JP6888923B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine capable of playing a game.

As an example of a gaming machine, a gaming medium such as a gaming ball is launched into a gaming area by a launching device, and the gaming medium wins a prize in a winning area such as a winning opening provided in the gaming area. There is a pachinko game machine that can be granted. Further, as another example of the game machine, after setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using a game medium such as a medal, a coin, or a game ball similar to a pachinko game machine, the player presses the start lever. There is a slot machine that starts variable display of a display symbol by a variable display device by operating it and can give a predetermined game value based on the derived display result.

In such a game machine, the second data having a data amount smaller than that of the first data is stored in the CGROM as data including a plurality of image data used for the display effect, and the first data is obtained when the power supply is started. It has been proposed to control the transfer of the second data to the VRAM with priority over the second data, and to execute the display effect using the second data when the transfer of the first data is not completed (for example). Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-72469

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the process does not proceed to the next process and waits until the transfer of the second data is completed. Therefore, there is a risk of unstable display.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing unstable display.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the claim of the present application is a gaming machine capable of playing a game (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) and a display device capable of displaying an image (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1). An effect control means (for example, CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120) capable of controlling the effect by the main image display device 5MA, and a movable device capable of operating in a plurality of operation patterns as an effect device different from the display device. , And the effect data used to execute the effect based on the control of the effect control means according to the start of power supply is stored from the storage means (for example, ROM 132, image data memory 121, etc.) to the storage means (for example, RAM 133, VRAM 142A, etc.). When the initial data for operation used for executing the initial operation by the movable device is transferred to, the initial data for display used for executing the initial display by the display device is transferred in preference to the initial data for display used for executing the initial display by the display device, and then the data is transferred. before the initial display by the display device, wherein to initiate an initial operation by the movable device, wherein the display initial data, the display device according to a different presentation of the prescribed Starring output data that is used to perform (e.g., audio output and effect use effect data, etc.) (e.g., step with transfers in preference to S222, S260, referring to the processing of S270), in parallel with the transfer of the previous SL predetermined Starring out data, already transferred the display for the initial data was The display device is used to supply an initial signal (see, for example, the process of step S230), the movable device includes a plurality of members, and a part of the plurality of members is operated as an initial operation by the movable device. The movable device is operated in a pattern including one operation pattern and a second operation pattern for operating all of them.
In such a configuration, unstable display can be suppressed.

(2) In the gaming machine of the above (1), among the first effect data, the first initial effect data (for example, initial display data) used when supplying an initial signal to the display device is used. It may be transferred with priority over the first normal effect data (for example, display normal data) different from the first initial effect data (see, for example, the processing in steps S222 and S260).
With such a configuration, unstable display can be further suppressed.

(3) In the gaming machine of the above (1) or (2), when the initial signal is supplied to the display device, the initial image may be displayed by the display device (see, for example, FIG. 15B). ).
With such a configuration, unstable display can be suppressed.

(4) In any of the game machines (1) to (3) above, the effect control means can control the effect by an effect device (for example, movable members 51 to 54) different from the display device. Among the second effect data, the second initial effect data (for example, initial data for operation) used for the initial operation by the effect device is the second normal effect data (for example, operation) different from the second initial effect data. The initial operation by the effect device may be executed in parallel with the transfer of the second normal effect data while transferring the data with priority over (for example, the processing of steps S221 and S259). (See, for example, the process of steps S226 and S233).
According to such a configuration, the occurrence of delay can be suppressed.

(5) In any of the game machines (1) to (4) above, as an effect device different from the display device, it is possible to operate with a plurality of operation patterns (for example, operation patterns T1 to T3, B1, B2, etc.). A movable device (for example, movable members 51 and 52 constituting the upper mechanism 50T and movable members 53 and 54 constituting the lower mechanism 50B) is provided, and a plurality of operation patterns are mixed as an initial operation by the effect device. The movable device may be operated in a pattern (see, for example, FIGS. 20 and 21).
According to such a configuration, the operation can be appropriately confirmed.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the case where a plurality of movable members are in the advanced state. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the effect movable mechanism. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the effect movable mechanism. It is a block diagram which shows various control boards and the like mounted on the pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows various circuits mounted on the production control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game control process process. It is a figure which shows the setting example of the fluctuation pattern. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the effect control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the memory inspection process. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the memory map and the memory inspection setting table. It is a figure which shows the display example of the calculation result. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the initial effect data transfer processing. It is a figure which illustrates the state immediately after power-on. It is a figure which shows the operation example in the initial operation and the display example in the initial display. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a normal effect data transfer process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a normal effect data transfer process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect control process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the variable display start setting process. It is a figure which shows the initial state and the operation pattern in the upper mechanism. It is a figure which shows the initial state and the operation pattern in the lower mechanism.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and shows an arrangement layout of main members. In FIG. 1, the effect movable mechanism 50, which will be described later, is shown by a broken line. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly classified into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 forming a game board surface and a game machine frame (underframe) 3 for supporting and fixing the game board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a game area surrounded by guide rails and having a substantially circular outer edge. In this game area, a game ball as a game medium is launched from a predetermined ball launching device and is driven into the game area.

A first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B are provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the lower right side of the game area). The first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are each composed of, for example, 7 segments or dot matrix LEDs (light emitting diodes), and are identified in a special symbol game as an example of a variable display game. A special symbol (also referred to as a "special symbol"), which is a plurality of types of possible identification information (special identification information), is variably displayed (variable display). For example, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B can variably display a plurality of types of special symbols composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9" and symbols indicating "-", respectively. To do. The special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are limited to those composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9" and symbols indicating "-". However, for example, a plurality of types of lighting patterns having different combinations of those to be turned on and those to be turned off in the 7-segment LED may be preset as a plurality of types of special symbols. Hereinafter, the special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as a "first special symbol", and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is also referred to as a "second special symbol". ..

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

As an example, in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R arranged in the display area of the main image display device 5MA, the corresponding decorative symbols are variably displayed. In this case, in the special symbol game, either one of the fluctuation of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A and the variation of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B is started. , "Left", "Middle", and "Right", the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R start to change the decorative symbol (for example, scroll display in the vertical direction). After that, when the confirmed special symbol is stopped and displayed as the variable display result in the special symbol game, the decorative symbol is variable in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right". The final decorative symbol (final stop symbol) that is the display result is stopped and displayed.

As described above, on the screen of the main image display device 5MA, the special figure game using the first special figure in the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special figure in the second special symbol display device 4B is used. In synchronization with the special figure game, a plurality of types of decorative symbols that can be identified by each are variably displayed, and a definite decorative symbol that is a variable display result is derived and displayed (or simply referred to as "deriving"). In addition, to derive and display various display symbols such as special symbols and decorative symbols is to end the variable display by displaying the identification information such as the decorative symbols as a stop display (also referred to as a complete stop display or a final stop display). .. On the other hand, during the variable display from the start of the variable display of the decorative symbol to the derivation display of the final decorative symbol that is the variable display result, the fluctuation speed of the decorative symbol becomes "0" and the decoration is displayed. The design may be stagnant and displayed, and may be in a display state that causes slight shaking or expansion / contraction, for example. Such a display state is also called a temporary stop display, and although the display result in the variable display is not definitively displayed, the player can recognize that the change of the decorative pattern due to the scroll display or the update display is not progressing. It becomes. The temporary stop display may include displaying the decorative symbol completely stopped for a time shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) without causing slight shaking or expansion / contraction.

The decorative symbols that are variably displayed in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are, for example, eight types of symbols (alphanumeric characters "1" to "8" or Chinese numbers. It may be 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. It may be composed of a symbol such as a character or a decorative image showing any other figure). Each of the decorative symbols has 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 number of decorative patterns is not limited to eight, and may be any number (for example, seven or nine) as long as an appropriate number of combinations such as a jackpot combination and a losing combination can be configured.

After the variable display of the decorative symbol is started, until the final decorative symbol that is the variable display result is derived and displayed, the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right" are displayed. In, for example, a scroll display is performed in which the symbol numbers flow from the top to the bottom in order from the smallest to the largest, and when the decorative symbol having the maximum symbol number (for example, "8") is displayed, the process continues. The decorative symbol having the smallest symbol number (for example, "1") is displayed. Alternatively, in at least one of the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R (for example, the "left" decorative symbol display area 5L, etc.), scroll display is performed from the one with the larger symbol number to the one with the smaller symbol number, and the symbol is displayed. When the decorative symbol having the smallest number is displayed, the decorative symbol having the largest number may be displayed subsequently.

A start winning memory display area 5H is arranged on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. In the start winning prize storage display area 5H, a hold storage display is performed in which the variable display hold number (special figure hold memory number) corresponding to the special figure game is identifiablely displayed. Here, in the hold of the variable display corresponding to the special figure game, the game ball passes through the first starting winning opening formed by the ordinary 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 decorative symbol is satisfied, but the variable display game based on the previously satisfied 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 held. Will be done.

For example, due to the occurrence of the first start prize in which the game ball passes (enters) the first start prize opening, the start condition of the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A (first start condition). ) Is satisfied, and if the first start condition for starting the special figure game using the first special figure based on the establishment of the first start condition is not satisfied, the number of stored first special figures is 1. It is added (incremented), and the execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is suspended. In addition, due to the occurrence of the second start prize in which the game ball passes (enters) the second start prize opening, the start condition of the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B (second start condition). ) Is satisfied, and if the second start condition for starting the special figure game using the second special figure based on the establishment of the second start condition is not satisfied, the second special figure hold memory number is 1. It is added (incremented), and the execution of the special figure game using the second special figure is suspended. On the other hand, when the execution of the special figure game using the first special figure is started, the number of stored special figures of the first special figure is decremented by 1, and the execution of the special figure game using the second special figure is executed. Is started, the second special figure reserved memory number is decremented by 1.

The variable display hold storage number obtained by adding the first special figure hold storage number and the second special figure hold storage number is also particularly referred to as a total hold storage number. The term "special figure reserved memory" usually refers to a concept that includes all of the first special figure reserved memory, the second special figure reserved memory, and the total reserved memory, but in particular, some of them (for example, the number of reserved memory). It may also refer to the concept of including the number of reserved memories of the first special figure and the number of reserved memories of the second special figure, but excluding the total number of reserved memories).

A display for displaying the number of reserved special figures may be provided together with the start winning prize memory display area 5H or in place of the start winning prize memory display 5H area. In the example shown in FIG. 1, along with the start winning prize storage display area 5H, the first hold for identifiable display of the number of special figure hold storages on the upper part of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B. A display 25A and a second hold display 25B are provided. The first hold indicator 25A displays the number of hold storages of the first special figure in a identifiable manner. The second hold indicator 25B displays the number of second special figure hold storage so as to be identifiable. The number of the first hold indicator 25A and the second hold indicator 25B corresponds to, for example, the upper limit values (for example, "4") of the first special figure hold storage number and the second special figure hold storage number, respectively (for example, 4). It is configured to include (1) LEDs.

On the right side of the main image display device 5MA, a sub image display device 5SU that displays various images including a plurality of types of effect images is provided separately from the main image display device 5MA. The location where the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU are installed is not limited to the vicinity of the center of the game area on the game board 2. For example, the main image display device 5MA is installed near the center of the game area, while the main image display device 5MA is installed near the center of the game area. The sub-image display device 5SU may be installed at any position on the pachinko gaming machine 1 such as outside the gaming area, the upper front surface of the gaming machine frame 3, the lower front surface, and the side surface of the front surface.

Below the main image display device 5MA, 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 as a starting region (first starting region) 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 27 for an ordinary electric accessory shown in FIG. It is equipped with a tulip-shaped accessory (ordinary electric accessory) and forms a starting area (second starting area) and a second starting winning opening.

As an example, in the normal variable winning ball device 6B, when the solenoid 27 for the normal electric accessory is in the off state, the movable wing piece is in the vertical position, so that the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning opening. Do not close. On the other hand, in the normal variable winning ball device 6B, when the solenoid 27 for the normal electric accessory is in the on state, the movable wing piece is in the tilting position, so that the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning opening. ) Make it open. The normally variable winning ball device 6B is normally opened when the solenoid 27 is in the off state, and the game ball can enter (pass) through the second starting winning opening, while the expansion when the solenoid 27 is in the on state. It may be configured so that the game ball is less likely to enter (pass) than in the open state. In this way, the normal variable winning ball device 6B has a first variable state such as an open state in which the game ball easily passes (enters) through the second starting winning opening or an expanded open state, and the game ball cannot pass (enter). It is configured to be able to change to a second variable state such as a closed state or a normally open state where it is difficult to 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, "" 4 ”) If it is less than or equal to, 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, "" 4 ”) If it is less than or equal to, 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. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may directly pay out the game balls to be prize balls, or may give points corresponding to the number of game balls to be prize balls.

A special variable winning ball device 7 is provided 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 28 for the large winning opening door shown in FIG. 4, and a specific area that changes between an open state and a closed state depending on the large winning opening door. Form a big winning door as.

As an example, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 28 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. become unable. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 28 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. ) It becomes easier. In this way, the large winning opening as a specific area 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. To do. 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 opened in the special variable winning ball device 7, the game ball passes through another winning opening such as the first starting winning opening or the second starting winning opening. More prize balls will be paid out than when passing (entering). Therefore, if the large winning opening is opened in the special variable winning ball device 7, the game ball can enter the large winning opening, which is an advantageous first state for the player. On the other hand, if the large winning opening is closed in the special variable winning ball device 7, 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 device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and has a plurality of types of identification information different from the special symbol. The ordinary symbol (also called "ordinary diagram" or "ordinary diagram") 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 that changes the flow direction and speed of the game ball, a large number of obstacle nails, and the like. 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 good. 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.

The game board 2 is provided with an effect movable mechanism 50 as a movable member capable of performing a display effect according to a lighting mode of a plurality of light emitting bodies arranged in an aligned manner. The effect movable mechanism 50 has a plurality of (for example, four) movable members. The effect movable mechanism 50 changes between a retracted state in which a plurality of movable members are separately located at the top and bottom of the screen of the main image display device 5MA and an advanced state in which the plurality of movable members are located in front of the screen of the main image display device 5MA. be able to. In the following description, the up / down / left / right / front / rear directions will be described with reference to the state of facing the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

The effect movable mechanism 50 shown in FIG. 1 is in the retracted state. In this embodiment, the game area of the game board 2 is formed by a transparent plate (not shown) made of, for example, resin, the effect movable mechanism 50 is arranged behind the transparent plate, and the game ball is produced. It flows down in front of the movable mechanism 50. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and at least one of the plurality of movable members of the effect movable mechanism 50 may be arranged in front of the transparent plate forming the game area.

FIG. 2 shows a case where a plurality of movable members provided in the effect movable mechanism 50 are in an advanced state located in front of the main image display device 5MA. FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the effect movable mechanism 50. The effect movable mechanism 50 is located on the upper side mechanism 50T having two movable members 51 and 52 located on the upper side of the screen of the main image display device 5MA in the retracted state, and on the lower side of the screen of the main image display device 5MA in the retracted state. It can be separated into a lower mechanism 50B provided with two movable members 53 and 54. That is, the effect movable mechanism 50 includes an upper mechanism 50T and a lower mechanism 50B that can be arranged apart from each other or close to each other. When the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are separated from each other, the evacuation state is set as the first state. On the other hand, when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are close to each other, the advanced state is set as the second state.

The upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are provided with a driving means for changing between a retracted state and an advanced state. The upper mechanism 50T includes an upper support unit 55 and a decorative member 57 in addition to the two movable members 51 and 52. The lower mechanism 50B includes a lower support unit 56 in addition to the two movable members 53 and 54.

The upper support unit 55 includes a U-shaped frame that covers the upper side of the screen of the main image display device 5MA, and by fixing this frame to the game board 2 main body, each configuration of the upper mechanism 50T is provided. Support the member. The upper support unit 55 includes a first power transmission unit engaged with the movable member 51, and transmits the power from the operation motor 60A shown in FIG. 5 to the movable member 51. The frame of the upper support unit 55 is formed with a rotation support shaft that rotatably supports the movable member 51 and a guide hole that guides the rotation operation of the movable member 51, and assists the movement of the decorative member 57. A guide slit is formed along the vertical direction. The decorative member 57 pivotally supports the left ends of the two movable members 51 and 52, and the movable members 51 and 52 rotate with respect to the decorative member 57. The decorative member 57 moves up and down with the operation of the movable member 51 by outputting the power from the operation motor 60A to the movable member 51. The upper support unit 55 may include a first position detection sensor that directly or indirectly grasps the position of the movable member 51.

The movable member 51 includes a front surface portion and a base body arranged behind the front surface portion, and holds the movable member 52 between the front surface portion and the base body. The movable member 51 is located on the upper side in a state in which the longitudinal direction is substantially horizontal when the first power transmission portion provided on the upper support unit 55 is located on the upper side. At this time, when power is output from the operation motor 60A and the first power transmission unit rotates downward, the decorative member 57 moves downward, and the movable member 51 moves downward with the rotation support shaft as a fulcrum. Rotate. When the first power transmission unit provided in the upper support unit 55 is located below, when power is output from the operation motor 60A and the first power transmission unit rotates upward, the decorative member 57 moves upward. As a result, the movable member 51 rotates upward with the rotation support shaft as a fulcrum. In this way, the operation motor 60A provides a driving force for operably driving the movable member 51 together with the decorative member 57.

On the front surface of the base body included in the movable member 51, an operation motor 60B for rotating the movable member 52, a motor case covering the operation motor 60B, and external teeth attached to the rotation shaft of the operation motor 60B. A motor gear of the gear, a drive gear that meshes with the motor gear, and a second position detection sensor for detecting the rotational position of the movable member 52 are attached. The drive gear thus connected to the rotation shaft of the operation motor 60B has a second power transmission unit that is separated from the center of rotation and projects forward. The second power transmission unit engages with the movable member 52 and transmits the power from the operation motor 60B to the movable member 52. The second position detection sensor may be the same as the first position detection sensor. For example, the position of the movable member 52 can be determined by detecting the rotation position of the drive gear connected to the rotation shaft of the operation motor 60B. I just need to know.

