JP6611274B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine that can execute a game.

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Further, a variable display area capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information in the variable display area becomes the specific display result, the game state (game There is a machine configured to give a predetermined game value to a player by changing the state of the machine (specifically, the state where the gaming machine is controlled) (so-called pachinko machine).

  In addition, after setting a predetermined number of bets for one game on a predetermined game medium, the player starts variable display of identification information by the variable display area by operating the start lever, and the player By operating a stop button provided corresponding to the display area, the variable display of the identification information is stopped within the range of the maximum delay time determined in advance from the operation timing, and the variable display of all the variable display areas is displayed. In accordance with the display result derived when the game is stopped, a winning occurs, a predetermined game medium determined in advance according to the winning is paid out, and when a specific winning occurs, a player is given a predetermined gaming value as a gaming state. There is one that is configured to be in a state to be given to (so-called slot machine).

  The game value means that a prize ball is paid out or that the state of a variable winning ball device provided in a gaming area of a gaming machine is advantageous for a player who is likely to win a ball, or advantageous for a player. For example, to generate a right to enter a state, or to enter a state in which a condition for winning a prize ball is easily established.

  In a pachinko machine, a specific display mode determined in advance is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display of decorative symbols (identification information) that starts in the variable display area based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening. If this happens, a “big hit” will occur. The derived display is to finally stop and display a symbol (final stop symbol). When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times of opening the special winning opening is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round. A game in a round may be referred to as a round game.

  In the variable display area, the symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol in the left middle right symbol) continue for a predetermined period of time and stop and shake in a state that matches the specific display result. It can be a big hit before the final result is displayed because it is moving, scaling, or deforming, or multiple symbols change synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the displayed symbol is switched. An effect performed in a state where the sex is continued (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display. Then, when the display result of the symbol variably displayed in the variable display area is not a specific display result, it becomes “out of” and the variability display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  A gaming machine comprising a game control means for controlling the progress of a game, and an effect control means for controlling the execution of the effect based on information output from the game control means. There is one that prohibits the output of information to the effect control means until the time stored in the control means elapses (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-321545 A (paragraph 0012, FIG. 3, FIG. 4)

  However, in the gaming machine described above, from the momentary power failure state in which the power is restored to a voltage value higher than the predetermined voltage value before the special period elapses after the power supplied to the gaming machine decreases to the predetermined voltage value. The case where the power restoration is performed is not disclosed, and when the power restoration from the instantaneous power failure state occurs, there is a risk that the information output from the game control means may be missed.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent the effect control means from losing information even when power recovery from an instantaneous power failure occurs.

(Means 1) A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of executing a game, and is output from a game control means for controlling the progress of the game (for example, the microcomputer 100 for game control) and the game control means. Effect control means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 92IW100) that controls the execution of the effect based on the information , and the game control means receives the predetermined information after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the power was supplied to the gaming machine. Information output means (for example, a part for executing steps S7 and S9 in the game control microcomputer 100) for outputting (for example, an effect control command for instructing recovery from power interruption, an effect control command for instructing initialization). Including a specific period during which the information output from the game control means cannot be analyzed (for example, for effect control) Specific processing execution means (for example, step S71 in the production control microcomputer 92IW100) that can execute specific processing (for example, initialization processing) in a period during which the timer interrupt processing in the microcomputer 92IW100 cannot be executed) ) And information input means (for example, a transfer buffer transfer process (FIG. 20-10) and analysis in the production control microcomputer 92IW100) that can input predetermined information after a specific period of time has elapsed since power was supplied to the gaming machine. The game control means includes a first process (for example, a hardware standby process) and a second process (for example, a software standby) in a predetermined period. Processing (Step 92IWS00 by CPU103 ~ 92IWS012) can be executed, and the electric power supplied to the gaming machine has a voltage value higher than the predetermined voltage value before the special period elapses after the electric power supplied to the gaming machine decreases to the predetermined voltage value. to come and the power recovery from the instantaneous power failure state is made to recovery, without executing the first process (e.g., a hardware standby processing at the time of power restoration from instantaneous power failure state is not performed), among Japanese periodical is The second process is executed until the time has elapsed (for example, the CPU 103 executes steps 92IWS009 to 92IWS012, thereby executing a software standby process until the initialization process by the effect control microcomputer 92IW100 is completed (FIG. 20-). 3))). According to such a configuration, even when the power recovery from the instantaneous power failure state occurs, the predetermined information is not output until the predetermined period elapses, so that it is possible to prevent the production control unit from missing the predetermined information. .

  (Means 2) In the means 1, the effect control means may include information storage means (for example, a reception register provided in the serial communication circuit 92IW115) capable of storing information output from the game control means in a specific period. . According to such a configuration, even when information is output in a specific period, it is possible to prevent the effect control unit from missing the information.

  (Means 3) Special means for executing a special process before executing the second process in the means 1 or means 2 (for example, executing steps 92IWS001 to 92IWS006 before steps 92IWS011 and 92IW012 in the CPU 103) (Part) may be provided. According to such a configuration, it is possible to earn time until the specific process by the effect control unit is completed.

  (Means 4) In the means 3, the special process execution means may execute the process related to the random number as the special process (for example, the CPU 103 executes Step 92IWS006 before Steps 92IWS011 and 92IW012). According to such a configuration, processing necessary for the progress of the game can be performed first.

  (Means 5) In the means 3 or 4, the game control means includes data storage means (for example, the RAM 102) including a stack area for temporarily saving data, and the special processing execution means saves to the stack area. A process of setting a stack pointer indicating a data storage destination address may be executed as a special process (for example, the CPU 103 executes Step 92IWS002 before Steps 92IWS011 and 92IWS012). According to such a configuration, processing necessary for the progress of the game can be performed first.

  (Means 6) In any one of the means 1 to 5, a first storage area (for example, a reception register included in the serial communication circuit 92IW115) in which received information is first stored and a first storage area in which the received information is temporarily stored. 2 storage areas (for example, a transfer buffer provided in the internal RAM 92IW112) and a third storage area (for example, an analysis buffer provided in the external SDRAM 92IW116) in which received information is finally stored. The control means reads out information stored in the first storage area and stores it in the second storage area based on a reception interrupt (for example, serial reception interrupt) that occurs each time information is received. Control means (for example, steps 92IWS721 to 92IWS72 in the production control microcomputer 92IW100) And a second storage control means for reading out information stored in the second storage area and storing it in the third storage area based on a timer interrupt generated every predetermined period (for example, 1 ms) (For example, the part for executing the steps 92IWS741 to 92IWS748 in the production control microcomputer 92IW100) and the analysis means for analyzing the information stored in the third storage area (for example, executing the step 92IWS704 in the production control microcomputer 92IW100) Part). According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the loss of information when a large amount of information is received.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the various control boards etc. which were mounted in the pachinko game machine. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game control main process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process for game control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control process processing. It is a figure for demonstrating the variation pattern and the kind of reach. It is a figure showing an example of production operation. It is a figure showing an example of production operation. It is a figure showing an example of production operation. It is a figure showing an example of production operation. It is a figure showing an example of production operation. It is a figure showing an example of production operation. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a notice effect determination process. It is a figure which shows the determination ratio in a notice effect determination process. It is a figure which shows the example of production | presentation operation | movement of a modification. It is a figure which shows the example of production | presentation operation | movement of a modification. It is a figure which shows the example of production | presentation operation | movement of a modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game control main process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game control main process. It is a timing chart which shows the timing of the event at the time of power recovery and the electric power recovery from an instantaneous power failure state. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the microcomputer for production control. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the address map in the microcomputer for production control. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the interruption control register for serial reception interruption setting, and an example of setting content. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure example and setting content of the interrupt control register for a timer interrupt setting. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of 1 structure of a receiving register and each receiving buffer. It is a flowchart which shows the 1ms timer interruption process in the microcomputer for production control. It is a flowchart which shows the buffer transfer process for delivery. It is a flowchart which shows the buffer transfer process for analysis. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the buffer transfer process for delivery.

(Basic explanation)
First, a basic configuration and control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (which is also a configuration and control of a general pachinko gaming machine) will be described.

(Configuration of pachinko machine 1)
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly composed of a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface and a gaming machine frame (base frame) 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. A game area is formed on the game board 2, and a game ball as a game medium is launched into a game area from a predetermined hitting device.

  In a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, to the right of the game area), a variable display (also called a special figure game) of special symbols (also called special figures) as a plurality of types of special identification information is provided. A first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B to be performed are provided. Each of these consists of a 7-segment LED or the like. The special symbol is represented by a number indicating “0” to “9” or a lighting pattern such as “−”. The special symbol may include a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off.

  The “variable display” of the special symbol is, for example, to display a plurality of special symbols in a variable manner (the same applies to other symbols described later). Examples of the fluctuation include an update display of a plurality of symbols, a scroll display of a plurality of symbols, deformation of one or more symbols, and enlargement / reduction of one or more symbols. In the case of a special symbol or a variation of a normal symbol described later, a plurality of types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of the decorative pattern described later, a plurality of types of decorative patterns are scroll-displayed or updated, or one or more decorative symbols are deformed or enlarged / reduced. Note that the variation includes an aspect in which a certain symbol is blinked. At the end of the variable display, a predetermined special symbol is stopped as a display result (also referred to as derivation or derivation display) (the same applies to variable display of other symbols described later). Note that variable display may be expressed as variable display or fluctuation.

  The special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as “first special symbol”, and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is also referred to as “second special symbol”. In addition, the special figure game using the first special figure is referred to as a “first special figure game”, and the special figure game using the second special figure is also referred to as a “second special figure game”. There may be one kind of special symbol display device that performs variable display of special symbols.

  An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 includes, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), and the like, and displays various effect images. The image display device 5 may be composed of a projector and a screen. Various effect images are displayed on the image display device 5.

  For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, in synchronization with the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game, decorative symbols (such as symbols indicating numbers) as a plurality of types of decorative identification information different from the special symbols. The variable display is performed. Here, in synchronization with the first special game or the second special game, the decorative symbols are variably displayed in the left, middle, and right decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R (for example, up and down) Direction scroll display and update display). Note that the special display game and the variable display of the decorative symbols executed in synchronism are collectively referred to simply as variable display.

  On the screen of the image display device 5, there may be provided a display area for displaying a hold display corresponding to the variable display for which execution is suspended and an active display corresponding to the variable display being executed. The hold display and the active display are collectively referred to as a variable display compatible display corresponding to the variable display.

  The number of variable displays that are held is also called the number of stored memories. The number of reserved memories corresponding to the first special figure game is also referred to as a first reserved memory number, and the number of reserved memories corresponding to the second special figure game is also referred to as a second reserved memory number. The total of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number is also referred to as the total reserved memory number.

  In addition, a first hold indicator 25A and a second hold indicator 25B configured to include a plurality of LEDs are provided at predetermined positions on the game board 2, and the first hold indicator 25A indicates the number of LEDs lit. To display the first reserved memory number, and the second reserved indicator 25B displays the second reserved memory number according to the number of lit LEDs.

  Below the image display device 5, a winning ball device 6A and a variable winning ball device 6B are provided.

  The winning ball apparatus 6A forms a first start winning opening that is maintained in a certain open state in which a game ball can always enter, for example, by a predetermined ball receiving member. When a game ball enters the first start winning opening, a predetermined number of (for example, three) prize balls are paid out and the first special game can be started.

  The variable winning ball device 6B (ordinary electric accessory) forms a second start winning opening that is changed between a closed state and an open state by a solenoid 81 (see FIG. 2). The variable winning ball apparatus 6B includes, for example, an electric tulip-shaped accessory having a pair of movable wing pieces, and when the movable wing piece is in a vertical position when the solenoid 81 is off, the tip of the movable wing piece Is close to the winning ball device 6A, and the game ball enters the closed state in which the game ball does not enter the second starting winning port (also referred to as the second starting winning port is closed). On the other hand, the variable winning ball device 6B is in an open state in which the game ball can enter the second starting winning opening when the movable blade piece is in the tilted position when the solenoid 81 is in the on state (second starting ball). It is also said that the winning opening is open.) When a game ball enters the second start winning opening, a predetermined number (for example, three) of prize balls are paid out and the second special game can be started. Note that the variable winning ball device 6B is not limited to the one having an electric tulip type accessory as long as it changes between a closed state and an open state.

  At a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, four places in the lower left and right sides of the game area), there are provided general winning holes 10 that are always kept in a certain open state by a predetermined ball receiving member. In this case, when entering any of the general winning ports 10, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are paid out as prize balls.

  Below the winning ball device 6A and the variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7 having a large winning opening is provided. The special variable winning ball apparatus 7 includes a large winning opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 82 (see FIG. 2), and the special winning opening as a specific area that changes between an open state and a closed state by the large winning opening door. Form.

  As an example, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the special winning opening door (for the special electric accessory) is in the OFF state, the large winning opening door closes the large winning opening and the game ball is large. You will not be able to enter (pass) the winning entrance. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid 82 for the special prize opening door is in the ON state, the special prize opening door opens the big prize opening, so that the game ball can easily enter the special prize opening. Become.

  When game balls enter the big prize opening, a predetermined number (for example, 14) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. When game balls enter the big prize opening, for example, more prize balls are paid out than when game balls enter the first start prize opening, the second start prize opening, and the general prize opening 10, for example.

  The entry of a game ball into each winning opening including the general winning opening 10 is also referred to as “winning”. In particular, winning at the starting port (first starting winning port, second starting winning port starting port) is also referred to as starting winning.

  A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (on the left side of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is composed of 7-segment LEDs and the like, and variably displays normal symbols as a plurality of types of normal identification information different from the special symbols. A normal symbol is represented by a number indicating “0” to “9” or a lighting pattern such as “−”. The normal symbol may include a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off. Such variable display of normal symbols is also called a general game.

  On the left side of the image display device 5, a passing gate 41 through which a game ball can pass is provided. Based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the passing gate 41, the usual game is executed.

  Above the normal symbol display 20, a universal figure holding display 25 </ b> C is provided. The general figure hold display unit 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of general figure hold storage, which is the number of general figure games that are being executed, by the number of lighted LEDs.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill for changing the flow direction and speed of the game ball and a number of obstacle nails. In the lowermost part of the game area, there is provided an out port through which game balls that have not entered any winning port are taken.

  Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the left and right upper positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 for game effects is provided at the periphery of the game area. ing. The game effect lamp 9 includes an LED.

  At a predetermined position (not shown in FIG. 1) of the game board 2, a movable body 32 that operates in accordance with the performance is provided.

  At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, there is provided a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 30 that is operated by a player or the like in order to launch a game ball toward the game area by the hitting ball launching device.

  At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, a game ball paid out as a prize ball or a game ball lent out by a predetermined ball lending machine is held (stored) so as to be supplied to a ball hitting device. ) Is provided. Below the upper plate, there is provided a hitting ball supply plate (lower plate) from which prize balls are paid out when the upper plate is full.

  At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, a stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by the player is attached. The stick controller 31A is provided with a trigger button that can be pressed by the player. The operation on the stick controller 31A is detected by the controller sensor unit 35A (see FIG. 2).

  At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the game area, a push button 31B is provided that allows the player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like. An operation on the push button 31B is detected by a push sensor 35B (see FIG. 2).

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the stick controller 31 </ b> A and the push button 31 </ b> B are provided as detection means for detecting the player's operation (operation, etc.), but other detection means may be provided.

(Outline of game progress)
A game ball is launched toward the game area by a rotation operation by the player to the hitting operation handle 30 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1. When the game ball passes through the passing gate 41, a normal game by the normal symbol display 20 is started. In the case where the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 during the previous execution of the usual game, etc. (when the game ball passes through the pass gate 41 but the usual game based on the pass cannot be executed immediately). The usual game based on the passage is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

  In this ordinary game, if a specific ordinary symbol (a symbol per ordinary symbol) is stopped and displayed, the display result of the ordinary symbol becomes “per ordinary symbol”. On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the symbols per ordinary symbol (ordinary symbol losing symbol) is stopped and displayed as the fixed ordinary symbol, the display result of the ordinary symbol becomes “ordinary symbol losing”. When the “normal hit” is reached, an opening control is performed to open the variable winning ball device 6B for a predetermined period (the second start winning opening is opened).

  When a game ball enters the first start winning opening formed in the winning ball device 6A, the first special figure game by the first special symbol display device 4A is started.

  When the game ball enters the second start winning opening formed in the variable winning ball device 6B, the second special symbol game by the second special symbol display device 4B is started.

  If a game ball enters (wins) a start winning opening during a period during which a special figure game is being executed or during a period where a big hit gaming state or a small hit gaming state, which will be described later, is controlled (a start winning has occurred) In the case where the special game based on the start prize cannot be immediately executed), the special game based on the entry is suspended until a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

  In a special game, if a specific special symbol (a jackpot symbol, for example, “7”, the actual symbol differs depending on the jackpot type to be described later) is stopped and displayed as a special symbol, it will be a “hit” symbol. If a predetermined special symbol different from (a small hit symbol, for example, “2”) is stopped and displayed, “small hit” is obtained. In addition, if a special symbol (losing symbol, for example, “-”) different from the big hit symbol or the small winning symbol is stopped and displayed, it is “lost”.

