JP6725848B2 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine such as a ball-type game machine (also referred to as a “pachinko machine”) or a rotating drum game machine (also referred to as a “slot machine”).

A general gaming machine includes a main control board that controls a game operation, and an effect control board that controls an effect operation according to a command from the main control board. The production control command that the main control board outputs to the production control board is composed of a plurality of commands. The main control board outputs a strobe signal to the effect control board when transmitting each command, and causes the effect control board to separately receive a plurality of commands by, for example, an interrupt based on its edge (for example, patent Reference 1).

JP, 2010-110650, A

However, the circuit for command communication between the main control board and the production control board may be affected by the signal transition time or the propagation delay time, so that the main control board is set with no strobe signal output timing. If so, the effect control board may start receiving the command before the output of the effect control command is confirmed with correct data, and the effect control board may not be able to reliably receive the transmission command.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which the effect control board can surely receive a transmission command in view of the above-mentioned problems.

In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, when a start condition is satisfied, a lottery is then performed, and a main control means for controlling a game operation according to the result of the lottery, and a production operation by the control of the main control means. In the gaming machine provided with controlling effect control means , the main control means is a command output to which a latch circuit for temporarily holding a command to be output to cause the effect control means to perform a command output is connected. A port, and a strobe signal output section that outputs a strobe signal when the command is output to the command output port, and a predetermined waiting time is set after the command is set to the command output port. However, the standby process of repeatedly decrementing until the data for controlling the predetermined standby time becomes zero, and the strobe signal output unit upon completion of the standby process for the predetermined standby time, run and strobe signal output control processing for outputting said strobe signals to effect control means, wherein the performance control unit, the main based have a command to start reading condition on the output of the strobe signal from the control means holds then, command reception interrupt process occurs, in the command reception interruption processing, will receive the commands latched in said latch circuit via the command output port, the command, the first command by a plurality of unit data In the transmission of the command from the main control means to the effect control means, the setting to the command output port and the strobe signal of each of the plurality of unit data constituting the command. Output is made, and the main control means is configured to set a predetermined waiting time even after execution of the strobe signal output control processing, while the last unit data forming the command is output to the command output port. It is characterized in that the process for setting the waiting time is not performed after the strobe signal output control process executed after the setting .

According to the present invention, a production control board can be made to receive a transmission command certainly.

It is a front view showing a configuration example of a gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a rear view which shows the structural example of the game machine shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the external appearance in which each board|substrate is removably attached to the effect control board|substrate shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the board|substrate surface of the production|generation control board of the state which removed each board|substrate from the state shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which shows the state where the production control ROM baseplate and the image control baseplate are removed from the production control baseplate. It is a rear view which shows the structural example of the image control board shown in FIG. It is the strabismus figure which shows the constitution example of the connector which is provided in the baseplate plane of the side where the production control ROM baseplate is loaded. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing an electrical configuration example of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2. 9 is a block diagram mainly showing a configuration example of an I/O port circuit and the like shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of an output timing control unit shown in FIG. 9. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the function of the main control board shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the function of the production|generation control board shown in FIG. It is a diagram showing an example of a special symbol winning/winning lottery table. It is a diagram showing an example of a symbol table per special symbol. It is a diagram showing an example of a special symbol variation pattern table. It is a flow chart which shows an example of main control side main processing. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing on the main control side following FIG. 16. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing on the main control side following FIG. It is a flow chart which shows an example of timer interrupt processing of the main control side. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of main control side timer interrupt processing which is continuous with FIG. It is a flow chart which shows an example of starting opening supervisory control processing. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a starting opening monitoring control process following FIG. 21. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol variation start monitoring process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process following FIG. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special symbol control processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol control general-purpose processing shown in FIG. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the special symbol variation start processing shown in FIG. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special symbol fluctuation processing shown in FIG. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the special symbol stop symbol displaying process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol stop symbol displaying process following FIG. It is a flow chart which shows an example of processing during special symbol stop symbol display following Drawing 31. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special electric auditors product control processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special electric auditors product control processing following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special electric auditors product control processing following FIG. It is the flowchart which shows one example of production control command transmission processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of production control command transmission processing following Drawing 36. It is a figure which shows an example of the output timing of a strobe signal. It is a figure which shows an example of the output timing of a strobe signal. It is a figure which shows an example of the timing which captures effect data according to a strobe signal. It is a flow chart which shows an example of reset start processing. It is the flowchart which shows one example of production control side main processing. 43 is a flowchart showing an example of the command analysis process shown in FIG. 42. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the production state shift processing shown in Drawing 43. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the change production content determination process shown in FIG. It is the flowchart which shows one example of the big hit production contents decision processing which is shown in Figure 43. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the big hit production contents determination processing following FIG. It is the flowchart which shows one example of production control command reception interruption processing. It is the flowchart which shows one example of production control side timer interruption processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of image control command transmission interruption processing.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 are a front view and a rear view showing a configuration example of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, a front frame 2 is provided with upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3A and 3B at a front left edge portion with respect to an outer frame 1 fixed to a game island of a game facility. It is attached so that it can be opened and closed horizontally and can be detached. The front frame 2 is held in a state of being engaged and connected with the outer frame 1 by using a locking device 4 (so-called double lock) provided on the right side edge portion of the front surface.

On the front side of the front frame 2, a glass frame 5 and a bowl unit are attached to the front side by hinge mechanisms 7a, 7b, 7c on the left side edge so as to be opened and closed sideways and detachable. The front frame 2 is held in a closed state covering the front surface thereof by using the locking device 4. On the upper half of the front frame 2 located behind the glass frame 5, the game board 20 is detachably mounted from the front side, and the game is performed through the double-layer glass of the glass frame 5 which is closed and held as described above. The game area 20A in front of the board 20 is visible.

On the front side of the glass frame 5, a frame lamp (LED lamp) 10 that emits light according to the progress of the game and a speaker 11 that outputs sound according to the progress of the game are provided. The ball plate unit is provided with upper and lower ball plates (upper ball plate 8 and lower ball plate 9) that store game balls. At the center of the front surface of the upper bowl plate 8, an effect button 15 which is pressed by the player is provided. On the front right side of the lower ball plate 9, there is provided a firing handle 12 for performing a game ball firing operation.

The game board 20 is configured with a substrate formed in a rectangular flat plate shape using a synthetic resin material such as an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, or an ABS resin as a base. On the front surface of the game board 20, outer rails and inner rails are fixed in an arc shape, and a substantially circular game area 20A that allows the game balls to flow down while rolling is defined. In this game area 20A, along with a windmill and a large number of game nails, in addition to various winning openings such as a first starting opening 61, a second starting opening 62, an operating gate 63, a special winning opening 64 and a general winning opening 66, Various display devices such as a 1 special symbol display device 171, a second special symbol display device 172, a first special symbol hold lamp 173, a second special symbol hold lamp 174, a normal symbol display device 175 and a universal symbol hold lamp 176 are provided. ing. A center decoration 22 is provided in substantially the center of the game area 20A, and the screen of the effect display device 70 is visible through the center opening of the center decoration 22. At the lower end of the game area 20A, there is provided an outlet 29 for discharging the rolling-down gaming balls that do not enter the respective winning openings to the back side of the game board 20.

The 1st starting opening 61 corresponds to the 1st special symbol game, and the 1st starting opening switch mentioned later for detecting the entrance of the game ball is provided. The entry of the game ball into the first starting opening 61 is a trigger for the first special symbol lottery.

The second starting opening 62 corresponds to the second special symbol game, and is provided with a second starting opening switch, which will be described later, for detecting entry of a game ball. Entering the game ball into the second starting opening 62 is a trigger for the second special symbol lottery. The second starting port 62 is provided with an ordinary electric accessory 622 composed of a movable piece, and an ordinary electric accessory solenoid described below for driving the ordinary electric accessory 622 to open and close. The normal electric accessory 622 has a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting opening 62 and an open state in which the game ball is easier to enter than the closed state, depending on the energized state of the normal electric accessory solenoid. The state and the variable can be changed alternately. Here, the second starting port 62 is difficult for the game ball to enter unless the ordinary electric auditors object 622 is in the open state, while it is easy for the game ball to enter when the ordinary electric auditors object 622 is in the open state. It will be composed.

The operation gate 63 corresponds to a normal symbol game, and an operation gate switch, which will be described later, for detecting that the game ball has passed is provided. The passage of the game ball to the operation gate 63 is a trigger for the normal symbol lottery that determines whether or not to open the normal electric accessory 622 of the second starting opening 62. In the present embodiment, a gate (passage port) that allows the balls to flow down in the game area even after passing is adopted as the operation port that normally triggers the operation of the symbol, but like the general winning port described later. It is also possible to adopt a special winning opening so that when a prize ball is generated, it is discharged from the rear surface of the gaming machine after entering the prize ball.

The special winning opening 64 is a horizontally long rectangular winning opening that is opened when a big hit or a small hit is made in the winning/distracting lottery of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special winning opening 64 is provided with a big winning opening switch, which will be described later, for detecting the entry of a game ball, and a special electric accessory 642 that constitutes a part of a so-called attacker device and this special electric winning combination. A special electric accessory solenoid 124 for opening and closing the object 642 is provided. The special electric auditors product 642 alternates between a normal state in which the game ball cannot enter or difficult to enter the special winning opening 64 and an open state in which the game ball can enter or is easy to enter.

The special winning opening 64 is provided in an area on the right side of the game area 20A. Therefore, in the special game state, when the game ball is shot in the game area 20A, by hitting the right side area, that is, by so-called right hitting, the game ball easily enters the special winning opening 64. ing.

The general winning opening 66 is provided in the lower left area of the game area 20A, and may rarely receive a game ball rolling down in the game area 20A. The general winning opening 66 is provided with a general winning opening switch, which will be described later, for detecting the entry of a game ball.

The out port 29 is provided in the lower area of the game area 20A, and receives the game ball that has finished rolling down the game area 20A. The out port 29 is provided with an out ball detection switch, which will be described later, for detecting a game ball.

The first special symbol display device 171 executes the variable display of the first special symbol after the game ball has entered the first starting opening 61, and then performs the fixed display. The first special symbol display device 171 is composed of, for example, 7-segment LED, the variable display of the first special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of each segment, and the blinking of the segment is stopped to be a lighting display. The first special symbol is confirmed and displayed by switching. The stop symbol of the first special symbol is composed of numbers and symbols expressed by a combination of each segment.

The second special symbol display device 172 performs the variable display of the second special symbol after the game ball has entered the second starting opening 62, and then performs the finalized display. The second special symbol display device 172 is composed of, for example, 7-segment LED, the variable display of the second special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of each segment, and the blinking of the segment is stopped to be a lighting display. The second special symbol is confirmed and displayed by switching. The stop symbol of the second special symbol is formed by numbers or symbols expressed by the combination of each segment.

The 1st special figure reservation lamp 173 and the 2nd special figure reservation lamp 174 are respectively constituted from, for example, two LED lamps, and the operation suspension of the 1st special symbol and the 2nd special symbol is indicated by the lighting/flashing display of the lamp. Express the number of spheres (maximum 4). The number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is a number according to the ball entering the first starting opening 61 during the change of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or the execution of the special game, and the first The random number value obtained in response to the ball entering the starting opening 61 is held. That is, this indicates the number of times that the acceptance/rejection determination has been temporarily suspended until the variation start condition (eligibility determination permission condition) is satisfied for the acquired random number value. The number of operation reserved balls of the second special symbol is a number corresponding to the ball entering the second starting opening 62 during the change of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of the special game, and the second starting. The random number value acquired in response to the ball entering the mouth 62 is suspended. That is, this indicates the number of times that the acceptance/rejection determination has been temporarily suspended until the variation start condition (eligibility determination permission condition) is satisfied for the acquired random number value.

The normal symbol display device 175 is composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and by the lighting/blinking display of the lamps, the variable symbol display and the final symbol display are performed. In the present embodiment, for example, the variation display of the normal symbol is expressed by a mode in which two lamps alternately turn on and off, and depending on which of the lamps is finally turned on, the normal symbol is displayed. Notify the result of lottery. The universal figure holding lamp 176 is composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and the lighting/flashing display of the lamp expresses the number of operation holding balls of the normal symbol (maximum 4). In addition, on the left side of the normal symbol display device 175, a round display 177 for displaying the number of round games in the special game (the number of rounds: the number of times the special electric auditors product 642 continuously operates) is provided.

The effect display device 70 mainly displays an effect image including a decorative symbol and a notice effect that are variable displayed/stopped in conjunction with the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Hold display. Specifically, on the screen of the effect display device 70, in synchronization with the decorative symbol display unit (not shown) on which the variable display of the decorative symbol and the notice effect display are executed, and the first special symbol holding lamp 173. A first special figure hold display section (not shown) in which the hold display of the first special symbol is executed, and a second special figure in which the hold display of the second special symbol is executed in synchronization with the second special figure hold lamp 174. The figure reservation display part (not shown) is provided.

In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is adopted as the effect display device 70. Although not shown in the decorative symbol display portion, three columns of display regions (left display region, middle display region, right display region) that are variable display regions of the decorative symbol are provided on a predetermined effective line, The left symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the left display region, the middle symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the middle display region, and the right symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the right display region are stopped and displayed. In the normal display mode, the special image hold display section (not shown) displays a hold image of a white circle when an operation hold ball with a special symbol is generated, while corresponding to the operation hold ball being consumed. The held image is erased. This reserved image is displayed in a predetermined order such as the type of the special design operation holding balls and the order of occurrence (the order of entering balls), and it is possible to display a maximum of four on each special figure holding display section. is there.

The center decoration 22 is a kind of ornamental body provided around the effect display device 70, and exerts a decorative function in the flow path of the game sphere or around the screen of the effect display device 70. The center decoration 22 is provided with a movable accessory that executes a rendering operation according to the progress of the game. The movable accessory is operated by a drive source such as a stepping motor or a solenoid. The center decoration 22 is provided with at least one panel lamp 25 that emits light according to the progress of the game. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the frame lamp 10 and the panel lamp 25, which will be described later, are also collectively referred to as "effect lamps 10, 25".

As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the front frame 2, a back set board 30 having a window that communicates with the front and rear in approximately the center and configured in a rectangular frame shape slightly smaller than the front frame 2 is detachable. It is installed. In each part of the back set board 30, a storage tank 31 for storing a large number of game balls, a tank rail 32 extending from the storage tank 31 to the right with a gentle downward slope, and a lower end connected to the right end of the tank rail 32. For extending the ball supply passage portion 33, the prize ball payout unit 34 for paying out the game ball guided by the ball supply passage portion 33, and for guiding the game ball paid out from the prize ball payout unit 34 to the upper ball plate 8. The prize ball passage portion 35 and the like are provided.

On the back side of the game board 20, for example, a main control board 100 that comprehensively controls the operation of the game machine according to the present embodiment, a production control board 200 that controls overall production, and an image corresponding to the game development. An image control board 300 for controlling display and sound output is mounted in a state of being covered by an effect unit case not shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the effect control board 200 and the image control board 300 form a liquid crystal unit in an assembled state integrated with the effect display device (liquid crystal display device) 70. On the other hand, on the back side of the back set board 30, for example, a payout control board 400 that controls the launch and payout of game balls, and power from the game facility side to supply power to various control boards and electric/electronic parts. Power board is installed. In order to prevent unauthorized modification, these control boards are respectively assembled on the back surface of the game board 20 or the back surface of the back set board 30 in an assembled state accommodated in a board case made of a transparent resin which adopts a caulking structure and a sealing seal structure. It is installed. The control board and the electric/electronic parts of each part of the gaming machine are connected to each other via a harness (connector cable).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of appearances of the effect control ROM board 700 and the image control board 300 detachably attached to the effect control board 200 shown in FIG. The effect control ROM 700 is equipped with an effect control ROM 202 described later.

On the effect control board 200, for example, an effect control ROM board 700 is detachably attached near a side edge part of a part of the outer edge thereof, and the image control board 300 is provided at a position adjacent to the effect control ROM board 700. It is detachably attached. Although details will be described later between these effect control ROM board 700 and image control board 300 and effect control board 200, electromagnetic waves that may cause noise are shielded so as to cover a part of the surface of effect control board 200. A part of the electromagnetic wave adsorbing member 900 is exposed.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the board surface of the effect control board 200 in a state where the effect control ROM board 700, the image control board 300 and the electromagnetic wave attracting member 900 are removed from the board surface of the effect control board 200 in the state shown in FIG. It is a perspective view. In the illustrated example, the image control board 300 mounted on the effect control board 200 is indicated by broken lines, and is formed at four corners of one plane (the back surface side in the illustrated state) of the image control board 300. The uncovered portions, which are the portions where the resist is not formed, are fixed to the bosses 316 while being in close contact with the L-shaped screw fastening portions 315 of the grounded conductor. The respective L-shaped screwed portions 315 arranged in the up-down direction are formed so as to face each other and face inward (or, conversely, outward) as shown in the drawing. By using the L-shaped screw fastening portion 315 having such a shape, it is possible to make it less likely to be affected by vibration of the gaming machine itself caused by the firing of the game ball or the operation of the center ornament 22.

The effect control board 200 is provided with an effect control ROM connector 211 and an image control board connector 212 on the surface of the board. The effect control ROM connector 211 is electrically connected to the effect control ROM board 700 by being fitted with the connector of the effect control ROM board 700 (corresponding to the effect control ROM board side connector 701 of FIG. 7 described later). To be done. On the other hand, the image control board connector 212 is electrically connected to the image control board 300 by being fitted with a connector (not shown) provided on the back surface of the image control board 300. This connector is connected to an image control board side connector 310 shown in FIG. 6 described later.

The effect control ROM connector 211 and the image control board connector 212 are electrically connected by two signal pattern pairs 215 and 216 formed in parallel with each other with the ground line 214 formed on the board surface of the effect control board 200 interposed therebetween. Connected to each other. Each of the signal pattern pairs 215 and 216 is composed of two signal patterns. A signal having a frequency of about 3 GHz is transmitted as each signal pattern and can be a source of noise.

In each of the signal pattern pairs 215 and 216 in which the two signal patterns are combined in this way, if signals are exchanged at exactly the same timing in the two signal patterns, there is a risk of being affected by noise at the same time. As an example of these two signal patterns, the same signal is exchanged with a slight time difference.

In the two signal pattern pairs 215 and 216 described above, the presence of the ground line 214 as described above allows, for example, the signal of one of the two signal patterns being communicated to be electromagnetic induction. Thus, it is possible to suppress unnecessary noise caused by affecting the signal of the other signal pattern. Here, the terminal of each connector may function as an antenna depending on the surrounding environment, because the relationship that the length of the pin is an integer multiple of the wavelength or an integer 1 may be established. There is a possibility that it may be susceptible to noise caused by electromagnetic waves from each signal pattern. If the production control ROM board 700 and the image control board 300 are affected by noise during communication, normal production can not be read and control signals cannot be transmitted. There is a risk that it cannot be performed normally. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the following configuration is adopted in order to suppress the influence of noise caused by such electromagnetic waves on the terminals of each connector.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the electromagnetic wave adsorption member 900 is arranged and mounted on the substrate surface of the effect control substrate 200 shown in FIG. The electromagnetic wave attracting member 900 is arranged so as to cover the two signal pattern pairs 215 and 216 formed on the substrate surface of the effect control substrate 200.

The electromagnetic wave adsorption member 900 has a configuration in which an electromagnetic wave adsorption sheet 901 that shields electromagnetic waves is covered with a semitransparent resin 902. Therefore, even when the electromagnetic wave attracting member 900 is arranged on the effect control board 200 as shown in the figure, the substrate surface of the effect control board 200 is slightly transparent and visible through the semitransparent resin 902. ..

The electromagnetic wave adsorbing member 900 is, for example, a T-shaped flat plate member, and the semitransparent resin 902 on both arms above the T-shaped member has cylindrical bosses provided in a case that accommodates the effect control board 200. Through holes 903 and 904 having inner diameters that allow 318 and 319 to pass therethrough are formed.

On the production control board 200, a positioning mark 213 is formed on the surface of the board as a mark indicating a position where the electromagnetic wave adsorption member 900 should be arranged and mounted. With such a configuration, when the electromagnetic wave attracting member 900 is arranged on the substrate surface of the performance control substrate 200 along the positioning mark 213 while penetrating the through holes 903 and 904 into the corresponding bosses 318 and 319, the electromagnetic wave attracting member 900 can be obtained. Can be accurately and easily arranged at a predetermined position on the board surface of the effect control board 200.

When the electromagnetic wave attracting member 900 is arranged so as to cover the two signal pattern pairs 215 and 216 as described above, even if noise occurs from any of the two signal pattern pairs 215 and 216. It is possible to prevent malfunction of each electronic component by making it difficult to affect the surroundings. Further, in addition to preventing noise generated from the signal pattern pairs 215 and 216, it can also be a measure to prevent malfunctions with respect to noise directed to the signal pattern pairs 215 and 216 from the outside. On the other hand, since the electromagnetic wave attracting member 900 is attachable to and detachable from the effect control board 200 as described above, the electromagnetic wave attracting member 900 can be reused in other gaming machines. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the image control board 300, the effect control ROM board 700, and the electromagnetic wave attracting member 900 are arranged so as to cover the two signal pattern pairs 215 and 216 and the connector portion on the effect control board. There is. The image control board 300 and the effect control ROM board 700 are composed of a multi-layer board, and the front surface of a communication point is covered with a plurality of copper plates inside the board and an electromagnetic wave adsorbing member to prevent noise from the outside. In addition, the noise emitted from the signal pattern pairs 215 and 216 to the outside can be suppressed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, between the two arms of the translucent resin 902, the substantially rectangular prism-shaped effect control ROM connector 211 standing upright almost vertically from the substrate surface of the effect control substrate 200 is avoided. Thus, a rectangular cutout is formed. Due to the presence of the cutout portion, even when the electromagnetic wave attracting member 900 is arranged and mounted at a predetermined position on the board surface of the effect control board 200, the electromagnetic wave attracting member 900 does not come into contact with the effect control ROM connector 211. Is configured. The effect control ROM connector 211 is provided with a connector plug 211A provided with each terminal that constitutes an electrical contact, as described later.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the effect control ROM connector 211, a sheet metal shield 211B is provided along the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the connector plug 211A. As a result, the connector plug 211A has a configuration in which even when electromagnetic waves are generated in the surroundings, it is difficult for the electromagnetic waves to reach the internal terminals thereof and is less susceptible to the influence of noise.

FIG. 6 is a rear view showing a schematic configuration example of the back surface of the image control board 300 on which the image control board side connector 310 is mounted. The image control board 300 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape as a whole, although the four corners of one plane are cut out as described above.

