JP6519680B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  In the pachinko gaming machine described above, a plurality of gaming machines are installed in a row in an island facility called a so-called gaming island in a game arcade and provided for gaming. Such a gaming machine is configured to have a main control board that controls the control of the game progress, and an effect control board that controls the control of the game effect based on an instruction from the main control board. The effect control board executes main processing including loop processing which is continuously repeated and interrupt processing which is started by interrupting the main processing when a predetermined condition is established, and according to the development situation of the game, Effect control such as image display of a liquid crystal display, lighting of an LED lamp, sound by a speaker, operation of a movable part (motor, solenoid), and the like is performed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP, 2010-131244, A

  By the way, in recent years, effects for enhancing the interest of the player are diversified, and accordingly, the operation request of various devices such as an LED lamp, a motor, and a solenoid is increasing. Therefore, on the effect control board side, there is a problem that the processing load required to control various devices increases and it may become difficult to process the game effect smoothly.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of smoothly processing a game effect.

In order to achieve such an object, the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises: main control means for controlling the progress of the game; and effect control means for controlling the effect related to the game based on an instruction from the main control means; Main processing including loop processing which is continuously repeated as control in the production control means, having production means controlled at least by the production control means and performing at least the effect lamp according to the game development, and predetermined The gaming machine is configured to execute an interruption process which is started by interrupting the main process when a condition is satisfied, and the interruption process of the effect control means includes an effect control command transmitted from the main control means. There is a command reception interrupt to be received, and in the main processing of the effect control means, the effect control command received in the command reception interrupt is analyzed, and within the effect operation to be executed by the effect means In the command analysis process, when the effect control command to be analyzed is a effect control command to be transmitted when the variable display is started in the command analysis process, it should be executed by the effect means in the variable display Execute the fluctuation effect content determination process of determining the effect operation content, and the interruption effect content determination process includes the lamp request process outside the interruption process of setting the information related to the effect operation content for the effect lamp, and the main of the effect control means The processing includes device management processing for setting lighting pattern data for lighting control of the rendering lamp when information relating to rendering operation contents for a predetermined rendering lamp is set, and interruption of the rendering control means In the processing, all lighting pattern data set by the device management processing at predetermined intervals are And ramp data update processing to be transmitted to the control circuit, it is executed in response to occurrence of a predetermined condition, configured to have an interrupt processing lamp request processing for setting the information related to the effect operation content for the presentation lamp.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to process the game effect smoothly.

It is a front view of a pachinko game machine concerning this embodiment. It is a rear view of a pachinko game machine concerning this embodiment. It is a control block diagram of a pachinko game machine concerning this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of a main control board and a production control board of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a special symbol equivalence lottery table. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a symbol table per special symbol. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a special symbol variation pattern table. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side main processing of a pachinko game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing following FIG. 8 of the main control side main processing. It is a flow chart which shows main control side timer interrupt processing. It is a flow chart which shows starting opening monitoring control processing. It is a flow chart which shows special symbol variation start surveillance control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol variation start monitoring process in FIG. It is a flow chart which shows special symbol control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol control general-purpose processing in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol variation start process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process during special symbol variation in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the special symbol stop symbol display in FIG. It is a flow chart which shows control processing following Drawing 18 of processing under special symbol stop symbol display processing. It is a flowchart which shows a special electric symbol combination control process. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing following FIG. 20 of a special motorized prize control process. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing following FIG. 20 of a special motorized prize control process. It is a flowchart which shows a reset start process. It is a flow chart which shows production control side main processing. It is a flowchart which shows the command analysis process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the effect content determination process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the error production content determination process in FIG. It is a flow chart which shows lamp production interruption processing. It is a flow chart which shows lamp request processing. It is a flow chart which shows reception interruption processing of a production control command. It is a flow chart which shows production control side timer interruption processing. It is a flow chart which shows command set processing. It is a flowchart which shows the transmission interruption process of an image control command. It is a flowchart which shows the reception interruption process of an ACK command. FIG. 6 is a schematic view provided for describing the priority levels of the respective interrupt processes. It is a flow chart which shows lamp production interruption processing concerning a modification.

  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 FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. First, with reference to this drawing, the general configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be outlined. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment is a model in which two functions corresponding to the conventional first pachinko gaming machine are mixed, and the first game (the first special symbol game) and the second It achieves coexistence with the game (the second special symbol game).

[Basic configuration of pachinko gaming machine]
First, the basic structure of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko game machine PM is, as shown in FIG. 1, configured in the form of a rectangular frame according to the opening front of the outer frame 1 forming a vertical fixed holding frame configured in the outer rectangular frame size, and is mounted open and closed Locking mechanism called double lock provided at the front right side edge, which can be opened, closed and detached sideways open and close and detachable by upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3 arranged at the front left side edge of each frame By means of the device 4 it is always kept in the closed state engaged with the outer frame 1.

  A rectangular glass frame 5 fitted to the upper front surface area of the front frame 2 is laterally open / close and detachably assembled using the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3, and a locking device 4 is used. It is always held in a closed state covering the front of the front frame 2. In the front frame 2, the game board 20 is detachably set and held, so that the game area PA on the front of the game board 20 can be viewed visibly through the multilayer glass of the glass frame 5 which is always closed and held. There is.

  On the front side of the glass frame 5, 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 are provided. Upper and lower ball trays (upper ball tray 8 and lower ball tray 9) for storing gaming balls are provided at the lower part of the glass frame 5. At the front center of the upper ball tray 8, a player performs pressing operation A button 15 is provided, and on the front right side of the lower ball tray 9 is provided a launch handle 12 for launching the game ball.

  The game board 20 is configured by using a decorative board formed by attaching a cell on which a predetermined pattern is printed onto a rectangular laminated plywood subjected to router processing or the like as a substrate. On the front of the game board 20, an outer rail and an inner rail are fixed in a circular arc shape, and a substantially circular game area PA where the game balls can be rolled is sectioned, and a windmill and a large number of games are formed in the game area PA. In addition to nails, in addition to the first start opening 61, the second start opening 62, the operation gate 63, the special winning opening 64, etc., the first special symbol display device 71, the second special symbol display device 72, the first Various display devices such as a special view reserve lamp 73, a second special view reserve lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, and a common view reserve lamp 76 are provided. A center decoration 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 central opening of the center decoration 22. At the lower end of the game area PA, an out port 29 is provided for discharging the game balls rolled down without entering each winning port to the back side of the game board 20. Hereinafter, each component provided in the game board 20 will be described in order.

  The first starting opening 61 is provided as a starting winning opening corresponding to the first special symbol game, and is provided with a first starting opening switch 611 for detecting entry of the game ball. Entry of the game ball into the first starting opening 61 is a trigger for the first special symbol lottery.

  The second starting opening 62 is provided as a starting winning opening corresponding to the second special symbol game, and is provided with a second starting opening switch 621 for detecting the entering of the game ball. Entry of the game ball into the second starting opening 62 triggers a second special symbol lottery. Further, the second start port 62 includes a normal motorized product 622 and a normal motorized product solenoid 623 for opening and closing the normal motorized product 622. The ordinary electric character 622 changes between a closed state where it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting opening 62 and an open state where the game ball is easier to enter than the state. Here, the second starting opening 62 is disposed almost directly below the first starting opening 61, and if the ordinary motorized part 622 of the second starting opening 62 is not opened, the presence of the first starting opening 61 causes the gaming ball to It is difficult to hit the ball. On the other hand, when the ordinary electric utility product 622 is opened, the ease of entering the second starting opening 62 is enhanced, and the gaming ball can be entered into the second starting opening.

  The actuation gate 63 is provided as a start winning hole corresponding to a normal symbol game, and includes an actuation gate switch 631 for detecting passage of gaming balls. In addition, passage of the game ball to the operation gate 63 becomes an opportunity of the normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not the normal motorized combination 622 of the second starting opening 62 is to be expanded.

  The special winning opening 64 is a winning opening located under the gaming area PA without a horizontal rectangular shape which is opened when a big or small hit occurs in the first special symbol or the second special symbol. . The special winning opening 64 is provided with a special winning opening switch 641 for detecting entry of the game ball, and a special electric jack 642 called an attacker device and an opening / closing drive of the special electric jack 642 The big winning opening solenoid 643 is provided. The special motorized character 642 is variable between the normal state where the game ball can not enter or hard to enter the big winning opening 64 and the open state where the game ball can enter or can enter easily.

  The first special symbol display device 71 performs variable display and finalized display of the first special symbol in response to the game ball entering the first starting opening. The first special symbol display device 71 is constituted of, for example, eight LED lamps, and the variable 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 finalized and displayed.

  The second special symbol display device 72 performs variable display and finalized display of the second special symbol in response to the game ball entering the second starting opening. 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 finalized and displayed.

  The first special view reserve lamp 73 and the second special view reserve lamp 74 are respectively composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol by the lighting / flashing display of the lamp Express (up to 4). The number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is the number of gaming balls entered into the first starting opening during the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of a special game, and the execution of the symbol variation Indicates the number of permits that were temporarily suspended. The number of operation reserved balls for the second special symbol is the number of gaming balls that enter the second starting opening during the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of a special game, and the execution of the symbol variation Indicates the number of permits that were temporarily suspended.

  The normal symbol display device 75 is composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and performs normal symbol variable display and final display. The general drawing reserve lamp 76 is composed of, for example, four lamps, and the number of lighting of the lamps corresponds to the number of reserved symbol variations (the number of normal symbol variations not yet executed). In addition, 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 the special electric character 642 is operated continuously) is provided.

The effect display device 70 mainly displays an effect image including a decorative symbol to be displayed in a variable manner and stopped in conjunction with the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and a notice effect, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol Make a pending display. Specifically, on the screen of the effect display device 70, the first special symbol in synchronization with the decorative symbol display portion 700 on which the variable display of the decorative symbol or the advance notice effect display is executed and the first special view holding lamp 73 The first special view reserve display section 701 where the reserve display of the second special symbol is performed, and the second special view reserve display section 702 where the reserve display of the second special symbol is performed in synchronization with the second special view reserve lamp 74 It is provided. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is employed as the effect display device 70. In the decorative symbol display portion 700, three columns of display regions (left display region Z1, middle display region Z2, right display region Z3) serving as variable display regions of decorative symbols are provided on predetermined effective lines (not shown). The right symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the left display region 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 respectively displayed stopped. It has become so. In the normal display mode, while the special design retention ball is activated, a special circle retention image is displayed on the special display reserve display parts 701 and 702, and the special retention feature is displayed when the special retention ball is digested. The hold image is lost. The reserved images are displayed in order according to the generation order of the operation reserved balls of the special symbol (the order of ball entry), and can be displayed on each of the reserved display portions 701 and 702 at a maximum of four each.

  The center ornament 22 is installed around the effect display device 70, and has functions such as protection of the flow path of the game ball, the screen of the effect display device 70, and decoration. The center ornament 22 is provided with a plurality of movable role objects 24 (24A, 24B, 24C) that execute rendering operations in accordance with the game development status. Each movable part 24 includes a motor M (for example, a stepping motor) as a drive source. In addition, as a drive source of the movable role thing 24, you may use other drive sources, such as a solenoid, for example. Further, the center decoration 22 is provided with a board lamp (LED lamp) 25 that emits light in accordance with the development status of the game. In the following description, for convenience, the frame lamp 10 and the board lamp 25 are collectively referred to as a "production lamp LP". In the present embodiment, although the LED lamp is used as the effect lamp LP, other light emitting means other than the LED lamp may be used as long as it can exhibit a lamp effect.

  Subsequently, 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 setting board 30 based on a base frame body formed in a rectangular frame shape somewhat smaller than the front frame 2 having a window communicating back and forth in the center. Through the hinge mechanism 3, it is connected to the rear of the front frame 2 so as to be able to open, close, and detach. On the back setting board 30, a back set cover 30C in the form of a rectangular box with an open front face is detachably attached, and is always disposed covering the back side of the game board 20 attached to the front frame 2. (This causes the main control board 100, the effect control board 200, and the image control board 300 described later to be covered by the back set cover 30C).

  Each part of the back setting board 30 is connected to the storage tank 31 for storing a large number of gaming balls, the tank rail 32 extending with a gentle downward slope from the storage tank 31, and the right end of the tank rail 32 The ball supply passage 33 extending in the direction, the prize ball payout unit 34 paying out the gaming balls guided by the ball feed passage 33, the prize for guiding the gaming balls paid out from the prize ball payout unit 34 to the upper bowl 6 A ball passage 35 and the like are provided.

  On the back side of the game board 10, a main control board (main control board unit) 100 for overall control of the operation of the pachinko gaming machine PM, and an effect control board (effect control board unit) 200 for controlling overall effects. An image control board (image control board unit) 300 for controlling image display and sound effects according to game development is attached. On the other hand, on the back side of the back setting board 30, a payout control board (payout control board unit) 400 for controlling the launch and payout of the gaming balls, and power from the gaming facility side to control various control boards, electricity, etc. A power supply substrate (power supply substrate unit) 500 or the like for supplying power to the electronic component is attached. These control boards are assembled at a predetermined position on the back of the game board 20 or the back setting board 30 in an assembled state housed in a transparent resin base case having a caulking structure and a sealing structure to prevent tampering. It is arranged. The control board and the electric / electronic parts of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PM are mutually connected via a harness (connector cable), and the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured to be operable.

[Basic operation of pachinko gaming machine]
In the pachinko gaming machine PM configured as described above, 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 bowl 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 firing handle 12. When the firing handle 12 is turned, the gaming balls stored in the upper bowl 8 are shot one by one by the ball feed mechanism 13 (see FIG. 3) disposed on the back side of the glass frame 5. It is sent out to 14 (refer to FIG. 3), and is launched into the game area PA by the launch mechanism 14.

  When a game ball rolling down the game area PA enters any of the first start opening 61, the second start opening 62, the operation gate 63, and the big winning opening 64, a winning ball according to the type of the winning opening Are dispensed to the upper ball tray 8 or the lower ball tray 9 by the winning ball dispensing unit 33. When the game ball enters the first starting opening 61 (second starting opening 62), the first special symbol (second special symbol) is variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 71 (second special symbol display device 72). At the same time, the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the decorative symbol display unit 700 of the effect display device 70 in synchronization with this. The variable display of the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the decorative symbol is stopped (decided display) after the elapse of the fluctuation time previously determined by the lottery.

  When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined and displayed in the stop mode indicating a big hit, it shifts to the special game which is a game state advantageous to the player than the normal game, and the opening and closing operation of the big winning opening 64 starts Be done. The stop aspect of the decorative symbol indicating a big hit is, for example, an aspect in which the types of three symbols match. In this embodiment, as special games, 2R special game in which round game is set 2 times (2 rounds), 12R special game in which round games are set 12 times (12 rounds), and 16 round games A 16R special game set to (16 rounds) is provided.

  In this embodiment, even if the game is shifted to any of 2R special game, 12R special game and 16R special game, the probability fluctuation function of special symbol (hereinafter also referred to as “probable change”) may be activated after the end of the special game. . When the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated, a lottery having a jackpot probability higher than that of 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 variation time shortening function of the special symbol (hereinafter also referred to as "time-shortening") operates uniformly along with the probability variation function. When the variation time shortening function of the special symbol is activated, the average variation time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol tends to be shortened than the normal state, and the number of lottery times per unit time is improved more than the normal state (unit time You can increase the ease of winning the jackpot). In this example, the duration of the time saving state is set to a period of a predetermined number of fluctuations (for example, 50 times) of the special symbol from the end of the special game. On the other hand, if it is a fluctuation time shortening function attached to the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol, it is set to a period after the end of the special game until the next big hit occurs.

  When the variation time reduction function of the special symbol is activated, the so-called electric chew support function is activated to shift to the electric chew support state (the ball entry easy state). The easy ball entry condition is enhanced by the ease of entry into the second starting opening 62 by activating the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol, the probability variation function of the normal symbol, and the open time extension function of the ordinary electric symbol. It is possible to In this easy-to-enter-ball state, the possibility of increasing the number of times of fluctuation of the normal symbol per fixed time more than usual is increased, and the ease of entering the second start-up opening 62 is also improved. The possibility of increasing the number of ball entry also increases. Therefore, as a result of the chance to obtain a winning ball by entering the second starting opening 62 during that period by the operation of the special symbol variation time shortening function and the electric chow support function, the number of holding balls is hardly reduced. It becomes possible to continue the game.

[Control configuration of pachinko gaming machine]
Next, each control board mounted on the pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment will be described with additional reference to FIG. 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 processing related to gaming, a ROM 102 that stores control programs and various data, a RAM 103 that functions as a work area or buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, peripheral boards and each An I / O port circuit 104 for inputting and outputting signals to and from the device, and a random number generation circuit 105 which operates as a separate system from program processing (software random numbers) by the main CPU 101 and generates predetermined random numbers (internal random numbers) And a main control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 110 configured to include the main CPU 101. The main CPU 101 is configured to execute main control related to game progression in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 102. In addition, although not shown, the main control board 100 is a clock circuit that divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock, and is reset when the main CPU 101 malfunctions or runs out. A WDT circuit for recovering to a normal state, a CTC circuit for enabling generation of a real time interrupt and time measurement, etc. are mounted, and these are mutually connected via an internal bus.

  The main CPU 101 executes various processing related to main control of the game by reading various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performing arithmetic processing based on detection information and the like from each switch. The RAM 103 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage unit 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 the stack pointer and each register held at the time of the power shutdown when the power shutdown occurs. The state of the gaming machine is restored to the state before the power failure based on the information of the backup area.