  After the display result in the special figure game becomes “big hit”, the big hit gaming state is controlled as an advantageous state advantageous to the player. After the display result in the special figure game becomes “small hit”, the game is controlled to the small hit gaming state.

  In the big hit gaming state, the special winning opening formed by the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is opened in a predetermined manner. The open state includes an elapse timing of a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds), and a timing until the number of game balls that have entered the winning prize opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 9). It continues until the earlier timing. The predetermined period is an upper limit period during which a big winning opening can be opened in one round, and is also referred to as an open upper limit period hereinafter. One cycle in which the grand prize opening is in an open state is called a round (round game). In the big hit gaming state, it can be repeatedly executed until the round reaches a predetermined upper limit number (15 times or twice).

  In the big hit game state, the player can obtain a prize ball by causing the game ball to enter the big prize opening. Therefore, the big hit gaming state is an advantageous state for the player. The greater the number of rounds in the big hit gaming state, and the longer the opening upper limit period, the more advantageous for the player.

  Note that a “big hit” is set as the big hit type. For example, a number of types of opening of the big prize opening (number of rounds and opening upper limit period) and gaming state after the big hit gaming state (described later, normal state, short-time state, probability change state, etc.) are prepared, and depending on them Type is set. As the jackpot type, there may be provided a jackpot type that can obtain many prize balls, or a jackpot type that has few prize balls or hardly obtains prize balls.

  In the small hit gaming state, the special winning opening formed by the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is opened in a predetermined opening mode. For example, in the small hit game state, the same opening mode as the big hit game state in the case of some big hit types (the number of times of opening of the big prize opening is the same as the number of rounds, and the closing timing of the big prize opening is also the same. Etc.), the grand prize opening is opened. Similar to the big hit type, the small hit type may be provided for the “small hit”.

  After the big hit gaming state is ended, depending on the big hit type, it may be controlled to a short time state or a probable change state.

  In the short-time state, control (short-time control) is executed to shorten the average special figure change time (period during which the special figure is changed) compared to the normal state. In the short-time state, by reducing the average normal map change time (period in which the normal map is changed) from the normal state, or by improving the probability of “per normal map” in the normal game, than the normal state, Control (high opening control, high base control) that makes it easy for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening is also executed. The short-time state is a state advantageous for the player because the variation efficiency of the special symbol (especially the second special symbol) is improved.

  In the probability variation state (probability variation state), in addition to the time reduction control, probability variation control is executed in which the probability that the display result is “big hit” is higher than in the normal state. The probability variation state is a state that is more advantageous for the player because it is likely to be a “hit” in addition to the improvement of the variation efficiency of the special symbol.

  The short-time state or the probability change state continues until any one end condition such as that a predetermined number of special game has been executed and the next big hit game state has been established. A game whose end condition is that a predetermined number of special game has been executed is also referred to as a number of cuts (short time cut, number change probability change, etc.).

  The normal state is a gaming state other than a special state such as a big hit gaming state advantageous for the player, a short-time state, a probable change state, etc., and the display result in the ordinary game is “per ordinary figure”. The pachinko gaming machine 1 such as the probability and the probability that the display result in the special figure game is “big hit” is the initial setting state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, when a system reset is performed, a predetermined return after power-on) This is the same control as when the process was not executed.

  A state in which the probability variation control is being executed is also referred to as a high probability state, and a state in which the probability variation control is not being performed is also referred to as a low probability state. The state where the time reduction control is executed is also referred to as a high base state, and the state where the time reduction control is not executed is also referred to as a low base state. By combining these, it is said that the short-time state is a low-accuracy and high-base state, the probability variation state is a high-accuracy and high-base state, the normal state is a low-accuracy and low-base state, and the like. The highly accurate state and the low base state are also referred to as a highly accurate low base state.

  After the small hit game state ends, the game state is not changed, and the game state before the display result of the special game is “small hit” is controlled continuously (however, “small hit” occurs) If the special figure game at the time is the special figure game of the predetermined number of times, the gaming state is naturally changed). It should be noted that there is no “small hit” as the display result of the special game.

  Note that the gaming state may change based on the fact that the gaming ball has passed a specific area (for example, a specific area in the big prize opening) during the big hit gaming state. For example, when the game ball passes through a specific area, the game ball may be controlled to be in a probable change state after the big hit game state.

(Progress of production, etc.)
In the pachinko gaming machine 1, various effects (effects for notifying the progress of the game or exciting the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. The production will be described below. The effect is performed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5, but in addition to or instead of the display, audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R and / or the game effect lamp 9 This may be performed by turning on / off the light, and the operation of the movable body 32.

  In the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R provided in the image display device 5, the first special game or the first game is produced as an effect executed in accordance with the progress of the game. Corresponding to the start of the 2 special figure game, the variable display of the decorative symbols is started. At the timing when the display result (also referred to as a fixed special symbol) is stopped and displayed in the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game, the fixed decorative symbol (a combination of three decorative symbols) that is the display result of the variable decorative symbol display ) Is also stopped (derived).

  In the period from the start of the variable display of the decorative design to the end thereof, the variable display mode of the decorative design may be a predetermined reach mode (reach is established). Here, the reach mode is a variable display for decorative symbols that have not been stopped yet when the decorative symbols stopped on the screen of the image display device 5 constitute a part of a jackpot combination described later. It is a mode that is continuing.

  In addition, a reach effect is executed in response to the above-described reach mode during variable display of decorative symbols. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the ratio of the display result (the display result of the special figure game or the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern) according to the production mode becomes “big hit” (also called the big hit reliability or the big hit expectation). Different types of reach production are executed. Reach production includes, for example, normal reach and super reach with higher hit reliability than normal reach.

  When the display result of the special figure game is “big hit”, a predetermined decorative pattern that is a predetermined big hit combination is derived as a display result of variable display of decorative symbols on the screen of the image display device 5 (decoration) The display result of the variable display of the symbol is “big hit”). As an example, the same decorative symbols (for example, “7”, etc.) are stopped and displayed together on predetermined active lines in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. .

  In the case of “probable big hit”, which is controlled to the probable change state after the big hit gaming state, odd numbers of decorative symbols (for example, “7”, etc.) are all stopped and displayed, and after the big hit gaming state is finished, In the case of a “non-probable big hit (normal big hit)” that is not controlled, an even number of decorative symbols (for example, “6”, etc.) may be stopped and displayed together. In this case, odd-numbered decorative symbols are also referred to as probability variation symbols, and even-numbered decorative symbols are also referred to as non-probable variation symbols (normal symbols). After becoming a reach mode with a non-probable variation pattern, a promotion effect that finally becomes a “probability large hit” may be executed.

  When the display result of the special game is “small hit”, as a display result of variable display of decorative symbols on the screen of the image display device 5, a fixed decorative symbol (for example, “ 1 3 5 "etc.) is derived (the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol is" small hit "). As an example, the decorative symbols constituting the chance eye are stopped and displayed on the predetermined effective lines in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. In addition, when the display result of the special figure game becomes “big hit” of some big hit types (big hit type of big hit gaming state in the same manner as the small hit gaming state) and when it becomes “small hit” A common fixed decorative symbol may be derived and displayed.

  When the display result of the special figure game is “losing”, the decorative display variable display mode is not the reach mode, but the non-reach combination fixed display pattern (“ (Also referred to as “non-reach lose”) may be stopped (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may be “non-reach lose”). Further, when the display result is “losing”, after the decorative display variable display mode becomes the reach mode, the predetermined reach combination (“reach loss”) that is not a big hit combination is displayed as the variable display display result of the decorative design. In other cases, the fixed decorative symbol (also referred to as “definitely”) is stopped and displayed (the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol is “reach lose”).

  The effects that can be executed by the pachinko gaming machine 1 include displaying the variable display corresponding display (hold display or active display). As other effects, for example, a notice effect for notifying the jackpot reliability is executed during variable display of decorative symbols. The notice effect includes a notice effect for notifying the big hit reliability in the variable display being executed, and a pre-read notice effect for notifying the big hit reliability in the variable display before execution (variable display for which execution is suspended). As the pre-reading notice effect, an effect of changing the display mode of the variable display compatible display (hold display or active display) to a mode different from the normal mode may be executed.

  Further, in the image display device 5, by temporarily stopping the decorative design during the variable display of the decorative design and then restarting the variable display, the single variable display is made to appear as a plurality of variable displays in a pseudo manner. A pseudo-continuous effect may be executed.

  Even during the big hit game state, the big hit effect for informing the big hit game state is executed. As the big hit effect, an effect for notifying the number of rounds or a promotion effect indicating that the value of the big hit gaming state may be executed. In addition, during the small hit game state, the small hit effect during the small hit game state is executed. In addition, the big hit game in the small hit game state and a part of the big hit type (a big hit type of the big hit gaming state in the same manner as the small hit gaming state, for example, a big hit type in which the subsequent gaming state is a high probability state) By executing a common effect with the state, the player may not know whether the current state is the small hit game state or the big hit game state. In such a case, a common effect is executed after the end of the small hit gaming state and after the end of the big hit gaming state, so that it is not possible to identify whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state. May be.

  Further, for example, when a special game or the like is not being executed, a demonstration (demonstration) image is displayed on the image display device 5 (a customer waiting demonstration effect is executed).

(Board configuration)
In the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example, a main board 11, an effect control board 12, an audio control board 13, a lamp control board 14, and a relay board 15 as shown in FIG. 2 are mounted. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, and a power supply board are disposed on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The main board 11 is a control board on the main side, and the progress of the above-described game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (execution of a special game (including management of holding), execution of a general game (including management of holding), jackpot A gaming state, a small hit gaming state, a gaming state, and the like). The main board 11 includes a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, and the like.

  The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, which includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103, and the like. And a random number circuit 104 and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105.

  The CPU 103 performs a process for controlling the progress of the game (a process for realizing the function of the main board 11) by executing a program stored in the ROM 101. At this time, various data stored in the ROM 101 (data such as later-described variation patterns, later-described effect control commands, and various tables referred to when making various determinations described later) are used, and the RAM 102 is used as the main memory. . The RAM 102 is a backup RAM in which a part or all of the RAM 102 is stored for a predetermined period even when power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped. Note that all or a part of the program stored in the ROM 101 may be expanded in the RAM 102 and executed on the RAM 102.

  The random number circuit 104 counts numerical data indicating various random number values (game random numbers) used for controlling the progress of the game in an updatable manner. The game random number may be updated by CPU 103 executing a predetermined computer program (updated by software).

  The I / O 105 includes, for example, an input port to which various signals (detection signals described later) are input, and various signals (the first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 4B, the normal symbol display device 20, the first hold). And an output port for transmitting a signal for controlling (driving) the display hold device 25B, the second hold display device 25B, the general-purpose hold display device 25C, etc., and a solenoid drive signal).

  The switch circuit 110 is configured to detect detection signals (game balls pass or not) from various switches for detecting a game ball (gate switch 21, start port switch (first start port switch 22A and second start port switch 22B), count switch 23). A detection signal indicating that the switch has entered and the switch is turned on is taken in and transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100. Through the transmission of the detection signal, the passing or entry of the game ball is detected.

  The solenoid circuit 111 sends a solenoid drive signal (for example, a signal for turning on the solenoid 81 or the solenoid 82) from the game control microcomputer 100 to the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory or the solenoid 82 for the grand prize opening door. To transmit.

  The main board 11 (game control microcomputer 100) sends an effect control command (a command for designating (notifying) the progress of the game) according to the progress of the game as part of the control of the progress of the game. 12 is supplied. The effect control command output from the main board 11 is relayed by the relay board 15 and supplied to the effect control board 12. The production control command includes, for example, various determination results on the main board 11 (for example, a display result of a special figure game (including a jackpot type), a variation pattern used when the special figure game is executed (details will be described later) )), A game status (for example, start and end of variable display, open status of a big prize opening, occurrence of winning, number of reserved memories, gaming state), a command specifying an error, and the like.

  The production control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, receives production control commands, and produces productions (various productions according to the progress of the game) based on the received production control commands. (Including various notifications such as driving of the movable body 32, error notification, notification of power failure recovery, etc.).

  On the effect control board 12, an effect control CPU 120, a ROM 121, a RAM 122, a display control unit 123, a random number circuit 124, and an I / O 125 are mounted.

  The effect control CPU 120 executes a program stored in the ROM 121 to execute an effect together with the display control unit 123 (a process for realizing the above-described function of the effect control board 12 and an effect to be executed). Including the determination of At this time, various data (data such as various tables) stored in the ROM 121 is used, and the RAM 122 is used as a main memory.

  The effect control CPU 120 displays the execution of the effect based on detection signals from the controller sensor unit 35A and the push sensor 35B (signals output when an operation by the player is detected and indicating the operation content as appropriate). The control unit 123 may be instructed.

  The display control unit 123 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), a CGROM (Character Generator ROM), a VRAM (Video RAM), and the like, and executes an effect based on an execution instruction from the effect control CPU 120.

  The display control unit 123 causes the image display device 5 to display the effect image by supplying the image display device 5 with a video signal corresponding to the effect to be executed based on the effect execution instruction from the effect control CPU 120. The display control unit 123 further supplies a sound designation signal (a signal for designating the sound to be output) to the sound control board 13 in order to perform sound output synchronized with the display of the effect image and turn on / off the game effect lamp 9. Or a lamp signal (a signal designating the lighting / extinguishing mode of the lamp) is supplied to the lamp control board 14. Further, the display control unit 123 supplies a signal for operating the movable body 32 to the movable body 32 or a drive circuit that drives the movable body 32.

  The audio control board 13 is equipped with various circuits for driving the speakers 8L and 8R, drives the speakers 8L and 8R based on the sound designation signal, and outputs the audio designated by the sound designation signal from the speakers 8L and 8R. Let

  The lamp control board 14 is equipped with various circuits for driving the game effect lamp 9, drives the game effect lamp 9 based on the ramp signal, and turns on / off the game effect lamp 9 in a manner specified by the ramp signal. To do. In this way, the display control unit 123 controls audio output and lamp on / off.

  The production control CPU 120 executes sound output, lamp on / off control (sound designation signal, lamp signal supply, etc.) and control of the movable body 32 (supply of a signal for operating the movable body 32, etc.). You may do it.

  The random number circuit 124 counts numerical data indicating various random values (effect random numbers) used for executing various effects in an updatable manner. The effect random number may be updated (updated by software) when the effect control CPU 120 executes a predetermined computer program.

  For example, the I / O 125 mounted on the effect control board 12 transmits an input port for receiving an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 and the like, and various signals (video signal, sound designation signal, ramp signal). Output port.

  Substrates other than the main board 11 such as the effect control board 12, the sound control board 13, and the lamp control board 14 are also referred to as sub-boards. A plurality of sub-boards may be provided for each function as in the pachinko gaming machine 1, or one sub-board may be configured to have a plurality of functions.

(Operation)
Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

(Main operations of the main board 11)
First, main operations in the main board 11 will be described. When power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated and the CPU 103 executes game control main processing. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a game control main process executed by the CPU 103 on the main board 11.

  In the game control main process shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 103 first sets prohibition of interruption (step S1). Subsequently, necessary initial settings are made (step S2). The initial setting includes setting of a stack pointer, register setting of a built-in device (CTC (counter / timer circuit), parallel input / output port, etc.), setting for making the RAM 102 accessible.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the output signal from the clear switch is on (step S3). The clear switch is mounted on, for example, a power supply board. When the power is turned on while the clear switch is on, an output signal (clear signal) is input to the game control microcomputer 100 via the input port. When the output signal from the clear switch is on (step S3; Yes), an initialization process (step S8) is executed. In the initialization process, the CPU 103 performs a RAM clear process for clearing flags, counters, and buffers stored in the RAM 102, and sets initial values in the work area.

  Further, the CPU 103 transmits an effect control command for instructing initialization to the effect control board 12 (step S9). When the effect control CPU 120 receives the effect control command, for example, the image display device 5 displays a screen for notifying that the control of the gaming machine has been initialized.

  If the output signal from the clear switch is not on (step S3; No), it is determined whether backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (backup RAM) (step S4). When the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped due to an unexpected power failure or the like (power failure), the CPU 103 executes a power supply stop process immediately before it becomes unable to operate due to the stop of the power supply. In the power supply stop process, a process for turning on a backup flag indicating that data is backed up in the RAM 102, a data protection process for the RAM 102, and the like are executed. Data protection processing includes addition of error detection codes (checksum, parity bits, etc.) and processing for backing up various data. The data to be backed up includes various data (including various flags and various timer states) for progressing the game, as well as the status of the backup flag and an error detection code. In step S4, it is determined whether or not the backup flag is on. When the backup flag is off and backup data is not stored in the RAM 102 (step S4; No), an initialization process (step S8) is executed.