The image control board 300 has conductive non-coated portions 311, 312, 313 not covered with resist at four corners of the other board plane on the back side of the one board plane on which the image control CPU 301 is mounted as described above. 314 is formed. These uncovered parts 311, 312, 313, 314 are L-shaped screw-fastening parts 315 of a grounded conductor when the image control board 300 is mounted on the production control board 200 as shown by the broken lines in FIG. And are electrically connected to each other. Due to the presence of these non-covered portions 311, 312, 313, 314 shown in FIG. 6, heat can be released to the metallic conductor, and not only noise countermeasures but also heat radiation countermeasures can be taken.

The image control board side connector 310 is provided in a portion sandwiched by an uncovered portion 313 and an uncovered portion 314 formed on the outer edge of the image control board 300. As described above, the image control board side connector 310 is fitted into the image control board connector 212 of the effect control board 200 to electrically connect the image control board 300 and the effect control board 200, and to connect the both. Allows signals to be exchanged between them.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration example in the vicinity of the effect control ROM board side connector 701 provided on the effect control ROM board 700. As described above, the effect control ROM board side connector 701 is fitted to the effect control ROM connector 211 of the effect control board 200, so that the effect control ROM 202 mounted on the effect control ROM board 700 becomes the effect control board 200. Electrically connected to.

In the production control ROM board side connector 701, elongated and elongated connector connection terminals 701C are arranged in a line at the center of the bottom of a box-shaped rectangular recess having a side wall having a predetermined thickness. It is configured to face. In this way, the side walls that surround the four sides are surrounded by the electromagnetic wave shielding member 701D that is provided with a sheet metal shield along the outer peripheral surface (or the inner peripheral surface) thereof. The effect control ROM board side connector 701 having such a configuration is fixed to the effect control ROM board 700, and is electrically connected to the electronic components mounted on the effect control ROM board 700 by the connection terminals 701E. ing.

Even if the electromagnetic wave shielding member 701D is a member made of a ferrite core instead of the above-described sheet metal shield, the electromagnetic wave shielding member 701D can similarly shield the electromagnetic wave and make it less susceptible to noise. it can. Note that if this ferrite core has a detachable structure, it can be reused in other gaming machines for the same purpose. Further, the ferrite core is not attached so as to surround the side wall of the effect control ROM board side connector 701, but from the base member holding the effect control ROM board 700 to the effect control ROM board side connector 701 and the effect control ROM connector 211. It is also possible to form a tubular rib that surrounds the periphery and attach the ferrite core to the inner and outer peripheries of the rib. With this method, it is not necessary to remove the ferrite core itself, so reuse Convenience increases.

Further, the side wall of the effect control ROM connector 211, which is a rectangle having a predetermined thickness when viewed from above, has two long sides which are its long sides when the electromagnetic wave shielding member 701D is a sheet metal shield as described above. An elastic member 701B configured to be continuous with the electromagnetic wave shielding member 701D in the constituent portion is formed so as to partially cover the outer peripheral surface of the side wall thereof to a part of the inner peripheral surface thereof.

When the effect control ROM board side connector 701 is fitted to the effect control ROM connector 211 due to the existence of the elastic member 701B described above, the effect control ROM board side connector 701 controls the effect by the elasticity of the elastic member 701B. The ROM connector 211 is securely held.

As described above, the configuration for reducing the influence of noise is not limited to the one described above, and is, for example, a box-shaped cooling and holding member that is a holding member for a heat source such as a CPU described later and is open in one direction. An electromagnetic adsorption sheet may be attached to the bottom surface of the base member (not shown) or each side wall continuous with the bottom surface, or a shield may be provided by, for example, vapor deposition.

In addition, such an electromagnetic attraction sheet may be attached to a side wall of a housing case that encloses the effect control board 200 and the image control board 300. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise generated due to static electricity that is likely to occur in the ball feeding mechanism and the prize ball flow path, which will be described later. Communication, communication with an external device such as a data counter) or vice versa.

<Game machine control configuration>
8 is a control block diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration example of the I/O port circuit 104 of the main control board 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram shown, and FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram more specifically illustrating the switching circuit 104C and the like shown in FIG. 9.

<Main control board>
As shown in FIG. 8, the main control board 100 includes a main control CPU 101, a main control ROM 102, a main control RAM 103, an I/O port circuit 104, and the like. The main control CPU 101 controls the operation of the main control program and executes various arithmetic processing relating to the game. The main control ROM 102 stores the main control program and various data in a non-volatile manner. The main control RAM 103 functions as a work area and a buffer memory used as a temporary storage area (temporary area). The I/O port circuit 104 inputs and outputs signals to and from peripheral boards such as the effect control board 200 and the payout control board 400 and each device under the control of the main control CPU 101.

The main control CPU 101 reads the main control program from the main control ROM 102 and executes each instruction on the main control RAM 102 to control the game operation according to each instruction of the main control program.

In addition, although not shown, the main control board 100 includes a clock circuit, a WDT circuit, a CTC circuit, a random number generation circuit, and the like.

The clock circuit divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock. The WDT circuit resets and returns the main control CPU 101 to a normal state when the main control CPU 101 malfunctions or runs out of control. The CTC circuit generates a real-time interrupt and measures time. The random number generation circuit operates as a separate system from the program processing (software random number) by the main control CPU 101 to generate a predetermined random number (built-in random number). These are electrically connected to each other via an internal bus (not shown).

The main control CPU 101 executes various processes related to the main control of the game by reading the main control program stored in the main control ROM 102 and executing arithmetic processing based on the detection information from the switches 161 and the like.

Furthermore, the main control CPU 101 outputs an effect control command for executing an effect operation associated with the main control of the game to the effect control board 200 (corresponding to an effect command output port 101A in FIG. 9 described later). In addition, a payout command output port for outputting a payout command for executing the payout operation of the game ball is provided, and further, a strobe signal for timing when each of the target boards receives the transmission commands is provided. A strobe signal output port (corresponding to a strobe signal output port 101B in FIG. 9 described later) used when outputting is provided. The main control CPU 101 has various other output ports, and the strobe signal output port 101B actually exists as a port for outputting a plurality of data combined with other output data. In the present embodiment, the effect command output port and the strobe signal output port are mainly illustrated and described.

The main control RAM 103 is a volatile storage means in which at least a part of the area is backed up by a backup power supply generated in the power supply board. The backup area of the main control RAM 103 is an area where the storage of data such as the stack pointer and each register held when the power is cut off (hereinafter referred to as “power cutoff”) should be held when the power is cut off. When the power is turned on (when the power is restored), the state of the gaming machine is restored to the state before the power was turned off based on the information in the backup area.

The main control board 100 includes a first start port switch 161 provided at the first start port 61, a second start port switch 162 provided at the second start port 62, an operation gate switch 163 provided at the operation gate 63, It is electrically connected to various switches such as a special winning opening switch 164 provided in the special winning opening 64 and a general winning opening switch 166 provided in the general winning opening 66. In the main control board 100, detection signals from these various switches are input to the main control CPU 101 via the I/O port circuit 104.

Further, the main control board 100, the first special symbol display device 171, the second special symbol display device 172, the first special symbol reserve lamp 173, the second special symbol reserve lamp 174, the normal symbol display device 175, and the general symbol reserve lamp. It is electrically connected to various display means such as 176. This main control board 100 is electrically connected to various solenoids such as a normal electric accessory solenoid 123 that operates the normal electric accessory 622, and a special electric accessory solenoid 124 that operates the special electric accessory 642. Control signals from the main control CPU 101 are transmitted to these various display means and various solenoids via the I/O port circuit 104.

The main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 are connected by, for example, eight parallel signal lines and one strobe signal line, and a single direction from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200. It is possible to communicate only by itself. That is, while it is allowed to transmit various performance control commands from the main control board 100 to the performance control board 200, it is not allowed to transmit commands or data from the performance control board 200 to the main control board 100. ..

The I/O port circuit 104 is provided in the main control board 100 between the main control CPU 101 and the effect control board connection connector 109. The main control CPU 101 and the production control board connecting connector 109 are connected by a strobe signal bus 112 constituted by strobe signal lines, in addition to a data bus 111 constituted by eight data lines. The I/O port circuit 104 includes a latch and switching circuit 104A, a latch circuit 104B, and a switching circuit 104C as shown in FIG.

The latch and switching circuit 104A is provided on the 8-bit data bus 111, while the latch circuit 104B and the switching circuit 104C are provided on the strobe signal bus 112 formed of, for example, a 1-bit strobe signal line. There is.

The latch and switching circuit 104A holds the 8-bit command data (first command, second command) output by the main control CPU 101 via the effect command output port 101A. The command data held by the latch and switching circuit 104A is received by the production control board 200 via the production control board connection connector 109 under the control of the main control CPU 101 as described later.

On the other hand, the latch circuit 104B is a 1-bit strobe signal output by the main control CPU 101 via the strobe signal output port 101B (to be precise, an active potential or an inactive potential of a signal based on 1-bit strobe signal data). Hold. The strobe signal held by the latch circuit 104B is output to the production control board 200 via the production control board connection connector 109 at the output timing designated by the main control CPU 101 by the ON/OFF control of the switching circuit 104C by the main control CPU 101. Is output.

This switching circuit 104C includes a resistor R1, a pull-down resistor R2, and a transistor TR, as shown in FIG. Since the transistor TR is turned off while the L level strobe signal is held in the latch circuit 104B, the output of the transistor TR is turned on (H level) in accordance with the input voltage obtained by reducing the strobe signal voltage by the resistance R2. Level). On the other hand, in the state where the H-level strobe signal is held in the latch circuit 104B, the transistor TR is turned on, and the input of the transistor TR is grounded via the pull-down resistor R2. Therefore, the output of the transistor TR is turned off (L level). Becomes

The switching circuit 104C determines whether the strobe signal held in the latch circuit 104B is at the H level or the L level at the output timing designated by using the strobe signal output timing control function mounted on the main control CPU 101. , Its output is switched to H level or L level. Here, it can be set for each gaming machine whether the strobe signal is at the H level or the L level, which situation is recognized as an active potential which is a valid signal (a signal that triggers the reading of the effect control). Is.

In the present embodiment, as such a strobe signal output timing control function, a wait mode from setting of the effect control command to output and a strobe signal output maintaining period are suitable modes as described below. Is set. This strobe signal output timing control function will be described in detail using a flowchart.

Note that this switching circuit 104C matches the voltage of the strobe signal output from the main control CPU 101, which is on the input side and operates at a higher voltage, with the production control board 200, which is on the output side and operates at a lower voltage. Although the voltage may be stepped down, the voltage may be maintained instead and the voltage may be stepped down by a transformer circuit or the like immediately before the production control board 200 receives the strobe signal. In this case, since the higher potential is generally stronger against noise, it is possible to make the communication unit such as the harness and the connector connecting the main control board 100 and the performance control board 200 less susceptible to noise. it can.

<Production control board>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the effect control board 200 stores an effect control CPU 201 that executes various arithmetic processes related to game effect based on an effect control command from the main control board 100, an effect control program and various data. Between the production control ROM 202, the production control RAM 203 that functions as a work area and a buffer memory as a temporary work area (temporary area), and peripheral boards and devices such as the main control board 100 and the image control board 300. And an I/O port circuit 204 for inputting and outputting signals.

The effect control CPU 201 reads out the effect control program stored in the effect control ROM 202 and executes the effect control program on the effect control RAM 203 to control the effect operation associated with the progress of the game according to the effect control program. In addition, although not shown, the production control board 200 is reset when a clock circuit that divides a clock signal from a crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock and the production control CPU 201 malfunctions or runs out of control. Circuit that returns various signals based on the system clock, TPU circuit that outputs various signals based on the system clock, interrupt controller that generates various interrupts such as timer interrupts based on signals from register settings and CTC circuits, and serial data input/output A serial communication circuit for doing so, a real-time clock circuit (hereinafter referred to as “RTC circuit”) having a time counting function, and the like are mounted, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

The effect control board 200 generates an image control command for instructing the image control board 300 to output an image and a sound in the effect control processing according to the effect control command from the main control board 100, and in addition, the lamp connection. A lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the substrate 91 and a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92 are generated. The effect control board 200 is connected to the image control board 300 such that bidirectional communication is possible. An image control command related to an image and a sound is transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300, and as a response, a response command (so-called ACK command) indicating that the image control command is normally received. Is transmitted from the image control board 300 to the effect control board 200.

The production control board 200 is electrically connected to a lamp connection board 91 having a plurality of LED drivers mounted thereon, and outputs a lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the lamp connection board 91 via a serial communication circuit. Send. In this embodiment, the production control board 200 and the lamp connection board 91 employ clock-synchronous serial communication, and are transmitted by a signal line (clock line) different from the data line for lamp data transmission. The ramp control signal is transmitted bit by bit through the data line in synchronization with the clock signal.

The lamp connection board 91 has a built-in LED driver that functions by receiving a lamp control signal for driving an LED transmitted from the effect control board 200. The lamp connection board 91 turns on/off the switch in the circuit based on the lamp control signal to supply or cut off the drive current to the effect lamps 10 and 25, thereby turning on and off the effect lamps 10 and 25. Control.

Further, the effect control board 200 is electrically connected to the plurality of motor drivers 92, and sends a drive control signal (drive data) for driving the accessory to the motor driver 92 via the I/O port circuit 204. Output. The motor driver 92 supplies a drive current to the stepping motor of each movable accessory by turning on/off a switch in the circuit based on a drive control signal for driving the accessory that is transmitted from the effect control board 200. Each movable accessory is operated by turning on or off. A parallel communication method is used for data transmission to the motor driver 92. Not limited to this embodiment, if a driving source other than the stepping motor is used as the driving source of the accessory, a control signal is sent to the driver IC corresponding to the driving source instead of the motor driver 92. And control data is transmitted.

The image control board 300 includes an image control CPU 301, a ROM 304, a RAM 305, and an I/O port circuit 306. The image control CPU 301 executes various kinds of arithmetic processing relating to the image effect based on the image control command from the effect control board 200. The ROM 304 stores an image control program and various data. The RAM 305 temporarily functions as a work area or a buffer memory as a storage area (temporary area). The I/O port circuit 306 inputs/outputs signals to/from a peripheral board or each device.

The image control CPU 301 reads the image control program from the ROM 304, loads it into the RAM 305, and executes it, thereby controlling the image display operation related to the effect according to the image control program. The ROM 304 corresponds to the ROM on the effect control ROM substrate 700.

Further, on the image control board 300, VDP 302 that generates image data according to the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the image control CPU 301, and sound data according to the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the image control CPU 301. It is equipped with a sound source IC 303 to be generated. The VDP 302 is a so-called graphic processor, which reads image data stored in an image ROM (not shown) in accordance with an instruction from the image control CPU 301, and performs image processing on the image data to generate a video signal on the effect display device 70. Output to. The VDP 302 is connected to a high-speed VRAM (not shown) used for developing/processing the image data read from the image ROM. The sound source IC 303 reads sound data stored in a voice ROM (not shown) in response to an instruction from the image control CPU 301, and outputs sound data generated by synthesizing the sound data to the speaker 11 via an amplifier. To do.

<Payout control board>
The payout control board 400 includes a payout control CPU 401, a payout control ROM 402, and a payout control RAM 403. The payout control board 400 drives the prize ball payout unit 34 based on the payout control command from the main control board 100 to control the payout operation of the game ball (prize ball operation), while depending on the operation amount of the firing handle 12. The ball feeding mechanism 13 and the launching mechanism 14 are driven in synchronization with each other to control the launching operation of the game ball.

<Power board>
Although omitted in FIG. 8, the power supply board includes a normal power supply circuit, a backup power supply circuit, and a power failure monitoring circuit. The normal power supply circuit generates a normal power supply used in each control board based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply facility of the game island. The backup power supply circuit generates a backup power supply. The power failure monitoring circuit has a function of monitoring power failure due to voltage drop.

The power supply board generates and supplies a power supply voltage required for electronic/electrical parts such as control boards and game machines. A power switch for starting the power circuit is connected to the power board, and when the power switch is turned on while the primary power is being supplied from the power supply device on the game island, each normal power circuit on the power board will Predetermined power is supplied to the control board and the like.

The power supply board has a function of detecting that the power supply from the power supply device of the game island has been cut off (hereinafter also referred to as “power supply cutoff”), and when the power supply cutoff is detected, a power cutoff signal (NMI Signal) to the main control board 100, the effect control board 200, and the payout control board 400. The backup power supply circuit is configured to be charged while power is being supplied from the power supply device on the game island to the game machine. A RAM clear switch (not shown) is connected to the power supply board. The RAM clear switch is a switch for temporarily erasing the stored contents of the main control RAM 103 of the main control board 100 and setting an initial value when the power of the game machine is turned on. The RAM clear switch may be connected to another board such as the main control board 100 instead of the power board.

<Basic operation example of gaming machine>
In the gaming machine configured as described above, the game is started in the state where the game balls are stored in the upper ball plate 8. First, when the firing handle 12 is rotated, the game balls stored in the upper ball dish 8 are sent to the firing mechanism 14 one by one by the ball feeding mechanism 13 provided on the back side of the glass frame 5. The launch mechanism 14 launches the game area 20A at a launch intensity corresponding to the amount of operation of the launch handle 12.

When the game ball rolling down in the game area 20A enters any of the general winning opening 66, the first starting opening 61, the second starting opening 62 and the special winning opening 64, this detection signal is input to the main control board 100. To be done. In the main control board 100, the main control CPU 101 transmits a payout control command instructing a prize ball operation according to the type of the winning opening to the payout control board 400, and the payout control board 400 receives the command to store the payout control command. The game balls of the tank 31 are paid out to the upper ball plate 8 or the lower ball plate 9 by the prize ball payout unit 34.

On the other hand, when the game ball enters the first starting opening 61 or the second starting opening 62, this detection signal is input to the main control board 100. In the main control board 100, when the main control CPU 101 detects a ball entering the first starting opening 61 or the second starting opening 62, it acquires a random number value of a special symbol, and the random value is up to a predetermined upper limit number. It is temporarily stored as a special design ball. When the predetermined fluctuation start condition is satisfied, the main control CPU 101 then executes a winning/decision judgment and a symbol judgment of a special symbol for the lottery random number value related to the first reserved ball, and a fluctuation pattern determination for selecting a fluctuation pattern. Is executed, and the special symbol is variably displayed using the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 in a mode according to the determination result. Along with this, the main control CPU 101 transmits a production control command to the production control board 200 to cause the image control board 300 to perform the variable display of the decorative symbols and the display of the variable production on the effect display device 70. The variable display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed synchronously after the lapse of the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern. Here, there is a ball entering the first starting opening 61 or the second starting opening 62 and various random selection random number values are acquired, and further, the acquired random number values are held and the fluctuation start condition is satisfied. When performing a special symbol game by the special symbol display device, the process that results in the execution of the special symbol game is called "starting condition (is satisfied)".

In the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is confirmed and displayed in a stop mode indicating a big hit, in a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game. After shifting to a certain special game, the opening/closing operation of the special winning opening 64 is started in response to the operation of the special electric accessory 642. On the other hand, the stop mode of the decorative symbol indicating the big hit in the effect display device 70 is a mode in which, for example, the types of the three symbols match. In this embodiment, as a special game, a 10R special game in which a round game is set to 10 times (10 rounds), a 5R special game in which a round game is set to 5 times (5 rounds), and a round game are 2 A 2R special game set for one time (two rounds) is prepared.

In the present embodiment, even if any of the 10R special game, the 5R special game and the 2R special game is transferred, the number of fluctuations of the special symbol is a predetermined end time number (also referred to as “ST number”) after the end of the special game. During the period until reaching (also referred to as “ST period”), the probability variation function (also referred to as “probable variation”) of the special symbol operates. That is, in the present embodiment, the probability varying function of the special symbol is not continued until the next big hit occurs, but is limited until the number of STs is reached. In this way, when the probability variation function of the special symbol operates, the jackpot probability of the special symbol lottery shifts from the low-probability state to the high-probability state, so that the probability of reaching a new jackpot relatively quickly becomes high.

On the other hand, after the special game is over, the main control CPU 101 may activate a variation time shortening function (hereinafter also referred to as “time saving”) of the special symbol in association with or separately from the probability varying function of the special symbol. When the variation time shortening function of the special symbol operates, the average variation time of the special symbol (and the decorative symbol) tends to be shorter than usual, the number of special symbol lottery per unit time improves, and the last big hit ends. It will be easier to get the next big hit in a shorter time.

Further, the main control CPU 101, when the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, also activates a so-called electric Chu support function (normal electric accessory support function). In the electric Chu support function, any function or combination of the normal symbol probability variation function, the normal symbol variation time shortening function, and the normal electric accessory 622 open extension function operates. When the probability variation function of the ordinary symbol operates, the winning probability of the ordinary symbol becomes higher than the normal state. When the variation time shortening function of the ordinary symbol is activated, the variation time of the ordinary symbol is shortened, and the opening mode of the ordinary electric accessory 622 is changed from that in the normal gaming state (when the electric chewing support function is not activated). By being performed (for example, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 622 is longer than usual), the game ball easily enters the second starting opening 62 (also referred to as the "easy entry state"). When the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 622 operates, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 622 becomes longer than the normal state. In this easy-to-enter state, the possibility that the number of fluctuations of the normal symbol per fixed time will increase compared to the normal state due to the operation of the variation time reduction function of the ordinary symbol, and the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 622 is released. Since the easiness of entering the second starting opening 62 is improved by the operation of the time extension function, the number of entering the second starting opening 62 is likely to increase. Therefore, by the operation of the variable time shortening function of the special symbol and the electric Chu support function, the chances of winning a prize ball by entering the second starting opening 62 during that period increase, and as a result, the player has It is possible to continue the game in a state where it is difficult to reduce the balls as compared with the normal game state.

<Example of main functional configuration of gaming machine>
The outline of the game operation of the gaming machine according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the main functions of the gaming machine according to this embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of the main control board 100 mounted on the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

The main control board 100 is a ball entry determination means 110, a game lottery random number generation means 120, a hold control means 130, an advance determination means 135, a special symbol lottery processing means 140, an ordinary symbol lottery processing means 145, a special game control means 150, a symbol. The display control means 155, the electric accessory control means 160, the game state control means 169, the error monitoring control means 170, the main information storage means 180, and the command transmission/reception means 190 are included. Each of the above-mentioned means in the main control board 100 is a main control CPU 101 provided on the main control board 100, a main control ROM 102, a main control RAM 103, hardware such as an electronic circuit, a main control ROM 102, and the like. Although it is composed of software such as a control program, it is expressed here as a functional block.

