the production control side main process is acquired (S611). Subsequently, all interrupts are permitted (activation of various interrupt processes is permitted) (S612).

  Next, a device initialization operation is executed (S613). This initialization operation is an operation mode that is executed only once when the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned on (at the start of resetting). In order to control the operation of the movable accessory 24 by a device such as a motor or a solenoid. It is executed for the purpose of confirming the position information necessary for. At the end of the initialization operation, the movable accessory 24 returns to a preset initial position (reference position).

  Subsequently, the watchdog timer is cleared to restart the watchdog timer (S614). At this time, when the sub main CPU 201 is executing the program normally, a predetermined clear word is written to the WDT clear register of the sub main CPU 201 within a preset time-out period, so that the watchdog timer Cleared and restarted. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Subsequently, input port check processing is executed (S615). In this input port check processing, reading of the I / O port circuit 204 (input port) in the port input / output processing S912 in timer interrupt processing, which will be described later, is monitored each time an interrupt occurs, and is monitored a plurality of times (for example, four times). When the input port states are all “1”, the signal level is “1 (H level)”, when all the input ports are “0”, the signal level is “0 (L level)”, otherwise the signal level is set. Do not change (this determines the input signal).

  Subsequently, an error effect management process is executed (S616). In this error effect management process, error effects by various devices are started based on the error effect pattern set in the subsequent command analysis process (S620). Further, in the error presentation management process, an initial value (error presentation time) is set in the error management timer to manage the progress of the error presentation. This error management timer is subtracted and updated at an interval of 16 ms in the error management timer update process (S920) of the production control side timer interrupt process. When the error management timer times out, the error presentation is ended.

  Subsequently, the effect button monitoring control process is executed (S617). In this effect button monitoring control process, when a button notice effect is incorporated during symbol variation, the input state of the effect button 15 within the operation effective time is monitored, and information regarding the input state of the effect button 15 is retained.

  Subsequently, a notice lottery management process is executed (S618). In the notice lottery management process, a notice effect pattern that defines the contents of the notice effect that occurs at each stage of the decorative symbol variation process is selected in accordance with the variable effect pattern scenario selected in the subsequent command analysis process (S620). Determined by lottery. The notice effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the notice effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. In addition, an image control command for designating the notice effect pattern number to the image control board 300 side is generated and set in the image control command buffer of the sub-main information storage unit 260. At this time, when an accessory announcement effect pattern is selected as the announcement effect pattern, an accessory request is generated, and the drive pattern of the movable accessory 24 is specified in the subsequent device management process (S619). . In this example, not all of the multiple types of notice effects (notice effect patterns) that occur within one variation of the decorative symbol are drawn in one main loop process, but the main loop process efficiency is improved. Therefore, a lottery is performed across a plurality of main loop processes, divided for each time of occurrence of a notice effect (for example, a fluctuation start stage, a reach generation stage, and a fluctuation stop stage). At that time, the notice effect that occurs at the beginning of the decorative symbol change stage needs to be synchronized with the start of the decorative symbol change (send the image control command immediately). To do. Details of the notice lottery management process (S618) will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, device management processing is executed (S619). In this device management process, when there is an operation request (lamp request, accessory request) of various devices in a command analysis process (S620) described later, a plurality of types of pattern data (lamp pattern, drive pattern) stored in the ROM 203 ), The pattern data corresponding to the production number (lamp production number, accessory announcement production number) is specified, and control of the target device is started. In the lamp pattern data of the effect lamp LP, lamp data associated with every frame time (time required to update an image frame once: 16 ms) is stored as schedule data. In this example, one frame time corresponds to the time required for drawing processing of one frame when drawing is performed at about 60 frames per second (= about 60 fps) in the effect display device 70. Similarly, in the driving pattern data of the movable accessory 24, driving data associated with each interrupt cycle (1 ms) is stored as schedule data. As a result, control data (lamp data, drive data, etc.) is output to the target device at regular intervals in an effect control side timer interrupt process described later, and the operation of the target device is started. On the other hand, when the output of a series of control data (lamp data, drive data) is completed in the production control side timer interruption process described later, the production lamp LP is turned off or the operation of the movable accessory 24 is stopped. Then, the control of the target device is finished.

  Subsequently, command analysis processing (S620) is executed. In this command analysis process, it is monitored whether or not an effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. If an effect control command is stored, this command is read out, and the effect control command that has been read out is read out. The effect control process corresponding to the type is executed. Details of the command analysis processing (S620) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, it is determined whether command analysis (effect control command analysis) has been executed during the current loop processing (S621). If it is immediately after command analysis (S621: YES), the process returns to S614 and proceeds to the next loop process. On the other hand, when the command analysis is not executed (S621: NO), the effect lottery random number update process is executed (S622). In this effect lottery random number update process, effect lottery random numbers such as a pre-reading notice lottery random number, a decorative design random number, a variable effect pattern random number, and a notice effect random number are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value.

(Command analysis processing)
Next, command analysis processing (S620) will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing details of the command analysis processing (S620). In this command analysis processing, it is monitored whether or not an effect control command from the main control board 100 is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and an effect corresponding to the type of the stored effect control command. Execute control processing.

  First, it is determined whether or not a gaming state designation command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S631). When the game state designation command is stored (step S631: YES), the process proceeds to the effect state transition process (S632). In the effect state transition process (S632), a process of changing the effect mode is executed based on the variation pattern selection state information included in the game state designation command.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a hold-related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S633). Here, the hold related commands include a symbol memory number command and a prior determination command. When the hold related command is stored (S633: YES), the process proceeds to the hold information management process (S634). In the hold information management process (S634), a symbol storage number command or a pre-determination command is read from the sub-main information storage means 260, a pre-reading determination is executed based on the information of the pre-determination result, and the hold display of the effect display device 70 is performed. Processing for updating the display number and display mode (display color, etc.) of the reserved images displayed in the sections 701 and 702 is performed. Details of the hold information management process (S633) will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, it is determined whether or not a symbol variation related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S635). Here, the symbol variation related commands include a variation start command and a variation stop command. When the symbol variation related command is stored (step S635: YES), the routine proceeds to variation effect content determination processing (S636). In this variation effect content determination process (S636), if the received symbol variation related command is a variation start command, processing for starting the symbol variation effect is executed, and the received symbol variation related command is a variation stop command. In some cases, a process for ending the symbol variation effect being executed is executed. Details of the variation effect content determination process (S636) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a big hit effect related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S637). Here, the jackpot effect-related commands include a jackpot start demonstration effect command, a round effect designation command, and a jackpot end demonstration effect command. When the big hit effect related command is stored (step S637: YES), the process proceeds to the big hit effect content determination process (S638). In this jackpot effect content determination process (S638), a process for executing a start demonstration effect, a round effect, and an end demonstration effect is performed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a small hit effect related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S639). Here, the small hit effect-related commands include a small hit start demonstration effect command and a small hit end demonstration effect command. When the small hit effect related command is stored (step S639: YES), the process proceeds to the small hit effect content determination process (S640). In the small hit effect content determination processing (S640), processing for executing the small hit start demonstration effect and the small hit end demonstration effect is performed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an error effect designation command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S641). When this error effect designation command is stored (S641: YES), the process proceeds to an error effect content determination process (S642). In this error effect content determination process (S642), an error effect designation command is read from the sub-main information storage means 260, and an error for notifying the error state by the image display of the effect display device 70, the light emission mode of the effect lamp LP, or the like. Determine the production pattern.

  What is the case when the effect control command is not stored in the command storage area of the sub main information storage means 260 (S631: NO, S633: NO, S635: NO, S637: NO, S639: NO, S641: NO) Then, the command analysis process is terminated.

(Pending information management process)
Next, the hold information management process (S634) will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing details of the hold information management process (S634).

  First, it is determined whether or not a symbol storage number command is stored in the sub-main information storage means 260 (S671). When the symbol memory number command is stored (S671: YES), the contents of the symbol memory number command are analyzed, and the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol included in the content of the command Information is acquired (S672). Subsequently, the first reserved ball number counter or the second reserved ball number counter is updated based on the operation reserved ball number information acquired in S612 (S673). Thereby, the operation reservation ball number information of the special symbol managed on the production control board 200 side coincides with the operation reservation ball number information of the special symbol managed on the main control board 100 side. Next, based on the values of the first reserved ball number counter and the second reserved ball number counter updated in S673, an image control command for instructing the number of reserved images determined in the processing is generated, It is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 260 (S674).