  When the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (step S4; Yes), the CPU 103 checks the data of the backed up data (performed using the error detection code) and determines whether the data is normal (step). S5). In step S5, for example, it is determined whether or not the data in the RAM 102 matches the data when the power supply is stopped, based on the parity bit and the checksum. If it is determined that they match, it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal.

  If it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is not normal (step S5; No), the internal state cannot be returned to the state at the time of stopping the power supply, so the initialization process (step S8) is executed.

  When it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal (step S5; Yes), the CPU 103 performs a recovery process (step S6) for returning the internal state of the main board 11 to the state when the power supply is stopped. In the restoration process, the CPU 103 sets a work area based on the storage contents of the RAM 102 (contents of backed up data). As a result, when the game state is restored when the power supply is stopped and the special symbol is changing, the change of the special symbol is resumed from the state before the recovery by executing the game control timer interrupt processing described later. Will be.

  And CPU103 transmits the production control command which instruct | indicates the recovery | restoration from a power interruption to the production control board 12 (step S7). In conjunction with this, an effect control command for designating a backed-up gaming state before power interruption, or an effect control for designating the display result of the special figure game being executed when the special figure game is being executed. A command may be transmitted. As these commands, the same commands as those set for transmission in the special symbol process processing described later can be used. When the effect control CPU 120 receives the effect control command for specifying the time of recovery from the power interruption, for example, the image display device 5 notifies that the power recovery from the power interruption has been made or is being recovered from the power interruption. To display the screen. The effect control CPU 120 may perform an appropriate screen display based on the effect control command.

  After finishing the restoration process or the initialization process and transmitting the effect control command to the effect control board 12, the CPU 103 executes a random number circuit setting process for initializing the random number circuit 104 (step S10). Then, a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 100 is set so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (step S11), and an interrupt is permitted (step S12). ). Thereafter, the loop processing is started. Thereafter, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute timer interrupt processing.

  When the CPU 103 that has executed such a game control main process receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and receives an interrupt request, the CPU 103 executes a game control timer interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the game control timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 4 is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch process, thereby causing the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port through the switch circuit 110. Whether or not detection signals are received from various switches such as the switch 22B and the count switch 23 is determined (step S21). Subsequently, an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed by executing a predetermined main-side error process, and a warning can be generated if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S22). Thereafter, by executing a predetermined information output process, for example, jackpot information (information indicating the number of occurrence of jackpot) supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1, start information (start Data such as information indicating the number of winnings) and probability variation information (information indicating the number of times the probability has changed) is output (step S23).

  Subsequent to the information output process, a game random number update process for updating at least a part of the game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software is executed (step S24). Thereafter, the CPU 103 executes special symbol process processing (step S25). The CPU 103 executes special symbol process processing for each timer interrupt, thereby realizing management of special symbol game execution and suspension, control of a big hit gaming state or a small hit gaming state, control of a gaming state, etc. Later).

  Following the special symbol process, a normal symbol process is executed (step S26). The CPU 103 executes the normal symbol process for each timer interruption, thereby managing the execution and holding of the ordinary game based on the detection signal from the gate switch 21 (based on the game ball passing through the passing gate 41), The opening control of the variable winning ball apparatus 6B based on “per figure” is enabled. The ordinary game is executed by driving the normal symbol display device 20, and the ordinary figure display number is displayed by turning on the ordinary symbol display device 25C.

  After executing the normal symbol process, a process when a power interruption occurs, a process for paying out a prize ball, or the like may be performed as part of the game control timer interrupt process. Thereafter, the CPU 103 executes command control processing (step S27). The CPU 103 may transmit and set an effect control command in each of the above processes. In the command control process of step S27, a process of transmitting the effect control command set for transmission to a sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12 is performed. After executing the command control process, the interrupt is permitted and then the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in step S25 shown in FIG. 4 as the special symbol process. In this special symbol process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (step S101).

  In the start winning determination process, a process of detecting occurrence of a start winning, storing hold information in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, and updating the hold memory number is executed. When a start winning occurs, a random number value for determining a display result (including a jackpot type) and a variation pattern is extracted and stored as hold information. Further, based on the extracted random number value, a process for determining in advance a display result or a variation pattern may be executed. After storing the hold information and the number of reserved memories, transmission setting for transmitting an effect control command for designating determination results such as the occurrence of a start prize, the number of reserved memories, and the prefetch determination is performed on the effect control board 12. . The effect control command at the time of a start winning set in this way is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 by, for example, executing the command control process in step S27 shown in FIG. Is transmitted.

  After executing the start winning determination process in S101, the CPU 103 selects and executes one of the processes in steps S110 to S120 according to the value of the special figure process flag provided in the RAM 102. In each process (steps S <b> 110 to S <b> 120) of the special symbol process, transmission settings for transmitting an effect control command corresponding to each process to the effect control board 12 are performed.

  The special symbol normal process of step S110 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “0” (initial value). In this special symbol normal process, whether or not to start the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game is determined based on the presence or absence of the hold information. Also, in the special symbol normal processing, whether or not the display result of the special symbol or decorative symbol is “big hit” or “small hit” based on the random number value for determining the display result, and the big hit type when “big hit” is assumed Is determined (predetermined) before the display result is derived and displayed. Further, in the special symbol normal process, a confirmed special symbol (any one of the big hit symbol, the small hit symbol, or the lost symbol) to be stopped and displayed in the special symbol game is set according to the determined display result. Thereafter, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “1”, and the special symbol normal process ends. The special game using the second special figure may be executed with priority over the special game using the first special figure (also referred to as special figure 2 priority digestion). In addition, the winning order of the game balls to the first start winning opening and the second starting winning opening may be stored, and the start condition of the special figure game may be established in order of winning (also referred to as winning order digestion).

  When various determinations are made based on random number values, various tables stored in the ROM 101 (tables in which determination values to be compared with random number values are assigned to the determination results) are referred to. The same applies to other decisions on the main board 11 and various decisions on the effect control board 12. In the effect control board 12, various tables are stored in the ROM 121.

  The variation pattern setting process in step S111 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “1”. In this variation pattern setting process, one of multiple types of variation patterns can be selected using a random value for determining the variation pattern based on the result of prior determination of whether or not the display result is “big hit” or “small hit”. The process to decide on is included. In the variation pattern setting process, when the variation pattern is determined, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “2”, and the variation pattern setting process ends.

  Fluctuation patterns include special game execution time (special graphic variable time) (also the execution time of decorative symbol variable display), decorative symbol variable display mode (such as presence / absence of reach), and variable decorative symbol display The content of the production (the type of reach production, etc.) is designated and is also called a variable display pattern.

  The special symbol variation process in step S112 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “2”. This special symbol variation process includes a process for setting the special symbol to be varied in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and an elapsed time after the special symbol starts to vary. It includes processing to measure Further, it is also determined whether or not the measured elapsed time has reached a special figure fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern. When the time elapsed since the start of the special symbol variation reaches the special symbol variation time, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “3”, and the special symbol variation process is terminated.

  The special symbol stop process in step S113 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “3”. In this special symbol stop process, the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B stops the variation of the special symbol, and stops (displays) the definite special symbol that is the display result of the special symbol. The process to set for is included. When the display result is “big hit”, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “4”. On the other hand, when the big hit flag is off and the display result is “small hit”, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “8”. When the display result is “lost”, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0”. When the display result is “small hit” or “losing”, the gaming state is also updated when the time reduction state or the probability variation state is controlled and when the end of the number cut is established. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated, the special symbol stop process ends.

  The big hit release pre-processing in step S114 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “4”. This pre-opening process for jackpots includes a process for starting the execution of the round in the jackpot gaming state and setting the open winning opening based on the fact that the display result is “hit” It is. When the big prize opening is in an open state, a process of supplying a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the big prize opening door is executed. At this time, for example, an open upper limit period in which the big winning opening is opened or an upper limit execution number of rounds is set corresponding to which of the big hit types. When these settings are finished, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “5”, and the big hit release pre-processing is finished.

  The big hit release processing in step S115 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "5". The big hit opening process includes a process for measuring the elapsed time since the big winning opening is in the open state, the measured elapsed time, the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23, and the like. The process etc. which determine whether it became the timing which returns to a closed state from an open state are included. Then, when returning the prize winning opening to the closed state, after executing processing for stopping the supply of the solenoid driving signal to the solenoid 82 for the prize winning opening door, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “6”, The processing during the jackpot release is terminated.

  The big hit release post-processing in step S116 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “6”. In this post-hit-opening process, a process for determining whether or not the number of executions of the round in which the big winning opening is opened has reached the set upper limit execution number, and when the upper limit execution number is reached, the big hit game state The process etc. which perform the setting for ending are included. When the round execution count does not reach the upper limit execution count, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “5”, whereas when the round execution count reaches the upper limit execution count, the special figure process flag value is updated. The value is updated to “7”. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated, the processing after the big hit release ends.

  The big hit end process in step S117 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “7”. The jackpot end process includes a process of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to a period in which an ending effect is executed as an effect operation for notifying the end of the jackpot game state, and a probability change corresponding to the end of the jackpot game state. This includes processing for performing various settings for starting control and time-saving control. When such a setting is made, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0”, and the jackpot end processing ends.

  The small hit pre-release process in step S118 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “8”. This pre-opening process for small hits includes a process for setting the big winning opening in the small hit gaming state based on the fact that the display result is “small hit”. At this time, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “9”, and the small hit release pre-processing ends.

  The small hit releasing process in step S119 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “9”. In the small hit opening process, the process for measuring the elapsed time since the big prize opening is in the open state, and the timing for returning the big prize opening from the open state to the closed state based on the measured elapsed time, etc. The process etc. which determine whether or not were included are included. When the big prize opening is returned to the closed state and the end timing of the small hit gaming state is reached, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “10”, and the small hit opening process ends.

  The small hit end process in step S120 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “10”. This small hit end process includes a process of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to a period during which the effect operation for notifying the end of the small hit gaming state is executed. Here, when the small hit gaming state ends, the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 before the small hit gaming state is continued. When the waiting time at the end of the small hit gaming state has elapsed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0”, and the small hit end processing ends.

(Main operations of the production control board 12)
Next, main operations in the effect control board 12 will be described. In the effect control board 12, when the supply of the power supply voltage is received from the power supply board or the like, the effect control CPU 120 is activated and executes the effect control main process as shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the effect control main process shown in FIG. 6 is started, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined initialization process (step S71), clears the RAM 122, sets various initial values, and displays the effect control board 12. Performs register settings for the mounted CTC (counter / timer circuit). Further, an initial operation control process is executed (step S72). In the initial operation control process, control for performing the initial operation of the movable body 32 such as control for driving the movable body 32 to return to the initial position and control for performing a predetermined operation check is executed.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is on (step S73). The timer interrupt flag is set to the on state every time a predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses based on, for example, the CTC register setting. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off (step S73; No), the process of step S73 is repeatedly executed and awaits.

  On the side of the effect control board 12, an interrupt for receiving the effect control command from the main board 11 is generated separately from the timer interrupt that occurs every time a predetermined time elapses. This interruption is generated when, for example, an effect control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on. When an interruption due to the turn-on of the effect control INT signal occurs, the effect control CPU 120 automatically sets the interrupt prohibition, but if a CPU that does not automatically enter the interrupt disable state is used, the interrupt is interrupted. It is desirable to issue a prohibition instruction (DI instruction). The effect control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process in response to an interrupt when the effect control INT signal is turned on. In this command reception interrupt process, an effect control command is fetched from a predetermined input port that receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15 among the input ports included in the I / O 125. The effect control command captured at this time is stored in an effect control command reception buffer provided in the RAM 122, for example. Thereafter, the effect control CPU 120 ends the command reception interrupt processing after setting the interrupt permission.

  If the timer interrupt flag is on in step S73 (step S73; Yes), the timer interrupt flag is cleared and turned off (step S74), and command analysis processing is executed (step S75). In the command analysis process, for example, after reading various effect control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 and stored in the effect control command receiving buffer, the read effect control commands are read. Corresponding settings and controls are performed. For example, the read effect control command can be stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 or stored in the RAM 122 so that the effect control command can be confirmed by the effect control process or the like. Turn on the provided reception flag. Further, when the effect control command specifies the gaming state, the display control unit 123 may be instructed to display a background according to the gaming state.

  After executing the command analysis process in step S75, an effect control process process is executed (step S76). In the effect control process, for example, an effect image display operation in the display area of the image display device 5, an audio output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, a lighting operation in a decorative light emitter such as the game effect lamp 9 and a decoration LED, and the movable body 32 Control for operating various effect devices, such as the drive operation, is performed. In addition, determination, determination, setting, and the like according to an effect control command or the like transmitted from the main board 11 are performed on the control content of the effect operation using various effect devices.

  Following the effect control process in step S76, an effect random number update process is executed (step S77), and at least a part of the effect random numbers used on the effect control board 12 side is updated by software. Thereafter, the process returns to step S73. Another process may be executed before returning to the process of step S73.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in step S76 of FIG. 6 as the effect control process. In the effect control process shown in FIG. 7, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a prefetch notice setting process (step S161). In the pre-reading notice setting process, for example, determination, determination, and setting for executing the pre-reading notice effect are performed based on the effect control command at the time of start winning transmitted from the main board 11. Further, a process for displaying a hold display is executed based on the hold memory number specified from the effect control command.

  After executing the process of step S161, the CPU 120 for effect control selects and executes one of the following processes of steps S170 to S177 according to the value of the effect process flag provided in the RAM 122, for example.

  The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “0” (initial value). This variable display start waiting process is a process for determining whether or not to start variable display of decorative symbols on the image display device 5 based on whether or not a command for specifying the start of variable display is received from the main board 11. Etc. When it is determined that the variable display of the decorative design in the image display device 5 is started, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “1”, and the variable display start waiting process is ended.

  The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “1”. In this variable display start setting process, based on the display result and variation pattern specified by the effect control command, the display result of the variable display of the decorative design (determined decorative design), the variable display mode of the decorative design, the reach effect and various The presence / absence of execution of various effects such as a notice effect, its mode, execution start timing, and the like are determined. Then, an effect control pattern (a collection of control data for instructing the display control unit 123 to execute the effect) reflecting the determination result or the like is set. Thereafter, based on the set production control pattern, the display control unit 123 is instructed to start the variable display of decorative symbols, the value of the production process flag is updated to “2”, and the variable display start setting process is terminated. The display control unit 123 causes the image display device 5 to start variable display of decorative symbols in response to an instruction to start execution of variable display of decorative symbols.

  The variable display effect process in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “2”. In this variable display effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 instructs the display control unit 123 to display an effect image based on the effect control pattern set in step S171 on the display screen of the image display device 5. In addition, driving the movable body 32, outputting sound and sound effect from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting a command (sound effect signal) to the sound control board 13, and issuing a command (lighting signal) to the lamp control board 14 Various effects control during variable display of decorative symbols, such as turning on / off / flashing the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LED by the output, is executed. After such effect control is performed, for example, an end code indicating the end of variable display of decorative symbols is read from the effect control pattern, or a command specifying stop display of the final decorative symbols is received from the main board 11. Corresponding to what has been done, the definite decorative symbol that is the display result of the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed. When the definite decorative symbol is stopped and displayed, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “3”, and the effect process during variable display ends.

  The special figure waiting process in step S173 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “3”. In this special figure waiting process, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not an effect control command for designating the start of the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state has been received from the main board 11. When an effect control command designating starting a big hit gaming state or a small hit gaming state is received, if the command designates the start of a big hit gaming state, the value of the production process flag is set to “6”. Update to "". On the other hand, if the command specifies the start of the small hit gaming state, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “4” which is a value corresponding to the effect processing during the small hit. Also, when the command waiting time of the command has passed without receiving a command specifying that the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state is started, it is determined that the display result in the special figure game is “losing”. Thus, the value of the production process flag is updated to “0” which is an initial value. When the value of the production process flag is updated, the waiting process per special figure is terminated.

  The small hitting effect process in step S174 is a process executed when the value of the effect control process flag is “4”. In this small hit effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the effect contents in the small hit game state, and executes various effect controls in the small hit game state based on the setting contents. . Also, in the small hit effect processing, for example, in response to receiving a command to end the small hit gaming state from the main board 11, the value of the effect process flag is a value corresponding to the small hit end effect. It is updated to a certain “5”, and the small hit effect production process is terminated.

  The small hit end effect process in step S175 is a process executed when the value of the effect control process flag is “5”. In this small hit end effect process, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the end of the small hit game state, and various effect controls at the end of the small hit game state based on the set content. Execute. Thereafter, the value of the effect process flag is updated to the initial value “0”, and the small hit end effect process is ended.