  The random number generation circuit 105 generates random numbers in a predetermined range (internal random numbers) according to a predetermined rule by updating once based on the clock signal (one clock) from the clock circuit (one clock and one random number generation method). The initial value of the built-in random number is a numerical value calculated by a predetermined calculation based on the ID number (specific identification information assigned to each microcomputer) of the main control microcomputer 110, and is changed at each system reset. This built-in random number constitutes a part of the random number per special symbol used for the lottery of the special symbol to be described later.

  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 special winning port switch 641, etc., and via the I / O port circuit 104. Detection signals from various switches are input to the main CPU 101. In addition, the main control board 100, the first special symbol display device 71, the second special symbol display device 72, the first special view reserve lamp 73, the second special view reserve lamp 74, the normal symbol display device 75 and the common view reserve lamp The control signal from the main CPU 101 is electrically connected via the I / O port circuit 104. The control signal from the main CPU 101 is electrically connected to the ordinary electric service solenoid 623 and the special electric service solenoid 643. Send to various display means and various solenoids.

  Communication between the main control substrate 100 and the effect control substrate 200 is possible only in a single direction from the main control substrate 100 to the effect control substrate 200, and various types of effects from the main control substrate 100 to the effect control substrate 200 are provided. The presentation control command of is sent. It is not possible to transmit data from the effect control board 200 to the main control board 100, and it is not possible to request the main control board 100 to transmit data.

The effect control board 200 has a sub main CPU 201 that performs various arithmetic processing related to game effects based on effect control commands from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 that stores effect control programs and various data, etc., a work area serving as a temporary storage area, A presentation comprising a RAM 203 functioning as a buffer memory, an I / O port circuit 204 for inputting and outputting signals between peripheral boards and devices, and a serial communication circuit 205 for inputting and outputting serial data. A control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 210 is mounted, and the sub main CPU 201 is configured to execute main control related to a game effect according to a control program stored in the ROM 202. In addition to the effect control board 200, although not shown,
A clock circuit that divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock, a WDT circuit that resets and restores to a normal state when the sub main CPU 201 is in a malfunction or runaway state, based on the system clock A TPU circuit that outputs various signals, an interrupt controller that activates various interrupts such as a timer interrupt based on signals from the TPU circuit, and the like are mounted, and they are mutually connected via an internal bus.

  The effect control board 200 is an image control command for instructing the image control board 300 to generate an image and sound, and a lamp control signal for controlling the lamp connection board 91 in the effect control process based on the effect control command from the main control board 100. (Lamp data), generates a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92, and the like. The effect control board 200 is connected to the image control board 300 so as to enable two-way communication, and while an image control command relating to an image and sound is transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300, this image A response command (ACK command) indicating that the 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 the lamp connection board 91, and transmits a lamp control signal (lamp data) through the serial communication circuit. In this example, serial transmission of clock synchronous type is adopted between the effect control board 200 and the lamp connection board 91, and transmitted by a signal line (clock line) different from the data line for lamp data transmission. The lamp control signal is transmitted bit by bit via the data line in synchronization with the clock signal. The lamp connection board 91 incorporates an LED driver (not shown) that functions by receiving a lamp control signal for driving the LED transmitted from the effect control board 200, and switches in the circuit based on the lamp control signal. By switching on / off, drive current is supplied to or cut off from the effect lamp LP, and control is performed to turn on or turn off the effect lamp LP.

  Further, the effect control board 200 is electrically connected to the motor driver 92, and transmits a drive control signal (drive data) to the motor driver 92 via the I / O port circuit 204. The motor driver 92 supplies drive current to the motor M of each movable object 24 by switching on / off a switch in the circuit based on a drive control signal for accessory drive transmitted from the effect control board 200. Alternatively, it shuts off and controls the movable items 24 to operate.

  The image control board 300 has a sub-sub-CPU 301 that performs various arithmetic processing relating to image effects based on image control commands from the effect control board 200, a program ROM 302 that stores image control programs and various data, etc. RAM 303 which functions as an area or buffer memory, VDP 304 which generates image data according to the contents of presentation based on the control signal acquired from sub sub CPU 301, and generates acoustic data according to the contents of presentation based on control signal acquired from sub sub CPU 301 And a sound source IC 305. The VDP 304 is a so-called image processor, reads the image data stored in the image ROM 306 according to an instruction from the sub-sub CPU, and processes the image data to transmit a video signal (image data) generated to the effect display device. The VPD 304 is connected to a high-speed VRAM 307 used for developing and processing the image data read from the image ROM 306. The sound source IC 305 reads the sound data stored in the voice ROM 308 according to the instruction from the sub-sub CPU 301, and outputs the sound data generated by synthesizing the sound data to the speaker 11 via an amplifier (not shown). .

The payout control board 400 mainly includes a payout CPU 401, a ROM 402, and a RAM 403. The payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be capable of bi-directional communication, and is a control for driving the prize ball dispensing unit 34 based on the payout control command from the main control board 100 to dispense the prize balls. The ball feed mechanism 13 and the launch mechanism 14 are synchronously driven based on the amount of operation of the launch handle 12 to execute control of the launch of the gaming ball.

  Although not shown in detail, power supply substrate 500 is a normal power supply circuit for generating a normal power supply used in each control substrate based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply facility on the game island, and a backup power supply. A backup power supply circuit for generating (VBB) and a power cut-off monitor circuit for monitoring a power cut-off due to a voltage drop are provided, and they are used for electronic and electric parts such as control boards and gaming machines. Supply necessary power. The power supply substrate 500 is connected to a power supply switch for activating a power supply circuit, and assuming that the primary power is supplied from the power supply device of the game island, the power supply substrate is turned on when the power supply switch is turned on. A predetermined power supply is supplied from a normal power supply circuit 500 to each control board or the like. The power supply substrate 500 is configured to be able to detect that the power supply from the power supply device on the gaming island has been cut off, and when the power supply is disconnected, the power control signal (NMI signal) notifying that effect is used as the main control substrate 100. , And the effect control board 200 and the payout control board 400. The backup power supply circuit is configured to be charged when power is supplied from the power supply device on the gaming island to the pachinko gaming machine PM. The power supply substrate 500 is also connected with a RAM clear switch (not shown) for temporarily erasing the temporarily stored contents of the RAM 103 of the main control substrate 100 and setting an initial value when the power of the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned on. ing. The RAM clear switch may be connected to, for example, the main control board 100 instead of the power supply board 500.

[Main functional configuration of pachinko gaming machine]
Next, various functions of the pachinko gaming machine PM (mainly, the main control board 100 / the effect control board 200) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. 4 additionally.

Main control board
As shown in FIG. 4, the main control board 100 is a ball entry determination means 110, a game lottery random number generation means 120, a hold control means 130, an advance determination means 135, a special symbol lottery processing means 140, an ordinary symbol lottery processing means 145, It includes a demonstration effect setting means 150, a symbol display control means 155, an electric role control means 160, a game state control means 165, an error monitoring control means 170, a main information storage means 180, and a command transmission / reception means 190. The above-described units in the main control board 100 are constituted by the main CPU 101, the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the hardware such as the electronic circuit provided on the main control board 100, and the software such as the control program stored in the ROM 102 or the like. Is a functional expression of

  The ball entrance judging means 110 enters the ball of the game ball to each winning opening based on the detection signal from the first starting opening switch 611, the second starting opening switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, and the special winning opening switch 641. judge.

The game lottery random number generation means 120 takes in the built-in random number generated by the random number generation circuit 105 by software, and adds a soft random number per special symbol described later to this to add a random number per special symbol used for the special lottery Generate In addition, the game lottery random number generation means 120 is provided with a random number counter for generating various software random numbers by the program processing of the main CPU 101. These random number counters play a role as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. As this software random number, a soft random number per special symbol added to the above-mentioned built-in random number to make 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 soft random number per special symbol, A special symbol per symbol special symbol used to determine a winning symbol (combination of symbols that will activate the condition device) as a stop symbol of a special symbol Special symbol for determining the initial value and end value of a symbol random number per symbol special symbol per symbol special symbol The initial value random number per pattern, the special pattern variation pattern random number for use in selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol, the random number per ordinary symbol for use in the lottery of the normal symbol, the initial value and the end value of the random number per ordinary symbol The initial value random number per normal symbol to decide, the normal symbol variation pattern random number etc to be used for the selection of the variation pattern of the normal symbol That. The software random numbers are updated once each time the timer interrupt process occurs, and the initial value random number is the remaining time of the interrupt cycle while the timer interrupt process is not being executed (during loop processing) Update using.

  The suspension control means 130 includes a special symbol suspension control means 131 and a regular symbol suspension control means 132.

  The special symbol holding control means 131 is a random number value for a special symbol, which is a random number for drawing a special symbol game, triggered by the entry of the gaming ball to the first starting opening 61 or the second starting opening 62. The symbol random number value and the special symbol variation pattern random number value are acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special symbol retention control means 131 is a main information storage means by combining the operation retention ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol up to the predetermined upper limit number (4 pieces) respectively with the entering sequence of the retention balls. Temporarily store the 180 first special symbol hold storage area or the second special symbol hold storage area.

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

  Also, the special symbol suspension control means 131 is a first special symbol suspension ball number counter for counting the number of operation suspension balls of the first special symbol, a second special for counting the operation suspension ball number of the second special symbol It has a symbol holding ball number counter. The special symbol holding control means 131 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one operation holding ball of the special symbol is acquired, and one operation holding ball is digested, as update processing of the number of operation holding balls of the special symbol. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by one.

  Also, when the special symbol suspension control means 131 updates the number of operation suspension balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, an effect control command including update information of the number of suspension balls is referred to as "symbol memory number command" ) Are temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. This one command includes information on both the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the number of operation reserved balls of the second special symbol. In addition, as a general rule, although operation reserve balls of each special symbol are digested in the order of entering the ball, in this embodiment, the second special symbol variation display is preferentially executed over the first special symbol Since the so-called priority digest is adopted, while the operation reserve ball relating to the second special symbol game is present, the operation reserve relating to the second special symbol game regardless of the presence of the operation reserve ball relating to the first special symbol game It is configured to preferentially digest the spheres.

The normal symbol holding control means 132 is a random number value per symbol, a random number per symbol, a symbol random number per symbol, and a normal symbol fluctuation pattern, which is a lottery random number related to a normal symbol game triggered by the game ball entering the operation gate 63 The random number value is acquired, and the random number value is normally managed as the operation pending ball information of the symbol. The normal symbol holding control means 132 is a predetermined upper limit number of operation holding ball information of the normal symbol
The main symbol storage area of the main information storage means 180 is temporarily stored in a form combined with the order of entry of the holding balls to 4). Also, the normal symbol holding control means 132 has a normal symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of operation holding balls of the normal symbol. The normal symbol holding control means 132 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one normal operating symbol holding ball is acquired as an update process of the number of operating normal symbol holding balls, and one operating holding ball is digested. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by one.

  The prior determination means 135 performs the prior determination of the advance notice effect for the operation reserved ball, when the operation reserved ball of the special symbol is acquired at a predetermined prior determined timing. Here, with pre-reading advance notice effect, prior judgment such as a lottery is performed on the undivided operation holding ball in which the variable display of the special symbol is on hold, and the judgment result is notified to the player in advance. It is an effect to notify to. As an example of the pre-determination timing, (1) is waiting for each operation, and when the operation reserve ball of the first special symbol is acquired while the electric support function is not activated, (2) is waiting for each operation, and When the support function acquires the operation reserving ball of the second special symbol while operating, (3) when the operation reserving ball of the second special symbol is acquired during the big hit or small hit, either of the conditions It is time to be satisfied. Specifically, the prior determination means 135 reads out the random number value corresponding to the operation pending ball acquired this time from the special symbol suspension storage area of the main information storage means 180, and pre-judges the preliminary judgment of the success or failure lottery ), Pre-determination of symbol symbol lottery (pattern pre-determination), and pre-determination of symbol variation pattern lottery (variation pattern pre-determination) are sequentially executed. The prior determination unit 135 sequentially generates effect control commands including information on the result of the prior determination of the success or failure, and stores this in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  Special symbol lottery processing means 140 includes special symbol suitability determination means 141, special symbol stop symbol determination means 412, and special symbol variation pattern determination means 143. Special symbol lottery processing means 140, random symbol value per special symbol stored in the first storage area (pending 1 storage area) in the special symbol suspension storage area when the variation start condition of the special symbol is satisfied, a symbol per special symbol The random number value and the special symbol variation pattern random number value are read out and stored in the special symbol conformity determination region, the special symbol symbol determination region, and the special symbol variation pattern determination region of the main information storage means 180, respectively. Here, when the variation start condition of the special symbol is established, as an example, (1) that it is not in the big hit or small hit, (2) both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for change (3) When all the conditions of the action holding ball exist in at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and as a result, the special symbol can start changing It is judged that there is.

  The special symbol compliance determination means 141 reads out the random value per special symbol from the special symbol compliance determination area of the main information storage means 180 and executes the compliance determination, and the determination result corresponds to any of big hit, small hit, and off Decide what to do. The result of this lottery is temporarily stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180 (for example, big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, outlying data “00H”), and used in the subsequent processing It is cleared at the time of the stop of the change of the special symbol. The special symbol propriety judging means 141 holds a special symbol propriety lottery table which is referred to at the time of this propriety judgment.

Here, FIG. 5 is a view schematically showing the special symbol acceptance lottery table, in which (A) is a table referred to in a normal state (low probability state), and (B) is a probability variation state (high probability state). It is a table to be referenced. In this special symbol hit / lottery table, the random symbol value for the special symbol, the big hit, the small hit, and the judgment result of the loss are associated, and the hit probability and the big hit probability of the big hit according to the associated range setting. Is determined. As can be seen from FIG. 5, in the success or failure lottery of the special symbol game, in the normal state (low probability state), it is a big hit only when the random number value falls within the range of 0 to 163. On the other hand, in the probability variation state (high probability state), the range of the big hit is expanded, and it becomes a big hit not only when the random number value falls within the range of 0 to 163 but also when it falls within the range of 164 to 1639. That is, when the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated, the lottery probability of the big hit is varied from the low probability state (164/65536) to the high probability state (1640/65536). As described above, the range corresponding to the jackpot changes according to the gaming state, but the probability of winning the jackpot in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is equal. Here, even if the random number value per special symbol does not fall within the range of the big hit, it will be a small hit if it falls within the predetermined range. In this example, the winning lottery of the first special symbol is a higher probability of being a small hit with a higher probability than the winning lottery of the second special symbol. In addition, for example, in the success or failure lottery of the second special symbol, a small hit may not be present.

  The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol and the symbol group to which the stop symbol belongs based on the result of the lottery of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Do. The special symbol stop symbol judging means 142 is a symbol table per first special symbol referred to when deciding the stop symbol and symbol group of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the result of the lottery is a big hit It has a symbol table per second special symbol.

  FIG. 6 (A) is a view schematically showing an example of the symbol table per the first special symbol. This first special symbol per symbol table, for a special symbol per symbol symbol random number, stop symbol, symbol group, contents of big hit (number of operations of probability variation function of special symbol and variation time shortening function, big winning opening 64 The operation patterns of are respectively associated. In this table, the stop symbols "2" to "11" of the first special symbol are classified into three types of symbol groups A to C according to the type of the big hit.

  Specifically, in the symbols "2", "3", "4" and "5", the symbol group A (12R specific short-time fixed symbol 1) is a symbol "6", "7", "8", A symbol group B (2R specified short-term symbol) is associated with “9”, and a symbol group C (12R normal-time short symbol) is associated with symbols “10” and “11”, respectively. "Specific symbol" is a symbol that activates the probability change function after the end of the special game, and "normal symbol" is a symbol that does not activate the probability change function after the end of the special game (described later) The same applies to the symbol group of the second special symbol).

  The symbol group A is a specific symbol indicating the so-called "perhaps per change" which shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to the special symbol state (high probability state), and the probability variation function of the special symbol until the next big hit occurrence And fluctuation time reduction function, and power chew support function are provided. The prescribed number of rounds of special game is 12 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  The symbol group B shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to the special symbol oddity state (high probability state) although the opening count and opening time of the special winning opening 64 are different compared to the above-mentioned "certain hit". This is a specific symbol indicating a so-called "sudden probability variation hit", and is provided with a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function of a special symbol, and a power chute support function until the next big hit occurrence. The prescribed number of special games is 2 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 64 in one round game is about 0.05 seconds.

  The symbol group C is a normal symbol showing a so-called "normal hit" which shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to the normal state (low probability state), and a predetermined number of times after the special game ends (50 times in this example) Limited to the special symbol variation time reduction function and electronic chew support function are provided. The prescribed number of rounds of special game is 12 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

On the other hand, when the result of the success or failure lottery is a small hit, symbol determination by random numbers per special symbol is omitted, and symbol "12" is uniquely assigned as a stop symbol. This symbol "12"
The symbol group G (special electric power operating symbol) is associated with the symbol. In the case of a small hit, it does not become a trigger for changing the gaming state (probability fluctuation function, fluctuation time shortening function, power chute support function), and the gaming state is maintained before and after the lottery. In addition, when the result of the success or failure lottery is a loss, the symbol "1" is uniquely assigned as a stop symbol.