  On the other hand, if the symbol storage number command is not stored (S671: NO), it is determined whether or not a prior determination command is stored in the sub-main information storage means 260 (S675). If the advance determination command is stored (S675: YES), the contents of the advance determination command are analyzed, and the advance determination result information included in the contents of the command is acquired (S676). Subsequently, the preliminary determination result information is stored in the pre-read information storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 in a form combined with the order of entering the operation holding balls (S677).

  Subsequently, a prefetch notice effect determination process is executed (S680). In this pre-reading notice effect determination process (S680), when it is determined that the pre-reading notice effect (in this example, the pending change pre-reading notice effect) can be executed, a big hit is generated or reached over a plurality of fluctuating displays of decorative symbols. A prefetch notice pattern for notifying the possibility of the production is determined. The details of the pre-reading notice effect determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, when it is determined in S680 that the pre-reading notice effect is to be executed, an image control command for instructing the content (display color) of the reserved image determined in the process based on the content of the selected pre-reading notice pattern. Is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S674).

(Pre-reading notice determination process)
Next, the prefetch notice effect determination process (S680) will be described. Here, FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing details of the prefetch notice effect determination process (S680). Here, in relation to the above-described pre-determination process, if the gaming state is the normal state, the target of the pre-reading notice is that the first special symbol side pre-determination result (operation hold ball information), and the gaming state is definitely changed. If it is a state, it will be a prior judgment result (operation hold ball information) on the second special symbol side.

  First, it is determined whether or not the continuous notice counter of the sub-main information storage means 260 is zero (S681). The continuous notice counter is a counter for managing the number of executions of the prefetch notice effect. When the continuous notice counter is zero (S681: YES), that is, when the continuous notice effect is not being executed, the number of reserved balls for operation of the special symbol is referred to with reference to the number of held balls in the sub-main information storage means 260. It is determined whether or not is 2 or more (S682). Here, it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls on the side of the special symbol subject to the pre-reading notice is 2 or more. Specifically, if the game state is the normal state, the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is If it is 2 or more, or if the gaming state is a probable change state, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls in the second special symbol is 2 or more. Here, the number of the operation holding balls is set to 2 or more in order to execute the continuous notice effect, at least one operation holding ball is present before the operation holding ball to be pre-read this time. It is necessary.

  Subsequently, when the number of operation hold balls is 2 or more (S682: YES), the pre-read information storage area (preliminary determination result) of the sub-main information storage means 260 is referred to, and the operation hold ball to be pre-read this time. Before digestion is completed, it is determined whether or not there is an operation holding ball that becomes a big hit or reach fluctuation (S683). This is because during the execution of the continuous notice effect, if another reach effect is interrupted before the trigger hold that is the current prefetch target is consumed, the continuity of the prefetch notice effect will be impaired, and the effect of the effect will be sufficient. This is because it cannot be demonstrated. Note that, in S683, instead of the condition that there is no operation holding ball that causes reach fluctuation, for example, there is an operation holding ball related to a fluctuation time value of a predetermined time or more regardless of whether the fluctuation mode is reach / non-reach. You may not.

Next, when there is no operation holding ball that has a big hit or reach fluctuation before the operation holding ball to be pre-read (S683: YES), the pre-reading information storage area (preliminary determination result) of the sub main information storage means 260 is stored. Referring to this, it is determined whether or not the operation holding ball to be prefetched is an operation holding ball that is a big hit (S684). When the pre-reading operation holding ball is an operation holding ball that is a big hit (S684: YES), a pre-reading lottery process for determining by lottery whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice effect is executed (S686). . On the other hand, if the pre-reading operation holding ball is not a big hitting operation holding ball (S684: NO), it is determined whether or not the pre-reading operation holding ball is an operation holding ball that reaches reach fluctuation (S685). . When the pre-reading target operation holding ball is an operation holding ball that changes reach (S685: YES), a pre-reading lottery process is executed to determine whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice effect by lottery (S686). ). In the pre-read lottery process (S686), with reference to a pre-read lottery table (not shown), whether or not the pre-read lottery random number value matches the determination value of “execution” or “non-execution” is determined. In this example, for example, execution is determined at a rate of 40% and non-execution is determined at a rate of 60%.

  In the prefetch lottery process of this example, the winning probability of the prefetch lottery is relatively high when the result of the pre-judgment determination is “big hit” rather than “out of place”, but the number of currently operating pending balls As the number increases, the winning probability of the look-ahead lottery may be relatively high. Thereby, the expectation to the big hit is increased depending on whether or not the prefetch lottery is won, and the expectation to the big win can be obtained as the number of executions of the prefetch notice effect (continuous notice effect) is increased. Further, in this example, the pre-reading notice effect is not executed when the prior determination result is a small hit. This is to prevent the player from being discouraged by the fact that the game state does not change in addition to the fact that it is a small hit and can not substantially get the ball even though the pre-reading notice effect is executed. It is. Of course, the pre-reading notice effect may be performed even in the case of a small hit.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pre-read lottery is won (S687). When the pre-read lottery is won (S687: YES), it is determined that the operation-preserving ball to be pre-read this time is a hold ("trigger hold") that triggers the generation of the pre-read notice effect, and the sub-main information storage unit 260 Is turned on (S688). Next, in order to determine the content of the pre-reading notice effect (the process of changing the display color of the trigger hold image in a plurality of variations), pre-reading notice pattern selection processing is executed (S689). In this prefetching advance notice pattern selection process, a prefetching advance notice pattern table is acquired based on the pre-determination result and the number of suspended balls, and a prefetching advance notice pattern random value is obtained from the production lottery random number generator 210 to obtain a plurality of kinds of prefetch advance notices. One of the look-ahead notice patterns is selected by lottery from the patterns. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the prefetching notice pattern (holding change prefetching notice pattern) is assigned a selection rate (determination number) according to the display color of the final hold image, and the result of the prejudgment is a big hit. In the case of, the final display mode (holding color) is selected in the order of “blue” <“green” <“red” <“rainbow”, whereas the result of prior determination In the case of out of place, the final display mode (holding color) has a higher selection rate in the order of “rainbow color” <“red” <“green” <“blue” (in the case of out of place “ "Rainbow" is not selected). Accordingly, it can be said that the big hit expectation increases in the order of “blue”, “green”, “red”, and “rainbow” as the final display mode of the hold image. The selected prefetch notice pattern number is temporarily stored in the prefetch notice pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. Subsequently, the numerical value of the current number of active balls is set in the continuous notice counter (S690).

(Variation production content determination process)
Next, the variation effect content determination process (S636) will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing details of the variation effect content determination process (S636).

  First, it is determined whether or not a change start command is stored in the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S701). If a variation start command is stored (S701: YES), the contents of this variation start command (variation pattern designation command, symbol designation command) are analyzed, and the result of the lottery included in the contents of this command is stopped. Information indicating a design, a variation pattern (variation time), a gaming state, etc. is acquired (S702). This acquired information is stored in the variation effect content determination area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

Subsequently, a variation effect pattern selection process is executed (S703). In this variation effect pattern selection process, the variation effect pattern table is acquired based on the variation pattern information acquired in S702 and the effect mode set in the effect state transition process in S632, and from the effect lottery random number generation unit 210. A random effect pattern random number is acquired, and one of the variable effect patterns is selected by lottery from a plurality of types of variable effect patterns. The variation effect pattern constitutes a scenario of the effect display process in which the variation pattern of the decorative design, the type / occurrence time of the reach effect, the type / occurrence time of the notice effect, etc. are defined. The variable effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the variable effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260. Further, a lamp effect number corresponding to the selected variable effect pattern number is requested, and the requested lamp effect number is set in the lamp request storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260.

  Next, a decorative symbol stop symbol selection process is executed (S704). In this decorative symbol stop symbol selection process, based on the symbol information acquired in S702 and the variation pattern information, the combination of stop symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) of decorative symbols to be finally stopped is determined by lottery. To do. The decorative symbol combination number determined here is temporarily stored in the decorative symbol storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260.

  Subsequently, as the update of the prefetch information storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area to the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower hold storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is changed. Zero clear is performed (S705).

  Then, based on the effect information acquired in S703 to S705, an image control command (change effect start command) required to start the decoration symbol change is generated, and this image control command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260. The setting is made (S709).