  The big hit effect process in step S176 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “6”. In the jackpot effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the effect contents in the jackpot game state, and executes various effect controls in the jackpot game state based on the set contents. Also, in the big hit effect processing, for example, in response to receiving a command for ending the big hit gaming state from the main board 11, the value of the effect control process flag is a value corresponding to the ending effect processing. 7 ", and the big hit effect processing is terminated.

  The ending effect process in step S177 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “7”. In this ending effect process, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the end of the jackpot gaming state, and performs various effects control of the ending effect at the end of the jackpot gaming state based on the set contents. Execute. Thereafter, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “0”, which is the initial value, and the ending effect process ends.

(Modification of basic explanation)
The present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine 1 described in the basic description above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above basic description is a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media as prizes based on the occurrence of winnings, but encloses the game media and gives points based on the occurrence of winnings. It may be an enclosed game machine.

  Only one type of symbol (for example, a symbol indicating “−”) is displayed during variable display of the special symbol, and variable display may be performed by repeatedly displaying and extinguishing the symbol. Further, in the case where the symbol is displayed during variable display, the symbol may not be displayed when the variable display is stopped (a symbol indicating “−” may not be displayed as a display result).

  In the above basic explanation, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is shown as the gaming machine, but a predetermined number of bets are set by inserting medals, and a plurality of types of symbols are rotated in accordance with the operation of the operation lever by the player. When the symbols are stopped in response to the stop button operation by the player, if the combination of the stopped symbols becomes a specific symbol combination, a slot machine capable of executing a game in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player (for example, a big bonus The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine equipped with one or more of regular bonus, RT, AT, ART, CZ (hereinafter, bonus etc.).

  The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to a form distributed and provided by a detachable recording medium with respect to the computer device or the like included in the pachinko gaming machine 1; It is also possible to adopt a form that is distributed by installing it in a storage device. Furthermore, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

  The game execution mode is not only executed by attaching a detachable recording medium, but can also be executed by temporarily storing a program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory or the like. It is also possible to execute directly using hardware resources on the other device side on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game can be executed by exchanging data with other computer devices or the like via a network.

  In the present specification, the comparison expression (expression such as “high”, “low”, “difference”, etc.) of various ratios such as the performance execution ratio is that the ratio of one is “0%”. May be included. For example, one of the ratios is “0%” and the other is a ratio of “100%” or a ratio of less than “100%”.

(Explanation regarding the feature 31AK)
Next, the characteristic part 31AK of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the variation pattern and the type of reach in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8A, in this embodiment, the non-reach losing fluctuation patterns PA1-1 and PA1-2 in which the decorative display variable display mode is not the reach mode and the display result is “lost”. , The variation pattern PA2-1 to PA2-6, PA3-1 to PA3-4, etc., in which the decorative pattern variable display mode is the reach mode and the display result is “lost”, and the display result is “big hit” Fluctuation patterns PB2-1 to PB2-6, PB3-1 to PB3-4, and the like are prepared.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 8B, in this embodiment, reach effects such as normal reach and super reach A to E are executed. In this embodiment, the reach effect is also referred to as a suggestion effect suggesting that the reach effect is controlled. As shown by the number of black stars in FIG. 8B, the reliability when each reach is executed (the jackpot reliability) is as follows: normal reach <super reach E <super reach D <super reach C <super reach B <Higher in the order of Super Reach A. In addition, you may provide the reach which determines that it becomes a big hit.

  In this embodiment, super reach is executed via normal reach. Further, during the reach production of the super reach, the development production that develops (promotes) to a more reliable reach may be executed. Variation patterns PA3-1 to PA3-4 and the like, such as variation patterns PA3-1 to PA3-4 shown in FIG. 8A, are variation patterns corresponding to the execution of the development effect. In FIG. 8A, a variation pattern in which the reliability is developed to a superreach level one level is shown, but a variation pattern in which the reliability is developed in two or more steps is also provided. Further, a variation pattern in which the development effect is executed a plurality of times may be provided.

  In this embodiment, except for the normal reach with the lowest reliability, the title of the reach is notified at a predetermined timing after the reach is established. As shown in FIG. 8B, the notification mode of the title differs depending on the type of reach. Specifically, the super reach E having the lowest reliability in the super reach is notified of the reach title only by display, and the title of the other super reach is notified by display and voice. In this way, the notification of the title is executed by more production devices in the reach with high reliability than the reach with low reliability. Thereby, a player's expectation can be effectively spoken, and the production effect is improved. Note that the notification mode of the title may be arbitrarily changed depending on the reliability or regardless of the reliability. Further, even in the same reach effect, the notification mode may be changed according to the actual display result or the like. Further, the fonts of the title characters (Gothic, Mincho, etc.) and typefaces (lines, fonts, etc.) may be varied depending on the type of reach.

  The notification of the reach title (title notification) is not limited to indicating the title itself, such as the name of the reach, but may indicate the name of the character appearing in the reach effect, the effect content of the reach effect, or the like.

(Example of production operation of the characteristic part 31AK)
Subsequently, an example of the effect operation in the present embodiment will be described. The following effect operation is executed by the effect control CPU 120 executing effect control process processing based on the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are diagrams showing an example of super reach production operation in the present embodiment. FIG. 9A shows that variable display of decorative symbols is being executed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the image display device 5. . After that, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the decorative symbols indicating the numbers 7 on the “left” and “right” stop and become a reach mode. After that, the production branches depending on the type of reach.

(Super Reach A)
In the case of super reach A, as shown in FIG. 9C, the character 31AK001, which is a teammate character, is displayed on the image display device 5, and the reach effect is started. Here, for example, an animation using the character 31AK001 is displayed. When a predetermined period of time elapses after the start of super reach production, such as when the introduction of super reach production (also referred to as super reach production) ends, the entire screen of image display device 5 is displayed as shown in FIG. The super reach A title 31AK002 (here “SP reach A” characters) is displayed, and the speaker 8 outputs the sound corresponding to the reach title name (here “super reach A”). The title of Super Reach A is notified. Thereafter, the title 31AK002 of Super Reach A is deleted, and as shown in FIG. 9E, the character 31AK003, which is an enemy character, is displayed, the dialogue 31AK004 of the character 31AK001 is displayed, or the character 31AK001 and the character 31AK003 are confronted. The subsequent part of the reach production of Super Reach A is executed. An effect in which characters confront each other is also called a battle effect. In the battle effect, if a teammate character wins, the game is a big hit, and if a teammate character loses, the game is lost.

  In addition, when displaying a line on the image display device 5 during the super reach effect, a sound corresponding to the line may be output from the speaker 8. Further, the lines are not limited to being displayed in a balloon as shown in FIG. 9E, and may be displayed as subtitles on the lower part of the image display device 5 or the like.

(Super Reach B)
In the case of super reach B, as shown in FIG. 9C, the character 31AK001 is displayed on the image display device 5 and the reach effect is started. Here, for example, an animation using the character 31AK001 is displayed. When a predetermined period elapses after the start of the super reach effect, such as when the introduction of the super reach effect ends, as shown in FIG. 9 (F), the title 31AK005 (here) Is displayed, and the audio corresponding to the title name of the reach (here, “super reach B”) is output from the speaker 8 to notify the title of the super reach B. The Thereafter, the title 31AK005 of Super Reach B is erased, and as shown in FIG. 9G, the character 31AK006, which is an enemy character, is displayed, the dialogue 31AK004 of the character 31AK001 is displayed, or the character 31AK001 and the character 31AK006 are confronted. The subsequent part of the reach production of Super Reach B is executed.

  As described above, in the super reach A and the super reach B, the reach title is notified when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the super reach production. By doing in this way, since the title can be notified after showing the introduction portion of the super reach effect to the player, etc., the effect effect of the title notification can be enhanced.

  Also, in Super Reach A (FIG. 9 (C) → (D) → (E)...) And Super Reach B (FIG. 9 (C) → (F) → (G). In the introductory part until the notification is made, a super reach effect is executed in a common effect mode (FIG. 9C). By doing in this way, it is possible to make the player pay attention to which super reach is made after the super reach production is started and which title is notified. The super-reach A and the super-reach B are not limited to making the production mode until the title is notified completely common, and it is possible to determine which super-reach is to be determined if the production is closely watched. You may make it make a part into a common production | presentation aspect. For example, in the introduction part of Super Reach A and Super Reach B, a super reach effect (for example, an effect that displays an enemy character or suggests an enemy character) is executed in a manner related to a title to be notified thereafter. It may be. By doing in this way, the production effect is improved and the player pays attention to the production. As described above, the title notification may be executed after it is possible to specify which super reach is to be made.

(Super Reach D)
In the case of Super Reach D, as shown in FIG. 9H, the Super Reach D title 31AK007 (here, the letters “SP Reach D”) is displayed in a part of the center of the image display device 5. At the same time, the sound corresponding to the title name of the reach (here, “defeat the enemy”) is output from the speaker 8, thereby informing the title of the super reach D. Thus, in the super reach D, the title is notified at the start of the super reach production. Further, below the title 31AK007, an expectation suggestion display 31AK008 indicating the expectation degree of the reach is displayed. The degree of expectation is represented by the number of black stars as shown in FIG. Here, the expectation degree is an expectation degree that is a big hit, but does not have to be completely coincident with the reach big hit reliability.

  Note that the super-reach D audio notification does not notify the title name as it is, but notifies the contents of the reach. As described above, in this embodiment, the notification mode of the voice title notification is varied depending on the type of reach. Thereby, the notification mode of a title alert | report becomes various and an interest improves.

  After the title is notified in the super reach D, the character 31AK001 is displayed on the image display device 5 as shown in FIG. At this time, the title 31AK007 and the expectation level suggestion display 31AK008 continue to be reduced and displayed in the upper right part of the image display device 5 or the like. By doing in this way, the player can grasp the degree of expectation of reach even during reach production. In FIG. 9I, the contents of the effects common to those in FIG. 9C (super reach A and super reach B) are shown, but a super reach effect dedicated to super reach D may be executed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9J, the enemy character 31AK009 is displayed, the dialogue 31AK004 of the character 31AK001 is displayed, or the reach effect of super reach D in which the character 31AK001 and the character 31AK009 are confronted is executed. The

(Super Reach E)
In the case of super reach E, as shown in FIG. 10A, the title 31AK010 of super reach E (here, the letters “SP reach E”) is displayed in a part on the upper left of the image display device 5. Thus, the title of Super Reach E is notified. In Super Reach E, the title is not notified by voice. In addition to the display of the title 31AK010, the character 31AK001 and the enemy character 31AK011 are displayed, the dialogue 31AK004 of the character 31AK001 is displayed, or the reach effect of Super Reach E where the character 31AK001 and the character 31AK011 confront each other is displayed. Executed. Thus, in the super reach E, the title is notified together with the progress of the reach production. In Super Reach E, the title 31AK010 continues to be displayed during reach production.

  In the reach production of Super Reach E with a low jackpot reliability, it is possible to prevent giving a player an excessive sense of expectation by performing the title notification without stopping the progress of the reach production. On the other hand, in the reach production of Super Reach A, Super Reach B, and Super Reach D, the progress of the reach production is stopped and the title notification is performed (FIGS. 9D, 9F, 9D). H)). By doing in this way, the title notification according to the super reach production can be executed and the production effect is improved. Note that the title notification may be performed without stopping the progress of the reach in super reach production such as super reach A, super reach B, and super reach D. Contrary to this embodiment, in the reach production of the super reach with high hit reliability, the title notification may be performed without stopping the progress of the reach production. In the reach production of the super reach with low jackpot reliability, the progress of the reach production may be stopped and the title notification may be performed.

(Title notification timing)
As described above, in this embodiment, in the super reach A and the super reach B, the title is notified after a predetermined period has elapsed after the start of the super reach production, and in the super reach D and the super reach E, the super reach production is performed. The title is announced at the start. By doing in this way, the title alert | report according to reach production can be performed and production effect improves. In this embodiment, in Super Reach A and Super Reach B with high jackpot reliability, the title is notified after a predetermined period has elapsed after the start of Super Reach production, and Super Reach D and Super Reach with low jackpot reliability. In E, the title is notified at the start of the super reach production, but the title is notified at the start of the super reach production when the reach is high and the super reach when the reach is low. The title may be notified after a predetermined period has elapsed after the reach effect.

(Title display area)
In this embodiment, in the super reach A and the super reach B, the title is notified on the entire screen (first area) of the image display device 5, and in the super reach D and the super reach E, the image display device 5 is notified. The title is notified in a part of the screen (second area). By doing in this way, the title alert | report according to reach production can be performed and production effect improves. In particular, in the case of a reach with high hit reliability, the title notification is executed in a wider display area than in the case of a reach with low reliability, so that effective title notification is possible. Note that the title notification on the entire screen of the image display device 5 may be one in which the title is displayed in a size that fits the entire screen, or the title is displayed there with the entire background as the background for title notification. Things (title announcement using the entire screen) or the like may be used. In addition, the display area where the title notification is performed may be different between the super reach A and the super reach B, and the display area where the title notification is performed may be different between the super reach D and the super reach E.

  The method of changing the display area for performing the title notification according to the reach effect is not limited to the example of this embodiment, and the display area for performing the title notification according to the reach effect may be arbitrarily changed. For example, in the case of a reach with a high hit reliability, the title notification may be executed in a narrower display area than in the case of a reach with a low reliability. Further, in the case where the display area for performing the title notification is varied according to the reach effect, the display area may be varied as in this embodiment, or the display location may be varied.

(Expectation indication)
In this embodiment, in the supervision A and superreach B title announcements with high jackpot reliability, the superleach D having a lower jackpot reliability than superreach A and superreach B without displaying the expectation indication. In the title notification, the expectation suggestion display is displayed. By doing in this way, it can prevent that an effect becomes dull. In addition, in the title notification in Super Reach E, which has a lower hit reliability than Super Reach D, the expectation suggestion display is not displayed. By doing in this way, it is possible to prevent the player from losing a sense of expectation by displaying an expectation indication indicating that the reliability is low in a reach with low reliability. Note that an expectation indication may be displayed in at least a part of super reach A, super reach B, and super reach E.

  Note that the expected level suggestion display is not limited to that indicated by the number of black stars, as shown in FIG. 9 (H), etc., and the expected level may be suggested by a meter or a gauge. The numerical values may be displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 9H or the like, in the case of indicating by the number of black stars, the number of stages of expectation may be increased so that half black (half) black stars can be displayed.

(Title display end timing)
Further, in this embodiment, in Super Reach A and Super Reach B, after the title is displayed, the title is deleted and a super reach effect is executed. Thereby, in super reach A and super reach B, attention can be paid to reach production. In Super Reach D and Super Reach E, after the title is displayed, the title continues to be displayed until a decision effect described later is executed. Thereby, in the super reach D and the super reach E, the kind of reach can be grasped even during the super reach production. In addition, by performing the above, the title notification according to the reach effect can be executed, and the effect of the effect is improved. Note that the display end timing of the title can be changed arbitrarily since any effect can be achieved.

  In addition, although the production operation of the reach effect of Super Reach C is omitted here, for example, title notification or expectation suggestion display corresponding to the jackpot reliability may be executed.

(Decisive production)
After each reach effect is executed, when it is time to derive the display result (the final stage of variable display), a determined effect for notifying whether or not the display result is a “big hit” is executed. The decision effect includes a decision effect indicating that the display result is “big hit” and a decision effect indicating that the display result is “lost”. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, a decision effect is displayed in which the image 31AK012 is displayed on the image display device 5. Thereafter, if the display result is “big hit”, as shown in FIG. 10C, an image 31AK013 indicating that the ally character has won is displayed, and as shown in FIG. 10D, the big hit combination is obtained. A definitive decorative symbol is derived. If the display result is “losing”, an image indicating that the teammate character has been defeated is displayed, and a definite decorative symbol that is a reach-losing combination is derived.

  In this embodiment, even when the title is continuously notified even during the reach effect, the notification of the title is ended before the determined effect is executed. As a result, attention can be paid to the determined effect, and a well-defined title notification can be executed.

  In the example of the production operation shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, during the reach production of the super reach, the decorative design is reduced and executed in the lower right part of the image display device 5. The method of displaying the decorative pattern may be arbitrary. For example, the decorative pattern may not be displayed during the reach effect, and the display mode (size, position, shading, number, etc.) may be varied depending on the type of reach effect.

  In addition, when displaying on-screen display, active display, character resident display during variable display, and mobile-related display, the image display device 5 is appropriately hidden during the super-reach reach effect in order to focus on the reach effect. It is good. At this time, during the low-reliability reach production such as Super Reach E, these displays may be kept displayed. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the player from expecting excessively due to the low-reliability reach effect, and it is possible to focus attention on the reach effect in the high-reliability reach effect.