The movable member 52 is formed with a decorative side guide hole that engages with the decorative member 57 and a power side guide hole that transmits the second power transmission unit. The movable member 52 is positioned so as to overlap the back side of the movable member 51 when the second power transmission unit is located above. When power is output from the operation motor 60B and the second power transmission unit rotates downward, the movable member 52 rotates downward with respect to the movable member 51 with the decorative side guide hole as a fulcrum, and is visible to the player. It becomes a state. When the second power transmission unit is located below, power is output from the operation motor 60B and the second power transmission unit rotates upward, so that the movable member 52 moves upward with the decorative side guide hole as a fulcrum. It rotates and hides behind the decorative member 51. In this way, the operation motor 60B provides a driving force for operably driving the movable member 52.

The lower support unit 56 includes a frame configured to cover the lower side of the screen of the main image display device 5MA, and by fixing this frame to the game board 2 main body, each component of the lower mechanism 50B can be attached. To support. The lower support unit 56 includes a link mechanism connected to the movable member 53 and engaged with the movable member 54, and a third power transmission unit in which the power from the operation motor 60C shown in FIG. 5 is engaged with the link mechanism. The movable members 53 and 54 are moved by being transmitted to the movable members 53 and 54 via the like. As described above, in the lower mechanism 50B, the movable members 53 and 54 can operate by transmitting the power from the operation motor 60C via the link mechanism, the third power transmission unit, and the like. That is, the operation motor 60C provides a driving force for operably driving the movable members 53 and 54. The frame of the lower support unit 56 is formed with protrusions, guide holes, and the like for supporting the link mechanism.

In the upper mechanism 50T, each of the movable members 51 and 52 includes a plurality of light emitters arranged in a matrix. That is, a plurality of light emitters are aligned and arranged in each of the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 along a predetermined direction such as a vertical and horizontal direction (vertical and horizontal direction). The plurality of light emitting bodies aligned and arranged by the movable member 51 form the light emitting body unit 71 shown in FIG. The plurality of illuminants arranged in alignment with the movable member 52 form the illuminant unit 72 shown in FIG.

The plurality of light emitting bodies arranged so as to form the light emitting body units 71 and 72 include a plurality of types of light emitting elements, each of which has a different light emitting color from each other. For example, as each light emitting body, a full-color LED having a light emitting element capable of emitting light in R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is used. As a result, the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 emit light from the light emitter unit 71, such as displaying various colors in a single color over the entire area and displaying a plurality of colors in a rainbow color by distinguishing them within the region. It is possible to perform a display effect according to the lighting mode of a plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged in the body unit 72. As described above, the illuminant unit 73 and the illuminant unit 74 can execute the display effect by changing the color and pattern of the display (emission) using the plurality of illuminants with the passage of time. In front of the plurality of illuminants arranged in alignment with the illuminant units 71 and 72 included in the movable members 51 and 52, a partition body formed in a grid pattern is provided so as to partition each of the plurality of illuminants. ing. Further, a front plate for decorating the movable members 51 and 52 is provided on the front surface of the compartments of the movable members 51 and 52.

In the lower mechanism 50B, each of the movable members 53 and 54 includes a plurality of light emitting bodies arranged in a matrix in the same manner as the movable members 51 and 52 of the upper mechanism 50T. That is, a plurality of light emitters are aligned and arranged in each of the movable member 53 and the movable member 54 along a predetermined direction such as a vertical / horizontal direction (up / down / left / right direction). The plurality of light emitters aligned and arranged by the movable member 53 form the light emitter unit 73 shown in FIG. The plurality of light emitters aligned and arranged by the movable member 54 form the light emitter unit 74 shown in FIG.

The plurality of light emitting bodies arranged so as to form the light emitting body units 73 and 74 include a plurality of types of light emitting elements, each of which has a different light emitting color from each other. For example, as each light emitting body, a full-color LED having a light emitting element capable of emitting light in R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is used. As a result, the movable member 53 and the movable member 54 emit light from the light emitter unit 73, such as displaying various colors in a single color over the entire area and displaying a plurality of colors in a rainbow color by distinguishing them within the region. It is possible to perform a display effect according to the lighting mode of a plurality of light emitters arranged and arranged in the body unit 74. As described above, the illuminant unit 73 and the illuminant unit 74 can execute the display effect by changing the color and pattern of the display (emission) using the plurality of illuminants with the passage of time. In front of the plurality of illuminants arranged in alignment with the illuminant units 73 and 74 included in the movable members 53 and 54, a partition body formed in a grid pattern is provided so as to partition each of the plurality of illuminants. ing. Further, a front plate for decorating the movable members 53 and 54 is provided on the front surface of the compartments of the movable members 53 and 54.

FIG. 4 shows an operation example of the effect movable mechanism 50. In FIG. 4, the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitters aligned and arranged on the surfaces of the movable members 51 to 54 is shown by a solid line. As shown in FIG. 4A, in the retracted state in which the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are separated from each other, the movable members 51 to 54 do not overlap the display screen (display area) of the main image display device 5MA. The display screen of the main image display device 5MA becomes visible because the movable members 51 to 54 do not overlap when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are in the retracted state. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are in close proximity to each other, the movable members 51 to 54 are displayed on the display screen (display area) of the main image display device 5MA. Overlap. The display screen of the main image display device 5MA becomes difficult or invisible due to the overlapping of the movable members 51 to 54 when the upper mechanism 50T and the lower mechanism 50B are in the advanced state.

Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3. A game effect lamp 9 is provided around the game area. Each structure in the gaming area of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, a normal winning ball device 6A, a normal variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7, a frame member arranged on the peripheral portion of the main image display device 5MA, etc.) Decorative LEDs may be arranged in the surroundings. A ball striking operation handle (operation knob) is provided at the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3. The hitting ball operation handle is operated by a player or the like in order to launch the game ball as a game medium toward the game area. For example, the elastic force of the game ball can be adjusted according to the operation amount (rotation amount) of the ball striking operation handle 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 gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, the gaming balls paid out as prize balls and the gaming balls rented by the predetermined ball lending machine are held (stored) so as to be able to be supplied to the hitting ball launching device. ) An upper plate (ball hitting plate) is provided. At the lower part of the gaming machine frame 3, a lower plate is provided for holding (storing) 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.

A stick controller 31A that can be gripped and tilted by the player is attached to a member forming the lower plate, for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower plate body (for example, the central portion of the lower plate). There is. The stick controller 31A includes an operation stick held by the player, and a trigger button is provided at a predetermined position of the operation stick (for example, a position where the index finger of the operator hangs when the player holds the operation stick). There is. The trigger button can be instructed by a player holding the operation stick of the stick controller 31A with an operating hand (for example, the left hand) and pushing / pulling the trigger button with a predetermined operating finger (for example, the index finger). It suffices if it is configured as follows. A trigger sensor that detects a push-pull operation on the trigger button may be built in the operation stick as a player's operation.

Inside the main body of the lower plate at the lower part of the stick controller 31A, a controller sensor unit including a tilting direction sensor unit that detects a tilting operation with respect to the operation stick may be provided as an operation of the player. For example, the tilt direction sensor unit is two transmissive photosensors (parallel sensors) arranged parallel to the board surface of the game board 2 on the left side of the center position of the operation rod when viewed from the side of the player facing the pachinko game machine 1. Four transmissive types that combine (pair) and two transmissive photosensors (vertical sensor pair) arranged perpendicular to the board surface of the game board 2 on the right side of the center position of the operation rod when viewed from the player's side. It suffices if it is configured to include a photo sensor.

The member forming the upper plate includes, for example, a push button 31B capable of a player performing a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like at a predetermined position on the front side (for example, above the stick controller 31A) on the upper surface of the upper plate body. It is provided. The push button 31B may be configured so that a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from the player can be detected mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A push sensor that detects a pressing operation on the push button 31B may be provided as an operation of the player inside the main body of the upper plate at the installation position of the push button 31B. When an operation by the player is detected in the stick controller 31A and the push button 31B, the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 7 changes the display effect in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, or produces an effect. It is used in effects (for example, advance notice effects and reach effects) in which the operation of the movable mechanism 50, the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and the lighting operation (blinking operation) of the light emitting body such as the game effect lamp 9 are performed. All you need is.

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, a lamp control board 14, and a drive control board 19 as shown in FIG. 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, and an interface board are arranged on the back surface of the game board 2 and the like in the pachinko game machine 1.

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 mainly addressed to a sub-side control board including a function for setting a random number used in a special figure game, a function for inputting a signal from a switch or the like arranged at a predetermined position, and an effect control board 12. , 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 hall management computer. Further, the main board 11 performs lighting control and extinguishing control of each LED (for example, segment LED) constituting the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B to control the lighting and extinguishing of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Predetermined display symbols such as controlling the variable display of the special symbol and controlling the variable display of the ordinary symbol by the ordinary symbol display 20 by performing lighting control and extinguishing control of the ordinary symbol display 20 or color development control. It also has a function to control the variable display of.

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 27 and 28 is mounted.

The effect control board 12 is a control board on the sub side independent of the main board 11, and receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15 to display the main image display device 5MA and the sub image. Various circuits for controlling the effect operation by the effect electric parts such as the device 5SU, the speakers 8L, 8R, the game effect lamp 9, the light emitter units 71 to 74, and the effect movable mechanism 50 are mounted. That is, the effect control board 12 includes all or part of the display operation in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, all or part of the lighting mode in the light emitter units 71 to 74, and all the audio output operations from the speakers 8L and 8R. Alternatively, a control for causing an electric component for effect to execute a predetermined effect operation, such as a part, all or part of lighting control and extinguishing operation in the game effect lamp 9, etc., and all or part of the operation of the effect movable mechanism 50. It has a function to determine the content. The effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 5 is equipped with an effect control microcomputer 120, an image data memory 121, and a display control unit 122.

The audio control board 13 is a control board for audio output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and outputs audio from the speakers 8L and 8R based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. It is equipped with a processing circuit that executes audio signal processing for this purpose. The lamp control board 14 is a control board for lamp output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and a drive current is applied to the game effect lamp 9 and the like based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. It is equipped with a lamp driver circuit to supply. The drive control board 19 is a control board for controlling the effect movable mechanism provided separately from the effect control board 12, and the movable members 51 to 54 are rotated based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. It is equipped with a motor driver circuit for controlling and controlling the movement of the decorative member 57. The output signal from the drive control board 19 is transmitted to the operation motors 60A and 60B included in the upper mechanism drive unit 16A and the operation motors 60C included in the lower mechanism drive unit 16B. The upper mechanism driving unit 16A transmits power for operating the movable members 51 and 52 and the decorative member 57 included in the upper mechanism 50T. The lower mechanism drive unit 16B transmits power for operating the movable members 53 and 54 included in the lower mechanism 50B.

As shown in FIG. 5, 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 have an arbitrary configuration capable of detecting a game ball as a game medium, such as a sensor. Anything that has it will do. Further, on the main board 11, the first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 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 a command signal 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. The effect control commands include, for example, a display control command used to control an image display operation in the main image display device 5MA and a sub image display device 5SU, and audio used to control audio output from speakers 8L and 8R. It includes a control command, a lamp control command used to control the lighting operation of the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LED, a movable mechanism control command used to control the operation of the effect movable mechanism 50, and the like. ..

The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, which is a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing game control programs, fixed data, and the like, and a game control work. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 that provides the area, the CPU (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 perform and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105. The ROM 101 may be configured as a non-volatile, read-only semiconductor memory that can be electrically erased, written, or rewritten, such as an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable ROM) or a NAND flash ROM.

As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, a process for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is executed by executing the program read from the ROM 101 by the CPU 103. At this time, a fixed data read operation in which the CPU 103 reads fixed data from the ROM 101, a variable data writing operation in which the CPU 103 writes various variable data to the RAM 102 and temporarily stores them, and various variable data temporarily stored in the RAM 102 by the CPU 103. The variable data read operation, the CPU 103 receives input of various signals from the outside of the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105, and the CPU 103 goes to the outside of the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105. A transmission operation that outputs various signals is also performed. The random number circuit 104 may count numerical data indicating a part or all of various random number values used for controlling the progress of the game.

The ROM 101 included in the game control microcomputer 100 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 constituting a plurality of determination tables, determination tables, setting tables, etc. prepared for the CPU 103 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings. Further, the ROM 101 is configured with table data that constitutes a plurality of command tables used by the CPU 103 to transmit control signals that are various control commands from the main board 11, and a variation pattern table that stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. The table data to be used is stored.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of various circuits mounted on the effect control board 12. The effect control microcomputer 120 shown in FIG. 6 is configured by using, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, and an I / O 134. The CPU 131 executes the control process according to the effect control program. The ROM 132 stores a program for effect control, fixed data, and the like that are read out by the CPU 131 to execute the control process. The RAM 133 provides a work area for the CPU 131. The I / O 134 includes an input port for taking in various signals transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 120 and an output port for transmitting various signals to the outside of the effect control microcomputer 120. To. A random number circuit that updates numerical data indicating various random number values used to control the effect operation independently of the CPU 131 may be built in (or externally attached) to the effect control microcomputer 120. .. Random numbers used to control the production operation are also called production random numbers. Alternatively, the numerical data indicating the random number value to be the effect random number may be updated by software using the effect random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133 or the like. In this case, the random number circuit as a hardware circuit does not have to be mounted on the effect control board 12.

In the effect control microcomputer 120, a process for controlling the effect operation by the effect electric component is executed according to the effect control program read from the ROM 132 by the CPU 131. At this time, a fixed data read operation in which the CPU 131 reads fixed data from the ROM 132, a variable data writing operation in which the CPU 131 writes various variable data to the RAM 133 and temporarily stores them, and various variable data temporarily stored in the RAM 133 by the CPU 131. The variable data read operation, the CPU 131 receives input of various signals from the outside of the effect control microcomputer 120 via the I / O 134, and the CPU 131 goes to the outside of the effect control computer 120 via the I / O 134. A transmission operation that outputs various signals is also performed. Further, the CPU 131 can access the image data memory 121 from the I / O 134 via the bus 12BU common to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122, and can read the stored data.

The ROM 132 of the effect control microcomputer 120 stores various data tables and the like used for controlling the effect operation in addition to the effect control program. For example, the ROM 132 stores a plurality of determination tables prepared for the CPU 131 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings, table data constituting the determination tables, pattern data constituting various effect control patterns, and the like. There is. The effect control pattern includes, for example, effect control execution data (display control data, voice control data, lamp control data, movable member control data, operation detection control data, etc.) and an end code associated with the effect control process timer determination value. It consists of included process data. The RAM 133 of the effect control microcomputer 120 stores programs and various data used for controlling the effect operation. The CPU 131 can read the program or data stored in the RAM 133 with a read time shorter than the read time of the program or data stored in the ROM 132.

The image data memory 121 mounted on the effect control board 12 stores in advance various image data (image element data) indicating the display image in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU. For example, the image data stored in the image data memory 121 includes a plurality of types of image element data corresponding to a plurality of types of effect images, such as a plurality of types of decorative patterns variably displayed in the main image display device 5MA. .. In addition, the image data memory 121 includes character image data and moving image data displayed on the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols, and an image of a background image. The data is stored in advance. Further, using the image data stored in the image data memory 121, data (lighting data) for controlling lighting of a plurality of light emitting bodies constituting the light emitting body units 71 to 74 is created. The image data memory 121 may be, for example, a non-rewritable semiconductor memory, or a non-volatile, read-only semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM or a NAND flash ROM that can be electrically erased, written, or rewritten. Alternatively, it may be configured by using any of non-volatile recording media such as a magnetic memory and an optical memory. The image data memory 121 is not limited to the one that can be accessed from the CPU 131 via the bus 12BU common to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122, and is built (or externally attached) to, for example, the display control unit 122 or the VDP 141. , It may be configured as a ROM accessible from the VDP 141 and inaccessible from the CPU 131.

The data for creating the lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 74 may be added to the image data of the effect image to be displayed on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU and stored in advance in the image data memory 121. Alternatively, the data for creating the lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is stored in advance in the image data memory 121 as image data separate from the image data of the effect image to be displayed on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU. When the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122 executes the drawing process, the display data used for creating the lighting data may be added to the display data of the effect image on the display screen of the sub image display device 5SU.

The display control unit 122 mounted on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 5 controls the display operation of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU based on the display control command from the effect control microcomputer 120. To determine. For example, the display control unit 122 executes variable display of the decorative pattern and various effect displays by determining the switching timing of the effect image to be displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU. Control for. In this embodiment, the display control unit 122 also controls to execute the display effect according to the lighting mode of the light emitting body units 71 to 74 composed of a plurality of light emitting bodies arranged and arranged in each of the movable members 51 to 54. Do.

As shown in FIG. 6, the display control unit 122 emits light from VDP (Video Display Processor) 141, VRAM (Video RAM) 142A, frame buffer 142B, main LCD drive circuit 143A, sub LCD drive circuit 143B, and light emission. It includes a body control circuit 144. The VDP 141 may be a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a GCL (Graphics Controller LSI), or a microprocessor for image processing generally called a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

The VDP 141 has image data processing functions such as a high-speed drawing function and a moving image decoding function for displaying various images on the screens of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, and is a production control microcomputer 120. This is an image processor that executes image data processing according to a display control command transmitted from the CPU 131. The VDP 141 can access the image data memory 121 and read out the image data via the bus 12BU common to the effect control microcomputer 120. The image data stored in the image data memory 121 may be used when creating data (lighting data) for controlling lighting of a plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71 to 74.

The VRAM 142A temporarily stores the image data read from the image data memory 121 and transferred, and provides a work area for the VDP 141 to execute the image data processing. The storage area of the VRAM 142A is allocated, for example, a palette area in which palette data is arranged, a character buffer in which character image data read from the image data memory 121 is stored, a CG buffer, and the like. The CG buffer temporarily saves palette data in which the display color of the character is defined when the drawing process by VDP 141 is executed, and temporarily saves the display data of the effect image created by the drawing process. It is used to do things like that. The VDP 141 can read the data stored in the VRAM 142A with a read time shorter than the read time of the data stored in the image data memory 121.

The frame buffer 142B provides a virtual display area in which display data of an effect image created by drawing processing by VDP 141 or the like is expanded and stored. The display data expanded and stored in the frame buffer 142B may be, for example, pixel data (raster data) created by VDP 141 based on vector data (vector data) such as points, lines, and polygons. In the frame buffer 142B, for example, an actual display area for storing display data of various images displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA and various images not displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA are displayed. A virtual display area for storing data may be included. Alternatively, display data for displaying a screen having the same size as the display screen of the main image display device 5MA is created in the virtual display area of the frame buffer 142B, and the display data of the virtual display area read by the VDP 141 is the main. By being supplied to the LCD drive circuit 143A, it may be output to the main image display device 5MA side. The VRAM 142A and the frame buffer 142B may be secured as separate storage areas in the same semiconductor memory (SDRAM or the like), or may be configured by using separate semiconductor memories.