  Then, FIG. 6 (B) is a figure which shows typically an example of a 2nd special symbol per symbol table. This second special symbol per symbol table, for a special symbol per symbol random number, stop symbol, symbol group, contents of big hit (number of operations of probability variation function and variation time shortening function of special symbol, big winning opening 64 The operation patterns of are respectively associated. In this table, the stop symbols "13" to "22" of the second special symbol are classified into three types of symbol groups D to F according to the type of the big hit. Specifically, symbol groups D (16R specific short-period fixed symbol symbols) are for symbol "13", "14", "15" and "16", and symbol group E is for symbol "17" and "18". A symbol group F (2R normal short time limited symbol) is associated with each of the symbols “19”, “20”, “21”, and “22” (2R specified short period fixed symbol).

  The symbol group D is a specific symbol indicating the so-called "perhaps per change", which shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to the special symbol state (high probability state), and the probability variation function of the special symbol until the next big hit occurrence And fluctuation time reduction function, and power chew support function are provided. The prescribed number of special games is 16 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  The symbol group E shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to the special symbol oddity state (high probability state) although the opening count and opening time of the special winning opening 64 are different compared to the above-mentioned "certain hit". This is a specific symbol indicating a so-called "sudden probability variation hit", and is provided with a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function of a special symbol, and a power chute support function until the next big hit occurrence. The prescribed number of special games is 2 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 64 in one round game is about 0.05 seconds.

  The symbol group F is a normal symbol showing a so-called "normal hit" which shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to the normal state (low probability state), and a predetermined number of times after the special game ends (50 times in this example) Limited to the special symbol variation time reduction function and electronic chew support function are provided. The prescribed number of special games is 2 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 64 in one round game is about 0.05 seconds.

  On the other hand, when the result of the success or failure lottery is a small hit, symbol determination by random numbers per special symbol is omitted, and the symbol "23" is uniquely assigned as a stop symbol. A symbol group H (specially-designed symbol) is associated with the symbol "23". In the case of a small hit, it does not become a trigger for changing the gaming state (probability fluctuation function, fluctuation time shortening function, power chute support function), and the gaming state is maintained before and after the lottery. In addition, when the result of the success or failure lottery is a loss, the symbol "1" is uniquely assigned as a stop symbol.

Here, when the result of the lottery is a big hit, the game state control means 165 determines the game state after the special game based on the type of the symbol group pertaining to the big hit, and the game state after the special game. Switch. As the gaming state, the special symbol time saving state and the electric chow support state are continued until the variation number of the special symbol reaches a predetermined ending condition number, for example, 50 times, counting from the end of the special game. However, at the same time when transitioning to the special symbol's positive variation state, as long as the positive variation state continues, the special symbol's time saving status and the electric chow support status are also continued. That is, the definite variation state of the special symbol is continued until the next big hit. At this time, in the special symbol in the certain variation state, the lottery probability of the big hit is changed from the normal low probability to the high probability, and the high probability state more advantageous than the normal gaming state is obtained. In the time saving state of the special symbol, the average fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened. The electric chew support state (ball entry easy state) is to the second starting opening 62 by activating the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol, the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol, and the open time extension function of the ordinary electric character. It is in the state where the ball entry ease is improved. When the probability variation function of the normal symbol is activated, the probability of winning the normal symbol is higher than that in the normal state. When the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol is activated, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened. When the open time extension function of the normal motor vehicle 622 is activated, the open time of the normal motor vehicle 622 is in a state in which the open period is extended beyond the normal state.

  Further, when the result of the lottery is a big hit or a small hit, the game state control means 165 determines the variation pattern selection state after the special game based on the types of the symbol groups A to H, and also after the special game Switches the variation pattern selection state. The variation pattern selection state is one of the conditions referred to when selecting a variation pattern table to be described later. The switching timing of the variation pattern selection state is at the end of the special game or when the number of terminations of the variation pattern selection state has expired. In the present embodiment, as the variation pattern selection state, there are a normal variation pattern selection state, a probability variation variation pattern selection state, a short time variation pattern selection state and the like. Here, the normal fluctuation pattern selection state is a state in which the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference to the normal fluctuation pattern table selected when the gaming state is the normal state. The probability change variation pattern selection state is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference to the probability variation change pattern table selected when the gaming state is the probability variation state of the special symbol. The short time variation pattern selection state is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference to the short time variation pattern table selected when the gaming state is the time saving state of the special symbol. In addition, the gaming state control means 165 generates a production control command (referred to as a "gaming state designation command") including the current gaming state information and the variation pattern selection state information, and stores this in the command of the main information storage means 180. Store in the area.

  The special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the special symbol variation pattern random number value. Here, the special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 holds a plurality of types of variation pattern tables to be referred to when selecting a variation pattern of the special symbol. The special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143 selects any variation pattern table from among a plurality of variation pattern tables based on the current variation pattern selection state and the result of the acceptance lottery.

FIG. 7: is a figure which shows typically an example of the fluctuation pattern table of a special symbol. Here, (A1) and (A2) in the figure are normal variation pattern tables, (B1) and (B2) in the figures are probability variation variation pattern tables, (C1) and (C2) in the figures are time variation patterns table It is. In each variation pattern table, a plurality of variation patterns are defined. In each figure, for convenience of explanation, “selectivity” is indicated, but in actuality, the judgment value (range of random number value) for determining the fluctuation pattern is set according to the special symbol fluctuation pattern random number. The variation pattern is determined based on which determination value the variation pattern random value belongs to. It is premised that the variation time of various variation patterns is determined for each variation pattern as the termination condition of the symbol variation, and the symbol variation by the decorative symbol composed of a plurality of symbols is also executed in the variation time. Defined as Specifically, the fluctuation patterns P1 and P2 have fluctuation times of 5 seconds and 10 seconds, respectively, and can take a non-reach fluctuation mode as the fluctuation process of the symbol. The variation patterns P3 and P4 have variation times of 20 seconds and 40 seconds, respectively, and can take a variation mode of normal reach (N reach) as a variation process of the symbol. The variation patterns P5 and P6 have variation times of 60 seconds and 90 seconds, respectively, and can take a variation mode with a reach as a variation process of the pattern, and eventually develop into a super reach (SP reach). Here, in any of the fluctuation pattern tables, when the result of the acceptance lottery is a big hit, the non-reach fluctuation patterns P1 and P2 are not selected, and only the fluctuation patterns with reach P3 to P6 are selected. Ru. On the other hand, when the result of the success or failure lottery is a loss, the selection rate of the non-reach fluctuation patterns P1, P2 is relatively high. Here, in comparison with the normal fluctuation pattern table for disconnection, the selection ratio of the non-reach fluctuation pattern P1 (variation time: 5 seconds) is relative in the probability variation fluctuation pattern table for departure and the time variation pattern table for disconnection. At the point of becoming higher, the average fluctuation time tends to be shortened. In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, only a plurality of types of variation patterns are described as an example, but there are actually 100 or more types of variation patterns.

  Moreover, in the above description, the fluctuation pattern table for outliers is expressed as a single table in any case, but when the result of the success or failure lottery is out, the number of operation reserved balls of the special symbol ( Different fluctuation pattern tables may be selected according to 0 to 4). In other words, by using the variation pattern table according to the number of actuation reserved balls of the special symbol, the larger the number of actuation pending balls is, the higher the ratio for which the relatively short variation time is selected. It is possible to increase the rate at which relatively long fluctuation times are selected.

  In addition, after the special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 selects the variation pattern of the special symbol, in order to instruct the effect control substrate 200 to start the variation of the decorative symbol, communication with the effect control substrate 200 is normally performed. A production control command ("Variation added symbol information specification command") including a production control command (referred to as a "communication inspection command") for checking whether or not the item is added, and fluctuation added symbol information (information for adding / subtracting fluctuation time) ), Production control command including fluctuation pattern information (called “variation pattern specification command”), “character production number specification command” including character production number information (pattern group and gaming state information), etc. (Hereinafter, these commands are collectively referred to as “variation start command”), and this is a command of the main information storage unit 180. And stores it in the pay area.

  The normal symbol lottery processing means 145 includes an ordinary symbol suitability determination means 146, an ordinary symbol stop symbol determination means 147, and an ordinary symbol variation pattern determination means 148. The normal symbol lottery processing means 145 reads out the random symbol value per normal symbol and the normal symbol variation pattern random number value stored in the first storage area in the normal symbol storage area when the variation start condition of the normal symbol is satisfied, The main symbol storage area 180 is stored in the normal symbol suitability determination area and the normal symbol variation pattern determination area, respectively.

  The normal symbol suitability determination means 146 reads out the random value per normal symbol from the normal symbol suitability determination area of the main information storage means 180 and executes the yes / no determination, and the determination result corresponds to either hit or off. decide. The result of the success or failure 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, cleared when the variation of the normal symbol is stopped. The normal symbol success / failure determination means 146 holds the normal symbol success / loss lottery table to be referred to in this success / failure lottery, and in a normal state (low probability state), for example, a hit normally with a probability of "160/283" For example, in the probability variation state (high probability state) of the normal symbol with reference to the symbol success lottery table, for example, with reference to the normal symbol success lottery table which will be hit with the probability of "282/283", execute the regular lottery of the normal symbol Do.

  The normal symbol stop symbol determination means 147 refers to the symbol lottery table and assigns a predetermined hit symbol if the result of the success or failure lottery is a hit, but assigns a predetermined lost symbol if it is an offset. It has become.

The normal symbol variation pattern determination means 148 reads out the normal symbol variation pattern random number value from the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180 and refers to the normal symbol variation pattern table to display the variation of the normal symbol in the normal state. In (1), a relatively long fluctuation time is selected (for example, 7 kinds of "4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, 10 seconds" are uniformly selected, respectively). On the other hand, a relatively short fluctuation time (for example, "0.5 seconds") is selected in the time-shortened state of the ordinary symbol (the ball entering state).

  The demonstration effect setting means 150 displays a big hit start demonstration effect and a big hit end demonstration displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the special game according to the type of the determined symbol group when the result of the success or failure lottery is a big hit. Determine the demonstration presentation time for the presentation. Also, the demonstration effect setting unit 150, as a special game demonstration setting process, an effect control command ("big hit start demonstration command") instructing execution of the big hit start demonstration effect and effect control instructing the execution of the big hit end demonstration effect Generate a command ("big hit end demo command").

  In addition, the demonstration effect time setting means 150 is a demonstration effect time relating to the small hit start demonstration effect and the small hit end demonstration effect displayed on the effect display device 70 etc. during the small hit game when the result of the acceptance lottery is a small hit. Decide. Further, the demonstration effect setting unit 150 executes, as demonstration setting processing of the small hit game, an effect control command ("small hit start demonstration command") instructing execution of the small hit start demonstration effect and execution of the small hit end demonstration effect. Generates an effect control command ("small hit end demo command") to be instructed.

  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 variably displays the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 71 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol, and confirms the first special symbol after the variation display. Let Further, the special symbol display control means 156 causes the second special symbol to be variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 72 according to the variation pattern (variation time) of the second special symbol, and the second special symbol is displayed 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, final display time) relating to the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The operation 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 of the main information storage unit 180. The special symbol display control means 156 requests the effect control board 200 to confirm the display of the decorative symbol at the time of stopping the variation of the special symbol (that is, at the timing when the value of the special symbol gaming timer becomes "0"). To generate an effect control command (referred to as a "variable stop command"). The ordinary symbol display control means 157 causes the ordinary symbol to be variably displayed on the ordinary symbol display device 75 in accordance with the fluctuation pattern (variation time) of the ordinary symbol, and also causes the ordinary symbol to be determined and displayed after the fluctuation display. The normal symbol display control means 157 has a normal symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, final display time) related to the display of the normal symbol. The operation state of the normal symbol display device 75 is monitored based on the normal symbol game status of the main information storage unit 180.

  If the result of the lottery of special symbols is a big hit, the electric role control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric role solenoid 643, as a special game processing, after the final display of the special symbol, and the special electric role The object 642 is opened in accordance with a predetermined operation pattern. In the special game, one opening / closing operation of the special electric character 642 is regarded as one round game, and the round game is continuously executed for the prescribed number of rounds (in this example, 2R, 12R, 16R) . Here, when the big hit type is a so-called 12R big hit (symbol group A, C) or 16R big hit (symbol group D), the big winning opening is opened for about 30 seconds at maximum in one round game. On the other hand, when the big hit type is a so-called 2R big hit (design group B, E, F), the big winning opening is opened for about 0.05 seconds at maximum in one round game.

In addition, when the result of the lottery of special symbol turns into a small hit, the electric role control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric position solenoid 643 as small hitting game processing after the final display of the special symbol. , The special motorized role 642 is opened for a short time. A small hit game is distinguished from a special game consisting of a plurality of round games in that it is comprised of a single round game. Here, when comparing the 2R special game and the small hit game described above, although they are different internally, the same point in one open / close time (0.05 second) and the same open / close times are the same (the former Since one opening and closing is common to two rounds of two rounds and the latter is two rounds per opening and round two rounds), the game of an open time and opening pattern similar in appearance is unfolded.

  In addition, when the winning combination lottery of the normal symbol is won, the electric role control means 160 outputs a control signal to the normal electric position solenoid 643, and opens the ordinary electric role 642 for a predetermined opening time. Here, the motorized part control means 160 opens the motor part 623 normally for a very short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, whereas it normally operates in the ball entry easy state (the electric chow support state). The item 623 is opened for a relatively long time (eg, 4 seconds) as compared to the normal state.

  The error monitoring control means 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 source abnormality signal, a radio wave detection signal by a radio wave sensor, a door / frame open signal, etc. , It is determined whether the gaming machine is in an error state. In the case of an error state, in order to indicate an error state effect on the effect control board 200, an effect control command ("error effect designating command") including the error information is requested. In addition, although description is abbreviate | omitted in FIG. 3, a door open switch is a means to detect whether the glass frame 5 is open, and a frame open switch is a means to detect whether the front frame 2 is open. The back set opening switch is a means for detecting whether or not the back setting board 30 is open. The magnetic sensor and the radio wave sensor are so-called detection means for detecting so-called goto action.

  The main information storage unit 180 acquires the random number value information, information on the gaming state (certain change state, time reduction state, easy entering state) regarding the special symbol game and the normal symbol game, information on the variation pattern selection state, result information of the winning lottery (Hit, small hit, lose), information of stop symbol and fluctuation pattern pertaining to special symbol and ordinary symbol, information about special game (number of rounds, opening time, opening mode (number of opening per round game), etc., special It is configured to temporarily store status information indicating the operating state of the symbol display devices 71 and 72, status information indicating the operating state of the special motorized combination 642, information of presentation control command data, etc., and stores each information. Provided with a predetermined storage area.

  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 parallel transmission when there is a command transmission request. It is done. Each effect control command has a 2-byte structure including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data. In order to distinguish between MODE and EVENT, Bit 7 of MOD data is “1”, Bit7 of EVENT data is "0". When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output for each of MODE and EVENT. The effect control command generated in each process is, in principle, transmitted as one command for each interrupt cycle in the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

<< Effect control board >>
The effect control board 200 is, as shown in FIG. 4, the effect lottery random number generation means 210, the effect integration means 220, the lamp control means 230, the feature control means 240, the error effect control means 250, the sub main information storage means 260, the command Transmission / reception means 270. The above-described means in the effect control board 200 are constituted by the sub main CPU 201, the ROM 202, the RAM 203, the hardware such as the electronic circuit disposed on the effect control board 200, and the software such as the control program stored in the ROM 202. Is a functional expression of

  The effect lottery random number generation means 210 is provided with 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 play a role as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. As this software random number, pre-reading notice lottery random number for use in drawing of pre-reading notice effect, pre-reading notice pattern random number used for selecting pre-reading notice pattern, decorative pattern random number used for selecting stop pattern of decorative pattern, decorative pattern A variation effect pattern random number used to select the variation effect pattern of, a notice effect pattern random number used to select the advance effect pattern, and the like are included. These random numbers are updated using the remaining time when command analysis is not performed in the effect control side main processing described later.

  The effect supervising means 220 includes the effect mode control means 221, the hold information display control means 222, the advance notice control means 223, the decoration symbol determining means 224, the variation effect determining means 225, the notice effect determining means 226, and the big hit effect determining means 227. Including.

  Based on the game state designation command from the main control board 100, the effect mode control means 221 controls the transition of the effect mode in the form of consistency with the gaming state and the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side. Run. In the present embodiment, the three types of effect modes include a normal effect mode, a probability change effect mode, and a time-saving effect mode. In 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 currently in stay is displayed, and the background images are different for each effect mode Since the setting is made, the player can recognize which one of the effect modes currently in stay is from the type of the background image.

  The suspension information display control means 222 is a first suspension ball number counter for counting the number of operation suspension balls of the first special symbol, a second suspension ball number counter for counting the number of operation suspension 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 sphere number counter and the second holding sphere number counter are based on the information of the operation holding sphere number included in the symbol storage number command. Update the value of the number counter. Further, the holding information display control means 222 causes the holding display portions 701 and 702 of the effect display device 70 to hold the operation holding balls of the first special symbol based on the values of the first holding ball number counter and the second holding 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 operation reserved balls of the second special symbol. In the normal display mode, while the white-displayed reserve image is displayed when the operation reserve ball of the special symbol is generated, it becomes the target of the advance notice when the reserve change look-ahead notice effect described next is executed. The reserved image is changed from a normal display mode (white) to a special display mode (blue → green → purple → red, etc. according to the degree of expectation of big hit).