(Development production)
Next, an example of an effect operation when the development effect is executed will be described. As shown in FIG. 11A, when the development effect is executed when the reach effect of Super Reach D is being executed (title notification of Super Reach D is being executed), FIG. As shown in the figure, an effect that the reach effect is interrupted and the screen is torn is executed. Thereafter, in the case of developing to super reach A, as shown in FIG. 11C, the title of super reach A is notified and the reach effect of super reach A is executed. In the case of developing to super reach B, as shown in FIG. 11D, the title of super reach B is notified, and the reach effect of super reach is executed. As described above, when the development effect is executed, the title notification of the development source reach is switched to the title notification of the development destination reach, which makes it easy to understand which reach has been developed. As shown in FIG. 11, when the development reach is a reach that performs title notification by display and sound, title notification by display and sound is executed again.

  The development effect is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 11B, and may be an effect that the screen gradually cracks and breaks, or displays a sandstorm (display that appears to be broken). You may do it. By making such an effect, an unexpected effect can be executed. Note that there may be a development effect such as an effect that the screen gradually cracks but the reach does not develop.

(Expectation suggestion)
In the effect operation example shown in FIG. 9 (H), a black star indicating the degree of expectation is displayed from the beginning in the degree-of-expected indication 31AK008. First, five white stars are displayed step by step. You may make it perform the expectation degree suggestion production which suggests an expectation degree by becoming a black star.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12 (A), when the title of Super Reach D is notified, first, five white star expectation indications 31AK021 are displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, a black star 31AK022 larger than the star of the expected degree suggestion display 31AK021 is displayed, and as shown in FIG. 12C, the black star 31AK022 moves and the expected degree suggestion display 31AK021 A performance that fits into one of the white stars is performed. At this time, the speaker 8 outputs a sound “pin” indicating that the number of black stars indicating the degree of expectation has increased. As shown in FIGS. 12D and 12E, the same effects are repeated the number of times corresponding to the degree of reach expectation. At this time, the sound (volume, scale, sound quality, etc.) output from the speaker 8 may be changed stepwise every time it is repeated (every number of stars). When the number of black stars corresponding to the degree of expectation is accommodated in the expectation degree suggestion display 31AK021, the black star is highlighted as shown in FIG. 12F. By doing so, it becomes easy to understand that the expectation suggestion effect has ended.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 12A to 12F, black stars are displayed one by one, and the expectation level indicated by the expectation level suggestion display is increased by one level. However, there are two or more black stars. It may be displayed so that the degree of expectation increases by two or more levels. Alternatively, half of the black stars may be displayed and the expectation level may be increased by half. In this case, different sounds may be output or the same sound may be output according to the number of stars to be displayed (the number of steps of the expected degree of increase). For example, the same sound may be output when a half black star is displayed and when one black star is displayed. The same sound may be output when two and a half black stars are displayed and when three black stars are displayed. Further, there may be a case where no sound is output. By doing in this way, expectation suggestion production becomes various and production effect improves. Note that the same black star image is displayed regardless of the number of stages of expectation that increase at a time, fits into the white stars in the expectation suggestion display, and the number of black stars increases according to the number of stages of expected increase Such an effect may be executed.

(Direction mode)
There may be a plurality of effect modes in the effect device such as the image display device 5, the speaker 8, and the game effect lamp 9. In different effect modes, even when the same command (for example, a command specifying a variation pattern) is transmitted from the main board 11, effects based on the command are executed in different effect modes. In each effect mode, the background, character, motif, sound output from the speaker 8 and the like displayed on the image display device 5 may be different. The effect mode may be automatically changed according to the number of variable displays and the game state, or may be changeable by the player's operation.

  FIGS. 12G to 12L are examples of the presentation operation of the title notification and the degree of expectation presentation when the normal mode and the special mode are provided as the presentation mode. In the normal mode, as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12F, a title notification and an expectation suggestion effect are executed. In the special mode, the reach effect based on the variation pattern of the super reach D is the reach effect of the super reach D2, which is different from the reach effect of the super reach D. Therefore, when the variation pattern of super reach D is designated, the title 31AK023 of super reach D2 is displayed as shown in FIG. At this time, audio corresponding to the title name of the reach is output from the speaker 8, but audio different from the normal mode (for example, audio having a different voice color) is output. In addition, the expectation suggestion display 31AK024 in the super reach D2 is not a star but a diamond.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12 (H), a black rhombus 31AK025 larger than the star of the expectation level suggestion display 31AK024 is displayed, and as shown in FIG. 12 (I), the black rhombus 31AK025 moves and the expectation level suggestion display 31AK024 is displayed. An effect that fits in one of the white diamonds is performed. At this time, the speaker 8 outputs a sound “pong” indicating that the black diamond indicating the degree of expectation has increased. As shown in FIGS. 12J and 12K, the same effects are repeated the number of times corresponding to the expected degree of reach. When the number of black rhombuses corresponding to the degree of expectation is accommodated in the expectation degree suggestion display 31AK024, as shown in FIG. 12 (L), the black rhombus is highlighted. In this way, depending on the presentation mode (the state when the reach presentation is executed) determined according to the player's selection, the gaming state, etc., the presentation can be varied and the presentation effect can be varied by changing the notification mode of the title. improves.

  In FIG. 12, although the example of the production | presentation operation | movement when the fluctuation pattern of the super reach D is designated is shown, other reach productions (title notification, expectation suggestion production) by production mode (state when reach production is performed). (Including) may be different. Depending on the effect mode (the state when the reach effect is executed), whether or not the reach title is notified or the execution rate of the title notification may be varied. For example, when a predetermined production mode is selected, the reach title may not be notified. By doing in this way, the production according to the player's preference can be executed and the production effect is improved.

  In this embodiment, the expectation degree is suggested by the number of black stars in the expectation degree suggestion display, and the expectation suggestion effect that increases the number of black stars stepwise is executed. An expectation suggestion effect that reduces the number of displays suggesting stepwise may be executed. Such an expectation suggestion effect may be executed in addition to the expectation suggestion effect of this embodiment, or may be executed instead.

(Other examples of development effects)
In the case of performing the expectation suggestion effect that increases the display indicating the expectation level of the expectation level suggestion step by step, the development effect may be executed after increasing the display indicating the expectation level. In this case, when the display indicating the degree of expectation is increased after the development effect, the display to be increased may be displayed at a time instead of stepwise. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, after the title of Super Reach D is notified and the effect of increasing the number of black stars stepwise is completed, the button is displayed on the image display device 5 as shown in FIG. The development effect in which the image 31AK031 is displayed is executed. Here, when an operation on the push button 31B is detected, the super reach C title 31AK032 (here, the letters “SP reach C”) is displayed as shown in FIG. The title of reach C is notified. As described above, when the development effect is executed, the title notification of the development source reach is switched to the title notification of the development destination reach, which makes it easy to understand which reach has been developed. Further, below the title 31AK032, an expectation suggestion display 31AK033 in which the number of black stars is three is highlighted. Even if the number of black stars increases by 2 or more, it is displayed at once. In addition, after the movable body 32 operates, the development effect in which the title or the degree of expectation indication changes may be executed.

(Notice production)
In this embodiment, as a notice effect, a title notice for notifying the reliability of a big hit is executed according to a notification mode of a title (for example, a display color of a title). For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, the Super Reach A title 31AK036 is displayed in black, and the audio corresponding to the Reach title name is output from the speaker 8, so that the Super Reach A title is notified. Then, as shown in FIG. 14 (B), a title notice in which the display color of the title 31AK036 changes to red is executed. Thus, when the title notice is not executed, the title is displayed in black, and when the title notice is executed, the title is displayed in a color other than black. In the title preview shown in FIG. 14, the title display mode (display color) may change after the reach title is notified by voice. By doing in this way, the effect of a notice effect can be enhanced. The timing at which the title is displayed in a color other than black is not limited to this, and the title may be displayed in a color other than black from the start of the title display.

  In addition, when a title notice that changes the display mode (display color) of the title is executed, after the display mode of the title is changed, sound corresponding to the changed display mode may be output. By doing in this way, the effect of a notice effect can be enhanced. Moreover, the title notification by voice may be executed after the display mode (display color) of the title is changed. In this case, sound corresponding to the display mode (display color) of the title after the change may be output.

(Title notification execution timing)
It is preferable that the notification of the title being reached is executed at a timing other than the execution timing of the effect (specific effect) that improves the degree of expectation controlled to the big hit advantageous state, such as the notice effect or the development effect. In this way, once the title is notified, an effect that improves the degree of expectation can be executed, so that the player's expectation can be maintained.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a notice effect determination process for determining whether or not a notice effect is executed and an effect aspect. The notice effect determining process is executed by the effect control CPU 120 in the variable display start setting process in step S171 of FIG. In the notice effect determination process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the variation pattern specified from the command transmitted from the main board 11 is a variation pattern of super reach (step 31AKS001).

  If the change pattern is a super reach variation pattern (step 31 AKS 001; Yes), the display color of the super reach title (whether or not the title notice is executed) is determined (step 31 AKS 002).

  In step 31AKS002, the display color of the super reach title is determined, for example, at the determination ratio shown in FIG. 16A, depending on whether the display result is “big hit” or “lost”. As shown in FIG. 16A, the display color of the Super Reach title changes from “black”, “red”, “black” to “red”, and from “black” to “fruit pattern”. The thing which changes from "red" to "fruit pattern" is provided, and the big hit reliability is high in this order (ascending order). That is, the big hit reliability differs according to the change timing of the display color of the title. By doing in this way, a player comes to pay attention to the change timing of the display color of a title, and a production effect improves.

  Note that the “fruit pattern” may be such that the title text is displayed in bold and the text itself is “fruit pattern”, or the background portion of the title display area is “fruit pattern”. . There may be a pattern displayed as “fruit pattern” from the beginning. As for the display color changing, as shown in FIG. 14, the display color may be changed after the title notification is executed. For the display color changing, there may be a plurality of timings at which the display color changes. Then, the jackpot reliability may be varied according to the timing at which the display color changes. In addition, since the title display period varies depending on the type of super reach, the timing at which the display color changes may vary depending on the type of super reach. In the case of super reach with a long title display period (for example, super reach D or super reach E), a plurality of changing timings may be provided to determine any of the changing timings. In the case of a super reach with a short title display period (for example, super reach A or super reach B), the number of timings to be changed may be one or less than that of a super reach with a long title display period.

  When there are a normal mode and a special mode as the production mode, the display color of the title is determined at the determination ratio shown in FIG. 16A in the normal mode, and the normal mode as shown in FIG. Determine the display color of the title at a different rate. In the special mode, the display color pattern and the order of reliability may be different from those in the normal mode. In this way, by changing the execution mode of the title notice (display color and display color change timing) depending on the effect mode, the effects become more diverse and the effect of the effect is improved.

  In this embodiment, a serif notice that predicts the jackpot reliability is executed as the notice effect according to the display mode (for example, the display color of the words) of the characters in the reach effect of the super reach.

  After determining the display color of the super-reach title, the display color of the character's speech in the super-reach reach effect (whether or not to execute the speech advance notice) is determined (step 31AKS003).

  In step 31AKS003, the display color of the lines in the reach effect is determined at a determination ratio shown in FIG. 16C, for example, depending on whether the display result is “big hit” or “lost”. As shown in FIG. 16C, the display colors of the lines in the reach production are “white”, “red”, and those that change from “white” to “red”, and are in this order (ascending order). The jackpot reliability is high. That is, the big hit reliability differs according to the change timing of the display color of the lines. By doing in this way, a player comes to pay attention to the change timing of the display color of words, and the production effect improves. For the display color changing, the display color may be changed after the line is displayed. For the display color changing, there may be a plurality of timings at which the display color changes. Then, the jackpot reliability may be varied according to the timing at which the display color changes.

  Further, the jackpot reliability may be different depending on the combination of the presentation modes of the title notice and the line notice. For example, when the same notice mode (display color) is included in the title notice and the line notice, the jackpot reliability may be increased when the same notice form is obtained. Also, the jackpot reliability may be different depending on the combination of the change timing of the production mode of the title notice and the line notice. For example, the big hit reliability may be higher when the change timing is the same than when the change timing is different, or the big hit reliability may be different depending on which change is first. In this way, it is possible to focus attention on the change timings of the title notice and the line notice.

  When there are a normal mode and a special mode as the effect mode, the display color of the lines may be determined in a ratio different from the normal mode in the special mode. In the special mode, the display color pattern and the order of reliability may be different from those in the normal mode.

  In addition, it may replace with serif notice and may be made to perform the notice effect which notifies a big hit reliability by the change of the effect aspect of reach production. In that case, in the notice effect, a plurality of effect mode change timings may be provided so that the jackpot reliability differs according to the change timing.

  After determining the display color of the line in the reach effect, or when it is determined that the change pattern is not a super reach variation pattern (step AK31S001; No), the presence / absence of execution and the effect mode are determined for other notice effects (step AK31S004). Thereafter, the determination result in 31AKS002 to 31AKS004 is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (step AK31S005), and the notice effect determination process is terminated.

  In this embodiment, the title notice and the serif notice can be executed in the case of super reach. However, in the case of a specific super reach (for example, other than the super-reliable super reach), the title notice is provided. And at least one of the serif notices may be made executable. Further, although the title notice and the line notice have been described as being determined at the determination ratio shown in FIG. 16, the determination ratio is arbitrary, and for example, the determination ratio may be varied depending on the type of super reach. By doing in this way, the notice effect according to the kind of reach can be performed, and the production effect improves.

  In this embodiment, the number of performance modes that can be executed (the number of display colors that can be displayed) differs between the title notice and the line notice. By doing in this way, the production becomes various and the production effect is enhanced. In the title notice and the serif notice, the number of executable effect modes may be arbitrarily changed, and the number and types of executable effect modes may be the same. By doing in this way, a unified notice effect can be executed, and the player can easily grasp the jackpot reliability.

(Action effect)
An effect indicating that the effect mode changes may be executed when the effect mode of the title notice and the line notice change. For example, an action effect image may be displayed on the image display device 5 and an action effect in which the image acts on at least one of a title and a line may be executed. And after an effect production | presentation is performed, you may make it a production | presentation aspect (display color) of a title or a line change. The effect mode (action effect image or the like) of the action effect may be the same regardless of whether it acts on the title or the speech. There may be a case where the effect mode of the title or the line does not change even though the effect effect is executed. When the action effect is executed, the presence / absence of execution of the action effect, the execution timing, and the effect mode may be determined based on the determination results relating to the title notice and the line notice. Such a determination may be executed in the process of step AK31S004. For example, according to the effect mode of the action effect, the rate at which at least one effect mode of the title notice and the serif notice changes (the rate at which the effect mode changes due to the action effect) may be different. The rate of change in which direction of appearance changes (the rate of which acts) may be different, and the rate of change in what color (how many steps) may be changed. . By executing such an action effect, the player will pay attention to which of the title and the line will act when the action effect image is displayed, and the effect is improved. In addition, when there exist several production | presentation modes, you may make it determine the presence or absence of execution of an effect production, and the production | presentation aspect in a different ratio according to production modes. By doing in this way, the effect production according to production mode can be performed and production effect improves.

  As another example of such an action effect, at least one effect mode (display color) of either a title or a line depending on the effect content of the reach effect (for example, the action content of the character or the effect content in the battle effect). May be changed. By doing in this way, the player comes to pay attention to the contents of the reach effect.

  The present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine 1 described in the above-described characteristic portion 31AK, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, all the characteristic portions described in the above embodiment are not essential components and can be omitted as appropriate.

(Sub LCD)
As a sub display device different from the image display device 5, a sub liquid crystal may be provided on the game board 2 or the gaming machine frame 3. Here, although expressed as a sub liquid crystal, the sub display device may be configured by an organic EL or a dot matrix LED. The sub liquid crystal device may be fixed, for example, in the vicinity of the image display device 5, or may be movable or retractable. In the sub liquid crystal, various effects such as a notice effect and a display of a hold display are executed. For example, the title notification may be executed on the sub liquid crystal. As in the case of the super reach D and the super reach E in the above embodiment, when the title is continuously displayed even after the notification of the title, the title and the expectation suggestion display may be displayed on the sub liquid crystal. In this case, after the title is notified on the image display device 5, the title or the degree of expectation indication may be displayed on the sub liquid crystal. By doing in this way, a title and an expectation suggestion display which can display a title and an expectation suggestion display without obstructing the super reach production in the image display device 5 are also easy to understand.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the notification of the title of the reach effect as the suggestion effect has been described, but the present invention is applied to the title notification (notification that mainly displays characters) related to other effects. May be. For example, in the case where a pre-read zone effect for shifting to a plurality of zones (stage, effect mode, etc.) having different background images and effect modes in the image display device 5 is executed as the notice effect (for example, the pre-read notice effect) The present invention may be applied to the title notification. When presenting a mission (such as “Reach with 7”, “Defeat all enemies using a stick controller”) and executing a mission effect that will be advantageous to the player when the mission is achieved, The present invention may be applied to mission title notification.