The entry determining means 110 detects signals from the first starting opening switch 161, the second starting opening switch 162, the operation gate switch 163, the special winning opening switch 164, the general winning opening switch 166, the out ball detecting switch 167 and the like. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered each prize hole.

The game lottery random number generation means 120 takes in the built-in random number generated in the random number generation circuit described above, and by adding a soft random number per special symbol described later to this, the random number per special symbol used in the winning/winning lottery of the special symbol. To generate. The game lottery random number generating means 120 is provided with a random number counter for generating various software random numbers by the program processing of the main control CPU 101. These random number counters function as random number generating means for generating random numbers by software.

As this software random number, a soft random number per special symbol that is added to the above-mentioned built-in random number to constitute a random number per special symbol, a soft initial value random number per special symbol for determining the initial value and the end value of the soft random number per special symbol , Special symbol per symbol used as a stop symbol of special symbol (combination of symbols that will activate the condition device, combination of deviating symbols, etc.) used for determination, initial value and end value of special symbol per symbol random number Special initial value random number per special symbol to determine, special symbol variation pattern random number used to select the variation pattern of the special symbol, normal random number per symbol to be used for the winning or failure lottery of the regular symbol, random number per ordinary symbol Of the initial value per normal symbol for determining the initial value and the end value, a normal symbol variation pattern random number used for selecting the variation pattern of the normal symbol, etc. are included. In addition, the above-mentioned winning symbol means a winning symbol.

These software random numbers are updated once every time a timer interrupt process occurs, and for the initial value random number, the remaining time of the interrupt cycle is used even while the timer interrupt process is not being executed (loop process). And update.

Hold control means 130 includes a special symbol hold control means 131 and a normal symbol hold control means 132. The special symbol holding control means 131 is a lottery random number value relating to the special symbol game, triggered by the entry of the game ball into the first starting opening 61 or the second starting opening 62, a random value per special symbol, per special symbol The symbol random number value, the special symbol variation pattern random number value is acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special symbol holding control means 131 stores the main information storage so that the operation holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4), respectively, and the entry order of the holding balls. It is temporarily stored in the first special symbol hold storage area or the second special symbol hold storage area of the means 180.

In the first special symbol reserved storage area and the second special symbol reserved storage area, in the order of entering the starting openings 61, 62, the reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area), the reserved 2 storage area (2 The third reserved storage area), the third reserved storage area (third reserved storage area), and the fourth reserved storage area (fourth reserved storage area) are respectively provided. Each reservation storage area can store a random number per special symbol, a random symbol per special symbol, and a special symbol variation pattern random number as a set as the operation retaining ball information. The operation holding ball information is stored in the order of the holding 1 storage area, the holding 2 storage area, the holding 3 storage area, and the holding 4 storage area, while the holding 1 storage area, the holding 2 storage area, the holding 3 storage area, and the holding 4 storage. The areas are digested according to the so-called first-in first-out principle. When the reserved sphere information in the reserved 1 storage area is exhausted, the reserved sphere information stored in the reserved 2 storage area, the reserved 3 storage area, and the reserved 4 storage area is shifted to the lower numbered storage areas, respectively, and the reserved 4 Clear the contents of the storage area to zero.

Special symbol holding control means 131, the first special symbol holding ball number counter for counting the operation holding ball number of the first special symbol, the second special symbol holding for counting the operation holding ball number of the second special symbol It has a sphere counter. The special symbol holding control means 131, as the update processing of the number of operation holding balls of the special symbol, each time one operation holding ball of the special symbol is acquired, the corresponding counter is incremented by 1, and one operation holding ball is consumed. The corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

When the special symbol hold control means 131 updates (addition or subtraction) the operation holding ball number of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the production control command including the update information of the holding ball number ("symbol memory number command" Is called) and is temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. This 1 command includes information on both the number of operation holding balls of the first special symbol and the number of operation holding balls of the second special symbol. In principle, the operation-holding balls of each special symbol will be digested in the order in which they enter the ball, but in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is executed preferentially over the first special symbol. Yes, because the so-called priority digestion is adopted, while the operation reserve ball related to the second special symbol game exists, regardless of the existence of the operation reserve ball related to the first special symbol game, the operation related to the second special symbol game It is configured to preferentially digest reserve balls. In addition, under this priority digestion, when the operation reserve ball of the second special symbol exists, even if the operation reserve ball of the first special symbol exists, the digestion of the operation reserve ball of the first special symbol will occur. It will be put on hold.

The normal symbol holding control means 132 is a lottery random number value related to the normal symbol game when the game ball rolling down the game area 20A has passed through the operation gate 63. The symbol random number value, the normal symbol fluctuation pattern random number value, is acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation pending ball information of the normal symbol. The normal symbol holding control means 132, the operation holding ball information of the normal symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four), the normal symbol holding storage area of the main information storing means 180 so as to be combined with the entering order of the holding ball. Temporarily store in. Normal symbol holding control means 132 has a normal symbol holding ball number counter for counting the operation holding ball number of the normal symbol. Normal symbol holding control means 132, as the update process of the number of holding balls of the working normal symbol, every time one operation holding ball of the normal symbol is acquired, the corresponding counter is incremented by 1, and one working holding ball is consumed. The corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

When the pre-judgment means 135 acquires the operation holding sphere of the special symbol at a predetermined pre-judgment timing, the pre-judgment means 135 executes the pre-judgment for the pre-reading notice for the operation reserved sphere. As an example of the pre-determination timing, (1) waiting for a hit, and when the operation-holding ball of the first special symbol is acquired while the power-chu support function is not operating, (2) waiting for a hit, and a power-chu If you get the operation reserve ball of the second special symbol while the support function is operating, (3) If you obtain the operation reserve ball of the second special symbol during the big hit or small hit, one of the conditions It is time to be satisfied. In addition, in the main control board 100, regardless of the timing at which the operation holding ball is acquired, the pre-determination is performed and the information is transmitted to the effect control board 200. It is also possible to decide.

Specifically, the pre-determination means 135 reads a random number value corresponding to the operation holding ball acquired this time from the first special symbol hold storage area or the second special symbol hold storage area of the main information storage means 180, and wins/falls lottery. Pre-judgment (pre-judgment pre-judgment), pre-judgment of symbol lottery (pre-judgment of symbol), pre-judgment of fluctuation pattern lottery (pre-judgment of fluctuation pattern) are sequentially executed. The pre-determination table used in each pre-determination is not shown in the drawing, but is the same as the lottery table (special symbol win/loss lottery table, special symbol per symbol table, variation pattern table) described later, and corresponds to the total number of random numbers. The area is divided into a plurality of areas, and a lottery ID is assigned to each of the areas (the number of determination values). In addition, the pre-determination by the pre-determination means 135, if it corresponds to the random number value used in the lottery when the fluctuation actually starts, the first special symbol reserved storage area or the second special symbol reserved storage area Instead of the data stored in the RAM, the data temporarily stored in the RAM or the register of the CPU may be determined in advance.

As the lottery ID, a number indicating the result of the preliminary determination (also referred to as "preliminary determination number") is set. The pre-determination unit 135 sequentially generates an effect control command (referred to as “pre-determination command”) including information on a pre-determination result (pre-determination number), and stores this in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. .. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the case where the preliminary determination result is transmitted as the information (lottery ID) to which random number value range belongs, but a win/loss lottery table or the like used when actually starting the variation is used. Alternatively, the result of the lottery may be transmitted in advance.

The special symbol lottery processing means 140 includes a special symbol winning/discarding determination means 141, a special symbol stop symbol determining means 142 and a special symbol variation pattern determining means 143. The special symbol lottery processing means 140, when the variation start condition of the special symbol is satisfied, the random number per special symbol stored in the first storage area (holding 1 storage area) of the special symbol holding storage area in the main information storage means 180. The special symbol per symbol random value, the special symbol fluctuation pattern random number value is read out, and this is stored in each of the special symbol validity determination area, the special symbol determination area and the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180. Here, the "variation start condition of the special symbol is satisfied" means that, for example, when the priority control of the second special symbol is adopted as in the present embodiment, (1) there is no big hit or small hit, (2) All of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for variation, (3) The operation holding ball is present in at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, all the conditions Means to be satisfied. When all of these conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the special symbol can start changing.

The special symbol hit determination unit 141 reads the random number per special symbol from the special symbol hit determination region of the main information storage unit 180 and executes the hit determination, and whether the determination result corresponds to a big hit, a small hit, or a loss. To decide. The result of this hit determination is temporarily stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180 (for example, big hit data (for example, "55H"), small hit data (for example, "33H"), and outlier data (for example, "00H"), after being used in the subsequent processing, it is cleared when the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped.The special symbol win/loss determination means 141 refers to the special symbol win/loss table when making this win/fail determination. "H" after each of the above data is an acronym for "Hexadecimal (hexadecimal number)", which means that the data is represented by hexadecimal numbers. It indicates that the byte data is “01010101B (“B” is a binary number).” In particular, in the case of a decimal notation, no symbol is added or “D” is added for explanation.

FIG. 13(A) is a diagram showing an example of a special symbol winning/winning lottery table which is referred to in a normal state as a so-called low probability state, and FIG. 13(B) is referred to in a probability changing state as a so-called high probability state. It is a figure which shows an example of the special symbol winning/losing lottery table.

In this special symbol winning/discarding lottery table, the random number per special symbol and the determination results of the big hit, the small hit and the outfall are associated with each other. The winning probabilities of the big hit and the small hit are determined according to the random number range thus associated. As can be seen from these FIG. 13(A) and FIG. 13(B), in the winning/winning lottery of the special symbol game, in the normal state (low probability state), the big hit only when the random number value falls within the range of “0 to 163” Becomes On the other hand, in the probability variation state (high probability state), the range of big hits is expanded, and not only when the random number value falls within the range of “0 to 219”, but also when it falls within the range of “220 to 2185”. It is a big hit. That is, when the probability varying function of the special symbol operates, the lottery probability of the jackpot changes from the low probability state (about 1/300) to the high probability state (about 1/30).

In this way, the range corresponding to the big hit changes according to the game state, but the winning probability of the big hit is the same in the winning/losing lottery of the first special symbol and in the winning/non-winning lottery of the second special symbol. Here, even if the random number per special symbol does not fall within the range of big hits, it will be a small hit if it falls within a predetermined range. In the present embodiment, it is configured that there is a small hit only in the winning/discarding lottery of the first special symbol, but for example, a small hit is also prepared in the winning/discarding lottery of the second special symbol and the second special symbol The winning/winning lottery may be configured to be a small hit with a higher probability than the winning/winning lottery of the first special symbol, or the small winning may be prepared only in the winning/winning lottery of the second special symbol.

The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the symbol group to which the stop symbol belongs, based on the result of the lottery of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. To do. Special symbol stop symbol determination means 142, when the result of the lottery is a big hit, the first special symbol per symbol table that is referred to when determining the stop symbol and symbol group of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. And has a second special symbol per symbol table.

In the first special symbol per symbol table, as shown in FIG. 14(A), with respect to the special symbol per symbol random value, the content of the stop symbol, the symbol group, and the big hit (the probability varying function of the special symbol and the shortening of the variation time) The number of times the function has been operated and the operation pattern of the special winning opening 64 are associated with each other. In addition, the numerical value "100" in the parentheses means the number of operations of the probability varying function and the variation time shortening function of the special symbol, that is, the number of STs. In this table, the stop symbols “1” to “8” of the first special symbol are classified into two types of symbol groups A and B according to the type of big hit. In addition, in the present embodiment, the win/no win lottery is not shown, and the winning symbol table in the case of a small hit is not shown. However, in the case where the winning/winning lottery is all a single action, the hit symbol table should be used. Instead, it is assumed that the deviating symbol and the small hit symbol are uniquely determined, and if the deviating symbol and the small hit symbol are given different types, it is possible to change the variation pattern or change the control mode of the special electric accessory. , Departure, even in the case of small hits, the hit symbol table may be used to determine the symbol.

Specifically, in the symbols "1", "2", "3", and "4", the symbol group A (10R specific time shortened symbol) is included, and in the symbols "5" and "6", the symbol group B is included. (5R specific time shortened symbol), the symbols "7" and "8" are respectively associated with the symbol group C (2R specific time shortened symbol). In the present embodiment, the "specific symbol" is a pattern that activates the probability varying function after the special game ends, while the "normal symbol" means the probability varying function after the special game ends. It is a symbol that is not operated (the same applies to the second special symbol described later).

The symbol groups A and B are specific symbols showing a so-called "probability variation hit" that shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to a probability variation state (high probability state), and the number of variations of the special symbol is a big hit within the number of ST times. Until the end without generating, or until the next big hit occurs in the number of ST, limited to the probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time shortening function of special symbols, and the electric Chu support function. It Regarding the symbol group A, the prescribed number of rounds of the special game is 10, and the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds. On the other hand, for the symbol group B, the prescribed round number of the special game is 5, and the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

Although the symbol group C is different from the above "probability variation hit" in the number of times and opening time of the special winning opening 64, the gaming state after the special game is finished is shifted to the probability variation state (high probability state) of the special symbol. , A so-called "sudden probability change hit" is a specific symbol, until the number of times the special symbol changes within the ST count is completed without causing a big hit, or until the next big hit occurs within the ST count. Only during this period, a special symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening function, and a power support function will be added. The prescribed number of rounds of the special game is two, and the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 64 in one round game is about 1.8 seconds.

On the other hand, if the result of the win/loss lottery is a small hit, the symbol determination by the special symbol per random number is omitted, and the symbol “9” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol. The symbol “9” is associated with a symbol group F (special electric operation symbol 1). In the case of a small hit, it does not trigger the change of the game state (probability change function, change time shortening function, electric Chu support function) and change pattern selection state, and the game state is maintained before and after the win/loss lottery. To be done. If the result of the win/no lottery is out of order, the symbol “0” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol.

On the other hand, in the above-mentioned second special symbol per symbol table, as shown in FIG. 14B, for the special symbol per symbol random value, the stop symbol, the symbol group, the contents of the big hit (the probability varying function of the special symbol) And, the number of operations of the variable time shortening function and the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642 are respectively associated with each other.In the second special symbol per symbol table, the stop symbols "11" to "18" of the second special symbol are , Are classified into two types of symbol groups D and E according to the type of jackpot. Specifically, the symbols “11”, “12”, “13”, and “14” include the symbol group D( 10R specific time shortened symbol), symbols “15”, “16”, “17”, and “18” are associated with symbol group E (5R specific time shortened symbol), respectively.

The symbol groups D and E are specific symbols indicating a so-called "probability variation hit" that shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to the probability variation state (high probability state), and the number of times the special symbol changes is a big hit within the number of STs. Until the end without generating, or until the next big hit occurs within the number of STs, the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol, the fluctuation time shortening function, and the electric Chu support function are added. sell. Regarding the symbol group D, the specified round number of the special game is 10, and the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds. Regarding the symbol group E, the prescribed round number of the special game is 5, and the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

On the other hand, if the result of the win/loss lottery is a small hit, the symbol determination by the special symbol random number is omitted, and the symbol “19” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol. A symbol group G (special electric operation symbol 2) is associated with the symbol “19”. In the case of a small hit, it does not trigger the change of the game state (probability change function, change time shortening function, electric chew support function) and change pattern selection state, and the winning result is off before and after the win/loss drawing. As in some cases, it is determined whether or not the ending condition of the gaming state such as the probability variation function is satisfied, and when the ending condition is not satisfied, the gaming state at the time of the small hit is maintained. If the result of the win/no lottery is out of order, the symbol “0” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol.

As described above, in the present embodiment, three types of 10R big hit (10R specific time shortened symbol), 5R big hit (5R specific time shortened symbol) and 2R big hit (2R specific time shortened symbol) are prepared. There is. The expected value for winning a prize ball in a special game (expected value for winning a prize ball) is in the order of 10R jackpot>5R jackpot>2R jackpot. Therefore, hereinafter, the 10R jackpot is also referred to as "high profit jackpot" having the highest expected value for winning prize balls, and the 2R jackpot is also referred to as "low profit jackpot" having the lowest expected value for winning prize balls. Even if the number of execution rounds is the same, if the long open round game (30 seconds) and the short open round game (1.8 seconds) are mixed, the big hit with many long open round games is “high”. It will be a big hit.

Specifically, the special game may include a special game that has a common number of execution rounds, such as unifying the number of execution rounds to 10 rounds, but changes such that the mode of the round game is different in a predetermined round. In that case, a special game of only a short open round game in which the opening time of the special winning opening 64 is relatively short, and a long opening time of the special winning opening 64 after a predetermined number of execution rounds is long. It may include a special game of a type that switches to an open round game, and the latter constitutes a “high profit jackpot”. Even if the same number of execution rounds is a big hit, the substantial profit, that is, the expected value for winning a prize ball may be different depending on the difference in the special winning opening pattern.

Here, as can be seen from the above description, when the big hit in the win/win lottery of the first special symbol, 10R big hit is selected with a probability of 50%, while the win/loss of the second special symbol If you win big by lottery, there is a 75% chance that 10R big hit will be selected. As a result, it is more advantageous for the player to enter the game ball into the second starting port 62 than to enter the game ball into the first starting port 61 in that there is a high possibility that more payouts can be obtained. The count number (regular count number) is the maximum number of game balls that can enter the special winning opening 64 in the round game.

The special symbol fluctuation pattern determination means 143 shown in FIG. 11 determines the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol based on the special symbol fluctuation pattern random value. Here, the special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 is a plurality of types of variation pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation pattern of the special symbol, as illustrated in FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) described later. Have. The special symbol fluctuation pattern determination means 143 selects one of the fluctuation pattern tables of these plural kinds, based on the current fluctuation pattern selection state and the result of the winning/winning lottery. The relationship between the variation pattern selection state and the variation pattern table will be described later. A plurality of types of variation patterns are defined in each variation pattern table. In addition, in order to make the description easy to understand in each figure, the "selectivity" is shown, but in reality, the judgment value (random number value) for determining the variation pattern is determined according to the special symbol variation pattern random number value. The range) is set, and the fluctuation pattern is determined based on which judgment value the fluctuation pattern random value belongs to. As for various fluctuation patterns, the fluctuation time is set for each fluctuation pattern as a condition for ending the fluctuation of the symbol, and it is premised that the fluctuation of the symbol by the decorative pattern composed of a plurality of symbols is also executed at the fluctuation time. Is defined as In the present embodiment, for convenience of description, only a plurality of types of variation patterns will be described as an example, but in reality, a larger number of variation patterns exist.

FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern table for big hits and small hits. The upper (A1) is a normal variation pattern table, the middle (A2) is a probability variation pattern table, and the lower (A3) is a special variation pattern table. In the present embodiment, the variation patterns that are selected are set to differ depending on the variation pattern selection state, or even in the same variation pattern selection state, depending on the jackpot type.

In the normal variation pattern table (A1), the variation pattern PX2 (normal reach A) or the variation pattern PX3 (super reach A) is selected when the big hit type is 10R big hit, and the variation pattern is 5R big hit. PY2 (normal reach A) or variation pattern PY3 (super reach A) is selected. On the other hand, in the case of a 2R big hit or a small hit, the variation pattern PZ2 (normal reach A) or the variation pattern PZ4 (super reach D) is selected. In this normal variation pattern table for big hits and small hits, the variation patterns in the non-reach mode are not selected, and when the big hit or the small hit is in the normal state, only the variation patterns in the reach mode are selected. obtain.

In the probability variation pattern table (A2), when the big hit type is 10R big hit or 5R big hit, only the change pattern PX7 (super reach B) is selected. On the other hand, in the case of a 2R big hit or a small hit, either the fluctuation pattern PZ6 (normal reach B) or the fluctuation pattern PZ8 (super reach D) is selected. In this probability variation pattern table for big hits and small hits, the variation pattern of the non-reach mode is not selected, and when the big hit or the small hit is the probability variation state of the special symbol, only the variation pattern of the reach mode is selected. Can be selected.

In the special variation pattern table (A3), only the variation pattern PX9 (non-reach C) is selected when the jackpot type is the 10R jackpot, and only the variation pattern PY10 (super reach C) is selected when the jackpot type is the 5R jackpot. Is selected. On the other hand, in the case of a 2R big hit or a small hit, only the variation pattern PZ10 (super reach C) is selected. Here, the fluctuation pattern PX9 of the non-reach C mode is configured as a super-shortened fluctuation time (2 seconds), while the fluctuation patterns PY10 and PZ10 of the super reach C mode are configured as a relatively long fluctuation time (120 seconds). To be done.

FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an example of the variation pattern table for the loss. The upper part (B1) is a normal fluctuation pattern table, the middle part (B2) is a probability fluctuation pattern table, and the lower part (B3) is a special fluctuation pattern table. In the present embodiment, the selected variation pattern is set to differ depending on the variation pattern selection state.

In the normal fluctuation pattern table (B1), any one of fluctuation pattern PH1 (non-reach A), fluctuation pattern PH2 (normal reach A), fluctuation pattern PH3 (super reach A), and fluctuation pattern PH4 (super reach D) is selected. .. In the probability variation pattern table (B2), any one of the variation pattern PH5 (non-reach B), the variation pattern PH6 (normal reach B), the variation pattern PH7 (super reach B), and the variation pattern PH8 (super reach D) is selected. .. In the special fluctuation pattern table (B3), only the fluctuation pattern PH9 (non-reach C) is selected. Here, the variation pattern PH9 in the non-reach C mode is configured as an ultra-shortening variation time (2 seconds).

In the above description, the fluctuation pattern table for the deviation is expressed by a single table in any case, but when the result of the winning/absence lottery becomes a deviation, the number of operation reserved balls of the special symbol ( 0-4), a different variation pattern table may be selected. In other words, by using the variation pattern table according to the number of operation-holding balls of the special symbol, the more the number of operation-holding balls is, the higher the ratio of relatively short variation time is selected, and the smaller the number of operation-holding is, on the contrary. The relatively long fluctuation time can be selected at a higher rate. Further, as the variation pattern table, it is also possible to classify the special symbols by type. For example, in the state where the electric Chu support function is operating, the variable display of the second special symbol is easy, and as shown in FIG. 14, when the big hit of the second special symbol is more advantageous. In, by setting the variation time of the first special symbol to be a long time, it is possible to create a time for accumulating the suspension of the second special symbol which is preferentially controlled for variation.

