JP6798786B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine capable of playing a game.

Conventionally, in a slot machine that performs a pseudo game effect using a pseudo reel as a game machine, the memory area used by the processor that controls is saved by partially sharing the processing between the normal reel and the pseudo reel. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2015-16100

However, in Patent Document 1, although the used memory area (data storage means) used by the processor (processing means) can be reduced, the unused memory that can be used for processing depends on the control situation. Unused storage capacity (resource), which is an area, may be insufficient to execute processing. Since such a shortage of resources does not surface until the processing cannot be executed, there is a problem that it is not possible to grasp that the storage state is short of resources before the processing cannot be executed.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of grasping a storage state of data used by a processing means in a data storage means.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present invention
A gaming machine capable of playing (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1)
A processing means (for example, a part in which the effect control CPU 120 performs a control operation according to the program) that executes the processing associated with the game based on the program, and
A data storage means capable of storing data (for example, a portion where the RAM 122 provides a work area of the effect control CPU 120) and
A program in which the processing means can be executed, and the storage state (for example, the remaining amount of resources) of the data used by the processing means in the processing in the data storage means has a predetermined output condition (for example, insufficient resources). There is a possibility that resources will be insufficient if the state is 30% or less of level 1 before the state of the program, or if the remaining amount of resources tends to decrease in the short term in the last 5 fluctuation displays. In some cases, 20 times ago, 15 times ago, 10 times ago, 5 times ago, and during the relatively long period of this fluctuation display, the remaining amount of resources tends to decrease continuously, which may cause a shortage of resources. A determination program storage means (for example, a part where the ROM 121 stores the RC program) capable of storing a determination program (for example, an RC program) for determining whether or not the condition is satisfied (for example, a case)
When it is determined by executing the determination program that the output condition is satisfied, an output means for outputting to that effect (for example, the effect control CPU 120 outputs external output data in S116 of the resource check process shown in FIG. 13). The part that executes processing and outputs an external output signal) and
With
The output condition is that, among the storage capacities of the data storage means, the unused storage capacities that the processing means are unused are decreasing at a plurality of determination timings, or the use that the processing means is using. Including the tendency output condition that the storage capacity is increasing at multiple judgment timings,
As a determination based on the trend output condition by executing the determination program, the processing means has a first tendency determination in which the period between the determination timing of 1 and the next determination timing is the first period, and the determination of 1. The second trend determination, which is the second period in which the period between the timing and the next determination timing is longer than the first period, is executed.
When it is determined by at least one of the first tendency determination and the second tendency determination that the tendency output condition is satisfied, the output means outputs to that effect.
In the determination based on the tendency output condition, the number of times of the plurality of determination timings for determining that the unused storage capacity is decreasing differs depending on the capacity of the unused storage capacity, or the used storage capacity is increased. The number of times of the plurality of determination timings for determining that the determination is performed depends on the capacity of the storage capacity used.
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to grasp the storage state of the data used by the processing means in the data storage means.

The gaming machine of means 1 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to claim 1.
The processing means (for example, a portion where the effect control CPU 120 executes the RC program) that executes the determination program (for example, the RC program) makes a determination at a predetermined determination timing (for example, the effect control CPU 120 performs the determination). A part that checks the remaining amount of resources and makes a judgment when it is determined that a fluctuation start command has been received in S100 of the resource check process shown in FIG. 13)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the processing load of determination can be reduced.

The gaming machine of the means 2 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the means 1.
In the output condition, among the storage capacities of the data storage means (for example, RAM 122), the unused storage capacity in which the processing means (for example, the effect control CPU 120) is unused is reduced at a plurality of determination timings. This includes a tendency output condition that the used storage capacity used by the processing means is increasing at a plurality of determination timings (for example, the remaining amount of resources is short-term in the last 5 fluctuation displays). There is a possibility that resources will be insufficient due to the tendency to decrease to, or in a modified example, resources may be insufficient due to the tendency of resource usage to increase in the short term in the last 5 fluctuation displays. The part that outputs an external output signal when there is a problem)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to grasp that the unused storage capacity is insufficient before the unused storage capacity is insufficient.

The gaming machine of means 3 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to means 2.
In the processing means (for example, the portion where the effect control CPU 120 executes the RC program) that executes the determination program (for example, the RC program), the determination timing period is the first period (for example, as the determination based on the trend output condition). For example, the first trend determination (for example, the portion where the effect control CPU 120 executes the first trend determination process in S103 of the resource check process shown in FIG. 13), which is the period for each time the fluctuation start command is received). The second tendency determination (for example, the effect control CPU 120 is shown in FIG. 13), which is the second period (for example, the period every time the fluctuation start command is received five times) in which the determination timing period is longer than the first period. At least one of (the part where the second tendency determination process is executed in S108 of the resource check process) and at least one of them can be executed (for example, either the first tendency determination condition or the second tendency determination condition is satisfied. The part that executes the output of the external output signal when
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the determination accuracy based on the tendency output condition can be improved.

The gaming machine of the means 4 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the means 3.
The processing means (for example, a portion where the effect control CPU 120 executes the RC program) for executing the determination program (for example, RC program) is the resource shown in FIG. 13 for the first trend determination (for example, the effect control CPU 120 for executing the RC program). The part where the first tendency determination process is executed in S103 of the check process) and the second tendency determination (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the second tendency determination process in S108 of the resource check process shown in FIG. ) Is executed, and it is determined by either one of the first tendency determination and the second tendency determination that the unused storage capacity is continuously reduced (for example, the remaining amount of resources is continuously determined). When it is determined that is decreasing), or when it is determined that the used storage capacity is continuously increasing (for example, when it is determined that the resource usage is continuously increasing in the modified example). ), It is determined that the output condition is satisfied (for example, the effect control CPU 120 determines that the first condition fulfillment flag, the second condition fulfillment flag, and the third condition fulfillment flag are satisfied in S114 of the resource check process shown in FIG. The part that determines whether or not any of them is set)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to cope with various tendencies that the unused storage capacity is insufficient, and it is possible to improve the determination accuracy.

The gaming machine of means 5 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to means 3.
The processing means (for example, a portion where the effect control CPU 120 executes the RC program) for executing the determination program (for example, RC program) is the resource shown in FIG. 13 for the first trend determination (for example, the effect control CPU 120 for executing the RC program). The part where the first tendency determination process is executed in S103 of the check process) and the second tendency determination (for example, the part where the effect control CPU 120 executes the second tendency determination process in S108 of the resource check process shown in FIG. ), And when it is determined that the unused storage capacity is continuously decreasing in both the first tendency determination and the second tendency determination (for example, the remaining amount of resources is continuously reduced). When it is determined that the storage capacity is decreasing), or when it is determined that the used storage capacity is continuously increasing (for example, when it is determined that the resource usage is continuously increasing in the modified example). In addition, it is determined that the above output conditions are satisfied (for example, in the modified example, the output of the external output signal is output only when both the first tendency determination condition and the second tendency determination condition are satisfied. Part to execute)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to prevent the output from being unnecessarily executed due to a decrease in unused storage capacity or an increase in used storage capacity for a short period of time.

The gaming machine of the means 6 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1, means 1 to 5.
The output condition is such that the unused storage capacity of the data storage means (for example, RAM 122) in which the processing means (for example, the effect control CPU 120) is unused is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (for example). , The remaining amount of resources is equal to or less than the threshold of level 1), or the storage capacity used by the processing means is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, the amount of resources used in the modified example is equal to or greater than the threshold of a predetermined level). It is characterized by including the threshold condition of.
According to this feature, it can be surely grasped that the unused storage capacity is below the threshold value or the used storage capacity is above the threshold value.

The gaming machine according to the means 7 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1, means 1 to 6.
Of the storage capacity of the data storage means (for example, RAM 122), the unused storage capacity (for example, the remaining amount of resources) in which the processing means (for example, the effect control CPU 120) is unused, or the processing means is used. A specific means for specifying the used storage capacity (for example, the resource usage amount in the modified example) (for example, the resource used by the effect control CPU 120 in S101 of the resource check process shown in FIG. 13 is added up and the resources are used. It has a part to specify the remaining amount or a part to specify the resource usage by adding up the memory areas in use in the modified example).
The output means (for example, a portion where the effect control CPU 120 executes an external output data output process in S116 of the resource check process shown in FIG. 13 to output an external output signal) is unused specified by the specific means. It is possible to output the storage capacity or the used storage capacity (for example, the part where the data of the resource buffers 1 and 2 is included in the external output signal and output).
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to grasp the unused storage capacity or the used storage capacity of the data storage means.

The gaming machine of the means 8 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1, means 1 to 7.
An error determination means (for example, the effect control CPU 120) that determines the occurrence of an internal error (for example, a reset error, a sound error, and a VDP error) that does not interfere with the progress of the game executes the internal error check process shown in FIG. The part that determines the occurrence of an internal error)
The output means (for example, a portion where the effect control CPU 120 executes an external output data output process in S116 of the resource check process shown in FIG. 13 to output an external output signal) is an internal error determined by the error determination means. Can be output (for example, the part where the external output signal contains the internal error type data and is output)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to grasp the occurrence of an internal error that does not surface because it does not interfere with the progress of the game.

In addition, the present invention may have only the invention-specific matters described in the claims of the present invention, and has a configuration other than the invention-specific matters together with the invention-specific matters described in the claims of the present invention. It may be a thing.