An image display area and an image drawing area are allocated to the storage area of the frame buffer 142B. In the image display area, display data for displaying an effect image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU is stored. The display data of each effect image created by the drawing process is stored in the image drawing area. The image display area and the image drawing area may be switched to each other each time a V blank occurs. The V blank occurs at a cycle of updating the image displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the sub image display device 5SU. Every time the V-blank is started, the V-blank interrupt signal is output from the VDP 141 to the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120, and various other interrupt signals are output from the VDP 141 to the CPU 131.

By switching between the image display area and the image drawing area each time a V-blank occurs, display data of each effect image is created in the storage area allocated as the image drawing area in a certain V-blank cycle (first drawing display period). This storage area is switched to the image display area in the next V blank period (second drawing display period). Therefore, the display data created by the drawing process in the first drawing display period is output to the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU in the second drawing display period, and is also output in the second drawing display period. In the storage area to which the image drawing area is allocated, the display data created by the drawing process is stored.

A main frame buffer and a subframe buffer may be allocated to each of the storage areas to which the image display area and the image drawing area are allocated in the frame buffer 142B. In the main frame buffer, display data for displaying an effect image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA is stored. In the sub-frame buffer, display data for displaying the effect image on the screen of the sub-image display device 5SU and display data for creating lighting data of the light emitter units 71 to 74 are stored. In this way, using a part of the display data stored in the subframe buffer, lighting data for controlling lighting of a plurality of light emitters constituting the light emitter units 71 to 74 is created.

The CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 accesses the system register and the attribute register built in the VDP 141, for example, via the CPU interface included in the VDP 141. Then, various commands and data are stored in the system register and the attribute register according to the process data such as the display control data included in the effect control pattern. In this way, the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 indirectly controls the display operation in the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU and the lighting operation in the light emitter units 71 to 74.

The process data shows the setting contents to be performed by the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 for the system register and the attribute register of the VDP 141 each time a V blank occurs. The system register settings include drawing, data transfer commands, CG data and palette data for data transfer, and attribute settings. Further, the setting content of the attribute register may indicate an attribute as a parameter used in the drawing process of the effect image. In the process data, the attribute is set so that the image is updated every time a V blank occurs. As a result, the image can be updated every time a V blank occurs.

The main LCD drive circuit 143A creates a color signal (gradation control signal) according to the display data output from the VDP 141, and also produces a predetermined clock signal (dot clock signal) and a scanning signal (drive control signal) as the main image. This is a circuit for displaying various images on the screen of the main image display device 5MA by outputting the data to the display device 5MA. The sub-LCD drive circuit 143B creates a color signal (gradation control signal) according to the display data transmitted from the VDP 141 via the light emitter control circuit 144, and also creates a predetermined clock signal (dot clock signal) and a scanning signal. This is a circuit for displaying various images on the screen of the sub image display device 5SU by outputting (drive control signal) to the sub image display device 5SU.

The illuminant control circuit 144 is a circuit that controls the lighting mode of the illuminant units 71 to 74 by a plurality of illuminants by using a part of the data obtained by separating the display data read from the subframe buffer of the frame buffer 142B by the VDP 141. Is. The light emitter control circuit 144 may be configured by using a dedicated IC such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively, the illuminant control circuit 144 may be configured by using a programmable integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Of the display data separated by the light emitter control circuit 144, the remaining display data not used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is output to the sub LCD drive circuit 143B.

The VDP 141 has two signal output configurations (output circuit and output wiring) such as a main display output system and a sub display output system as a data signal output system for outputting display data. The main display output system, which is one of the two data signal output systems, is connected to the main image display device 5MA via the main LCD drive circuit 143A and is used for screen display of the main image display device 5MA. The data signal of the display data is transmitted. The sub-display output system, which is the other output system of the two data signal output systems, is connected to the light emitter units 71 to 74 and the sub LCD drive circuit 143B via the light emitter control circuit 144, and is connected to the sub LCD drive circuit 143B. Is further connected to the sub-image display device 5SU. In such a sub-display output system, a data signal of display data used for image display on the screen of the sub-image display device 5SU is transmitted, and data of display data used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is transmitted. The signal is transmitted. The display data used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 74 is converted into lighting data in the light emitting body control circuit 144. The main LCD drive circuit 143A, the sub LCD drive circuit 143B, and the light emitter control circuit 144 may be mounted on a separate board different from the effect control board 12.

The light emitting body control circuit 144 generates a control signal according to the lighting control information based on a part of the display data output from the VDP 141, and thus a plurality of light emitting bodies arranged in each of the light emitting body units 71 to 74. Control the lighting of the body. As an example, the illuminant control circuit 144 may be configured to include a signal separation circuit, a buffer memory, a lighting data generation circuit, a serial output circuit, and a illuminant drive unit. The signal separation circuit separates a part of the display data used for lighting control of the light emitter units 71 to 74 from the display data output from the VDP 141, and temporarily stores it in the buffer memory. The lighting data generation circuit reads the display data temporarily stored in the buffer memory and executes a predetermined conversion process to generate lighting data constituting the lighting control information. The lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit includes drive control data that is drive control information that specifies the drive timing of the light emitter and gradation that specifies the brightness (gradation) corresponding to each emission color of the light emitter. It suffices if the gradation data serving as control information is included. The serial output circuit outputs a control signal including lighting control information corresponding to the lighting data generated by the lighting data generation circuit to a plurality of serial signal wirings by a serial signal method, and transmits the control signal to the light emitter drive unit. The illuminant driving unit includes a plurality of illuminant drivers that control lighting of a plurality of illuminants included in the illuminant units 71 to 74. Each light emitter driver controls the lighting of a plurality of light emitters based on the lighting control information indicated by the control signal transmitted from the serial output circuit via the serial signal wiring.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a predetermined game is performed using a game ball as a game medium, and a predetermined game value can be given based on the game result. As an example of a game using a gaming ball, a predetermined hitting ball is launched based on a predetermined operation (for example, a rotation operation) of a hitting ball operation handle installed at the lower right of the front surface of the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1. A game ball as a game medium is launched toward the game area by a launch motor or the like provided in the device. When the game ball passes (enters) the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball device 6A, the first starting ball is detected by the first starting opening switch 22A shown in FIG. The starting condition is satisfied. After that, for example, the first start condition is satisfied based on the fact that the previous special figure game or the jackpot game state has ended. In this way, the special figure game using the first special figure by the first special symbol display device 4A is started.

When the game ball launched toward the game area passes (enters) the second start winning opening formed in the normally variable winning ball device 6B, the game ball is detected by the second starting opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Will be done. The second start condition is satisfied based on the fact that the game ball is detected by the second start port switch 22B. After that, for example, the second start condition is satisfied based on the fact that the previous special figure game or the jackpot game state has ended. In this way, the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B is executed. When the normally variable winning ball device 6B is in the normally open state as the second variable state, it is difficult or impossible for the game ball to pass through the second starting winning opening.

In the normal variable winning ball device 6B, based on the fact that the variable display result of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 20 is "normal symbol hit", the opening control and the expansion opening in which the movable wing piece of the electric tulip becomes the tilt position Control is performed, and closing control or normal opening control that returns to the vertical position after a predetermined time is performed is performed. The open control and the open / close control allow the game ball to easily pass or pass through the second start winning opening when the normally variable winning ball device 6B is in the wide open state as the first variable state. The normal symbol start condition for executing the variable display of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 20 is established based on the fact that the game ball passing through the passing gate 41 is detected by the gate switch 21 shown in FIG. After the normal symbol start condition is satisfied, for example, the normal symbol display 20 is used based on the fact that the normal symbol start condition for starting the variable display of the normal symbol is satisfied, such as the end of the previous normal symbol game. The figure game starts. In this normal symbol game, when a predetermined time elapses after starting the fluctuation of the normal symbol, the confirmed normal symbol, which is the variable display result of the normal symbol, is stopped and displayed (derivated display). At this time, if a specific normal symbol (design per normal symbol) is stopped and displayed as the confirmed normal symbol, the variable display result of the normal symbol becomes "per normal symbol". On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the normal symbol per symbol is stopped and displayed as a confirmed normal symbol, the variable display result of the normal symbol becomes "normal symbol loss".

When the special symbol game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A is started, or when the special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B is started, it is special. Whether or not the variable display result of the symbol is to be a "big hit" as a predetermined specific display result is determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed. Then, the variation pattern is determined at a predetermined ratio based on the determination of the variable display result, and the effect control command for designating the variable display result and the variation pattern is the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 shown in FIG. Is transmitted from the effect control board 12 to the effect control board 12.

After the special figure game is started based on the determination of the variable display result and the variation pattern, for example, when a predetermined variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern elapses, a definite special symbol that becomes the variable display result is derived. Is displayed. The "left", "middle", and "right" arranged on the screen of the main image display device 5MA corresponding to the variable display of the special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B. In the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, a variable display of a decorative symbol (directed symbol) different from the special symbol is performed. The decorative symbols that are variably displayed in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right" are also referred to as left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol, respectively.

In the special symbol game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A and the special symbol game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B, the definite special that results in the variable display of the special symbol. When the symbol is derived and displayed, the main image display device 5MA derives and displays a definite decorative symbol that is a variable display result of the decorative symbol. As a variable display result of a special symbol, when a predetermined jackpot symbol is derived and displayed, the variable display result becomes "big hit" (specific display result), and when a predetermined lost symbol is derived and displayed, the variable display result is displayed. It becomes "missing" (non-specific display result). Based on the variable display result being "big hit", it is controlled to the big hit game state as a specific game state which is advantageous for the player. That is, whether or not the variable display game state is controlled corresponds to whether or not the variable display result becomes a "big hit", and is determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed.

When the variable display result of the special symbol in the special symbol game is "big hit", a fixed decorative symbol that is a predetermined jackpot combination is derived and displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. As an example, the same decorative symbols are aligned and stopped and displayed on the predetermined effective lines in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right", so that the jackpot combination is confirmed. It suffices if the decorative pattern is derived and displayed.

In the big hit game state, the big winning opening is opened and the special variable winning ball device 7 is in the first state which is advantageous for the player. Then, during a predetermined period (for example, 29.5 seconds) or a period until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the large winning opening and a winning ball is generated, the large winning opening is continuously opened. A round game (also simply called a "round") is executed. During the period other than the execution period of such a round game, the large winning opening is closed, and the winning ball is difficult or impossible to be generated. When a game ball enters the big winning opening, the winning ball is detected by the big winning opening switch 23, and a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as a prize ball for each detection. The round game in the jackpot game state is repeatedly executed until a predetermined upper limit number of times (for example, "16") is reached. Therefore, in the jackpot game state, the player can obtain a large number of prize balls very easily, which is an advantageous game state for the player. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may directly pay out the game balls to be prize balls, or may give points corresponding to the number of game balls to be prize balls.

After the big hit game state ends, the game state becomes the probabilistic state based on the satisfaction of the predetermined probability change control condition, and the probability that the variable display result becomes "big hit" (big hit probability) becomes higher than the normal state. Control may take place. In the probability change state, a predetermined probability change end condition is satisfied, such as the variable display being executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) or the jackpot game state being started before the number of times the variable display is executed reaches the predetermined number of times. It is controlled to continue until it is done. The probability variation end condition may be satisfied when the next jackpot game state is started, regardless of the number of times the variable display is executed. After the jackpot game state ends, the game state becomes the time saving state, and the time saving control may be performed in which the average variable display time becomes shorter than the normal state. In the time saving state, a predetermined time saving end condition is satisfied, such as the variable display being executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) or the jackpot game state being started before the number of times the variable display is executed reaches the predetermined number of times. It is controlled to continue until it is done.

In the probabilistic state or the time saving state, the normal variable winning ball device 6B is placed in the first variable state (open state or expanded open state) in an advantageous changing mode in which the game ball easily passes (enters) the second starting winning opening than in the normal state. And the second variable state (closed state or normally open state). For example, the normal symbol display 20 controls the fluctuation time of the normal symbol (normal symbol fluctuation time) in the normal symbol game to be shorter than that in the normal state, and the variable display result of the normal symbol in each normal symbol game is "normal". Control to improve the probability of "hit the figure" compared to the normal state, tilt control time to control the tilt of the movable wing piece in the normal variable winning ball device 6B based on the variable display result being "hit the normal figure" The normal variable winning ball device 6B is changed into the first variable state and the second variable state in an advantageous change mode by controlling to make the normal variable winning ball device 6B longer than in the normal state and by controlling to increase the number of tilts as compared with the normal state. Just do it. It should be noted that any one of these controls may be performed, or a plurality of controls may be combined and performed. As described above, the control for changing the normally variable winning ball device 6B into the first variable state and the second variable state in an advantageous changing mode is called high opening control (also referred to as “high base control”). By being controlled to such a probabilistic state or a time saving state, the time required for the next variable display result to become a "big hit" is shortened, and a special gaming state ("advantageous gaming state") that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. Also called). Even when the probability variation control is performed in the probability variation state, the high opening control may not be performed.

In the main image display device 5MA, the symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol among the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol) are stopped in a state of being consistent with the jackpot combination for a predetermined time. A big hit occurs before the final result is displayed due to shaking, enlargement / reduction or deformation, multiple symbols fluctuating synchronously with the same symbol, or the positions of the displayed symbols being swapped. An effect performed in a state where the possibility continues (hereinafter, these states are referred to as a reach state) is referred to as a reach effect. In addition, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Further, the variable display including the reach effect is called the reach variable display. A plurality of types of reach modes are prepared in advance according to the variation pattern of the decorative pattern, and the possibility that the variable display result becomes a "big hit" (big hit expectation) differs depending on the reach mode. That is, the possibility that the variable display result will be a "big hit" can be different depending on which of the plurality of types of reach effects is executed. The reach effect may include a normal reach effect and a super reach effect that has a higher expectation of a big hit than the normal reach effect. Then, if the display result of the symbol that is variablely displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA is not a jackpot combination, a “miss” occurs and the variable display state ends.

A variable display of a decorative pattern is performed as an effect of a liquid crystal display on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. In addition, on the screens of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, for example, an effect using a character image and an effect of displaying a broadcast image based on a jackpot determination and a variation pattern determination result are also executed. To. Various effects performed during variable display in which special symbols and decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner are also referred to as "effects during variable display". As an example of the effect during variable display, there is a possibility that the variable display state of the decorative symbol will be in the reach state, the possibility that the reach effect of the super reach will be executed, and the variable display due to the effect operation different from the variable display operation of the decorative symbol. A notice effect may be executed to suggest to the player in advance that the result may be a "big hit".

The effect operation that becomes the advance notice effect is the variable display state of the decorative symbol after the variable display of the decorative symbol is started in all of the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right". Is executed (started) before the state of reach is reached (before the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped and displayed in the decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R of the "left" and "right"). Further, the advance notice effect for notifying that the variable display result may be a "big hit" may include one executed after the variable display state of the decorative symbol is in the reach state. In this way, the advance notice effect can be in the big hit game state at a predetermined timing from the start of the variable display of the special symbol or the decorative symbol to the derivation of the finalized special symbol or the confirmed decorative symbol which is the variable display result. Anything that can foretell sex will do. A plurality of advance notice effect patterns are prepared in advance according to the content (effect mode) of the effect operation when the advance notice effect is executed.

When the lost symbol is stopped and displayed (derived) on the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B and the variable display result is "miss", the variable display mode is "non-reach" ("normal"). It includes a case where the variable display mode is "reach" (also referred to as "reach loss") and a case where the variable display mode is "reach loss". When the variable display mode is "non-reach", after the variable display of the decorative symbol is started, the variable display state of the decorative symbol does not become the reach state, and a predetermined combination of decorative symbols that does not reach the reach (non-reach). Reach combination) is displayed (derived) as a stop. When the variable display mode is "reach", after the variable display of the decorative symbol is started, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the decorative symbol is in the reach state, and finally the jackpot combination is A combination of predetermined decorative symbols (reach loss combination) that does not become a stop display (derivation) is displayed.

The game balls used as a game medium in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the recorded information of the scores given according to the number thereof may have valuable value that can be exchanged for special prizes or general prizes according to the quantity, for example. Just do it. Alternatively, the recorded information of these game balls and scores may have valuable value that can be used for another game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, although it cannot be exchanged for a special prize or a general prize.

Further, the game value that can be given by the pachinko game machine 1 is not limited to paying out the game ball as a prize ball and giving points, for example, controlling to a big hit game state or a special game state such as a probability change state. Controlling, the maximum number of rounds that can be executed in the jackpot game state is the number of first rounds (for example, "15") that is larger than the number of second rounds (for example, "7"), and it can be executed in a time-saving state. The upper limit of the variable display is the first number (for example, "100"), which is larger than the second number (for example, "50"), and the jackpot probability in the probability variation state is higher than the second probability (for example, 1/50). The number of consecutive chans, which is the first probability (for example, 1/20) and the number of times that the jackpot game state is repeatedly controlled without being controlled in the normal state, is larger than the number of consecutive chans (for example, "5"). It may include a more favorable gaming situation for the player, such as part or all of the number of first consecutive chans (eg, "10").

Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in 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 such a game control main process receives the interrupt request signal from the CTC and receives the interrupt request, it sets the interrupt disabled state and executes a predetermined game control timer interrupt process. The game control timer interrupt processing includes, for example, switch processing, main side error processing, information output processing, game random number update processing, game control process processing, ordinary symbol process processing, command control processing, and the like. It includes processing to control the progress of.

The switch process is a process of determining the state of detection signals input from various switches such as the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 via the switch circuit 110. The error processing on the main side is a processing in which an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed, and a warning can be generated if necessary according to the diagnosis result. The information output process is a process of outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, and probability fluctuation information supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example. The game random number update process is a process for updating at least a part of a plurality of types of game random numbers used on the side of the main board 11 by software.

In the game control process process included in the game control timer interrupt process, the value of the game process flag provided in the RAM 102 is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1, and the first special symbol display device 4A and the like. Various processes are selected and executed in order to control the display operation in the second special symbol display device 4B and set the opening / closing operation of the large winning opening in the special variable winning ball device 7 according to a predetermined procedure. The normal symbol process process controls the display operation (for example, turning on and off of the segment LED) on the normal symbol display 20, and sets the variable display of the normal symbol and the tilting operation of the movable wing piece on the normal variable winning ball device 6B. It is a process that enables.