  On the other hand, if the change start command is not stored (S701: NO), it is determined whether or not the change stop command is stored in the sub-main information storage means 260 (S710). When the variable stop command is stored (S710: YES), the content of the variable stop command is analyzed, and the symbol stop information included in the content of this command is acquired (S711).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the prefetch notice flag is on (during execution of the prefetch notice effect) (S712). When the pre-reading notice flag is ON (S712: YES), the continuous notice counter is decremented by 1 (S713) as the digestion of the current operation holding ball. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the continuous notice counter is zero (S714). When the continuous notice counter is zero (S714: YES), that is, when the scheduled prefetch notice effect is finished, the hold change prefetch notice flag is turned off (S715). Then, an image control command (variation effect stop command) required to stop the decoration symbol change is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S709).

  On the other hand, when the change stop command is not stored (S710: NO), the process is terminated as it is. If the prefetch notice flag is off (S712: NO) or if the continuous notice counter is not zero (S714: NO), the process is terminated.

(Notice lottery management process)
Next, the notice lottery management process (S618) will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing details of the notice lottery management process (S618).

First, referring to the variation effect pattern selected in S703, one or more types of notice lottery tables defined in the scenario of the variation effect pattern are acquired (S721). Subsequently, the notice lottery random number value is acquired from the effect lottery random number generator 210 (S722). Next, as a predetermined opportunity, it is determined whether or not the prefetching notice is being executed, that is, whether or not the prefetching notice flag is on (S723). In this example, during execution of the pre-reading notice, the player enters the special zone and a special background image is displayed, thereby instructing the player that the pre-reading notice is being executed. When the pre-reading notice is being executed (S723: YES), the process proceeds to a random number change process (S727). In this random number changing process, the notice lottery random number acquired in S721 is changed according to a predetermined method. Details of the random number changing process will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, when the pre-reading notice is not being executed (S723: NO), it is determined as a predetermined trigger whether or not the time measured by the RTC 205 has reached a predetermined time (S724). In this example, when the time measured by the RTC 205 reaches a predetermined start time, a synchronized performance in the same manner as that of other gaming machines installed on the same gaming island regardless of the current gaming state of the gaming machine. When it starts, when the time measured by the RTC 205 reaches a preset specific end time, the synchronous effect is terminated and the original effect mode is restored. When the time measured by the RTC 205 is a specific time (S724: YES), the process proceeds to a random number change process (S727). In this random number changing process, the notice lottery random number acquired in S721 is changed according to a predetermined method. Details of the random number changing process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, a notice effect pattern is selected based on the notice lottery table and the notice lottery random value (S728). Here, when the predetermined opportunity has not occurred (S723: NO, S724: NO), that is, when the random number change process (S727) is not performed, the notice lottery table acquired in S721 and the above S722. Based on the acquired notice lottery random value (acquired random number value), one of the notice effect patterns is selected by lottery from a plurality of types of notice effect patterns. On the other hand, when a predetermined opportunity has occurred (S723: YES, S724: YES), that is, when random number change processing (S727) is performed, the notice lottery table acquired in S721 and the change in S727 Based on the notice lottery random value (change random number value), one of the notice effect patterns is determined from the plural kinds of notice effect patterns.

  Next, the notice effect pattern number determined in S728 is temporarily stored in the notice effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S729). Then, based on the notice effect pattern number acquired in S729, an image control command (notice effect command) designating execution of the notice effect is generated, and this image control command is stored in the command storage area of the sub main information storage means 260. Set (S730).

(Random number change process)
Next, the random number change process (S727) will be described. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing details of the random number change processing (S727).

First, referring to the lottery reference storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, information for specifying the current lottery reference is read (S741). Based on the lottery criteria, the plurality of determination areas of the notice lottery table acquired in S721 are divided into a specific area targeted for the notice lottery and a non-specific area not intended for the notice lottery. Note that the determination numbers in the notice lottery table to be referred to may differ from each other according to the type of “predetermined opportunity” determined in S723 and S724. This may be a big hit decision if a specific effect is displayed when generating a simultaneous effect by the RTC function. That is, as a predetermined trigger, when the pre-reading notice is executed and when the time measured by the RTC 205 is a specific time, the table in which the number of determination values is different from each other is included even though the same notice effect pattern is included. When the configuration is adopted, the pre-reading notice is heated when a specific effect is generated (not a big hit is determined), while the simultaneous effect using the RTC function is a big hit determined when a specific effect is generated. In this case, the probability (number of values) that the specific effect is selected is set to be relatively lower in the case of the simultaneous effect by the RTC function than in the case of the pre-reading notice. In such a situation, when generating simultaneous effects by the RTC function, in order to prevent frequent occurrence of specific effects by adding a certain value to the notice lottery random number value, such number of judgment values is allocated. It is said. Next, by summing up all of the determination numbers of the non-specific areas classified in S741, a total value (unnecessary range) of determination numbers that are unnecessary in the current notice lottery is calculated (S742). Subsequently, a correction value for changing the acquired random number value acquired in S722 is calculated (S743). This correction value is a numerical value satisfying the relational expression (A), and is calculated by applying the acquired random number value to the relational expression (A). Next, the smallest random number value (random initial value) is calculated from the random number range that can belong to the specific area divided in S741 (S744). The random number initial value in the specific area is calculated by adding “1” to the total value of the determination numbers in the non-specific area. Then, as shown in the relational expression (B), the changed random number value is acquired as a result of adding the correction value acquired in S743 to the random number initial value acquired in S744 (S745). As a result, one notice effect pattern is selected by lottery based on the changed random number value and the notice lottery table acquired in S721.

《Reception interrupt processing of production control command》
Next, the reception control process of the effect control command will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an effect control command reception interrupt process. In this effect control command reception interrupt process, as described above, an interrupt is generated based on the input of the strobe signal from the main control board 100, and various effect control commands are acquired in this interrupt process. It is like that. The effect control command includes 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data, and is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200 in the order of MODE data and EVENT data. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, MODE data is also referred to as “first command”, and EVENT data is also referred to as “second command”.

  First, when an interrupt based on the strobe signal from the main control board 100 is generated, it is determined whether or not the input value of the effect control command is confirmed (S901). Specifically, the command data is read up to five times, and the input value is determined when the same value is read twice. This is because the reading of the effect control command may fail due to noise or the like, and the input value is not finalized until the same value is read twice.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the command received this time is the first command (MODE), in other words, whether the command is the first command (MODE) or the second command (EVENT) (S902). If the command received this time is the first command (S902: YES), the first command is temporarily stored in the temporary area (S903). Then, the effect lottery random number is acquired from the effect lottery random number generation means 210, and this random number information is temporarily stored in the effect lottery random number storage area of the sub main information storage means 260 (S904). Note that the production lottery random number is acquired when the production control command is received. The production control command is transmitted at a physically irregular timing, such as when a game ball starts winning or when a special symbol changes. Therefore, it is to prevent periodicity from being obtained at the acquisition time by using it as an opportunity. In this way, by making the production lottery random number acquisition time irregular, it is difficult to cause inconveniences such as the same production being unnaturally repeated in various production lotteries.

  On the other hand, when the command received this time is the second command (S902: NO), it is determined whether or not the first command has already been received (S905). That is, it is determined whether or not the effect control command is received in the order of the first command (MODE) → the second command (EVENT), and it is confirmed whether there is no contradiction in the combination of the effect control commands. If there is no contradiction in the combination of effect control commands (S905: YES), the address indicated by the light pointer (writing pointer) is acquired (S906). Subsequently, the first command and the second command are stored in the effect control command buffer (ring buffer) of the sub-main information storage unit 260 according to the address indicated by the light pointer (S907). The saved command data is read out in the command analysis process (S620) in the main process, and the effect control process corresponding to the type of effect control command is executed. Next, the address indicated by the write pointer is updated (S908). Further, the command data (first command) temporarily stored in S903 is cleared (S909).

《Timer interrupt processing for production control side》
Next, the production control side timer interruption process will be described. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the effect control side timer interruption process. This timer interrupt process is started by a clock pulse at regular time intervals, and is executed by interrupting the above-described production control side main process.

  When a timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the register in the sub main CPU 201 are saved in the stack area of the RAM 203, and then the processing from S911 onward is executed sequentially. In this timer interrupt process, interrupts with priority level 2 or higher, such as an effect control command reception interrupt from the main control board 100 and a watchdog timer interrupt, are permitted (S911).