After the special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 selects the variation pattern of the special symbol, in order to instruct the production control board 200 to start the variation of the decorative symbol, the production control command including the variation pattern information of the special symbol (“variation”). "Designation command"), special symbols (symbol group) and effect control command including information on the game state (referred to as "designation command"), production command including information on the number of holdings after the start of fluctuation ("symbol storage" Several commands)) (hereinafter, these effect control commands are collectively referred to as “variation start command”), and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

The normal symbol lottery processing means 145 has a normal symbol winning/discarding judgment means 146, a normal symbol stop symbol judging means 147, and a normal symbol fluctuation pattern judging means 148. Normal symbol lottery processing means 145, when the fluctuation start condition of the normal symbol is satisfied, the random number per normal symbol stored in the first storage area in the normal symbol holding storage area, the normal symbol fluctuation pattern random value is read, The main symbol storage unit 180 stores the normal symbol validity determination area and the normal symbol variation pattern determination area, respectively.

The normal symbol hit determination unit 146 reads a random number per normal symbol from the normal symbol hit determination region of the main information storage unit 180 and executes the hit determination, and the determination result determines whether the hit or the hit falls. To do. The result of this winning/abstracting lottery is temporarily stored as a normal symbol determination flag in the main information storage unit 180, and is used in the subsequent processing and then cleared when the fluctuation of the normal symbol is stopped. The normal symbol win/loss determination means 146 holds a normal symbol win/loss lot reference table that is referred to in this win/loss lottery. This normal symbol win/loss determination means 146, in the normal state (low probability state), for example, while referring to the normal symbol win/loss lottery table with a probability of "160/283", the probability variation state of the normal symbol (high probability state). ), for example, by referring to the normal symbol winning/winning lottery table which is hit with the probability of “282/283”, the winning/winning lottery of the normal symbol is executed.

In the present embodiment, the normal symbol stop symbol determination means 147 refers to the symbol lottery table to select a predetermined winning symbol when the result of the winning/disapproving lottery is a win, while the predetermined symbol is selected when the result is a win. Select the out-of-design. In addition, when it is desired to have a plurality of control patterns of the ordinary electric accessory, it may be designed to have a plurality of lottery results in the symbol lottery table of the ordinary symbols. Further, even if the winning ordinary symbols are the same, the control pattern of the ordinary electric auditors can be made different depending on whether the game state is the operation of the extension extension function of the ordinary electric auditors.

Normal symbol variation pattern determination means 148, while reading the normal symbol variation pattern random value from the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180, referring to the ordinary symbol variation pattern table, the normal symbol variation display in the normal state In, a relatively long fluctuation time is selected (for example, seven kinds of “4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, and 10 seconds” are uniformly selected). On the other hand, in the time saving state of the normal symbol (the easy entry state), a relatively short variation time (for example, “0.5 seconds”) is selected.

When the result of the winning/winning lottery is a big hit, the special game control means 150 relates to the start demonstration effect and the end demonstration effect displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the special game according to the determined type of the big hit. Determine the demonstration production time. The special game control means 150 directs the production control board 200 side to perform a start demo production (referred to as "big hit start demo command") and an end control production production execution command. A "big hit end demo command" is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. The big hit start demo command also serves as an opportunity to determine the contents of a series of big hit effects (start demonstration effect, round effect, end demonstration effect) that are developed during the special game on the effect control board 200 side. Not limited to the present embodiment, the demonstration effect time determined by the special game control means 150 can be determined based on the game state when a big hit is obtained, other than the big hit type.

When the special game control means 150 generates an effect control command (referred to as "round effect designation command") for instructing the start of the round effect corresponding to each round game in each round game during the special game, this is generated. It is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. In this round effect designation command, a round start command including information on the current number of rounds transmitted at the start of the round, and a large effect for executing the winning effect based on the detection of the special winning opening switch 164 during the round game. Includes the winning award winning command.

When the result of the winning/winning lottery is a small hit, the special game control means 150 determines a demonstration effect time relating to the small hit start demonstration effect and the small hit end demonstration effect displayed on the effect display device 70 during the small hit game. .. The special game control means 150, a production control command for instructing execution of a small hit start demonstration effect (“small hit start demo command”) and an effect control command for instructing execution of a small hit end demonstration effect (“small hit end demo”). Command") and stores it in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

The symbol display control means 155 includes a special symbol display control means 156 and a normal symbol display control means 157. The special symbol display control means 156, according to the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol, causes the first special symbol to be variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 171, and the first special symbol after this variable display is finished. Is confirmed. The special symbol display control means 156 variably displays the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 172 according to the variation pattern (variation time) of the second special symbol, and the second special symbol is fixedly displayed after the variation display. Let Special symbol display control means 156 has a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) relating to the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The operating states of the first special symbol display device 171 and the second special symbol display device 172 are monitored based on the special symbol game status of the main information storage means 180. Special symbol display control means 156, when the variation of the special symbol is stopped (that is, when the special symbol game timer manages the variation time, at the timing when its value becomes "0"), production control An effect control command (referred to as a "variation stop command") for requesting the final display of the decorative pattern to the substrate 200 is generated.

On the other hand, the normal symbol display control means 157 variably displays the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 175 according to the variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol, and after the variation display, the normal symbol is fixedly displayed. Normal symbol display control means 157 has a normal symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the display of the normal symbol. The operating state of the normal symbol display device 175 is monitored based on the normal symbol game status of the main information storage means 180.

When the result of the special symbol winning/winning lottery is a big hit, the electric accessory controlling means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 124 as a special game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed, and the special electric winning combination. The object 642 is opened according to a predetermined operation pattern. In the special game, one opening/closing operation of the special electric auditors product 642 is regarded as one round game, and the round game is continuously executed for a specified number of rounds (10R, 5R, 2R in the present embodiment). The electric accessory control unit 160 holds a special winning opening opening counter for storing the number of operations of the special electric accessory 642 (that is, the number of running rounds). Here, when the big hit type is the so-called 10R big hit (symbol group A, D) or 5R big hit (symbol group B, E), the big winning opening 64 is opened for a maximum of about 30 seconds in one round game. .. On the other hand, when the big hit type is a so-called 2R big hit (symbol group C), the big winning opening 64 is opened for a maximum of about 1.8 seconds in one round game. Here, the closing condition of the special winning opening 64 in the special game (the ending condition of the round game) is the award of the specified number of game balls or the elapse of the openable period of the specified number of seconds.

When the result of the special symbol winning/winning lottery is a small hit, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 124 as a small hit game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed. The electric accessory 642 is opened for a short period of time. The small hit game is a special game composed of one round game, and is distinguished from the big hit game of the special game composed of a plurality of round games. In particular, both the small hit game and the big hit game are special games in which it is easy to obtain a payout based on the operation of the special electric auditors product 642, but the special electric auditors product 642 can be continuously operated. It is determined by whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is operating.

When the winning combination lottery of the normal symbol is won, the electric accessory controlling means 160 outputs a control signal to the normal electric accessory solenoid 123 to open the normal electric accessory 622 for a predetermined opening time. Here, the electric accessory control unit 160 opens the normal electric accessory 622 for an extremely short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, while the normal electric operation is performed in the easy-to-enter state (electric chewing support state). The accessory 622 is opened for a relatively long time (for example, 4 seconds) compared to the normal state.

When the result of the special symbol win/win lottery is a big hit, the game state control means 169 determines the game state after the end of the special game based on the type of the symbol group related to the big hit, and after the end of the special game. Switch the game state. In the following, among the various functions related to the special symbol and the normal symbol described above, 1) the probability variation function of the special symbol, the variation time shortening function of the special symbol, and the game state in which the electric Chu support function operates are referred to as "probability variation state", 2) The game state in which only the special symbol variation time shortening function and the electric Chu support function operates is called "time saving state", and 3) the game state in which only the probability variation function of special symbols operates is called "latency probability variation state". 4) A state in which all functions are not operating is called a "normal state". It should be noted that the “probability variation state”, the “time saving state”, and the “latent probability variation state” are all advantageous game states for the player as compared with the “normal state”.

In the following, each game state, by the combination of the operating state of the special symbol game (high probability / low probability) and the operating state of the normal symbol game (with electric chu support function operation / without electric chu support function operation), (1 ) Probability change state is "high probability/high base", (2) Time saving state is "low probability/high base", (3) Latent probability change state is "high probability/low base", (4) Normal state is "low probability/high base". Sometimes called "/low base" ("base" refers to the number of prize balls per number of balls to be launched, and the possibility of winning prize balls by the operation of ordinary electric auditors during the operation of the electric Chu support function) Is called "high base"). In the present embodiment, as an example, the game state after the end of the special game is until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined final count (that is, the number of STs described above) from the end of the special game. The probability variation state continues over (However, if the next big hit occurs within the number of STs, the probability variation state ends with the fluctuation, and at the end of the big hit game it will be dealt with again based on the big hit type and big hit symbol. Transition to the gaming state). When a small hit occurs during the ST period, the ST number is not reset to 0, and the ST number is continuously counted before and after the occurrence of the small hit. In the present embodiment, the ST number is set to 100 times as an example, but it may be set to another number. In addition, when it shifts to the probability variation state, the probability variation function of the special symbol, the variation time shortening function of the special symbol, and the electric Chu support function operate at the same time, and each function will continue as long as the probability variation state continues.

When the result of the special symbol win/win lottery is a big hit, whether the game state before the big hit is a normal state or a probability changing state, the special state is the normal state during the special game and the number of STs is increased after the special game. As a limit, it will be in a state of probable variation. On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol win/win lottery is a small hit, if the gaming state before the small hit was a normal state, the gaming state during the small hit game and after the small hit game will also be the normal state. If the gaming state before the small hit is a probability variation state of the special symbol, the gaming state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also the probability variation state of the special symbol.

When the result of the winning/winning lottery is a big hit, the game state control means 169 determines the variation pattern selection state after the special game based on the type of the big hit (the types of the symbol groups A to E), and after the special game. Change the variation pattern selection state of. The variation pattern selection state is one of the conditions referred to when selecting the variation pattern table described above. The switching timing of the variation pattern selection state is at the end of the special game or when the end number of times of the variation pattern selection state is completed. In the present embodiment, there are three types of fluctuation pattern selection states, such as "low probability normal fluctuation state α", "high probability shortened fluctuation state β", and "high probability special fluctuation state γ". Here, the low-probability normal fluctuation state α is a normal fluctuation pattern table (A1 in FIG. 15A and B1 in FIG. 15B) selected when the game state is the normal state (low-probability state). It is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference. High probability shortening fluctuation state β is a probability variation pattern table (A2 in FIG. 15(A) and FIG. 15(B)) that is selected when the game state is a probability variation state of a special symbol (excluding a limited period described later). It is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference to B2). High probability special variation state γ is a certain variation period of the special state in the game state and a certain period immediately after the end of the special game (the number of symbol variations corresponding to the maximum number (4 pieces) of operation reserve balls of the second special symbol) (4 times) period of variation display: referred to as "limited period") The special variation pattern table (A3 in FIG. 15 and B3 in FIG. 15B) in which selection is allowed is changed. This is the state in which the pattern is determined. In the present embodiment, whichever of the symbol groups A to D is selected, the variation pattern selection state is (1) immediately after the end of the special game, and the high probability special variation state γ only during a limited period of four symbol variations. Staying in (2) after the end of the limited period, and when the number of executions is within the ST number (100 times), stay in the high probability shortening variation state β, and (3) after the ST number of times, that is, After the 101st execution, the low probability normal fluctuation state α is stayed. Of course, the period until the first hit occurs stays in the low probability normal fluctuation state α. The game state control means 169 generates an effect control command including the current game state information and the variation pattern selection state information (referred to as a "game state designation command"), and stores this in the command storage of the main information storage means 180. Store in area. Further, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and a plurality of special fluctuation states γ may be provided so that different special fluctuation states can be referred to at different timings of one fluctuation time reduction game state period. (For example, a special fluctuation state γ1 is provided in which the special fluctuation state γ1 is stayed four times after the jackpot is over, and the special fluctuation state γ2 is stayed 95 times in the shortened fluctuation state β and then stayed in one special symbol game).

The error monitoring control means 170 monitors the input information of the I/O port circuit 104 and inspects a magnetic detection signal by a magnetic sensor, a disconnection short circuit power supply abnormal signal, a radio detection signal by a radio sensor, a door/frame opening signal, and the like. , It is determined whether the gaming machine is in an error state. In the case of an error state, an effect control command (“error effect designation command”) including the error information is requested to the effect control board 200 to indicate the error state effect. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the door opening switch is a detecting unit that detects whether the glass frame 5 is open, and the frame opening switch detects whether the front frame 2 is open. The back set opening switch is a detecting means for detecting whether or not the back setting board 30 is opened. The magnetic sensor and the radio wave sensor are detection means for detecting a fraudulent act (so-called goth act).

The main information storage means 180 is random number information obtained in the special symbol game and the normal symbol game, the operation holding ball information of the special symbol and the normal symbol, the game state related to the special symbol game and the normal symbol game (probably changed state, time saving state, Information on easy entry), information on variation pattern selection status, result information of winning/discarding lottery (big hit, small hit, out), information on stop symbols and variation patterns related to special symbols and normal symbols, information on special games (round) Number, opening time, opening mode (number of times of opening per round game), status information indicating the operating state of the special symbol display devices 171, 172, status information indicating the operating state of the special electric auditors product 642, production control command It is configured to temporarily store information necessary for controlling the progress of the game such as data information, and has a predetermined storage area for storing each information.

The command transmission/reception unit 190 is configured to transmit various effect control command data stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 to the effect control board 200 by a parallel transmission method when a command transmission request is made. Has been done. Each effect control command has a 2-byte structure that includes 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data. To distinguish MODE data from EVENT data, the 7th bit of MODE data is "1", the 7th bit of the EVENT data is "0". When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid information, a strobe signal is output for each of MODE data and EVENT data.

Although details will be described later, the effect control board 200 can receive the MODE data and the EVENT data, respectively, upon receiving the strobe signal output in this way. As a general rule, the effect control command generated in each process is transmitted one command at a time in each interrupt cycle according to the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180, and EVENT data.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions of the effect control board 200 in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The effect control board 200 includes an effect lottery random number generation means 210, effect control means 220, lamp effect control means 230, accessory effect control means 240, error effect control means 250, effect control information storage means 260 and command transmission/reception means 270. .. The above-mentioned means in the effect control board 200 are the effect control CPU 201 arranged on the effect control board 200, the effect control ROM 202, the effect control RAM 203, the hardware such as the electronic circuit, and the control program stored in the effect control ROM 202. It is a functional representation of what is configured by software such as.

The effect lottery random number generating means 210 is provided with a random number counter for generating various software random numbers (effect lottery random numbers) by the program processing of the effect control CPU 201. These random number counters play a role as random number generation means for generating random numbers by software. As this software random number, the pre-reading notice lottery random number used for the lottery of whether to execute the pre-reading notice production, the pre-reading notice pattern random number used to select the pre-reading notice pattern, the decorative pattern random number used to select the decorative pattern stop pattern, the decoration Random effect pattern random number used to select the variable effect pattern of the pattern, advance notice effect pattern random number used to select the notice effect pattern, big hit effect pattern random number used to select the big hit effect pattern, whether or not to execute the in-hold condominium effect A random number for a continuous play production used for a lottery, a random number for a continuous play production pattern used for selecting a continuous play production pattern for a continuous play production in a hold, and the like are included. The update time of these random numbers is updated by using the remaining time when the command analysis is not performed in the effect control side main processing described later. Although the random numbers used for each lottery are named for convenience, they may have commonly used random numbers.

The production generalizing means 220 includes a production mode control means 221, a holding information display control means 222, a pre-read notice control means 223, a decorative symbol determining means 224, a variation production determining means 225, a notice production determining means 226 and a big hit production determining means 227. ..

Hold information display control means 222, the first holding ball number counter for counting the operation holding ball number of the first special symbol, the second holding ball number counter for counting the operation holding ball number of the second special symbol Have When receiving the symbol storage number command from the main control board 100, the suspension information display control means 222, based on the information on the number of operation suspension balls included in the symbol storage number command, the first suspension ball number counter and the second suspension ball. Update the value of the number counter. The hold information display control means 222, based on the values of the first hold ball number counter and the second hold ball number counter, on the hold display section of the effect display device 70, the number corresponding to the operation hold ball number of the first special symbol. The holding image and the number of holding images corresponding to the number of operation holding balls of the second special symbol are displayed. In the normal display mode, when an operation holding ball with a special symbol occurs, a white holding image is displayed, while the holding change look-ahead notice effect described below is executed, the hold is the subject of the look-ahead notice. The image can take any one of "blue", "green", "red" and "rainbow" as a special display mode (display color) from "white" which is a normal display mode (display color). The above-mentioned four types of special display modes are related to the degree of reliability that the lottery result is a big hit (referred to as "big hit reliability"), and include "blue", "green", "red", and "rainbow". It is set so that the jackpot reliability becomes higher one step at a time. In the present embodiment, when the hold image changes to “rainbow color”, the big hit is definite in the pre-reading target operation hold ball. It should be noted that, in the hold change prefetching notice effect, the change in the display mode of the hold image may be expressed by the shape or the pattern instead of the display color.

The pre-reading notice control means 223 decides whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice by lottery when the advance determination command is received from the main control board 100. The pre-reading notice control means 223 distinguishes the information of the pre-determination result of the first special symbol and the information of the pre-determination result of the second special symbol, respectively, up to a predetermined upper limit number (4), the entering of the operation holding ball It is temporarily stored in the prefetch information storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 so as to be combined with the order. This read-ahead information storage area has the same structure as the reserved storage area of the main control board 100. A reserve 2 storage area (second reserve storage area), a reserve 3 storage area (third reserve storage area), and a reserve 4 storage area (fourth reserve storage area) are respectively provided. Each of the holding storage areas can store the information on the result of prior judgment on success or failure, the information on the result of preliminary design on the symbol, and the information on the result of preliminary change pattern variation as one set.

When determining whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice, the pre-reading notice control unit 223 makes a pre-reading determination (“pre-reading determination”) for the operation-holding ball that is the target of the pre-reading notice, based on the preliminary determination result by the main control board 100. Also called). In the present embodiment, the pre-reading notice is, in addition to the above-mentioned pending change pre-reading notice, a so-called continuous notice for giving notice of the possibility of a big hit or a reach effect over a plurality of continuous variable display of decorative patterns. Has a performance. When it is determined that the pre-reading notice effect (continuous notice effect) can be executed, the information of the pre-determination command (result of the pre-determination) and the information of the symbol storage number command (the number of existing operation-holding balls) from the main control board 100 are set. By analyzing, the look-ahead notice effect pattern over a plurality of continuous variable displays is determined by lottery for the operation holding ball (referred to as "trigger hold") that triggers the occurrence of the look-ahead notice effect this time. Note that there are various variations of the pre-reading notice such as the pending change pre-reading notice production, the chance eye pre-reading notice production, and the background change pre-reading notice production. Further, as another type of prefetching, there is a holding-in-long-end-villa effect that suggests or notifies the possibility that there is an operation holding ball that becomes a big hit when a big hit game or a change that is a big hit is being executed.

Based on the game state designation command from the main control board 100, the production mode control means 221 controls the transition of the production mode so as to be consistent with the game state and the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side. Execute. In the present embodiment, as three types of effect modes, a normal effect mode α, a probability variation effect mode β, and a special effect mode γ are included, and the variation patterns of the special symbols instructed from the main control board 100 are the same. However, the variation effect patterns (described later in detail) that specify the specific content of the symbol variation effect are set to be different for each effect mode. On the effect display device 70, an effect mode notification image (in the present embodiment, a background image which is a rear display of a decorative pattern) corresponding to the effect mode in which the user is currently staying is displayed, and this background image is for each effect mode. Since they are set to be different from each other, the player can recognize from the type of the background image which one of the effect modes the user is currently staying in.

An outline of each performance mode will be given. First, the normal effect mode α is set when the low-probability normal fluctuation state α is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and the “normal background” is displayed as the background image thereof. .. The probability variation effect mode β is set when the high-probability shortening variation state β is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and “probability variation background” is displayed as the background image thereof. The special effect mode γ is set when the high-probability special variation state γ is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side. In this special effect mode, the player stays up to the period (limited period) for four times immediately after the end of the special game, and when the limited period is exceeded, transition to the probability variation effect mode β. When the on-hold resort game effect occurs during the special game, the "special background" is displayed as the background image. On the other hand, when the in-hold holiday game effect does not occur during the special game, that is, when the continuous variation effect is not executed, the “probability variation background” common to the probability variation effect mode is displayed as the background image.

The decorative symbol determination means 224, based on the information (fluctuation pattern information, character effect number information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100, the final stop symbol combination of the decorative symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, The right pattern) is decided by lottery. In the present embodiment, three symbol rows including a plurality of types of decorative symbols are formed. This decorative pattern is formed of, for example, an identification element composed of numbers or letters. In the present embodiment, all 10 types such as the numbers "1" to "9" and the letter "S" are set as the identification elements. Each decorative design is in the order of “1”→“2”→“3”→...→“8”→“9”→“S” according to the arrangement of the design row, the left display area, the middle display area, and the right. Each is displayed cyclically in the display area.

The decorative symbol determination means 224 holds a plurality of types of stop symbol pattern tables that are referred to when a combination of stop symbols of decorative symbols (also referred to as “stop symbol pattern”) is determined by lottery. Examples of the plurality of types of tables include a stop symbol pattern table for big hits, a stop symbol pattern table for small hits, a stop symbol pattern table for out-of-reach, and a stop symbol pattern table for out-of-reach. The stop symbol of the decorative symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols, and includes a "stop symbol indicating a big hit (big hit symbol)" and a "stop symbol indicating a loss (edge symbol)". The big hit symbol indicating the specific big hit (probably strange big hit) is a combination of stop patterns (for example, "7,7,7") in which three symbols of the same odd number are arranged. The big hit symbol indicating a normal big hit (non-probable variation big hit) is a combination of stop modes in which three symbols having the same even number are arranged (for example, "2.2.2"). The disengagement symbol is a combination of stop modes in which at least one of the three symbols is a symbol of a number different from other numbers (for example, "1.3.8"). Here, the out-of-reach symbol of the out-of-symbol pattern is a combination of stop modes in which only the middle symbol is shifted back and forth by several frames in a state where the left symbol and the right symbol are coincident (for example, "3.1.3") Become. In addition, in the case of a "stop design indicating a small hit (small hit design)" or a 2R big hit design even for a big hit design, for example, a combination of predetermined stop modes such as "3, 5, 7" is used. There are cases. In the present embodiment, “S·S·S” is provided as a special jackpot pattern for definitely notifying the on-hold resort. The decorative symbol determination means 224, when it is determined to execute the in-hold condominium production, when the condominium production pattern PA2 is selected, a normal jackpot design (such as "3,3,3") Is replaced with a special jackpot design (“S/S/S”).