It is a front view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure example of a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which illustrates the production control command. It is a figure which illustrates the fluctuation pattern. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display result determination table. (A) is a diagram showing a configuration example of a jackpot type determination table, and (B) is a diagram showing the contents of various jackpots. It is a flowchart which shows an example of timer interrupt processing for game control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the effect control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect control process process. (A) is a diagram showing a configuration example of the resource buffer 1, (B) is a diagram showing a configuration example of the resource buffer 2, and (C) is a diagram showing a resource remaining amount threshold table. It is a figure which shows an example of the external output data which is output to the outside. It is a figure which shows an example of a resource check process.

A mode for carrying out the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.

First, the overall configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 which is an example of the gaming machine will be described. In the following description, the front side of FIG. 1 will be described as the front (front, front) side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the back side will be described as the rear (rear) side. In this embodiment, the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is the facing surface facing the pachinko gaming machine 1 when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is viewed from the player side. In the description of each step in the flowchart, for example, the part described as "step S1" may be abbreviated as "S1". Further, in this embodiment, "execution" and "implementation" are synonymous.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko game machine 1 (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as a game machine) is roughly divided into a game board 2 (gauge board) constituting the game board surface and a game machine frame 3 (underframe) for supporting and fixing the game board 2. ) And. The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails. A game ball is launched from a ball launching device into the game area and is driven into the game area.

A first special symbol display 4A and a second special symbol display 4B are provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, on the right side of the game area). The first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B are each composed of, for example, a 7-segment or dot matrix LED (light emitting diode), and each of them is used in a special symbol game as an example of a variable display game. A special symbol (also referred to as a "special figure"), which is a plurality of types of identifiable identification information (special identification information), is variably displayed (also referred to as a variable display or a variable display). For example, the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B each variablely display a plurality of types of special symbols composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9" and symbols indicating "-". To do. The special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B are composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9" and symbols indicating "-". The present invention is not limited, and for example, a plurality of types of lighting patterns having different combinations of those that are turned on by the 7-segment LED and those that are turned off may be preset as a plurality of types of special symbols. In the following, the special symbol that is variablely displayed on the first special symbol display 4A is also referred to as the "first special symbol", and the special symbol that is variablely displayed on the second special symbol display 4B is the "second special symbol". Also called.

Both the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B are formed in a square shape, for example. The type of the first special figure and the type of the second special figure may be the same (for example, both numbers indicating "0" to "9" and symbols indicating "-"), and the types may be the same. It may be different. Further, the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B may be configured to variablely display numbers (or two-digit symbols) indicating, for example, "00" to "99", respectively. However, each of the segments indicating "00" to "99" may be configured to display "00" to "99" in an invisible and randomly arranged display.

An effect display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area of the game board 2. The effect display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or the like, and forms a display area for displaying various effect images. In the display area of the effect display device 5, for example, three are corresponding to each of the variable display of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 4A and the variable display of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 4B. In the effect symbol display area which is a plurality of variable display units such as, the effect symbol (also referred to as a decorative symbol) which is a plurality of types of identification information (decorative identification information) that can identify each is variablely displayed. The variable display of this effect symbol is also included in the variable display game.

As an example, in the display area of the effect display device 5, "left", "middle", and "right" effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are arranged. Then, in response to the start of either the fluctuation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 4A or the fluctuation of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 4B, "left". , "Middle", and "Right", the effect symbol variation (for example, scroll display in the vertical direction) is started in each of the effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. After that, the final effect symbols (final stop symbols) are stopped and displayed in the effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the "left", "middle", and "right" of the effect display device 5.

As described above, in the display area of the effect display device 5, the special figure game using the first special figure on the first special symbol display 4A or the second special figure on the second special symbol display 4B is used. Synchronized with the special figure game, the variable display of a plurality of types of effect symbols that can be identified by each is performed, and the final effect symbol is derived and displayed (or simply referred to as "derivative"). It should be noted that the variation display may be temporarily stopped during the variation display of the effect symbol.

There are eight types of symbols (alphanumeric characters "1" to "8" or Chinese characters) that are variablely displayed in the "left", "middle", and "right" effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. It may be a number, an English character, eight character images related to a predetermined motif, a combination of numbers, characters or symbols and a character image, and the character image may be, for example, a person or an animal, an object other than these, or an object other than these. , Characters and other symbols, or decorative images showing any other figure). Each of the production symbols is given a corresponding symbol number. For example, a symbol number of "1" to "8" is assigned to each of the alphanumeric characters indicating "1" to "8". The production symbols are not limited to eight types, and may be any number of types as long as an appropriate number of combinations such as "big hit" combinations and "missing" combinations can be configured (for example, seven types). 9 types, etc.).

After the variable display of the effect symbol is started, by the time the final effect symbol is derived and displayed, each effect symbol display area 5L, 5C, 5R of "left", "middle", and "right", or the effect symbol In at least one of the display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R (for example, the "left" effect symbol display area 5L, etc.), for example, the symbol numbers flow from the upper to the lower in order from the smallest to the largest. When the scroll display is performed and the effect symbol having the maximum symbol number (for example, "8") is displayed, the effect symbol having the minimum symbol number (for example, "1") is subsequently displayed.

A first reserved storage display area 5D and a second reserved storage display area 5U are set at two locations on the left and right below the display area of the effect display device 5. In the first hold storage display area 5D and the second hold storage display area 5U, the hold storage display for identifiablely displaying the hold storage number (special figure hold storage number) of the variable display corresponding to the special figure game is performed.

Here, the holding of the variable display corresponding to the special figure game is such that the game ball passes through the first starting winning opening formed by the normal winning ball device 6A and the second starting winning opening formed by the ordinary variable winning ball device 6B. It occurs based on the starting prize by (entering). That is, the start condition (also referred to as "execution condition") for executing the variable display game such as the special figure game or the variable display of the effect symbol is satisfied, but the variable display game based on the previously established start condition is being executed. When the start condition that allows the start of the variable display game is not satisfied due to the fact that the pachinko game machine 1 is controlled to the jackpot game state, the variable display corresponding to the established start condition is suspended. Will be done. In this embodiment, the hold memory display generated based on the start winning due to the game ball passing (entering) through the first starting winning opening is displayed as a round white display, and the game ball passes through the second starting winning opening (entering). The hold memory display generated based on the start winning by entering) is changed to a round blue display.

In the following description, the display in the first hold storage display area 5D and the second hold storage display area 5U may be collectively referred to as hold display.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the hold storage display area, the first hold for identifiable display of the number of special symbol hold storages on the upper and lower parts of the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B. A display 25A and a second hold display 25B are provided. The first hold indicator 25A displays the number of first special figure hold storage so as to be identifiable. The second hold indicator 25B displays the number of second special figure hold storage identifiable. The number of reserved storages in the variable display obtained by adding the number of reserved storages in the first special figure and the number of reserved storages in the second special figure is particularly referred to as the total number of reserved storages.

Below the effect display device 5, a normal winning ball device 6A and a normal variable winning ball device 6B are provided. The ordinary winning ball device 6A forms a first starting winning opening that is always kept in a constant open state by, for example, a predetermined ball receiving member. The ordinary variable winning ball device 6B is an electric motor having a pair of movable wing pieces that are changed into a normal open state in a vertical position and an expanded open state in a tilting position by a solenoid 81 for an ordinary electric accessory shown in FIG. It is equipped with a tulip-shaped accessory (ordinary electric accessory) and forms a second start winning opening.

As an example, in the ordinary variable winning ball device 6B, the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning opening because the movable wing piece is in the vertical position when the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory is in the off state. It becomes a difficult normal open state. On the other hand, in the normal variable winning ball device 6B, the game ball passes through the second starting winning opening by the tilt control in which the movable wing piece is in the tilting position when the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory is on. It will be in an expanded open state where it is easy to enter. Although the normally variable winning ball device 6B allows the game ball to enter the second starting winning opening even when it is in the normally open state, there is a possibility that the game ball will enter more than when it is in the expanded open state. It may be configured to be low. Alternatively, the normally variable winning ball device 6B may be configured so that the game ball does not enter the second starting winning opening, for example, by closing the second starting winning opening in the normally open state. In this way, the second start winning opening changes into an expanded open state in which the game ball easily passes (enters) and a normally open state in which the game ball does not easily pass (enter) or cannot pass (enter).

The game ball that has passed (entered) the first starting winning opening formed in the ordinary winning ball device 6A is detected by, for example, the first starting opening switch 22A shown in FIG. The game ball that has passed (entered) the second starting winning opening formed in the normally variable winning ball device 6B is detected by, for example, the second starting opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Based on the detection of the game balls by the first start port switch 22A, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the first special figure reserved memory number is a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "" If it is less than 4 "), the first starting condition is satisfied. Based on the detection of the game balls by the second start port switch 22B, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the second special figure reserved memory number is a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "" If it is less than 4 "), the second starting condition is satisfied. The number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A and the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port switch 22B. May be the same number or different numbers from each other.

A special variable winning ball device 7 is provided at a position below the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball device 7 includes a large winning opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door shown in FIG. 2, and a predetermined area that changes between an open state and a closed state depending on the large winning opening door. Form a big prize opening as.

As an example, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door is in the off state, the large winning opening door is in the closed state and the game ball passes through (entering) the large winning opening. I can't do it. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the big winning door is on, the big winning door opens the big winning door and the game ball passes through (entering) the big winning door. ) Make it easier. In this way, the large winning opening changes into an open state in which the game ball easily passes (enters) and is advantageous to the player, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot pass (enter) and is disadvantageous to the player. In addition, instead of the closed state in which the game ball cannot pass (enter) the large winning opening, or in addition to the closed state, a partially open state in which the game ball does not easily pass (enter) the large winning opening may be provided.