  Subsequently, port input / output processing is executed (S912). In this port input / output processing, port data input processing and output processing in the I / O port circuit 204 are performed. In the input processing, various signals input to the I / O port circuit 204 (input port) are read and stored as input information. In the output process, various control signals (motor control signals) temporarily stored in the sub-main information storage unit 260 are read and output from the I / O port circuit 204 (output port).

  Subsequently, device control data output processing is executed (S913). In this device control data output process, drive data for a predetermined time is read from the drive pattern data specified in the device management process (S619) and set in the drive data storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. The drive data set in this process is data indicating control for 1 ms corresponding to the interrupt cycle. When drive data is set in this process, the drive data is output from the I / O port circuit 204 (output port) to the motor driver 92 in the next timer interrupt process. Therefore, in this device control data output process, the drive data is switched every interrupt cycle (1 ms) according to the drive pattern data.

  Next, an effect timer update process is executed (S914). In this effect timer update process, the values of various effect timers used for effect operation control are subtracted and updated every interrupt cycle (1 ms in this embodiment). The effect timer includes a timer for managing the variation time of the decorative symbol, a timer for managing the timing of occurrence of the notice effect, and the like. By this effect timer, the time schedule in the variable effect pattern is managed, and time management such as the drive timing of the movable accessory 24 and the lighting timing of the effect lamp LP is managed on the time axis. The effect timer is also used in the device control data output process (S913) and the lamp data update process (S917) in the effect control timer interrupt process.

  Subsequently, a button control timer update process is executed (S915). The value of the effective time management timer for managing the operation effective time of the effect button 15 is subtracted and updated every interruption cycle (1 ms in this embodiment). The operation valid time is a time for which the operation input of the effect button 15 is valid.

Subsequently, task control counter update processing is executed (S916). In this task control counter update process, the value of the task counter (“0” to “15”) is updated for each timer interrupt. Specifically, if the value of the task counter is “0” to “14”, it is incremented by 1. If the value of the task counter is “15”, it is returned to “0”. That is, this task counter can take a circulation period of 16 ms. Various tasks (task processing) are assigned corresponding to the task counter value updated this time, and the ramp control task (lamp data update processing in S917) and runaway monitoring are performed according to the value of the task counter. Each process such as a task (image CPU runaway monitoring process in S9189) and an error management task (error management timer update process in S919) is executed. In this example, one of the task counter values (“0” to “15”) is assigned to the lamp control task, and the other two values (values with an interval of 8 ms between each other) are used for runaway monitoring. It is assigned to the task, and another value is assigned to the error management task (the description of the other tasks is omitted). As described above, the reason why the circulation cycle of the task counter is set to 16 ms is to make it coincide with the minimum unit (16 ms) of the effect lamp LP switching control. The minimum unit (16 ms) of the effect lamp LP switching control corresponds to one frame time of the image frame, and realizes synchronization between the image effect and the lamp effect.

  Subsequently, lamp data update processing is executed (S917). In this lamp data update process, lamp data for a predetermined time is read and set from the lamp pattern data specified in the device management process (S619). The lamp data set in this processing is data indicating lighting control for 16 ms, which is the minimum unit of the effect lamp LP switching control. When the lamp data is set, the lamp data is automatically output from the output port (serial port) to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer. The ramp data output process is configured as a serial communication interrupt process, and is realized by sequentially writing the ramp data to the transmission buffer of the serial communication circuit. The serial communication circuit serially converts the ramp data of the transmission buffer in units of 1 byte, and outputs the converted data to the lamp connection board 91 in units of one bit in synchronization with the serial clock. This process is repeated until the transmission buffer becomes empty, whereby all the ramp data (all bytes) stored in the transmission buffer are output. Therefore, in the lamp data update process, the lamp data is switched every frame time (16 ms) according to the lamp pattern, and the lamp data is output to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer.

  Subsequently, an image CPU runaway monitoring process is executed (S918). In this image CPU runaway monitoring process, a toggle signal input from the image control board 300 is monitored, and when the toggle signal does not continuously change for 1600 ms (about 50 to 100 frames), the image control board 300 is monitored. The sub-sub CPU 301 is determined to be out of control, and a reset signal is transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300. Thereby, the image control board 300 side executes a predetermined reset process when the reset state of the sub sub CPU 301 occurs. The toggle signal is a signal having a waveform in which H level / L level is alternately repeated every frame time.

  Next, error management timer processing is executed (S919). In this error management timer process, the error effect timer value for managing the error effect time set in the error effect management process (S617) is subtracted and updated. Then, all interrupts are permitted and the saved register contents are restored. Then, the effect control side timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the original process before the occurrence of the interrupt.

《Image control command transmission interrupt processing》
Next, transmission interruption processing of an image control command will be described. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the transmission interrupt process of the image control command. This image control command transmission interruption process occurs at predetermined intervals (500 μs).

In this image control command transmission interrupt process, first, the image control command buffer of the sub-main information storage means 260 is checked (S931). Subsequently, a read pointer is acquired in the image control command buffer (S932). Next, it is determined whether an image control command is stored in the image control command buffer (S933). Whether or not the image control command is stored can be confirmed by, for example, the read pointer and the write pointer. If the read pointer and the write pointer match, the image control command is not stored. When the image control command is stored (S933: YES), the image control command is read from the area indicated by the read pointer (S934). The read image control command is set in the output buffer of the serial communication circuit designated as the output destination (S935). As a result, the image control command is serially transmitted from the serial port to the image control board 300. Next, the command data (the command data transmitted in S935) is cleared (S936). Subsequently, the read pointer is incremented by 1 and updated (S937). Then, the transmission interruption process of the image command is ended, and the process returns to the original process before the interruption.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the preliminary lottery random number value is changed so that the relative relationship of the acquired random number value with respect to the entire random number range matches the relative relationship of the changed random number value with respect to the random number range of the specific region, By using only the same notice lottery table, the selection ratio of the notice effect pattern is substantially adjusted to maintain the randomness of the lottery. It is possible to select a notice effect pattern according to the development status. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to adjust the frequency of occurrence of various notice effects (notice effect patterns) without increasing the data capacity. In addition, even if the random number for the preliminary lottery is changed, the preliminary lottery table for the reference destination itself is the same as the normal time, so there is no unexpected trailer effect that should not appear, and the player feels uncomfortable. There is no risk of inconveniences such as distrust. Furthermore, even in the debugging work of the program at the development stage of the gaming machine, the lottery table can be switched because it is only necessary to check a certain lottery ID by changing the acquired random number value to a random value greater than or equal to a predetermined value. It becomes unnecessary, and the debugging work can be performed efficiently.

  Here, in the above-described embodiment, as a predetermined trigger for executing the random number change process, 1) that the prefetching notice is being executed, and 2) that the time measured by the RTC 205 has reached a specific time, It is not limited to this configuration, for example, 3) When staying in a specific gaming state or effect mode (for example, latent effect mode) 4) Within a certain period after the end of the special game (specific during ST period) Within the period), 5) When a special situation occurs, such as when staying in a specific performance mode customized by the player during the standby demonstration, may be included. Furthermore, when a predetermined number of times (for example, 500 times of fluctuation display) has passed before the first hit in the normal state, a random number change process is executed at the time of the first hit, so-called lively effect, By increasing the selection ratio of a high-expected performance, a rare premiere production, etc., the production may be lively, and the player's first achievement and satisfaction may be enhanced.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the random number changing process, only a relatively high expectation notice effect pattern (determination area on the lower stage) is selected as a notice lottery among a plurality of notice effect patterns. Rather than only the relatively low-expectation notice effect pattern (upper determination area) being subject to the notice lottery, the medium-expected notice effect pattern (middle determination (Region) may be the subject of the preliminary lottery.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a gaming machine other than a pachinko gaming machine, for example, a slot machine, an arrange ball machine, The present invention can be applied to other game machines such as a sparrow ball game machine and an enclosed game machine (a game machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed in a machine for circulation), and similar effects can be obtained.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. The gaming machine of the second embodiment basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment described above, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to parts having the same configuration. The description is omitted, and different parts are mainly described.