The variation effect determination unit 225 defines a variation process (effect process) from variation start to stop in the variation display of the decorative pattern based on the information (variation pattern information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100. Determine the effect pattern. In the present embodiment, as the symbol variation effect (reach effect) performed after the reach display, a reach effect having a simple effect content (normal reach effect) and a reach effect in which the effect content develops on the way (super reach effect) are included. Be done. The variation effect determination unit 225 holds a plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation effect pattern, and a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol from these multiple types of variation effect pattern tables. ) Corresponding to the variable effect pattern table is selected. In the variation effect pattern table, the variation effect pattern random number value and the variation effect pattern are associated with each other according to the result of the variation pattern lottery of the special symbol (that is, the reach type). Here, on the main control board 100 side, a basic pattern of symbol fluctuation (for example, “normal reach A”, “super reach A”, etc.) is determined as a fluctuation pattern, whereas on the side of the effect control board 200, a variation effect pattern is concerned. A detailed pattern of pattern variation (for example, “normal reach A1, A2, A3... ”, “super reach A1, A2, A3... ”, etc.) that defines the scenario of the effect display process in detail based on the basic pattern is determined. In this way, in the variable effect pattern of the decorative pattern, the variable display mode of the decorative pattern, that is, the scenario of a series of effect display processes from the change start to the end of the change of the decorative pattern is defined, and each scenario in the display process is defined. The timing for generating the notice production at the stage is also defined as the time schedule. Note that the stop order for stopping the decorative symbols is predetermined for each variation effect pattern, and in the present embodiment, in principle, the symbols are stopped in the order of left symbol→right symbol→middle symbol. However, in the case of a variable production pattern with a short variation time, the left design, the middle design, and the right design are stopped at approximately the same time, and in the case of a specific variation production pattern, in the order of the left design, the middle design, and the right design. It can also be stopped. At this time, if it is not the stop order of the above-mentioned principle (left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol), the jackpot expectation tends to be relatively high.

The notice production determination unit 226 determines a notice production pattern that defines the content of the notice production executed at each stage of the variation process of the decorative pattern according to the scenario of the variation production pattern described above. The notice production pattern includes a production pattern for temporarily or stepwise displaying an image of a specific character, animation, etc., a production pattern for outputting a specific voice, a production pattern for operating a movable accessory, and the like. The notice production is executed in parallel with the variable display of the decorative symbol, and predictively suggests that the symbol variation has a high jackpot reliability that stops in the jackpot mode. The notice effect includes a notice effect executed before the reach state occurs (including the reach occurrence time) and a notice effect executed after the reach state occurs in the process of changing the decorative pattern. The notice performances have different jackpot reliability, and basically, the notice effect displayed after the reach occurs has a relatively higher jackpot reliability than the notice effect displayed before the reach occurs. It's getting higher. The notice production determination unit 226 holds a notice production pattern table that is referred to when selecting a notice production pattern for each type of notice production, and according to the type of notice production that occurs according to the scenario of the variable production pattern. Select the notice production pattern table. The notice production determination unit 226 refers to the notice production pattern table selected above and, based on the notice production pattern random number value obtained from the production lottery random number generation unit 210, selects from a plurality of types of notice production patterns by lottery. Select one. Note that, as the types of specific notice production patterns, a comment notice production pattern, a background notice production pattern, a SU (step-up) notice production pattern, a group notice production pattern, a cut-in notice production pattern, a character movable notice production pattern, Etc. are prepared. This notice effect is basically performed by executing one or more notice effects in accordance with the variable display of the decorative pattern on the effect display device 70. Therefore, even in the case of the variable display of the decorative design by the same variable effect pattern, it is possible to generate various effect modes by combining with one or a plurality of notice effects.

Big hit production decision means 227 decides the contents of the big hit production (big hit production pattern) for notifying that the special game is in progress. The big hit performance includes a start demonstration effect for notifying the start of the special game, a round effect for notifying that the round game is in progress, and an end demo effect for notifying the end of the special game. When the big hit production determination means 227 receives the big hit start demo command from the main control board 100, based on the big hit type information stored in the production control information storage means 260, the big hit production pattern (start demo production pattern, round production). Pattern, end demonstration effect pattern). In this big hit production pattern, a big hit start demonstration production time, a round production time (production time according to the opening pattern of the special winning opening 64), and a big hit end demo production time are set according to the big hit type, and A series of performance contents are set along the time axis. According to the big hit production pattern, the big hit production determination means 227 executes the start demonstration production upon receiving the big hit start demo command from the main control board 100, and upon receiving the round production designating command, executes each round production. It is executed, and when the big hit end demo command is received, the end demo effect is executed.

Here, in the normal big hit start demonstration effect, for example, the characters "big hit start" are displayed on the screen to notify the start of the special game. In the normal round effect, for example, the number of rounds currently being executed and the number of won prize balls are displayed on the screen, and various images (animation images, etc.) that excite the special game are displayed. In the normal jackpot end demonstration effect, for example, the characters "end of jackpot" are displayed on the screen to notify the end of the special game.

As described above, the effect control unit 220, based on the determined effect contents (prefetch effect pattern, extended effect effect pattern, variation effect pattern, notice effect pattern, stop design pattern, big hit effect pattern, etc.), image control commands relating to images and sounds. Is generated and stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260.

The lamp effect control means 230 controls the lighting of the effect lamp, the emission color, etc. according to the effect contents set by the effect control means 220. The lamp effect control means 230 holds a plurality of kinds of lamp data (lamp pattern data) for controlling the lighting of the effect lamps 10 and 25 (frame lamp 10, board lamp 25), and according to the determined effect pattern. The lamp data is read and the lamp control signal (lamp data) is transmitted to the lamp connection board 91.

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

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

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

The command transmitting/receiving unit 270 is configured to receive the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100 upon receiving the strobe signal output together with the effect control command, and store the effect control command in the effect control command buffer. ing. Specifically, the command transmitting/receiving unit 270 executes reception interrupt processing of the production control command in response to an interrupt generated when the strobe signal from the main control board 100 is input, and various reception interrupt processing is performed in this reception interrupt processing. Get the production control command. The details of the reception interrupt processing of this effect control command will be described later. In addition, when the command transmitting/receiving unit 270 receives the strobe signal, the reception interrupt process of the effect control command is preferentially executed over other interrupt processes.

The command transmission/reception means 270 is stored in the effect control information storage means 260 in order to instruct execution of effect contents (variable effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, decorative design information, etc.) set by the effect control means 220. The image control command is transmitted to the image control board 300 using the serial communication method as an example. As a general rule, the image control command is transmitted every predetermined period (500 μs in the present embodiment) according to the order set in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260.

Thereby, the image control board 300 analyzes various image control commands transmitted from the effect control board 200, and causes the effect display device 70 to variably display the effect image including the decorative pattern according to the scenario of the variable effect pattern. At each stage of the variable display process, the notice effect is displayed by being superimposed on the effect of the symbol change. Further, the command transmitting/receiving unit 270 receives the ACK command transmitted from the image control board 300 and stores the ACK command in the ACK command buffer.

<Processing on the main control board side>
16 to 37 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of operation processing in the main control board 100. The operation process on the main control board 100 side mainly includes a main control side main process and a main control side timer interrupt process.

<Main processing on the main control side>
16, 17, and 18 are flowcharts each showing an example of the main processing on the main control side executed in the main control board 100. In the main processing on the main control side, after the security check of the main control CPU 101 is performed by resetting when the power is turned on, the main control program is activated, and the processing is executed by this main control program. In the following description, the subject of each process may be omitted as appropriate.

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

Next, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch is turned on (step S5). If the RAM clear switch is turned on, the entire area of the main control RAM 103 is zero-cleared in step S9 described later, while if the RAM clear switch is not turned on, the value of the power-off information flag is read and the power-off is normally detected. It is determined whether or not the information is stored (step S6).

Here, when the information indicating that the power is cut off is stored, the checksum is calculated for a predetermined area of the main control RAM 103 (step S7). It is determined whether or not this checksum is 0, that is, whether or not the checksum is normal (step S8). The power-on checksum calculated here includes the complement of the checksum calculated in the power-off processing described below, so if the backup was successful, the power-on checksum will be checked. Sam becomes "0". In this way, it is determined when the power is turned on whether the information stored in the main control RAM 103 before the power is turned off is correctly backed up. If the checksum is normal, the process proceeds to step S12, which will be described later, in order to return to the state before the power was cut off. On the other hand, if the checksum is abnormal, the entire area of the main control RAM 103 is cleared to zero (step S9). Next, initialization data at power-on is set in the main control RAM 103 (step S10). Next, in order to initialize the effect display device 70 and the effect lamps 10 and 25, a request for an effect control command (“effect initial command”) to the effect control board 200 is made (step S11).

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

Next, the main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 is requested to transmit an effect control command (“power off recovery command”) at the time of power off recovery (step S15). This power-off recovery command includes information regarding the inspection of the communication line, the operating state of the special symbol, the number of times of probability variation, the number of times of shortening, the number of times of easy entry, variation pattern selection state, and error state. It should be noted that command requests that have not been transmitted before the power is turned off are cleared. Next, in the symbol memory number command request process, information on the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the power is turned off is read, and a performance control command including information on the number of operation reserved balls is requested ( Step S16).

Next, the reset setting for returning the ordinary electric accessory 622 to the state before the power is turned off (for example, the second starting opening 62 is opened) is performed (step S17). Further, a reset setting is performed to return the special electric accessory 642 to the state before the power is turned off (for example, the special winning opening 64 is opened) (step S18). Next, the value of the special symbol mode flag is read, and the operating state of the probability varying function of the special symbol when the power is turned off is set (step S19). The special symbol mode flag is a flag for setting the operation probability (high probability or low probability) of the special symbol game. Next, in order to activate the timer interrupt, a predetermined count value is set as the initial setting of the CTC circuit, and the timer interrupt is generated every 4 ms (step S20). Next, interrupt inhibition is set to inhibit the occurrence of timer interrupt processing (step S21). As a preparation for restarting the watchdog timer, clear word 1 (“55H”) is set (step S22).

Next, in order to determine the occurrence of power failure, the value of the power failure confirmation flag is read and it is determined whether power failure has occurred (step S23). If the power is not cut off, the initial value random number updating process is executed (step S24). In this initial value random number updating process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value set for each random number, it is returned to the minimum value "0".

Next, the interrupt permission is set to allow the generation of the timer interrupt process (step S25), the process returns to the process for inhibiting the interrupt (step S21), and the loop process from step S21 to step S25 is repeatedly executed. .. Here, the timer interrupt process is periodically executed at predetermined intervals, but the remaining time from the completion of the previous interrupt process to the occurrence of the next interrupt process is used to execute steps S21 to S21. The processing up to S25 is repeated. If there is an interrupt request in the interrupt disabled state, the timer interrupt process is started when the interrupt is permitted in step S25. On the other hand, if the power-off confirmation flag is turned on in step S23, that is, if the power-off occurs, the process proceeds to step S26, and the power-off time process described below is executed.

Next, as the power-off process (steps S26 to S32), first, clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set to restart the watchdog timer (step S26). Next, it is determined whether or not the content of the power-off information flag is power-on normal data (step S27). If it is the power-on normal information, power-off normal data is set in the power-off information flag (step S28). On the other hand, if it is not power-on normal information, power-off abnormality data is set in the power-off information flag (step S29), and the process proceeds to step S32.

Next, a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area (excluding the checksum area) of the main control RAM 103 (step S30). The complement of the checksum data is calculated, and the result value of this complement is set in the checksum area of the main control RAM 103 (step S31). Next, the access prohibition setting of the main control RAM 103 is performed (step S32), and the process is repeatedly executed until the power is cut off.

<Main control timer interrupt processing>
Next, the relationship between the drawings for explaining the main control timer interrupt processing will be described. First, FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are flowcharts showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the main control board 100. 21 and 22 are flowcharts showing the details of the starting port monitoring control process shown in FIG. 19, respectively. 23 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control process shown in FIG. 20, and FIGS. 24 and 25 are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process shown in FIG. 23, respectively. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control process shown in FIG. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control general-purpose processing shown in FIG. 28 to 32 are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol variation start process, the special symbol variation process, and the special symbol stop symbol displaying process shown in FIG. 27, respectively. 33 to 35 are flowcharts showing details of the special electric auditors product control processing shown in FIG. 20, respectively.

First, the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 19 is executed by interrupting the main processing on the main control side when a timer interrupt is generated in response to a clock pulse from the CTC circuit at constant time intervals (for example, 4 ms). It The terms "conditional device" and "feature continuous actuating device" used below mean conceptual control devices. The "condition device" is activated when a big hit occurs in the special symbol game, and the "feature continuous operation device" is capable of continuously operating the "special electric auditors" a plurality of times.

First, when this timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the register in the main control CPU 101 (data used during the main processing on the main control side) are saved in the stack area of the main control RAM 103, and then the interrupt operation condition is set. It is set (step S51). Next, the interrupt operation condition set value is set in the interrupt control register (step S52). Next, clear word 2 is set (step S53).

Next, the clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set to restart the watchdog timer (step S54). At this time, the clear word 1 and the clear word 2 are sequentially written in the WDT clear register of the main control CPU 101 within a preset time-out time, whereby the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted. That is, when the main control CPU 101 is normally executing the main control program, clear words 1 and 2 are set periodically so that the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted before it times out. Become. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

Next, the input process is executed (step S55). In this input process, information of switches other than the RAM clear switch is read as various switches connected to the main control board 100. That is, the first starting opening switch 161, the second starting opening switch 162, the operation gate switch 163, the special winning opening switch 164, and the out ball detection switch 167, and a door opening switch, a frame opening switch, a back set opening switch (not shown). The input information of the magnetic sensor, the radio wave sensor, etc. is read, the state of the information is determined, and the detected information is stored.

Next, various random number update processing is executed (step S56). In this various random number update processing, the normal symbol variation pattern random number and the special symbol variation pattern random number that do not use the initial value random number are updated. For the normal symbol variation pattern random number, the numerical value of the random number counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value "0". On the other hand, for the special symbol variation pattern random number, a predetermined value (eg 3511) is subtracted from the previous random number. If the subtracted result is less than 0, a predetermined value (for example, 50,000) is added to the subtracted result.

Next, the initial value updating type random number updating process is executed (step S57). In this initial value update type random number update process, the random number per normal symbol, the soft random number per special symbol and the symbol random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value "0". When the value of the counter makes one round (when it reaches the value set as the initial value), the value of the initial value random number corresponding to the random number value of the counter making one round at the timing is set as a new initial value. To do.

Next, the initial value random number updating process is executed (step S58). In this initial value random number updating process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds a predetermined maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value "0".

Next, a timer subtraction process is executed (step S59). In this timer subtraction process, the values of various timers used for game operation control of the gaming machine are subtracted and updated. In addition, various timers, a timer for controlling the operation pattern of the special symbol game timer, the special electric auditors product 642 for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the special symbol display devices 171, 172, and the like. Includes timers, etc. used for various controls such as ordinary symbols, ordinary electric accessories.

Next, the second starting opening valid period setting process is executed (step S60). In the second starting opening valid period setting process, the winning valid period and the winning invalid period of the second starting port 62 are determined, and the valid period data or invalid period data of the second starting port 62 is set as the determination result.

Next, a prize monitoring process is executed (step S61). In the winning prize monitoring process, the first starting opening switch 161, the second starting opening switch 162, the operation gate switch 163, the large winning opening switch 164, the general winning opening switch 166, and the out ball in the above-described input processing (step S55). Based on the detection information of the detection switch 167, the switch pass inspection of the game ball is performed, and as a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed each switch, the production control including information indicating that the game ball has passed each switch. Requests command transmission, etc.

Next, prize ball control processing is executed (step S62). In this prize ball control processing, it is determined whether the prize is valid or invalid, and a payout control command is transmitted to the payout control board 400 to instruct the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize type. The communication data with the payout control board 400 is monitored by monitoring the received data from the board 400.

Next, the normal symbol operation gate monitoring process is executed (step S63). In this normal symbol operation gate monitoring processing, the passage of the game ball to the operation gate 63 is monitored, and when it is determined that the game gate 63 is passed, the random number related to the normal symbol lottery is acquired as the operation reserve ball information. , The number of operation-holding balls is updated up to a maximum of four, and a random number related to a normal symbol lottery is stored.

Next, the normal symbol control process is executed (step S64). In this normal symbol control process, in order to execute a series of processes related to the normal symbol display device 175 or the normal electric accessory 622, depending on the value of the normal symbol game status, the normal symbol changing process, the normal symbol stop symbol is being displayed. The process, the process during operation of the normal electric auditors product, the process during demonstration of the operation of the normal electric auditors product, and the like are executed. In the normal symbol changing process, the display pattern number data of the normal symbol is created (updated) in order to display the normal symbol in a variable display or a fixed display.

Next, the normal symbol variation start monitoring process is executed (step S65). In this normal symbol variation start monitoring process, the operating state of the ordinary symbol is monitored, and when it is determined that the variation start condition of the ordinary symbol is satisfied, the ordinary symbol operation holding sphere number 1 is consumed, and the ordinary symbol Success/failure determination, symbol determination, variation pattern determination, variation time setting, and the like are performed in order.

Next, the starting port monitoring control process is executed (step S66). In this start opening monitoring control processing, the entry of the game ball into the first start opening 61 and the second start opening 62 is monitored, and when it is detected that the game ball has entered, for example, the number of reserved balls Command requests for commands including information necessary for the effect control board 200 such as update, random number storage related to special symbol lottery, pre-determination for pre-reading notice, and number of symbol storages are sequentially performed.

Next, a special symbol control process is executed (step S67). In this special symbol control process, as a series of processes related to the special symbol display device 171, 172, depending on the value of the special symbol game status, for example, a special symbol fluctuation start process described later (see step S420 of FIG. 27 described later) The special symbol changing process (see step S430 in FIG. 27 described later) and the special symbol stop symbol display process (see step S440 in FIG. 27 described later) are executed.

Next, the special electric auditors product control process is executed (step S68). In this process, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” or “small hit”, the operation start and the end of the operation of the special electric auditors product 642 are set as the operation processing related to the special electric auditors product 642. The opening time and the number of times of opening the winning opening 64 are updated, the operation start setting of the probability variation function, the operation start setting of the variation time shortening function, the variation pattern selection state, and the like are sequentially executed.

Next, a special winning opening valid period setting process is executed (step S69). In the special winning opening valid period setting processing, the winning valid period and the winning invalid period of the special winning port 64 are determined, and the valid period data or the invalid period data of the special winning port 64 is set as the determination result.

Next, a special symbol variation start monitoring control process is executed (step S70). In this special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control process, if there is an operation holding ball of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, one reserve ball number is consumed , The symbol determination of the special symbol, the determination of the probability variation function, the determination of the time shortening function, the setting of the operation pattern of the special electric auditors, the setting of the demonstration effect time, etc. are performed in order.

Next, abnormality detection processing is executed (step S71). In this abnormality detection processing, based on the input information in the above-mentioned input processing (step S55), the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short-circuit power supply abnormality signal, the electric wave detection signal by the electric wave sensor, the door/frame opening signal, etc. are sequentially inspected. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state. In the case of an error state, in order to request the production control board 200 to display an error, a production control command including the error information (“error production designation command”) is generated.

Next, the ball passing time abnormality detection processing is executed (step S72). In this ball-passing time abnormality detection process, when the ON signal of the winning detection switch is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more, a ball-passing time abnormality is set, and an effect control command ("error Performance request command”) and a security signal output request for output to an external terminal.

Next, a game state display process is executed (step S73). In this game state display processing, display data such as the number of times the special electric auditors product 642 is continuously operated (specified number of rounds), the number of operation-reserved balls for normal symbols and special symbols, and the like are created. The display data for displaying the error status information detected by the above-described abnormality detection processing on the status indicator lamp of the main control board 100 is created.

Next, a steering wheel state signal inspection process is executed (step S74). In this handle state signal inspection process, the handle state signal is inspected.

Next, the LED output process is executed (step S75). In this LED output process, the special symbol control process described above (step S85) in order to display the special symbol and the normal symbol, the number of reserved balls, the number of times the special electric auditors operate continuously, and the error are displayed. , The abnormality detection processing (step S89), the display data created in the game state display processing (step S73), each special symbol display device 171, 172, ordinary symbol display device 175, each special symbol reservation lamp 173, 174, It outputs to the universal figure holding lamp 176, the status display lamp of the main control board 100, etc., and initializes the display on these various display devices.

Next, a firing control signal output process is executed (step S76). In this launch control signal output process, when no communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or a disconnection short-circuit power source abnormality is detected, a launch permission signal is output to the payout control board 400 to launch the game ball. On the other hand, if the communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or the disconnection short-circuit power supply abnormality is detected, a launch prohibition signal is output to the payout control board 400 to inhibit the launch of the game ball.

Next, a test signal output process is executed (step S77). In this test signal output processing, error test processing is performed after creating various test data, and when an error is detected as a result, various test data are output to each test signal output port.

Next, a solenoid output process is executed (step S78). In this solenoid output process, a normal symbol control process (step S82) and a special electric role control process are performed in order to operate the normal electric auditors product 622 and the special electric auditors product 642. Based on the control data acquired in (step S86), an excitation signal is output to each electric accessory solenoid 123,124.

Next, production control command transmission processing is executed (step S79). In this effect control command transmission processing, as described above, the effect control command stored in the ring buffer designated by the pointer is selected from the effect control commands stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 as MODE data and. Each EVENT data is read out and transmitted to the effect control board 200 as described later. In the present embodiment, with regard to the output timing of the strobe signal output from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200 when transmitting such an effect control command, the following types of time will be taken into consideration and will be described later. As described above, the waiting time until the strobe signal is output and the constant data such as the output maintaining period are appropriately set to make the adjustment. The first time to be considered is a signal transition time from when the effect control command is set in the strobe signal output port to when the strobe signal transits to the active potential or the inactive potential. Further, the second time to be considered is the propagation delay time regarding the propagation delay of the signal in the circuit such as the latch circuit 104B through which the signal passes. Details of this effect control command transmission processing will be described later.

Next, external information output processing is executed (step S80). In this external information output processing, the operating state information of the gaming machine is output as external information to an external device such as a hall computer or a data counter via an external terminal board.

Next, the saved contents of the register are restored and the main control CPU 101 is set to the interrupt enable state (step S81). As a result, the main control side timer interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the main control side main process, and the main control side main process is executed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

When the main control board 100 detects a power failure (a decrease in the supply voltage based on a predetermined threshold) during main processing on the main control side or during interrupt processing, a non-maskable interrupt is generated and the power failure confirmation flag is turned on. To do. After returning to the original process, the above-described power-off process (steps S26 to S32) is executed.