(Modification 1 of the characteristic part 31AK)
In the above embodiment, when it is time to derive the display result, a decision effect for informing whether or not the display result is “big hit” is executed, and then the display result is shown ( FIG. 10 (B) to (D)). Instead of such a determined effect, when the predetermined timing before the display result is derived, an operation effect that prompts the operation of the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B is executed, and a predetermined operation is detected during the operation effective period. The display result may be displayed by displaying the victory or defeat of the battle effect or temporarily stopping the display result. By doing in this way, since a display result is shown according to a player's operation, a player's willingness to participate in a game can be raised and interest is improved.

  FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrams illustrating an example of super reach effect operation in a modified example in which an operation effect is executed and a display result is shown according to the operation. As shown in FIG. 17 (A), after reaching the reach mode in the image display device 5, as shown in FIG. 17 (B), for example, a character 31AK041 that is a friendly character and a character 31AK042 that is an enemy character are displayed. Then, as shown in FIGS. 17C to 17F and FIGS. 18G to 18I, a reach effect in which the character 31AK041 and the character 31AK042 confront each other is executed.

  With the reach effect, as shown in FIG. 17C, a small button image 31AK043 and a restriction line 31AK044 superimposed on the small button image 31AK043 are displayed on the lower right of the image display device 5. Thereby, although the operation effect using the push button 31B is executed, it is suggested that the acceptance of the operation is currently restricted.

  In this modification, a plurality of types of operation effect images indicating that an operation effect is executed are prepared. The big hit reliability varies depending on which operation effect image is displayed and the operation effect is executed. In addition, an image indicating that the operation effect is executed during the reach effect may change to a more reliable aspect.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17D, a praying character 31AK045 is displayed, and as shown in FIG. 17E, the praying character 31AK045 is changed to a happy character 31AK046, and the small button image 31AK043 is changed to the large button image 31AK047. To change.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 18 (H), the cannon 31AK048 is displayed, and as shown in FIG. 18 (I), the effect 31AK049 in which the bullet is fired from the cannon 31AK048 is displayed, and the bullet hits the large button image 31AK047. The effect 31AK050 to be displayed is displayed. Then, the large button image 31AK047 changes to a stick image 31AK051.

  Thus, in this modification, when the operation effect image changes, an effect effect indicating that the operation effect image changes is executed. Note that the operation effect image may change without an action effect. Further, there may be a case where the operation effect image does not change even though the action effect is executed. The rate at which the operation effect image changes may vary depending on the type of action effect.

  Thereafter, before a predetermined time before the display result is derived, the restriction line 31AK044 is deleted as shown in FIG. 18 (J), and the stick image 31AK051 is enlarged and displayed in the center as shown in FIG. 18 (K). A display prompting the user to pull the stick controller 31A is displayed. Further, at this time, an operation effective period in which the operation to the stick controller 31A is effective.

  When an operation of pulling the stick controller 31A is detected, an image 31AK052 indicating that the teammate character has won is displayed as shown in FIG. Thereafter, at the timing when the variation time ends, as shown in FIG. 18 (M), a definite decorative symbol that is a jackpot combination is derived. If no operation is detected within a predetermined operation effective period, the image shown in FIG. 18 (L) is automatically displayed.

  In this modification, there are a small button image, a large button image, and a stick image as the operation effect image, and when the operation effect using these images is executed in the order of the small button image <large button image <stick image. The jackpot reliability is high. Even if an operation effect image with low reliability is displayed, it may change to an operation effect image with high reliability during reach production, so the production effect is improved and the player's expectation is also improved. Can be maintained.

  In the example of the effect operation shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the reach title notification and the expectation suggestion display are omitted, but in parallel with the reach effect and the operation effect shown in FIGS. It may be executed. The determination relating to the operation effect or the operation effect image (the presence / absence of the operation effect, the operation effect image to be displayed, the presence / absence of the action effect, etc.) may be executed in step 31AKS004 in FIG.

(Modification 2 of the characteristic part 31AK)
You may make it perform the suggestion display which suggests the expectation degree of control to advantageous states, such as a big hit game state. For example, the shutter effect for performing the first suggestion display and the reach title effect for performing the second suggestion display may be executed. In the shutter effect, an effect of covering the screen with the shutter display after the variable display is started is executed. In the reach title effect, an effect of displaying a reach title indicating the development destination of the reach effect after the reach is executed. There are cases where a specific image is included and displayed when any one of the shutter display and the reach title display is displayed. The reach title effect may be the same as the title notice in the above embodiment, or may be another effect determined by another process.

  The specific image is an image having a high jackpot reliability displayed including a plurality of types of elements in the image. The multiple types of elements include a banana image of element E1, a melon image of element E2, an apple image of element E3, a watermelon image of element E4, and a strawberry image of element E5. A fruit pattern image including these elements E1 to E5 is a specific image. In both the shutter display and the reach title display, all of the elements E1 to E5 are displayed so as to be visible. The display sizes of the elements E1 to E5 constituting the specific image are changed and displayed according to the display size difference between the shutter display and the reach title display. Further, all of the elements E1 to E5 are displayed so as to fit in the shutter display and the reach title display.

  When a shutter effect is executed after the start of variable display, when the fruit pattern image is displayed, the big hit reliability is higher than when the fruit pattern image is not displayed. Further, when the reach title is displayed during the execution of the reach effect, when the fruit pattern image is displayed, the big hit reliability is higher than when the fruit pattern image is not displayed. When the fruit pattern is not displayed, for example, a plain image not including the elements E1 to E5 is displayed. Note that an image pattern other than the fruit pattern image may be prepared as an image indicating the big hit reliability when the shutter effect and the reach title effect are executed. For example, a white image <blue image <red image <fruit pattern image may be prepared in the order of the big hit reliability (for example, a red shutter or a red letter reach title). Then, any one image pattern may be selected by a predetermined random number lottery depending on whether or not the display result of the variable display is a big hit.

  When a fruit pattern is displayed during shutter display and reach title display, a notification of outputting a common sound (melody) by the speaker 8 and a notification by light emission of the game effect lamp 9 are performed. By the light emission control of the common sound and game effect lamp 9, the player is shown that the fruit pattern is a special image. When such shutter display and reach title display are performed, common notification for the fruit pattern is executed. In the reach title display, a specific sound (voice) is further output after the common notification. Note that the output period of the common sound and the specific sound may partially overlap.

  FIG. 19 is a display screen diagram when the shutter effect and the reach title effect are executed. As shown in FIG. 19A, when the shutter effect is executed, the shutter image 31AK061 is displayed on the image display device 5 at the start of variable display. In the shutter image 31AK061, a fruit pattern image including all the elements E1 to E5 is displayed. In addition, when the shutter effect is executed, notification that outputs a common sound (melody) from the speaker 8 is executed, and notification by light emission of the game effect lamp 9 is executed. When the closed shutter is opened, the decorative symbol variable display is started as shown in FIG. A downward arrow indicates variable display of the left, middle, and right symbols. When the variable display of the left symbol and the right symbol is temporarily stopped, as shown in FIG.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 19D, a super reach production is started. For example, the variable display is displayed in a small size on the upper right side of the screen, and a character is displayed on the left side of the screen. A reach title image 31AK062 is displayed on the lower right of the screen, and the contents of super reach to be executed from now on are shown as reach title display. In the reach title image 31AK062, a fruit pattern image including all the elements E1 to E5 is displayed. In addition, in the reach title image 31AK062, characters “battle reach” indicating that a reach effect accompanied by a battle effect is executed are displayed.

  In addition, when the reach title effect is executed, notification that outputs a common sound (melody) from the speaker 8 is executed and notification by light emission of the game effect lamp 9 is executed. Further, after outputting the common sound, an effect is performed in which the character emits a specific sound (voice) indicating that the big hit reliability is high, such as “Atsuiatsui”. Here, the size of the suggestion display displayed in the reach title effect is smaller than that in the shutter effect. However, in this way, in the reach title effect, by outputting a specific sound, it can be made easier for the player to recognize that the fruit pattern image has been displayed. In addition, although the case where the output period of the common sound and the specific sound is completely separated has been described, the output periods may partially overlap.

  Thereafter, a battle reach effect as shown in FIG. An enemy character is displayed on the left side of the screen, and an ally character is displayed on the right side of the screen. When the teammate character wins the battle with the enemy character, the characters “Battle Victory!” Are displayed in the upper left of the screen. It is informed that the big hit has been confirmed by winning the battle. When the battle effect ends, the display returns to the variable display screen with the original number design. As shown in FIG. 19 (f), all symbols are stopped and a big hit symbol of “777” is displayed.

  As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19D, both the shutter image 31AK061 and the reach title image 31AK062 are displayed including all the elements E1 to E5 constituting the fruit pattern image. In this way, the fruit pattern image can be suitably displayed in both the shutter image 31AK061 and the reach title image 31AK062 having different display sizes. Thereby, it is possible to accurately tell that a fruit pattern image having a high jackpot reliability is displayed.

  Also, the display size of the shutter image 31AK061 shown in FIG. 19A is displayed larger than the display size of the reach title image 31AK062 shown in FIG. Therefore, the difference between the display size of the shutter image 31AK061 and the display size of the reach title image 31AK062 can be noted.

  Further, the shutter image 31AK061 shown in FIG. 19A and the reach title image 31AK062 shown in FIG. 19D are displayed at different timings. If it does in this way, it can prevent that the fruit pattern image which is a specific image becomes difficult to see by the execution timing overlapping.

  The determination related to the shutter effect (whether the shutter effect is present or the effect mode) may be executed in step 31AKS004 in FIG. In that case, the determination related to the shutter effect may be made based on the determination result of the display color of the title in step 31AKS002 of FIG. For example, when the display color of the title is determined to be a fruit pattern, a fruit pattern shutter effect may be easily performed. Further, the determination related to the reach title effect may be executed in step 31AKS004 in FIG. 15 together with the determination related to the shutter effect.

(Explanation regarding feature 92IW)
Next, the characteristic part 92IW of this Embodiment is demonstrated. The pachinko gaming machine 1 provided in the characteristic portion 92IW includes an effect control microcomputer 92IW100 including an effect control CPU 92IW101 and the like in place of the effect control CPU 120, the ROM 121, and the RAM 122 in the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. It is installed. Details thereof will be described later.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 included in the feature unit 92IW performs the game control main process shown in FIGS. 20-1 and 20-2 instead of the game control main process shown in FIG.

  In the game control main process shown in FIGS. 20-1 and 20-2, after step S1, the CPU 103 sets the interrupt mode to interrupt mode 2 (step 92IWS001), and sets the stack pointer designation address to the stack pointer. (Step 92IWS002). Then, after initialization of the built-in device (such as CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) is performed (step 92IWS003), the RAM 102 is accessible. (Step 92IWS005). In interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value of the specific register (I register) (1 byte) built in the CPU 103 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This mode indicates an interrupt address.

  Thereafter, the CPU 103 executes random number circuit setting processing for initial setting of the random number circuit 104 (step 92IWS006). For example, the CPU 103 performs settings according to the random number circuit setting program to cause the random number circuit 104 to update the random R value.

  Then, the CPU 103 determines whether or not “1” is set in the specific bit of the internal information register built in the game control microcomputer 100 (step 92IWS007). The specific bit of the internal information register is set to be set to “1” when the power is turned on and the CPU 103 is activated. That is, the case where “1” is set in the specific bit of the internal information register in step 92IWS007 indicates that it is immediately after the power is turned on.

  When the specific bit of the internal information register is set to “1”, the CPU 103 sets “0” to the specific bit (step 92IWS008), and sets a value corresponding to 4 ms to the standby timer indicating the standby time. (Step 92IWS009).

  If “1” is not set in the specific bit of the internal information register (if “0” is set), the CPU 103 sets a value corresponding to 4.5 s in the standby timer (step 92IWS010). .

  The case where the specific bit of the internal information register is set to “0” means that the process of step 92IWS008 is performed after the CPU 103 is activated, and the game control main process is performed again. In the present embodiment, power is restored from the instantaneous power failure state (the power supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is higher than the predetermined voltage value before the special period elapses after the power supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is reduced to the predetermined voltage value When the CPU 103 remains activated, the CPU 103 performs the same program control as when the power is turned on (that is, the game control main process is executed from the beginning). The control CPU 92IW101 will be restarted. In such a case, the game control main process is performed with the specific bit of the internal information register set to “0”. Accordingly, the case where “0” is set in the specific bit of the internal information register in step 92IWS007 indicates that power is restored from the instantaneous power failure state.

  After either of the steps 92IWS009 and 92IWS010, the CPU 103 decrements the standby timer by “1” (step 02IWS011) and waits until the time is up (N in step 02IWS012). If the time is up, the process proceeds to step S3.

  Further, in the game control main process shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the CPU 103 performs the processes after step S11 after steps S7 and S9.

  Thus, in this embodiment, steps S7 and S9 can be executed after waiting for 4 ms when the power is turned on, while steps S7 and S9 are executed after waiting for 4,5 seconds when power is restored from the instantaneous power failure state. It is supposed to be executable.

  FIG. 20-3 is a timing chart illustrating event timings when the power is turned on and when power is restored from the instantaneous power failure state.

  As shown in FIG. 20-3 (A), when the power is turned on, it takes 2.5 seconds for the CPU 103 to start up after the power is turned on. Then, the game control microcomputer 100 performs a standby process for 2.3 seconds. About this standby process, the game control microcomputer 100 executes by hardware irrespective of the program. Then, after completion of the hardware standby process, the CPU 103 performs the above-described game control main process, so that a command for recovery or a command for initialization is transmitted after waiting for 4 ms. Become. Accordingly, a recovery command or an initialization command is transmitted 4.804 seconds after the power is turned on.

  When the power is turned on, the effect control microcomputer 92IW100 requires 1.5 seconds from when the power is turned on until the effect control CPU 92IW101 (described later in FIG. 20-4) starts up. Then, an initialization process (see step S71 in FIG. 6) is performed by the effect control CPU 92IW101 for 2.8 seconds, and a serial reception interrupt or a timer interrupt described later can be performed thereafter. As will be described in detail later, the production control CPU 92IW101 transfers the command stored in the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 to the transfer buffer or analysis buffer when a serial reception interrupt or timer interrupt occurs. It is. Therefore, the effect control CPU 92IW101 can input the command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 4.3 seconds after the power is turned on.

  As described above, when the power is turned on, there is a standby executed in hardware and a standby of 4 ms in the game control main process, so that the command at the time of restoration is performed while the effect control CPU 92IW101 is performing the initialization process. Alternatively, the initialization command is prevented from being transmitted, and the recovery command or the initialization command is transmitted during a period in which the serial control interrupt or timer interrupt can occur in the production control microcomputer 92IW100. It is comprised so that. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a command from being missed when the power is turned on.

  As shown in FIG. 20-3 (B), when the power is restored from the instantaneous power failure state, the game control microcomputer 100 has already started the CPU 103 and waits for hardware. Therefore, the power is restored from the instantaneous power failure state, and the CPU 103 performs the above-described game control main process, so that a command for restoration or a command for initialization is performed after waiting for 4.5 s. Will be sent. Accordingly, a recovery command or an initialization command is transmitted 4.5 seconds after the power recovery from the instantaneous power failure state.

  When power is restored from the instantaneous power failure state, the effect control microcomputer 92IW100 performs the same control as when the power is turned on. Therefore, the effect control CPU 92IW101 can input the command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 4.3 seconds after the power recovery from the instantaneous power failure state.

  As described above, when the power is restored from the instantaneous power failure state, the CPU 103 IW101 for the effect control is initialized by transmitting the command at the time of restoration or the command at the time of initialization after the CPU 103 waits for 4.5 s. Prevent recovery command or initialization command from being sent during the processing, and restore in the period in which serial reception interrupt and timer interrupt can occur in the production control microcomputer 92IW100 Hour command or initialization command is sent. As a result, it is possible to prevent a command from being missed when power is restored from the instantaneous power failure state.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the effect control means will be described. As described above, in the present embodiment, in the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 2, the effect control microcomputer 92IW100 is mounted in place of the effect control CPU 120, the ROM 121, and the RAM 122. Although not shown, the production control board 12 is equipped with an external SDRAM 92IW116.

  20-4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the effect control microcomputer 92IW100 mounted on the effect control board 12. FIG. An effect control microcomputer 92IW100 shown in FIG. 20-4 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and an effect control CPU 92IW101, a clock circuit 92IW110, an internal ROM 92IW111, an internal RAM 92IW112, a timer circuit 92IW113, an interrupt controller 92IW114, And a serial communication circuit 92IW115. Although not shown in FIG. 20-4, the production control microcomputer 92IW100 includes various types such as an external bus interface, a random number circuit, a reset circuit, an arithmetic circuit, a watchdog timer, an address decode circuit, and an input / output port. Circuit, interface and port.