The notice effect determination means 226 produces the effect lottery random number generation means 2 when a predetermined opportunity has occurred.
A random number change process for changing the random value by adding a predetermined value (correction value) to the preliminary lottery random value (also referred to as “acquired random value”) acquired from 01 is executed, and the changed preliminary notice Based on the lottery random number value (also referred to as “change random number value”), the notice lottery process is executed. That is, in the random number changing process in this example, the fixed value “20000” is added to the preliminary lottery random value (acquired random value) that can take all 32768 values from “0” to “32767”. Generate a modified random value. At this time, if the result of adding the constant value “20000” to the acquired random value is equal to or greater than the maximum value “32767”, the changed random number value is uniformly corrected to “32767”. In this example, the “predetermined opportunity” is, for example, when 1) a pre-reading notice is being executed, or 2) when a special situation occurs, for example, when the time of the RTC 205 reaches a specific time. At the same time, it is a condition that the lottery is a lottery process for a specific predetermined notice effect among a plurality of kinds of notice effects. For this reason, in this example, among a plurality of types of notice effects, only some of the predetermined notice effects (specific notice effects) are subjected to random number change processing. An example of the “specific notice effect” is a notice effect that does not include the jackpot finalizing effect as a lottery target. This is to prevent the occurrence of frequent hits with high rarity by adding a certain value to the preliminary lottery random number, and if the result of the determination is not good, In the notice lottery table, a jackpot finalizing effect in which the determination number is set to “0” (originally a jackpot finalizing effect that is not selected at the time of losing) is generated. This is to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles between the loss and the notice content (big hit). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all notice effects may be subjected to random number change processing. Further, the above-described constant value is merely an example, and an appropriate numerical value can be set according to, for example, the game development status or the type of notice effect.

  Now, a specific example of random number change processing in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram for explaining random number change processing in the second embodiment.

  FIG. 37A schematically shows an example of the notice lottery table in the second embodiment. This example illustrates a background effect notice effect among a plurality of kinds of notice effects, and is set so that the expected degree of jackpot varies stepwise according to the display mode of the effect image (display color in this example). Has been. Background effect notice is an effect in which an effect image appears in the background, and suggests a high degree of expectation for jackpot depending on the display color of the effect image. In this example, for convenience of explanation, a plurality of notice lottery tables respectively corresponding to a plurality of variable effect patterns are expressed as a single unit.

In the notice lottery table, an area corresponding to the total number of notice lottery random numbers is divided into a plurality of areas (referred to as “determination areas”), and for each judgment area, a lottery ID and the notice lottery assigned to the lottery ID are assigned. The number of numerical values (referred to as “determination number”) is associated with a 1: 1 relationship. A notice effect pattern is defined for each lottery ID. Specifically, ID1 has “no effect” as pattern 1, ID2 has “effect blue” as pattern 2, ID3 has “effect green” as pattern 3, “Effect red” is defined as the pattern 4 in ID4. On the other hand, as described above, the notice lottery random number value is a random number that can take a total of 32768 values from “0” to “32767”. Then, the selection rate of the lottery ID is determined according to the ratio of the total number of the preliminary lottery random numbers with respect to the determined number. In this example, as a general rule, the notice effect pattern and the determination number are set for each determination area in the order of the highest degree of jackpot expectation, such as determination area 1 → determination area 2 → determination area 3 → determination area 4. It is distributed. In other words, the higher the prediction area, the lower the prediction effect pattern is stored, while the lower determination area is the higher the prediction effect pattern is stored. Has been. In terms of the variation production pattern, the normal variation A production → normal variation B production → normal reach production → super reach A production → super reach B production → super reach C production It can be said that the pattern selection rate increases. The notice lottery method is the same as that in the first embodiment described above, and a duplicate description is omitted.

  FIG. 37B shows the probability of occurrence of a notice when a normal notice lottery process is executed based on the notice lottery table of FIG. In the drawing, “no effect” means that “no effect” of ID 1 is selected and no background effect notice effect is generated. On the other hand, “with effect” means that “effect blue” of ID2, “effect green” of ID3, or “effect red” of ID4 is selected, and a background effect notice effect of the selected display color is generated. This is the case. As the selection rate in the figure, when the notice lottery random number value (acquired random number value) generated by the production lottery random number generation unit 201 is used, the probability that “no production” is selected or “production” is selected. Represents the probability of being played. At this time, since the total number of determination values in all the determination areas is “32768” with respect to all 32768 notice lottery random numbers (acquired random numbers), the selection rate is the notice lottery shown in FIG. The selection rate is the same as the decision number set in the table.

  FIG. 37C shows the notice occurrence probability when the random number change process is executed based on the notice lottery table in FIG. In the random number change process in this example, the change is made by adding a constant value “20000” to the preliminary lottery random value (acquired random value) that can take all 32768 values from “0” to “32767”. Generate a random value. Therefore, the changed random number value can take a total of 12,768 values from “20000” to “32767” in a form in which “0” to “19999” are excluded. On the other hand, when the fixed value “20000” is added to the obtained random number value and the maximum value “32767” is exceeded, the changed random number value is uniformly set to “32767”. Therefore, when the acquired random number value is “12767” or more, the result of adding the constant value “20000” to this is always “32767” or more. Therefore, the change random number value is uniformly corrected to “32767” for 20000 items from “12767” to “32767” out of all 32768 acquired random number values, so the change random number value that becomes “32767” is The weighting is substantially 20000. As a result, in the notice lottery process using the changed random number value, the weights of 20000 pieces of the determination numbers from “0” to “19999” are substantially reduced, while the determination of “32767” is made. The weighting of the numerical value is substantially equivalent to 20000. As a result of this random number change process, as shown in the selection rate in the figure, the same big hit expectation is relatively high compared to the case where the normal notice lottery process is performed while using the same notice lottery table. The selection probability of the notice effect pattern can be increased.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, when a predetermined trigger occurs, a random number change process is performed in which a fixed value is added to the acquired random number value generated by the effect random number generator random number generator 201 to change the random number value. The notice lottery process is executed based on the changed random number value after the change. Now, specific processing will be described below.

(Preliminary lottery management process: second embodiment)
Next, the notice lottery management process (S618) related to the subroutine of S618 in FIG. 27 in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing details of the notice lottery management process (S618).

  Here, in the above-described first embodiment, the random number change process is executed when a predetermined trigger is established. However, in this second embodiment, when the predetermined trigger is established, the current announcement effect is displayed. The random number change process is executed only when the specific notice effect is the target of the random number change. In FIG. 38, the processes of S721 to S724 and S727 to S730 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, the process of S725, which is a difference, will be mainly described.

  First, when a predetermined opportunity has been established (S723: YES, S724: YES), it is determined whether or not the subject of the current notice lottery is a notice effect requiring a random number change (S725). If the notice effect is the subject of random number change (S725: YES), random number change processing is executed (S727). Details of the random number changing process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the random number changing process (S727) according to the subroutine of S727 of FIG. 38 in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing details of the random number change process (S727).

  First, a predetermined constant value “20000” is added to the notice lottery random value (acquired random value) acquired in S722 (S751). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the result value of the addition is less than the maximum value “32767” of the notice lottery random number (S752). If the result value of the addition is less than the maximum value (S752: NO), the result value is generated as a changed notice lottery random value (changed random value) (S754). On the other hand, when the result value of addition is equal to or greater than the maximum value (S752: YES), the result value is corrected to the maximum value “32767” (S753). Then, the result value corrected in S753 is generated as a changed notice lottery random value (changed random value) (S754).

  At this time, as described above, in the plurality of determination areas in the notice lottery table, a notice effect pattern having a relatively high expectation degree for big hits is determined as the lower determination area is reached, and the upper determination area to the lower determination area. Since the determination number is assigned in order toward the, and the lottery is executed from the uppermost determination area toward the lower determination area one step at a time, a constant value is set for the acquired random number value. By using the added changed random number value, it is possible to select a notice effect pattern having a relatively high expectation of big hits while using the same notice lottery table.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the selection ratio of the notice effect pattern is substantially adjusted while using the same notice lottery table by adding a predetermined value to the obtained notice lottery random value. Thus, it is possible to select the notice effect pattern according to the game development status while maintaining the randomness of the lottery. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to adjust the frequency of occurrence of various notice effects (notice effect patterns) without increasing the data capacity. However, when compared with the first embodiment described above, since the relative relationship between the random number value and the determination number is not reflected, the randomness of the lottery is low, but when the lottery is performed with or without the production And when lottery announcement effect patterns other than the big hit finalizing effect are drawn, the effect that the random number change processing as in the first embodiment is not performed is simpler than that in the first embodiment. It is done. In addition, even if the random number for the preliminary lottery is changed, the preliminary lottery table for the reference destination itself is the same as the normal time, so there is no unexpected trailer effect that should not appear, and the player feels uncomfortable. There is no risk of inconveniences such as distrust. In this example, when a fixed value is added to the obtained random number value and the result value exceeds the maximum value “32767”, the changed random number value is uniformly corrected to the maximum value “32767” and the determination is made. Although it is configured to generate an effect according to the region, the present invention is not limited to this, and a special determination region used when the maximum value “32767” is exceeded and a special effect content corresponding thereto are set. A prepared notice effect pattern (lottery ID) may be prepared, and a special effect content (notice effect pattern) may be generated when the maximum value “32767” is exceeded.