<Special symbol game processing>
Next, a series of processes related to the special symbol game in the main control side timer interrupt process will be described. In the process related to the special symbol game, the above-described starting opening monitoring control process (step S84), the special symbol control process (step S85), the special electric auditors product control process (step S86) and the special symbol variation start monitoring control process (step S88) is applicable.

<Starting port monitoring control processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 21, it is determined whether or not the entry of a game ball into the first starting opening 61 is detected (step S201). When the game ball entering the first starting opening 61 is detected, it is determined whether or not the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number of 4 (step S202).

If the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is less than 4, as a random number value related to the first special symbol game, a random number value per special symbol, a random symbol value per special symbol, a random variable value for special symbols, And stores each random number value in the first special symbol reserved storage area (reserved n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the order of entry (step S203). As the update of the operation reserved sphere number of the first special symbol, the value of the first special symbol reserved sphere number counter is incremented by 1 (step S204), and the winning check of the first starting opening 61 is completed.

Next, it is determined whether or not the entry of the game ball into the second starting opening 62 is detected (step S205). When the entry of the game ball into the second starting opening 62 is detected, it is determined whether or not the number of operation reserved balls of the second special symbol is less than the upper limit number of 4 (step S206). If the number of operation reserve balls of the second special symbol is less than 4, as a lottery random number value related to the second special symbol game, a special symbol random number value, a special symbol per symbol random value and a special symbol fluctuation pattern random number value are acquired. Then, each random number value is stored in the second special symbol reserved storage area (reserved n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the order of entry (step S207). As the update of the operation reserved sphere number of the second special symbol, the value of the second special symbol reserved sphere counter is incremented by 1 (step S208), and the winning check of the second starting opening 62 is completed.

Next, whether or not there is an update of the operation pending ball number of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, that is, the operation pending ball number of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is added in step S204 or step S208. It is determined whether or not (step S209). When the number of operation reserve balls is updated (step S209), a symbol storage number command including information on the number of operation reserve balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is generated, and the main information storage unit 180 is generated. In the command storage area (step S210).

Next, the state of the gaming machine is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not it is the pre-determination timing (step S211). If it is the pre-judgment timing (step S211), the random number per special symbol is read from the hit random number buffer of the reserved n storage area, and the pre-judgment is made (step S212). A success/failure pre-determination command including the information of the pre-determination result (presence/absence pre-determination number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S213).

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

<Special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control processing>
In the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control process (step S88) shown in FIG. 23, of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, for the special symbol side which satisfies the fluctuation start condition, the special symbol described later. The fluctuation start monitoring process (step S310) is executed. When both the first special symbol and the second special symbol satisfy the variation start condition, as described above, the process on the second special symbol side is preferentially executed.

First, it is determined whether a big hit or a small hit is in progress (step S301). Next, whether both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for variation, that is, whether the first special symbol game status and the second special symbol game status are both "00H (waiting for variation)" It is determined whether or not (step S302).

Next, it is determined whether or not the number of operation holding balls of the second special symbol is "0" (step S303), and if the number of holding balls is not "0", the variation start condition of the second special symbol is Considering that it has been established, after setting the address of the second special symbol fluctuation start monitoring table (addresses of various tables and RAM storage area used in the subsequent processing) (step S304), the second special symbol side The process proceeds to the special symbol variation start monitoring process (step S310). That is, in the present embodiment, when the operation holding ball of the second special symbol exists, the operation holding ball of the second special symbol preferentially digests regardless of the presence or absence of the operation holding ball of the first special symbol. To be done. Details of this special symbol variation start monitoring process will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25 described later.

On the other hand, when the number of operation holding balls of the second special symbol is "0", it is determined whether the number of operation holding balls of the first special symbol is "0" (step S305). Here, if the number of holding balls is not “0”, it is considered that the variation start condition of the first special symbol is satisfied, and the address of the first special symbol variation start monitoring table (various tables used in the subsequent processing After setting the address and the address of the RAM storage area) (step S306), the process proceeds to the special symbol variation start monitoring process (step S310) on the first special symbol side.

If the variation start conditions of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not both satisfied (steps S301, S302, S305), the execution of the special symbol variation start monitoring process (step S310) is omitted.

<Special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process>
In the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process (step S310), referring to the first special symbol fluctuation start monitoring table or the second special symbol fluctuation start monitoring table set in step S304 or step S306 described above, the fluctuation of this time is started. Perform the target special symbol side processing. In addition, the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, since the processing content is almost the same, except for special cases, is the process of the first special symbol side, or the process of the second special symbol side The description will be made collectively without distinguishing whether there is any.

First, as shown in FIG. 24, 1 is subtracted from the number of operation holding balls on the side of the special symbol which is the target of the variation start this time (step S311). A symbol storage number command including information on the number of operation-reserved balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after subtraction is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (step S312). Next, access the special symbol reservation storage area on the special symbol side that is the target of the variation start this time, and the random number per special symbol stored in the first reserved storage area (reserved 1 storage area), per special symbol Symbol random number value, special symbol variation pattern random number value is read in order, and these random numbers are the special symbol validity determination process (step S320), the symbol determination process (step S330), and the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 27, which will be described later). For use in step S423), it is transferred to the special symbol appropriateness determination area, the special symbol determination area, and the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S313). As the update of the pending storage area, the pending ball information stored in the pending 2 storage area to the pending 4 storage area is sequentially shifted to the pending 1 storage area to the pending 3 storage area, and the pending 4 storage area is cleared to zero (step S314). ..

Next, the special symbol hit/miss judgment processing is executed (step S320). In the special symbol win/loss determination process, first, the special symbol win/loss lottery table is acquired. At this time, if the gaming state is a special symbol probability changing state, a high probability win/loss lottery table is acquired, and if the game state is a normal state, a low probability win/loss lottery table is acquired. Next, the random number per special symbol is read from the special symbol winning/discarding determination area of the main information storage unit 180. Based on the random number per special symbol, referring to the special symbol win/loss lottery table, the win/fail judgment of the special symbol is executed. A value (big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, deviating data “00H”) corresponding to the result of the hit determination is stored as a special symbol judgment flag of the main information storage unit 180.

Next, a symbol determination process is executed (step S330). In the symbol determination process, the stop symbol of the special symbol, the type of symbol group, and the character effect number (variation-added symbol information) are determined according to the result of the hit/miss determination. The stop symbol of the special symbol determined this time, the type of symbol group, and the character effect number are stored in the symbol storage area of the main information storage unit 180. The character effect number is the type of the determined symbol group (7 patterns of symbol groups A to G) and the operating state of the probability varying function of the special symbol and the normal symbol (probability variation on of special symbol/probability variation off of special symbol). /Normal pattern probability variation on/Normal pattern probability variation off 4 patterns), a total of 28 patterns are determined. It should be noted that if the result of the hit/miss determination is out of alignment, the character effect number “0” is determined.

Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the hit/miss determination corresponds to a small hit (step S341), and it is determined whether or not the result of the hit/miss determination corresponds to a big hit (step S342). If the result of the hit/damage determination is a small hit, the process proceeds to step S346, while if the result of the hit/miss determination is no, the process proceeds to step S349.

On the other hand, if the result of the hit determination is a big hit, based on the type of the symbol group (big hit type) determined in step S330, as a gaming state after the special game, whether to activate the probability varying function of the special symbol It is determined whether or not (step S343). That is, if the type of the symbol group (big hit type) indicates a specific symbol, it is decided to add the probability variation function, and the probability variation operation data (ST number of times) is stored in the probability variation number counter of the main information storage means 180. ) While storing "64H", if the type of symbol group indicates a normal symbol, it is determined not to give the probability variation function, and the probability variation non-operation data "00H" is stored in the probability variation counter. (Step S344). The determination result is stored in the probability variation determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

Based on the type (big hit type) of the symbol group determined in step S330, as the gaming state after the special game, the number of times of the variable time shortening function is determined (step S345), and the number of times of the electric chewing support function is determined. Yes (step S346). This determination result (the number of times of operation of the variable time shortening function (hereinafter referred to as "number of times of fluctuation shortening information"), the number of times of operation of the electric chow support function (hereinafter referred to as "number of times easy to enter state information"), respectively, It is stored in the corresponding time zone storing area and the easy entry state number storing area of the main information storing means 180.

Next, the operation pattern of the special electric auditors product 642 is set based on the type of symbol group (big hit type, small hit type) determined in step S330 (step S347). Specifically, as the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642, the specified round number of round games (10 rounds, 5 rounds, 2 rounds in this embodiment), the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 64 (in this embodiment) In the form, 30 seconds, 1.8 seconds) or the like is set.

Next, based on the type of symbol group determined in step S330 and the current game state, the variation pattern selection state after the end of the special game is set (step S348). In the above description, the special variation state is determined according to the big hit symbol. However, even in the case of a small hit, the variation pattern selection state can be changed to a special one in step S348. Good. Next, returning to the flow, based on the type of symbol group determined in step S330, the demonstration effect time of the special game (hit start demo time and hit end demo time) is set (step S349). Next, the special symbol appropriateness determination region and the special symbol determination region of the main information storage unit 180 used in the above-mentioned special symbol appropriateness determination process (step S320) and the symbol determination process (step S330) are cleared (step S351). The special symbol game status on the special symbol side subject to change this time is transited from "00H (standby)" to "01H (start of change)" (step S351).

<Special symbol control processing>
Next, the special symbol control process (step S85) shown in FIG. 26 will be described. First, it is determined whether or not the special electric auditors product 642 is inactive, that is, whether or not the special electric auditors product game status is "00H (waiting for hit)" (step S401). Next, if the special electric auditors product 642 is not in operation (step S401), it is determined whether the second special symbol game status is not "00H (standby)" (step S402).

If the second special symbol game status is not "00H (standby)", to execute the process related to the second special symbol, the second special symbol control table (addresses and RAM storage of various tables used in the subsequent process) Area address) is set (step S403), and special symbol control general-purpose processing (step S410) is performed. On the other hand, if the second special symbol game status is "00H (standby)", to execute the process related to the first special symbol, the first special symbol control table (addresses of various tables used in the subsequent process And the RAM storage area address) is set (step S404), and the special symbol control general-purpose processing (step S410) is performed.

In the special symbol control general-purpose processing described below, by using the first special symbol control table or the second special symbol control table set in the above step S403 or step S404, the special subject to change this time Although the process of the symbol side will be executed, since the method of processing is the same between the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, unless otherwise specified, is it the process of the first special symbol side? , Will be collectively described without distinguishing whether or not the processing is on the side of the second special symbol. Details of this special symbol control general-purpose processing will be described later.

<Special symbol control general-purpose processing>
In the special symbol control general-purpose process (step S410) shown in FIG. 27, a branch process (step S411 to step) for shifting to a process corresponding to the value (“01H”, “02H”, “03H”) of the special symbol game status S414) is executed. First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status on the special symbol side which is the target of the change this time is not 0 (step S411). If the special symbol game status is not "00H" (step S411), it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "01H (start of fluctuation)" (step S412). If the special symbol game status is "01H", shift to the special symbol variation start process (step S420). Details of this special symbol variation start processing will be described with reference to FIG. 28 described later. On the other hand, if the special symbol game status is not "01H" in step S412, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "02H (changing)" (step S413). If the special symbol game status is "02H", it moves to the special symbol changing process (step S430). Details of the special symbol changing process will be described with reference to FIG. 29 described later. If the special symbol game status is not "02H" in step S413, it is determined whether the special symbol game status is "03H (stopped symbol display)" (step S414). If the special symbol game status is "03H", the process proceeds to the special symbol stop symbol displaying process (step S440). Details of the special symbol stop symbol displaying process will be described with reference to FIG. 30 described later.

<Special symbol fluctuation start processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 28, the special symbol variation pattern table is acquired based on the result of the win/loss lottery, the winning symbol, the number of holdings, the type of the special symbol, the variation pattern selection state, and the like (step S421). Next, the special symbol fluctuation pattern random number value is read from the special symbol fluctuation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S422). With reference to the special symbol variation pattern table, based on the special symbol variation pattern random value, one is selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns (step S423).

Next, the fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern selected this time is set (step S424). As the setting of the variation start of the special symbol, the variation time is stored in the special symbol game timer of the symbol display control means 155 (step S425), and the variation start command to the effect control board 200 is generated (step S426). As the variation start command, in order to start the symbol variation effect in the effect display device 70, a variation pattern designation command and a symbol designation command are sequentially generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

Next, the contents of the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 used for determining the variation pattern are cleared (step S427). The special symbol game status transitions from "01H (start of fluctuation)" to "02H (during fluctuation)" (step S428).

<Processing during special symbol fluctuation>
First, as shown in FIG. 29, in order to perform variable display of special symbols, display pattern number switching processing of special symbols is executed (step S431). In this display pattern number switching process, the display pattern number data of the special symbol is updated every predetermined switching time. This display pattern number data is output to the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 in the LED output process (step S76) to display the special symbol in a variable display or confirmed display, and the predetermined pattern is output. In the special symbol display device which is changing and displayed for each switching time, a specific display section blinks or individual LEDs of the display section are sequentially turned on to perform a display indicating that the display is changing.

Next, whether or not the special symbol game timer has become “0 (timeout)”, that is, whether or not the variation time of the special symbol has ended (step S432). When the variable time of the special symbol ends, the stop symbol of the special symbol which should be confirmed and displayed on the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 is set (step S433). Next, a variation stop command for instructing the final display of the decorative symbol to the effect control board 200 is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S434).

Next, "125", which is data corresponding to 500 ms as the confirmed display time, is stored in the special symbol game timer (step S435). The "confirmed display time" is the time during which the stop symbol is definitely stopped and displayed when the special symbol is changed and stopped. The special symbol game status transitions from "02H (during change)" to "03H (during stop symbol display)" (step S436).

<Special symbol stop symbol display processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 30, whether or not the special symbol game timer is "0 (timeout)", that is, whether or not the confirmed display time of the special symbol (stop symbol) has ended (step S441) ). Here, when the fixed display time of the special symbol is over, the special symbol game status transitions from "03H (displaying stopped symbol)" to "00H (standby)" (step S442).

Next, it is determined whether or not the win/loss determination data stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180 is the big hit data “55H” (step S443). If the hit determination data is a big hit data, the stop of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol (step S444), the stop of the variable time shortening function of the special symbol (step S445), the stop of the electric chew support function (step S446) , In order.

Next, as a start demonstration setting process of the special game, a start demonstration display time is set and a production control command (big hit start demo command) for instructing the start of the start demonstration production is generated (step S447). Next, the number of executions of the variation pattern selection state (variation pattern selection state number counter) is cleared to zero (step S448). The special electric auditors game status changes from "00H (waiting for hit)" to "01H (special game)" (step S449). In order to clear the content of the hit/miss determination flag, "00H" is set (step S450).

On the other hand, if the hit determination data is not the big hit data (step S443), it is determined whether the probability varying function of the special symbol is operating (step S451). As shown in FIG. 31, when the probability variation function of the special symbol is in operation (step S451), the probability variation number counter of the main information storage unit 180 is set to 1 as the consumed amount of the variation number of the special symbol this time. Subtract (step S452). Next, it is determined whether the probability variation counter is zero (step S453). If the probability variation counter is zero, the operation of the probability variation function of the special symbol is stopped (step S454). On the other hand, when the probability variation counter after subtraction is not zero, step S454 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S455.

Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time reduction function is in operation (step S455). When the variation time shortening function of the special symbol is in operation, the hour/hour counter of the main information storage unit 180 is decremented by 1 as the amount of consumption of the variation number of the special symbol this time (step S456). Next, it is determined whether or not the hour/hour counter is zero (step S457). When the hour/hour counter is zero, it is determined that the number of times of ending the special symbol time saving state has been reached, and the operation of the variable time reduction function of the special symbol is stopped (step S458). On the other hand, when the hour/hour counter after subtraction is not zero, step S458 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S459.

Next, it is determined whether or not the power cable support function is operating (step S459). When the electric choo support function is in operation, 1 is subtracted from the easy entry state number counter of the main information storage unit 180 as the amount of change in the number of times of change of the special symbol this time (step S460). Next, it is determined whether or not the easy-ball-in state count counter is zero (step S461). If the easy-ball-in state count counter is zero, it is determined that the number of times the easy-ball-in state has ended is reached, and the operation of the power feeding support function is stopped (step S462). On the other hand, when the number-of-easy-to-enter state counter after subtraction is not zero, step S462 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S463.

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

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

Next, it is determined whether or not the small symbol data "33H" is stored in the special symbol determination flag (step S466). When the small hit data is stored, as a small hit game start demo setting process, a start demo display time is set and an effect control command (small hit start demo command) for instructing the start of the start demonstration effect is generated. (Step S467). Next, the special electric auditors game status changes from "00H (waiting for hit)" to "02H (small hit game)" (step S468). "00H" is set to clear the content of the hit/miss determination flag (step S469).

On the other hand, if the small symbol data "33H" is not stored in the special symbol determination flag, that is, if the deviation data "00H" is stored in the special symbol determination flag, the execution of steps S467 to S469 is omitted. When the special symbol determination flag is the outlier data, the process of clearing the content of the flag is not performed because "00H" is originally stored as the outlier data.

<Special electric accessory control processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 33, it is determined whether or not the special electric auditors product game status is "01H (special game: big hit)" (step S501). If the special electric auditors game status is "01H", the special game processing is executed in the subsequent processing. In this special game process, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is in operation (step S502). When the special electric accessory 642 is not operating, it is determined whether it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 642 (step S503). The operation start time of the special electric accessory 642 is the timing of starting the operation of the special electric accessory 642 in each round game.

If it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 642, an effect control command (round effect designation command) is generated to start the round effect, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S504). ). On the side of the effect control board 200, a round effect corresponding to each round game during the special game is executed based on the information (information such as the current number of rounds) of this round effect designation command. The operation of the special electric auditors product 642 is started (step S505), and as the processing during the operation of the special electric auditors product 642, the processes of steps S506 to S510 are executed.

As a process during operation of the special electric auditors product 642, it is determined whether or not the game balls have entered the maximum winning opening 64 by the maximum number of winnings (step S506), and the operation time of the special electric auditors product 642 (open time). ) Has elapsed (step S507). At this time, if the game balls have entered the maximum winning opening 64 by the maximum number of winnings or if the operation time of the special electric auditors product 642 has elapsed, the operation of the special electric auditors product 642 is stopped (step S508). It is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric auditors product 642 has reached a predetermined specified number of rounds (step S509). When the number of continuous operations does not reach the specified number of rounds, the number of continuous operations of the special electric auditors product 642 is incremented by 1 (step S510).

On the other hand, when the number of continuous operations of the special electric auditors product 642 has reached the specified number of rounds, the process proceeds to step S511 shown in FIG. 34, and the end demonstration display time is set as the special game hit end demo setting process , An effect control command (big hit end demo command) for instructing the start of the end demo effect is generated (step S511).

Next, the probability variation number information set in step S344 is stored in the probability variation number counter (step S512). The variable time reduction frequency information set in step S345 is stored in the time reduction frequency counter (step S513). The easy-ball-on state number counter set in step S346 is stored in the easy-ball-in state number counter (step S514).

Next, with reference to the content of the probability variation determination flag set in step S343, it is determined whether or not the probability variation number information stored in the probability variation number counter is the probability variation function data (“64H”). Yes (step S515). If the probability variation number information is the probability variation function data, the operation of the probability variation function of the special symbol is started (step S516). On the other hand, if the probability variation number information is not the probability variation function data (NO in step S515), the execution of step S516 is omitted.

Next, it is determined whether or not the variation time reduction number information stored in the time reduction counter is variation time reduction function operation data (data other than "00H") (step S517). If it is the variation time reduction function operation data, the operation of the variation time reduction function of the special symbol is started (step S518). On the other hand, if it is not the variation time reduction function operation data, the execution of step S518 is omitted.

Next, it is determined whether or not the easy-ball-on state number information stored in the easy-ball-in-state number counter is electric chew support function operation data (data other than "00H") (step S519). If the data is the electric-chuo support function operation data, the operation of the electric-chuo support function is started (steps S520 to S522). That is, the operation start of the probability change function of the normal symbol (step S520), the operation start of the variable time shortening function of the normal symbol (step S521), the operation start of the opening extension function of the ordinary electric auditors product 622 (step S522), in order. Execute. On the other hand, if the data is not the operation support function operation data, the execution of steps S520 to S522 is omitted.

Next, the state is switched to the variation pattern selection state determined in step S347 (step S523). Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the game state information after the special game and the variation pattern selection state information set in steps S512 to S523 described above is generated, and the main information storage unit 180 is generated. In the command storage area (step S524). On the side of the effect control board 200, the effect mode after the special game is set based on the information of this game state designation command. The special electric auditors game status changes from "01H (special game)" to "00H (waiting state for hit)" (step S525).

On the other hand, if the special electric auditors product game status is not "01H" (step S501), the process proceeds to step S530, and whether or not the special electric auditors product game status is "02H (special game: small hit game)" It is determined whether or not (step S530). If the special electric auditors game status is "02H", the small hit game processing is executed in the subsequent processing.

In the small hit game process, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric auditors product 642 is in operation (step S531). If the special electric accessory 642 is not operating, the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started (step S532). On the other hand, if the special electric accessory 642 is in operation, the execution of step S532 is omitted.

Next, as a process during the operation of the special electric auditors product 642, it is determined whether or not the game balls have entered the maximum winning opening 64 by the maximum number of winnings (step S533), and the operation time of the special electric auditors product 642. It is determined whether (opening time) has elapsed (step S534). At this time, when the game balls have entered the special winning opening 64 by the maximum number of winnings or when the operation time of the special electric auditors product 642 has elapsed, the operation of the special electric auditors product 642 is stopped (step S535).

Next, as the end demo setting process for the small hit game, the end demo display time is set and a production control command (small hit end demo command) for instructing the start of the end demonstration effect is generated (step S536). Next, the state is switched to the variation pattern selection state determined in step S347 (step S537). Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the variation pattern selection state information after the special game set in step S537 is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. (Step S538). This game state designation command is used on the side of the effect control board 200, for example, for determination of an opportunity to move the effect mode and for specifying an effect mode of the transfer destination. The special electric auditors game status is changed from "01H (special game)" to "00H (hit waiting state)" (step S539).

36 and 37 are flowcharts showing an example of the effect control command processing shown in FIG. 20, FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 are diagrams showing an example of the output timing of the strobe signal, and FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the strobe output process shown in FIG. The strobe signal output timing control function will also be described below.