The command control process is a process of transmitting a control command from the main board 11 to a control board on the sub side such as the effect control board 12. As an example, in the command control process, the effect control board 12 among the output ports included in the I / O 105 corresponds to the setting in the command transmission table specified by the value of the transmission command buffer provided in the RAM 102. After setting the control data in the output port for transmitting the effect control command, set the predetermined control data in the output port of the effect control INT signal to turn the effect control INT signal on for a predetermined time and then turn it off. By doing so, it is possible to transmit the effect control command based on the setting in the command transmission table. After executing the command control process, the interrupt enable state is set, and then the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the game control process processing. In the game control process processing shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 first determines whether or not a start winning prize has occurred (step S11). As an example, in step S11, the input state (on / off) of the start winning signal, which is the detection signal transmitted from the first start port switch 22A and the second start port switch 22B, is checked, and if it is on, the start is started. It may be determined that a prize has been generated.

If a start winning is generated in step S11 (step S11; Yes), a random number at the time of winning is stored (step S12). As an example, in the process of step S12, a random number circuit 104 built in (or externally attached) to the game control computer 100, a random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control computer 100, and a game control micro A game random number (random number value for determining variable display result, game state determination) updated by at least a part of a random counter configured by using an internal register provided separately from the RAM 102 in the computer 100. Part or all of the numerical data indicating the random number value (random number value, random number value for determining the fluctuation pattern) is extracted. The random number value extracted at this time may be stored as hold data associated with the hold number in, for example, a hold random number value storage unit provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100.

Following the process of step S12, various control commands corresponding to the start winning prize are transmitted (step S13). As an example, in the process of step S13, the setting for transmitting the start prize designation command for notifying the occurrence of the start prize to the effect control board 12 may be made. When the start winning is not generated in step S11 (step S11; No), or after the process of step S13 is executed, the value of the game process flag is determined (step S21). Then, the process according to the determination value is selected and executed from the plurality of processes described in advance in the computer program for game control.

For example, when the value of the game process flag is "0", it is determined whether or not the variable display of the symbol (variable display game) can be started (step S101). As an example, in the process of step S101, it is determined whether or not the number of holds of the variable display game is "0" by checking the stored contents of the hold random number value storage unit. At this time, if the number of holds is other than "0", the variable display is started because the variable display is held after the start condition of the variable display is satisfied and the start condition is not yet satisfied. Judge that it is possible. On the other hand, when the number of holds is "0", it is determined that the variable display cannot be started. When the variable display cannot be started (step S101; No), the game control process process is terminated.

When the variable display can be started in step S101 (step S101; Yes), the definite symbol to be derived and displayed as the variable display result is determined (step S102). The variable display result of the special symbol in the special figure game is called the special figure display result. In the process of step S102, the game random number (random number value for determining the variable display result, the random number value for determining the game state, and the fluctuation) stored at the beginning (the storage area having the smallest hold number) in the hold random number value storage unit. Read the random number value for pattern determination, etc.). The game random number read from the hold random number value storage unit may be temporarily stored in a variable display random number buffer or the like provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 of the game control microcomputer 100. Then, using the random value for determining the variable display result and the variable display result determination table, it is determined at a predetermined ratio whether or not the variable display result is a "big hit". Here, when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the probabilistic state, the variable display result determination table is determined so that the variable display result is determined as a "big hit" at a higher rate than in the normal state or the time saving state. It suffices if the judgment value in is set.

When the variable display result is determined to be "big hit" in the process of step S102, the game state after the end of the big hit game state is set to the probabilistic state by using the random number value for determining the game state and the game state determination table. Decide whether or not to enter the special game state. Corresponding to these determination results, the definite symbol to be derived and displayed as the variable display result may be determined.

Following the process in step S102, the internal flags and the like are set (step S103). As an example, in the process of step S103, when the variable display result is determined to be "big hit" in the process of step S102, the big hit flag provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 is turned on. set. Further, when it is determined that the gaming state after the end of the jackpot gaming state is set to the probabilistic state, the probabilistic confirmation flag provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 102 of the game control microcomputer 100 is set to the on state. , It may be identifiable that it will be in a probabilistic state. After that, the value of the game process flag is updated to "1" (step S104), and then the game control process process is terminated.

When the value of the game process flag is "1", the fluctuation pattern and the like are determined (step S111). FIG. 18 shows a setting example of a fluctuation pattern used in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Each variation pattern shows the time required (variable display time) from the start of the variable display to the derivation display of the definite symbol that is the variable display result, and the outline of the effect mode can be specified. In this embodiment, among the cases where the variable display result is "missing", the case where the variable display mode of the decorative symbol variably displayed on the main image display device 5MA is "non-reach" and the case where the variable display mode is "reach". A plurality of fluctuation patterns are prepared in advance corresponding to each of the above and when the variable display result becomes a "big hit". As the fluctuation pattern, a plurality of patterns are prepared in advance for each fluctuation time (variable display time) in the special figure game and the variable display of the decorative symbol. Therefore, by determining the variation pattern, the variable display time of the special symbol or the decorative symbol can be determined.

In the process of step S111, the variation pattern to be used is determined at a predetermined ratio by using the variation pattern determination random number value temporarily stored in the variable display random number buffer and the variation pattern determination table. At this time, by making the determination ratio of each fluctuation pattern different depending on whether or not the variable display result is determined as "big hit", there is a possibility that the variable display result becomes "big hit" corresponding to each fluctuation pattern. (Big hit reliability) can be different.

Further, in the process of step S111, it may be determined whether or not the variable display state of the decorative symbol is set to "reach" by determining the fluctuation pattern when the variable display result is determined to be "missing". .. Alternatively, before determining the fluctuation pattern, it may be determined whether or not the variable display state of the decorative symbol is set to "reach" by using the reach determination random value and the reach determination table. That is, in the process of step S111, it suffices that the fluctuation pattern can be determined to be one of a plurality of types based on the variable display result and the determination result of the presence / absence of reach.

Following the process of step S111, various control commands corresponding to the start of variable display are transmitted (step S112). As an example, in the process of step S112, as the variable display start command for designating the start of the variable display, the variable display result notification command for notifying the variable display result, the variable display time of the decorative symbol, the type of reach effect, and the like are variablely displayed. Settings may be made to send a variation pattern specification command or the like that notifies the variation pattern indicating the mode. Further, in response to the decrease in the number of holds due to the start of the variable display, a setting may be made to send a hold number notification command for notifying the number of holds after the decrease.

The variable display time is set in response to the determination of the variation pattern by the process of step S112. In addition, a setting may be made to start variable display of the special symbol by either the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B. As an example, the variable display of the symbol may be started by transmitting a predetermined drive signal to either the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B. Which special symbol display device uses the special symbol to execute the special symbol game is based on whether the game ball passes through the first start winning opening or the second starting winning opening. It may be set accordingly. More specifically, a special figure game is performed by the first special symbol display device 4A based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the first start winning opening. On the other hand, based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the second start winning opening, the special symbol game by the second special symbol display device 4B is performed. After that, the value of the game process flag is updated to "2" (step S113), and then the game control process process is terminated.

When the value of the game process flag is "2", it is determined whether or not the variable display time has elapsed (step S121). Then, if the variable display time has not elapsed (step S121; No), the variable display control of the special symbol is performed (step S122), and then the game control process process is terminated. On the other hand, when the variable display time has elapsed (step S121; Yes), the variable display of the special symbol is stopped, and control is performed to derive and display the finalized symbol (step S123).

Following the process of step S123, various control commands corresponding to the end of the variable display are transmitted (step S124). As an example, in the process of step S124, a variable display end command for instructing the end (stop) of the variable display and a big hit start specification command (fanfare command) for specifying the start of the big hit game state when the variable display result is "big hit". ) Etc. may be set to be transmitted.

After executing the process of step S124, it is determined whether or not the variable display result is a "big hit" (step S125). Then, when the variable display result is "big hit" (step S125; Yes), the value of the game process flag is updated to "3" (step S126), and then the game control process process is terminated. On the other hand, if the variable display result is "missing" instead of "big hit" (step S125; No), the game process flag is cleared and the value is initialized to "0" (step). S127), the game control process process is terminated. When the process of step S127 is executed, it is determined whether or not to end the probability change state or the time saving state, and when it is determined to end based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition, these gaming states are terminated. Settings for controlling to the normal state may be made.

When the value of the game process flag is "3", it is determined whether or not to end the big hit game state depending on whether or not the predetermined big hit end condition is satisfied (step S131). The jackpot end condition may be, for example, that all the rounds executed in the jackpot game state have been completed. If the jackpot game state is not terminated (step S131; No), the game motion control at the time of jackpot is performed (step 132), and then the game control process process is terminated. On the other hand, when the jackpot gaming state is terminated (step S131; Yes), a setting for controlling the gaming state after the jackpot ending is made (step S133).

As an example, in the process of step S133, it is determined whether or not the probability change confirmation flag is on, and if it is on, the probability change flag provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 is turned on. Set to. As a result, when it is decided that the variable display result is "big hit" and it is decided that the game state after the end of the big hit game state is the probabilistic state, the game corresponds to this decision result. The state can be controlled to a probabilistic state. Even when controlling to a time saving state, a setting corresponding to this may be made. After that, the game process flag is cleared, the value is initialized to "0" (step S134), and then the game control process process is terminated.

Next, the operation on the effect control board 12 will be described. The effect control board 12 receives a power supply voltage from a power supply board or the like. In the effect control microcomputer 120 in which the power supply for activation is started, the CPU 131 executes the effect control main process.

In this embodiment, in the effect control main process, the memory inspection process may be executed when a predetermined memory inspection condition is satisfied. The memory inspection process is a process that inspects the stored contents of the ROM 132 built in (or externally attached to) the effect control microcomputer 120 and makes it possible to display a checksum as an inspection result. Further, the effect control main process includes a process for controlling the effect by various effect devices, such as an effect control process process executed based on the occurrence of a timer interrupt for effect control.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control main process executed by the CPU 131. In the effect control main process shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 131 first determines whether or not the memory inspection condition is satisfied (step S51). As an example of the processing in step S51, the CPU 131 checks the state of the cable connector provided on the effect control board 12 outside the effect control microcomputer 120, and connects the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. It is determined whether or not a cable as a command line for transmitting various control signals is connected between them. When the power supply is started in the state where the cable is not connected, it may be determined in the process of step S51 that the memory inspection condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when the power supply is started with the cable connected, it may be determined in the process of step S51 that the memory inspection condition is not satisfied. As described above, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on with the cable as the command line disconnected, the memory inspection condition for inspecting the stored contents of the ROM 132 may be satisfied.

The memory inspection condition is not limited to the one that is satisfied when the power is turned on with the command line removed. For example, the memory inspection condition is satisfied when the power is turned on while the push button 31B is pressed. There may be. Alternatively, for example, the memory inspection condition may be satisfied by turning on the power while the openable and closable gaming machine frame 3 is open. In addition, the memory inspection condition may be satisfied by detecting an arbitrary predetermined state.

If it is determined in step S51 that the memory inspection condition is satisfied (step S51; Yes), the memory inspection process (step S52) is executed, and then the loop process is executed to wait. In the memory inspection process, a checksum calculation or the like using the stored data of the ROM 132 may be performed so that the calculation result or the like is displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. When the memory inspection process is executed, the power switch of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned off once, and then the power switch is turned on again with the cable as the command line connected to control the effect. It should be possible. Alternatively, by connecting a cable as a command line and pressing the reset switch, it may be possible to control the effect. Alternatively, the effect can be controlled by turning off the power switch of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and then turning on the power while the push button 31B is not pressed. In addition, when a predetermined effect control condition is satisfied, the effect control may be executed.

If it is determined in step S51 that the memory inspection condition is not satisfied (step S51; No), the initialization process (step S53) is executed. In the initialization process of step S53, for example, the storage area in the RAM 133 is cleared, various initial values are set, and the CTC (counter / timer circuit) register that generates a timer interrupt for effect control is set. Following the initialization process, the initial effect data transfer process (step S54) is executed. The initial effect data transfer process includes predetermined initial data (binary code constituting the program module, etc.) among the programs and data stored in the ROM 132 or the image data memory 121 and used for executing the effect by various effect devices. This is a process for transferring (including) to RAM 133, VRAM 142A, or the like.

After that, the effect random number update process (step S55) is executed in the effect control main process, and the numerical data indicating the random number value to be the effect random number is updated by the software. The effect random numbers are counted as various random number values used for effect control. It should be noted that the random number for effect that is updated by the hardware using the random number circuit built in (or externally attached to) the effect control microcomputer 120 does not have to be updated in the effect random number update process. Alternatively, the production random number may be updated by software using numerical data indicating a random number value updated by hardware. Following the effect random number update process, the normal effect data transfer process (step S56) is executed. The normal effect data transfer process is for transferring the normal effect data used for executing the effect by various effect devices to the RAM 133, VRAM 142A, or the like among the programs and data stored in the ROM 132 or the image data memory 121. It is a process.

After executing the normal effect data transfer process, it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is on (step S57). The timer interrupt flag is set to the ON state when a timer interrupt for effect control occurs. When it is determined that the timer interrupt flag is on (step S57; Yes), after the timer interrupt flag is cleared and turned off (step S58), the command analysis process (step S59) and the effect control process After sequentially executing the process (step S60), the process returns to the process of step S55. The command analysis process in step S59 and the effect control process process in step S60 are included in the timer interrupt process for effect control. If it is determined that the timer interrupt flag is off (step S57; No), the process returns to step S55 without executing the processes of steps S58 to S60.

The CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 can execute an interrupt process for command reception in addition to the timer interrupt process for effect control, and issues an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15. , It suffices if it can be obtained from the input port of I / O 134. The effect control command acquired at this time may be temporarily stored in a reception command buffer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133, for example. In the command analysis process of step S59, it is determined whether or not the effect control command has been received, and if it is received, the setting and control corresponding to the received command are performed. In the effect control process process of step S60, for example, the image display for effect on the screen of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, the audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and the light emitter units 71 to 74 are arranged. Lighting of a plurality of arranged light emitting bodies, lighting of various light emitting members such as game effect lamps 9 and decorative LEDs different from the light emitting body units 71 to 74, and operation motors 60A to 60C for moving movable members 51 to 54. Regarding the operation control contents using various effect devices such as the drive operation, determination, determination, setting, etc. are performed according to the effect control command or the like transmitted from the main board 11.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S52 of FIG. 9 as the memory inspection process. In the memory inspection process, as the checksum calculation using the stored data of the ROM 132, the first checksum calculation using all the stored data in the ROM 132 and the second checksum calculation using the stored data in the plurality of storage areas provided in the ROM 132 are used. At least one of the checksum operations may be executed. In this embodiment, the first checksum calculation is followed by the second checksum calculation, and the respective calculation results and the like are displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA.

FIG. 11A shows a setting example of the address, stored contents, and the like in the ROM 132. A continuous address from the address MA00, which is the start address, to the address MA21, which is the final address, is assigned to the ROM 132. The ROM 132 is provided with a plurality of storage areas according to the storage contents. In the setting example shown in FIG. 11A, the ROM 132 has a first area in which a program for effect control and various management data are stored, a second area in which sound data is stored, a first area, and a first area. There is a reserve area other than the two areas. For example, when the entire ROM 132 has a storage capacity of 8 gigabits, the first area may have a storage capacity of 1 gigabit and the second area may have a storage capacity of 6 gigabits. The first area may have a storage capacity of 1.5 gigabits or 2 gigabits. The table data of various tables prepared for the CPU 131 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings, the pattern data constituting the effect control pattern, and the like may be stored in advance in the first area of the ROM 132 as management data. .. In the second area of the ROM 132, sound data used for executing the effect by sound output in the speakers 8L and 8R may be stored in advance.

In the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 131 first sets the memory inspection setting table (step S201). The memory check setting table is a table for setting the checksum calculation start address and the calculation end address by the checksum calculation. The table data constituting the memory inspection setting table may be stored in advance in, for example, a predetermined area (for example, the first area) of the ROM 132.

FIG. 11B shows a configuration example of the memory inspection setting table. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 11B, the checksum calculation start address and the calculation end address are specified corresponding to each of the display times "0" to "2". The number of times of display is the number of times that the checksum is displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA, and after "0" is set as the initial value, 1 is added each time the calculation result of the checksum calculation is displayed. It should be.

Following the process of step S201 shown in FIG. 10, the number of impressions is set to "0" (step S202). For example, in the process of step S202, the count value of the display count is set to "0" by clearing (initializing) a specific register used for counting the display count among the plurality of registers built in the CPU 131. It suffices if it can be set.

After that, the parameter corresponding to the number of impressions is set (step S203). For example, in the process of step S203, the clear data is set in the checksum data area, and the checksum calculation start address is set in the pointer. In addition, the checksum calculation end address is set so that it can be compared with the address indicated by the pointer. These parameters may be set in a plurality of registers built in the CPU 131, or may be set in a predetermined area of the RAM 133.

The checksum is calculated using the parameters set by the process of step S203 (step S204). For example, in the process of step S204, the exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the stored data at the address of ROM 132 indicated by the pointer is calculated. The calculation result is stored as new stored data in the checksum data area, and it is determined whether or not the address indicated by the value of the pointer has reached the calculation end address. If the calculation end address has not been reached, the pointer value is added by 1, and the process returns to the process of calculating the exclusive OR. When the calculation end address is reached, a checksum using the stored data from the calculation start address to the calculation end address can be obtained by inverting the value of each bit that is the content of the checksum data area. ..

After executing the process of step S204, the checksum calculation result and the like are displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA (step S205). Subsequently, after adding 1 to the number of impressions (step S206), it is determined whether or not the number of impressions has reached the end determination value (step S207). By setting, for example, "3" in advance as the end determination value, it is possible to display three checksum calculation results in response to the setting of the memory inspection setting table as shown in FIG. it can. If the end determination value has not been reached (step S207; No), the process returns to step S203, and if the end determination value is reached, the memory inspection process ends.