  The effect control CPU 92IW101 can execute the same process as the effect control CPU 120 in addition to the process described in the feature section 92IW. The built-in ROM 92IW111 has the same functions as the ROM 121 described above, in addition to the functions described in the feature section 92IW. The built-in RAM 92IW112 has the same functions as the RAM 122 described above, in addition to the functions described in the feature section 92IW.

  FIG. 20-5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an address map in the production control microcomputer 92IW100. As shown in FIG. 20-5, in the area from address 0000H to address FFFFH, there are an area allocated to the internal ROM of the production control microcomputer 92IW100, an area allocated to the internal RAM, and an internal register area allocated to the internal register. The allocated area is included. As shown in FIG. 20-5, the area allocated to the built-in ROM includes a program code / data area (an area for storing user programs and data) and a program management area. The program management area is a storage area for storing information necessary for performing various settings such as interrupt operation settings of the production control microcomputer 92IW100, serial communication circuit settings, random number circuit settings, and internal reset operation settings. is there.

  The interrupt controller 92IW114 is a circuit that controls various interrupt requests in the effect control microcomputer 92IW100 such as a serial reception interrupt and a timer interrupt. The interrupt controller 92IW114 is provided with an interrupt control register for setting permission / prohibition of interrupts and priority of interrupts for each interrupt type.

  FIG. 20-6 (A) shows a configuration example of an interrupt control register for serial reception interrupt setting provided in the interrupt controller 92IW114. FIG. 20-6 (B) shows an example of setting contents in each bit of the internal information data stored in the interrupt control register for serial reception interrupt setting. The internal information data Im7 stored in the bit number [7] of the interrupt control register for setting the serial reception interrupt indicates whether or not serial reception interrupt is permitted. In the example shown in FIG. 20-6 (B), if the bit value of the internal information data Im7 is set to “0”, the serial reception interrupt is set to the permitted state, while the bit of the internal information data Im7 is set to “1”. If set to, serial reception interrupts are disabled. In the example shown in FIG. 20-6 (B), it is assumed that the initial value of the internal information data Im7 is set to “1”.

  Internal information data Im3 to Im0 stored in bit numbers [3-0] of the interrupt control register for setting the serial reception interrupt indicate the priority of the serial reception interrupt. In the example shown in FIG. 20-6 (B), the internal information data Im3 to Im0 are set with numerical values in 16 steps from “0000 [0 (H)]” to “1111 [F (H)]”. The priority of the serial reception interrupt is the highest when “0 (H)]” is set, and the priority of the serial reception interrupt is the lowest when “1111 [F (H)]” is set.

  FIG. 20-7 (A) shows a configuration example of an interrupt control register for timer interrupt setting provided in the interrupt controller 92IW114. FIG. 20-7 (B) shows an example of setting contents in each bit of the internal information data stored in the interrupt control register for timer interrupt setting. Internal information data In7 stored in the bit number [7] of the interrupt control register for timer interrupt setting indicates whether or not timer interrupt is permitted. In the example shown in FIG. 20-7 (B), if the bit value of the internal information data In7 is set to “0”, the timer interrupt is set to the permitted state, while the bit of the internal information data In7 is set to “1”. If set, the timer interrupt is disabled. In the example illustrated in FIG. 20-7 (B), it is assumed that the initial value of the internal information data In7 is set to “1”.

  The internal information data In3 to In0 stored in the bit numbers [3-0] of the interrupt control register for setting the timer interrupt indicate the priority of the timer interrupt. In the example shown in FIG. 20-7 (B), the internal information data In3 to In0 are set by 16-stage numerical values from “0000 [0 (H)]” to “1111 [F (H)]”, and “0000 [ "0 (H)]" is the highest timer interrupt priority, and "1111 [F (H)]" is the lowest timer interrupt priority.

  In the examples shown in FIGS. 20-6 and 20-7, the interrupt control registers for serial reception interrupt setting and timer interrupt setting are shown as an example. If the 92IW114 is configured to accept interrupt requests such as external interrupts, serial transmission interrupts, and interrupts by random number circuit random number capture, an interrupt control register is provided for each interrupt. These interrupt control registers are configured according to the same configuration as that shown in FIGS. 20-6 and 20-7. Also, for example, when multiple channels of serial communication circuits are provided and each channel is configured to accept serial reception interrupts and serial transmission interrupts, serial reception interrupt setting and serial transmission are performed for each channel. An interrupt control register for interrupt setting is provided. Further, for example, when a plurality of timer circuits are provided and configured to accept a plurality of types of timer interrupts, an interrupt control register is provided for each timer interrupt.

  Setting data set in the interrupt control registers shown in FIGS. 20-6 and 20-7 is set in advance in the program management area (see FIG. 20-5) of the built-in ROM. The production control microcomputer 92IW100 performs setting of the serial communication circuit, setting of the random number circuit, setting of the internal reset operation, etc. according to the setting contents of the program management area when the game machine is turned on. In addition, the setting data is set in the interrupt control register for serial reception interrupt (see FIG. 20-6) and the interrupt control register for timer interrupt setting (see FIG. 20-7) provided in the interrupt controller 92IW114. As a result, serial reception interrupts and timer interrupts are also set. Note that the effect control microcomputer 92IW100 executes this setting operation in hardware, regardless of the program.

  In this embodiment, the internal information data Im7 of the interrupt control register for serial reception interrupt shown in FIG. 20-6 and the internal information data register In7 of the interrupt control register for timer interrupt shown in FIG. Are set to “0”, and the serial reception interrupt and the timer interrupt are set to the permitted state. In this embodiment, the internal information data Im3 to Im0 of the interrupt control register for serial reception interrupt shown in FIG. 20-6 are set to “0000 [0 (H)]” and FIG. The internal information data registers In3 to In0 of the timer control interrupt control register shown in FIG. 7 are set to “0001 [1 (H)]”, and the serial reception interrupt has a higher priority than the timer interrupt. Is set.

  In this embodiment, in each interrupt control register shown in FIGS. 20-6 and 20-7, “0000 [0 (H)]” and “0001 [1” are set in order from the setting value with the higher priority. (H)] ”is set, but the setting mode shown in this embodiment is not limited. For example, “1111 [F (H)]” is set in the interrupt control register for timer interrupt setting shown in FIG. 20-7 in order from the lower priority setting value, and the serial shown in FIG. By setting “1110 [E (H)]” in the interrupt control register for setting the reception interrupt, the serial reception interrupt may be set to have a higher priority than the timer interrupt. . Further, for example, “0010 [2 (H)]” is set in the interrupt control register for serial reception interrupt setting shown in FIG. 20-6, and the interrupt control for timer interrupt setting shown in FIG. 20-7 is set. By setting “0100 [4 (H)]” in the register, the serial reception interrupt may be set to have a higher priority than the timer interrupt, and at least the serial reception interrupt is set. Any setting method may be used so that the priority is higher than the timer interrupt.

  FIG. 20-8 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of a reception register and each reception buffer for storing an effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11. In this embodiment, the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 100 is first stored in the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 of the effect control microcomputer 92IW100. The reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 is composed of a FIFO (first-in first-out) 16-byte area and can store a maximum of eight 2-byte presentation control commands.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 20-8, every time a serial reception interrupt occurs, the effect control command stored in the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 is transferred to the transfer buffer. Therefore, as described above, the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 can store a maximum of eight presentation control commands. In this embodiment, when a presentation control command is received, a serial reception interrupt is generated immediately. Since it is transferred to the transfer buffer, there is virtually no case where two or more effect control commands are accumulated in the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115. In this example, the transfer buffer is a buffer of a ring buffer type configured by 128 bytes having a larger capacity than the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 and capable of storing 64 2-byte configuration effect control commands. As shown in FIG. 20-8, the transfer buffer is formed in the built-in RAM of the production control microcomputer 92IW100.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 20-8, every time a timer interrupt occurs every 1 ms, the effect control command stored in the transfer buffer is transferred to the analysis buffer. The analysis buffer is provided with an analysis buffer (upper) and an analysis buffer (lower), and the higher-order data (MODE data) of the effect control commands read from the transfer buffer is The data is stored in the analysis buffer (upper), and the lower data (EXT data) is stored in the analysis buffer (lower). In this embodiment, the analysis buffer (upper) and the analysis buffer (lower) are each composed of 256 bytes having a larger capacity than the transfer buffer, and can store 256 2-byte effect control commands ( Of the effect control command, the upper 1 byte (MODE data) is stored in the analysis buffer (upper), and the lower 1 byte (EXT data) is stored in the analysis buffer (lower), so 256 can be stored. This is a ring buffer type buffer. As shown in FIG. 20-8, the analysis buffer (upper) and the analysis buffer (lower) are formed in the SDRAM 92IW 116 connected externally to the effect control microcomputer 92IW100.

  As shown in FIG. 20-8, in this embodiment, the effect control CPU 92IW101 transfers the effect control command from the transfer buffer to the analysis buffer (upper) and the analysis buffer (lower). In contrast to access to the SDRAM 92IW116 connected by the external bus, the serial communication circuit 92IW115 connected by the internal bus is used to transfer the effect control command from the reception register to the transfer buffer. Since it is only necessary to access the built-in RAM 92IW112, data transfer can be performed at high speed.

  When a timer interrupt occurs every 1 ms, the effect control CPU 92IW101 executes a timer interrupt process shown in FIG. In the timer interruption process, the effect control CPU 92IW101 first executes an analysis buffer transfer process for transferring the effect control command stored in the transfer buffer to the analysis buffer (step 92IWS711). Further, the effect control CPU 92IW101 sets a timer interrupt flag (step 92IWS712).

  In this embodiment, the analysis buffer transfer process is executed in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 20-9. However, in the timer interrupt process, only the timer interrupt flag is set. The analysis buffer transfer process is executed within the loop process of steps S73 to S77 of the effect control main process shown in FIG. 6 (for example, the analysis buffer transfer process is executed between step S74 and step S75). May be.

  When the effect control command is received from the game control microcomputer 100 and a serial reception interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 92IW101 transfers the effect control command stored in the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 to the transfer buffer. Execute transfer buffer transfer processing for transfer. FIG. 20-10 is a flowchart illustrating the transfer buffer transfer process executed when a serial reception interrupt occurs.

  In the transfer buffer transfer process, the effect control CPU 92IW101 first reads the received effect control command from the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 (step 92IWS721). The effect control command is composed of 2 bytes, but the received effect control command is stored byte by byte in the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115, and the higher order data (MODE data) of the effect control command is stored. Since the serial reception interrupt is generated each time when the low-order data (EXT data) is received, the effect control CPU 92IW101 receives the effect control received from the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 in step 92IWS721. Read command one byte at a time. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the effect control command is received upon reception of the upper data (MODE data) and the lower data (EXT data). In step 92IWS721, the effect control CPU 92IW101 generates a serial reception interrupt. Accordingly, the effect control command is read in the order of the upper data (MODE data) and the lower data (EXT data).

  Next, the effect control CPU 92IW101 writes the read effect control command (1-byte data) in the area indicated by the write pointer in the transfer buffer (step 92IWS722). Further, the effect control CPU 92IW101 adds 1 to the value of the write pointer in the transfer buffer (step 92IWS723).

  Next, the effect control CPU 92IW101 checks whether or not the effect control command received by the delivery buffer is full (step 92IWS724). Specifically, the effect control CPU 92IW101 determines, for example, whether or not the value of the write pointer in the transfer buffer has caught up with the value of the read pointer, and has caught up (ie, an unread area). In the state where the next data is to be written), it can be determined that the transfer buffer is full. If the transfer buffer is not full, the process proceeds to step 92IWS735.

  If the transfer buffer is full, the effect control CPU 92IW101 reads out the effect control command (1-byte data) from the transfer buffer (step 92IWS725). In this case, the effect control CPU 92IW101 temporarily stores the effect control command (1-byte upper data (MODE data) or lower data (EXT data)) read in step 92IWS725 in one of the data registers, for example. Keep it. Further, the effect control CPU 92IW101 adds 1 to the value of the read pointer of the transfer buffer (step 92IWS726).

  Next, the effect control CPU 92IW101 confirms whether or not the read data is higher-order data (MODE data) of the effect control command (step 92IWS727). Specifically, in this embodiment, the higher-order data (MODE data) of the effect control command is always set to a value in the range of 80 (H) to FF (H), and the lower-order data (EXT data) is It is configured to always have a value in the range of 00 (H) to 7F (H). Therefore, in step 92IWS727, if the most significant bit of the read data is “1”, the effect control CPU 92IW101 can determine that the data is the upper data (MODE data), and the most significant bit of the read data is “ If it is “0”, it can be determined that the data is lower data (EXT data).

  If the read data is the lower data (EXT data) (N in step 92IWS727: in this embodiment, the upper data (MODE data) and the lower data (EXT data) are read in this order. The fact that the data is lower data (EXT data) means that one effect control command is read out as a set of upper data (MODE data) and lower data (EXT data), and the effect control CPU 92IW101 The upper data (MODE data) read first is written in the analysis buffer (upper) (step 92IWS 728), and the lower data (EXT data) read this time is written in the analysis buffer (lower) (step 92IWS 729). In addition, the effect control CPU 92IW101 sets a write completion flag indicating that writing to the analysis buffer is completed by setting one effect control command with the upper data (MODE data) and the lower data (EXT data). (Step 92IWS730). Then, the process proceeds to step 92IWS732.

  If the read data is higher-order data (MODE data) (Y in step 92IWS727: that is, if lower-order data (EXT data) has not been read yet), the effect control CPU 92IW101 resets the writing completion flag ( Step 92IWS731). Then, the process proceeds to step 92IWS732.

  By executing the processing of steps 92IWS727 to 92IWS731, in this embodiment, each time the presentation control command is read byte by byte, the higher order data (MODE data) and the lower order data (EXT data) are individually analyzed. Rather than controlling to store in (analysis buffer (upper) and analysis buffer (lower)), the upper data (MODE data) and the lower data (EXT data) are gathered together as a set. Control is performed so that data is stored in each analysis buffer (analysis buffer (upper) and analysis buffer (lower)).

  Next, the effect control CPU 92IW101 confirms whether or not reading of all effect control commands stored in the transfer buffer has been completed (step 92IWS732). Specifically, for example, the effect control CPU 92IW101 determines whether or not the value of the read pointer in the transfer buffer has caught up with the value of the write pointer. It can be determined that reading of all effect control commands stored in the buffer is completed. If an unread effect control command remains in the transfer buffer, the process returns to step 92IWS725, and the effect control CPU 92IW101 executes the processes of steps 92IWS725 to 92IWS731 again.

  If all the effect control commands stored in the transfer buffer have been read, the effect control CPU 92IW101 checks whether or not the writing completion flag is set (step 92IWS733). If the write completion flag is set (Y in step 92IWS733), the transfer buffer transfer process is terminated. If the writing completion flag is not set (N in step 92IWS733), only the upper data (MODE data) has been read for the effect control command last read from the transfer buffer, and the lower data (EXT data) is still This means that reading has not been completed and transfer to the analysis buffer has not been completed. Accordingly, in this case, the effect control CPU 92IW101 decrements the value of the read pointer by 1 (step 92IWS734), and proceeds to step 92IWS735.

  Next, the effect control CPU 92IW101 confirms whether or not reading of all effect control commands stored in the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 has been completed (step 92IWS735). If an unread effect control command remains in the reception register, effect control CPU 92IW101 returns to step 92IWS721, and repeatedly executes the processing after step 92IWS721. If there remains no unread effect control command in the reception register, the transfer buffer transfer process is terminated.

  In this embodiment, as soon as an effect control command is received, it is transferred to the transfer buffer upon occurrence of a serial reception interrupt, so that two or more effect control commands substantially accumulate in the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115. In most cases, when the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the game control microcomputer 100 rises earlier than the effect control microcomputer 92IW100, and the effect control microcomputer 92IW100 is set. There may be a case where an effect control command is received from the game control microcomputer 100 and stored in the reception register before completion. Even in such a case, when the processing of step 92IWS735 is executed, after the production control microcomputer 92IW100 is activated, the production control command is first received and the serial reception interrupt is generated. In addition to the received effect control commands, all effect control commands including the effect control commands that have already been received and stored in the reception register before the activation of the effect control microcomputer 92IW100 are read out and stored in the transfer buffer. Transferred.

  FIG. 20-11 is a flowchart illustrating the analysis buffer transfer process (step 92IWS711) executed in the timer interrupt process. In the analysis buffer transfer process, the effect control CPU 92IW101 confirms whether or not there is an unread effect control command in the transfer buffer (step 92IWS741). Specifically, for example, the production control CPU 92IW101 determines whether or not the value of the read pointer of the transfer buffer has caught up with the value of the write pointer, and if it has caught up, the transfer control It can be determined that reading of all effect control commands stored in the buffer has been completed, otherwise it can be determined that there is an unread effect control command.