  Pre-reading advance notice control means 223 determines the possibility of execution of pre-reading advance notice effect by lottery at the time of receiving the prior determination command from main control board 100 as a trigger. Preread notice control means 223 temporarily stores information (preread information) of the predetermination result included in the predetermination command in the preread information storage area of sub main information storage means 260 in a form combined with the entering order of the operation holding ball. . The previewed advance notice effect is generated as one mode of so-called continuous notice effect which gives notice of the possibility of the occurrence of a big hit or reach effect over a plurality of continuous variable displays of the decorative symbol. If it is determined that the pre-reading advance notice effect (continuous advance notice effect) is executable, the information of the pre-determination command from the main control board 100 (result of the pre-judgment) and the information of the symbol memory number command (the number of existing operation pending balls) After analysis, an advance notice effect pattern for a plurality of continuous variable displays is determined by lottery for the operation holding ball (referred to as “trigger hold”) serving as a trigger for generating the advance notice effect of this time. Note that there are various types of preview advance notice effects such as a pending change advance notice effect, a chance look ahead notice effect, and a background change advance notice effect.

The decorative symbol determination means 224 is a combination of the final stop symbol of the decorative symbol (left symbol, middle symbol,...) Based on the information (variation pattern information, character effect number information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100. Determine the left symbol) by lottery. In this example, three symbol rows including multiple types of decorative symbols are configured. This decorative pattern is formed of, for example, identification elements consisting of numbers or letters. In this example, all twelve types of characters such as the numbers “1” to “9” and the characters “A”, “B”, and “C” are set as identification elements. Each decorative symbol is displayed in the order of “1” → “2” → “3” →... → “9” → “A” → “B” → “C” according to the arrangement of the symbol rows. Display cyclically on Z3. In this example, as a combination of stop symbols of decorative symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol), even-numbered decorative symbols are usually treated as non-probable occurrences of big hit occurrences, while odd-numbered and letter decorative symbols are subject to positive variation occurrence Treat as a definite variation design.

  In addition, the decorative symbol determination means 224 holds a plurality of types of stop symbol pattern tables to be referred to when the combination of the stop symbols of the decorative symbol (also referred to as “stop symbol pattern”) is determined by lottery. As the plurality of types of tables, there are a stop symbol pattern table for big hit, a stop symbol pattern table for small hit, a stop symbol pattern table for reach loose, a stop symbol pattern table for non reach loose, and the like. The stop symbol of the decorative symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols. For example, when the result of the lottery is a big hit, a specific combination, for example, “7 · 7 · 7” or “1 · 1 · 1” As such, a combination of three patterns is selected. Also in the case where the lottery result is 2R big hit or small hit, a specific combination, for example, a predetermined combination such as “3 · 5 · 7” is selected. That is, the specific combination of the 2R big hit and the small hit may not necessarily be a combination of three patterns. If the lottery result is out of reach, for example, only the middle symbol is the number before and after the left symbol and the right symbol are in agreement, such as “3 · 4 · 3” or “7 · 5 · 7”. A combination out of frame is selected. In the case of a small hit or a 2R big hit, the above-described reach may be a mode of deviation. On the other hand, in the case where the lottery result is a non-reach out, a combination (so-called loose eye) in which three symbols are not aligned, such as "3.1.2" or "9.4.6." Is selected. Also, when the lottery result is a non-reach out, a specific outcome called so-called "chance" may be selected. Furthermore, when an effect is given to temporarily stop before final display of the final stop symbol as described above, the temporary stop symbol is selected.

The fluctuation effect determining means 225 specifies the fluctuation process (rendering process) from the fluctuation start to the stop in the fluctuation display of the decorative symbol based on the information (fluctuation pattern information) included in the fluctuation start command from the main control board 100 Determine the presentation pattern. The fluctuation effect determining means 225 holds a plurality of fluctuation effect pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a fluctuation effect pattern, and a fluctuation pattern of a special symbol (a fluctuation time is selected from among the plurality of fluctuation effect pattern tables. Is selected to correspond to the variation production pattern table corresponding to. In the variation effect pattern table, the variation effect pattern random number 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, while the basic pattern of symbol variation (for example, "N reach A", "SP reach A", etc.) is determined as the variation pattern on the main control substrate 100 side, the variation control pattern is on the presentation control substrate 200 side. Based on the basic pattern, detailed patterns of symbol variation (for example, “N reach A1, A2, A3”, “SP reach A1, A2, A3, A4”, etc.) are defined in which the scenario of the effect display process is defined in detail. As described above, the variation display pattern of the decorative symbol defines the variation display mode of the decorative symbol, that is, a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the start of the variation of the decorative symbol to the end of the variation. The timing etc. which generate a preliminary announcement production in a stage are also prescribed as a time schedule. In addition, the stop order for stopping a decorative symbol is previously determined for every fluctuation production pattern, and it is made to stop in order of a left symbol-> a right symbol-> a middle symbol in this embodiment in principle. However, in the case of a fluctuation effect pattern with a short fluctuation time, the left symbol, the middle symbol and the right symbol are stopped almost simultaneously, and in the case of a specific fluctuation effect pattern, the order of left symbol → middle symbol → right symbol It can also be stopped. At this time,
If it is not the stopping order of the above principle (left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol), the big hit expectation tends to be relatively high.

  The notice effect determining means 226 determines a notice effect pattern defining the contents of the notice effect to be executed at each step of the process of changing the decorative symbol along the above-described scenario of the change effect pattern. The preview effect pattern includes an effect pattern for displaying an image of a specific character or motif, an animation, etc. temporarily or in stages, an effect pattern for outputting a specific sound, an effect pattern for operating a movable role, etc. Be The advance presentation effect is executed in parallel with the variation display of the decorative symbol, and it is indicated in advance that it is highly probable that the symbol variation stops in the big hit mode and the big hit reliability is high. The notice effects include a notice effect performed before the reach state occurs (including when the reach occurs) in the process of changing the decorative symbol, and a notice effect performed after the reach state occurs. The preview effects are different from each other in the big hit reliability, and basically, the big hit reliability is relatively higher in the advance effects displayed after the reach occurrence than in the advance effect displayed before the reach occurrence It has become. The notice effect determining means 226 holds the notice effect pattern table to be referred to when selecting the notice effect pattern by type of notice effect according to the type of notice effect occurring along the scenario of the change effect pattern. It is designed to select the notice effect pattern table. Based on the notice effect pattern random number value acquired from the effect lottery random number generation means 210, the notice effect determining means 226 refers to the notice effect pattern table selected above and selects from among a plurality of notice effect patterns by lottery. Choose one. Specific types of preview effect patterns include comment preview effect pattern, background preview effect pattern, SU (step-up) preview effect pattern, group preview effect pattern, cut-in preview effect pattern, feature movable preview effect pattern, Etc. are prepared. This advance notice effect is basically performed by combining the display of one or more advance notice effects with the variable display of the decorative symbol on the effect display device 70. Therefore, even if the variation display of the decorative symbol by the same variation representation pattern, it becomes possible to generate a variety of representation modes by the combination with one or a plurality of advance presentation.

  The jackpot effect determining means 227 is a special game effect including a jackpot start demonstration and a jackpot end demonstration to be displayed during the special game prior to the execution of the special game based on the demonstration time information of the jackpot effect from the main control board 100 Determine the contents of the jackpot game effect). Also, when the jackpot effect determining means 227 receives a hit start demonstration effect command or a hit end demonstration effect command from the main control board 100, according to the contents of the determined special game effect, the hit start demonstration effect in the effect display device 70 and Control the production process of the hit end demonstration effect.

  As described above, the effect supervising means 220 generates an image control command relating to an image and sound based on the determined effect contents (variation effect pattern, notice effect pattern, stop symbol pattern, etc.), and this is used as the sub main information storage means 260. Store in the command storage area of

  The lamp effect control means 230 controls lighting of the effect lamp, light emission color and the like in accordance with the contents of the effect set by the effect generalizing means 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 (frame lamp 10, board lamp 25), and a lamp corresponding to the determined effect pattern Data is read out and this lamp control signal (lamp data) is transmitted to the lamp connection substrate 91.

  The feature effect control means 240 controls the drive of each movable role 24 in accordance with the effect contents set by the effect supervising means 220. The feature effect control means 240 holds a plurality of types of drive data for driving and controlling the movable role 24 and transmits to the motor driver 92 a drive control signal (drive data) corresponding to the determined effect pattern. Do.

The error presentation control means 250 is configured to determine an error presentation pattern when an error presentation designation command is received from the main control board 100, and to notify an occurrence of an error condition in the gaming machine according to the error presentation pattern There is.

  The sub main information storage unit 260 is configured to temporarily store information of a decorative symbol, information of a variation effect pattern, information of a notice effect pattern, information of a control command, and the like, and is a predetermined for storing each information. It has a storage area. For example, in the command storage area, an effect control command buffer for storing effect control commands from the main control board 100, an image control command buffer for storing image control commands to the image control board 300, an image control board 300. And an ACK command buffer for storing an ACK command from Each command buffer is formed of a ring buffer, and can store a predetermined number of effect control commands, an image control command, and an ACK command.

  The command transmission / reception means 270 is configured to receive the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100 and store this effect control command in the effect control command buffer. The command transmission / reception means 270 generates an interrupt based on the input of the above-mentioned strobe signal from the main control board 100 to execute reception interrupt processing (described in detail later) of the rendering control command, and various rendering control commands are executed in this interrupt processing. It is supposed to get. When the command transmitting / receiving unit 270 receives a strobe signal, it performs the reception interrupt processing of this effect control command with priority over other interrupt processing (interrupt processing below priority level 7 described later). ing.

  Further, the command transmission / reception means 270 is stored in the sub main information storage means 260 in order to instruct execution of the effect contents (the change effect pattern information, the notice effect pattern information, the decoration symbol information, etc.) set by the effect generalization means 220. The image control command is transmitted to the image control board 300 by serial communication. In principle, the image control command is transmitted every predetermined period (500 μs in this example) in the order set in the command storage area of the sub main information storage unit 260. Thus, 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 symbol along the scenario of the change effect pattern. The notice effect is displayed in the form of being superimposed on the effect of the symbol change at each stage of the change display process. Furthermore, the command transmission / reception means 270 receives an ACK command transmitted from the image control board 300, and stores the ACK command in an ACK command buffer.

[Process on main control board side]
Next, the procedure of the operation process in the main control board 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The process on the main control board 100 side is configured to include a main control side main process and a main control side timer interrupt process.

Main control side main process
8 to 9 are flowcharts showing the main control side main processing of the main control board 100. In the main control side main processing, after the security check of the main CPU 101 is performed by the reset at the time of power on, the program is started and the processing after S1 is started.

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

Subsequently, it is determined whether the RAM clear switch is turned on (S5). When the RAM clear switch is turned on (S5: YES), the entire area of the RAM 103 is zero cleared 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, and it is judged whether the information of the power-off normal is stored (S6).

  Here, when the information on power-off normal is stored (S6: YES), a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area of the RAM 103 (S7). Then, it is determined whether the checksum is 0, that is, whether the checksum is normal (S8). The checksum at power on calculated here includes the complement of the checksum calculated at power off processing described later, so if it is backed up normally, the check at power on is checked. Sam is "0". As described above, it is determined when the power is turned on whether the information stored in the RAM 103 before power-off is properly backed up. At this time, if the checksum is normal (S8: YES), the process proceeds to S12 described later in order to return to the state before the power failure. 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, initialize the effect lamp LP, and the like, a request for an effect control command (“effect initial command”) to the effect control board 200 is requested (S11).

  Next, in the power failure / return setting process, setting of power on normal information, initialization of various errors, and communication initialization with the payout control board 400 in the RAM 103 are sequentially performed (S12). Here, as the setting of the power-on normal information, in order to store that the power-on was correctly performed, the power-on normal data is stored in the power-off information flag and the information on the power-off occurrence is initialized. Turn off the power off confirmation flag. Next, the data transfer source address, the data transfer destination address, and the number of transfer bytes are set, and data for the number of transfer bytes is transferred (S13). Then, the value of the special symbol game status at the time of the power-off is read, and the power-off recovery process relating to the special symbol game is performed (S14).

  Subsequently, a transmission request of the effect control command ("power failure return command") at the time of power failure return between the main control substrate 100 and the effect control substrate 200 is made (S15). The power failure recovery command includes information on the inspection of the communication line, the operating state of the special symbol, the number of probability variations, the number of time reductions, the number of easy entering states, the variation pattern selection status, and the error status. The command request for the unsent part before power-off is cleared. . Next, in the symbol memory number command request process, read the information of the number of operation pending balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the power is turned off, and request the effect control command including the information of the number of operation pending balls ( S16).

  Subsequently, return setting is performed to return the normal motorized combination 622 to a state before the power is turned off (for example, the second start port 62 is in the open state) (S17). Further, return setting is performed to return the special electric combination 642 to a state before the power is turned off (for example, the big winning opening 64 is in the open state) (S18). Subsequently, the value of the special symbol mode flag is read, and the operating state of the probability variation function of the special symbol at the time of power-off is set (S19). In addition, a 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 the 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, in order to inhibit the generation of the timer interrupt process, the interrupt prohibition is set (S21). Then, clear word 1 ("55H") is set as preparation for restarting the watchdog timer (S22).

Next, in order to determine the occurrence of the power failure, the value of the power failure confirmation flag is read, and it is determined whether or not the power failure has occurred (S23). When the power is not shut off, the initial value random number updating process is executed (S24). In this initial value random number updating process, in this initial value random number updating process, the initial value random number per 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 one, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value "0".

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

  Next, as the power-off process (S26 to S32), first, clear word 2 ("AAH") is set to restart the watchdog timer (S26). Next, it is determined whether the content of the power-off information flag is power-on normal data (S27). If it is the power-on normal information (S27: Yes), the power-off normal data is set in the power-off information flag (S28). On the other hand, if it is not the power-on normal information (S27: No), the power-off abnormal 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 to the checksum data is calculated, and the result value of the complement is set in the checksum area of the RAM 103 (S31). Subsequently, the access prohibition of the RAM 103 is set (S32), and the processing is looped until the power is turned off.

<< Main control side timer interrupt processing >>
Next, the main control timer interrupt process of the main control board 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing of the main control board 100. This timer interrupt process is activated by a clock pulse every fixed time (for example, 4 ms) from the CTC circuit of the game control microcomputer 110, and is executed by interrupting the above-mentioned main control side main process. In addition, as a term used below, the terms "condition device" and "character continuous actuation device" mean conceptual control equipment, and "condition device" means a big hit in the special symbol game The "character continuous operating device" is capable of operating the special motorized component 642 a plurality of times in succession.

  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 the interrupt operation condition is set (S51).

  Next, in order to restart the watchdog timer, clear word 2 ("AAH") is set (S52). At this time, the clear word 1 and the clear word 2 are sequentially written to the WDT clear register of the CPU 101 within a preset timeout time, whereby the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted. That is, when the main CPU 101 executes the program normally, the clear words 1 and 2 are periodically set, whereby the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted before it times 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 on 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 winning port switch 641, the door open switch, the frame open switch, the back set open switch, the magnetic sensor, the radio wave sensor, etc. , And after performing their state determination, store these detection information.

  Next, various random number update processing is executed (S54). In the various random number update processes, the normal symbol variation pattern random number and the special symbol variation pattern random number are updated. For the normal symbol variation pattern random number, the numerical value of the random number counter is incremented by one, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value “0”. 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. If the subtraction result is less than 0, a predetermined value (for example, 50000) is added to the subtraction result.

  Next, the initial value update type random number update process is executed (S55). In this initial value update type random number updating process, the random number per symbol, the soft random number per special symbol and the symbol random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is incremented by one, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value "0". In addition, when the value of the counter makes one turn, the value of the corresponding initial value random number is set as the initial value.

  Next, initial value random number update processing is executed (S56). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per symbol, the software 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 random number counter is incremented by one, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value "0".

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

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

  Next, a prize monitoring process is executed (S59). In this prize monitoring process, based on the detection information of the first starting opening switch 611, the second starting opening switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, and the special winning opening switch 641 in the input process (S53), the switch passing inspection of the gaming ball As a result, when it is determined that the gaming ball has passed each switch, the number of winning balls is stored, and a request for sending out a payout control command is made.

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

  Next, a normal symbol operation gate monitoring process 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 operation gate 63 is passed, a random number related to the normal symbol lottery is acquired as operation holding ball information As well as updating the number of operation pending balls up to a maximum of four, storing the random numbers pertaining to the normal symbol lottery.

Next, normal symbol control processing is executed (S62). In this normal symbol control processing, in order to perform a series of processing according to the normal symbol display device 75 or the normal electric actor 622, according to the value of the normal symbol game status, processing during normal symbol fluctuation, processing during normal symbol stop symbol display Execute processing during normal electric part operation, processing during demonstration of normal electric part operation end, and the like. In the normal symbol change processing, display pattern number data of the normal symbol is created (updated) in order to change or display the normal symbol.

  Next, the normal symbol variation start monitoring process is executed (S63). In this normal symbol variation start monitoring process, the operating state of the normal symbol is monitored, and when it is determined that the variation start condition of the normal symbol is satisfied, the normal symbol operation retention ball number is digested by one and the normal symbol The determination of success or failure, the determination of symbols, the determination of fluctuation patterns, the setting of fluctuation time, etc. are performed in order.

  Next, the starting opening monitoring control process is executed (S64). In this starting opening monitoring control process, when the winning of the first starting opening 61 and the second starting opening 62 of the gaming ball is monitored, and there is a winning of the gaming ball, the number of holding balls is updated and the special symbol lottery is concerned. The random number storage, the pre-reading advance notice effect judgment, the command request of the number of the figure memory and the like it does in order.