FIG. 12 shows a display example of the calculation result on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. In this display example, three types of calculation results, "Checksum # 1" to "Checksum # 3", are displayed as checksum calculation results corresponding to the settings of the memory inspection setting table as shown in FIG. 11 (B). ing. “Checksum # 1” shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to the calculation start address MA00 and the calculation end address MA21 set when the number of impressions is “0” in the memory inspection setting table shown in FIG. 11 (B). It shows that the checksum is calculated by using all the stored data in the ROM 132. “Checksum # 2” shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to the calculation start address MA00 and the calculation end address MA10-1 set when the number of impressions is “1” in the memory inspection setting table shown in FIG. 11 (B). It is shown that the checksum is calculated by using the storage data of the first area in which the program for effect control and various management data are stored in the ROM 132. “Checksum # 3” shown in FIG. 12 corresponds to the calculation start address MA20 and the calculation end address MA21 set when the number of impressions is “2” in the memory inspection setting table shown in FIG. 11 (B). It shows that the checksum is calculated by using the stored data in the second area where the sound data is stored in the ROM 132.

The checksum calculation result differs depending on the content of the stored data in the ROM 132. For example, when the ROM 132 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM or a NAND flash ROM that can be electrically erased, written, or rewritten, the effect control program and various data stored in the ROM 132 may be stored. Depending on the version, different checksum calculation results can be obtained. By executing the memory inspection process as shown in FIG. 10 and displaying the checksum calculation result on the screen of the main image display device 5MA, the manufacturer of the pachinko gaming machine 1 or the manager of the amusement park can display the checksum calculation result. The version of the effect control program and various data stored in the ROM 132 can be easily confirmed. This facilitates version control of the stored data in the ROM 132, and can reliably prevent, for example, an inconsistency between the program for effect control and the version of the sound data. In addition to the checksum calculation result, version information indicating the version of the effect control program and various data may be displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. The version information may be stored in advance in a predetermined area of the ROM 132. By displaying the version information together with the checksum calculation result, it is easier to check the version of the program for effect control and various data, and by reading the checksum corresponding to the version, is there an error in the stored data? It can be easily confirmed whether or not it is.

The stored data used for the checksum calculation, the number of times the checksum is displayed, and the like may be arbitrarily changed according to the memory inspection setting for the ROM 132 and the like. As an example, in the memory inspection setting table shown in FIG. 11B, the checksum calculation corresponding to the calculation start address MA00 and the calculation end address MA21 set when the number of impressions is “0” is not executed. By setting it, the calculation result may be displayed for a smaller number of checksums. Alternatively, the calculation result may be displayed for more checksums by adding the setting of the calculation start address and the calculation end address corresponding to the number of display times of "4" or more.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S54 of FIG. 9 as the initial effect data transfer process. In the initial effect data transfer process, among the stored data in the ROM 132 and the image data memory 121, the effect data that is the initial data is transferred to the RAM 133 of the effect control microcomputer 120, the VRAM 142A of the display control unit 122, or the like. The settings are made. In the ROM 132 and the image data memory 121, the effect data used for executing the effect by various effect devices is stored (stored) in advance. This effect data includes initial data used in the initial stage when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, and normal data used in the normal operation stage after the initial stage is completed. In this embodiment, the initial data includes the initial operation data used for executing the initial operation by the movable members 51 to 54 and the decorative member 57, and the display data used for the initial display on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the like. Includes initial data. As the normal data, the normal data for operation used for executing the normal operation by the movable members 51 to 54 and the normal data for display used for normal display on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the like are combined with the speakers 8L and 8R. It includes the production data for audio output used for the production by the audio output of. The audio output effect data may include sound data stored from the address MA20 to the address MA21 of the ROM 132 as shown in FIG. 11A, for example. The effect data may include binary code or the like that constitutes a program module that realizes a process for executing the effect. In the effect control microcomputer 120, the CPU 131 can read the program or data stored in the RAM 133 in a read time shorter than the read time of the program or data stored in the ROM 132. In the display control unit 122, the VDP 141 can read the program or data stored in the VRAM 142A in a read time shorter than the read time of the program or data stored in the image data memory 121.

In the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 131 first makes settings for starting the transfer of the initial operation data (step S221). In the process of step S221, the effect control data transfer circuit built in (or externally attached to) the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 is used to read the operation initial data stored in the ROM 132 and to the RAM 133. The settings for transferring are made. In the operation initial data transfer start setting, for example, an operation initial data transfer setting table prepared in advance stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 132 may be used. The operation initial data transfer setting table may be composed of table data indicating a transfer source start address, a transfer destination start address, and a transfer data amount for the operation initial data. The transfer source start address of the initial operation data may be the read start address of the initial operation data in the ROM 132. The transfer destination start address of the operation initial data may be the write start address of the operation initial data in the RAM 133. The amount of transfer data of the initial operation data may be the data length (number of words) of the effect data that is the initial operation data.

In the operation start data transfer start setting by the process of step S221, the transfer parameters may be set for the data transfer circuit for effect control according to the reading result of the operation initial data transfer setting table. The CPU 131 may specify the operation initial data transfer setting table for the effect control data transfer circuit and request the start of data transfer. The initial data transfer setting table for operation may be specified by setting the storage address of the ROM 132 (the start address of the table, etc.), or a predetermined value (table number, etc.) in the register provided in the data transfer circuit for effect control. May be specified by setting. The data transfer circuit for effect control may be a circuit for transferring effect data by DMA (Direct Memory Access) transfer. The DMA transfer continuously executes a series of processes including a read address bus output, a read signal output, a write address bus output, and a write signal output while incrementing (adding 1) the read address and the write address. This is a transfer method that realizes data transfer. The data transfer from the ROM 132 to the RAM 133 is not limited to that realized by the DMA transfer. For example, after the CPU 131 reads the effect data word by word and temporarily holds it in the built-in (or external) register. , It may be realized by writing from the register to the RAM 133.

After the operation initial data transfer start setting is made by the process of step S221, the setting for starting the transfer of the display initial data is made (step S222). In the process of step S222, the display control data transfer circuit built in (or externally attached) to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122 is used to read the display initial data stored in the image data memory 121 and the VRAM 142A. Settings are made to transfer to. For example, the CPU 131 creates and transmits a transfer start request for display initial data to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122. Upon receiving the display start initial data transfer start request, the VDP 141 starts the display initial data transfer setting table, for example, by using the display initial data transfer setting table. The display initial data transfer setting table may be composed of table data indicating a transfer source start address, a transfer destination start address, and a transfer data amount for the display initial data. The transfer source start address of the display initial data may be the read start address of the display initial data in the image data memory 121. The transfer destination start address of the initial display data may be the write start address of the initial display data in the VRAM 142A. The amount of transfer data of the initial display data may be the data length (number of words) of the effect data that is the initial display data. In the display initial data transfer start setting by the process of step S222, transfer parameters may be set for the display control data transfer circuit according to the reading result of the display initial data transfer setting table. The VDP 141 may specify the display initial data transfer setting table for the display control data transfer circuit and request the start of data transfer. By setting various parameters in the register built-in (or externally) in the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122 by the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120, the parameter setting for transfer to the data transfer circuit for display control is completed. You may do so. The data transfer circuit for display control may be a circuit for transferring effect data by DMA transfer. The data transfer from the image data memory 121 to the VRAM 132A is not limited to that realized by the DMA transfer. For example, the VDP 141 reads out the effect data word by word and temporarily holds it in the built-in (or external) register. It may be realized by writing from the register to the VRAM 132A after making the data.

The initial operation data is transferred from the ROM 132 to the RAM 133, while the initial display data is transferred from the image data memory 121 to the VRAM 142A. Further, the transfer of the initial data for operation can be executed by using the data transfer circuit for effect control built in (or externally attached to) the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120, whereas the transfer of the initial data for display is performed. Can be executed by using a data transfer circuit for display control built in (or externally attached to) the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122. Therefore, the transfer of the initial data for operation can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the initial data for display. Note that "parallel" means that the execution periods of a plurality of processes and operations overlap, and if at least a part of the periods are common, the plurality of processes and operations are parallel in the common overlapping period. Will be executed. The initial display data is not limited to the data transferred from the image data memory 121 to the VRAM 142A, and may include data transferred from the ROM 132 to the RAM 133. In this case, after the transfer of the operation initial data for which the transfer setting has been made is completed, the display initial data may be set to be transferred from the ROM 132 to the RAM 133.

After that, it is determined whether or not the initial operation flag is on (step S223). The initial operation flag may be provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133 (for example, an effect control flag setting unit). When the initial operation by the movable members 51 to 54 and the decorative member 57 is executed, the initial operation flag is turned on, and when the execution of the initial operation is completed, the initial operation flag is cleared and turned off. If it is determined in step S223 that the initial operation flag is off (step S223; No), it is determined whether or not the transfer of the initial operation data has been completed (step S224). In the process of step S224, for example, after the CPU 131 executes the process of step S221, whether or not the transfer of the initial operation data is completed depending on whether or not the transfer completion notification is received from the data transfer circuit for effect control. It is only necessary to be able to determine.

When it is determined in step S224 that the transfer of the initial operation data is completed (step S224; Yes), a predetermined time is set as the initial operation time (step S225). The initial operation data may include setting information indicating the initial operation time. Subsequently, control is performed to start the initial operation of the movable members 51 to 54 and the decorative member 57 (step S226). In the process of step S226, the drive control of the operation motors 60A to 60C is started based on the initial operation control data included in the operation initial data. Corresponding to the start of the initial operation, the initial operation flag is set to turn it on (step S227), and then the process proceeds to step S228.

Then, it is determined whether or not the initial display flag is on (step S228). The initial display flag may be provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133 (for example, an effect control flag setting unit). When the initial display by the main image display device 5MA or the like is executed, the initial display flag is turned on, and when the execution of the initial display is completed, the initial display flag is cleared and turned off. If it is determined in step S228 that the initial display flag is on (step S228; Yes), the process returns to step S223. On the other hand, when it is determined that the initial display flag is off (step S228; No), it is determined whether or not the transfer of the initial display data has been completed (step S229). In the process of step S229, for example, after the CPU 131 executes the process of step S222, whether or not the transfer of the initial display data is completed depends on whether or not the transfer completion notification is received from the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122. It suffices if it can be determined.

If it is determined in step S229 that the transfer of the initial display data has not been completed (step S229; No), the process returns to step S223. On the other hand, when it is determined that the transfer of the initial display data is completed (step S229; Yes), a setting for starting the initial display by the main image display device 5MA or the like is performed (step S230). In the process of step S230, the CPU 131 transmits a display control command instructing the VDP 141 to start the initial display, and the display control of the main image display device 5MA or the like is performed based on the initial display control data included in the initial display data. It will be started. For example, the VDP 141 transmits an initial signal to the main image display device 5MA to execute the initial display on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. Corresponding to the start of the initial display, the initial display flag is set to turn it on (step S231), and then the process returns to the process of step S223.

If it is determined in step S223 that the initial operation flag is on (step S223; Yes), it is determined whether or not the initial operation time has elapsed (step S232). If it is determined that the initial operation time has not elapsed (step S232; No), the execution control of the initial operation is performed (step S233). On the other hand, when it is determined that the initial operation time has elapsed (step S232; Yes), it is determined whether or not the initial display flag is on (step S234). When it is determined that the initial display flag is off (step S234; No), the movable members 51 to 54 are stopped in the advanced state (step S235). After executing any of the processes of steps S233 and S235, the process proceeds to step S228. Further, even when it is determined in step S224 that the transfer of the initial operation data has not been completed (step S224; No), the process proceeds to step S228.

If it is determined in step S234 that the initial display flag is on (step S234; Yes), control is performed to end the initial operation (step S236). Corresponding to the end of the execution of the initial operation, the initial operation data transfer process is ended after the initial operation is turned off by clearing the flag (step S237).

In the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, when it is determined in the process of step S224 that the transfer of the initial data for operation is completed after the transfer of the initial data for operation is started by the process of step S221, By executing the process of step S226, the execution of the initial operation by the movable members 51 to 54 and the decorative member 57 is started. With the start of execution of the initial operation, after the initial operation flag is set and turned on by the process of step S227, the process of step S233 can be executed until the initial operation time elapses. , Execution control of the initial operation is performed. On the other hand, in the period from when the transfer of the initial display data is started by the process of step S222 until it is determined that the transfer of the initial display data is completed by the process of step S229, the display control unit 122 The display control data transfer circuit built into (or externally attached to) the VDP 141 transfers the initial display data. In this way, the period in which the initial operation by the movable members 51 to 54 and the decorative member 57 is executed and the period in which the transfer of the initial display data is executed may overlap. As a result, the initial operation can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the initial display data.

In the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, after the transfer of the operation initial data is started by the process of step S221, the transfer of the display initial data is started by the process of step S222. Therefore, the operation initial data used for executing the initial operation can be transferred with priority over the display initial data used for executing the initial display. In the initial operation in which the start is controlled by the process of step S226 and then the execution is controlled by the process of step S233, for example, the movable members 51 to 54 are changed (moved) from the retracted state to the advanced state. Any operation may be sufficient as long as it is stopped in the advanced state. After that, even if it is determined in the process of step S232 that the initial operation time has elapsed, the process of step S235 is executed until the process of step S234 determines that the initial display flag is on, and the movable member Stop 51-54 in the advanced state. As a result, as an initial operation using the initial operation data, the movable members 51 to 54 are moved from the retracted state that does not overlap the display area of the main image display area 5MA to the advanced state that overlaps the display area of the main image display device 5MA. It can be changed and stopped in the advanced state until the initial display is started. Before it is determined that the initial operation time has elapsed in the process of step S232, it is determined that the transfer of the initial display data has been completed in the process of step S229, and the initial display is executed by the process of step S230. May be started. Even in this case, the movable members 51 to 54 may be stopped in the advanced state until it is determined that the initial operation time has elapsed in the process of step S232. That is, the initial operation of changing the movable members 51 to 54 to the advanced state overlapping the display area of the main image display device 5MA may be performed at least during the period until the initial display is started, and thereafter. Even if the initial display is started, the initial operation may be executed until the initial operation time elapses.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state of the main image display device 5MA immediately after the power is turned on. Immediately after the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, an unstable display may be performed on the main image display device 5MA. In the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, the initial operation data is transferred with priority over the initial display data, and when the transfer of the initial operation data is completed, the execution of the initial operation is started by the process of step S226. As a result, the movable members 51 to 54 are changed from the retracted state to the advanced state.

FIG. 15A shows an operation example in the initial operation. Due to the initial operation, the movable members 51 to 54 are moved from the retracted state to the advanced state, and are stopped in the advanced state until the initial display on the screen of the main image display device 5MA is started. As a result, even if an unstable display is performed on the main image display device 5MA, the movable members 51 to 54 overlap the display area within a short period of time, making the display difficult or invisible, and the initial operation is appropriately performed. Can be executed to suppress the discomfort of the display.

After starting the transfer of the display initial data by the process of step S222 shown in FIG. 13, when it is determined that the transfer of the display initial data is completed by the process of step S229, the initial display is displayed by the process of step S230. It will be started. As a result, the execution of the initial display can be started on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the like by using the initial display data.

FIG. 15B shows a display example in the initial display. In the display example shown in FIG. 15B, an image (character image) for notifying the message of "initial setting" is displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA. The initial display data is configured to have a sufficiently smaller amount of data than the normal display data, and is transferred in preference to the normal display data when the power supply in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started. Will be done. As a result, the period during which the display of the main image display device 5MA becomes unstable immediately after the power supply is started can be shortened, and the unstable display can be suppressed.

In the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, by executing the process of step S222 following the process of step S221, it is possible to transfer the initial data for display in parallel with the transfer of the initial data for operation. .. As a result, the initial operation data and the initial display data can be efficiently transferred, and the initial operation and the initial display can be started within a short time after the power supply is started. The transfer of the initial data for display may be executed after the transfer of the initial data for operation is completed. As a result, after the initial operation data is reliably transferred and the initial operation is started, the initial display data can be transferred, and the initial operation can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the initial display data. Alternatively, by executing the process of step S222 before the process of step S221, the initial display data may be transferred with priority over the initial operation data. As a result, the period from the start of the power supply to the start of the initial display can be shortened, and unstable display can be suppressed.

16 and 17 are flowcharts showing an example of the process executed in step S56 of FIG. 9 as the normal effect data transfer process. In the normal effect data transfer process, the CPU 131 first determines whether or not the operation transfer completion flag is on (step S251 in FIG. 16). The operation transfer completion flag may be provided in a predetermined area (for example, an effect control flag setting unit) of the RAM 133. If the transfer of normal data for operation is not completed, the transfer completion flag for operation is off, and if the transfer of normal data for operation is completed, the transfer completion flag for operation is set and turned on. When it is determined in step S251 that the operation transfer completion flag is off (step S251; No), it is determined whether or not the operation transfer in progress flag is on (step S252). The operation transfer flag may be provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133 (for example, an effect control flag setting unit). When the operation normal data is being transferred, the operation transfer flag is turned on, and when the operation normal data is not being transferred, the operation transfer flag is turned off.

If it is determined in step S252 that the operation transfer flag is off (step S252; No), a setting for starting the transfer of operation normal data is performed (step S253). In the process of step S253, as in the case of transferring the initial operation data, the data transfer circuit for effect control is used to read the normal operation data stored in the ROM 132 and transfer it to the RAM 133. The settings are made. In the transfer of normal data for operation, for example, a normal data transfer setting table for operation prepared stored in advance in a predetermined area of ROM 132 may be used. The normal data transfer setting table for operation may be composed of table data indicating a transfer source start address, a transfer destination start address, and a transfer data amount for the operation normal data. Corresponding to the start of transfer of normal data for operation, it is turned on by setting the flag during transfer for operation (step S254).

When it is determined in step S252 that the operation transfer flag is on (step S252; Yes), for example, depending on whether or not a transfer completion notification has been received from the data transfer circuit for effect control, the operation is used. It is determined whether or not the normal data transfer is completed (step S255). When it is determined that the transfer of normal data for operation is completed (step S255; Yes), it is turned off by clearing the flag during transfer for operation (step S256), and the transfer completion flag for operation is set. Turn on (step S257).

When it is determined in step S251 that the operation transfer completion flag is on (step S251; Yes), or when it is determined in step S255 that the operation normal data transfer is not completed (step S255; After executing any of the processes of No) or steps S254 and S257, it is determined whether or not the display transfer completion flag is on (step S258). The display transfer completion flag may be provided in a predetermined area (for example, an effect control flag setting unit) of the RAM 133. When the transfer of the normal display data is not completed, the transfer completion flag for display is off, and when the transfer of the normal data for display is completed, the transfer completion flag for display is set and turned on. If it is determined in step S258 that the display transfer completion flag is off (step S258; No), it is determined whether or not the display transfer in progress flag is on (step S259). The display transfer flag may be provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133 (for example, an effect control flag setting unit). When the display normal data is being transferred, the display transfer flag is turned on, and when the display normal data is not being transferred, the display transfer flag is turned off.