  If there is an unread effect control command (Y in step 92IWS741), the effect control CPU 92IW101 reads the effect control command (1 byte data) from the transfer buffer (step 92IWS742). In this case, the effect control CPU 92IW101 temporarily stores the effect control command (1-byte upper data (MODE data) or lower data (EXT data)) read in step 92IWS742 in, for example, one of the data registers. Keep it. Further, the effect control CPU 92IW101 adds 1 to the value of the read pointer of the transfer buffer (step 92IWS743).

  Next, the effect control CPU 92IW101 confirms whether or not the read data is higher-order data (MODE data) of the effect control command (step 92IWS744). Specifically, in this embodiment, the higher-order data (MODE data) of the effect control command is always set to a value in the range of 80 (H) to FF (H), and the lower-order data (EXT data) is It is configured to always have a value in the range of 00 (H) to 7F (H). Therefore, in step 92IWS744, the effect control CPU 92IW101 can determine that the read data is the upper data (MODE data) if the most significant bit of the read data is “1”, and the most significant bit of the read data is “ If it is “0”, it can be determined that the data is lower data (EXT data).

  If the read data is the lower data (EXT data) (N in step 92IWS744: That is, in this embodiment, the upper data (MODE data) and the lower data (EXT data) are read in this order. The fact that the data is lower data (EXT data) means that one effect control command is read out as a set of upper data (MODE data) and lower data (EXT data), and the effect control CPU 92IW101 The upper data (MODE data) read first is written in the analysis buffer (upper) (step 92IWS745), and the lower data (EXT data) read this time is written in the analysis buffer (lower) (step 92IWS746). Further, the effect control CPU 92IW101 sets a writing completion flag (step 92IWS747), and returns to step 92IWS741.

  If the read data is the upper data (MODE data) (Y in step 92IWS744: that is, if the lower data (EXT data) has not been read yet), the effect control CPU 92IW101 resets the write completion flag ( Step 92IWS748) and return to Step 92IWS741.

  Then, the processing of steps 92IWS741 to 92IWS748 is repeatedly executed until the processing is completed for all the effect control commands stored in the transfer buffer.

  If there is no unread effect control command (N in Step 92IWS741), the effect control CPU 92IW101 confirms whether or not the writing completion flag is set (Step 92IWS749). If the write completion flag is set (Y in step 92IWS749), the analysis buffer transfer process is terminated. If the writing completion flag has not been set (N in step 92IWS749), only the upper data (MODE data) has been read for the effect control command last read from the transfer buffer, and the lower data (EXT data) is still This means that reading has not been completed and transfer to the analysis buffer has not been completed. Therefore, in this case, the effect control CPU 92IW101 subtracts 1 from the value of the read pointer and returns it to 1 (step 92IWS750), and ends the analysis buffer transfer process.

  The effect control commands stored in the analysis buffer in the analysis buffer transfer process shown in FIG. 20-11 and the processes in steps 92IWS725 to 92IWS734 shown in FIG. 20-10 are analyzed in the command analysis process (see step S75). The That is, in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 92IW101 reads and analyzes the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 100 and stored in the analysis buffer, and sets a flag corresponding to the analyzed effect control command. The processing to do is performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a game machine capable of executing a game, and game control means for controlling the progress of the game (in this example, the game control microcomputer 100), and game control means. Effect control means (in this example, the effect control microcomputer 92IW100) that controls the execution of the effect based on the information output from the game control means, and the game control means has a predetermined period after power is supplied to the gaming machine. After the elapse of time, predetermined information (in this example, an effect control command for instructing recovery from power interruption, an effect control command for instructing initialization) is output (in this example, steps S7 and S9 in the game control microcomputer 100). The production control means is a specific period during which it is impossible to analyze the information output from the game control means (in this example, the production control micro The specific process (in this example, the initialization process) can be executed during a period in which the timer interrupt process in the computer 92IW100 cannot be executed (in this example, step S71 in the production control microcomputer 92IW100 is executed). Predetermined information can be input after a specific period has elapsed since the power was supplied to the gaming machine (in this example, the transfer buffer transfer process (FIG. 20-10) and analysis buffer in the production control microcomputer 92IW100) Transfer process (execution of step 92IWS711), and at least a first process (in this example, a hardware standby process) and a second process (in this example, a software standby process (step 92IWS009 by the CPU 103) in a predetermined period. ~ 92IWS012))) is executed Power recovery from an instantaneous power failure state in which the power is restored to a voltage value higher than the predetermined voltage value before the special period elapses after the power supplied to the gaming machine drops to the predetermined voltage value. When the process is performed, the first process is not executed (in this example, the hardware standby process is not performed when power is restored from the instantaneous power failure state), and the second process is executed at least until a specific period elapses. (In this example, the CPU 103 executes steps 92IWS009 to 92IWS012, thereby executing a software standby process until the initialization process by the effect control microcomputer 92IW100 is completed (see FIG. 20-3)). . As a result, even when the power recovery from the instantaneous power failure occurs, the predetermined information is not output until the predetermined period elapses, so that it is possible to prevent the production control means from missing the predetermined information.

  In the present embodiment, in the game control main process, it is determined whether or not the power is restored from the instantaneous power interruption state based on whether or not “1” is set in the specific bit of the internal information register. However, how to determine whether or not the power is restored from the instantaneous power failure state is not limited to this. For example, when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the instantaneous stop flag is set when the power supply to the gaming machine is resumed before the predetermined period elapses after the power supply is stopped. When the instantaneous stop flag is set in the main process, it may be determined that the power is restored from the instantaneous stop state.

  In the present embodiment, the effect control means includes information storage means (in this example, a reception register included in the serial communication circuit 92IW115) that can store information output from the game control means for a specific period. did. Thereby, even if information is output in a specific period, it is possible to prevent the presentation control means from missing the information.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the special process is executed before the second process is executed (in this example, steps 92IWS001 to 92IWS006 are executed before steps 92IWS011 and 92IWS012 in the CPU 103). Thereby, time until the specific process by an effect control means is complete | finished can be earned.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to execute processing relating to random numbers as special processing (in this example, the CPU 103 executes step 92IWS006 before steps 92IWS011 and 92IWS012). Thereby, the process required for the progress of the game can be performed first.

  In the present embodiment, the game control means includes data storage means (in this example, RAM 102) including a stack area for temporarily saving data, and a stack indicating the storage destination address of the data saved in the stack area. The process for setting the pointer can be executed as a special process (in this example, the CPU 103 executes step 92IWS002 before steps 92IWS011 and 92IWS012). Thereby, the process required for the progress of the game can be performed first.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the control means (in this example, the production control microcomputer 92IW100) that performs control based on the received command (in this example, the production control command), and the received command are the first. A first storage area to be stored (in this example, a reception register included in the serial communication circuit 92IW115), and a second storage area in which the received command is temporarily stored (in this example, a transfer buffer provided in the built-in RAM 92IW112); And a third storage area (in this example, an analysis buffer provided in the external SDRAM 92IW116) in which the received command is finally stored. Further, the control means reads the command stored in the first storage area and stores it in the second storage area based on a reception interrupt (in this example, a serial reception interrupt) that occurs every time a command is received. The command stored in the second storage area is read out and stored in the third storage area based on a timer interrupt generated every predetermined period (1 ms in this example). Then, the control means analyzes the command stored in the third storage area (in this example, the command control process (see step S75) analyzes the effect control command stored in the analysis buffer). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the missed command when a large number of commands are received.

  Specifically, in the conventional gaming machine, with respect to the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 100, the effect control command is directly received from the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 every time a timer interrupt occurs every 1 ms. It was read and transferred to the analysis buffer. Then, even if the production control command is received and stored in the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115, the production control command is not read from the reception register until a timer interrupt occurs every 1 ms. If a large amount of presentation control commands are received in the meantime, the capacity of the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 may be exceeded, and the presentation control commands may be missed. In particular, in a gaming machine configured to be capable of simultaneously displaying the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the variation may occur if a start-up prize is generated at the same timing as the start of variation and a pre-reading determination is made. There is a possibility that a command at the start of variation such as a pattern command or display result designation command and a prefetch determination command such as a symbol designation command or variation category command will be sent in large quantities at the same timing, and then within the same timer interrupt There is a possibility that the total number of effect control commands to be transmitted exceeds 20, the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 overflows, and the effect control command may be missed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20-8, a transfer buffer is provided in the built-in RAM 92IW112 in addition to the analysis buffer, and a serial communication circuit is immediately provided every time a serial reception interrupt occurs. The effect control command is transferred from the reception register of the 92IW 115 to the transfer buffer, and then the effect control command is further transferred from the transfer buffer to the analysis buffer at every 1 ms timer interrupt. With this configuration, in this embodiment, when a large amount of effect control commands are received, a situation in which the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 overflows can be prevented, and the loss of effect control commands can be reduced. ing.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the second storage area is provided in the RAM built in the control means (in this example, as shown in FIG. 20-8, the transfer buffer is provided in the built-in RAM 92IW112. ing). Therefore, the command can be transferred from the first storage area to the second storage area at high speed. That is, since it is only necessary to access the internal RAM connected by the internal bus, data transfer can be performed at high speed.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the second storage area has a larger storage capacity than the first storage area, and the third storage area has a larger storage capacity than the second storage area (this example) As shown in FIG. 20-8, the capacity of the receiving register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 is 16 bytes, whereas the capacity of the transfer buffer is as large as 128 bytes. The capacity of the buffer (lower level) is 256 bytes, which is larger). Therefore, it is possible to reduce missed commands by increasing the storage capacity of the transfer destination storage area.

  Further, according to this embodiment, when the capacity of the command stored in the second storage area reaches the maximum value of the storage capacity of the second storage area, regardless of the occurrence of the timer interrupt, The command stored in the second storage area is read and stored in the third storage area (in this example, as shown in FIG. 20-10, in the transfer buffer transfer process, if the transfer buffer is full, step The processing of 92IWS725-92IWS734 is executed, and the effect control command is transferred from the transfer buffer to the analysis buffer). Therefore, when the second storage area becomes full, it is possible to reduce the missed command by moving the command to the third storage area even a little.

  In this embodiment, the capacity of the transfer buffer is set to 128 bytes, and a maximum of 64 presentation control commands can be stored, and it is considered that a situation in which the transfer buffer becomes full rarely occurs. Thus, the processing of steps 92IWS725 to 92IWS734 may not be provided in the transfer buffer transfer processing shown in FIG. 20-10.

  In this embodiment, when the transfer buffer is full, all effect control commands in which the upper data (MODE data) and the lower data (EXT data) are stored as a set are transferred from the transfer buffer to the analysis buffer. Although the case of transfer is shown, the present invention is not limited to such a mode, and only some effect control commands may be transferred from the transfer buffer to the analysis buffer. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to reduce to some extent the miss with the effect control command when the transfer buffer is full.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the third storage area includes a first area for storing the upper data of the command (in this example, an analysis buffer (upper)) and a second area for storing the lower data of the command. (In this example, the analysis buffer (lower order)). Then, the upper data of the command read from the second storage area is stored in the first area, and the lower data of the command read from the second storage area is stored in the second area (see steps 92IWS745 and 92IWS746 in FIG. 20-11). ). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the missed command in the second storage area. Further, the data transfer speed can be improved by increasing the data flow path during transfer by dividing the area for storing the upper data of the command and the area for storing the lower data.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the effect control command is transferred from the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 to the transfer buffer, it is transferred to the common transfer buffer as it is without dividing it into upper data and lower data. It is configured to do. With this configuration, in this embodiment, the processing load is prevented from increasing when transferring to the transfer buffer for each serial reception interrupt.

(Modification of feature 92IW)
In this embodiment, when a serial reception interrupt occurs, an effect control command stored in the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 is immediately read and transferred to the transfer buffer. It is not limited to the embodiment. For example, in this embodiment, the receiving register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 is also provided with a capacity of 16 bytes, and can store a maximum of eight effect control commands, and the capacity of the transfer buffer is also some margin of 128 bytes. Therefore, based on the occurrence of a predetermined number of serial reception interrupts, the presentation control command stored in the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 may be read and transferred to the transfer buffer. Good. Hereinafter, a modified example in which the effect control command is transferred to the transfer buffer based on the occurrence of a predetermined number of serial reception interrupts will be described.

  FIG. 20-12 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the transfer buffer transfer process executed when a serial reception interrupt occurs. In the modification shown in FIG. 20-12, in the transfer buffer transfer process, the effect control CPU 92IW101 first adds 1 to the value of the interrupt counter for counting the number of occurrences of serial reception interrupts (step 92IWS751). ). Next, the effect control CPU 92IW101 checks whether or not the value of the interrupt counter after the addition has reached a predetermined number (10 in this example) (step 92IWS752). In this embodiment, the predetermined number is 10. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, whether the value of the interrupt counter reaches 5 or 15 as the predetermined number. You may make it confirm. At least in this embodiment, the capacity of the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 is 16 bytes, so that the predetermined number is less than or equal to the value corresponding to the capacity of the reception register (16 in this example). It only has to be defined.

  If the value of the interrupt counter does not reach the predetermined number, the transfer buffer transfer process is terminated as it is without proceeding to the process after step 92IWS753. If the value of the interrupt counter reaches the predetermined number, the effect control CPU 92IW101 clears the value of the interrupt counter (step 92IWS753). Then, the process proceeds to steps 92IWS721 to 92IWS723, and a process of transferring the effect control command stored in the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 to the transfer buffer is executed. In FIG. 20-12, the processing of steps 92IWS721-92IWS723 is the same as those processing shown in FIG. 20-10. In addition, in FIG. 20-12, the processing in steps 92IWS724 to 92IWS735 is the same as those processing shown in FIG. 20-10.

  According to the modification shown in FIG. 20-12, the command stored in the first storage area is read out and stored in the second storage based on the occurrence of a predetermined number of reception interrupts (10 times in this example). (In this example, as shown in FIG. 20-12, when the determination at step 92IWS752 is Y, the process proceeds to steps 92IWS721-92IWS723 and stored in the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115. A process of transferring the production control command to the transfer buffer is executed). Therefore, the processing time for each interrupt can be shortened by performing the process of transferring the command from the first storage area to the second storage area only once every time a reception interrupt occurs a predetermined number of times. As described above, in this example, the capacity of the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 is provided by 16 bytes, and the capacity of the transfer buffer is provided by 128 bytes. There is no problem with data transfer for each interrupt.

  In the above embodiment, when the production control microcomputer 92IW100 stores the production control command received from the game control microcomputer 100, it is temporarily transferred from the reception register of the serial communication circuit 92IW115 to the delivery buffer. Although the case where it finally transfers to the buffer for analysis was shown, it is not restricted to such a mode. For example, when storing a payout control command that the game control microcomputer 100 and the payout control microcomputer mutually transmit / receive, the configuration shown in the above embodiment is applied, and the received payout control command is transferred to the serial communication circuit. It may be configured that the data is temporarily transferred from the reception register to the transfer buffer and finally transferred to the analysis buffer. For example, when the display control unit 123 stores the command received from the effect control microcomputer 92IW100, the configuration described in the above embodiment is applied, and the received command is temporarily transferred from the reception register of the serial communication circuit. It may be configured such that the data is transferred to the buffer for use and finally transferred to the buffer for analysis.

(Explanation regarding feature 31AK and feature 92IW)
It is good also as a gaming machine provided with both the characteristic part 31AK and the characteristic part 92IW which were mentioned above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 2 ... Game board 3 ... Gaming machine frame 4A, 4B ... Special symbol display device 5 ... Image display device 6A ... Winning ball device 6B ... Variable winning ball device 7 ... Special variable winning ball device 8L, 8R ... Speaker 9 ... Game effect lamp 10 ... General prize opening 11 ... Main board 12 ... Production control board 13 ... Audio control board 14 ... Lamp control board 15 ... Relay board 20 ... Normal symbol display 21 ... Gate switch 22A, 22B ... Start opening Switch 23 ... Count switch 30 ... Hitting ball operation handle 31A ... Stick controller 31B ... Push button 32 ... Movable body 100 ... Microcomputer 101, 121 for game control ROM
102, 122 ... RAM
103 ... CPU
104, 124 ... random number circuit 105, 125 ... I / O
120 ... CPU for effect control
123 ... Display control unit

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of executing a game,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
And a presentation control means for controlling the execution of the effect based on the information output from the game controller,
The game control means includes information output means for outputting predetermined information after a predetermined period has elapsed since power was supplied to the gaming machine,
The production control means includes
A specific process execution means capable of executing a specific process in a specific period during which information output from the game control means cannot be analyzed;
Information input means capable of inputting the predetermined information after the specific period has elapsed since power was supplied to the gaming machine;
The game control means includes
In the predetermined period , the first process and the second process can be executed,
The power recovery from the instantaneous power failure state in which the power is restored to a voltage value higher than the predetermined voltage value before the special period elapses after the power supplied to the gaming machine is reduced to the predetermined voltage value. can does not execute the first processing, the gaming machine and to execute the second processing before Symbol certain period has elapsed.