  In the above-described second embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to other gaming machines other than pachinko gaming machines. And similar effects can be obtained.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a gaming machine according to the third embodiment will be described. The gaming machine of the third embodiment has basically the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment described above, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to the parts having the same configuration. The description is omitted, and different parts are mainly described.

  The notice effect determination unit 226 is configured such that, in a situation where a predetermined trigger occurs, the change effect pattern selected in the current change display is the change effect pattern selected in the change display before the change display (previous change display). If they are the same, execute the random number change process that re-uses the previous lottery random number obtained in the previous lottery in the previous variation display instead of the previous random lottery value obtained in the previous lottery in the relevant variation display. Then, the preliminary lottery process is executed based on the same acquired random number value. As a modification, referring to whether or not the variation effect pattern selected in the present variation effect is the same as the previous variation effect pattern, and only if they are different from the effect lottery random number generation means 210 A notice lottery random value may be acquired.

  The sub-main information storage unit 260 includes an effect history storage area for temporarily storing information related to the history of the selected variation effect pattern (also referred to as “variation effect pattern history information”). This variation effect history information may be information that can identify at least the variation effect pattern selected in the previous variation display. Then, whether or not the variation effect pattern selected in the variation display is the same as the variation effect pattern selected in the previous variation display is determined based on the content of the variation effect history information.

  Further, the sub-main information storage means 260 is provided with a notice lottery random number storage area for saving the notice lottery random number value (also referred to as “acquired random number value”) acquired from the effect lottery random number generating means 201. FIG. 40 is a diagram schematically showing a notice lottery random number storage area. In this example, for convenience of explanation, only three types of notice lottery random numbers are targeted. As shown in FIG. 40, the notice lottery random number storage area is prepared for each type of variation effect pattern, and each notice lottery random number value and each variation effect pattern are associated with each other in a 1: 1 relationship. Saved. Therefore, when the notice lottery random number value is acquired from the effect lottery random number generator 201 when the notice effect pattern corresponding to the currently selected variable effect pattern is selected by lottery, the random number value is selected this time. It memorize | stores in the notice lottery random number storage area corresponding to a variation production pattern. Also, in this example, different notice lottery random numbers are generated for each type of notice effect. That is, in this example, as the types of notice effects, SU notice effects, logo notice effects, and mini character notice effects are prepared, and accordingly, SU notice lottery random numbers (RA1 to RA6), logo notice lotteries Random numbers (RB1 to RB6) and mini character notice lottery random numbers (RC1 to RC6) are generated. Therefore, the notice lottery random number storage area is divided into a number of storage areas corresponding to the type of the notice effect, and the number of notice lottery random numbers corresponding to the kind of the notice effect can be stored.

  Now, a specific example of random number change processing in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram for explaining random number change processing in the third embodiment.

41A, 41B, and 41C schematically show an example of the notice lottery table in the third embodiment. In this example, among the multiple types of notice effects, the SU notice effect, the logo notice effect, and the mini character notice effect are illustrated, and the jackpot expectation is set to be different in stages depending on the display mode of each notice image. Has been. The SU effect is an effect that changes the effect mode step by step according to a predetermined order, and suggests a high expectation degree of jackpot according to the number of stages to be developed. The logo notice effect is an effect of displaying a logo image imitating a predetermined character string (for example, information representing the manufacturer of the gaming machine) (an effect of displaying the logo image in a predetermined emission color) Depending on the type of luminescent color of the logo image, high expectation degree of big hit is suggested. The mini character notice effect is a lively effect that causes a predetermined small character image to appear. In this example, for convenience of explanation, a plurality of notice lottery tables respectively corresponding to a plurality of variable effect patterns are expressed as a single unit.

  In the notice lottery table, an area corresponding to the total number of notice lottery random numbers is divided into a plurality of areas (referred to as “determination areas”), and for each judgment area, a lottery ID and the notice lottery assigned to the lottery ID are assigned. The number of numerical values (referred to as “determination number”) is associated with a 1: 1 relationship. In the SU notice lottery table of FIG. 41A, a SU notice effect pattern is defined for each lottery ID. Specifically, “No SU” is set as a pattern 1 for ID1, and “SU1 ( "SU1 stage))", ID3 defines "SU2 (SU2 stage)" as pattern 3, and ID4 defines "SU3 (SU3 stage)" as pattern 4. In the logo notice lottery table of FIG. 41 (B), a logo notice effect pattern is defined for each lottery ID. Specifically, “no flash” as pattern 1 for ID1, and “white flash as pattern 2 for ID2”. ID3 is defined as “blue flash” as pattern 3 and ID4 is defined as “red flash” as pattern 4. In the mini character notice lottery table of FIG. 41 (C), a mini character notice effect pattern is defined for each lottery ID. Specifically, “mini character no” is designated as pattern 1 for ID1, and “mini character A is designated as pattern 2 for ID2. "Mini character B" is defined as the pattern 3 in ID3, and "Mini character C" is defined as the pattern 4 in ID4.

  On the other hand, as described above, the notice lottery random number value is a random number that can take a total of 32768 values from “0” to “32767”. Then, the selection rate of the lottery ID is determined according to the ratio of the total number of the preliminary lottery random numbers with respect to the determined number. In this example, as a general rule, the notice effect pattern and the determination number are set for each determination area in the order of the highest degree of jackpot expectation, such as determination area 1 → determination area 2 → determination area 3 → determination area 4. It is distributed. In other words, the higher the prediction area, the lower the prediction effect pattern is stored, while the lower determination area is the higher the prediction effect pattern is stored. Has been. In terms of the variation production pattern, the normal variation A production → normal variation B production → normal reach production → super reach A production → super reach B production → super reach C production It can be said that the pattern selection rate increases. The notice lottery method is the same as that in the first embodiment described above, and a duplicate description is omitted.

  FIG. 41D is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a predetermined lottery random number value is stored in the lottery random number storage area. The notice lottery random number storage area stores the notice lottery random number values acquired in the previous variation display. Each notice lottery random number storage area is updated to a new notice lottery random value every time a corresponding notice lottery random number value is acquired. In the illustrated example, the notice lottery random number values acquired up to the previous time are stored in the notice lottery random number storage area corresponding to the normal change A effect, the normal reach effect, and the super reach A effect as the change effect pattern. Under such circumstances, when, for example, the super reach A effect is selected as the change effect pattern in the change display, the change effect pattern selected this time with reference to the change effect history information stored in the effect history storage area It is determined whether or not (super reach A production) is the same as the previously selected variation production pattern. At this time, if the variation effect pattern selected this time (super reach A effect) is different from the previously selected variation effect pattern, the notice is based on the notice lottery random number value generated by the effect lottery random number generator 201 as usual. A lottery process is executed. On the other hand, when the variation effect pattern selected this time (super reach A effect) is the same as the previously selected variation effect pattern, the notice lottery random number storage area corresponding to this variation effect pattern (super reach A effect) is stored. The notice lottery random number value to be read is read out, and the notice lottery process is executed based on the notice lottery random number value.

Specifically, in the previous notice lottery process, the SU notice lottery random value “31000”, the logo notice lottery random value “1500”, and the mini character notice lottery random value “9000” are acquired. “SU2 (SU2 stage)”, “no flash” as the logo notice effect pattern, and “mini character A” as the mini character notice effect pattern should be selected. On the other hand, in the current notice lottery process, the SU notice lottery random number “31000” which is the notice lottery random number (the notice lottery random number acquired in the previous notice lottery process) stored in the notice lottery random number storage area, the logo notice lottery randomness Since the numerical value “1500” and the mini character notice lottery random number “9000” are used as they are, the same notice effect pattern as the previous time, that is, “SU2 (SU2 stage)” as the SU notice effect pattern and “no flash” as the logo notice effect pattern. "Mini character A" is selected as the mini character notice effect pattern.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, in a situation where a predetermined trigger is established, the notice lottery random number value is stored in the notice lottery random number storage area, and the variation effect pattern in the variation display is the previous variation. If it is the same as the variation effect pattern in the display, the same lottery random number stored in the preliminary lottery random number storage area (preliminary lottery random value used in the previous lottery lottery) is used again and the same lottery The notice lottery process is executed based on the random number value. Now, specific processing will be described below.