The game ball that has passed (entered) the large winning opening is detected by, for example, the count switch 23 shown in FIG. Based on the detection of the game balls by the count switch 23, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. In this way, when the game ball passes (enters) the large winning opening of the special variable winning ball device 7 that has been opened, the game ball passes through another winning opening (for example, the first starting winning opening or the second starting winning opening). More prize balls will be paid out than when passing (entering). Therefore, when the large winning opening of the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened, the game ball can enter the large winning opening, which is the first state advantageous for the player. On the other hand, if the large winning opening of the special variable winning ball device 7 is closed, it becomes impossible or difficult for the player to pass (enter) the game ball through the large winning opening to obtain the winning ball. It becomes a disadvantageous second state.

A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the left side of the game area). As an example, the ordinary symbol display 20 is composed of 7 segments, dot matrix LEDs, and the like like the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, and has a plurality of types of identification information different from the special symbol. The normal pattern (also called "normal figure" or "normal figure") is variably displayed (variable display). Such a variable display of a normal pattern is called a normal figure game (also referred to as a "normal figure game").

A normal symbol display 25C is provided above the normal symbol display 20. The normal figure hold indicator 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and displays the normal figure hold storage number as the number of effective passing balls that have passed through the passing gate 41.

In addition to the above configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill for changing the flow direction and speed of the game ball and a large number of obstacle nails. Further, as a winning opening different from the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening and the large winning opening, for example, a single or a plurality of general winning openings that are always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member are provided. May be done. In this case, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls may be paid out as prize balls based on the fact that the game balls that have entered any of the general prize openings are detected by the predetermined general prize ball switch. At the bottom of the game area, there is an out opening for taking in a game ball that has not entered any of the winning openings.

Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the game machine frame 3, and game effect lamps 9 are provided around the game area.

At the lower right position of the game machine frame 3, a ball striking operation handle (operation knob) operated by a player or the like to launch the game ball toward the game area is provided. For example, the hitting ball operation handle adjusts the elastic force of the game ball according to the amount of operation (rotation amount) by the player or the like. The ball striking operation handle may be provided with a single-shot launch switch for stopping the drive of the launch motor included in the ball striking device, or a touch ring (touch sensor).

At a predetermined position of the game machine frame 3 below the game area, an upper plate that holds (stores) the game balls paid out as prize balls and the game balls paid out by renting so that they can be supplied to the hitting ball launching device. (Striking ball supply plate) is provided. At the lower part of the gaming machine frame 3, a lower plate is provided to hold (store) surplus balls and the like overflowing from the upper plate so that they can be discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 is equipped with various control boards such as a main board 11, an effect control board 12, a voice control board 13, and a lamp control board 14, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is also equipped with a relay board 15 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, an interface board, and a power supply board are arranged on the back surface of the game board 2.

The main board 11 is a control board on the main side, and is equipped with various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The main board 11 is a sub-side control board mainly composed of a random number setting function used in a special figure game, a function capable of inputting an output signal from a switch or the like arranged at a predetermined position, an effect control board 12, and the like. It has a function to output and transmit a control command as an example of command information as a control signal, and a function to output various information to the outside. Further, the main board 11 controls lighting / extinguishing of each LED (for example, segment LED) constituting the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B to control the lighting / extinguishing of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The variable display of a predetermined display symbol, such as controlling the variable display of the normal symbol 20 and controlling the variable display of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 20 by controlling the lighting / extinguishing / coloring of the normal symbol display 20. It also has a control function.

On the main board 11, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110 that takes in detection signals from various switches for game ball detection and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100, and a game control microcomputer 100. A solenoid circuit 111 or the like that transmits a solenoid drive signal to the solenoids 81 and 82 is mounted.

The effect control board 12 is a control board on the sub side independent of the main board 11, receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, and receives the effect display device 5, the speakers 8L, and 8R. And various circuits for controlling the effect operation by the effect electric parts such as the game effect lamp 9 are mounted. That is, the effect control board 12 produces effects such as the display operation of the effect display device 5, all or part of the sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, and all or part of the on / off operation of the game effect lamp 9 and the like. It has a function of determining the control content for causing a predetermined effect operation to be performed on the electric component for the device.

The voice control board 13 is a control board for voice output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and is a speaker based on commands and control data (sound number, volume level, etc.) from the effect control board 12. It is equipped with a processing circuit that executes audio signal processing to output audio from 8L and 8R. The lamp control board 14 is a control board for controlling lamp output provided separately from the effect control board 12, and the game effect lamp 9 and the like are turned on / off based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. It is equipped with a processing circuit that drives it.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main board 11 is connected to a wiring for transmitting detection signals from the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23. The gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 may have an arbitrary configuration capable of detecting a game ball, such as a sensor. Just do it. Further, on the main board 11, the first special symbol display 4A, the second special symbol display 4B, the normal symbol display 20, the first hold display 25A, the second hold display 25B, and the general figure hold display 25C Wiring for transmitting command signals for performing display control such as is connected.

The control signal transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15 is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electric signal.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command used in this embodiment. The effect control command has, for example, a 2-byte structure, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The command form shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and other command forms may be used. Here, XXH indicates that it is an unspecified hexadecimal number, and may be a value corresponding to the content of instruction by the effect control command.

The command 8001H is a first fluctuation start command for designating the fluctuation start on the first special symbol display 4A. The command 8002H is a second fluctuation start command for designating the fluctuation start on the second special symbol display 4B. The command 81XXH is a fluctuation pattern designation command for designating a fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time), and different EXT data is set according to the designated fluctuation pattern and the like.

The command 8CXXXH is a variation display result notification command, and is an effect control command for designating the variation display result. The command 8C00H is a command indicating a pre-determined result indicating that the command is "off". The command 8C01H is a command for notifying that the jackpot type is "probability variation jackpot A" in "big hit". The command 8C02H is a command for notifying that the jackpot type is "probability variation jackpot B" in "big hit". Command 8C03H is a command for notifying that the jackpot type is "non-probability variable jackpot" in "big hit".

The command 8F00H is a symbol confirmation command for designating the change stop (confirmation) of the effect symbol. The command 95XXH is a game state specification command that specifies the game state at that time.

The command A0XXH is a jackpot start designation command (also referred to as a "fanfare command") for designating the start of the jackpot gaming state. The command A1XXH is a notification command during the opening of the big winning opening that notifies that the big winning opening is in the open state and that the big winning opening is in the open state in the big hit game state. The command A2XXH is a notification command after opening the big winning opening that notifies that the big winning opening has changed from the open state to the closed state and that the big winning opening is in the closed state in the big hit game state. The command A3XXH is a jackpot end designation command that specifies the end of the jackpot gaming state.

In addition, in the notification command during the opening of the big winning opening and the notification command after opening the big winning opening, for example, the number of executions of the round in the normal open big hit state or the short-term open big hit state (for example, "1" to "16" or "1" to "5" ”) Corresponding EXT data is set.

The command B100H is a first start opening winning designation command for notifying that the first starting condition is satisfied by winning the first starting winning opening formed by the normal winning ball device 6A. The command B200H is a second start opening winning designation command for notifying that the second starting condition is satisfied by winning the second starting winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball device 6B.

The command C1XXH is a first hold storage number notification command for notifying the first special figure hold storage number. The command C2XXH is a second hold storage number notification command for notifying the second special figure hold storage number.

The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and is a ROM 101 (Read Only Memory 101) that stores a game control program, fixed data, and the like, and a game control work. The RAM 102 (Random Access Memory 102) that provides the area, the CPU 103 (Central Processing Unit 103) that executes the game control program to perform the control operation, and the numerical data indicating the random value are updated independently of the CPU 103. It is configured to include a random number circuit 104 to be performed and an I / O 105 (Input / Outputport 105). Hereinafter, Read Only Memory is abbreviated as ROM, Central Processing Unit is abbreviated as CPU, Random Access Memory is abbreviated as RAM, and Input / Output port is abbreviated as I / O.

As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, various processes for controlling the progress of the game are executed by executing the program read from the ROM 101 by the CPU 103.

On the main board 11, various random values such as a random number value MR1 for determining a special figure display result, a random number value MR2 for determining a jackpot type, a random number value MR3 for determining a fluctuation pattern, and a random number value MR4 for determining a general figure display result are used. Numerical data is controlled so that it can be counted. The random number circuit 104 may be any one capable of counting numerical data indicating a part or all of these random number values MR1 to MR4, and the CPU 103 may use software for various random numbers not counted by the random number circuit 104. It suffices to count by updating the numerical data of.

FIG. 4 shows the fluctuation pattern of this embodiment. In this embodiment, a plurality of fluctuation patterns as shown in FIG. 4 are prepared in advance. Specifically, in this embodiment, among the cases where the variation display result is "off", the variation display mode of the effect symbol corresponds to the case of "non-reach" and the case of "reach", respectively. In addition, a plurality of fluctuation patterns are prepared in advance in response to a case where the fluctuation display result is a "big hit".

A normal reach reach effect is executed for the jackpot variation pattern, which is a variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variation display result is "big hit", and the reach variation pattern when the variation display mode of the effect symbol is "reach". There are a normal reach fluctuation pattern and a super reach fluctuation pattern in which a super reach reach effect such as super reach α and super reach β is executed. In this embodiment, only one type of normal reach fluctuation pattern is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and like the super reach, a plurality of normal reach α, normal reach β, ... The normal reach fluctuation pattern of is also provided. Further, as for the super reach fluctuation pattern, three or more super reach fluctuation patterns such as super reach γ may be provided in addition to super reach α and super reach β.