As shown in FIG. 36, after setting the address of the command request writing position (step S601) and loading the contents of the command request writing position as position data (step S602), the address of the command request reading position is set (step S602). S603). The command request write position address and the command request read position address are the write destination RAM address when the next command is generated and the command read destination RAM address when the next command is transmitted to the command storage area (ring buffer) of the main information storage unit 180. The data is data that represents the RAM address reference position when the command is stored and when the command is read.

Next, it is determined whether or not the position data matches the contents of the command request reading position (step S604), and if both match, the effect control command transmission processing is ended (both match). If there is no untransmitted command), on the other hand, if they do not match, it is determined that there is a command transmission request, and the contents of the command request read position are loaded as read position data (step S605).

Next, 1 is added to the contents of the command request read position (step S606), the logical product of the read position data and the position correction bit data (00111111B) is calculated (step S607), and then the address of the command buffer is set. (Step S608), the result of the logical product is doubled (step S609). The position correction bit data is correction data for not specifying the command read destination beyond the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. Here, the command buffer means a ring buffer that is a command storage area of the main information storage unit 180, and the address of the command buffer is the head address of the command storage area.

Next, as shown in FIG. 37, the result obtained by adding the doubled result to the address of the command buffer as the base address is set as the base address (step S610), and the contents of the base address are set as 2-byte command data. It is loaded (step S611). At this time, the address set in step S610 is the data area (1 byte) in which the command (MODE) to be transmitted this time is stored, and the corresponding EVENT data is stored in the subsequent data area (1 byte). Loading the contents of the specified address as the 2-byte command data in step S611 means reading out the address set in step S610 and the subsequent address.

Next, by clearing the contents of the base address +0 and the contents of the base address +1 to 0, the information of the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 read for the current transmission is cleared (step S612). , Move to the process of transmitting the command.

In the process of transmitting the command, first, the upper 1 byte (MODE) of the 2-byte command data is set as the output data (step S613), and the output data (MODE data) is rendered as shown in FIG. 38(A). It is output to the command output port (step S614) and held in the latch and switching circuit 104A. From this holding point, the command data holding period described later starts.

Next, strobe output processing is executed (step S615). In this strobe output processing, first, the initial value "43" is set as the waiting time (step S701). Here, the initial value of this waiting time is a value that can be adjusted based on theoretical values on the output side such as the signal transition time and the propagation delay time of the transistor array that constitutes the circuit such as the latch circuit 104B. For example, when the theoretical values such as the signal transition time and the propagation delay time of the transistor array forming the latch circuit 104B are longer, the initial value of this waiting time is set longer accordingly.

After setting the initial value of the waiting time as described above, it is determined whether or not the result of subtracting the waiting time by 1 is 0 (whether or not the time T1 in FIG. 38 is reached), and then the result is 0. It repeats until it becomes (step S702). The process of subtracting the waiting time is a process that is completed in a cycle with a small system clock cycle (1 state=62.7 ns) of the main control CPU 101, and the waiting time subtraction unit is the number of times “43” set as the initial value. By repeating the process, the waiting time becomes “0” after a total of about 20 μs, including the process of calling the strobe output process after setting the first command in the effect command output port and the process of setting the initial value. .. When the waiting time elapses, the value of the buffer such as a digit is loaded (step S703), the logical sum of the loaded value and the effect strobe bit data (01000000B) is calculated, and the output port (digit etc. output) related to the strobe signal is calculated. Signal data of the port) is activated (step S704).

Next, the result of the logical sum is output to the output port such as a digit (step S705), and "2" is set as the initial value of the waiting time (corresponding to the output maintaining period of the strobe signal) at which the effect control board 200 can read. Is set (step S706). The MODE data including the processing until the strobe signal output becomes active (until step S705) from the timing when the waiting time becomes “0” (after about 20 μs has elapsed after setting the MODE data) A strobe signal is output about 26 μs after the performance command output port is set. Here, the period during which the MODE data shown in FIG. 38 is output is about 53 μs, and the effect control CPU 201 starts command reception at about the middle position of the command output period. Since the processing is also completed in 3 μs, it is possible to receive the command with a margin. The initial value of the waiting time may be different between the MODE data (first command) and the EVENT data (second command). For example, the EVENT data may be shorter than the MODE data. ..

Next, returning to the description of the strobe output processing in FIG. 40, the initial value “2”, which is the output maintaining period of the strobe signal, is subtracted by the same processing as the waiting time subtraction unit processing, and the waiting time is decremented by 1. It is determined whether the result is 0, and the output of the strobe signal is maintained for about 2.5 μs repeatedly until the result is 0 (step S707), while the result is 0 and the waiting time is exceeded. When (corresponding to the output maintaining period of the strobe signal) has elapsed, the result of the logical sum of step S704 and the exclusive OR of the effect strobe bit data (for example, 01000000B) are calculated, and the strobe signal is switched to the inactive data. Is generated (step S708). Then, the result of the exclusive OR is output to the output port such as the digit (step S709).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the output timing of the strobe signal is shifted in time behind the conventional output timing indicated by the broken line, as indicated by the solid line, as shown in FIG. 38(B). That is, it is located approximately in the middle (about 26 μs) in the command data holding time from the command data setting time to time T3 (after about 53 μs).

By doing so, as in the strobe signal voltage shown in FIG. 39(A), the effect control board falls from the inactive potential to the active potential at a time point T1 approximately at the center of the command data holding period regarding the effect data. As shown in FIG. 39(B), the reference numeral 200 indicates the 8-bit command data held in the latch and switching circuit 104A in the strobe signal output maintaining periods T1 to T2 of the command data holding periods T0 to T3. It can be taken in without fail. Therefore, in the effect control board 200, it becomes difficult for the command data to be missed, and the necessary effect operation can be reliably controlled.

Next, returning to the effect control command transmission processing, as shown in FIG. 37, "48" is set as the initial value of the waiting time (step S616), and then the result of subtracting 1 from the waiting time is 0 or not. The determination is made, and the process is repeated until the result becomes 0 (step S617). By this process, after outputting the strobe signal from the output port, the MODE data is counted from the setting to the effect command output port and waits for about 50 μs. Since the main control CPU 101 cannot receive the command reception completion information from the effect control CPU 201 and proceed with the process, a standby time is set so that the command reception of the effect control CPU 201 is normally completed. ..

When the result becomes 0 and the waiting time (corresponding to the time T3 shown in FIG. 38) elapses, the lower 2 bytes of command data (EVENT) is set in the output data (step S618), and as shown in FIG. Then, the output data (EVENT data) is output to the effect command output port (not shown) (step S609) and held in the latch and switching circuit 104A. Next, strobe output processing is executed (step S620). In this strobe output processing, after setting the EVENT data as the output data, the command data is held and the waiting time elapses before the strobe signal is output as in the case of setting and transmitting the MODE data described above. doing. Regarding the reading of the EVENT data, since the data of the effect command output port does not switch immediately and the main control CPU 101 does not need to wait, unlike in the MODE mode, a waiting process after strobe signal output is provided. Not not.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the output timing of the strobe signal for the command data (MODE data) is adjusted by adjusting the waiting time after setting the command data as described above. Since control is possible based on the theoretical value (preferably the maximum value) on the output side due to the signal transition time and the propagation delay time of the transistor array that constitutes the circuit of FIG. The 8-bit command data can be reliably received from the circuit 104A, and the effect operation can be reliably controlled.

<Processing on the production control board side>
Next, the procedure of processing on the effect control board 200 side will be described with reference to FIGS. 41 to 50. In the following, the production control program is mainly the main subject, but the main subject will be omitted as appropriate. The process on the effect control board 200 side is a reset start process (including the effect control side main process) that is executed when the effect control CPU 201 is reset, such as after the power is turned on, and an effect control side timer interrupt that is activated at regular intervals. The process, the reception interrupt process of the effect control command executed upon receiving the strobe signal from the main control board 100, and the activation when the predetermined occurrence time defined in the time schedule of the variable effect pattern arrives It includes a lamp effect interruption process and a transmission interruption process of an image control command activated at regular intervals.

Each interrupt process (exception process) is set with a priority level indicating a priority when a plurality of interrupt processes occur simultaneously. In the present embodiment, "reset start processing by power supply reset (FIG. 41): highest priority", "reset start processing by various abnormalities (FIG. 41): highest priority"→"reception control command reception interrupt processing (FIG. 48) ): Level 7"→"Reset start process by WDT (runaway detection) (FIG. 41): Level 3"→"Image control command transmission interrupt process (FIG. 50): Level 2"→"Production control side timer interrupt process" (FIG. 49): Level 1” and the like are prioritized in order of priority level. Note that the "reset start process due to various abnormalities" is performed by, for example, DMA (Direct Memory) when the effect control CPU 201 executes an illegal command, when the effect control CPU 201 attempts to access an illegal area or an illegal method. Access) Starts when an error occurs during transfer. In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of interrupt processing described above are illustrated, but in reality, other interrupt processing also exists.

In the effect control side main processing, basically, the processing is performed after setting either all interrupts disabled or interrupts other than effect control command reception interrupts. Then, when the effect control side main process is in the interrupt enabled state, the main process is interrupted and each interrupt process is executed. In each interrupt process, if there is a request for another interrupt process (multiple interrupts occur) during the execution of the interrupt process, it is a general rule if the interrupt process has a higher priority level than the interrupt process being executed. In addition, while the interrupt request is permitted, the interrupt request is prohibited when the interrupt processing has a lower priority level or the same priority level as the interrupt processing being executed. That is, each interrupt process proceeds in a state where other interrupts having the same priority level or lower priority levels are prohibited. All interrupt processing returns to the main processing on the production control side with all interrupts enabled. The priority level (priority level) of such interrupt factors is defined by the register setting of the interrupt controller described above.

<Reset start processing>
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing an example of a reset start process of the effect control board 200. In this reset start processing, the power is turned on, a reset caused by various abnormalities, or a reset caused by WDT (runaway detection) is started, and after the security check of the effect control CPU 201 is performed. , The program starts, and the processes after step S801 are started.

First, as an initial setting required when the power is turned on, a leading address is set in the stack pointer as an initial value of the stack area (step S801). All interrupt processing is prohibited until various initial settings are completed (step S802).

Next, as a basic setting related to hardware, an initial value is set in a built-in register provided in the effect control CPU 201 and the I/O port circuit 204 is initialized (step S803). Further, the memory area in the effect control RAM 203 is initialized (step S804). Here, an initial value is set for a variable with an initial value, and initialization is performed by clearing 0 for a variable without an initial value. The effect control CPU201 appropriately expands the control program stored in the effect control ROM202 to the effect control RAM203.

Next, interrupts other than the reception interrupt process of the effect control command are prohibited (step S805). Next, of the various errors set in advance for each model, a process of setting the type of error that should be valid for the model is executed (step S806). Further, a turn-off request is made in order to turn off all the effect lamps 10 and 25 (frame lamp 10, board lamp 25) (step S807). A watchdog timer is activated to monitor the runaway of the effect control CPU 201 (step S808).

Next, effect control side main processing is executed (step S809). The details of the effect control side main processing will be described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that when the process shifts to the main control process on the production control side in step S809 described above, it is normally impossible to return to the reset start process, but due to occurrence of a program bug or the like, the reset start process is returned to by chance. In this case, the power consumption is changed to the low power consumption mode (sleep mode) in which the power consumption is reduced as compared with the normal operation.

<Main processing on the production control side>
FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing details of the effect control side main processing (step S809) shown in FIG.

First, an address (start address where the effect control program is expanded) for starting checking whether or not the effect control program is correctly expanded in the effect control RAM 203 in the main process of the effect control side is acquired (step S811). ). Next, all interrupts are permitted, that is, activation of various interrupt processes is permitted (step S812).

Next, the device initialization operation is executed (step S813). This initialization operation is an operation mode that is executed only once when the power of the game machine is turned on (when reset is started), and is necessary for controlling the operation of the movable accessory by a device such as a motor or a solenoid. It is executed for the purpose of confirming the position information. At the end of the initialization operation, the movable accessory returns to the preset initial position (reference position).

Next, the watchdog timer is cleared to restart the watchdog timer (step S814). At this time, when the effect control CPU 201 is normally executing the effect program, a predetermined clear word is written in the WDT clear register of the effect control CPU 201 within a preset timeout time, so that the watchdog timer Is cleared and restarted. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

Next, input port check processing is executed (step S815). In this input port check process, port I/O port circuit 204 (input port) is read every time an interrupt occurs in the port input/output process (step S1112) in the effect control timer interrupt process (see FIG. 49) described later. As a result of monitoring multiple times (for example, four times), if all the input port states are “1”, the signal level is changed to “1 (H level)” and all input port states are “0”. In the case of, the signal level is changed to "0 (L level)", and when the state of the input port is other than that, the signal level is not changed (this determines the input signal).

Next, an error effect management process is executed (step S816). In this error effect management process, error effects by various devices are started based on the error effect pattern set in the subsequent command analysis process (step S820). Further, in the error effect management process, an error management timer is set to an initial value (error effect time) to manage the progress of the error effect. This error management timer is decremented and updated at a cycle of 16 ms in the error management timer update process (step S1120) of the effect control side timer interrupt process. When the error management timer times out, the error effect is ended.

Next, effect button supervisory control processing is executed (step S817). In this effect button monitoring control process, when the button advance notice effect is incorporated during the pattern change, the input state of the effect button 15 within the operation valid time is monitored, and a plurality of preset button advance notice effects are set. The content of the effect according to the input state of the effect button 15 is determined from the kind of effect contents. The button input operation itself by the player is monitored in a port input process (step S1112) in the effect control side timer interrupt process, which will be described later, and in the effect button monitoring control process, a flag regarded as a button effective operation and effect switching. It is determined whether or not the flag for is established and execution control of the effect based on the button press is performed.

Next, advance notice lottery management processing is executed (step S818). In this notice lottery management process, the notice production pattern that defines the contents of the notice production that occurs at each stage of the variation process of the decorative pattern according to the scenario of the variation production pattern selected in the subsequent command analysis process (step S820). (Preliminary production number) is decided by lottery. The notice effect number determined here is temporarily stored in the notice effect number storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260. An image control command for designating this notice effect number on the image control board 300 side is generated and set in the image control command buffer of the effect control information storage unit 260. At this time, when the accessory notice effect pattern (feature notice effect number) is selected as the notice effect pattern, a feature request is generated, and in the subsequent device management process (step S819), the movable accessory effect is generated. Drive pattern is specified. In addition, in the present embodiment, all of the plurality of types of advance notice effects (announcement effect patterns) that occur within one variation of the decorative pattern are not drawn in one main loop process, but the main loop process efficiency is increased. In order to improve the performance, a configuration is performed in which the advance notice production is generated (for example, a variation start stage, a reach generation stage, a variation stop stage, and an effective operation of the production button 15), and the lottery is performed over a plurality of main loop processes. Has become. At that time, for the notice effect that occurs at the variation start stage of the decorative pattern, it is necessary to synchronize with the variation start of the decorative pattern (the image control command is transmitted immediately), so the lottery is performed in the main loop process described above. Execute.

Next, device management processing is executed (step S819). In this device management process, when there is an operation request (lamp request, accessory request) of various devices in a command analysis process (step S820) described later, a plurality of types of pattern data (lamp pattern, drive pattern) stored in the ROM 203 is stored. Pattern data corresponding to the effect number (lamp effect number, accessory notice effect number) is specified from among the (pattern), and control of the target device is started. In the lamp pattern data of the effect lamps 10 and 25, lamp data associated with each one frame time (time required to update the image frame once: 16 ms) is stored as schedule data. In the present embodiment, one frame time corresponds to the time required for one frame drawing process when the effect display device 70 draws at about 60 frames per second (=about 60 fps). Similarly, in the drive pattern data of the movable accessory, drive data associated with each interrupt cycle (1 ms) is stored as schedule data. As a result, the control data (lamp data, drive data, etc.) is output to the target device at regular intervals in the effect control timer interrupt process described later, and the operation of the target device is started. Become. On the other hand, in the production control timer interrupt processing described later, when the output of a series of control data (lamp data, drive data) is all completed, the production lamps 10 and 25 are turned off or the operation of the movable accessory is stopped. Then, the control of the target device ends.

Next, command analysis processing (step S820) is executed. In this command analysis processing, it is monitored whether or not the effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260, and if the effect control command is stored, this effect control command is read out and this effect control command is read. Perform effect control processing corresponding to the type of effect control command. Details of this command analysis processing will be described with reference to FIG. 43 described later.

During the loop processing of the effect main processing of the current cycle, it is determined whether or not analysis (hereinafter referred to as "command analysis") has been executed for the effect control command (step S821). When the command analysis is being executed, the process returns to step S814, and steps S814 to S821 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when the command analysis is not executed, the effect lottery random number updating process is executed (step S822). In this effect lottery random number update processing, effect lottery random numbers such as a look-ahead notice lottery random number, a decorative pattern random number, a variation effect pattern random number, a notice effect pattern random number are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value.

<Command analysis processing>
FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing details of the command analysis processing (step S820) shown in FIG. In this command analysis processing, it is monitored whether or not the effect control command held in the latch and switching circuit 104A in the main control board 100 is fetched in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 as shown below, When the effect control command is fetched and stored, an effect control process corresponding to the type of the effect control command is executed.

First, it is determined whether or not a game state designation command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S831). When the game state designation command is stored, the process proceeds to the effect state transition process (step S832). In this effect state transition process, a process of changing the effect mode is executed based on the variation pattern selection state information included in the game state designation command. Details of the effect state transition processing will be described with reference to FIG. 44 described later.

Next, it is determined whether a hold-related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S833). Here, the hold-related command includes a symbol storage number command and a preliminary determination command. If this hold-related command is stored, the process proceeds to the hold information management process (step S834). In this hold information management process, the symbol storage number command or the pre-determination command is read from the effect control information storage unit 260, the pre-reading determination is executed based on the information of the pre-determination result, and the hold display unit of the effect display device 70 (Fig. A process for updating the number of held images and the display mode (display color etc.) displayed in (not shown) is executed.

Next, it is determined whether or not a symbol variation related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S835). Here, the symbol variation related commands include a variation start command and a variation stop command. When the symbol variation related command is stored, the process proceeds to the variation effect content determination process (step S836). In this variation effect content determination process, if the received symbol variation related command is a variation start command, a process for starting the symbol variation effect is executed, and if the received symbol variation related command is a variation stop command Executes a process for ending the pattern variation effect being executed. Details of this variation effect content determination processing will be described with reference to FIG. 45 described later.

Next, it is determined whether or not a big hit production related command is stored in the command storage area of the production control information storage unit 260 (step S837). Here, the big hit performance related commands include a big hit start demonstration effect command, a round effect designation command, and a big hit end demonstration effect command. When the big hit production related command is stored, the process shifts to the big hit production content determination processing (step S838). In this jackpot effect content determination processing, processing for executing a start demonstration effect, a round effect, and an end demonstration effect is executed. Details of this big hit production content determination processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 46 and 47 described later.

Next, it is determined whether or not a small hit production related command is stored in the command storage area of the production control information storage unit 260 (step S839). Here, the small hit production related commands include a small hit start demonstration effect command and a small hit end demonstration effect command. When the small hit production related command is stored, the process shifts to the small hit production content determination processing (step S840). In this small hit production content determination process, processing for executing a small hit start demonstration effect and a small hit end demonstration effect is executed.

Next, it is determined whether or not an error effect designation command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S841). If this error effect designation command is stored, the process proceeds to the error effect content determination process (step S842). In this error effect content determination process, an error effect designation command is read from the effect control information storage unit 260, and an error effect for notifying the error state is displayed by the image display of the effect display device 70 or the light emission mode of the effect lamps 10 and 25. Determine the pattern.

If the effect control command is not stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 in steps S831, S833, S835, S837, S839, and S841, the command analysis process ends. Since the loop process (steps S814 to S822) of the main process on the effect control side is synchronized with the image display cycle (1 frame=16 ms) of the image control CPU 301, the command analysis process in step S821 and the effect lottery in step S822. The random number update process is repeatedly executed, and if it exceeds 16 ms, the process returns to step S814.

<Production state transition processing>
FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing details of the effect state transition processing (step S832) shown in FIG. 43.

First, the content of the game state designation command from the main control board 100 is analyzed, and the information regarding the variation pattern selection state included in the content of this command is acquired (step S901). Next, based on the information regarding the variation pattern selection state acquired in step S901, it is determined whether or not a trigger for shifting to the effect mode has arrived (step S902). When the trigger for shifting to the effect mode has arrived, the setting for shifting to the predetermined effect mode is performed in step S903 and subsequent steps. In addition, as a trigger for the transition of the production mode, in principle, it is linked with the probability variation function after the end of the special game, the variation time shortening function, the operation of the electric Chu support function, and the transition timing of the variation pattern selection state. For example, at the end of the special game, or when the end number of times of the variation pattern selection state is completed. In addition, the final number of times of the variation pattern selection state is the number of times related to the variation number of the special symbol.

First, it is determined whether or not the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side is the low-probability normal variation state α (step S903). When the destination is the low-probability normal variation state α, the normal effect mode Mα is set as the destination of the effect mode (step S904). When the mode is shifted to the normal effect mode Mα, a normal background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S905). In the normal effect mode Mα, a normal background image representing, for example, “wilderness” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol change. On the other hand, if the transition destination is not the low-probability normal variation state α (step S903), it is determined whether the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state is the high-probability time-shortening variation state β (step S906). If the transition destination is the high-probability time-shortening variation state β, the probability variation production mode Mβ is set as the production mode transition destination (step S907). When shifting to the probability variation effect mode A, the probability variation background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S908). In the probability variation effect mode Mβ, a probability variation background image representing, for example, “castle” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation.

When the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state is not the high-probability short-time variation state β (step S906), it is determined whether the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state is the high-probability special variation state γ (step S909). ). If the destination is the high-probability special variation state γ, the special effect mode Mγ is set as the destination of the effect mode (step S910). Next, it is determined whether the special continuous effect flag of the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S911). The special continuous effect flag is a flag that is turned on when the special continuous effect is executed. If the special continuous effect flag is on, a special background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S912). In the special effect mode Mγ, a special background image representing, for example, “starry sky” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol change. On the other hand, when the special continuous effect flag is off, the probability variation background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S913). In the special effect mode Mγ, a probability-varying background image representing, for example, “castle” (substantially the same background image as in the probability-varying effect mode Mβ) is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation. Next, an image control command for instructing the display of the effect contents (background image) determined in the processing is generated and stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S921). Further, as the change of the effect mode, there is also a change determined by the effect control board 200 side, which is not due to the game state of the main control board 100. For example, when the normal game state (low probability/low base) on the side of the main control board 100 is continuously played a predetermined number of times, or when a prefetch lottery for executing a special effect mode is won, the power is turned on. There is a case where the timer value for measuring the elapsed time of or the RTC circuit determines that the predetermined time has come and executes the special effect.