(Notice lottery management process: third embodiment)
Next, the notice lottery management process (S618) according to the subroutine of S618 in FIG. 27 in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing details of the notice lottery management process (S618).

  In FIG. 42, the processes of S721 to S724 and S727 to S730 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, the process of S726, which is a difference, will be mainly described.

  First, when a predetermined opportunity is established (S723: YES, S724: YES), random number change processing is executed (S727). Details of the random number changing process will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, when the predetermined trigger is not established (S723: NO, S724: NO), the notice lottery random number value stored in the notice lottery random number storage area is cleared (S726). This was saved until the end of the special situation, such as when the pre-reading notice ended (when the prefetching notice flag was turned off) or when the RTC 205 time passed a specific time. This is to clear the notice lottery random value.

  Subsequently, the random number changing process (S727) according to the subroutine of S727 of FIG. 42 in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing details of the random number change processing (S727).

First, it is determined whether or not a preliminary lottery random number value is stored in the preliminary lottery random number storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S761). When the notice lottery random number value is stored (S761: YES), the variation effect selected in S703 is referred to with reference to the variation effect pattern history information stored in the effect history storage area of the sub-main information storage area 260. It is determined whether or not the pattern (the variation effect pattern related to the current variation display) is the same as the variation effect pattern related to the previous variation display (S762). When the variation effect pattern selected this time is the same as the variation effect pattern selected last time (S762: YES), this notice lottery random number storage area is referenced with reference to the notice lottery random number storage area corresponding to the change effect pattern. The notice lottery random number value (previously selected notice lottery random number value) stored in is read and acquired as the notice lottery random number value after change (S763). The notice lottery random value is used in the notice lottery process in S726 instead of the notice lottery random value acquired in S722. As a result, in the current notice lottery process, the same notice effect pattern as the various notice effect patterns selected in the previous notice lottery process can be selected. Therefore, it is possible to cause the same type of effects to appear at the same timing as in the previous variable display over a series of effect processes in the variable display (that is, completely identical effects are developed). On the other hand, when the notice lottery random number value is not saved in the notice lottery random number storage area (S761: NO), or when the variation effect pattern selected this time is different from the previously selected variation effect pattern (S762: NO). Stores the preliminary lottery random number obtained in S722 in the preliminary lottery random number storage area (S764). This stored notice lottery random number value is used as a variation effect pattern history information during a predetermined number of variation displays (while a predetermined trigger is generated) in subsequent processing, and thereafter at S726. Cleared.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the variation effect pattern selected in the variation display is the same as the variation effect pattern selected in the previous variation display, the notice lottery acquired at the time of the previous variation display. By using the random number value again and executing the notice lottery process, it is possible to make the notice effect in the same mode appear continuously across multiple variable displays, thus creating an unprecedented novel effect. It is possible to improve the interest of the game effect, and it is possible to adjust the occurrence frequency of various notice effects (notice effect patterns) without increasing the data capacity.

  In the above-described third embodiment, when the variation effect pattern selected in the current variation display is the same as the variation effect pattern selected in the previous variation display, that is, at least two times the same variation effect pattern. Although the case where the pattern is selected has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, in the process of the predetermined number of symbol variation display, the variation effect pattern selected in the present variation display is selected in any variation display (previous variation display) before the variation display within the predetermined number of times. If it is the same as the variation effect pattern, instead of the preliminary lottery random value acquired at the preliminary lottery in the variation display, the preliminary lottery random value acquired at the preliminary lottery in the previous variable display is used again. The notice lottery process may be executed based on the same acquired random number value. According to such a configuration, even if the same variation effect and notice effect do not appear twice in succession during a plurality of variation displays, the same variation effect and notice effect are produced while sandwiching other effects in the plurality of variations. It becomes possible to appear intermittently. The “predetermined number of symbol variation display” means a plurality of symbol variation displays that are executed in a situation where a predetermined trigger is established.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where it is applied to a pachinko gaming machine has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other gaming machines other than pachinko gaming machines. Similar effects can be obtained.

[Third embodiment-modification]
Next, a gaming machine according to a modification of the third embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to this modification basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above-described third embodiment, and hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to parts having the same configuration. The description is omitted, and different parts are mainly described.

  In the above-described third embodiment, as a predetermined trigger, when the pre-reading notice is being executed, or when the time measured by the RTC 205 reaches a specific time, the random number change process is executed. The present modification is not limited to the configuration, and this modification is configured to execute the random number change process when staying in the latent effect mode (limited period set after the end of the special game) as a predetermined trigger. .

As described above, the latent effect mode Mγ is an effect mode that is set when the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side is the special variation state γ. Then, the special variation state γ is set only for a limited period of 10 variations immediately after the end of the special game or the small hit game when the result of the determination of success / failure is 2R big hit or small hit. In this limited period, a variation pattern of a special symbol is selected with reference to a special variation pattern table in which a variation pattern selection tendency is special compared to others among a plurality of types of variation pattern tables.

  As shown in FIG. 7C, in the special variation pattern table, when the result of the determination is a big hit / small hit, only the variation pattern PX4 (super reach A) or the variation pattern PX5 (super reach B) is selected. If the determination result is out of order, only the variation pattern PY4 (super reach A) or the variation pattern PY5 (super reach B) is selected. That is, in the special variation pattern table, only a part of variation patterns (variation patterns with a time value of 60 seconds or 90 seconds) is selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns.

  On the other hand, on the side of the effect control board 200, a change effect pattern (including a change effect pattern group) corresponding to the change pattern of this special symbol is selected. Therefore, when staying in the latent effect mode Mγ, only the variable effect patterns PEX4, PEX5, PEY4, and PEY5 corresponding to the change patterns PX4, PX4, PY4, and PY5 among the plurality of types of change effect patterns are selected. Become. As a result, in the latent effect mode Mγ, the ratio of continuously selecting the same variation effect pattern in the multiple variation display is higher than in the other effect modes Mα and Mβ. . That is, it is likely that the variation effect pattern selected in the current variation display is the same as the variation effect pattern selected in the previous variation display.

  Therefore, when the notice lottery in the variable display, the chance to execute the notice lottery process based on the same acquired random number value by using again the notice lottery random value acquired in the previous lottery in the variable display is increased. To do. Therefore, while staying in the latent probability variation mode Mγ, a combination of the same variation effect pattern and the same notice effect pattern is likely to occur over a plurality of variation displays. In other words, during the stay in the latent probability changing mode Mγ, by causing the player to repeatedly display a variation display having completely the same production contents combining the same variation production pattern and the same notice production pattern over a plurality of times, On the other hand, it can be suggested or notified that the latent probability changing state is present. In the special variation pattern table of FIG. 7C, since the variation pattern PX4 or PX5 having a relatively long variation time value is selected, the variation display is repeated, so that the variation state is probable. May become clear to the player. Therefore, even if the result of the determination is a small hit, the same variation pattern is selected at the time of latent probability change and at the small hit by referring to the special variation pattern table after the small hit game. You may comprise so that it may suggest that it is a latent probability change state by changing a probability. In other words, the more frequently the same effect occurs, the higher the degree of expectation of the latent probability change. As a specific example, the ratio of selecting the fluctuation pattern of 60 seconds and the fluctuation pattern of 90 seconds does not change at “1: 1” between the latent probability change and the small hit, but the same fluctuation pattern is selected. The probability that the same random number value as the stored random number value (the random number value at the time of the previous fluctuation) is continuously selected is different from 1/3 when the latent probability changes, and 1/6 when the small hit value is changed. When the latent probability is changed, the same variation pattern is often generated continuously, which leads to a suggestion that the latent probability is changed. As another specific example, it is assumed that there are fluctuation patterns other than 60 seconds and 90 seconds, and there are fluctuation patterns 1 to 6. At that time, the probability that the variation pattern 6 is selected at the time of the latent probability change is 40% (the variation pattern 1 to 5 is a selection rate of 60%), and the probability that the variation pattern 6 is selected at the small hit is 10% (the variation pattern 1). ˜5 is 90% selectivity). It is possible to suggest that the latent probability variation state may be caused by the fact that the variation pattern 6 is continuously generated during the latent probability variation.