  Next, special symbol control processing is executed (S65). In this special symbol control processing, as a series of processing concerning the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, according to the value of the special symbol gaming status, the special symbol variation start processing (S420) described later in detail, the special symbol variation processing (S430) ), Special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440), etc. are executed.

  Next, a special motorized product control process is executed (S66). In this process, when the lottery result of the special symbol is "big hit" or "small hit", the setting of the operation start and the operation end of the special electric symbol 642 as the operation processing according to the special electric symbol 642, large The opening time and opening number of the winning opening 64, the operation start setting of the probability fluctuation function, the operation start setting of the fluctuation time shortening function, the setting of the fluctuation pattern selection state, the command request of the demonstration effect and the like are sequentially executed.

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

  Next, special symbol variation start monitoring control processing 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 holding balls is digested by one, and the command request of the symbol memory number, the pass / fail judgment of the special symbol , Special symbol pattern determination, probability variation function determination, time reduction function determination, setting of operation pattern of special electric combination product, setting of demonstration effect time, etc. are performed in order.

  Next, abnormality detection processing 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 open circuit short circuit power source abnormal signal, the radio wave detection signal by the radio wave sensor, the door / frame open signal, etc. , It is determined whether the gaming machine is in an error state. In the case of an error state, in order to request an error display from the effect control board 200, an effect control command ("error effect designating command") including the error information is generated.

  Next, the ball passing time abnormality detection process is executed (S70). In this 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 ball passing time abnormality is set, and the effect control command (“error While performing the request of the effect designation command “), the output request of the security signal for outputting to the external terminal is performed.

Next, a game state display process is executed (S71). In this game state display process, display data such as the number of times the special motorized character 642 operates continuously (prescribed number of rounds), the number of operation reserved balls of the normal symbol and the special symbol, and the like are created. In addition, display data for causing the status indicator of the main control board 100 to display information on the error status detected in the above-mentioned abnormality detection processing is created.

  Next, a handle state signal inspection process is executed (S72). In this steering wheel state signal inspection processing, the touch state of the launching handle 12 is monitored based on the detection information from the touch sensor of the launching handle 12, and based on the result of this monitoring, a rendering control command (command of steering wheel state rendering) Generate

  Next, LED output processing is performed (S73). In this LED output process, the above-mentioned special symbol control process (S65) is performed to display the special symbol and the normal symbol, the number of holding balls, the number of times the special motorized symbol is operated continuously, and the error. Display data created by abnormality detection processing (S69), gaming state display processing (S71), etc., each special symbol display device 71, 72, normal symbol display device 75, each special view reserve lamp 73, 74, general drawing reserve While outputting to the lamp 76 and the status indication lamp of the main control board 100, etc., the display in these various display devices is initialized.

  Next, emission control signal output processing is executed (S74). In this emission control signal output process, when communication abnormality with the payout control substrate 400 or disconnection short circuit power source abnormality is not detected, a signal of release permission is output to the payout control substrate 400, and release of the gaming ball is permitted. Do. On the other hand, when a communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or a disconnection short circuit power source abnormality is detected, a signal for prohibiting the firing is outputted to the payout control board 400, and the firing of the gaming ball is prohibited.

  Next, test signal output processing is executed (S75). In this test signal output process, in the performance confirmation test for determining whether or not the game machine is appropriate, various test signals indicating the operating state of the game machine are created and output to an external test apparatus.

  Next, a solenoid output process is executed (S76). In this solenoid output process, the normal symbol control process (S62) and the special motorized item control process (S66) are performed in order to operate the respective motorized items 622, 642. Based on the acquired control data, an excitation signal is output to each of the motorized combination solenoids 623, 643.

  Next, an effect control command transmission process is executed (S77). In this effect control command transmission process, the effect control command specified by the pointer is read out from the effect control commands stored in the command storage area (ring buffer) of the main information storage unit 180 in the above process, and this effect is produced. A control command is transmitted to the effect control board 200.

  Next, external information output processing is executed (S78). In this external information output process, operation state information of the gaming machine is output as external information to an external device such as a hall computer via an external terminal board.

  Next, the contents of the saved register are restored, and the main CPU 101 is set to the interrupt enabled state (S79). As a result, the main control timer interrupt process is terminated and the process returns to the main control main process, and the main control main process is executed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

When the main control board 100 detects a power cut (a decrease in the supply voltage based on a predetermined threshold) during main control side main processing or interrupt processing, a non-maskable interrupt is generated to turn on the power cut confirmation flag. Do. Then, after returning to the original processing, the above-mentioned power-off processing (S
26 to S32) will be executed.

«Special symbol game processing»
Next, a series of processes relating 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-mentioned start opening monitoring control processing (S64), the special symbol control processing (S65), the special electric character control processing (S66), the special symbol variation start monitoring control processing (S68), etc. Is the case.

(Starting opening monitoring control processing)
First, the starting opening monitoring control process (S64) will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of the starting opening monitoring control process (S64).

  First, it is determined whether a game winning on the first starting opening 61 has been detected (S201). If the winning of the first starting opening 61 is detected (S201: YES), it is determined whether the number of operation pending balls of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number 4 (S202).

  When the operation reserve ball number of the first special symbol is less than 4 (S202: YES), a random number per special symbol, a symbol random number per special symbol, a special symbol as a lottery random number according to the first special symbol game The variation pattern random number value is acquired, and each random number value is stored in the first special symbol hold storage area (hold n storage area) of the main information storage unit 180 according to the order of ball entry (S203). Then, the value of the first special symbol holding ball number counter is incremented by one (S204) as the update of the operation holding ball number of the first special symbol (S204), and the winning check of the first starting opening 61 is ended.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether a game winning on the second starting opening 62 has been detected (S205). If a winning on the second starting opening 62 is detected (S205: YES), it is determined whether the number of operation-reserved balls of the second special symbol is less than the upper limit number 4 (S206). When the operation reserve ball number of the second special symbol is less than 4 (S206: YES), a random number value per special symbol, a symbol random number value per special symbol, a special symbol as a lottery random number value according to the second special symbol game The variation pattern random number value is acquired, and each random number value is stored in the second special symbol hold storage area (hold n storage area) of the main information storage unit 180 according to the order of ball entry (S207). Then, the value of the second special symbol holding ball number counter is incremented by one (S208) as the update of the operation holding ball number of the second special symbol (S208), and the winning check of the second starting opening 62 is ended.

  Subsequently, whether or not there is an update of the number of actuation reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, ie, whether or not the number of actuation reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is added in S204 or S208. It is determined (S209). If there is an update of the number of operation pending balls (S209: YES), a symbol memory number command including information of the number of operation pending balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is generated, and this is used as the main information storage means It is stored in the 180 command storage area (S210).

  Next, the state of the gaming machine is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not it is a predetermination timing of the advance notice effect (S211). As described above, the predetermination timing is (1) waiting for each ball, and (2) waiting for the ball for holding the first special symbol while the electric support function is not in operation. , If you acquired the operation holding ball of the second special symbol while the electric chew support function is in operation, (3) If you acquired the operation holding ball of the second special symbol during the big hit medium or small hit, any of When it is When it is the prior determination timing (S211: YES), the random value per special symbol is read out from the hit random number buffer of the holding n storage area, and the prior judgment is made (S212). Then, a success / failure predetermination command including information of the determination result (notice number) is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S213).

Also, the symbol random number per special symbol is read out from the hit symbol random number buffer of the storage n storage area, and symbol prior determination is performed (S214). Then, a symbol prior determination command including information of the determination result (notice number) is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S215). Further, the special symbol fluctuation pattern random number value is read out from the fluctuation pattern random number buffer of the holding n storage area, and the fluctuation pattern prior determination is performed (S216). Then, a variation pattern prior determination command including information of the determination result (notice number) is generated, and this is 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. 12 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol variation start monitoring control process (S68).

  In this special symbol variation monitoring monitoring control process (S68), of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the special symbol variation start monitoring processing described later for the special symbol side satisfying the variation start condition Execute (S310). When both the first special symbol and the second special symbol satisfy the change start condition, as described above, the process of the second special symbol is preferentially executed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is medium or small (S301). Subsequently, whether both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are in change standby, that is, whether both the first special symbol game status and the second special symbol game status are "00H (during change)" It is determined whether or not it is (S302).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the number of operation pending balls of the second special symbol is "0" (S303), and if the number of pending balls is not "0" (S303: NO), the second special is selected. It is considered that the variation start condition of the symbol is established, and the address of the second special symbol variation start monitoring table (the address of various tables used in the subsequent processing and the address of the RAM storage area) is set (S304) The second special symbol side of the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310). 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 has priority regardless of the presence or absence of the operation holding ball of the first special symbol. It is supposed to be digested.

  On the other hand, when the number of operation pending balls of the second special symbol is "0" (S303: YES), it is determined whether the number of operation pending balls of the first special symbol is "0" (S305) . Here, when the number of holding balls is not "0" (S305: NO), it is considered that the variation start condition of the first special symbol is established, and the address of the first special symbol variation start monitoring table (following After setting the addresses of various tables and addresses of the RAM storage area used in the process (S306), the process shifts to the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) on the first special symbol side.

  In addition, when the change start conditions of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not satisfied (S301: YES, S302: NO, S305: YES), the special symbol change start monitoring process (S310) is skipped. .

(Special symbol change start monitoring process)
Next, the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310).

In this special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310), with reference to the first special symbol variation start monitoring table or the second special symbol variation start monitoring table set in S304 or S306 described above, with the target of the current variation start The special symbol side process will be executed, but since the method of processing is common to the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, except in special cases, in the first special symbol side process It will be described together without distinction as to whether it is the processing of the second special symbol side.

  First, the number of operation reserved balls on the side of the special symbol to be subjected to the start of fluctuation this time is decremented by 1 (S311). Then, a symbol storage number command including information on the number of operation pending balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after subtraction is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S312). Subsequently, the special symbol hold storage area on the special symbol side targeted for the variation start this time is accessed, and a random number per special symbol stored in the first hold storage area (hold 1 storage area), special symbol per The symbol random number value and the special symbol variation pattern random number value are read out in order, and these random number values are used in the special symbol qualifying process (S320), the symbol determining process (S330) and the variation pattern selecting process (S423) described later. It is transferred to the special symbol conformity determination area, the special symbol pattern determination area, and the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 (S313). Further, as updating of the pending storage area, the pending ball information stored in the pending 2 storage area to the pending 4 storage area is shifted to the lower pending storage area, and the pending 4 storage area is cleared to zero (S314).

  Subsequently, special symbol propriety judgment processing is executed (S320). In the special symbol compliance determination process (S320), first, a special symbol compliance lottery table is acquired. At this time, when the gaming state is a special symbol probability variation state, a high probability success or failure lottery table is acquired, and when the gaming state is a normal state, a low probability success or failure lottery table is acquired. Next, a random value per special symbol is read out from the special symbol compliance determination area of the main information storage means 180. Then, with reference to the special symbol odds lottery table, based on the random number value per special symbol, to determine whether the special symbol success or failure. In addition, the value (the big hit data “55H”, the small hit data “33H”, the outlying data “00H”) corresponding to the result of this determination is stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

  Subsequently, symbol determination processing is executed (S330). In the symbol determination process (S330), the stop symbol of the special symbol, the type of symbol group, and the character effect number (variation added symbol information) are determined according to the result of the pass / fail determination. Then, the stop symbol of the special symbol determined this time, the type of symbol group, and the character effect number are stored in the symbol storage area of the main information storage means 180. In addition, the character effect number is determined type of symbol group (eight patterns of symbol groups A to L) and operation state of probability variation function of special symbol and normal symbol (probability variation of special symbol / probability variation of special symbol off) / A total of 32 patterns are determined on the basis of the combination of 4 patterns of probability variation on / normal symbol / normal variation of pattern). When the result of the pass / fail determination is an out-of-order, the character effect number “0” is determined.

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

  On the other hand, if the result of the success or failure judgment is a big hit (S341: NO, S342: YES), based on the type (big hit type) of the symbol group determined in S333, the special symbol It is determined whether to operate the probability variation function (S343). That is, if the type of symbol group (big hit type) indicates a specific symbol, it is decided to give the probability variation function, and if the type of symbol group is that usually indicates a symbol, probability variation Decide not to give features. The determination result is stored in the probability variation determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

In addition, based on the type (big hit type) of the symbol group determined in S333, as the gaming state after the special game, while determining the number of activations of the fluctuation time shortening function (S344), the number of activations of the electric cho support function is determined. To do (S345). The determination result (operation count information of the fluctuation time shortening function, operation count information of the electronic chow support function) is stored in the time saving storage area of the main information storage unit 180 and the number of easy-to-enter-ball storage area.

  Subsequently, based on the type (big hit type) of the symbol group determined in S333, the operation pattern of the special electric symbol 642 is set (S346). Specifically, as the operation pattern of the special motorized character 642, the prescribed number of rounds of round game (16 rounds, 12 rounds, 2 rounds in this example), the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 64 (30 in this example) Set the second, 0.05 second etc.

  Next, based on the type of symbol group determined in S333 and the current gaming state, the variation pattern selection state after the end of the special game or after the small hit game is set (S347). Subsequently, based on the type of symbol group determined in S333, the demonstration effect time (the start demonstration time and the end demonstration time) of the special game or the small hit game is set (S348). Next, the special symbol suitability determination area and the special symbol design determination area of the main information storage unit 180 used in the above-mentioned special symbol qualification determination process (S320) and the symbol determination process (S330) are cleared (S349). Then, the special symbol game status on the special symbol side to be subject to variation this time is transited from "00H (during standby)" to "01H (variation start)" (S350).

(Special symbol control process)
Next, the special symbol control process (S65) will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol control process (S65).

  First, it is determined whether the special electric combination 642 is inactive or not, that is, whether the special combination game status is "00H (waiting state)" (S401). Subsequently, if the special motorized character 642 is inactive (S401: YES), it is determined whether the second special symbol game status is not "00H (standby)" (S402).

  If 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 relating to the second special symbol. The addresses of various tables and the address of the RAM storage area are set (S403), and the processing proceeds to 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 processing relating to the first special symbol. The addresses of various tables to be used and the addresses of the RAM storage area are set (S404), and the processing proceeds to special symbol control general processing (S410).

  In addition, in the special symbol control general-purpose processing (S410) to be described next, using the first special symbol control table or the second special symbol control table set in the above-described S403 or S404, the special to be the subject of the present variation Although the processing on the symbol side is to be executed, since the method of processing is common to the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, is it the processing on the first special symbol side except in the special case? The second special symbol side processing will be described collectively without distinction.

(Special symbol control general processing)
Subsequently, special symbol control general-purpose processing is executed (S410). Here, FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol control general processing (S410).

In this special symbol control general-purpose processing (S410), branch processing (S411 to S414) is performed to shift to processing according to the value ("01H", "02H", "03H") of the special symbol game status. First, it is determined whether the special symbol game status on the special symbol side subject to the current variation is not zero (S411). If the special symbol game status is not "00H" (S411: YES), it is determined whether the special symbol game status is "01H (variation start)" (S412). If the special symbol game status is "01H" (S412: YES), the process proceeds to special symbol variation start processing (S420). If NO in S412, it is determined whether the special symbol game status is "02H (during variation)" (S413). If the special symbol game status is "02H" (S413: YES), the processing proceeds to special symbol variation processing (S430). If NO in S413, it is determined whether the special symbol game status is "03H (during stop symbol display)" (S414). If the special symbol game status is "03H" (S414: YES), the process proceeds to the special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440).

(Special symbol change start process)
Next, the special symbol variation start process (S420) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol variation start process (S420).

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

  Next, a fluctuation time corresponding to the currently selected fluctuation pattern is set (S424). Then, as the setting of the start of the change of the special symbol, the change time is stored in the special symbol game timer of the symbol display control means 165 (S 425), and the change start command to the effect control board 200 is generated (S 426). As a change start command, in order to start inspection and effect display of communication lines between the main control board 100 and the effect control board 200, a communication check command, a change added pattern information specification command, a change pattern specification command, a character effect number specification command Are sequentially created 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 to determine the variation pattern are cleared (S427). Then, the special symbol game status is changed from "01H (start of change)" to "02H (during change)" (S428).

(Process during special symbol change)
Next, special symbol variation processing (S430) will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol variation process (S430).

  First, in order to perform variable display of a special symbol, display pattern number switching processing of the special symbol is executed (S431). In this display pattern number switching process (S431), display pattern number data of a special symbol is generated every 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 change or display the special symbol.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has become "0 (timeout)", that is, whether or not the variation time of the special symbol has ended (S432). When the variation time of the special symbol is finished (S432: YES), the stop symbol of the special symbol to be determined and 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 display the decorative 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 the determined display time (S435). In addition, "determination display time" is time which makes a stop symbol stop display definite at the time of the fluctuation | variation stop of a special symbol. Then, the special symbol game status is changed from "02H (during variation)" to "03H (during stop symbol display)" (S436).

(Process during special symbol stop symbol display)
Next, the special symbol stop symbol display process (S440) will be described. FIG. 18 to FIG. 19 are flowcharts showing the 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 finalized display time of the special symbol (stop symbol) has ended (S441). Here, when the finalized display time of the special symbol is finished (S441: YES), the special symbol game status is transited from "03H (during stop symbol display)" to "00H (during standby)" (S442).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether the success or failure determination data stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180 is the big hit data "55H" (S443). If the hit or not judgment data is a big hit data (S443: YES), the special symbol probability fluctuation function operation stop (S444), the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function operation stop (S445), the power chew support function operation Stop (S446) is performed in order. Specifically, the special symbol mode flag is set to "00H (not operated)", and the hour reduction number counter and the ball entry number state number counter are set to "00H" to clear them to zero.