<Variable performance content determination processing>
FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing details of the variable effect content determination processing (step S836) shown in FIG. 43.

First, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation start command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S931). When the variation start command is stored, the content of this variation start command (variation pattern designation command, variation addition symbol information designation command, character effect number designation command) is analyzed, and the result of the win/loss lottery included in the content of this command , Information indicating a symbol group, a variation pattern (variation time), a game state, etc. is acquired (step S932). It should be noted that this acquisition information is stored in the variable effect content determination area of the effect control information storage unit 260.

Next, a variation effect pattern selection process is executed (step S933). In this variation effect pattern selection processing, based on the variation pattern information acquired in step S932 and the effect mode set in the effect state transition processing in step S832, the variation effect pattern table is acquired and effect lottery random number generation means is generated. A random effect pattern random number value is acquired from 210, and any of the variable effect patterns is determined by lottery from a plurality of types of variable effect patterns. The variation effect pattern constitutes a scenario of an effect display process in which the variation mode of the decorative design, the type/occurrence time of the reach effect, the type/occurrence time of the notice effect, etc. are defined. The variation effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the variation effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260. The lamp effect number corresponding to the selected variable effect pattern number is requested, and the requested lamp effect number is set in the lamp request storage area of the effect control information storage means 260.

Next, a decorative symbol stop symbol selection process is executed (step S934). In this decorative symbol stop symbol selection process, based on the symbol group information and the variation pattern information acquired in step S932, the combination of the stopped symbols of the decorative symbols to be finally stopped (left symbol/middle symbol/right symbol) is selected by lottery. To decide. The decorative symbol combination number determined here is temporarily stored in the decorative symbol storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260.

Next, as the update of the look-ahead information storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260, the holding ball information stored in the holding 2 storage area to the holding 4 storage area is shifted to the lower holding storage area, and the holding 4 storage area is set. It is cleared to zero (step S935).

Based on the effect information acquired in steps S933 to S935, an image control command (variation effect start command) required to start changing the decorative pattern is generated, and the image control command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260. It is set (step S939).

On the other hand, if the fluctuation start command is not stored (step S931), it is determined whether the fluctuation stop command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S940). If the fluctuation stop command is stored (step S940), the contents of the fluctuation stop command are analyzed, and the symbol stop information included in the contents of this command is acquired (step S941). An image control command (fluctuation effect stop command) required to stop changing the decorative pattern is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S942).

<Big hit performance content determination process>
46 and 47 are flowcharts showing details of the jackpot effect content determination processing (step S836) shown in FIG. 43.

First, it is determined whether or not a start demo command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S1001). When the start demo command is stored, the content of the start demo command is analyzed, and the information indicating the jackpot type included in the content of this command is acquired (step S1002). It should be noted that this acquisition information is stored in the jackpot effect content determination area of the effect control information storage unit 260. Next, the number of consecutive holidays counter for counting the number of consecutive holidays is updated (step S1003). Specifically, when the big hit this time is a big hit in a normal state (referred to as "first win"), the number of consecutive villas counter is set to "1", and when the big hit is the number of consecutive villas counter. 1” is added.

Next, a jackpot effect pattern selection process for determining the contents of the jackpot effect pattern (start demonstration effect pattern, round effect pattern, end demonstration effect pattern) is executed (step S1004). In this big hit production pattern selection processing, a big hit production pattern table (not shown) is obtained, and a big hit production pattern random number value is obtained from the production lottery random number generation means 210 to select one of the big hit production patterns. The effect pattern is determined by lottery. The big hit effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the big hit effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260. The jackpot effect pattern number includes, for example, a start demo pattern number, a round effect pattern number, and an end demo pattern number.

Next, the on-hold holidays effect determination process is executed (step S1005). In this on-holding continuous play effect determination process, when there is a holding that is a big hit in the gaming state after the big hit (particularly the probability variation gaming state) in the holding that exists when the big hit game is executed, the holding internal linkage Whether or not to execute the villa effect is determined, and when it is determined to execute the in-hold villa effect, the special continuous effect flag is turned on and the villa effect pattern is selected.

Next, the jackpot effect replacement process is executed (step S1006). In this jackpot effect replacement process, when a hold-in-long-end resort effect (special continuous effect) is executed, a normal start demo effect pattern and a normal end demo effect pattern are changed to a special start demo effect pattern and a special end demo effect pattern. Replace. In the present embodiment, the target of the look-ahead determination in the on-holding condominium production is present at the start point (at the end of the fluctuation) of the special game when the preceding operation holding ball becomes a big hit. It is a subsequent operation-reserving ball. Therefore, even if the operation holding ball generated during the special game is a specific hold, the in-hold-and-long-seat production effect determination process (step S1005) and the replacement process (step S1006) are not executed, but during the special game. When the specific hold occurs in the special game, it may be configured to execute the in-hold game production effect determination process and the replacement process even during the special game, and replace the jackpot effect data set at the start of the special game.

The start demonstration effect pattern number temporarily stored in the big hit effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 in steps S1004 and S1006 is transferred to the start demonstration effect storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 to start the start demonstration effect. Is set (step S1007).

Next, it is determined whether or not the round effect designation command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S1011). When the round effect designation command is stored (step S1007), the content of the round effect designation command is analyzed, and information indicating the number of rounds included in the content of this command and the number of winnings to the special winning opening 64 is displayed. It is acquired (step S1012). It should be noted that this acquisition information is stored in the jackpot effect content determination area of the effect control information storage unit 260. Next, based on the information acquired in step S1012, the round number counter of the effect control information storage unit 260 is updated (step S1013), and the special winning number counter of the effect control information storage unit 260 is updated (step S1014). .. In the present embodiment, “14” prize balls are paid out each time a game ball enters the special winning opening 64. Therefore, the number of winnings in the special winning opening 64 can be multiplied by “14”. , The number of winning prize balls is calculated.

Next, it is determined whether the pseudo count flag of the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S1015). The pseudo-count flag is a flag that is turned on when executing a pseudo-count effect in which the number of rounds and the number of won prize balls in the previous special game are added to the number of rounds and the number of won prize balls in the later special game to notify. Is. When the pseudo count flag is ON, that is, when the round effect (pseudo count effect) in the subsequent big hit is scheduled to be executed, the round number pseudo addition process is executed (step S1016). In this round number pseudo addition process, the execution number of the round game executed in the previous special game (round number: 10R) is added to the execution number of the round game (round number: 1R to 10R) stored in the round number counter. to add. Thereby, in the special continuous effect, the round game of the first round in the subsequent special game is notified as the eleventh round game.

Next, the pseudo prize number pseudo addition process is executed (step S1017). In this pseudo prize winning number addition processing, the number of winnings to the special winning opening in the previous special game is added to the number of winnings stored in the special winning number counter. As a result, in the special continuous production, the number of award balls acquired in the subsequent special game is notified as the total number of award balls acquired in the previous special game and the subsequent special game.

The round effect pattern number temporarily stored in the big hit effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 in steps S1004 and S1006 together with the numerical values of the round number counter and the award winning number counter is rounded by the effect control information storage unit 260. It is transferred to the effect storage area and the start of the round effect is set (step S1018).

Next, it is determined whether or not the end demo command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S1021). When the end demo command is stored, the content of the end demo command is analyzed and the information included in the content of this command is acquired (step S1022). It should be noted that this acquisition information is stored in the jackpot effect content determination area of the effect control information storage unit 260. Next, it is determined whether or not the special continuous production flag of the production control information storage unit 260 is ON (step S1023), and it is determined whether or not to execute the in-hold condominium production. When the special continuous effect flag is ON, the value of the round number counter (the number of rounds) and the value of the big winning number counter (the number of big winnings) are temporarily stored in the big hit storage area ahead of the effect control information storage means 260. It is stored (step S1024). This is because when the big hit of this time corresponds to the big hit of the previous one in the special continuous production, the final round number and the number of big winnings in the big hit of the previous one are pseudo addition processing (steps S1016 and S1017) in the big hit production of the later. This is because it will be used as the record information of the previous special game. Therefore, in the pseudo addition processing in steps S1016 and S1017, the numerical values (the number of rounds and the number of big prizes) stored in the big hit storage area are added. Next, the round number counter and the big winning number counter of the effect control information storage means 260 are cleared (steps S1025 and S1026).

Next, it is determined whether or not the pseudo count flag of the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S1027). If the pseudo count flag is on, the pseudo count flag is turned off (step S1028). Next, it is determined whether or not the on-hold holiday condominium effect flag of the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S1035). When the on-holding holiday condominium effect flag is on, the on-holding holiday resort effect flag of the effect control information storage unit 260 is turned off (step S1036).

Next, the end demo effect pattern number temporarily stored in the big hit effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 in steps S1004 and S1006 is transferred to the end demo effect storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260, The start of the end demonstration effect is set (step S1037). Based on the effect information acquired in steps S1005, S1007, S1018, and S1037, an image control command required for a big hit effect is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S1038). ..

<Reception control command reception interrupt processing>
FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing an example of reception interrupt processing of a production control command. In the reception interrupt process of the effect control command, as described above, the reading start condition of the strobe signal input from the main control board 100 is satisfied (for example, when an edge that switches to the active potential is detected or the active potential continues for a certain period of time). It is started when an interrupt occurs based on the above).

An example of the interrupt generated in this way is triggered by the first half edge of the strobe signal changing from the inactive potential to the active potential, but the second half edge of the strobe signal changing from the active potential to the inactive potential is triggered. May be set. In this way, when the latter half edge is used as an opportunity, it is possible to reduce the value to be set for the waiting time until the strobe signal is output (and also for the output sustaining period), and particularly for the EVENT data (second command). The processing can be moved forward, and the reading start determination step on the side of the production control board 200 increases (because it is necessary to determine inactive transition and chattering after the processing of active transition), but the main control board 100 side produces control. The time required to complete the command transmission process (step S79 in FIG. 20) can be shortened. Note that, with regard to the above-mentioned interrupt, since the processing on the main control side of the command transmission processing is completed when the strobe signal output of EVENT data is completed, for example, for MODE data, the above-mentioned first half edge is used as a trigger, and The data may be triggered by the latter half edge described above.

In this interrupt processing, when various effect control commands are stored in the latch and switching circuit 104A, the stored effect control commands are acquired and stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260. As described above, the production control command includes 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data, and the main control board 100 transmits the MODE data and the EVENT data in order to the production control board 200. To be done. In the present embodiment, for convenience of description, MODE data is also referred to as “first command” and EVENT data is also referred to as “second command”.

In the effect control command reception interrupt process, first, it is determined whether or not the input value of the effect control command is fixed (step S1101). Specifically, upon reception of the strobe signal from the main control board 100, the command data held in the latch of the I/O port circuit 104 and the switching circuit 104A every 8 bits is repeatedly read up to 5 times. When the same value is read twice in succession, the same value is confirmed as the input value. The reason for repeating in this manner is that there is a risk that the reading of command data may fail due to the influence of noise or the like.

Next, it is determined whether the command data received this time is the first command (MODE), in other words, whether the seventh bit of the received command is "1" (step S1102). If the command data received this time is the first command, the first command is temporarily stored in the temporary area (step S1103). Next, an effect lottery random number is obtained from the effect lottery random number generation means 210, and this random number information is temporarily stored in the effect lottery random number storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S1104). The production random number is acquired at the time of receiving the production control command because the production control command is transmitted at irregular timing such as when the game ball starts winning or when the special symbol starts changing. The reason is that by using as a trigger, there is no periodicity at the time of acquisition, and it cannot be guessed from the outside. By making the acquisition time of the effect lottery random number irregular in this way, it is difficult to cause inconveniences such as the same effect being unnaturally and repeatedly selected even in various effect lottery.

On the other hand, if the command data received this time is the second command (step S1102), it is determined whether the first command has already been received (step S1105). That is, it is determined whether or not the production control commands are received in the order of the first command (MODE) and the second command (EVENT), and it is confirmed whether or not there is a contradiction in the combination of the production control commands. If there is no contradiction in the combination of effect control commands, the address indicated by the write pointer (pointer for writing) is acquired (step S1106). Next, the first command and the second command are stored as 16-bit command data in the effect control command buffer (ring buffer) in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 according to the address designated by the write pointer. (Step S1107). In this way, the command data saved in the effect control command buffer is read by the command analysis process described above, and the effect control process corresponding to the type of the effect control command represented by the saved command data is executed. .. Next, the address indicated by the write pointer is updated (step S1108). Further, the command data (first command) temporarily stored in step S1103 described above is cleared (step S1109).

In the present embodiment, as described above, the output timing of the strobe signal from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200 is based on the theory of the output side due to the signal transition time and the propagation delay of the transistor array forming the circuit such as the latch circuit 104B. Since the control is performed based on the value, the effect control board 200 can reliably receive each command data in a state in which the strobe signal has reached the active potential without fail, so that the effect operation can be reliably controlled. ..

<Timer control side interrupt processing>
FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control timer interrupt processing. This timer interrupt process is activated by a clock pulse at regular intervals, and is executed so as to interrupt the above-mentioned effect control side main process.

When the timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the registers in the effect control CPU 201 are saved in the stack area of the effect control RAM 203, and then the processing from step S1111 is sequentially executed. In this timer interrupt process, interrupts of priority level 2 or higher such as effect control command reception interrupt from the main control board 100 and watchdog timer interrupt are permitted (step S1111).

Next, port input/output processing is executed (step S1112). In this port input/output processing, input processing of input data and output processing of output data are executed using the I/O port circuit 204. In the input process, various signals input to the I/O port circuit 204 are read and stored as input information. On the other hand, in the output process, various control signals (motor control signals) temporarily stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 are read out and output from the I/O port circuit 204.

Next, a device control data output process is executed (step S1113). In this device control data output processing, drive data for a predetermined time is read from the drive pattern data specified in the device management processing (step S819) described above and set in the drive data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. The drive data set in this process is data indicating control for 1 ms corresponding to the interrupt cycle. When the drive data is set in this process, the drive data is output from the I/O port circuit 204 to the motor driver 92 in the next timer interrupt process. Therefore, in this device control data output processing, the drive data is switched every interrupt cycle (1 ms) according to the drive pattern data.

Next, performance timer update processing is executed (step S1114). In this effect timer update processing, the values of various effect timers used for effect operation control are subtracted and updated for each interrupt cycle (for example, 1 ms). The effect timer includes a timer for managing the variation time of the decorative design, a timer for managing the occurrence timing of the notice effect, and the like. This production timer manages the time schedule in the fluctuating production pattern, and the time management of the driving timing of the movable accessory and the lighting timing of the production lamps 10 and 25 is managed on the time axis. The effect timer is also used in the device control data output process (step S1113) and the lamp data update process (step S1118) in the effect control timer interrupt process.

Next, the button control timer updating process is executed (step S1115). The value of the effective time management timer for managing the effective operation time of the effect button 15 is subtracted and updated by the interrupt cycle (1 ms in this embodiment). The operation valid time is the time during which the operation input of the effect button 15 is valid.

Next, the task control counter updating process is executed (step S1117). In this task control counter updating process, the task counter value (“0” to “15”) is updated for each timer interrupt. Specifically, if the value of the task counter is “0” to “14”, 1 is added, and if the value of the task counter is “15”, it is returned to “0”. That is, this task counter can take a circulation cycle of 16 ms. Various tasks (task processing) are assigned corresponding to the value of the task counter updated this time, and a ramp control task (lamp data update processing of step S1118) and a runaway monitoring task are assigned according to the value of the task counter. (Image CPU runaway monitoring process of step S1119), error management task (error management timer updating process of step S1120) and other processes are executed. In the present embodiment, one of the values (“0” to “15”) of the task counter is assigned to the lamp control task, and the other two values (values at intervals of 8 ms) are monitored for runaway. Assigned to the error task and the other one value is assigned to the error management task (the description of the other tasks is omitted). As described above, the cycle period of the task counter is set to 16 ms in order to match the minimum unit of 16 ms for switching control of the effect lamps 10 and 25. The minimum unit of the switching control of the effect lamps 10 and 25 corresponds to one frame time of the image frame, and the synchronization between the image effect and the lamp effect is realized.

Next, a lamp data update process is executed (step S1118). In this lamp data update processing, lamp data for a predetermined time is read and set from the lamp pattern data specified in the device management processing (step S819) described above. The lamp data set in this process is data indicating lighting control for 16 ms, which is the minimum unit for switching control of the effect lamps 10 and 25. When the lamp data is set, the lamp data is automatically output from the output port (serial port) to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer. The ramp data output process is configured as a serial communication interrupt process, and is realized by sequentially writing the ramp data in the transmission buffer of the serial communication circuit. The serial communication circuit serially converts the lamp data in the transmission buffer in 1-byte units, and outputs the converted data to the lamp connection board 91 bit by bit in a manner synchronized with the serial clock. This process is repeated until the transmission buffer becomes empty, whereby all the ramp data (all bytes) stored in the transmission buffer are output. Therefore, in this lamp data update process, the lamp data is switched every frame time (16 ms) according to the lamp pattern, and this lamp data is output to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer. It should be noted that this ramp data update processing is executed when the value of the task counter reaches a predetermined value (value indicating the ramp control task) in the task control counter update processing (step S1117) described above (that is, at a 16 ms cycle). Process to be executed).

Next, the image CPU runaway monitoring process is executed (step S1119). In this image CPU runaway monitoring process, the toggle signal input from the image control board 300 is monitored, and when the toggle signal does not continuously change for 800 to 1600 ms (about 50 to 100 frames), the image control is performed. It is determined that the image control CPU 301 of the board 300 is out of control, and the effect control board 200 transmits a reset signal to the image control board 300. As a result, the image control board 300 side executes a predetermined reset process when the reset state of the image control CPU 301 occurs. The toggle signal is a signal having a waveform in which H level/L level is alternately repeated for each frame time. The image CPU runaway monitoring process is a process executed when the value of the task counter reaches a predetermined value (a value indicating an image monitoring task) in the task control counter updating process (step S1117) described above. ..

Next, an error management timer process is executed (step S1120). In this error management timer process, the value of the error effect timer for managing the error effect time set in the above-described error effect management process (step S817) is subtracted and updated. The error management timer process is a process executed when the task counter value reaches a predetermined value (value indicating an error management task) in the task control counter updating process (step S1117) described above. After all interrupts are enabled and the saved contents of the register are restored, the effect control timer interrupt process is terminated and the process returns to the original process before the interrupt occurred.

<Image control command transmission interrupt processing>
FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing an example of the image control command transmission interrupt process. This image control command transmission interrupt process occurs at preset constant intervals (500 μs).

In this image control command transmission interrupt process, first, the image control command buffer of the effect control information storage unit 260 is checked (step S1131). Next, the read pointer is acquired in the image control command buffer (step S1132), and it is determined whether or not the image control command is stored in the image control command buffer (step S1133). Whether or not the image control command is stored can be confirmed by, for example, a read pointer and a write pointer. If the read pointer and the write pointer match, it means that the image control command is not stored. When the image control command is stored (step S1133), the image control command is read from the area pointed to by the read pointer (step S1134). The read image control command is set in the output buffer of the serial communication circuit (not shown) designated as the output destination (step S1135). As a result, the image control command is serially transmitted from the serial port to the image control board 300. Next, the command data (command data stored in step S1135 described above) is cleared (step S1136). Next, the read pointer is incremented by 1 and updated (step S1137). The transmission interrupt process of the image command is ended, and the original process before the interrupt is restored.

The above-described embodiments are examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not intended to be limited only to these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the form in which the main control board 100 is applied to the case where the command is transmitted to the effect control board 200 is illustrated, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and the payout control board 400 or a power supply board (not shown) may be used. Not only when the effect control board 200 sends the image to the image control board 300 or the lamp connection board 91, but also when the other board sends a command to another board. Can be applied.

Further, this embodiment can be applied to a game machine using parallel communication between substrates, for example, a spinning-type game machine (also referred to as a “slot machine”), a ball, an arrange ball, or the like. It goes without saying that it may be applied to a game machine. Among these, the spinning drum type game machine, after the game medium is loaded, the main control board (not shown) performs an internal lottery with the operation of the starting operation means as a trigger, and variably displays a plurality of symbols, and thereafter, It is advantageous for the player when the operation of the stop operation means or the elapse of a predetermined time is used as a trigger to stop a plurality of symbols which are changing according to the result of the internal lottery and present the symbol row, and when a specific condition is satisfied. Playing state. At that time, the effect control board (not shown) takes in the command from the main control board upon receiving the strobe signal, and controls the effect operation according to the command thus taken in. By doing so, the same effects as the above-described effects can be exhibited. On the other hand, since the electromagnetic waves generated by the signal patterns on each board are shielded as described above, this spinning-type gaming machine is less susceptible to noise and can perform stable and normal performance operations. become able to.

100: main control board, 104: I/O port circuit, 104A: latch and switching circuit, 104B: latch circuit, 104C: switching circuit, 200: production control board, 211: production control ROM Connector, 300... Image control board, 400... Dispensing control board, 700... Production control ROM board.

Claims (1)

Main control means for executing a lottery after the start condition is satisfied and controlling the game operation according to the result of the lottery,
In a gaming machine provided with a production control means for controlling a production operation by the control of the main control means ,
The main control means ,
A command output port connected to a latch circuit for temporarily holding a command to be output to cause the effect control means to perform an effect operation,
A strobe signal output section for outputting a strobe signal when the command is set to the command output port and output;
Have
A waiting process that sets a predetermined waiting time, data for controlling the predetermined standby time is decremented repeatedly until zero after setting the command to the command output port,
A strobe signal output control process that causes the strobe signal output unit to output the strobe signal to the effect control unit upon completion of the standby process for the predetermined standby time,
Run
The presentation control means, when said main based have a command to start reading condition on the output of the strobe signal from the control unit is satisfied, the command reception interruption processing occurs in the command reception interruption processing, through the command output port will receive the commands latched in said latch circuit Te,
The command constitutes one command by a plurality of unit data, and in the transmission of the command from the main control means to the effect control means, for each of the plurality of unit data constituting the command. The setting to the command output port and the output of the strobe signal are made,
The main control means is configured to set a predetermined waiting time even after execution of the strobe signal output control processing, and is executed after setting the last unit data forming the command in the command output port. A game machine characterized by not performing a process of setting a standby time after the strobe signal output control process .

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