As shown in FIG. 4, the special figure fluctuation time of the normal reach fluctuation pattern in which the reach effect of the normal reach is executed in this embodiment is set shorter than the super reach α and super reach β which are the super reach fluctuation patterns. .. Further, regarding the special figure fluctuation time of the super reach fluctuation pattern in which the super reach effect such as super reach α and super reach β is executed in this embodiment, the fluctuation pattern in which the super reach effect of super reach β is executed is the one. However, the special figure fluctuation time is set longer than the fluctuation pattern in which the super reach effect of the super reach α is executed.

In this embodiment, as described above, the fluctuation display result is set to be "big hit" in the order of super reach β, super reach α, and normal reach. Therefore, the normal reach fluctuation pattern and super In the reach fluctuation pattern, the longer the fluctuation time, the higher the expectation of a big hit.

The ROM 101 included in the game control microcomputer 100 shown in FIG. 2 stores various selection data, table data, and the like used for controlling the progress of the game, in addition to the game control program. .. For example, the ROM 101 stores data that constitutes a plurality of determination tables, setting tables, etc. prepared in advance for the CPU 103 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings. Further, the ROM 101 stores table data constituting a plurality of command tables used for the CPU 103 to transmit control signals to be various control commands from the main board 11, and a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns as shown in FIG. Table data and the like that make up the fluctuation pattern table are stored.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the display result determination table stored in the ROM 101. In the present embodiment, the display result determination table common to the first special figure and the second special figure is used as the display result determination table, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first special figure is not limited to this. And the second special figure may use individual display result determination tables.

The display result determination table sets the variable display result as a "big hit" and puts it in a big hit game state before the confirmed special symbol is derived and displayed in the special symbol game of the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B. It is a table referred to for determining whether or not to control based on a random number value MR1.

In the display result determination table of this embodiment, a numerical value (value) to be compared with the random number value MR1 depending on whether the gaming state is a normal state, a time saving state (low probability state), or a probability variation state (high probability state). Judgment value) is assigned to the special figure display result of "big hit" or "missing".

In the display result determination table, determination data is assigned to the determination result of whether or not to control the special figure display result as a "big hit" to the big hit game state. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the gaming state is in the probabilistic state (high probability state), more judgment values than in the normal state or the time saving state (low probability state) are the characteristics of the "big hit". It is assigned to the figure display result. As a result, in the probability change state (high probability state) in which the probability change control is performed, the probability that it is determined to control the special figure display result as a "big hit" in the big hit game state in the normal state or the time saving state (low probability state). Compared with (about 1/300 in this embodiment), the probability of being determined to control the special figure display result as a "big hit" to the big hit gaming state is higher (about 1/30 in this embodiment). That is, in the display result determination table, when the game state is in the probability change state (high probability state), the probability of being determined to control the jackpot game state is higher than in the normal state or the time saving state. The determination data is assigned to the determination result of whether or not to control the jackpot game state.

In the ROM 101, when it is determined to control the jackpot game state, the jackpot type determination table referred to for determining the jackpot type to one of a plurality of types based on the random number value MR2, or the random number value MR3 A fluctuation pattern determination table for determining the fluctuation pattern to any of the fluctuation patterns shown in FIG. 4 described above is also stored.

In the setting example shown in FIG. 6 (A), the judgment values for the jackpot types of "probability variation jackpot A" and "probability variation jackpot B" are determined according to whether the fluctuation special map is the first special map or the second special map. Allocations are different. That is, when the variable special figure is the second special figure, there is no assignment to the big hit type of "probability variable big hit B" with a small number of rounds, and "probable variable big hit B" does not occur in the variable display of the second special figure. By setting this, the high opening control accompanying the time reduction control allows the game ball to easily enter the second start winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball device 6B. It is possible to prevent the frequent occurrence of "" and the deterioration of the game entertainment. Note that the setting example shown in FIG. 6 (A) is only an example, and a jackpot type other than that shown in FIG. 6 (A) may be provided, and the determination ratio of each jackpot, the presence or absence of determination, etc. may be determined. It may be set appropriately.

Further, as the fluctuation pattern determination table stored in the ROM 101, it is determined in advance that the fluctuation pattern determination table for big hits used when it is predetermined to be "big hit" and the fluctuation pattern determination table for big hits are "missing". A variation pattern determination table for deviation, which is sometimes used, is prepared in advance. In this embodiment, the reach fluctuation pattern is more likely to be determined when a big hit occurs than when a hit occurs, and the possibility of a big hit (reliability and expectation) is higher when a reach occurs. At the same time, even if the fluctuation pattern of the same reach, there is a higher possibility that the super reach will be a big hit (reliability and expectation) than the normal reach, and even if the same super reach, the fluctuation pattern of the super reach β is better. However, in order to increase the possibility of a probability variation jackpot (reliability and expectation), determination values corresponding to each variation pattern are set in the variation pattern determination table for jackpot and the variation pattern determination table for deviation.

The deviation pattern determination table includes a plurality of tables corresponding to the total number of reserved storages and the time saving state, and the total number of holding storages corresponds to 2 to 4 depending on the number of reserved storages and the time saving state. Shortening non-reach out-of-reach variation pattern (PA1-2), shortening non-reach out-of-reach variation pattern (PA1-3) corresponding to a total of 5 to 8 reserved storages, and shortening non-reach out-of-reach variation pattern. By determining (PA1-4) according to the total number of reserved memories and the gaming state (time saving state), the shorter the total number of reserved memories is, the easier it is to execute a short fluctuation pattern, that is, the fluctuation per unit time. By increasing the number of times, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of unnecessary start winnings, and during the time reduction control (during the time reduction state), the fluctuation pattern of the shortened non-reach outlier is higher than when the time reduction control is not executed. By determining a large number of (PA1-4) and increasing the number of fluctuations per unit time, the period until the next big hit can be shortened, and the player's feeling of continuous villa can be improved.

The RAM 102 included in the game control microcomputer 100 shown in FIG. 2 may be a backup RAM in which a part or all of the RAM 102 is backed up by a backup power source from a predetermined power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 102 are stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot supply power). , When the power is turned on again, the data indicating the progress state of the game, such as the data corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means (special figure process flag, etc.) and the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls, will be inherited. do it.

Such a RAM 102 is provided with a game control data holding area (not shown) as an area for holding various data used for controlling the progress of the game. In the game control data holding area, the game ball passes (enters) the first start winning opening formed by the normal winning ball device 6A, and the starting winning (first starting winning) is generated, but the first starting winning is not yet started. As the hold data of the special figure game using the special figure, the first special figure hold storage unit for storing the random value MR1, the random value MR2, the numerical data indicating the random value MR3, and the like, and the normal variable winning ball device 6B are formed. Random value MR1 as the pending data of the special figure game using the second special figure that has not been started yet although the game ball has passed (entered) through the second start winning opening and the start winning (second starting winning) has occurred. , The second special figure holding storage unit that stores numerical data indicating the random number value MR2 and the random number value MR3, the normal figure holding storage unit, and the state can be updated according to the progress of the game such as the special figure process flag. A game control flag setting unit provided with a plurality of types of flags, a game control timer setting unit provided with various counters used to control the progress of the game, and a game control timer setting unit for controlling the progress of the game. A game control counter setting unit provided with a plurality of types of counters for counting the count values used, and various buffers for temporarily storing data used for controlling the progress of the game are provided. It is equipped with a game control buffer setting unit.

As shown in FIG. 2, the effect control board 12 provides an effect control CPU 120 that performs a control operation according to a program, a ROM 121 that stores an effect control program, fixed data, and the like, and a work area of the effect control CPU 120. The display control unit 123 including the RAM 122 to be used, a VDP (video display processor) for executing processing for determining the control content of the display operation on the effect display device 5, and the effect control CPU 120 are independently disturbed. A random number circuit 124 that updates numerical data indicating numerical values and an I / O 125 are mounted.

As an example, in the effect control board 12, various processes for controlling the effect operation by the effect electric components are executed by executing the effect control program read from the ROM 121 by the effect control CPU 120. For example, as a process for controlling these effect operations, a reception process in which the effect control CPU 120 receives input of various signals from the outside of the effect control board 12 via the I / O 125, and an effect control CPU 120 via the I / O 125. External output that outputs an external output signal in the form of serial communication data shown in FIG. 12 to an external device such as a debugging terminal (for example, an in-circuit emulator) used during debugging. Data output processing (see FIG. 13) is also performed.

On the side of the effect control board 12, as in the case of the main board 11, for example, various random numbers (also referred to as effect random numbers) for determining the execution / non-execution of various effects, the type of effect, and the like are set. Has been done. Further, in the ROM 121, in addition to the effect control program, various table data used for controlling the effect operation, for example, execution / non-execution of various effects, type of effect, and the like are determined. Table data that constitutes a plurality of determination tables, pattern data that constitutes an effect control pattern corresponding to each fluctuation pattern, and the like are stored.

Further, the ROM 121 stores an RC (resource check) program for performing the resource check process shown in FIG. 9 and an EC (error check) program for performing the internal error check process, and these RC (resource check) programs are stored. ) The effect control CPU 120 executes the resource check process and the internal error check process based on the program and the EC (error check) program. In this embodiment, a mode in which the above-mentioned RC (resource check) program and EC (error check) program are stored (stored) in the ROM 121 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least one of these programs may be stored (stored) in the internal ROM or the like of the effect control CPU 120.