As described above, according to this modification, when the result of the determination is a latent probability variation big hit (2R big hit), a limited period of time immediately after the end of the special game (in this example, a limitation over 10 symbol variation displays). The content of the same effect repeatedly appears within a period of time), suggesting or informing the player that the current game state is a high-probability state (latency probability variation state) in an unprecedented effect mode. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the fun of the game.

  It should be noted that this modification can also be suitably applied to gaming machines other than pachinko gaming machines, such as slot machines, and the same effects can be obtained. As an example of applying this modification to a slot machine, when performing various effects according to the winning combination, a storage area is provided for storing various effect random numbers for each winning combination. When the same winning combination as the winning combination occurs, or when the same winning combination occurs in a predetermined number of games even if the same winning combination does not occur continuously, it is saved in the storage area corresponding to the corresponding winning combination. By obtaining the effect lottery random value and selecting the effect content (effect pattern) using the random value, the same effect will appear in a plurality of games. For example, It is possible to suggest the possibility of winning a specific combination and shifting to an advantageous state (ART) in the next and subsequent games.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be improved as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, the components described in the above embodiments and modified examples are appropriately combined, or some of the components described in the above described embodiments and modified examples are deleted or converted by known / conventional techniques, etc. These are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the notice effect pattern is exemplified as the effect pattern selected by the changed random number value. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the change effect pattern, the pre-read notice pattern, and the jackpot effect are described. Other effect patterns such as patterns may be applied.

  In order to make the technical significance of the present invention clearer and easier to understand, the constituent features of the embodiment illustrating the present invention are listed based on the above-described embodiment. However, the configuration requirements listed below are merely examples, and the configuration requirements listed above are added to these configuration requirements as well as the combination and separation (higher level conceptualization) of these configuration requirements. May be.

The gaming machine of the aspect illustrating the present invention (1)
A game board in which a game area is formed;
A start opening provided at a predetermined position in the game area and allowing a game ball to enter;
A determination unit for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start port;
An effect display device in which an effect image according to a predetermined effect pattern is displayed as well as a variable display and a stop display of the design indicating the result of the determination of success or failure;
Production random number generating means for acquiring a random value from a predetermined random number range;
Effect pattern storage means for storing an effect pattern table defining a plurality of effect patterns;
Effect pattern determining means for selecting one effect pattern from a plurality of effect patterns determined in the effect pattern table based on the random number value acquired in the effect random number generating means;
In the effect pattern table, a plurality of determination areas in which a correspondence relationship between each of the plurality of effect patterns and a determination number assigned to a predetermined numerical range that can be taken by a random value according to the selection probability of the effect pattern is defined. Is established,
The effect pattern determining means can select the effect pattern corresponding to the determination value to which the random number value belongs by comparing the acquired random number value and the determination value in each determination area,
The effect pattern determination means, based on a relative relationship of the acquired random number value with respect to the entire random number range, a random value belonging to only a determination value of a specific determination region among a plurality of determination regions at a predetermined opportunity By changing to, it is possible to select only an effect pattern determined in a specific determination area from among a plurality of effect patterns.

The gaming machine of the aspect illustrating the present invention (2) is
A game board in which a game area is formed;
A start opening provided at a predetermined position in the game area and allowing a game ball to enter;
A determination unit for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start port;
An effect display device in which an effect image according to a predetermined effect pattern is displayed as well as a variable display and a stop display of the design indicating the result of the determination of success or failure;
Production random number generating means for acquiring a random value from a predetermined random number range;
Effect pattern storage means for storing an effect pattern table defining a plurality of effect patterns;
Effect pattern determining means for selecting one effect pattern from a plurality of effect patterns determined in the effect pattern table based on the random number value acquired in the effect random number generating means;
In the effect pattern table, a plurality of determination areas in which a correspondence relationship between each of the plurality of effect patterns and a determination number assigned to a predetermined numerical range that can be taken by a random value according to the selection probability of the effect pattern is defined. Is established,
The effect pattern determination means can select the effect pattern corresponding to the determination number to which the random number value belongs by comparing the acquired random number value and the determination value in each determination area as the effect pattern selection process. And
The effect pattern determination means adds a constant value to the acquired random number value on condition that a special situation occurs and is an effect pattern selection process for a predetermined specific effect among a plurality of effects. Then, the effect pattern selection process is executed based on the changed random number value.

The gaming machine of the aspect illustrating the present invention (3) is
A game board in which a game area is formed;
A start opening provided at a predetermined position in the game area and allowing a game ball to enter;
A determination unit for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start port;
An effect display device in which a symbol indicating the result of the determination of validity is displayed in a variable manner and stopped,
A variation effect pattern storage means for storing a plurality of variation effect patterns in which a display process of the variation effect for causing the effect display device to variably display the symbols is defined;
In the process of displaying a design variation effect, a plurality of notification effect patterns having a display process of a notification effect that preliminarily suggests the high degree of expectation that the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit is retained. A notice effect pattern storage means for storing a notice effect pattern table defining the effect pattern;
A variation effect pattern determining means for selecting one variation effect pattern from a plurality of variation effect patterns;
Production random number generating means for obtaining production random number value from a predetermined random number range,
A notice effect pattern determining means for selecting one notice effect pattern from a plurality of notice effect patterns determined in the notice effect pattern table based on the effect random number value obtained in the effect random number generating means;
The notice effect pattern table defines a correspondence relationship between each of the plurality of notice effect patterns and a determination number assigned to a predetermined numerical range that the effect random value can take according to the selection probability of the notice effect pattern. A plurality of judgment areas are defined,
The notice effect pattern determining means can select the notice effect pattern corresponding to the determination number to which the effect random number value belongs by comparing the obtained effect random number value with the determination value in each determination area. And
When the notice effect pattern determining means executes the variable display of the symbol at a predetermined opportunity, the variable effect pattern selected in the variable display is the variable effect pattern selected in the variable display before the variable display. If the same, the gaming machine is characterized in that the notice effect pattern in the variation display can be selected based on the effect random value acquired in the variation display before the variation display.

PM Pachinko machine (game machine)
PA gaming area 1 outer frame 2 front frame 5 glass frame 20 game board 61 first starting port 62 second starting port 64 big winning port 70 effect display device 100 main control board 141 special symbol determination unit (presence / absence determination unit)
200 production control board 210 production lottery random number generation means (production random number generation means)
220 production control means (production pattern storage means, production pattern determination means)
225 Variation effect determining means (variation effect pattern storage means, variation effect pattern determining means)
226 notice effect determining means (notice effect pattern storage means, notice effect pattern determining means)

Claims (1)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
A start opening provided at a predetermined position in the game area and allowing a game ball to enter;
A determination unit for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start port;
An effect display device in which a symbol indicating the result of the determination of validity is displayed in a variable manner and stopped,
A variation effect pattern storage means for storing a plurality of variation effect patterns in which a display process of the variation effect for causing the effect display device to variably display the symbols is defined;
In the process of displaying a design variation effect, a plurality of notification effect patterns having a display process of a notification effect that preliminarily suggests the high degree of expectation that the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit is retained. A notice effect pattern storage means for storing a notice effect pattern table defining the effect pattern;
A variation effect pattern determining means for selecting one variation effect pattern from a plurality of variation effect patterns;
Production random number generating means for obtaining production random number value from a predetermined random number range,
A notice effect pattern determining means for selecting one notice effect pattern from a plurality of notice effect patterns determined in the notice effect pattern table based on the effect random number value obtained in the effect random number generating means;
The notice effect pattern table defines a correspondence relationship between each of the plurality of notice effect patterns and a determination number assigned to a predetermined numerical range that the effect random value can take according to the selection probability of the notice effect pattern. A plurality of judgment areas are defined,
The notice effect pattern determining means can select the notice effect pattern corresponding to the determination number to which the effect random number value belongs by comparing the obtained effect random number value with the determination value in each determination area. And
When the notice effect pattern determining means executes the variable display of the symbol at a predetermined opportunity, the variable effect pattern selected in the variable display is the variable effect pattern selected in the variable display before the variable display. If the same, the gaming machine can select a notice effect pattern in the variation display based on the effect random value acquired in the variation display before the variation display.

Images