  Next, as a hit start demonstration setting process of the special game, a hit start demonstration display time is set, and an effect control command (hit start demonstration command) instructing start of the hit start demonstration effect is generated (S447). Subsequently, the number of times of execution of the variation pattern selection state (variation pattern selection state number counter) is cleared to zero (S448). Further, the special electric role thing game status is transited from "00H (waiting state)" to "01H (special game)" (S449). Then, "00H" is set to clear the content of the success or failure determination flag (S450).

  On the other hand, when the success / failure determination data is not the big hit data (S443: NO), it is determined whether the probability variation function of the special symbol is in operation (S451). When the probability variation function of the special symbol is in operation (S 451: YES), the probability variation number counter of the main information storage unit 180 is decremented by 1 as a part of the variation number of the special symbol this time (step S 452) . Subsequently, it is determined whether the probability variation frequency counter is zero (step S453). If the probability variation number counter is zero (S453: YES), the operation of the probability variation function of the special symbol is stopped (S454). If the probability variation number counter after subtraction is not zero (S 453: NO), S 454 is skipped and the process proceeds to S 455.

  Next, it is determined whether the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function is in operation (S455). When the variation time shortening function of the special symbol is in operation (S455: YES), the time reduction number counter of the main information storage unit 180 is decremented by 1 as a part of the variation number of the special symbol this time (step S456) . Subsequently, it is determined whether the time saving number counter is zero (step S457). If the time saving number counter is zero (S 457: YES), it is determined that the number of times of ending the special symbol time shortening state has been reached, and the operation of the variation time shortening function of the special symbol is stopped (S 458). If the time reduction number counter after subtraction is not zero (S 457: NO), S 458 is skipped and the process proceeds to S 459.

Next, it is determined whether the electronic chew support function is in operation (S459). When the electric chew support function is in operation (S459: YES), the easy entry state number counter of the main information storage unit 180 is decremented by 1 as a digesting amount of the variation number of the special symbol this time (step S460) . Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the easy-to-enter-state number counter is zero (step S461). If the easy-to-enter-state number counter is zero (S461: YES), it is determined that the end number of the easy-to-enter state has been reached, and the operation of the electric chow support function is stopped (S462). If the entry easy state number counter after subtraction is not zero (S 461: NO), S 462 is skipped and the process proceeds to S 463.

  Next, the fluctuation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage unit 180 is decremented by 1 (S463). Then, the variation pattern selection state is updated (S464). Specifically, the variation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage unit 180 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the current variation pattern selection state has reached a preset number of ends. If it has reached, it is switched to the fluctuation pattern selection state defined next. On the other hand, if the end number has not been reached, the current fluctuation pattern selection state is maintained.

  Next, a presentation control command (gaming state designation command) including the current gaming state information and variation pattern selection state information updated in the above-mentioned S451 to S464 is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. (S465). In addition, on the effect control board 200 side, setting and updating of the effect mode are executed 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 small hit data is stored (S 466: YES), a production control command for setting a hit start demonstration display time as a hit start demonstration setting process for a small hit game and instructing the start of hit start demonstration effect Are generated (S467). Then, the special electric role thing game status changes from "00H (waiting state)" to "02H (small hit game)" (S468). Then, "00H" is set to clear the content of the success or failure determination flag (S469).

  On the other hand, when the small hit 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 In addition, when the special symbol determination flag is outlier data, the reason why the process of clearing the content of the flag is not performed is that “00H” is originally stored as the outlier data.

(Special electric role control process)
Next, the special motorized product control process (S66) will be described. FIG. 20 to FIG. 22 are flowcharts showing the details of the motorized prize control process (S66).

  First, it is determined whether the special electric role thing game status is "01H (special game)" (S501). If the special electric role thing game status is "01H" (S501: YES), special game processing is executed in the subsequent processing. In the special game process, first, it is determined whether the special electric combination 642 is in operation (S502). If the special motorized part 642 is not in operation (S502: NO), it is determined whether it is the operation start time of the special electric part 642 (S503). The operation start time of the special electric symbol 642 is the timing at which the operation of the special electric symbol 642 is started in each round game.

  If it is the operation start time of the special electric symbol 642 (S503: YES), the special electric symbol 642 is activated (S504), and the processing of the special electric symbol 642 is in process of S505 to S509. Execute the process of

As processing during the operation of the special motorized symbol 642, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the maximum winning number in the special winning opening 64 (S505), and the operating time (opening time) of the special motorized symbol 642 is It is determined whether it has elapsed (S506). At this time, if the game ball has won the maximum winning number in the special winning opening 64 (S505: YES) or if the operation time of the special electric combination 642 has passed (S506: YES), the special electric combination 642 The operation is stopped (S507). Then, it is determined whether the number of times of continuous operation of the special motorized product 642 has reached a predetermined specified number of rounds (S508). If the number of continuous operations has not reached the specified number of rounds (S508: NO), the number of continuous operations of the special electric symbol 642 is incremented by one (S509).

  On the other hand, when the number of times of continuous operation of the special motorized character 642 has reached the specified number of rounds (S508: YES), the process proceeds to S510, and a special game winning finish demonstration setting process is performed. Along with setting, an effect control command (hit end demonstration command) instructing the start of the hit end demonstration effect is generated (S510).

  Subsequently, the fluctuation time reduction number information set in S344 is stored in the time reduction number counter (S511). Further, the easy-to-enter-state number information set in S345 is stored in the easy-to-enter-state number counter (S512).

  Subsequently, with reference to the contents of the probability fluctuation determination flag set in the above S343, it is determined whether or not the operation of the condition device is an operation by a specific symbol (so-called probability variation symbol) (S513). If it is the operation of the condition device by the specific symbol (S513: YES), the data at the time of operation "7FH" is stored in the probability fluctuation number counter of the main information storage means 180, and the operation of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol starts To do (S514). On the other hand, when it is not the operation of the condition device by the specific symbol (S513: NO), the non-operation data "00H" is stored in the probability variation frequency counter, and S514 is skipped.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time reduction number information stored in the time reduction number counter is fluctuation time reduction function operation data (data other than "00H") (S515). If it is the fluctuation time shortening function operation data (S515: YES), the operation of the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol is started (S516). On the other hand, if it is not the fluctuation time shortening function operation data (S515: NO), S516 is skipped.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the ball entry easy state frequency information stored in the ball easy entry state frequency counter is the electric chow support function operation data (data other than "00H") (S517). If it is the electric chow support function operation data (S517: YES), the operation of the electric chow support function is started (S518 to S520). That is, the operation start of the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol (S518), the operation start of the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol (S519), and the operation start of the open extension function of the ordinary electric character 622 (S520) are sequentially executed. On the other hand, if it is not the electric chow support function operation data, S518 to S520 are skipped.

  Subsequently, it switches to the fluctuation pattern selection state determined in the above-mentioned S347 (S521). Subsequently, an effect control command (playing state designation command) including the game state information after the special game and the variation pattern selection state information set in the above-mentioned S511 to S521 is generated, and this is stored in the main information storage unit 180. It stores in the command storage area (S522). In the effect control board 200, the effect mode after the special game is set based on the information of the game state designation command. Then, the special electric role thing game status is changed from "01H (special game)" to "00H (waiting state)" (S523).

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

  In small hit game processing, first, it is determined whether the special electric combination 642 is in operation (S531). If the special motorized part 642 is not in operation (S531: NO), the operation of the special electric part 642 is started (S532). On the other hand, when the special electric symbol 642 is in operation (S531: YES), S532 is skipped.

  Subsequently, as processing during the operation of the special electric combination 642, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the maximum winning number in the large winning opening 64 (S533), and the operation time of the special combination 642 (opening time It is determined whether time has elapsed (S534). At this time, if the game ball has won the maximum winning number in the special winning opening 64 (S533: YES) or if the operation time of the special electric combination 642 has passed (S534: YES), the special electric combination 642 The operation is stopped (S535).

  Subsequently, as a hit ending demonstration setting process of the small hit game, a hit ending demonstration display time is set, and an effect control command (a hitting end demonstration command) instructing generation of a hitting end demonstration effect is generated (S536). Subsequently, it switches to the fluctuation pattern selection state determined in the above-mentioned S347 (S537). Then, the effect control command (gaming 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 ( S 538). This game state specification command is used on the effect control board 200 side to determine the transition trigger of the effect mode, to specify the effect mode to which the transition is made, and the like. Then, the special electric role thing game status changes from "01H (special game)" to "00H (waiting state)" (S538).

[Process on 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 is reset start process (including main process on the effect control side) which is executed when the sub main CPU 201 is reset such as after the power is turned on, and the effect control side timer interrupt activated every predetermined cycle. Processing, reception interruption processing of effect control command activated due to strobe signal from main control board 100, and lamp activated with arrival of predetermined occurrence time specified in time schedule of variation effect pattern It is configured to include a rendering interrupt process, a transmission interrupt process of an image control command activated every predetermined period, and a reception interrupt process of an ACK command activated upon reception of an ACK command.

  In each interrupt process (exception process), a priority level indicating a priority when multiple interrupt processes occur is set. FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the priority levels of interrupt processing. In this example, "Reset start processing by power reset (Fig. 23): highest priority", "Reset start processing by various abnormality (Fig. 23): highest priority"-> "Interpretation process of effect control command reception (Fig. 30): Level 7 "→" Reset start processing by WDT (during runaway detection) (Fig. 23): Level 3 "→" Interrupt processing of image control command transmission (Fig. 33): Level 2 "," ACK command reception interrupt processing (Fig. 34): Level 2 ”→“ rendering control side timer interrupt process (FIG. 31): Level 1 ”,“ lamp effect interrupt process (FIG. 28): level 1 ”, etc. The priority levels are prioritized in this order. Note that “Reset start processing due to various types of abnormality” is, for example, during the DMA (Direct Memory Access) transfer when the CPU 201 attempts to access the illegal area or the illegal method when the CPU 201 executes an illegal instruction. Start when an error occurs. In the present embodiment, the above-described plural types of interrupt processing are illustrated, but in reality, other interrupt processing also exists.

  In the effect control side main processing, basically, the processing is advanced after being set in any state of all interrupts inhibited or interrupts inhibited other than the effect control command reception interrupt. After that, when the effect control side main process is in the interrupt enabled state, each interrupt process is started in the form of interrupting the main process. In each interrupt process, when there is a request for another interrupt process during the execution of the interrupt process (a multiple interrupt occurs), it is basically an interrupt process with a higher priority level than the interrupt process being executed. While the interrupt request is permitted, the interrupt request is inhibited if the interrupt processing has a lower priority level or the same priority level than the interrupt processing being executed. That is, each interrupt process is performed in a state in which other interrupts with the same priority level or lower priority levels are prohibited. Then, each interruption process returns to the effect control side main process in a state in which all interruptions are permitted. In addition, the priority (priority level) of such an interruption factor is prescribed by the register setting of the effect control microcomputer 210 (interrupt controller).

<< Reset start processing >>
First, the reset start process of the effect control board 200 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the reset start process of the effect control board 200. In this reset start process, the power is turned on, the reset caused by various abnormalities, or the reset caused by WDT (due to runaway detection) is activated, and the security check of the sub main CPU 201 is performed. , The program is started, and the processing after S601 is started.

  First, as an initial setting necessary at power-on, the start address is set in the stack pointer as the initial value of the stack area (S601). Then, all interrupt processing is inhibited until the various initial settings are completed (S602).

  Subsequently, as a basic setting regarding 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 to a variable with an initial value, and initialization is performed by clearing 0 to a variable having no 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 reception interrupt process of the effect control command are prohibited (S605). Next, processing is performed to set the type of error to be validated for the model among the various errors set in advance for all models (S 606). Further, a turn-off request is made to put all of the effect lamps LP (the frame lamp 10 and the panel lamp 25) in the off state (S607). Then, a watchdog timer is activated to monitor runaway of the sub main CPU 201 (S 608).

  Subsequently, a main effect control process is executed as a main process of the game effect (S609). The details of the effect control side main process (S609) will be described later with reference to FIG. Note that although it is usually impossible to return from the main processing to the reset start processing when shifting to the effect control-side main processing in S609, the processing may return to this processing in the unlikely event that a program bug or the like occurs. Are switched to the low power consumption mode (sleep mode) in which the power consumption is reduced compared to that in the normal operation (S610).

<< main processing of production control side >>
Next, the effect control side main process (S609) of the effect control board 200 will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the effect control side main process (S609).

First, in the effect control side main processing, an address (head address where the program is developed) for acquiring a check as to whether or not the control program is correctly developed in the RAM 203 is acquired (S611). Subsequently, all interrupts are permitted (activation of various interrupt processes is permitted) (S612).

  Next, the device initialization operation is performed (S613). This initialization operation is an operation mode that is executed only once when the power of the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned on (at the start of reset), and the operation of the movable objects 25A, 25B, 25C by devices such as motors and solenoids. It is executed for the purpose of confirming the position information necessary to control the At the end of the initialization operation, the movable part 25A, 25B, 25C 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, the watchdog timer is configured to write a predetermined clear word in the WDT clear register of the sub main CPU 201 within a preset timeout time. It is cleared and restarted. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Subsequently, the off symbol update process is executed (S615). In this removal symbol updating process, the removal symbol counter set in the RAM 203 is updated. The out-of-design symbol counter is a loop counter for determining an out-of-design symbol combination of the decorative symbol, and, for example, cyclically operates by incrementing one by one between “111” and “999”. In addition, in this example, in order to determine combination (A big hit symbol, a small hit symbol, a reach-off symbol, a non-reach-out symbol etc.) of all the decorative symbols by random number lottery, this processing is not actually performed.

  Subsequently, an input port check process is executed (S616). In this input port check processing, monitoring of reading of the I / O port circuit 204 (input port) in port input / output processing S 712 in timer interrupt processing described later is monitored at each interrupt occurrence, and monitoring is performed several times (for example, four times). The signal level is “1 (H level)” if all the input port states are “1”, “0 (L level)” if all “0”, otherwise the signal level is Do not change (this determines the input signal).

  Subsequently, an error presentation management process is executed (S617). In this error presentation management process, based on the error presentation pattern set in the subsequent command analysis process (S621), error presentation by various devices is started. Here, when the lamp effect number is set in the command analysis process (S621) to perform the error notification lamp effect which is one aspect of the error effect (when there is a lamp request), the lamp corresponding to this lamp effect number The pattern data is specified, and the error notification lamp effect is started. In the ramp pattern data, ramp data associated with one frame time (time required to update an image frame once: 16 ms) is stored as schedule data. Further, in the lamp pattern data, a layer (details will be described later) is set according to the type of lamp effect. Furthermore, in the error presentation management process, the error management timer is set to an initial value (error presentation time) to manage the progression of the error presentation. The error management timer is decremented and updated at a cycle of 16 ms in the error management timer update process (S720) of the effect control side timer interrupt process. Then, when the error management timer has timed out, the effect lamp LP is turned off to end the error effect.

Subsequently, an effect button monitor control process is executed (S618). In this effect button monitoring control process, when the button advance effect is incorporated during symbol variation, the input state of the effect button 15 within the operation effective time is monitored, and a plurality of buttons are set in advance according to the button advance effect. The content of the effect corresponding to the input state of the effect button 15 is determined from among the effect contents of the species.

  Subsequently, a notice lottery management process is executed (S619). In this notice lottery management process, a notice effect pattern (noting the contents of notice effect occurring at each stage of the change process of the decorative symbol) along the scenario of the change effect pattern selected in the subsequent command analysis process (S621) The advance notice number is determined by lottery. The notice effect number determined here is temporarily stored in the notice effect number storage area of the sub main information storage means 260. Also, an image control command is generated to designate the preview effect number on the image control board 300 side. At this time, if a feature preview effect pattern (feature preview effect number) is selected as the preview effect pattern, a feature request is generated, and in the subsequent device management process (S620), the movable feature 24 is selected. The drive pattern of is identified. In this example, the main loop processing efficiency is improved instead of drawing all of the plurality of types of advance notice effects (notice effect effect patterns) generated within one variation of the decorative symbol in one main loop process. In order to make it perform, it is divided into every occurrence time (for example, fluctuation start stage, reach generation stage, fluctuation stop stage) of advance notice effect, and it is the composition which draws the lottery over plural times main loop processing. At that time, since it is necessary to synchronize with the start of fluctuation of the decorative symbol (send the image control command immediately) about the notice effect which occurs at the start of fluctuation of the decorative symbol, the lottery is made in the main loop processing of the start. It is supposed to be done. Also, when a notice effect pattern is selected in the notice lottery management process, an image control command for instructing the notice effect number is generated and set in the image control command buffer of the sub main information storage unit 260. . Specifically, the command set function for external interrupt use "function name: CmdSet" is called, and processing for setting an image control command in the image control command buffer (command set processing) is performed. The details of this command set process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, device management processing is executed (S620). In this device management process, when there are operation requests (lamp request and feature request) of various devices, an effect number (lamp effect) is selected from plural types of pattern data (lamp pattern, drive pattern) stored in the ROM 203 The pattern data corresponding to the number, feature preview effect 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 each frame time (time required to update an image frame once: 16 ms) is stored as schedule data. In the lamp pattern data, a layer (details described later) is set according to the type of lamp effect. In this example, one frame time corresponds to the time required for the drawing process of one frame when drawing etc. at about 60 frames per second (= about 60 fps) in the effect display device 70. Similarly, in the drive pattern data of the movable part 24, drive data associated with each interrupt cycle (1 ms) is stored as schedule data. As a result, in the effect control side timer interrupt process described later, each control data (lamp data, drive data, etc.) is output to the target device at fixed intervals, and the operation of the target device is started. On the other hand, in the effect control side timer interrupt process described later, when the output of a series of control data (lamp data, drive data) is all completed, the effect lamp LP is turned off, or the operation of the movable part 24 is stopped. , End control of the target device.