Among the effect control patterns, the effect control pattern at the time of special symbol change corresponds to each variation pattern, and the variation display of the effect symbol during the period from the start of the variation of the special symbol to the derivation display of the confirmed special symbol. It is composed of data showing the control contents of various effects such as operations and reach effects.

Further, the RAM 122 is provided with, for example, an effect control data holding area (not shown) as an area for holding various data used for controlling the effect operation. The effect control data holding area includes an effect control flag setting unit provided with a plurality of types of flags that can update the state according to the effect operation state, the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11, and various effect operations. The effect control timer setting unit and effect control counter setting unit provided with multiple types of timers and counters used to control the progress of the effect, and the data used to control the progress of various effect operations are temporarily stored. It is equipped with an effect control buffer setting unit in which various buffers for storing are provided.

In this embodiment, a storage area (buffer number "1-1") corresponding to the maximum value (for example, "4") of the total number of reserved storages of the first special figure reserved storage is stored in a predetermined area of the effect control buffer setting unit. ~ "Area corresponding to" 1-4 ") and storage area (buffer numbers" 2-1 "to" 2- "corresponding to the maximum value (for example," 4 ") of the total number of reserved storages in the second special figure reserved storage. An area corresponding to "4") is provided, and data constituting a hold storage buffer capable of specifying the status of hold storage at that time is stored, and a first hold storage display is performed based on the data of the hold storage buffer. The hold display of the area 5D and the second hold storage display area 5U is displayed.

Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. When the power supply from the predetermined power supply board is started on the main board 11, the game control microcomputer 100 is started, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined process which is the game control main process. When the game control main process is started, the CPU 103 sets the interrupt disabled and then performs the necessary initial settings. In this initial setting, for example, RAM 102 is cleared. In addition, the register of the CTC (counter / timer circuit) built in the game control microcomputer 100 is set. As a result, after that, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute the timer interrupt process. When the initial setting is completed, interrupts are permitted and then loop processing is started. In the game control main process, the process for returning the internal state of the pachinko game machine 1 to the state at the time of the previous power supply stop may be executed, and then the loop process may be started.

When the CPU 103 that has executed the game control main process receives the interrupt request signal from the CTC and receives the interrupt request, the CPU 103 executes the game control timer interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the game control timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 7 is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch process to perform the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, and the second start port via the switch circuit 110. The state of the detection signal input from various switches such as the switch 22B and the count switch 23 is determined (S11). Subsequently, by executing a predetermined main-side error process, an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed, and a warning can be generated if necessary according to the diagnosis result (S12). After that, a predetermined information output process is executed (S13).

Next, a game random number update process for updating at least a part of the game random numbers such as the random number values MR1 to MR4 by software is executed (S14). After that, the special symbol process process shown in FIG. 8 is executed (S15).

Following the special symbol process processing, the display operation on the normal symbol display 20 (for example, turning on and off the segment LED) is controlled to display the fluctuation of the normal symbol and tilt the movable wing piece of the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The normal symbol process process for setting the operation and the like is executed (S16). After that, by executing the command control process, the control command is transmitted (output) from the main board 11 to the control board on the sub side such as the effect control board 12 (S17).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of special symbol process processing. In this special symbol process process, first, the start winning prize determination process is executed (S21). After that, any of the processes S22 to S29 is selected and executed according to the value of the special figure process flag provided in the game control flag setting unit.

In the start winning process of S21, it is determined whether or not there is a first start winning or a second starting winning by the first starting port switch 22A or the second starting port switch 22B, and if there is a winning, the random number value MR1. MR2 and MR3 are extracted and stored at the top of the empty entry in the first special figure reservation storage unit when the first start prize is won, and when the second start prize is won, the second special figure is reserved. Store at the top level of free entries in the storage.

The special symbol normal processing of S22 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “0”. In the special symbol normal processing, it is determined whether or not to start the special symbol game based on the presence or absence of pending data. Further, based on the numerical data indicating the random value MR1, it is determined (predetermined) whether or not the variation display result is a “big hit” before the variation display result is derived and displayed. Further, a fixed special symbol (either a jackpot symbol or a missed symbol) is set according to the variable display result. Then, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "1".

The fluctuation pattern setting process of S23 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “1”. The variation pattern setting process includes a process of determining the variation pattern to one of a plurality of types using numerical data indicating a random value MR3 based on a preliminary determination result of whether or not the variation display result is a "big hit". It is included. Then, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "2".

The special symbol variation process of S24 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “2”. In the special symbol change process, the process of making settings for changing the special symbol on the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, and the elapsed time since the special symbol starts to change. It includes processing to measure. When the change elapsed time of the special symbol reaches the special figure fluctuation time, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "3".

The special symbol stop processing of S25 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “3”. The special symbol stop process includes a process of setting the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B to stop display (derive) the confirmed special symbol that is the variable display result of the special symbol. It has been. Then, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag is on, and if the jackpot flag is on, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "4". On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is off, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0".

The jackpot opening pre-processing of S26 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “4”. In the big hit pre-opening process, based on the fact that the variable display result is "big hit", etc., the process of starting the execution of the round in the big hit game state and setting to open the big winning opening is performed. include. Specifically, the upper limit of the period for opening the big winning opening is set to "29 seconds", and the number of opening of the big winning opening, which is the upper limit of the number of rounds to be executed, is set to "non-probable big hit" or "probable change". If it is a big hit A, it is set to "16 times". On the other hand, when the jackpot type is "probability variation jackpot B", the number of times the jackpot is opened, which is the upper limit of the number of rounds to be executed, is set to "5". At this time, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5".

The process of opening the jackpot in S27 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “5”. In this big hit opening process, the big winning opening is measured based on the process of measuring the elapsed time since the big winning opening is opened, the measured elapsed time, the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23, and the like. It includes a process of determining whether or not it is time to return the switch from the open state to the closed state. Then, when the large winning opening is returned to the closed state, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "6" after executing a process of stopping the supply of the solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door. ..

The post-processing after opening the jackpot in S28 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “6”. In this post-opening of the big hit, the process of determining whether or not the number of executions of the round that opens the big winning opening has reached the maximum number of opening of the big winning opening has reached the maximum number of opening of the big winning opening. In some cases, it includes processing to make settings for sending a jackpot end specification command. Then, when the number of round executions has not reached the maximum number of open winning openings, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5", while when the maximum number of opening large winning openings is reached, the special figure The value of the process flag is updated to "7".

The jackpot end processing of S29 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “7”. This jackpot end process includes a process of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to a period in which the ending effect for notifying the end of the jackpot game state is executed has elapsed. When such a setting is made, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0".

In the jackpot end process, the jackpot type buffer value stored in the game control buffer setting unit is read out to determine whether the jackpot type is "non-probability variable jackpot", "probability variation jackpot A", or "probability variation jackpot B". Identify. Then, when it is determined that the specified jackpot type is not "non-probability variation jackpot", a setting (set of probability variation flag) for starting probability variation control is performed.

In addition, when the specified jackpot type is "non-probability variable jackpot", the setting for starting the time reduction control (the set of the time reduction flag and the upper limit value of the special figure game that can be executed during the time reduction control are supported in advance. The predetermined count initial value (“100” in this embodiment) is set in the time reduction counter).

Next, the operation of the effect control board 12 will be described. First, when the power is turned on, the effect control CPU 120 starts executing the main process shown in FIG. In the main process, first, an initialization process is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing the timer for determining the activation interval (for example, 2 ms) of the effect control (S51). After that, the effect control CPU 120 shifts to the loop process for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (S52). When the timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 120 sets the timer interrupt flag by the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set (on) in the main process, the effect control CPU 120 clears the flag (S53) and executes the following process.

The effect control CPU 120 first performs a command analysis process (S54). In the command analysis process, which command (see FIG. 3) is the command transmitted from the main board 11 stored in the received command buffer is analyzed. The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 is received by the interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in the buffer area formed in the RAM. Then, a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command is performed.

Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs the effect control process process (S55). In the effect control process process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from each process according to the control state, and the display control of the effect display device 5 is executed.

Next, the effect random number update process (S56) for updating the count value of the counter for generating the effect random number such as the jackpot symbol determination random number, the state in which the resource is insufficient or the state before the effect is insufficient as shown in FIG. Resource check processing (S57) for determining whether or not there is a high possibility that the resource is insufficient, and internal error check processing (S58) for determining whether or not a predetermined internal error has occurred. ) Is executed, and then the process proceeds to S52.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the effect control process process (S55) of the effect control main process. In the effect control process process, the effect control CPU 120 first sets the hold storage display in the first hold storage display area 5D and the second hold storage display area 5U of the effect display device 5 according to the storage contents of the hold storage buffer. The hold display update process for updating the display is executed (S72).

After that, the effect control CPU 120 performs any of the processes S73 to S79 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following processes are executed.

Variation pattern designation command reception waiting process (S73): It is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern designation command has been received from the game control microcomputer 100. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the fluctuation pattern specification command is received in the command analysis process. If the variation pattern specification command is received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (S74).

Effect symbol variation start process (S74): Control is performed so that the effect symbol variation is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (S75).

Processing during effect symbol change (S75): Controls the switching timing of each change state (fluctuation speed) constituting the change pattern, and monitors the end of the change time. Then, when the fluctuation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (S76).

Effect symbol fluctuation stop processing (S76): Control to stop the variation of the effect symbol and derive and display the display result (stop symbol) based on the reception of the effect control command (symbol confirmation command) instructing to stop all symbols. Do. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (S77) or the variation pattern designation command reception wait process (S73).