If it is determined in step S259 that the display transfer in progress flag is off (step S259; No), a setting is made to start the transfer of display normal data (step S260). In the process of step S260, as in the case of transferring the initial display data, the display control data transfer circuit is used to read the display normal data stored in the image data memory 121 and transfer it to the VRAM 142A. Settings are made for this. In the transfer of display normal data, for example, the display normal data transfer setting table may be used by the CPU 131 or VDP 141. The display normal data transfer setting table may be composed of table data indicating a transfer source start address, a transfer destination start address, and a transfer data amount for the display normal data. Corresponding to the start of transfer of display normal data, the display transfer flag is set to turn it on (step S261).

When it is determined in step S259 that the display transfer flag is on (step S259; Yes), for example, for display, depending on whether or not a transfer completion notification has been received from the display control data transfer circuit. It is determined whether or not the normal data transfer is completed (step S262). When it is determined that the transfer of normal display data is completed (step S262; Yes), the display transfer completion flag is set to turn it off by clearing the display transfer flag (step S263). Turn on (step S264). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the initial display flag is on (step S265). If it is determined that the initial display flag is on (step S265; Yes), a setting is made to end the initial display by the main image display device 5MA or the like (step S266). In the process of step S266, the CPU 131 transmits a display control command instructing the end of the initial display to the VDP 141, and for example, the demonstration screen (demo screen) is displayed on the main image display device 5MA or the like based on the demo display control data. I wish I could. It is not limited to the demonstration screen, and any effect image different from the initial display may be displayed. Corresponding to the end of the initial display, it is turned off by clearing the initial display flag (step S267).

When it is determined in step S258 that the display transfer completion flag is on (step S258; Yes), or when it is determined in step S262 that the transfer of display normal data is not completed (step S262; No), if it is determined in step S265 that the initial display flag is off (step S265; No), or after executing any of the processes of steps S261 and S267, the audio output transfer completion flag is set. It is determined whether or not it is on (S268 in FIG. 17). The audio output transfer completion flag may be provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133 (for example, an effect control flag setting unit). If the transfer of the audio output effect data is not completed, the audio output transfer completion flag is off, and if the transfer of the audio output effect data is completed, the audio output transfer completion flag is set and turned on. .. If it is determined in step S268 that the audio output transfer completion flag is on (step S268; Yes), the normal effect data transfer process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the audio output transfer completion flag is off (step S268; No), it is determined whether or not the audio output transfer in progress flag is on (step S269). The audio output transfer flag may be provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133 (for example, an effect control flag setting unit). When the audio output effect data is being transferred, the audio output transfer flag is turned on, and when the audio output effect data is not being transferred, the audio output transfer flag is off.

If it is determined in step S269 that the audio output transfer in progress flag is off (step S269; No), a setting is made to start the transfer of the audio output effect data (step S270). In the process of step S270, for example, using a data transfer circuit for effect control, the effect data for audio output stored in the ROM 132 is read and transferred to the RAM 133 or the audio RAM mounted on the audio control board 13. Is set. In the transfer of the audio output effect data, for example, an audio output effect data transfer setting table stored in advance in a predetermined area of the ROM 132 or the audio ROM of the audio control board 12 may be used. The audio output effect data transfer setting table may be composed of table data indicating a transfer source start address, a transfer destination start address, and a transfer data amount for the audio output effect data. Corresponding to the start of transfer of the audio output effect data, the audio output transfer in progress flag is set to turn it on (step S271), and then the normal effect data transfer process is terminated.

When it is determined in step S269 that the transfer in-transit flag for audio output is on (step S269; Yes), for example, depending on whether or not a transfer completion notification has been received from the data transfer circuit for effect control, audio It is determined whether or not the transfer of the output effect data is completed (step S272). If it is determined that the transfer of the audio output effect data is not completed (step S272; No), the normal effect data transfer process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the transfer of the audio output effect data is completed (step S272; Yes), it is turned off by clearing the audio output transfer in progress flag (step S273), and the audio output transfer is performed. After turning on by setting the completion flag (step S274), the normal effect data transfer process is terminated.

In the normal effect data transfer process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, it is determined that the transfer of the normal operation data is completed in the process of step S255 after the transfer of the normal data for operation is started by the process of step S253. Until, the operation transfer flag is turned on. Further, after the transfer of the display normal data is started by the process of step S260, the display transfer flag is turned on until it is determined that the transfer of the display normal data is completed by the process of step S262. Further, after the transfer of the audio output effect data is started by the process of step S270, the audio output transfer flag is turned on until it is determined that the transfer of the audio output effect data is completed by the process of step S272. It becomes. In this way, among the stored data in the ROM 132 and the image data memory 121, the effect data that becomes normal data such as the normal data for operation, the normal data for display, and the effect data for audio output can be displayed on the RAM 133 of the effect control microcomputer 120. The data is transferred to the VRAM 142A of the control unit 122 or the voice RAM mounted on the voice control board 13.

In the effect control main process shown in FIG. 9, the initial effect data transfer process is executed in step S54, and it is determined that the transfer of the operation initial data is completed by the process of step S224 shown in FIG. 13, and step S229. After it is determined that the transfer of the initial display data has been completed by the process of, the normal effect data transfer process can be executed in step S56 shown in FIG. As a result, among the effect data stored in the ROM 132 and the image data memory 121, the initial data can be transferred with priority over the normal data. For example, the display initial data used for transmitting the initial signal to the main image display device 5MA or the like to execute the initial display has priority over the display normal data different from the display initial data, and is prioritized in the image data memory. It is transferred from 121 to VRAM 142A. The operation initial data used for executing the initial operation by the movable members 51 to 54 and the decorative member 57 is transferred from the ROM 132 to the RAM 133 in preference to the operation normal data different from the operation initial data. By transferring the initial display data with priority over the normal display data, it is possible to efficiently transfer the effect data and perform smooth effect control. By transferring the initial operation data with priority over the normal operation data, it is possible to efficiently transfer the effect data and perform smooth effect control.

The display initial data is transferred based on the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, and after the transfer of the display initial data is completed, based on the normal effect data transfer process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. , Normal data for operation, normal data for display, effect data for audio output, and other effect data that are normal data are transferred. That is, the display initial data used for transmitting the initial signal to the main image display device 5MA or the like to execute the initial display is larger than the effect data which is the normal data used for executing the normal effect different from the initial display. Priority is given to the transfer from the image data memory 121 to the VRAM 142A. After the initial display is started by the process of step S230 shown in FIG. 13, the initial display data transfer process is completed by determining that the initial display flag is on in the process of step S234, and the normal effect is generated. Data transfer processing can be executed. In the normal effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 16, when it is determined in the process of step S262 that the transfer of the display normal data is completed, it is determined in the process of step S265 that the initial display flag is on. As a result, the initial display is terminated based on the process of step S266. In this way, the period in which the initial display is executed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA and the period in which the normal data transfer is executed may overlap. That is, the initial display can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the effect data which is the normal data.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control process process. In the effect control process process shown in FIG. 18, the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 determines the value of the effect process flag stored in a predetermined area (for example, the effect control flag setting unit) of the RAM 133, and determines the value of the effect process flag for effect control. From a plurality of processes described in advance in the program, a process according to the determination value is selected and executed. The process executed according to the determination value of the effect process flag includes the processes of steps S170 to S176.

The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “0”. The variable display start waiting process displays a variable display of a decorative pattern on the screen of the main image display device 5MA based on whether or not a first fluctuation start command or a second fluctuation start command transmitted from the main board 11 is received. It includes a process for determining whether or not to start. The first variation start command is an effect control command for notifying that the special figure game using the first special figure is started by the first special symbol display device 4A. The second variation start command is an effect control command for notifying that the special figure game using the second special figure by the second special symbol display device 4B is started. When it is determined that either the first variation start command or the second variation start command has been received in the variable display start waiting process, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "1".

The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “1”. The variable display start setting process is performed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA in response to the start of variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B. In order to perform variable display of the decorative symbol in, and other various production operations, it includes processing for determining a fixed decorative symbol and various production control patterns according to the variation pattern of the special symbol and the type of display result. .. When the variable display start setting process is executed, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "2".

The variable display effect process in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “2”. In the variable display effect processing, the CPU 131 reads various control data from the effect control pattern and decorates it in response to the timer value in the effect control process timer provided in the predetermined area (effect control timer setting unit, etc.) of the RAM 133. It includes processing for performing various effect controls during variable display of the symbol. In addition, in the variable display effect processing, the final stop symbol as the final stop symbol, which is the variable display result of the decorative symbol, is completely stopped and displayed in response to the reception of the symbol confirmation command transmitted from the main board 11. (Derived display) processing is included. In addition, in response to the fact that the end code is read from the predetermined effect control pattern, the final decoration symbol may be displayed as a complete stop display (derivative display). By performing display control based on the end code read from the effect control pattern, the effect control board 12 autonomously derives and displays the fixed decorative pattern without using the effect control command from the main board 11. The variable display result can be confirmed. In the effect processing during variable display, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "3" after the control for deriving and displaying the variable display result of the decorative symbol is performed.

The variable display stop process in step S173 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “3”. In the variable display stop processing, the jackpot game state starts based on the variable display result notified by the variable display result notification command and the determination result of whether or not the jackpot start designation command transmitted from the main board 11 is received. It includes a process of determining whether or not to be performed. When it is determined that the jackpot game state is started corresponding to the "big hit" in the variable display result by receiving the jackpot start designation command, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "4". On the other hand, if it is determined that the variable display result does not start the big hit game state corresponding to "loss" because the waiting time has elapsed without receiving the big hit start designation command, the effect process flag is cleared. Then, the value is initialized to "0".

The jackpot display process in step S174 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “4”. The jackpot display process includes a process for executing a jackpot notification effect (fanfare effect) for notifying the start of a jackpot game state based on the reception of a jackpot start designation command transmitted from the main board 11. .. Then, when the execution of the jackpot notification effect is completed, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "5".

The jackpot effect process in step S175 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “5”. In the jackpot effect processing, the CPU 131 sets, for example, an effect control pattern or the like corresponding to the effect content in the jackpot game state, and executes the effect control based on the set content. The effect control in the jackpot effect process includes control for displaying the effect image on the screen of the main image display device 5MA and the sub image display device 5SU, and for executing the display effect by the light emitting body units 71 to 74. Control to output sound and sound effects from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting commands (sound effects signals) to the voice control board 13, and game effect lamps 9 and decorations by outputting commands (illumination signals) to the lamp control board 14. It suffices that a part or all of the control for turning on / off / blinking the LED for and other effect control is included. In the jackpot middle effect processing, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "6" in response to receiving, for example, the jackpot end designation command transmitted from the main board 11.

The jackpot end effect process in step S176 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “6”. In the jackpot end effect processing, the CPU 131 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the effect content in the jackpot end effect (ending effect) executed when the jackpot game state ends, and performs effect control based on the set content. Execute. By controlling the effect in the jackpot end effect process, the display of the effect image, the output of the fruit sound, the lighting, extinguishing or blinking of various light emitting members, and other effect operations are controlled to produce the jackpot end effect corresponding to the end of the jackpot game state. Just make it feasible. After that, the effect process flag is cleared and the value is initialized to "0".

FIG. 19A is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S171 of FIG. 18 as the variable display start setting process. In the variable display start setting process shown in FIG. 19A, the CPU 131 first determines the final stop symbol or the like to be the final decorative symbol as the variable display result of the decorative symbol (step S301). As the process of step S301, the CPU 131 is based on the variable display content corresponding to the combination of the variable pattern specified by the variable pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11 and the variable display result notified by the variable display result notification command. , Determine the final stop symbol. As an example, the variable display contents according to the combination of the variation pattern and the variable display result may include "non-reach (loss)", "reach (loss)", and "big hit". In addition, when the variable display content is "big hit", the case where the variable display content is "non-probability (big hit)" and the case where the variable display content is "probability change (big hit)" may be included.

When the variable display content is "non-reach (loss)", the variable display state of the decorative symbol does not change to the reach state, the fixed decorative symbol of the non-reach combination is stopped and displayed, and the variable display result is "loss". ". When the variable display content is "reach (loss)", after the variable display state of the decorative symbol is in the reach state, the final decorative symbol of the reach loss combination is stopped and displayed, and the variable display result is "loss". .. When the variable display content is "non-probability (big hit)" among "big hits", the variable display result may be "big hit", and the gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state may be the time saving state. When the variable display content is "probability change (big hit)" among "big hits", the variable display result may be "big hit", and the gaming state after the end of the big hit game state may be the probable change state.

For example, among the cases where the variable display result is "missing", when the fluctuation patterns PA1-1 to PA1-3, PB1-1, and PB1-2 shown in FIG. 8 are used, the variable display content is "non-reach". (Loss) ”, and in the case of any of the fluctuation patterns PA2-1 to PA2-3 shown in FIG. 8, the variable display content is“ reach (loss) ”. When the variable display result is "big hit", the variable display content is "big hit".

Numerical data indicating a random number for production that is updated by a random number circuit built in (or externally attached to) the effect control microcomputer 120 or a random number counter for production provided in a predetermined area (effect control counter setting unit, etc.) of RAM 133. There are a random number value for determining the left confirmed symbol, a random number value for determining the right confirmed symbol, a random number value for determining the middle confirmed symbol, a random number value for determining the left and right confirmed symbols, and a random number for determining the jackpot confirmed symbol. It suffices if the numerical data indicating the numerical value is included. Part or all of the numerical data indicating the random value for determining the left confirmed symbol or the random value for determining the right confirmed symbol, the random value for determining the left and right confirmed symbol, and the random value for determining the jackpot confirmed symbol. Numerical data indicating a random value may be shared, or may be separate numerical data. If the ROM 132 stores in advance the table data constituting the left confirmed symbol determination table, the right confirmed symbol determination table, the middle confirmed symbol determination table, the left and right confirmed symbol determination table, and the jackpot confirmed symbol determination table. Good.

FIG. 19B shows an example of determining the final stop symbol in the process of step S301. When the variable display content is "non-reach (loss)", different (mismatched) decorative symbols are determined as the final stop symbol in the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R. Of the fixed decorative symbols that will be the final stop symbols, the left confirmed decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed in the "left" decorative symbol display area 5L are numerical data indicating random values for determining the left confirmed symbol and the left confirmed symbol determination table. It is determined using and. Of the fixed decorative symbols that will be the final stop symbols, the right fixed decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed in the "right" decorative symbol display area 5R are numerical data indicating random values for determining the right confirmed symbol and the right confirmed symbol determination table. It is determined using and. In the right-fixed symbol determination table, a determination value or the like may be set so that the symbol number of the right-determined decorative symbol is different from the symbol number of the left-determined decorative symbol. Among the final stop symbols, the medium-fixed decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed in the "middle" decorative symbol display area 5C are numerical data indicating random values for determining the medium-confirmed symbols and the medium-confirmed symbol determination table. It is determined using and.

When the variable display content is "reach (loss)", the same (matching) decorative symbol is determined as the final stop symbol in the "left" and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L and 5R. The left-fixed decorative symbol and the right-fixed decorative symbol are determined by using numerical data indicating a random value for determining the left-right confirmed symbol and the left-right confirmed symbol determination table. The medium-fixed decorative symbol is determined by using numerical data indicating a random value for determining the medium-determined symbol and the medium-determined symbol determination table. For example, when the symbol number of the medium-fixed decorative symbol is the same as the symbol number of the left-fixed decorative symbol or the right-fixed decorative symbol, and the fixed decorative symbol is a jackpot combination, an arbitrary value (for example, "" By adding or subtracting 1 ”) to the symbol number of the medium fixed decorative symbol, the fixed decorative symbol may be a reach combination instead of a jackpot combination. Alternatively, when determining the medium-fixed decorative symbol, the difference (design difference) between the left-fixed decorative symbol and the right-fixed decorative symbol may be determined, and the medium-fixed decorative symbol corresponding to the symbol difference may be set. ..

When the variable display content is "big hit", the same (matching) decorative symbol is determined as the final stop symbol in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right". Will be done. The final stop symbol to be the jackpot combination is determined by using the numerical data indicating the random value for determining the jackpot confirmed symbol and the jackpot confirmed symbol determination table. In addition, depending on whether the jackpot type is "non-probability" or "probability", and whether or not the promotion effect during jackpot is executed, a normal symbol (for example, a decorative symbol indicating an even number) and a probabilistic symbol (for example, a decorative symbol indicating an even number) For example, which of the decorative symbols indicating odd numbers) may be determined as the final decorative symbol. In the jackpot medium promotion effect, the combination of decorative symbols (non-probability variation jackpot combination) that reminds us of the jackpot but does not recall the probability variation state is temporarily stopped and displayed, and then the probability variation state during the jackpot game state or at the end of the jackpot gaming state. It is a production that informs whether or not it becomes.

As a specific example, when the jackpot type is "non-probable variation", a fixed decorative symbol is determined from a plurality of types of normal symbols. On the other hand, when it is determined that the jackpot type is "probability change" and the promotion effect during the jackpot is not executed, the one that will be the final decoration symbol is determined from among the plurality of types of probability variation symbols. On the other hand, if it is decided to execute the promotion effect during the jackpot even if the jackpot type is "probability change", the fixed decorative symbol is determined from among a plurality of types of normal symbols. As a result, even though the probabilistic symbols are aligned and displayed as the final decorative symbols, it is possible to prevent the promotion effect during the jackpot from being executed so as not to give the player a sense of distrust.

Following the determination of the final stop symbol and the like in the process of step S301, it is determined whether or not the display transfer completion flag is on (step S302). When the display transfer completion flag is on (step S302; Yes), the advance notice effect determination process (step S303) for determining the advance notice effect to be executed during the variable display of the decorative symbol is executed. On the other hand, when the display transfer completion flag is off (step S302; No), a setting for executing the effect by the simple display is made (step S304). In the effect of the simple display, it is sufficient that the simple image can be displayed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA by using the image data included in the initial display data. In the process of step S304, for example, a simple effect flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 133 (for example, an effect control flag setting unit) may be set to the ON state.

Following the process of step S304, it is determined whether or not the initial display flag is on (step S305). If it is determined that the initial display flag is on (step S305; Yes), the initial display end setting is made (step S306), and the initial display flag is cleared to turn it off (step S307). .. In the process of step S306, for example, the display control command may be transmitted to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122 to indicate the end of the initial display.