In this example, normal lamp effects (managed by this process), Premier lamp effects (managed by this process), and error notification lamp effects (managed by the above-mentioned error effect management process) are prepared as lamp effect types. The layer (layer number) is set according to the type of each lamp effect. The layer number indicates the priority according to the type of lamp effect, and the error notification lamp effect (layer number 3)> premium lamp effect (layer number 2)> normal lamp effect (layer number 1) in descending order of priority ). In this device management process, when two or more lamp requests are simultaneously or at different timings, the corresponding lamp pattern is specified regardless of the layer number, and internally based on all lamp patterns. It is supposed to execute control. The normal lamp effect, the premier lamp effect, and the error notification lamp effect are different in the lighting mode of the effect lamp LP.

  Subsequently, command analysis processing (S621) is executed. In this command analysis process, it is monitored whether or not the effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the sub main information storage unit 260, and if the effect control command is stored, this command is read and the read effect control command Execute the effect control process corresponding to the type of. The details of the command analysis process (S621) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Then, it is determined whether or not command analysis (analysis of effect control command) has been executed during the current loop processing (S 622). If the command has just been analyzed (S 622: YES), the process returns to S 614 to shift to the next loop processing. On the other hand, when the command analysis is not executed (S 622: NO), the effect lottery random number updating process is executed (S 623). In this effect lottery random number update process, effect lottery random numbers such as a pre-reading notice lottery random number, a decorative symbol random number, a variation effect pattern random number, and a notice effect pattern random number are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is incremented by one, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value.

(Command analysis process)
Next, the command analysis process (S621) will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing details of the command analysis process (S621). In this command analysis process, it is monitored whether the 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 the effect corresponding to the type of effect control command stored. Execute control processing.

  First, it is determined whether a game state designation command is stored in the command storage area of the sub main information storage unit 260 (S631). When the gaming state designation command is stored (step S631: YES), the process shifts to effect state transition processing (S632). In this effect state transition process (S632), a process of transitioning the effect mode is executed based on the gaming state information and the variation pattern selection state information included in the game state designation command.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether a hold related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub main information storage unit 260 (S633). Here, the hold related command includes a symbol storage number command and an advance determination command. If this symbol storage number command is stored (S 633: YES), the process proceeds to the hold information management process (S 634). In this hold information management process (S 634), the display mode of the hold image displayed on the hold display portions 701 and 702 of the effect display device 70 by reading the symbol storage number command or the prior determination command from the sub main information storage unit 260 Perform processing to update the displayed number).

  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 command includes a variation start command and a variation stop command. If the symbol variation related command is stored (step S635: YES), the process proceeds to an effect content determination process (S636). In this effect content determination process (S636), when the received symbol variation related command is a variation start command, a process for starting symbol variation effect is executed, and the received symbol variation related command is a variation stop command In the case, the processing for ending the symbol variation production under execution is executed. The details of the effect content determination process (S636) will be described later with reference to FIG.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a hit related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub main information storage unit 260 (S637). Here, the hit-related command includes a hit start demonstration command and a hit end demonstration command. When the hit rendering related command is stored (step S637: YES), the process shifts to a hit effect display setting process (S638) of the big hit effect and the small hit effect. In the hit effect display setting process (S638), a process for executing a big hit start demonstration effect (small hit start demonstration effect) or a big hit end demonstration effect (small hit end demonstration effect) is performed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether an error presentation designation command is stored in the command storage area of the sub main information storage unit 260 (S639). If the error presentation designation command is stored (S639: YES), the process goes to error presentation content determination processing (S640). In the error effect content determination process (S640), an error effect specification command is read out from the sub main information storage unit 260, and an error effect pattern for notifying an error state by image display of the effect display device 70 is determined. The details of the error presentation content determination process (S640) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If no effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the sub main information storage unit 260 (S631: NO, S633: NO, S635: NO, S637: NO, S639: NO), the command analysis is performed without any action. End the process.

(Determination content determination processing)
Next, the effect content determination process (S636) will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing details of the 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 (S641). If a change start command is stored (S641: YES), the content of this change start command (a change pattern specification command, a change additional symbol information specification command, a character effect number specification command) is analyzed, and the contents of this command As a result of the success or failure lottery included in the information, information indicating a symbol group, a fluctuation pattern (variation time), a gaming state, etc. is acquired (S642). The acquired information is stored in the variation effect content determination area of the sub main information storage unit 260.

  Subsequently, the variation presentation pattern selection process is executed (S643). In this variation presentation pattern selection process, based on the variation pattern information acquired in S642 above, a variation presentation pattern table is acquired, and also, variation presentation pattern random number values are acquired from the effect lottery random number generation unit 210, and multiple types of variation presentation Among the patterns, one of the variation presentation patterns is determined by lottery. The variation production pattern is the production display process in which the variation pattern of the decoration pattern, the type and time of occurrence of reach production, the type and time of occurrence of preview production, and the interrupt timing of lamp production (start timing of lamp production interrupt processing) are defined. Configure the scenario. The variation effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the variation effect pattern storage area of the sub main information storage unit 260.

Then, the lamp request function for external interrupt "function name: RampReq" is called to execute lamp request processing (S644). Here, FIG. 29A is a flowchart showing the details of the lamp request processing for external interruption (S644). In the present embodiment, the “function” is a modularization of one or more processes, and means a subroutine executed by a calling instruction or the like.

In the lamp request processing, first, interrupt processing other than the effect control command reception from the main control board 100 is prohibited (S661). Subsequently, the fluctuation effect pattern number is read out from the fluctuation effect pattern storage area (S662). Then, a lamp effect number corresponding to the change effect pattern number is requested (S663). The lamp effects selected in this process include a normal lamp effect selected with a normal frequency and a premium lamp effect selected with a relatively low frequency as compared to the normal lamp effect. This premier lamp effect is a special effect that indicates, for example, a big hit winning decision. Next, the lamp effect number requested in S663 is set in the lamp request storage area of the sub main information storage means 260 (S664). Therefore, in the subsequent processing, when a numerical value other than 0 is set in the lamp request storage area, it is determined that there is an operation request (lamp request) of the effect lamp LP, and then the processing proceeds. In this example, a plurality of lamp request storage areas are prepared, and a plurality of lamp effect numbers can be set. When a plurality of lamp effect numbers are set (when there are a plurality of lamp requests), in the layer processing, only lamp effects with high priority are executed in such a manner as to be visible to the player, and lamps with low priority The effects are only internally processed (details will be described later). Then, all the interrupts are permitted (S665), the lamp request process is ended, and the process returns to the original process in the main process.

  Next, returning to FIG. 26, the decorative symbol stop symbol selection process is executed (S645). In this decorative symbol stop symbol selection process, the combination (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) of the stop symbol of the decorative symbol to be finally stopped is drawn by lottery based on the symbol group information and the variation pattern information acquired in the above S642. decide. The decorative symbol combination number determined here is temporarily stored in the decorative symbol storage area of the sub main information storage means 260.

  Then, an image control command (variation effect start command) required to start fluctuation of the decorative symbol is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the sub main information storage means 260 (S646). Specifically, a command set function for external interrupt use "function name: CmdSet" is called, and processing for setting an image control command in the image control command buffer of the sub main information storage unit 260 (command set processing) is performed. The details of this command set process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, when the change start command is not stored (S641: NO), it is determined whether the change stop command is stored in the sub main information storage means 260 (S647). If the variable stop command is stored (S647: YES), the contents of the variable stop command are analyzed, and symbol stop information included in the contents of the command is acquired (S648). Then, an image control command (variation effect stop command) required to stop the fluctuation of the decorative symbol is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the sub main information storage means 260 (S649). Specifically, the command set function for external interrupt use "function name: CmdSet" is called, and processing for setting an image control command in the image control command buffer (command set processing) is performed. The details of this command set process will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Error production contents determination process)
Next, the error presentation content determination process (S640) will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the details of the error effect content determination process (S640).

  First, it is determined whether an error presentation designation command is stored in the sub main information storage unit 260 (S651). If an error presentation designation command is stored (S651: YES), the contents of this error presentation designation command are analyzed, and information indicating an error state included in the contents of the command is acquired (S652). The acquired information is stored in the error condition determination area of the sub main information storage unit 260.

Subsequently, an error effect pattern selection process is executed (S653). In this error presentation pattern selection process, an error presentation pattern is determined based on the error state information acquired in S <b> 652. The error presentation pattern defines information such as an error notification image (for example, a message indicating that an error has occurred) and a warning sound from a speaker. The error effect pattern data determined here is temporarily stored in the error effect pattern storage area of the sub main information storage unit 260. When the error presentation pattern is set, an initial value (error presentation time) is set in the error management timer in the above-mentioned error presentation management process (S617), and management of the error presentation is started. The error management timer is updated in an error management timer process (S720) described later.

Next, the lamp request function for external interrupt use "function name: RampReq" is called to execute lamp request processing (S654). FIG. 29A is a flowchart showing details of the lamp request process (S654) for external use for interruption. The lamp request function "RampReq" called in this process is common to the lamp request function "RampReq" called in the lamp request process (S644) in the above-mentioned effect content determination process (S636). That is, the lamp request process shown in FIG. 29A is a common subroutine of the effect content determination process (S636) and the error effect content determination process (S640). Therefore, in the main processing, the lamp request processing (S644, S654) is performed in one common module. In this lamp request function “RampReq”, all interrupts (other than effect control command reception interrupt processing) are prohibited at the start of processing, and all interrupts are permitted at the end of processing. This is to prevent a failure (for example, a failure that complicates status management) due to the generation of a plurality of lamp requests at the same time when the interrupt processing (a lamp effect interrupt processing described later) is started.

  In the lamp request processing, first, interrupt processing other than the effect control command reception from the main control board 100 is prohibited (S661). Subsequently, the error effect pattern number is read out from the error effect pattern storage area (S662). Then, a lamp effect number corresponding to the error effect pattern number is requested (S663). In this process, only the error notification lamp effect for notifying an error state of the gaming machine is requested. Next, the lamp effect number selected in S663 is set in the lamp request storage area of the sub main information storage means 260 (S664). Then, all the interrupts are permitted (S665), the lamp request process is ended, and the process returns to the original process in the main process.

  Subsequently, returning to FIG. 27, an image control command (error presentation start command) required for error presentation is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the sub main information storage unit 260 (S655). Specifically, the command set function for external interrupt use "function name: CmdSet" is called, and processing for setting an image control command in the image control command buffer (command set processing) is performed. The details of this command set process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, not all lamp requests are performed in the above-described main processing (in command analysis processing), but there may be cases where lamp request interruption processing is activated to perform lamp requests at a predetermined timing. That is, in the time schedule of the variation rendering pattern selected in S643, the occurrence trigger (interruption timing) of the lamp rendering interrupt process is defined in relation to the notice rendering that occurs at each stage of the variation rendering process of the decorative symbol. ing. When the interrupt timing arrives, the lamp effect interrupt process is activated to execute a process of requesting a lamp effect number. The occurrence time of the lamp effect interrupt process is synchronized with the occurrence time of a specific advance notice effect (for example, when the lamp of a color associated with the advance effect contents is lit).

<< Lamp production interrupt process >>
Next, lamp effect interruption processing will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing lamp effect interrupt processing. The lamp effect interrupt process is generated by a software interrupt when the interrupt timing defined in the fluctuation effect pattern comes.

First, in the lamp effect interrupt process, an interrupt with priority level 2 or higher such as an effect control command reception interrupt from the main control board 100, a watchdog timer interrupt, etc. is permitted (S671). Subsequently, the lamp request function "function name: RampReq_InINT" for the inside of the interrupt is called to execute the lamp request processing (S672). FIG. 29B is a flowchart showing the lamp request process (S672) for the internal use of the interrupt. The lamp request function (RampReq_InINT) is different from the lamp request function “RampReq” called in the main processing described above in that the interrupt disable / enable instruction is not set at the beginning and end of the processing. This is because, as described above, the occurrence of other interrupts with the same priority level or lower priority levels is prohibited in each interrupt processing, so that another lamp request is generated during this lamp request processing. Because there is no

  In this lamp request process, the notice effect pattern is read out with reference to the notice effect pattern storage area of the sub main information storage means 260 (S681). Then, a lamp effect number corresponding to the advance effect pattern is requested (S682). For example, when the notice effect is a background notice, if a notice effect pattern for displaying a blue background is selected in the notice lottery management process, a lamp effect (lamp effect number for turning on the effect lamp LP in blue) ) Is requested. Subsequently, the lamp effect number is set in the lamp request storage area of the sub main information storage unit 260 (S683). Therefore, in the subsequent processing, when a numerical value other than 0 is set in the lamp request storage area, it is determined that there is an operation request (lamp request) of the effect lamp LP, and then the processing proceeds. Then, the lamp effect interrupt process is ended, and the process returns to the original process before the occurrence of the interrupt.

<< Reception interrupt processing of production control command >>
Next, a reception interrupt process of the effect control command will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process of effect control command. In the reception interrupt process of this effect control command, as described above, it is started when 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 supposed to be. The effect control command is configured to include 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 a strobe signal from the main control board 100 occurs, it is determined whether or not an input value of a rendering control command has been determined (S701). Specifically, the command data is read up to five times, and the input value is determined when the same value is read twice in a row. This is because reading of the effect control command may fail due to noise or the like, and the input value is not determined until the same value is read twice in a row.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether the command received this time is the first command (MODE), in other words, whether it is the first command (MODE) or the second command (EVENT) (S702). If the command received this time is the first command (S702: YES), the first command is temporarily stored in the temporary area (S703). 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 (S704). In addition, as for the acquisition time of the effect lottery random number, it is assumed that the effect control command is received when the effect control command is received, and the effect control command is transmitted at irregular timing such as the start winning of the game ball or the start of fluctuation of the special symbol. Therefore, it is to prevent periodicity at the acquisition time by using it as a trigger. As described above, by making the acquisition time of the effect lottery random number irregular, it becomes difficult to generate inconveniences such as the same effect being repeated unnaturally and repeatedly even in various effect lottery.

  On the other hand, if the command received this time is the second command (S702: NO), it is determined whether the first command has already been received (S705). 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 or not there is any contradiction in the combination of the effect control commands. If there is no contradiction in the combination of effect control commands (S 705: YES), the address indicated by the write pointer (pointer for writing) is acquired (S 706). 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 write pointer (S707). The stored command data is read out in the command analysis process (S621) 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 (S 708). Further, the command data (first command) temporarily stored in S708 is cleared (S709).

<< Production control timer interrupt processing >>
Next, the effect control timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing effect control timer interrupt processing. The timer interrupt process is activated by clock pulses at regular time intervals, and is executed in a form of interrupting the effect control side main process described above.

  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 the processing after S711 is sequentially executed. In this timer interrupt process, an interrupt with priority level 2 or higher, such as an effect control command reception interrupt from the main control board 100 or a watchdog timer interrupt, is permitted (S711).

  Subsequently, port input / output processing is executed (S712). In this port input / output processing, input processing and output processing of port data in the I / O port circuit 204 are performed. In the input process, 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 out and output from the I / O port circuit 204 (output port). Note that, in the I / O port circuit 204, an input port is provided in which a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply substrate 500 has dropped to a predetermined value or less is input. When the power-off signal is input, processing for saving various data at the time of power-off occurrence in the backup area of the RAM 203 is performed as the power-off process. After that, since backup power is supplied from the backup power circuit of the power supply substrate 500, the stored contents of the RAM 203 are maintained without being lost even after the power is turned off. Further, as other power-off processing, the excitation of the motor M, which is a drive source of the movable part 24, is turned off (non-energized state), and the operation of the movable part 24 in an unstable state of power interruption occurs. It is interrupted early and enables the initial operation without any abnormality after the power is restored. The stop position of the movable part 24 is held by the detent torque at the time of non-energization.

  Subsequently, device control data output processing is executed (S713). In this device control data output process, drive data for a predetermined time is read out from the drive pattern data specified in the device management process (S620) and set in the drive data storage area of the sub main information storage unit 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 the device control data output process, the drive data is switched at every interrupt cycle (1 ms) according to the drive pattern data.

Next, the effect timer update process is executed (S714). In this effect timer update process, the values of various effect timers used for effect operation control are subtracted and updated for each interrupt cycle (1 ms in the present embodiment). The effect timer includes a timer for managing the variation time of the decorative symbol, and a timer for managing the generation timing of the advance effect. The time schedule in the fluctuation effect pattern is managed by the effect timer, and time management such as the drive timing of the movable object 24 and the lighting timing of the effect lamp LP is performed on the time axis. The effect timer is also used in the device control data output process (S713) and the lamp data update process (S718) in this effect timer interrupt process.

  Subsequently, a button control timer update process is executed (S715). The value of the effective time management timer for managing the operation effective time of the effect button 15 is subtracted and updated from the interrupt cycle (1 ms in this embodiment). The operation valid time is the time when the operation input of the effect button 15 is valid.