Big hit display process (S77): After the end of the fluctuation time, the effect display device 5 is controlled to display a screen for notifying the occurrence of the big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot game in-game process (S78).

Process during big hit game (S78): Control during big hit game. For example, when the designated command during the opening of the large winning opening or the designated command after opening the large winning opening is received, the display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 5 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end effect process (S79).

Big hit end effect processing (S79): In the effect display device 5, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit game state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern designation command reception waiting process (S73).

Next, the resource buffer 1, the resource buffer 2, and the resource remaining amount threshold table set in the effect control buffer setting unit of the RAM 122 and used in the resource check process (S57) will be described.

The resource buffer 1 is a buffer used for determination in the first trend determination process (S103) described later, and as shown in FIG. 11A, the latest 5 storage areas of numbers 1 to 5 are stored in the resource buffer 1. It is possible to store the remaining amount of resources at the time when the fluctuation start command up to the previous time is received.

That is, the entry number 5 stores the remaining amount of resources specified when the fluctuation start command is received one time before, and the entry number 4 is specified when the fluctuation start command is received two times before. The remaining amount of resources is stored, the remaining amount of resources specified when the fluctuation start command is received three times before is stored in the entry number 3, and the fluctuation start command is stored four times before in the entry number 2. The remaining amount of resources specified at the time of receiving is stored, and the remaining amount of resources specified at the time of receiving the fluctuation start command five times before is stored in the entry of No. 1. Therefore, when a new fluctuation start command is received, the remaining resource amount stored in the entry number 2 is shifted to the entry number 1, and the remaining resource amount stored in the entry number 3 is numbered 2. The remaining resource amount stored in the entry number 4 is shifted to the entry number 3, the remaining resource amount stored in the entry number 5 is shifted to the entry number 4, and the reception is performed. The resource remaining amount identified at that time is stored in the entry with the number 5.

Further, the resource buffer 2 is a buffer used for determination in the second tendency determination process (S108) described later, and as shown in FIG. 11B, the resource buffer 2 is stored in the five storage areas No. 1 to No. 5. It is possible to store the specified remaining resource amount each time the fluctuation start command is received five times.

That is, the entry of number 5 stores the remaining amount of resources at the time when the check timing of every 5 fluctuation displays is closest, and the entry of number 4 stores the resources at the time when the check timing is twice before. The remaining amount is stored, the resource remaining amount at the time when the check timing is 3 times before is stored in the entry number 3, and the resource at the time when the check timing is 4 times before is stored in the entry number 2. The remaining amount is stored, and the entry number 1 stores the remaining amount of resources at the time when the check timing is 5 times before. Therefore, when the check timing is updated every 5 times of the variable display, the remaining resource stored in the entry number 2 is shifted to the entry number 1, and the resource stored in the entry number 3 is shifted. The remaining amount is shifted to the number 2 entry, the remaining resource amount stored in the number 4 entry is shifted to the number 3 entry, and the remaining resource amount stored in the number 5 entry is changed to the number 4 entry. The remaining resources that are shifted and identified at the new check timing are stored in the entry number 5.

Further, in the resource remaining amount threshold table, the threshold value of the resource remaining amount corresponding to each level (level 1 and level 2) used in the determination of S111 and S112 described later is shown in FIG. 11 (C). It is stored in association with level 1 (caution) and level 2 (warning).

Next, the resource check process of this embodiment executed in S57 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the resource check process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the variation start command reception flag is set, that is, whether or not it is the variation start time when the variation start command is received (S100). In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation is started depending on whether or not the fluctuation start command reception flag is set, but the value of the effect control process flag corresponds to the effect symbol variation start process. It may be determined whether or not it is the start of fluctuation depending on whether or not the value is set to.

If the variable start command reception flag is not set, the process ends. On the other hand, when the fluctuation start command reception flag is set, the unused memory areas among the memory areas that can be used by the effect control CPU 120 for the control process are added up to specify the remaining resource amount (S101).

Then, the resource buffer 1 is updated (S102). Specifically, as described above, the resource remaining amount data stored in the entries of the resource buffer 1 with the numbers 2 to 5 is shifted to the entries with the numbers 1 to 4, and S101 is moved to the entry with the number 5. Stores the data of the remaining amount of resources newly specified in.

Next, the first trend determination process, which is a short-term trend determination, is executed based on each resource remaining amount data stored in the updated resource buffer 1 (S103). Specifically, it is satisfied that the remaining amount of each resource stored in the resource buffer 1, which is the first trend determination condition, is less than the remaining amount of resources stored in the entry immediately before each. It is determined whether or not the first tendency determination condition is satisfied depending on whether or not the condition is satisfied (S104). That is, when the remaining amount of resources stored in the entry of each number N is expressed by SR (N), the relationship of SR (1)> SR (2)> SR (3)> SR (4)> SR (5) Is determined whether or not is satisfied.

If the first tendency determination condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S106. On the other hand, when the first tendency determination condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to S106 after setting the first condition establishment flag (S105).

In S106, it is determined whether or not the determination timing of the trend determination 2, that is, whether or not the newly started variation display is a variation display that is a multiple of 5 as the number of variation displays from the start of business. It should be noted that whether or not the fluctuation display count is a multiple of 5 from the start of business may be determined by the value of the fluctuation display counter in which the fluctuation display count from the start of business is cumulatively added. , A judgment timing counter in which the judgment value of "5" is set is provided, and 1 is subtracted and updated every time the fluctuation display of 1 is started, and the tendency is judged when the judgment timing counter becomes 0. It may be determined that the determination timing is 2, and "5" may be reset in the determination timing counter.

If it is not the determination timing of the tendency determination 2, the process proceeds to S111. On the other hand, when the determination timing of the trend determination 2 is reached, the resource buffer 2 is updated (S107).

Specifically, as described above, the resource remaining amount data stored in the entries of the resource buffer 2 with the numbers 2 to 5 is shifted to the entries with the numbers 1 to 4, and S101 is moved to the entry with the number 5. Stores the data of the remaining amount of resources newly specified in.

Next, a second trend determination process, which is a long-term trend determination, is executed based on each resource remaining amount data stored in the updated resource buffer 2 (S108). Specifically, it is satisfied that the remaining amount of each resource stored in the resource buffer 2, which is the second tendency determination condition, is less than the remaining amount of resources stored in the entry immediately before each. It is determined whether or not the second tendency determination condition is satisfied depending on whether or not the condition is satisfied. That is, when the remaining amount of resources stored in the entry of each number N is expressed by LR (N), the relationship of LR (1)> LR (2)> LR (3)> LR (4)> LR (5) Is determined whether or not is satisfied.

If the second tendency determination condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S111. On the other hand, when the second tendency determination condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to S111 after setting the second condition establishment flag (S110).

In S111, whether or not the remaining resource amount at that time specified in S101 is 30% or less, which is the threshold value stored in association with level 1 in the resource remaining amount threshold value table of FIG. 11C. That is, it is determined whether or not the remaining resource amount is lower than the level 1 threshold value that requires attention.

If the remaining amount of resources at that time is not equal to or less than the level 1 threshold value, the process proceeds to S114. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of resources at that time is equal to or less than the threshold value of level 1, the process proceeds to S112 to specify the level at which the remaining amount of resources at that time corresponds. Specifically, if the remaining resource amount at that time is 10% or less, which is the threshold value of level 2, it is specified as level 2, and if the remaining resource amount at that time is not 10% or less, the level is specified. Specify as 1. Then, after setting the third condition fulfillment flag (S113), the process proceeds to S114.

In S114, it is determined whether or not any of the first condition fulfillment flag, the second condition fulfillment flag, and the third condition fulfillment flag is set, and the first condition fulfillment flag, the second condition fulfillment flag, and the third condition fulfillment flag are set. If none of the flags are set, the process ends.

On the other hand, if any of the first condition fulfillment flag, the second condition fulfillment flag, and the third condition fulfillment flag is set, the process proceeds to S115 and the set condition fulfillment flag (first condition fulfillment flag, After clearing either the second condition fulfillment flag or the third condition fulfillment flag), the external output data output process is executed (S116).

In this external output data output process, serial data in a predetermined format including the data header A shown in FIG. 12 is output. Specifically, following the data header A having a predetermined bit length, the buffer data including the data of the resource buffers 1 and 2, the threshold determination result which is the level data specified in S112, and the first tendency determination condition are The serial data including the tendency determination 1 result which is the determination result of whether or not the condition is satisfied and the tendency determination 2 result which is the determination result of whether or not the second tendency determination condition is satisfied is output externally.

In this way, from the serial data output externally in the external output data output processing, it is possible to specify that any of the threshold value determination result, the tendency determination 1 result, and the tendency determination 2 result is made in the external terminal, and the determination result thereof. It becomes possible to grasp the data of the resource buffers 1 and 2 at the present time.

That is, in this embodiment, the remaining amount of resources is 30% or less of the level 1 before the state of running out of resources, or the remaining amount of resources is short-term in the latest 5 fluctuation displays. When there is a possibility that resources may run out due to the tendency to decrease, or when the remaining amount of resources continues for a relatively long period of 20 times before, 15 times before, 10 times before, 5 times before, and this fluctuation display. In any case where there is a possibility that resources will be insufficient due to the tendency to decrease, there is a possibility that these resources will be insufficient due to external output of serial data to which the above data header A is added. It can be grasped by the external device before the resource becomes insufficient and the operation becomes abnormal.