After that, the effect control pattern is determined to be one of a plurality of prepared patterns (step S308). In the process of step S308, for example, one of a plurality of prepared effect control patterns (special figure variation effect control pattern) is selected in response to the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern specification command, and the pattern is used. You may decide that. Further, in the process of step S308, for example, one of a plurality of prepared effect control patterns (preliminary effect control pattern) is selected in response to the advance notice effect determined by the advance notice effect determination process of step S303, and used as the usage pattern. You may decide to do it.

In the process of step S308, when the simple display is set by the process of step S304, the effect control pattern may be different from the case where the simple display is not set. When it is determined in the process of step S302 that the display transfer completion flag is off, the transfer of the display normal data from the image data memory 121 to the VRAM 142A has not been completed yet. Therefore, it is not possible to execute a display effect using an effect image used for normal display, such as a character image or a background image. On the other hand, the transfer of the initial display data has been completed. By including the effect data for executing the initial display as the initial display data, and the effect data necessary for executing the minimum variable display such as the image data of the effect image to be a decorative pattern, the effect data can be included. The variable display may be made executable even before the transfer of the normal display data is completed. When the simple display is not set, the first effect control pattern may be determined, whereas when the simple display is set, the second effect control pattern may be determined. The first effect control pattern and the second effect control pattern may be prepared corresponding to a plurality of fluctuation patterns, respectively. The second effect control pattern includes display control data that controls the variable display of the decorative symbol, whereas the first effect control does not include display control data that controls the display of the character image or the background image. It is different from the content of the pattern. In addition, when the second effect control pattern is determined, normal data is used for the effect by various effect devices such as the sound output by the speakers 8L and 8R and the operation of the movable members 51 to 54 and the decorative member 57. It may be set so that the effect is not executed.

When the display transfer completion flag is not set and is off, the second effect control pattern is selected, so that the variable display of the decorative pattern that does not include the character image or the background image is executed. When the display transfer completion flag is set to ON, the first effect control pattern is selected, so that the decorative pattern is variably displayed and various types including the display of the character image and the background image are executed. The display effect is executed.

After the effect control pattern is determined by the process of step S308, the initial value of the effect control process timer provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 133 (for example, the effect control timer setting unit) is set (step S309). By the process of step S309, for example, the timer initial value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern specified by the fluctuation pattern designation command may be set in the effect control process timer. By setting the timer initial value in the effect control process timer, the variable display time of the decorative symbol may be set (initial setting). The timer value of the effect control process timer may be updated so as to count up from "0" with the passage of time, and a variable display end determination value corresponding to the variable display time of the decorative symbol may be set. Subsequently, a setting is made on the screen of the main image display device 5MA to start the variation of the decorative pattern or the like (step S310). For example, by transmitting the display control command specified by the display control data included in the effect control pattern (effect control pattern when the special figure fluctuates) determined in the process of step S308 to the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122, the main The variation of the decorative symbols may be started in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R provided on the screen of the image display device 5MA.

When the variable display of the decorative symbol is started based on the process of step S310, a setting for updating the hold storage display in the start winning prize storage display area 5H is made (step S311). For example, in the start winning prize storage display area 5H, the display portion corresponding to the hold number "1" may be deleted, and the entire display portion may be moved to the left one by one. After that, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "2", which is a value corresponding to the effect process during variable display (step S312), and then the variable display start setting process ends.

In this embodiment, for example, the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 and the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122 are produced by the first effect device such as the main image display device 5MA, and the movable members 51 to 54 and the like. , Controls the production by the second production device different from the first production device. When the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is started, for example, as the initial effect data transfer process of step S54 shown in FIG. 9, the process shown in FIG. 13 is executed, so that the effect by various effect devices is performed. Of the effect data used to execute the above, the effect data, which is the initial data, is transferred from the ROM 132 of the effect control microcomputer 120 to the RAM 133, or transferred from the image data memory 121 to the VRAM 142A of the display control unit 122. Or something. In the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, the transfer of the display initial data is started by the process of step S222, and the processes of steps S226 and S233 are executed in parallel with this transfer, so that the movable members 51 to 54 are executed. The initial operation is executed by. By executing the initial operation in parallel with the transfer of the initial display data, the effect data can be efficiently transferred and the occurrence of delay can be suppressed.

Alternatively, the process of step S222 shown in FIG. 13 starts the transfer of the initial display data, and after the transfer is completed, the process of step S253 shown in FIG. 16 starts the transfer of the normal operation data. Further, the transfer of the initial display data is started by the process of step S222 shown in FIG. 13, and after the transfer is completed, the transfer of the normal display data is started by the process of step S260 shown in FIG. The transfer of the effect data for audio output is started by the process of step S270 shown in 17. In this way, the first effect data used for executing the effect by the display device, for example, the main image display device 5MA, is produced by the display device, such as the operation of the movable members 51 to 54 and the audio output by the speakers 8L and 8R. It is transferred with priority over the second effect data used for executing the effect different from the above. Then, when the initial display is executed by the process of step S230 shown in FIG. 13, in parallel with the transfer of the second effect data, the first effect data already transferred is used for the initial display on the main image display device 5MA or the like. Supply a signal. As a result, the effect data can be efficiently transferred, and the initial display by the main image display device 5MA as shown in FIG. 15B, for example, can be started within a short time after the power supply is started. , Unstable display in the main image display device 5MA or the like can be suppressed.

In the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, the transfer of the initial operation data is started by the process of step S221, and then the transfer of the initial display data is started by the process of step S222. In the normal effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 16, the transfer of the operation normal data is started by the process of step S253, and then the transfer of the display normal data is started by the process of step S260. In this way, the effect data used for executing the effect by the second effect device, such as the movable members 51 to 54, is obtained from the effect data used for executing the effect by the first effect device, for example, the main image display device 5MA. Also give priority to transfer. As a result, the effect data can be efficiently transferred, and the initial operation by, for example, the movable members 51 to 54 can be started within a short time after the power supply is started, so that the occurrence of delay can be suppressed.

The transfer of the display initial data is started by the process of step S222 shown in FIG. 13, and after the transfer is completed, the transfer of the display normal data is started by the process of step S260 shown in FIG. In this way, among the effect data used for executing the effect by the first effect device such as the main image display device 5MA, the effect data that is the initial data is transferred with priority over the effect data that is the normal data. As a result, the effect data can be efficiently transferred, and the initial display by the main image display device 5MA as shown in FIG. 15B, for example, can be started within a short time after the power supply is started. , The occurrence of delay can be suppressed. In addition, unstable display on the main image display device 5MA or the like can be suppressed.

The transfer of the initial operation data is started by the process of step S221 shown in FIG. 13, and after the transfer is completed, the transfer of the normal data for operation is started by the process of step S253 shown in FIG. In this way, among the effect data used for executing the effect by the second effect device, such as the movable members 51 to 54, the effect data that is the initial data is transferred with priority over the effect data that is the normal data. To do. As a result, the effect data can be efficiently transferred, and the initial operation by, for example, the movable members 51 to 54 can be started within a short time after the power supply is started, so that the occurrence of delay can be suppressed.

By executing the processes of steps S226 and S233 shown in FIG. 13, the initial operation by the movable members 51 to 54 and the like is executed. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the movable members 51 to 54 are moved from the retracted state as the second state, which does not overlap with the display area of the main image display device 5MA, to the display area of the main image display device 5MA. Change to the advanced state as the overlapping first state. As a result, for example, by making the display area of the main image display device 5MA on which unstable display is performed difficult or invisible, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of delay while appropriately performing the initial operation.

In the above embodiment, as the initial operation started by the process of step S226 shown in FIG. 13, the movable members 51 to 54 are changed from the retracted state to the advanced state, and the advanced state is at least until the initial operation time elapses. The operation to stop at is executed. On the other hand, as the initial operation, the effect device such as the movable members 51 to 54 may be operated with the initial operation pattern formed by mixing a plurality of operation patterns. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the movable members 51 to 54 and the decorative member 57 can be operated in a plurality of operation patterns in the advance notice effect and the reach effect.

FIG. 20 shows a retracted state as an initial state of the upper mechanism 50T including the movable members 51 and 52 and the decorative member 57 among the effect movable mechanisms 50, and a plurality of operation patterns by the upper mechanism 50T. The movable members 51 and 52 included in the upper mechanism 50T are pivotally supported by the decorative member 57 and can rotate, and the movable member 51 and the movable member 52 have different rotation ranges. That is, the movable member 52 can rotate between a retracted position and an advanced position with respect to the movable member 51. The movable member 51 has a configuration in which the base body is arranged behind the front surface portion provided with the plurality of light emitting bodies, and holds the movable member 52 between the front surface portion and the base body.

As shown in FIG. 20A, when the upper mechanism 50T is in the retracted state as the initial state, the movable member 51 is located on the upper side in a state in which the longitudinal direction of the movable member 51 is substantially horizontal. In the operation pattern T1 shown in FIG. 20B, the movable member 52 can be rotated by the driving force of the operation motor 60B shown in FIG. 5 without moving the decorative member 57 and the movable member 51. In the operation pattern T2 shown in FIG. 20C, the driving force of the operation motor 60A shown in FIG. 5 causes the movable members 51 and 52 to rotate in an overlapping state as the decorative member 57 moves downward. it can. In the operation pattern T3 shown in FIG. 20 (D), the movable member 51 is rotated by the driving force of the operating motor 60A as the decorative member 57 moves downward, and the movable member 52 is rotated by the driving force of the operating motor 60B. Can be rotated with respect to the movable member 51 to advance the movable member 52 below the movable member 51.

FIG. 21 shows a retracted state as an initial state of the lower mechanism 50B provided with the movable members 53 and 54 among the effect movable mechanisms 50, and a plurality of operation patterns by the lower mechanism 50B. The movable members 53 and 54 included in the lower mechanism 50B are connected to the frame of the lower support unit 56 shown in FIG. 3 via a predetermined link mechanism, and move within a predetermined range by the power of the operation motor 60C shown in FIG. can do. The link mechanism includes, for example, the link members 642a and 642b and the link members 645a and 645b shown in FIG. 21 (B). One end of the link members 645a and 645b is pivotally supported by the frame, and the other end is pivotally supported near the lower end of the movable member 54 to guide the movement of the movable member 54.

As shown in FIG. 21 (A), when the lower mechanism 50B is in the retracted state as the initial state, each of the movable members 53 and 54 is located below, and the movable member 53 is located behind the movable member 54. As a result, the player can hardly see the movable member 53. In the operation pattern B1 shown in FIG. 21 (B), the movable member 53 moves upward from the back side of the movable member 54 with a slight rotation due to the driving force of the operation motor 50C. In the operation pattern B2 shown in FIG. 21C, the movable member 54 can be moved upward with the movement of the movable member 53 by the further driving force of the operation motor 50C.

The initial operation pattern makes it possible to execute an initial operation in which the upper mechanism 50T is continuously operated in the operation patterns T1 to T3 and an initial operation in which the lower mechanism 50B is continuously operated in the operation patterns B1 and B2. The initial operation for operating the upper mechanism 50T and the initial operation for operating the lower mechanism 50B may be set so that the initial operations are executed in order and the execution periods do not overlap with each other, or at least a part thereof. By overlapping the execution periods of, each initial operation may be set so as to be able to be executed in parallel. Even if each initial operation is executed in sequence, the initial operation executed before the initial operation time elapses is an initial operation pattern formed by mixing a plurality of operation patterns, and the movable members 51 to 54 and the decorative member. 57 will be operated. Further, when each initial operation is executed in parallel, the movable members 51 to 54 and decoration are used in the initial operation pattern formed by mixing a plurality of operation patterns during the period in which the initial operations are executed in parallel. The member 57 is operated.

In this way, the movable members 51 to 54 and the decorative member 57 are operated in the initial operation pattern formed by mixing a plurality of operation patterns. As a result, when the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, the effect device can be operated in a plurality of operation patterns corresponding to the effects associated with the execution of the game, and the operation can be confirmed appropriately.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 1 does not have to have all the technical features shown in the above-described embodiment, and is a part described in the above-described embodiment so as to be able to solve at least one problem in the prior art. It may have the structure of.

As a specific example, in the above-described embodiment, the initial operation by the movable members 51 to 54 and the like can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the initial display data, and the effect by the display device such as the main image display device 5MA and the like. Has been described as enabling the initial display to be executed in parallel with the transfer of the effect data used to execute different effects. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to execute the initial operation in parallel with the transfer of the initial display data, and in parallel with the transfer of the effect data used for executing the effect different from the effect by the display device. It suffices that at least one of them is configured to be feasible.

In the above embodiment, the transfer of the initial operation data is started by the process of step S221 shown in FIG. 13, and then the transfer of the initial display data is started by the process of step S222, so that the initial operation data is started. The initial data for display can be transferred in parallel with the data transfer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the effect data as the initial data may be set so that the transfer of the initial display data is started after the transfer of the initial operation data is completed. In this case, for example, after it is determined that the transfer of the initial data for operation is completed by the process of step S224 shown in FIG. 13, the process of step S222 may be executed to start the transfer of the initial data for display. ..

In the above embodiment, even if it is determined by the process of step S255 that the transfer of the normal operation data is not completed after the transfer of the normal operation data is started by the process of step S253 shown in FIG. By starting the transfer of the display normal data by the process of step S260, the transfer of the display normal data can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the operation normal data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for the effect data that becomes the normal data, the transfer of the display normal data may be started after the transfer of the operation normal data is completed. In this case, for example, after it is determined that the transfer of the operation normal data is completed by the process of step S255 shown in FIG. 16, the process of step S255 may be executed to start the transfer of the display normal data. ..

The initial operation by the movable members 51 to 54 and the initial display by the main image display device 5MA and the like shall be executed at least in an arbitrary period in which a part of the effect data is transferred and an execution period in which a part or all of the effect data overlaps. I wish I could. For example, in the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, the transfer of the display initial data is started by the process of step S222, and after the transfer is completed and the execution of the initial display is started, the operation is performed by the process of step S221. By starting the transfer of the initial data, the initial display may be executed in parallel with the transfer of the initial data for operation. After that, when the transfer of the initial operation data is completed, the execution of the initial operation is started, and then the normal effect data transfer process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is executed to obtain the normal data. Data transfer may be initiated. In this way, it is sufficient that the execution of the initial operation is started after the execution of the initial display is started, and the effect data which is the normal data can be transferred in parallel with the execution of the initial display and the initial operation.

Alternatively, for example, in the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, the transfer of the display initial data is started by the process of step S222, and then the transfer of the operation initial data is started by the process of step S221. , It is possible to transfer the initial data for operation in parallel with the transfer of the initial data for display, and after each transfer is completed and the execution of the initial display and the initial operation is started, the normal effects shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are shown. The transfer of the effect data, which is normal data, may be started by executing the data transfer process or the like. In this way, after the execution of the initial display and the initial operation is started, it is sufficient that the effect data, which is the normal data, can be transferred in parallel with the execution of the initial display and the initial operation.

Alternatively, for example, in the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, the transfer of the initial operation data is started by the process of step S221, and after the transfer is completed and the execution of the initial operation is started, the process of step S222 is performed. By starting the transfer of the initial display data, the initial operation may be executed in parallel with the transfer of the initial display data. After that, when the transfer of the initial display data is completed, the execution of the initial display is started, and then the normal effect data transfer process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is executed to obtain the normal data. Data transfer may be initiated. In this way, it is sufficient that the execution of the initial display is started after the execution of the initial operation is started, and the effect data which is the normal data can be transferred in parallel with the execution of the initial operation and the initial display.

In the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, it has been described that control is performed to end the initial operation by the process of step S236. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and by executing the normal effect data transfer process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 before the initial operation is completed, the normal data and the normal data are executed in parallel with the execution of the initial operation. It may be possible to transfer the production data.

In the effect control main process shown in FIG. 9, after executing the normal effect data transfer process in step S56, the processes in steps S57 to S60 are executed, and after executing the effect control process process in step S60, in step S55. Return to the random number update process for production. In this way, by enabling the normal effect data transfer process of step S56 to be executed each time a timer interrupt for effect control occurs, for example, even after the variable display of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is started, the effect becomes normal data. It has been described as being able to perform data transfer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the processes after step S57 may not be executed until the transfer of the effect data by the normal effect data transfer process in step S56 is completed. For example, in the normal effect data transfer process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, normal data is waited until all of the operation transfer completion flag, the display transfer completion flag, and the audio output transfer completion flag are set and turned on. It is also possible to complete the transfer of the effect data.

In the above embodiment, even if it is determined that the initial operation time has elapsed in the process of step S232 shown in FIG. 13, step S235 is performed until the process of step S234 determines that the initial display flag is on. It has been described that the initial operation by the movable members 51 to 54 is executed in the period until the initial display is started by executing the process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the initial operation may be terminated when a predetermined initial operation termination condition is satisfied regardless of whether or not the initial display is started. For example, the initial operation may be terminated when the execution of the initial operation according to the operation pattern prepared in advance is completed. Alternatively, when it is determined that the initial operation time has elapsed in the process of step S232 shown in FIG. 13, the initial operation is terminated by proceeding to the process of step S236 without executing the process of step S234. May be good. That is, the initial operation may be terminated when the predetermined initial operation time has elapsed.

In the above embodiment, when the process of step S304 shown in FIG. 19A is executed, the image data included in the initial display data is used to enable the effect of the simple display to be executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the initial display data includes only the image data used for executing the initial display, and does not include the image data used for the effect by the simple display. You may. In this case, among the image data included in the normal display data, the image data used for the simple display can be transferred with priority over the other image data, so that the normal display data can be transferred. Configuration and transfer control may be performed. Then, when it is determined in the process of step S302 shown in FIG. 19A that the display transfer completion flag is off, the image used for the simple display among the image data included in the display normal data is used. It may be determined whether or not the data transfer is completed, and if the transfer is completed, the effect by the simple display may be executed. Alternatively, during the period until the transfer of the normal display data is completed, for example, by continuously executing the initial display, the display effect by the image including the variable display of the decorative pattern such as the effect by the simple display is not executed. You may do it.