  Next, an image control command setting process is executed (S716). In this image control command setting process, one or more selected in the notice lottery management process (S619) when the generation timing of the notice effect arrives in the effect timer of the effect timer update process (S714). When a specific preview presentation pattern is included in the preview presentation pattern of the image, an image control command for instructing the specific preview presentation number is generated, and the image control command buffer of the sub main information storage unit 260 is generated. Set to Specifically, a process for setting an image control command in the image control command buffer (command set process) is performed by calling a command set function “function name: CmdSet_InINT” for use in an interrupt. The details of this command set process will be described later with reference to FIG. Here, for a specific preview effect pattern, for example, an effect image is displayed on the effect display device 70 at the timing when the production button 15 is pressed and operated, or an effect image is displayed according to the operation of the movable role 24. The presentation pattern etc. are included.

  Subsequently, task control counter update processing is executed (S717). In this task control counter updating process, the value ("0" to "15") of the task counter is updated for each timer interrupt. Specifically, if the value of the task counter is “0” to “14”, the value is incremented by one, and if the value of the task counter is “15”, the value is returned to “0”. That is, this task counter can take a cyclic cycle of 16 ms. Then, various tasks (task processing) are allocated corresponding to the value of the task counter updated this time, and the lamp control task (the lamp data update process in S718) and the runaway monitoring according to the value of the task counter. Each process such as a task (image CPU runaway monitoring process in S719) and an error management task (error management timer update process in S720) 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 at intervals of 8 ms) are for runaway monitoring. It is assigned to a task, and one other value is assigned to an error management task (an explanation of the other tasks is omitted). As described above, the reason why the cycle period of the task counter is set to 16 ms is to match the minimum unit (16 ms) of the switching control of the effect lamp LP. The minimum unit (16 ms) of the switching control of the effect lamp LP 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 (S718). In this lamp data update process, lamp data for a predetermined time is read out and set from the lamp pattern data specified in the device management process (S620) or the error effect management process (S617). The lamp data set in this process is data representing lighting control for 16 ms which is the minimum unit of switching control of the effect lamp LP. When 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. This lamp data output process is configured as serial communication interrupt process,
This is realized by sequentially writing lamp data in the transmission buffer of the serial communication circuit 205. The serial communication circuit 205 serially converts the lamp data of the transmission buffer in units of one byte, and outputs the lamp data to the lamp connection board 91 bit by bit in synchronization with the serial clock. This process is repeated until the transmission buffer becomes empty, whereby all ramp data (all bytes) stored in the transmission buffer are output. Therefore, in the lamp data update process, the lamp data is switched every one frame time (16 ms) according to the lamp pattern, and the lamp data is output to the lamp connection substrate 91 by serial transfer. The lamp data update process is a process that is executed when the task counter value reaches a predetermined value (a value indicating a lamp control task) in the task control counter update process (S717) (that is, executed in a cycle of 16 ms) Processing).

  Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, a layer corresponding to the type of each lamp effect (normal lamp effect, premier lamp effect, error notification lamp effect) is set, and a plurality of lamp requests of different types are mutually different. If there is, only the ramp data set in the upper layer (layer with high priority) is output, while the output of the ramp data set in the lower layer (layer with low priority) is prohibited. However, since the lamp data switching process (switching process every 16 ms) itself is not stopped, when the process of the upper layer is finished, the process and continuity in the layer concerned are maintained, The lamp data set in the layer of (1) is output (a lamp effect relating to the lower layer is generated). In addition, in the lamp data update process (S 718), when lamp data relating to a plurality of layers is superimposed to output only lamp data relating to the upper (highest priority) layer, lighting generally has a sense of discomfort without regularity. It is because there is a possibility of becoming a pattern. In addition, although the primary lamp production is distinguished from the normal lamp production and the layer structure and the priority is different, the appearance rate is generally lower in the premier lamp production than in the normal lamp production, but the appearance timing is regularity If the appearance of the premier lamp effect selected as a second choice is reserved due to the presence of the normal lamp effect selected as a first choice, the player's expectation for the occurrence of the premier lamp effect is expected to occur at random timing. It is because the feeling is diminished.

  Subsequently, image CPU runaway monitoring processing is executed (S719). In this image CPU runaway monitoring process, the toggle signal input from the image control board 300 is monitored, and the image control board 300 is not continuously changed for 1600 ms (about 50 to 100 frames). It is determined that the sub-sub CPU 301 is running away, and the effect control board 200 transmits a reset signal to the image control board 300. Thereby, the image control board 300 side executes a predetermined reset process in response to the occurrence of the reset state of the sub-sub CPU 301. The toggle signal is a signal of a waveform in which H level / L level is alternately repeated every one frame time.

  Next, an error management timer process is executed (S720). In this error management timer process, the value of the error presentation timer for managing the error presentation time set in the above-mentioned error presentation management process (S617) is subtracted and updated. The error management timer process is a process executed when the value of the task counter becomes a predetermined value (a value indicating an error management task) in the S task control counter update process (S717). Therefore, even when the error presentation time becomes long, the time is counted by the timer of 16 ms cycle, so compared with the case where the time is counted every timer interrupt cycle (1 ms), the data amount is It can be reduced. Then, after making all the interrupts permitted, and restoring the contents of the saved register, the effect control timer interrupt processing is ended, and the processing returns to the original processing before the occurrence of the interruption.

(Command set processing)
Next, command set processing will be described. FIG. 32A is a flowchart showing command setting processing in the main processing (for interrupt external use), and FIG. 32B is a flowchart showing command setting processing in the effect control side timer interrupt processing (for interrupt internal use). This command setting process is a process for setting the image control command generated in the various effect control processes described above in the image control command buffer of the sub main information storage unit 260. The command set process for external interrupt is executed by calling the command set function “CmdSet” in the image control command setting process (S646, S649, S655, etc.) in the main process on the production control side, while the command for the inside of the interrupt is performed. The set process is executed by calling a command set function "CmdSet_InINT" in the image control command setting process (S716) in the effect control side timer interrupt process.

  First, command set processing called from the main processing will be described with reference to FIG. In this command setting process, first, interrupts other than the effect control command reception are prohibited (S691). Subsequently, the write pointer is acquired in the image control command buffer (S692). Next, the image control command is stored in the area pointed to by the write pointer (S693). Then, the write pointer is incremented by one and updated (S694). Finally, all interrupts are permitted (S695), and the command set processing is terminated.

  As described above, the command set process shown in FIG. 32A is a common subroutine in a plurality of image control command setting processes (S646, S649, S655, etc.). Therefore, in the main processing, command set processing is performed in one common module. In this command set function "CmdSet", all interrupts (other than reception interrupt processing for presentation control command) are prohibited at the start of processing, and all interrupts are permitted at the end of processing. Interrupt processing (timer interrupt processing (image control command setting processing)) is started, and a failure (for example, a failure due to a mismatch between the write pointer and the set command) due to the occurrence of multiple command set processing at the same time is prevented. It is for.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 32 (B), a command setting process called from the effect control side timer interrupt process will be described. In this command setting process, first, the write pointer is acquired in the image control command buffer (S721). Next, the image control command is stored in the area pointed to by the light pointer (S722). Then, the write pointer is incremented by one and updated (S723), and the command setting process is ended.

  The command set function "CmdSet_InINT" is different from the lamp request function "CmdSet" called in the above-described main processing in that an interrupt prohibition / permission instruction is not set at the beginning and end of the processing. This is because, as described above, since generation of another interrupt with the same priority level or a lower priority level is prohibited during the interrupt processing, other command set processing does not occur redundantly.

<< Interrupt processing of image control command transmission >>
Next, transmission interrupt processing of the image control command will be described. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a transmission interrupt process of the image control command. The transmission interrupt process of the image control command occurs at predetermined intervals (500 μs) set in advance.

In this image control command transmission interrupt process, first, the image control command buffer of the sub main information storage unit 260 is checked (S731). Subsequently, the read pointer is acquired in the image control command buffer (S732). Next, it is determined whether the image control command is stored in the image control command buffer (S733). 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 coincide with each other, the image control command is not stored. When the image control command is stored (S733: YES), the image control command is read out from the area pointed by the read pointer (S734). The read image control command is set in the output buffer of the serial communication circuit 205 designated as the output destination (S735). As a result, an image control command is serially transmitted to the image control board 300 from the serial port. Next, the command data (command data transmitted in S735) is cleared (S736). Subsequently, the read pointer is incremented by one and updated (S737). Then, the transmission interrupt process of the image command is ended, and the process returns to the original process before the interrupt.

<< ACK command reception interrupt processing >>
Next, an ACK command reception interrupt process of the effect control board 200 will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an ACK command reception interrupt process. The reception interrupt processing of the ACK command occurs when the ACK command is received from the image control board 300 by the serial communication function. The ACK command is a response signal indicating that the image control command has been normally received when the image control command is transmitted from the effect control substrate 200 to the image control substrate 300, from the image control substrate 300 to the effect control substrate 200. To be sent to.

  In this ACK command reception interrupt process, first, an ACK command is read from the input buffer of the serial communication circuit 205 (S741). Subsequently, command data of the ACK command is analyzed (S742). Next, the write pointer is acquired in the ACK command buffer of the sub main information storage unit 260 (S743). Subsequently, the ACK command acquired this time is stored in the area pointed to by the write pointer (S744). Next, the write pointer is incremented by one in the ACK command buffer and updated (S745). Then, the reception interrupt process of the ACK command is ended, and the process returns to the original process before the interrupt. If the ACK command can not be received from the image control board 300, the retry process (retransmission of the ACK command) is performed up to three times, and the effect control board 200 can not receive the ACK command. It is determined that a communication error has occurred between the effect control board 200 and the image control board 300.

[Effect]
Next, in order to facilitate understanding of the present embodiment, the characteristic operation of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described. Generally, with regard to the file configuration / description, function name, variable name, etc. in each program, a command rule is defined by a coding rule for each game machine maker. As a coding rule defined in this embodiment, there is a rule that a common function (module) called from both of the main processing (outside the interrupt) and the interrupt processing (within the interrupt) is not created. Here, in each process in the main process, basically, an interrupt disable instruction / permit instruction (in the beginning of each process, the interrupt disable instruction, at the end of each process) is appropriately set in the module (function) called in each process. By performing an interrupt operation such as an interrupt permission instruction), an interrupt disabled section is appropriately provided midway in each process to prevent the process from being interrupted due to the occurrence of an interrupt, while the process is completed and the interrupt is permitted. At the moment, the interrupt is activated. That is, in the main processing, an interrupt prohibited section in which all interrupts are inhibited or interrupts other than the reception of the effect control command are inhibited is appropriately set. On the other hand, in each process in the interrupt process, basically, based on the priority level (priority of interrupt) set for each interrupt process, the priority level is lower than the interrupt process or the same priority level is set. Processing proceeds in a state in which the occurrence of an interrupt is inhibited. Therefore, in the module (function) to be called in the interrupt process, the priority level of the interrupt process of the caller is maintained, and there is basically no need to insert an interrupt operation.

  Therefore, if a function called in the main process and a function called in the interrupt process are used together in one common module, an unintended interruption in the subsequent process causes a bug in the program etc. May occur. For example, if a function called in the main process is called in interrupt processing, the processing returns to interrupt processing with all interrupts enabled, so that an interrupt with a priority level lower than itself is generated during interrupt processing after return. (Essentially, the interrupt program is not created on the assumption of the occurrence of a low priority interrupt). On the other hand, when a module (function) called in the interrupt process is called in the main process, no interrupt operation is inserted in the module, so the process in the module is executed with all interrupts enabled. I will. Therefore, even in this case, an unintended interrupt may occur in the module. Therefore, when such an unexpected event occurs, there arises a problem that there may be a defect in the effect control process.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when each module (function) is called in the main processing and the interrupt processing and common processing is performed in part, the module called in the main processing according to the coding rule. Includes the process to manipulate the interrupt level (interrupt disable instruction, interrupt enable instruction), and the module called by the interrupt process does not include the process to manipulate the interrupt level, thereby generating an unintended interrupt To prevent in advance.

In the present embodiment, as a first application example, the coding rule is adopted for a lamp request function. That is, as understood from comparison of (A) and (B) in FIG. 29, there is an interrupt operation in the lamp request function “RampReq” called in the main processing,
In the lamp request function “RampReq_InINT” called in the interrupt processing, the configuration according to the coding rule is realized by assuming that no interrupt operation is performed.

Furthermore, as a second application example, the coding rule is adopted for a command set function. That is, as can be seen by comparing (A) and (B) in FIG. 32, the command set function “CmdSetT” called in the main process has an interrupt operation, and the command set function “CmdSet_InINT” called in the interrupt process. By assuming that there is no interrupt operation, the configuration in accordance with the coding rule is realized.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when there is a case in which subroutines are mutually called in the main processing and the interrupt processing and common processing is performed independently, the subroutine of the main processing side includes the interrupt enable / disable instruction. By maintaining the priority level given to the interrupt processing in the subroutine on the interrupt processing side without including the interrupt enable / disable instruction, generation of other unintended interrupts can be restricted during execution of the interrupt processing. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a bug in a program due to the occurrence of an unexpected event. Furthermore, the occurrence of an unintended interrupt (an interrupt with a low priority level) in the timer interrupt process does not delay the data update cycle for various devices. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to smoothly process game effects.

[Modification]
Next, a modification of the present embodiment will be described. In this modification, the lamp request process for requesting the operation of the effect lamp LP is performed only in the main process. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the lamp request function is called in both the main processing and the interrupt processing to perform the lamp request processing, whereas in this modification, the lamp request function is called only in the main processing. Is characteristic in that the lamp request processing is performed.

First, in the command analysis process (effect content determination process, error effect content determination process, and the like) in the main process, the lamp request function “RampReq” is called and the lamp request process is performed as in the above-described embodiment. On the other hand, in this modification, the lamp request process is not executed in the lamp effect interrupt process. In addition, the generation | occurrence | production trigger of this lamp production interruption process is the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiment.

  Here, FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing lamp effect interrupt processing according to the modification. In the lamp effect interrupt process, first, an interrupt with priority level 2 or higher such as an effect control command reception interrupt from the main control board 100, a watchdog timer interrupt, etc. is permitted (S801). Subsequently, a lamp request is reserved (S802). In this example, reservation of a lamp request means turning on the request flag set in the sub main information storage unit 260. Therefore, in the lamp effect interrupt process, only the lamp request is reserved without executing the lamp request process (without requesting the lamp effect number).

On the other hand, in this modification, when the lamp request is reserved in the lamp effect interrupt process, the lamp request process is executed in the device management process (S620) of the effect control side main process. Specifically, if it is determined in the device management process (S620) that the request flag is turned on, the lamp request function for external interrupt use "function name: RampReq" is called to execute the lamp request process. . The lamp request function "RampReq" called in this process is the same as the lamp request function "RampReq" called in the main process in the above-described embodiment (so the description will be omitted).
.

  Furthermore, in the device management process (S620), when there is a lamp request in the command analysis process (S621) or in the device management process, a plurality of items stored in the ROM 203 of the effect control microcomputer 210 as in the above embodiment. From the lamp pattern data of the type, the lamp pattern data corresponding to the lamp effect number is specified, and control of the effect lamp LP is started. On the other hand, in the effect control side timer interrupt process, when the output of a series of lamp data included in the lamp pattern data is all completed, the control of the effect lamp LP is ended.

  As described above, according to such a modification, by performing the configuration in which all lamp requests are performed in the main processing, the processing load due to duplicate occurrence of lamp requests from both the main processing and the interrupt processing can be reduced. It becomes possible to process game effects smoothly. Further, as in the above-described embodiment, occurrence of a program bug due to inconsistency in status management, delay of data update cycle for various devices in timer interrupt processing, and the like are prevented.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be appropriately improved without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the coding rules are applied to the ramp request function and the command set function has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and some common processing is performed between main processing and interrupt processing. The same effect can be obtained by applying to other functions as long as the function is called as processing.

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

PM Pachinko game machine (game machine)
PA game area 1 outer frame 2 front frame 5 glass frame 10 frame lamp 20 game board 24 movable character 25 board lamp 70 effect display device 91 lamp connection board 92 motor driver 100 main control board (main control means)
200 effect control board (effect control means)
300 image control board 400 delivery control board 500 power supply board

Claims (1)

Main control means for controlling the game progress;
An effect control means for controlling an effect associated with a game based on a command from the main control means;
The effect control means has at least effect means provided with at least an effect lamp which is controlled by the effect control means and performs an effect according to the game development,
A game machine configured to execute main processing including loop processing which is continuously repeated and interrupt processing which is started by interrupting the main processing when a predetermined condition is satisfied as control in the effect control means. And
The interrupt process of the effect control means includes a command reception interrupt for receiving an effect control command transmitted from the main control means,
The main process of the effect control means has a command analysis process of analyzing the effect control command received by the command reception interrupt and determining the contents of the effect operation to be executed by the effect means.
In the command analysis process, when the effect control command to be analyzed is a effect control command transmitted when the variable display is started, the change effect for determining the effect operation content to be executed by the effect means in the variable display Execute content determination process,
The fluctuation effect content determination process includes a lamp request process outside the interruption process for setting information related to the effect operation content for the effect lamp ,
In the main processing of the effect control means, there is device management processing for setting lighting pattern data for controlling the lighting of the effect lamp when the information related to the contents of the effect operation for the predetermined effect lamp is set. And
The interruption process of the effect control means includes a lamp data update process of transmitting all lighting pattern data set by the device management process to the control circuit of the effect lamp at predetermined intervals , and generation of a predetermined condition. A gaming machine characterized by having an interrupt processing lamp request process which is executed as a trigger and sets information related to the rendering operation content for the rendering lamp.

Images