Next, the internal error check process of S58 will be described. In the internal error check process, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not three internal errors have occurred. Although the embodiment for determining three internal errors has been illustrated in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number and types of these internal errors to be determined may be appropriately determined.

The three internal errors are specifically a reset error, a sound error and a VDP error. The reset error is an error determined when no command is transmitted from the main board 11 even after a predetermined time has elapsed when the reset is executed without destroying the memory. Further, the sound error is an error determined by the voice control processor mounted on the voice control board 13 outputting a sound error command. Further, the VDP error is an error determined by the fact that the VDP included in the display control unit 123 outputs a VDP error command.

In this embodiment, a mode in which the VDP and the voice control processor are made into separate integrated circuits (ICs) is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and these VDPs and the voice control processor are used. The processor may be a single integrated circuit (IC).

Further, the sound error includes an error that no sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R and an error that an abnormal sound is output. In addition, it is an error that causes minute noise or the like that the player does not notice while outputting the sound related to the game, and does not hinder the progress of the game, but an error that is not a normal operation. Including. As described above, the sound error includes not only an error that at a glance indicates that an abnormality has occurred, but also an error that does not surface because it does not interfere with the progress of the game (an error that the player does not notice).

In addition, VDP errors include an error in which an image is not displayed on the effect display device 5 (an error in which a blackout screen is displayed in which no image is displayed, etc.) or an error in which an abnormal display screen is displayed (the moving image is displayed while the moving image is displayed). Includes freeze errors, etc.). In addition, an error that causes minute noise or the like that the player does not notice while displaying an image related to the game does not hinder the progress of the game, but an error that is not a normal operation. Including. As described above, the VDP error includes not only an error that at first glance indicates that an abnormality has occurred, but also an error that does not surface because it does not interfere with the progress of the game (an error that the player does not notice).

When the occurrence of these internal errors is identified by the internal error check process, a data header B is added to the internal error type data corresponding to the identified error type, as shown in FIG. By outputting the serial data to the outside, it is possible to grasp the occurrence of these internal errors and the type of the generated internal error on an external terminal or the like.

In this embodiment, only the type of the internal error is output externally, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the status data indicating the error status is used as the error command for the sound error and the VDP error. If it is included, these status data may also be output externally together with the internal error type data.

As described above, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the effect control CPU 120 executes the external output data output process in the resource check process S116 shown in FIG. 13 to output the external output signal, thereby performing the effect control. It is possible to grasp the resource state of the RAM 122 used by the CPU 120 for processing.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the effect control CPU 120 has received the fluctuation start command in S100 of the resource check process shown in FIG. 13, the remaining resource amount is checked and the determination is made. The processing load of judgment can be reduced.

Further, according to this embodiment, the resource is output by outputting an external output signal when there is a possibility that the resource is insufficient due to the tendency that the remaining resource amount tends to decrease in the short term in the last 5 fluctuation displays. You can understand that you will run out of resources before you run out of resources.

Further, according to this embodiment, when either the first tendency determination condition or the second tendency determination condition is satisfied, the external output signal is output to improve the determination accuracy based on the tendency output condition. Can be enhanced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, whether the effect control CPU 120 has any of the first condition fulfillment flag, the second condition fulfillment flag, and the third condition fulfillment flag set in S114 of the resource check process shown in FIG. By determining whether or not it is present, it is possible to deal with various tendencies in which resources are insufficient, and it is possible to improve the determination accuracy.

Further, according to the present embodiment, in the modified example, the external output signal is output only when both the first tendency determination condition and the second tendency determination condition are satisfied, so that the output of the external output signal is executed for a short period of time. It is possible to prevent the output from being unnecessarily executed by reducing the unused storage capacity only for a while.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to surely grasp that the resource is below the threshold value by executing the output of the external output signal when the remaining amount of the resource is below the threshold value of level 1.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the remaining amount of resources can be grasped by including the data of the resource buffers 1 and 2 in the external output signal and outputting the data.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the external output signal includes the internal error type data and is output, it is possible to grasp the occurrence of an internal error that does not surface because it does not interfere with the progress of the game.

Although examples of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these examples, and any changes or additions within the scope of the gist of the present invention are included in the present invention. Is done.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, a mode in which the output of the external output signal is executed when either the first tendency determination condition or the second tendency determination condition is satisfied is illustrated, but the present invention illustrates this. It is not limited to, and may be a form in which the output of the external output signal is executed when other conditions are satisfied. For example, as a modification, a resource for a short period of time can be obtained by executing the output of the external output signal only when both the first tendency judgment condition and the second tendency judgment condition are satisfied. It may be possible to prevent the external output from being unnecessarily executed due to the decrease in the remaining amount.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the remaining amount of resources is low, that is, when a predetermined condition for outputting an external output signal is satisfied, an external output is made to an external device such as a debugging terminal used during debugging. Although the signal is output, the present invention is not limited to this, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a notification display indicating that the remaining amount of resources is low is displayed on the effect display device 5. You may do so. The state of the resource may be visualized.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the remaining amount of resources is 30% or less of the level 1 before the state of running out of resources, or the remaining amount of resources is short-term in the latest 5 fluctuation displays. When there is a possibility that resources may run out due to the tendency to decrease, or 20 times before, 15 times before, 10 times before, 5 times before, the remaining amount of resources continues for a relatively long period of this fluctuation display. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the resources are not limited to the above, although the external output signal is output in any case where the resources may be insufficient due to the tendency to decrease. The external output signal may be output only when the state is 30% or less of the level 1 before the shortage state. That is, in S114 of the resource check process shown in FIG. 13, only the third condition satisfaction flag may be the target of the determination.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a mode in which the output of the external output signal is executed when either the first tendency determination condition or the second tendency determination condition is satisfied is illustrated, but the present invention illustrates this. The first tendency determination condition or the second tendency determination condition is satisfied by determining whether or not only one of the first tendency determination condition and the second tendency determination condition is satisfied. Occasionally, the output of the external output signal may be executed.

Further, in the above embodiment, the determination is made using two types of tendency determination conditions, the first tendency determination condition and the second tendency determination condition, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this. The determination may be made using more types of trend determination conditions.

Further, in the above embodiment, the buffer data including the data of the resource buffers 1 and 2 indicating the remaining amount of resources is output in a state of being included in the external output signal, but the present invention is limited to this. An external output signal may be output without including buffer data or the like indicating the remaining amount of resources. Further, the external output signal may not be output when the remaining resource level is low. For example, when the remaining resource level is low, the time when the remaining resource level is low is recorded, and when the remaining resource level is low, the remaining resource level is recorded. Instead of outputting an external output signal, an external output signal may be output that records the time when the remaining resource level is low by any subsequent operation.

Further, in the above embodiment, it is determined that the resource remaining amount tends to decrease at the five timings for specifying the resource remaining amount, so that the resource may be insufficient, but the present invention is limited to this. The timing for specifying the remaining amount of resources may be 6 times or more, or may be less than 5 times (2 to 4 times).

Further, in the above embodiment, it is determined that the resource remaining amount tends to decrease at the five timings for specifying the resource remaining amount, so that the resource may be insufficient, but the present invention is limited to this. The timing for specifying the remaining amount of resources may be changed according to the model of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the usage status, and the like. For example, when an external device such as a debugging terminal is connected, the operator may arbitrarily set the timing and the number of times to specify the remaining resource amount. Further, the timing and the number of times to specify the remaining amount of resources may be arbitrarily set in each period such as the period during which the advance notice effect is being executed and the period during which the demo effect is being executed.

Further, in the above embodiment, it is determined that the resource remaining amount tends to decrease at the five timings for specifying the resource remaining amount, so that the resource may be insufficient, but the present invention is limited to this. It may be determined whether or not there is a possibility that resources may be insufficient by other methods. For example, when the remaining amount of resources is specified, the remaining amount of resources specified last time is compared with the remaining amount of resources specified this time, and when the remaining amount of resources is decreasing, "1" is set as the judgment flag value. There is a possibility that resources will be insufficient when the flag value for judgment becomes "5", that is, when the remaining amount of resources is decreasing five times in a row by repeating this judgment. May be determined.

Further, in the above embodiment, it is determined that the resource may be insufficient because the resource remaining amount tends to decrease at the timing of 5 times regardless of the resource remaining amount. The number of times of timing for specifying the remaining amount of the resource may be changed depending on the remaining amount of the resource. For example, when the remaining amount of resources is 30% or more, it is not determined that the remaining amount of resources tends to decrease, and when the remaining amount of resources is less than 30%, the remaining amount of resources decreases at five timings. It is judged that there is a possibility of resource shortage due to the tendency, and when the resource remaining amount is less than 20%, there is a possibility that the resource remaining amount tends to decrease at the timing of 3 times. When it is determined that there is, and the remaining amount of resources is less than 10%, it may be determined that there is a possibility that the remaining amount of resources may be insufficient because the remaining amount of resources tends to decrease at the two timings. That is, as the remaining amount of resources becomes low, the condition for determining that the resources may be insufficient may be severe. When the remaining amount of resources is 30% or more, the remaining amount of resources tends to decrease continuously in the relatively long period of 20 times before, 15 times before, 10 times before, 5 times before, and this fluctuation display. It is judged that there is a possibility of resource shortage, and when the resource remaining amount is less than 30%, the resource remaining amount tends to decrease in the short term in the last 5 fluctuation displays, and the resource shortage occurs. It may be determined that there is a possibility. That is, as the remaining amount of resources decreases, the trend determination condition may be made more severe.