In the above embodiment, it has been described that the initial display is executed on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the like by using the image data included in the initial display data. In addition to such initial display, or by using image data included in the initial display data instead of the initial display, the initial lighting by the light emitter units 71 to 74 in which a plurality of light emitters are arranged can be set. It may be executed. In this case, for example, when it is determined in the process of step S229 shown in FIG. 13 that the transfer of the initial display data is completed, the initial display in the light emitter units 71 to 74 is lit together with the start setting of the initial display by the process of step S230. It suffices to make the setting to start. By transferring the initial operation data with priority over the initial display data, it is possible to transfer the effect data used for the initial lighting after the initial operation data is transferred and the initial operation is started, and the initial lighting is performed. The initial operation can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the effect data used. By transferring the initial display data in preference to the initial operation data, the initial display data can be transferred and the initial lighting can be started, and then the initial operation data can be transferred. It may be possible to execute the initial lighting in parallel with the transfer of. In addition, by transferring the initial display data in preference to the normal display data, the initial display data can be transferred and the initial lighting is started, and then the normal display data can be transferred, and the normal display data can be transferred. The initial lighting can be executed in parallel with the transfer of.

Apart from the initial display data and the normal display data, the initial data includes the initial lighting data used for the initial lighting by the illuminant units 71 to 74, and the normal data includes the illuminant unit 71. The lighting normal data used for the normal lighting according to ~ 74 may be included. In this case, in the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, the setting for transferring the initial lighting data may be made. For example, when it is determined in the process of step S229 shown in FIG. 13 that the transfer of the initial display data is completed, the setting for starting the transfer of the initial lighting data may be made. As a result, following that the initial display data has been transferred from the image data memory 121 to the VRAM 142A, the initial lighting data can be transferred from the image data memory 121 to the VRAM 142A. That is, the initial display data may be transferred with priority over the initial lighting data. After the initial display data is transferred and the initial display is started, the initial lighting data can be transferred, and the initial display can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the initial lighting data. The initial data for lighting may be transferred with priority over the initial data for display. That is, after the initial lighting data is transferred and the initial lighting is started, the initial display data may be transferred so that the initial lighting can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the initial display data. .. The initial data for lighting may be transferred with priority over the initial data for operation. That is, after the initial lighting data is transferred and the initial lighting is started, the initial operation data can be transferred, and the initial lighting can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the initial operation data. .. On the other hand, the initial operation data may be transferred with priority over the initial lighting data. That is, after the initial operation data is transferred and the initial operation is started, the initial lighting data may be transferred so that the initial operation can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the initial lighting data. ..

When the initial lighting data can be transferred by executing the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, in the normal effect data transfer process shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, settings for transferring the normal lighting data are set. You just have to make it happen. In this way, the initial lighting data used for the initial lighting by the light emitter units 71 to 74 can be transferred from the image data memory 121 to the VRAM 142A with priority over the normal lighting data different from the initial lighting data. .. That is, after the initial lighting data is transferred and the initial lighting is started, the normal lighting data can be transferred, and the initial lighting is executed in parallel with the transfer of the normal data including the transfer of the normal data for lighting. May be possible.

In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the normal data includes the production data for audio output used for the production by the audio output of the speakers 8L and 8R, while the initial data does not include the production data used for the audio output. did. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the initial data includes the initial data for audio output used for the initial output of the audio by the speakers 8L and 8R, and the normal data includes the audio by the speakers 8L and 8R. The normal data for audio output used for the normal output of the above may be included. In this case, in the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, settings for transferring the initial data for audio output may be made. For example, when it is determined in the process of step S224 shown in FIG. 13 that the transfer of the initial data for operation is completed, the setting for starting the transfer of the initial data for audio output may be made. As a result, following that the initial operation data has been transferred from the ROM 132 to the RAM 133, the initial data for audio output can be transferred from the ROM 132 to the RAM 133. That is, the initial operation data may be transferred with priority over the initial data for audio output. After the initial operation data is transferred and the initial operation is started, the initial data for audio output can be transferred, and the initial operation can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the initial data for audio output. The initial data for audio output may be transferred with priority over the initial data for operation. That is, after the initial data for voice output is transferred and the initial output of voice is started, the initial data for operation can be transferred, and the initial output of voice can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the initial data for operation. You may do so. The initial data for audio output may be transferred with priority over the initial data for display. That is, after the initial data for audio output is transferred and the initial output of audio is started, the initial data for display can be transferred, and the initial output of audio can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the initial data for display. You may do so. On the other hand, the initial display data may be transferred with priority over the initial data for audio output. That is, after the initial display data is transferred and the initial display is started, the initial data for audio output can be transferred, and the initial display can be executed in parallel with the transfer of the initial data for audio output. May be good.

When the initial data for audio output can be transferred by executing the initial effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 13, in the process of step S270 shown in FIG. 17, a setting for starting the transfer of the normal data for audio output is performed. You just have to make it. After that, in the process of step S272, it is determined whether or not the transfer of the audio output normal data is completed, and the audio output transfer in progress flag may be turned on until it is determined that the transfer is completed. In this way, the initial data for audio output used for the initial output of audio by the speakers 8L and 8R can be transferred from the ROM 132 to the RAM 133 with priority over the normal data for audio output different from the initial data for audio output. .. That is, after the initial data for audio output is transferred and the initial output of audio is started, the normal data for audio output can be transferred, and the audio is transferred in parallel with the transfer of the normal data including the transfer of the normal data for audio output. It may be possible to execute the initial output of.

In the above embodiment, the initial data has been described as including the initial data for operation and the initial data for display. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the initial data may be configured to include only one of the initial operation data and the initial display data and not to include the other. For example, the initial data includes the initial operation data used for executing the initial operation by the movable members 51 to 54 and the decorative member 57, and the normal data includes the normal operation data used for the normal operation by the movable members 51 to 54 and the like. And display effect data used for various displays on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the like may be included. Alternatively, the initial data includes display initial data used for initial display on the screen of the main image display device 5MA or the like, and normal data includes operation effect data used for various operations by the movable members 51 to 54 and the like. It may include display normal data used for normal display on a screen of the main image display device 5MA or the like.

In the above embodiment, the effect data stored in the ROM 132 is transferred to the RAM 133, and the effect data stored in the image data memory 121 is transferred to the VRAM 142A. However, the present invention is not limited to this, as long as it can be transferred from an arbitrary storage device that stores the effect data to an arbitrary storage device that can store the effect data. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 6, the effect data such as the display control data stored in the image data memory 121 may be transferred to the RAM 133 of the effect control microcomputer 120. At least a part of the effect data included in the effect data of either the effect data as the initial data or the effect data as the normal data may be transferred from the image data memory 121 to the RAM 133, or each of them. At least a part of the data included in the effect data of the above may be transferred from the image data memory 121 to the RAM 133. Further, in addition to the RAM 133 built in the effect control microcomputer 120, or in place of the RAM 133, a RAM (external RAM) externally attached to the effect control microcomputer 120 may be provided. In this case, it suffices if the effect data stored in the ROM 132 or the image data memory 121 can be transferred to an external RAM externally attached to the effect control microcomputer 120. When the effect data is transferred from such an arbitrary storage device to an arbitrary storage device, the initial operation, the initial display, the initial output of the sound, and the initial operation and the initial output of the sound are performed in parallel with the transfer of the specific effect data defined in advance. It may be configured to perform initial lighting or an initial effect in which some or all of these are combined.

The special symbol and the decorative symbol are not limited to those that are variably displayed as a plurality of types of identification information. For example, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are configured by using a plurality of LEDs, and during the variable display of the special symbol, only a specific (single) LED among the plurality of LEDs is used. Repeats turning on and off, and the other LEDs remain off. Then, when the variable display result is "missing", the LED that repeats turning on and off is maintained in a state of emitting (lighting) with a predetermined emission color, or by maintaining a state of being turned off. Stop display the special symbol. At this time, the other LEDs are kept off. On the other hand, when the variable display result is a "big hit", the special symbol is stopped and displayed by a predetermined lighting pattern in which some or all of the LEDs are lit. In this way, during the variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols, a specific (single) symbol can be switched between display and non-display, while other symbols remain hidden. Good. Then, as the final stop symbol (fixed special symbol or final decorative symbol) that results in the variable display of the special symbol or decorative symbol, any one of a plurality of types of symbols may be derived and displayed (stop display). Further, for example, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are configured by using a 7-segment LED, and during the variable display of the special symbol, a symbol indicating "-" is displayed (lit). It may be hidden (turned off) repeatedly so that other numbers and symbols are not displayed. Then, as a variable display result of the special symbol, the symbol indicating "-" is not stopped and displayed, and a predetermined lighting pattern including the numbers indicating "1" to "9" and other symbols is obtained. By doing so, the special symbol is stopped and displayed. In this way, during the variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols, the symbols that are not stopped and displayed as a variable display result can be switched between display and non-display, while the other symbols are maintained in the hidden state. You may.

In the above embodiment, one variation pattern designation command is transmitted when the variable display is started in order to notify the effect control board 12 of the variation pattern indicating the variable display time, the variable display mode of the decorative symbol, and the like. Although an example is shown, the fluctuation pattern may be notified to the effect control board 12 side by two or more commands. Specifically, when notifying by two commands, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 has the presence or absence of pseudo-continuous fluctuation, the presence or absence of slipping effect, etc. in the first command before reaching (when not reaching). Is sent a command indicating the variable display time and variable display mode (before the so-called second stop), and the second command is after reaching the reach (reach and presence / absence of re-lottery effect, etc.). If this is not the case, a command indicating the variable display time or variable display mode (after the so-called second stop) may be transmitted. In this case, in the effect control board 12, for example, the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 may perform the effect control in the variable display based on the variable display time derived from the combination of the two commands. The game control microcomputer 100 notifies the variable display time by each of the two commands, and the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 determines the specific variable display mode executed at each timing. You may make a choice. When sending two commands, the two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt, or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the first command is sent (for example, in the next timer interrupt). ) You may send a second command. The variable display 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 designation command.

In the above embodiment, in the process of step S102 shown in FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the gaming state after the end of the jackpot gaming state is set to the special gaming state such as the probabilistic state, and based on the determination to set the probabilistic state. It was explained that the probability variation control condition is satisfied and the probability variation state is controlled after the jackpot game state ends. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a game ball that has won (entered) a large winning opening (second major winning opening) is detected by a probabilistic change detection switch in a probabilistic attacker provided at a predetermined position in the game area. The probability variation control condition is satisfied based on the above, and the gaming state after the end of the jackpot gaming state may be controlled to the probability variation state. The big winning opening (second big winning opening) of the probability change attacker can change from the closed state to the open state when the number of executions of the round game in the big hit game state is a predetermined number of times (for example, "16"), and the round When the number of times the game is executed is other than the predetermined number of times, the game may remain closed and cannot be changed to the open state. In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 1 can establish the probability variation control condition based on the fact that the gaming ball has passed through the specific region in the attacker, which is an example of the special variable winning device provided in the gaming area. It may be configured to be.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 may not perform variable display of a special symbol or a decorative symbol. As an example, based on the detection of a game ball that has passed (entered) the starting winning opening provided in the game area, the variable winning device provided in the game area is opened from the closed state (second state) (second state). When the game ball that has changed to the first state) and entered the inside of the variable winning device enters a specific area (V winning opening) among a plurality of areas, it is controlled to a jackpot gaming state that is advantageous to the player. It may be one. In such a pachinko gaming machine 1, at least one of a control mode for controlling the progress of the game and a control mode for controlling the execution of the effect is as shown in FIG. The control mode may be determined to be one of a plurality of modes by executing the determination value comparison process.

The present invention can be applied not only to the pachinko gaming machine 1 but also to slot machines and the like. A slot machine is an arbitrary game machine capable of performing a predetermined game such as a variable display of a symbol serving as a plurality of types of identification information and imparting a predetermined game value based on the game result, and more specifically, the slot machine. 1. A variable display device that can start a game by setting a predetermined number of bets (number of medals or credits) for one game and variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (designs) that can be identified by each. One game ends when the display result of (for example, multiple reels, etc.) is derived and displayed, and a prize (for example, cherry prize, watermelon prize, bell prize, replay prize, BB prize, RB prize, etc.) is awarded according to the display result. ) Is a gaming machine that can be generated. In such a slot machine, the features of the pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in the above embodiment by the cooperation of the hardware resources including the image display device of the slot machine and the software that performs a predetermined process. It suffices if it is configured to include all or part of. Specifically, when the effect data used for executing the effect by various effect devices in the slot machine is transferred from the ROM or image data memory to the RAM or VRAM in response to the start of power supply to the slot machine. Anything can be used as long as it can execute the initial operation by the movable member or the initial display by the display device in parallel with the transfer of the effect data used for executing the predetermined specific effect.

In addition, various effects including the device configuration and data configuration of the game machine, the processing shown in the flowchart, the image display operation in the image display device, the audio output operation in the speaker, and the lighting operation in the game effect lamp and the decorative LED. The operation and the like can be arbitrarily changed and modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a pay-out type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of gaming media as a prize based on the occurrence of a prize, but a score is scored based on the occurrence of a winning by enclosing the gaming medium. It can also be applied to an enclosed gaming machine that grants. Slot machines are not limited to those in which the number of bets is set using medals and credits as the game value, but only slot machines that set the number of bets using game balls as the game value and credits as the game value. It may be a fully credited slot machine that sets the number of bets using. When using a game ball as a game medium, for example, one medal can correspond to five game balls. For example, when setting 3 as the bet number, 15 game balls are used for the bet number. Corresponds to the one that sets. The pachinko game machine 1 and the slot machine are not limited to those using only one of a plurality of types of gaming values such as medals and game balls, and for example, a plurality of types such as medals and game balls. It may be possible to use the value for games together. For example, a slot machine can play a game by setting a bet number using any of a plurality of types of game values such as medals and game balls, and a plurality of medals, game balls, etc. are generated depending on the occurrence of a prize. Any of the types of gaming value may be payable.

The program and data for realizing the present invention are limited to a form in which the program and data are distributed and provided by a detachable recording medium to a computer device included in the gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine 1 or a slot machine. It may be distributed by pre-installing it in a storage device such as a computer device in advance. Further, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from another device on the network connected via the communication line or the like by providing the communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

The execution mode of the game is not limited to the one executed by attaching a detachable recording medium, but can be executed by temporarily storing the program and data downloaded via the communication line or the like in the internal memory or the like. It may be executed directly using the hardware resources of other devices on the network connected via a communication line or the like. Further, the game can be executed by exchanging data with another computer device or the like via a network.

As described above, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the effect by the first effect device and the effect by the second effect device different from the first device are performed by the CPU 131 of the effect control microcomputer 120 and the VDP 141 of the display control unit 122. Control the production. Then, in parallel with the transfer of the initial display data started by the process of step S222 shown in FIG. 13, the initial operation by the process of steps S226 and 233 is executed. In this way, by executing the initial operation in parallel with the transfer of the initial display data, the effect data can be efficiently transferred and the occurrence of delay can be suppressed.

Alternatively, when the initial display by the process of step S230 shown in FIG. 13 is executed, for example, in parallel with the transfer of the effect data which is the normal data, the main image display device uses the already transferred initial display data. The initial signal is supplied to 5MA and the like. In this way, in parallel with the transfer of the second effect data, by supplying the initial signal for the initial display using the first effect data that has already been transferred, the effect data can be efficiently transferred and the display is unstable. Can be suppressed.

The process of step S221 shown in FIG. 13 starts the transfer of the initial data for operation, and then the process of step S222 starts the transfer of the initial data for display. Further, the operation normal data transfer is started by the process of step S253 shown in FIG. 16, and then the display normal data transfer is started by the process of step S260. In this way, by transferring the effect data used for executing the effect by the second effect device with priority over the effect data used for executing the effect by the first effect device, the effect data can be efficiently transferred and delayed. Can be suppressed.

The transfer of the display initial data is started by the process of step S222 shown in FIG. 13, and after the transfer is completed, the transfer of the display normal data is started by the process of step S260 shown in FIG. In this way, among the effect data used for executing the effect by the first effect device, the effect data that is the initial data is transferred with priority over the effect data that is the normal data, so that the effect data can be transferred efficiently. By doing so, the occurrence of delay can be suppressed and unstable display can be suppressed.

The transfer of the initial operation data is started by the process of step S221 shown in FIG. 13, and after the transfer is completed, the transfer of the normal data for operation is started by the process of step S253 shown in FIG. In this way, among the effect data used for executing the effect by the second effect device, the effect data that is the initial data is transferred with priority over the effect data that is the normal data, so that the effect data can be transferred efficiently. This can be done to suppress the occurrence of delays.

As an initial operation by the processing of steps S226 and S233 shown in FIG. 13, for example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the movable members 51 to 54 are changed from the retracted state to the advanced state. In this way, by executing the initial operation of changing the movable member as the second effect device from the second state that does not overlap the display area to the first state that overlaps the display area, the initial operation is appropriately executed and the delay is delayed. The occurrence can be suppressed and unstable display can be suppressed.

As the initial operation by the processing of steps S226 and S233 shown in FIG. 13, for example, the operation patterns T1 to T3 shown in FIGS. 20 (B) to (D) and the operation patterns B1 and B2 shown in FIGS. , The movable member as the second effect device is operated by the initial operation pattern formed by mixing a plurality of operation patterns. In this way, the operation can be appropriately confirmed by executing the initial operation based on the initial operation pattern obtained by mixing a plurality of operation patterns.

1 ... Pachinko game machine 5MA ... Main image display device 11 ... Main board 12 ... Production control board 13 ... Voice control board 50 ... Production movable mechanism 51-54 ... Movable member 57 ... Decorative member 100 ... Game control microcomputer 101, 132 … ROM
102, 133 ... RAM
103, 131 ... CPU
120 ... Microcomputer for effect control 121 ... Image data memory 122 ... Display control unit 141 ... VDP
142A ... VRAM

Claims (1)

It is a gaming machine that can play games,
A production control means that can control the production by a display device that can display an image,
As an effect device different from the display device, a movable device capable of operating in a plurality of operation patterns is provided.
For the operation used to execute the initial operation by the movable device when the effect data used for executing the effect based on the control of the effect control means is transferred from the storage means to the storage means in response to the start of power supply. the initial data, after transferring the display device with priority over the display for the initial data to be used for the execution of initial display by, before initial display by the display device, to start the initial operation by the movable device, wherein the display initial data, the display with preference to be transferred over data out predetermined Starring that used to perform the different effect from the effect by the device, in parallel with the transfer of the previous SL predetermined Starring out data is already transferred An initial signal is supplied to the display device using the initial display data.
The movable device includes a plurality of members and includes a plurality of members.
As an initial operation by the movable device, a game characterized in that the movable device is operated in a pattern including a first operation pattern for operating a part of a plurality of members and a second operation pattern for operating all of the members. Machine.

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