Further, in the above embodiment, the internal error check process (S58) is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the form in which the internal error check process is not executed, that is, a predetermined internal error It is not necessary to determine whether or not is occurring. Further, even if it is determined that a predetermined internal error has occurred, various error commands may not be output.

Further, in the above embodiment, the threshold value of the remaining amount of resources used in the determination of S111 and S112 of the resource check process shown in FIG. 13 is set to two stages of level 1 (caution) and level 2 (warning). The invention is not limited to this, and the threshold value of the remaining resource amount may be either level 1 or level 2. The threshold level of the remaining resource amount may be determined by using three or more levels.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the timing for checking the remaining amount of resources is set to the start of fluctuation is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the remaining amount of resources is not limited to the start of fluctuation. You may check. For example, the remaining amount of resources may be checked at the end of the fluctuation, or the remaining amount of resources may be checked at the start winning. In addition, the remaining amount of resources may be checked at predetermined intervals at the start, during, or end of execution of an effect such as a notice effect that reduces the remaining amount of resources. In addition, the remaining amount of resources may be checked periodically at regular intervals regardless of the variable display or the effect.

Further, in the above embodiment, when checking the remaining amount of resources, the portion of the remaining capacity of the resource (memory) is specified by a predetermined ratio (percentage). The invention is not limited to this, and when checking the remaining amount of resources, it may be specified by the capacity of resources (for example, the number of megabytes).

Further, in the above embodiment, the remaining amount of resources (unused storage capacity) is checked, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the usage amount of resources (used storage capacity) is checked. You may do so. For example, in the modified example, when it is determined that the resource usage amount is continuously increasing, the external output signal may be output. In addition, an external output signal may be output when there is a possibility that resources may be insufficient due to a tendency for resource usage to increase in the short term in the last five fluctuation displays. In addition, there is a possibility that resources will be insufficient because the resource usage tends to increase continuously in the relatively long period of 20 times before, 15 times before, 10 times before, 5 times before, and this fluctuation display. In some cases, an external output signal may be output. Further, an external output signal may be output when the resource usage amount is equal to or higher than a predetermined level threshold value. In addition, the effect control CPU 120 adds up the memory areas used in the resource check process to specify the resource usage amount, and outputs the specified resource usage amount data in a state of being included in the external output signal. There may be.

By checking the resource usage (used storage capacity), rather than determining whether or not there is a possibility of running out of resources, by checking the remaining resource capacity (unused storage capacity), It is preferable to determine if there is a possibility of running out of resources. For example, when 50% or more of resources such as memory are used during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the value of the remaining resource amount is smaller than the value of the resource usage amount. In other words, in the memory buffer used by the RC (resource check) program, the capacity of the memory buffer used by the RC program can be made smaller by storing the value of the remaining resource amount than by storing the value of the resource usage amount. You will not have to consume resources. When 50% or more of resources such as memory are not used during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the resource usage amount (usage storage capacity) may be checked, and the value of the resource usage amount is stored. This makes it possible to reduce the capacity of the memory buffer used by the RC program rather than storing the value of the remaining resource amount, so that the resource is not consumed.

Further, in the above embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 shipped from the manufacturing factory in a state where the RC (resource check) program and the EC (error check) program are stored (stored) in the ROM 121 is illustrated, but the present invention illustrates the pachinko game machine 1. The pachinko game machine 1 is not limited to this, and can store an RC program or an EC program in the ROM 121 at least in a manufacturing factory when a debugging terminal or the like used for debugging is connected to perform inspection or the like. The RC program and the EC program may be erased from the ROM 121 when the program is shipped from the manufacturing factory.

Further, in the above embodiment, the resource check process (S57) and the internal error check process (S58) are executed in the effect control process process regardless of whether or not a debug terminal or the like is connected to the pachinko gaming machine 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and resource check processing (S57) and internal error check processing (S58) are performed only when a debugging terminal or the like is connected to the pachinko gaming machine 1. If the debugging terminal or the like is not connected to the pachinko gaming machine 1, the resource check process (S57) or the internal error check process (S58) may not be executed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the pachinko game machine 1 is illustrated as an example of the game machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a game ball having a predetermined number of balls is inside the game machine. The number of rented balls lent out in response to the player's request for rent and the number of prize balls given in response to winning are added, while the number of game balls used in the game is subtracted. The present invention can also be applied to a so-called enclosed gaming machine that is stored in the game. In these enclosed game machines, points and points are given to the player instead of the game ball, and the points and points given are given to the game value.

Further, in the above embodiment, in order to notify the effect control CPU 120 of the variation pattern indicating the variation mode such as the variation time and the type of reach effect, one variation pattern designation command is transmitted when the variation is started. As shown, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control CPU 120 by two or more commands. Specifically, when notifying by two commands, the CPU 103 uses the first command to, for example, set the fluctuation time and the fluctuation mode before reaching the reach (or before the so-called second stop when the reach is not reached). The command to be shown is sent, and the second command indicates the fluctuation time and fluctuation mode after reaching the reach (after the so-called second stop if the reach is not reached), such as the type of reach and the presence or absence of the re-lottery effect. You may want to send a command. In this case, the effect control CPU 120 may perform effect control in the variation display based on the variation time derived from the combination of the two commands.

The CPU 103 may notify the fluctuation time by each of the two commands, and the effect control CPU 120 may select a specific fluctuation mode to be executed at each timing. When sending two commands, the two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt, and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the first command is sent (for example, the next timer interrupt). In), the second command may be sent. The variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the transmission order can be changed as appropriate. By notifying the fluctuation pattern by two or more commands in this way, it is possible to reduce the amount of data that must be stored as the fluctuation pattern specification command.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a mode in which a game ball is launched from below the game area by a ball launching device is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the ball launching device is used as a pachinko gaming machine 1. By providing the game ball at a position above the game area in the above, the game ball may be launched from the position above the game area.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a mode in which only a jackpot that can acquire a large number of game balls is generated by opening the jackpot in the jackpot game is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. However, for example, the probability variation jackpot B is suddenly caused by the occurrence of the probability variation jackpot B by significantly shortening the opening time of the jackpot in the round game so that the player does not recognize that the jackpot has been opened. It may be a sudden jackpot that makes it look like it is in a probable state. When these probabilistic big hits B are sudden big hits, a small hit that opens the big winning opening is provided with the same opening pattern as the opening pattern of the big winning opening in the big hit game of the probabilistic big hit B. It is also possible to generate a state (so-called latent state) in which it is unknown whether the gaming state after the occurrence of the probability variation big hit B or the small hit is the high probability state or the low probability state.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the form in which the starting winning opening is two, the first starting winning opening and the second starting winning opening, is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the starting winning opening is not limited thereto. May be only one, or the starting winning opening may be three or more.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the form in which the special symbol is set to two, the first special symbol and the second special symbol, is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only one special symbol is used. Or, the number of special symbols may be 3 or more.

Further, in the above embodiment, the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B each changely display a plurality of types of special symbols including the final stop symbol that is the display result, and then stop and display the final stop symbol. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the final stop symbol is stopped and displayed after a plurality of types of special symbols are variablely displayed without including the final stop symbol that is the display result. It may be. That is, the final stop symbol that is the display result may be a symbol different from the special symbol used for the variable display.

The advantageous state for the player is a specific game state (big hit, etc.) that is advantageous for the player who can acquire many game media, and a plurality of types of specific game states in which the expected value of the game medium that can be acquired is different ( A high-probability game state (high-probability state) with a high probability of becoming the specific game state, a high-base state (time saving state) in which the conditions for paying out prize balls are more likely to be satisfied than in a normal game state (such as a big hit with a different number of rounds) ), High probability and low base state (latent probability change state), special reach state (for example, super reach, etc.), and a state in which the fluctuation pattern is a fluctuation pattern based on the jackpot fluctuation pattern.

Further, in the above embodiment, the pachinko game machine is applied as an example of the game machine, but the game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using, for example, the game value. At the same time, one game is completed by deriving the variable display result to the effect display device capable of variablely displaying a plurality of types of symbols that can be identified by each, and a prize is awarded according to the variable display result derived to the effect display device. It is also applicable to slot machines where is possible.

1 Pachinko game machine 4A 1st special symbol display 4B 2nd special symbol display 5 Production display device 11 Main board 12 Production control board 100 Game control microcomputer 120 Production control CPU

Claims (1)

It is a game machine that can play games
A processing means that executes processing associated with the game based on a program,
Data storage means that can store data and
A program that can be executed by the processing means, and stores a determination program that determines whether or not the storage state of the data used by the processing means in the data storage means satisfies a predetermined output condition. Possible judgment program storage means and
When it is determined by executing the determination program that the output condition is satisfied, an output means for outputting to that effect and
With
The output condition is that, among the storage capacities of the data storage means, the unused storage capacities that the processing means are unused are decreasing at a plurality of determination timings, or the use that the processing means is using. Including the tendency output condition that the storage capacity is increasing at multiple judgment timings,
As a determination based on the trend output condition by executing the determination program, the processing means has a first tendency determination in which the period between the determination timing of 1 and the next determination timing is the first period, and the determination of 1. The second trend determination, which is the second period in which the period between the timing and the next determination timing is longer than the first period, is executed.
When it is determined by at least one of the first tendency determination and the second tendency determination that the tendency output condition is satisfied, the output means outputs to that effect.
In the determination based on the tendency output condition, the number of times of the plurality of determination timings for determining that the unused storage capacity is decreasing differs depending on the capacity of the unused storage capacity, or the used storage capacity is increased. The number of times of the plurality of determination timings for determining that the determination is performed depends on the capacity of the storage capacity used.
A game machine characterized by that.